Our Picnic Luncheon Bridal Shower

We were so lucky to have a beautiful sunny day for our outdoor bridal shower!Chalkboard paper and crepe-paper flowers carried our "picnic" theme.Our bride, Cheryl wore her paper-flower crown as she posed under the welcome banner made with chalkboard paper.Alicia helped prep our picnic lunch boxes.  We wanted to treat our guests to picnic lunches that were delicious and adorable!Our polka-dot cocktail napkins made a nice contrast to line the lunch boxes.  Sandwiches were wrapped in pretty gift wrap bands.  We used Paper Eskimo baking cups to hold the salad and of course we added a striped paper straw for the beverage.A band of Rifle giftwrap holds the lunch boxes together with style!Our Meri-Meri flower garlands were the perfect touch of decor!The chalkboard paper is so easy to customize and the perfect table cover for our casual, playful picnic tables.  While Cheryl opened her gifts the shower guests played Bridal Shower Bingo.  We had asked our guests to send us their favorite recipes ahead of time so we could compile them into a {Russell + Hazel} recipe book for Cheryl.  These packets of the recipes were the favors everyone took home.

Outdoor inspiration

First real week of summer!  I love this point of potentiality - so many sunny days ahead!  Put a date on the calendar, invite your best buds and plan to dine al fresco!  Our shop is brimming with beautiful books to inspire!  Here are just a few:Season's, by Donna HayDonna Hay's books are the perfect combination of eye candy and substance.  This beauty spotlights recipes using fresh seasonal ingredients.  This is a resource you'll go to for entertaining all year long.A Perfect Day for a Picnic, by Tori FinchI love this book for it's  clever themed parties.  Take it to the extreme and follow all of  the recipes and decor for one of the many picnics in this book or take an idea here and there for your own inspired meal.Handmade Gatherings:  Recipes and Crafts for Seasonal Celebrations and Potluck Parties, by Ashley English.This book is about communal dining.  Get the kids involved.  Everyone pitches in.  I love this concept because it takes some of the pressure off the host and moves the focus to enjoying the company, the food and the setting.

Calligraphy Class June 30th

Join instructor Ellen Sontra as she takes you through the Copperplate alphabet, sharing all the tips and techniques you'll need to create beautiful calligraphic lettering!  This beginner class includes your pen, nib, ink and paper as well as light refreshments.  The class will be held at our shop on Monday, June 30th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  Space is limited so please give us a call at 206•547•1002 to reserve your spot.  You'll also save 15% on any purchases you make during the evening.  Ellen has had a passion for calligraphy ever since learning more than ten years ago. "Over those years, my handwriting has become a unique part of who I am and something I love to share with others".We now stock a nice selection of inks {including white, gold and colors}, nibs, pen holders and books for calligraphers.