Site-Wide Sale!

FineStationery.com's site-wide sale ends Sunday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Happy Shopping!

Oh-la-la: A Lingerie Shower

Looking for a fun activity for your bridal shower or bachelorette party? Ask guests to bring along a piece of lingerie to hang from a clothes line at the party. Then, just for fun, have the bride-to-be guess who brought each piece! The board below proves that a lingerie party can be sweet, but you could certainly go sassy with a black lace theme as well!

• String a clothes line across the room and hang each piece of lingerie with clothes pins (I love this cute pink line-up from talented Dosie Photography!) -- Dosie Photography via Flickr

• Instead of flowers, arrange pink and cream panties on a pedestal to make them look like a bouquet -- My Sweet Savannah

• Give each guest a lingerie shaped cookie as a party favor -- Hostess with the Mostess via Melissa Rodriguez Photography

• For dessert, serve these brassiere cupcakes -- Le Petite Sweet Cupcakes

• Send guests this bra cut-out invitation -- FineStationery.com

• With all that lingerie, it's sure to get a bit steamy-- provide each guest and your bride with a folding fan for those "oh my!" moments -- Beach Wedding Planning

Puppy Welcome Party

We got our "first child" Finnegan, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, right after we were married almost five years ago. And until our son was born two years later, he truly was treated like our little baby (and may I add, he's still quite pampered today). Another photo of Finn was actually featured in Desire to Inspire's Pets on Furniture post from earlier this week-- check it out here!






If you are planning to welcome a furry friend into your family, consider hosting a puppy welcome party. Invite friends, family and other neighborhood pups to attend and extend a warm welcome to your new barking bundle of joy.

• This dog bowl cake by the talented Amber Mckenney is sure to be a crowd pleaser -- Flickr user Amber McKenney

• Purchase peanut butter flavored dog biscuits for your furry guests in the shape of ice cream cones -- Paws For Love

• Change this invitation to suit your pup by switching out the terrier motif to match her breed -- FineStationery.com

• For favors, stuff dog bone shaped cookies into baggies and attach tags that read " I hope you had a "dog gone" good time at my party!" - Martha Stewart and Etsy seller LePoppyDesign

• Bake cupcakes and embellish them with paw prints as another appropriate accent for the puppy theme -- Puppy Dog Heaven

A Non-Alcoholic Party Pleaser

I have to confess that one very minor thing that I've missed during my pregnancy is the ability to indulge in a frou-frou girly cocktail every now and then.

While friends stylishly sip on strawberry champagne, peach bellinis and blended margaritas from gorgeous glasses, I find myself stuck drinking boring water, tea and soda at social functions. It's not the alcohol I crave, I couldn't care less about that, I simply yearn for something that will really tantalize my taste buds!

Well, my dear friends, I am so happy to report that I’ve finally found it. Not only is it alcohol free, but it is also quite good for me and my darling baby. Izze, a completely natural sparkling juice made of 70 percent pure fruit juice and a splash of sparkling water, contains no refined sugars, no caffeine, no preservatives and no artificial colors or flavors. It tastes amazing and the bottles are completely adorable— perfectly eye-pleasing for posh parties and such a lovely alternative to other ordinary non-alcoholic options. (How cute would these be on a color coordinated candy buffet or dessert table at your next bash?)
















Hostess With the Mostess

Project Wedding Soda Bar
(You have to visit this post-- it is adorable!)

Tea for Two: A Twin Baby Shower

I noticed this morning that the classic cherry motif always contains just two cherries and thought it would be the perfect accent for a twin baby shower.

Pair this sweet fruit with a shower theme of Tea for Two for a picture perfect shower full of red, black and white details.

• Fill favor bags with farm fresh cherries for each guest to take home -- Martha Stewart

• Decorate the tables with black plates (accent the napkins with a polka dot ribbon and two cherries), polka-dot teacups and stylish black teapots -- Brides, Pink Frosting and Rosanna Inc.

• For dessert, serve chocolate cupcakes with a cherry on top -- Annie Eats Blog
  

• Have two bodysuits embellished with a cherry motif for the baby girls -- Cafe Press

• Invite guests with this black and white teacup invitation or else this lovely red invitation with cherry motif -- FineStationery.com

In Style: Seahorses

It seems everywhere I look these days I see seahorses! Whether used on stationery, home decor or in fashion,these stylish sea creatures are fabulous for spring and summer 2010.

• Aqua and white invitation, calling card and pink invitation cut-out -- FineStationery.com

• Seahorse pillow -- Pottery Barn

• Crystal candlestick -- Waterford

• Seahorse cookies -- Martha Stewart

• Pink Seahorse necklace -- Gift Shop 1234

Vintage Brooch Bouquets

Jamie, one of FineStationery.com's talented Print Production Specialists, passed along these fabulous vintage brooch bouquet photos. The "flowers" of these unique bouquets will live on for years to come-- acting as beautiful reminders of your big day. Great find, Jamie!

Fantasy Floral Designs via The Wedding Chat

Studio del Fiore via The Neat Sheet

St. Patrick's Day Luncheon

This St. Patrick's Day, host a stylish luncheon for friends filled with fashionable Irish flare.

• Serve battered cod and fries (an Irish fave) and dress the tables in a green gingham table cloth -- Martha Stewart

• Serve a signature cocktail with a green tint like this apple spritzer-- Barnonedrinks

• Bake cupcakes and top them with white icing and spearmint leaf shamrocks -- Family Fun

• Send guests this classy green invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Create festive floral arrangements with white flowers and clover -- Martha Stewart

• Bring the green into your party scene naturally by hosting your luncheon outdoors -- St. Supery

That's Amore Party Recap

You may recall the That's Amore Valentine's Day Party inspiration board I posted a few weeks ago. Well, over the weekend I had the opportunity to bring this love-ly party to life. Unfortunately, I was running a little behind so I was unable to get photos of all the little details before my guests started to arrive, but I still wanted to share a couple of shots my husband quickly snapped before the party was in full-swing with you all since I promised I would!

I bought this black and white damask print fabric from a local sewing shop and my wonderful mother-in-law hemmed the fabric to make three gorgeous table runners. I set two tables together end to end to create banquet styled seating for twelve. The color palette consisted of cream, black, crimson and candlelight. (This photo is missing the place cards which sat atop each napkin.)

Each floral arrangement consisted of 2 dozen crimson red roses in squared glass vases.


We served pasta, salad and breadsticks catered by a local Italian eatery and complemented the meal with bottles of Shiraz, Riesling and Champagne garnished with sliced strawberries. For dessert, guests enjoyed an array of brownies, heart-shaped shortbread cookies, strawberries, pound cake and of course biscotti doused in melted chocolate.

Vintage Bi-plane Nursery

I came across this nursery on HGTV's Rate My Space Web site. The nursery designer, Jared, sketched out and painted the city skyline mural all by himself-- and I just love the vintage bi-planes and art throughout the room. A perfect fit for a baby boy.

Nursery by Jared

The vintage artwork Jared used is by Rodney White. You can find his wonderful paintings here. To complete the vintage bi-plane theme, send out this adorable birth announcement from FineStationery.com to friends and family once your little one arrives.

Announcement

* Card available at FineStationery.com.

Happy Valentine's Day Weekend!

I love these images from Grazier Photography and thought they'd be the perfect way to send you off into this snowy Valentine's Day weekend. This fun-loving couple held their entire wedding ceremony on a hillside during a snowstorm. Don't you just adore the getaway "car?"



Be sure to check out the Grazier Photography blog for more great photos!

Pink Orchid Wedding

Pink orchids are a lovely flower to feature in centerpieces, bouquets and on your cake. Consider making this fragrant bloom the star of your spring or summer wedding.

• Use this invitation to keep with the pink and brown color scheme -- FineStationery.com

• Line your tables with chocolate brown runners and vases full of pink orchids -- The Knot

• Tuck a pink orchid into your hair -- The Knot

• Put pink orchids on your wedding cake and on table napkins to brighten up your place settings -- The Knot and Once Wed

Symbolic Love

While the heart is perhaps the most popular symbol of love (we see it everywhere on Valentine's Day from the front of greeting cards to candy box shapes), there are other symbols that can reflect one's feelings for another. For example, the Love Knot is a wonderful, yet subtle way to say "forget me not."

Love Knot Tea Lights from Dot Maison
(Same design available in champagne flutes here)

Forget Me Knot Necklace by Kiel Mead

Bow-tie Top from Neiman Marcus

Knotted Ribbon Stationery from FineStationery.com

Miss Dior available at Saks Fifth Avenue

You are My Sunshine

I was so delighted to find out that Lily of Lily Lemontree nominated The Finer Things for the Sunshine Award. With all the extra snow expected this afternoon, I can certainly use a little sunshine today and I'm sure you could all use a little, too! So, I've listed a few of my favorite new blog finds below-- they're sure to brighten your day and will certainly help you survive the snow-slump!

• Lily Lemontree: Writing to revive the charming arts, full of 1950s style and class

• Green Wedding Shoes: I just adore this wedding blog and the gorgeous real-wedding photos!

• Brunch at Saks: Wonderful interior decor and fashion coverage

• Poca Cosas: Fun and festive entertaining ideas

• Bits and Pieces by Stacy Claire Boyd: One of FineStationery.com's vendors, Stacy never fails to deliver fabulous stationery designs and her blog features everything from holiday crafts to adorable party ideas

• My Little Happy Place: A little slice of wonderful on the world wide web

Enjoy!

Beach Boy Nursery

Introduce your beach baby to the world with this adorable whale announcement and coordinate with a nantucket-style nursery in shades of brilliant blue and turquoise.

• Boat birth announcement -- FineStationery.com

• Personalized whale plate -- FineStationery.com

• Whale weather vane room accent -- Brides.com

• White board shorts -- Vineyard Vines

• Striped chair -- PoshTots.com

• Wave boardwalk crib -- Russell Mackenna

Team Spirit(s) and Snacks

Serve team-spirited snacks for Super Bowl Sunday by using color coordinated cookies, cupcakes and cocktails.



Saints:

• Screwedup screwdriver cocktail -- Martha Moments Blog
• Cookies -- Kitchen Koala Blog

Colts:

• Cupcakes -- Now Public
• True blue cocktail -- Azure Cocktails

Let Them Eat Cake

Have you ever watched the film "Marie Antoinette" starring Kirsten Dunst? The costumes and sets are absolutely lovely. One thing you'll notice is a reoccurring color scheme of pale aqua and a soft blush pink. In fact, it is said that the set designers choose colors based on the tint of confectionery macaroons. You can use the same color combination for your wedding day to create an equally palate-pleasing atmosphere.

• Invite guest using one of these cream and aqua invitations -- FineStationery.com

• As the bride, don this soft aqua gown and beautiful blush heels -- Fashionbride and The Knot

• Decorate with soft pink roses and let them eat cake, with a mini cake for each guest -- The Knot and Martha Stewart

*Marie Antoinette movie still via Itotallyloveit Blog.

Bringing Back Lawn Parties

The property on which we built our house used to be home to a bustling inn (see below). Vacationers would flock from places like Pennsylvania to enjoy a riverside vacation, and the inn was infamous for its fabulous lawn parties. The owners even had electricity run to a gorgeous old oak so that they could hang party lights more conveniently.

(Look closely to see the lovely vintage bathing suits!)

Unfortunately, the inn was torn down several years ago and the land sat as a vacant, overgrown lot for a time before we purchased it. This summer I hope to restore the property's lawn party tradition and do plenty of outdoor entertaining. Here is an inspiration board for a casual spring gathering:

• Designate a place for guests to play bocce ball and other lawn games -- Green Wedding Shoes Blog

• Send guests a simple written note on a nice piece of stationery inviting them over for an afternoon of fun -- FineStationery.com

• Serve plenty of cold drinks, including strawberry daiquiris -- Recipes.com

• As the hostess, don this pretty eyelet dress and coordinate with red wedge sandals -- South Moon Under and Zappos.com

• Set up a cozy but casual outdoor space near the garden and string curtains between poles for a nice backdrop and added privacy -- Better Homes and Gardens

On Neutral Grounds

According to Vogue magazine, a trend for Spring 2010 is the use of a simple, neutral palette. From home decor to fashionable frocks, you're sure to be in style with these cream and beige accessories.

• Keep fresh cut cream roses at your bedside for a fragrant awakening -- Bugus4Flowers

• Top it all off with this pearl and fabric headband -- Etsy seller LoveStitched

• For stylish social correspondence, use this cream note card -- FineStationery.com

• Don this tailored blazer for a sophisticated look -- Anthropologie

• Or, try these ballet flats for a more playful getup -- J.Crew

• Cream colored candles always make for a neutral and inviting atmosphere -- Brides

Dreamy Ice Cream Social

Host a dreamy ice cream social for your little one's birthday bash. Decorate your party space with a variety of pastels to give it the feel of a 1950s ice cream parlor.

• Give each guest a pastel gelato dish -- Rosanna Inc.

• Send this ice cream invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Consider making your gelato or ice cream from scratch -- MyRecipes.com

• Store extra toppings in this color coordinated tray -- Amazon

• Set up an ice cream buffet table where guests can build their very own sundaes -- Eat Drink Chic
  

• Dress the birthday girl in this cute ice cream romper -- BSwanky