Reader Request: Classic Peach & Champagne

Bridget requested some inspiration for a classic garden wedding in peach and champagne. What a gorgeous palette for a spring wedding! Here is the board I created to capture that idea.

I think that ivory pairs well with this color combination, and I just loved the four tier ivory cake embellished with peach roses. The wedding is to take place in a garden, so I imagined a delicate arch with flower bunches for the ceremony with rose petals and hurricane vases filled with floating candles lining the aisle.

For the reception, I imagined this lovely dinner setup of soft fabric, gold places settings, and... more peach roses! For their classic wedding, you really can't go wrong with roses. This would truly make for a warm, feminine, and timeless celebration.


And speaking of celebration, a Happy Groundhog's Day to all! I know I will celebrate this evening with one of my favorite movies. ;) Maybe you could celebrate by making some of these adorably creative cupcakes spotted on The Finer Things.

{Real Party} Pucker Up Lemon Party

Here's a little sunshine to brighten your cold, November day! I love the fresh details and lemony colors (and flavors) of this Pucker Up Lemon Party from The Rowdy Stroudy's. This girls' get-together used lots of secondhand items for decor like yellow floral sheets for the tablecloth and re-purposed pillow cases for napkins!

See more photos on Carrie's blog here.

Doesn't this just make you long for summer again?

{REAL PARTY} Pink Lemonade Birthday Party

This party is an absolutely adorable 1st birthday featured on Eat Drink Pretty that I just had to share! As if the birthday girl weren't precious enough, these details are amazing, and I just love how it's a fun twist on a girly pink party!

The invitations. Pam used the paper lemon slice as labels throughout the party.

This homemade fabric party hat is amazing! Thankfully, she only had to make one.

Yes! She made this cake herself, fondant lemons and all!

The lemonade station with fresh fruit add-ins.

Yes! Pam made and hand-painted this lemonade stand too!

What a memorable way to celebrate a memorable birthday!

Check out Pam's blog for more details by the host and party designer herself!

{REAL PARTIES} Peaches and Cream Party

Today's real party is a sweet peach birthday featured on Kara's Party Ideas which really has Peach Pizzazz! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) Thanks again to this feature for inspiration for my Peaches and Cream Baby Shower!

All of the details were hand-made, including the sign and custom invitations:

When combined with leaves, these paper lanterns became peach bunches hanging from the tent ceiling. How clever! She also made fabric bunting to hang all over the party with a variety of peach fabrics for a real country feel.

Sweets included: fruit arrangements, peach cake pops, cupcakes, peach candy necklaces, and...

....peach ice cream!

Table setting with hand-made runners, and wheat grass centerpiece with raffia flowers.

This party was held on a farm, and included, of course, peach picking!

Guests took home their fresh picks in adorable, fabric-covered bushel favors.

For more photos and party details, go here.

What a fun and unique theme for an outdoor party!

{REAL PARTIES}: Alice in Wonderland Tea Party

I've seen this party featured several places and I can't get over the fun, fantasy, and whimsical details! Perfect for an outdoor party, this event could be adapted for adults or left as is for a very special birthday! This Alice in Wonderland Tea Party was beautifully captured by Jessica Claire Photography.

The party setup. The multi-colored paper lanterns in various sizes really sets the stage.

This party was actually a triple birthday party for three little girls and each had a special "throne" decorated for her.

The birthday guests used real teacups and saucers and also got to make their very own fairy wands!

Giant flower garden and pony.

Drinks and treats with "eat me" and "drink me" labels.

One of the little party guests exploring the giant flower garden.

The full tablescape. Love the lollipop-flower arrangement as a centerpiece! The party also featured face-painting by Alice herself as well as a petting zoo (with rabbits of course)!

One of the birthday girls. I imagine this party was a big hit! Be sure to check out Jessica Claire Photography for more fabulous photos!

French Country Mother's Day Brunch

This inspiration is a nod to my Lovely Lavender Post, and, admittedly, I'm a little crazy about lavender this time of year. But what mother wouldn't love a pretty (and unique!) Provincial brunch to honor her on her day? Inspired by beautiful Southern France, this brunch offers natural elements and french flair!

lilac arrangement that inspired me.

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Sources: french country kitchen, toile, crepe quiche lorraine, lavender sachets, wildflower arrangement, card, chalkboard sign, rustic pitchers, herb place setting

I love the tiered, fresh lilacs courtesy of Martha Stewart, but I love just as much the rustic feel of the wildflower and sunflower arrangement in the metal pail, (which could just as easily be created with silk flowers or arranged in a china teapot, pitcher, or glass mason jar. The more casual the look, the better!)
The combination of checkered patterns and toile, especially in blue or yellow hues, and particularly when paired together, is classically french-country and a fabric in either style would be perfect as a tablecloth or napkin.

A unique place setting idea or simply an addition to a stylish breakfast tray would be some dried lavender or even a sprig of fresh rosemary tucked into the napkin. Voila! Instant French Country style! (Not to mention very aromatic!)
The chalkboard sign is just adorable, especially when printed with "bon appetit!", your brunch menu or maybe "merci!" to a special mother. Yours doesn't have to be framed, chalkboard paint can transform any surface you choose to write on for a very reasonable price. Try this one.

And what about brunch? When thinking French Country, my first thought was crepes or quiche and I couldn't decide which was better, so I figured why not both? This recipe for Crepe Quiche Lorraine from the Food Network is sure to out-do the yearly pancakes!

As for last-minute gift ideas, why not give the gift of relaxation! A simple aromatherapy candle, soap, or spa item - especially in French lilac or lavender scent - would certainly be a welcome treat for a giving mother.

Lavender Vanilla bath soak

Or make your own! Check out this easy DIY drawer sachet courtesy of Country Living.

No time to send a gift? This free, customizable video is a great way to send thanks - and a little humor - to the mom in your life. Thanks to Robyn of Mix Mingle Glow for the idea!

Happy Mother's Day to all! Bonne Fête!

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Last-minute entertaining ideas for your Mexican Fiesta!

photo: Southern Living

Martha Stewart offers easy tutorials for traditional paper decor like this fringed invitation and tissue paper banner.

I love how easy and inexpensive this idea is. A little tissue paper goes a long way on color and style! You can also find instructions for DIY craft-punch paper flags here from Style Me Pretty.

I might just have to try these punched tin napkin holders! A great accessory you can keep for future fiestas!

It wouldn't be Cinco de Mayo without some great Mexican recipes courtesy of the Food Network! The Mexican brownies are made using boxed brownies mixed with cinnamon and ground chipotle pepper! I can't wait to try some of these out!

Sources:Bobby Flay's Fish Tacos, Paula Deen's Chicken Empanadas,
Mexican Brownies, Corn Muffin Churros

Happy May Day!

I've always wanted to throw a party for this lovely celebration of spring! I love the bright colors and sweet details in the flowers and ribbons.

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Details:

I'm crazy about this adorable, practical way to include a maypole into your party!

This is such a great centerpiece idea, and not just for May Day - baby shower, birthday party, eSources: maypole cake, flower crown, pennant banner, may day flower basket, ribbon embellishments, pink plaid watering can centerpiece, butterfly paper lanterns, maypole, flower cupcakes.