"Blushing Bride" Bridal Shower

Host a shower for the blushing bride with a party full of the palest pinks and pretty posies.

• This pale pink card by Anna Griffin would make a great shower invitation -- FineStationery.com

• One outfit option for the guest of honor is this metallic slip dress from Notte by Marches -- Neiman Marcus

• Serve pink lemonade in varied glassware -- Kraft Foods

• Decorate a pink-themed dessert table with pretty tea roses -- Martha Stewart

• This pink bow invitation by Bella Adorna is ultra-feminine, yet sophisticated -- FineStationery.com

• Blushing tea rose bouquets make for soft and sweet centerpieces -- The Knot

• Also a great number for the bride-to-be, this Silk chiffon dress is both simple and elegant -- JCrew

The Perfect Dress

I love this dress. Perfect for summer weddings and pretty parties. And it's 30% off right now... enjoy!

Ann Taylor

Classic Rock Party

Have you ever noticed how Father's Day commercials and advertisements almost always contain grilling and golf items? While I love a good barbecue picnic and preppy golfer attire, I'm not sure that all of the men in our lives can be placed in either the grilling or golfing categories alone.

My own father, for example, is a big fan of classic rock. I grew up listening to the Beatles. Every Saturday morning, at approximately 10 a.m., my dad would start playing the Past Masters album and the music would continue playing until we were finished our chores for the day. (Who knew you could have such great memories of cleaning the house?)

If your dad or husband is a music lover, using "classic rock" as a party theme for either a Father's Day or a birthday party is a great way to play to his interests, and I'm sure he'll appreciate your thoughtfulness in the matter.

• Guitar invitation by Checkerboard -- FineStationery.com

• Decorate your party space with black and white posters of his favorite bands -- The Beatles (RetroPlanet) Led Zeppelin (Art.com)

• These record coasters are made from actual vinyl records -- UncommonGoods.com

• Ask your guests to wear vintage concert t-shirts to the party -- Amazon.com

• This nifty invitation by Meri Meri resembles a record in a record sleeve -- FineStationery.com

• Tune your taste for this retro, red and black record cake -- Magnolia Cakes

• Learn how to make these serving dishes from an actual record -- Precious Style Blog

Children's Party Invitations

Planning a birthday party for your little one? FineStationery.com has thousands of invitations to choose from. I just love to browse through our selection and dream up party ideas. Here are a few invitations that never fail to inspire me-- and I'm sure they will be perfect for prepping your child's friends for an exciting celebration!

Barnyard birthday by Zabella Designs
(the barn doors open to reveal your party details)

Lollipop invitation by Itty Bitty
(comes complete with cellophane wrapper)

Noah's Ark invitation by Stevie Streck
(this invitation really floats my boat-- how cute are those little animals!)

Superhero invitation by Meri Meri
(because he's your little hero)

In Honor of Those Who Served

Image Credit: Flickr user BL1961

I'll be taking my little one to decorate graves in the same cemetery my grandfather, a World War II veteran, is buried today. Decorating the graves of lost soldiers is a tradition that dates back to the inception of Memorial Day, as a way to honor the great sacrifices made by these brave men and women. My grandmother and the man she married after my grandfather passed (also a veteran) still go each year to decorate graves over Memorial Day weekend, but I've found that this tradition is often lost on my generation-- many not even knowing of it's existence. What about you? Have you heard of this tradition? Do you plan to decorate anyone's grave in particular on this patriotic day of remembrance?

It's a beautiful day here in sunny Maryland, perfect weather to celebrate Memorial Day! Hope you enjoy your day with friends and family!

Quick Picnic Recipe Picks

My husband and I come from two very close-knit families. When holidays roll around, we find that we can never settle on just one place to visit. As a result, our Memorial Day weekend will be a triathlon of patriotic party-hopping.

If you, too, have multiple picnics to attend this weekend, and find that you are limited on cooking time, you may want to try one of these easy, no-bake recipes. Quick and tasty, these treats are the perfect pot-luck picnic foods for a family on the go.

No Bake Cookies
via All-Recipes.com

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.

Tomato Salad
by Rachel Ray

Ingredients:

• 8 plum tomatoes—seeded, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 medium red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
• 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley (a couple of generous handfuls), chopped
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:

In a medium bowl, toss together the tomatoes, onion, basil and parsley and dress with the EVOO. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Have a lovely weekend!

An Americana Wedding

With Memorial Day this weekend, I couldn't resist putting together an inspiration board for an Americana-styled wedding. I just love the idea of a casual, red, white and blue affair.

• Pale blue bordered invitation by Encore Studios -- FineStationery.com

• Bride and groom photos (note the dress with red ribbon accent) -- UK Weddings Magazine via Nibs Blog

• Bridesmaids in navy blue with simple white flower bouquets -- The Knot

• Homemade strawberry pie in place of a wedding cake -- Epicurious.com via Bon Appetit
  

• Carnation centerpieces in white and red -- Country Living
  

• Fresh berry shortcake as a dessert option -- Country Living
  

• Patriotic napkin ring craft -- Martha Stewart

Party Invitation Etiquette

How far in advance should invitations be extended for an informal party?

For an informal party, 2 – 3 weeks prior to the event date is an ideal time to send the invitation. If you live in a big city, three weeks is a better rule of thumb.

How far in advance should invitations be sent for a formal dinner?

For a formal dinner, it is best to send invitations 6 – 8 weeks in advance.

How is the best way to word a party invitation if there is more than one host for an event?

On a corporate event invitation, it is best to list the host names by rank with the CEO’s name first. If it is a more informal party like a birthday soiree or a bridal shower, it is best to list alphabetically by last name.

What about a social situation, bridesmaids throwing a shower, for example. Is that alphabetical as well?

If it is at someone’s home, it is best to list that person first. Otherwise, you would list the hosts alphabetically.

Is there a certain way the date and the time should be written on a party invitation?

It doesn’t matter as much on an informal party invitation, but it is best to spell out the time on invitations for formal events like weddings, anniversary parties and corporate meetings. For example, you would write “two o’clock” instead of 2 p.m.

What about for dates, we have an awful lot of questions about how to correctly word the date?

It is a good idea to include the day of the week and to write out the month. The year is usually unnecessary, unless you are sending out a save the date announcement a year in advance. Here is an example:

Wednesday, May 15th


Is it rude to put an end time on an invitation?

No, in fact, it can be very helpful. By putting an end time on the invitation, your guests will be able to plan out the remainder of their day. They will also know how long they will need to reserve a babysitter.

I'm unsure about whether to use RSVP or regrets only on my invitation. Which do you recommend?

An RSVP is the best option. If people are not planning to attend your event, the chances are that they are not going to be motivated to call and let you know their intentions. However, when guests are excited about attending an event, they want to make sure they have a spot and that you can plan for them. This is why we recommend an RSVP.

Unique Father's Day Gifts

This Father's Day, stay clear of the standard gift options and get him something unexpected. Whether you're buying for your own father, a father-in-law or the father of your children, these unique gifts are sure to get a good reaction from the man of the hour:



1. This Rolling Stone Cover to Cover DVD set allows your music lover to search over 98,000 pages of the iconic magazine-- that's every issue printed since it's start in 1967 -- Restoration Hardware

2. Every golfer needs this sporty and stylish Lacoste watch to make it to tee-time -- Nordstrom

3. This weather-proof, floating speaker is perfect for taking his tunes on the go. Great for boats and pools -- Neiman Marcus

4. Help him show off his school pride with a collegiate stamp -- FineStationery

5. This personalized leather journal is perfect for a writer -- FineStationery

6. Perfect for weekend getaways and stylish enough for business trips, this leather duffel bag by Marc Jacobs is a great gift for a traveling man -- Nordstrom

7. The musician in your life will love this personalized stainless steel guitar pic -- Etsy seller STuckintheCoop

8. Any grill-master will go ga-ga over this personalized meat brander -- Williams and Sonoma

9. This casino-quality poker tournament set would be great for game nights -- Restoration Hardware

A Whale Themed Party

Whether you're hosting a boy baby shower or a birthday party for your little guy, whale decor can be an incredibly stylish theme for summer parties. Here are a few fun finds that are sure to help your party be a whale of a good time.

• White whale leather clutch for the momma-to-be -- Etsy seller Roundtrip

• Navy whale announcement card by Vera Wang -- FineStationery.com

• Clever ice-cream station -- Country Living

• Whale pitcher for ice water or lemonade by Jonathan Adler -- InStyle

• Whale dip dish and spreader -- Target

• This chestnut whale basket would be beautiful filled with fresh flowers -- Pottery Barn Kids

• Blue string lights -- Plum Parties

• Blue whale crib bedding as a shower gift -- Pottery Barn Kids

• Whale cupcakes for dessert -- My piece of Cake blog

• Blue polka dot whale melamine plate by Boatman Geller -- FineStationery.com

• Navy pant and shirt set -- Etsy seller Petalouda

Invitation Eye-Candy

Cut-out invitations break away from the mold of the classic straight-edge card and are a really great way to pique interest in your party. Here are a few of my favorites from Sarah LeClere and Stevie Streck, two designers that never cease to inspire my inner event planner.

Daisy bouquet by Sarah LeClere (bridal showers, summer picnics, birthday parties)

Seahorse by Sarah LeClere (rehearsal dinners, luaus, bridal shower, baby shower)

Lemonade cocktail by Stevie Streck (barbecues, summer picnics, girls' nights, pool parties)


Surprise door by Stevie Streck (surprise parties!)

Have a lovely weekend!

Fine Feathers

Feathers have been in fashion for quite some time now, but I have always shied away from trying this trend, until now. While feathers are often associated with casual bohemian attire, these fabulous feather finds prove that they can also be unique accessories for those with a more formalized style.

• Hen feather invitation by Karen Adams -- FineStationery.com

• Elegant black feather and crystal heels by DSquared2 -- Yoox

• Horizontal feather necklace by Jacquie Aiche -- Madison Los Angeles

• Silver hen feather heels by L.A.M.B. -- Zappos Couture

• Peacock feather stationery by Crane &. Co. -- FineStationery.com

• Peacock feather headband and silver quil feather headband -- Barney's NY

• Lalique crystal bottle perfume -- Saks Fifth Avenue

• Blush feather dress by Sue Wong -- Neiman Marcus

A New England Feast

Themed rehearsal dinners are quite trendy this year. If you live in the north eastern U.S. (or if you simply enjoy eating shellfish), we recommend hosting a New England Feast for your rehearsal dinner, complete with a seafood spread full of lobster, clams and oysters on the half-shell. This casual summer soiree is the perfect setting for your wedding party and family to chat and relax before your busy big day:

• Lobster invitation by Bonnie Marcus -- FineStationery.com

• Lobster cookie favors -- Flickr user alissweettreats

• Fresh white dahlias -- The Knot

• Clam and coral serving dish -- Crystal Fox

• Luna di Luna's Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio mix is fabulous with shellfish and you can even order custom labels directly from Luna di Luna -- Wine Chateau

• Bright, bold and casual tablescape in navy, white and yellow -- Holidaygolightly

• White waves dress for the bride-to-be -- J.Crew

Selecting a Printing Process

One of the most important details in ordering invitations and stationery is selecting a printing process. But the difference between themography and engraving is far from common knowledge. Thankfully, our friends at Crane & Co., as well as YouTube users typertwnew and cavomit have posted incredibly informative videos on YouTube describing each of these printing processes step-by-step:

Engraving:



Thermography:



Thermography Embossing:



A special "thank you" to Cana from our customer care department for passing along the links to these videos for your viewing pleasure!

'Apple of My Eye' Baby Shower

Here at The Finer Things, we like to pass along fun and creative party ideas. A few months ago, I saw a fresh apple party featured on Real Simple's blog, Simply Stated, and thought it would translate perfectly for a unique baby shower. After all, aren't first children always the apple of their parents' eyes (at least until baby #2 arrives)!



Apple tree invitation by Robyn Miller Design -- FineStationery.com

Handmade apple booties -- Etsy seller Pedro Sprout

Green apple sorbet for dessert -- BBC Good Food

Apple return address labels for invitation envelopes -- FineStationery.com

Apple of my eye sleeper set -- Hatley.com

Blue apple and pear bib -- Etsy seller Sheppard Girl

Green apple centerpiece -- Budget Bride

Friday Linkfest

How happy I am that it is Friday! We have a great weekend ahead-- first we're traveling to Baltimore to cheer on the O's with some good friends (there's nothing like a ball game in the spring). Then, we have much to celebrate as we honor our wonderful mothers on Sunday. What are your plans? Do you have anything special planned for the lovely lady in your life?

Before I sign off to enjoy the sunshine and beautiful spring weather, I just have pass along a few of my favorite finds from the past week:

• Postcard pillow from Etsy seller Olive on The Lettered Cottage

• Snap-shots of incredible tablescapes from the Dining Spaces competition on Fete Fanatic

• Need last minute decor ideas for a sunny Mother’s Day brunch? Check out our Mother's Day party post
  

• Featured on Nesting, this Goldilocks party from Cakies is adorable! If I ever get the chance to recreate it, I think I’d use this invitation by Luscious Verde

Lucky in Love: A Vegas Reception

If you're planning to elope to Las Vegas, consider hosting a reception for friends and family that is well suited for high-rollers. You can bet that they'll appreciate the opportunity to celebrate your luck in love.

• These invitations and save the dates from Checkerboard are casino-inspired and incredibly classy -- FineStationery.com (how cute is the saying on the save the date "We're raising the stakes and saying 'I do!'")

• Playing card cuff links -- Wed One Shop

• Personalized poker chips -- Vogrin's Palace

• The Chanel dress and classic tuxedo worn by Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson to the Met Gala would be perfect party attire for the bride and groom -- Socialite Life

• Chocolate dice as guest favors -- Good Things Wedding Favors

• A red vintage Cadillac limo provides dapper transportation -- The Knot

• Dress the tables in black and white for a chic casino look -- The Knot

Gorgeous Green

I was ultra-inspired today by the lush green grass outside my window (a wonderful result of a rainy April). Fresh and vibrant, green is a great color for sophisticated birthday parties, Mother's Day brunches, weddings and more.

• Wheat grass decor -- Design Mom

• Green place setting -- Michael C. Fina

• Bowtie belt -- Anthropologie

• Boutonniere, cake, place card curtain & hydrangea arrangement -- The Knot

• Thank you note by Prentiss Douthit -- FineStationery.com

• Green silk dress by Rebecca Taylor -- Saks Fifth Avenue

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

This year, leave behind the salsa and sombreros to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with authentic Mexican dishes and decor instead. Be sure to check out Epicurious.com's informative article about the origin of the celebration, as well as the site's fabulous decorating tips and recipes from Chef Miguel Ravago, co-author of the cookbook Cocina de la Familia. I will definitely be trying out this recipe for corn pudding (my all-time favorite Mexican dish):



Ingredients:

• 2 pounds frozen corn kernels, thawed
• Whole milk as needed (about 1 cup)
• 6 eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Chihuahua,* Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese
• 1 poblano chile, roasted, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch strips
• Half of a red bell pepper, cut into strips

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and set aside. In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the corn with only enough milk to make a smooth puree, not to exceed 1 cup. With the machine running, add egg yolks, one at a time, and process 30 seconds after each addition. With the machine running, add the sugar a little at a time and continue processing until mixture is lighter in color and sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add butter and process until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder; fold into corn mixture. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form and fold into corn mixture, alternating with the shredded cheese. Pour into the prepared baking dish and garnish with strips of chile and red bell pepper. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Just a reminder that May 3 - May 9 is Teacher Appreciation Week.

Here are a few ideas for last minute gifts:



Coffee: Surprise your child's teacher with a cappuccino to help him/her stay energized throughout the day. Drop the drink off at the main office for the teacher to pick up while on break and leave a note about how much you appreciate her hard work.

Stationery: Teachers will always need note cards to use as thank you notes for classroom helpers, substitutes and students, so this is a gift that she will really use!

Fresh Flowers: Whether they are from your own garden or you order a professional arrangement, delivering a bouquet of fresh flowers to your teacher's classroom is a great way to brighten her day.


* Green Apple on Books image by photographer Darren Hester.

Friday Linkfest

My son and I are stuck inside today for fear of swine flu and the rain. Normally I wouldn't be so cautious, but with an already sniffly toddler and the recent outbreak at our local college campus, I've decided it best to stick close to home! Thankfully our time in the great indoors gives me the opportunity to catch up on some of my favorite blogs. Here are a few of my most newsworthy finds thus far:

• You may remember when Kati forecasted the coral trend last year here at The Finer Things. Well, it seems the trend is picking up speed again for Summer 2009. I just received an e-mail from Williams and Sonoma Home advertising the company's fabulous coral-themed items.

• In other news, I was saddened to hear that Boatman Geller had to retire the company's original preppy alligator motif due to concerns that the original design too closely resembled the Lacoste alligator. Happily, they have replaced the original with a new little gator and will be running a naming contest for their newest addition. Check out the details at the Live Your Style blog.

• Now for parties with fabulous details, I suggest you visit Head of the Table to see the Alphabet and Elephants party and Not Just a Mommy for her Momma Martini Party gift bags.

Have a lovely weekend!