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

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

A Glamorous New Year's Dinner

There's nothing quite like the elegant combination of black and white. It's sophisticated, timeless and, in the right setting, so very glam. So, what better combination than black and white for an extravagant and glamour-filled new year's eve dinner.

The images above all come from a 1940's inspired home collection by Ralph Lauren. (via Toast and Tables)

A Very Merry Christmas Party

Today's post is for a very merry Christmas party! Invite friends and family to celebrate the holidays with an evening of deep red and vibrant green Christmas spirit.

- Stunning centerpiece from Pottery Barn combining fruits, florals, candles, trees in shades of deep red, bright green and shiny silver
- Place setting consisting of birch dinnerware (ties in to the birch candles in the centerpiece) and an ecru place card adorned with deep red ribbon
- Holiday themed favors are fitting - consider this peppermint fondue wrapped in dark red
- Attractive and tasty, this cranberry punch is texture-rich and flavorful
- Bright green foil tray is a great solution for transporting appetizers, drinks or dinner dishes

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

Thanksgiving Tabletop Inspiration

With Thanksgiving just 2 days away I thought I would provide last-minute inspiration for those of you undecided on your tabletop decor.

- Golden cornucopia place setting
- Turkey napkin fold centerpiece
- Modern Thanksgiving elements from cb2 (via HWTM)
- Acorns and leaves tablescape
- Gilded turkey centerpiece
- Felt leaf trivets for your buffet table

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

Thanksgiving Family Dinner

Hello and happy Wednesday! You may notice that today's post isn't part of the regular Wedding Wednesday series. I have decided that, though Wedding Wednesday has had a wonderful run, it's time for some fresh and new series, special features and theme ideas. Stay tuned in the upcoming weeks and months for Holiday gift guides, budget-based entertaining features, the next edition of Entertaining Reads (with a GIVEAWAY!) and much much more. I have loved showcasing wedding themes each week and will certainly continue to provide wedding-based inspiration. So keep coming back to Tastefully Entertaining because I promise some exciting months ahead!

Thanksgiving dinner parties are a time to showcase the rich hues of fall as well as the main symbol of the season - leaves.

- An embroidered leaf table runner and mahogany dinnerware unite on this Thanksgiving tabletop from Crate and Barrel
- Sweet-gum-tree spurs make for a unique and textured place card (via Martha Stewart)
- Tall candlesticks with golden-orange tapers and vine adornments to line the center of your table and cast a warm glow (via Martha Stewart)
- Leaf plates are perfect for serving bite-size appetizers or desserts (via Crate & Barrel)

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.

Gold & Fuchsia Tea Baby Shower

Today's post was inspired by this excellent invitation idea from party perfect. Guests were invited to a tea baby shower with an actual tea bag. The letterpress invitation with all the party details was the tag attached to the tea bag. The tea bag and attached invitation card were sent in an envelope lined with a vintage-esc stork and baby liner. I LOVE this invitation idea. So unique and so lovely!

The invitation pairs a bright fuchsia with a golden yellow so the rest of my elements reflect this palette. First, a classy table setting featuring fuchsia napkins, a subtle floral tablecloth, candles, clear glassware and an elegant crystal chandelier. [via Snippet & Ink]

Serve dessert atop this golden cake pedestal. For a favor, send guests home with a perfectly coordinated favor box full of earl grey tea and cookies.

Halloween Entertaining Elements

I don't know about you but I am really enjoying the cool weather that signals the coming of Fall. I love the leaves, the dark and rich hues in fashion and of course - the upcoming holidays. Halloween is still over a month away but if you're planning on throwing a ghoulish gathering now's the time to start getting inspiration for your decor. The pictures above are all from the bewitching collection at Crate & Barrel. From cookie making supplies, dinnerware and serving dishes to candle holders, home decor and pumpkin carving accessories, Crate and Barrel has you covered for a stylish yet affordable Halloween.

Find even more Halloween decor items and inspiration by visiting head of the table or Hostess with the Mostess!

Oh Baby! Turquoise & Brown Baby Shower

Welcome to the first Oh Baby! feature. Today's theme was requested by Heather who is in need of inspiration for a turquoise and brown modern/vintage baby shower. Heather, I hope the collection of items above helps with your shower planning!

- Clear Teal Vases - This is a great idea for a centerpiece! Check out your local thrift or antique stores to find vintage vases in clear or in teal. Group together for easy but super attractive table decor.
- Teal and Brown floral table decor - Beautiful teal linens and multitudes of white florals makes this table setting truly come alive. Lots of little details that work together to create a stunning look. (via Jennifer Dery 's blog)
- Gorgeous turquoise chandelier - Though this may be a little too extravagant for a baby shower, try to use the style in other ways - maybe use vintage (or modern) teal beads strung together to decorate the backs of the chairs. (via the amazing Snippet & Ink)
- Brown & Turquoise favor boxes
- Modern turquoise and white cake - Can easily be interpreted into a smaller cake depending on the number of guests (also via Snippet & Ink)
- Turquoise ceramic crackle dinnerware
- Modern baby shower invitation- The tropical turquoise, brown and orange elements of this invitation are fun and modern for a co-ed baby shower.
- Turquoise table decor - Another table decor that infuses deeper browns and orange as an accent color. (via Jennifer Dery's blog)

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.

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!

Take-out Potluck Dinner

Today's post presents an interesting idea for a party - a take-out potluck dinner! Why not put a new twist on the traditional potluck dinner by assigning each guest a different kind of take-out food to bring.

Send invitations similar to the customized take-out menu below. This is a really basic example but you could seriously go all out with this- you could even create your own restaurant logo! If your guests live nearby drop off the menus/invitations by stapling a rubber band to the top corner and placing it on their doorknob. If you need to mail them instead, print out labels to attach to the back and send like a postcard.As for your decor try to find things that you associate with food service and take-out. To start select a tv dinner tray such as this stylish one made of bone china. These multi-colored utensils have a fancy design, similar to your best silverware, but they're made of plastic! What a neat look and you will certainly use them again.

The main focus of this party is the food so arrange it (in the authentic containers of course) in the center of your table and allow guests to serve themselves. For dessert purchase or make dipped fortune cookies. Send a few extra fortune cookies and/or some leftovers home with your guests in these Chinese take-out boxes. If you chose to make a logo, here is another chance for personalization - design and print out round favor labels to apply to the take-out boxes. Place the boxes in a classic white plastic bag printed with 'thank you' in red.There are a ton of variations to this party theme. For inspiration head to your local paper and party supply store to see what you could use for your event. My local store has several isles devoted to food service supplies and I always enjoy browsing to see what I could use in a new way.

(Thanks to Kati for helping me brainstorm about how to implement my take-out potluck idea.)

Bee Baby Shower

Today's post centers around a Bee Baby Shower! I started by selecting this sweet invitation by simplyput (from FineStationery.com). I love the cute simplicity of the card paired with the polka dot liner.

Set your table with a white tablecloth paired with a runner in a pattern such as this yellow 'Bee de Lys' fabric. I chose this fabric because it presents a beautiful combination of a sophisticated bee image and the classic fleur de lis. Place clear serving dishes with molded bee images atop the runner. Serve your food selections on these yellow and white bee dishes to complete a perfectly coordinated table.

Try making and decorating cupcakes similar to these bee cupcakes. Create the hive with yellow buttercream frosting and place bees made of chocolate covered raisins and sliced almonds on top. Send your guest home with a few of these bee-adorned petits fours.

Poker Night

Ante up for a poker party or tournament! Invite your players with this simplistic but stylish card suit-themed invitation from FineStationery.com. Keep snacks constantly nearby with these card suit-shaped dishes. Serve drinks from this glass card shark pitcher. As an added bonus it comes with a matching dice stirrer for use at your next game night. Have players set their drinks on these card suit coasters to keep your table clean and/or protect your felt. Lastly, serve up some appetizers on these black melamine dinner plates. The white-rimmed edge mimics the curved edge of playing cards.

Modern Sophistication Dinner Party

Today's post was inspired entirely by this stunning table arrangement from AllModern.com. I just love the table runner being used in a non-traditional way to highlight the 2 place settings. Now these are a little extravagant for me, as I would rarely spend $114 on 2 table runners but I think they literally define modern sophistication. Add in the pin dot napkins and you have a touch of a new pattern that really helps accentuate the overall look. Set of 4 for $62.00.

Next, I chose the Moon Coupe place setting to emphasize the contemporary feel of this theme. This 16 piece dinnerware set is only $29.39 from Target. You certainly can't beat that! I also found this aluminum serving tray at Target for $37.99. (Can you tell I love the offerings at Target?) This tray will be a great addition to your serve ware collection as you can use it for almost any event. And lastly, I chose an invitation from FineStationery.com to match the modish theme.