Garnish Blog

Comfort and Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Come on folks...we're going on a field trip! Where are we going? Memory lane. This is the story of how Garnish came to be. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

The love (dare I say, obsession) with packaging has been there for many years, but it all came to a head during the holidays of '06. My youngest of three boys was barely 2 months old and while I birthed him, he birthed in me a huge creative streak.

I decided to throw a gingerbread house party for my kindergartner and some of his friends. But I wanted to take it a step further and have little boxes for everyone to take their houses home...with their names on it because what child doesn't love having a personalized box?! Oh, and they must each have their own frosting bottle (little hands and pastry bags equal huge mess that I would have to clean), and little containers for their candies. This is what made me smile during late night feedings. All this made the little ones smile at the party and thus made me smile once again. The biggest task in this all...driving around from place to place to place trying to find everything to complete my vision.

And then I had another idea for my sons' teachers' gifts. It was brilliant (if I do say so myself). I was going to make them all dinner and I was going to call it Comfort & Joy. All the comfort food classics and the joy of not cooking. I made macaroni and cheese and chicken pot pie (then froze). And since it was for teachers, I attached the history of each on the top of the container. I then included all the fixings for salad - the dressing, croutons and some pine nuts and cranraisins (didn't actually make those) and put them in a box entitled "just add greens". And to finish it off, dessert. Since I'm a Canadian living in the United States, I chose two traditional recipes from my homeland. Once again, on top of the box was the history of the treats. On the day of delivery, I put everything in a white foam cooler tied with a pretty red satin ribbon. Want to talk about the wow factor...this was it! I had the utmost of fun doing it all and I am not joking when I tell you it really was so easy. The teachers beyond loved them. The biggest challenge of this task....driving from store to store to store trying find everything I needed to complete my vision.

After so much positive feedback, and after so many years of trying to figure out how my love of packaging could be shared with others...everything fell into place and I birthed my fourth child, Garnish.

When you have the right tools, anything is possible. When you have Garnish by your side, everything is easy. When you have people in your life who you want to shower with gratitude and love...simply add a little Garnish!

This concludes our field trip. Please ensure you have all of your personal belongings with you and remember that some items may shift during flight.

Garnish + Enjoy

Kick Starting the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:33:00 +0000

When I was a little girl my family lived in Europe for a bit, 2 years in Belgium and the same in Switzerland (not that you're asking, but hey, I'm telling!). During our years abroad, my parents were the ones who always hosted the big holiday parties. My sisters and I would sit at the top of the stairs listening to the grown up laughter and the disco music blaring (is this what my children do?!). Since these countries are the lands of delectable chocolate, the next morning we would all find boxes and boxes of chocolates in the dining room that were brought as lovely hostess gifts. As my mom is allergic to chocolate (I'm sure unbeknownst to the guests), and my parents seemed to need a little extra sleep the morning after, my sisters and I would devour chocolate for breakfast...much to our little hearts' content!

Now that I am the grown up (because 'adult' seems inappropriate when looking like a fool dancing to my own disco music) and am responsible for a hostess gift I try to think about the morning after. Because really, while I'm sure all the party goers had the best of thoughts and intentions, stringing out children on a sugar high while their parents desperately try to catch some extra Z's is just not needed.

While all hostess gifts are appreciated and loved...if you're looking for a helpful gift that will make your host giggle inside, I have a suggestion. Bring breakfast for the morning after the party. Something sweet, something nutritious, something simple (so they won't have to empty the entire dishwasher from the night before!). A french toast bake is awesome and the best part is that it has to soak overnight so all that needs to be done in the morning is turn the oven on and pop it on in. A refreshing fruit salad in a clear deli container will start the morning off right along with juice to accompany it all. Think cinnamon rolls or maybe banana bread baked right in a loaf mold. The gable boxes are the ideal carriers for it all

I know this will be a much welcomed gift...my friend phoned right after she ate her breakfast to say thanks (should have done a better job "prettying" up my Garnish...but then again, simple is beautiful!), and really I should have been thanking her for such a fun evening.

Think about the hostess gift that kick starts the day. Think about spreading cheer (aka, sleep). Think about dancing like nobody's watching...because that's the only way to do it!

Garnish + Enjoy

Pour Moi?!

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:15:00 +0000

I know that it is better to give than receive. And in all honesty I do have so much fun giving. But I received a little something in the mail that made me smile, maybe even a little bit giddy. Garnish gal pal Maddie sent my way a super adorable "java wrapz", with the Garnish logo, that she made. Okay, I can barely thread a needle and look at this stichery!

So I got to thinking...coffee/tea/hot chocolate and cookies. Um, yum! And what a fun way to spend some time with friends. Have a bunch of holiday cards to address? A stack of gifts to wrap? Sometimes tasks are much less daunting when done with buddies by your side. Plan a date, and get 'er done. And add a little Garnish to it all with our white cups and lids, small kraft baking mold and send everyone home with a midnight snack in a small bio-pak container adorned with twine.

Enjoy the season, enjoy giving and enjoy your friendships. That's what it's all about!

Garnish + Enjoy

Options

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:28:00 +0000

I think sometimes we get caught up with Garnish being all about food. And that is "sew" not the case. Packaging is everything...no matter what's inside.

Check out what Garnish Gal Mabel did with her Garnish. She is a very talented seamstress and presents her creations in a Garnished way. And all I have to say is waaayyy cool! On both fronts, her talent with a needle and thread and her talent in adding a little Garnish. I absolutely love the bio pak container with the button on top. Fantastic. And the rectangular kraft box, lined with a petite loaf cup, looks so pretty.

So when you're thinking of your holiday gifts this season, think Garnish for more than just your edibles...we like options. And think about swinging on by dimplegirl*78 to check out Mabel's lovelies.

Thanks for sharing Mabel!

Garnish + Enjoy

Wow Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Thanks to Tara for sharing with us how she added a little Garnish to a baby shower she hosted this past summer. This girl has some serious creativity and talent!

For the party favors, she used glassine bags with a stitch across the top. Nut and party cups were perfect for, well, nuts and the red tissue was perfect for her color palette.

Hmmm...I'm inspired, how about you?!

Garnish + Enjoy

A Giving Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:47:00 +0000

This giving tree is a little different than the one depicted in the infamous story by Shel Silverstein. But I guess, in a way, the meaning is still the same. Giving makes us happy. We always like to find a way to put an emphasis on the 'giving' of Thanksgiving and the holidays. And we think we've found a memorable and unique way.

Got this idea from Amy Atlas via iced. This tree was used for a poolside party but I thought why not change it up to fit the season. Gather some branches from your back yard (use an empty coffee can wrapped in brown kraft paper for a vase) or use a little fake (or real) pine tree. Hang little lunch bags off the tree with some twine or a ribbon you love.

On the bags you could write words of wisdom, what you are thankful for, quotes on family and friends...what ever suits your mood. You could print on circle or square labels or directly on the bag. What goes inside is all you...chocolates, candles, mints, macaroons...and so on, and so on. Before your guests leave you home, ask them to grab a treat from the giving tree.

Another fun way to use this idea...countdown to Hanukkah, Christmas Advent or the twelve days of Christmas.

I'm so thankful I found this idea. My holiday parties will be donning a giving tree and I have a feeling my guests will be tickled.

Don't forget about the current special on shipping (just $7 on all orders within the continental US). With our standard 2-3 days shipping, and orders shipping within 24 hours of being placed, there is still plenty of time to receive your Garnishes in time for Thanksgiving.

Garnish + Enjoy

Giving Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Holiday spirit has taken over Garnish. It's an unusually warm November day so it's kind of hard to believe that the holiday season is here. The weather really isn't important. What is, is our desire to help you all add a little Garnish to your holidays. So, for a limited time, add all the Garnish you like for a flat shipping fee of $7. Cruise the blog to get the creative wheels churning. Scope out the ideas page to see if anything strikes your fancy. Most importantly, have fun!

This is a limited time offer. We haven't decided yet when to go on back to "same 'ol, same 'ol" shipping rates but we'll give you a little warning before it happens.

Garnish + Enjoy

Second Time Around

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Wondering how to cart home those coveted Thanksgiving Day leftovers? Look no further because Garnish is the way. Check out our latest idea for all the details on how to get that turkey home in style. Garnish the gobble and all the sides!

Garnish + Enjoy

Doing Our Part

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:06:00 +0000

It's November and the holiday entertaining season, ready or not, is here. Last week there was an article in the paper about how the flu season is changing the way folks entertain. Of course you're still going to have friends and family over. Of course you're still going to enjoy the season and create fantastic and memorable moments. And you can do this all, stay flu free, no surgical masks required...just a little Garnish.

The article spoke about how to help keep you and your guests germ free during get-togethers. The solution, take the hands out of the bowls and serving platters and use single serve containers. Um, hello...they must have been thinking about Garnish!

Let me begin to count the ways you Garnish away the germs. Oh wait, there are just way too many! But here's a thought. Serve up your crudites in a 4x4x4 clear acetate box and don't forget a white nut and party cup for the dip. Or how about using the small kraft loaf molds to hold slices of toasted baguette along with a small plastic bottle holding some yummy dipping oil. And don't forget the sweet tooth. Small glassine bags are the perfect spot for little cookies.

So you can have your jug of hand sanitizer at your entryway, or you can add a little Garnish. I'm thinking the Garnish just might be more fun. But then again, maybe the jug of sanitizer encased in a rounded take out container sporting a fun little quote like "friends are here to stay but the germs must go away" (not the best but just winging it here!).

How are you going to Garnish those germs away?!

Garnish + Enjoy

A Different Kind of Garnish

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:14:00 +0000

The magnitude of everyone's creativity continues to make me go WOW!

Isn't this tooth fairy pillow the cutest thing ever? Now, check out the tassels...that's our brown and white twine. Who would have thunk!

Talent, genius...dang you all are good! Thanks for sharing with us Catherine.

Garnish + Enjoy

Please Use A Coaster

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:49:00 +0000

A little while ago Lauren shared with us how she added a little Garnish to her wedding. "What creativity, what style, what a fantastic idea!" I said to myself. I tucked away the email while also saying to myself "don't forget about to write about it". My apologies Lauren, it appears I did...it happens!

The fact that I forgot reflects solely on my own brain burps, definitely not Lauren's talent. So here's the scoop. The wedding favor, adorable (and useful...love that) coasters also acted as the seating assignment (is there a more official wedding name for that...completely escaping me...brain burp x2) notices for the guests. The coasters were placed inside a glassine bag and then a cute label directed everyone to their seats. Aren't personalized, unique, and functional wedding favors great?! What a fab idea for a hostess gift as well. You could have a stack handy to grab and go to all your holiday events.

Thanks Lauren. Love the idea. Love the photo. Love the Garnish.

is the word I'm looking for 'escort card'?!

Garnish + Enjoy

An Apple A Day

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I'm wondering...does that apply to candy apples too?! I'd have no problem meeting that regime.

Apple picking season is here and while pies, crisps and sauces will be made, caramel and candy apples are always a welcome treat. Garnish them up in our 3x3x3 clear acetate box for an adorable favor. The apples are nestled on caramel wax tissue and white wax tissue for an extra touch. Whether your hosting a gathering of friends and family, or a Fall baby/wedding shower these are a great way to top off the party. Fall wedding? What a great favor idea!

Hmmm...I'm thinking that an apple a day may keep our doctors away, but these types of apples will make our dentists very happy! Do the nuts up the nutritional value or is that a reach?

Garnish + Enjoy

I Want Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Ahhh, the month of candy has arrived. Yes, we don't actually need it until the 31st for all those little costumed folk but who can resist?! Everywhere you look, well okay...where I look, the candy corn is calling out, "take me home you know you want to".

As we plan Fall harvest get togethers and Halloween parties, think about sending home a clear candy tube filled with treats and trinkets. Your party goers won't be able to resist either!

Garnish + Enjoy!

When A Little Garnish Will Do Ya

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:35:00 +0000

Looking for a fun little container for all your treats and treasures? Look no further because the little bro (or sis!) of our squat bio pak containers is here. Measuring in at 4 3/8" x 3 1/2" x 2 1/2", it is perfect when a little Garnish is all you need.

And with the Holidays fast approaching, you'll be wanting to spread a little Garnish along with all that love and merriment!

For a point of reference, the two small bio pak containers are sitting on a cake stand.

Garnish + Enjoy!

If It's Good Enough

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:34:00 +0000

The other weekend my man was in NYC for his once a year 'bachelor party'. We've been hitched for 11 years, but whatever!

One of their stops on their night (of trying to pretend they're in their 20's when they're, well, not!) on the town was a place called The Box. A very hip, slightly deviant (so I am told, since I wasn't there) place. Hubby is a pretty good guy, when they arrived, at 2am, at said joint and found these little bags of popcorn sitting at the tables, he thought of me.

Who couldn't use a little nibble of popcorn from a little white paper bag. Even at 2am. I mean, if it's good enough for a hip and happening spot, then it's good enough for my house! How fun to have these out on your appetizer table. I'm thinking folks will love it.

Totally unexpected, totally Garnish. Besides, don't we all want to be a little bit deviant sometimes?!

Garnish + Enjoy!

Go Together

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Some things just go together. Bread and butter, toast and jam, peanut butter and chocolate. Garnish and moments.

I'm not all that talented when it comes to the graphic arts arena. While I love conjuring up ways to add a little Garnish, making it look all purrty can take a little bit of time. I do have an advantage, two very talented sisters who always answer my begging and pleading. Even when I say, 'oh yeah, and by the way...I need it now!'. Gotta love sisters!

I know deep down that I can do this graphic thing. In fact I'm learning that I just think too much. Simple is great, after all that's what Garnish is all about! But here's the thing, sometimes you might want to make your Garnish a show stopper. And if you're feeling challenged, don't worry, we have a solution. My sister-in-law referred me to Print Your Party on Etsy. She felt we went together, like rosy cheeks and brisk days. While we've never purchased anything from this talented gal, and I'm sure there are many more talented gals (and guys) on Etsy, we thought we'd give Print Your Party a shout-out. Maybe it was our white paper cup and lid in this picture that caught our eye.

So, just an option we thought we'd pass along. We love things that go together. Like a rainy day, a snugly couch and a great movie...and of course, a little Garnish.

Garnish + Enjoy

Start 'em Young

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:10:00 +0000

You're never too young, or old, to have fun with Garnish. Case in point, Michele's creation for her daughter's kindergarten class.

She made a contribution to the classroom of colored rice. Now, myself, even though I have children I had to back to her for some clarification. Colored rice...why and never heard of it. But you see, Michele is far smarter than I. The rice is for their sensory table and the color, well that's to help the children learn. The little one attends a french immersion school so they're learning all sorts of new things, like language.

Now, yes, she could have sent the rice to school in plastic storage bags. But being the creative and fun mom that she is (sorry, forgot - talented!), she took a few extra minutes and created a cute clear circle label with the word riz (rice in french) and the color (in french). The rice was put in the paper bowls with lids...avec l'étiquette...and there you have it folks...form, beauty and functionality.

Garnish + Amuser

Ice Cream Exchange

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:38:00 +0000

Check out our latest moment of inspiration...an ice cream exchange.

August is winding down but there are still plenty of warm days ahead, and summer fun to be had. Labor Day, block parties, and (as I always say...)the best of all 'just because' parties.

Get your ice cream churning, send out some pint sized containers to your besties, and have a great time. Don't forget, it never has to be homemade, just Garnished. So if making ice cream (sorbet, fro-yo, etc) is not your thing don't fret. Soften some vanilla ice cream (or really any flavor) and mix in your favorite cookie or candy crunches (relieve some tension by smashing then in a plastic bag). Berries and nuts are great additions too.

By the way...this would be great during the holidays too. Candy cane ice cream just happens to be one of my personal faves!

Have fun with it...that's what life (and Garnish) is all about!

Garnish + Enjoy!

Sweet Bouquet

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:51:00 +0000

When we received a note from Jean sharing with us her Garnish, two things came to mind.

1. Sah-weet!!! Talk about creativity. She turned the clear candy tubes into stems of flowers. Put them all in a vase to create an amazing centerpiece for her daughter's baptism celebration.

2. Sweet!!! The stems of the flowers have candy in them. Yum! A really fantastic (and unique) party favor.

This idea carries some major options...girl's birthday parties, showers, wedding favors, dinner parties...the list goes on and on!

Have fun with this one and share a little sweetness today.

Garnish + Enjoy

When in Doubt

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Problem 1: Up in cottage country and heading over to a friend's cottage for a lakeside dinner. As I write that it comes to me that, that just really isn't a problem at all! But the stickler was what to bring for a hostess gift.

Solution: The absolute yummiest date squares.

Problem 2: How to make those date squares hostess gift worthy, while in cottage country.

Solution: Thank goodness for having some red and white twine on hand! That coupled with white parchment paper and a little tag...very hostess gift worthy.

Doesn't need to be fancy...just needs to be Garnished!

Garnish + Enjoy (those date squares)

In the Knick of Twine

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:29:00 +0000

There's a new twine in town and we couldn't be happier. Blue and white bakery twine is here. Go on, check it out. You know those wheels of yours are a spinning with all the ways to add a little blue and white.

Oooh...the options, the possibilities, the Garnish.

Summer Bounty

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:32:00 +0000

There I was flipping through the latest issue of Better Homes & Gardens and my eyes came across this totally fun way to use the wood pint berry boxes.

I'm thinking your crudites or bread baskets will be ultra appealing (and the talk of the town) when put on display this way. Take advantage of the summer's bounty of fruits and veggies. With an idea like this, they are multi-tasking as a creative centerpiece and yummy munchies.

Garnish + Enjoy!

For the Love of Packaging

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:07:00 +0000

I recently thought to myself, self...What is up with you and packaging? When did the like turn to lust? Do you need to seek professional help?

"Self" couldn't answer all the questions but the conversation did trigger some memories. When I was in University my friends and I would enjoy a break (or two) from our studies by enjoying cards and wine. Now, as University students, it's not like we had a vast knowledge of grapes and regions. Nor did we have the big bucks for some of the even bigger price tags. But what we did have, me and my gal pals, was a love of packaging! You know how I know this...because whose ever turn it was to go pick up the wine always returned with the bottles that they found to have the most funky and fun labels. Weren't we sooo sophisticated?!

So, (umph) many years later I find myself walking by the wine section in a store and my eyes are immediately drawn to the Mad Housewife wines. How can you ignore the stare of the housewife? She's looking at you as if saying "come on, you know want a glass!". And there is the funniest and wittiest blurb on the back of the bottle about sneaking into the laundry room to steal a moment of solitude and a sip of the grapes. I thought to myself, this is why I love packaging. This company gets it...hook and reel baby.

Always looking to have a fab and unique hostess gift I'm thinking of the kraft wine box, dolled up to suit the Mad Housewife. I think any of my gal pals, or anyone for that matter who enjoys wine would love this gift. I bought a few bottles to keep on the ready paired with the boxes and I'll be ready at a moments notice to be a thankful guest.

It's much more than a bottle of wine...it's a smile, a chuckle, a memory....a moment!

And keep something in mind. Not everyone partakes in wine...to each their own and that's just fine. Have a looksey at the sparkling water/lemonade aisle of your grocery store. There are some pretty funky ones out there. Keep a supply on hand along with these boxes and you'll be ready in an instant to accept a party invitation!

Garnish + Enjoy

Bucket List

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:35:00 +0000

I can't say that I had ever heard of the term 'bucket list' before Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman made it part of our vocab through the big screen. If you walk through a bookstore you'll see whole sections devoted to things to do and places to see before you reach a certain age or, kick the bucket. It seems to me this is all a reminder for us to live our lives, instead of just going through the paces (which can be sooo much easier said than done!).

I don't have an official bucket list. I've never sat down and written the list of my life. But this past Sunday, I accomplished something I've always wanted to do. I completed a triathlon! Okay...don't get too excited, it wasn't like it was an Ironman! Well, hold there a minute...I don't want to sell myself short either! It wasn't like it was easy. My friend and I trained hard, questioned each other often as to 'why are we doing this again?!', and you know what, we totally rocked it! And most importantly we had a great time, and awesome experience and showed our children that you can do anything you put your mind to.

I put together a little post-race treat for my tri-gal-pal as a congrats on the day and a thank you for being such a great friend and training buddy. Champagne and chocolate are a yummy celebratory treat. Pain relievers and muscle massager to relieve the aches and pains. How cute is the squat gable box all dressed up with a super cute design on the front?!

Do you have a bucket list, or a personal challenge waiting to be completed? All I can say is go for it! Because that feeling when you cross the finish line...I don't think there are enough words to capture how incredible it is!

Garnish + Enjoy + Go for it!

You Ask, We Deliver

noreply@blogger.com (Garnish) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:23:00 +0000

All right all you ice cream aficionados...your ice cream creations now have an extra safe home.

The pint-sized containers now come with the option of a non-vented lid, or the traditional vented. If you would like to order these containers with the non-vented lids, please make sure to indicate this in the 'comment' line of the shopping cart.

While a sheet of plastic wrap on top of the container before putting on the lid works just fine to protect your ice cream, think of the non-vented lid as the dead bolt on locking in the freshness!

Be sure to let us know if there's a Garnish that you've been looking for. We just might be able to help you (and others) out!

Now, I'll take two scoops please!