Simple Holiday Decor Ideas on Best Friends for Frosting

2

Take the stress out of decorating for the holidays with these simple festive ideas for your home without strands of lights or even a tree!  As seen on Best Friends for Frosting with amazing photography by Maria Doka Photo.

5
-Create a simple wreath with thin wire and a strand of corner store greenery

19
-Adorn all beverages with a thin slice of lemon

-Dress tables with a fine linen table cloth and linen napkins

6
-Use candles in canisters for less mess
-Great creative with herbs

20
-Leave a greeting at every place setting

-Serve hot chocolate in teacups

23
-Add greenery to a dish of sweet treats

-Type gift tags on a typewriter
-Dress up simple gift wrap with silk dupioni ribbon

-Display gifts on a faux fur throw or in a stocking

CREDITS
Concept & Styling:  Mandy Forlenza Sticos / Photography: Maria Doka Photography / Vintage Props:  Little Vintage Rentals / Candles:  Aromasoy Candles  / Linen:  Lost in Linen  / Ribbon:  Midori Ribbon  / Stocking:  A Stylish Design
Advertisement

Central Park Wedding Inspiration

Mariel Hannah Photography  - Mandy Forlenz Sticos Styling

It was almost a year ago that photographer Mariel Hannah + I worked together on this Central Park style shoot.  I was thrilled that it popped up in Magnolia Rouge issue 10 and the blog.  I hope you find some Fall Wedding inspiration in these photos!

Mariel Hannah Photography  - Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Mariel Hannah Photography  - Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Mariel Hannah Photography  - Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling
Mariel Hannah Photography  - Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling
Mariel Hannah Photography  - Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling
Photography MARIEL HANNAH / Styling & florals MANDY FORLENZA STICOS / Location CENTRAL PARK / Ribbon SILK & WILLOW / Candles RILES AND CO. Gown TATYANA MERENYUK / Veils AMALEE ACCESSORIES / Shoes & earrings NINA SHOES / Hair comb CONFETTI BY ANNETTE / Model EVELYN BEDOYA / Hair & make-up ADRIANA ANDALUZ / Croquet Shawl THE CHESHIRES HAT / Flowers supplier BLOOMS BY THE BOX / Assistant JULIA SPORTELLI / Calligraphy FLEUR DE LETTERS

Botanical Bridal Session and Boudoir featured on Hochzeitsguide

Kate Ignatowski Photography  - Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

The flowers I sourced from Blooms by the Box to style for this photo shoot are some of my favorite to date.  Previously a handful of these photos were featured on Style Me Pretty, but I was SO excited that Hochzeitsguide picked it up as well – their aesthetic is dreamy!  Amazing team below the photos.

Kate Ignatowski Photography  - Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  - Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  - Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  - Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  - Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  - Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  - Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Photography: Kate Ignatowski | Styling + Floral Design: Mandy Forlenza Sticos | Wedding Dress: Tatyana Merenyuk | Cake: Sugar Flower Cake Shop | Invitations: Bella Figura | Make Up: Anny Chow | Hair: Andy Tseng | Flowers Supplied By: Blooms By The Box | Garter: Florrie Mitton | Lingerie + Robe: Zinke | Model: Alexis Katsafanas | Ribbon: Midori Ribbon |  Veils: Jaclyn Jordan | Vintage Props: Little Vintage Rentals

Glassware featured in The Knot Magazine

TheKnot_1

Brooklyn based wedding planner Jove Meyer created this amazing table scape featured in The Knot.  Our vintage glassware + milk glass vases were included showing that vintage rentals can be the perfect compliment to modern weddings as well!

TheKnot_3

TheKnot_1v

Planner + Designer – Jove Meyer Events, Stationery / Menus + Programs + Place mats + Invites + Save the Dates + Charity Signs – Swiss Cottage Designs, Flowers – Lindsay Rae Design, Vintage Glassware – Little Vintage Rentals, Furniture Rentals / Table + Chairs – Taylor Creative; Tabletop Rentals / Linens + Cutlery + Chargers + China – Broadway Party Rentals

Tiffany + Justin Engagement Featured on WellWed

Fiona Melder Photography Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Fiona Melder Photography Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Fiona Melder Photography Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Fiona Melder Photography Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Fiona Melder Photography Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Fiona Melder Photography Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Fiona Melder Photography Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

Fiona Melder Photography Mandy Forlenza Sticos Styling

On a beautiful September afternoon I had the pleasure of styling the sweet engagement session of Tiffany + Justin in Central Park with photographer Fiona Melder.  This duo was over flowing with love and it shows!  I was so happy to the collage below popped up on WellWed’s blog!

By  Fiona Medler Photography

Bordeaux Bride featured on La Mariée Aux Pieds Nus

Photography by Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction + Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Great to see the Bordeaux inspired bridal portrait shoot on La Mariee Aux Pieds Nus today here.  It was so much fun styling this with rich wine colored peonies from Blooms by the Box and the most amazing piece form Fleur de Letters below.  Life is too short to drink cheap wine, right?  Full list of credits below.

Photography by Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction + Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Photography by Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction + Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Photography by Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction + Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Photography by Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction + Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Photography by Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction + Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Photography by Kate Ignatowski  Creative Direction + Styling by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Photography: Kate Ignatowski | Styling + Floral Design: Mandy Forlenza Sticos | Flowers Provided by: Blooms By The Box | Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo | Makeup Artist: Anny Chow | Calligraphy:Fleur De Letters | Hair Styling: Andy Tseng | Veil: Sara Gabriel

Brooklyn Grange Wedding Inspiration in Well Wed

By Les Loups

We jumped at the chance when Viva Max Weddings asked us to showcase some vintage china, flatware + table top items at a Brooklyn Grange Farm photo shoot.  We love the idea of a roof top urban farm and better yet, hosting a wedding there!  This shoot was recently featured in Well Wed magazine, here are some of our favorite photos.

By Les Loups

By Les Loups

By Les Loups

By Les Loups

By Les Loups

WellWedOasis

Event Design: Viva Max Weddings / Photography: Les Loups / Vintage China + Flatware: Little Vintage Rentals  / Cake: Ted and Honey / Event & Floral Design: Molly Oliver Flowers / Event Rentals: Atlas Party Rentals & Patina Rentals / Hair: Jackie Schneider Beauty / Linens: John Derian / Makeup: Blades Natural Beauty / Papergoods: Paper Finger / Props: GRDN  / Venue: Brooklyn Grange Farm.

Botanical Bridal + Boudoir Session on Style Me Pretty

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Sometimes things are worth a long wait.  With the first signs of spring + peonies, I styled this photo shoot and many months later, I am thrilled to see it on Style Me Pretty.  Photos are by the ever talented, Kate Ignatowski + the full team is listed below the post.  Enjoy!

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Kate Ignatowski Photography  Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

Photography: Kate Ignatowski | Styling + Floral Design: Mandy Forlenza Sticos | Wedding Dress: Tatyana Merenyuk | Cake: Sugar Flower Cake Shop | Invitations: Bella Figura | Make Up: Anny Chow | Hair: Andy Tseng | Flowers Provided By: Blooms By The Box | Garter: Florrie Mitton | Lingerie + Robe: Zinke | Model: Alexis Katsafanas | Ribbon: Midori Ribbon Veils: Jaclyn Jordan | Vintage Props: Little Vintage Rentals

 

1920s Inspiration Featured in Well Wed

Moss + Isaac

A while back the ladies at Private Receptions asked us to participate in a 1920s style shoot.  The outcome was a violet dream featuring lots of our mixed floral vintage china, flatware, glassware, books, doilies and even vintage handkerchiefs.  Thank you Well Wed Magazine for showcasing this beautiful photo shoot!

Moss + Isaac

Moss + Isaac

Moss + Isaac

Moss + Isaac Moss + Isaac Moss + Isaac

Moss + Isaac

Well Wed Magazine Little Vintage Rentals

Photography: Moss + Isaac | Floral Design: Violet and Verde | Cake: Cake Alchemy | Stationery: A&P Designs | Catering: Saucy by Nature |  Dresses: Angelique Bridal | Feather Dress: Nearly Newlywed | Headpieces: Hushed Commotion | Planning & Coordination: Private Receptions, Inc. | Rentals: Little Vintage Rentals | Venue: The Green Building

Bordeaux Bride on Style Me Pretty

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

Hands down one of my favorite photo shoots ever with Kate Ignatowski was on Style Me Pretty.  It was such a simple theme and of course, amazing film photography by Kate made it perfect!

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

kate ignatowski photography  mandy forlenza sticos styling

Photography: Kate Ignatowski | Styling + Floral Design: Mandy Forlenza Sticos | Flowers Provided by: Blooms By The Box | Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo | Makeup Artist: Anny Chow | Calligraphy: Fleur De Letters | Hair Styling: Andy Tseng | Veil: Sara Gabriel

 

 

5 Ways To Perfectly Style Your Next Party on Best Friends for Frosting

Top 5 Ways To Perfectly Style Your Next Party  by Mandy Forlenza Sticos  Photo by Fallon Chan

I am so happy to share my latest post on Best Friends for Frosting with amazing photography from Fallon Chan.  This was such a cheerful post to create + style. Enjoy!

Photo by Fallon Chan Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

1.  Larger Than Life Balloons – Whether you display one monster balloon or many, these whimsical party accessories bring an instant smile. Don’t forget to add a fresh flower collar or yards of your favorite lace and ribbon as a tassel!   Stress-free planning tip: Get these beauties delivered to your doorstep by Balloon Planet; nationwide.
Photo by Fallon Chan Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

2.  Nearly Naked Cake – A nearly naked cake offers just enough frosting for those with a sweet tooth while providing a sneak peak at the cake’s flavor. Stress-free planning tip: Hide the knife if you want to keep the cake on display for a bit!
Photo by Fallon Chan Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

3.  Unexpected Centerpieces – Search your cabinets for old tins, glassware, trophies and teapots for an unexpected place to display flowers!  You’ll be the talk of the party and perhaps instagram as all of your friends document your creativity. #partysuccess Stress-free planning tip: Order your flowers online and fresh blooms arrive ready to be cut + styled! Blooms by The Box is one of my favorite resources.
Photo by Fallon Chan Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

4.  Old School Desserts – For the smaller grab-and-go sweets, go retro! These rice + marshmallow treats hold a nostalgic place in everyone’s heart and the white chocolate topping offers a new take on a classic. Stress-free planning tip: These treats are a great gluten free option for guests; skip the toppings to be safe.
Photo by Fallon Chan Styled by Mandy Forlenza Sticos

5.  Specialty Cocktails – Every good party needs its own specialty cocktail! Whether it’s a personal favorite or a pretty mixology experiment, display the ingredients to encourage guests to mix it up. Stress-free planning tip: If space is limited at your soiree, pre-mix ingredients in large pitchers and don’t forget the ice and a variety of garnish.

Credits:  Photography: Fallon Chan, Concept, Styling + Floral Design: Mandy Forlenza Sticos, Balloons: Balloon Planet, Flowers Provided By: Blooms by the Box, Cake + Dessert: There Should Always be Cake

DIY Flower Centerpiece on Best Friends for Frosting

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Stics  Photography by Fallon Chan

I was so excited to see my DIY centerpiece + flower recipe captured beautifully by Fallon Chan on Best Friends for Frosting!  If you missed it, here is an easy way to brighten up your next party or home with a bright + cheerful arrangement!  Don’t forget, there is no wrong way to create your own masterpiece, have fun!

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Stics  Photography by Fallon Chan

1 – Think outside the box when gathering potential vessels + vases. Everyday objects like glassware, tins and teacups transform into wonderful centerpieces and conversation starters!

2 – Use this cheerful flower recipe below and if you’re not sure where to purchase your blooms check out online resources like Blooms by The Box that deliver to your doorstep.

• Pink Peonies        • Pink Scabiosa
• Pink Lisanthus        • White Lisanthus
• White Sweetheart Roses        • Pink Stock
• Silver Dollar Eucalyptus        • Ming Ferns

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Stics  Photography by Fallon Chan

3- Sort through the flowers and pick the most lively and sturdy. Stay away from any blooms that are losing their petals.

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Stics  Photography by Fallon Chan

4 – Cut flower stems to desired length at a 45 degree angle under water or under running water. Pick up a pair of clippers or shears for best results.

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Stics  Photography by Fallon Chan

5 – Remove any leaves that will sit below the water line in your vase to prevent excessive bacteria growth.

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Stics  Photography by Fallon Chan

6 – Last but not least, have fun and get creative.  Still need some inspiration on composition, take a look below or head to Pinterest for some of my favorite inspiration here!

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Stics  Photography by Fallon Chan

Styling by Mandy Forlenza Stics  Photography by Fallon Chan

 Styling + Design:  Mandy Forlenza Sticos, Photography:  Fallon Chan, Flowers provided by:  Blooms by the Box