All Set

All Set Wedding In The Press: San Francisco Chronicle

2012-01-24T12:07:00.000-08:00

In fall of 2010 All Set had the pleasure of working with a wonderful couple to help coordinate their wedding reception at The National AIDS Memorial Grove, in San Francisco. This venue is a must see for weddings- truly an undiscovered gem. All Set was also hired to design all the wedding florals. This wedding was fun and fresh- as it required All Set to design with new textures and florals- succulents and feathers just to name a few.

The couple's beautiful union recently gained national attention in the Sunday edition of the San Francisco Chronicle- Check it out!

An Evening Of Extraordinary Women

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month All Set was brought on board to design "An Evening of Extraordinary Women"- a 50th birthday celebration hosted at the Burlingame Women's Club. Guests were greeted at the door with champagne and speciality cocktails and heard the sweet sounds of violinist Joseph Christianson, playing in the background. The amber and red washed room created an intimate feeling that was felt from the moment you walked through the doors. Delicious appetizers were passed by the skilled team from Chef Mara. The night was a lovely affair.

Event Management: All Set / Florals: All Set / Catering: Chef Mara / Musician: Joseph Christianson / Photography: Kimberly Lee / Videographer: Colin Johnson / Venue: Burlingame Women's Club / Rentals: Hartmann Studios

All Set In The Press

2011-10-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this recent shout out from bloggers Tia & Claire for All Set's Mellow Yellow Candy Buffet...

Photography credits: Tia & Claire Studio

Mr. & Mrs. 9 -10- 11

2011-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to see 10 months in the making come to life with the wedding of Jenny & Matt. I had the pleasure of working with the couple on their tablescape design. We opted for varied sizes of mason jars wrapped in beautiful paper from Paper Source. The bride and groom chose four different patterns to utilize for the design.

All Set was also brought on board to complete all of their wedding florals.

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.!

Call It Mellow Yellow

2011-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

All Set entered candy land this weekend with the design of an all yellow candy bar for a wedding hosted at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. The candy bar was a huge hit and met the needs of even the sweetest sweet tooth.

Yum Yum!

Color Ramp Take Off

2011-08-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Color gradient, color progression, or color ramp- whatever you want to call it, utilizing a smooth progression of color in designs is a trend that has taken off. It was first seen at fashion week in collections such as Bottega Veneta Resort 2012.

Marquis of Fashion

It has since expanded all the way to the world of weddings. Check out some of the fabulous way to explore this aesthetically pleasing trend.

The Print Fairy

Tec Petaja

Design Sponge

Martha Stewart Weddings

Style Me Pretty

Snail Mail With A POP

2011-08-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

These days it is so easy to just hop on your email and send out a quick note - offering instant gratitude of "done" on your to do list. However- who doesn't LOVE to receive a hand written letter or thank you note! Well maybe this great offer from Paper Source may encourage you to bring out that dusty stationary and unused pen...

With so many styles to choose from, I'm sure you will find the one that is just right for you.

Note* free shipping is only available until August 22, 2011. So get to shoppin'

Petals For Walt Disney

2011-08-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Presidio of San Francisco, rich with history and culture, is the perfect backdrop to host a special event. The Walt Disney Family Museum, nestled in The Presidio, lends itself as an ideal venue. I have been fortunate enough to design for this space on several occasions and thoroughly enjoyed each project. Most recently, I was asked to design the floral arrangements for a two day conference.

Big thanks to Joanna owner of Scarlet Floral Design for the extra set of hands on this project.

Forever the Dancing Queen

2011-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Professional Ballroom Dancer, Entertainer, Actress, Hostess, Cuisine Master, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother were just a few titles that my FABULOUS grandmother (aka Non) earned throughout her incredible life.

Non had the opportunity to see the world in a way that was unthinkable in the 1960's- upon a first class cruise ship known as the SS. Lurline. She and my grandfather were the Social Directors for many tours upon the Matson Line Ship and made a name for themselves as ballroom dancers- before Dancing with the Stars. Non's talent went beyond the dance floor and eventually landed her on stage with many appearances in various plays and musicals such as Auntie Mame and Anything Goes. At one point she was even scouted for a Broadway show in New York City! You can image the spunk, energy, and vigor my grandmother had for life; therefore, it is only fitting that she be just as fabulous off the stage and in her home life as well. Non was the quintessential hostess. Her parties were the talk of the town and anticipated for months. From the top notch cuisine to the elaborate dresses, my grandmother defined the art of entertaining.

After 89 years of memorable living, my Non peacefully passed away. In true Non fashion, she was honored with a superb luncheon celebration. I had the honor to complete the floral arrangements, placecard settings, menus, overall decor, and invitations. Just a little insight- she LOVED the color purple!

I consider myself lucky to have such a talented grandmother to look up to when I am pushing myself to new limits- what a great role model. I love you Non- forever.

You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream for Cupcakes!

2011-07-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Long sunny days, backyard BBQs, and time with family and friends- now that's summer! In order to celebrate summer in all its greatness, my clients (a young mother daughter duo) decided to host a cupcake party. How fun! All Set was responsible for the tablescape, party favors, and all floral arrangements for this casual backyard blast.

welcome signage & tabletop cupcakes

custom wrapped vases & stick signs

"the best cupcake recipe" was given to all the young ladies as a party favor

What a sweet way to spend a Friday afternoon!

In The Press With 'Cartoules Press'

2011-06-22T07:03:00.001-07:00

Back in May of 2010 I blogged about a "must know" resource in the world of letterpress - Cartoules. Owner Julie Karatzis is the visionary behind these unique, custom, and affordable designs. Julie contacted me to see if she could return the favor and feature All Set in a "designer profile"- Of course! Check it out...

Thanks to Julie of Cartoules Press for the recognition!

D Is For DAD - And He's #1

2011-06-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 19th marks Father's Day for the 2011 year. Are you ready? A sentimental card is a must, but a little something to tack that card onto is always nice. Here are a few ideas that can be found on Etsy:

Onesie by Mumsygoose

Wooden shave set by Dirty Deeds Soaps

T-shirt by Signature T-Shirts

Mustache Mugs by Preppy Rags

8x10 Poster by Poster Pop

Banana split fudge by PernillasSS

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there- particularly Papa Pete!

All Set Does Candy Bars

2011-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

I would like to announce that All Set has expanded beyond the world of tablescapes and has entered candy land. That's right, All Set is now creating the ever so trendy candy bars and dessert tables. Check out some photos from a 15th birthday backyard bash that All Set designed earlier this month...

So next time you are looking to sweetin' up your party- All Set is the company to call!

A Girl's Best Friend

2011-05-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

My mother is fabulous- and I will be the first one to admit that I love the fact that their is a day dedicated to honoring her. This year Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 8. There is no better way to say "I love you Mom" than with a handmade card. On the Martha Stewart website you can find 19 great ways to customize a card just for your mom.

MarthaStewart.com

If time is against you or maybe you aren't in an art project kind of mood, luckily there are designers who make their darling creation available to you for purchase.

Tallu- lah Cards

Paper Plate Press

Red Bird Ink

Happy Celebrating!

"To The Batcave!"

2011-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

What's better than a Friday night spent celebrating a 30th birthday with family and friends?! A Friday night spent celebrating a 30th birthday with family and friends dressed up as their favorite superhero or supervillain. The inspiration behind this themed birthday bash was the couple's love for comic books and good ole fashion superheroes. The couple's home was the perfect venue for an intimate 20-30 person party.

All Set was involved from start to finish with creating the invitations, decor, and party setup. This party was so much fun to design- the proof is in the details...

THE INVITES:

THE PARTY DECOR:

restroom signage

cupcake platters

birthday banner

bar signage

Post party all I can say is... "Where's Alfred?" HE would've been helpful with all the glue sticks and scissors.

In The Press With 'Wedding Chicks'

2011-04-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

All Set recently received international attention thanks to one of the best bridal blogs in the business- Wedding Chicks. Founders Amy and Jocey have been showcasing bridal resources, sharing tips and tricks, and shedding light on all things weddings since 2008. Any person with an interest in design can appreciate the raw inspiration found on this incredible website. From DIY downloads to great images from real weddings, I would highly recommend adding this site to your online bookmarks.

On March 24, Wedding Chicks brought All Set into the designer lime light with a shout out on twitter, facebook, and a quick write up on their bridal blog. To be recognized by such a prestigious set of designers is an honor. Check out the posts below

facebook

bridal blog

Thanks again to Amy of Wedding Chicks for the recognition!

Daffodils For Disney

2011-03-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

All Set was recently asked to be the floral sponsor for an industry event at The Walt Disney Family Museum. There was no set theme, but mellow yellow was the color choice for the evening. Three arrangements were All Set's donation.

Big Announcement

2011-03-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Drum Roll Please...All Set was just accepted as the newest San Francisco Vendor for the Elizabeth Anne Designs' Vendor Guide. This is a honor for All Set seeing as Elizabeth Anne Designs is one of the largest and most well known online sources for brides these days. With bridal magazines taking a backseat to online sources, Elizabeth Anne Designs is one of the first places Brides should look to for inspiration and a creative push. Here is some background information about the incredible site...

photo credits- EAD, 2011

"Launched in October 2007, Elizabeth Anne Designs is a wedding and lifestyle site updated daily with tips and stories from real brides, newlyweds and wedding vendors. The Elizabeth Anne Designs Wedding blog is dedicated to the details and inspirations that make a wedding beautiful. The EAD Vendor Guide is filled with thousands of useful wedding vendor listings – from photographers to shops to stationers – and is designed to help every bride, no matter her location, find the vendors she needs to create her event. The EAD Living blog focuses on all of the wonderful experiences of newlywed life along with home decor, recipes, and crafts" (Elizabeth Anne Designs, 2011).
To find All Set's new public appearance click here and then scroll down to the California Vendors List.

photo credit- EAD, 2011

Thank you to Ami Price, Editor and Publisher of EAD for hand selecting All Set to join the Vendor Guide.

The Big 3-0

2011-02-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was the official celebration of my sister's birthday. It was a wonderful weekend filled with family, friends, food, and of course wine. As you'll recall from the invites, (Sealed With A... Fleur-de-lis?) my sister is a fan of any and all things purple. For this particular tablescape, she opted for gold as the accent color.

You know you've done well when the client cries in disbelief- happy client, happy designer. Happy Birthday Tiffany!

From The Heart

2011-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

When it comes to holidays, my FAVORITE part is opening cards from my loved ones with thoughtful sentiments inside. Take this a step further- a HANDMADE card with thoughtful sentiments inside. Because I had some free time in early February (I say laughingly) I took the time to make my Valentines this year. I can't take credit for this idea, as it was my dear friend Elizabeth who suggested we turn our Saturday lunch date into a craft date instead.

Elizabeth and I cruised the aisles of Michael's carefully- inspecting each shelf to make sure we weren't missing out on something fabulous to help us create our holiday masterpieces.

We spent $26 on supplies and ended up with 16 handmade Valentines (not all pictured here).

Our favorite "couples card"

Our favorite "singles" card

Our favorite "little tike" card

Below I have provided a coupon to Michael's to make your Valentine's Day crafting that much more affordable.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers!

Sealed With A... Fleur-de-lis?

2011-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Birthdays have always been a BIG deal in the Ferrai Family; therefore, when my sister turns 30 (come February 19), you better believe a ruckus will be made. In preparation for the big day, my mother and I have tag-teamed to produce a wonderful weekend in wine country, something my wine connoisseur sister will adore. My sister also has an adoration for the color purple, gold, and the fleur-de-lis (okay maybe not an adoration, but she really likes these things).

As an early birthday present, I decided to make handmade custom invitations that had Tiffany's name all over them. After a quick trip to Paper Source the crafting began...

The envelopes were lined with purple tissue paper for a softer and more feminine look

The birthday girl's favorite symbol was used to seal the invitations with gold sealing wax

Cheers to the Birthday Girl!

Guest Book Gone Digital

2011-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

In the day of age where most individuals are more incline to watch television before reading the newest best seller, it comes as no surprise that wedding traditions are following suit. Meet the newest guest book...

"Years from now, you could flip through an album of well-wishes and scan all the handwritten names. Or you could flip the switches on your computer and watch your guests in action. Devote a corner of the event space to a video photo booth: set up a digital camcorder, leave a movie clapper and dry-erase pens for guests to write their names, and let them raise a glass and talk a blue streak. For a seamless background, hang a large white piece of fabric or paper" (Winter 2011 Edition of Martha Stewart Weddings).

Check out Keira & Dan's digital guest book featured on The Knot to see what fun this new take on an old tradition can really be.

Holiday Happenings

2010-12-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

This holiday season has been a busy one for All Set- and I couldn't be happier! From formal dining rooms to children's tablescapes, I've been completing designs across the gamut. Check out some of the photos below:

Happy Holidays- see you in 2011!

First Impression

2010-12-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season my living room transforms into Gift Wrap Grand Central Station- wrapping paper, bags, boxes, and bows are scatted everywhere, with the hope of making each package perfect for the person. This year, I am taking the time to personalize my gift wrap with unique gift toppers and handmade tags. I know it sounds ambitious, but Better Homes and Gardens is making this task a littler easier...and cheaper! BHG has provided printable gift tags for the holiday season. Just download the document (as a PDF) and print- you can take it a step further and customize the tags with stickers, stamps, special fonts, buttons, feathers, etc. Here are some of the darling designs offered:

Happy Wrapping!

Better Late Then Never

2010-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my home-today you are invited to my personal post thanksgiving party... via photographs. I was lucky enough to play hostess with the mostest for my dear friends over the holiday weekend. My tablescape was obviously an anticipated part of the dinner. This year, I decided to take it back to the basics with raw materials found in nature. To accent the pieces that I gathered from my backyard, I purchased two different shades of burlap to create a rustic runner- $8.40 at the local fabric store.

Gobble Gobble Goes Tabletop

2010-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving a day away, I thought I would share some holiday photos that I found inspirational when planning my 2010 Thanksgiving tablescape

Celebrations at home

Martha Stewart

Better Homes and Gardens

Country Living

Parents

Hostess With The Mostess

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers- may you spend the holiday surrounded by all that you are thankful for. "Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." - W.J. Cameron

The Coffee Table Gets Personal

2010-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Are you already hyper at the thought of all the holidays gifts that you need to buy? If so, why not make life a little easier and get some shopping done way in advance with the help of Amazon.com. For those "what the heck do I buy them?!?!" people- think of their favorite past time or hobby and buy them a hardcover coffee table book. For all the hosts and hostesses in your life, look to William Yeoward for your solution.

In 2009 I received his wonderful book William Yeoward on Entertaining and a year later it is still my favorite look book in my collection.

"William Yeoward has a worldwide reputation for designing collections for the home, and is particularly known for his imaginative table settings. He has shops in London and New York, lectures on design throughout the United States, and his work is featured in magazines such as Town and Country, Elle Decor (for whom he is a contributing editor), House and Garden, Vogue Living and Vogue Entertaining" (Amazon.com).

On my wish list this year is his 2006 Perfect Tables: Tabletop Secrets, Settings And Centerpieces for Delicious Dining and his 2010 William Yeoward at Home: Elegant Living in Town and Country.

Help make your favorite person's home that much more personal with pages of information and illustrations that will keep them occupied for hours. Happy Shopping!

Sing A Song For Signs

2010-11-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

All Set was involved with a "big girl" birthday party this weekend where pink was the theme and champagne and smores were on the menu- yes please! According to guests, the favorite decor element of the evening where these custom flags...

All Set has the capabilities to make custom signage for your every event. Signage is an excellent way to make your party feel that much more personal. Remember the touch is in the details.

Fourteen Hours- Two Events

2010-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of working with a mother daughter duo who were straight from the pages of Martha Stewart. Their creativity was unmeasurable and their design input was always spot on. The reason for the perfect union between All Set and dynamic duo was to plan Amanda's Bat Mitzvah.

The day would consist of two parts: 1. a luncheon 2. an evening of dinner and dancing. The luncheon was held directly after the service at Beth El Temple in San Mateo, CA. The evening event was hosted at La Honda Winery, Redwood City, CA. Both venues were perfectly fit to host a special event and very accommodating from a coordinators point of view.

From the beginning, Amanda and her mother stressed the importance of a "one-of-a-kind" celebration. They came to the right place! Everything was custom made for their events; from place cards to vases, the events were unique through and through.

LUNCHEON: Beth El Temple, San Mateo

It is important to design to all sides when you are working with round tables- here the back of the 'AMANDA' flags noted the date of the event and the photo pops were all double sided.

EVENING EVENT: La Honda Winery, Redwood City

Amanda's wishing tree where guests were able to give her special birthday wishes.

This 3D "AMANDA" sign acted as a barrier between the cocktail area and the space designated for dinner service.

Food provided by Joshua Charles Catering

Cake provided by Sarah Lindsay Cakes

Among the guests, the most popular activity was the dress up photo booth, compliments of3,2,1 Photo. I am always beyond satisfied with the service provided by 3,2,1 Photo - a fabulous vendor and must know for all party planners, hosts, and hostesses alike. They have recently added a great feature to their already stellar product- they produce a memory book on the spot of all the photos that are taken by guests. Party goers then have the opportunity to write a message next to their fun photo strip. All Set made custom photo sleeves for guests that wanted to take the extra copy home with them.

gift table signage

A special day for a special girl- thanks for letting All Set be part of it!

*Photo credits: Kevin Ng Photography

348 Pages of Inspiration

2010-10-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Martha Stewart recently released Fall 2010 Martha Stewart Weddings: The Fashion Issue.One word- fabulous. You know it is a good issue when you find inspiration even in the advertisement pages.

Prior to an All Set bridal consultation, I always suggest that the couple purchase Martha Stewart Weddings. There is something for every bridal couple in this magazine. In fact, it is an excellent source of inspiration even for those of us not engaged.

To make sure you don't miss the next quarter issue, order Martha Stewart Weddings online. Not only will you be one of the first readers to enjoy the anticipated issue, but you can also save 32% off the newsstand price!

Happy reading!

Fluff, Puff, and Throw

2010-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

A recent trip to Joann's Fabrics had me wandering in a section that I typically do not visit- fabrics. I normally pass by the rows and rows of inspiration, but a recent "How To Make a Pillow Sham" article had me wondering if this was a project that I could handle.

It just so happens that I am moving into a new place and haven't been able to find exactly what I have been looking for with throw pillows; therefore, I decided to step up to the challenge. I am a table designer, not a seamstress so I called upon my friend Elizabeth to guide me through this project.

The result- four homemade pillows that do not look homemade. My personal favorite is the orange and yellow retro print throw - probably because the fabric was my grandmother's.

Make your home a bit more personal with the addition of custom made throw pillows visit HomeFurnish.com for step by step directions.

And The Winner Is...

2010-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jasime M. from California- she is the winner of the Buon Compleanno Contest!

Thanks to all the All Set blog followers who entered the contest. Be sure to keep reading the Wednesday Weekly All Set blog posts- you never know what will be given away next. And Jasmine... Enjoy your pancakes!

Buon Compleanno Contest

2010-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my beloved Nono's birthday! In honor of his special day, I am going to keep up with what was OUR Sunday morning tradition... enjoying breakfast at iHop. Every Sunday, I would find myself indulging in whole wheat pancakes while entertained by the stories of my Nono's weekly happenings. I'll tell you what- my grandfather was one heck of a story teller!

To encourage you- my readers, to stop and spend a Sunday morning with someone special, All Set is going to be raffling off a $15 gift certificate for iHop.

To Enter: send an email to Heather@allset-online.com with your NAME and MAILING ADDRESS. A winner will be selected on Tuesday, September 21. Check back next week on Wednesday, September 22 to see if you are the winner!

Celebrate With Coupons

2010-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Many retailers choose to celebrate national holidays with insane sales and savings. For all my fellow crafters, I would highly recommend making your way over to your local Michaels to stock up on supplies during the Labor Day Savings Event. Hurry... this Sale ends on Saturday, September 11.

Before you take off... be sure to print out these 5 coupons to save even more at the register!

Happy Shopping!

Grazie Merci Thank You

2010-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Located 30 miles south of San Francisco, nesseled in the Woodside Hills sits Filoli. This magical place is an historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century. Whether enjoying its beauty of the one-of-a-kind gardens or pursuing its educational opportunities, Filoli invites you to explore this cherished community resource.

My mother is a weekly volunteer at the Filoli Garden Shop. As a Thank You to all the volunteers for their hard work and dedication a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held. Luckily, I was my mother's +1.

As we made our way through the gardens, the sweet sounds of a jazz band led us to the dinner site. The once tennis courts of the Bourne Family made for the perfect venue for an outdoor event. 60" rounds were set with gingham linens with various potted plants as the centerpieces.

Good food, great company, and a fabulous venue made for a prefect evening- Thanks mom for the invite!

The Junior League Of San Francisco- Patron Party

2010-08-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine came to me recently and requested a donation from All Set for decorating services for the Patron Party- a preview to the 16th Annual Home Tour presented by The Junior League of San Francisco (JLSF). Absolutely! Not only because my dear friend is my dear friend, but also because I believe in what JLSF stands for- an organization of woman committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Home Tour is a fundraising event that is dedicated to supporting and strengthening Bay Area families in need via direct service, advocacy and grant making.

Home Tour will take place in early November, but the 300 person Patron Party took place on Tuesday, August 24, 2010. The venue was the beautiful White Palace on Divisadero Street in San Francisco. My task was to create a simplistic, elegant, and feminine design for the exterior of the house. A field trip to the White Palace was necessary for design inspiration. After 30 minutes with my sketch pad, I had derived the ideal design for the budget and audience- pom poms and crystals!

As a thank you for the corporate donation, JLSF gave All Set the option to contribute to the party swag bags. Each attendee received an All Set goodie bag that stayed true to the "San Francisco" theme with the recipe for a San Francisco Sidecar, cocktail napkins, and a photo of the speciality cocktail with one of All Set's custom flags

showcasing All Set's
attention to detail.

Do·na·tion[doh-ney-shuh n] –noun: an act of instance of presenting something as a gift, grant, or contribution. There are so many wonderful donation opportunities available throughout a community. Be creative- you never know when your hobby or special talent may serve as a meaningful contribution to an organization.

A special thanks to Elizabeth, Mariah, and my mother for all your input and assistance.

Don't Discount The Discount Store

2010-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

When meeting with a new client, I ask the individual to bring along inspirational pieces. This could be in the form of a photograph, blog entry, piece of material, lipstick- anything that gets their creative mind flowing. More frequently than not, the client has pages of magazine cut outs from Martha Stewart Weddings and Martha Stewart Living. I too continually find inspiration from my favorite crafter Martha; however, I must admit that some of the featured DIY projects turn into DIWH- Do It With Help! Not to mention all of the custom made cuteness turns into a laborious task when you are creating massive amounts to appease your guest list. As a designer this is the part of my job that I LOVE, but for the working bride, host, or hostess- it is just not feasible.

Don't throw away those inspirational pages just yet... there is a way to meet in the middle, with something I call Smart Designing. For lack of a Webster's definition- Smart Designing:[verb] finding a reasonable shortcut when creating a custom piece.

An event can still feel custom by tailoring an existing item with a personalized touch. To better explain my point, I have found darling inspirational photos and the "shortcuts" to help eliminate some of the design time. The best part of it all- I found the shortcuts at the Dollar Tree.

Customize these birthday pennant flags by printing the name of the birthday boy or girl on card stock and then cutting the letters into circles before applying to the flag (one letter per pennant). Various craft stores sell Circle Cutters that can produce 1"- 8" perfect circles every time you cut!

source Martha Stewart.com

These darling award ribbons can be mimicked by adhering a custom message to the center of the pre-made ribbon (covering whatever message or image may have perviously been there). Card stock and a Circle Cutter are good materials to utilize for this project.

source Animal Head Vintage

Bubbles are a great way to entertain children and adults alike. All that is needed to replicate these party perfect bubbles is a custom label made by you.

source Living Locurto

So next time you come across a DIY project that seems too time consuming, check out your local discount store to see if you can find a short cut- making you the latest crafter Smart Designing.

Prefect Place To Showcase

2010-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have had the opportunity to take All Set on the road and spend some time on the beautiful Central Coast. As a designer that never stops thinking about the next special event, I am observant to interesting venues, vendors, and "must know" local resources. Thank goodness for my "eagle-eye" ways, as a need arose for an All Set photo shoot and I knew just the place to go...

Native Lounge is located in downtown San Luis Obispo. The trendy hot spot is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Patrons have the opportunity to enjoy delicious California Cuisine in one of four unique settings: the dining room, patio, bar, or plush lounge area. After 10pm, this swanky scene transforms into one of the most popular nightclubs on the Central Coast. The evening atmosphere is electric and draws crowds Tuesday- Sunday until 2am.

Therefore, it is understandable why a designer would be drawn to such a fabulous venue for a photo shoot. The task: to photograph custom All Set signage with a San Francisco signature cocktail- the sidecar. The Native Lounge bartender produced a work-of-art that was worthy of a closeup. Let the photo shoot begin.

Stay tuned to see what the final shot was used for...

New Girl On The... List

2010-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Bride Guide is a wedding resource that every Bay Area bride needs to know about. The site features D.I.Y. projects, giveaways, stories from real weddings, and a trusted Vendor Directory. All Set is the latest addition to the list of industry contacts. The directory includes preferred videographers, venues, hairstylists and so many more.

All Set can be found under the "Wedding Floral & Design" category.

The custom banner showcases three images of past All Set designs: a floral centerpiece, bouquet, and tablescape.

Help spread the news of this must know wedding planning resource:

www.BayAreaBrideGuide.com

And The Winner Is...

2010-07-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Linda I. from New Mexico- she is the winner of the Funky Cards giveaway!

Thanks to all the All Set blog followers who entered the contest. Be sure to keep reading the Wednesday Weekly All Set blog posts- you never know what will be given away next.

Win 'Funky Cards' In Reader Raffle

2010-07-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Shopping at the mall, spending hours on Facebook, or pretending to complete summer reading is how many 15 year-old girls spend their summers. However, Madison Womack, Founder of Funky Cards has quite a different story. This young entrepreneur started making custom greeting cards in order to financially contribute to her club volleyball tuition. What started as a fundraiser has transformed into a successful business.

Funky Cards creates birthday, thank you, baby shower, wedding wishes, and any other special occasion card that the customer needs. Each card produced by Funky Cards embodies homemade perfection.

As if starting her own company at age 15 wasn't admirable enough, Madison has created a special line of greeting cards that generates donation dollars for the American Cancer Society and/or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

I was beyond impressed with this young business owner and inspired by her drive and motivation that I had to share her story with you all. Here are the fast facts about the products:

- card dimensions 5.5 x 4.25 inches

- blank on the inside

- sold for $3 each or 2 for $5

To order Funky Cards online, visit www.funkycards.blogspot.com

Funky Cards has donated a set of greeting cards for one lucky All Set reader. To Enter: send an email to Heather@allset-online.com with your NAME and MAILING ADDRESS. A winner will be selected on Tuesday, July 27. Check back next week on Wednesday, July 28 to see if you are the winner!

Just A Bite

2010-07-14T07:00:00.001-07:00

Have you ever heard of the cliche "everything is okay in moderation" ? Deb, founder of The Cake Pop Company makes satisfying your sweet tooth with just a bite that much easier. The Cake Pop Company creates decadent little cakes on a stick that are as yummy as they are cute. The cakes are approximately the size of a golf ball, encased in a confectioners candy coating. Each Cake Pop is made to order so you can expect a fresh delightful treat. There is a Cake Pop for every occasion: weddings, birthdays, and holidays too.

Since incorporating in May 2009, The Cake Pop Company has received national attention from from various media outlets. Whether word of mouth or all the magazine articles, The Cake Pop Company now manages a client list consisting of large scale companies such as Warner Bros Studios. No worries though- Deb still finds time to complete the home orders for all her confection fans.

As a designer, Cake Pops offers me an alternative option for new centerpieces. Not to mention the ever so trendy candy bar now has a new contender that sweetens your guests' experience. Cake Pops also offer a solution to the bridal debate of cake vs. no cake. The Cake Pop Company can create your wedding cake on sticks; therefore, alleviating your guests' dilemma of what cake tier they want to eat. With Cake Pops, why not sample them all.

To get more information about these treats on a stick visit The Cake Pop Company online.

I Left My Heart In Twain Harte

2010-07-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Growing up, my family would spend the majority of the summer relaxing in the natural beauty of Twain Harte, CA. Everything about Twain Harte is charming- from the supermarket to the wooden "Twain Harte" arch that welcomes all its visitors driving through downtown.

This quaint little town, population approximately 2,700, received national recognition thanks to the creative couple Lena and Joshua. Twain Harte had its 15 minutes of fame when the couple's wedding was featured on the Martha Stewart Weddings website. Here are some of my favorite images from the article:

Whether summer vacations or wedding, I would recommend visiting Twain Harte and making memories of your own. Oh- and watch out for those delicious chocolate dipped frosties... they are dangerous!

I Pledge Allegiance

2010-07-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a very happy Fourth of July filled with family, friends, and memorable moments!

To get step by step instructions of these inspirational Fourth of July designs and many more, checkout Martha Stewart online or pickup the July 2010 copy of Martha Steward Living.

Carnations...Making A Comeback

2010-06-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

How has it come to be that such a simple flower has gotten such a bad wrap? Yes I am talking about the carnation. I believe that this negative connotation has developed from people associating the cost of this flower with the quality. However, with the growing popularity DIY weddings and special events, utilizing inexpensive materials to create a unique design is considered nothing short of savvy. If this is not reason enough for you to give carnations a second chance, just look to the queen of design herself, Ms. Martha Stewart. Martha has expressed many times her love for carnations because of their practicality when designing on a budget.

Mr. & Mrs. Change UP

2010-06-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

Imagine this... a two week honeymoon on a tropical island staying at luxury resorts with the one you love. You sold? This is what a recent client of mine opted for as oppose to a large scale wedding. I am finding that more couples these days are choosing to cut wedding day costs by getting married at City Hall. Many couples still want to share their special day with their family and friends; therefore, the ceremony is typically followed by an intimate dinner.

My client requested that All Set design her bouquet, corsages, boutonniere for the groom and tablescape for 22 guests, for a sit down dinner. “Keep it simple” was the input from the bride, along with “I’d like a little pop of color somewhere”. The design was exactly that-simple with a pop of yellow here and there.

Aloha to the newlyweds!

Fit For A King

2010-06-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all those fabulous fathers!

Cheers to being "King" for the day. Love you Dad!

3rd Annual Chef's Warehouse Parking Lot Sale- SATURDAY!

2010-06-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 19th from 9am-5pm Chef's Warehouse located in South San Francisco is hosting the 3rd Annual Parking Lot Sale. Chef's Warehouse is the Bay Area's greatest resource for all your kitchen/dining needs. Inventory includes major name brands like:

Cordon Bleu
Ecousable
KitchenAid
Built NY
Le Creuset

All Set was given the opportunity to design three tablescapes utilizing inventory that was inspirational. The design consists of two tables and one bar that showcases Chef's Warehouse's merchandise in a party setting. It is a perfect opportunity for customers to see "how to" make their everyday dining pieces come to life.

I encourage all cooking enthusiasts to make their way over to Chef's Warehouse on Saturday to reap the benefits of the insane deals! This is also a great resource for purchasing wedding, birthday, and Father's Day gifts.

447 South Canal Street- South San Francisco, 94080

(650) 553-4155

First Annual Travel Faire- SUCCESS!

2010-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, June 9th, All Set participated in the "First Annual Travel Faire" hosted at a Silicon Valley based company. The faire brought out 32 vendors representing the various sectors of the travel industry- airlines, hotel, rental car companies etc. From the hours of 11:30 am to 1:30 pm employees were invited to share in the festivities and learn more about the various travel resources while enjoying a hosted lunch. Approximately 350 employees attended in the "First Annual Travel Faire" making it a huge success.

I completed the decor design for the check-in and buffet tables. Decor elements included floral arrangements and custom signage.

Not only did I get to help create the atmosphere for the event, but I was also a vendor on the show floor. The All Set information booth consisted of a cocktail table, vibrant linen, two floral arrangements, portfolio, business cards (a must!), and a vintage suitcase just to match the theme.

It was a great opportunity and wonderful experience. I hope to be asked to participate in the "Second Annual Travel Faire" next year!

First Annual Travel Faire

2010-06-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

All Set is off to the "First Annual Travel Faire". We are responsible for decorating the buffet table for all 400 attendees. So Fun!

Pictures to follow.

Transformation Into a Beautiful Butterfly

2010-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

After a joyous Monday spent perusing the inventory at Z Galleries, I was inspired to give my bedroom a little face lift. Specifically, I had been contemplating replacing my bedside nightstand. This piece was something that I had purchased from Target years ago- and needless to say, the markings and stains were evidence of its age. But before I invested in a brand new piece, I decided to try an come up with a more cost efficient solution.

Off to Michael's I went. While wandering the isles I found my answer- Mod Podge. Every crafter needs to know about this fabulous product. Mod Podge is an adhesive and sealant. The product is offered in two different finishes; matte and glossy. For this particular project, I selected the glossy finish.

The next decision I had to make was not so easy, which 12x12 patterned paper did I want to fall asleep and wake up to everyday?! At $1.00 a piece, I narrowed it down to three different patterns and decided to purchase them all.

Once home, it was clear which option I needed to choose. Ten minutes later, I had a new bedside nightstand that worked perfectly with the colors and décor in my bedroom. All without breaking the bank – total for my Sunday makeover? $9.65!

ImPRESSed With Letterpress

2010-05-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

First impressions are everything and are formed in a moment's time. As a host or hostess you want to impress your attendees before your event has even begun. So how do you set the tone for your event and impact your guests in the early event stages? The first opportunity arises with snail mail communication. Whether it is a 'Save the Date' or an invitation, your event is being sized up from that initial informatory piece of paper. So do it right – make a great first impression and leave your attendees wanting more. With that being said, let me introduce Cartoules.

Founded in 2008, this letterpress company says it all in its name “little cards” in Greek. Owner Julie Karatzis is the visionary behind these unique, custom, and affordable designs. Here is her story:

“It started when Julie Karatzis decided to design and letterpress her own wedding invitations. She was discouraged by how expensive letterpress invitations were, and because she married in Greece, it was important that they were bilingual. Realizing that couples needed more options when creating wedding invitations, especially when on a budget, Julie decided to set up shop.

All Cartoules are created utilizing photopolymer plates, or handset wooden and metal type on a Golding & Co. Pearl Press. Our 100% cotton stock paper is cut, scored, and folded by hand in-house. Each piece is designed and hand fed into the press creating a totally unique piece every time. Slight variations in color, registration and impression may occur, but that's the beauty of letterpress!” (www.cartoulesletterpress.com, May 2010).

One of my favorite things about this hip letterpress company, is that they cater to more then just the wedding market. Cartoules' portfolio includes: invitations, stationery, greeting cards, prints, and business cards. As a recent bride herself, Julie understands the importance of producing a great product at a reasonable price. But you don't have to take my word for it – you can see for yourself. For just $12 Cartoules will send you a sample set, which comes with an assortment of different invitations.
So remember, when you want to make a Big Impression with Little Cards – Cartoules is the letterpress company for you.

Tied the Knot

2010-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

You can imagine my excitement when my college roommate and now best friend called to tell me that her wonderful boyfriend had just proposed! The next words out of her mouth.. “Now what... Heath, I need your help”. Often times when planning the big day, a couple becomes overwhelmed with all the details and decisions that need to be made. This is why many a brides and grooms chose to hire an event coordinator. In the case of Josh and Melisa, the resolution was to keep it simple.

The couple decided to get hitched at the courthouse, which was then followed by an elegant dinner for 22 at a magnificent Malibu restaurant, Geoffrey's Malibu.

Besides the vibrant peonies, my favorite detail of the evening were the parting gifts. The groom produced custom wine labels barring their new family name, which were applied to a beautiful Enda Valley Pior Noir. Melisa had purchased ribbon that coordinated with the evening's colors to “dress up” the bottle neck. I was tasked with designing a creative way to tie the ribbon. Melisa should have known better... I had to do more then just tie a ribbon.

The final design came together utilizing the following items:

textured scrapbook paper
biege translucent paper
a heart stencil
single hole punch
and the infamous statin ribbons that started it all

It was a beautiful evening that suited Josh and Melisa perfectly. Congratulations you two love birds!

Flower Power

2010-04-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

My time spent working at Bella Fine Flowers in college gave me the greatest appreciation for florals. What started as a mere interest, developed into a full blown love affair!

I think there is nothing more beautiful then a fresh arrangement created with only the brightest and best florals from the SF Flower Mart. With that being said, I have discovered a designer that offers a Green option to traditional real flowers without compromising the beauty.

Maria Bristol, of St. Jude's Floral Creations, is the designer behind these stunning handmade flowers that had me (the trained florist) asking... Real or Fake?

Here is what Maria has to say about her work: "Making artificial flowers has been a passion for me for many years. It started with my mother and her sister who used to run a floral business many years ago. They learnt the method of making beautiful flowers from fabric, paper and other materials and from then on this trade was picked up by us from a very young age. It started as a hobby and on finding that people loved the flowers, I turned it into a website where customers could pick and choose the colors and varieties.

There are many benefits of using paper flowers, one being they are different and unique. They can be ordered in your custom color, and of course they last longer than fresh ones, so they can be preserved to keep the memory of your wedding day alive forever. They can be put together well ahead of the function and so there is no worry of it wilting at the time of the wedding, or worrying if it will open it's closed blooms for the wedding. It's ideal for destination weddings, as you can pack and take it with you." (Bristol, www.stjudescrations.com/paper-flowers.html).

Be sure to check out all of Maria's distinct designs:

A New Take On Tables

2010-04-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

When considering the priorities of an event budget, there are many things to take into consideration. Specifically in my world of tablescapes, I always recommend the client to invest extra money in the small details if it is a "seated" affair (ie. wedding reception, black tie plated dinner etc.).

An item that can quickly eat up your tablescape budget are those beautiful speciality linens. I am not discrediting the aesthetic appeal to a rich linen; however, if money is on your mind, then there is always a solution.

Here are some unconditional takes on table coverings:

A simple white poly cotton linen shown here with green ribbons weaved through one another to created a clean overlay.

Depending upon the texture of the table that you are working with, you may be able to get away with not covering the entire table. In which case, utilizing runners can add a pop of color.

Another option for partial table coverage are placemats. There are so many wonderful prints, textures, colors, sizes, and shapes of placemats these days that you are guaranteed to find something that fits your theme.

Labor Of Love

2010-04-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

It's April- which means it is Mariah Kelly's birthday month. She came up with a wonderful idea for her 15th birthday party herself, but called upon me for a little help creating the invitations.

Our first stop was the Scrapbook Depot in San Carlos where we found darling cupcake and poke-a-dot paper to start the inspiration process. Mariah quickly made the decision that the scavenger hunt portion of her party should be divided into pre-determined teams. This meant that we needed to indicate to each girl their team color before the day of the party. Mariah came across ribbon that corresponded with the theme colors. She asked me if I could come up with a bow that each girl could wear to identify the team that they were assigned.

Next stop J & M Hobby House also in San Carlos where we picked up all the last-minute supplies: Mod Podge, safety pins, pearls, and paint brushes.

And off to the design studio we went...

Step One: create the bows

mission completed

Step Two: create the corresponding "team cards"

and be sure that the new puppy doesn't steal them...

Step Three: create the party invitations

hours later, we were finally finished

Apparently creating birthday invitations is a bit more tiring for some then others...

I can't even imagine what Mariah has in store for me for her Sweet Sixteen!

Inspired By Alice

2010-03-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

From runways to party decor- Alice In Wonderland is ruling much more then just the box office these days. With the recent release of the blockbuster hit a common theme is taking over.

BizBash covered many Alice In Wonderland inspired balls, fashion trade shows, and galas in cities across the United States and Canada.

As a designer it is the greatest gift to begin the planning process with a captivating theme. Alice In Wonderland offers so many artistic avenues to develop for the event elements- starting with the invitations.

When it comes to selecting the party decor, there are many scenes in the movie that a designer can pull from. There is the infamous tea party, the Queen of Hearts, or the bizarre underworld as a whole. Regardless of which theme is chosen to develop, it is guaranteed that the party will surely stimulate the guests' senses. Be sure that the theme is carried throughout the entire event- the thought is in the details.

Here are some great photos of different designers' interpretations of the famous lady known as Alice...

The Man Who Stole My Heart

2010-02-17T22:17:00.000-08:00

Breakfast at IHop and lunch at Westlake Joe's

Drives down the coastline where nobody goes

Coffee ice cream and "rigged" game shows

These were a few of his favorite things.

Words of wisdom, unconditional love, and endless entertainment is what my grandfather gave to me over the course of my life. It comes as no surprise that any friend of mine that met Nono was instantly jealous that I got to call him mine. I wish I could have witnessed my grandfather in his younger years as he was magnetic, energetic, and a real lady killer at age 94- I can't imagine him in his youth!

I connected with Nono on so many levels. He really was my beloved favorite. He offered me guidance and would continually advise me how to live my life in a more enjoyable manner. Nono was the grandpa that would slip me $20 and tell me to spend it ALL in one place. Nono was the grandpa who taught me how to give the old 1-2 punch. And Nono was the grandpa that loved me so genuinely that I could never do wrong in his eyes.

Nono always wanted me to enjoy life, slow down, and see the world around me. Clearly after 94 years of life, I think he was onto something. Crowd your life with an abundance of unexpected joys and live every moment to the fullest. May you always be happy and rejoice for the life you live. And when I find myself missing my Nono and getting sad, I simply remember his favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad.

I LOVE YOU NONO

These are the floral arrangements that were made with extra love for my Nono. Family and friends will be celebrating his life in true Italian style- a big party with a lot of good food, love, and of course vino!

Love Is In The Air

2010-02-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Love was in the air...literally. Hearts were hung from the ceiling as part of the Valentine's Day design at local hot spot Vivace Ristorante. The restaurant buzzed with excitement as it offered two seatings per night over the course of the three day Valentine's Day weekend. Because the tables were turned so quickly, it was necessary that I create a design that did not slow down the dinner service. The Flower Mart was were I retreated for inspiration. Floral Supply Syndicate had some wonderful displays that really got the wheels turning for me.

The design: a simple centerpiece that read "Queen of MY heart", over sized heart confetti, a fence made of roses, glittered hearts, and satin ribbon wrapped hearts gave the restaurant an intimate and romantic atmosphere.

What A Way To Wake Up

2010-02-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

Growing up, my mother ALWAYS made a big deal about my birthday; therefore, when the unofficial national holiday of my mother's birthday came around I knew what I needed to do- reciprocate the favor.

Flowers, candles, bacon waffles, and mimosas. That should do the trick!

Cheers to you mom! Here's to another wonderful year of life.

I love you Mom.

Guest Blogger

2010-02-02T10:40:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked to be a guest blogger on a fabulous wedding resource blog called Bay Area Bride Guide. Stacy Yamaoka, the founder of the newest Yellow Pages of weddings, asked me to contribute a piece about wedding trends. The result- Royalty Redone... check it out

The Magic Number 11

2010-01-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

A repeat client, my mother, requested my assistance designing a tablescape for a four person dinner party this weekend. With such a small guest list, I knew my mother would have the majority of the materials needed to complete my design. I told her that I would be over as soon as I returned from my morning walk.

Sawyer Camp is one of my favorite places for design inspiration. Sure enough, that Friday morning was not any different. Due to the heavy winds and rain from the storm, there were broken branches and brush everywhere. I came across the most beautiful branch covered in moss. I am a strong believer of the "leave no trace" principle, but when I saw the clean up crew throwing the debris into the back of trucks, I knew that I was in the clear to take my new treasure that lay upon the ground.

I was so excited to design with my new found centerpiece. I drove straight to my parents home and started rummaging through the garage and linen closet. As expected, my mother had the majority of the decor needed to complete my design. I supplemented the missing pieces with a quick trip to the SF Flower Mart and Fantastico.

Overall- I spent $11. 56. Just to further the point- that is $2.89 per person. Check out the photos...

Pastels in Winter

2010-01-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

As I strolled through the SF Flower Mart, I had a long list of "DOs" and "DON'Ts" indicated to me straight from the client for the 12 arrangements needed for her dinner reception. She had a very clear vision of what she wanted (something I can appreciate) and it was my duty to see it through.

The "DO" list: hydrangeas, roses, spray roses, tulips, mums, spider mums and filler all in a gold circular vase. The result= exactly what the client wanted.