Jennifer Carroll Events Blog

DIY Halloween Drink Stirrers

Here is a fun Halloween treat just for YOU!! These little tags are ideal for drink stirrers, cupcake decorations or any other little touches when you might want to add some embellishment! I've created a PDF for you - just click here to Download Halloween Stirrers. There are 4 sets of tags on the sheet.

Sayings include "Trick or Treat", "Boo!", "Witches Brew" and "Spook-tac-ular". I recommend printing them on heavy card stock and cutting each seal out with a 2" circle punch. I also cut out 2 1/2" circles in a heavy black card stock and mounted the seals to them for a little extra pop!

Happy Halloween!

Jennifer

Mad Hatters Halloween Tea Party!

In the spirit of the season, I have created this elegant yet spooky Mad Hatters Halloween Tea Party! I'm crazy for the masks, the hats the ruffles and the treats! Did you spot the Jennifer Carroll Designs Pumpkin note card in the mix?!

There are so many cool elements in this group, I'd LOVE to know what your favorites are!

I hope you have a very safe Halloween filled with many, many treats!

Jennifer

Wedding :: Halloween Style

Having a Halloween Wedding? Check out some of these fun and oh so fabulous ideas to make your celebration positively spook-tacular! Some of my favorites include the monogrammed pumpkins, rich chocolate cake, and of course the amazing Harry Winston cocktail ring! :-)

If you were going to have a Halloween wedding what would be your must have item or look from this board? Please share with me, I'd love to know!

Happy Thursday!

Jennifer

Apricot & Chocolate Bark

 

Candy isn't just for kids on Halloween, here's a wonderful adult treat :: Apricot & Chocolate Bark. I love the golden orange color of the apricots nestled in the chocolate - just like little fallen autumn leaves! Best of all? It's so easy to prepare! Here's my recipe:

Apricot & Chocolate Bark:

Makes approximately 24 pieces

1 bag (11.5 ounces) milk chocolate chips

20 medium size pieces of dried apricots, coarsely chopped

1 :: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

2 :: Melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl, melt in 30 second increments to avoid burning the chocolate. Stir every 30 seconds to be sure chocolate isn't burning on the bottom.

3 :: Pour melted chocolate onto parchment paper. Use a rubber spatula to help spread the chocolate in a thin even layer.

4 :: Place chopped apricots on top of chocolate. Press apricots gently into chocolate.

5 :: Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes or until set.

Break into pieces and enjoy!

Happy Wednesday!

Jennifer :-)

Batty Buffet Decor!

These bat-tacular napkin rings were designed by ultra crafty designer, Eddie Ross... Aren't they fabulous? And best of all - they are easy! Visit Eddie's blog for step by step directions here - there is even a template you can download making your crafting easier than ever!

I am SO making these!!

Happy Tuesday!

Jennifer

Sweet & Salty Pumpkin Seed Recipe from Real Simple magazine

I found this recipe for sweet & salty pumpkin seeds on Real Simple magazine's Halloween site and while I'm not a huge fan of cinnamon, I was intrigued. I use a little less cinnamon than they call for but again that's just personal preference. How do you like yours?

Serves 8 Hands-On Time: 15m Total Time: 1hr 30m

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh pumpkin seeds (from 2 medium pumpkins), rinsed and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Heat oven to 300° F. Spread the seeds on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until dry throughout, 50 to 60 minutes.
2. Increase oven temperature to 350° F. In a large bowl, toss the seeds with the butter, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Return the seeds to the baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

Happy Toasting!

Jennifer

Halloween with Amy Atlas

If you haven't checked out the latest issue of Phyllis Hoffman Celebrate than you haven't seen the most spectacular Halloween goody table presented by the incomparable Amy Atlas! I searched around to find a photo for you and came across the delightful Twig & Thistle blog where Kathleen had shared this photo recently. Isn't that table divine?!

Check out these fabulous pumpkin ideas that Kathleen posted too. While I do love to carve a pumpkin (I love pepitas!!) I have to say it is a huge mess.... these non-carved beauties are so spectacular that I'm definitely thinking of pulling out my paintbrushes!! How about you?

From top, left to right: Country Living: Black & White Painted Pumpkins by Liz Demos, Ladies Home Journal: Stenciled Pumpkins, Rick Rac Pumpkins by Eddie Ross, Decorate for Fall with White Pumpkins, Martha Stewart: Homespun Pumpkin, Country Living: Autumn Harvest, Better Homes and Gardens: Black & White Painted Pumpkins

Happy Thursday!

Jennifer

Only 3 spots left for a FREE engagement photo shoot with Jen Fariello!

Spots are going fast for a FREE engagement photo shoot with Jen Fariello on November 1st at the Sweely Estate Winery Bridal Show!! Call (434.960.1597) or Email (jlhamlin@embarqmail.com) Jennifer Hamlin today to book your spot!

Visit the show's site for more details: http://sweelyestatebridalshowcase.wordpress.com/

Happy Thursday!

Jennifer

Fall Fiber Fantasy!

Autumn is by far my favorite season - I am especially fond of the colors - they are just right for my complexion!! The browns, greens and paprika hues are so warm and inviting - welcoming and wowing all at once!
 
The wide variety of wonderful tweed yarns make knitting up a chic scarf or even a sweater or lap blanket for cuddling up - so tempting! Some of my favorite knitting designs can be found at Debbie Bliss's wonderful website.

Hiding amongst these luscious finds is my Lucky note card - I hope it will bring you luck as a sweet note to friends or posted around your home or office with encouraging sayings such as "Believe in yourself, Others will follow!" - author unknown.

I hope you find a way to embrace the fibers of fall!

~ Jennifer

Wedding Style: Vineyard Chic

I heart vineyard weddings! Here in Virginia's wine country I am blessed to have many opportunities to design weddings in these gorgeous venues. This palette is devoted to images which to me are perfectly suited to a vineyard wedding fete!

I always like to blend vintage and modern - rustic and chic - old and new. The soft greens, creams, pinks and lavender tones are a charming blend... hints of chocolate perfectly anchor it all!

You might have spotted my grape note cards (middle right) - these would be perfect table number signs, menu cards or even over-sized place cards!

C'est Magnifique!

~ Jennifer