Icebreaker Idea: Pet-Name Place Cards

Do you have a nickname for your lover? My hubby has always called me "peaches," a pet-name he created way back when we first started dating. At the time, my signature scent was "fuzzy peach," a perfume oil from The Body Shop. When we went on our first date he said I smelled sweet, "like fresh peaches," and my nickname has stuck ever since.



Pet names can be generic, but most of the time they are really unique or funny and have great back-stories! If you're hosting a Valentine's Day party, get the conversation started with this easy place card icebreaker.

Pet-name Place Cards

Directions:

1. As guests arrive, hand each person a place card and ask them to write down a pet-name they use for their significant other. This should be done in secret-- they shouldn't show the name to anyone else, including their partner. When finished, each guest should return the place card to you, the hostess. (Tip: Make sure to collect the cards from your guests in order, so that when you place the cards on the table, each couple will be sure to be seated next to one another.)

2. While guests mingle over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, take the handwritten place cards to your dining area and place them around the table in the correct order.

3. When it is time for dinner, invite guests to take a seat at the card that matches their pet name. Guests will have a great time searching for their name, as well as poking fun and telling the story behind the unique and laughable nicknames that are sure to pop up.

* Heart swirl place cards available at FineStationery.com.

Sunny Day

"Happy is the bride the sun shines on," or so says an age-old proverb. But really, how could you not be happy when surrounded by sunny yellows and fresh bright whites. Consider using this cheery color combination when planning your wedding or bridal shower. Regardless of the weather, your event is sure to shine.

• Serve lemon gelato after lunch -- Taste of Home

• Send guests this cheery yellow and white invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Dress your wedding party in yellow sundresses and casual white button-down shirts -- The Knot

• Wear a little sunshine everyday with a yellow diamond engagement ring -- Sam's Club

• Serve a bright yellow cake -- Wedding Flowers and Reception Ideas
  

• Keep the tables simple with bright white linens and a yellow runner -- The Knot

• As the bride, wear these adorable yellow peep-toe pumps and try a simple yellow sash with your dress -- Shoe Wawa

• Carry a pretty white and yellow bouquet that won't overwhelm -- Brides

Spring Dresses by SarahSeven

Soft, simple and super sweet, these lovely dresses by etsy seller SarahSeven would be perfect for spring weddings and Easter Sunday. And you can feel good about splurging since a percentage of each sale is donated to charities like Compassion (which feeds unsponsored children) and International Justice Mission (which fights to free slaves). Truly happy shopping!

Magical Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is February 16! Celebrate Fat Tuesday with a cool and colorful party full of purple, green and brass.

• Decorate with fuchsia floral arrangements and fleur de lis accents -- The Knot

• Send guests this vibrant Mardi Gras invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Lead a festive party parade around your block complete with a jazz ensemble -- The Knot

• Serve purple cocktails -- Brides

• Make your party a masquerade and invite guests to wear masks -- Etsy Seller Kennosborne

• Hire a jazz band to play throughout your event -- Adam Smith Blog

Painting Party

Whether you're celebrating a child's birthday, or you're just looking for a boredom buster, an art party is sure to please all who participate!

• Provide a smock for each guest. This easy to clean polyester smock is just $2.99, has adjustable sleeves and comes in three different colors: blue, red and green -- Ikea

• Invite guests with this adorable paint palette invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Set up easels around the room for each child-- these sturdy wooden easels feature a white board, a chalk board and a place for a paper roll, all for only $29.99 -- Ikea

• Provide buckets full of art supplies including colored pencils, crayons, paint brushes and more -- Pottery Barn Kids

• Let their creativity run wild with a fully stocked art table -- OneStepAhead

• Serve a snack on these palette-styled plates -- Baby Earth

Tickled Pink!

We had our fetal ultrasound yesterday and I am happy to report that the over-the-counter Intelligender test we took was indeed correct! I'll be spending my weekend stocking up on frilly pink frocks and feminine nursery decor. Yippee!

(Any name suggestions would be greatly appreciated-- we are at a complete loss! We're looking for something relatively unique but not too out-there. Something sweet and pretty.)

FineStationery.com Sale!

FineStationery.com

The Great Outdoors

Leave the decorating up to nature and set up your wedding reception outdoors. While there's always the risk of rain, picking a natural location for your celebration has many benefits including beautiful scenery, cool breezes and a truly unique atmosphere.

• For a casual beach wedding, toss pillows on the sand for conversation seating -- Brides.com

• Minimize the heat of the sun and set up your reception tables beneath an arbor -- Brides.com

• Give your guests a waterview dining experience by setting up tables near the lake, river or ocean -- Brides.com

• I love the stark white contrast of these casual seating arrangements against the dark green backdrop of grass and trees -- The Knot

• If the rain is a real worry, consider renting a transparent tent for protection from the elements -- The Knot

Gray Matters

I just came across this gorgeous gray invitation by kate spade. Perfect for a sophisticated soiree, this card might best be used as an invitation to a friend's birthday bash.

Decorate your party space with a color palette of simple grays, creams and pale pinks for a simple, yet elegant affair that's sure to let your guest of honor shine.

• Gray and white dot cake -- Cakegirls

• Simple gray invitation by kate spade -- FineStationery.com

• Cream hydrangea arrangement and table cards -- The Knot

• Pretty crystal votive holders -- Neiman Marcus

• Silk taffeta frock in light pewter -- J.Crew

• Gray and cream dining room -- Better Homes and Gardens

Trend Alert: Lingerie-Inspired Style

According to Vogue magazine's style file, a big trend for Spring 2010 is lingerie-inspired pieces (think satin, lace, bows and anything ultra-feminine). Twenty-ten offers “a new sense of pretty with clothes that are special, intricate and intelligently designed—and different from the aggressively eighties vibe of the last year or so," says Mark Holgate.

Try out this romantic trend with flirty dresses, accessories and stylish stationery with lace accents. Keep things soft and simple with blush pinks and creams, or for a look that's more sassy than sweet, try sophisticated black.

• Black lace dress -- Fendi
• Vera Wang lace necklace -- Saks Fifth Avenue
• Sophisticated Dior slip dress -- Saks Fifth Avenue
• Laced Vera Wang stationery -- FineStationery.com
• Gorgeous, handmade blush dresses -- Etsy Seller SarahSeven
• Lace pattern Vera Wang invitation -- FineStationery.com

Pretty Picnic Plates

My little guy and I are both suffering from a terrible cold (and ear infection) today, so we'll be spending the majority of the day sneezing and snuggled up in front of the screen watching our favorite movies. But before I go, I wanted to share a few of Boatman Geller's personalized plates that were recently added to FineStationery.com. These would be perfect for spring picnics in the park (I am so looking forward to warmer weather)!

Floral Monogram

Blue Initial

Preppy Stripe

Consider the Lilies...

Lily of the Valley is such a lovely bloom to incorporate into springtime weddings. Simple and elegant, this sweetly fragranced flower is perfect for an outdoor affair full of natural beauty.

• Make Lily of the Valley the sole flower in the bridal bouquet and boutonniere -- OnceWed

• Send guests this gorgeous Lily of the Valley invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Add arrangements of the bloom in simple glass containers throughout the reception area -- Wishpot

• Ask your bakery to add sugar sculptures of Lily of the Valley to your wedding cake -- Specialiced Bakery
  

• Arrange your reception to be held in a valley and have your photographer take photos of the bride and groom walking through the lush grasses that grow there -- Smith Fork Ranch

• Decorate the reception tent with natural elements like trees and of course, arrangements of Lily of the Valley -- The Knot

• Dress your bridesmaids in green and have them carry simple bouquets of this fragrant flower -- InStyle Weddings and Shop Out of Hand

The Wedding Tree

Looking for a unique guest book idea for your reception? Try the wedding tree-- a concept made famous in the blog world by photographer Jonas Peterson.



{Thanks to Kim Pruitt of our HR department for passing along this wonderful idea!}

She Sells Seashells

I promised that I wouldn't paint the nursery, but that doesn't mean that I cannot do a little planning just in case, right?

If our ultrasound confirms that the baby is indeed a girl, I'd like to decorate the nursery in a palette of cotton candy pinks and blues with a very subtle beach theme. Our home is located in a water-oriented community, and the majority of our interior decor is a mixture of cream furniture, pale blues and plenty of bleached-white seashells. My son's room is decorated with sailboats, so "She Sells Seashells" certainly seems like the perfect theme for our darling baby girl.

• One of two matching arm chairs I painted white and reupholstered that will sit in a corner of the room -- (From my personal photos)

• Tissue paper pom-poms are so delicate and pretty-- I think they would look perfect hanging over our little one's crib -- Etsy Seller OrangeKisses

• Pink peonies are my favorite, so of course there will be a bouquet sitting on a side table or book shelf -- Target

• A white coral chandelier would make a lovely addition to the room -- Lighting New York

• This little girl's bedroom, which was featured on Spearmint Baby, gives a wonderful representation of how the two colors complement one another -- Spearmint Baby

• A matching coral lamp for the crib side table -- PoshTots

• Creamy white seashells are a must -- Shell Outlet
  

Be My Sweetie...

Put a sugary spin on Valentine's Day with a Be My Sweetie party for the kids. Use a traditional Valentine's Day color palette of red and pink, but decorate and focus your activities around a variety of sweets, candies and desserts.

• Serve plenty of hugs and kisses with these xoxo cupcakes -- Martha Stewart

• Set the table with these palate pleasing personalized plates -- FineStationery.com

• Send guests this sweet sucker invitation -- FineStationery.com

• As a party craft and favor, have the children decorate these gift boxes and fill them with edible, hard candy jewels to present to their mothers -- Hard Candy Recipe and Box Tutorial via Martha Stewart

• Hang this pink and red candy garland around your party space -- Amazon.com

• Finally, set up a dessert buffet filled with a variety of sweet treats -- Amy Atlas

Valentine's Day Greeting Cards

The Holidays were such a blur in 2009. If the season slipped away before you had a chance to mail out your Holiday cards, don't fret! Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to send your love to friends and family. Here are a few of my favorite Valentine photo cards from FineStationery.com:

Heart Ornaments by Stacy Claire Boyd

Adored by Jasmine & Woo

Simple Heart by Stacy Claire Boyd

A Trip to the Tropics (Without the Airfare)

Around this time every year my internal thermometer tells me that it is time to take a trip to the tropics. How I long to feel the sun shining on my skin and the sand between my toes! I'd so love to spend my day relaxing in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean with a (virgin) banana daiquiri in hand. Alas, like many others, a swanky vacation is just not in my cards this year. But just because I cannot take a trip to the islands, doesn't mean they cannot come to me!

Warm up your winter (and give your friends a break from the blizzards) with a tropical-themed party filled with coconuts, palm trees, hibiscus flowers and fruity, frozen drinks.

• Invite guests with this tropical coconut cocktail invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Rent out a party space featuring an indoor pool at your local country club or an area hotel, and decorate it with palm trees and tropical flowers to make it feel more lush -- The Palace Malta

• Serve mango breeze cocktails and other fruity, frozen concoctions -- Rachael Ray

• The citrus and palm design on this Lilly Pulitzer plate makes it perfect for a tropical gathering -- FineStationery.com

• Request that guests come prepared with colorful cover-ups and swimsuits -- Saks Fifth Avenue

• Decorate your tables in vibrant colors of hot pink, lime green and orange, and provide each guest with a lei of their own -- Backyard Escapes

• Serve pineapple chicken kabobs as your main party dish -- Fruits.com

Going to the Chapel...

Wedding season is officially here! If you're a bride-to-be, you may be uncertain how to begin the planning process. But one of the best ways to start is to simply start sharing the wonderful news about your nuptials! Below is a simple list of the major communication components that should accompany your big day.

ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
What is the purpose of an engagement announcement? The engagement announcement is sent to the newspapers where the bride and groom live currently, as well as to the cities where their families are from. This announcement is a sure-fire way to spread the news of your betrothal.

SAVE THE DATE CARD
Save the date cards are quite common these days and are a good way to reserve your wedding date on your guests' schedules well in advance. These cards can be sent out six to eight weeks before a wedding – but many brides will send them shortly after the wedding arrangements have been confirmed.

INVITATIONS
The invitation list should be carefully prepared. The best way to approach the invitation list is to begin with the absolute list – your families, attendants, significant others of the attendants, godparents, clergyman or clergywoman. Then move on to your “would like to invite” lists. The balance between how many invitations each family gets should be equal, and should always be determined in a peaceful manner.

Here are a few tips for your invitations:

• Order invitations three months before the wedding (or earlier, particularly for destination weddings).
  
• Be sure to order all the communication pieces you want to include at the same time: reply card, directions, map, etc. This will help to ensure that the cards, inks and other components match perfectly.
  
• Include all necessary information in the text – and be sure to proof it carefully before it is engraved.

*Save the Date card and Invitation available at FineStationery.com.

That's Amore!: A Valentine's Day Party

When the moon hits your eye,
Like a big pizza-pie...
That's Amore!

-- Dean Martin

Now that we've settled into our new home and my morning sickness has passed, I'm finally feeling ready to formally entertain! I am hoping my first endeavor can be a Valentine's Day party for a group of our closest friends. The theme: "That's Amore!"

This Italian-styled love fest will be full of basil and garlic infused hors d'oeuvres (including mini pizza-pies), candlelight and, of course, music from the beloved Dino.

• Invite guests with an elegant invitation featuring a heart motif and lyrics from the song "That's Amore" by Dean Martin -- FineStationery.com

• Set up an "Olive You" (sounds like i-love-you) buffet -- Real Simple
• Decorate the entrance and interior of your home with string lights to create the ambiance of an authentic Italian bistro -- The Haystack Needle

• Serve miniature pizzas along with other Italian hors d'oeuvres -- Food and Wine Magazine

• Make a playlist of Dean Martin music to play softly in the background -- Eil.com

• Decorate the dining area with soft lighting, candles and bouquets of red roses -- Brides

• Serve Italian wine and champagne -- The Knot

• Place this "Amore" sign somewhere within your party space -- Dibor
  

Love is in the Air

Perfect for passing out in your child's classroom, these valentines by Stacy Claire Boyd are not only cute, but also contain really creative wording. I simply adore them!

Friends are Cool

You're Sweet!

Loads of Love

*Find these and other valentines at FineStationery.com.

"Sugar, spice and everything nice...

...that is what little girls are made of." And it just so happens that my body has been busy making a sweet baby girl these past few months, at least, according to the IntelliGender test I took last week!


While only considered to be about 80 percent accurate, IntelliGender claims to be able to predict the sex of your baby as early as 10 weeks. It is a simple urine analysis similar to a pregnancy test, and costs between $30 - $35. The results take only ten minutes to develop.

We certainly won't be painting our nursery until we receive confirmation from the ultrasound a few weeks from now, but using the IntelliGender test was a fun experience for my hubby and me (and at the very least, shifted our focus to discussing names like Emmy and Clara rather than Brooks and Eli). Have you ever used IntelliGender or know of someone who did?

P.S. -- How cute is this pink ribbon announcement? Maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself now...

Pink Ribbon Announcement

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1........