Reader Request: 1st Anniversary Party

One of our readers, Aarika wrote in requesting an inspiration board for her 1st anniversary party:

"My hubby and I are celebrating our 1st Wedding Anniversary at our home and I need inspiration. The party will be dressy casual with a sundresses and slacks type feel. I will be wearing an all white sundress and my hubby will wear a gray suit with light grey shirt and no tie. So as far as colors, I know it will be gray and white because of what we are wearing, but I need an accent color. I was thinking red because the colors in our home are mainly black, white and red.

Some of the things that I would like to implement overall would be a handwritten invitation and a candy buffet. I also like the idea of white candles and white carnations. One other detail is that the rooms that I plan to use for entertaining are painted white and they have little to no furniture.

Any ideas????"

From your e-mail, it sounds as if your home has a modern, simplistic feel. Because your entertaining spaces have bright white walls, I thought it appropriate to use mostly red decor as a way to add some festive color to your space. Red looks great with gray, and very cheery when paired with white.



Since you prefer a handwritten invitation, I recommend using one of your own personal note cards. This one designed by Boatman Geller has an airy, summery feel (which is important since red is usually associated with the Holiday season) -- FineStationery.com

I love the contrast of this table setting's bright white plates and table cloth paired with red floral arrangements and candles. You mention that you prefer white carnations, and so you may want to reverse this look by using a red table cloth and white flowers for the arrangements. -- Moving Designz

Learn to make this carnation wreath and hang it from your front door or on a wall in your dining area -- Martha Stewart

The organza in this headband is reminiscent of your bridal days, and would go perfectly with a white sundress -- Forever21

Use these personalized candy bars for favors or incorporate them in to your candy buffet. You can add your names or simply use a phrase such as "Love is Sweet" -- FineStationery.com

This cardinal cocktail fits the color theme and the blackberry garnish adds a simple way to tie in your black furnishings -- About.com

Finally, this candy buffet is ultra stylish with its ribbons of different textures and patterns. Be sure to use glass containers in unique sizes and shapes. I've found that Marshall's Homestore is a great place for to find these containers -- Hostess with the Mostess via Jo Gartin's Weddings

A Dapper Derby Party

An event full of mingling, pageantry and thoroughbreds, the Kentucky Derby is one of the few sporting events that is as stylish as it is suspenseful. Whether you're hosting an infield party, simply making an appearance or having a viewing event in your own home, the following must-have items will help put your party in the winner's circle.

• An elegant, yet eye-catching derby hat -- The Derby Store

• Blue floral print dress -- Ann Taylor

• Horse shoe & silks handbag -- Sarah Marr

• Aluminum derby chip & dip tray -- The Derby Store

• Trophy cup ice bucket -- Jaf Gifts

• Jockey Silks invitation by Odd Balls -- FineStationery

• Serve the original mint julep recipe by Henry Clay -- Rooster Talk

Henry Clay's Mint Julep

2 oz Makers Mark Bourbon

1tsp Sugar

Branch water/ Soda Water

8 to 10 Mint leaves

Crushed ice



Place mint leaves, sugar and a small measure of bourbon in a glass.

Muddle with spoon. Half fill the glass with ice and gentle agitate the mixture.

Fill with remaining ice, add rest of bourbon and top off with soda water.

Garnish with fresh sprig of mint and a twist of lemon. Gently dust with sugar.

Graduation Party: It's Elementary!

Celebrate your child's graduation from high school with a school-themed party that will earn you an A+ for creativity.

• Photo announcements like this one from Styleart allow you to share several of your child's senior pictures with friends and family -- FineStationery.com

• Stack books under a flower arrangement for a unique centerpiece and use black paper and chalk as a table covering complete with seating assignments -- Martha Stewart

• Bake a cake in the shape of lockers -- Wilton.com

• If your grad has selected a university, order vintage-styled, felt pennants to showcase your school pride -- CollegeShade.com

• Finally, invite guests to your party with this graduation cap invitation by Checkerboard (it has a real tassel!) -- FineStationery.com

Momma Mondays: Lockets

A locket is a timeless, elegant gift perfect for Mother's Day. What other adornment allows you to carry a photo of your little one with such style and grace? Here is a selection of lovely lockets available for purchase from around the Web:















Simple silver oval locket by Tiffany & Co.























Golden octagon locket by etsy seller vintagerehab.
























Envelope locket by etsy seller bombalurina.





























Blue butterfly locket by etsy seller MStevensonDesigns.

A Patriotic Picnic

This Memorial Day, gather friends and family for a patriotic picnic in honor of those who have served our great nation. Note that not all of your decor needs to be of stars and stripes. Use different patterns within the red, white and blue color scheme to give your party a fresh and fun look.

• Invitation by SanLori Designs, polka-dot plate and stars/stripes napkin by Caspari -- FineStationery.com

• Pinwheel craft and flag runner picnic table -- Martha Stewart

• Patriotic currant parfait -- Country Living

Field of Dreams

When Kevin Costner married his beautiful bride in a rustic lakeside setting, tabloids and media outlets were all over the story like wildfire. While Mr. Costner certainly warrants the coverage on his own, I believe it was the utter beauty of the photos that captured the media's attention. The bride's ultra-formal gown was such a contrast to the rustic backdrop of mountains and woodlands and that it helped to create a really enchanting effect.


To recreate the look, discuss possible photo shoot locations with your photographer. If you do not live near a mountain or a lake, a simple field may do. These lovely images from
Photography by Leah depict the dream-like quality of photos taken in a horse pasture at twilight.



Originally uploaded by photographybyleah




**Wedding photo from Kevin Costner Friendster Fan Page.




Originally uploaded by photographybyleah

Happy Earth Day!

A couple of years ago I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Alaska. What an incredible adventure it was! The scenery there, with all of its natural beauty, is simply breathtaking. Since it's Earth Day, I thought you might enjoy seeing a few snapshots from our trip.

Every time I look at these pictures, I am reminded of our responsibility to take care of the environment. FineStationery.com offers many recycled and eco-friendly items-- read more about the green brands that we carry at the bottom of this post.






















This is a photo taken at Glacier Bay-- the formation in the background of the photo (in the center) is actually a glacier moving down between two mountains.



















Kayaks before an adventure out on the water.

















Unexplored landscapes.

Grey's Greetings: Each Grey’s Greetings card is printed on 100% recycled paper and only vegetable based inks are used at a FSC Certified printer.

Crane & Co: Crane’s papers, made exclusively from cotton, have an elegant finish and substantial feel that adds sophistication to their products. Unlike the wood pulp that is used to make ordinary papers, cotton’s strong, naturally soft fibers intertwine securely to add beauty, texture, and durability to the paper.

Hoot Studios: Printed on 100% post-consumer waste paper with eco-friendly inks, Hoot offers great, fashion-forward designs with a smaller footprint.

Smudge Ink: Offers stylish totes that are re-usable-- an eco-friendly way to carry your groceries, yoga gear or children’s necessities.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Looking for a unique mother's day present for your mother or a close friend? Try one of these personalized gifts:




Perfect for a new mother, this custom canvas captures a child's unique silhouette, which is created by an artisan using a photo you submit. Whether displayed in the foyer, an office or the nursery, this timeless piece is sure to be treasured for years to come.















For a truly personal gift, present her with a sophisticated stationery suite bearing her name. This note card by Lilly Pulitzer is a bright and sunny selection for summer.

A Ballerina Birthday

Make your little one the prima ballerina for her next birthday celebration. With beautiful accessories like pink tutus and tiaras, this ultra-girly theme is perfect for gals who love to play dress-up.

• Handmade tutu -- Etsy seller Danbury Lane
• Ballet slipper invitation by Stacy Claire Boyd -- FineStationery
• Strawberry milkshake recipe -- Real Simple
• Tiara -- PoshTots
• Pink pom-pom decor -- Martha Stewart
• Embellished tutu invitation by Stevie Streck-- FineStationery
• Pink tutu-inspired ruffled cake -- Martha Stewart
  

Friday Linkfest: Creative Party Ideas

I found a few really unique party ideas over the last two weeks and just had to share with you all. Before you step out to enjoy the beautiful weekend ahead, be sure to check out these creative parties planned by equally creative ladies!

• A bright and whimiscal flowered party featured on Creative Parties and Showers

• Is your little guy destined for the fastlane? Check out this detailed car birthday party from Kara's Party Ideas

• This sports themed party by Jamee of Setting the Mood is a girl athlete's dream-- the centerpiece idea is fabulous!

• I love that Chris from Celebrations at Home calls this second, small baby shower a "sprinkle"

Inspired by Sea Glass

If you're a beach-themed bride getting married this summer, consider skipping the seashells for a more polished alternative. Sea-glass is washing up everywhere this spring as a must-have home decor item for summer, but this eclectic beach beauty is also the perfect accent for fresh and stylish spin on coastal nuptials.

• Blue hydrangeas make a pretty match to the soft shades of sea-blue -- Suffering Love
  

• Stark white table cloths help to add a breezy feel to a day-time event -- The Knot

• Rounded sea-glass creates a pretty blue bed for place cards -- Martha Stewart

• I love the idea of the entire bridal party wearing white-- so bright and fresh! -- The Knot

• Need something blue? Try these delicate blue sea-glass earrings -- Katie Carrin

• Keep the cake simple and sweet with bright white accents -- The Knot

• Decorate tables with these beautiful sea-glass bottles -- Rosanna Inc.

• In an elegant shade of sea-glass blue, this invitation by William Arthur is the perfect fit for a stylish seaside affair -- FineStationery.com

Motif Symbolism

At FineStationery.com you can personalize a multitude of cards and invitations with one of many motifs. The motif collection is different for each stationery designer, but the meanings behind the motifs remain fairly the same. Here are a few of our most popular motifs and the meanings behind each symbol.

Have you used one of these motifs around your house, on stationery or on an invitation? If not, is there a particular motif that you prefer?


















Pineapple: friendship and hospitality













Fleur de Lis: Depiction of a lily, associated with the French, also symbolizes purity, wisdom & valor












Bee: diligence, virtue, purity, royalty, community














Wheat Sheaf: shows that the harvest of the bearer's hopes is secured, also symbolizes commendable hospitality and plenty

*Bee and Pineapple motif from the Crane & Co. collection. Fleur de Lis and Wheat Sheaf available from Prentiss Douthit at FineStationery.com.

Tuesday Trend: Texture

This spring, texture is making big waves in the fashion industry. Whether it's simple lace cut-outs, a crinkle design or scattered sculptured embellishments, texture adds an artful touch to dresses, bags, blouses and even stationery.

• I love the texture of Robert Rodriguez's "Confetti" Tie top blouse -- Nordstrom

• These two floral Vera Wang note cards exhibit different ways of using texture such as debossing and lace-like laser cut-outs -- FineStationery.com

• This lace cut-out dress by BCBGMAXAZRIA is a feminine frock perfect for the sunny days of spring -- Bloomingdale's

• The crinkled detailing in this green leather shopper makes it a truly unique tote -- Nordstrom

• Keeping with the crinkled texture, this invitation by Encore Studios shows off the wonder of wrinkled -- FineStationery.com

Momma Mondays: Birth Announcement Etiquette

What is the proper information to be included on a birth announcement?

Baby announcements are a wonderful way to introduce your baby to friends and family. Birth Announcements should provide the name of the baby and the baby’s nickname (in quotation marks under the full name, if applicable). Other details you may wish to include are: date of birth, time of birth, parents’ names and place of birth.

If it is not evident from the name you’ve selected, you may also want to indicate the gender of your baby. The best way to do this is to make your baby’s gender evident in the announcement text “Beth and Tom Miller announce the birth of their baby girl Payton Austin.”

When should baby announcements be sent out and when is the latest that it can be sent out?

Ideally, birth announcements should be sent out within a few weeks of birth. This might seem like a daunting task to complete with a brand new baby on board, but there are several things you can accomplish before the birth to simplify the process. These include buying stamps, picking out the announcement design and addressing the announcement envelopes (read more about our free pre-shipped envelopes for mothers-to-be).

If your child has already reached the 6 month mark and a birth announcement has not yet been sent, you may want to wait and send a more timely 1st birthday party invitation or announcement.

Is there a special way to write birth announcements for twins?

Though there is no standard way to write announcements for twins, you may want to emphasize the fact with playful wording like “our house has grown by four feet” or “twice as nice.”

Is it necessary to write a personal note on each birth announcement?

No, writing a personal note on each birth announcement is not necessary. The joy that comes with learning about your precious delivery through your printed announcement will be enough. You may opt to write a short, simple note to close friends or family members including aunts, uncles and grandparents, but one line will certainly suffice.

Is it necessary to include a photograph with my birth announcement?

No, including a photo on your birth announcement is not necessary. People are naturally curious, and so a picture is a nice addition. However, traditional text-based announcements are just as beautiful and also possess a certain timeless quality.

Are people who receive birth announcements expected to send gifts?

Recipients of birth announcements need not feel pressured to purchase a gift. There is certainly no rule that says you must. It is simply a kind gesture that illustrates your happiness for the new parents. A quick note or phone call conveying your congratulations would be just as nice.

We have adopted a child, is it appropriate to send out adoption announcements, and what is the best wording?

Yes, an adoption announcement is the perfect way to introduce your new son or daughter to friends and extended family. A good way to word an adoption announcement would be:

We are happy to announce
a wonderful addition our family
John Issac Miller
born on November 3, 2005

Susan and Joseph Miller

If the child you are adopting is from out of the country, you may want to make mention of this as well, for example:

We are happy to announce
a wonderful addition to our family!
John Issac Miller
born on November 3, 2005
has come to us from South America.

Susan and Joseph Miller

May grandparents send out birth announcements?

Ideally, the parents of the baby should be who sends out birth announcements. If the parents plan to send announcements to only a small circle, and you would like to send announcements to your own friends and extended family, the best thing to do would be to ask the parents of the child to order additional announcements, with you paying for the additional cost incurred from the larger order.

You may then add a note on the announcements that you send out so that the recipients will know it is your grandchild such as, “presenting my grandbaby” or “feeling wonderfully ‘grand’ these days, please help us welcome my new grandson.”

If the parents do not plan to send announcements at all, the proper thing to do would be to ask for their permission to purchase and send announcements. If this is the path you decide to take, order enough announcements so that they can also send them to their own friends and extended family and be sure to list their names as the proud parents first, as well as the names of all the living grandparents (not just your own).

Last-Minute Easter Decor

Hunting for cute, last-minute Easter decor ideas? Try out these unique egg-themed crafts from Country Living magazine!























Almond Joy Wreath























Soft Felted Egg Ornaments

Also, try and tempt your little ones with these wholesome Sweet Potato Pancakes before they get the chance to delve into Easter candy -- For the recipe, visit RightAtHome.com

Lemonade Award

Mary of the fresh notes has awarded me the Lemonade Stand Award for great gratitude and/or attitude. I feel so honored! Thanks, Mary! (Be sure to check out her blog-- I love her creative way of posting snap shots of notes she's doodled in her journal-- it's fabulous!)

And now for my picks:

Kathyrn of Snippet & Ink

Erin of Rare and Beautiful Treasures

My Sweet Savannah

Tina of English Muse

Rachel of Dwellings and Decor and Design Lovely

Unique Save-the-Dates

While wedding invitations tend to be more formal, save-the-dates present a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity or allow guests to preview a little snippet of your big-day. Here are a few of my favorite save-the-date ideas from around the Web:

1. Film a save-the-date "movie" and upload it to YouTube. E-mail the link to friends and family (be sure to make DVD copies of the footage and mail it out to non-computer using guests). Check out this ultra-creative clip from Jennifer and Jonathan Lucas for inspiration-- it is so fun!



2. This Checkerboard save-the-date card from FineStationery.com is shaped like a black ring box and opens to reveal your wedding details and a little bit of bling. Why not make your own proposal "Will you save the date for our wedding?"

































3. Finally, these save-the-date cookies from The Flour Pot Cookies sweeten the deal for guests who say "yes!"

A Sunny Mother's Day Luncheon

Can you believe that Mother's Day is just a month away? I have a habit of getting so caught up in Easter preparations that this fabulous holiday sneaks up on me -- but not this year!

Mother's Day functions are usually full of floral patterns in pink and lavender-- I guess this is because mothers are supposed to be soft, sweet and of course ultra-feminine. I've been blessed with a mother who exemplifies all these lovely qualities, but the thing that most defines her is her sunny disposition and positive outlook on life. She has an incredibly refreshing attitude, which is why I've created this inspiration board for a yellow and citrus themed Mother's Day luncheon.

• Serve Limoncello cupcakes for dessert -- Recipezaar.com

• Use a cluster of painted flower pots and daisy planters as your centerpieces. At the end of the party, give each guest one of the planters as a party favor -- Martha Stewart

• Print the Limoncello Cupcakes recipe out on this buttercup colored flat card by Vera Wang and set the stack on a counter for guests to take as they like -- FineStationery.com

• Use this lace overlay, yellow card by Vera Wang as the invitation-- it's feminine, yet bright and sunny -- FineStationery.com

• Serve these Lemon infused margaritas -- The Knot

• These lemon high tea cookies would be perfect with a cup of hot tea -- What's Cooking America

One Pretty Product

While out shopping yesterday I spotted this beautiful butterfly mobile at Pottery Barn Kids. It would look great in a nursery, but I think it would be gorgeous as decor for a spring party and/or baby shower.

Momma Mondays: Easter Tidbits

Over the weekend, I perused the blogosphere to find the best Easter posts created with kids in mind. Here are my top-three picks:























A colorful Easter Egg Hunt party from For Your Inspiration























Super soft, cashmere Easter bunny bonnet by Etsy seller Thinking Momma via Babygadget























Sweet Paul put together a nifty Easter Party for Parents Magazine that features these beautiful blooms -- would be a great party craft for kids

Crazy Friday...

So sorry for the delay in posting! What began as a routine pediatrician visit this morning evolved into a full-day excursion to the local children's hospital for x-rays and ultra-sound testing. Needless to say, no friday morning dance fest for us...

Thankfully, all is well and the little guy is in tip-top shape (whew!) Let's finish off this Friday with a toast to good health, good docs and a stress-free, fun weekend!

Here are a few cocktail recipes from the queen of delicious concotions, Rachel Ray. I hope that you'll be able to enjoy one this weekend in the company of good friends.

Sparkling Sangria

Recipe by Rachael Ray
Serves 4

• 1/4 cup orange flavored liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Grand Marnier)
• 1/4 cup almond liqueur (such as Amaretto)
• 12 strawberries, sliced
• 1 pint raspberries
• 1 bottle Spanish sparkling wine (such as Frexinet Cordon Negro)
• 4 seedless grapes

Preparation

Combine liqueurs and fruit in the bottom of a medium pitcher and lightly muddle. Fill pitcher with sparkling wine. Place a single grape in the bottom of each glass. The yeast on the grape skin will help retain some fizz in your drink. Spoon a bit of muddled berry from the pitcher into each Champagne glass then pour in the liquid. Serve immediately. Cheers!

Margarita Slushes

Recipe by Rachael Ray

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 lime, juiced, plus 2 lime slices, for garnish
• 2 scoops lemon sorbet
• 4 scoops lime sherbet
• 4 shots tequila
• 1/2 shot Triple Sec or other orange liqueur

Preparation

Place all ingredients in blender and process on high. Pour into glasses and garnish with a round slice of lime.

Short & Sweet: Gown Hemlines Rise to the Occasion

Wedding gowns are going to new lengths to keep up with the times. While gowns with thigh-high hemlines were once a rarity, it seems this short and sweet style, crowned by Amsale as "the little white dress," is taking the bridal fashion industry by storm. What do you think-- would you wear a "mini-dress" on your big day?




















Reverie by Melissa Sweet



















Vineyard Bridal
























J.Crew

Lakeside Love

We received another reader request for an anniversary party from Victoria Lynn that I just couldn't wait to get started on:

"My siblings and I are trying to plan a 25th anniversary for my parents.We were thinking for the theme, an outdoors party seeing my parents both love the outdoors and the beach. We live around Lake Superior so we would love to have it on the beach or just the ceremony on the beach. We would like elegance and not luau-cheesiness. Silver is a must seeing its their 25th. Their wedding colors were lilac and a gray tone. My older sister and I are quite lost on which way to attack this! Do you think you could aid us a little? We would love your input!"

Personally, I think the colors lilac and silver make for a really enchanting event, especially when coupled with a waterfront venue. Introducing a few deeper shades of purple and gray into the party palette will help to add a sophisticated elegance to the evening. To stay clear of "cheesy" waterfront decor, choose accents like rocks and wooden Adirondack chairs as opposed to seashells and leis.

• Pick a stunning silver frock for the lady of honor. I'm a huge fan of this Calvin Klein sheath and sequined dress from Adrianna Papell -- Nordstrom

• Start the party just before sunset to take advantage of the beautiful scenery -- Flickr user Xopher

• Send this elegant invitation by Checkerboard, it goes perfectly with the silver and purple theme -- FineStationery.com

• This cake is so simple, yet so beautiful -- The Knot

• Candlelight in the evenings adds extra shimmer in all the right places. I love the romantic ambiance these lanterns give off when hanging from the branches of a tree (would also work in a tent environment) -- Martha Stewart

• Set hors d'oeuvres out on these beautiful silver platters -- Michael C. Fina

• Lavender hued hydrangeas would be perfect as centerpieces as the petals contain natural variations of silver and lilac -- The Knot

• Fill candle holders with purple petals to line the length of each table -- The Knot

• Place a few of these Adirondack chairs near the water in sets of two. Tie a small nosegay of purple flowers to one of the arms with purple or silver ribbon. Finish with a simple bow around the stems -- Pocket Full of Roses

• Set one of these dark gray river rocks at each place setting and attach a small card that reads "'You still make my heart skip a beat' -- Skip this rock and make a wish for the happy couple." I think I would replace the raffia with a thin silvery ribbon. You may also want to set up "rock skipping stations" by the water using these rocks and vases from Pottery Barn. Tie a thick purple ribbon around the top of each vase for added elegance -- The Knot