Bb is for Baby Shower (Invitations)

I can't WAIT to share the photos of the baby shower I co-hosted last month with you!  My dear friend (and insanely talented photographer) Amanda Bevington shot the scene and made everything look even prettier than it already was.  :)

While I work on putting together a massive blog post showing you all the little details(!), I thought I would share a sneak peek of the paper goods I designed for the party.  As you know the theme for this very special baby shower was "Bb is for Baby" (you've seen my inspiration board).  The color scheme consisted primarily of marigold yellow and white.  And, by mixing playful pinstripes with grown up fonts, I wanted to give guests a feeling that this was going to be an elegant party...  with a fun side.  The classic Bumble Bee served as our unofficial logo, and he appeared on everything from the invitations, to the menus... 

custom invitations, menus, and "good advice" cards for our very special mommy-to-be

Check back on Thursday to see Amanda's gorgeous photos 

and my full post on the "Bb is for BABY" baby shower!

...

Memorial Day Picnic!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!  It seems like the perfect weekend for a picnic.  Care to join me?  Let's have a virtual picnic.  I'll bring my portable red BBQ(!) and my festive navy & white stripe blanket.  We'll drink Coca Cola, grill burgers, and eat giant slices of berry pie.  Afterwards, we'll play croquet! 

You can bring the watermelon, okay?  Meet me at the park.

navy striped throw blanket -- picnic basket for 2 -- star-shaped sandwich toothpicks -- acrylic glassware -- red portable BBQ -- "eat" linen napkins -- melamine "paper" plates -- croquet set 

...

Yellow & Turquoise Tablescape

From the new issue of Lonny Magazine

styled by Lulu Powers, entertaining genius.

Three things I want to say about this spread:

1. I obviously love the yellow orchids with turquoise planters-- such an unexpected and chic centerpiece idea.
2. That orange tray (on the "Get The Look" page) is excellent.  It's from Z Gallerie and it's only $29.95.  It also comes in white, green, silver....
3. I love the idea of using printed scarves as table runners...  I've done it in the past and it works like a charm!  My favorite places to shop for cheap, colorful "table runners" (I mean, scarves) are Target, Zara, and even Old Navy (I've tried Kohls and Walmart too, but then we move into some pretty bad polyesters...  I suggest sticking with basic cotton).  I'm telling you, you'll find better prints than you will at the fabric store.  Most are less than $25.00 and they're already cut to size.

Oh, and this new issue of Lonny is SO fabulous.  Check it out when you have a chance.

...

Bb is for Baby Shower (Inspiration)

This Friday, I will be getting on a plane and flying to California.  My amazing friend of 11 years is having her first baby(!) and this Sunday is the baby shower.  Besides being purely excited to spend 3 days in my home town, visiting grandparents and seeing friends, my mind is spinning with baby shower craftiness.  I am co-hosting this sweet event with a longtime girlfriend, and for the last three months we've spent our free time discussing such important topics as cupcake flavors, floral centerpieces, and the great varieties of yellow candy on today's market. 

I couldn't be having any more fun.

I'm in charge of all baby shower decor, while my co-host (who is a culinary mastermind) is planning the menu.  We came up with the theme and color scheme together, and from there...  well, let's just say there are 58 pom poms in my carry-on luggage. 

Here's the inspiration board for this very special baby shower:

Lot's of yellow!!! Mixed with charcoal gray, aqua blue, and a bit of orange.  She's having a baby boy, so it won't be too feminine...  but, we wanted the party to have a grown up feeling.  Sophisticated with a playful edge.  Think baby corn dogs for appetizers, salt water taffy, and cupcakes for dessert.  It should be so fun.

In terms of decor, here's what I've been reviewing for the last three months...

and, we're serving Eddie Ross's "Summer Sangria" (alongside "Mommy Mimosas")...

Now, if I could just focus on work for 3 more days...

...

A few months ago, I asked you all to share your favorite party planning blogs and websites with me.  Well, you did not disappoint-- thank you for the fabulous suggestions!!!  Talk about inspiration.

Some of my favorite websites for party planning inspiration include:  Amy Atlas, Hip Hip Hooray, Shop Sweet Lulu, Sunday Suppers, Oh Happy Day, Bump Smitten, Hostess With The Mostess, Kara's Party Ideas, Sara's Party Perfect, and On To Baby. 

Did I miss any?  Please include your favorite party sites in the comments below!

...

Ready Go Banners!

You may remember that I am co-hosting a baby shower next month for my bestie in Southern California... and I am having SO MUCH FUN planning the tiny details.  One little online shop that I'm somewhat obsessed with is Ready Go.  The cake toppers, cupcake toppers, and graphic banners are SO PERFECT for birthday parties, bridal showers, weddings...  or in my case, baby showers:

(perfect for a wedding, yes.  but, wouldn't this banner be a cute way to announce the baby's name?)

so cute!

(also, I love this ruffled cupcake liner.  I found a similar one HERE, and you can also buy them at Michaels)

and, Ready Go has some darling "To & From" gift tags.

Visit the Ready Go shop HERE.

Happy Tuesday!

...

Looking For Party Planning Inspiration...

I need some party planning inspiration!  I'm planning a baby shower for my bestie and I've been scouring the internet for great inspiration.  So far, I've pulled some great images and I'm so excited to move forward...  but I thought I would ask you guys: do you know of some good blogs for party planning inspiration?

I love anything that Amy Atlas comes up with, and I'm obsessed with Hip Hip Hooray!  I loooooove Jordan Ferney's blog Oh Happy Day (do you read her blog? Aren't you loving her posts as a new resident in Paris?).  But, are there others that I'm not aware of?  Please share your favorite blogs for party planning!!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

...

Thanksgiving Recipes From Sweet Paul!

Are you looking for great Thanksgiving recipes?  Check out the Thanksgiving suggestions from Sweet Paul Magazine:

maple & apricot roasted turkey

mashed potatoes with crispy parmesan (yum!!)

cheddar & chives cupcake

olive bread & mushroom stuffing

chocolate pudding cake

amaretto truffles

Need I say more?  These recipes look completely delicious!

Apparently, this is ISSUE 3 of Sweet Paul Magazine!  And, I've only just discovered it! 

To read more (and get the recipes) visit the Sweet Paul website HERE.

...

Bag Your Booze

My husband and I have a favorite local sushi restaurant that we love to visit on a regular basis.  The food is wonderful and what's even better?  It's BYOB.  Thank you!  So, it got me thinking about stylish wine totes.  I can't bring my wine to the table in a brown grocery bag, can I?  I need something better.
So, here are my top picks for wine bottle tote bags (and, if you're bringing wine to a holiday party? these bags would make a fun gift too)

Wine Snob 4-pack from Saucy Sacks

Party Starter 4-pack from Saucy Sacks

These Brunello bags from PicnicTrip.com come in a variety of great colors...  plus, they insulate! 

(perfect for that Chardonnay!)

Bring It In A Bag has some great options

(single bags and double bags)

solid colors and stripes

this Fishnet Tote from the MOMA store holds a 750 ml bottle but will expand to 1 liter. Nice.

A cute little bag made of padded burlap with a ticking stripe handle!  It looks like a clutch!

available at South House Boutique

This faux leather "Magnum Milano" tote carries two bottles!

(and I like the white stitching)

I love this Philly tote from MapTote!  Represent your city!

(they also make totes for Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Napa Valley, Manhattan, and Tuscany)

I think the Brunello bag (in pink? or black?) might be the best choice for me.  But, the sarcastic bags from Saucy Sacks would be great for giving holiday gifts this season, wouldn't they?

...

Party At Kevin Sharkey's!

Since I just posted the pictures from Kevin Sharkey's fabulous apartment renovation, why not review the party pictures from his Housewarming Party! 

There are PLENTY of excellent entertaining ideas here!  Let's steal a few for your next party...

Kevin filled the long entry hall with simple helium-filled balloons-- the only party decor he brought into the space! I love how something so simple can bring such a big impact. Kevin said, "It felt like confetti was continuously floating above us."

Guests were served caviar and toast, and "dirty deviled eggs" (made with chopped olives).  The silver serving ware makes for a classic presentation.  This look never gets old with me.

Kevin's bathtub was filled with ice and served as a giant Champagne chiller!  What a great idea for small apartment dwellers!

(a helpful tip from Kevin: first fill the tub with bubble wrap, and use less ice!)

The adjacent shower was used to display Kevin's massive collection of Hermes boxes!

A sophisticated martini bar was set up on Kevin's dining room bar cart...  and, the lower shelf holds ping pong supplies!

Kevin turned his dining room table into a ping-pong table!  Guests were given bright orange paddles and encouraged to play...

They kept score on the dining room mirror...

with Chanel lipstick, no less!

Lipstick was used on other mirrors throughout the house too!  I LOVE this idea, you guys!!!  Of course, I might use a cheaper drug store brand, but you get the idea. 

Dessert included an OREO Cookie "Cake", served with glasses of milk!

(Kevin will teach you how to easily stack this thing HERE)


What a great party!  To read more about it, visit the link HERE.

...

"Flattering light, good music, and of course Champagne and caviar make for a great party." 

-- Kevin Sharkey

(I agree.)

...