We all know that the color of the year from Pantone that’s been passed out is the Very Peri. A hint of periwinkle, a dash of lavender but overall just a gorgeous tone that we are sure to see all over weddings and events this year. A perfect way to incorporate this tone into your special day is with cocktails. Tipsy Tin created three superb cocktails photographed by Ivey Photo (with the 4 same ingredients) that your guests are positively going to love sipping on during cocktail hour and onto the dance floor. Stay tuned at the end for our own recipe on making your own lavender simple syrup (just in case you want to enjoy these on the couch vs in a venue).

Lavender French 75

1 ½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
¾ oz Lemon Juice
¾ oz Lavender Simple Syrup
Top with Prosecco
1. To make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Allow cooling.
2. To make one cocktail: Shake gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, over ice. Strain into a coupe or flute. Top with prosecco & garnish with a lemon twist and/or lavender sprig.

Lavender Lemonade

2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
1 oz Lavender Simple Syrup
2 oz Homemade Lemonade
1. Fill a stemless wine glass with crushed ice. Shake lemonade and syrup on ice and strain into the glass.
2. Layer Empress 1908 Gin on top and add more crushed ice. Garnish with a lavender sprig.

Lavender Gin Sour

1 ½ oz Empress 1908 Gin
½ oz Lemon Juice
½ oz Lavender Simple Syrup
1 Egg White (optional or sub-ingredients)
1. In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients (but no ice), then shake the living bejeezus out of it until it gets nice and foamy from the egg white.
2. Then fill your shaker with ice and shake again until nice and cold. Then strain into your favorite cocktail glass (I like to double strain egg white cocktails using a fine mesh strainer or cocktail strainer), give it a few seconds to let the foam settle on top, and enjoy!

How to Make Lavender Simple Syrup at Home

½ cup water
 ½ cup white sugar (or alternative)
1 tbsp edible or culinary grade lavender (NOT essential oils)
Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over medium-low heat and heat until all of the sugar dissolves. This will only take a few minutes. Let cool for a few minutes.
Using a very fine mesh strainer, strain the contents into a lidded container and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it (a glass jar works great, but anything with a tight lid will do!).

The post How to Create 3 Superb Pantone Cocktails with 4 Ingredients appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Get cozy by the fire with these 10 cocktails and mocktails this holiday season. Being together in the kitchen is pretty fun and making something super yummy and tasty is even better. We’ve linked out to all the recipes and given non-alcoholic alternatives for all the booze to make it so easy for you. Get the 
Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma recipe here and and sub tequila for
Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit if you’d prefer a mocktail.

You might also want to check out how couples are incorporating 
signature cocktails into their big day. This
signature cocktail is fit for a princess and these
mobile bar carts will do it all for you!

Cinnamon Bourbon Fizz

^{CINNAMON BOURBON FIZZ: @halfbakedharvest}

Let’s start with the Cinnamon Bourbon Fizz from
@halfbakedharvest.
Celebrate the season with this Cinnamon Bourbon Fizz – the perfect cozy winter cocktail. Homemade cinnamon honey syrup, mixed with warming bourbon, lemon, and bitters, then topped off with bubbly water. Made extra sweet and special with Aperol, for a festive and delicious holiday cocktail. Perfect for upcoming Christmas parties with family and friends…or on a cold night in with a loved one. 

Get the recipe here and for a mocktail sub the bourbon for
Lyre’s American Malt and the Aperol for
Lyre’s Italian Spritz.

Old Fashioned

^{Old Fashioned: @kasia.c.faber}

The Old Fashioned by 
@kasia.c.faber. 
In the early 1800s, the Old Fashioned was consumed without ice as an eye-opening tonic first thing in the morning!!! Over years it eventually went on to become a more sophisticated cocktail.

Get the recipe here and for a mocktail sub the bourbon for
Lyre’s American Malt.

Festive Sangria Cocktail

^{Festive Sangria Cocktail: @thebittergringo}

This Festive Sangria Cocktail by 
@thebittergringo looks pretty amazing, wouldn’t you agree? You
can get the recipe here. Check out a recipe for
non-alcoholic sangria here.

Christmas Gin Cocktail

^{Christmas Gin Cocktail: @realsimplegood}

This Christmas Gin Cocktail from 
@realsimplegood looks almost too pretty to drink! Almost. 
A beautifully red holiday drink, this Christmas gin cocktail (or mocktail!) is a tart and festive beverage to sip on at any holiday gathering. Made simply with cranberry and other citrus juices and lightly sweetened with maple syrup.⁣

Get the recipe here and sub gin for
Lyre’s Dry London Spirit for a mocktail.

Whipped Coffee White Russian

^{Whipped Coffee White Russian: @halfbakedharvest}

This Whipped Coffee White Russian by 
@halfbakedharvest … I mean hot chocolate is cool but coffee is much, much cooler. Get the recipe here and for a mocktail and sub vodka for
Lyre’s Dry London Spirit.

Spiced Pomegranate Margaritas

^{Spiced Pomegranate Margaritas: @spoonfulofplants}

These festive Spiced Pomegranate Margaritas by 
@spoonfulofplants are speaking our language!
Get the recipe here and sub tequila for
Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit.

Spiced Gin and Ginger

^{Spiced Gin and Ginger: @cocktailchap}

This Spiced Gin and Ginger by 
@cocktailchap looks like a work of art so for sure give Matt the 
@cocktailchap, writer and reviewer of cocktails and spirits, a follow. It will definitely warm you up!
Get the recipe here and sub gin for
Lyre’s Dry London Spirit for a mocktail.

Ho Ho Hot Chocolate

^{Ho Ho Hot Chocolate: @wildrootsspirits}

Pretty please with a cherry on top for Ho Ho Hot Chocolate! 
Get the recipe here and for a mocktail and sub vodka for
Lyre’s Dry London Spirit and 
Black Cherry Beverage Infusion.

C H E S T N U T S O U R

^{C H E S T N U T S O U R: @theo_maxfield}

You’re playing with fire when you’re making 
@theo_maxfield‘s C H E S T N U T S O U R!
Get the recipe here and be sure to follow 
@theo_maxfield to get all the cocktail inspiration you need from this professional bartender.

The post 10 Winter Cocktails and Mocktails to get Cozy with this Holiday Season appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Are we the only ones who LOVE a good jewel tone? 👑 We can’t be alone in our love for gold, sapphire, amethyst, ruby, emerald and so on … so we rounded up these 10 stunning jewel tone wedding cakes. Be sure to scroll through these cakes all worthy of any jewel toned wedding.

Looking for some more serious jewel tone inspo? Check out this dramatic jewel-tone wedding  where the bride wore her mother’s gown, but first feast your eyes on each and be sure to pin your favorites. 

If you’re still trying to figure out your wedding style, head over and learn how to use a mood board to pick a season and style for your wedding. While we’ve got your attention … you know what goes great with jewel toned weddings? Custom leather jackets.

Above we started with Lima Cakes, a Toronto based cake artist. “We believe that every custom Cake showcases your taste and dream vision. We are delighted to work with you to help realize your own story through Art and create a lifetime memory.”

^{Cake: @ekats}

Ekat’s Couture Cakes is a haute couture cake designer based in Brisbane, Australia. 
Everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or how you participate in the party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks or social media message. And the way you feel.

^{Cake: @crummbcakes}

Crummb Cakes is based in and is available to all parts of Singapore and Sentosa.

On any given day, you’ll find me in my little hole-in-a-wall studio, making sugar flowers, baking, and coaxing fondant into gleaming towers of perfection. It’s my dream job, because I love working with my hands, I love making beautiful things, and I love working alone.

^{Cake: @syniesparis}

Synie’s Paris is a cake designer & recipe creator for any occasion. They create dessert tables, gifts, vegan & gluten free too. France & destination.

Personalized and delicious cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes, cookies & dessert tables. Vegan & Gluten free too. Based in Paris, France. Love of cakes, attention to detail, creativity and service inspire us to bake and decorate the cake of your dreams, from recipe development and design up to installation and delivery of your dessert. A cake can only be as good as the sum of its parts and for this reason we use only the best quality ingredients. We specialize in creating customized and personalized cakes, unique to you, tailored to your event.

^{Cake: @tortikannuchka}

Tortik Annushka is based in Moscow. 
We create wow-cakes to make the world a wow-place.

^{Cake: @emilyhankinscakes}

Emily Hankins created bespoke, hand painted wedding cakes based in Cornwall, is a cake painting tutor and regular contributor to Cakes and Sugarcraft Magazine.

^{Cake: @icedcakesatx}

Iced Cakes creates simple & elegant luxury custom wedding cakes and hand crafted custom sugar floristry located in Austin, Texas.

^{Cake: @sweetheatheranne}

Sweet Heather Anne is a boutique cake studio based in Ann Arbor, Michigan who’s gotten massive attention from her edible sequin cakes and tutorials. 

^{Cake: @crummbcakes}

^{Cake: @lima.cakes}

^{Cake: @cake_whisperer}

Cat Campbell is the Cake Whisperer and is based in Ottawa, Canada. Be sure to check out the beauty above on Instagram!

^{Cake: lima.cakes}

The post 12 Jewel Tone Wedding Cakes to Inspire Your Winter Wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Did someone day cocktails? It’s Friday and I keep thinking it’s five o’clock somewhere. Happy hour can’t come soon enough, but while we’re on the subject of cocktails … You’re probably going to have a bar at your wedding, right? If you didn’t already know, Mobile Bar Carts are all the rage, and for very good reason. One they’re a great alternative to a traditional bar for starters. Two, they’re cute and you can find them to fit almost any wedding style. They sling beer and booze for your guests. They also create a moment at your pre ceremony, cocktail hour and reception giving your guest something to talk about long after they’ve left the wedding. As you know, guests are naturally going to congregate around the bar, so why not make it super special? Read on to hear from 10 of the cutest mobile bar carts themselves!

Wayfarer Mobile Bar

^{Follow: @wayfarermobilebar}

Wayfarer Mobile Bar based in Santa Cruz is inspired by the natural beauty of the California coast, Wayfarer is a mobile bar and beverage service providing bartenders, bar rentals, and event staff for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, baby showers, and more. We have a trio of thoughtfully designed mobile bars and a bespoke approach to crafting drink menus to reflect your event aesthetic. Our crew consists of the most personable, fun-loving, and professional local bartenders and staff with deep roots in the service and hospitality industries. We are experienced event planners, hosts, beverage enthusiasts, and problem solvers. Don’t see what you need listed on our services page? Just ask! We can make (almost) anything happen. 

Drinks with Daisy

^{Follow: @drinkswithdaisy}

Drinks With Daisy based in New Jersey is a custom built mobile tap trailer created to bring an upscale yet vintage vibe to your wedding or special event. This retro mobile bar was carefully designed to bring your unique party vision to life. Our “Daisy” has a beautiful flower tile backsplash design, a stunning yet neutral color-blocked paint pattern, and 4 brand new stainless steel taps to serve your choice of beer, wine, bubbly, custom kegged cocktails or non-alcoholic options to provide an incredible and memorable experience for every guest. Our stunning wood bar countertop is the perfect display for your event decor, drink menu, and flower/balloon arrangements. Our tap trailer is a true wildflower who can’t wait to be part of your special day. We would love to provide you with a custom quote based on your event vision and needs!

Blush Bar

^{Follow: @blushbaratx}

Blush Bar is based in Austin and is a mobile frosé bar cart that was created to provide a fun, unique, and one-of-a-kind experience for your special event in the Central Texas area! We specialize in frosé but are happy to create any frozen signature drink to make your celebration an unforgettable one.

Bubble Buggi

^{Follow: @thebubblebuggi}

Bubble Buggi based in Orlando is not just a bar it is a unique mobile bar experience. Luci is our vintage mini Italian truck turned prosecco van serving any requested beverage through her four available taps. Luciana “Luci” Buggi, doesn’t fit in (nor does she want to). Luci oozes Italian heritage. She can be found chilling with your friends, family, colleagues or clients, she rolls into venues with style and grace – showing boring old fitted bars who’s boss (thanks to her petite size, she’ll glide through any set of double doors). She’s a conversation sparker, a real party starter now, all that’s left is for you to invite your star guest. And we have added, Giuseppi, a tap bike featuring 2 taps, and always ready to serve nitro cold brew or if you want to get cute he’s always down for a little Rosé!

Silicon x Sea Sips

^{Follow: @siliconxsea}

Silicon x Sea Sips is based in Los Gatos and once they cruise up, you celebrate! We are a mobile beverage service and tap van dedicated to curating inclusive experiences filled with soulful sips that increase connection and creativity at your special gathering. Whether you like a free spirited refreshment or prefer a spike in your beverage, we’ve got you covered.

The Thirsty Goose

^{Follow: @the_thirsty_goose}

The Thirsty Goose based in Cleveland is a full service bartending company. With multiple rentals to to add to the overall look and feel of your special day, our goal is to take all the stress out of planning the bar. We will assist with menu planning, ordering and delivery, and provide all the bar essentials. Really, you don’t have to do anything accept pay for the alcohol! We’d love to help you get the party started!!

Tappy Camper

^{Follow: @tappycamper}

Tappy Camper based in Philadelphia is a beautiful vintage camper renovated into a mobile tap bar and photo booth in one! First of its kind in PA, Tappy is equipped with 4 taps on the outside and a digital photo booth on the inside! She’s a fun, unique addition to any celebration!

The Roaming Speakeasy Co.

^{Follow: @theroamingspeakeasyco}

The Roaming Speakeasy Co. based in Portland is a vintage mobile bar service available for all life’s events. We take great pride in making you and your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and celebrated – with a good drink in hand. We’ll provide everything from the swanky mobile bar, to the alcohol, ice, syrups, and garnishes. Sit back, relax- we have you covered. Our unique mobile bars are sure to be a statement piece for your special event and are included with every full-service package we offer. We can’t wait to serve your guests in style. If you love the look of our mobile bars but would rather provide the beverages yourself, you can rent our speakeasy for the day. You bring the booze— we bring the party. Already have a bar caterer? No problem! We rent our signature horsebox bars in ME, NH, MA & VT- We drop, they serve!

The Tipsy Trotter

^{Follow: @thetipsytrotter}

The Tipsy Trotter based in Tampa is shaking up the ordinary in the wedding and event scene and redefining the status quo of an event bar service. From providing craft cocktails using the freshest ingredients to styling our photo worthy mobile bars to each events vision, no detail is missed. We aim to provide our couples and their guests with an experience to be remembered.

Fizzy Memories

^{Follow: @fizzy_memories}

Fizzy Memories based in North Haven has vintage charm for your modern event! Our company offers a mobile VW Photobooth Wanda and a mobile tap truck Pearl. Wanda, is a 1976 Volkswagen bus that was renovated into a show stopping photobus! Pearl, is the cutest tap truck with two tap systems ready to pour any beer, wine, champagne or cocktail for your guest.

The post 10 of the Best Mobile Bar Carts for Your Wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Okay, so truth RN, maybe we should have tasked another one of our writers with this story – because I am beyond biased, but macarons are one of the greatest things in life. And when I had to choose the favors for my wedding six years ago, there was only ever one consideration in my mind: macarons. These gorgeous and super delicate desserts are even more on brand with a bride than wedding cake is. Yes, that’s what I said, macarons feel more bride than wedding cake… just let that sink in for sec. In any case, we tapped a macaron mastermind and her team at Sweet Alibi Bakery, and they gave us a few things to chew on when it comes to wedding desserts.

And where were you when you were supposed to be WFH?

Netflix and day drinking… nah! Only kidding 😉 This time I actually have an alibi… ordering mouth-watering macarons, because my quarantine snack game has gotten way too basic. Sweet Alibi is actually one of our neighbors in Boise, ID! But just a few days ago, they announced that they’re now shipping nationwide… TG! So, you’ll want to get on that right away if you’re craving these confections outside of the City of Trees.

Why are macarons even more magnifique for brides? 

Well, let’s break it down. Or build it up… #thattowertho

They’re always elevated. 

Going back to that earlier point about macarons being even more bride than wedding cake, this is what we mean. Macarons just feel fancy and festive, they’re uplifting, and essentially, they ‘look the part’ for an event that translates into love and milestone-making.

They’re so versatile.

Weddings are a beautiful occasion, so they deserve equally-stunning sweets. And what’s great about macarons is that they’re always beautiful, but they can be tailored (with a kaleidoscopic range of food colorings, infinitely-flavored fillings, and decorative dustings for high-impact effect) to any pre or post wedding celebration.

A lemon lavender and rose tower for your bridal shower? Something matte black and gold-flecked for your bachelorette? A darling duo of harmonizing or competing (hey opposites attract!) flavors for your wedding favors? The dessert that can do ALL the things!

They’re light and prone to a little less guilt. 

Sure, any dessert can feel heavy if you eat enough of it, but these elegant treats get points for their floating-down-the-aisle style airiness. Sweet Alibi’s recipes are naturally gluten-free, made by hand, with no preservatives or artificial flavorings, baked with almond flour, and mixed with mostly locally-sourced ingredients including eggs, lavender, and honey. How many times have you heard, as a bride, that calories from wedding desserts/tastings don’t count?

Well, we can get behind that BS just a litttttle bit more with macarons. Hah.

These brides get the **very pretty** picture

“What can I tell you about these macarons? If you eat them, you will know. You don’t even have to listen to me. These macarons are delicate, yet chewy. They defy the laws of gravity. I don’t know how Krissy does it. They are magical. Her flavors are bold and creative. The honey one she does. *shivers* (Soooo gooood) But don’t worry: her rose and lavender macaron… they are amazing. And I don’t even like those flavors. Really. I usually think they taste like soap. Krissy’s don’t. These are desserts made with love. Eat these and be filled with love.”

“The macaron tower at my bridal shower was amazing! Everyone loved the elegant presentation and the different fruity flavors in my wedding colors! They were light and delicious – the perfect dessert that no one could resist.”

Consider this our quarantine present to you! 

Because we’re going through something tough right now! Get 10 percent off your order if you mention this post, so get in touch and see the custom flavors and designs the SAB team can create for your special day!

FOLLOW ALONG ON IG TO SEE ALL THE TDF FLAVOR COMBINATIONS

instagram post

We partnered with Sweet Alibi Bakery to share their delicious non-cake baked goods for all your pre, during, and post wedding events. As always, thank you for supporting our sponsors!

The post This Boise-Based Bakery Makes the Most Heavenly Macarons appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Just the other day, my husband and I were talking about all the weddings we’ve gone to over the last few years, and, very innocently, we ended up ranking them. ALL were great, don’t get us wrong, but when we considered what the 🍒 on top were for our favorite fetes, it came down to the food – what it was and how it was presented. Now, obviously every couple is going to seek out sweet and savory savants for their wedding food service, because who doesn’t want to eat well on their wedding day; it’s when you want that food to help tell a story, that you need to employ a Beauty and the Beast, sort of “Be Our Guest” ensemble of chefs, designers, and maître d’s to make it all happen magically. And that’s exactly what The JDK Group does. They make magic not only as caterers, but as florists and premiere event designers, too. 

Food and Flowers, But Make It Fashion.

Yup, that’s pretty much what they do as internationally-awarded caterers ((a Leading Caterer of America, to be more precise)), florists, and event designers. Yet, it’s all done in the service of your unique love story. 

“Nothing means more to us than being able to capture the personalized beauty of you on your wedding day. For over 31 years, we’ve had the honor of composing weddings throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond. These stories have turned into our cherished legends and have helped us harness and refine a variety of event services to use in retelling your love story. Whether it’s venue selection, flavorful food, Pinterest-worthy presentation, personable service, floral design and décor, or bar services – we stamp each element of your wedding with your own unique touch.”  ~ The JDK Group

If that means wanting to dine on cheeseburger dumplings, then so be it! 

Umm. Does that look delicious or what?!?!!

The JDK Group believes that every wedding should have a custom menu, one to celebrate the tastes of each couple, and not only their tastes, but their chemistry. How one flavor works with the other and what that harmony, together, brings forth. Each dish that JDK prepares is handcrafted by the skilled and passionate members of their culinary team who blend the right combination of refined ingredients paired with seasonal and locally-sourced items to deliver flavorful, gorgeously-curated, gourmet food that represents you. 

You’ll never be thinking IDK with JDK. 

Because their expertise in the personalized, special occasion event space is unmatched. From 15 to 15,000-people parties, the JDK team promises exceptional service, incredible food, and truly innovative design. All of which can only come from their people-focused philosophy, trendsetting, stylized presentation + aesthetics, and interactive event experiences.

… We’ve seen their sample menus. Tomato carving stations for cocktail hour? Yasss, we’ll bite.

Every food station is custom-designed with a complementary floral arrangement using your preferred petals, and they’ll even include decor for your bars, gift, cake, and escort card displays and votives for all of your guest reception tables at no charge! 

The one-stop-shop with triple the tricks! 

“JDK was amazing to work with from the start. The team truly cares and listens to your vision and helps you achieve it every step of the way! This definitely decreased my wedding planning stress levels. My husband and I had JDK coordinate and cater our reception as well as provide our floral decor and personal flowers. So many guests shared that it was one of the best receptions/meals they have ever had! Our day would not have been what it was without them!” ~ Laura A.

“My husband and I went with JDK for catering as well as flowers. They really were a one-stop shop! It made planning our wedding so much easier, especially since we did not hire a planner and did everything on our own. We worked with Emma and Lexi for food and drinks. They really helped with the planning process! They were prompt to answer any questions we had and did regular phone calls to check up on us, which was very helpful. The food was delicious. Our guests loved our unique menu and I still dream about our food from that day. JDK went above and beyond (Lexi even ran out to pick up razors for my husband the morning of) and I could not rave about them enough!” ~ Lena S.

“JDK catered our wedding on 11.8.19 and they were amazing!!!! We received so many compliments on the food the entire night. Not only is their food amazing, their service is absolutely perfect. You’re never wondering where someone is or looking for something, they have so much staff there to help, especially with the things your guests need. AMAZING!!! Hire them ASAP!”  ~ Ashley C.

“JDK was absolutely amazing to work with – I would 100% recommend them for your wedding or event! Molly and their entire team were always responsive, friendly, easy to work with and captured my vision for the day perfectly. I can truly say everything went exactly as I had asked/planned because of the hard work from the JDK team!” ~ Abby 

JDK (stands for just do [it] kids)! 

When food and fun are non-negotiables for your nuptials, an extra $500 can go a long way! Contact one of the JDK Group Wedding Specialists to inquire about collaborations for your 2020 wedding. And to thank you for teaming up with them, you’ll get a $500 gift card good towards an extra food station for cocktail hour or some swoon-worthy velvet linens to dress your tables ((you know, the ones you’ve been lusting over since last year, but haven’t been able to justify it)).

FOLLOW THE JDK GROUP ON IG TO SEE HOW COUPLES HAVE BEEN EATING UP ALL THEY HAVE TO OFFER.

instagram post

The post If Food Is a Big Day Big Deal for You Then You’ll Need to Meet JDK appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Christmas time is known for packing in tons of different traditions but one of our favorites is getting together with friends and family and baking up a storm. It might not be great for our waistlines but the warm fuzzies that we feel during and after this cookie baking sesh are more than enough to make up for it!

Not sure what to bake first? We will let you in on our list of Christmas cookies we shouldn’t but really should bake up this holiday season with 20 delicious recipes that we can’t wait to ruin our diets for! Keep scrolling to start the sweet torture of picking out what to bake first. 

1. Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

(Above) You know those AWEsome soft sugar cookies that you always want to buy at the grocery store but only cave in and devour once in a while… well, you may not want to know this, but we have a recipe for those exact cookies!!

Prep Time: 20 mins |  Cook Time: 7 mins |  Makes: 4 dozen

Visit Wholefully for the full recipe!

2. CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT GANACHE COOKIES

^{get the recipe: Two Peas & Their Pod}

Chocolate cookies, okay. Dip them in chocolate ganache, go on! Sprinkle it with a generous helping of crushed candy cane, quit talking and start baking!!! Seriously, why has the oven not been preheated yet!?

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Makes: 32 cookies

Visit Two Peas & Their Pod for the full recipe!

3. Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies

^{get the recipe: Dear Chrissy}

There is something very grandmotherly about these raspberry almond shortbread cookies. They feel like the kind of treat she would have waiting for you as after an afternoon of playing in the snow. Well, now you can pass this tradition on to the children in your life… or maybe just keep them for yourself.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Makes: 36 cookies 

Visit Dear Crissy for the full recipe!

4. Peppermint Bark

^{Get The Recipe: Sugar Apron}

Alright you caught us, this isn’t technically a cookie, but needless to say, peppermint bark is a holiday staple. How many times have you looked at a half-eaten container of it and wondered who snuck in and stole all your delicious Christmas candy? Before you start interrogating your cat about this theft we have good news. You can make more!

Prep Time: 20 mins | Makes: One 9×9 pan

Visit Sugar Apron for the full recipe!

5. Salted Pistachio bRITTLE

^{GET the RECIPE: Cravings by Chrissy Teigen}

We just couldn’t resist adding some brittle. You’ll have to pull out your candy thermometer for this killer dessert, but we promise you it’ll be worth the extra work! This not-so-sweet, but incredibly yummy brittle drives us wild, and it makes for an amazing gift. Win-win!

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 7-10 mins | Serves: 10-12

Visit Cravings by Chrissy Teigen for the full recipe!

6.Orange Vanilla Cookies

^{get the recipe: Imperial Sugar}

Need something to go with that hot cocoa you are sipping? Let us recommend these old fashioned orange-vanilla cookies. With a bit of orange zest to brighten up your taste buds and the soothing taste of vanilla bean, you cannot go wrong this holiday season with these dainty looking cookies.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Makes: 3 dozen

Visit Imperial Sugar for the full recipe!

7. Peppermint kiss oreo balls

^{get the recipe: The First Year}

We admit that we haven’t had these before but you can’t go wrong with an oreo + peppermint combo, and these look so yummy we might just try them this weekend. From the peppermint kiss in the center to the candy cane coating on the outside, we can’t wait to start baking!

Total time: 1 hour 30 mins | Makes: About two dozen 

Visit The First Year for the full recipe!

8. Homemade Samoas Cookies

^{Get the recipe: Just a Taste}

Those Girl Scouts really have us trained. Who else craves Thin Mints or Tagalongs around this time of year? Don’t you wish you could just go to the store and pick up a box? Well, now you can stick it to those Girl Scouts by baking up your own! These homemade Samoas look good enough to box up and sell at insane prices for people to hoard in their freezers for half the year.

Prep Time: 2 hours | Cook Time: 15 mins | Makes: 4 dozen

Visit Just A Taste for the full recipe!

9. Grinch Christmas Cookies

^{Get the recipe: Momdot}

Bright green and a single red heart-shaped sprinkle in the middle, these Grinch cookies caught our eye immediately. We know the kids in your life… and your child at heart will love these adorable themed cookies, even if you do spend this season hating Who’s.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10-13 mins

Visit Momdot for the full recipe!

10. Classic Gingerbread Men Cookies

^{get the recipe: Sally’s Baking Addiction}

Gingerbread Men are classic. What holiday cartoon special is complete without a few of these guys sprinkled throughout, and what kid hasn’t loved decorating their own every year. Classic holiday memories to go with a classic holiday cookie. Well, you may love the look of gingerbread men, but sometimes the cookie isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. This recipe is here to change that, soft in the center and crisp on the edges we want to gobble these all up right now!

Prep Time: 4 hours | Cook Time: 9-10 mins | Makes: 24, 4in cookies

Visit Sally’s Baking Addiction for the full recipe!

11. Famous Soft Glazed Pumpkin Cookies

^{get the recipe: Chocolate With Grace}

Our culture is OBSESSED with pumpkin right now, but for good reason, pumpkin spice is such a wonderful taste that we can’t help adding it to everything, but one thing no one argues against is pumpkin cookies. And let us tell you these are some of THE BEST! Thick and soft with a delicious glaze, sign us up for 4 dozen!

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Makes: 6 dozen

Visit Chocolate With Grace for the full recipe!

12. Eggnog Fudge

^{get the recipe: Baking Beauty}

Can you say heaven? We love eggnog and seeing it appear in stores gives us a little lift of holiday spirit every year! Now a few days ago we would have said their nothing you can do to make eggnog any more perfect, but that was before we saw this recipe for eggnog fudge!!! Waaaaaaaaaat? Heaven, meet perfection!

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Makes: 24 pieces (or one giant plate for yourself)

Visit Baking Beauty for the full recipe!

13. Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies With Almonds

^{get the recipe: Food, Forks, and Fun}

Dark chocolate AND cherry… we are listening. These dark little cookies have to be added to our list of things to bake soon. With some delicious potential, we can’t wait to chow down on these next to a roaring fire while it quietly snows outside our window.

Prep Time: 50 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Makes: 32 cookies

Visit Food, Folks, and Fun for the full recipe!

14. Christmas Wreath Cookies

^{get the recipe: The First Year}

These are a true remnant of our past as they always seemed to show up at holiday bake sales and Christmas parties. Simple enough most elementary school kids could help make these fun little wreaths, plus forget the frosting, decorating these suckers is a sinch. These are a must if you have kids!

Prep Time: 20 mins | Makes: 12-14 wreaths

Visit The First Year for the full recipe!

15. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

^{get the recipe: Rasa Malaysia}

These chocolate crinkle cookies are always a crowd favorite at our house, but we also have nicknamed them funny albeit gross things like reindeer and/or snowman poop cookies. But whatever you call them, they will not last long.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Makes: 6 dozen

Visit Rasa Malaysia for the full recipe!

16. hOMEMADE SALTED CARAMEL

^{get the recipe: 12 Tomatoes}

Salted caramel!! Could this season get any more cheery? Our mouths are watering just thinking of this tasty treat and now you can cook up a batch right at home! P.S. These delicious morsels also make for a wonderful gift for friends and family, so share the love!

Prep Time: 30 mins | Makes: 4 dozen

Visit 12 Tomatoes for the full recipe!

17. Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Cookies

^{get the recipe: Yellow Bliss Road}

Sweet Mary and Joseph! They have turned chocolate cheesecake into a cookie. There go all our dieting plans for the new year. Not that we are complaining, these chocolate-dipped cheesecake cookies look way better than the gym.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 10-12 mins | Makes: 2 dozen

Visit Yellow Bliss Road for the full recipe!

18. Buckeye Brownie Cookies

^{get the recipe: Taste of Lizzy T}

Who here has had a buckeye before? We encountered them a few years ago and were blown away by the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor. It was like a peanut butter cup had kicked its game up 20 notches! Now add that to a fudgy gooey brownie cookie and your heart is sure to flutter for a few minutes before it shuts down from the sugar overload! Now that’s what we call a cookie!

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 24 mins | Makes: 24 cookies

Visit Tastes of Lizzy T for the full recipe!

19. Apple Pie Cookies

^{get the recipe: OMG Chocolate Desserts}

If you could make your favorite pie bite-sized wouldn’t you? Unequivocally YES! That’s why when we saw these apple pie cookies we just stopped and drooled for a few minutes. Not only are they so pretty with their classic pie lattice tops but they also won us over in the taste category!

Prep Time: 1.5 hours | Cook Time: 20-30 mins | Makes: 16 cookies

Visit OMG Chocolate Desserts for the full recipe!

20. Peppermint Sugar Cookies + Cream Cheese Frosting

^{get the recipe: Cooking Classy}

We couldn’t close out a cookie slider without some classic peppermint sugar cookies, right? And these pink and white little devils are exactly that! Soft and chewy like the Lofthouse cookies, but with a heavenly hint of peppermint and topped with cream cheese frosting. Yes, yes, yes a thousand times yes!

Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 11 mins | Makes: 15 cookies

Visit Cooking Classy for the full recipe!

The post 20 Christmas Cookies We Shouldn’t But Really Should Make This Season appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Are you planning a fall wedding? With balmy temperatures and color-changing leaves, you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque time of year. Guests will be able to lounge outside without the annoyance of sweltering heat and mosquitoes. You can even say “I do” beneath a perfect sunset.

To combat the crispness in the air, serve up a creative cocktail menu that will keep guests toasty warm.

1. The Plum-and-Thyme Prosecco

^{Image: My Diary Of Us Blog}

Plums  |  Sprigs of Thyme  |  Thyme Simple Syrup  |  Lemon Juice  |  Prosecco

To start this recipe, peel and chop two plums. In a shaker, muddle the fruit with six sprigs of thyme, four tablespoons of thyme simple syrup and the juice of a lemon. Shake with crushed ice. Then, distribute between two glasses and top it off with a bottle of your favorite bubbly. For that picture-perfect look, garnish with plum slices and thyme sprigs.

2. The Sangria Mexican Mule

^{Image: Tidy Mom Blog}

Tequila  |  Red Wine  |  Lime Juice  |  Ginger Beer  |  Blackberries  |  Lime Wedges

To make this recipe, fill a double rocks glass halfway up with ice. Then, add two ounces of tequila, one ounce of red wine and a half-ounce of fresh lime juice. Stir gently to combine. Top the mixture with four ounces of chilled ginger beer and stir again. Garnish the drink with a skewer of fresh blackberries and lime slices.

3. The Pumpkin Harvest 

^{Image: The Taste SF}

Bourbon  |  Simple Syrup  |  Apple Cider  |  Amaretto  |  Heavy Cream  | Pumpkin Puree  |  Angostura Bitters  |  Pumpkin Pie Spice or Grated Nutmeg

To start, fill the shaker with ice, then add 1.75 ounces of bourbon. Next, add .75 ounces of both simple syrup and apple cider, plus a half-ounce of amaretto and heavy cream. You’ll also need three tablespoons of pumpkin puree and two dashes of Angostura bitters. Shake vigorously until the mixture becomes frothy, then strain into a glass. Garnish with pumpkin pie spice or grated nutmeg.

4. The Cinnamon Tequila Sour

^{Image: The Almond Eater}

Tequila  |  Simple Syrup  |  Lemon Juice  |  Egg White  |  Cinnamon

This frothy beverage is super easy to make. Start by adding one ounce of tequila, two tablespoons of simple syrup, the juice of half a lemon and one egg white to a shaker. Don’t forget to sprinkle in a quarter-teaspoon of cinnamon. Shake until the mixture becomes foamy, about 10 to 20 seconds. Then, transfer to your desired stemware.

5. The Lady Apple

^{Image: Liquid Culture}

Sho Chiku Bai Nigor Silky Mild Sake  |  Hana Fuji Apple Sake  |  Simple Syrup  |  Lime Juice  |  Apple Slice  |  Lime Peel

To make this sweet cocktail, fill a shaker halfway with ice. Add one ounce of Sho Chiku Bai Nigor Silky Mild Sake and an ounce of Hana Fuji apple sake. Include a half-ounce of simple syrup and lime juice. Shake the mixture well, then transfer to a glass. Garnish with an apple slice and spiraled lime peel.

6. The Pumpkin Apple Shandy

^{Image: Jennifer Meyering}

Pumpkin Beer  |  Apple Cider  |  Bourbon  |  Apple Slice

This fall cocktail is easy to make, though guests will think you’re a shandy genius. It’s got all the flavors of fall wrapped into one tasty package. Add 12 ounces of pumpkin beer, 10 ounces of apple cider and two ounces of bourbon into a pitcher. Then, stir thoroughly. Pour into a glass and garnish with apple slices.

7. The Orange Thyme Old-Fashioned

^{Image: Country Living}

Orange Zest  |  Sprigs of Thyme  |  Sugar  |  Water  |  Bourbon  |  Angostura Bitters

To make this recipe, combine orange zest, three sprigs of thyme and a cup of both sugar and water in a saucepan. Simmer until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Once the mixture is cool, strain it. Next, place two ounces of bourbon, one tablespoon of your new orange-thyme simple syrup and a dash of Angostura bitters into a shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously. Then, strain into an old-fashioned glass.

8. The Caramel Apple Martini

^{Image: Cooking On The Front Burner}

Caramel or Cinnamon Sugar  |  Apple Cider  |  Caramel Vodka  |  Butterscotch Schnapps  |  Apple Slice

Before you mix your cocktail, rim your glass with caramel or cinnamon sugar. Next, combine two ounces of both apple cider and caramel vodka into a shaker. Add one ounce of butterscotch schnapps. Fill with ice and shake. Then, pour the mixture into your prepared martini glass. Garnish with a fresh slice of apple.

9. The Hot Mulled Apple Cider Sangria

^{Image: The Crumby Kitchen}

Red Wine  |  Apple Cider  |  Honey  |  Spiced Rum  |  Sliced Apple  |  Clementines  |  Cinnamon Sticks  |  Whole Cloves  |  Star Anise  |  Vanilla Bean  |  Nutmeg  |  Ginger

This recipe calls for a bottle of red wine, apple cider, a quarter-cup of honey and a half-cup of spiced rum. You’ll also need a sliced apple and two halved clementines, plus the zest. Combine the ingredients in a large pot on low heat. In another pan, heat cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, vanilla bean, nutmeg, and ginger. Add the spices to the liquid mixture, then simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Serve while hot and garnish with apple slices.

10. The Grasshopper Cocktail

^{Image: Vine Pair}

Crème de Menthe  |  White Crème de Cacao  |  Heavy Cream

This minty, chocolatey treat will remind you of your favorite cookie — it’s also the perfect autumn delight. Fill your shaker with ice, then add one ounce of crème de menthe, one ounce of white crème de cacao and two ounces of heavy cream. Shake until combined, about 10 seconds. Strain into your preferred glass — chilled — and serve immediately.

11. The Rhubarb and Honey Pisco Sour

^{Image: La Petit Eats}

Rhubarb  |  Honey  |  Pisco  |  Lime Juice  |  Egg White 

To start, combine two stalks of rhubarb, a quarter-cup of honey and a quarter-cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and heat for five minutes. Once the mixture is cool, strain it. Next, add three ounces of pisco, one ounce of your fresh rhubarb honey simple syrup, one ounce of lime juice and one egg white to a shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously. Pour the strained liquid into a glass and top with a strip of rhubarb.

12. The Pumpkin Pie Martini

^{Image: Sand & Sisal}

Graham Crackers  |  Maple Syrup  |  Pumpkin Spice Vodka  |  Spiced Dark Rum  |  Vanilla Extract  |  Cinnamon Stick  |  Nutmeg

To make this martini, crush up graham crackers in a plastic bag. Rim a glass with maple syrup, then dip it in the cracker mix. Next, add two ounces of pumpkin spice vodka, one ounce of spiced dark rum and one ounce of maple syrup to a shaker. Toss in a half-ounce of half-and-half and a quarter-teaspoon of vanilla extract. Shake well, then strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and nutmeg.

Everyone likes the standard wine and beer. However, you can keep your guests nice and warm at your fall wedding with some creative cocktails. From the Lady Apple to the Pumpkin Pie Martini, you’re sure to find a recipe everyone will love.

About Our Guest Writer

Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online and more!

Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

The post 12 Creative Cocktails for Your Upcoming Fall Wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

We’re still not over The Rock’s wedding, and it happened over two weeks ago. But this time, it isn’t fashion we’re talking about – nope – it’s cake. Delicious, scrumptious, mouthwateringly-major wedding cake. Instead of a crazy elaborate confection ((which isn’t that common these days)), the pair cut into a modern, one-tiered cake that was as cute as can be. D.Johnson also didn’t even cut it with his wife, instead, he did it solo, with his little girl right beside him in utter amazement. It’s pretty damn evident that this wedding was as much their daughters’ days as it was theirs 😍😍😍.

So, about the cake… to recap, it was a single layer, looks to be frosted-in-buttercream beauty, with piped concentric circle swirls of rainbow icing on top. Not sure what the inside was all about, but according to the gorgeous groom, who couldn’t wait to sweeten up his flower girl’s post-petal fail ((and when we say fail, we mean the petals falling out of her basket was pure perfection)), it was the “sugariest piece of wedding cake.” Yum yum yum.

I mean… can it get any more adorable? Nope, don’t think so.

In any case, not only did we love the toned-down cake vibe ((it doesn’t always have to be tiers on tiers on tiers… there will be enough tears throughout the day already!!)), we also loved the pretty, bright, and happy rainbow aesthetic. It is a wedding day, it can be all rainbows, unicorns, hearts, and happily ever afters.

Feeling inspired, we scoured the Gram to find some similarly hue-tiful wedding desserts, and though a lot of these pâtisseries don’t always turn out prismatic pieces of art, when they do, their cakes are creative as hell. From water-colored, all over buttercream cakes to Picasso-like flourishes of edible paint, when 🌈 and 🍰 come together, it’s totally magical.

^{Cake by: @claireowencakes}

^{Cake by: @sweetbakes_}

^{Cake by: @jasmineraecakes}

^{Cake by: @heytherecupcake_}

^{Cake by: @la_boulangerie}

^{Cake by: @maggieaustincake}

^{Cake by: @doveycakedesign}

^{Cake by: @buttercreamdesign.co}

^{Cake by: @silverwhiskbakeshop}

^{Cake by: @cupcakejemma}

^{Cake by: @heytherecupcake_}

^{Cake by: @vickypebakery}

^{Cake by: @maggieaustincake}

^{Cake by: @knotandbird}

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The post The Rock Had a Rainbow Wedding Cake and Now We Want One appeared first on Weddingchicks.

It’s wedding season, guys, and there’s nothing like it, truly. Vince Vaughn in Wedding Crashers, yeah, that’s us from May through October (and then engagement season follows, so we have lots of love to carry us through the year). Of course, there’s so much about a couple’s soon-to-be-married status that gets us excited, but would we be wrong in saying that one of the high points of their happily ever after are the ample opportunities to share a drink and celebrate in their honor? In any case, we tapped the country’s largest independent retailer of fine wine – Total Wine & More – to see what they had to say about wedding season and how to make things bubble over with the best vibes. The brand thought it would be fun to toast the tribe – after all, they’ve sat through endless dress fittings, pitched in for wedding showers, and whisked you away on bachelor and bachelorette celebrations. They’ve certainly earned some liquid love of their own!

Asking the crew to be a party to your I Dos.

You have probably already gone out for festive ‘he/she just put a ring on it, come celebrate with me’ drinks with your best friends or have even had them attend your engagement party, but when you want to ask them one of the biggest questions ever (will you do this wedding thing with me?), it should come with a certain amount of friendly fanfare. 

We have always loved the idea of planning out a special party for the bridal party – pre-all things wedding – so that you can pay tribute to the guys and girls who might have gone on plenty of double dates with you while you were looking for “the one,” played matchmaker for the two of you, or just supported your relationship as much as possible over the years. You can really do it up for your friends and family members who mean so much to the both of you. With Total Wine & More’s help, that is… 

You know those adorable little “will you be my…” gift boxes. Yes. Start there.

• Going to Total Wine & More for these surprise and delight boxes is basically like meeting with your own cocktail chef or wine sommelier. You will get something that you KNOW will blow them away, tickle their taste buds, and look so thoughtful. 

• Not only can they make incredible recommendations for what to stock in your premium wedding bar or what to gift your in-laws with when you’re getting to know them over the course of your engagement, they’re also extremely keyed into the cocktail cues of your crew.

• I just spent an hour looking over their gift suggestions for the group, and if you have a Scotch-savvy entourage of gentlemen or besties who consistently see the world through rosé glasses, then you’ll get so many awesome, inspired ideas for presents and potables.

Oh! And not to forget, the brand has the cutest offering of minis. So, you won’t have to worry about your friends’ favorite sips not fitting in those boxes you curate. From whisky to wine, Crown Royal to Spumante Rosato, these pretty bottles will make such an impression. They will, we promise!

And having things come full circle (right before you exchange those rings).

By the morning of your wedding, everyone from you and your spouse-to-be to your squad will be ready to cheers on your behalf. But before all that happens, we think that raising a glass to your bridal party is a first priority – and so does Total Wine & More!

Why not bring back some of the same ‘spirits’ that were present when you asked them to be official bridesmaids and groomsmen. If you included cigars and candy as complements to the alcohol, then ask your venue coordinators if you can assemble a cigar bar in the groom’s suite and a candy bar in the bride’s suite. Just to bring those original boxes to life a bit more!

Total Wine & More also encourages couples to consider adding signature bridal party drinks to the bar menu, just to show an even bigger token of your appreciation. After all, there are usually always drinks themed for the Mr. & Mrs., but what about the people who joined them on their road to the altar? Whether it’s just a Maid of Honor or Best Man drink or something even more clever and creative, you can get ALL the cocktail ideas from Total Wine & More. Or even schedule a consultation with a nearby store to get some tipple tips from the pros themselves. Meet with one of their team experts who is ready and willing to help you navigate through their selection of more than 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirts, and 2,500 beers. With their assistance, you’re bound to find the perfect bottles for your bridal party (and the rest of the guest list, too!).

FOLLOW ALONG WITH TOTAL WINE & More ON IG THIS WEDDING SEASON FOR GORGEOUS DRINK RECIPES AND FUN IDEAS TO CELEBRATE YOUR WHOLE CREW.

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We partnered with Total Wine & More to give couples a few ideas on how to ask their best friends and family to be part of their “I Dos.” As always, thank you for supporting our sponsors! **Note, where allowable by law, for customers 21 and over. 

The post How to Come Full Circle With Your Crew Right Before You Say I Do appeared first on Weddingchicks.