Board #9: Merry, Merry Christmas

{Click to enlarge!}

With only three days to go until Christmas, I was inspired to create this red, white, gray - and yes, green - inspiration board. I tried to keep the green to foliage and filler, which helped to alleviate my worries about it feeling too cliched. I'm really happy this board is able to feel both fun - what with the button bout, checked tie, and peppermint eggnog - and classy (calligraphy, cake). What do you think? Too Christmas-y for a wedding? Or could it work?

One more thing: this board was originally inspired by last week's Table Trends post on Once Wed. This series has been brilliant - if you haven't yet, definitely check it out! And once this board started coming together, I couldn't resist including a photo Kathryn used in a fabulous board a week or so ago; it was just too perfect. Both of these ladies and their lovely work are so inspiring to me - you must add their blogs to your list of daily must-reads!

The Details
First row, left to right:
A button boutonniere adds an offbeat note to even the most formal wedding (Once Wed); make sure your photographer grabs a fabulous ring shot (this one by James Christianson); evergreen-filled window boxes look darling from the outside of your venue - or bring them inside as centerpieces perfect for long tables (Martha Stewart via Snippet & Ink)

Second row, left to right:
Peppermint eggnog is a delicious and seasonal cocktail hour offering (Martha Stewart Kids); red shoes add a pop of color to a wedding day ensemble - if you're not comfortable flashing them at the ceremony, change into a pair just for the reception (by Orchard Cove Photography via the Style Me Pretty Little Black Book Blog); shapely curves and sugar twigs set off this otherwise classic white cake (Brides.com)

Third row, left to right:
Poinsettias in simple pails would also make lovely centerpieces, especially at smaller cocktail hour tables (Jupiter Images); you may miss the warmth of a summer wedding in December, but falling snow makes its own brand of magic (photo by James Christianson via the Little Black Book Blog); a checked tie in cheery colors is the perfect complement to a gray suit (The Knot)

Fourth row, left to right:
Your bridesmaids will almost certainly rewear a kicky red-and-white-striped cocktail number (via Snippet & Ink); oversized white roses and red berries mingle happily in another option for centerpieces (Once Wed); red-on-white calligraphy sets a festive tone from the start (Laura Hooper)

Catch up on the first three holiday-themed installments here:
Pinecones & Chocolate
Blue Christmas
Elegant Evergreens