Entertain Me

Gardens in May burst with magnificent color.  Why not take advantage of Mother Nature's handiwork and host a garden party this Memorial Day weekend.  Take a break from the traditional, yet always fun, pool party and dazzle your friends and family with a whimsical backyard soiree.  Create a menu using fresh produce from your local farmer's market for a dinner as beautiful as your surroundings.

images via:  Shatterboxx, Vinum Vine, Style Me Pretty

1.  Lilly Pulitzer Aleesa Dress  2. Spearmint Bib Necklace  3. Tory Burch Drea Wood Wedge Sandal  4. Lotus Dinner Plate  5. Tulip Salad Plate  6. Madeline Weinrib Pink Chevron Napkin  7. Gold Flatware  8. Bali Glassware  9. MAC Girl About Town Lipstick  10. Russell Woodard Outdoor Sofa  11. Verona Hurricane  12. Missoni Home Bouquet Outdoor Pillow

Monster Birthday Party

The planning for Cade's first birthday party started months ago as I scoured Pinterest for the latest party inspiration.  I came across this sweet invitation created by Imprintables and it was love at first sight.  And so I began the process of designing the paper products for the party.  What a challenging and fun process it was.  I admire how creative and talented graphic designers have to be!  During the creating of the printables I was able refine the theme of the party.  I wanted to do a softer monster theme with graphic elements, thus the shades of blue and green as well as the chevron pattern that runs through the party. 

It rained all day, the day of the party so I was thankful that I planned a simple lunch.  Little guests enjoyed a boxed lunch complete with a sandwich, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies, applesauce and apple juice followed by monster cupcakes and cake pops.  The lunches were served in berry boxes tied with coordinating twine, which worked perfectly into the design scheme.  I purchased the berry boxes and other paper goods were purchased from Sweet Lulu.  The adults dined on chicken salad croissants and turkey pesto sandwiches, sweet onion potato chips, smoked gouda pasta salad and a mixed berry salad.  The littlest guests went home with custom chevron bibs made by Baby Chunk Monk and the older kids took home Sandra Boyton's book, Birthday Monsters, a new favorite in our house.

Of course a birthday wouldn't be complete with a few DIY elements.  I custom made two Geronimo style balloons for the party as well as the eclectic chandelier over the lunch spread.  I had been swooning over these little bundles of balloon happiness for months and was thrilled to discover how easy they were to create.  There are a few tutorials out there and I would suggest using a variety of materials for visual interest.  Just make sure not to weigh down the balloon too much!  I used ribbon, pom garlands, DIY ruffled crepe paper garlands, fringed paper garlands, tissue pops (re-used from Vivi's 2nd birthday), as well as a few other materials.  I just love these balloons! 

Sources:

Sweets:  The Good Samaritan Cupcakery

Party Supplies:  Sweet Lulu

Custom Bibs:  Baby Chunk Monk

Books:  Diapers.com

Printables:  Designed by me!

Monster Birthday Party

Last weekend we celebrated my little man's birthday with a monster mash birthday bash.  I have been pinning ideas for months and narrowing it down to my favorites.  Here is an inspiration board I put together for the occasion.  I will follow up with party pictures, so stay tuned!