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Monday, June 30, 2008
Invitations are often the first thing that get decided for a party. They generally set the tone for the celebration...whether to convey a mood (think dressy casual supper), define a theme (like the dog days of summer) or establish a color palette. That's why they can be one of the most exciting (and stressful) parts of party-planning!
Labels: dog days of summer, invitations, party planning
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The hottest and muggiest part of the summer season is almost upon us! It's a perfect time of year to throw a dog days of summer party. A couple of years ago, I threw one for my yellow and black labs' birthdays. Really, it was just a good excuse for a party, but it was fun to make bone-shaped cookies, have their 'friends' over, and take some cute pictures of them.
Labels: dog days of summer, summer party
Two things I love are:
1) finding something on SALE
Labels: outdoor party, party decor, pavilion veranda, pool party
Friday, June 27, 2008
Being that I am a self-proclaimed paper junkie, I am always looking for seasonally appropriate paper goodies. A couple of my favorites for summer to send you off for the weekend!
Labels: inspiration, summer paper, summer party
During the summer months I always go the grocery store with a cooler in tow. The last thing I want to give my guests (or myself) is spoiled meat! I picked up this cute red cooler from Cynthia Rowley's 'Whim' collection for Target in May. It is large enough to stash most of my perishable foods, and small enough to keep in my car all the time. The friendly guys in the seafood department always give me a bag of ice, which makes it sooo easy. I can still head to the gym across the street from the grocery store for a brief workout and get back home with my food safely cooled. Now if I can just remember my cloth shopping bags, I'll have the whole system down pat!
Labels: summer food safety
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Invite- check! Food- check! Decor- check! Music...uhhhh...
Labels: party tunes, summer inspiration, summer parties
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Just yesterday my husband noted that I've fixed all tomato-based meals this past week: gazpacho, pasta with spinach and tomatoes, tomatoes and mozzarella... the list goes on. While tomatoes are piling up at grocery stores across the nation in the midst of the 2008 tomato scare, I'm one of the few loading them into my cart. I don't know whether I feel bad for the tomato farmers or I'm simply getting that summer hankering for really good, ripe tomatoes; but nonetheless, I've thrown caution to the wind and am devouring them every chance I get! I'm not completely foolhardy– I am staying away from the ones the FDA has warned against, but I simply can't turn my back on tomatoes altogether. If you (and your guests), like to live dangerously as well, then perhaps you'll enjoy the gazpacho recipe below, taken from Ina Garten's first cookbook, The Barefoot Contessa.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Of course, attire must be planned in advance for a great summer fête! Pictured above are some summer-inspired favorites. Menswear halter, Roma wedges and Strawberry dress for the ladies, by Anthropologie. July and Pinecone tie for the men in your life by Lena Corwin (these would be fabulous paired with a light-colored linen suit and a checked or striped dress shirt... or even better, seersuckers!). Lastly, some amazing vintage children's outfits from Melodie Adam's Etsy store. I don't usually like John-John's for boys, but this one is pretty irresistible! There are lots of cute one-of-a-kind summer finds to be had at Melodie's shop: www.pinkcupcakevintage.etsy.com.
Labels: outfits, party attire, strawberry, summer parties
Monday, June 23, 2008
The heat and humidity have finally settled in here in Nashville. Summer has officially arrived! Of course, you wouldn't know it if you've been into any stores lately...they've already started to move on to fall merchandise. It's such a shame that retail moves so far ahead of the rest of us! Of course NOW is the time I want to go find a pretty summer dress and buy white-finish furnishings, but c'est la vie. For now, I'm choosing to bask in the present moment, and hoping to have a summer soirée very soon.
Labels: inspiration, summer parties
Friday, June 20, 2008
There is something so magical about vintage children's book illustrations. They tend to speak to my nostalgic idea of what childhood is or should be.
Labels: books, cards, etsy, vintage children's book illustrations
Thursday, June 19, 2008
I started photographing the gifts I've received from my friend Gen, long ago. The one above was taken in June of 2005.
Labels: books, gen, genifer goodman sohr, party gift ideas
I am starting to notice that I tend toward weekly 'themes.' Last week, it was cupcakes, this week, books. While I can't promise I will always stick within thematic parameters, it seems in line with the way my brain works...so for now I will go with it!
Labels: bookplates, books, party gift ideas
Labels: books, party gifts
Friday, June 13, 2008
I actually started drooling when I saw the amazing creations of 'hello naomi' on flikr. Not only are the cupcakes and cookies little works of art in and of themselves, the backgrounds elevate them to a higher level of brilliance! I think she has a future as a food stylist. Unfortunately, Naomi hails from Austrailia, so those of us in the States will just have to admire them from afar. Next week, I promise to move on from my cupcake obsession, but these photos seemed the perfect way to send you off for the weekend. For more photos of Naomi's amazing delights, go to www.flickr.com/photos/hello_naomi/collections/72157602788113356
Labels: cookies, cupcakes, dessert, party food
Thursday, June 12, 2008
for cupcakes! I can't get my mind off that giant cupcake from yesterday's post. In search of all things cupcake, I came across these paper-based beauties. Not quite as great as the real thing, but a close 2nd. From top: Snow & Graham cupcake wrapping paper, Hicks Paper Goods' cupcake buffet invitation, Sprinkles cupcake invitation, and Boatman Geller enclosure card
Labels: invitations, party paper, wrapping paper