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Posts in the ‘Bright Ideas!’ Category

3 September 2010

“Wow!”…that was our reaction when we saw how Kristin added a little Garnish to her son’s birthday party. With each scroll down the page, we were more and more in awe. Kristin has some serious party planning and photography skills and we encourage you to check her out. The birthday boy definitely has a slew of fantastic moments for his memory books!

Here are the highlights:

Her son, Cooper, was bestowed with an 8th birthday pirate style. And when his mama decides to throw a party…she goes all out. Swashbuckling pirate gear was everywhere and oh so tastefully done. Pirates need their strength for all their pirate duties so the menu included veggies and dip, in nut and party cups, to build their muscles.

And to really fill those bellies, macaroni and cheese (the good ol’ boxed stuff to keep it simple) was served in the small bio-pak containers. Now, regular ol’ pirates might very well use their hands to eat, but this mom knows that a pirate with good manners will go far in life so she added a disposable wooden spoon.

To wash it all down, cream soda with a seersucker red striped straw.

Shiver me timbers, this party has it going on. We’re so happy that Garnish could be part of such a special day.

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Family, Garnish Pal's, Party Ideas
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27 August 2010

Want some inspiration? Sure, who doesn’t. If you have yet to be acquainted with Nonpareil, check it out.  You don’t have to be getting married to pull creativity from a wedding publication.

We’re always blown away with how folks decide to add a little Garnish.  Seriously, we have the most talented customers.  And one of those gals is Tanya from Save the Date for Cupcakes.  She must have a bedazzled thinking cap because her creations are, like, wow!

So here’s the deal.  Tanya submitted her bedazzled-thinking-cap-creations to Nonpareil and of course she was chosen to be in their latest issue.  It’s all about Beautiful Blue.  And how beautiful is the invite she created using our small cardboard clamshell box?! Now, a boxed invite may not be for everyone so here’s how we’re pulling from her inspiration. We’re thinking this would be a lovely presentation for wedding or baby shower favor.  Or how about sitting pretty at a place setting for your next dinner party.  And another idea, a beautiful way to wrap a gift.  See, a wedding source can be so much more than just weddings.

There you have it.  Blue is beautiful.

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Packaging, Party Ideas, Weddings
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5 August 2010

Once upon a time I wanted to learn how to write all fancy.  I wanted to join the cool girl handwriting club (CGHC).  Those who are all artsy and make it look so effortless.  I wanted their dramatic sweeps and dapper curves. And then came the realization that it just wasn’t in the cards for me. I resigned to my plain ol’ handwriting. I stopped trying to be something I wasn’t and kept my envy at bay.

There are a plethora of tools available to us now so that we can fake our way into the CGHC.  Thank goodness for the fabulous world of fonts and items such as rub on lettering. And if you’re Christi at P is for Party, then you hire someone in the CGHC to do the writing for you. An excellent choice indeed, win-win all around.

Christi was hosting a party and wanted to send everyone home with a bit of summer delight…pie. And the message she wrote to her guests on the disposable wooden forks attached to the box containing the pie said it all…indulge.  Isn’t that what summer’s all about?!

Garnish (indulge) + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Friendship, Party Ideas
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22 July 2010

Okay, we can’t hold in it any longer.  In the next few days, we’ll be adding some new Garnishes and we’re tickled pink.  And we’re even more excited to show you all some fun ways to use them all.  Our creative wheels have been churning and we’re sure yours are too.

Feast your eyes on these…

… and check back in a few when they’ll be available for your enjoyment.

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!

25 June 2010

You might have thought that since this pint size wooden berry container is named Berry Berry Quite Contrary, it’s just for berries.  And if you were of that notion, then you must have forgotten that we’re huge fans of multi-tasking.  And here we have six ways, other than the obvious fruit, to use the pint size wooden berry basket.

  1. A picnic lunch.  This idea will just never get old.  No matter what the sandwhich, no matter what the drink…the final lunch box is always adorable.  Here’s a tip.  Prepare all the lunch boxes ahead of time.  Place on a tray, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge.  When it’s picnic party time arrange on a table or blanket.  More time to spend with your peeps.
  2. Control that clutter.  Tame your craft stations, homework stations, bill-paying stations.  Because, don’t you just feel so much better when everything has a home?!
  3. Give a gift.  While the idea of a gift basket is nothing new.  A gift in this basket will be unexpected and fondly remembered.  The twine adds to it all.
  4. Display your collections.  A different twist for showing off your wares.  Here’s a tidbit…enjoy the natural beauty of the wood or paint, stamp, or decorate to suit your mood.
  5. Movie night snack.  While movies and popcorn go hand in hand I’m thinking candies or nuts would be just as yummy and cute.  Line the basket with a piece of tissue so nothing escapes through the cracks.
  6. Every day ingredients.  Just like the way this looks, plain and simple.

And thus concludes today’s episode of six pack on pint size wooden berry baskets.  We hope you’ve enjoyed the show.   Click on the pic to view the show in full screen mode.

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Uncategorized, six pack
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23 June 2010

The arrival of a new baby is glorious.  But let’s face it, they’re needy little suckers.  Fresh out of the gate, so to speak, they require it all.  And our friends and family are always there to bear gifts of teensy clothing, car seats, the boatloads of equipment that a little person requires, and the all important, diapers.  We dote, we ooh and aah at that precious little miracle.  Their every whim, their every need is speedily met.

But what about Mama?!  She has needs too and she’s most likely so busy tending to her little bundle that she has completely spaced out on herself.  That whole pregnancy brain thing, it’s known to linger a little while longer. So what does that Mama need?  She needs food.  Plain and simple. And better yet, she needs someone else to make it for her.  A well nourished Mama is a happy Mama and  a happy Mama leads to a happy family. Sort of like that line from Jerry McGuire – “A happy wife means a happy life.” – or something like that.

Have fun shopping for all things cute for that baby and when you bring it on over, include a little lunch for Mama.  She needs her strength and to Garnish it up is as easy as 1,2,3!

Start with a squat bio pak container.  It won’t leak, can be microwaved and was designed just for this task.  Insert lunch of choice.  Lay the bio pak container in the center of an ever-so-cute tea towel, which she can use to drape across her lap so she doesn’t have to leave her comfy chair.

Bring the sides together like you’re wrapping a present…which you are!

Tie the corners in a knot and tuck disposable wooden cutlery into the knot, because really, do you think she wants to do dishes?!

Trust me when I say, if you bring Mama food, you will have a friend for life.

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Family, Friendship, Gifts
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21 June 2010

You spent so much time thinking of every other detail, don’t forget about your cutlery.

Disposable wooden cutlery + small paper bag + wooden berry basket = BIG style

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Here's a Thought
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18 June 2010

Do you hear it?!  The giggles of little ones, the laughter of grown ups.  The lively chatter of folks visiting and catching up.  The squeals of delight as friends and family reunite after a too-long absence. What’s that you ask?! Why, those are the sounds of water splashing, motor boats whirring, and paddles dipping in the lake.

Ahh, the sounds of summer.  The enjoyment of celebrating the 4th of July.  I bet you’re smiling right now just thinking of it all.  And we’ll double down, and bet you’ll enjoy these 4th of July party ideas and inspirations even more.

What’s that noise?  It’s the gentle flap of the flag dancing in the breeze. Red, white, and blue…the colors of Old Glory. And what’s this you see?  A festive party favor for your holiday table.  Candies in a 3×3x3 clear acetate box wrapped in red and white twine.  Imagine a table or tiered stand filled with these. You know how we love us something sweet!

Can you hear the sizzle of the grill?  The cooking mode of choice for an independence day festivity.  The paper chipboard tray is the serving style of choice.  Your hotdogs and sides will rest comfortably here. Burgers and lobster rolls too!  Chopped pickles in the oval dip cups and condiments in the 2oz plastic bottles (thanks to this Garnish customer for that brilliant thought!).  Give your guests a helping hand and put together disposable wooden cutlery and paper straws and a napkin too in the small white paper bag.  A pretty trim of the bag adds to the beauty.

Do brain freezes make a noise?  I don’t know about that, but I do know that everyone loves something cold on a hot summer day.  Make your own snow cones in our white paper cone cup and serve with a wooden spoon. Anything cold will do, sorbet, granita, or freeze juice in ice cubes tray.  Put those frozen cubes in a plastic bag and give it a bang.  That’s what we did and it looks pretty darn yummy!

Crackling, snapping, and maybe a little singing.  The sounds of a campfire.  A favorite way to end the day.  Gathering around the warmth of the flame and watching fireworks or fireflies.  There’s still room in those tummies for a gooey marshmallowy, chocolately treat.  Presenting all the ingredients to make your s’mores in a 4×4x4 white box, and sweet sentiment on a square clear label, will really cap off your holiday right.

We love the sounds of summer and we love the sight of a Garnished one!

Don’t forget to click on a pic if you want to see it in its full glory.

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Family, Friendship, What I Like About You
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16 June 2010

Nothing better than a Sunday making chocolate chip cookies with my best gal G!  For fear of eating them all myself, I sent them home to mom and dad packaged up in the small cardboard clamshell and a little caramel FDA waxed tissue.

Want to try my favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies…here you go!

Old Fashioned Chocolate Chip Cookies – from The New Basics Cookbook by Julee Rosso & Sheila Lukins

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (lightly packed) light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.  Lightly grease the pans (or use parchment paper or a Silpat..like I do!)
2. Stir the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl
3. Combine the butter, both sugars, and the vanilla in a mixing bowl, and beat until light.  Beat in the egg.  Slowly add the flour mixture, beating until smooth.  Then stir in the chocolate morsels.
4. Drop the batter by rounded dessert spoonfuls, 3 inches apart, onto prepared baking sheets.  Bake 5 minutes.  Remove the baking sheets from the oven, rap them twice on the counter or stove top, and return them to the oven.  Bake 4 minutes.  Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

Yields 2 dozen

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Family, Friendship, Gifts
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14 June 2010

What’s going to be inside your small kraft bio pak box?  We’ve got a t-shirt in ours,  all wrapped for a unique birthday presentation.

Garnish + Enjoy

Categories: Bright Ideas!, Gifts, Here's a Thought
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