GOOD RIDDANCE - Reuse, Recycle, Renew

cup alley


Ever since we started In Good Company and our Good Newsletter we have always had this standing feature called Good Riddance. The idea is to share different ideas for the same thing - so it may be something that you have lying around the house that can be used for a party or vice versa - leftover party supplies that have other great uses.

In the month's issue of the GNL we show you different ways to use party cups, and I also like this party game idea above that I spotted over at My Little Day! 


Did you know all our Meri Meri party ranges now have matching paper cups!


IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
Meri Meri Paper Cups
R50


And just in time for April Fool's Day, I am sending a pack of these to pre-school tomorrow.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
Party Animal Cups
R75 for 24

GOOD LIFE - Real Life Parties

gumball birthday


I think it must be something in the Australian water, but everything party related that comes from there is just gorgeous! And this party from Mrs. A in the Cove is pure bliss... for all the details see the full blog post here - and whilst you are there be sure to vote for Leanne in the Circle of Mom's Top 25 Party Planners - she got my vote!

THINGS WE LOVE:
- The colour scheme - the soft pastel palette is sublime and really makes this party stand out! 
TOP TIP: Pick an unusual colour palette for a traditional theme. Usually when one thinks of gumballs you think of a whole rainbow of bright colours - but instead like Leanne mix things up a bit and go for something different. Think pink and brown for ladybirds or yellow and grey for pirates... 
- Dessert tables needn't make you nervous: less is sometimes more! Make the cake the show stopper (this one sure is!) and then have some other baked goodies like the cake pops and cookies on a stick - how genius is that! Then buy the rest but repackage nicely: candyfloss, caramel popcorn and sweets.
- Make something yourself: push a marshmallow on a stick, dip into melted chocolate and sprinkles - ta da!
- The added sparkle of the disco ball - the little ones must have loved this.
- And the final touch? The party favours were these little pink gumball machines - and we have these too.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Pink Gumball Machines

R50 each

GOOD NEWSLETTER - Our Online Magazine

buns in the oven


Yeah! Our Easter online magazine is online ready to be enjoyed! And I give you permission to do so with a cup of tea/coffee and a hot cross bun in the other (it is never to early to eat them!). The issue not only has some great Easter features but we also filled it with lovely baby shower ideas and goodies - check out the contents for more insights...

click on image to make bigger

Read it online here.
Download here.

GOOD NEWSLETTER - Our Online Magazine

OUT TOMORROW!

GOOD TIES - 101 Ways with Ribbon

cheese flags


Decorating with ribbon must be the one of the easiest ways to say "elegance" but without real effort. Take this cheeseboard spotted over at The Pretty Blog - all you need are some bamboo skewers (you can buy these from any supermarket, just look where all the typical paper plates are) and tie some remnants of ribbon to each one. 

And if you are in the mood for a little bit more DIY - then you can print the little circle tags designed by Anelle from Seven Swans. Or just cut out some paper flags like the ones in the picture below from Martha Stewart Living - notice the little bead toppers.

GOOD EVENTS - What's Hip and Happening

queen of cupcakes

Debbie from Cook Studio is holding a very new exciting course entitled the QUEEN OF CUPCAKES and will be held in the 2nd and 3rd week of April. If you are like me who cannot bake no matter how hard you try then this is the course to go to! For more details visit www.cookstudio.co.za and be quick to book your spot!

Here are a few words from Debbie:

“The imminent Royal wedding on the 29th of April is certain to be one of the highlights of my year. I vividly remember watching the wedding of Lady Diana at the age of 10 and at the time, it was more exciting than a season finale of Idols. In celebration I am hosting a QUEEN OF CUPCAKES course. As with Kate, no blue blood is required and with a bit of queenly training, I will, in true COOK style, show you how to elevate yourself from pauper to princess with true palatial presentation.

You can look forward to glitter and bows, boxes and swirls, chocolate hearts, frosted rose petals, toppers and chocolate dipped buds. If that’s not enough, gorgeous tiered cupcake stands, toppers, rose doilies, wrappers, disposable piping bags and nozzles will be on sale. So much pink, and so much pretty!

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Floral Doilies

Back in stock next week!

SOMETHING GOOD - A Good Idea

tweet treat


Started thinking about my Easter table and will be sharing lots of ideas from our Good Newsletter that comes out later this week, as well as some of my favourite ideas from the internet and some blog exclusive ideas that just didn't quite make it in time to the magazine. 


This idea that I spotted over in the new Martha Stewart Living is a classic. I actually used it last year for Easter, my daughter's baptism and at the Wedding Expo - it is a goodie! And so easy to do, get the birds nests here and the speckled eggs from Woolies - and then add the leaf for a place card or thank you tag.

GOODIES - Our Shop

well wishes


It has been popular to use our bird cages for guests to pop their cards or well wishes into. If you are looking for a very elegant option and one that you can keep forever - look at this new stunning offering that we have from Weddingstar - with the co ordinating stationery.

This birdcage is painted in an elegant black which gives it a timeless feel. Easily incorporate it into your reception decor or use it as a unique wishing well. Pair the classicly styled cards with your Birdcage Wishing well for a stunning presentation - they will complement any wishing well station. Each set comes in a package of 50 cards and contains 1 instructional tent card which details what guests can do with the stationery.


IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
Stationery R345
Bird Cage R650

GOODIES - Our Shop

pack a picnic


One of fav. suppliers is Fort and Field, so we are just thrilled to see their goodies that we stock too grace the pages of Wedding Style Guide. See our website for the complete range of sweet paper packets available - just pop in a cookie, seal closed with a custom sticker and you have the cutest little favours to go.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
Sweet Paper Packets
R2 each

GOOD LIFE - Real Life Parties

bunnies and babies


This is the theme of our new issue of the Good Newsletter that is coming out later this week. And nothing could sum it up as beautifully than this gorgeous baby shower that Vanessa submitted to us showcasing even some of our lovelies including our favourite Easter item this year - ceramic bunnies!


Visit Seven Swans blog for all the details.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

Ceramic Bunnies R200 each

Ceramic birds R30 each

IN GOOD HANDS - Craft Project

book and blooms


Last month, you would have seen our Book Club Good Looks feature that had all sorts of ideas for a librarian look for your party. And I am really excited about a christening that we are helping to plan that is also all "book themed" with the main focus being The Little Prince. Here is a cute centrepiece idea where books and flowers are actually made into one - for all the details see here at yes, please.

GOOD HOUSE - Showroom

how to set the table


Been having a really happy time buying art prints the past couple of weeks - like how cool is this one I bought from Cake With Giants by artist Amy Borrell. A nice way (and visible if put up on the dining room/kitchen wall) to know what goes where.

GOODIES - Our Shop

princesses and pirates


I think the world over the most popular children's party themes of all times must be princesses for girls and pirates for boys. Therefore, it goes with out saying that Meri Meri has amazing collections for each of these themes. Check both of them out here - you will particularly be won over by the princess castle and pirate ship! The centrepieces also make for a great gift after the party for the birthday girl or boy to use to decorate their bedroom or (if you don't mind a bit of rough play) a toy.


And now Meri Meri have introduced mini cupcake holders that are in the shape of small princess castles or pirate ships. These have so many functions in one: naturally they are exactly what it says on the box: there are eight holders that can be used to hold cupcakes. The kit also includes extra cupcake liners so you can make extra cupcakes for the party or for little ones to take home or use the liners to make garlands or as mini bowls to hold sweets or other baked treats.


You can place each cupcake holder with a cupcake inside at each place setting - a lovely place setting indeed! Add a little flag with the guest's name, and each child can then have their cupcake holder to take home with them as a party favour!


IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
Meri Meri Cupcake Holder Kits
R160 each

GOODIES - Our Shop

white lace


We love it when our customers send us photos of our goodies in action (p.s. you know you get gift vouchers if you do!). Estelle from Tarts & Roses in Jeffreys Bay sent us a shot of the lovely all white wedding cake she did last weekend, featuring our White Butterflies Lace Cupcake Wrappers. I am really craving one of those cupcakes now - you know that this was one wedding cake that didn't go to waste!

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
White Butterfly Lace Cupcake Liners
R75 for 10

GOOD ON PAPER - Printable Parties

soon to be Mrs.


Planning a bridal shower is naturally the task of being a bridesmaid. But do you have a co-worker who is going to tie the knot soon and you would like to do something sweet but simple? Why not throw her an office bridal shower. All you need is some pink lemonade, pink cupcakes and you can even make gift giving easy by making it a bit of a challenge: like it has to be pink and under R100. Then just add this customised printable party and you are ready to help your gal ring in her wedding bells!

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
Customised Soon to be Mrs. Printable Party
Get the complete set customised for R150
Or get the uncustomised version for R50.

GOODIES - Our Shop

partyware perfection


The sneak peeks have come to an end - quite simply because they are not "sneaky" anymore. Yes! All of the new Meri Meri goodies have arrived in both our online shop and in our showroom. So get them fast! 


Some exciting new products and ranges include:
New themes include Big Rig, Howdy Cowboy, Patterned Party and Paris
New products across old familiar ranges include party cups and party hats.
And my absolute favourite are their new cake stands and at R80 this is something that will take centre stage and can be used over and over again!
Plus their stunning Easter range is back in stock!


Our showroom is open tomorrow from 10 to 2pm. And if you don't know yet: we are open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 to 2.

GOOD TIES - 101 Ways with Ribbon

ribbon hair clips


What a wonderful original idea for a baby shower activity - spotted over at Kara's Party Ideas. All the ladies get to make little ribbon hair clips from ribbon, buttons and other bits and bobs for the new little baby girl!

GOOD FORTUNE - Enter Our Competition

do you DIY?


One of the number one wedding trends over the past few years has been for brides to take matters into their own hands - quite literally and take on a few (or many as sometimes the case) craft projects. Not only does this have the advantage of saving some money but also creating the personal touch. For some great tips about "crafting for the wedding" see Bianca from Lucky No.9's post at The Pretty Blog. 


And if you are looking for some lovely ideas - then look no further than this book: Handmade Weddings. It is full of no less than 50 projects that you can do. This can be bought from us here or you can stand a chance to win a copy!

HOW TO ENTER:

Simply comment below on this post what DIY project are you doing or planning on doing for your wedding (or any function really!). Don’t forget to leave your email address so we can get back to you.

COMPETITION RULES

1. The prize is a copy of Handmade Weddings book. This prize includes delivery nationwide to your local post office counter via Speed Services.

2. The competition runs from the 25th March 2011 to the 15th April 2011.

3. It is open to all South African residents.

4. The winner will be selected at random using random.org.

5. One comment is one entry, and one comment per person.

6. Any questions? Email us at contactus@ingoodcompany.co.za.

GOOD FORTUNE - Our Competition

congrats!


Yeah! Tracey who loves our "bakers twine" was the winner of Couture Corsage Competition. But don't despair - we will be featuring a new BLOG EXCLUSIVE giveaway tomorrow - and this one is just ideal for all you DIY brides out there!

GOODIES - Our Online Shop

queen and country


The sneak peeks continue this week of some of the new stock that is arriving any day now! If you are like me you are already planning a party for the Royal Wedding and we have so many great products all to be revealed next week but here is one that I know you are going to just love!

The Union Jack, Beefeaters, London Bus and Taxis and Big Ben, where else could it be but Britain. Perfect for a British bash with 12 each two styles of cupcake cases and six each of four styles of toppers. Comes in a stylish presentation box.


IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
Meri Meri Cupcake Kits - It's British!
R120 for the kit

GOOD BOOKS

quite the look book


Wedding Style Guide has always been my favourite magazine (dare I say even above Martha). And this quarter's issue is more than one could ever have hoped for it. Not only does it feature some pretty awesome real life weddings but the other features are drool worthy. But the part I enjoyed most? The free look book you can see now on their website. Also, did you know you can buy their magazine online and read it digitally - how cool is that!

GOODIES - Our Online Shop

and a cherry on top


The sneak peeks continue this week, and don't you just want to buy this little ice cream van even though you are not having a party? Designed by Meri Meri this is a wonderful way to provide sweet treats and not just ice cream at a party or special occasion. This cute little ice cream van is decorated with bright patterns and contains 12 matching patterned ice cream cups and spoons. I can hear the "cheesy" music around the corner now announcing its arrival.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP 

Ice Cream Van

R120

GOOD BOOKS

party dress delight


Much excitement yesterday as The Party Dress launched the first issue of their quarterly magazine. And it is a party extravaganza! Filled with tons and tons of party ideas all sorts of parties from some of the best people in the business. I really enjoyed the Easter inspiration what's your favourite? Check it out here.

GOODIES - Our Online Shop

bake-a-lot


Lots of new goodies arriving in the next few weeks, many of which are brand spanking new to the South African market. Here is a good one that is going to be up later this week in the shop... (more sneak peeks to share everyday this week).

Tags, bags, ribbon and string... A complete treat kit for a baking surprise including stylish tags with subtle colors and patterns and a choice of ribbon or striped string. The kit comes in a decorative presentation box. Contains: 18 cellophane treat bags and 18 gift tags plus thread.

IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP

FRESHLY BAKED TREATS KIT

R120 for the kit

IN GOOD HANDS - Craft Project

easy lighting


If you are planning a party an easy DIY project is to make customised lighting for the entrance and other pathways. All you need are typical paper bags and then some letter alphabet stamps and an ink pad. Then stamp on the bag the couple's initials in the case of a wedding/pre-wedding party or the guest of honour's initials for a birthday etc.


Fill each bag with sand (available from most hardware stores) or I have even used samp before with great success. Then place typical supermarket white candles in each bag. Note: This is not fireproof and therefore personally as I have had a disaster with one burning before, I would use battery operated tealights instead - not only is there no danger but they will not blow out and last for up to 40 hours.


Lastly, if all of this sounds a bit too much for you, you could also just buy our luminary bags that already have cut out details: doves and hearts or stars.


IN GOOD COMPANY SHOP
Luminary Bags
R10 each

MARTHA STEWART

GOOD LIFE - Real Weddings

candlelight centre stage


Spotted this wedding a while back on Style Me Pretty and have been meaning to share it for so long, as it proves that even the simplest look can be amazing if repeated multiple times to make a statement.

THINGS WE LOVE:
- The success in this look starts with the all in one table - so multiple tables all in one long row. Then the blank canvas of all white identical chairs and white floor length table linen.
- The drama is created with the oversized glass vases filled stones, and then large branches draped in crystal garlands.
- On the table itself, between each of oversized arrangements is a row with no gaps of glass hurricanes filled with either a small layer of stones at the bottom, water and then floating candles on top; or an all white large pillar candle . And then every now and again this is broken by a similarly styled vase with all white roses/lilies tightly bunched.
- Each place setting is set identical with silver plate chargers, silverware and glassware. The final touch being the white napkin with menu card placed on top with the corner damask detail.
- Also, did you spot the bride and groom chairs in the first picture? Love how they used their initials to make their chairs stand out.


This look is easy, and affordable to replicate and is not only well suited to weddings, but also for example and engagement party or rehearsal dinner - and an ideal look for a 21st or milestone birthday.


IN GOOD COMPANY HIRE
White Tablecloths R30 for hire
White Napkins R5 for hire
Silver Plate Chargers R5 for hire
(also, just in square glass plate chargers (R5 each for hire) where a custom placemat can be designed for underneath).
Glass Hurricanes from R10 each for hire
Oversized Glass Vases R30 each for hire
White Wooden Letters R5 each for hire
Customised Damask Menus from R50 for the pdf. file

GOOD TIES - 101 Ways with Ribbon

photo corners

MARTHA STEWART

GOOD LIFE - Real Weddings

garden elegance


What a sweet surprise! I received these photos from Memre of Goodie Two Shoes a while back, but I totally forgot about them and now just stumbled over them on my laptop. They are taken from her best friend's wedding Emma to Olaf, and it was held in her garden. Memre did not only an amazing job as a bridesmaid but also as the wedding planner extraordinaire! 


We had the pleasure of helping out and together with the very talented Abigail from Paper & Cake designed her wedding stationery suite. Emma was sure ahead of her time as her colour palette is so en vogue now: stone and honey suckle pink. Enjoy!