Along with the anticipation of what the new year holds comes the excitement of discovering the new trends in fashion and decor. This year reveals a cool palette of hot new colors.  One of the hottest colors this year is a fierce jewel tone blue dubbed Cockatoo.  As with any other fashion trend, cockatoo will transition itself from the runway to the bridal world being used as a rich, classic color for 2012 nuptials.

Cockatoo, sometimes referred to as Peacock Blue, is an elegant, versatile choice for a wedding palette as it is an ultra flattering hue for all skin tones.  For all dresses, short to long, you can’t go wrong with this color choice.

Along with providing a beauty boost for your bridesmaids, Cockatoo can also work well as a counterpoint for other colors.  The classic bride might pair it with cool neutrals, such as grays or silvers. The more spirited bride might gravitate to the deep, vivid purples or warm oranges for a dramatic impact.

Not only is Cockatoo a great color to wear but it also makes quite a statement when used in the wedding decor.  Use a cockatoo ribbon accent in a great floral bouquet for a subtle touch of trend.  For the more daring, use peacock feathers in the centerpieces or floral arrangement to add a unique, memorable punch to your wedding decor.

What? You’re thinking that Cockatoo is just too bold for you? Well, don’t write it off just yet.  Here are a few Kate Aspen favors in shades of blue to complement cockatoo.

Every bride looks for her “something blue” and Cockatoo may be just perfect for that new hue of something blue!

Happy planning!

You don’t have to be Cinderella, or Kate Middleton for that matter, to have a princess-inspired wedding. In the new Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection by Kate Aspen, you won’t find Minnie in a wedding dress. You see, we had something a little more sophisticated in mind…wedding favors that tell your story, and that are practical and beautiful. Now that your own fairy tale awaits, be inspired!

The world-renowned carriage icon is etched in the glass of this stunning bottle stopper. Cinderella’s magical glass slipper gets the royal treatment in chrome with just the right amount of sparkle..perfectly marrying your childhood dreams with your sense of practicality!

Adventurous at heart like Ariel and Jasmine? Slightly more traditional like Cinderella and Belle? Or maybe you “color outside the lines” more like Rapunzel and Tiana.  With the new Fairy Tale Weddings Favor and Gift Collection by Kate Aspen, there are many ways to express it. Exclusive favors, each with a special message and flair, created to complement almost any wedding theme and décor. And best of all? They’re a little, elegant reminder of when you were princess for a day.

The Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Favor and Gift Collection is available exclusively at

Happy planning!

A drum roll, please!

Stocking stuffers! Christmas is just a little more than a month away, so it’s time to think about rocking the stocking with a small, personal gift you know will bring a smile to someone’s face! Why favors?

So glad you asked! Favors fit perfectly into virtually every stocking size, and it’s easy to find a favor to suit almost anyone. Pick a different favor for everyone on your list or find one favor with special meaning and buy a bunch to get the price break!

Here’s a personal example—I not only love to read, I also do everything I can to encourage reading for both kids and adults. My stocking stuffer last year was the lovely, winter themed “Snowflake” bookmark with stunning ice-blue tassels. As you’ll see when you head to Kate Aspen’s site, we feature bookmark favors in several styles! Buy one or two—or more than a few!

Getting together with lots of girlfriends over the next few weeks? How about stuffing their stockings with a manicure kit favor or a trendy luggage tag?

And who among us doesn’t have a few family and friends who are exceedingly fond of tea? Toss one of our terrific tea favors in each fabric footie, and their cups will runneth over with delight!

When beverage preferences include beer and wine, we’ve got you covered—stuffer-wise—there, too! Drink in these bottle stoppers and bottle openers; they’re just a few of the choices we have in our collection!

Well, now that you’re stuffed with useful information—specifically, why Kate Aspen favors make “little gift” shopping a piece of fruitcake, I’ll be on my way to find more bright ideas for your holiday!

Happy HOLIDAY Planning!

Good fortune is sure to be headed your way if you’re planning an Asian-themed wedding.  Full of lucky symbols, tradition and well wishes, it’s easy to share that with your guests with our collection of Asian wedding favors.  From lucky elephants to golden Buddhas, the selection is impressive and the appeal is universal.  No matter what the theme, you can add an Asian flair to be as subtle or bold as you dare!

Garden Wedding

Your outdoor wedding will be blooming with appreciation when you choose our garden wedding favors to accent your décor.  Black mini lanterns help set the mood, while the cherry blossom coasters and soaps are a soft, sweet yet meaningful reminder of your love, affection and good fortune.  Don’t forget to place a fan in each seat to help guests keep cool!

Eco-friendly Wedding

Everyone should do their part to help preserve and protect the environment.  It might seem like a small thing, but even your choice of wedding favors can have a profound impact on the earth.  Choose biodegradable favors and confetti and incorporate bamboo wherever possible.  Useful favors, like these bamboo coasters, protect the earth while giving guests a wonderful accent they can use at home.

Culturally Correct

You’ve found your perfect mate.  Lucky you!  No wonder everyone has gathered to wish you well.  Whether you’re having a traditional ceremony or not, these meaningful favors represent how fortunate you truly are and share some good fortune with your guests.  Lucky symbols expressed in elegant favors include elephants, golden Buddha, bottle stoppers with the “Double Happiness” design and fortune cookies.

Inspired by over 5,000 years of history and culture, these specially crafted gifts celebrate the beauty and elegance of the Far East while adding a distinctly modern sophistication to your special day.

Happy planning!