01/27/2017

Hazelnut Bourbon Hot Chocolate

December and the holidays may belong to punch, champagne, and egg nog, but January and February are definitely hot chocolate season. Hot chocolate is absolutely delicious on its own, but why not dress it up a bit? So far, we’ve madeÂ a Tiki Hot Chocolate with rum, cinnamon bark syrup, and orgeat, and a Smokey Mezcal Mexican Hot Chocolate. But in keeping with our Hygge theme for this month’s cocktail recipes, I wanted something warm and cozy. This Hazelnut Bourbon Hot Chocolate absolutely does the trick!

Hazelnut Bourbon Hot Chocolate

2 oz bourbon (we used Four Roses Bourbon)
1 tsp hazelnut syrup*
8 oz hot chocolate
Ground cinnamon andÂ nutmeg to taste

Make the hot chocolate to your liking, then add the bourbon and hazelnut syrup and give everything a stir. Garnish with your favorite hot chocolate topping â€“ mini marshmallows, whipped cream â€“ and some ground cinnamon and freshly ground nutmeg if you like. Enjoy!

*To make the hazelnut syrup, spread 8 ounces of whole hazelnuts over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.Â BakeÂ at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. While the hazelnuts are baking, add 2 cups of Demerara sugar to 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Slowly melt the sugar in the water over medium-low heat. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, turn off the heat and set aside. Remove the roasted hazelnuts from the oven and peel. (FYI â€“ I found the easiest way to peel a hazelnut was by roughly rolling the hazelnuts together on the parchment paper) Combine the hazelnuts and simple syrup in a blender or food processor and blend until the hazelnuts are coarsely ground. Strain the resulting hazelnut syrup through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, then transfer to a swing bottle or jar for storage. Store the syrup in a cool, dark place for up to a month.

This Hazelnut Bourbon Hot Chocolate isÂ warmly nutty and rich, with undertones of spiciness and heat. Perfect for curling up on the couch to watch a movie on a cold winter night, or for drinking around the fire pit with a group of friends! But think of this recipe as more of a guide, not a hard and fast recipe. Want less heat? Try using one ounce of bourbon instead of two. Or if you have more of a sweet tooth, consider upping the hazelnut syrup to 1 1/2 tsp (or to taste). You really can’t go wrong!

Pink Mug: Paper & Clay

Pink Platter: Suite One Studio for Anthropologie

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper

01/25/2017

Seasonal Stationery: Romantic Valentine’s Day Cards

Last week’s Valentine’s Day card round up focused onÂ universal designs that worked for anyone and everyone on your list. But what about that really special love (or loves, no judgment here) that you want to convey romantic (or otherwise) affection for? Look no further! From the sweet to the saucy, these romantic Valentine’s Day cards send messages ranging from true love to pure lust. Pick one, two â€“ or even a few to organize a Valentine’s Day card scavenger hunt at home. Here are a variety of options toÂ make sure this February 14th is a resounding success!

From the top right:

1. If you’re lucky enough to have found your true love, shout it from the rooftops withÂ this card from Heart Swell Co.

2. Who wants to spend Valentine’s Day at a crowded restaurant? This Sugar Paper design with sweet pink stripes is straight to the point.

3. You + me = love from Ashkahn

4. A sweet and simple message in gorgeous script lettering (and neon pink envelopes!) from Anne Robin Calligraphy

5.Â Whether you’re browsing Tinder on the daily or in a full-on relationship, this card fromÂ Emily McDowellÂ is just the right amount of brazen humor.

6. I mean, who wouldn’t love to receive this card from Ink Meets Paper?? So sweet!

7. Loving the gorgeous vintage-inspired gold foil patterns and innovative die cut shape of this Valentine’s Day card fromÂ Rifle Paper Co.

8. Dear Bespoke Letterpress: please make a print of this downright gorgeous gold foil, script, and watercolor masterpiece.Â Framer!

9. You really can’t go wrong with a bunny covered in kisses for Valentine’s Day. Such aÂ sweet illustration in thisÂ Dear HancockÂ love bunny card.

10.Â The candy made us do it! A fun ode to the conversation heart in this card from Ghost Academy.

11.Â There’s really nothing more romantic than pink hearts and glittery gold foil. According to Hartland Brooklyn, that is.

12. Definitely no hidden innuendoes here! Simple, saucy and straight to business (illustrated by Barbara Dziadosz for Red Cap Cards).

Next time: No beauÂ this Valentine’s Day? No problem! We’ll be sharing a few friendship-based Valentine’s Day cards for your BFFs in our next installment.

01/17/2017

Refined Modern Neutral Letterpress Wedding Invitations

Aaaaaahhhh…. if invitations could be a soothing breath of fresh air, these refined modern neutral letterpress wedding invitations from Alana ofÂ Bourne Paper Co. would definitely be it. A clean, minimalist design with classic serif and sans-serif text, luxurious neutrals, and a delicate textured envelope liner? So good.Â And the silk thread wrap and white wax seal finish are simply sublime!

From Alana: This invitation suite was designed to focus on modern typography and a warm, neutral color palette. We wanted the suite to have a very clean and crisp feel paired with unique textures that would stand out even when executed in whites and taupes.

The first design decision made was to forego script fonts in favor of clean serif and sans-serif fonts. Italicized accents were added to the type to give the suite a more formal and elegant feel. We also created a modern monogram that was subtly featured throughout the invitation suite.

The invitation suite was letterpress printed in a warm, metallic gold ink which reflected with the perfect, subtle shine when held at an angle. For paper, we used Somerset Velvet 300g card stock in Radiant White for a bright look and a soft cotton-like texture. The card stock also allowed us to apply stronger pressure during the printing process, which gave the letterpress text the crisp, clean feel we were going for and ensured the typography maintained its sharp edges and angles.

To complete the suite, we finished the invitation with a silk thread wrap and white wax seal which used the couple’s monogram. We selected a warm taupe envelope for both the invitation and response card, something to add a hint of color without straying too far from the neutral theme. The taupe envelopes paired perfectly with the metallic gold ink, which was used to print the couple’s address and monogram onto the response envelope.

We finished the invitation with an envelope liner featuring blind embossed cherry blossoms and other delicate florals. We loved the dramatic texture the liner provided and the bright white paper was the perfect compliment to the warm, taupe envelope â€“Â it also added just the right touch of florals to maintain the suite’s modern but elegant look.

Thanks Alana!

Design: Bourne Paper Co.

Check out the Designer Rolodex for more talÂented wedÂding inviÂtaÂtion designÂers and the real inviÂtaÂtions gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

Photo Credits: Alana Cutler

01/12/2017

Calligraphy Inspiration: Pirouette Paper

Hello everyone! And hello to 2017! Here we are already skating fast through January. For today’s dose of calligraphy inspiration we’re featuring the beautiful modern calligraphyÂ ofÂ Kaylyn of Pirouette Paper. HerÂ collection of lettering work shows how calligraphy instantly makesÂ any event, party, wedding, or festive gathering feel special. I’m pretty partial to the Pirouette Paper handmade party signs, but feel free to share your favorite picks below! Â â€“Â Jen

Photo: Kristina Adams Photography

I’ve always loved this idea of using calligraphy on kraft brown paper. It feels modern and not fussy. And in this case, the sign keeps the bubbly bar, with all the antique accents, from looking old-fashioned.

Photo: Mallory Dawn Photography

There’s definitely an organic style to Kaylyn’s work. I love her use ofÂ botanical elements, like leaves, with gold lettering Â for sweet and modern wedding seating tags.

Photo: Savan Photography

With Pirouette Paper, you’ll find invitation suites that mix Â calligraphy with simple type for a beautiful effect.

Photo: Loren Weddings

Here’s the prettiest cocktail menu I ever did see. (I bet AndrewÂ knows how to make all of these fun-sounding cocktails!)

Photo: Mallory Dawn Photography

Letter work too pretty to store in a box (in my opinion). I’d frame a sentimental piece like this and hang in my bedroom.

Photo: Mallory Dawn Photography

This wedding menu features calligraphy letter work with an embellishment of gold foil. I love how the table features rustic wood chargers and skips the tablecloth to balance the golden accents for a more modern, less fussy-fancy table.

Photo: Mallory Dawn Photography

Kaylyn says her inspiration comes from her mood when she’s writing.Â “I love to let anything I’m feeling come through in my writing, whether it’s a more abstract and ethereal font (for those rainy days) or a more straight-forward, curly font if I’m feeling especially fun and youthful,” she says.

Photo: Savan Photography

Kaylyn got into calligraphy after a photographer friend of hers asked her to attend a calligraphy class with her. After that fateful class, sheÂ decided that it’sÂ what she wants to do. “From there I started building my business while I was finishing up school and working at Disneyland â€” lots of styled shoots, small commissions, etc.” says Kaylyn. But this past June, she said goodbye to Disney and jumped into full-time doing Pirouette Paper. “Most of the time it doesn’t even feel like work.”

Photo: The Hearts Haven

Watercolors and calligraphy name tags mixed with rustic woods and fresh garland â€” this is one dreamy entrance to the celebration.

Photo: Natalie Schutt Photography

You can turn a vintage mirror into a standout program for the big day with hand-drawn calligraphy.

Photo: Kristina Adams Photography

I hope this peek into the work of Pirouette Paper has been a pretty kickoff to 2017. Here’s wishing the new year is golden!

01/11/2017

Timeless Southern Magnolia Wedding Invitations

Today we’re practically dripping in beautiful magnolia flowers thanks to these stunning,Â timeless Southern magnolia wedding invitations from Bonnie and Currier ofÂ Tenn Hens Design! And really, is there anything more perfectly suited for a garden wedding in Nashville? Bonnie and Currier incorporated magnolias throughout the save the dates, wedding invitation suite, and day-of stationery, from the envelope liner to small die cut magnolia flowers paired with escort cards for the reception. So lovely!

From Tenn Hens Design:Â Our client had grand magnolia dreams for this wedding, so we created a design that felt Southern, botanical, and timeless. The ceremony was set in a beautiful garden atÂ Cheekwood here in Nashville, and the reception followed inside the art museum located at the historic Cheek estate.

The square save the date was letterpress printed in blush and gray and we drew an illustration of the mansion. They loved the idea of a bookmark so we wrapped the magnolia pattern around the card to become a keepsake for guests. The envelope liner matched in the same pattern.

For the big day we revealed our plans of a custom magnolia wrap that held all the details together. Inside was the invitation with letterpress printed text and illustrations, gold foil, and gold edge painting. The gold foil added a real glam factor against the subtle gray impression along the edges. Such gorgeous details and textures in every piece. Behind the invitation, the wrap had a pocket that tucked all the detail cards and rsvp cards neatly inside. Even the blush from the save the date made an appearance on the rsvp card and envelope. Also we had custom wax seals made with the magnolia tree we created. We really wanted the suite to feel like you were revealing something super special as it all unveiled!

Escort cards were designed with die-cut magnolia blooms tucked inside small pockets and topped with a wax seal of the magnolia tree from the invitation suite. The tree was carried over to the program as well and we used the same gray paper on the cover from the envelope liner. The bloom illustrations also made an appearance on the circular menu. Touches of gold foil adding a bit of sparkle underneath the clear plate.

The magnolia designs really branded the entire event. We loved the impact of the big bold pattern, mixed with the soft color palette in the type and finely detailed illustrations. It was truly a dream to be a part of this incredible wedding with such a fine group of people.

Thanks Bonnie and Currier!

Design: Tenn Hens Design

Wedding Planning: The Social Office

Calligraphy: Val Cole

Tenn Hens DesignÂ is a member of the Designer Rolodex â€“ you can see more of their beautiful work right hereÂ or visit the real invitations gallery for more wedding invitation ideas!

PhotoÂ Credits: Mary Craven Dawkins

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Hazelnut Bourbon Hot Chocolate

Seasonal Stationery: Romantic Valentine’s Day Cards

Refined Modern Neutral Letterpress Wedding Invitations

Calligraphy Inspiration: Pirouette Paper

Timeless Southern Magnolia Wedding Invitations