Pastries by Carla: A Christmas Gift

If you've been a guest of Integrity Hills you know we love to praise all the amazing vendors we get to work with -- from florists to musicians to bakers, we feel blessed to experience the talents of some incredible people.

Pastries by Carla is one of those.  Her cakes not only look beautiful they also taste incredible!  Once again they've outdone themselves and this time it was for a special Christmas gift.  This is what was delivered to us today from Carla and her team.  Isn't it magnificent?  We couldn't believe all the detail!

Thank you Carla!  You are one seriously talented lady.

http://pastriesbycarla.com/

Stables Update

The rest of the floor was poured early this morning and "the guys" are working really hard on the exterior.  Rob's been building fires in the fireplace to offer the guys a place to warm their hands during the day.

Stables Update

If you have any doubt we're building one REALLY BIG stable, when was the last time you saw a concrete truck drive into a building?

We started pouring the concrete floors today.  It's really coming together.

Stables Update

On this Thanksgiving day in 2010 we count many blessings....our family, our health, and especially the blessings Integrity Hills has brought to us and all our guests this past year.  We're also very thankful for the amazing workers building this Stable, the brides and grooms who will be celebrating there this coming year, and the fun we're having putting it all together.

The 50ft stone fireplace is done. We've put in 12 windows on the upper balcony because the views are just too amazing to miss.  All the kitchen equipment has been ordered and the 9ft stone and glass entrance door is on it's way.  We've also decided to add an elevator.  The first phase of the roof is on and we were so grateful for that on this cold and rainy Thanksgiving day because it allowed "they guys" to stay dry while shooting clay pigeons.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wedding Favors: with Rustic Charm

When you're getting married in the Ozarks you're getting married in a place filled with rustic charm.  At Integrity Hills we've combined elements of the Ozark's natural scenery and wilderness with architecture inspired by the european countryside.  If you're looking to gift your guests with wedding favors reflecting this same rustic charm we've found a few ideas for you, courtesy of the crafty sellers on Etsy.com.

Fleur de Sel Caramels
Individually wrapped in craft paper, each guest receives two sweet caramels.

La Charcuterie Burlap Bag
Fill this adorable french-themed burlap sack with a sweet note, a recipe for pulled pork, and your favorite Kansas City bbq sauce or dry rub.

A Little Yummy for Your Tummy
These antiqued tags make me think of all the old fashioned shows in Branson.  Attach them to a sack of cookies for a late night snack or an individually wrapped muffin for breakfast the morning after.

Autumn Wedding Cone Favors

Offer your guests a local flavor by filling these charming cones with taffy and toffee from Silver Dollar City.  Hang them on branches set in a vase by the door or on each chair with the guest's name if you're having a plated dinner.

Muslin Place Card Bag

These are great place cards for a seated meal.  Fill them with a small favor or treat and no one will throw this place card away.  Your guests will remember you every time they use the little bags.

Burlap Gift Bags

These simple and inexpensive burlap gift bags are a great alternative to your average gift bag.  Fill them with tulip bulbs and tie with a gift tag that says "watch us grow" on one side and planting instructions on the other (best given in late summer / early fall).

Plantable Favors

These favors are made from a mix of seeds and soil.  Just add water and guests can watch beautiful flowers grow long.

Lavender Sachets
Wish your guests the love, joy and bounty they've wished to your new union with these sweet lavender sachets.  The scent of lavender will fill a place in their home always reminding them of your thankfulness.

Leather and Lace Candle
If he's a little more rustic and you're a little more elegant your guests will appreciate this candle.

Don't forget the gift tag!
Whatever your gift is make it charming with a custom gift tag. 


Birch Bark Gift Tag

Merci French Country Gift Tag

Happy gifting,

Nici

Wedding Etiquette: When to Send Save the Dates and Invitations

Not sure when to send save the date cards and invitations for your wedding at Integrity Hills?  Here's what etiquette says:

Save the Date Cards
Send four to six months before your wedding date.  However if you're having a destination wedding and most of your guests are traveling far for the affair, sending Save the Dates nine to twelve months in advance is common.

Wedding Invitations
Send invitations eight weeks before the wedding.

Need help with wording your invitations?  Click here.

Happy planning brides and grooms!

Nici

Stables Update

We may be closed on Mondays but we're always working on something.  Yesterday was a productive Monday on the Stables.   "The Guys" put in the first plywood on the upper deck and the first rock on the fireplace.  All in all, not too bad of a day.

For all you couples planning your receptions for next year in the Stables, we're ahead of schedule and it's exceeding our expectations.  We're off to market this week to pick out china, sinks, rocking chairs, and all the neat details.  Stay tuned for pictures.

Here are some neat photos Rob took this weekend of the sun coming through the trees.  The Ozarks are always so beautiful!

Inspired Details: Wedding Pies

If you aren't a big fan of cake, consider serving pie at your wedding.  This could be especially sweet for a fall celebration in the Stables.  Pies just seem to be synonymous with barn, in my humble opinion.  Summer fruit pies and tartes would be quite good for a summer wedding as well.

You could have family members bake your favorite pies or trust your caterer with the family's secret recipe.  Or you could order pies from a bakery.

Apple Pie from The Pie Box in Springfield, Missouri
www.mypiebox.com

Your local Perkins Restaurant can bake up a variety of pies for your reception.
www.perkinsrestaurants.com

A great way to display fall pies.
For a fall wedding consider apple, pumpkin, pecan, cranberry-chocolate,
pear, or cherry-cranberry and mix with flavors like caramel, various nuts and spices.

If you're having a summer wedding you might consider key lime, strawberry, cherry,
blueberry, raspberry and mix with flavors like lemon and buttercream.

You may also consider serving a variety of cheesecakes or fruit tortes.

Individual sized pies are also a great option.  Display them for guests to eat at the reception and provide small pastry boxes for guests to take home.  Mini pies also make great favors.

XO ~

Nici

Inspired Details: Spring Wedding Cakes

Planning a spring wedding?  Get started with some sweet inspiration.  These spring wedding cakes are delicious.

This cake by local cake designer Pastries by Carla.
http://pastriesbycarla.com/