Green & Black Damask Party

This lovely combination of bold hues and the class damask pattern is an elegant theme for many types of parties - bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, dinner parties, engagement parties, holiday gatherings, etc.

- Black and white damask 4-tier cake can be scaled down depending upon the occasion (image via Tres Chic)
- Gorgeous table decor from HWTM- green linens, a black and white damask runner, square black plates, damask menu cards, votives and small floral arrangements
- Green and black initial favor (also via HWTM)
- Black and white damask zipper pouch from Etsy seller louloubell
- Black chandelier from taylor creative inc

Birthday Dinner in Black

Today I'm starting a new feature on Tastefully Entertaining entitled 'Birthday Dinner'. Each month I will do an birthday theme specifically for that month and each edition with focus on a particular color. For instance, this month's birthday dinner showcases the stunning color black. Though not necessary a Spring color, black will always be popular and transcend from season to season. Personally, black is one of my favorite colors. Even my wedding colors were black and white! Ok, enough about my love for black, on to the event theme!

We'll start today with the invitation. This beautiful black and white invitation ensemble from Nicole Scott Weddings is one of my absolute favorites! I've admired this invitation ever since my wedding planning days as I loved the unexpected black card with white text.

Set your table with these beautiful floral DIY centerpieces. Place black river rocks at the bottom of a clear square vase. Add some water and set in a bouquet of white carnations. Tie a white grosgrain ribbon with black stitching around the vase right where the river rocks end. Center your creation on your table atop a black and white patterned tablecloth. Mix up with some black taper candles or a black candelabra.

Use these black and white memo cubes for holding placecards. You could use the traditional white card with name or print out a black and white picture of each of your guests for a really personalized touch. Set a black and white hued favor on each place setting.

Serve cute little desserts in white paper cups set on a black platter. [image via Rebecca Thuss] Shake up a ginger martini or come up with a custom black and white cocktail with your favorite ingredients. Cheers and happy birthday to those celebrating in April!

Blue Scroll Engagement Party

Today's post features an elegant blue scroll engagement party. This theme could easily be translated into a bridal shower, a reception, a rehearsal dinner or even a formal dinner party as well.

The invitation, a beautiful blue scroll letterpress card by Dauphine Press, begins the theme. I just discovered this letterpress company and am very impressed with their designs and the customizable options they provide.

Create your table decor by combining a light blue table cloth, a silver swirl overlay, blue cloth napkins, simple white tulips and floral-edged votives. Add some stunning Vera Wang Imperial Scroll Dishes to complete the look. Serve your favorite blue concoction in these silver filigree martini glasses.

This cupcake tree will build anticipation for your dessert- scrumptious blue frosted cupcakes. Lastly, select a blue scroll wrapped favor to send home with your guests. The cupcake tree and favor images are both by the amazing Rebecca Thuss. Check out her portfolio for a brilliant collection of event ideas.

Wedding Wednesday - Romantic Peach Rehearsal Dinner

Here's the next edition of Wedding Wednesday! Kati, of The Finer Things, and I each created event interpretations for a rehearsal dinner based on the this romantic peach invitation from FineStationery.com.

I started this event theme with this beautiful centerpiece idea from Martha Stewart. The peach-colored tapers tie in nicely to the invitation. I love the clear random-shaped candle holders in the varying heights. It creates such an sophisticated and interesting look while being rather inexpensive to pull off.

I selected this clear wine glass with a scrolling vine and floral pattern because the look is elegant and romantic. Bone china votives are a lovely addition to your table decor or would look good on your buffet or serving area to tie in the theme.

These silver-plated napkin rings/place card holders are a great find for this event and will also work for many future ones. They are universal and take on the romantic feel of this theme due to the scroll designs. Each of the 6 is a little different which definitely adds character.

Lastly, send your guests home with a flower-adorned favor box filled with chocolate truffles. The elegant peach flower will leave a lasting memory of a wonderful occasion and a beautifully designed event.

Make sure to check out Kati's Wedding Wednesday post too! She has a bunch of amazing ideas (as always!) Here's a little taste...

Yellow & Black Dinner Party

I was inspired today by this beautiful black and yellow tablesetting from Brides.com. (I absolutely love the transparent black chairs!) I decided to construct a similar look using different elements. I began with this amazing Raynaud Ombrages dinnerware that features abstract leaves in hues of yellow, black and gold. As a centerpiece use a simplistic arrangement of canary oncidium orchids which resemble the leaf patterns on the china. For glassware, chose dramatic black cocktail glasses. Pretty much any cocktail you serve will instantly look more classy and appealing!

I came across these retro train seat place card holders and just had to use them in this mood board. I think they're very neat and are so unexpected.

Lastly, send guests home with a bottle of dessert? Well, at least a treat for use during their next meal. Try this cupcake chardonnay, described as 'decadent layers of butter, cream, bright citrus and vanilla that melt into a balance of oak and subtle spice." Sounds unique and your guests will definitely be anxious to give it a try!