Wednesday, 8 May 2013

Autumn Colours for an Autumn Wedding...

Autumn Colours for an Autumn Wedding! In Australia autumn falls from March to the end of May. Even though some states in Australia still see sunny skies and warmer climates the thought of an Autumn wedding lends itself to rich, warm hues of orange and brown and makes you think of the changing leaves with gorgeous colours that can make such a wonderful backdrop for your wedding photographs.
wedding colour trends
Make the most of those bright sunny autumn days, stick to colours that complement the season, and be sure to do a little research about the location you choose and be sure to prepare for all elements! Use in season flowers for your wedding bouquets, this can vary from climate to climate and can make an autumn wedding in the north very different from a wedding at the same time of year in the south! Here are some of the latest wedding colours and seasonal trends that are hitting the wedding scene this Autumn, perhaps you are planning your wedding for 2014... be sure to consider these colours in your wedding invitations, decorations and more!
Orange, Yellow & GreyFrom silver-grey bridesmaid dresses that are brightened up with an orange/yellow wedding sash to the bridal flowers and table decorations. These colours will bring a warm feeling to the celebration and make stunning colours for your wedding pictures.
aqua peach cream wedding stubby holders
The grey-green of succulents used in button holes and the bouquets are extremely effective against a bright orange and yellow rose or carnation. You can even incorporate these colours in the drinks that you serve, such as a tropical punch or wedding cocktail. Here are our matching wedding stubby holder designs:
wedding stubby holders
Design Reference: WED-THEME-015[bohemian]
wedding stubby holders
Design Reference: WED-THEME-018[RomanticFloral]
Aqua, Peach & CreamThere is something very vintage about the combination of an aqua glass vase and peach roses, these will make a fantastic centrepiece at any wedding. Adding this combination into the bridal wear is also great, you could include peach bridesmaid dresses and then matching peach and aqua ties for the groomsmen.
aqua peach cream wedding stubby holders
Don't forget to sneak a cute pair of wedding shoes under your dress - a bright aqua would be very funky and covers your something blue too. When designing your wedding invites, table decorations, bonbonierre and favours make sure that you are true to the colour combination that you choose for your wedding. You could also choose a couple of fonts to help theme your artwork and complete your wedding stationery. Also consider these design styles for your wedding stubby holders:
vintage wedding stubby holders
Design Reference: WED-THEME-002[vintage]
wedding stubby holders
Design Reference: WED-THEME-019[RomanticFloral]
Plum, Teal & Light BrownThis colour combination for your wedding is full of rich and warm shades that will give a classic and formal feel to your wedding day. A versatile combination that can also be considered for a modern vintage wedding, picking a vintage peacock theme for your wedding is a fabulous idea and can add heaps of style and chique.
aqua peach cream wedding stubby holders
There are so many ways that you can include these colours and images such as peacock feathers in your wedding stationery, following your theme through from your save the dates through to your table decorations, bridesmaid dresses and even your thank you cards to friends and family following your wedding day! Vintage signs are also very popular and can follow a font theme beautifully, choose something bold like Rockwell or a stencil font that would stand out on your event signs! A cute way to welcome your guests - be sure to follow this through onto your wedding favours and personalised gifts. Here are our wedding stubby holder suggestions to suit this wedding colour theme:
wedding stubby holders
Design Reference: WED-THEME-005[bohemian]
wedding stubby holders
Design Reference: WED-THEME-016[Vintage] Happy Planning

Trends, Patterns and Colour Ideas For Your Wedding 2013-2014!

The wedding trends this year and into 2014 show that the modern day bride is looking for the ultimate in customised experience to complete her big day! After looking into the process that goes into your wedding planning, where wedding ideas come from and who's setting the trends this year - We have put together this feature as a collaboration of ideas that are currently exciting the bridal industry in Australia and across the globe! Plus we have created some fantastic new designs to match What's Hot and What's Not for the forhcoming wedding season in 2014!
natural elegant wedding stubby holders
There are so many elements to consider when putting together your bridal wedding plan, from the very start each bride-to-be is likely to have some set ideas in mind for their wedding theme, from their save the dates & wedding invitations through to the style of wedding dress and even the cake - but there are so many ideas floating around, how does a bride choose. Well, firstly we would suggest that each element should reflect the bride and groom's personalities, maybe you are an adventurous couple, the ourdoorsy type - you could consider natural shades in colour and organic features. Combine this with an edge of elegance and you have yourself a very relaxed atmosphere that would be perfect for any wedding.

Stay Relaxed...

One recent wedding trend is seeing relaxed lounge furniture, low couches and arm chairs with organic coffee tables made from recycled materials, old barrels and tree stumps.
natural elegant wedding stubby holders
Camping, or otherwise known in the wedding world as 'glamping' is becoming more popular than ever and in Australia, let's face it, the big outdoors is certainly vast and the possibilities almost endless! From tepee style large wedding marquees to house your entire wedding reception to smaller individual tents tailored your glamping to be exactly what you wish for. Many couples are choosing to have extra, smaller tents for secluded areas, like a chill out tent or a games tent for the kids, a great way to relax or contain those little ones! Staying overnight can be great fun too, songs around the camp fire and then the fun of the morning after and an extended party!! What a great wedding experience!

Keep Everybody Smiling...

In keeping with a good-natured feel to your wedding day there are some other fun elements that you can add into the mix. Photo booths are becoming increasingly popular and the props you choose can also be translated into design ideas that you can use throughout your wedding stationery, table decorations and to make the basis for your wedding theme.
wedding stubby holders
Props that represent the bride and groom's personalities are great plus you can add some real colour and interesting poses to your wedding photographs! Make sure you have tonnes of moustaches, luscious lips and top hats to finish off your theatrics!

Setting the Mood...

For a more formal setting add some mood lighting - candles and chandeliers are huge this wedding season and can add a flash of posh to your wedding reception. Whether you are outside and hanging glass candle jars and chandeliers from the trees or indoors with high ceilings that need that extra special lighting, you can be sure that these will brighten up your day.
wedding stubby holders
Trends are also seeing symbols featuring chandelier silhouettes on wedding invitations and throughout wedding stationery! Check out some of our design ideas at the bottom of this feature.

A Splash of Colour and Keeping in Pattern...

When it comes to your wedding invitations we have got it sorted, fashion this year is asking for bright almost fluoro hints of colour, brides are loving the use of neutral shades and then a colour that simply pops from the page with unusual and modern design patterns having a massive influence on the way that brides are shopping this year... Introducing The CHEVRON zig-zagging its way to a wedding table near you! This spikey design looks fabulous on napkins, table runners, in bridesmaid accessories and of course on your wedding invitations and bridal party stubby holders!
chevron wedding stubby holders
Other popular wedding patterns include hexagonal honeycomb styles and Arabic influenced, tapestry designs. Word on the street is that wedding planners are looking for inspiring wedding ideas for stationery with 3D invites being top of the list. What better way to surprise your guests than with their very own wedding stubby holder invite that springs out of the envelope and literally wraps into a cylinder around a can or bottle - you cant get much more 3D than that! Plus we have some fantastic neutral designs and then bright colours of interior foam to add that touch of colour that you've been looking for!
wedding stubby holder

Design inspiration...

Here are some ideas that will hopefully jump off the page and inspire you based on this year's wedding design symbols, patterns and colour ideas...
wedding stubby holders
Reference: DP15571-yellow-chevron
wedding stubby holders
Reference: WED-THEME-021[chandelier-red-heart]
wedding stubby holders
Reference: WED-THEME-021[chandelier]
wedding stubby holders
Reference: WED-THEME-022[colour-pop-pink] Happy Planning!

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Weddings in Melbourne, Australia.

Melbourne
The city of Melbourne is made up of the city centre and a number of precincts and inner-city suburbs, each with their own character and charm. Renowned for its art and culture, live music, varieties of dining and amazing shopping, Melbourne has a wealth of opportunity for you and your guests when you choose this wonderful city for your wedding location.
The city 'Laneways' are famous for their back street corridors of walls covered in graffiti this would make an awesome backdrop for your wedding photography creations, and there is nothing stopping you from saying your vows in front of your favourite graffiti.
wedding stubby holders melbourne
With parks and gardens in abundance this city welcomes the garden wedding trend and offers a huge selection of intimate settings for your nuptials. From the rotunda in Alexandra Gardens to the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick, there are hundreds of beautiful spots in Melbourne for your garden ceremony, and hotels and venues of all different styles to carry on into the evening for your reception.
Docklands
wedding stubby holders melbourne
In the early 90s this disused port and rail area was transformed into a modern urban waterfront. In the Docklands, where the city of Melbourne meets the water you will find the perfect location for your inner-city wedding.
You can choose from a heap of function venues to suit your wedding, from cocktail packages to formal sit down receptions you will find all that you could wish for, all with this wonderful city as your backdrop.
Yarra Valley
This picturesque area surrounding the Yarra River is known as one of Australia's leading wine producing regions, with wineries in abundance you can discover a whole world of beauty from art galleries to restaurants, markets and more.
If you are looking for a winery for your wedding then you have certainly come to the right place, the Yarra Valley has some amazing venues to choose from including the Yering Station Winery and Rochford Winery. If you're looking for an intimate venue for your closest family and friends then you could try Stones of the Yarra Valley, they offer a stunning Chapel, Dairy and Barn combination wedding all intertwined with paths and luscious green gardens making a perfect setting for your wedding photographs.
wedding stubby holders melbourne
Mornington Peninsula
To the east of Melbourne and past the eastern suburbs you will find the beautiful Mornington Peninsula, this picture perfect piece of land is covered in rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves all within a stone's throw of the ocean.
wedding stubby holders melbourne
With the pretty seaside villages from Mornington and Dromana along Port Phillip Bay and down to Sorrento if you are planning a beach wedding then these beautiful locations will certainly fit the bill, in the summer months you can expect gorgeous weather, blue skies and sunshine offering some stunning backdrops for your wedding. Perhaps you would prefer to take in the views from higher ground; Arthur's Seat is one of the most popular locations on the peninsula for hilltop weddings!
Phillip Island
Connected to the mainland by bridge from the town of San Remo to the Island town of Newhaven, Phillip Island is located less than 2 hours away from the city and is easily accessible from across Victoria. Tempered by the ocean breeze the island tends to experience milder weather all year round, making it a wonderful place for a summer wedding that is not too hot!
Great Ocean Road
Travelling the Ocean Road is one of Victoria's greatest highlights, from Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula all the way along to Warrnambool you will see some spectacular sights and take in some breathtaking scenery.
Planning your wedding in this part of the country leaves everything to the imagination; you could consider Apollo Bay as a central point, or beautiful Lorne where you could marry in the gorgeous settings of the Lorne Beach Pavilion, this is in the perfect position to allow a beach ceremony followed by a sit down reception or cocktail event in the cafe or restaurant location right on the beach front.
If you are looking for somewhere completely different then why no rent the famous Pole House, in Fairhaven, it could be a place to retreat to as your bridal suite or perhaps as a location for your actual wedding, ideal if you are only having your close friends and family.
wedding stubby holders melbourne
Check out some of our location based designs by clicking on the design below, don't forget that you can tell our design team where you're getting married and we will see if we have an image of style of wedding stubby holder that fits:
wedding stubby holders
Happy Planning!

Monday, 4 February 2013

Ideas for Celbrating The Chinese New Year 2013

When is Chinese New Year?
stubby holders
Chinese New Year begins according to the Chinese calendar which consists of both Gregorian and lunar calendar systems. Because the tracking of the new moon changes from year to year, the Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February Spring Festival, Lunar New Year or commonly referred to as just Chinese New Year will begin on Sunday 10th Feb 2013 with celebrations running for as long as 15 days until Sunday 24th Feb 2013. Chinese Lanterns
stubby holders
The fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year is celebrated as Yuanxiao Festival or the Lantern Festival. Candles are lit outside houses and families will walk the streets carrying lanterns. This day marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. Traditional Chinese lanterns are usually red in colour and oval shaped, however at the Lantern Festival you can expect to see an array of bright and bold colours, elaborate designs and patterns, characters, dragons, animal and all different shapes and sizes! Chinese Cuisine
stubby holders
Chinese Food can be found at all celebrations from rice to noodles and in a number of styles from Cantonese, Szechuan and even Mongolian cuisine! When celebrating the Chinese new year there will traditionally be a New Years Eve dinner that will be packed full with amazing foods and flavours including dishes of meat such as pork and chicken, and often include a hot pot to signify a family reuinion. Chinese Zodiac
stubby holders
There is a 12-year cycle of the animal zodiac which relates a different animal to each year. Chinse Year 2013 is the Year of the Snake.
stubby holders
Previous Years and their symbolic meanings... 1972,1984,1996,2008 Year of the Rat The RAT is the first sign of the zodiac. Typically people born under this sign will be a creative problem solver, imaginative a hyperactive worker respected for resourcefulness. Intuitive and with the ability to hold onto all things of value. 1973,1985,1997,2009 Year of the Ox The OX is said to be an inspiring person that is easy-going and will possess a parent-like nature. They also have a tendency to have a bad temper, be quick to anger and very stubborn. They are however good listeners, yet don’t like to ask for help themselves. Most comfortable around Roosters. 1974,1986,1998,2010 Year of the Tiger The TIGERs are contemplative, emotional and sensitive. Although they can have a short temper, quick tongue and may startle their inferiors. Widely respected for their courageousness, power is their natural gift. Compatible with Horses and Dragons. 1975,1987,1999,2011 Year of the Rabbit. The RABBIT is often a private individual, a little introverted and sometimes withdrawn. People born to this sign would rather work behind the scenes and try not to be the centre of attention. With that said the rabbit is a friendly individual and enjoys the company of good friends. 1976,1988,2000,2012 Year of the Dragon. The Dragon's personality tends to be that of a free spirit. Everything that dragon's do will be on a grand scale, they naturally express big ideas and offer ornate gestures. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. Years to come... 1978,1990,20002,2014 Year of the Horse The HORSE is a popular person, cheerful and quick to compliment others. They are also hard working, bursting with energy an extrovert. Entertaining and humourous around all people born under this sign tend to be quick-witted and intelligent. 1979,1991,2003,2015 Year of the Goat The GOAT tends to be a great artists. They will ask many questions, they like nice things and will be very wise, they do tend to like a bit of peace and quiet and can be very calm, easygoing and relaxed. 1980,1992,2004,2016 Year of the Monkey MONKEYs tend to be very funny and can run circles around other people. Both curios and clever, they will catch on quickly and are able to accomplish most tasks. They appreciate difficult or challenging to stimulate and make them think. 1981,1993,2005,2017 Year of the Rooster The ROOSTER can be flamboyant, feisty and obstinate in personality. Also an extrovert, proud of who they are and outwardly confident, the rooster is also trustworthy and hardworking. 1982,1994,2006, 2018 Year of the Dog The DOG has a giving, compassionate and supportive personality. Is a good listener, always available to a friend in need and are incredible attentive. 1983,1995,2007,2019 Year of the Pig The PIG can be fun and enlightening, while having patience and understanding. People born under this sign will enjoy life, their family and friends. Honest and thoughtful, they belive it is better to give than receive. As well as the 12 year cycle of the animal zodiac, there is also a 5 year cycle of the chinese elements, each phase has a complex series of associations with different aspects of nature and the best way in which to remember the order that the phases take place are as follows...
stubby holders
1. Wood feeds Fire 2. Fire creates Earth (ash) 3. Earth bears Metal 4. Metal carries Water (as in a bucket) 5. Water nourishes Wood. For Chinese New Year celebrations in other countries there may be some additional ways that you can add to your celebration. This year in Melbourne Australia there are a number of places that you can enjoy the festival. With displays of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance, firecrackers, folk music, martial artists and much more... ... To blend Australian culture with the Chinese New Year why not create party favours and gift ideas to give to your guests and visitors. Coolaz Stubby Holders can be designed with chinese characters and symbols, colours and photographic images to not only brighten up your event and match in with the theme but also they are practical for this summer time celebration in the southern hemisphere as they will keep your drinks cold! Here are some of our latest designs ...
stubby holders
stubby holders
stubby holders
stubby holders
Happy New Year!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas on a Budget!

Often the word Valentine can be associated with expensive gifts, lavish nights out and flashy restaurants... and all this so soon after getting over the January pinch $$$!

Here at Coolaz the team have put together a 'recipe book' style feature flowing with recipes and cute gift ideas that will be sure to tantalise your tastebuds and wow your loved one this Valentine's Day!

valentines stubby holders


Why not start with some Lunchbox Love...

If your sweetheart is off for a normal day at work and you are unable to share a romantic midday snack together then why not offer to make their lunch for them, pack it up into a cute little box full of extra special treats! Make sure that you whip up some gorgeous sandwiches packed full of your loved one's favourite fillings and cut them into heart shapes!

valentines stubby holders


Move onto to a Romantic Dinner ...

Your Valetine's meal together doesn't have to be expensive and you don’t even have to go out! There are so many home cook dinners that you could make for eachother, whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a wanna be gourmet chef there are so many step by step recipes out there, so set your very own masterchef challenge and wow your other half with something delicious this year - and remember presentation is everything!

valentines stubby holders


Make sure that you plate everything up onto eco-friendly, biodegradable plates and use equally as green disposable utensils ... this will mean no arguments about the washing up, simply dispose of your eating tools into the correct recycling can! Then all that will be left it to do is simply sit back and relax!

valentines stubby holders


Maybe your ideal dinner-in would be to cook together, put on your matching aprons and work as a team in the kitchen! One half could read the recipe while the other actively chops and prepares or you could have set tasks each to make things easier and then do the cooking bit together – how romantic! If you’d rather cook alone then I always find the "I'll cook, you clean" rule works pretty well. Or there is always the take-away option for a naughty but nice treat at home!

And finish up with some personalised gifts...

valentines stubby holders


Get in touch with your crafty side and DIY some gifts this year, gather together your lover's favourite goodies, chocolate bars and more, bundle them together in a box or red bucket and fasten them with a cute ribbon!

Homemade cards are always great, it can be as fancy and creative or as simple as you like, you could simply cut out a heart shape from some red material and fasten it to the front of the card, after all it is the words inside that will be the important thing.

valentines stubby holders


If your other half is fond of a cold beverage then why not order them a little something online, a wine or champagne bucket, or beer coolers with a difference. Be sure to check out some of our new designs like the ones shown below - you can grab personalised stubby holders either in a 'be my valentine' fashion or something completely different!

valentines stubby holders


Check out our Top 5 Aphrodisiac Recipes!

Designed especially for a romantic night in for two and perfect for your special Valentine's dinner, there does seem to be a theme of heart shape things, red ideas and strawberries ...

valentines stubby holders


1. Oysters Kilpatrick

Considered a natural aphrodisiac, why not make this as a starter for your romantic night in!
2 cups rock salt
24 oysters, shucked
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
175g thin rashers rindless bacon, diced
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
lemon wedges, to serve

Preheat grill on medium-high heat. Place rock salt, in a thick layer, on a baking tray or heatproof plate. Arrange oysters (in their half-shells) on rock salt. Sprinkle Worcestershire sauce over oysters. Top with bacon. Grill, on the salt, for 5 to 8 minutes or until bacon is crisp. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with lemon.

2. Strawberry and Feta Salad

This unusual combination of strawberries, feta cheese, toasted almonds and romaine lettuce in a sweet and tangy dressing is sure to be a winner - A guaranteed pleaser for your other half!
1 cup slivered almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 head romaine lettuce, torn
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese


Nice and simple – lightly toast the almonds first and set aside to cool. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, raspberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. In a large bowl, toss together the toasted almonds, romaine lettuce, strawberries, and feta cheese. Cover with the dressing mixture, and serve.

3. Wine Sauce Chicken

6 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut
into 2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream
of mushroom soup
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup slivered almonds for topping
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Place the chicken in a saucepan and add water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer until the chicken pieces are no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the mushrooms; cook and stir until the mushrooms are lightly browned and have released their liquid, about 5 minutes. Place the chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish and add the sautéed mushrooms. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine and heat the soup, milk, Cheddar cheese and garlic powder. Remove from heat and add the white wine and mayonnaise. Pour mixture over the chicken and mushrooms. Top with slivered almonds and grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries (love bugs)

These cute dipped treats are a simple yet affective dessert or appertiser! You could even paint little faces on with white choc or an icing pen to make them into little love-bugs.
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 pint fresh strawberries with leaves


Cook chocolate until melted. Stir occasionally until chocolate is smooth. Holding berries by the stem, dip each one in molten chocolate, about three-quarters of the way to the stem. Place, stem side down, on wire rack and chill in refrigerator until hardened.

5. Strawberry Love heart Sponge Cakes
350g double unfilled round sponge cake
250g cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup thickened cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
250g strawberries, hulled, sliced
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1 tablespoon pure icing sugar

Place sponge cake layers on a chopping board. Using an 8cm heart-shaped cutter, cut 3 hearts from each cake. Using a sharp knife, gently split each heart in half. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add cream and vanilla. Beat until mixture thickens.Spread cream cheese mixture over sponge cake bases. Top with strawberry slices. Place jam in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on high (100%) for 30 seconds or until warm and runny. Spoon warm jam over strawberries. Sandwich together with sponge tops. Dust with icing sugar and serve.

Top 5 - Love Potions

valentines stubby holders


Assorted Champagne mixtures and yummy cocktails!

1. Sparkling Strawberry cocktail
30ml strawberry liqueur
2 large strawberries, washed, hulled, sliced
1 x 200ml btl chilled dry sparkling white wine
Divide the liqueur and strawberries evenly between 2 serving glasses.
2. Frozen mango and vodka cocktails
4 large mangoes, peeled, flesh chopped
125ml (1/2 cup) water
80g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) finely chopped palm sugar
240g (2 punnets) raspberries
500ml (2 cups) vodka Top each glass with the sparkling wine to serve.


Spread chopped mango over a tray. Place in freezer for 3 hours or until frozen. Meanwhile, combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to the boil. Boil, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until liquid reduces by one-third (see microwave tip). Remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly. Place raspberries and sugar mixture in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Place half the frozen mango and vodka in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a large jug. Repeat with remaining mango and vodka. To serve, layer the mango and raspberry purees among serving glasses and serve immediately.

3. Champagne cocktails

1 litre frozen passionfruit sorbet (we used Weiss Frutia)
750ml sparkling white wine, chilled

Place half the sorbet in a blender with half the sparkling wine. Process until well combined. Pour into 4 chilled glasses. Repeat with remaining sorbet and sparkling wine. Fill 4 more glasses. Serve.

4. Pom-pom cocktails
200g berry sorbet
300ml pomegranate juice (or juice of 3 pomegranates), chilled (see Notes)
150ml vodka, chilled
Chill 4 martini glasses in the freezer. Whiz all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into the chilled martini glasses, then serve ice-cold.
5. Cosmopolitan Champagne
250ml (1 cup) cranberry juice
2 tbs Cointreau liqueur
2 tbs fresh lime juice
6 sugar cubes
1 x 750ml btl chilled pink Champagne
Place cranberry juice in a medium saucepan and bring to the boil over high heat. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until reduced by two-thirds. Remove from heat and set aside for 30 minutes to cool. Combine the cranberry juice, Cointreau and lime juice in a small jug. Place a sugar cube in each serving glass. Pour the cranberry mixture over the sugar. Top with Champagne or sparkling wine and serve immediately.

Happy Valentines Day!

Monday, 14 January 2013

Australia's Northern Territory! Great place for a Wed

From the coast to the red centre the Nothern Territory has so much to offer! With a landscape like no other stretching from Australia's famous monolith Uluru, to the Barkly tablelands and the tropical north where wetlands and waterfalls cut through the national parks to create a stunning backdrop for any wedding photograph! Make sure that you take some time out to meet the locals and soack in the rich aboriginal culture and history, be mindful to watch out for some other locals like the crocodile!

Darwin & Surround With its tropical outdoor lifestyle, beautiful harbour scenery, surrounded with WWII history and its cuisine heavily influenced by its near by Asian neighbours, Darwin is a true adventure paradise for you and your guests. Renowned for it’s sunset markets, if you need to pick up a last minute gift for the bride and groom, or grab some final wedding decorations then you’ve come to the right place as you can expect to see arts and crafts in abundance here!
wedding stubby holders darwin

For a truly unique wedding experience you could take in a Darwin Harbour Cruise or discover the Melville and Bathurst Islands, (Tiwi Islands) on tropical sailing journey. Say 'I Do' onboard a private catamaran! Check our Arafura Sailing Adventures for more ideas! If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground then Darwin also has some amazing hotels and resorts that can cater for all of your needs to create the perfect wedding in Darwin! The amazing SkyCity has some fantastic wedding packages on offer to help you plan your big day!

Kakadu & Arnhem Land In this stunning location you can witness world Heritage-listed scenery and outstanding rock art, Australia's largest national park boast cascading waterfalls, giant crocs and exotic birds! Check out the Wilderness Safari Retreat for some exclusive bush luxury... you can speak to the lodge team about arranging your wedding in Bamurru Plains, an amazing marriage amongst the wildlife.

wedding stubby holders NT

Perhaps for the more adventurous this is somewhere to consider for your honeymoon, you could hire a campervan and takes the Nature's Way Tourism Drive for a romantic adventure! Experience the Mamukala Wetlands, Nourlangie Rock, Jim Jim and Twin Falls along the way, what an amazing way to start your married lives together.

Katherine & Surrounds The Katherine region extends from the QLD border in the east to the Kimberly region in the west and is a wonderful gateway to nature and adventure. Perhaps the more remote areas like Elsley National Park would not be ideal for your ceremony but certainly your honeymoon of adventure might start with a bushwalk over the spectacular Katherine Gorge! You could hire a car and go on the drive of your life, crossing the Daley river and onto the Douglas Daley area, off into Butterfly Gorge and explore the many waterholes and hot springs that natures beauty has to offer.
wedding stubby holders katherine

There are heaps of wedding venues in the area including Knotts Crossing, secluded amongst tropical gardens near Katherine River is the perfect location for your wedding in the Northern territory.

Alice Springs & Uluru Famous for the personality of it's locals, their love for contemporary art and traditional aboriginal influence along with all the natural wonders around it, Alice Springs is the gateway to your outback adventure and truly Australian wedding location. You could consider a romantic hot air balloon ride over the West McDonnell Ranges for a truly unique red centre experience! Maybe you could convince your Alice Springs celebrant to go up with you and say your vows in the sky! Venture out to the spiritual heart of Australia and experience the one true gemstone that is Uluru, also known by the name Ayers rock this awesome sight is a must see. With its extraordinary display of ever changing colours, you cannot miss the natural show at both sunset and sunrise, just amazing!
wedding stubby holders alice springs

Voyages/Ayers Rock resort offers a choice of apartments, a luxury wilderness camp, hotel, backpacker rooms or campground accommodation! You can choose whichever style suits your needs, however the Longitude 131° offers a truly unique experience for your nuptials! In 5-star luxury you and your guests will have private views of the sunset and sunrise over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, what an amazing way to start your married lives together!

Check out our location design like this awesome Uluru background, just click on the image to take you to some great desigsn, and don't forget if you can't find what you're looking for then you can email our friendly team and they will see what they can find for you!
wedding stubby holders uluru
Happy Planning!