Mulled Cider

My family isn't getting in until 11pm or so tonight, and though I know we'll probably all want to go to bed pretty quickly, I also know we'll likely end up staying awake and chatting for at least a little bit. My plan is to have mulled cider simmering on the stove when we return from the airport, filling the apartment with its amazing fragrance and ready to ladle into mugs. Doesn't that sound delightful and oh-so-fall? Here's the recipe I'm using, from Martha:

Mulled Cider
(Serves 8)

2 quarts apple cider (8 cups)
4 strips lemon zest
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole star anise (optional - we won't be including as we haven't been able to find them)
1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
1 teaspoon whole cloves

In a large saucepan, bring cider, lemon zest, and spices to a boil; cover, and remove from heat. Let steep at least 20 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Ladle carefully into mugs, leaving most of the solids behind.

P.S. I might have to make this for someone as a Christmas gift. Too cute!

Brunch Inspirations

{Click to enlarge!}

So sorry I haven't had a chance to share more of our party preparations with you this week -- my only excuse is that I've been too busy preparing to write! As a small consolation, here are a few of the things I've been inspired by - cinnamon sticks, red and white baker's twine, glassine treat bags, burlap linen, tree trunk cake stands, and mini pennant flags. Stick around next week to see how it all came together, complete with photos and lots of recipes!

My new favorite...

...bag. From J. Crew. For $298. Beautiful but sad, isn't it? Pick one up in one of three colors here.

Joy + Amy at home

Joy Thigpen and Amy Osaba are two of the coolest, most genuine people I've had the chance to work with in the wedding industry. Being around them, you just get the sense that they know who they are and that they are totally okay with that. It was a pleasant surprise to see sneak peeks of each of their houses on Design Sponge this week; it was not surprising at all, though, that their respective living environments are as unabashedly unique as their personalities. I loved both of the sneak peeks and wanted to share them with y'all. Make sure you click through to see the full features!





See more of Joy's house here on D*S.







And more of Amy's house here.

If you'd like to see more of Joy's work, click here (she's a creative director + stylist). For more of Amy's, click here (she's a floral and event designer).

Board No. 50: Prizewinning Party

{Click to enlarge!}

Well, it's not exactly a fall-inspired board, but I couldn't resist the pull of vintage horse show ribbons (top left). This board's palette of lettuce green, champagne, rose, pale rust, and goldenrod would be lovely for spring, don't you think? I like the idea of dressing your maids in green and your maid of honor in a coordinating floral, as well. And the hand-painted sign posts and antique metal garden chairs are whimsical, care-free touches.

The Details
First row, left to right: vintage horse show ribbons via {this is glamorous}; hair bow photo by Jenna Carver via Weddingbee; mismatched chairs from Flickr

Second row: cake by K. Rose Cakes on Style Me Pretty; bridesmaid fashion from J. Crew; bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings

Third row: ring pillow by Llubav from Martha Stewart Weddings; floral specimens by Johnny Miller; ceremony programs by Wren Handmade on Once Wed; china from Martha Stewart Weddings

Fourth row: ballet flats from J. Crew; sign posts photo by One Love Photo via Once Wed; tulips photo by Karl Juengel; citrus fruit photo by Lara Ferroni

Monday, Monday + Vintage Fall

{Via The City Sage}

Oh boy, it is going to be a doozy of a week on Peach & Pearl, let me tell you! Seriously! We have recipes, party planning, wedding outfit inspiration, home sneak peeks from two lovely ladies, a DIY home-improvement project, and fall fashion finds. And probably more things that I'm forgetting.

But first, we have an inspiration board. Check back soon for that!

DIY Friday: Brunch invitations!

{Please excuse my poor Photoshopping skills!}







Cousin getting married + extended family traveling to my new hometown = the perfect opportunity for entertaining! We've settled on hosting a brunch for the morning of the wedding, and these are the invitations I sent out. Stay tuned for many more planning details coming up next week in addition to a few last-minute apartment improvement projects (yay!).

DIY Details:

1. Establish the size of your envelope, then layout a design in the style and graphic program of your choice. I used Microsoft Publisher. If you like the look of my type, try selecting the "distribute all lines" alignment option.

2. Print and cut.

3. For extra pizzazz, I added fabric to the back of the invites with the scraps left over from this project. If you'd like to do this, too, lay out two invites at a time on newsprint and spray them with 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive (DO THIS OUTSIDE!!). Quickly smooth the paper onto the fabric and let the glue dry for a few minutes. Carefully cut around the edges of the invitation.

P.S. If you're a member of my family and think you should be getting an invite after reading this post but haven't received one yet, don't worry! I only sent them out on Wednesday, so rest assured it is in the mail. And I apologize for ruining the surprise. :)