Zesty Orange

Squeeze a bit of orange into your 2010 wardrobe for a refreshing take on spring and summer style!

• Striped orange tie -- Ties-necktie.com

• Silk dress in sweet cantaloupe -- JCrew

• Mandarin orange note card by Vera Wang -- FineStationery.com

• Orange petal flat by Prada -- Neiman Marcus

• Bitter orange kindler cocktail -- Gourmet magazine

• Orange bow handbag by Prada -- Neiman Marcus

• Peachy keen invitation with orange ribbon accent by William Arthur -- FineStationery.com

Graduation Announcements

Whether you opt for something sophisticated or simply want to show off your graduate's personality, you're sure to find the perfect graduation announcement at FineStationery.com. The options have never looked better!

Pink Announcement

Sophisticated Black Announcement

Multiple Photo Announcement

Reader Request: An Autumn Apple Wedding

One of our readers, Charlene, is planning a wedding in November of this year. As a little girl, Charlene's favorite story was Johnny Appleseed, and her mother used to joke that she would someday marry a John of her own. Well, it just so happens that she IS marrying a John, and they are planning an apple-themed wedding to honor this cute connection of past and present.

Congratulations Charlene & John, here's an inspiration board to assist you in the planning of your event:

• Select a variety of red magenta and orange roses for your bouquets including the perfect moment tea rose -- The Knot

• For favors, present each guest with a candied or caramel apple -- Country Living
  

• Serve mulled cider garnished with a cinnamon stick as your signature cocktail at the reception -- NY Times

• Dress your bridesmaids in rich, espresso hued floor-length gowns with mocha ribbon accents, like these from Alfred Angelo -- Things Festive

• For your centerpieces, fill hurricane vases with gala apples and layer thick espresso and spice colored ribbons on the outside rim -- The Knot

• Send guests this lovely espresso brown folder invitation accented by a spice colored ribbon -- FineStationery.com

• Instead of traditional wedding cake, opt for an apple spice cake -- Brides.com

• Notice how lovely the spice colored bouquets look against a regal espresso brown gown -- The Knot

• Dress the tables in espresso brown linens -- The Knot

• Line your place cards with rows of gala apples for a pretty effect -- The Knot

Open House!

Have you ever wondered about the spaces your favorite bloggers work in? I do! I wonder what surrounds them, and how their space might inspire their posts.

With that in mind, I thought I might give you a glimpse into my workspace, which also serves as my home!

As you may remember, my little family moved into our first house last summer. It’s been nearly a year and we still do not have all the pictures on the wall, but thanks to a sudden surge of pregnancy nesting (and a wonderful husband with an ever-growing honey-do list) we're finally starting to get things together. Welcome to our home! We call it The River Cottage.

The Living Room:

Kitchen & Dining:

Our Son's Room:

(I was pregnant with our little guy when we took a trip to Alaska-- we thought it would be neat to incorporate a few photos from our trip into his space since he was "technically" there, too!)

*The window invitation above would be great for an open house or housewarming party, or simply use it as a moving announcement. You can find it at FineStationery.com.

White-Tie Wedding

I love black and white weddings. Full of sophisticated styling and class, a color palette of black and white provides a simple backdrop, yet promotes a rather polished atmosphere. Instead of traditional black-tie, invite your guests to a "white-tie" affair where white bows and other pearly accents take center stage.

• Send guests this gorgeous black invitation adorned with a white satin ribbon and crisp white text -- FineStationery.com

• Instead of a traditional headpiece, have the bride-to-be wear this white bow headband -- Etsy seller ModernRomancepdx

• For flowers, use a variety of stark-white blooms including gardenias, peonies and even magnolias -- Brides

• For a more formal affair, or for an old-hollywood look, ask the groom and groomsmen to wear top hats -- Art Of Manliness

• Choose a simple white cake with white bow accents -- Always A Blogsmaid

• Have the groom dress in a classic black tux with a white vest and tie -- Pat the Tailor

• These Christian Louboutin pumps with side bow accents provide a theme appropriate way to walk down the aisle in style -- Bellinter House

Dynamite Duo: A Firecracker Engagement Party

Celebrate the spark ignited between the newly engaged couple with a firecracker-themed party that will shine during daylight hours and sizzle long into the night!

Day:

• Send guests this navy and white invitation with fireworks motif, and be sure to add the wording "dynamite duo" as a reference to the couple -- FineStationery.com

• As favors, give out these lifesaver packets wrapped to look like firecrackers. (Please note that the original image via An Altered State of Mind said "Independence USA" for a Fourth of July celebration, but we edited it to show how you could use it for this particular event) -- An Altered State of Mind

• Reserve a packet of sparklers for each guest and attach place cards to them containing seating information -- Country Living

• Roll your napkins and add colorful napkin rings and sparkly confetti to the tops to make them resemble sticks of dynamite -- Simply Entertaining at Home
  

Night:

• Serve cocktails with sparklers attached -- Liqurious

• Set off fireworks for the grand finale -- Brides

• Invite guests to lite their sparklers at dusk -- Eric Limon Photography

• Dress the bride-to-be in this fun frock which features a sparkling bodice against a gorgeous black fabric (like fireworks lighting up a night sky) -- Neiman Marcus

(P.S.-- Be sure to visit the TRUE & WESSON blog for an amazing firecracker summer wedding post. It's gorgeous!)

Table-top Treat

These flower napkin rings by etsy seller annemusingdesigns are fashioned from tissue paper and lace. They would make a lovely addition to any springtime table and are perfect for Easter!

Giraffe Baby Shower

For a baby shower that is sure to be heads and shoulders above the rest, consider using giraffes as your theme. Giraffe showers are sophisticated and classy, but also maintain a certain level of cuteness.

• Send guests this adorable giraffe invitation, which unfolds accordion style to reveal the event details -- FineStationery.com

• Decorate in a pale aqua blue and sunflower yellow and use a baby giraffe rattle as your napkin ring at each place setting -- Southern Accents

• Instead of place cards, hang these paper cutouts from the back of each chair using ribbon and write the name-meaning after each name (it is neat to think about what your parents may have had in mind when they selected your particular name!) -- Southern Accents

• Serve cupcakes decorated with these super cute giraffe cupcake toppers -- Flickr user Designer Favors

• Finally, provide the baby-to-be with a soft giraffe-print blanket as a memento from the shower -- My Best Furry Friend

Fleece as White as Snow

While bunnies and eggs seem to steal the spotlight each Easter season, let's not forget about little lambs! The white wool of lambs has always represented a clean slate and a fresh start, especially for those with religious backgrounds. (I am seriously obsessed with the cupcakes below-- how cute would they be for a little lamb party?!)

Lamb Invitation via FineStationery.com

Lamb Cupcakes via Food Network

Seaside Wedding at Twilight

I just love summer evenings by the water, don't you? The soft hum of crickets accompanied by the gentle lapping of waves onto shore makes for such a sweet serenade. Pair that with a warm breeze and the reflection of the moon upon the water and you have a perfectly magical atmosphere for a wedding reception.

• Sail off into the night with a sailboat as your getaway transportation -- Erica P. Pel Photography

• Give each guest a bottle wine featuring a sailboat motif as their parting gift -- Brides

• Use rounded river rocks in the place of seating cards -- Brides

• Send guests this elegant cream and sea-water blue invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Be sure to get photos of the bride and groom standing on the dock over the water's edge. I simply adore this one by NK Photography -- NK Photography

• Instead of a traditional guest book, invite guests to sign a white Adirondack chair -- Brides

• Request a simple cream cake with a design that mimics the gentle lapping of waves -- Brides

• Hold your reception under a big white tent near the shoreline -- Meghan Sepe Photography via Style Me Pretty

To All Our Readers:

* Green bordered card available at FineStationery.com. Irish blessing via Island Ireland.

Something Blue… and Pink, too!

{Good morning! My name is Jen, and I am one of the Graphics Production Specialists at FineStationery.com. Jess asked me to fill in for her today, so I'd like to share a post with you that happens to be inspired by one of my favorite color combinations. Enjoy!}

A navy blue and pink bridal shower is the perfect mix of sophistication and femininity. Honor the timeless tradition of "something blue" while incorporating pink accents for added charm. The blushing bride is sure to delight in this preppy color combination.



• Navy and pink dessert display -- Vanilla Bake Shop

• Pink and navy floral invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Personalized cocktail napkins -- FineStationery.com

• Party favor box -- pretty chicky

• Pink satin headband -- Jennifer Ouellette

• Navy blue dress -- JCrew

• Tables dressed in pink -- The Knot

• Hanging flower ornament -- inchmark

A New Sibling

With Baby #2 due to arrive in just a few months, my husband and I have been busy trying to prepare our firstborn for all the changes coming his way. From simply coming to terms with the idea of no longer being an only child to the process of potty training and moving from the crib to a toddler bed, we still have quite a bit that we need to accomplish!

Thankfully, author Joanna Cole has written a wonderful series of books for children designed to help little ones through these intimidating life changes! I love that her books always have a really positive perspective! Right now we are reading "I'm a Big Brother" and it has been wonderful. What things did you do to prepare your child for a new sibling? I would love to hear your ideas!

Published by HarperCollins

Rummy!

When I was a little girl, I'd often go to visit my grandparents and my great aunt who lived just over the hill from us. Some of my best childhood memories stem from those visits, especially the days on which they would let me join in on their favorite card game, Rummy. This weekend, my husband and I are hoping to have the three of them over for a cookout and cards-- I so cherish these times together!

FineStationery.com has some lovely Lilly Pulitzer playing cards and I am thinking about adding the below set to my game collection-- especially if our card games become a regular activity. Isn't the design just gorgeous? The card set comes complete with two decks, a decorative box and a cute score book.

Lilly Pulitzer Playing Cards

What are your plans for the weekend?

Love, Sweet Love

If you're planning a bridal shower, consider hosting a bridal brunch with a honey theme. Decorate your party space with yellow accents and serve a variety of honey-infused sweets.

• This hive cake would be an adorable addition to the brunch -- Chef Depot

• Use daisies for floral centerpieces and accent decor -- Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart

• As a favor, give each guest a jar of honey with the phrase "Meant to Bee" written on a gift tag or personalized sticker -- The Knot

• Send guests an invitation featuring a bee motif -- FineStationery.com

• Serve Honey-I-Dews as your signature cocktail -- Brides

• Finally, be sure to set jars of honey at each table for guests to use on a variety of muffins and biscuits -- Grocers Buy Local

Serves You Right!

Spring has sprung! With all these warm-weather days, I've been making a list of all the things I need to be prepared for outdoor entertaining, and a serving tray tops the list!

A proper serving tray should maintain the perfect balance between style and function. Here are a few selections that look lovely, but are also sturdy enough to carry refreshments from the kitchen to the patio with ease.

Personalized Tray
by Fontaine Maury

Antiqued White Tray
by Pier 1

Zebra Tray
by Pier1

Hop to It! An Easter Brunch

This Easter, host a brunch for friends and family that is full of vibrant spring flowers and special Easter treats.

• Create an elegant tablescape using purple, pink and cream floral centerpieces, fresh white linens and crystal clear glassware -- Project Wedding

• Ask guests to dress in their Easter best -- Nordstrom

• Serve a variety of breakfast foods including Carrot Cake Muffins -- Yankee Magazine

• Brightly colored floral arrangements will add lots of spring flair to your bash -- Martha Stewart

• Arrange a dessert buffet with pastel colored buckets brimming with your favorite Easter candies -- Southern Living

• Purchase a few white ceramic bunnies to place strategically throughout your party space -- Pottery Barn

• Send guests this lovely lavender invitation accented by a satin ribbon -- FineStationery.com

Celebrating Easter

I apologize for today's short post-- it has been so warm and sunny here that the little one and I just had to get outdoors!

In honor of spring's arrival, I wanted to share two adorable invitations that are sure to entice guests to attend an event (these would be perfect for an Easter Brunch or Egg Hunt!):

Birds Invitation

Egg Hunt Invitation

We'll be back in full-swing tomorrow with an Easter Brunch inspiration board. Enjoy your afternoon!

Fabulous Party Friday

There have been so many wonderful parties posted in the blogosphere recently. Here are a few of my favorites with snippet photos to entice you to click over to these equally amazing blogs. Enjoy and have a lovely weekend my friends!

1. A Madeline in Paris Party via Kara's Party Ideas. I love how this cake looks just like the schoolgirl hats from the series!

2. Fairy Sweet Party via Candy and Cake as well as Hostess with the Mostess. Notice the "pixie" sticks on the dessert table-- so cute!

3. A Pirate Party via Setting the Mood. The table settings at this bash are a real treasure, and the Jack Sparrow rum bottles-- so clever!

An Irish Wedding

Whether your family is from Ireland or you're simply planning a wedding around St. Patrick's Day, Irish accents will help give your event unique flair that will certainly make for a memorable ceremony and reception.

• In addition to a traditional fruit cake covered in marzipan, serve these Guinness and Irish Creme cupcakes -- Flickr user cheval culotte/ une-deux senses

• Dress your bridesmaids in a luxurious emerald green gowns -- The Knot

• Instead of a signature cocktail, serve Jameson Irish Whiskey on the rocks -- The Classy Geek

• Accent your affair with pale pink floral arrangements -- The Knot

• Send guests this festive white and green wedding invitation -- FineStationery.com

• Hire bagpipers to play during the ceremony -- Slate

• Exchange traditional diamond claddagh rings (I've used these before, but I just love them!) -- Linda Clifford

Vibrant Spring Wedding

Earlier this week we enjoyed sunshine and warmer temperatures. The sky was blue and while the breezes were still a tad bit chilly, it was a really lovely day to go on a walk by the water with my little one. Springtime is almost here! Let's celebrate with a spring wedding inspiration board.

Spring is all about the re-emergence of color in our natural surroundings, so when selecting your spring wedding color palette, be sure it's full of fun and lively hues.

• Have your wedding ceremony outdoors and tie your programs to the back of white chairs with colorful ribbon -- Brides.com

• Decorate with a variety of spring flowers including tulips and irises -- Stirrings and Brides.com

• Craft a moss pillow for your ring bearer to carry -- Martha Stewart

• Be sure to get photos of the bride and groom in a garden or flower field. I simply adore this image by talented photographer Jeremy Gilliam -- Jeremy Gilliam Photography

• Send guests this Vera Wang invitation. Accented with a blind-embossed floral pattern and tied off with a vibrant plum ribbon, it's sure to leave a lasting impression -- FineStationery.com

• For favors, present guests with bags of tulip bulbs or else use these adorable paper tulip place cards (a single bulb sits in the bottom of each tea-lite sized vase for the guest to take home) -- Brides.com & Martha Stewart

• Finally, if having the ceremony at a church with a brightly colored door, be sure to get a photo of the bride and groom standing outside -- Brides.com

Vintage Diamonds

Way back when, before my husband proposed, a good friend of mine introduced me to the wondrous world of antique and estate jewelry.

While I'm not a huge jewelry person (I have my wedding rings and my pearls and that's enough for me), I've always loved the look of vintage pieces, particularly those from the Art Deco period.

FayCullen.com, an online vintage jeweler, offers a large selection of gorgeous Edwardian and Art Deco engagement rings that never fail to leave me in a trance. Aren't these just lovely? Look at that detailing!

Round Cut

Emerald Cut

Gorgeous Detailing

In the end, my hubby surprised me with a custom ring made that I absolutely adore! It's a graceful oval-cut diamond with a similar look to these estate pieces. While I'd never change the ring he gave me, I must confess that every now and then, I find myself browsing through FayCullen.com. Maybe one day I'll get one for my left-hand ring finger. A "push present" perhaps?

Sapphire Surround

** Ring Box Invitation available for purchase at FineStationery.com.