An Asian Evening

Today's post features an Asian-inspired dinner party. This brilliant table decor by Social Couture was exactly what I was looking for and served as the main inspiration for the rest of the post. Social Couture actually sells all of the elements featured in the photo, individually and as a whole themed set.

Other elements for this theme:
- Orange lantern tri-fold invitation
- Orange and lime green take out boxes - classic with a vibrant color twist
- Homemade fortune cookies with pomegranate granita (recipe from Food Network)
- Zen liquor - site features recipes for a ton of concoctions including Zen Saketini, Zen Breeze, Zen Iced Tea and many more

Wedding Wednesday - Lovebirds Engagement Party

It's time for the next edition of Wedding Wednesday. This week Kati of The Finer Things and I chose this sweet bird invitation from FineStationery.com as our inspiration for an engagement party.



This bird and nature theme would be lovely for bridal showers, baby shower, dinner parties and more. See my pics for an engagement party below:

- Multi-tier cake with birch twigs and and gum-paste birds
- Vintage postcards featuring birds and nests; would be great for table cards, decor or a different version of a guest book
- Cute handmade bird cake topper by Ann Wood
- Bird-topped favor boxes
- White ceramic bird vase - great for a centerpiece or just as added table decor
- A Perched Pair - intricate bird soaps would be wonderful as favors or wedding party gifts
- Love nest soap favor- cute egg shaped soaps resting in a bird's nest
- Bird's nest place card holder
- Table decor featuring branch centerpieces and birds


As soon as we picked this week's invitation I just knew that Kati would put together an amazing board and she certainly didn't disappoint! Be sure to check out The Finer Things to see her selections.

Birthday Dinner in Red

As July is almost over, I better get in my July birthday dinner feature. This month I'm focusing on the color red. Vibrant and hot, red is perfect for these steamy summer months.

- Lovely combination of red, teal blue and orange in this beautiful table decor
- Red starfish guest book
- Red candle holders, white pillar candles and red coral branches dress up a mantle and add some themed room decor
- Red coral napkin rings atop turquoise and white plates makes a nice place setting on the red table linens
- Red and orange tall invitation from FineStationery.com
- Red, teal and orange beribboned favors [via Snippet & Ink]

Red not your color? Check out my previous birthday dinners in the following colors:
- Hot Pink
- Teal
- Black

Pucci Inspired Affair

Today's post is inspired by the Italian fashion designer, Emilio Pucci. With bright colors and bold patterns, this purple, blue and yellow wedding is right off the runway.

- Boutonnieres - Purple, chocolate and blush pink calla lilies
- Guest book - Purple book accented with a fashionable patterned ribbon
- Bold and unique table decor
- Bridal bouquet - Fuchsia and chocolate calla lilies and variegated grass all wrapped in a luxurious purple ribbon
- Subtle floral centerpieces allow for vibrant table decor
- Favors - Pucci perfume bottles

Oh Baby! Rubber Ducky Baby Shower

Today's Oh Baby! feature was requested by Krisinda who needs inspiration for a rubber ducky baby shower. As soon as I received her email, I immediately thought of an amazing event theme that Jenn, of Hostess with the Mostess, put together. Entitled Bubbly Ducky Brunch, Jenn assembled lots of excellent details to create an event scheme that's a ton of fun for both the mom-to-be and each guest who attends.

The following images are just a few of many on HWTM. Please visit the Bubbly Ducky Brunch page to see additional pictures and to learn where to find the elements needed to create this look.

Delicious Appetizers

I know I am always on the look out for a new and tasty appetizer recipes. I feel you can never have enough recipes in your repertoire so your guests can try new things at each gathering. So, here is a new list of delicious appetizers to spice up your next event.

- Late summer tomato bruschetta
- Grilled stuffed jalapeno chiles with grilled red pepper-tomato sauce
- Watermelon with balsamic and feta
- Coconut shrimp
- Puff pastry pinwheels stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes and pesto
- Saltines made easy
- Broccoli and cheddar-stuffed potato skins with avocado cream
- Smoked salmon roulade
- Prosciutto-wrapped crostini with melon salsa crudo

Wedding Wednesday - Orange & Orchid Wedding

Welcome to another edition of Wedding Wednesday. This week, Kati of The Finer Things and I chose this orange orchid invitation by William Arthur (from FineStationery.com).

- Orange knee-length bridesmaid dress by Jenny Yoo

- Orange floral 3-tier wedding cake

- Stunning bridal bouquet made of calla lilies, roses and gloriosa lilies all in varying shades of orange

- Simple white favor boxes wrapped with an orange designed paper and a light orange ribbon

- Orange and clear wine cocktails

- Beautiful orange and white table decor [via the blog, SocialDesign]

- Orange orchid invitation with matching response card, reception card and thank you note

Be sure to check out Kati's version of this week's Wedding Wednesday. She selected some lovely elements for an orange wedding...and I think she may have won best cake this week! ;)

Parisian Inspired Bridal Shower

Parisian pink and black party themes have always been popular and will continue to be because they can be elegant yet fun and what better color combo than black and pink. For those of you looking for a feminine and chic theme for a bridal shower, baby shower or almost anything, consider Parisian pink and black...

- Beautiful and impressive cake [via cakegirls]
- Eiffel tower place card holders - a nice way to bring the theme into the little details
- Striking table settings - black and white stripe linens, white dinnerware, light pink napkins and pink floral centerpieces
- Eiffel tower invitation from FineStationery.com- Lovely use of silhouettes (which I adore)
- Eiffel tower favor bag kits - fill with bon bons or any favorite treat
- Framed signature board on an easel - have everyone write a message for the guest of honor

Summer Dinner Party with Family

Today's post details a summer dinner party for family. Gather with your loved ones to reminisce, catch-up and spend quality time together. Recreate traditions and make new ones.

- DIY candle luminary - Decorate your space with these lights for when conversations last well into the evening hours; This idea can be worked into any decor by using different colored glass jars or different beaded garland.
- Photo Table Decor - This was the inspiration for this entire post. I love the DIY lit up photo centerpieces. Directions provided on Martha Stewart.
- Watermelon-Basil Margarita - A fun, summertime beverage in the pink hued color scheme. Fruit cocktails are a must for summer entertaining.
- Outdoor Photo Display - Great idea to view and chat about old (and new) photos. Beautiful photo found in the gallery of Oh How Charming, an event planning studio in California.
- Pink circles invitation from FineStationery.com - Make sure each aunt, uncle and sibling is able to attend by sending an invitation at least one month in advance.
- Cookie box favor - Bake up some of the family favorites and wrap in a cute box. Include recipes as a convenience for those new to the family or those who misplaced the recipe.

Beautiful Blues Wedding

Today's post features a wedding theme in multiple hues of beautiful blue. Perfect for any season, just vary up the dark and light colors to fit the time of year.

- Beribboned light blue favor bag adorned with a white ribbon [via Martha Stewart]
- Delicate bouquet made of white lilies, orchids, sweetpeas and lilac all brought together with a blue bow [via Martha Stewart]
- Stunning 5 tier wedding cake with a vertical fade of blue into white [via Brides]
- Table cards in various shades of blue hung attractively on a wall [via Martha Stewart]
- Chic blue and white stitched invitations [via Brides]
- Matching blue and white stitched place cards [via Brides]

Tastefully Entertaining in Stationery Trends Magazine

Kati, of The Finer Things, just let me know that Tastefully Entertaining was mentioned in the Summer 2008 issue of Stationery Trends magazine!

The article entitled "To Blog or Not to Blog?" featured interviews with 3 great blogs: Creature Comforts, The Finer Things and One Good Bumblebee. In addition, they listed several "can't miss" blogs and were gracious enough to include Tastefully Entertaining. Thanks Stationery Trends - I'm honored!

Stationery Trends is a definite must for stationery lovers. Packed with trends, stationer info and tons of inspiration - be sure to check it out!

Wedding Wednesday - A Silver Wedding

Welcome to another edition of Wedding Wednesday, where Kati of The Finer Things and I take one invitation and take two unique event interpretations. This week we're planning a wedding focused on this metallic silver fern invitation from FineStationery.com.

- 3 tier white with silver bands wedding cake

- Collection of silver and crystal items for color and texture inspiration

- Simple French-inspired bouquet of hydrangeas, calla lilies, roses and delphiniums tied with a silver organza ribbon

- Silver favor box with crystal adornment [via flickr user littleboxcompany]

- Silver and white reception table decor

- Stunning silver and white china place setting

- Beautiful silver silk dupioni wedding dress by Justin Alexander

- Sparling silver and and white reception decor [via flickr user Floater Ya-Ya]

Head over to The Finer Things for more silver wedding inspiration and see below for a sneak peak of a few of Kati's ideas!

Healthy Delicious Desserts

Today's post features some delicious yet healthy desserts!

- Apple-Pecan Upside-Down Cake (Diabetic friendly)

- Strawberry-Lime Stuffed Cupcake

- Chocolate-Cherry Banana Bread (Diabetic friendly)

- Mango Strawberry Snow Cones

- Strawberry Cream Pie (Diabetic friendly)

Blue & Red Casual Dinner Party

Today's blue and red casual dinner party was inspired by this beautiful table setting photo by Rebecca Thuss. I love the multiple glass vases decorated with the red and blue floral design. And these vases really pop against the khaki table runner. For some added elements consider using simple red and blue striped tableware.

For the invitation, consider a classic and lovely red and blue invitation. For dessert, how about a cupcake topped with a strawberry slice and a blueberry - simple, adorable and color coordinated! [image via flickr user vegan ducky] Lastly, for a favor, these blue and red designed favor boxes fit our theme just perfectly.

Champagne Anniversary Party

Today's post features a champagne themed anniversary party. Elegant and refined, a glass of champagne is the symbol of celebration. So, what better element to center an anniversary event around? See below for links to my picks for a champagne anniversary party.

(Top to bottom and left to right)
- Cork place card or table number holder
- Displayed bottles of champagne
- Glasses stylishly set out as part of the decor (I love the look of glass in the evening, especially with dim lights and candles)
- Pair of champagne glasses invitation from FineStationery.com
- Centerpiece made with roses, stephanotis, pink glass beads and glass champagne bubbles all arranged in an oversize champagne glass
- Champagne colored place setting with menu card
- Custom monogram wall decor
- Angel cakes make for an elegant non-cake dessert
- Clear round favor containers filled with champagne-flavored gumdrops

Oh Baby! Turquoise & Brown Baby Shower

Welcome to the first Oh Baby! feature. Today's theme was requested by Heather who is in need of inspiration for a turquoise and brown modern/vintage baby shower. Heather, I hope the collection of items above helps with your shower planning!

- Clear Teal Vases - This is a great idea for a centerpiece! Check out your local thrift or antique stores to find vintage vases in clear or in teal. Group together for easy but super attractive table decor.
- Teal and Brown floral table decor - Beautiful teal linens and multitudes of white florals makes this table setting truly come alive. Lots of little details that work together to create a stunning look. (via Jennifer Dery 's blog)
- Gorgeous turquoise chandelier - Though this may be a little too extravagant for a baby shower, try to use the style in other ways - maybe use vintage (or modern) teal beads strung together to decorate the backs of the chairs. (via the amazing Snippet & Ink)
- Brown & Turquoise favor boxes
- Modern turquoise and white cake - Can easily be interpreted into a smaller cake depending on the number of guests (also via Snippet & Ink)
- Turquoise ceramic crackle dinnerware
- Modern baby shower invitation- The tropical turquoise, brown and orange elements of this invitation are fun and modern for a co-ed baby shower.
- Turquoise table decor - Another table decor that infuses deeper browns and orange as an accent color. (via Jennifer Dery's blog)

Wedding Wednesday - Pink & Orange Tapestry Bridesmaids' Luncheon

Here's the next edition of Wedding Wednesday! Kati, of The Finer Things, and I chose to create a bridesmaids' luncheon based on this pink and orange invitation by one of our favorite stationers, Prentiss Douthit (from FineStationery.com).

My first selection for today's theme was this table decor. I like the champagne colored linens with the pop of the pink napkin. Add a simple pink floral centerpiece to complete the look.

Keep the menu healthy and tasty like the food shown in this panini buffet (as brilliantly photographed by Rebecca Thuss.) For dessert, serve up a slice of this beautifully hand-painted 3-tier cake.

Express your thanks as your bridesmaids depart by sending them off with a sweet treat and a sparkling drink. Pretty packaging and an inspiring word adorn these small packs of treats. Use as place cards with each guest's name or include a meaningful word or saying as shown in Rebecca Thuss' photo. Sparkling cider mini bottles allow your bridesmaids to continue the celebratory nature of the event long after they get home.

Below are 2 images from Kati's bridesmaids' luncheon. Be sure to check it out because this is one of the great occasions in which we went in completely different directions with our events! I love when that happens!

My 100th Post!

Today marks an important anniversary for Tastefully Entertaining - my 100th post!! To celebrate, I thought it'd be fun to take a look back and feature some of my favorite event inspiration boards from the last few months. So, check them out and let me know which is your favorite, whether it's an event featured below or a different one entirely!

Thanks for reading Tastefully Entertaining! Here's to the next 100!

Deep Burgundy & Bright Blue Wedding

Black & Pink Cameo Wedding

Pink & Green Shower (Baby or Bridal)
Birthday Dinner in Black

Initial Baby Shower

Bold Brown Floral Wedding

Please click through the title links above each image to see the sourcing and more information on the elements included.

Happy 4th of July!

Hello and happy July 4th! I'll be back on Monday with regular posts but in the meantime, check out some of the following links for your patriotic event:

- 4th of July Menu
- July 4th Party Inspiration
- More Patriotic Party Decor

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Steph's Black, White & Pink Baby Shower

Today I'm featuring a fabulous real party thrown by Tastefully Entertaining reader, Steph Flies. She dreamed up and planned this beautiful hot pink, black and white baby shower. It's bright, fun and filled with energy! I just love all the little details she includes to tie in the color scheme.

Below is a collage Steph created to best portray the elements in her event:

Steph even created the invitations! Here is the design:

Thanks so much to Steph for sharing her work with us! She definitely knows how to host a great party!

Wedding Wednesday - A Green & Brown Wedding

Hello and welcome to the next installment in the Wedding Wednesday series. Kati of The Finer Things and I have chosen this green and brown invitation by William Arthur and per usual, we'll be providing you with two unique inspiration boards based on our chosen invitation. (invitation image from FineStationery.com)

Ceremony:
- Beribboned wreath decorates this guest book table

- Green floral ceremony aisle decor

- All green and texture-rich bridal bouquet made up of green bear grass, spider mums, Kermit mums and hydrangea.

Reception:

- Table setting featuring chocolate brown linens, white dinnerware and green and white centerpieces.

- Table name cards featuring the name and an image of different trees

- Nature infused wedding cake

- An assortment of DIY green and brown favors

Kati of The Finer Things has put together a great collection of ideas for a green and brown wedding. So many great ideas that I could only narrow it down to 3 (instead of my usual 2) to feature below. Be sure to check it out!

4th of July Menu

With July 4th only 3 days away, it's time to plan out your holiday menu. For those of you who have yet to select your dishes, my suggestion for an informal, low-key holiday meal is below:

- Creamy Red Potato Salad
- Grilled Marinated Vegetables with Fresh Mozzarella
- North Carolina Pulled-Pork Barbeque Sandwich
- Watermelonade
- Blueberry Hill Cupcakes
- Watermelon, Lemonade and Blueberry Ice Pops

Click through the links for the recipes and instructions for each menu item. Enjoy and Happy July 4th!