04/15

hardware candle holder

My husband is a builder (a very good one at Gregg and Co Builders), but I am not a frequent visitor to the local hardware store. HOWEVER, I may become friends with our local hardware store clerk after watching an episode of The Nate Berkus Show recently.

Check out these amazing candelabra’s made from plumbing pipes. Who knew something so “manly” could be used as a table setting? This would be a great addition to a table for your man’s surprise birthday party, or your little man’s construction-themed party.

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{images via The Nate Berkus Show}

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04/15

Cookie Monster Party

My kids 3rd and 1st birthdays are quickly approaching, so my mind is churning with ideas for themes, colors, etc. Since I was on the subject of toddler birthdays, I thought I would share my son’s last birthday party.

I was inspired to do a milk and cookies party for my son’s 2nd birthday party after coming across a blog posting by Anne from A. Party Style. My son, Jameson, LOVES cookies; after all, cookie was one of his first words. So, there seemed nothing more appropriate than throwing a cookies and milk party. I liked the brown and white color scheme, but wanted a touch of blue. My son also loves Cookie Monster from the kid-loved Sesame Street, so it seemed perfect…a cookies and milk party with special appearances from Cookie Monster! Once I had the theme, I hit the ground…and Michael’s…running! 

Many of the details are DIY, which I love.

I made the invitations (yes, I cut the cookies and added each chocolate chip with a sharpie in-hand, and the milk bottle). I printed the invites on my computer at home. You can find the paper to do this yourself at Fleur de Lis.

c is for cookie invitation

inside c is for cookie invitation

After “Jameson’s Art to Eating a Cookie” photo session, I had an idea to use an antique window pane I had in the garage for a photo display. I made a frame for all cookie photos using construction paper and double-sided tape.

antique window pane photo display

I couldn’t resist creating a balloon wreath after seeing this birthday wreath at HowDoesShe? It was simple to make and turned out adorable!

diy balloon wreath 

The DIY custom water labels posted on etsy.com from RyCreationShop were just too cute to pass up.  

cookie monster custom water labels

Due to the weather, I had to create a fun game for the toddlers to play inside – what better than a cookie decorating party at a cookie party? I made sugar cookies, and bought icing, a variety of sprinkles, food color pens, etc. The kids had a blast…and had faces covered with chocolate and sprinkles to prove it.

I hung balloons from the arch in the middle of the room, which was a cost-effective way to add color to the party.

balloons

I placed a Pottery Barn lantern with photos of Jameson in the middle of the table. Stay tuned for a DIY tutorial blog post on how to make these lanterns yourself. They are cute, and also serve as a warm ambiance with the candles glowing throughout the evening.  

lantern centerpiece

The party wouldn’t be complete without the birthday boy wearing a cookie monster t-shirt from the ShockNRoll Etsy Shop.

cookie monster shirt

I’m obsessed with striped straws.  The kids loved drinking their milk from them too.

striped straws and shortbread on a stick

The menu of cookie options included homemade chocolate chip cookies, homemade oatmeal cookies, homemade shortbread cookies, oreo cookies, and ingredients to make s’mores by the fire-pit outside.

cookie bar

The kids’ goody bags, with a custom name tag made from cupcake toppers from RyCreationShop, and a custom label printed at home on my computer, contained chalk, bubbles, shortbread cookies and milk with a custom label, “Jameson’s sweet 2% milk.”  

goody bags

shortbread for goody bags

chalk for goody bags

The party was a success, and my little cookie monster loved it!

{images via tutto bella}

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04/14

about tre sorelle

jessica, jenna and jodi, three brunette sisters

We are three sisters. We have an eternal sisterly bond. We have a wardrobe multiplied by three. We are Italian and use our hands when we talk. We argue like sisters. We are honest with one another. We are supportive of one another. We look alike. We have three, very different personalities. We laugh together. We cry together. We love our family. We are best friends. We wouldn’t be the people we are today without each other.

It’s our passion for all things beautiful (tutto bella) that we created this blog. We love weddings and believe true love lasts a lifetime. We believe fine stationery sets the tone for a party. We love catching up on the latest trends in fashion, colors and decor, while remaining true to the classics. We love babies. We love good photos, cocktails and a memorable party. And we believe the details, even the smallest detail, can make all the difference.

We are thrilled to work on this blog together and create daily inspiration for you. From recipes to fashion, party and wedding eye-candy, fabulous finds and home, decor and craft projects – we hope to become a go-to place for you and your friends.

with love,
jessica, jenna and jodi

jessica, the oldest sister
I’m a stay-at-home mom of three kids with no spare time on my
hands…that loves to plan a good party. I obsess over every party
detail and love it even more when it’s a do-it-yourself (diy) detail.
My background is in public relations, but after planning  my own
wedding in 2007, I found my passion for all things weddings, parties
and fabulous finds. My mind is always in the ‘creative mode’ for a new
and insanely adorable party theme or detail. I’m in love with my sweet
and supportive hubby (my high school sweetheart), my family and
friends that enrich my life and my 3 children who I adore and have shown
me how much my heart can love. I am blessed in more ways I could have
ever imagined.

The other little things in my life that make me smile include…the beautiful country of Italy. A good glass of red vino.  A good book about nutrition. Being with my children all day and watching them interact and discover new things. Shopping and more shopping. Catching up on the latest Hollywood gossip and fashion. Watching Oprah on my TiVo. Chocolate cake, or let’s be honest, anything made with chocolate. Details, details, details. And of course, a fabulous party.

jenna, the middle sister
I love all things artistic and old-fashioned. I am an “old soul”, who appreciates family heir looms and vintage style. My favorite movies are all in black and white because I believe that the classics never go out of style. I love fashion and often find myself sketching drawings out of Vogue and W magazines. As a true accessory girl, fabulous shoes and purses define me! I stick to the motto of quality, not quantity – and am very much known as an “A personality” perfectionist. I believe that beauty is in the details. I love reading books and writing, even though I depend on my touch phone to stay in the loop. I was fortunate to study Art History in Florence, Italy– the greatest city in the world – a place that taught me about myself and taught me to always follow my passions in life. I believe in three ingredients vital in getting through the day – coffee, chocolate and wine … and three ingredients to a full, happy life – family, friends, and faith. I am an independent, career woman and own my own business – a small boutique for custom invitations, gifts, and of course … accessories! I enjoy life with my handsome, wonderful husband, and 3 amazing boys, along with my sweet golden retriever Lucia Florence.

jodi, the youngest sister
I am the youngest of the three girls. I have an outgoing, energetic and fun personality. I enjoy being around people and I embrace my role as the comic relief in our family. I consider myself easy-going, but I’m not afraid to say what’s on my mind. My greatest strength is my communication skills – I love to talk! As a former Division 1 collegiate tennis player, I am extremely competitive and I enjoy being active. I love trying new things to get into shape; my latest is yoga – Namaste 🙂 I am a country girl at heart and will listen to Keith Urban anytime, anywhere. I love to sing in the car to calm my frustration caused by bad drivers. My background is in Communication and Media Studies. I’m definitely a talker {just ask my hubby!}. I survived a divorce from hell, and I am a single mother to 2 wonderful children. I’m addicted to wedding blogs, sites, dresses and fun décor ideas. Instagram and SnapChat browsing is daily habit – I love catching up with people, browsing profiles, and most of all, checking out all the posted pictures. Being Sicilian and having studied in Florence, I have a weakness for anything Italian – vino, pasta, cappuccino, gelato – you name it. I love it all!My guilty pleasures are Say Yes to the Dress, E! News, The Real Housewives, Sex and the City and Revenge.

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