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

A Orange & Chocolate Rustic Wedding

Today's post features an orange and chocolate rustic wedding perfect for Fall.

- 4-tier chocolate wedding cake iced in ganache and topped with marzipan fruit
- Favor bags of berry and almond trail mix
- Strapless chocolate brown bridesmaid dress by Alfred Angelo
- Fruit decorates the autumnal centerpiece and serves as the place card holder [via Brides]
- Escort cards with fruit designs nicely laid atop a bale of hay
- Fall bridal bouquet mixing hues of orange, yellow, pink and burgundy-red

Delicious Desserts

Enjoy this next batch of delicious desserts. I plan to make a dessert this weekend..the question is which one?

- Mint Chocolate Cheesecake

- Little Lemon Meringue Pies

- Blueberry Cream Cheese Tart (I made these with strawberry filling instead = yum!)

- Sunset Shortcake

- Hazelnut Cookies

- Chocolate Truffles

Cocktails Anyone?

Mix up a some cocktails for your end of summer gathering with this new batch of drink recipes. Cheers!
- Frozen Peach Champagne Cocktail
- Bitter Crush
- Pisco Pinch
- Pineapple-Chile Margarita

- Avocado Daiquiri

Pink & Navy Pool Party

The weather has been so delightful here lately - what I'd consider the perfect summer. So I felt it was time (and certainly not too late) for a pool party! My inspiration came from this cute navy and white swim ring with pink anchor design [via At Home with Kim Vallee]. To invite guests, consider this fun pink, navy and white stripe invitation from FineStationery.com. As this party is aimed for adults I had to include a summer drink and this Strawberry Watermelon Mojito fits the bill perfectly. It's pink, fruit-filled and just right for a warm summer day. For an incredibly useful (and important) favor, hand out customized bottles of sunscreen. Create a matching poolside by making use of these navy and white lounge chairs [via Domino magazine]. Lastly, offer your guests a cupcake with cute themed adornments - a navy and white sailboat and a pink and white life ring [via flickr user cupcakenouuveau].

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

First Day of Summer Cocktails

Today we're celebrating the 1st day of summer! Bright colors and fresh fruits prevail, inspiring us all to mix up some cocktails to welcome the new season. Here are some suggestions for some summer cocktails:

- Pomegranate Sparklers
- Spicy Citri-Politan
- Lime Daiquiri
- Lemonade Caipirinhas
- Kiwi Melon Sangria
- Cherry Berry Smoothie
- Watermelon Mojito
- Island Heat
- The Perfect Mai Tai

Cheers!

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.

Great Table Settings

There's not really a theme to today's post other than a collection of interesting and attractive table settings and centerpieces. Hopefully one will inspire your next gathering.

- Hyacinth bulbs and rocks in a large circular vase (inexpensive, sweet and simplistic)

- Sunset candlelight and coral (my favorite...romantic, elegant and relaxing)

- Floral heart (simple, cute and practical)

- Large fruit bouquet (so colorful and textured)

- Mini bouquet favor centerpiece (affordable, creative and pretty)

- Table length fruit display (rustic, bright and sophisticated)