5 Things We're Loving Now
5 Things We're Loving Now
Working at Martha Stewart Weddings means stumbling upon incredible bridal finds every single day. So, each week, one of our editors will spotlight a few of their current obsessions—from a cool stationer to a fresh new baker to an under-the-radar wedding-dress designer to must-have accessories for your rehearsal dinner—to hopefully help inspire your own wedding day. This week, Executive Editor Eleni Gage reveals what she's loving now.
You have to love weddings to work here. (And I could look at strangers' wedding pictures all day—which is good, because that's pretty much my job description.) But while I love a great party (which is what every wedding should be), I'm just as excited by the ritual of a wedding. I was a Folklore and Mythology major in college, so I'm obsessed with rites of passage and celebrations. I appreciate anything that makes you stop and enjoy a specific moment in your life—even if there was nothing overtly special about that moment until you did so. Here's a collection of things that have helped me do just that.
"Mother of the Bride" by Ilene Beckerman
This witty, sweet graphic memoir that artist Ilene Beckerman wrote (and drew) about becoming an MOB was published five years before I got married. But I always remembered it, and when my husband and I wanted to break the news of our engagement to my family, I wrapped up a copy and we gave it to my mother at a family dinner. Now that I have a daughter of my own, I find the story even more moving. I've sent it to the moms of close friends of mine as their daughters got engaged and it's always a hit.
John Kelly Truffle Fudge Bites
I like my men supersweet (exhibit A: my husband), but my chocolates, not so much. A friend from Los Angeles brought us these incredible, artisanal truffle bites, which are dark, not too sweet, and insanely rich. I fell head over heels in love. In fact, it's bordering on an unhealthy obsession. I especially like the 12 Piece sampler box, in which many of the pieces are drizzled with a chocolate letter letting you know what's inside. My favorite is W, for Walnuts. But who knows which one will be your perfect match?
T3 Featherweight Compact Dryer
There's a reason people have their best thoughts in the shower, not under the hairdryer. Washing your hair is relaxing. Drying it is a pain. But this little number makes the process faster and easier. Plus, since it comes in bridal white with rose gold accents, it's so much prettier than the average industrial model. And since it folds easily, you can take it with you on your bachelorette weekend. (I say go ahead and skip the blowdrying on your honeymoon—work the beach hair!)
"The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name/The Little Boy Who Lost His Name"
This is that elusive flower girl or ring bearer gift that the parent of your littlest attendant will love as much as the child: a beautifully illustrated, personalized book that will be a huge hit at bedtime. Type in the kid's name on the website and you'll receive a book about a protagonist who embarks on an adventure, meeting creatures from Aardvarks to Mermaids, who give her or him the first letter of their name to re-create the child's missing moniker. The story is funny and sweet, and guaranteed to get you brownie points for reinforcing spelling skills.
Bride-to-Be Letterbox
The only thing nicer than receiving a personal letter in the mail is getting a parcel. (Yes, I realize how Downton Abbey that word sounds, and that's why I chose it over package. Parcel. Parcel. Parcel.) In fact, I love mail so much, that the next time I hear of someone getting engaged, I'll be giving her the Bride-to-Be LetterBox from San Francisco stationer Sky of Blue Cards. It's full of letterpressed cards just waiting to be written asking friends to become bridesmaids (and a something-blue colored pen to write them with), gift tags for attendant presents and one thank-you note to get your bridal gratitude going. There's also a travel candle to write by, and some meringue treats because corresponding takes energy. Oh, and five wedding-y stamps. One of which the bride-to-be can use to mail me that thank-you note I just mentioned.
Executive Editor Eleni Gage reveals a few of her latest obsessions.