Summer Sunflowers

I love sunflowers and even considered using them in my own late-summer wedding! I love the rustic feel and warmth they add, but it can be tricky to use as a theme because one can easily get carried away with "sunflower everything". For an elegant twist, I love the combination of sunflowers with black and white in different prints, but as always sunflowers are also beautiful when used in casual, country feel. Today I'm focusing on formal designs with sunflowers.

Check out this gorgeous sunflower and damask table decor from Project Wedding!

Or this elegant inspiration with sunflowers and black and white stripes by WH Hostess at The Party Dress

I love what Chrissy at The Perfect Palette created using yellow sunflowers and navy as an accent color!

And for real warmth, check out this Under the Tuscan Bridal Shower featured on Hostess with the Mostess, and originally designed by A Stunning Affair. So elegant - not to mention another film-themed event. :)

Stay tuned for real rustic sunflower inspiration!

{REAL PARTY} Pink and Gray Dessert Table

This real party is a stunningly elegant and beautiful dessert table designed by Jenna at Eat Drink Pretty for its one year "blogiversary"- Amazing! The images say it all!

She matched the party to her blog's design using the colors gray and pink and the chandelier from her logo.

Obviously, a real chandelier was necessary.

I love the simplicity of the pink flowers resting in glass jars.

The colors and design were used all the way down to the individual desserts and labels!



Gorgeous cupcakes. She even included recipes for her desserts in her original post!

Now to start planning my one year blogiversary...

Princess Bride-al Shower

I'm a sucker for movie-themed parties, not to mention it's where I got my start in party-planning. I love how you can interpret aspects of a film into a party design! And since there are almost endless films to act as inspiration, it's a never-ending challenge! One example that has been on my mind for awhile is a Bridal Shower based on The Princess Bride, (Princess Bride-al Shower?) Maybe it's the bride's favorite movie, or maybe you just want to interpret this cult-classic love story into a fun theme - I've got the ideas right here!

The Princess Bride

The film has some great comedic moments, but the chief storyline is that of the love story. Focusing on the elegant, romantic aspects of the film, be prepared for lots of royal details!

Sources: chandelier, The Princess Bride, blue cupcakes,
medieval hall, white horses, black mask, blue damask invitation,
Reese's - I'll explain my idea for these below, crown votives,
blue damask, candelabra, tiara cake topper

A special venue could really make this event, but if a castle banquet hall or other historic
setting isn't available, (understandable) recreate the medieval look with candelabras or
wrought-iron candle holders. As many pillar or taper candles as possible, the better!
Another idea is to use fabric to create a small pennant or full-length banner using medieval coats-of-arms and patterns.

I have always loved Princess Buttercup's blue lace dress she wears later in the film as a Princess, and I thought it would be so pretty to replicate that in blue damask:

Damask invitation

Damask cupcake wrapper

Other ideas:

I love these tiara tea lights!

Black mask place setting

The black fabric masks could be really cool as napkin rings or on place settings as featured above. No need for fancy store-bought masks, black felt or cotton with eyes cut out would probably look more realistic anyway.

How cool are these sword food picks?

Reese's Cupcakes via Bakerella become Princess Buttercup's Cupcakes! (Buttercup-cakes?...too much?)

For table settings, use goblets and fancy dinnerware with gold chargers. A real must to include is favorite quotes from the film featured throughout the party in fancy frames or propped up on folded card stock:

"That day she was amazed to discover that when he was saying "as you wish,"
what he meant was "I love you." And even more amazing was the day she
realized she truly loved him back."

"This is true love - you think this happens every day?"

"I will never doubt again"
"There will never be a need."

"Wesley and I are joined by the bonds of love, and you cannot track that,
not with a thousand bloodhounds. And you cannot break it, not with a
thousand swords."

"Move? You're alive. If you want I can fly."

"Since the invention of the kiss, there have been five kisses rated the most passionate, the
most pure. This one left them all behind."

What a fun way to send off the bride-to-be for her
Happily Ever After!