Pottery Barn, I Just Can't Quit You

So, I completely stole that line from my friend, Hayley's, blog. But it couldn't be more true! I always say I'm finished with Pottery Barn, but each time a new catalog lands in my mailbox, I ultimately always want like 10 things. Anyone else feel this way??

Of course I am loving their new party planning features! I just came across their Mojito & Taco Party and I love the new take on the backyard fiesta.

Visit potterybarn.com to read on about how to throw this chic mojito and taco party. The website includes tips, recipes, a playlist and even a invitation which you can download.

{Real Parties} One-Hundred Acre Woods

This cute party was sent to me by Tracy who planned a One-Hundred Acre Wood party for her son's first birthday. I love the play on words and even more, I love the nostalgia of Winnie the Pooh. {Did anyone else watch Welcome to Pooh Corner? The one that was narrated by a Englishman who would start off each episode surrounded by toys in a playroom and then read from a book which would lead to the story. Takes me back! Sorry to digress...}

Tracy went all out with the details for this special party. To start, some of the food she served were "piglets" in a blanket and vegetables fresh from rabbits garden. Then, for dessert, her mom made the stunning cake and she also served beehive cupcakes and chocolate dipped brownie bites.

Games included "drop the bee in the honeypot"with bees Tracy made out of clothespins and a terracotta pot she painted to look like a honey pot. They also hunted for Eyore's tail around the house.

The hobo sack favors are too cute! The favor tag read, "1 is a One-derful age to be". Adults did not leave empty handed either. Their favor was a bag filled with Reese's Piece's and a custom topper that said, "hope you had a honey of a time".

** The favor tags, bag toppers, invitation, the happy birthday banner and a custom photo banner were all made by Stylish Celebrations on Etsy.

{Real Parties} A New York State of Mind

Toni and her husband just celebrated their 40th birthdays...they are 14 days apart! They love NY...they just got back from the city for a getaway and Toni used pictures of NY at the party that she has taken over the years.

The menu sounds delicious too! I like how she kept it simple, but gave everyone choices. Toni cooked all of the food herself too!

Toni ordered custom made favor tags from Kim at The TomKat Studio (LOVE her!). She used Kim's designs on the vases too!

A very cute cake! The cake was purchased at Costco and was decorated by a friend.

Thank you Toni for sharing this special party with us!

You can read more on Toni's blog.

{Memorial Day Weekend} Host a Pie Swap

Here is a last minute party idea for your Memorial Day celebration this weekend. Host a pie swap! Or if you already have a casual get together planned, ask each guest to bring a pie for everyone to sample. What is more American than pie?!

If you're not a baker, but want to impress your guests, William Sonoma now offers pies from Bubby's in New York! And let me tell you, they are delicious. I was a frequent customer of Bubby's when I lived in New York. Or you can order divine pies from Royer's in Roundtop, Texas or the Goode Co. which is right here in Houston.

Fellow Houston party planner, Angela from Fantasy Celebrations, put together a gorgeous patriotic tablescape last year that was showcased on HWTM. Visit Angela's Facebook album to see many pictures of the table along with lots of DIY inspiration!

Image Credits:

pies (william sonoma), patriotic tablescape (fantasy celebrations), outdoor seating (pottery barn), rasberry tart on white cake plate (pottery barn)

Vintage Train Party Idea

Yesterday we went to the Houston Zoo and then rode the train around Herman Park. The boys had a blast! Of course that got me to thinking about possibly having a train party for one of them next year. I remember seeing this vintage train party from Joyful Weddings & Events. I love her take on the theme...

I love the kid tables! Courtney made the striped runners and then added a retro toy train as a centerpiece on one table and old train prints on the other. Both tables had vintage children's train books which she purchased on Etsy.

I really like the trunk Courtney found to place the silverware and plates in!

The drink station with classic sodas along with milk on old fashioned bottles.

Courtney made the Happy Birthday banner at the last minute. She said she is so glad she did because it completed the space. I agree! It looks great!

At each place setting was a knapsack party favor that included a conductor's hat, a train whistle, a wooden train and train "fare" for each child to ride the park train.

The birthday boy and his mom with a homemade cake!

You can see many more pictures here! If you are not familiar with Courtney's website and blog, Joyful Weddings & Events, you should be! She is a fantastic wedding and event planner and has been featured on many well known sites and magazines!