Born in Switzerland to British parents, Emma Marshall-Cerqueira, Edina resident and founder of Inventive, treasures tradition.
Her favorite, and the one that inspired her new business, is celebrating occasions using British “crackers.” We’re not talking about the crunchy, edible type but rather beautiful, luxury, pull-and-pop party favors—decorative paper cylinders that snap when opened to release a joke, a question and a small gift.
This tradition was the brainchild of an inventive British confectioner who wanted to differentiate his sweets. The idea, which began as a bonbon packaged with a love note, evolved into adding a mechanism that popped when pulled to resemble the crackle of a burning log. Thus, in 1847, the “cracker” was born.
Marshall-Cerqueira, who is passionate about savoring life’s celebrations, has updated this tradition by offering custom luxury versions of this British holiday staple for every event worthy of celebration.
Her handcrafted creations are works of art, featuring specialty papers from around the world and unique favors made by artisans. You may pop the cylinder to find such gifts as chocolate bars inspired by Willy Wonka, locally made ornaments created from vintage clothing, tin toys, or beeswax lip balm from Scotland.
In addition to the party-ready creations, Inventive can customize the crackers in many ways. Select colors to coordinate with your table. Add nametags to turn crackers into place markers. Marshall-Cerqueira can offer surprise cracker contents to suit the occasion or can artfully design the crackers to contain the host’s own small gifts and messages.
To begin planning for your holiday festivities, visit inventivefavors.com for custom crackers orders. And don’t forget Marshall-Cerqueira’s crackers for other events such as bar mitzvahs, New Year’s, birthdays, and bridal or baby showers, or make them the heart of a romantic dinner for two.
