I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas/holiday weekend. I know I had a wonderful time with friends, family and lots of great food. It really doesn't get much better than that! A busy holiday weekend, however, doesn't allow much time for posting. So, I apologize for the lack of blogging in the last few days.

That being said, I have a giveaway winner to announce! I know I'm a few days late, but I was sick Monday and Tues :(. Anyway,  the winner of the winter berry ring nest by White Tulip Boutique is Jinx! Congrats! Jinx, Ill be emailing you to get your contact info. Thanks to all who entered! Much love.

Shardi

Holiday Treats

 Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!

One of the best things about the holiday season are all the different sweets and treats you get to indulge in! There are so many delicious desserts out there that are perfectly Christmas-y. If you're planning for a holiday wedding, odds are that your guests will be slightly disappointed if there aren't at least a few of their Christmas favorites on the dessert table. Peppermint, eggnog, gingerbread....they've all got to be there!

I've rounded up some of the most delicious eye candies (literally) for you to take a look at. These are not my recipes. I'm simply sharing the love from some great blogs and websites that have GENIUS recipes. So, if you'd like to make one (or all!) of these yummy desserts, please click the link or the picture for the step-by-step instructions from their creators.


1.) Peppermint Cake by Camille Styles

2. Gingerbread Truffle Pops by Dashing Dish

3. Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes by Please Note

4. Red Velvet Cupcakes by Dashing Dish

5. Chocolate and Chestnut Macarons by Food Nouveau

6. Minty Meringues by Camille Styles

7. Tiramasu by Portuguese Girl Cooks

8. Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies by Dashing Dish

9. Cinnamon Roll Cookies by A Little Bit Crunchy

10. Eggnog Cupcakes by Dashing Dish

There you have it! Ten delicious holiday treats that are perfect for a holiday wedding (or any occasion!) Are there any that you are dying to try?


If you're looking for more Christmas goodness, check out Sparkled blog for some great drink recipes to get you in the holiday spirit!

Cardigan Love

 If you haven't checked out my latest giveaway yet, please do so! (HERE!)

One bridal trend that I can definitely get into is the cardigan. It's such a cute idea for a bride who is going to have to be outside on a chilly evening or fall day. You don't want to be cold on the most important day of your life! Not only is this fad practical, but it's cute too. I think a cardigan is a great way to show off a little of your personal style. It adds some of your personality and spunk to your outfit, and it can even be a great way to incorporate your wedding colors into your look.  I just love how much it adds to your style.

Don't want to cover up that gorgeous gown of yours even for a second? Why not try the cardigans on your bridesmaids? They'll thank you when it gets chilly and it really lets them have some fun with their outfits. Have them match, or go for a more mismatched look. You really can't go wrong.

Would you rock a cardigan on your wedding day?

Click on picture for source. 

 

Cranberries and Holly – A Christmas Wedding

First of all, if you haven't yet, be sure to check out my GIVEAWAY. You can enter to win the beautiful ring nest in the top left corner of this board!


I've said it and I'll say it again – I LOVE CHRISTMAS. The snow, the music, the decorations, the shopping, the food, the time spent with family...I love it all! It's such a wonderful time of the year with such great meaning to it. That's why I think it's great when a couple wants to have their wedding during the holiday season. Yes, I know that a Christmas wedding doesn't have to be red and green – in fact, there's so many beautiful ways to rock a Christmas wedding that it's just ridiculous. But, I have to admit that there's something so awesome about a traditional Christmas wedding complete with holly, peppermint and cranberries that just makes me happy. So here you have it – a beautiful red and green winter wedding!

Photo credits:

Center: cake
First row: ring nest, centerpieces, bouquet, couple
Second row: shoes, glasses
Third row: bride, plate
Fourth row: flowers, egg nog, lollipop, favor box


Again, please check out my giveaway! The beautiful little ring nest in the upper left is handmade by White Tulip Boutique and is so darling. Enter to win it here for yourself or as a gift!

GIVEAWAY! Winter Ring Holder

Can you believe that we're less than a week away from Christmas? I certainly can't. Every year it seems to just sneak up on me without any warning. I'm not really complaining because Christmas is the best time of year. Everything about it makes me happy.

To celebrate my favorite holiday, I've got another fantastic giveaway from White Tulip Boutique. If you don't remember, Lisa from White Tulip provided the adorable rustic canoe ring holder for a giveaway in November (here!). Her work is absolutely stunning. Her shop is full of beautiful jewelry, ring holders and wedding accessories. If you're getting married or know someone who is, I'd strongly urge you to check out her shop. Don't you just love supporting artists who make such lovely handmade goodies?



Today, I have another special item from White Tulip Boutique that you can WIN. It's a gorgeous winter berry ring bearer nest. I am absolutely IN LOVE with this piece. I mean, just look at it. If you're a winter bride, or have a friend that is, this would make the perfect gift.

This adorable little beauty is made of twigs and moss and is adorned with faux winter berries, snow and leaves. And with a pretty little white ribbon to keep your rings safe, you've got the perfect ring holder.

HOW TO ENTER:

MANDATORY

1. You must be a follower of the Blushing Bride to enter. Follow me via GFC or Bloglovin via the buttons on the right side of this blog. Or, sign up to receive email updates from me.

2. Visit White Tulip Boutique (CLICK HERE!), have a look around, then come back here and tell me which of her pieces you love the most.

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. "Like" White Tulip Boutique on Facebook (CLICK HERE!). Leave a comment here telling me you did so.

2. Follow The Blushing Bride on Twitter (CLICK HERE!). Leave a comment here telling me you did so.

3. "Like" The Blushing Bride on Facebook (CLICK HERE!). Leave a comment here telling me you did so.

4. Tweet about this giveaway (@_BlushingBride is having a giveaway! Brides to be, check out this beautiful winter berry ring holder by White Tulip Boutique http://ow.ly/83UFT ) OR blog about this giveaway. Leave a comment here telling me you did so.

Please be sure to leave your email address on at least one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.

You are not required to do any of the "extra entries."  However, for each extra one that you do, you will be given an additional entry. 

You will have until Sunday, December 25 at midnight to enter. The winner will be picked at random and will be announced on Monday December 26. Due to the Christmas holiday, I will give the winner until Jan. 1 to respond to my email, after that I will pick a new winner.

Thanks to all who enter. Good luck!

Cakes! Part IV

I just can't help but save every single awesome cake that I come across. I just can't let them disappear into nothingness where they will be forgotten forever. And that is why this is already my fourth cake post! But honesty, who gets sick of looking at beautiful, delicious, I-want-that-right-now confections?

It's about time for the finace and I to start doing some cake testing, and I suppose I should start thinking about how I want our cake to look. Although the way it tastes is so much more important. But, who says you have to sacrifice taste for beauty? I'm sure every single one of these cakes is delicious! At least that's what I'm telling myself. Here's some great inspiration if you're thinking about picking out your cake too!

So, what do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Click on picture for source.