Kite 1st Birthday Party

Shelly emailed in looking for some inspiration for her son's 1st birthday party in the park. She already had the invitations sent out (see top left) and just needed to take that theme through to the next step. Here are a few ideas:

- kite cupcakes for a matching and delicious dessert
- homemade kites actually fly and would make a nice favor - match the colors to your invitations or partyware
- homemade kite decorations are super cute and can be customized with words, letters, numbers, etc to fit the party; made with patterned scrapbook paper and various ribbon strings [via party perfect]
- bright and fun, this party tabletop sports a multi-colored umbrella to add to the decor
- celebrate the birthday boy by spelling out his name on pendants made to match the colors and patterns of your kite decor [via party perfect]

Eclectic Asian-inspired Birthday Party

Sarah emailed in looking for some inspiration for a Asian-inspired birthday party for her husband's 40th. I've kept this theme a little more abstract with modern, everyday elements for a really eclectic and gender-neutral event.


- Overlapping squares wall art from West Elm
- Modern table setting with black and white patterned, square dinnerware and red napkins atop a bamboo placemat. The centerpiece is made of smooth river rocks and red candles placed on bamboo placemats lined up to serve as a table runner. [elements from Crate & Barrel but found at HWTM]
- Vodka red squares make for an eclectic cocktail
- Red bowls with chopstick divots [via HWTM]
- Mod tea pot and tea cup set from Target
- Folded red invitation tied with a unique knot

Preppy Pink & Green Whale Birthday Party

Amy left a comment looking for ideas for her daughter's 3rd birthday party in the park. The themes she mentioned were preppy, pink & green and whales. I love this idea and was thrilled to gather ideas for such a cute party concept!

- Green polka-dotted paper treat packets sealed with a pink monogram seal [via Rebecca Thuss]

- Hand painted pink and green polka dot boxes are ideal for favors or decoration [via]

- Paper lanterns in shades of pink, green, yellow and white would look lovely hung from tree branches in a park setting (don't worry about actually lighting them, just let the color provide great decor) [via Rebecca Thuss]

- Pink & Green whale basket can help carry party essentials to the location as well as portray the theme [via]

- Super preppy grosgrain ribbon napkin rings for the adult table [via Social Couture]

- The perfect way to spread the word: pink and green whale invitation by Boatman Geller

- Green and pink whale luggage tags are a practical and cute favor (great for traveling as well as lunches, backpacks, sleepover gear, etc) [via]

- Fun and coordinating footwear for the stylish host/mom [via Target]

Also, for dessert, here is a preppy pink and green cake:

Puppy 1st Birthday Party

Ronda left a comment a few days ago looking for ideas for her son's puppy-themed 1st birthday party. Here a few bits of inspiration:

- Puppy-themed tabletop decor - Though the diaper-fold napkins may be more apt for a baby shower than a 1st birthday, the set-up of this table is very cute. It features dog cookie favors at each place setting. The centerpiece can be puppy-related with a few small dog stuffed animals or maybe cylindrical vases filled with dog treats in different shapes or colors.
- Puppy-themed sugar cookies are an easier DIY dessert idea (via flickr user bumblebeegrad)
- Adorable puppy 1st birthday cake (via flickr user crafty confections)

Crayon 1st Birthday Party

A reader left a comment the other day in desperate need of some inspiration for a crayon/color themed 1st birthday party for her daughter. Here are my suggestions:

To start, I would pick up some card stock and make your own invitations. Be creative with this- maybe trace your child's hand and hand-write the party details. Show the crayon theme as opposed to stating it by using crayon as the only medium on the invitations.

For decor, find a large roll of craft paper and use it as your table cloth. There is nothing more fun (for children and some adults) than doodling on the table with crayons. Use crayons as your centerpiece - try using clear glue and rimming a low clear vase with them. Then fill the vase with the crayons for use on the table. Also, tie up a bundle of crayons (maybe make these a special edition like glitter crayons or special colors) for a favor at each place setting. To help fulfill all these crayon needs select a larger quantity pack such as this 400 piece crayon set from Oriental Trading.

Hang large crayon shapes such as the ones picture above to add to the room's crayon decor. (image via flickr use Kid's Birthday Parties) Can't find these? Make your own- this theme should be all about creativity and artistry!

Dress the birthday girl in this adorable crayon carrying apron.

An excellent idea for special crayons are these 'crayon cakes'. No, they're not edible but they are super fun to use and easy to make at home. Baking tray image, finished crayon cake image and idea all found at Providence Homemade. These will certainly add to your table display too!

Lastly, as far as food think anything with multiple colors. Maybe make a candy buffet based on the primary crayon colors- M&Ms are perfect for this. For dessert, ask your baker if he/she can make a crayon themed cake or use a homemade favorite and top with these crayon candles from Everything But Cake.

Oh Baby! Modern Animal 1st Birthday Party

As part of my Oh Baby feature I ask readers to submit baby shower or party themes they need help planning. If you have the general theme idea, I'm happy to put together an inspiration board to help get you started. Today's post is in response to an email from Danielle who wants to plan a 1st birthday based on these modern animal flash cards from MoMa. She mentioned they would be great as tabletop decor but they would also function as unique place cards or even as the invitations if you print the details on card stock and attach to the back. Other fun elements to these them could include animal print balloons and animal-themed cupcakes. These animal nose cups are realistic and provide a bit of whimsical humor- kids in attendance will definitely get a kick out of these! Lastly, give out animal adorned favor bags to serve as a great reminder of the event.

Fairy Birthday Party

I received an email from Lenadri who is planning a fairy-themed 1st birthday for her daughter. She asked for some help with party inspiration so today's board shows a magical trip to a fairyland for child's birthday.

- No fairy party is complete without dressing each child (and adult if they're willing) with fairy wings, floral headpieces and puffy tulle skirts [image via]
- Invite guests with a pink invitation that features fairies and a mushroom stool (from FineStationery.com)
- Fairy wands are a must for party fun and as a favor. These are handmade wands that have flowers at the top as opposed to stars. It takes on more of an enchanted forest theme with flowers growing on the tips of wands. [image via flickr user zooloonaturals]
- Bright and fun tabletop decoration from Social Couture- star and globe-shaped lanterns create a bright and textured look above, while a centerpiece of grass and colorful butterflies decorates the table. (see close ups of the centerpiece and place setting below the main image)
- These adorable cupcakes each portray the details of a fairyland. [via flickr user gracescakes]

I hope this helps Lenadri! I certainly enjoyed putting this together for you! :)

Arrg, me hearty!

My apologies for the lack of a post yesterday! Today I wanted to make up for that with some excellent pirate party inspiration. You see, yesterday I was informed that it was talk like a pirate day so in honor of that occasion here are some walk the plank ideas!

The following inspiration board is from my friend Kati of The Finer Things. She put together a bunch of great ideas! Check out her pirate post for sourcing information.This next pirate inspiration board comes from Kim Vallee and features Pottery Barn party elements for a pirate and a sports themed party for kids:

Have you seen any great pirate theme ideas on the web or even attended a fun pirate party? If so, please leave a comment and share!

September Birthday Dinner in Bright Blue

As summer is almost over, I wanted to make this month's birthday dinner reflect the sunny brightness of the season before we switch to the deep and rich hues of fall. So, here is September's Birthday Dinner in bright blue.

- A bright blue ice bucket and water bottles with loopy straws is practical and pulls in the color scheme nicely
- Blue and white paper decorations
- Two-tier blue cake with white initial for the birthday celebrant
- Add some flair to the chairs with blue geometric shape garlands
- Place some bright blue confetti in round clear acrylic containers and add in some candy or other treat for a fun favor
- Make or purchase blue invitations to gather friends and family for the party

Bright Multicolor Wedding/Party Inspiration

Today's post shows some miscellaneous inspiration for a bright and multi-colored wedding or party. I love to see when a a event scheme uses a larger color palette as it makes things more interesting and provides more options for finding just the right elements. Above you'll see some ideas for a combination of pink, orange green and tan.

- Cocktail and hors d'oeuvres station with bright cocktails, unique food presentation and pretty paper lanterns [via Social Design]
- Small and sweet pink, green and orange floral arrangements form a nice centerpiece [via Faye and Greer]
- Cute save the date/invitation by Two Paperdolls featuring green, pink and orange florals, swirls and a dragonfly
- Pink and orange flowers surround a monogram for a pretty reception or ceremony wreath decor piece
- Table setting featuring orange tablecloths, pink napkins, green floral chair drapes and a green and pink candle/floral centerpiece
- Colorful groom's boutonniere against a tan suit [via]

August Birthday Dinner in Purple

Each month I select a new color and plan a birthday dinner around said color. August's color is purple! My first inspiration came from this purple place setting. With white uniquely shaped plates, lilac napkins, a lavender tablecloth, purple beaded garland, lilac pouch favor and purple striped votives this place setting has purple down to every detail yet the inclusion of multiple hues does make it an overdose of purple. For a centerpiece, combine clear square vases of varying heights and fill with water dyed purple. Place a white floating candle in each vase. Arrange vases space out and place river rocks in between (as shown) or place next to each other in a neat pattern. Invite guests with this ecru fold over card from FineStationery.com adorned with a deep purple ribbon. For a sweet ending, make a batch of these champagne cupcakes with white chocolate and cream cheese frosting topped with an edible flower, pearl and glitter [via Cupcakes Take the Cake].

Tamara's Hollywood Baby Shower

Today's real party was submitted from Tamara of Designs to Impress. She planned a Hollywood themed baby shower for her sister Tiffany. From the red carpet, movie posters, themed centerpieces and Oscar statuettes, Tamara has every detail of this theme covered! Check out the images she sent to me below. Have questions on a specific element she included? Contact her at Tamara {at} designstoimpress.com. Thanks so much for sharing with us Tamara!

Oh Baby! Sports Themed Couple's Shower

Today's Oh Baby! feature was requested by Nicole. She's planning a September couple's baby shower with a blue and green color scheme combined with a sports theme. Here are my inspiration picks for Nicole:

- Blue sports invitation from FineStationery.com
- Blue and green paper lanterns to add color and design around the event space
- Sports lollipop mold - great for favors, just place in a clear plastic lollipop bag and tie with light blue or green ribbon
- For a sports themed centerpiece consider using multiple football, baseball, basketball and soccer ball frames. Fill with family photos, images of the new baby's name (if known), sport team logos or meaningful words. These would make nice decorations in the baby's room afterwards too.
- Light blue cake with sports adornments [image via flickr user gelcolet]
- Wooden sports themed ring toss game - I saw this in my sports search and thought it was really cute! There are lots of ways that baby or family trivia can be incorporated into a game using this classic piece.
- Add sports themed adhesive embellishments to light blue and green place cards for a sports place marking

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

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

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!

Seaside Blue & Orange Wedding Theme

The Knot recently featured a seaside wedding theme in bright blue, purple and orange hues. I love this modern color combination as it would be great for a baby shower, a bridal shower, a summer dinner party and of course, a summer wedding.


- Table setting - Blue glass chargers, white plates and blue glass bowls. Centerpiece made of stacked acrylic boxes filled with eryhgium thistles, orange dahlias and white hydrangeas atop blue sea glass.
- Menu card - Bright blue letterpress card by Smudge Ink placed on each place setting and topped with an orange dahlia
- Table name/numbers - Matching blue patterned petal catcher filled with blue hydrangeas and tied with orange ribbon; Would also be great as ceremony decor
- Wedding cake - Lovely eyelet white 3-tier cake
- Place cards - Clear glass bud vases filled with a variety of bright blue candies, a pick with the place card and an orange ribbon accent; The Knot also suggests providing extra candy in buffet form for guests to fill before they leave (a place card and a favor all in one!)
- Boutonnieres - Orange, blue and purple boutonnieres to complete a stunning groomsman look

Summer Ice Cream Social

My husband and I received a ice cream maker for our wedding and we are anxious to give it a try. So I thought it'd be a lot of fun to throw a party and make different varieties of ice cream with friends.

Invite your guests with an ice cream themed invitation such as this fun polka dot invitation by Stacy Claire Boyd. (from FineStationery.com)

To start, you'll need an ice cream maker. We have a Cuisinart Ice Cream Machine and it seems to be a rather popular choice as most stores carry this model. If you don't want to actually make the ice cream, have an ice cream social with many mix-ins and toppings for an equally fun occasion.

Now for the accessories- for toppings or mix-ins consider using one or more of these pastel colored serving trays. To scoop your delicious creations, give these funky ergonomic scoops a try. These neat scoops create small cylindical blocks of ice cream providing for a contemporary fresh look. Need to transport your treat later? This insulated ice cream tote will keep it perfectly cool.

Serve your ice cream concoctions in these sweet pastel bowls. Lastly, top your custom ice cream with toppings from Stonewall Kitchen. Pictured above is their Spiced Rum Butterscotch Sauce. They have several other sauces too, in an array of great flavors.