Digital vs. Paper Invitations

Should I send a digital invitation to my event?

In today’s digital, eco-friendly age event planners and party throwers are sending digital invites to attend everything from baby showers to family picnics to weddings. While Emily Post, the etiquette authority, does not approve of digital  invitations for the likes of weddings, black tie galas and momentous family occasions, many are thumbing their nose and are going with the digital option for budgetary reasons, eco-friendliness and efficiency.  

Our advice? Know your audience! If you know your family would cherish your wedding invitation as a keepsake- go paper! If your crowd is known to be eco-friendly and a bit more cutting edge - go digital!

A few questions to ask yourself when deciding paper vs. digital invitations:

• What are the expectations of my guests, family or friends? Families who love keepsakes and tradition may prefer paper. For small get together of contemporaries in their 20’s or 30’s, digital may seem the natural choice.

• Are my guests active on email? If it is a party for teens or young adults, go digital! If it is your parents’ 50^th wedding anniversary, it may be best to go paper!

• Is this an event that I am charging guests for a ticket? If it’s a free event- go digital! If you are charging $1,000 a plate- go paper!

• Do my guests know that I am eco-conscious? If your crowd is often discussing global warming and the latest Prius- go digital!

• Will I regret not having a printed keepsake of this invitation in the future? Weddings, birth announcements and other milestones like Bar Mitzvahs are often still celebrated with traditional paper invites. If you are sentimental and enjoy tradition- go paper!

• Will a digital invitation exclude a portion of my guest list from even receiving the invitation? Small children and those that grew up pre-Facebook and Twitter may not ever see your email if it is not sent via snail mail! If your guests are not exactly “tech savvy”- go paper!

Once you assess your guests’ expectations, you will be well equipped to make your decision!

If you decide to “go digital” here are some fantastic options:

• PaperlessPost
• Smilebox 
• Tiny Prints *Tiny Prints also offers affordable and adorable paper invites as well!

Paperless Post Digital Invite

If you decide to “go paper” we love:

• The gorgeous and elegant Create Studios 
• The fine paper boutique, Nota Bene
• The eco-friendly Minted.com
• The One-stop shop Wedding Paper Divas

Wedding Paper Diva Paper Invite

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Eat Globally This Holiday Season

With so many holidays being celebrated throughout the world this time of year, traditional and exotic cuisines are gracing tables everywhere. Here are a few of our favorites from around the globe- with the perfect table settings to match!

The Traditional English Christmas Goose!

Gracing tables in Great Britain and beyond, the Christmas goose was brought to holiday meals by Queen Elizabeth I and was made the official tradition during her reign. The goose is often served with Brussels sprouts and roasted potatoes and followed by a traditional flaming pudding. Enjoy this fantastic roast goose recipe from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey 

To set the stage for your traditional English Christmas table, we suggest our Christmas Chenille Stripe linen.

The Popular Potato Latke for Hanukkah!

Those of the Jewish faith celebrate this eight-day holiday with many dishes cooked in olive oil, and latkes (potato pancakes) in particular, are celebratory symbols of this gift of sustenance. Latkes are probably the most popular side dish of Hanukkah meals and are served beside beef brisket, noodle kugel, green salads, and blintzes. We love this menu for Hanukkah dinner by Bon Appétit Magazine - especially their twist on the traditional latke combining potatoes and apples and topped with smoked salmon. Yum! 

To set the stage for your Hanukkah feasts, we suggest our Blue Rabanne.

African Peanut Stew Will Heat Up Your Kwanzaa!

First celebrated in the United States in 1966, Kwanzaa was created for those of African descent around the world to reconnect with their common heritage. The name is derived from traditional harvest celebrations in Africa called matunda ya kwanza, literally "first fruits," which were seven days of gathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment, and celebration.  This recipe for African Peanut Stew is sure to warm up your celebrations with traditional African flavors. 

To set the stage for an unforgettable Kwanzaa celebration, we recommend our Orange Cascade linen.

Japan’s Toshikoshi Soba to Ring in the New Year!

Eating a plate of buckwheat noodles or “Year-End Soba”,  before midnight on New Year’s Eve to bring longevity and prosperity for the next 12 months is an age-old tradition in Japan. There is no one recipe for Toshikoshi Soba- they vary from household to household and family to family. Here’s a great recipe (with some history attached) to ring in the New Year a la Japan! 

To set the stage to ring in the New Year with traditional Toshikoshi Soba, we suggest our Champagne Iridescent Crush linen or Valentine Gold Circle Taffeta linen.

Toast the Holidays with a Puerto Rican Coquito!

Coquito is a popular holiday beverage in Puerto Rico. It has similarities to American eggnog, but the use of crème de coco or coconut milk gives it a unique island flavor. The delicious cocktail is served at functions throughout Christmas and New Years. To mix up the perfect Coquito, try this delicious and easy recipe from the Food Network.

To set the stage for a festive Puerto Rican- style holiday gathering, we recommend our Papaya Kaleidoscope linen Sunset Mayan.

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In 2013 It Will Be Easy Being Green

Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2013 - Emerald Green! Mother Nature’s great harmonizer in it's many shades of beauty will pop up everywhere next year from fashion runways to home decor.

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.” (Source, New Jersery.com)

Emerald for Fashion
The prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons, especially in the fashion and couture markets, and even on the red carpet. Appropriate for every occasion, Emerald’s classic elegance makes for striking and irresistible women’s formal and everyday wear as well as accessories. Emerald also makes a strong statement in men’s sportswear, knitwear and ties. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, including Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Tfank, NAHM and Marimekko, are incorporating Emerald into their spring collections. Balanced yet sophisticated, Emerald enlivens all colors in the spectrum and will continue to make a statement beyond spring and summer into fall and winter.

Emerald for Beauty

Equally harmonious on the cosmetic color wheel, Emerald dramatizes all eye colors as it beautifully enhances green eyes, is compatible to blue eyes, emphasizes the green undertone in hazel eyes and intensifies brown eyes to make them appear deeper. Emerald is also a perfect complement to peaches, pinks, roses, ruby reds and aubergines – offering a variety of lipstick and blush options. For those who want to sparkle and stand out, Emerald is the perfect punctuation point in nail color because of its complementary nature. (Source: Official Press Release for the Color of 2013 via Pantone)

Mosaic is thrilled to see the many ways that emerald green will take the main stage in 2013 from linens, event decor, home furnishings, to beauty and fashion.

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Get Crafty with the Kids this Holiday

During this busy time of year overflowing with shopping expeditions, endless gift wrapping and holiday parties, let’s not forget the importance of involving our children in the festivities. Below is a list of holiday craft ideas to keep your little ones engaged this holiday season so they can share in the fun.


Paper Bag Reindeer

The paper bag reindeer, a simple craft that will keep the kiddos entertained this holiday season is fun to make and can double as a puppet. Make a puppet for each reindeer that pulls Santa’s sleigh, and encourage the kids to perform a puppet show for the family after dinner with their own narrated story. Click HERE for easy instructions.

Holiday Gift Tags

Instead of purchasing tags for every present, spend a few hours with the kids and create handmade tags that will not only be unique, but will allow your children to contribute their artistry on every gift you give! Click HERE to learn how.












Paper Plate Angels

At Mosaic our days are filled designing décor for events and parties. We feel there is no better way to engage your little ones than to work together to fill your home with decorations and ambiance. Work with the kids to create DIY place setting decorations like these Paper Plate Angels by Martha Stewart- perfect for the kid’s table this holiday. Click HERE to learn how simple white paper plates can be
transformed to a fun craft for kids.












Glowing Snowman


All you need are a few half-gallon jugs of milk, white lights, and a few art supplies, and your kids can create their own glowing snowman that can be on display inside or outside of your home! This recycled craft project is easy to construct, and fun for all ages. Click HERE to get your list of supplies and instructions.

New Year’s Resolution Magnet 

Send off 2012 by making New Year’s resolutions as a family! Discuss with your kids the importance of setting goals and then make a list of resolutions together for 2013. This magnet is easy to make and has a pouch so each family member can contribute their resolution on an assortment of paper strips which can be used as reminders throughout the year. Click HERE to learn what you’ll need and how to make the magnets.

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Tis the Season to Give Thanks

In the midst of the season’s hustle and bustle of parties, shopping, and gifts we often lose sight of what the holidays are all about. Bill Chisnell Productions encouraged the community to participate in an event called Giving Thanks that took place on November 18, 2012 which helped feed the needy of the Pittsburgh Homeless Shelter during a lunch and dinner seating. Many prominent event vendors and local restaurants donated their services and cuisine to this event, and Mosaic was thrilled to participate for this worthy cause!

The event included two seating of over one hundred diners with the help of a hundred volunteers! Donations from twelve local restaurants and caters made the dinner possible serving turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans casserole, mixed vegetables, apple cobbler, pumpkin cupcakes, macaroons, ice cream, coffee, apple cider, and more.

Sleeping bags filled with water, first aid kits, hats, scarves, gloves, snacks, toiletries, blankets were donated from ten local organizations and individuals, and the kids received goodie bags made by one of our donors' daughters included toys, games and other treats. All of the event planning and time were donated by event planners, and the dishes, linens, tables, chairs, food service and preparation, photography, music were all donated by vendors as well.

Giving Thanks would have not been possible without the time and resources of the following companies & organizations:

DONATIONS by: Astor & Black, Autumn Zankey of Mary Kay, Charles Spiegel, Create Studio, Hair by Damian, Erin’s Hallmark, Getting to the Point, LLC, Groff Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Hepatica, Laurel Breuner of Supercuts, Marina Lehn, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Plantscape, Trau & Loevner, UPMC Health Plan.

FOOD by: Big Burrito Catering, Dave & Andy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Duqusene Club, Girasole, La Crème, Rania’s Catering, Square Care, Two Louie’s Deli, Vic & Debbie Fortunato, Vanilla Pastry Studio, Spoon, Cruze

PLANNING by: Extraordinary Events, Natalie Berger Party Planner, Susie Franklin Planning

RENTALS by: AOPR, Mosaic Linens, Party Savvy, Studio E Band, Delta Foundation, Nate Sherer Videography, Lendable Linens, Nate Sherer Videography, Goldstein Photography

Here at Mosaic we believe in the power of working together to give back to the community. During this holiday we’d like to give thanks to all of our supporters and partners, and look forward to continuing to grow together in the New Year. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Mosaic!

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Thanksgiving Centerpieces

A centerpiece has always been known to anchor your Thanksgiving table, providing visual excitement and energy to the setting. It helps bring everything together and makes the table more inviting for guests. Centerpieces shouldn’t be expensive or hard to make, in fact you probably have everything needed to make a special centerpiece at your fingertips right now. Use fall’s natural resources and a little accent here and there to create some magic in your decor. Be sure to use a table linen that compliments and brings attention to the look you are trying to achieve so the table reads as a cohesive and personal backdrop for your celebration. And dont forget to start early. Setting the table early allows you to focus on the meal so that by the time Thanksgiving arrives, you are ready to share the special day with family and friends. This year, allow Mosaic to help you bring your Thanksgiving table to life!

FESTIVE 

Make use of the natural gifts autumn has to offer by creating vases out of gourds and placing fresh seasonal flowers in them for a colorful and festive look. Pair them with a linen that creates a background that pops, like this burnt orange pintuck from Mosaic.

ELEGANT

For a simple and elegant centerpiece use your finest candlesticks and dishware to showcase white and orange pumpkins and even add some branches of bittersweet berries. Finish the look with a luxurious print in classic colors such as this Ivory Venice linen from Mosaic.

CLASSIC

If you’re dinner party is themed around the original Thanksgiving dinner, go for a centerpiece that entertains the origins of the holiday, with wheat and ears of maize.  Choose a table linen that will complement the autumnal colors of your traditional centerpiece, like Mosaic’s Sunset Mayan linen . Find more directions on how to create this centerpiece HERE.

ROMANTIC

For a more intimate setting, make a lower centerpiece that creates a warm glow and emphasizes romantic ambiance, encouraging eye contact and conversation. This centerpiece uses pillar candles, fall leave and a wooden plank to set a romantic mood for an intimate holiday gathering. Use a dark rich colored linen to accentuate the warm and intimate atmosphere you’ve created, like Mosaic’s Brown Maple Leaves.

KID-FRIENDLY

Get the kids involved in the table setting festivities by having them write down what they are most thankful for this year on paper ornaments and clipping them to tree branches. After dinner, while relaxing around the fire, read the wishes from the ornaments to spark conversation and thought. Save them and add more each year, to make a family tradition. Pair this with neutral yet friendly colored linen like Mosaic’s Sage Moire Bengaline linen. Find out more on how to make this centerpiece HERE.

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Thanksgiving Cocktails

Raise a toast to everyone and everything that you are thankful for this year, with a

delicious cocktail in hand. Choose something festive that compliments the flavors
of the season: cranberry, cider, pear, or rosemary make great choices this time of
year. These recipes will surely please the palates of your guests and can be great
conversation starters among those who might not know each other. Cheers!

Cranberry Old Fashion



Warm up with this classic cocktail that blends bourbon and the berry of the season.
This is a strong one so don’t be afraid to add a little extra water when you muddle.
Get the recipe HERE.

Mulled White Wine Sangria




This is an irresistible mixture of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and honey with
pieces of seasonal fruit like pears, apples and kumquats. Make a large batch of
this autumn inspired sangria and watch your guests collect around the punch bowl
as they come back for more! Get the recipe HERE.

Apple Pie Cider



Greet your guests with a warm drink to soothe the bitter cold. This drink uses apple
pie spices and brandy for a unique spin on a classic beverage. Garnish with a
cinnamon stick for festive stirring. Get the recipe HERE.

Sparkling Apple Ginger Mocktail



Don’t forget to include your Designated Drivers and non-drinkers with a tasty mocktail
like this sparkling cider spiked with ginger and cinnamon. This tasty beverage is
perfect for a party of teens or family celebration with young kids. Get the recipe HERE.

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