Pepper Design Blog

Carnations are Back!

Carnations really don’t deserve that bad rap they’ve been receiving all of these years… florists, party planners and brides alike frown at the idea of including carnations in centerpieces or displays (you know you’ve been there…). But really, carnations are a pretty ideal bud. They can be found in a selection of vibrant colors at almost any time of the year and are by far one of the cheaper stems on the market (probably due to that above mentioned bad rap).

‘Lollipop’ or ball centerpieces are one of my favorite ways to introduce carnations into modern tablescapes. By using floral foam, you can take advantage of a carnation’s full foliage by clipping them short and placing them tightly together to form a floral structure. I love this with wreaths, half circles and full balls. When placed a top risers, it creates a stunning effect.

Here is the How-To for creating your own lollipop centerpiece as pictured in the Colorful Candy Buffet posting from last week. Follow the jump! Read more »

Friday Guest Blog Interview: Jenn of HWTM!!

I must admit that when I first began this blogging adventure it was all due to the inspiration of Jenn from Hostess with the Mostess. I loved her classy, modern approach to entertaining that was very DIY, as well as her fresh & resourceful website that shares so much fabulous inspiration {REAL Parties to this day is still one of my feature favorites!}.

Hostess with the Mostess is an innovative online resource for hip, modern, and unique entertaining ideas. Jenn’s designs and inspirations for party themes are fantastic! Her work is clever, contemporary and out of the ordinary — and her blog helps you to recreate with detailed how-to’s, where-to-buy’s, tips, and advice.

You might just find Jenn on one of the pages of your favorite magazines — she has been featured in Real Simple, Family Circle, InStyle Weddings, Better Homes & Gardens, on the Martha Stewart Show {and oh so much more!} and has designed fabulous celebrity showers and parties. Jenn is truly an entertaining expert!

So it’s only fitting that this incredible and well-accomplished designer be one of our featured Friday Guest Blog Interviews, and it’s with much excitement that I share Jenn’s wonderful answers to PDB’s four questions! Read more »

How-To: Colorful Brownie Pops

Since these little brownie pops were so fun to make, I thought I’d share a quick How-To. I used rainbow nonpareils (round sprinkles) for dipping, but any candied sugar or colored sprinkles would do the trick to match your theme (mini Halloween pumpkins, anyone?)

Begin with a baked brownie pan (standard brownie mix or purchase pre-made Costco bites) and use a small round cookie cutter to shape lollipops. Brownie pan should be between 1/2 – 3/4″ thick for the best lollipop shape. Read more »