Sunday, November 28, 2010

Apothecary Drink Dispener

I'm so happy to announce that the first of our Beverage Dispenser collection has arrived.

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This stunning Apothecary Drink Dispenser is of the highest quality. The glass has been mouth blown and hand cut and boasts a brass spigot.

To celebrate we are offering 20% off the RRP from now until the 10th December 2010. Just enter SDD20 at checkout to receive discount.

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Click here to view in our shop.


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Homemade Gifts for Christmas

I really love the idea of giving from the heart. Something that you have made with love and want to share with your nearest and dearest. I also love presenting my gifts beautifully.

Here is a easy and cost effective gift you (and the kids) can make this Christmas.

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What you will need:

Flint Jar

Gift label and co-ordinating ribbon

Your favourite cookie recipe

Guillotine

Hot glue gun

Double sided sticky tape

Steps:

Bake your favourite cookie. I used the Martha Stewart Basic Sugar Cookie recipe and added our choc beans for a little colour.

Take our flint jar and fill with your favourite cookies once they have cooled. The kids helped me bake ours and were very proud of themselves.

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Select a gift label you like. I used two different ones here. The pink and red is from Style Me Gorgeous and can be purchased here. The green and red design is from Fairydust Design. Toni's website is currently getting a makeover, however you can email Toni if you would like to purchase. Toni's email is toni@fairydustdesign.net.

Select a ribbon that coordinates with the label and cut a piece long enough to wrap around the jar from the lid to the base. You will need extra for the bow.

Use the glue gun to secure the ribbon to the base and the lid. Then take the remaining ribbon and tie a neat bow and secure with hot glue.

If you are printing out the labels yourself you will need a colour printer and guillotine. Cut out your labels and place double sided tape on the blank side. Make sure you place the tape right up to the edge of the gift tag so it doesn't come away from the jar. Secure firmly on the jar.

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There you have it. A beautifully presented gift made with love!


Monday, November 22, 2010

Christmas Tree Candy Jars in stock now

We have limited stock available of these fun Christmas Tree shaped glass candy jars. Be quick, they won't last long.

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Pick up is available if you are in Brisbane. Just choose that option at checkout.

You can purchase them here.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

For lovers of Blue and White

During my time spent in NY recently one of the things I loved to do was wander the streets and marvel at the beautiful shop windows. Bergdorf Goodman was one that gave me plenty of eye candy. I've just read at Habitually Chic that a new book from Assouline, Windows at Bergdorf Goodman has been released.

Like HC, I won't be purchasing it (it's $550 and I'd rather pay for my kids to visit the dentist for that sort of money) but I thought I'd share with you a stunning window created using only Delft.

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My mum and grandmother had a few pieces of blue and white china and I treasure the one piece that I have that was passed down to me from my great nana. I have no idea of the value however I suspect it's worth no more than a cup of coffee. I love it just the same.

During the time I spent with Anna Spiro whilst designing the interior of our home, her love of blue and white certainly took hold of me. I have a nice collection of it now, along with some beautiful white milk glass and pink Hull pottery. I love the thrill of finding a new piece at an obscure little second hand store.

What do you love collecting?

Edible Gift Packaging

Martha has done it again. For those wanting to bake and gift this Christmas here are some of the many pretty packaging options available. All available via Two Peas in a Bucket.

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

Navy, Red and White Christmas

Have you had a chance to check out what Ikea have on offer this Christmas? The simple colour palette of navy, red and white (with a touch of silver) lends itself well to the hot Aussie Christmas. And because it's Ikea you'll get big impact for little cash!

Here are a few of my favourite paper products.

ikea christmasClockwise SNOVITA card with envelope 8 pack $2.99, SNOVITA 5m double sided gift wrap $3.00, SNOVITA gift bag, set of 9 $2.99, NYSNO paper napkin $3.49


Thursday, November 18, 2010

Singled Coloured Smarties (look-a-likes)

I'm happy to announce that we now stock four single coloured smartie look-a-likes in our store. They come packaged in 500gram lots in a resealable cello bag with our signature sticker on front.

Single coloured choc beans or smarties

I'll be be back over the weekend to show you some simple yet visually beautiful yummy treats to make with them for Christmas.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

My other BFF

My recent trip OS started in San Fran. Glory and I spent 5 full on days together talking, drinking coffee (pumpkin lattes for me), talking, shopping, shopping, talking, shopping, talking, coffee, macarons, cupcakes .... you get the picture.

What was it like meeting someone that I have known for three or so years but have never met in person. It was amazing. Was I a little nervous? Sure. But we got on like a house on fire. We are totally different gals, but we share a passion that has enabled us to become best of friends. Each day we would make a pact to get to bed at a reasonable hour, however at 1am we were still chatting away!

Glory made my trip so special. We had been communicating back and forth for months getting our list of must see places together. She made this great map with all our destinations pin pointed so we wouldn't waste anytime back tracking. I was also lucky enough to try her chocolate cupcakes. Have to say they are better than mine. And that frosting! YUM!

I can not wait to visit the USA again and spend more time with you Glory. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Me and my BFF

Life has been hectic over the past few weeks however I wouldn't have it any other way. It's not like it's been so crazy that I'm out of control, but crazy enough that something's got to give and so the blog usually draws the short straw.

This week is no exception. However I thought I would start posting a few photos from my trip to San Fran and the big apple. To say I had a good time is an understatement. Without getting all Eat, Pray, Love on you my trip was quite cleansing for my soul. I had time to just be me. To reflect and to assess where I've been and where I'm headed.

There were not so good times too, like when I lost my bag in NY with my laptop and medication. That was not fun. And no, I still haven't had it returned. So with the laptop went all my photos from San Fran. And there were some good photos in there. Not great technically but great memories. Luckily I have a good memory hey?

So here's where I bore you with holiday snaps. I think I'll just post random ones. Cause that's just how I roll.

Amy Atlas and I in NYC

I'm going to start with the most impressive. I was fortunate to meet up with Amy Atlas while in NY. She is genuine and welcoming. I didn't feel at all intimidated by her. She was very complimentary to us party gals in Australia. She thinks there must be something in the water cause we all produce such well designed tables! Her book is due in the spring of 2012 and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on a copy.

So after we took this photo and I looked at the camera screen I realised how HUGE I looked in relation to Amy. She is tiny, tiny, tiny! So I sang her a little song and it went a little something like this.

"Fatty and skinny went for a race, up and down the pencil case. Fatty fell over and skinny won the race." You had to be there, it was pretty damn funny.

Thank you Amy for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me. I truly appreciate it.

I'll be back with more happy snaps soon.


Saturday, November 6, 2010

I'm on the hunt

for new and exciting dessert table goodies for you!

I know how much joy you get from creating beautiful parties for your family and friends because I get the same joy out of it too.

I also know it can be hard to locate the items you need to help you create a beautiful dessert table.

That's why I'm asking you my loyal readers and appreciated customers what you would like to see stocked in my shop. What can't you find at the moment that you just have to have?

For every reader that sends me an email with a suggestion of product, I'll send you a gift voucher to use in my store.

Please send your suggestions to me directly at sharnel@sharneldollardesigns.com.au. This way I can email you your gift voucher directly.

Thank you for your time. I'm really looking forward to reading all your suggestions.


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Spring Racing Carnival Dessert Table

I'm back as promised sharing with you one of our latest dessert table designs. Earlier this week millions of Australians celebrated the Melbourne Cup with fashion, food and bubbles. I'm sure there were a few sore heads Wednesday morning and lots of calls into the office.

I was asked to design a dessert table for a group of gorgeous gals who celebrate Melbourne Cup with a lunch each year. The design was completely left up to me which is always makes me happy.

Hope you enjoy viewing this beautiful images captured by Naomi from Naomi V Photography.

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Delicious Details:

Bulk pink choc beans are available for purchase here. We also have blue available now and red and green will be available next week.

Candy Jars available for purchase here.

Backdrop was custom designed for me by Style Me Gorgeous. As were the chocolate bar wrappers, cupcake toppers and signage.

I had the tablecloth custom made as well.

I think it's important to consider your guests dietary needs. Include at least one gluten free dessert in your designs. More depending on the number of guests.

Also ensure you use tongs and food safe gloves when handling any food.

Happy Designing xox

If you would like help creating a fabulous party of your own contact me about our event styling services. You can also purchase many items I use in my parties here.


Vendor details from my Coastal Chic Dessert Table

I've had quite a few emails about where I sourced items for the Coastal Chic Dessert Table I designed recently.

And because I appreciate all who take time out of their busy day to read my blog I'd love to share with you where I sourced the products from.

Latte Tins from Details Details. Ribbon from Spotlight.

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Custom signage designed by Polkadots Prints

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Square Cake Stands Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's.

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Glass Jars from me! Sharnel Dollar Designs

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Cookies made by me using an edible image designed by Style Me Gorgeous.

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Brass Lanterns from La Maison. Wallpaper Great Habor White by Ralph Lauren.

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Custom made gold threaded linen tablecloth via Sharnel Dollar Designs. All other platters and stands from Donna Hay.

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Tuesday, November 2, 2010

And they're off and racing

The Spring Racing Carnival is in full swing here in Australia and I had the most fun time designing a fresh, fun and festive table to celebrate all things Melbourne Cup.

Here are the cupcakes I made for the table. I'll be back later on with more details and images to share with all my lovely readers.

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Photo by the talented Naomi V Photography

If you would like help creating a fabulous party of your own contact me about our event styling services. You can also purchase many items I use in my parties here.