5.28.2012

Red, White and Blue Etiquette

via Country Living

As we take time to acknowledge Memorial Day, many of us will fly a flag to honor our country's fallen. But did you know that there is a certain protocol to follow when displaying an American flag? In fact, there are actual laws in effect to protect and honor the Red, White and Blue. 
Before you set out a flag this Memorial Day, be sure to review the flag etiquette rules. For a full list, including the Flag Code, visit USHistory.org. 

  • A flag should not be flown in inclement weather, unless it is an all-weather flag
  • The flag should not be displayed in the dark. One should display a flag from sunrise to sunset unless it will be properly illuminated during the hours of darkness 
  • Any time the flag is displayed in a place other than from a pole or staff, it should be hung flat with the blue/star portion (referred to as "the union") at the observers upper left. The same is true when it is hung from a window-- the flag should be positioned so that from the street, the union appears in the upper left hand corner 
  • When a flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the very top of the flag pole for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position 
  • A flag should never be draped across the back of things like boats, nor should it be used as a table cloth  Flag pins should be worn on the left lapel near the heart 
  • A flag should never be allowed to touch what lies beneath it (whether the ground, water or an object)

5.24.2012

Wedding Stationery Style Alert

Every soon-to-be-married couple wants to stand out when it comes to their wedding plans -- from unique venues to twists on traditions and great decor. Show your sense of style right from the start with a round save the date card (like these styles from Vera Wang) and continue your use of stylish stationery with similarly shaped wedding announcements: Round
Some of the styles are even double-sided! Click through to view each design (clockwise, from top):

Bramble Announcement -- there's a beautiful pattern on the backside!
Heavyweight Announcement -- choose from a palette of eight colors to customize!
Calendar Flat Card -- there's a calendar with the wedding date circled on the back!
Flourish Names Invitation -- the event details are printed around the outside of the design!

5.23.2012

Fruit Infused Water (look past lemon)

Whether you're hosting a pool party in the searing hot sun, or a graduation celebration complete with competitive lawn games like volleyball, the best way to quench your guests' thirst is to provide plenty of water. Instead of offering one "watered down" version, make a splash with a Hydration Station full of fruit-infused options. Simply slip a few slices of fruit into aqua and allow to chill for a few hours. Then pour over ice for a flavorful sipper that will not only satisfy parched palates, but will also make for a pretty presentation at your summer soiree.

via Pottery Barn

5.22.2012

Sweet Memorial Day Menu

Burgers, corn on the cob, lemonade and snow cones! This sweet Memorial Day picnic menu doesn't require your attention at the grill, and is sure to satisfy every guest's sweet tooth:

SweetMemDay

Snow Cone Cupcakes by Bakerella, Pink Lemonade Cupcakes by Sweet Tooth
Burger Cupcakes by Bakerella, Corn on the Cob Cupcakes via Apartment Therapy 

5.21.2012

Invitation Inspiration

InvIns

Using one of our newest party invitations by Anna Griffin for inspiration, we've gathered a few ideas for an adorable pink and green party that would be perfect for celebrating a new baby, a birthday, a bridal shower or a graduation!

5.18.2012

Strawberry Season Sweets

My cousin and her fiance will be visiting my husband and I this weekend, and today happens to be her birthday. For a special treat, I'm planning to whip up a batch of strawberry cupcakes using the famous Sprinkles Cupcakes recipe.

Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits, and luckily, they are just coming in to season. If you love these sweet red fruits, here are a few recipes that will have you running for the closest farmer's market:

StrawberrySeason

5.17.2012

Sweet Summer Rehearsal Dinner

A pretty sherbet palette is just right for a celebratory summertime rehearsal dinner. Choose decor with pink, peach and yellow tones, and opt for cocktails and desserts in the same shades. Add the finishing touches with equally sweet invitations and fashion for the bride and groom:

SherbetPalette

Tangerine Border Invitation by Vera Wang, available at FineStationery.com
Dress via ModCloth, Bracelet via J.Crew, Tie via Peirrepont Hicks
Layered Cake via MS Weddings, Cocktail via Urban Comfort
Centerpiece via MS Weddings, Washi Tape Stirrers via MS Weddings
Sherbet Candy via Sweet Pea Parties, Place Card Display via MS Weddings

5.16.2012

Memorial Day Inspiration

Memorial Day is just around the corner -- can you believe it? I feel like I long for the warm summer days all winter, but it always seem to sneak up on me! With Memorial Day on my mind, I've gathered a few inspirational images that are perfectly patriotic. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, picnic or block party, these ideas are sure to add spark to your celebration:
MemorialDay

5.15.2012

Tabletop Inspirations from Shawn Rabideau


Today we'd love to highlight a great post from Mom Trends that showcases the work of Shawn Rabideau -- founder of Shawn Rabideau Events & Design and Celebrations.com expert (one of FineStationery.com's sister brands.)

Shawn recently put together five unique tabletop looks for a variety of events, including a bridal shower (shown above), a 40th birthday celebration and a memorable 4th of July event. Using invitations from FineStationery.com for inspiration, Shawn expertly demonstrated how party planners can use found objects to creatively decorate for any event. Mom Trends attended the event, and has passed along a few great tips in their post.

We encourage you to read more about this wonderful event over at Mom Trends. Happy party planning!