Door Decor

I know how much thought goes into planning a party - the invitations, the food, the decor. You think about the drinks, the guests and of course the setup and breakdown. Lets take it one step further - think first impressions.
As your guests walk towards the door how are you greeting them? I came across Door Decor and they have some great examples to pretty up that front door. Its a way to bring the theme one step further. This is good for your home, a restaurant, country club etc.

For a bridal shower:

First Day of School:

Are you hosting the next book club, your childs first birthday celebration or how about to surprise your neighbor for her birthday. Think layering of your theme. Why not start at the beginning!

Bridesmaids luncheon

I helped my grandmother put together a ladies luncheon for my cousin and her bridesmaids the day before her wedding.
My cousin is very simple but I wanted to incorporate some personal touches.
I did pictures of her growing up along with pictures with her bridesmaids - I added them to the centerpieces. I also did her monogram on stirrers in every water glass.


We had lunch at Season's 52 in Orlando.
I ordered the shrimp salad-it was served like this:

then voila like this:

yummy

Lilly Pulitzer Inspired Bridal Shower

I love everything Lilly! I sure wish they had these cute stationary products when I was getting married because I love the Lilly Themed Bridal Shower. Encourage all the guests to wear their favorite Lilly!

When guests arrive they are greeted with a tray of Pomegranate lemonade spiked with a little iced tea vodka and a galvanized bucket full of colorful IZZE sparkling bottles


Table Decor: cute yellow linens from Party Rental Ltd. with glass vases of gerbera daisies.


The Menu -cucumber-avocado soup with cilantro then grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers and a spring mix salad with pear and blue cheese crumbles.
and for dessert - cute cupcakes with pink floral wrappers from Paper Orchid

Print Your Own Stationary

Cross My Heart Stationary for Sale


New Home Card or Address Change
Blue and White Stripes and house stick on accent.
Size is 5x8 inches, 10 per pack includes envelopes
$8 a pack and I have 6 packs.


These are easy to run through your printer with
the information.







Having or Throwing a Stock the Bar shower or any outdoor party? These invitations are perfect - I have 2 packs of 10 - green stripes with a margarita glass stick on. $8 each pack of 10 and will sell one or 2 packs.

Please let me know if you are interested by comment or email. thanks

Hostess for the shower

I am frequently asked about who should throw or host the bridal shower - Well traditionally its the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids but can also be an aunt etc. It should not be the mother of the bride or sister (unless she is the MOH and getting help from the BM). The shower is a gift giving occasion so its sometimes viewed poorly if given by the mom.

These days with parents living in different areas then the couple there is sometimes more then 1 shower. The bridesmaids will have one in the brides home town, the grooms sides family and friends and the brides mom's friends and family and sometimes even work will have a shower.

If you are looking for some cute shower invitations check out my website for some of these cute invites.

Favors for your Shower

When deciding about a favor for your guests think about when and where they can use it. This goes for the shower or wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started.

I like the Heart shaped bottle stopper from Beau-Coup - definitely would use this.
or if the shower is a tea party, how about a tea tape measure. You never know when you might need one.

Food is always good - wrap up some cookies with a personalized sticker or how about some yummy jelly beans.
and my favorite - candles.
Yankee Candles has really cute personalized votive candles.

Polka Dot Baby Shower

I wanted to share pictures with all of you about my Polka Dot Pram Baby Shower this past Sat. Hosted by my mom but some of my special touches added in.

Welcome!
Hydrangeas in the prams and mums in the mini vases.


Thanks to my dad for cutting perfect fuzzy squares to make the diapers.
I had to explain to my dad why I had to have circular menus - its a theme dad!
Parenting advice or wish bowl. Felt wrapped votive holder.
Decorate at Onsie for Baby T.
I just love these drinks! such a colorful detail.

And a very special Diaper Cake made by my mom (its a side biz of hers if anyone is interested)
Thanks Mom!
and the event wouldn't be complete without cupcakes in cute baby wrappers.
The Shower was held at Jasper Restaurant in Downingtown, PA.
Thanks to Select Event Rentals for donating the linens.

Ducky Themed Baby Shower

I am a little late in posting this but my good friend Shannon (also from Memory Lane Engagements in MD) hosted this awesome baby shower for me. Yellow rubber duckies and sunflowers were everywhere!





I know she found some great deals on the duckies at World Market and Blue Tulip also sells them.
Thanks Shannon!

More Martha Inspiration

Martha Stewart has lots and lots of templates online for you to use.
If you want to be a DIYer but just aren't sure where to start, she has some great inspiration and easy to use templates.

For example her swirl place cards, menus and programs:



Download the template, put in your own information, hit print and voila!
You have custom items for your wedding or party!

Place Card Idea

This is such a great idea for a bridal luncheon shower or even girl baby shower!
What a whimsical way to show guests their seats.

Compliments of Martha of course! Here are detailed directions.

Its sort of like making hearts for Valentines day.


You could also make some a little larger and add to centerpieces or perched on top of presents.

Evening with the Sharks

Last night I attended a great networking event with NACE at the NJ Camden Aquarium.
Have you ever thought about your next event there? You can dine with the sharks or use their Currents ballroom for your wedding and be surrounded by floor to ceiling 760,000 gallon tank of fish and sting rays. Outside is a patio overlooking the water and Philadelphia - Its amazing.

Check out Camden Adventure Aquarium for more information. This is such a unique setting I am sure your guests would enjoy.

Sign Your Name!

I have been working on a clients wedding shower and the MOH asked me to find something fun for the guest book or sign in sheet.
I just love a signature plate - the guests write on the plate and it becomes a nice keepsake.

Check out:
Say Anything Ceramics

They have different size and shape plates ranging from $85.

Spring is for Showers

Bridal Showers that is.

It is a time to bring the ladies in your life together for a celebration of your upcoming nuptials. All your bridesmaids should plan this event together and split the costs. It doesn't have to be expensive, just relaxing and fun.

If your planning a brunch for your favorite bride think of having a fun make your own champagne bar with orange juice, mango juice and pomegranate juice. This will get the guests mingling before the gift opening begins.

The weather is so great, serve lunch in your back yard.  One of my favorite sites Hostess with the Mostess has some great ideas.

Maybe you want a Stock the Bar party. Offer different cocktails like sangria, chocolate martinis and vodka cranberry on the rocks. Use different glasses for every drink. Hopefully the lucky bride will get highball glasses, margarita glasses and other bar accessories.


Desserts Only. Offer cupcakes or a candy bar. Have a table over flowing with brownies, cookies and sweets.


Coed Showers are also very popular - this is a way to cater to both the bride and groom and not just the bride. This is a way to get items for the house (because they may not need towels and dishes). Think tools, garden accessories or entertaining items. How about throw a wine tasting, hire a sommelier and help to stock the wine cellar.

brides.com

Baby Showers!

For all the women out there that had chic, elegant and unique weddings, You also deserve amazing baby showers! I had the pleasure of designing and coordinating a shower for Maria this past Saturday. It was a co-ed dessert party that included punch, yummy greek desserts, cupcake trees, candy table and a clothesline advice wall.


Thanks to Dee's Creative Designs for the beautiful diaper cake and mommys corsage.
If you need help planning a party of your own let me know - I have lots of ideas I would love to share!

Keepsake Cookbooks

I was looking at The Secret Ingredients website about Keepsake or Heirloom Cookbooks and stumbled onto their blog. If you need a neat idea for a wedding present or a shower gift check them out. You submit recipes, pictures and choose a layout then for about $200 you get a beautiful cookbook.

As we all know if they are not edible, favors tend to get stuck under the car seat, in a drawer or even the trash can.

[A wedding favor doesn’t need to be flashy or expensive. In this case, the sentiment “it’s the thought that counts,” really means something. You can say “thanks” to the family and friends who help you celebrate your big day with a small gift that “gives” forever: a recipe.

First, you have to pick the right recipe. Here are some suggestions:

• Go with something regional or seasonal: Does your family put its own twist on a favorite regional dish? Is it warm, comforting soup season, or summer grilling season? Think of something your guests will want to make the night after your wedding.
• Choose something from your wedding menu: Talk to the caterer about using a recipe from one of your menu items. Or, provide the recipe for a special wedding cocktail served.
• Celebrate family tradition: Is there a traditional food associated with the wedding celebration in your family?
• You don’t have to stop at one recipe: If you can’t decide between two or three, use them all. Then, guests won’t all get the same thing.]

Thanks to www.thesecretingredients.com for the great ideas.