Domino Magazine closed its doors for business back in 2009 however, Brides Magazine is giving readers access to all the old Domino Magazine articles (how exciting). While electronically flipping through pages we came across an article about dinner-party don’ts. The article was well written and had some interesting points worth passing along… after all it is rehearsal dinner season, right?

If you are the host, DON’T…

1. Be late serving the food

2. Seat spouses or significant other together

3. Rush through courses. Pause between them, leaving time for second helpings.

4. Serve dessert at the table - get up and have it in the living room to spice things up.

5. Start washing dished- cleaning up is a guaranteed evening-ender.

If you are a guest, DON’T…

1. Be more than 25 minutes late, but never be exactly on time or early.

2. Bring something you expect the host to integrate into the meal- he or she already has everything planned.

3. Use your phone during dinner, or at any other time in the evening- ever.

4. Forget to pay attention to both people sitting next to you.

5. Stay too late or leave too early (especially at a small gather, where one premature departure can spur a mass exodus).

Need a dinner party invitation or favor? Don’t forget to check out New and Blue!

If you are in charge of throwing a bridal shower for the the bride-to-be who seems to have everything… we have the perfect shower theme!

Throw her a “stock the wine cellar” shower. It’s simple and easy. Guests who are invited to the shower should bring a bottle of wine for the bride-to-be. Make sure to enjoy the festivities yourselves and serve great wine. After the shower is over- the bride-to-be will have a fully stocked wine cellar. Not to mention this is a great way to start off her first year of marriage.

For fun invitations and party favors make sure to check out these wine items.

Having a wedding? Hosting a party? Looking for a personalized hostess gift?  Well, whatever the reason, you’re in luck! Check out this super cute, must-have personalized serving tray!

This tray is not only great for parties and everyday use, but we love it because it is durable enough to last through the years while still remaining stylish. The tray measures 16 1/2 inches long by 10 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches deep. Ideal for serving drinks or transporting appetizers for any occasion.

This item has the ability to be engraved with a monogram or single block initial at no additional cost! With the ability to personalize this item for free, it is great for both giving and receiving for all special occasions.

Click here to view more personalized items. 

Could this be the greatest love of all
I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall
So let me tell you this..

Some people wait a lifetime for a moment…like this    By: Kelly Clarkson  Wedding Song Lyrics : a moment like this

Wedding cakes are now an integral part of Papa Haydn’s repertoire. Whether it’s a whimsical fantasy based on your own idea, or a selection from the extensive and colorful portfolio provided by the pastry chef, a wedding cake from Portland ’s premier dessert house is guaranteed to please even the most discriminating palate. So scrumptious your mouth will water thinking of your combined favorites. He’s wild about raspberries; you have a thing for chocolate? It’s a match made in Italian Cream! Try this: alternating layers filled with raspberry jelly and chocolate mousse. Beautiful fresh flowers to decorate your cake is always an elegant touch. To make your day complete cut your cake with wedding accessories and much more at New And Blue wedding boutique.

 Lollipop, lollipop, oh lolli, lolli, lolli, lollipop…… 

Here is a unique way to celebrate your wedding, consider ”Cake Lollies” from cakepopco.com They’re fun for kids and great for adults who love cake.  These stylish pops look like traditional lollipops but have a delicious twist… they’re made with cake!  Flavors include: red velvet, chocolate, butter pecan, and carrot cake. Candy coating and colors include: lime green, navy, dark pink, and yellow.  Your friends and family will enjoy these delicious treats and they’d make a scrumptious wedding favor too.  If you’d like to really customize your lollies consider adding a customized tag or label.

First Thursday 6-8 pm

We will be hosting an open house on First Thursday, June 3rd, with wine, champagne, and finger foods. Stop in all day and receive 35% off any one item. In store only, not valid online. Not to be combine with any other offer or sale. This blog post must be brought in for offer to be valid.

New and Blue Boutique, 1321 NW Hoyt St., Portland, OR 97209

Tradition states that rain on your wedding day will bring good luck to the marriage. For every bride who embraces this belief the Showered with Love Couple cake topper is perfect. On average there are 152 days of rain a year in Portland and this cake topper truly embraces the Portland-er. The cake topper features a hand painted porcelain couple- a bride in polka dot rain boots and a groom holding an umbrella.  

For more fun cake topper ideas visit: New and Blue

This summer fuchsia and tangerine are two bright colors that complement each other. With great flower, dress and favor ideas this color will make your wedding day bright and cheery. These colors are true summer colors, so have fun and color coordinate!

Photo Credit: The Knot, Project Weddings, Hostess Blog, Wysteria Lane, New and Blue.

A nautical summer wedding is classic and chic.  Whether you are having a formal wedding or a casual beach wedding using navy  as a summer wedding color is great because of the ability to be accented with bright colors such as lime green or yellow.

For more nautical ideas or favors check out our website!

Photo Credit: Brides.com, The Knot, artfool.com, My Modernmet, New and Blue

Looking for a fun and fresh idea for your wedding? Try the newest dessert trend -a donut bar. Featured in The Knot’s Summer 2010 issue- all eyes are on the donut. It is a fun and easy way to let guest indulge in a wide assortment of sweets. If you are living here in Portland, check out Voodoo Doughnut for a selection of donuts that will leave your guests speechless (the Dirt Donut, the Triple Chocolate Penetration… and many more). Voodoo Doughnut will allow you to order off their menu or create donuts to match your wedding colors.  Special orders range from $1 to $2 a piece and up, depending on the complexity and detail of order.

When arranging the donut bar have fun and get a little creative. Try putting the assortment of donuts in decorated shoe boxes, antique drawers, different shaped flower vases, or baskets . Depending on the feel and location of your wedding- have fun and get creative!!

ps. Don’t forget to have plenty of napkins.

Chocolate brown is a great warm color for a wedding this summer/fall. Depending on the mood or season of the wedding, chocolate brown can be accented with colors such as a bright pink or soft sage.

An added benefit of this color: Tuxedo’s can often be rented in chocolate brown.

Photo Credit: The Knot, Brides.com, Sophie’s, New and Blue