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]

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

A Blue & Gold Thanksgiving Dinner

For Thanksgiving this year stray from the traditional Fall hues to consider a light blue and golden dinner theme.

- Clever light blue wishbone napkin rings
- Golden pumpkins adorn this tabletop decor made of blue linens, gold and blue dinnerware and a unique white charger [via Martha Stewart]
- Shimmering Calvin Klein dress is perfect for the hostess
- Pillar candles with a golden line design combine with Mercury glass balls
- Glazed crackle platter for elegant turkey presentation

Blue & Orange Wedding

Today's post was inspired by this lovely orange favor box with blue striped ribbon by Matthew Mead. I enjoy the pairing of orange and blue - it's vibrant, fun and contemporary.
- Orange place cards hung on blue ribbon [via]
- Modern blue 3-tier cake with large orange flowers [via Blush]
- Blue bridesmaid dresses and orange bouquets
- Navy suit, blue stripes tie and an orange floral boutonnieres
- Place setting featuring clear blue chargers with orange napkins and tablecloths

Blue and Green Striped Baby Shower

Today's post features a blue and green striped baby shower. Though the blue and green palette lends itself for a boy, simply switch out the blue for pink and you'll have a great theme for a girl.

- Blue and green striped invitation from FineStationery.com
- Table setting featuring blue dupioni-silk linens and blue, green and white grosgrain ribbon woven runners
- A close-up of a place setting shows a green menu card and vases of cream calla lilies
- Multiple hues of blue, green and white candies make for great and fun favors
- Pre-package a candy assortment in these light green dotted packets tied with vibrant blue ribbon [via flickr user Northern Transplant]
- For dessert, bake and decorate adoable cucpakes such as these by flickr user birdahoy

Wedding Wednesday Celebration - Part 4

I am so excited to share this next board! Snippet and Ink is one of my absolute favorite blogs for wedding inspiration! Kathryn provides a daily dose of beautiful ideas and I am thrilled she is joining us for our party today! Thanks again Kathryn - you're such an inspiration to us all and your board is just exquisite!

Top row from left: photo by Our Labor of Love, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, invitation from FineStationery.com, photo by Jose VillaRow 2: lavender cones from Grapevine Weddings, cake photo by Raquel Reis, J.Crew shoes via Brooklyn BrideRow 3: arrangement by Todd Events, Prada tux from Details, convertible photo by Amanda BevingtonRow 4: stamped napkins and cocktails from Martha Stewart Weddings, boutonniere photo by Jocelyn Filley, ribboned programs from White Lilac Inc., hydrangea bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings

This next board was posted by Jessica on her blog, the essence, as part of our celebration today! Head over to her blog for the source information. Thanks for helping us celebrate today Jessica!

Have you created an inspiration board for today's party? Leave a comment here to let me know or email your board to me at rebecca [at] tastefullyentertaining.com!

Wedding Wednesday Celebration - Part 2

As part of our Wedding Wednesday Celebration we're showcasing inspiration boards submitted by readers and fellow bloggers! This first board was submitted by Lara of Bliss Event Group. Be sure to check out The Bliss Blog for more lovely inspiration! Thanks for helping us celebrate Lara!

Crocheted Votives, Doily Flower Arrangements, White Cutout Bag Table Décor and Blue Mug , Blue Cakes, Blue Favors, Blue Bouquet, Bridesmaids Dress Sketch, Wedding Dress by Pronovias via Brides, Wedding Gown Detail by Carolina Herrera via Brides, Invitation from Finestationery.com, Blue and White Bouquet and White Paper Flower Table Treatment

The following board entitled 'Something Blue...' was submitted by Tastefully Entertaining reader, Karen. Thanks for joining us in our celebration Karen- you've put together a great event!

Something Blue…
For an evening affair held outdoors, elegant with just a touch of casual flair

Invitation , Brooch: Etsy seller Adrienne Designs , Bouquet: Martha Stewart , Dress: Thread Design, Lanterns: Z Gallerie , Cake: Martha Stewart , Hairpiece: ban.do , Favors: theknot.com , Invitation: FineStationery.com

Additional reader and blogger inspiration boards can be found over at The Finer Things! Plus, we'll both be posting more boards throughout the day, as well as linking to other blogs who are joining in on our celebration! And do not miss the chance to enter to win a fabulous 'party favor' prize! So stay tuned for details on how you can win!

Wedding Wednesday Celebration - Part 1

Happy Wednesday! Kati and I told you last week about our special Wedding Wednesday celebration. We're commemorating 6 months worth of Wedding Wednesdays and our 25th Wedding Wednesday inspiration board. So, today we're throwing a virtual party to celebrate!

Below you'll find my inspiration board based on this week's special invitation from FineStationery.com, a stunning navy and light blue invitation by Vera Wang. In addition to our regular inspiration boards, Kati and I will be posting throughout the day with reader and blogger submitted boards all based on the same invitation! Have you created a board for our celebration too? Leave a comment or email me at rebecca [at] tastefullyentertaining.com and let me know so we can include you!

And what would a party be without "favors"? Stay tuned for a post with more details about how you can enter to win one of 6 fabulous prizes!

- Spectacular reception by Preston Bailey
- Ultra stylish bridesmaid dress by Zac Posen (as worn by Miranda in The Sex in the City movie)

- Bridal bouquet mixing deep blue and light purple florals by Tapestry Flowers

- 6-tier wedding cake with navy frosting and sugar pearls

- A navy aisle runner dresses up the ceremony

- A blue striped tie pops with a navy suit

- Blue flowers decorate a place card table [via Faye and Greer]

Head over to The Finer Things to check out Kati's lovely take on our selected invitation. (A sneak peek of my favorites from her post is below.) Be sure to visit Kati and I later in the day to see how our readers and some special fellow bloggers interpreted this week's invitation! And don't forget - check back to learn how you can win a fabulous prize!!

Wedding Wednesday - Elegant Blue & Gold Event

It's Wednesday! That means it's time for another edition of Wedding Wednesday, where Kati of The Finer Things and I select one invitation and present two unique event inspirations based on that invitation. Today we've selected this lovely aquamarine invitation tied with a gold silk dupioni ribbon from FineStationery.com.

- Trio of simple and classic white and gold wedding cakes [via Style Me Pretty]

- Amazing gold globes lighting design [via Michelle Rago]

- Golden olive oil bottles given as favors

- Breathtaking white floral bouquet accented with a ribbon in a gold-tinted blue hue [via Style Me Pretty]

- Gold bridesmaid dress by Siri

- Reception decor featuring blue linens, gold chairs, gold place settings and blue florals

- Blue menu card and cream and gold thank you note to top each place setting

Be sure to click over to The Finer Things! Kati has selected some really pretty elements for her blue and gold wedding! Here is a sneak peak at her lovely cake and favor ideas...

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

Beautiful Blues Wedding

Today's post features a wedding theme in multiple hues of beautiful blue. Perfect for any season, just vary up the dark and light colors to fit the time of year.

- Beribboned light blue favor bag adorned with a white ribbon [via Martha Stewart]
- Delicate bouquet made of white lilies, orchids, sweetpeas and lilac all brought together with a blue bow [via Martha Stewart]
- Stunning 5 tier wedding cake with a vertical fade of blue into white [via Brides]
- Table cards in various shades of blue hung attractively on a wall [via Martha Stewart]
- Chic blue and white stitched invitations [via Brides]
- Matching blue and white stitched place cards [via Brides]

Blue & Brown Circle Baby Shower

Today's blue and brown circles party inspiraton is meant specifically for a baby shower but could really be used for any type of party. I started with this Oh Baby! circle invitation from FineStationery.com and built upon the colors and shapes.

Set your table with a light blue tablecloth. Top with clear vases wrapped with brown ribbon and filled with your favorite blue flowers. Use blue and brown patterned dinnerware such as this circle and stripe set. On a side table set up a blue and brown candy buffet along with your blue and brown circles cake. Lastly, send guests home with a personalized candy bar favor featuring a blue and brown circle design.

Wedding Wednesday - A Delicate Light Blue Wedding

Here is the next edition of Wedding Wednesday, where Kati of The Finer Things and I take one invitation and create two different event themes. Today we're featuring this light blue invitation from FineStationery.com inspired by eyelet lace. The card is white but it is accented by a light colored ribbon and a matching blue envelope. This event theme would be lovely for spring and summer weddings with the azure blue or periwinkle but could also be translated into a winter wedding by opting for slate blue details.

My favorite part of today's post is the top left image featuring the most beautiful wedding dress. I love the dramatic light blue bow and vintage brooch paired with the lace top. So gorgeous! The bouquet in that picture would be lovely for your spring or summer wedding. This other bouquet (bottom right) features the slate blue accents I was describing above that would be appropriate for a winter wedding.

Let's not forget the groom- Choose a simple boutonnière featuring white and light blue flowers. Carry the light blue into the groomsmen attire and the bridesmaid dresses.

At the reception, opt for a light blue tablecloth and a mixed color place setting. I love how this setting pairs square and round plates/chargers for a very dynamic look. Select a favor that features your signature blue or maybe opt for a candy buffet as there are a lot of blue candies. Serve a signature drink such as this white Two Doves cocktail alongside your light blue and white flower wedding cake.

Lastly, I pictured an accessory item to the eyelet invitation. It is shown as a matching response card but could easily be printed with just the bride and grooms' names and used as thank you notes.

Make sure to check out The Finer Things to see Kati's pretty event theme based on the same invitation. She definitely wins the perfect cake award this week! Here are a few of my favorite parts...