Cinnamon Stick Placecards

We saw these cinnamon stick placecards on Mochatini and wanted to share an easy diy project with you. Wouldn't they be perfect for a rustic wedding? A matter of simply tying up some cinnamon sticks with cloth, twine, and designed paper. And there you have it, a spice all wrapped up, with distinct South Asian flavor.

Plus, they could double up as favors. Or you could use them in conjunction with this other chai inspired favor.

Tea Time

We love tea, especially the spicy herbal variety. There's nothing as quintessentially south asian as masala chai - so it only makes sense to give it away as a wedding favor. We love the idea of giving away little tins of chai mix all gussied up with pretty labels and instructions - kind of like this bride.


images via weheartit and flickr

For a DIY project, you could make your own batch of the mix, buy some tins, and go crazy with the packaging. You can find tins here, and for a sample masala chai recipe go here.

For those of you interested in buying pre-made loose leaf chai mixes, Adagio has some great varieties - all of it looks so pretty and smells heavenly.

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

images via flickr

We've been toying with the idea of using kites at a wedding for a while now. After all, what's not to love? They're playful, colorful, and a seriously fun pastime (even when your kite gets cut!). Wouldn't they be lovely all stacked up in a row for the kids to play with at a wedding? Or as favors to take home. Or even for a fun engagement session....

Yummy Chutney Favors

Of course favors are entirely optional but for those of you who want to give a little token of appreciation to your guests with food (our favorite kind of favors), we think chutney would be a delicious solution. It's a great project for you DIY brides who want to get a little crafty without breaking the bank. Yay for staying within budget!

Also, if your family has a great recipe it's a wonderful way to incorporate tradition. We always get excited when our mom makes her plum chutney.

image via the way we ate; original image from gourmet magazine 1980

Materials:
Mini Glass Jars (available at netbottle, ikea, and the container store)
Chutney (sample recipe)

Optional Materials: Ribbon/Butcher Twine, Labels

Simply make the chutney a couple of days before the wedding/bridal shower, fill up the jars and seal tightly. Voila, you're done!

For a little something extra, add ribbon/twine around the jar. If you want to use these jars as placecards, you can print off labels or cut out name tags to attach to the twine.

*Remember to sterilize the jars and let people know it should be refrigerated once opened.


images via Virginia Chutney Co., ifood

For those of you who aren't so DIY inclined (which we're not so great at either but kinda getting into it) you can always buy some chutney. There are some great companies making chutney such as Hampton Chutney Co. (their dosas are delicious), Virginia Chutney Co. and Bombay Emerald Chutney Co.