A Swoon Worthy Shower

My mouth dropped a little when I first spotted this beautiful bridal shower on Divine Party Concepts (originally via Green Wedding Shoes) and you will soon see why...

Here are the party details as told by the hostesses...

The decor and vibe was feminine, airy, clean and fresh. We took sherbet colors as our main inspiration and incorporated lace, lockets, vintage milk glass vessels and cameos of Leila’s silhouette to give the shower a girly, yet sophisticated feel. Vintage white milkglass vases were filled with sherbert toned florals in shades of blush, coral and peach…floral varieties consisted of ranunculas, garden roses and parrot tulips. Pink and cream ruffled pillows accented the modern white furniture, adding a soft, feminine touch.The vibe was kinda this urban loft feel but bringing in really pretty, feminine colors and elements (lace, cameos, ruffles, etc.)

For food, we kept it light and simple with some delicious offerings from Contemporary Catering. Finger food options included a spread of assorted cheeses, breads, dates, berries and figs, Ahi Tuna Tartar, and Smoked Duck with Mascarpone and Fig Jam on Petite Bellini. Salads were also served, including a Cous Cous, Sundried Tomato and Basil creation, along with a Pear and Gorgonzola Salad and a tasty Potato salad.

The cupcake spread was incredible! Not only did they taste amazing, but were gorgeously detailed as well. Flavors included champagne mimosa, red velvet, strawberry shortcake, 24 karat ginger, vanilla bean with white chocolate shavings, Cinnamon cake with brown sugar frosting and meyer lemon with raspberry jam. The dessert backdrop was made up of over 50 strands of 6 theme colored laces and 3 theme colored satin ribbons…all shades of blush, coral, peach, apricot etc.

Throughout the planning, we wanted to incorporate a phrase or series of phrases to give the shower a unique and personal feel. At some point, someone on the planning team suggested an “L is for ____” theme and we loved it! We included phrases such as “L is for Leila”, “L is for Love”, “L is for Lewis (Leila’s soon to be married name)”, “L is for Life”, “L is for Laughter”, and “L is for Lucky” on tags attached to paper straws, enlarged in frames and in other signs throughout the shower. The labels on the mini perfume bottles guests took as favors read “L is for Lovely”. The bar even had a sign that said, “L is for Libations”.

The scent bar was set up by a friend of the bride to be and was a huge hit! Guests could create their own perfume to take home, using a combination of over twenty scents. Each guest left with their signature scent in a glass roll on bottle. I love the scent I created – and seriously such a fun activity and favor!

Seriously, can a bridal shower get any prettier?! Two of the hostesses happen to be favorites of mine in the event planning world...Carissa of JL Designs & Courtney of Joyful Weddings and Events.

{Real Parties} My Birthday Dinner

A few weeks ago, we celebrated my birthday in a special way! My parents, being the kind and generous people they are, had a private chef and a small staff come to our house and wine and dine us for the evening. I had such a wonderful time spending quality time with some of my closest friends. Of course, being the party planner that I am, I had to try and make the night as memorable as I could for our guests.

The color palette for the party came from my china which is the Queen Victoria pattern by Herend. It is bright and colorful and is filled with intricate flowers and butterflies. My talented friend, Hayley Hardcastle, designed the most gorgeous invitation which she hand wrote for each couple. My best friend, Whitney, asked Hayley to paint the door sign {shown above} as a surprise gift for me! My jaw dropped when I opened the package!

I had so much fun pulling the dinner table together! I wanted to combine modern and traditional touches which I did by using my china, silver and crystal along with modern white vases from Crate & Barrel.

One of my favorite parts of the decor were the pink napkins I purchased from World Market and had monogrammed with our initial.

As our friends sat down, they found a gift at their seat. Each lady received a butterfly frame with a picture of them and their significant other. This also helped direct them to their place.

The guys each received a monogrammed Jon Hart koozie which was wrapped in coordinating pink toile paper. I know, PINK! But I was not about to wrap their gifts in a masculine paper that took away from the table setting. Sorry guys! It's the inside that counts though, right?!

The table was filled with beautiful pink peonies and roses. I was beyond pleased with how the flowers turned out!

Hayley Hardcastle also hand wrote each menu card which served as the place card as well. Each guests name was written in a dark pink pink to give it a fun pop of color.

The guys monogrammed koozies which they found packaged in their seat.

Before we sat down for dinner, we sampled many delicious bites. My favorite had to be the tomato basil soup shots with mini grilled cheese sandwiches!

I changed the specialty drink the day before to Champagne Slushies after I saw this gorgeous photo shoot on Style Me Pretty. The drink was light and refreshing and perfect to start with. On the drink tray that the waiter passed, a card was placed near the glasses so guests could see what was being offered.

Another goodie for my friends to take home! I individually wrapped mini pies from my favorite source, Royer's Round Top Cafe. They are divine!

I tucked bamboo forks {from Garnish} which Hayley embellished with the word, Indulge, inside the ribbon.

It truly was such a memorable celebration for me and I hope my friends had a wonderful time as well. Here is a picture of me and my hubby before everyone arrived...

Ellen Johnson took all of the beautiful photographs and was such a pleasure to work with. Ellen also photographed the clothing swap that I hosted last August.

Party Sources:

* Invitations, menus, specialty drink card & hand painted door sign - Hayley Hardcastle

* Flowers - Whole Foods {Woodway/Jose}

* Pink napkins - World Market

* Gold beaded chargers - A Finer Event

* White, square vases - Crate & Barrel

* Butterfly frames - Z Gallerie

* Jon Hart kozzies - Bering's...stamped at Maidas

* Toile packages - wrapped by Bering's

* Mini pies {chocolate chip, buttermilk & pecan} - Royer's Round Top Cafe

* Bamboo forks - Garnish

* White boxes - Palmer Packaging

* Sheer, pink ribbon - Michael's

* Catering - Abuso Catering

{Inspiration Board}: Mad for Madras

I love the look of madras if it is done right. The cotton fabric serves as perfect inspiration for an outdoor summer gathering. You could even use the plaid as your July Fourth backdrop if you find the right color combination. Layer it over a burlap tablecloth and you'll have the perfect outdoor setting.

The perfect picnic setup deserves the perfect outfit as well! I love this madras shirt from J. Crew and these metallic white cuff shorts by Alice + Olivia will dress up the outfit just a bit. These suede taupe sandals from Victoria Secret complete the outfit. I actually have them in black and wear them often!

images: melamine plate {boatman gellar}, red tulip arrangement { jl designs}, bonfire & table setting {style me pretty}, madras shirt {j crew}, white shorts {shopbop}, suede sandals {victoria's secret}

{Real Parties} A Ladybug Soiree

WH Hostess and The Party Dress has done it again! Kelly put a modern twist on the classic ladybug theme by using grass green in place of the traditional black you often see.

Grass plant centerpieces were used throughout the party. I love the use of the centerpiece sticks created by WH Hostess.

A color-coordinated "bar" was set up with lime and blackberry Izze sodas as well as glasses with decorated straws for the parents and striped paper cups embellished with a ladybug sticker for the kids.

The dessert table was the main attraction. I love the green and white cabana striped cloth that was used! Custom candy jar labels and cupcake toppers completed the look of the table.

The favors were perfect and the girls adored them! Each girl received a ladybug bubble tin and a custom made bow handcrafted by Mel-Belles...who happens to be Melanie from Scout, A Mom's Guide to Stylish Living...a favorite blog of mine!

I hope you enjoyed this fresh take on a classic theme! Visit The Party Dress to read more party details!

A few party details you might be interested in...

* WH Hostess designed the adorable invitation along with the other precious paper goods - banner, centerpiece sticks, stickers, cupcake toppers, candy jar labels, favor label

* The red buckets which were used for the centerpieces were purchased at Ikea.

* All of the candy for the dessert table was bought online at Candy Warehouse, a great resource for bulk candy.

* The ladybug bubble tins were made by WH Hostess as well.

* Mel-Belles made the adorable bows.

Easter/Spring Tablescapes & Parties Contest!

Michelle from Maddycakes Muse is hosting an EGGcelent (I could not resist!) spring parties and tablescapes contest!! I know we are all ready for spring and this is the perfect event to help us get in the mood.

All 3 prizes are GENEROUS. The first place winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Etsy!!! I am so excited to be on the judges panel and be in the company of five very talented and creative ladies...Amy from Stem, Monique from Enchanted Expectations, Susan from Between Naps on the Porch, Kara from Karas Party Ideas & of course, Michelle from Maddycakes Muse.

Hop on over (I just can't stop!) to Maddycakes Muse to learn more about the fabulous prizes and how to enter. Don't delay...the contest ends on Sunday, February 28th.

{image via Country Living}