Crossroads Cottage

I am always looking for unique party decor and party favors to use with my events. So when planning my daughter's 1st birthday party I was so excited to find Crossroads Cottage. Shana Dreher, the owner of Crossroads Cottage, custom made for me the most adorable pinwheel cupcake toppers and yard pinwheels to decorate at the party. Shana went above and beyond to find the exact paper to match the party's colors. It's these kind of details that really make an impact at a special event. I'm very to pleased to have Shana stop by today and tell you more about Crossroads Cottage.

Lemiga: Why did you start Crossroads Cottage?

Crossroads Cottage: Crossroads Cottage was originally launched as an online home décor boutique. Spurred by my background and interests in event planning, party products were soon added to my boutique and in the early part of 2008 the site was renamed Cordially Invited by Crossroads Cottage. Since this time, I’ve been creating party products for those who entertain, not large groups, but friends and families in their homes. For those who browse party stores, you’ve more than likely realized that most carry about the same products. Most are also very cheesy. So much so, that whenever I've entertained in the past, I've had to create many of my own products. I probably, (okay, I know) that I get this from my Mom. She always found the time to create unique party products for each of her children’s birthday parties. When I have children of my own, I would hope to do the same, but I also sympathize with those parents - or even those without children- who want to entertain their friends, but can't find the unique parties and products yet alone do they have the time to create them.

Lemiga: What types of products do you sell?

Crossroads Cottage: We carry two different categories of products:

1) Fabulous Finds for Your Festive Affairs: Including favors, place cards, cupcake toppers, napkin rings, linens, table wares, and centerpieces. Our 1st hand created Crossroads Cottage party-line includes pinwheel themed items including cupcake toppers, gift toppers, place cards napkin rings, and hand- pinwheels. We hope to unveil more product lines in the future at both our online boutique and our Etsy shop. 2) Decadent Décor and Dressings: Including Cottage, French country, and Victorian inspired home and holiday décor, note cards, and accoutrements.
Lemiga: In your opinion what makes a good tablescape?

Crossroads Cottage: In my opinion, a tablescape is a good one if it catches guest’s eyes when they walk into the room. Not only should it be the first feature of the room to do so, but it should also grab their attention enough that it makes them want to walk over to it and ‘eye’ the details. It’s the little details that create a WOW tablescape. You can have the most gorgeous table wares (including plates, glasses, silverware, etc.) but without details such as linens, napkins, place cards, favors, centerpieces, etc. the tablescape can fall flat.Many believe that in order to create an eye catching tablescape, you must spend a lot of money. This is not true, especially if you begin with purchasing basics including neutral colored plates and linens. Once you’ve initially invested in these items you can begin to add the unexpected décor items. Don’t have money to invest in these items? If you’re throwing a party at home, walk around your home and pick and choose existing items to add to your table décor. I’ve scattered buttons, tied pearl bracelets and necklaces around candle holders and used a picnic basket as the beginning point for a centerpiece. Existing house plants or even fresh flowers from your garden can be used to create a simple centerpiece or simple flowers can be tucked into creative napkin folds (just search the web for folds and instructions). Lemiga: What are some of your favorite products for parties?

Crossroads Cottage: When I entertain, my favorite item to research and browse for is Party Favors. Many times before I even begin the theme creation process, I’ll search out a creative party favor (that wasn’t necessarily meant to be a favor) and begin to build my theme around this item.

For example, for my winter wedding in December of 2005, I fell in love with hand-blown glass birds with feathery tails. Although these weren’t purchased from a favor or party company, I thought they would make great wedding favors. I attached tiny folded seating cards to the clip-on ornaments and propped them into a white flocked Christmas tree which was positioned near the door of our reception room. Not only were the bird ornaments useful as seating cards, they also doubled as favors (which saved money). In addition, they also served as great remembrances as they could be put on guest’s Christmas trees for years to come. As the birds were winter blue and white with feathery tails, I built the theme of my wedding around these items. I utilized lots of feather wreaths/trees and winter blue and glittery whites were scattered throughout the ceremony and reception sites.

Thanks Shana for stopping by today! You inspire me to be even more creative with my party decor.

Shana is working on a big project for my Open House Soiree which I promise will be something that you've never seen before! She is also sponsoring a giveaway of two sets (set of 12) of her adorable pinwheel cupcake toppers. For your chance to win be sure to register for the Soiree at http://lemiga.eventbrite.com/.