Pretty In Pink

Last weekend my mom and sister co-hosted a bridal shower for one of my sister's longest and dearest friends. They have been friends for years and years. When it came to selecting a theme for the shower it was a no brainer...PINK. It's the bride's favorite color, as well as the color scheme for the wedding.

They rented linens from Choice Linens. When they heard about the theme, the owner quickly went into the back and brought out a new linen that was perfect for this event. It was a crinkled silk linen in bubblegum pink! It found it's place at the party as the foundation of the buffet table.

Tulips in various shades of pink stood with graceful elegance in silver vases. Flowered tea cups gathered over four generations were stacked. Candles were lit. The stage was set.

As the guests arrived, they were served a glass of pink punch from a silver tray.

Games were enjoyed, old friends reacquainted, and delicious food was devoured.

The favorite game was writing a love poem for the bride and groom. Each person was given a lovey-dovey word like "cuddle". They were also given a not so romantic word like "garden gloves". Each guest was then asked to write a poem incorporating both words. Some were funny, some were heart felt, some were off the wall, and all were incredibly creative!

As the party wound down, guests were encouraged to fill a clear cellophane at the candy bar which was filled with pink and white sweet treats.

Oh what a fun afternoon we all had! Congratulations Katie and Mikey, we wish you all the best!

Playing With Paper

I'm always impressed at what people can create with scissors, paper, glue and a little (ok, a lot!) of patience. Brooke Meyenberg of Little Retreats is the creative force behind these darling designs. Each item is handcrafted, and each is unique. Here are a few of my favorite creations (but they are all fabulous!).

Since weddings are on my mind lately as I am getting geared up for the wedding season, I immediately saw the stylish numbers above and thought they would be perfect for table numbers at a reception. Or for this year's Annual Women's Tea (Mom, if you're reading this take notes :)).

The letter/animal cards would be so sweet in a nursery!

And don't even get me started on how adorable I think the bird cage is! The little pale yellow bird brings spring into even thee dreariest of places. Ahem...my desk! Hang them in a window, on your wall, where ever your little heart desires.

Style Without Breaking the Bank - Easter Centerpiece

(Photo courtesy of BHG)

This week's installment of "Style Without Breaking the Bank" is all about your Easter tabletop centerpiece. Easter is such a special time to gather friends and family around your table, and you don't have to spend oodles to make a statement. Every day I see more and more flower buds beginning to open signifying the start of spring. I love having fresh flowers in the house as well this time of year, but they can be expensive.

Now you may gasp at what I'm going to tell you, but carnations are a perfect flower for a bold, tight packed centerpiece. I know...gasp! When packed in a tight arrangement, carnations can actually give the appearance of garden roses for a fraction of the cost. The picture above is a perfect centerpiece for your Easter table incorporating pale pastel Easter eggs and tightly packed carnations displayed on a cake stand pedestal. Below, you'll see an elegant alternative using small paves of dusty pick carnations in silver julep cups. I hope you are inspired to grab some carnations and a few containers from around your home, and see what you can come up with!

(Photo courtesy of Chelsea Hixon featured on Totally Tabletops)

Wordless Wednesday - It's Almost Wedding Season ( I love this photographer!)

(Photo courtesy of Michele Waite)

Almost Wordless Wednesday - The Beauty of Decay

There is something strangely beautiful in old, decrypted buildings. There is history and a story. These photos by Numi Thorvarsson are of abandoned buildings in Iceland.

Grab Your Crayons and Color Your Walls

(Photo courtesy of 2jane)

Paint-by-number art is back in a whole new way. Channel your inner artist and grab your crayons, markers or paint pens. A super creative company, 2jane, has created a line of wallpaper strips that are also paint-by-number. Bold graphics can be colored in as much or as little as you like. I think these would be perfect for a kids room. How many kids would love to be told, "Go color your walls."? I know I would have loved it!

(Photo courtesy of 2jane)

Here's another creative product from 2jane. These lace decals adhere to windows giving privacy to any room while still allowing full sunlight to shine through. They could also be used on glass cabinet doors. The decals come in a variety of styles that give an elegant touch to any room. To install, simply add water and adhere.

Introducing Spring 2009

(Photo courtesy of Mr. Christian Louboutin)
Happy first day of spring! Here is a little eye candy from Christian Louboutin's spring 2009 collection