Countdown to Christmas: Garland Wreath Tutorial

I've been making these little wreaths for a couple years now and it just dawned on me to publish this tutorial.  They're super cute, super festive, and super easy!




You'll need:

Wreath form (I used an embroidery hoop, but have had the same success with wire and styrofoam as well)
2 lengths of garland (this took 2-9 foot lengths, so use your best judgement)
assorted wreath sprays, jazzicles and other sparkly things
wire
wire cutters
scissors



1.  Wrap it up. Wind the end of your garland through your form and wire to fasten (if you're using a styrofoam form, wrap the end around once and secure with a pin).  I stayed away from using traditional adhesives because I like to swap out garlands and cut down on waste.  Then, wind the garland around the form, bunching from time to time to achieve the desired look (I like a fluffy wreath, so I bunch quite a bit). Wind the other end through the form to finish (fasten with pins for styrofoam).  You'll be finished when the form is completely hidden from view.



2.  Go Full Glitz.  Lay out your embellishments.  Don't be afraid to try a few things out before you commit.  Design your little heart out.  Once you've come up with something you love, lay it out in the desired position on your wreath.


3.  Pin it down.  Secure to wreath with wire.  Floral wires and other small guage wires are ideal because they are both easy to work with and easy to hide.  I came up with two options I loved so I made sure to make them interchangeable.


4. Enjoy!

See...easy and fabulous! 

Tutorial: Candlestick Cake Stands

Finally!! So cute!  Ooh, before I forget, you'll have to excuse the photos.  My camera was being finicky so I had to take my snappies with my phone.  That being said, here we go!

 You will need:
 - candlesticks
-  primer
 - spray paint
 - plates
 - hot glue gun & glue

1. Spray paint those 'sticks!  I've found that wooden or metal candlesticks work best, but just about anything will work.  If I make a set that need to travel, wooden candlesticks are the best bet for me.  A word on spray painting: try to make long, even passes with the spray from 6-10 inches from the object.  This will cut down on bubbling, uneven cover and streaking.  I usually use a primer, because I like my colors to be as bright and true as possible. Make sure to let the 'sticks dry between coats.

2. Prepare your plates! For this particular project, I used plastic plates.  I needed something that looks great, is lightweight and doesn't look overly formal.  Ceramic, china, and glass plates would work just as well, though.  Just make sure the weight of the plate is enough to balance out the weight of the candlestick.  Just common sense, here.  Now, I know I've said this a thousand times but once more couldn't hurt: Consider letting go of your 'matchy-matchy' spirit.  Coordinating colors and patterns will do the trick and give you the sophisticated look you're going for without looking stuffy.

3.  Glue, baby, glue!  After letting the gun warm up a bit, I usually start by putting glue into the hole of my candlestick.  It tends to level out the top of the candlestick while providing a little extra stability.  Once you've filled the center, it's time to create an evenly applied area of glue to which your plate can adhere. Center your pate above the candlestick.  Press your plate onto the glue and hold pressure for about 30 seconds.  This will help set the bond.  Let the glue dry completely before inspecting your work.  Remember to check for and remove pesky hot glue strings. 

  4.  Test it out!  Basically, you want to look for flaws.  Apply some pressure to the edges of your plate to test the glue bond.  Alternate pressure to test for weak spots.  Of course, you'll need to put something on your cake stand to gauge the overall sturdiness.  Once you're satisfied, you can always reheat your gun and use the heated metal tip to smooth out the glue. 

5.  Enjoy!  You've just made something ridiculously cute!  Gather your besties and throw some cute food on those babies.  Show off your handiwork a little bit.

Stay tuned for super cute pics of the stands as they will be featured in my next party design.

Kisses!
E

Horrorween: Your Source For Fright

If you know me well (or, if you read this blog last October), you know I am a huge horror movie buff.  I just can’t get enough.  I love that every October we pay a little homage to fright.  In fact, some of my fondest Halloween memories include snuggling up with blankets and settling in for a night of terror.  Last year, I released a list of some of my favorites and a lot of you have asked how you can get your share of fright.  I thought I might share my yearly sources of gore.  

 Turner Classic Movies Introduction to Horror: Wednesdays in October

So, if you aren’t familiar with TCM, it’s pretty great.  It’s definitely the best channel for classic films.  I recently filled my DVR with their tribute to Marilyn Monroe.  Well, in October the station gets even better.  Every Wednesday, TCM shows classic horror films.  Now when I say classic, I mean 1969 and older.  Amazing stuff.  Last year introduced me to The Hands of Orlac (1925), a fab German silent film in which an experimental graft gives an injured pianist the hands of a murderer.  The cinematography is amazeballs and the music is even better.  This year, some of the highlights include: The Mummy (1932), Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933) and The Mark of the Vampire (1935).  Frankly, there are far too many amazing movies to list, including The Devil’s Bride (1968), a film I’ve never seen.  

 AMC Fear Fest: October 13-31

This is a little more mainstream, I think, and therefore caterers to a more contemporary horror enthusiast. In other words, it’s a great place to see 1970 and newer titles.   I have seem some really amazing movies on Fear Fest, including a lot of movies my Mom wouldn’t let me watch when I was a child.  Although the lineup is chock-full of repeats, they’ve got some really great titles this year.  Personally, I’m looking forward to: Hotel Hell, The Brain Eaters, The Dark Half and Corridors of Blood.  I also intend to enjoy some of my all time favorite films, including: Bride of Frankenstein, Friday the 13^th, The Day the Earth Stood Still, Puppet Master and Halloween.  They’ve also got a ton of Stephen King on the line up, which is always a good thing.  

Oh, speaking of AMC, I want to remind you that the new season of Walking Dead starts. next. week.  Icoulddie!

You know, all this terrifying awesomeness should be inspiring you to plan a Fright Fest of your own.  Pick a night, grab some friends, snacks, festive drinks and settle in for fear.  Nothin’ to it!  

All photos via their networks.  

You Asked For It: Halloween Roundup #1

From the cutting room floor of my husband's party in 2009

Hey, gang!
You've been asking some really great Halloween questions (y'all are so smaht!) and I thought I'd do a set of weekly roundups.  This is the first...and probably the best.

What’s the best way to pick a theme?
I usually like to choose something that gives me room to work. I think it’s helpful to take an idea that you love and twist it a bit.  Some of my favorite themes from years past are: Monster Bash, Carnival of Souls, Malice in Wonderland.  One year, we had our own Fright Fest where we showed scary movies and served food that tied in with the films.  Just relax and have fun planning!

I love Halloween and everything terrifying.  However, some of my friends want to bring their kids to my party.  How can I be more family-friendly?

This is easy.  You’re going to have to do terrifying in an age-appropriate way.  Off the top of my head, maybe include in your invite when it’s appropriate for kids to be at your party.  Then, the adult fun could happen later in the evening.  Or, perhaps you could have some activities on hand for the littles and base them in another part of the house, accessible to their parents.  The possibilities are endless.  You know, for more on kid-friendly parties, you might check out: The Stir, Southern Living, Better Homes and Gardens…otherwise a Google search will point you in the right direction.

Is there an easy way for me to request “no slutty costumes”?  My sister lives with me and she and her friends are younger than us and would probably be more likely to pile on the slutty, if you know what I mean.
Honestly, no.  There isn’t an easy way to say that.  You can only control yourself.  But, if you’re that concerned about it, talk to her (gently and tactfully).  I just don’t think that young=slutty.

I need an idea for a killer cocktail (pun definitely intended).  Have any?
Yes.  Two, actually. 

                The Zombie:  1 oz. white rum, 1 oz. golden rum, 1 oz. spiced rum, splash Bacardi 151 (optional), 1 oz apricot brandy, 2 oz. OJ, 2 oz pineapple juice, 1 oz. lime juice, splash grenadine, 1 tsp. sugar. Combine ingredients in shaker or blend with ice.  Perfect for a collins glass. Garnish with pineapple, cherries or something more festive…

Brain Hemorrhage: 1 oz. Peach schnapps, 1-2 Tbsp Bailey’s, 1 tsp. grenadine- Float Bailey’s on the schnapps (I suggest a rocks glass) and drop the grenadine through the Bailey’s.

Favorite horror movie of all time?
Night of the Living Dead.  George A. Romero, 1968.  Totally revolutionized the zombie game, hands down.

What’s your go to Halloween costume?
Queen of Hearts.

Have a Halloween question for the next roundup?  Leave it in the comments, message me on Facebook or Twitter, or e-mail me @ goldiluxeevents@gmail.com.  I'd love to hear 'em!

 

Holiday Cheer in a Pinch: Paper Chains

Paper chains are some of the most easily recognizable and iconic homemade decorations.  I love them because they remind me of when I was a kid and how much I loved helping my Mom trim the tree and decorate the house for Christmas.  I think this is the perfect holiday craft to do with the littles.  It's fun easy, affordable and safe enough that kidlets can really take the lead.

Materials needed:

-paper
-scissors
-scotch tape (both single and double-sided)

1.  Gather your paper.  Magazines, books, gift wrap, metallics, construction paper, sheet music…don’t be afraid to get creative.  As long as the paper you’re using in your chains is roughly the same weight, feel free to mix it up a little!

2.  Cut paper into strips.  Keep in mind, the size of your strips will determine the size of your links.  I tend to make my strips wide enough to get about 5-6 strips out of an 8.5 x 11 page.  Tip: Consider coordinating colors mixed with pops of metallics for a modern twist.

3.  Tape ends of link together, making sure to interlock links as you go.

4.  Hang with double-sided tape.  Easy peasy.

As you can see, I've added a fun little foil snowflake for a little more zazz.  Feel free to jazz up your own chains!

Let's Hear it For the Boys: Holiday Edition

So, today my blog has been hijacked by someone we all know and love: The Hubbs. He's decided to lay a little dude knowledge on us. It's a touch wordy, y'all...but so totally worth the read. He's kinda funny...when he's not spray painting into the wind (another story....and a good one).

Take it away, Hubbs! 
P.S.  You'll have to excuse the photo...I don't have any pictures of manly gifts...yet.

Holiday Gift Guide: Dudes Edition

So let’s be honest, men are probably a little hard to shop for. We buy the tools we need half ways through the day we planned to build something, we pick up DVDs like apples at the grocery store, when we’re thirsty we buy a $50 bottle of tequila and basically we don’t talk about much stuff and junk so you’re left guessing what we might want. I get it. Perhaps I can start to help you in your (last minute) crunch to scratch off that picky Brohan on your Christmas list…

The top of the list goes only to those guys out there that were really good this year. Or hell, maybe you can just get rid of him for a few days. Where? Where else? Las Vegas of course. I know it’s a little (or, a lot) pricey, but a cursory glance at www.lasvegasgolfgetaways.com gives a starting point at about $1400 for round-trip airfare, 3 days,4nights and greens fees at some of Las Vegas’ top links. Need even more stocking stuffers? Some perennial standards of the masculine DVD variety include such vintage classics as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Leaving Las Vegas, 3000 Miles to Graceland and Ocean’s 11.

You’re obviously not a golfer. HAHAHA! High Five for TBL reference! (The Big Lebowski) I would put that on a list by itself, but he already owns it. All men do. It’s just one of those guy things. Moving on, perhaps your guy prefers to sit quietly and read. Maybe he just really likes drinking. Either way, “Beers of the World,” by Michael Jackson (not, THAT MJ…) is considered by many the world over to be THE definitive reference guide to most things beer. Not enough? He also wrote “Beer Companion,” “Ultimate Beer,” and “The World Guide to Whisky.” Just to name a few. If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to want to drink high quality single malt scotch which can be found at www.thefiftybest.com/spirits/best_single_malt_scotch/ . I’m getting thirsty.

It’s December right now. It’s frigid outside. Cold and snowy. (Yay) So, naturally I think about baseball. A lot. Like every five minutes I’m thinking about ERA for my dream starting rotation. Naturally then, I am never disappointed when someone gets me season tickets. Well, actually that’s never happened. But YOU CAN! Most teams will have already begun selling their season ticket packages by this time, so you might want to scoop them up. The easiest way I’ve found to get to a particular team’s website is by typing this: "city name.team name.mlb.com".  If you’re not interested in spending the 4 G’s or whatever it costs, almost all teams also offer far more affordable packages such as the ever popular 9 game pack. If you’re a Brewers fan, that will cost you about $200. Or gift certificates (also good on merchandise) all make you seem pretty, pretty awesome.

It's the last paragraph, so naturally this is sort of like a grab bag. A dude gift sack if you will. He has a lot of tools, or maybe he doesn't. Either way, he probably doesn't have one of these, and I'm sorry to say, he WILL need it: a Tire Repair Kit in a box. If your warrior guy/viking man/hairiest person at the swimming pool has the same, keen and true sense of direction like this Modern Magellan, start shopping for GPS systems. Baby it's cold outside. Put on another shirt. Or maybe some gloves. And a hat. No? Get in a sleeping bag. Well, try warming up by decorating the tent. Not much for the outdoors? Stay inside. Perhaps something a little risque to open later...a gift you'll both enjoy... . Don't forget the bubbly. It's almost New Year's Eve...

Holiday Cheer in a Pinch: Garland Trees

 With December chugging along, I usually find myself dreaming up ways to shove as much Holiday Cheer into my schedule as possible.  Last year, for instance, Allison and I whipped up a little cookie decorating party.  It was heavenly!  Our design was polished and refined, but the details were quick, easy and affordable. This is the first of two of our favorite décor elements from a little party we like to call: Winter Wonderful

Materials needed:

- three cones of graduating size (I happened to have some floral cones floating about my house, so that’s what I’m using here.  The same look can be achieved with any cone shaped item. )

- a few lengths of garland…9-12 feet should cover it, depending on the size of your cones

-straight pins (if you are using a cone that is impervious to straight pins, you might find the use of double sided tape or fabric glue helpful)

-scissors

-embellishments of a shiny, delightful caliber (optional)

1. Secure the end of one length of garland to the apex of the cone with a straight pin.

2. Wrap the garland around the length of the cone, anchoring garland sporadically with pins.  Try not to wrap too tightly, as we are trying to achieve a fluffier look.

 3.  To finish the bottom of the cone, snip garland to fit and secure with pin.

4. (Optional) At this point, you can embellish your garland trees as much or a little as you like.  Last year, Allison and I used big bird ornaments (that’s right, we put a bird on it) that we found at Michael’s.  To keep your minds fresh, I didn’t add pics of mine, but I suggest buttons, costume jewelry, gift wrap tie-ins…you name it.  The sky is the limit!

 

On the Cutting Room Floor: Monster Bash

Halloween is inching ever closer and I could not be more excited.  As I had mentioned before, we are giving our Halloween party design an overhaul this year.  We finally settled on something we are super happy with, but sadly, it seems we won't have time this year to put our epic party on it's feet.  But, did we ever have fun reinventing!

Which brings me to my point.  I am often asked how I avoid doing the same party over and over.  I usually have a stock answer that is something like "every event is a chance to push my limits and breathe new life into an event even if two clients have the same idea".  This is totally true, bee-tee-dubs. But.  And that's a big but, my freshness is in large part contributed to the amount of work we do that never sees the light of day!

It's true, y'all.  As part of my design process, I design an event, in its entirety, three times. So you can imagine how many designs end up on the cutting room floor. 

What does this have to do with Monster Bash?  Well, I thought I might share one of the designs that didn't make the cut.

Cute, isn't it?  We thought so.  but, once you see the finished product, you'll understand why it had to go.

You Asked For It: Horror-ween

 G:
I am throwing a Halloween party. I wish to impress my friends with my knowledge of horror movies (although they kind of terrify me).  Do you have any recommendations?

Why, yes.  Yes I do have some opinions.  Although, I cannot tell you how hard it was to narrow down my list.  For instance, I thought I might get started by writing down all the scary movies I've ever seen...well, after about 90 minutes, I was up to about 125.  Then came the categories...oy.


For the purpose of your list, I've chosen twelve of my favorites (regardless of genre) and left (most) of my movie snobiness geekiness commentary out of it.  I will warn you, though.  I'm a fan of originals.  I'd stay away from the remakes...except for Halloween.  Rob Zombie's remakes are sure to scare the pants off your guests.

And away we go:

The Omen (1976.  Trust me.  Skip the 2006 remake.  It's caca.)
Rosemary's Baby (1968-Mia Farrow at her finest)
Friday the 13th (1980.  Again, skip the remake.)
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984...Johnny Depp is totally in it.)
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005 Superb movie.  I was totally terrified after this came out)
The Shining (1980)
Night of the Living Dead (1968- I am a HUGE Romero fan and a zombie purist.  This film started it all, by the way)
Children of the Corn (1984)
The Exorcist (1973. "Your mother sucks ** in hell!"-Classic.)
Halloween (really, either the original or the Zombie remake-both are outstanding)
Sleepaway Camp (1983)
High Tension (2003 I'd watch it with the subtitles if I were you, it loses a lot in dubbing)

And a little bonus (and one of my all-time, fave horror films) number 13.  Has a spooky ring to it, huh?

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974.  It's a classic, I'm tellin' ya.  Totes awesome.  Totes scary.)

Have fun, dolls!

Am I missing anything?  Leave it in the comments!

You Asked For It: Music to Die For

It's so awesome of you to answer all these questions.  And for free?!  Lucky us.  Hey, I've got one: I'm throwing an Halloween get together too.  You always put a big emphasis on engaging the senses.  I need some killer (excuse the pun) music.  Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading!  I love answering reader questions.  Its easily my favorite part of having a blog.  Now! On to your question:


Nothing adds atmosphere to an unforgettable event quite like the perfect playlist.  However choosing music to set the mood can be tricky.  To help get you started, I'm sharing the top 25 tracks on the Goldiluxe Halloween Hit List.  Enjoy if you dare!

Hey There Little Red Riding Hood - Sam the Sham & The Pharoahs
Monster Mash - Bobby "Boris" Pickett

Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon
Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley
Witchy Woman - Eagles
Love Potion No. 9 - The Clovers
Black Magic - Johnny Mercer
I Put a Spell On You - Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Teeth - Lady Gaga
Walk Like an Egyptian - The Bangles
Subterranean Homesick Alien - Radiohead
Monster - Lady Gaga
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Pyscho Killer - Talking Heads
One Way Ticket to Hell - The Darkness
Paint It Black - The Rolling Stones
Spooky Little Girl - The Zombies
Evil Woman - ELO
Black Moon Rising - CCR
Halloween (Main Theme) - From the Motion Picture
Nightmare on Elm Street (Main Theme) - Moussorgsky (Fantasia Soundtrack)
Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr.
Adams Family Theme
Munsters Theme
Firestarter - Prodigy
Beautiful People - Marilyn Manson (yes, I know, but it really is spooky)

There you go, doll!  I hope you can make some of these work.  I love Halloween.

And, for the rest of you, you can leave your questions on Facebook, Twitter or e-mail me at rosieevents@gmail.com.  I'd love to hear from you.

Photo from martha stewart dot com