One of the best things about Christmas, is being able to find a lot of things on sale. If you are looking around for things for your wedding, there are so many holiday decorations, cards and party clothing you can draw inspiration from. I was at The Paper Place two weeks ago, and even though they had just opened their store that Sunday morning, the place was packed with shoppers looking for the right card or craft material. You can always find a good deal and a large selection this time of year, plus you have more time to do it with the extended holiday hours.

If you are in New York this week, Jean Pelle will be a part of the One Of A Kind Show and Sale (which is a huge holiday sale that started in Toronto) from December 10-13. Jean is an amazing industrial designer from Brooklyn. She designs all sorts of furniture, lighting and decorative objects that are modern and simply intriguing to look at.

My favourite must be these candle holders. I love how the geometric shapes contrast with the natural grain of the material :) So much fun!

{images from Jean Pelle}

Well Worn recently featured these great DIY snow globes from Anthropologie. I went into the store for the first time this week and was literally floored by the decor. I felt transported into another world. Everything was so crafty and magical. I was particularly impressed by these large, bushy plant-like structures made from rolled newspapers. But since it is the holiday season, I felt these adorable jar snow globes with antique jewelery and figurines placed inside were appropriate. Possible center pieces?

{photos from Anthropologie via Well Worn}

The Painted White shop offers ‘one-of-a-kind artwork, paper goods, handmade home accents, vintage décor & finds, and handcrafted & embellished accessories’. Some items that stood out were these charming rag ball ornaments made from linen and burlap, and these petite egg nests made from thread spools.

You could also spread a little joy this season with this holiday banner made with vintage sheet music, ruffled ivory crepe rosettes, linen paper letters, and jute twine. The collection is both lovely and inspiring.

{photos from AlicesLookingGlass on Etsy}

A new Japanese fashion label, Tamago (which means egg in Japanese), opened in Amsterdam this month. While it has nothing to do with weddings, they have some lovely clothing, as well as beautiful decoration and interior. I found this inspiring as the theme of egg was carried out in the store, with subtlety and elegance. Here are some photos from the opening party:

I was most drawn to the leaves decorating the rectangular vases – so natural, yet so geometric. The yellow and white chrysanthemums were also a nice way to say egg!

Paper pockets and egg carton trays were also a creative (and eco-friendly) way to serve party foods :) I used to fold those origami cups with my cousin all the time when we were little, it’s actually so easy to do. Look up paper cup, and you can definitely DIY.

{photos from Jane Wheeler, found via Spoon & Tamago}

Pomanders are a great bouquet alternative. They’re usually given to flower girls who have an easier time not dropping or losing their flowers when they happen to be tied around their wrist, but I say: why not give them to the other girls in your wedding party too? You could even line your ceremony aisle with them. Check out these lovely creations by MackensleyDesigns with various coloured ribbons and styles to choose from.

{photos from MackensleyDesigns on Etsy}

All I can say is… Stunning. Delicious to the eyes and to the mouth. Thank you to Storied for these beautiful reception pieces. You really wouldn’t need a huge, elaborate center piece with these dressed-up bottles placed out on each table.

{photos from Storied on Etsy}

…makes the most awesomest bouquets ever!!! Sorry, I got a bit excited there. Only because (a moment of honesty) I’m not a huge flower person. But then I saw these stunningly crafted fabric bouquets by Milkpod Studio and I almost cried out of joy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like them.

The pale, neutral hues; the soft fraying and leafy textures; the contrasting patterns of the fabrics. They all come together as quaint, handmade pieces for walking down the aisle with. This particular set featured is ideal for a Winter Wonderland theme. The flowers possess a cool, earthy feel, as though they have been visited by Jack Frost himself.

While at the Etsy shop, I also noticed this Festive Shabby Garland made from linen cotton silk with yo-yo rosettes. Not only does it work as a lovely display piece in the home, but I can definitely picture it strung around a wedding venue as part of the decor.

{photos from Milkpod Studio on Etsy}

A simple way to dress up your wedding favours, ribbons, invitations and other paper/fabric goodies is stamping.

Nothing Elegant carries all sorts of stamps with lace, floral and geometric patterns from Korea. The stamps give an ephemeral and handmade look, which really makes everything feel personalized at your wedding. It’s a great idea for a vintage-inspired wedding, and stamping is generally cheaper than having custom printed envelopes :)

Every print will look a little different, and that’s the beauty of it. You may need to set up a bit of a sweatshop with your bridesmaids and family, but the quality of the stamps will be worth the labour (trust me, I was assigned the task of stamping 1000 envelopes for our graduation show last year. And it looked amazing!)

The store also carries deco tape, fabric tape, antique lace, and cute stickers to decorate your stationary. It might seem like a four-year-old’s craft, but if you get creative, these simple tools can be a nice detail to your wedding.

{photos from Nothing Elegant}

Ashley Anna Brown recently won a contest for DIY Weddings hosted by Etsy and Martha Stewart Weddings…a well deserved recognition, if you ask me! These lovely birds are made with recycled vintage fabrics, and stuffed with 100% organic cotton.

Wouldn’t it be super cute for these little ones to attend your affair too? She is currently accepting custom orders of weddings in 2010, so contact her soon for a pair of handmade love birds! Other animals are equally cute and also available.

{photos from Ashley Anna Brown}

Wendy and Andrea Ho are the sisters and team behind W.Ho Made It. They recycle antique plates and cups, and make them into wonderful jewellery stands. Each one is unique, and is matched appropriately. I love that these remind me of high tea, and are perfectly practical for storing everyday jewellery. A great gift idea for your bridesmaids ;)

{photos from W.Ho Made it on Etsy}