Party Loves : Gold Leaf

Recently I have discovered that there are a lot of little party items that I absolutely love, can not have enough of and people ask me often, where did you get it? Little things like a certain cocktail napkin, striped straws, flower vases, etc. I thought I would start a new blog series on Party Loves, featuring little things I love to add when entertaining that make an event just a bit more special and sparkly when not sucking your bank account dry! First up, gold leaf! 

 {taken on my phone via my Instagram account}

Adding Gold Leaf to a drink, some desserts or even a cheese plate makes it look fancy fancy! A small little envelope of Cake Professional Finest Gold Leaf goes a long way as well. Make sure to use tweezers when applying the gold leaf, otherwise it tends to stick together if you just use your fingers. A small envelope is about £5 and will make your drinks look like £50 ;)

Simple Soiree : Friendsgiving Pot Luck

I truly can not believe this will be the fourth year we are celebrating Thanksgiving here in London. Our first year in London we went out to eat with a group of friends and for the past two years have hosted a Friendsgiving party at our flat on Saturday evening. For most Americans living abroad, we do not get the day off at work. Thanksgiving here is known and some restaurants serve a special feast on Thursday. This year however, with such a busy year and a lot of recent projects, we have decided to pair it down a bit on one of my favorite holidays. That being said, I thought to myself, what about the idea of a simple Friendsgiving soiree pot luck dinner. A day where everyone signs up to bring something, simple non floral centerpieces, a festive punch, I think it sounds like a 

wonderful reason to get friends together, American or not!

1. What to DECORATE with : Buy some simple small pumpkins or even fruit {apples, pears, squash} and spray paint it in metallic colors. Lay the finished products on some Kraft paper instead of a fancy table cloths and mix in some inexpsenive table lights. Voila! Fancy, pretty, simple table decor. Montana Gold Spray Paint  Table Fairy Lights Kraft paper table roll

2. What to SERVE: Have everyone sign up to bring a dish. Instead of going through the hassle of cooking a turkey {let alone the COST of a British Turkey, not cheap! Why are turkey's here so much more expensive!}, make this recipe of Turkey Thanksgiving Day Meatballs! We visited this restaurant when we were in NYC and it was AMAZING. This is what I am making Mr. Beau and I on Thursday. Order a pie from your local bakery, make some pre portioned stuffing muffins and don not forget to make something easy to drink like a big bowl of Autumn sangria!  Gobble Gobble Turkey Meatballs    Apple Sangria Cornbread Stuffing Muffins Hummingbird Bakery Pumpkin Pie Beaujolais Nouveau 

3. Forget the CHINA: Yes, I know, this is me, Mrs. Entertaining lover, but honestly, I am saying it, use paper! You will thank me. It will be easier and now a days there are SO many cute options! Buy some gold paper plates and while I love a glass, why not get these cute paper cups and write everyones names on them. Paper Mash Gold Scallop Cup 

4. Wrap up the LEFTOVERS: Write guests a thank you note and tuck it into a little box full of leftovers so that they can have it at their home. A personal little note goes such a long way! Peach Blossom Kraft Brown Food Box & Washi Tape & Wooden CutleryQuill London Thank You Tape Quill London Thank You Card Set Sugar Paper LA

If you are an American living in London, it isn't too late to get some Thanksgiving goodies. Ocado still has plenty of Pumpkin Pie Puree ! Even though you may miss your family that are miles away, be thankful for the wonderful friends you have nearby. Happy Friendsgiving! 

xoxo Rebecca

*If you liked this post you may like: Friendsgiving Cocktail Party | Happy Hour: Champagne Pear Cocktail

Running a Marathon

You may have seen over on Instagram recently, but incase you missed it, I've been training for the NYC Marathon this past summer and completed the big race two weeks ago. Yep, you read correctly, the NYC marathon, 26.2 miles, it was a long Sunday morning jog! Over the past 13 years I have now completed five marathons, not going to lie, I'm pretty proud to say that. I have to be honest though, I think five is good for me, I think I'm done....for now. This race was a very different experience since my last marathon over five years ago. Mr. Beau and I trained together and with such busy schedules recently, this run was a HUGE commitment of our lives. If you are currently thinking of running a 5k, 10k or a big old 26.2 miles, I thought I would share a few of my thoughts "words of wisdom" on my marathon training tips. For those of you who think I am crazy, well, I'll be posting more entertaining ideas soon;) 

{morning of the race, my gear. Sparkly Soul headband and all! very on brand for Glimmer & Threads!}

Wedding Blog Awards 2015

Hello everyone! As you may have noticed, I took a little time off writing. I have been travelling and planning events and my my, just a busy month, but I told myself, I had to get around to post about the Blog Awards and say....THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who voted! I have been nominated for the past two years and this year I was honored with Highly Commended in my category, so thank you so much for taking the time to vote. Not only to vote, but also to read my blog. I love sharing ideas, travels, shopping ideas and so much more over here. Over the next few months I have some fun features coming your way and can't wait to post them. A lot of lifestyle ideas, party ideas, entertaining, health, so keep on reading. Thank you! 

Below are a few pictures from the night. Thanks again.

A lot of you have asked me where I got this cute little emerald dress, adorable right? Jennifer with Suite let me borrow it for the occasion.  This dress is the Golightly dress and it was SUCH a fun party dress to wear for the night. It was comfortable and pretty. You MUST check out the Suite line for any special occasion you have coming up. I think her dresses would make amazing bridesmaids dresses. You also must check out her instagram feed at @suite_jennifer for some pretty, girly, party dress filled posts, all things I love. Thank you so much Jennifer.

Thank you for voting for me and for allowing me to get Highly Commended Best Travel Blog. My blog is nowhere near a full wedding blog, I am writing more and more lifestyle and focusing my weddings over at my business Glimmer & Threads. It was such a treat to even be included.