Chalkboard Nativity Set

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 3

nativity-set-1

Having seen a few chalkboard doll’s houses on Pinterest I felt inspired to apply the concept to that of a Nativity scene. For those who celebrate a faith-based Christmas you’ll know how hard it can be to find a Nativity scene that can endure little hands – so this handmade wooden beauty is ideal. In fact it’s designed for interaction as your children can draw their own scenery. And if the Nativity isn’t really for you how about making a version suited for Santa coming down the chimney.

nativity-set-4nativity-set-3nativity-set-angel-roof

We’ve had so many positive comments about these that we are now making them to order and selling them in our Etsy Store.

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Credits:

 

© 2016 As You Wish Events Ltd.  Want to use this article in your E-newsletter, blog, or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Auckland, New Zealand – Event Planner & Designer Nadine Crozier publishes the ‘As You Wish Events’ blog filled with secrets, tips and how-tos for planning your fabulous event. Get your exclusive inspiration, tips and tricks at http://www.asyouwish.co.nz.  As You Wish Events is an event planning and design company based in Auckland, serving the Auckland region and certain areas of Northland.

Christmas Treat Packaging

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 2

Once again I’m really excited to have Susan Wong of Stamping Susan joining us. She has been one of the main collaborators on this year’s ’12 Days of Christmas Ideas’. I know you’re going to love today’s idea and that you’ll be inspired – because I sure am!

christmas-treat-packaging

With Christmas just around the corner, we begin to think about all the people who have done life beside us throughout the year and how to thank them. Did you know Stampin’ Up! offers a great range of food-safe packaging to house your end-of-year treats? We’re talking gifts for teachers, colleagues, neighbours, friends and family. Whether you’re a home-baking star or, let’s face it, only have time to purchase goodies, you can give your treats a simple but personal, handmade feel.

It’s A Heart Thing

12 Days of Christmas Ideas 2016 – Day 1

It's A Heart Thing

For ten years I have had the privilege of being in the profession of helping people celebrate. Sometimes it’s weddings, sometimes it’s birthday parties and sometimes it has been ‘just because’. While I love doing this, I’d be lying if I said I’ve never wondered why we go to all this effort for what is usually only a few hours of entertainment. In fact, to be honest, I’ve thought about this quite a lot without any answers – until recently.

 

‘… I honestly believe that it is good to celebrate.’

 

I was talking with my ‘Bestie’ and for some reason that day it finally dawned on me. It’s a heart thing! I don’t create memorable celebrations just because it’s my job, I do it because I honestly believe that it is good to celebrate. Each celebration stems from a heart that is thankful and when thankfulness overflows, one just can’t help but want to share it with family and friends – so that they don’t miss out on feeling that way too. After all, researchers have proven that thankfulness is key to our health and  happiness. So armed with this revelation I’m planning to make thankful celebration an even bigger part of my lifestyle. I want to make a habit of taking time to acknowledge the day-to-day successes and amazing people that often get overlooked in the busyness of life – mini celebrations if you will. I invite you to join me in this. Next time you get a pay rise, why not open a bottle of bubbly and toast your success? When you get invited to someone’s house take a hostess gift to honour that person for opening their home to you. And this Christmas why not acknowledge those you’ve done life with throughout the year with a little gift.

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Credits:

Want to see more of this beautiful table setting? You can on Day 8 of our ’12 Days of Christmas Ideas’ Blog Series

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Subscribe to our new mailing list by clicking here and you’ll receive our ’12 Days of Christmas Ideas’ magazine, with all the details, for FREE!

© 2016 As You Wish Events Ltd.  Want to use this article in your E-newsletter, blog, or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Auckland, New Zealand – Event Planner & Designer Nadine Crozier publishes the ‘As You Wish Events’ blog filled with secrets, tips and how-tos for planning your fabulous event. Get your exclusive inspiration, tips and tricks at http://www.asyouwish.co.nz.  As You Wish Events is an event planning and design company based in Auckland, serving the Auckland region and certain areas of Northland.

In The Off Season

Nautical quilt as you go Quilt

People often ask me if, in my line of work, winter is rather a quiet season. Now while there always seems like there is something to do, every now and then it’s quite nice to have a few moments to focus on other interests. One of these interests is patchwork. I’ve been working on this quilt for my son’s bed for quite some time – I just hope I can finish it before he out grows it or leaves home. I really wanted a pattern with a nautical theme, but couldn’t find one so I ended up designing this myself. It’s probably why it has taken a bit longer.

The Wiggles Party

Occasionally, I will be asked to assist with only certain aspects of a party. In these cases the client is usually very keen to do most of the work themselves but wants to be coached through the planning and/or decorating process. And that was the case with our recent ‘The Wiggles’ themed party. The family and I sat down together and (with all my experience at their disposal) created a plan, divided up the tasks and created a programme for the night of the party. On the day I came in to co-ordinate their setting up team. They also hired me to take care of a few décor pieces that they really wanted, but were beyond what they felt they could achieve.

The party was a great deal of fun. Along with the BBQ dinner we served Hot Potatoes and Fruit Salad (two of ‘The Wiggles’ favourites). There was dancing and a lot of helium balloons. A real family friendly evening. Here are a few snap shots of the results:

The Wiggles Drinks Station

The Wiggles Drinks Station

5 Favourites for Winter

Winter Faves

Photo credits: 1. As You Wish Events; 2. As You Wish Events; 3. Pen N’ Paper; 4. Paperblog.

 

With the recent turn in the weather one can’t help but think winter is almost here. I have to admit, winter is my favourite season. I love snuggling up on the couch under a blanket to watch a movie with a warm bowl of popcorn; sitting near an open fire toasting marshmallows and making them into s’mores; cooking up wintery meals that make you feel cozy on the inside or even just holding a freshly brewed cup of hot chocolate.

So on the blog this week I have scoured The As You Wish Blog archives to bring you my top 5 favourite winter articles. Just click the links to see it in full. I trust they will inspire you to embrace and celebrate this winter in style. Let the countdown begin:

#5 – The Fantastic Fudge Cake – smother this cake with a warm custard to make one yummy winter dessert.

#4 – 5 Creative DIY Food Stations

#3 – S’mores by the Riverside – S’mores are great in the winter too.

#2 – The Hot Choc Tube

#1 – 10 Ways to Warm Up Your Guests

 

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© 2016 As You Wish Events Ltd.  Want to use this article in your E-newsletter, blog, or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Auckland, New Zealand – Event Planner & Designer Nadine Crozier publishes the ‘As You Wish Events’ blog filled with secrets, tips and how-tos for planning your fabulous event. Get your exclusive inspiration, tips and tricks at http://www.asyouwish.co.nz.  As You Wish Events is an event planning and design company based in Auckland, serving the Auckland region and certain areas of Northland.

 

Snow White Party

Snow White Themed Birthday Party

Vibrant colours and apples of all kinds were at the heart of this Snow White themed party we recently created. My niece was celebrating her 5th birthday and this theme was her specific request. Inspired by Disney’s Snow White we had a lot of fun creating this brightly coloured princess party that had a strong woodland flavour.

Mother’s Day Activity for Little Bakers

This week I have found myself planning a Mother’s Day activity for a group of pre-schoolers. The plan is for the children to make and decorate their own individual cupcake for their Mum.

Mother's Day Activity for Children

While it may be considered ambitious by some, after a few trials I’m cautiously optimistic that these little bakers will succeed. And if you are brave enough to give it a go with your little ones here’s what we are going to do, along with some free printables for decorating the packaging.

I began with my favourite fudge cake recipe that I use all the time for cupcakes and broke it down to single serves.