This would be a cute idea for a small gathering, finding architecturally interesting jars and tying the rims with plum inspired ribbons and finally topping them off with dahlias is perfection!

Find fabrics or decorative paper with plum hues or dahlia designs and create a chic, color and design coordinated garland for decor.

Find dahlia and plum inspired decorative paper, cut them into different gift tag shapes.  This would be great for an Escort Card Board, the different sizes and designed tags will be adorable all pinned up!

For more about this idea, be sure to visit Decor 8 for this Color Me Pretty edition designed by Creative Mint

{Photo Credits:  All belong to Decor 8}

{Photo Credits:  All photos and DIY instructions belong to Martha Stewart Weddings}

Oh for the love of Macaroons!

First of all, no one can deny that the hottest French Macaroons are Laduree Macaroons…they always come perfectly packaged in true French fashion all wrapped up in a nice satin bow.  The only problem is that they are only available in France and Western Europe!  Fortunately, there are so many comparable patisseries in the States that let us indulge in our craze for macaroons that we are able to get our fill.  Until my next trip to Paris, I will be dreaming of Laduree Macaroons!

Perfectly packaged Laduree Macaroons every single time!  Aren’t they precious?

{DID YOU KNOW?  There are two ways to spell these yummy treats:  American Lingo::Macaroons or say it like the French::Macaron.  Take your pick, they all mean, yummy flavored cakes!}

{The Finest French Macaroons from San Francisco + Los Angeles}

These French Macaroons from L’Artisan, maker of Gourmet Parisian Macaroons in San Francisco, are scrumptious!  They have so many flavors including (from L to R)::Seasonal Pickings, Espresso, Almond, Rasberry, and an extensive list including Mint, Lemon, Pistachio, etc.  I’m definately making a trip there very soon!

Paulette “Macarons” are all the rage right now.  They have two flagship stores in San Francisco and in Beverly Hills, CA, serving 12 different flavors that can be ordered online or picked up in store.  They can be ordered in bulk for “Macaron Towers”, ordered in boxes of 12 or 24 for private parties or gifts, or ordered in petite boxes of 2 or 4 for favors.  Their packaging is contemporary in true California fashion, leaving me totally wanting one!

DID YOU KNOW?  “Macaron” in french means “Fine Dough”…very fine indeed!

{French Macarons from NYC + New Orleans}

Mad Mac NYC is a bakery that specializes in MADelieines and MACarons.  They are the epitomy of gourmet goodness for the world of madeleines and macarons and are available in small trays of 12 or large trays of 48.  I’m going to NYC in September, can’t wait to stop by and grab a box!

Sucre is surely the toast of the South when it comes to a gourmet Confectioner’s Boutique.  Their yummy macarons have been featured everywhere from Oprah to Paula Deen’s Best Desserts.  Not only do they have the assorted and seasonal macaron selections, they also have chocolate dipped macarons!  Now that’s surely heaven in a box!  Watch the owners of Sucre make these lovely treats below!

Sucre – Macaroon from Sucre – Founder – Joel Dondis on Vimeo.

{FOR THE DIY BRIDE or PASSIONATE BAKER}

Martha Stewart has recently provided the recipe for you to make French Macarons at home with different flavors such as almond and pistachio!  If you are a DIY Bride, be sure to make your macarons with your favorite flavor and remember, practice makes perfect!  If you love baking (like me) then this will be a fun and ambitious recipe to try.  Download the recipe here