{Real Parties} A Homemade Baptism Celebration

This sweet Baptism celebration is full of homemade details that can easily be recreated! {Look for the how-to on the adorable wreath at the end of the post!} Another plus is that the party hostess, Allison, did not have to spend a lot of money!

The pennant banner was made by using different ribbons. Bunting like this is so cute and in my opinion, gives any party a heartfelt vibe.

A sign in page at the door was set out for guests to leave wishes for baby Isaiah.

The Baptism took place on Mother's Day weekend. To honor the other mother's present, Allison made simple arrangements and placed a card on top which contained words sent to her by their children describing their mom. What a sweet idea!

Cookie favors for each guests were found at each place setting...

Ginger Lemonade was the specialty drink on hand. Fizzy lemonade with a twist!

{Tutorial} Ribbon Wreath

As told by Allison

I decided to make two front door wreaths to greet guests as they arrived. They were a cinch to make, taking about 10 minutes per wreath. I simply re-used two foam wreath forms and stripped them completely clean. Then after a quick trip to the craft store, where I picked out ribbon and scrapbook paper to match my color scheme, it was time to create!

I secured the yellow ribbon in place with a pin, and simply wrapped the entire form, securing the final piece with a hot glue gun. From there I traced the outer edge of the wreath onto my striped paper, and after cutting the circle out, attached it with small dots of fabric glue (using double-sided paper works best for this step, so the wreath is attractive from both sides if you have a glass door like I do). I chose green polka dot paper for the center of the wreath, cutting it into a small circle and folding accordion style, then attaching with a dot of hot glue. And last but not least, I thought it would be special to add the guest of honor's name...so using individual stamped letters (I highly recommend having a set, it's a lifesaver for party details), I stamped a white gift tag and taped it to the center. Easy as pie. The best part? Since I can remove the name easily, the wreaths can be personalized for any event, or even Easter.

{Christmas} Burlap Wreath

I am a sucker for burlap (have been for years!), so I was thrilled to see this burlap wreath on Better Homes & Gardens! The wreath would go so well with my home decor and I'm guessing it would look great in so many of your homes' since this look is so in right now.

This ribbon from Pottery Barn is a perfect match! The bad news is that the ribbon is no longer available online, BUT maybe it can be found in the stores?!

A second ribbon option would be this one from Ballard Designs. It comes in several different colors and is currently on sale for $6.99!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season!!!

{Real Parties}: Olivia's Christening Celebration

To celebrate the Christening and adoption finalization of their second baby girl, my friend Christine and her husband hosted the most fabulous Sunday brunch. {You may remember the gorgeous photos from the Christening celebration of their first adopted daughter}. As I have mentioned before, Christine is the owner of a chic wedding and event planning business here in Houston. So, it is no wonder that her parties are stunning.

Both of the Christening and adoption celebration invitations were amazing and designed by my talented friend, Hayley Hardcastle. Each invitation included a sentimental quote that brought tears to my eyes...

Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone, but miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute,

You didn't grow under my heart, but in it.

~ Fleur Conkling Heylinger ~

Today I kissed an angel. I knew it from the start.

The first time my angel smiled at me, I gave away my heart.

Today I kissed an angel, this angel child of mine.

Though not of my creation, my child by God's design.

Today I kissed an angel, my heart is dancing wild.

A family, by a miracle, blessed by this angel child.

~ author unknown ~

Events in Bloom created all of the decor and the amazing Leslie Gaworecki of Goodlight Photography, captured all of the lovely photos.

Sneak Peek: Olivia's Christening Celebration

Do you remember this absolutely stunning, pure girly, gorgeous Christening brunch that I shared with you not too long ago?? Well, my friend Christine was recently blessed with their second adopted daughter. To celebrate Olivia's Christening and adoption finalization, they held a Sunday brunch following church. I will share many more photos with you once they are ready, but I wanted to leave you with the sweetest words that accompanied the invitation...

Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone, but miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute,

You didn't grow under my heart, but in it.

~ Fleur Conkling Heylinger ~

life is SWEET, so eat lots of TREATS

For those of you who read my blog often, know that I have a MAJOR sweet tooth. So, please let me introduce you to my two newest obsessions!

Cake balls by Patty Cakes are heaven in a small ball. They are delicious and mouth watering! The company is based in Dallas, but you can order them online and have them shipped anywhere! Trust me, you definitely want to try these out. I have many more flavors left to try, but so far, my favorites are the strawberry and classic vanilla.

I was just introduced to Sue B Sweets yesterday at my youngest son's playgroup. Let's just say I ate poor Conrad's cookie and a few Easter bunnies after that. Sue B Sweets is located in Corpus Christi, but again, she will ship anywhere. Her prices are great as well! There is some special ingredient in these divine cookies. Amaretto maybe?? Check out her Facebook page to see her numerous designs.

Muffins & Mimosas

Invite friends and family to join you for Muffins & Mimosas! This charming party will work for a multitude of celebrations...a bridal luncheon, day of or day after wedding celebration, baby shower, birthday or even a graduation breakfast before the big event.

The party name implies what food will be served, but you can add more yummy breakfast items such as a bagels and interesting cheese spreads, assorted pastries and even an omelet or waffle station. You can serve traditional mimosas or spice things up with a make your own mimosa station. Blood Orange, Cranberry and Tangerine Mimosas are just a few of the many mimosa recipes available.

Any color palette will suit this party, but I am loving lemon yellow, marmalade orange and grey right now! Another great aspect of this party is that it can be held anywhere. An outdoor soiree in a backyard or park would be nice, but the weather does not always cooperate. You can make this party feel organic by hosting it outside or give it a more elegant vibe by having it at someone's home or even a country club.

images: tulip tablescape (theknot), fabric banner (can't remember??!), yellow heels (stylemepretty), apple flower arrangement (stylemepretty), ribbon chairs (stylemepretty), muffin basket (can't remember??!), outdoor food station (marthastewart), invitation suite (theknot)

Real Parties: A Christening & Adoption Celebration

I have a very special party to share with you. I know you will LOVE the gorgeous, girly details which will hopefully serve as inspiration. This particular event was held to celebrate the Christening and adoption finalization of a sweet baby girl whose parents went through a long journey to get her here.

Angel wings were found throughout the party since that is what they call their daughter.

As an adopted child myself, my friend's story and this party touches my heart. What a blessed little girl to be brought into this world and put into the hands of two loving and deserving parents! I feel the same way about my parents.

On the invitation, was a poem which read...

Today I kissed an angel. I knew it from the start.

The first time my angel smiled at me, I gave away my heart.

Today I kissed an angel, this angel child of mine.

Though not of my creation, my child by God's design.

Today I kissed an angel, my heart is dancing wild.

A family, by a miracle, blessed by this angel child.

~ author unknown ~

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

The photography was done by my immensely talented friend, Leslie, of Goodlight Photography.

* The party was held at The Manor House at The Houstonian Hotel.

* Events in Bloom created the gorgeous flowers and decor.

* The cake came from Who Made the Cake.

The proud mommy, Christine, coordinated our wedding and for whom I worked for. She also planned these amazing parties, here and here, for her little girl over the past few years. They just welcomed home their second baby girl!