Cocktail Series: Turtle Doves

We knew there was a reason we loved Yahoo! Shine. But this month they gave us a dozen new reasons with the article "12 Days of Cocktails." Here's one we think you can whip up to toast the new year, even though the "second day of Christmas" has passed:

Turtle Doves


Ingredients:
2 oz Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka
2 oz Hazelnut liqueur
1 oz Amaretto
1-1/2 oz Cream or Creme de Cacao

What to do:
Rim martini glass with cinnamon and sugar crystals (or white chocolate flakes) and set aside. Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into the martini glass.

And before you ask- yes, there IS a Partridge in a Pear Tree. Happy New Year!

Weekend Cocktail Series: The Divinitini

Ahhhh. Did you think bartenders had run out of -"tini's"? If so, you would be WRONG. We haven't personally tried this week's chocolate-laden concoction (we WILL this weekend), but those who have say it's simple divine. Maybe that's why it's called the Divinitini.



We're told it was created by the barman at the Sanderson Hotel in London's West End. The recipe we like best is below and was taken from CocktailAtlas.com:

For Each Cocktail:

4 squares of chocolate, melted
1 fl oz orange vodka
1 fl oz vodka
A dash of Grand Marnier
A dash of Creme de Cocoa
1 slice orange
Garnish with a purple pansy


Put the melted chocolate, orange vodka, pure vodka, Grand Marnier, Crème de Cocoa into a cocktail shaker. Crush the orange slice and add. Shake well and then pour into a chilled glass, decorated with a pansy on the side, and sip.
If you can't find a purple pansy, don't worry about it. ;)

Bouquet Giveaway!

One of our fellow bloggers is making a truly generous offer to couples getting married this year. Quiana Burwell of Chocolate Brooms and Bouquets is giving away one of her gorgeous "Butterfly Bouquets" (a $55 value, shown left). To win it, all you have to do is tell her the funny or unique way you got engaged. Send your TRUE proposal story to dachocolatefactory@hotmail.com. She also has runner-up prizes. But the offer ends on February 1st. So, get to it!
Get more information on her blog.

Edible Wedding Favors

Wedding experts have been saying for years that many of the best wedding favors are edible. The good news about that is edible favors are usually cheaper than other kinds of goodies and they almost never get left behind for the cleaning crew. You can make your own or if you don't have time (most of us don't) you can buy ones you really like.

Cookies and Cake

signature petit fours
From: Beau-coup Wedding Favors


Minty Fresh





Jordan Almonds


Chocolate






Sparkling Cider

Wedding Cocktail of the Day

The Chocolate Raspberry Martini

1 1/2 ounces Stoli Raspberry Vodka (or Smirnoff)
1 ounce white chocolate liqueur
Splash of dark creme de cacao
Optional: Splash of Chambord

Put all ingredients into a pint glass with ice and shake well. Strain contents into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with chocolate kiss and fresh raspberry.

DIY Table Arrangements

As her name suggests, Craftgenius is one of our resident experts on beaded jewelry, CD favors, and just about anything wedding related. But she really knows how to work her magic on flowers. She does fabulous centerpieces and bouquets. Today, she tells us about what she's working on for a client's late Summer wedding.

-by Craftgenius
This table arrangement mockup was designed for an evening August wedding reception where the guests will dine by candlelight.




This was what we put together for the sweetheart table


The colors of the wedding are chocolate, champagne and deep red. The reception venue walls will be completely draped in champagne.

Wedding Trend Watch: Fall Colors

Looking ahead, fall weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Brides-to-be used to choose fall weddings to take advantage of off-season savings. But now they're choosing Autumn for the sheer fun of it. Fall weddings present a fabulous opportunity to turn up the drama and delve into rich jewel tones. Bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses for the fall sparkle with detail and beading.



Brides-to-be who are getting married in the fall have lots of choices when it comes to color schemes. But first they should decide whether they want a traditional fall wedding color scheme and something more modern. As wedding expert Carley Roney says, "Fall weddings can open up a range of colors and textures that you don't find in other seasons." But what are your choices if you want to avoid a traditional red or orange color scheme?

Brown is your friend. Brown and sage green make a lovely color scheme, as well as chocolate with touches of light blue. Use brown bridesmaid dresses with green sashes or sage dresses with dark accessories. This dress is from Ann Taylor.




Purple with ivory.
Consider carrying purple tulips and cream roses.




Roney also says, "You can also top your tables with ivory table runners and purple linens, and order a white buttercream cake adorned with purple sugar flowers".

Gold and ivory. Try ivory-embroidered linens topped with gilded glasses, chargers, and candlelit centerpieces.




Carry the scheme with your cake as well.




Combine jewel tones for a dazzling effect. Don't be afraid to use navy/sapphire accents, like navy sashes on your bridesmaids.


We've also spotted some new bridal jewelry trends ahead for fall:

Wedding Cake of the Day

Feast your eyes on this confection.


It's a Double Chocolate Wedding Cake by Joy the Baker . Double yum. And if you think we're gaga over it, you should read Joy's description.