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The Daily Design by Koyal Wholesale
The ultimate special event blog

5 Things Happy People Do via The Oprah Magazine
Posted April 15th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: My Best Me

{ Illustration: R.O. Blechman }

An excerpt from 5 Things Happy People Do by Gabrielle LeBlanc
O, The Oprah Magazine |  January 01, 2006

Sages going back to Socrates have offered advice on how to be happy, but only now are scientists beginning to address this question with systematic, controlled research. Although many of the new studies reaffirm time-honored wisdom (“Do what you love,” “To thine own self be true”), they also add a number of fresh twists and insights. We canvassed the leading experts on what happy people have in common—and why it’s worth trying to become one of them.

1. They find their most golden self.
2. They design their lives to bring in joy.
3. They avoid “if only” fantasies.
4. They put best friends first.
5. They allow themselves to be happy.


$1 million Ice Cream Cookies Cups – Perfect Wedding Dessert!
Posted April 14th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: Cake,DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Tags: , , —

{ Photo credit: General Mills, Inc. via cnn.com }

Sue Compton’s original recipe for Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups took top honors in the 44th annual Pillsbury Bake-Off win, announced live this morning on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Sue gets $1 million buckaroos but you get a great idea to add to your wedding dessert table! Serve them in sophisticated style on a dashingly beautiful multi-tier cupcake stand! Find more great design ideas at http://www.koyalwholesale.com. Watch great how-to videos at http://www.youtube.com/koyalwholesalecom. And we want to hear from you! Leave your comments and show off your photos on our Facebook fan page, or send them to us at info@koyal.com.

Here’s the winning recipe for Mini Ice Cream Cookie Cups (via cnn.com):

Servings:
Makes 24 tartlets

Ingredients:
• 1 package (16 ounces) Pillsbury Ready to Bake refrigerated sugar cookies (24 cookies)
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/3 cup finely chopped Fisher Chef’s Naturals walnuts
• ½ cup Hershey’s semisweet chocolate baking chips
• ¼ cup Smucker’s Seedless Red Raspberry Jam
• 1½ cups vanilla bean ice cream, softened
• 24 fresh raspberries

Prep time: 20 minutes. Start to finish: 45 minutes

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 24 mini muffin cups with Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray. Place a cookie dough round in each muffin cup. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Place 2 teaspoons of the sugar in a small bowl. Dip the end of a wooden spoon handle in the sugar and carefully press into the center of each cookie to make a 1-inch-wide indentation. Cool completely in a pan for about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix walnuts and remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar, then set aside. In a small microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips uncovered on high for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring after 30 seconds, until smooth.
Run a knife around the edges of the cups to loosen, and gently remove them from the pan. Dip the rim of each cup into the melted chocolate, then into the walnut mixture. Place the walnut side up on a cookie sheet with sides.
In another small microwaveable bowl, microwave the jam uncovered on high for about 15 seconds until melted. Spoon a half-teaspoon of jam into each cup. Freeze cups for about five minutes or until the chocolate is set.
Spoon the ice cream into the cups, using a small cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon. Top each cup with a fresh raspberry. Store in the freezer, then let stand at room temperature for five minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (don’t worry – it’s not that bad!)
In one serving, there are: Calories: 150 (calories from fat: 70); total fat: 7 grams (saturated fat 2½ grams, trans fat: 1½ grams); cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 60 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 19 grams (dietary fiber: 0 grams, sugars: 12 grams); protein: 1 gram.
Percentage daily values* are as follows: Vitamin A: 0%; vitamin C: 0%; calcium: 0%; iron: 2%.
*Percentage daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Beaded Bling! Part 2: Crystal Beaded Curtains, Hanging Beaded Door Curtains, and Acrylic Beaded Backdrops
Posted April 12th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: Ceremony,Decor,Floral Designs,Inspiration,Table Decor,Wedding Products Tags: , , , , , , —

{ crystal beaded curtains by koyal wholesale }
{ as seen at the  2009 In Style/Warner Bros. Golden Globes Party in Los Angeles, CA }

It’s official: You love bling! Since we did our first posting on Crystal Beaded Curtains exactly one week ago, we’ve received hundreds of phone calls, emails and orders for our acrylic beaded curtains, crystal backdrops and chandeliers. Koyal Wholesale carries the nation’s largest selection of these beaded curtains and backdrops. Many of you wanted to see more photos of the way in which this gorgeous decor is used. Below are some of Koyal Wholesale’s most popular crystal beaded curtains and backdrops as seen at the 2009 In Style/Warner Bros. Golden Globes Party shot by Nadine Froger Photography, and at a gorgeous wedding, shot by our friends at Harvard Photography. Find more great design ideas at http://www.koyalwholesale.com. Watch great how-to videos at http://www.youtube.com/koyalwholesalecom. And we want to hear from you! Leave your comments here, or on our Facebook fan page.

{ shepard’s hook freestanding base with 33″ multi diamond cut chandelier by koyal wholesale }

{ acrylic ball floating bubbles }

DIY Floral Ring Pillow
Posted April 10th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: DIY (Do-It-Yourself),Floral Designs,Inspiration Tags: , , , , —

{ martha stewart }

We love Martha Stewart’s latest Idea of the Day, the floral ring pillow! “Nothing says spring is in the air more than fresh flowers. Why not add them to your ring pillow?” Darcy of MarthaStewart.com provides the following instructions for creating this gorgeous floral pillow: Create a soft, plump pillow using flowers instead of fabric. Cut a block of floral foam to size and poke ‘Kermit’ chrysanthemum stems into top and sides. Push a U-shaped piece of green floral wire through foam; bend tips flush against bottom of block. Cover bottom by pinning paper over. Tie rings to wire with ribbon.

You can add other elements to your ring pillow, such as crystal bouquet accents, silver pearl rhinestone pins, or mini crystal flowers. Here are some other great ways that moss and floral designs have been incorporated into weddings.

{ cake lava }

{ cake lava }

{ simply sweet design }
{ moss }

Find more great design ideas at http://www.koyalwholesale.com.
Watch great how-to videos at http://www.youtube.com/koyalwholesalecom.
And we want to hear from you! Leave your comments here, or on our Facebook fan page.

New 2010 Favors: “Make it Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kits
Posted April 9th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: DIY (Do-It-Yourself),Favors,Wedding Products Tags: , , —

Wedding favors are a time honored tradition. Ever wonder how they came about? A wedding was considered a lucky occasion and by sharing treats with wedding guests, the happy couple felt they were also bestowing their good luck upon their guests. In most cases, these lucky gifts consisted of five almonds or pieces of candy which represented fertility, health, wealth, happiness and longevity. There are now an infinite number of styles of wedding favors, and each year this number seems to grow exponentially! Koyal Wholesale presents the new for 2010 “Make it Yours” line of personalized favor box kits. This customized favor box makes is perfect as a wedding favor, baby shower favor, bridal shower favor, baby shower, bar/bat mitzvah favor, and more. A white sleeve with a die-cut opening fits perfectly over the white favor box cube to showcase the custom label on the box beneath. Each box measures 2″x 2″ x 2″ and each kit includes 24 white favor boxes with coordinating sleeves and ribbon. Labels are personalized with the couple’s first names and wedding date, adding a one of a kind touch to this sophisticated favor. For more incredible favor ideas, visit http://www.koyalwholesale.com.

Hot Pink Honeycomb “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24). A honeycomb is typically where something sweet is stored, and this favor box is no exception. While it’s not the place for honey, it is definitely the perfect place to put delicious candies, tea packs or trinkets to make your celebration complete. The hot-pink honeycomb pattern is intriguing, while the custom label is charming–adding a one of a kind touch to this fun favor.

Black and White Houndstooth “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24). It’s as timeless as your love. Forever fabulous, the classic combination of black and white in a houndstooth pattern makes a beautiful statement of elegance and originality because of the die-cut opening on the sleeve. It showcases your names and wedding date on the custom label affixed to the box beneath. Wrapped in black satin ribbon, the custom sticker is a great way to make it yours.

Chocolate and Turquoise Damask “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24). Distinctively different down to the last detail. The beauty of this charming favor box begins with the elegant damask pattern in rich, dark chocolate that is softened by the joyous shade of turquoise on the overlay. Surrounding the white favor box beneath with a classy, confident sense of style, the personalized label that can be seen through the die cut opening is the perfect finishing touch.

Cherry Blossoms “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24). A most favored addition to your table, these cherry blossom favor boxes are blooming with affection and appreciation–for you and your guests. In subtle shades of pink, this Asian symbol of love and good fortune printed on the dotted sleeve is beautifully accented with brown satin ribbon as an elegant presentation for the treats you place inside.

Sage Fields “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24). A sage can be wise and sage can be flavorful, but in the case of this favor box, sage is simply beautiful! Capturing nature’s nuances of leaves and flowers at your garden or spring wedding, the combination of white and sage green makes a lovely container for your favorite treats. From almonds to candies, they’ll be perfectly presented inside this do-it-yourself favor box with personalized label and bow.

Sassy Circles “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24). Celebrate the circle of family and friends that have come to share your special day with this whimsical favor box that’s just waiting to be filled with your favorite treat. Accented by a few sassy circles of its own, the multi-colored design puts a little pizzazz on your tables that is personalized with your names and date.

Sip on This: The Half Mint Julep Cup
Posted April 8th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: Ceremony,Decor,DIY (Do-It-Yourself),Floral Designs,Wedding Products Tags: , , , —

Ever wonder about the origin of the mint julep cup? A mint julep is Southern cocktail traditionally made of four ingredients: mint, bourbon, sugar, and water. Mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups. When drinking the cocktail, folks would hold only the bottom and/or top edges of the cup to reduce the heat transferred from the hand to the cup, allowing frost to form on the outside of the cup.

Each year, almost 120,000 mint juleps are served over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby! This equals over 10,000 bottles of Mint Julep Ready-to-Serve Cocktail, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.

Using the mint julep cup in weddings has now become a tradition. The silver julep cup arrangement makes for a beautiful wedding centerpiece, used in multiples down the center of the table, or as a complementary touch to a larger centerpiece.

One popular arrangement includes a silver mint julep cup filled with white orchids, white spray roses and white lisianthus.

Antique silver mint julep cups can also be used as votive candle holders. The antique finish of the antique julep cup allows light to shine through.

The latest version of the mint julep cup to hit the wedding scene is the half mint julep cup by Koyal Wholesale. This new mint julep cup is an innovative pew vase and offers a quick and elegant pew decoration option. The half silver mint julep cup has one flat side, backed with felt and 2 pre-drilled holes. Use satin ribbon tied through the pre-drilled holes in the container to provide a simple way to attach the floral decor to the pew. Be sure to use a waterproof ribbon so that it won’t wick the water from the arrangement and risk damaging the pew. The felt-backing on the flat side protects the pew. The half mint julep cup is 7″ high; the half circle opening is 4.25″ wide by 2″ deep and the cup tapers down. Add your beautiful floral compositions into the half julep cup to create incredible aisle style that matches your color palette and wedding theme. Today’s pew décor utilizes more than just tulle and ribbons. Take advantage of the half mint julep cup and other clever products by Koyal Wholesale to enable the creation of pretty and dramatic floral compositions to line the aisle. For more ideas visit http://www.koyalwholesale.com.

Designer Dining Environments
Posted April 7th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: Decor,Inspiration,Table Decor Tags: , , , , , —

Dining by Design is a national tour sponsored by the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids (DIFFA). The 2-day event in San Francisco featured 30 breathtaking dining environments, and drew huge crowds. We’ve featured some of our favorite dining designs here, any one of which would make for a beautiful wedding tablescape.

{ le cirque - nesting newbies }

{ fuchsia fete - nesting newbies }

{ rustic elegance - nesting newbies }

{ romantic marrakesh - nesting newbies }

Wedding Car Decoration – From Pom Pom to Personalized Window Clings
Posted April 6th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: DIY (Do-It-Yourself),Gifts,Groom & Groomsmen,Wedding Products Tags: , , —

White pom poms. Chocolate covered strawberries. Beer cans. A sign that reads “Oh my god, what did we just do?” Rigging the horn to go off at the same time as the brakes. These are just some of the things you may or may not want as part of your wedding car decor. Wedding car decorating for the new couple can be one of the greatest channels of creativity for the best man, the maid of honor or even friends and family. After a charming, traditional ceremony, the new couple can be truly awed by the colorful, personalized wedding car decor as they are whisked away to a fun-filled night, and later, their much-awaited honeymoon. Curious about the tradition behind wedding car decorating? Read below!
Wedding car decorations have come a long way since the days of white pom poms and window paint. Make a statement by decorating the wedding car using customized wedding car decoration clings. These car decorations are a great way to personalize your get-away car in a sophisticated manner. Personalized car clings also stick on window, making them great for church doors or at the reception location to help direct your guests. And the personalized wedding car decorations come in 13 colors and 7 styles to match the color palette and taste of the bride and groom. Couples can ride off with a beach wedding car cling, monogrammed wedding decoration clings, butterfly themed window clings, or four other styles. They can cling to the inside or outside of the car, and will send the bride and groom off in style. Want to add even more elegance? Use personalized car ribbon decorations to decorate the getaway car! These continuous print car ribbons come in 14 different colors and can accommodate up to 50 characters so you can include the names of the bride and groom. At a large 4″ width, this poly floral ribbon can be seen from far distances. The personalized ribbon can also be used to decorate church pews, your reception hall, cars, large doors, garages, large gifts (i.e. baby carriage or crib), and more.
Want more wedding car decorating ideas? We love these ideas!
- Drinks! Make sure the wedding car is fully stocked with ice and the bride and groom’s favorite beverages.
- Food! Have a platter of romantic snacks such as chocolate covered strawberries or cream puffs, or the couple’s favorite snacks. Ask the caterer to provide a basket of food.
- Blow up various colored balloons, tie them to the bumper and fill the backseat with a couple of balloons.
- Set up a DVD in cars with players. Play a film of the bridal shower, bachelorette and bachelor parties, or put together a digital photo album of the bride and groom. Or provide the couple’s favorite movies!
- Attach cans to create the classic wedding train! Poke a hole into the side of cans and thread a piece of string through them that is at least 4 feet long. Tie the other end to the bumper of the car. Do this with at least 5 cans or bottles with different lengths and colors of strings. If desired, paint the cans and bottles white or other themed wedding colors.
- Toss silk flowers into the backseat of the car or add these to the strings of the bumper cans or balloons.
- Add party favors like poppers, party horns, and a disposable camera so they can take pictures together and of each other during the ride in the wedding car.
- Use the car window chalk to write “Off to______” for whatever honeymoon destination they might be visiting.
- For ideas on wedding car decoration with flowers, research indian wedding car decoration and check out these great tips.
For more wedding car decoration pics, click here. And send your wedding car decoration pictures to info@koyal.com!

The Tradition of Wedding Car Decorations via Our Wedding Plans
The custom of decorating the car originates from the ancient ritual of “bedding” the newly-wed couple…a tradition which used to be a main component of the nuptials. After the wedding breakfast, the bride and groom would be escorted to the bedroom and undressed, the guests refusing to leave until the couple were in bed together. This rite emphasized the importance of procreation in the marriage. The bridesmaids would decorate the bed with flowers and ribbons…a custom later transferred to decorating the car of the newly-wed couple as they leave for their honeymoon. The colors used in such decorations have their own specific meanings: Red — Justice, Blue — Constancy, Green — Youth, Yellow — Joy and/or Honor, Straw Color – Plenty, Gold — Gaiety, Flesh Color– Lust. Tying shoes on the bumper of a car is symbolic of the power associated with shoes in ancient times. Egyptians would also exchange sandals when goods were exchanged so, when the bride’s father gave his daughter to the groom, he would also give the bride’s sandals to show that she now belonged to her new husband. In Anglo-Saxon times, the groom would tap the heel of the bride’s shoe (or possibly strike her with a shoe…sources vary on this point) in order to display his authority over her. The bride would then throw shoes at her bridesmaids to see who would be the next to marry. In Tudor times, it was the custom to throw shoes at the couple or their carriage for good luck. Today, people normally just tie shoes to the couple’s car.

Beaded Bling! Crystal Beaded Curtains, Hanging Beaded Door Curtains, and Beaded Backdrops
Posted April 5th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: Celebrity Weddings,Decor,DIY (Do-It-Yourself),Trends,Wedding Products

You’re flipping through the latest edition of Vogue, awed by the incredible crystal panels that frame the Vera Wang catwalk. You’re watching the latest episode of Platinum Weddings trying to figure out how to create that amazing crystal backdrop at your special event. Magazine photo spreads, primetime music awards, celebrity birthday parties – time and again, the beaded bling catches your eye. Crystal beaded curtains, beaded door curtains, mirrored hanging panels, crystal beaded backdrops, in every shape, color and size. And you ask yourself, where can I buy these incredible crystal beaded curtains?

Koyal Wholesale carries the nation’s largest selection of crystal beaded curtains, chandeliers and hanging crystals, and Koyal is open to the public. These wholesale beaded curtains are used in award ceremonies and parties, in theatrical productions, on movie sets, in photo shoots, music videos, corporate parties, theatre productions, special events, and, of course, weddings! You’ll find Koyal Wholesale’s crystal beaded curtains and beaded door curtains in countless couture magazine photo shoots! Use Koyal Wholesale’s discount beaded crystal panels and wholesale crystal curtains for your special event – get that platinum look on sale, for cheap, wholesale prices. And when you buy in bulk to creature your A-list look, you save even more with our huge volume discounts.

We want to see your couture creations. Send your photos to info@koyal.com.

 

{ acrylic ball floating bubbles panels }

{ feng shui mirror strand curtain }

{ acrylic ball floating bubbles panels }

 

{ 2009 american music awards }
{ acrylic gemstone beaded curtain }

 

Sangria Anyone? Rose Petals That Is!
Posted April 4th, 2010 by Emma — Filed under: Floral Designs,Trends,Wedding Products Tags: , , —

{ jessica claire petals }

How many colors are there in the world? The easy answer is infinity. Another estimate is 18 decillion, or 18 followed by 33 zeros (18,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000)! For many a bride, finding the exact color of rose petals to match her color scheme is imperative. The petals may be red, but what shade of red? Are they apple red, firetruck red, burgundy red, or ruby red?

Now, even the most discerning of brides can rest a little easier knowing that there are approximately 20 new colors of silk rose petals, just released for 2010, bringing the total number of silk rose petal colors to well above 80. Trying to find sangria rose petals to match your signature drinks? Looking for pewter grey rose petals? You’re covered. Check out all the new rose petal colors below.

{ ruby red rose petals }

{ candy pink rose petals }

{ wisteria violet rose petals }

{ sangria rose petals }

{ indigo regency rose petals }

{ peridot rose petals }

{ pewter grey rose petals }

{ serene blue rose petals }

{ clover green rose petals }

{ kelly green shamrock rose petals }

{ fern green rose petals }

{ cognac rose petals }

{ apple green rose petals }

{ light yellow rose petals }

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