Looking for Colorado wedding venues that are perfect for smaller guests lists?

Villa Parker in Parker, Colorado provides a stunning setting for both indoor and outdoor weddings.  Imagine more then ten thousand square feet of Mediterranean styled architecture, a terracotta-tiled roof, chocolate colored accents, gracious archways all tucked into an acre of lush gardens and walking paths with striking views of the Rocky Mountains.  Beckoning from within its grand wall the villa promises a setting that is truly elegant and extraordinary.

The breathtaking courtyard is the perfect setting for ceremonies or cocktail hour, while the picturesque ballroom graciously receives your reception. Site fee includes exclusive use of the facility for twelve hours.

Located just 20 minutes south of Denver overlooking Historic Parker, Villa Parker is an ideal combination of charm and elegance.

*Sponsored Post.

Photo One and Two: Elevate Photography; Photo Three and Four:Gaston Photography; Photo Five and Six: Brooke Trexler; Photo Seven: Laura Murray; Photo Eight: Elevate Photography

Let’s take a wee breather from wedding planning here to focus on the numero uno man in your life. The holidays are fast approaching; do you know what you will be getting him for Christmas?

Although I do think that handmade gifts are the best, sometimes there just isn’t enough time or energy to pull off a warm, fuzzy DIY present. What then?

Here is a list of some fun gifts that just might get you some serious girlfriend-of-the-year perks.

If your man loves to read, a Kindle Fire is a mighty fine present. (You can read over 3,000 reviews here.) Not only can you read a boatload of books on the Kindle Fire, you can also watch play games and watch movies. At $199, it’s a much more economical alternative to the iPad 2.

If your guy is old school like me and prefers the look and feel of a good ol’ book in his hands, why not surprise him with an Amazon gift card?

Speaking of old school, ION iCade Arcade Cabinet for iPad is a brilliant gift for guys who love vintage video games. iCade will integrate his iPad into an authentic, arcade-style cabinet complete with joystick and buttons! How cool is that? iCade is compatible with 100 Atari classics including Asteroids, Centipede, and Battlezone.

And while we are on the topic of retro, why not tell your guy how sweet with a crate full of vintage candy? Candy Crate 1970’s Retro Candy Gift Box is jam packed with 30 different candies from the 1970s. (Eighties child? No problem. There’s a crate for every era!)

Because he’s such a great guy, why not buy him his own helicopter? Totally impractical? Yes! Fun? That too! The Syma S107/S107G R/C Helicopter is the world’s newest, smallest and lightest RC Helicopter. At approx. 7.5″ long, it will easily fit into the palm of his hand and is fully functional, equipped with latest Gyroscope technology. At under $30, it’s easy on the wallet.

We’d love to hear your gift giving ideas!

Just in time for the gift-giving season, I’ve rounded up ten of our most popular tutorials for edible DIY wedding favors.  Along with being fantastic winter wedding favors – they also happen to make splendid and budget-friendly Christmas gifts.

1. Caramel Corn – I guarantee that you will LOVE this homemade caramel corn recipe. It will become a tradition in your family. You will pass the caramel corn recipe down to your children, your grandchildren. Yes, it’s that good.

2. Caramels – Who doesn’t love caramels? I’ve got a caramels recipe that’s not only darn delicious, they WON’T stick to y’er fillings!

3. Cookies-in-a-jar – This tutorial comes with free printable labels!

4. Cookie-in-a-CD-Sleeve – The chewy chocolate chip recipe in this tutorial is to-die-for! Free labels too!

5. Candied Walnuts – A scrumptious, easy recipe for a healthy and delicious holiday treat!

6. Christmas Granola – Lovely free printables accompany this tutorial.

7. Baked Apple Spice – Adorable and inexpensive favor and gift idea.

8. Sponge Candy – Delish! And your guests will be so impressed that you made it yourself.

9. Raspberry Linzers – These cookies are as pretty as they are delicious. Pack a few in a box or tin, and you have one terrific gift!

10. Sea Glass Candy – You don’t have to be a sea glass fanatic like me to love this candy!

This peppermint bark is so easy to make – I can’t believe that this is the first year that I’ve taken a crack at it. I made up a batch to give as Christmas gifts – but you could also use these as winter wedding favors. If you buy the white chocolate in bulk, this is an inexpensive way to say thank you to your guests.

Peppermint Bark Tutorial

Ingredients

1 lb white chocolate chunks or chips

1/2 cup of crushed candy canes

few drops of peppermint oil (I used creme de menthe flavor oil)

Unwrap candy canes, place them in a bag and crush them. I used a rolling pin to crush them.

Place white chocolate into double boiler and melt.

Place crushed candy canes into a sifter and let small pieces fall into the melted chocolate. Stir.

Pour melted chocolate onto parchment covered baking sheet.

Using spatula, spread chocolate as evenly as possible and sprinkle remaining larger chunks of candy cane onto the melted chocolate.

Refrigerate for 45 minutes. Remove from fridge, flip over onto a cutting board and cut into wedges.

Enjoy! If you are giving these as favors, place a couple of pieces into a small cellophane favor bag, tie and add a thank -you tag.

Candles are the quickest and most inexpensive way to add instant ambiance to your home – which makes them perfect wedding favors!

American Bridal has beautiful candle wedding favors that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

From tea lights to scented votives, American Bridal’s selection of wedding candles will fit any theme whether it’s a beach wedding, Asian-inspired wedding or one with a winter wonderland theme.

These pinecone favors are perfect for a fall or winter wedding.

Aren’t these succulent candles adorable?

These teacup candles would be perfect for a vintage tea party wedding or bridal shower.

These personalized tin favors would go with any theme.

Check out American Bridal for more candle favors.