Wedding Gifts That Give Back...

Courtesy of Deanne Revel

Hi Friends,

Whether you’re shopping for a new couple or hoping to make an impact at your own wedding, these socially-conscious ideas spread the love, benefit charities and help communities.

For the Kitchen

Photo By: RED

Cookware is one of the most common items gifted at weddings and Le Creuset is a coveted name on registries. The company recently released a cookware set that benefits (RED) and the fight for the world's first AIDS-free generation.

For the Linen Closet

Photo By: Parachute Home

Even luxury gifts can give back. Parachute's bedding features premium Egyptian cotton and is spun in one of Tuscany's most renowned mills. That's fancy. Better yet? For every Venice Bedding Set sold, Parachute donates one life-saving malaria net to Nothing But Nets.

For the Bar Cart

Photo By: United By Blue

At $24, these hand welded monogrammed copper mugs are a steal. The company that sells them, United by Blue, removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every item sold.

For Entertaining

Photo By: Ten Thousand Villages

These gorgeous slate stone serving boards from online retailer Ten Thousand Villages come from the TARA Projects, which gives artisans in North India fair wages, medical insurance and skills training.

For the Backyard

Photo By: Unicef Market

Unicef's online market is a great place to shop for homewares, with more than 8,000 handmade items around the world. All items give back to global artisans and you can see which countries benefit from each item. This hand-woven double hammock from Mexico benefits Maya Artists of the Yucatan.

For a Rainy Day

Photo By: The Smithsonian

If the couple you're shopping for has it all, give the gift of future dates. Museum memberships, like a membership to the Smithsonian, give back plus grant members access to exclusive special events and discounts at gift shops.

For an Adventure

Photo By: REI and Pendleton

Shopping for a couple who loves to be in the great outdoors? Several companies have partnered with the National Parks Foundation to raise money for the park system's centennial this year. Pendleton has released a special line of their famous motor robe blankets inspired by National Park palettes. This would be a perfect reminder of a National Park trip a couple has taken. Or if you want to help outfit a couple, REI has a special National Parks centennial line of gear, from tents to backpacks.

For the Wedding Party

Photo By: Latch Co.

Gifting groom and bridal parties as a thank you is becoming more and more common for couples to budget in their wedding plans. Why not make an impact with these small gifts? Leather goods from Latch Co., like the pictured clutch, benefit artisans around the world, like 2nd Story Goods from Haiti. And luggage tags, such as these vegetable-tanned tags from Apolis, are great unisex gifts. Sometimes brides and grooms like to gift something the wedding party can wear during the ceremony. Serrv has beautiful fair trade accessories, like this brass bangle. Or funky Skyline Socks donates socks to the homeless.

For Your Registry

Photo By: Derek Trimble

If you're looking for a way to give back at your own wedding, pick a charity that means something to you and include it in your wedding invitation and registry. Seeing how many of your guests give and the total impact made will make your special day even more meaningful.

For the Favors

Photo By: Cindy Lockett

No one really needs a tiny bottle of bubbles or gold embossed napkins. Your guests are there for you. Skip the wedding favors and let your guests know you spent that money on a charity. Or if you can't let those napkins go, add a tip jar at your reception for a cause you care about.

Congratulations!

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Live well,
Yvonne

DIY Wedding Favors...

Courtesy of Briana Mowrey

Hi Friends,

Send your friends and family home with something special. These DIY wedding favors are easy to assemble and will impress your guests.

Cocktail Kit


This Rose and Mint Champagne Cocktail makes an elegant signature wedding drink. Better yet, you can fill Mason jars with dried rosebuds, attach a tag with the recipe and send guests home with some happy hour inspiration. Get the recipe>>>.

Tiffany Blue Macarons


You've got to have "something blue" at your wedding. These delicate treats look just like jewelry when packed in little boxes. (Hello, pearl dragees!) Get the recipe>>>.

Infused Sugars


For something really sweet, consider giving infused sugars like the ones shown here by Eden Passante of Sugar and Charm. Just layer sugar and the dry ingredient of your choice in a sealed container for a few days to let the flavor set. Try dried fruit, vanilla beans, coffee beans, lavender — or all of the above!

Bubbles for Adults


Mini pink champagne bottles are adorable adult-only favors. Wrap each bottle with a rectangle of TEXT and add a personalized tag to the front. Just download the templates and add your text using word processing software.

Bubbles for Kids


While adults get the alcoholic bubbly, regular soap bubbles with custom labels will keep young ones happy. Bubbles are also a popular alternative to messy rice, confetti or streamers for the couple's send-off.

Potted Succulents


Potted succulents are a great giveaway at summer weddings and they're hearty, so guests will have a long-lasting reminder of your celebration. Extra credit: Customize the pots with paint like Chelsea Costa of Lovely Indeed did here. If you use your wedding colors, these can double as centerpieces during the reception! Get step-by-step instructions>>>.

Mixed Nuts


For a fall or winter wedding, a more substantial edible favor is in order. Pour homemade spiced nuts, trail mix or granola into Mason jars, then customize with a printed label or some attractive washi tape.

Place Card Journals

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Save money by combining your favors and your place cards. You can buy inexpensive blank journals in bulk and then add stamped labels bearing each guest's name. Voilà, a terrific two-in-one gift.

Giant Cookies

From: Kim Stoegbauer

Here, Kim Stoegbauer of The TomKat Studio uses a CD envelope as a clever wrapper for a giant homemade cookie. Attach printable tags and seal envelopes with decorative twine for favors that both music lovers and cookie monsters will appreciate. Get the recipe>>>.

Gourmet Chocolate Bars


Gourmet chocolate bars with custom labels make elegant goodies. Remove outer wrappers and cover bars in gold crepe paper. Then wrap the printable wrappers around the bar and secure with double-sided tape at the back. Embellish with paper rosebuds from craft stores for an unexpected 3D touch.

Rustic Bread


Having an intimate, rustic affair? Fresh Walnut-Rosemary Olive loaves (tucked inside paper bags featuring the recipe) are symbolic gifts to those you've invited to break bread at your wedding. Get the recipe>>>.

Homemade Candy


Who can resist a candy buffet? Stock apothecary jars with homemade truffles and provide take-out boxes to transport the treats. Decorate each box with a sweet printable tag and ribbon to match.

Tins of Lip Balm


Whenever your guests clink their glasses at the reception, it's customary to kiss. Make sure your lips — and the lips of your loved ones — are smoochable by giving out DIY lip balm as a favor. You can make a plain version for the gents and add a little pigment for the ladies. Add custom stickers to tin lids and they're ready to go.

Congratulations!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and low cost decorating ideas and delicious recipes. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

23 Wedding Table Setting Ideas for Every Season...

Courtesy of Clara MacLellan and Briana Mowrey

Hi Friends,

Creative place cards, bold linens and unexpected china all come together to make these wedding table setting ideas shine.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and they may make money from these links.

Into the Woods


The place cards in this rustic setting by Manvi Drona-Hidalgo get some height from birch log slices that echo the wood bark chargers.

Gold, Greenery & Candles

From: Abby Larson
Photo By: Style Me Pretty/ Simply Sarah Photography

Lining the length of the table, silver dollar eucalyptus and gold tapered candles add simple, elegant color to this formal table setting.

Go Green


Wheat sprigs and solidago tied together with twine create an organic feel for this table setting. Green linen napkins are elegantly layered with the plates and chargers. Set against the wood table, this look is a great option for a spring, summer or fall wedding.

Plated Petals


Fabric flower pom-pom pins add individual drama to each place setting in this stunning tablescape. As a bonus, guests can wear them at the wedding or take them home as favors.

Glitzy Table Runner


The otherwise simple white-on-white scheme here is made dressy with a DIY table runner made entirely out of metallic gold confetti. (The bottle of bubbly is an extra-luxurious touch from stylist Camille Styles.)

Stunning Southwest

Photo By: Courtesy of Katie Kalafat

Featuring gold hand-lettering, small slices of light pink agate denote seating arrangements at this eye-catching Southwestern-themed sweetheart table.

Repurposed Card Holders


These place card holders were made from an unlikely material: florist frog pins. Coated with gold spray paint and glitter, they're wedding-ready and hold the card stock name cards upright.

Beachy Texture

Photo By: Devon Donnaho Photography. Styling By: Katie Kalafat

Let texture be the star of your table. Rustic, nautical elements like grasses, linen and driftwood are right at home at a seaside ceremony. Add a piece of personliazed driftwood at each place setting as a sweet, natural memento.

DIY Sun Print Place Cards

Photo By: Jason Kisner

Remember this fun craft you did as a kid? It's back in a big, grown up way. Cut and fold a completed sun print to make a chic, garden-themed place card, then write each guest's name with silver or gold permanent marker. Learn how to make sun prints >>

High Profile


Silhouettes of the bride and groom in profile would be beautiful place card keepsakes and a very vintage nod to tradition.

Stunning Stripes


Striped and patterned table linens are a hot wedding trend that's easy to incorporate. You can go bold in color as shown here or use something more subtle that guests can admire once they're seated.

Poetry and Plants


Consider all the details for the wedding table setup to make a beautiful vignette that complements your style. Here, plant sprigs paired with lines of love poetry make lovely place cards for a rustic, woodland themed wedding.

Festive for Fall

Photo By: Jason Kisner

If you're planning a fall wedding, take advantage of the seasonal colors and include them in your palette. Throw in unexpected colors like pink to change up the autumnal tones. Gourds make lovely vases, too.

Bright and Springy

Photo By: Rustic White Photography

Spring doesn't have to be all about pastels. It's okay to bring in bold punches of color that complement them. Coral, celadon, hot pink and light aqua all work together to create this beautiful setting.

Vintage Tea Party

Photo By: She-N-He Photography

Vintage elegance is all the rage in weddings these days. Having a charming backyard wedding? Dainty tea cups with handmade place cards and floral print plates will perfectly accent that.

Winter Wonderland

From: Lynn Coulter
Photo By: Emily Ann Hughes Photography

Silver and white mixed with red and blush floral arrangements makes for a beautiful winter setting that's both timeless and elegant. Set the table with mercury glass votives and candlesticks for an added dose of class.

Apple Orchard

From: Marian Parsons
Photo By: Marian Parsons, Mustard Seed Interiors

Pass on the traditional pumpkin look for fall and opt for apples instead. Incorporate the apple theme into the food and drink menu as well by serving warm apple cider and apple-flavored desserts.

Potted Plants

Photo By: Rachel Whyte

No need for fresh cuts here! Potted plants are a stunning and sometimes less-expensive alternative to fresh cut blooms.

Bold & Exotic Color

From: H. Camille Smith
Photo By: H. Camille Smith

You can use bold color and still be tasteful. Try turquoise and gold, for instance. For this look, dark magenta flowers, succulents and greenery fill the centerpiece to complement the place setting without overwhelming the tablescape.

Lace & Burlap

From: Katie Meyers
Photo By: Cheyenne Mojica Photography

Lace and burlap are a match made in heaven for a sweet, country wedding day. For a light and springy feel, use soft yellow and lavender as shown here or you can vary the color scheme to master the look for any season.

Rustic Elegance

Photo By: She-N-He Photography

Vintage medicine bottles, brass candlesticks and wooden flower boxes create a classy farm-to-table look perfect for a barn-style wedding.

Citrus in the Summer


The citrus duo orange and yellow pair perfectly together for a Southern summer wedding. For an outdoor reception in the middle of the heat, consider serving your guests sparkling lemonade to help them cool down.

Mini Pumpkin Place Cards

Photo By: Hortus Ltd.

Use an assortment of gray, white and painted metallic pumpkins for a classy approach to a fall setting. Mini white pumpkins make great place card holders and double as favors.

Congratulations!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and low cost decorating ideas and delicious recipes. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne