Inspiration: Tying the Knot Bridal Shower

My friend Megan recently asked me for some ideas for putting together a "Tying the Knot" bridal shower. 

I decided I'd share what I came up with for this cute theme with everyone! 

Decorations for this shower all involve yarn!  

I love the yarn balls strung from the ceiling, forming a kind of knotted chandelier (as spotted on Hostess with the Mostess).  I found some great DIY instructions for making these here.

I made these yarn wrapped vases for a baby shower a few months ago.  DIY instructions are here. 

The possibilities are endless for this yarn-wrapped word.  The couple's names or initals or the wedding date are fun options.  Or Love like the one featured here is perfect for a bridal shower.  Great DIY instructions are here, by Family Chic. 

Lastly, a bowl full of yarn balls is the perfect centerpiece.  Hostess with the Mostess has DIY instructions here.  (I've made these before and used a straight pin rather than a glue dot, and it worked great as well.)

A few other ideas: 

Purchase a length of rope from a home improvement store.  

Tie knots in the rope. 

Run it down the center of a table, or a long a fireplace mantle.  

Or

Hang pictures of the couple from a thin knotted rope.

Licorice comes in almost any color you can think of.  Licorice knots would make perfect cupcake toppers for this bridal shower! Thank you Fete Fanatic for this inspiration.

Martha Stewart shares the recipe for these "Wedding Knot" cookies here.

Napkins should be tied into knots, of course.

Pretzels are the perfect knotted food.  Pretzel snack mix served in cute cones is a great appetizer.  Chocolate covered pretzels would make great cupcake toppers.  They also make great favors.  These are packaged from a set of "tying the knot" printables by Nellie Design,  available here. 

Sandwiches make a great main course for this shower, as they can be wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a knot.  (These are from a shower I threw). 

I love this theme! Am I missing anything? 

Inspiration: Pumpkin Baby Shower

I have always wanted to throw a pumpkin themed baby shower for a friend.  The timing hasn't worked out yet, but in the past week 2 separate readers have reached out to me asking for ideas for Fall or Halloween showers...so I thought I'd put together an inspiration board. Maybe someday I'll get to use it myself. :)

There are so many fun invites you can use for a pumpkin theme. I love these by Oh Creative One.  (Its technically for a bridal shower, but I've worked with this designer before and she is very flexible and can make changes you request no problem.)

A classic pumpkin-themed tablescape by A to Zebra Celebrations, spotted on Hostess with the Mostess).  Love the brown and orange linens and the pumpkin garland. 

Natural elements are a must for decorating for this shower.  Acorns, flowers in oranges and yellows, mini pumpkins, and gourds are perfect! (my photos) You can also incorporate pine cones and fall leaves. 

Pumpkin foods are perfect.  Serve lunch of a hearty stew and flaky rolls. Followed by pumpkin desserts...like these Cheesecake Filled Pumpkin Cupcakes by Rachael Ray.  (Yum!)  Pumpkin cakes, pies, cookies, pudding...the possibilities are endless.  Don't hesitate to make a dessert bar with all of the above and some pumpkin candies thrown in!  (All of these items make great party favors as well).

A children's book that doubles as a guest book is a must at a baby shower.  (Seriously - you must do this at the next shower you throw. People love it, and its such an easy way to carry through your theme.) I thought this book called Pumpkin Pumpkin worked well with my board, but any pumpkin or fall or even a Halloween book would be great. 

Pumpkin onsies can double as a gift and decoration.  Baby stores have plenty of these in the fall, or you can try Etsy for some extra special ones. Make a banner by stringing them on a line. 

For a game, gather some pictures of the mom-to-be in her Halloween costumes as a child. (Ask Grandma-to-be for help!) Post the pictures at the party, and have guests guess her age in the different pictures.  This is a great way to get the crowd laughing. 

What other ideas do you have for a pumpkin-themed affair?

Inspiration: Hot Pink Bachelorette Bash!

Friday night of the 3-parties-in-3-days weekend was a Bachelorette Party for my friend Kelsey.

I'm a bridesmaid in her May wedding, and I can't wait!

Here's the inspiration board I created when planning this Night-Out:

Photo credits: 

Zebra Blume Box by Lemiga Events

Martini glass with baubles & feathers by Social Couture

Any bachelorette must: Champagne!

A feather boa is much preferred over a cheesy veil as far as I'm concerned

Fun, sparkly chandelier from Plum Party

Kelsey's wedding colors are pink & gray, so for the bachelorette party I wanted to play off that but add a little spice, so I went with hot pink, silver, and black. 

Check back tomorrow to see the fun party details!

Inspiration: Elephant Sip & See

This past weekend was the one I've been talking about recently where I helped to throw 3 parties in 3 days.  What a crazy whirlwind it was! {But I loved every minute of it!} 

The most crazy part of the whole thing is that I had to fly.  I had one suitcase of clothes and another huge bag with just party supplies.  My friends all think I'm crazy.  {But my fellow party girls understand, right?!}

First up:

I threw a very small Sip & See for my friend Shannon, who recently had her second baby Ethan.  

When I heard his name was Ethan, I knew I wanted to do an elephant theme, to play off the E in his name. 

Here is the inspiration board I put together when I started my planning:  

Photo credits: 

I love the simple patterns and bright colors of this birthday invitation from Tiny Prints. 

Cute little elephant tags on lemonade at an elephant baby shower by Head of the Table. 

Sweet vintage elephant print from Land of Nod. 

Elephants love peanuts! 

Mod elephant onsies from Tad Pole Creations. 

I was picturing bright colors and simple patterns when I planned this shower.  

The party was held at a restaurant on a busy day between two bigger parties, so I really had to narrow down what I wanted to incorporate.  

Check back tomorrow to see the simple little invites I made. 

Inspiration: Bamboo Baby Shower

A friend recently asked me to help her brainstorm ideas for a baby shower she will be throwing.  My friend told me a few things about the mom-to-be's style: she likes Asian-inspired patterns, loves the color gold, appreciates fine paper goods, and she isn't a girly-girl who loves pink. 

I've done some searching, and I hope I've come up with a theme she will like.  

I told my friend she should start her planning by browsing a few fabric and paper stores to come up with a beautiful Asian pattern that she loves.  

I am suggesting a gold & green bamboo theme, but these ideas can be adjusted to match any color scheme that fabric and paper shopping might lead to. 

Details of my ideas and photo credits: 

1.  Brown or gold napkins would be lovely tied with a green shoot of some sort.  Serve the food on eco-friendly bamboo plates (available for purchase here).  They sell silverware also!

2.  These inexpensive bamboo coasters make a cute party favor for guests. 

3. Purchase a few of these inexpensive frames to place baby pictures of the mom- and dad-to-be around the party. 

4.  There are numerous options for bamboo-inspired invitations around the web. This set of letter press ones from Etsy would be perfect for a girl who loves fine paper goods.  This set is for a wedding, but often Etsy sellers are willing to work with you to customize. 

5.  Adorable bamboo cupcakes would be an easy DIY project.  

6. A perfect gift for the mom-to-be: anything from the Baby Bambu line, including this onesie.  

7. Cute little centerpiece of bamboo tied with ribbon.  Luckily, you find bamboo at your local Ikea. 

8. I have said many times on this blog how much I love a children's book as a guest book.  Just have guests sign the inside cover.  This book would be perfect. 

9.  With an Asian-inspired theme, lanterns of some sort are a must.  These gold ones are gorgeous. 

All of these items pulled together over DIY runners of the fabric inspiration she finds would make for a beautiful shower to honor the mom-to-be! Anything you would add?

Inspiration: Snowflakes & Sparkle New Year's Eve

My next Tiny Prints-inspired New Year Eve inspiration is called Snowflakes & Sparkle. 

(Click here to see the metallic inspiration board, and here to see the clocks inspiration board.) 

Fun, modern snowflake New Year's Eve invite from Tiny Prints. 

Martha's mantle decor features sparkly blue snowflakes, baubles, and some white candies. 

Snowy cupcakes with pretty beaded snowflake toppers, from Country Living.  

Snowflakes, champagne, and noisemakers make for a pretty table. 

The beautiful paper snowflakes, which I originally spotted here, were made by Nicole Wills of Tradewinds Tiaras. Lucky for us, TomKat Studio recently featured a tutorial on how to recreate these.  

Sparkly snowflakes from Target -- can't beat that price!

Cute sign from Etsy -- New Year's Eve kisses!

Inspiration: Clock New Year's Eve

My next Tiny Prints-inspired New Year's Even Party inspiration is clocks!  Perfect for counting down to 2011!

(Click here to see my metallic inspiration board)

Classy clock invite from Tiny Prints.

Martha's festive clock mantle display would work as a centerpiece also.

Cute clocky cupcake toppers from Etsy -- buy them and the wrappers here. 

Blue & silver clock table setting from BHG.

Vintage clock plates from Pottery Barn.

Crafty clock tray from BHG -- get DIY instructions here.

White & silver clock table setting from Taste of Home -- look closely to see the wrist watch napkin rings!

Inspiration: Metallic New Year's Eve

We all love Tiny Prints for invitations. I thought I'd use some of their invites as inspiration for New Year's Eve Parties this week.  

I'm starting with gold & silver...

Love this Dazzling Confetti Invite from Tiny Prints! 

Vintage metallic baubles on a silver tray are a beautiful display for the entire holiday season. 

Martha's streamers are made from re-purposed wrapping paper! 

This festive gold tablescape sets the stage for a classy evening. 

This wrapping paper would make a great background for a candy bar, paper "placemats", or candy wrappers -- the possibilities are endless!

Martha's fun countdown champagne flutes are perfect for a New Year's toast. 

Inspiration Board: Holiday Housewarming Dessert Table

I shared the adorable invitations to a housewarming party with you last week.  Check them out if you missed it!

I am now working on helping Lindsay with a dessert table to wow her guests. 

We decided to stick with mostly desserts (as opposed to candy), as this was a primarily adult party.  While I knew the candy would look great, we didn't want to spend a bunch on anything that wouldn't get eaten. 

The look we are going for is what I am calling rustic cheer--   Earthy elements, bright holiday colors, and lots of charming homemade goodies. 

Our ideas are coming together nicely, and I wanted to share the inspiration board & collection of ideas I am working from.

 Photo credits: 

Pinecone tree from Country Living

Red Ball Garland from Crate & Barrel

Individual Pies from This Next

Brown & Red wrapped gifts from Woman's Day

Candy Dishes from Real Simple

Cranberries from Martha Stewart

Inspiration: 3 Peas in a Pod Baby Shower

A friend of mine contacted me and asked for help for a last minute baby shower she is throwing for a mom-to-be who is expecting triplets.  (Woah!) 

I immediately thought of the popular theme "Three Peas in a Pod".  I told her I would get her some inspiration ASAP. 

Invitations 

I think printables would be perfect for this party, as there is a huge time crunch. 

 I found this cute printable one at Parents.com that would work well (and you can't beat a free download!): 

This is another cute option from PolkaDot Design:

Styling Ideas

There are so many great ideas out there for this theme! 

And this is one of my favorites: 

I looooove the Peas-as-vase-filler idea. So cute and easy. 

Photo credits: Let's Entertain, Parents.com

My friend Samantha used this idea at a Sweet Pea themed shower she threw, which I shared here.

I love this centerpiece from Everyday Celebrating.  Just using Felt and 3 plastic dollar store balls! I think its so great here, paired with the white flowers. 

Green & white table linens...in ginham or polka dot prints are perfect. 

Photo credit: Imprintables

3 pea pod onsies, strung on a ribbon would make a cute decoration and a gift for the mom-to-be.  I found this one on Etsy, but you could also search local stores (like this one at Babies R Us), or find a iron-on template and make your own. 

 Party poms or lanterns are always great over a table, and I think they fit in nicely with this theme. And if you're really pressed for time, even balloons will work. 

Guest Book

I love having guests sign a children's book at a baby shower. 

 How perfect is this one? Available on Amazon

Party Favors

There lots of appropriate, and not too expensive, options for favors that work nicely with this theme.  

 My friend Samantha used one of these at her sweet pea shower, and I think its perfect. 

Sweet Pea scented shower gel, body lotion, or hand sanitizer from Bath & Body Works.  

Edible items are always popular favors.  

You can have a baker make up pea pod cookies, or get a cute cookie cutter like this one and make them yourself!

Inspiration for a Yellow Bridal Shower

I had a interesting request for help this week.

A friend of mine is throwing a bridal shower for a friend. The shower is soon, and she wanted ideas on decor/styling.

What makes this such an interesting request? This friend of mine lives in another state, so I won't have time to send her any crafty paper items. She's also not particularly crafty herself, so even DIY suggestions are out. I usually make some kind of food suggestion for a party favor, but this friend isn't a huge baker either.  And of course, things need to be kept to a reasonable budget.

Most inspiration I put together is full of fun projects or printables, but now...eek!

I sent her a long email earlier today with suggestions, but I decided to do a post about it too, to give her visuals & a shopping guide of things I mentioned in the email.  

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated to suggest any of these shopping outlets.

Her theme/color scheme directions were, "Either yellow or green, and kind of whimsical style".

So...here's how I advised her:

Invitations

 I thought these invites from Tiny Prints fit the bill: yellow & whimsical. 

Centerpieces

image via

Yellow and white daisies can always be found in the grocery store floral department.  Easy centerpieces -- done!

Table & Lunch Items

Ikea has very affordable yellow napkins. 

I love these from Crate and Barrel also. 

image via

I suggested she use all-white serving ware, over white or yellow linens, for the food items.

I suggested a simple lunch of easy to prepare ahead of time foods: sandwiches or roll-ups, pasta salad, veggies & dip. 

image via

 Lemonade, spiked and virgin, would be perfect to serve. 

image via

I suggested that lemons be used to label food and drink items.  She can either write directly on them with a sharpie, or stick a little toothpick with a paper label. 

 Yellow cupcakes with white daisies are a must.  I suggested that my friend take a picture of some that she likes to a local bakery and have them recreate the look.  Aren't these from Buttercup Cupcakes adorable?

Party Favors 

I think these cookies would be adorable in a glassine bag, tied with a yellow ribbon. 

They are from Gianna's Baking Company. I've seen them at the Whole Foods bakery, or they can be ordered directly from Gianna's Baking Company or from Amazon. 

Old Navy flip flops in yellow would be fun too. 

Anything you would add? 

I'll share pictures after the party!

Inspiration Board: 60th Birthday Party

I've been busy this week preparing for a party I'm styling this weekend, and I realized I haven't even shared the inspiration board yet! 

This is a 60th birthday party. 

My clients are the birthday girl's two sons and daughters-in-law.  They wanted her to have an extra special party.  We came up with the idea of incorporating the tea sets that each daughter in law recieved from the birthday girl as wedding gifts. We are doing a classy tea party, which has be renamed the "Six-Tea" Party! I love this theme - perfect for many milestone parties: 40 becomes"Four-Tea", 50 becomes "Fif-Tea"...I'm sure you get it! :) 

We have lots of fun ideas for the party and I can't wait to share pictures next week. 

In the mean time, here's some of the inspiration photos we collected: 

We're definitely doing some flower arrangements in teapots (via Rachael Ray Everyday), teacups (via The Glamorous Housewife), and creamers (via Project Wedding). 

Finger foods will be a must at this afternoon party, like these little sandwiches (via Merriment Design) & veggie shots (via Bella Grace Party Designs). 

A dessert table will include cupcakes and more! 

And lastly, I love both the delicate paper garland from TomKat Studio (via Project Nursery), and the accordian rosettes (via Pepper Design Blog)...some kind of paper art along these lines will be incorporated!

Stay tuned...

Inspiration Board: San Francisco Retirement Party

My blog posts have been a little sparse lately because I'm in the midst of some serious party planning. 

A coworker of mine is retiring and moving away and we are sending her out in style. 

I'm finally getting around to sharing the inspiration board we're working from! 

We wanted to do a tribute the the city where she's lived for so many years.   And in addition to a bright red Golden Gate bridge, we decided on black and white. A classy combo, just like the honoree. 

Lots of fun things in the works -- including a dessert table which is coming together quite nicely! -- and I can't wait to show you all the details later this week! 

Photo credits:
Red tablescape, damask runner, red candy vessels, red velvet cupcakes, Golden Gate Bridge, Vintage San Francisco postcard, red & black tablescape, fleur de lis candles, polka dot baking cups.

Inspiration Board: Angel Baby Shower

One of my readers, Makeba, contacted me recently and asked for some inspiration for a baby shower. She was considering the theme "Heaven Sent an Angel".  So sweet!

 I agreed with Makeba in that mostly-white event would be perfect for this theme. Hints of silver would be nice also. I think there should be just a hint of angels to keep the decor classy. 

Here's some fun items I've found. 

The angel wing invitation was for Kourtney Kardashian's baby shower, and it is definitely classy.  Something similar could be made in pink for a baby girl, or in white or silver for if the gender is not known.  

If you've been reading this blog, you know how I love a children's book for a guest book.  The Littlest Angel would be perfect for this shower! 

I am completely in love with this idea for a party favor! Heaven body lotion.  It's a Gap lotion, but I couldn't find it on their website. Luckily I found it on Amazon.  There is also a entire line by Victoria's Secret of lotions and perfumes named Dream Angels. It would be worth checking the store for sample sizes to use as favors.  Lotions would be cute wrapped in white tulle and tied with a ribbon. 

I love these cupcakes with angel wings. Or serve angel food cake, just be sure to label it!

White party poms are a must for this party! This one is from Pom Love on Etsy. Or a DIY tutorial is here.

Amy Atlas's famous white dessert table...simply beautiful.

Sweet onsie with angel wings from Etsy.

White candies and desserts, by Martha and Sugarcoated Events, can serve as decorations, food, and party favors. 

Inspiration Board: Sunshine Baby Shower

It's common to look to the nursery for inspiration for a baby shower theme. 

I think the nursery serves as a starting point, but a hostesses doesn't have to take the nursery decor too literally.  

For example, for a nursery decorated with yellow accessories, I've put together some inspiration for a Sunshine-themed shower.

Sunshine yellow baby blanket from Etsy. A nice gift, or use it to wrap your gift to the mom-to-be!

A table with yellow accessories, including the obligatory party poms!

Sunflowers and sunflower cupcakes are perfect for this theme.

I love using a childrens book to double as a guest book & gift to the mom-to-be (have guests sign the inside cover).

Bake it Pretty has many choices for fun yellow baking cups.

This cute little sunshine outfit gift set, the mom-to-be is sure to love!

Adorable boxed invite, in the color of the day!

Yellow star fruit adorned drink cups are a must! The recipe for this fruit punch is here. Hostesses should make a virgin batch also for any expecting guests...and the guest of honor. 

I love these sunshine prints from Etsy.  A great decoration, which could double as a gift. 

Who doesn't love lemon bars (especially these by Bakerella)?

Perfect napkins! 

Yellow flips flops would make a perfect party favor...and these from Old Navy are perfectly affordable.  Wouldn't they be cute in cellophane bags, tied with a yellow ribbon?

These elements definitely add up to a happy baby shower!

Guest Post: Baby Shower Inspiration Board

I've got a guest post up at My Insanity!

It has a cute inspiration board for a baby shower...here's a hint: 

image via

Come check out all the details!
Thanks again to Kendra for having me. :)

Inspiration Board: Umbrella Party

This week, I have umbrellas on my mind.  And rain boots. And raincoats. 

It is just raining and raining and raining here. Yikes!

I've seen lots of baby and bridal shower decor with umbrellas.

But, I think all these fun rainy day accessories would make cute winter birthday party decor for kids too!

I see adorable, brightly colored rain boots for kids everywhere.  

How fun would this party be?! 

1.  Rain boots serve as the perfect vase.

2. Blue poms...or are those giant rain drops? An white umbrella would be the perfect addition to this scene.

3. I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't love puddle-jumping! A nice (free) activity for the party?

4. Martha's umbrella cookies, perfection of course.

5. Boot banner - too cute!

6. If you can get over the superstition of an umbrella in the house, this little paper rain display is pretty darn cute.

7. Umbrella confetti.  You really can find anything on etsy.

8. To die for cupcake.  Isn't it sweet?

Please think of me tomorrow as I brave the torrents again.

Inspiration Board: 100th Birthday Party

My friend Lindsay and I were recently hired to make centerpieces and party favors for a 100th Birthday Party. 

The hostesses (Mabel's daughter, granddaughters, granddaughters-in-law) had already sent out these invitations:

They requested that all the decor match the invitations, and that pictures be incorporated into the centerpieces if possible. 

We had to put this together on a budget.  They needed 100 party favors, and 12 centerpieces.

Lindsay and I had lots of ideas and got to work immediately.

We presented the hostesses with several mock-ups of ideas.

The first step was the inspiration board.

1. We thought pink hydrangeas in cylinder vases that one of the hostesses already owned would be perfect for this palate.

2. This little silver guy is a lollipop mold with a 100 on it - perfect!

3. Chocolate candies in cellophane, tied with cute ribbon, would be a budget friendly party favor.

4.  Some kind of runner with stripes or dots was a must! I love the low bowls as centerpieces on this long table.  (Ours were rounds, probably not as good for this kind of a look).

5. Bakerella's cake pops were a perfect match.

6. Love the photo center pieces by Martha. These would incorporate photos as the hostesses had requested.

7. Cutie boxes for favors could hold candies, seeds, etc for favors, and would be a touch of color on each plate. 

8. Some swatches in our colors. You have to love these colors. 

9. There are SO many ribbons in this color palate. We knew we would have to incorporate them somehow.

Check back later this week to see what we the hostesses chose and how it all turned out!

Inspiration Board: Farm Animal Baby Shower

Oh Baby! Custom Shower Decor has a new customer, and I am busily working on putting together a shower kit.  I am also making the invitations for this hostess. 

First step, as always, was to gather inspiration.

My only instructions from the hostess were:

1. farm animal theme

2. pastel yellow & green as the color scheme (with a little blue and pink welcome)

Here's my inspiration so far:

1. Nothing says barnyard bash like hay bales, burlap and sunflowers

2. Poms are a shower must!

3. Baby shower appropriate serving ware. To die for, no?

4. Yellow ribbon, in every style imaginable.

5. Galvanized buckets for drinks definitely say "farm" to me!

6. Could these farm animal cupcakes be any cuter?

7. Another easy must-have: ball jar vases

Please stay tuned over the next few weeks. I will share all the details of the party decorations as they come together.