Last week the weather felt like Spring and it was a tease. The unfortunate truth is that winter is here to stay a bit longer so I’m forcing myself to enjoy it by picking out some of my most favorite wintry details.  Although growing up I associated doilies with Valentine’s Day and grandmothers, I have seen so many beautiful ways in which doilies are used in the wedding and decor world that now it reminds me of delicate lace or snowflakes, a beautiful detail for any wedding!

I’m currently working on a garden party bridal shower invitation for a friend and was trying to think of pretty ways to package it. I think some variation of a doily is the way I’m going to go after seeing all these photos!

{doily notecards, image by Sean Dagen via Brooklyn Bride}

{doily envelopes via Ruffled – includes a How-To!}

If I don’t use the doily as an envelope, I will most likely be using it as an envelope liner.

{doily envelope liners via Avie Designs – includes a How-To!; mini doily envelopes via Martha Stewart}

What I like even more than the actual lace details around the edges on that last one are the cutouts that actually hold the escort card onto the doily.

This bride made this dress herself, sewing together quite a few doilies!

{doily gown, images by Gia Canali}

Doilies also make beautiful, delicate garlands and pendants.

{doily garland from flickr via iDIY}

{doily garlands from Martha Stewart via Merriment Blog; via Design*Sponge – includes a How-To!}

{doily garland from Martha Stewart via Merriment Blog}

{doily chandelier and chair decor from Martha Stewart Weddings via The Sweetest Occasion}

Maybe a little advanced for a quick DIY project, but still this pendent lamp is beautiful!

{doily lamp via The Style Files}

I love these combos of bunting and doilies:

{doily bunting, photos by Studio Castillero via Green Wedding Shoes}

{burlap and doily banner by reginacmoore found on Etsy}

Or for other decorative uses, you can use doilies for escort cards, place cards, menus, and place settings.

{doily seating chart, photo by Studio Castillero via Green Wedding Shoes}

{doily place settings – photo by Simply Bloom Photography via Lia and Rob’s Italian wedding; photo from Martha Stewart Weddings via The Sweetest Occasion}

{doily menu, photos by Susan Stripling, via Green Wedding Shoes}

{doily table runner, photo by Of My Affection, via Wedding Chicks}

And let’s not forget something for your guests to take home too!

{doily gift bag via iDIY; screenprinted doily tote, photo by ashley ann photography and DIY on Design*Sponge used for Stephanie’s bridesmaids gifts}

{doily gift box, image by Megan Dailor for The Sweetest Occasion}

What do you think? Do doilies remind you of snowflakes like they do for me? I’d love to hear and see other uses you’ve come up with them or any places you’ve found to get pretty paper doilies.