Pink & Gray Couples' Shower

Today's post is for Jennifer who's throwing a pink and gray couples' shower at night time. The shower is for a very large group of people and is to have a 'casual cocktail party' feel. Candles, pale hues, multiple textures and romance prevail in my theme to create an intimate and elegant environment despite the number of people.

- Intricate yet simplistic, a solitary rose in a well-fitted bowl would be lovely as a centerpiece or general decor when alternated with many tea light candles [via Matthew Mead]
- Romantic chandelier [via snippet & ink]
- Elegant glass bottle of perfume makes an extravagant favor for the females [via snippet & ink]
- A pewter tray displaying vintage trinkets in pinks, creams and grays [via Matthew Mead]
- A sweet dessert featuring pale pink and grey florals, grey velvet ribbon and a pair of lovebirds [via Brides]
- Sumptuous texture meets elegance in these cocktails [via Brides]

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

Guest Post on Hostess with the Mostess!

Head over to HWTM to check out my guest post featuring a lilac

and grey evening bridal shower! Thanks so much Jenn - I'm

thrilled and honored to contribute to your amazing blog!

Wedding Wednesday - Autumnal Bridal Shower

Happy Wednesday! Today brings another edition of Wedding Wednesday. This week, Kati of The Finer Things and I selected this burgundy and golden yellow fall foliage invitation from FineStationery.com for a bridal shower.

Deep shades of burgundy pair with bright goldenrod yellow in this fall event theme. Forgo the leaves and center your gathering around a blossoming arrangement of dahlias in your color palette.

- A super fun and creative way of decorating drinks, these initial stir sticks can denote the initials of the guest of honor or mark with each guest's name so you know whose drink is whose.

- Burgundy linens with golden details for your table

- Serve up a color-coordinated cake by selecting one with key-lime, blood orange and raspberry buttercream fillings

- For a double-duty favor and place card holder, use these glass, burgundy frames with white leaf motifs

- This cocktail, a tequila sunrise, features the rich burgundy and vibrant yellow hues of our invitation and is garnished with a blood orange slice

Be sure to click over to The Finer Things to see Kati's picks for this week's bridal shower theme. Here's a sneak peek...I just love that modern floral table cloth!

Wedding Wednesday - Unique Fuchsia and Lime Bridal Shower

Happy Wedding Wednesday! This week Kati and I have chosen a new Prentiss Douthit invitation from FineStationery.com. This invitation mixes a bright pink and green floral design and a light blue floral design divided by dark brown vertical stripes. This unique and lovely invitation needed a equally unique shower theme.

- My first (and probably favorite) selection was this reception decor featuring patterned and plan floral balls floating in the pool. In the distance of this beautiful outdoor setting you can see tables draped in pink linens with brown chairs. [via Tapestry Flowers]

- Stylish green daytime dress for the bride by Michael Kors

- Table decor featuring a bold fuchsia and lime floral arrangement

- Place settings include a fuchsia menu card and lime floral piece adornment

- Additional floral centerpiece for decorating any other areas in need of a slash of the theme colors

- Fuchsia and lime favor filled with sweet treats selected by the bride

- Bridal Passion cocktail [recipe and image at Brides.com]

Be sure to head over to The Finer Things to see what Kati has put together for this week's theme! Below are a few of my favorites but trust me, you'll love the rest of her selections just as much!

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.

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

Birthday Dinner in Hot Pink

For this month's Birthday Dinner feature I've chosen to create an inspiration board for a hot pink event. Though I'm specifying these ideas for a dinner party they would also work for a bridal shower or a baby shower.

To start send a simple and pretty invitation such as this pink Falling Flowers letterpress invitation by The White Aisle. Upon arrival, welcome your guests with a refreshing pink cocktail to set the mood and start the birthday fun.

If your dining table is on the smaller side serving dinner buffet style is a great option that will allow space for a table centerpiece. Set up your buffet table nearby with pink tablecloths, pink florals and white food dishes. For your centerpiece, consider a simple clear vase with a mixture of hot pink flowers.

For dessert, consider something a little different such as this icy combination of coconut, lemon and watermelon granitas.

As a favor, send guests home with a box of two cream puffs, cutely packaged in a hot pink box.

Celebrating a male's birthday or just not into hot pink? Check out my other monthly birthday dinner features in teal and in black.

Wedding Wednesday - A Citrus Chic Bridal Shower

Here is your next edition of Wedding Wednesday. Kati, of The Finer Things, and I have chosen one invitation and have created two different event interpretations. For this Wedding Wednesday we chose to do a bridal shower based off of this orange and yellow fruit slice invitation from FineStationery.com.

My 'Citrus Chic' bridal shower features the following:

- Centerpieces made with cylindrical white vases of multiple heights topped with orange and white flowers with fruit at the bases.

- Multi-color highball glasses by Kate Spade featuring frozen pear slices. Why not use your fruit garnish as an ice cube? Slice ahead, douse with lemon juice to keep them from turning and put in the freezer for later
- Cake with bright orange, yellow and white flowers
- Candy buffet in orange and yellow hues

- Fruit candy in yellow favor box

Make sure to head over to The Finer Things to see Kati's version of this week's Wedding Wednesday. Though all her picks are great I chose to give you a sneak peek at this springy yellow dress and the most adorable cupcake. Check out her post to see what else she included!

Pink & Red Outdoor Baby Shower

Today's post details a red and pink outdoor baby shower (this would also work for a bridal shower or any party). My inspiration came from this great dock party set-up by Martha Stewart. I love the concept of using fishing poles to hang decorations. So clever! On your tables include some red and pink tea lights as neatly pictured in this photo by flickr user evan.

Invite your guests with a pink and red themed invitation. Remember, it doesn't need to look 'baby' in order to be an invitation for a baby shower so I picked this playful circles invitation from FineStationery.com.

Serve a summertime favorite such as pink lemonade. Though pictured above with lemon slices, consider using strawberry slices or raspberries for a touch of red. Your guests will love a dessert that strays from the traditional cake so instead, try making a strawberry rose shortcake. [delicious picture via flickr user evan]

Lastly, hand out favors such as these cute red and pink jelly bean jars.

Wedding Wednesday - Teal & Lime Bridal Shower

It's time for the next edition of Wedding Wednesday, where Kati of The Finer Things and I select one invitation and create two event interpretation. Today we're planning a summertime bridal shower based on this teal palm tree invitation with green envelope from FineStationery.com.

To start I found this lovely green and teal table decor. It features multiple low, square teal vases filled with white and green floral arrangements combined with a striking white coral centerpiece. For each place setting choose a teal charger to make the standard white plate pop.

For dessert keep it simple with a white cake served atop a bright teal cake stand. Add some green leaves or flowers as a garnish to tie in the green from the color scheme. Toast to the happy couple with a brilliant blue cocktail made of vodka, blue curacao, pineapple juice and a lemon twist.

As a favor send guests home with a summer bag filled with green and blue accessories such as flip flops, a beach blanket and a sun hat. Top with a white calla lily for an elegant finishing touch.

That's it for my edition of Wedding Wednesday but make sure to check out Kati's post for some wonderful inspiration! I love all the unique ideas she includes this week. Here are two of my favorites...

All White Bridal Shower

Here is some great inspiration from Martha Stewart for an all-white bridal shower:

Wedding Wednesday - Blue & Green Couples' Shower

Welcome to another edition of Wedding Wednesday, where Kati of The Finer Things and I take one invitation and create two unique event interpretations. This week we're planning a couples' shower based on this fresh green and blue invitation from FineStationery.com.

After we picked this week's invitation, I immediately went to Rebecca Thuss' portfolio to find this lovely blue and green table decor. I had seen the image before when browsing through her site and knew I'd have to wait until just the right event to use it. I love the mixture of size, color and shape presented by the vases. It plays up multiple shades of blue and green and doesn't come off too feminine (a challenge when incorporating males into a wedding shower.)

I wanted to include a cocktail for this event and decided to suggest serving mojitos. Yes, the mint leaves are green and match our color scheme, but more importantly the mojito is a universally loved drink (by men and women.) Mojitos make me think of warm weather, happy times and relaxing outside - just the feel I want for a summer couples' shower.

For a unique activity I recommend asking guests to bring a memento (a photo, a written note, a ticket, a souvenir, etc) that will help them tell a story about the bride, groom or the couple as a pair. Have guests place their memento on a metal board with magnets for all to see prior to and after the activity. Gather everyone together and ask guests to tell their story or explain their chosen memento. This is sure to provide some fun as everyone takes a collective trip down memory lane.

Choose a simple cake for dessert such as this white cake with blue and green ribbon topped with a blue paper flower. For favors, set up a blue and green candy buffet with take out boxes for guests to take some sweets along home.

Make sure to check out Kati's Wedding Wednesday post too! Here is a sneak peek snapshot of a few of my favorite things from her event interpretation! I just love the cupcakes she included!!

Pretty in Pink for Mother's Day

Today's post is a pretty in pink party for Mother's Day! My inspiration for the pink theme was this beautiful pink and orange floral table decor. The tweed-wrapped vases are a DIY project from Martha Stewart. (iWrap fabric around inexpensive glass containers.) Place an assortment of pink hued carnations, dahlias, tulips and spiky gerbera daisies into the vases for a lovely spring look. Set your floral arrangements atop a blush pink tablecloth accented with white plates and white napkins. Set a floral-adorned favor on top of each folded napkin.

On a table off to the side set out an arrangement of place cards. For more intimate family gatherings I would allow guests to select their own seats. Just make sure to sit the guest of honor, your mom, at the head of the table. On the other end of your place card table, display your dessert, a sweet pink 2-layer cake decorated with gum-paste rose petals.

Serve a pink cocktail or whatever drink is Mom's favorite. This pink cocktail entitled the Long-Stemmed Rose is just rose flavored vodka garnished with a rose petal.

Lastly, though this is the probably one of first things you would do, is choose from FineStationery.com. Also, as an added bonus they include pink colored envelopes which are bright and cheery to receive in the mail.

Pink & Green Shower (Baby or Bridal)

This post began as a pink and green baby shower but I realized it would work well for a bridal shower as well so let's just call it a pink and green shower. I'll start today with this green and hot pink invitation by William Arthur (from FineStationery.com). I love invitations that feature ribbon. It's such a simple added detail that can take a plain card and turn it into an elegant invitation.

The green and hot pink color combination is very fun and is easily translated into every element of your event. Start with your table decor by layering a green runner and pink napkins on top of a subtle white striped tablecloth. Center a bright bouquet of pink flowers in a clear vase in the center of your table [flower image via flickr user mairose]. Place a fresh green pear at the top of each place setting to serve as both a favor and a place card. Carry the decor above your table by placing solitary pink roses into small clear round vases and hanging them from the ceiling by hot pink ribbon [image via Brides].

Serve food in coordinating pink and green containers like those eloquently photographed by Rebecca Thuss. Pink Rhubarb Punch will refresh your guests and fit the color scheme nicely. Add some limes or mint to tie in the green. Lastly, end on a sweet note with a piece of this cake decorated with green textured frosting and pink flower adornments.

Wedding Wednesday - Yellow Bridal Shower

Welcome to another edition of Wedding Wednesday, where Kati of The Finer Things and I select one invitation and create two different event interpretations. Today we're featuring this beautiful yellow floral letterpress invitation from FineStationery.com for a bridal shower.

Let's start today with the table decor! This elegant yellow candle and flower centerpiece would look lovely atop a white table cloth. The bouquet of yellow calla lilies is held together by a band of Swarovski crystals and placed inside a unique clear glass vase.

Champagne looks extra classy with a great tip from Martha: Soak sugar cubes in fruit concentrate or puree (she suggests cranberry, pomegranate or apricot) until they're completely saturated. Let dry overnight on a wire rack. Serve one at the bottom of your champagne glasses for a touch of color and flavor.

For dessert, serve some impressive yellow and orange floral cupcakes. [image via flickr user { karen} ] For a final sweet touch send guests home with a clever assortment of truffles. Every time a truffle is eaten a word is revealed on the bottom of the favor box. What a neat idea!

Lastly, for the bride who wants to stylishly fit into the yellow theme, try this fun dress by Shoshanna.

Make sure to check out Kati's Wedding Wednesday edition too. Here's a little sneak peek of two of her lovely selections...enjoy!

Spring Bridal Shower in Pink & Yellow

Today's post features a spring pink and yellow bridal shower. With warmer weather I cannot help but to gravitate to bright and fun colors. So, today's post is for bridesmaids who want to throw a spring-infused bridal shower.

To start, invite guests with an invitation that introduces the theme. This pink and yellow layered invitation features intricate patterns in hues of pink, yellow and brown.

Submerge a variety of pink flowers in clear round vases of varying heights for a lovely centerpiece. Set your table with this sophisticated yellow edged dinnerware by Kate Spade. Place a pink napkin adorned with a linen flower atop each place setting. For place cards, slip your hand-written card between the prongs of a fork.

Now I realize not everyone will order a fancy large cake for a bridal shower but this white cake with pink and yellow flowers serves as a great inspiration. Ask your favorite bakery to make a smaller version or follow the latest craze and turn it into cupcakes! To continue and end on a sweet note, send your guests home with a small box full of these adorable petits fours.

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.