Coley Bartholomew, Author at PANACHE

Waynesville, NC Senior Graduate Session: A Stylish Way to Capture Your Senior Year

In the serene mountains of Western North Carolina, vibrant fall foliage sets the perfect backdrop for Cain’s Senior Graduate Session. Captured at the peak of leaf season, this picturesque setting beautifully highlights the essence of his journey as he prepares for the next chapter. As a high school senior, Cain wanted professional portraits to commemorate this milestone achievement and for friends and family to celebrate with him! Cain will graduate in the spring and has a keen interest in studying electrical engineering. His passion for this field reflects his curiosity and determination, making this milestone even more meaningful as he prepares to take the next step in his academic journey! Waynesville, NC, has come alive this autumn season, showcasing vivid colors with gorgeous yellow and red foliage that beautifully frame Cain’s senior session. Autumn is one of our favorite times to photograph seniors, as the stunning transformation of nature mirrors the changes in their lives. This season is a poignant reminder of students returning to school, embracing new challenges, and preparing to embark on exciting journeys. The warm hues of fall not only enhance the visual appeal of the portraits but also symbolize growth, reflection, and the promise of new beginnings. Senior Guy Session: Wardrobe Selection We love a high and low option for Senior Guys, incorporating a dressy and casual outfit for guys allows us to capture a wide variety of looks in their portraits. For Cain’s session, he began with a polished business professional outfit, featuring a heather button-up shirt, a stylish silk tie, classic pleated-back pants, and a coordinating belt. For his casual look, Cain opted for a timeless ‘man in black’ ensemble, pairing a sharp black polo shirt with sleek black pants, complemented by black leather shoes and a matching belt. This combination of outfits showcases his personality and versatility beautifully. Importance of Senior Graduate Portraits Graduation is a significant milestone that deserves to be celebrated with the community, cherished friends, and family members who have supported a senior throughout their journey. Senior portraits play a vital role in this celebration, serving as treasured mementos that capture the essence of this momentous occasion. These portraits are often showcased at graduation parties and included in announcements, becoming a lasting reminder of this transformative season in a young person’s life. Moreover, senior portraits represent the first professional images many graduates will have, reflecting their dedication, professionalism, and the hard work they’ve put into reaching this important goal. As they transition into the next chapter of their lives, these portraits symbolize not just their achievements but also their dedication towards their aspirations for the future! Top 10 Ways to Use Your Senior Portraits Here are our Top 10 Favorite Ways to Use Your Senior Graduation Portraits Graduation Announcements: Select your favorite senior portrait to create a custom and stunning graduation announcements to share the big news with family and friends. Party Invitations: Personalize your graduation party invitations with a favorite portrait, setting the tone for the celebration. Guest Book: Use a senior portrait as the centerpiece for a guest book at your graduation party, allowing guests to write messages and well-wishes for the future. Display at Graduation Parties: Celebrate this milestone by showcasing enlarged prints of senior portraits at your graduation party. Social Media Profiles: Updating your social media profiles with your senior portrait to commemorate this milestone and share your achievements with friends and family. Yearbook Submission: Most high schools and yearbook companies offer the option to submit your best senior portrait for the school yearbook or purchase ads to ensure your portraits represent your personality and style during this significant time. Wall Art: Creating a canvas or poster is a great way to use senior portraits and serve as a beautiful reminder of this important phase in your life. Gifts for Family: Order a customized print or magnet to give to family members as heartfelt keepsakes following your graduation party. Memory Book: Whether you choose to create a custom yearbook with your favorite highlights of your senior year, home school experience, or put together a family memory book featuring your senior portraits along with mementos from your high school experience, will create a treasured keepsake for years to come. Resume and Professional Profiles: Use a polished senior portrait for your resume or LinkedIn profile, showcasing your professionalism as you enter the workforce or pursue further education.

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Waynesville Professional Headshot Sessions: Stand Out with Stunning Images

Brand, Portfolio, Professional Headshots / Coley Bartholomew

Jennifer is a medical professional. She contacted Panache with a clear vision: she wanted to spruce up her professional headshots her social media platforms and have portraits to supply for her new company’s welcome newsletter. Recognizing the importance of a strong visual presence in today’s digital landscape, she understood that high-quality professional headshots could make a significant impact on how she was perceived in her industry. From the outset, Jennifer expressed a desire for portraits that truly felt like her, capturing not just her physical appearance but also her unique personality and her professionalism. She was keen on creating images that would resonate with her audience, helping to establish a genuine connection from the very first glance. Jennifer’s enthusiasm for investing in her image was evident; she wanted her headshots to convey confidence, approachability, and authenticity. Research suggests that it takes mere seconds for someone to form a first impression based on a photo—often just about 1/10th of a second. Factors in your portraits like facial expressions, clothing, and overall presentation play a significant role in how that impression is formed. The initial judgment can influence perceptions of professionalism, trustworthiness, and likability, which is why having a well-crafted photo is so important, especially in professional contexts. Professional Headshots: Selecting Your Wardrobe Jennifer absolutely rocked her session! She expertly curated a stunning array of tops, jackets, and jewelry, showcasing a vibrant mix of colors that truly brought her personality to life. Light colors, in particular, photograph beautifully, adding a soft and elegant touch to each shot. To kick things off, she began her session in a gorgeous chiffon blouse featuring delicate smoked detail, perfectly complemented by simple earrings that didn’t overpower her look but added just the right amount of sparkle. As the session progressed, we introduced a classic black blazer, which not only added a layer of sophistication but also offered a striking contrast that highlighted her features beautifully. This versatile piece allowed for a seamless transition between casual and formal styles, enhancing the overall variety of her wardrobe. For the final looks, Jennifer changed into a vibrant pink blouse that radiated energy and warmth. This color choice added tons of variety to her collection of professional portraits, ensuring she had a wealth of options for her business content and social media posts. With this diverse array of outfits, she left the session not only looking fantastic but also equipped with a stunning gallery that perfectly captures her professional brand Importance of Professional Headshots Professional headshots transcend industries and professions. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or a creative freelancer, your headshot is your calling card. Your headshot speaks volumes about you and your work. Your headshot is often the first visual representation of yourself that people encounter online. A polished and professional headshot creates an immediate positive impression, conveying professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail. In essence, professional headshots are powerful instruments of storytelling, encapsulating the essence of one’s professional journey in a single frame. They bridge the gap between the virtual and the tangible, transforming aspirations into achievements and dreams into reality.

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Ultimate Blue and White Christmas Resource Guide: Tips, Decor, and Inspiration

Holidays, Resource Guides, Uncategorized / Coley Bartholomew

This article is sure to give you tons of yuletide inspiration for your own blue and white Christmas decor! This article is all about one of the most popular color combinations and popular Christmas Tree themes: blue and white. This blog is a resource guide paired with our step by step decor guide for putting together your own blue and white Christmas tree. The guide breaks down two Blue and White Christmas decor themes: classic blue and white with silver and white accents and a Miss America version incorporating lots of red. Blue and white the classic chinoiserie color combination has enduring timeless appeal, with a symphony of tranquility and sophistication of Asian and European antiques. The strong contrast of blue and white creates a timeless color combination that can be adapted to a vast number of Christmas tree decor themes. And this step-by-step resource guide will help you find where the best blue and white holiday ornaments are available this season. This article is all about Blue and White Christmas Decor! Classic Blue and White Chinoiserie Christmas Tree Theme This classic blue and white Christmas tree theme is adorned with an exquisite array of blue and white porcelain ornaments, matched with a muted and serene pallet of silver and white. The blue and white Christmas ornaments really pop against the wintery inspired Christmas tree theme, silver mercury baubles, solid royal blue ornaments, handmade diy blue and white ornaments, shimmery silver ribbon, and white berry picks. This version of the blue and white Christmas tree theme feels very sophisticated and wintery. Tips for Decorating Your Classic Blue and White Christmas Tree When you start mapping out this blue and white decorating scheme, it’s essential to create layers on your Christmas tree. As the base, each year we use a prelit tree and always add additional Christmas lights to create a beautiful warm glow that will showcase everything you place on your Christmas tree. After the christmas lights we focus on creating layers on the Christmas tree design which add dimension and draw your eye in and guide your eye through the design. Using elements like your largest baubles, berry picks, and ribbons placed strategically will make a map of your largest components to guide your placement of the smaller and feature blue and white Christmas ornaments to ensure they stand out in your overall design. Blue and White Ginger Jar Ornaments These mini ginger jar ornaments are adorable and a must have for a blue and white Christmas tree theme. Our favorites are the traditional mini ginger jar ornaments with a classic silhouette and china inspired patterns. The blue and white ginger jar ornaments are very affordable and will look stunning for your Blue and White Christmas tree. Silver Mercury Ornaments Silvery mercury ornaments also rift off of the historical vibes of blue and white ornaments. Mercury ornaments were developed in Europe, particularly in Germany, in the early 1800s. Artisans would blow glass into shapes and then apply a mixture of silver nitrate and other chemicals to create a reflective surface. In general, metallic Christmas ornaments in either silver or gold are timeless and a great investment. Each year we plan our Christmas tree theme utilizing either silver or gold ornaments with every Christmas tree theme. Learn more… White Berry Picks White berry picks are a stunning addition to any Christmas tree, enhancing the wintry aesthetic to your Christmas Tree Decor. Their delicate, frosted appearance captures the essence of a “white Christmas,” evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia. By incorporating these white berry picks into your holiday decorations, you not only achieve a stunning visual effect but also evoke the magic and beauty of a winter wonderland to the interior of your home. To achieve the best visual impact, place the picks at varying heights and depths throughout the tree. This creates a more natural look, mimicking the appearance of fresh winter berries. Learn more… White Christmas Ornaments Incorporating white balls into your blue and white Christmas tree enhances the breathtaking wintry monochromatic color theme – creating a sophisticated and cohesive Christmas aesthetic. The crisp, bright white provides a striking contrast against the deep shades of blue, allowing each hue to stand out while harmonizing beautifully. The interplay of these colors not only adds depth but also evokes the serene beauty of a winter landscape. The glossy finish of these white ornaments reflects light in a way that mimics freshly fallen snow. When decorating your blue and white Christmas tree strategically placing the white balls throughout the tree can help create focal points that draw attention to special blue ornaments or unique decorations. Learn more… DIY Blue and White Ornaments Creating your own blue and white Christmas ornaments can be a delightful and rewarding DIY project, especially when using elegant white glass balls as your canvas. These ornaments not only look beautiful on their own, but they also serve as a wonderful opportunity to personalize your holiday decor. Here’s how to bring your vision to life with blue willow-inspired motifs using a specific shade of blue color Sharpie. Start by gathering your materials. You’ll need white glass balls, the specific shade of blue Sharpie, a clean workspace, and possibly a paper towel or soft cloth for any smudges. Before you begin decorating, it’s helpful to wash the glass ornaments with warm soapy water to remove any residue or dust, ensuring that the surface is clean for the best results. Next, take a moment to plan your design. Blue willow patterns often feature intricate scenes with trees, pagodas, and birds, so consider sketching a few ideas on paper first. This will help you visualize how the motifs will look on the ornaments and guide your drawing process. Once you have a design in mind, carefully start applying the blue Sharpie to the ornament. Begin with lighter, flowing lines to outline your motifs, as this will allow for adjustments if needed. The smooth surface of the glass makes it easy to

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Ballerina Birthday Party: Step by Step Guide for the Ultimate Ballerina Party

Kids, Panache Parties, Parties, Resource Guides / Coley Bartholomew

There’s something incredibly classy and timeless about a ballerina-themed birthday party for a girl! From an early age, many girls naturally develop an interest and enthusiasm for ballet as they watch performances, begin dance lessons, and even take the stage themselves. Our family loves attending holiday performances of The Nutcracker and A Midsummer Night’s Dream Ballet. The principal dancers showcase years of dedication to mastering ballet, pointe, and achieving excellence in their craft. Yet, our favorite moments come from watching the youngest ballerinas—those who have just completed their first year of lessons. Their sheer excitement for ballet and the joy of performing on stage is simply contagious, and they look absolutely adorable in their costumes! Young girls admire these talented dancers and the skill they’ve cultivated to perform with such grace. Many start taking dance lessons early, developing coordination and committing themselves to learn all the positions. A ballerina birthday party is the opportunity to set the stage with loads of pink, tulle, floral, and beautiful ballerinas taking center stage with your daughter getting to take center stage! Here is our step-by-step guide to help you set up your ballerina party tablescape, dessert buffet, party decor, party gifts, party dress, and party favors. This ballerina party is inspired by beautiful ballerina costumes, fabrics, and French fashion. This article is all about a Ballerina Birthday Party! French Inspired Inspiration for your Ballerina Party Decor The look of our ballerina party was inspired by travel – a Spring trip to Paris! When you think about The Palace of Versailles and Marie Antoinette’s beautiful bedroom and the elaborate robe à la française dresses of that time period, the mix of pinks and florals is so beautiful and timeless. This is the inspiration for our french inspired Ballerina Birthday party decor. In addition to the beautiful florals and fabrics, macarons are quintessentially French. Everyone loves these soft patisserie with the perfect crunchy texture and delicious ganache filled cookies! So we wanted to include macarons in the decor and feature them on the dessert buffet. Here is the postcard from Paris that highlights this look for a French inspired ballerina birthday party. Meri Meri Laduree Floral Paper Garland These beautiful and delicate paper flower garlands are perfect for adding a french touch! These garlands were a bit of a splurge and will be reused for future parties. These garlands are made of delicate paper mache and pink ribbons. You will want to assemble these a day or two before your party so you’re not rushed for time. We found that laying them out face down on a table was the easiest way to construct these garlands. And we used a quarter inch gold ribbon we had purchased instead of the gold thread that comes with these kits which was not easy to use and the slightly thicker ribbons makes it easier for each of the floral segments to have something to catch onto and stay in place without taping the backside of these delicate paper garlands. Learn more… Stocking hangers You might be surprised to find these in a Ballerina Party guide, but these stocking hangers are perfect for use year round to hang garlands on your mantel without having to add nails which look terrible and can damage your fireplace millwork and mantel. These very subtle hangers can hold weight garlands without falling off and are hardly noticeable. Learn more… Macaron Display Stand We have used and enjoyed this clear plastic macaron stand for several occasions. This macaron stand is a beautiful and inexpensive addition to your french inspired Ballerina Birthday Party dessert bar. You can’t underestimate how much time party planning and decorating takes and you will want to purchase these macarons. Even if you love to bake – French patisserie and macarons can be time-consuming and finicky. Learn more… OOH LA LA Garland The OOH LA LA garland is a playful and flirtatious French expression used to convey surprise, admiration, or excitement. This garland comes in gold and silver and can be strung up. For our ballerina party we displayed the Ooh la la garland on the mantel. In retrospect I think it would have looked even better strung up to hang at the top ⅓ of the mirror. Learn more… Ballerina Party Decor: Fabric Inspiration As part of dance and ballet is the movement captured both by the dancer and the fabrics in motion. We wanted to incorporate the look of a ballerina’s tulle tutu in our party decor. The fabric effect is carried through the party decor in the cascading light blue backdrop, tulle pom pom chair backs, tulle pom poms added to the ballerina garlands, and an adorable party dress for the birthday girl! Light Blue Table Linens The cotton candy effect of light blue and pinks together is a beautiful color combination. The light blue offers a striking contrast that allows the pink and florals to shine. This light blue table cloth is very economical and has a great weight that can be reused for other occasions and parties in the future. Learn more… Blue Iridescent Fabric Inspired Backdrop You’ll love how easy this is to use as a backdrop and the price. This is an iridescent tablecloth from Walmart for under $3 each when I purchased them and includes two pieces: the color paper and iridescent sheet. We used two of these tablecloths, repurposed from previous parties, as the backdrop for our dessert buffet. The tablecloth itself will come with many wrinkles from folding creases in the packaging which is not a problem since you will use the iridescent sheet to drape over the colored sheet. This tablecloth comes in two options: blue or pink. Whichever option you choose would look great for the background. The iridescent layer helps to create folds and movement like the fabrics of the beautiful ballerina costumes. For this look we used two sets of tablecloth and for the backdrop. Learn more… Portable T Backdrop Stand This is a

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New York City Christmas Kids Books

Holidays, Kids, Resource Guides / Coley Bartholomew

Christmas in New York City New York City is a renowned destination for holiday cheer. The city is adorned with dazzling lights and elaborate decorations that create a magical atmosphere! The holiday season kicks off with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring spectacular floats, giant balloons, and Broadway performances. The festive spirit continues across the city with numerous Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and elaborate department store window displays. Central Park is a picturesque landscape for winter activities, while landmarks like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the holiday windows of Fifth Avenue have become must-see attractions. Some of the Christmas time traditions in New York are over 100 years old and have become long standing holiday traditions. With the 1874 display of R. H. Macy’s “grand illumination” of 14th Street and Sixth Avenue, spurring the beautiful tradition of Christmas storefronts in New York City. During the Great Depression, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, first assembled in 1931 to celebrate Christmas time. Pair Your New York Christmas Storytime with Christmas Movies Featuring Christmas in New York The enchanting scenery of New York City all in lights for the holiday season has become part of many families’ holiday movie lineup! Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Elf are two holiday film classics that showcase the magic and charm of New York City during the holiday season! These holiday films would be the perfect compliment to a storytime with kids books featuring New York City! As you follow along young Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and his adventure in the Big Apple and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Central Park, the Plaza Hotel, towering skyscrapers and rows of brownstones, the film beautifully showcases New York’s festive atmosphere, adding a touch of magic and excitement to his Christmas adventure. In “Elf,” Buddy the Elf spreads Christmas cheer throughout New York City! The scenes are set against the dazzling lights of Times Square, beautifully decorated Gimbels department store, Central Park, and the festive buzz of NYC streets. The city’s festive backdrop creates a delightful and whimsical Christmas experience. These movies not only provide holiday entertainment but also offer a wonderful glimpse into how New York City transforms into a destination of Christmas buzz and excitement. Kids Books: Tools for World Exploration As a Mom of two I love changing out the books for my kids seasonally and throughout the year with holidays, family celebrations, and in the Mountains with the change of the seasons. Books are an easy way to introduce my children, who are still a little too young to travel, to the world. As a passionate traveler, I find immense joy in introducing my two kids to the wonders of the world through books. Each story becomes a gateway to new places, cultures, and adventures, sparking their imaginations and broadening their horizons. From the bustling streets of far-off cities to the serene landscapes of distant lands, these books serve as a bridge, allowing them to explore the world from the comfort of our home. Sharing these literary journeys with them not only fuels their curiosity but also cultivates a sense of wonder and appreciation for the diverse world around us. It’s a beautiful way to inspire their sense of adventure and love for travel, one page at a time. As a family, we love using our credit card bonus dollars to build our kids’ libraries with a special focus on fun and engaging travel books. Each book we choose is a new adventure, transporting them to far-off places and diverse cultures without ever leaving home. From illustrated tales of iconic destinations to captivating stories about different customs and landmarks, these books spark their curiosity and ignite their imaginations. By investing in their personal library, we’re not only creating a collection of wonderful stories but also nurturing their sense of wonder and excitement about the world. It’s a meaningful way to ignite a curiosity of other cultures and passion for travel, ensuring our kids have opportunities to explore and dream through the pages of their new favorite books. New York City Christmas Kids Books: 13 Books to Add to Your Holiday Storytime Line-Up Here are 13 New York City Christmas Kids book recommendations that you will want to add to your children’s holiday storytime line-up. These are books we love to use for storytime during the holidays and that are kid approved! And just for fun we have them in order of our family favorites, with our top favorite at number one: 1. Red & LuLu by Mat Tavares Red and Lulu written and illustrated by Matt Tavares is our favorite New York City Christmas kids book and with good reason, this heartwarming children’s story beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas through a charming story and artistic illustrations of New York City. The story focuses on the tale of Red, a cardinal, and Lulu, his beloved wife, who live together in a cozy Norway Spruce out in the suburbs. When the tree is selected to feature in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, Lulu is suddenly separated from Red. Red embarks on a desperate journey to New York City to find her. As he flies over the city, he witnesses the vibrant Christmas decorations, iconic landmarks, and festive lights that make New York so iconic and magical during the holiday season. The story culminates with a heartwarming reunion under the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Red and Lulu is a wonderful book to read with children during the holidays and is a celebration of Christmas in New York City! Learn more… 2. Christmas in New York (pop-up) by Chuck Fisher Even though “Christmas in New York” was published in 1998 this beautiful pop-up book by Chuck Fisher is worth tracking down a copy. This captivating pop-up book incorporates intricate and dynamic pop-up scenes of the city’s most iconic Christmas attractions and celebrations in a way that’s both

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Thanksgiving Tablescape: Creating a Stunning Neutral Thanksgiving Table

Uncategorized / Coley Bartholomew

For our table this year we’ve selected an elegant Thanksgiving tablescape featuring neutrals! Utilizing neutrals creates a stunning and sophisticated way to celebrate one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving! I’ve been spending lots of mental real estate, planning months ahead, for our new menu for this year and of equally important how the Thanksgiving tablescape will come together. This blog post is your Step by Step Guide to Creating a Stunning Neutral Thanksgiving Tablescape. Most years for our Thanksgiving tablescape has featured bold orange, earthy browns, navy blues, strong prints, and tons of color. But this year pairing back to the simplicity of a neutral palette, just feels right. The total look feels more elegant and yet relaxed, the hallmark of what we hope our Thanksgiving hosting experience will be with our family this year! Just like the leaves here in the mountains, the yellows and golds are the first leaves that sweep across the mountainscape, signaling that full beauty of Autumn is here! Gold accessories like the oak leaf napkin ring and charger pairs so beautifully with neutrals. And the best news for last is this Thanksgiving Tablescape took on a $100 Challenge. Almost everything on the table was purchased as part of a $100 budget including: gold chargers, silver floral urns, oasis foam, fresh floral, napkins, tablecloth, votives, and cutlery. Here are some disclaimers: this step by step guide will show you how to achieve a similar look for your holiday table and this budget below is representative for a table setting for eight. And I colored outside the lines, blowing the budget a little and I am pleased! Not only am I feeling great about the price tag and staying within budget, but also the overall look achieved! This budget however does not reflect the platinum China and crystal goblets; which could easily be substituted with simple everyday white plates and clear glassware you already own. Neutrals: Versatile and Easy to Transition When I stop to consider which pieces get used the most in our entertaining arsenal: neutrals win hands-down! Neutral pieces have the most versatility and can be used throughout the change of seasons and pair beautifully with a few bright pops of color or minimal seasonal decor pieces. And neturals have a superpower that they can be combined with any color from the spectrum and still look amazing making them great investments for your family! Neutrals are the perfect solution for anyone looking to create a timeless tablescape. Timeless and classic neutrals like beige, ivories, taupes, and soft grays transcend time and can be featured in any decor style. Providing the perfect backdrop in this tablescape to really make the metallic accents of gold and silver shine. Thanksgiving Tablescape: Tablecloth and Napkins We’ve selected a neutral base which includes: the tablecloth, napkins, and crystal drinkware. Perfect for the Autumn season, the tablecloth is a subtle nod to Autumn and features a neutral leaf pattern. Here’s a step-by-step description to help you achieve this look: Neutral Leaf Print Tablecloth First step, the base for our tablescape this neutral-colored tablecloth incorporates a leaf design in muted ivory, beige, and subtle hints of taupe. This tablescape creates a subtle and elegant foundation with the leaf motif that allows the gold accents to shine. Learn more… White Cloth Napkins Celebratory dining occasions like Thanksgiving, really call for a cloth napkin. Not only do they look great on your place setting but it just feels elevated to have a cloth napkin. White napkin linens which are a great inexpensive item to purchase that can be used with almost any tablescape. And as a parent, I believe it’s well worth the extra effort of creating a formal place setting so my children know the proper dining etiquette and feel comfortable at a beautiful table. For this look we used a simple rectangle fold, which looks great with these gold Red Oak leaf napkin rings. Learn more… Noritake Crestwood Platinum China Opting for this simple and elegant Noritake Crestwood Platinum china set in white with a platinum border is stunning! The clean backdrop will make your antique gold chargers and other accents stand out. The mix of gold and silver is elegant with the play of the platinum plate edge and silver floral urns are stunning with the gold accents in the napkin ring and charger. This set is a service for eight and when you consider the price per piece is under eight dollars per item; it’s a great value and perfect for anyone who loves to entertain! Learn more… Antique Gold Chargers Gold has characteristics that are warm and inviting just like the Thanksgiving season itself! Place these gold chargers beneath each plate to add a touch of opulence. These charges have a rich, warm hue that will contrast beautifully with the neutral plates and create a luxurious base. I purchased the ones used for our Thanksgiving tablescape from the Dollar Tree for a $1.25 each. And I love the way the edges of this particular charger play off of the bamboo root cutlery. Learn more… Godinger Crystal Goblets You will love these crystal goblets. The cut design in these crystal goblets is beautiful and size of the goblet is the essence of hospitality, as it holds enough of your favorite beverage for an entire family-style meal. For crystal, these are very affordable for a pack of four. Learn more… Bamboo Root Cutlery The natural texture and warm tones of bamboo will contrast beautifully with the gold accents. And I love how the bamboo brings in a bark like element that is echoed in the chiseled edges of the gold chargers. Learn more… Leaf Napkin Ring For our tablescape the season accessories are minimal: the subtle leaf pattern tablecloth and gold oak leaf napkin rings. Oak leaves symbolize strength. And we love oak leaves and use them liberally in our home decor. We have four sets of oak leaf napkin rings that we use throughout the

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The Best Fall Kids Books

Kids, Resource Guides / Coley Bartholomew

This blog post is all about the Best Fall Books for Kids. Fall is such a wonderful time for kids to explore the magic of the season through books! As the leaves change colors and the air grows crisp, there’s a special charm in stories that celebrate harvest, traditions, and the beauty of nature’s transformation. As a Mom of two I love changing out the books for my kids seasonally and throughout the year with holidays, family celebrations, and in the Mountains to celebrate the change of seasons. Autumn in the mountains is certainly spectacular! We love getting to watch each of the seasons’ change and each has its own unique beauty. There is something very magical about the cool crisp mornings of Fall, the tapestry of Fall colors woven across the mountainscape, and during Fall the sun starts to set earlier making stories at bedtime extra special. This blog post highlights the Best Fall Kids Books. Curating Your Child’s Library As a Mom, I take great joy in selecting books for my children to build their libraries. We prioritize finding special books as gifts for holidays, birthdays, and fun themes for our children to explore. We love to use our credit card reward dollars to build our kids’ libraries with a special focus on fun and engaging seasonal and travel books. Each book we choose is a new adventure, transporting them to far-off places and diverse cultures without ever leaving home. From illustrated tales of iconic destinations to captivating stories about different customs and landmarks, we love to use books to spark their curiosity and ignite their imaginations. By investing in our children’s library, we’re not only creating a collection of wonderful stories but also nurturing their sense of wonder and excitement about the world. It’s a meaningful way to combine our passion for travel and learning to ensure our kids have endless opportunities to explore and dream through the pages of their favorite books. The Best 16 Fall Kids Books There is nothing like Carolina in the Fall! The mountains light-up with a kaleidoscope of stunning colors of rust, orange, yellow, red, and brown and there is a natural excitement about the bursts of fall colors. This excitement is carried over into our family ritual of storytime. We select fall kids books that celebrate nature, faith, and creativity. Here are the 16 Best Fall Kids Books to get your child excited about the magic of fall: Fall Kids Books that Celebrate Nature One More Acorn by Don Freeman This book has a beautiful origin story. From the beloved author of “Corduroy,” “One More Acorn” was posthumous published, in 2010. Don Freeman died in 1978, his son, Roy, inherited his father’s work and discovered the original story and artwork, set in Washington, D.C., about a squirrel gathering nuts for the winter. The project was unfinished, so Roy partnered with his father, thirty years after his death, to bring this story to life. “One More Acorn” by Don Freeman captures the essence of fall through the eyes of a charming squirrel. The squirrel’s quest to find one more, perfect acorn, taking him on a delightful journey through the beautiful autumn landscape of Washington, D.C. Learn more… Earl the Squirrel by Don Freeman Another classic by Don Freeman. Even though this one was published in 1962, “Earl the Squirrel“ has an adorable story and has charming illustrations. The story revolves around Earl, a spirited and adventurous squirrel who lives in a large oak tree and is constantly seeking new adventures and finding creative solutions to problems. Learn more… Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson and Tiphanie Beeke “Fletcher and the Falling Leaves” by Julia Rawlinson, is a delightful Fall kids book that beautifully captures the essence of autumn through the experiences of a charming fox named Fletcher. Fletcher is deeply concerned when he notices that the leaves are falling from his favorite tree. Fletcher loves his tree and its vibrant green leaves that adorn it, so when the leaves start to turn colors and drop to the ground, he becomes worried that something might be wrong. Through the story Fletcher tries to understand what is happening, he seeks reassurance from his friends and attempts various ways to save the leaves. Through his journey, Fletcher and children learn about the natural process of autumn and the change of seasons. Learn more… The Fox Went Out On a Chilly Night by Peter Spier “Need I say more it’s the Caldecott Honor Book from 1962! The beautifully detailed illustrations are stunning and perfectly captures the New England countryside during the peak of Autumn. “The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night” by Peter Spier is a classic children’s book that brings to life a traditional folk song, “The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night.” It follows the adventures of a clever fox who sets out on a chilly night to find food. The fox is on a quest to steal some chickens from a nearby farm. Learn more… A Farm Prepares for Winter Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle “Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter” by Eugenie Doyle, is a charming and educational story that explains the process of a farm preparing during autumn for the winter season. Published in 2012, this book is celebrated for its warm narrative and beautiful illustrations. Each part of the story depicts a different aspect of farm life, from harvesting crops, gathering firewood, to caring for animals, storing supplies, and all of the preparations that are essential for the farm’s survival during the winter. Learn more… The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger Fall is certainly all about change and “The Little Yellow Leaf” by Carin Berger celebrates change and bravery. The story centers around a little yellow leaf at the peak of Fall that is hesitant to let go of its branch. As the wind begins to blow and the other leaves fall to the ground, the little yellow

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Complete Guide to a Berry First Birthday Party

Cake Smash, Parties, Resource Guides / Coley Bartholomew

A Berry First Birthday Party combines sweetness and elegance for a perfect celebration of your baby girl’s first birthday! The theme of the day is a delightful fusion of strawberries with pink and gold, perfectly complementing the joyous occasion! This article is all about a Berry First Birthday Party and your complete guide to party decor, party food, party outfits, party gifts, party favors and even ideas for your Strawberry themed cake smash. And whether you’re planning a baby shower or birthday party, a Strawberry themed celebration is sure to please everyone! For your party decor, pink and gold provide the perfect base for showcasing your strawberry decor. This is a party theme we did for our daughter’s very first birthday and we’ll provide helpful tips, insights, and share the products that worked best for our Berry First Birthday Party and Berry First Cake Smash. Berry First Birthday Cake Smash Celebrate your little girl’s first birthday milestone with a delightful cake smash session that’s both charming and memorable. We used a soft golden backdrop for our cake smash that sets a dreamy and whimsical tone for the celebration showcasing a delicious white Chantilly cake, adorned with fresh strawberries. The soft golden backdrop provides a beautiful contrast to the pink and red honeycomb balls and balloons that add a vibrant pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness to your cake smash decor. And for a Berry First Birthday Party themed Cake Smash select a romper in shades of pink or strawberry print for your little princess. The birthday romper can be featured during your cake smash and at your Berry First Birthday Party. Another great budget friendly option for a Berry First Birthday Cake Smash backdrop would be to go outdoors and select a grassy area or spot next to a flower bed full of white hydrangeas for a backdrop. Then finish with a white wash basin milk bath filled with strawberries. And for a Berry First Birthday Party themed Cake Smash select a romper in shades of pink or strawberry print for your little princess. The birthday romper can be featured during your cake smash and at your Berry First Birthday Party. Cake smash sessions are one of our favorite sessions! A Cake Smash session is fun-filled, capturing your baby’s personality, excitement, laughter, and reactions to cake, often the first time a baby has tasted cake. The white Chantilly cake, with its light and fluffy texture, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for her tiny taste buds. And for a cake smash I would recommend a cake with great tasting icing and not using fondant. The fresh strawberries on top not only add a burst of flavor but the white icing also enhances the overall aesthetic with their vibrant red hue of the strawberries adorning this cake. Berry Chantilly Cake with Fresh Strawberries The Chantilly Cake is carefully handcrafted with vanilla cake, almond flavoring, and Chantilly-mascarpone cream frosting and is delicious! This Chantilly Cake is decorated with fresh strawberries and blueberries and makes a statement. This beautiful cake is perfect for your Berry First Birthday Party! And note it’s best to request your order pick-up for the same day as your cake smash or party as it requires refrigeration and the icing looks best in photos on the day it’s made. Learn more… Pink Honeycomb Balls Using this trio of honeycomb balls in various sizes as party decor and in your cake smash creates a delightful geometric effect, catching the light and adding depth to your cake smash photos! Learn more… Red Honeycomb Strawberries Red Honeycomb Strawberries are a fantastic choice for a berry-themed first birthday cake smash session. They bring a vibrant pop of color that perfectly complements the berry motif. Learn more… Gold Dot Garland Add a touch of charm and elegance to your Berry First birthday party or cake smash with this delightful gold dot garland. This eye-catching garland, adorned with shimmering gold dots, is the perfect way to enhance your party decor and create a festive cake smash backdrop. In a Berry First Birthday Cake Smash, this Gold Dot Garland catches the light and adds sparkle to your child’s birthday portraits. Learn more… Pink and Gold Party Decoration Kit Transform your Berry First birthday party or cake smash into a vibrant celebration with this delightful party decoration kit! This set features charming pink tissue pom poms and a playful pink and gold dotted pennant garland, designed to infuse your event with tons of color and fun. Together, these decorations will create a stunning backdrop for your Berry First Birthday Party. Learn more… Berry First Birthday Party Decor As your guests arrive, they’re greeted by a strawberry themed dessert bar dressed in elegant pink and gold. Red strawberries take center stage with strategically placed decorations and accents. Fresh strawberries are elegantly displayed in glass bowls, their vibrant color providing a striking contrast against the pink tablecloth and gold backdrop. The backdrop, a golden fringe curtain is used to highlight pops of red strawberries and add dimension to all of the pink tablecloths. Here are the top Berry First Party Decor picks for party decor: Berry First Birthday Banner, Glitter Strawberry Banner By thoughtfully incorporating a berry-themed banner into an archway to greet your guests, hang over the gift table, photo area, or dessert buffet this Berry First Birthday garland will help you to create a cohesive, and memorable celebration for your child’s first birthday. Learn more… Strawberry First Birthday Party Decoration Berry 1st Monthly Photo Banner Milestone Photograph This strawberry-themed milestone photograph bunting garland is a delightful addition to your little one’s birthday celebration! Ideal for a strawberry-themed or first birthday party, it features a charming 12-month photo display. Each month of your baby’s first year can be showcased on this pre-strung, assembled garland, making it a breeze to highlight their growth and development. It’s a sweet and easy way to create a memorable focal point

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Newborn Photography: Hospital Newborn Photography

Uncategorized / Coley Bartholomew

Significance of Newborn Hospital Pictures Newborn Photography: this article is all about taking your own hospital newborn portraits and capturing the moments you meet your baby for the first time! This article helps you plan ahead for this momentous occasion with photography tips, pose ideas, and resource guide of inspiration. The first time you meet your baby is a profound and indescribable experience. You are overcome with emotion and love; it’s hard to describe how much love you feel for someone you’ve just met! Meeting your baby is a precious memory you’ll want to preserve and capture to enjoy pictures for many years to come. This article is all about newborn photography helpful photography tips, pose ideas, and resources for taking your own hospital newborn pictures! Newborn photos become a time capsule, transporting us back to that special day in time, preserving the details of that special day—the tiny fingers and toes, the wrinkled forehead, the blissful expressions of new parents—as if frozen in time. These photos hold a unique power to evoke emotions and memories for your child as well who will reflect on these photos as they grow older, providing a glimpse into their earliest days and the love that surrounded their arrival. Now that I’m a Mom of two these tips and resources are what we utilized for baby number two’s hospital newborn photos. The photos from baby number one’s hospital newborn photos included the linens provided by the hospital and did not include any of these thoughtful injections of color and props. I wish there had been resources available to help first-time parents plan for hospital newborn photography at the hospital. If this article is helpful for you in planning your newborn photos at the hospital please let us know in the comments below. Photography Tips for Newborn Photography of your Newborn at the Hospital Capturing those precious first moments of your newborn baby’s life in the hospital is a wonderful way to preserve memories that you’ll cherish forever. Newborn Photography sessions at the hospital are difficult to schedule and book because your baby may come unexpectedly. And if the hospital offers photos of your newborn, the quality of those baby pictures is not great. If photo packages are offered it’s generally a trained nurse that will take the pictures, not necessarily a trained photographer. This is where you’ll want to be prepared to take photos or have a trusted friend or family member be prepared to help you enjoy this heartfelt photo opportunity. Here are five tips for taking beautiful and memorable photos of your new baby in the hospital: Newborn Photography: Five Photography Tips for Newborn Portraits at the Hospital Use Natural Light: Whenever possible, use natural light from windows to illuminate your baby. Soft, diffused natural light creates a flattering and gentle glow, perfect for taking your own hospital newborn pictures. Keep the focus on your baby as the main subject of the photo: in the hospital avoid cluttered backgrounds or distractions that may take away from the focus on your little one. Include Family Members: If siblings or grandparents are present, include them in some of the photos with the newborn. Sibling interactions and family bonding moments make for heartwarming and memorable photographs. Make sure you have someone take a picture of both parents with your newborn, trust me this will become one of your most cherished pictures! Use Props Thoughtfully: include a curated group of props in your photos, choose ones that are simple and meaningful. Check out the resources in the last section of this article for inspiration. Check out the resource guide below for Newborn Portraits at the hospital for ways to personalize and add a special touch to your photos. Document Details: Don’t forget to document the little details of your baby’s first hours, such as their hospital bracelet, tiny feet, and the first time they open their eyes. These details may seem small now but will become cherished memories as your baby grows. My husband and I have tons of photos of newborn hospital photos and even captured short video clips of both of our children as newborns and the sweet coo-ing noise they made while they were in the hospital – so precious! I always enjoy looking back at these first hospital newborn photos, which is an exquisite moment in time – becoming a parent and having a family! Newborn Photography: Eight Pose Ideas for Hospital Portraits When planning for newborn hospital pictures, you want to capture the essence of those precious first moments with your baby. Here are eight pose ideas to inspire your newborn hospital photo session: Family Introductions: Capture the reactions of family members meeting the baby for the first time. Whether it’s the joy on the faces of grandparents or the curiosity of siblings, these moments are full of emotion and love. If you have older children, include them in the photos to capture the special bond between siblings. Encourage gentle interactions and cuddles between the baby and their siblings for heartwarming photos. Close-Up Details: Take close-up shots of your baby’s tiny features, such as their fingers, toes, ears, and nose. These intimate shots highlight the unique beauty of your newborn and make for timeless keepsakes. Parent-Baby Bonding: Take photos of each parent individually with the baby, both parents together with the baby, as well everyone together as a family. Note -make sure you ask someone to take a picture of Mom and Dad together with baby – trust me, this will be one of your favorite pictures! Skin-to-Skin Contact: Cuddling skin-to-skin is not only beneficial for bonding but also makes for beautiful and intimate photos! Cradle Pose: Position the baby in a cradle pose, with their head resting in the crook of your arm or nestled against your chest. This classic pose highlights the baby’s profile and creates a sense of security and comfort. Hospital Room Environment: Incorporate elements of the hospital room into your photos to document

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