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]

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:

A Valentine's Dinner Party

With Valentine's Day less than a week away, why not gather your friends and celebrate together? Whether they're single or in relationships, everyone can join in on the fun of this heart-themed dinner party.

- Handmade heart invitations from Etsy seller SandyPhotoArt
- A red leather heart journal can serve as a guest book as well as a place for writing thoughts on love
- Pink passion martinis are the perfect cocktail for the occasion
- Dessert couldn't be sweeter then with these cupcakes adorably adorned with white frosting and 2 hearts [via flickr user Dimpleicious]
- Stunning red and white table setting made up of red chairs, white base linens, a red runner, multiple small red floral arrangements, white dinnerware and red napkins.

Oh Baby! Pink & Blue Baby Shower

Amy emailed me looking for ideas for a blue and pink baby shower. Though she already has inspiration ready for an upcoming shower I am happy to add to that with a few ideas of my own.

- Add a small floral centerpiece and light blue rimmed china to a blush pink tablecloth for a beautiful and sophisticated table setting.

- Light pink tulle maternity dress for the mom-to-be

- Petit fours with blue and pink booties are an elegant and appropriate dessert for the occasion

- A simple favor consists of a light blue box topped with a pink slip of paper that can denote the guest's name. Make the scroll element by wrapping the paper around a pencil.

- Pink invitations with blue text and a damask-patterned blue envelope liner [via]

January Birthday Dinner in Pewter

This month's Birthday Dinner post features the color pewter. Combined with touches of gold, pewter creates an old-world glamour feel to this party theme.

- Miscellaneous pewter and gold desserts put together on a tray provides color-coordinated options for your guests (via Matthew Mead)
- Use an array of vintage pewter trays for serving food. Consider utilizing them in your centerpiece too or try pewter vases for floral arrangements (via Matthew Mead)
- A golden favor box adorned with a piece of pewter rhinestone jewelry (via Matthew Mead)
- A vintage-inspired chiffon silk dress for the guest of honor
- Pewter and gold colored dinnerware add to a lovely table setting
- Pewter candelabra with gold candles creates an old-world glow at the center of your table

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)

Pretty in Pear

Be pretty in pear (green)! This hue and fruit is perfectly in season for a mid-winter wedding.

- Pear place card and favor set perfectly atop a deep brown charger at each place setting
- Lovely decor accomplished by submerging pairs under water in cylindrical vases several of which are further decorated with white florals
- A color-coordinated candy buffet serves up some fun and a choose-your-own dessert option
- Phoebe Couture pear green dress for the bridal party
- Feature a signature cocktail that fits the theme - an Absolut peartini

Handmade Hanukkah Inspiration

As time passes by, we are getting closer and closer to Hanukkah and Christmas. Today, I thought I'd feature some homemade elements to add to your Hanukkah celebration. All from Martha Stewart, these ideas are sure to add to you holiday fun.

- Paper chains and dreidels made of light blue, silver and white construction paper
- Glittered dreidels make a great centerpiece or decoration (made from plain wood dreidels with colored glitter)
- Craft your own stylish gelt wrappers
- A glittered Hanukkah dessert of sufganiyot (or jelly doughnuts)
- Assemble your own menorah made of water glasses, silvers beads and blue candles
- Dreidel gift card holders could also serve as a place card or as invitations

A Good Will Cookie Party

Cookies are a delicious and fun part of the holidays. I have many memories of spending time in the kitchen with my Mom learning to make our family's favorites. Cookies seem to have a way of bringing us together and are a perfect theme for a holiday party. You've probably heard of a cookie exchange party (where everyone brings a different treat to share) but why not take that concept and help spread joy this holiday season. Invite friends to bring a few dozen cookies in addition to supplies for making cookie packages. Group a few different cookies and spend time together wrapping them up in creative bundles or boxes. Then, target a group of people, whether you know them or not, and hand them out. Imagine the fun you'll have with your friends, in addition to helping make the day of those you give an out-of-the-blue gift of yummy cookies.

Above are a few new favorites from Martha Stewart to add to your recipe box. Pictures and recipes can be found here. Below are some suggestions for lovely ways to present your cookie packages (also from Martha Stewart).

A Stylish Snowflake Wedding

Today's post shows a different take on a snowflake-themed wedding for the winter season. Instead of using snowflakes in every element, use them conservatively for an elegant and lovely motif.

- This pretty centerpiece features some snowflake shaped votive holders in combination with holiday balls in shades of light blue, teal and brown
- Really neat DIY place cards that each feature a unique, creative snowflake
- A spread of cheeses, fruits, etc attractively laid out with light blue cards denoting each type of cheese [Martha Stewart via Snippet & Ink]
- Chocolate ganache cookies have a snowflake-esc feel to them (though you could use a snowflake cookie cutter to get the exact shape)
- Snowflake wine stopper cutely packaged and placed atop a table setting with a light blue napkin and white dinnerware

Oh Baby! Lavender & Brown Baby Shower

Niharika emailed in need of inspiration for a co-ed baby shower with a lavender theme. To make the color palette a little more male friendly, I added in the darker hue of chocolate brown.

- Chocolate truffles adorned with miniature lavender blooms are an elegant and color-coordinated dessert. A similar look could be achieved with mini chocolate muffins or brownie bites. [via Martha Stewart]
- White china with a subtle lavender flower and branch design would be lovely for serving dishes or each place setting. [via Michael C. Fina]
- These lavender and brown paper flowers are great as place cards or as table decorations. [via Martha Stewart]
- Striking table centerpieces made with lavender hydrangeas, sweet peas, manzanita branches and golden centre tail feathers. [via the Knot]
- Patterned chocolate cookies in a white favor box wrapped with a lavender ribbon [via Brides]
- DIY lavender booklets can be used as guest books or favors

Oh Baby! Red & Pink Valentine Baby Shower

Melanie emailed me searching from some red and pink heart inspiration for a baby shower she's planning around Valentine's Day. The theme really couldn't be more perfect as the couple's last name is actually 'Hart'. So, though no typography is used in the images above, I would definitely take advantage of that fact and use the last name spelling wherever possible in the party elements.

- A scoop of red sorbet looks extremely elegant when placed in a lovely white dish and garnished with a pale pink sweet-pea. [via Brides]
- Homemade stained glass heart card [via Martha Stewart] - using this as your invitation is a great way to uphold the traditional element of hand-making valentines
- Pink floating heart candles could be set on the table on placed atop water in a low rectangular vase
- The Mom-to-be should be stylishly comfortable - this red, soft knit maternity dress from Olian fits the bill
- Seating cards attached to strings adorned with clear, pink beads and pink roses. Not having assigned seating? Use this idea for a photo wall instead. [via Brides]
- Beautiful red and pink floral arrangement for a centerpiece [via]
- Raspberry macaroons are a lovely and delicious dessert. [via Brides]

Wedding Wednesday - Luxurious Red & Gold Wedding

Today marks a new wave for Wedding Wednesday. Unfortunately, Kati is no longer blogging for The Finer Things. She will be dearly missed as her boards were always fun, unique and ultra creative. I admire her sense of style and loved seeing what she came up with each week. Though it's sad that I will no longer collaborate on Wedding Wednesday with Kati, she has left us in capable hands. Jess, the new blogger for The Finer Things, is a classy girl with an eye for easy sophistication and an amazing way with words. I am eager to see her take on our weekly invitation choices. This week we selected this elegant red and gold wedding invitation from FineStationery.com. Accented with a red foil design and an actual Swarovski crystal, this invitation is sure to bring about a feeling of subtle sophistication.
- Place setting featuring golden napkins, fine white china and decorative silver-leafed cocoa pods resting on eucalyptus leaves (sounds weird but looks lovely!)
- View of the entire tabletop with vibrant red roses and trios of tall taper candles
- Fashionable red pointed toe pump with gold stiletto heel by Stuart Weitzman
- Champagne glasses with a unique red topping [via With This Ring]
- Red candles with speck of golden brown can color and glowing light to your decor
- Give a sweet favor such as these beautifully packaged cherries
- Dress your bridesmaids in this beautiful Calvin Klein matte red pleaded gown
- Avoid the traditional cake for dessert and provide a table full of color-coordinated treats such as these chocolate-dipped strawberries on gold picks
- Stunning red and gold ceremony decor by the talented Preston Bailey

That's it for my picks this week. Be sure to head over to The Finer Things and see what Jess put together for her first Wedding Wednesday! Below are two lovely elements she chose for her board - the red rose in the boutonniere looks so rich and luxurious!

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.

A Thanksgiving Wedding

Today's post details a Thanksgiving wedding. Featuring rich autumn hues and the glow of warm light, this event scheme is perfect for any fan of Fall.

- Gorgeous reception tabletop and room decor amidst classic architectural columns [via SocialDesign]

- Unique cake design featuring roses in Fall shades

- Cream strapless satin knee-length bridesmaid dress with a chocolate brown sash

- Wheat and roses combine for an interesting autumnal chair decoration for the ceremony

- Decadent and delicious truffles serve as favors

- Copper and cream invitation with laser-cut leaf designs from FineStationery.com

- Stunning bridal bouquet made of roses, leonotis, cosmos and dahlias

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! :)

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!

It's been a while since I've put together a collection of dessert recipes so I thought I'd focus on cakes today! Cakes are often overlooked and seen as only a special occasion dessert but I disagree. Try out one of these delicious recipes for your everyday dinner or get-together.

- Angel Food Swirl Cake
- White Layer Cake with Lemon Curd Filling
- Coconut Cake
- Three-Layer Apple Cake (I think I'll try this over the weekend!)
- Genoise
- Silky Chocolate Cake

Modern Mama Baby Shower

Kati of The Finer Things created this fun and vibrant inspiration board for the more modern mom-to-be. She pairs red, black and white for a bold baby shower. Check out her selections below...I just love the invitation, the tabletop and the bag! Visit Kati's post for all the details.

An Election Party

I don't know about you but I will be watching the news all evening on November 4th to find out if my candidate has received the majority of votes. If you enjoy politics or are just concerned whether or not your favorite official gets elected, consider throwing an election party. Invite your friends and family for an enjoyable weeknight gathering with plenty of patriotic pride.

- Red, white and blue folded invitation with a customized ballot rsvp card [via]
- Obama and McCain themed cupcakes [via HWTM]
- Red cocktail with red, white and blue patterned umbrellas [via Martha Stewart]
- White pillow box favors can be decorated with this VOTE stamp from Paper Source
- Red and white stripe square plates and blue and white star square plates
- Democrat donkey and Republican elephant cocktail napkins [via Plum Party]

- Patriotic paper bunting (so neat that it's made of paper!) [via Target]

Please encourage everyone you know to get out and vote this November 4th. We have no greater civic duty than casting our vote in public elections. Never forget the men and women who fought so we have this unalienable right. We are privileged to take part in the democratic process.

Halloween Menu Tricks and Treats

For those of you planning a Halloween dinner party here are a few ideas to add some trick to your menu of treats!

- Deviled Chicken Lollipops
- Vegetarian Tamales
- Vampire Blood Tomato Soup and Monster-shaped Muenster Sandwiches
- Ghostly Pumpkin Pudding
- Cinnamon-spiced Fritter Webs
- Caramel Pear Mice
- Chedder and Hard Cider Fondue
- Spiced Caramel Roulade

- Screaming Spice Cookies
- Hermit Cookies
- Ghoul Cupcakes
- Pecan-Caramel Spiders
- Pumpkin Caramels