they are adding to their nest baby shower

A beautiful, vintage iron birdcage from the Pasadena Rose Bowl was the inspiration behind this They Are Adding to Their Nest baby shower. Experts are telling me birdcages are the “it” thing right now in decor, so this birdcage, and all the details to go along with, really NESTled in with the trend beautifully. We adore the soft color palette, vintage china patterns, the beautiful invite, the bird bath centerpiece and as always…the chandelier.

Brooke of Brooke Merrill Photography captured the sweet details, and fills us in on the inspiration behind the photos.

Using square tables and chiavari chairs, Ellen and Brook {the mom-to-be’s inseparable best friends since elementary school} were able to maximize the space within the backyard and allow friends and family to sit with the guests of honor, Jodi and Travis.

According to Brook, “We also pulled in vintage china patterns, silver-plated flatware and a burlap table runner to complete the vintage, chic feel we were going for. The wow factor came from the regency-style, gold and crystal chandelier that we hung over center of the table so that it was the first thing guests saw when they walked outside.”

And, only as truly genuine friends would say, Brook commented, “When it was all over, Ellen and I both agreed that the best part of the evening was being there to witness our best friend with her best friend celebrating a new first adventure together…getting ready to welcome their baby.”

Well done ladies! Everyone deserves life-long friends like you.

VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Brooke Merrill Photography

{images via Brooke Merrill Photography}

and the oscar goes to…

YOU for throwing a fabulous party!

I have to say, although “Oscar season” is totally overplayed in the media {with all that we have going on in the world} and the show can be a bit boring, I enjoy the show just to see what people are wearing! I love the fashion that the night brings, and as a party girl, I love the excuse to invite some girlfriends over and watch the Oscars! With these tips. your Oscar party {Sunday, February 26} will be red-carpet worthy.

Kathleen at Twig and Thistle created an ENTIRE SET of Oscar party printables. From the invites, to the voting ballots and place cards – she’s got your covered and they are all for FREE here. Thanks, Kathleen. I based my party inspiration on her classic black, white, gold and kraft paper.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS:

For the table, find a sparkly gold table cloth, or if you don’t have one, find a white table cloth and add a black and white chevron runner down the middle of the table.

Add and light lots of votive candles. Love me some candle lighting.

Place a ballot from Twig and Thistle at each place setting and a gold pencil for guests to fill out at the beginning of the night.

Cut out white stars from cardstock paper, write best actress nominations {Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Rooney Mara, Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams…if you have more friends than nominees, add best Actress in a Supporting Role Nominees} and attach via black and white twine to champagne flutes. Your girlfriends can be a nominee for the night…and keep track of their cocktail.

For the centerpieces, spray paint wine bottles with chalkboard paint and use chalk to write down all Best Picture nominees {Hugo, The Descendents, The Artist, Moneyball, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, War Horse, The Tree of Life, The Help, The Artist and Midnight in Paris}. Complete with look with a white flower inside the wine bottle centerpiece.

Hang black, white and gold poms above the table.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU:

I think it would be a blast to pay homage to all the year’s best nominated films by serving foods inspired by the movies. Epicurious had some fantastic ideas…so I picked what I thought would be delicious to try.
Deviled Eggs and Chocolate Cream Pie {The Help}
Hot Dogs and Beer {Moneyball}
Cranberry Apple Crisp with Oatmeal Streusel Topping {War Horse}
Cherry Tomato Pizza Margherita {Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close}
Twice Baked Potato with Goat Cheese and Chives and Creamed Spinach {The Artist}
Crab Cakes with Creamy Chili Sauce or Coconut Shrimp {The Descendants},
French Champagne {Midnight in Paris}
Skillet Corn Bread {The Tree of Life}
Oven Baked Chicken and Slow Roasted Tomatoes on a Baguette {Hugo}

If all that is too fancy for you, I think Moneyball inspired food – peanuts, hotdogs, beer, Coca-Cola and CrackerJack boxes would be lovely…and of course some French Champagne for a little fabulousness!

{images via Twig and Thistle, Snippet and Ink, MaryJane and Galoshes, The Glitter Guide, Reasons to Breathe, Pinterest, Lindsey B Photography and Rue}

sour soiree, the anti-valentine party

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhRMeiyret0]

All the single ladies need something to celebrate on Valentine’s Day too, right?
How about a little party we’d like to call: Sour Soiree, the Anti-Valentine Party

Here are some fun ideas to help you celebrate your fabulous, single self:

{1} Hang this ‘Love Stinks’ banner to decorate the bachelor{ette} pad.
{from Etsy}

{2} Serve Maple Sour cocktails … and keep them coming!
{find the complete recipe here}

{3} Customized water bottle labels, available at Fleur de Lis, for only $5.
Personalize them your own colors, fonts and wording to match your unique party. Be creative!

{4} Sour Patch cupcakes are a delicious {and appropriate} dessert for a single, sour night. YUM!
{find the complete recipe here}

{5} ‘Love Stinks’ lip balm is the perfect goodie bag gift!
{from Etsy}

{6} Black Heart Necklace. Super stylish and very Anti-Valentine.
{from Etsy}

{7} Girls’ Night Out Table Topics. Such a good time!
{sold at Fleur de Lis}

{8} Keep Calm and Plan Your Revenge t-shirt. Love this!
It’s the official dress code for a Sour Soiree!
{from Etsy}

{9} Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smart-Ass, or Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office by Jen Lancaster will be the cherry on top of your sour night, trust me 🙂
… it’s absolutely hilarious.

{PS}
Alice 105.9 is hosting a Bitter Ball with Slacker & Steve on Valentine’s Day in downtown Denver at Suite 200. It’s going to be a party for singles who could care less about Valentine’s Day and want to have some fun – another Sour Soiree to add to your list of parties!
Check out their Facebook page for details.

Remember, it’s okay to be a bit sour for Valentine’s Day … because it makes for a cute party!

{images via: Etsy, drinks: Pinterest, water bottles: Tutto Bella, cupcakes: Pinterest, Table Topics and Barnes & Noble}

touchdown celebration

I’ve seen many Superbowl Party ideas, but this Chili Bar from the creative and talented Chris at Celebrations at Home really caught my eye. The menu reads winter and football to me AND not only is it adorable, it is doable! For complete recipes and details, visit here.

After your family and friends have stuffed themselves silly with chili and all the fixings, it’s time for dessert.

These football-shaped whoopie pies, cupcakes, brownies and chocolate covered strawberries are sure to satisfy.

{images via Celebrations at Home, Brownies from Tablespoon, Whoopie Pies from The Football Foodie, Double Chocolate Cupcakes from The Baker Chick, Chocolate Covered Strawberries from Pinterest}

kathryn’s baby shower

Wish trees. DIY inspired. Yummy desserts. Mason jars. A beautiful neutral palette {gender of her baby was a surprise}.
Kathryn’s baby shower, hosted by her fabulous sisters, is just is too adorable not to share!

From Kathryn {owner and creator of the lovely Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry, which we love}… When people arrived, they took their name tag (circles w/ ducks), chose a pink or blue diaper pin, and pinned their gender guess on the appropriate board…


…The WISH tree had cards on the table that my sisters made that said random things like:
‘Dear Baby,
I hope you love___.
Love Always, ___’
It prompted several different things for people to say to the baby…I hope you love, laugh, aren’t afraid of, etc…

… fun striped straws and giraffe card holders. Yes, they served vodka to everyone else 😉 …

…The dessert table had:
{1} Chocolate-dipped marshmallows and pretzels
The polka-dot stand was made using a foam block and covering it with decorative paper. The foam holds the marshmallow sticks well.
 {2} Cookies shaped like ducks and baby onesies
{3} Mini cupcakes
{4} Heart-shaped little cakes
These are a GREAT time-saving idea, and they’re super cute! You just buy a box of Oreo Cakesters and use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to make these sweet heart cakes. So easy!…

…As a party favor, my sisters decorated little mason jars, so people could go down the line at the candy bar and take some sweet treats to go…

… Baby Guiliana was born this past New Year’s Eve. She is absolutely beautiful, and knowing Kathryn’s fabulous style, she is going to be accessorized starting at a young age :). Congratulations to the new parents!

{images via the new mommy, Kathryn}