A Memorial Day Message

Icy Homemade Treats

Beat the heat this Memorial Day weekend with tasty homemade ice pops. Enjoy one yourself, or make a bunch to bring to your family picnic. Everyone will be delighted to cool off with these fruity treats!

Coconut Popsicles via Food Network, Honeydew Lime Popsicles via Epicurious

Pacific Island Inspired Wedding

{Leave the passport at home and invite as many guests as you’d like – It’s a non-destination “destination” wedding! Choose a destination that inspires you, one you and your partner have visited, or simply choose a place that you’ve always dreamed of exploring. Take cues from the scenery, cuisine and atmosphere in order to create the feeling of a true destination wedding. Today’s post is the third and last -- read the others here and here -- in a series of three non-destination “destination” weddings.}

*I am so excited to introduce today’s guest blogger, Jennie. Jennie works at FineStationery.com as the Senior Merchandising Specialist. When I was discussing this wedding post series with her, she proposed the idea of writing about the Pacific Islands. The islands are very special to Jennie, as she lived overseas in New Zealand, and has traveled extensively throughout Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. In this post, Jennie offers a wealth of knowledge about the Pacific Islands, and beautiful inspiration for a wedding. Enjoy!*

While traveling around island groups in the Pacific Ocean it is easy to develop a special appreciation for the rich culture and beauty that Oceania has to offer. The people of each country may have their own traditions and customs, but their friendliness and hospitality are the same on every island. The variety of landscapes such as volcanic mountains, lush rain forests, colorful coral reefs and pure white sandy beaches is sure to invoke a sense of being in paradise. With a range of bright colors, beautiful flowers and a few other small touches, you can recreate the feel of the Pacific wherever your wedding takes place.

• With so many tropical flowers to choose from, there are endless color options. Why not mix and match your favorites to reflect you personal style? Hanging bunches of sweet-smelling frangipani flowers, which are available in a variety of colors, is sure make your guests feel as though they are on a far away island -- Villa Jineng
  
  
• This invitation brings out the blue of the ocean while keeping with the simple, easy-going feel of island life -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Many Pacific Islanders use woven leaves from plants such as Harakeke or hala trees to create anything from mats, bags and even traditional clothing. Fill these small lauhala boxes from Hawaii with a sweet treat and tie them with a ribbon to create favors your guests are sure to appreciate -- pieKnits
  
  
• For a striking look, use bird-of-paradise flowers for your bridal bouquet. To coordinate with your groom, have your florist create a complimentary boutonnière from the mini version of the same flower -- Junebug Weddings
  
  
• The Maori people of New Zealand have many important symbols in their culture. These custom wedding bands feature a koru design which is based on an unfurling silver fern. The spiral shape of the koru symbolizes new beginnings, strength and peace making it a wonderful symbol of marriage -- Stephen Einhorn
  
  
• Have your bridesmaids wear tea-length dresses which can be customized in your choice of colors. By mixing the dress and sash colors, your wedding party is sure to look fun and sophisticated at the same time -- The Dessy Group
  
  
• An island-themed soirée wouldn’t be complete without tropical cocktails such as the classic Mai Tai! Although this drink was not actually created on the Polynesian island, the name comes from the Tahitian word “maita’i” meaning “good” -- Restaurant-Dining Critiques
  
  
• These grilled chicken skewers look so delicious that they could be served as an appetizer or entrée. The recipe suggests adding pieces of mango, papaya and pineapple, then marinating the skewers in a flavorful peanut-rum sauce -- yumsugar
  
  
• A classic white wedding cake can be dressed with colorful flowers to keep with the island theme -- Forever After Cakes
  
  
• Set up cushioned benches for your guests to sit on during the ceremony. Provide lauhala fans so your guests can feel as though they are relaxing on a tropical island. Bowls of flower petals next to each bench not only look lovely as they line the aisle, but can be thrown as the bride and groom leave the altar -- Project Wedding

Photo of Tahiti, Samoan school children photo is from the guest blogger's personal photo collection, Coral Reef Photo

Poolside Party Invitations

Temperatures are supposed to shoot into the high 80's today - hot, hot, hot! With all this warm weather, the party planner in me is thinking... pool party! Here are a few cool pool party invitations that might inspire you to take a dip. Host a poolside soiree for your friends, or invite the kids over to splash around and avoid the heat.

From top to bottom: Poolside Paradise Invitation by Up With Paper, Pool Serenity Invitation by Noteworthy Collections, Sunny Swimmers Invitation by Inviting Company, Swim Party Invitation by Doc Milo

Mad for Madras

For a fun and preppy look that is perfect for the summer months, add madras to your wardrobe and opt for the multi-colored pattern when it comes to accessories.

• Soak up the sun on the beach in a madras bathing suit -- J.Crew
  
  
• Summer correspondence is more fun with madras note cards -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Pair bright madras print shorts with a crisp white cotton shirt for a look that is casual yet put-together -- J.Crew
  
  
• Even pups love stylish madras (leashes, that is!) -- Calling All Dogs
  
  
• This lightweight cotton madras skirt is so comfortable (I would know - I picked one up for myself!) -- Old Navy
  
  
• A madras belt really ties a summer outfit together -- Lands' End
  
  
• Guys will love these madras flip-flops for laid back summer days -- Vineyard Vines
  
  
• Take along a few of these personalized madras plates on your next picnic or trip to the lake -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• A madras print tote bag is a summer staple -- L.L.Bean

Reader Request: Country French Baby Shower

My dear friend Meghann is hosting a baby shower in late summer, and has decided on a Country French theme. The shower will be held at a local crêperie in her hometown in Illinois. Meghann knows that she would like to use the color purple, along with lace accents, and create handmade lavender soap for favors. My suggestion would be to pair the color purple with pale green for a color scheme that is soothing and fresh. With her original ideas and my color palette suggestion, I’d like to show Meghann how she can put all of these details together to style an event that will be the crème de la crème of baby showers.

• This lavender soap has real pieces of lavender in it for an extra sweet scent, and ties in the color scheme perfectly -- Intimate Weddings Blog
  
  
• Decorate tables with small assorted vases or mason jars and rustic wooden boxes full of lavender colored blooms -- The Knot
  
  
• Small sections of lace wrapped around linen napkins, secured with a button or straight pin look dainty on tabletops -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• Invite guests to the shower with a toile printed invitation. The scalloped edges on this pale green toile invitation are oh so charming -- FineStationery
  
  
• Cover a piece of cardboard with a light fabric, decorating the edges with lace, and mount it in a white frame. Use this piece to pin place cards to, and set it near the entrance for guests to see when they arrive -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• Shower the mama-to-be with a basket full of lavender scented spa products. She will appreciate the prenatal pampering! -- Hostess with the Mostess
  
  
• Meghann also let me know that she would like to decorate the space with a onesie garland. Simply hang a pretty piece of ribbon in the space, and place a basket of wooden clothes pins on a table nearby. Guests can be asked to bring a onesie to hang up, and the guest of honor can take them home with her. This purple Eiffel tower onesie would be the perfect addition to the garland -- etsy seller sarstar77
  
  
• Create a lace corsage for the expecting mama to wear on her wrist or pin to her dress -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• If the venue allows, hang vintage lace parasols from the ceiling, or place them around the room. This is a baby shower, after all! -- Hostess with the Mostess
  
  
• The pièce de résistance will be a set of letters made from wired vines that spell out “bebe”. Hang this on the wall near the gifts, or string it along the front of a buffet table or drink station -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• Finally, in addition to the crepes that will be served at the crêperie, mini quiches will make savory appetizers -- Martha Stewart

School's Out: Gifts of Appreciation

As another school year comes to a close, be sure to take some time to thank your child's teacher for all of their hard work and dedication. Here are few inspiring ideas for showing your appreciation:

Get your child involved by letting them choose a flower pot and plant for their teacher. Next, have them decorate the flower pot using chalkboard paint. Once the paint drys, a note to the teacher can be written on the pot. Don't forget to include a few pieces of loose chalk, tied with a ribbon, for more notes and doodling.

A stationery set makes for a great teacher's gift. It can be kept on their desk at school for writing notes to students for a job well done, or writing notes of praise to parents. How adorable is this apple stationery set? The apple shaped box opens to reveal note cards and envelopes, and would look fabulous on any teacher's desk!

Help your child's favorite teacher prepare for a new year of school with a gift certificate to an online teacher's supply store, like TeachingStuff.com. They can stock up on classroom essentials over the summer and be ready for new students in the fall!

One of the most endearing ways to show your appreciation is by sending a handwritten note. Let your child's teacher know how much appreciation you have for their time and commitment to learning. Remember to send along a copy of your note to the school's principal, in order to let them know what a fantastic job the teacher is doing.

Casablanca, Morocco Inspired Wedding

{Leave the passport at home and invite as many guests as you’d like – It’s a non-destination “destination” wedding! Take inspiration from the culture of a far off land and infuse it into your wedding plans. Your guests are sure to feel as if they’ve traveled across seas to be with you as you say your vows. Choose a destination that inspires you, or one you and your partner have visited. Or, simply choose a place that you’ve always dreamed of exploring and learning about. Take cues from the scenery, cuisine and atmosphere in order to create the feeling of a true destination wedding. Today’s post is the second -- read the first here -- in a series of three non-destination “destination” weddings.}

Casablanca, in western Morocco, is rich in culture and beauty. It is also a bustling city, and considered to be the economic and business center of Morocco. Many people know Casablanca from the 1942 film starring dapper Humphrey Bogart and beautiful Ingrid Bergman. Casablanca, Morocco serves as great inspiration for wedding style. Create an event that shines with gold and jewel tones and is exquisitely lavish.

• For favors that look gorgeous and smell wonderful, wrap scented candles in organza and attach a few beads or jewels as an accent -- Brides
  


• Choose flowers that are warm and bright in color -- The Knot
  


• Ask the baker to decorate your wedding cake with detailing that resembles the art of henna -- The Knot
  


• This rich chocolate brown invitation engraved with gold patterns is the perfect choice in wedding stationery -- FineStationery.com
  


• Lay beautifully detailed scarves on the chairs in your ceremony space for guests to use throughout the evening -- World Market
  


• Groupings of candles bring warm light to the space and create ambiance -- Brides
  
  
• As an appetizer, serve a Moroccan dish like lamb tagine with prune sauce -- Martha Stewart
  


• The intricate patterns on metal and glass lanterns make them a unique centerpiece -- Imports from Marrakesh Ltd.
  


• Dress the bride in a flowing white gown and add details like gold bracelets or a pretty gold necklace with colored gemstones -- weddinginspirasi.com and Anthropologie

Image of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca via Flickr

Cobalt and Lavender Luncheon

Cobalt blue and lavender are both rich yet calming colors, and look lovely when paired together. Use accents of these shades to create a luncheon setting that is fresh and perfect for an early summer afternoon.

• Create gorgeous tabletops by filling large glass bowls with rich purple blooms -- The Knot
  
  
• Set out small sprigs of lavender with the names of your guests and their table numbers. These sweet smelling bunches not only help ladies find their seats, but make for a nice favor -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• For dessert, serve bite-sized truffles adorned with purple and blue sugar flowers -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• Cobalt blue place settings will look stunning on crisp white linens -- Pier 1 Imports
  
  
• As the hostess, dress in a light cobalt blue dress and add flair to your locks with a lavender colored headband -- ModCloth and J.Crew
  
  
• This invitation with a whimsical blue print is accented by purple and blue ribbons, and would be the perfect choice for your luncheon -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Guests will love this naturally colored soup made from cauliflower and potatoes -- The Knot
  
  
• Complete each place setting with a beautifully patterned cloth napkin -- Williams-Sonoma

Gourmet Grilling for Dad

This Father’s Day, throw a gourmet barbecue in dear old Dad’s honor. Instead of the standard beef hamburger, serve up tastier treats on buns like chicken burgers, chickpea burgers, balsamic portobello burgers and BBQ pork burgers. With a menu like that, Dad is sure to do a little happy dance when he smells the charcoal grill warming up!

Clockwise from top left: Balsamic Portobello Burger, BBQ Pork Burger, Chickpea Burger, Chicken Burger (all recipes from Martha Stewart).

• Present this lightweight and portable grill to Pop, but tell him to put up his feet while you do the cooking -- Crate&Barrel
  
  
• Mini hamburgers made from brownies, cupcakes and colored icing are perfect for Dad's dessert, and fun for kids to make -- Bakerella
  
  
• Dad can don this bright "Grill Master" apron the next time he mans the barbecue -- Cafe Press
  
  
• Be sure to include all the fathers in your family by sending out these hamburger themed invitations -- FineStationery.com

Pink Parisian Nursery

Photo Announcement via FineStationery.com

When I came across this adorable birth announcement, I immediately thought that it gave off an elegant Parisian vibe. This announcement is the perfect inspiration for a darling baby girl’s nursery. Pair bold black and white damask patterns with subtle pink accents for a nursery that is oh so pretty and Parisian.

• Paint the nursery walls in an ultra pale pink shade before hanging these chic paintings of pearls and baby booties -- Posh Tots
  
  
• A black chandelier with white shades and sparkling crystals adds French style to the space -- Carousel Designs
  
  
• This strand of glass baubles looks like a pearl necklace, and would be lovely overflowing from a pretty bowl -- CB2
  
  
• A fluffy petal pink rug looks like the ruffles on a stylish French gown -- Restoration Hardware
  
  
• Dress the baby's crib in luxurious damask bedding with playful bows and polka dots -- Carousel Designs
  
  
• Simple drapes with clean lines give the nursery a fresh and regal look -- Restoration Hardware

Not just for your drink...

Paper cocktail umbrellas have always been a must-have summer party accessory. This season, utilize these party parasols by taking them beyond the cocktail glass and incorporating them into your decor.

• Create parasol topiaries or stick opened umbrellas into several different sizes of foam spheres and hang them around your venue -- DIY Parasol Topiary instructions via Hostess with the Mostess
  
  
• These paper umbrella inspired invitations are perfect for a backyard barbecue or summer kickoff bash -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• These mini umbrellas are bright in color and feature fun summer fruit designs. Scatter them on the bar for guests to add to their colorful cocktails -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Display place cards in a unique way by sticking paper umbrellas through them and stringing them in a row between the branches of a tropical tree or plant -- Divine Party Concepts
  
  
• Cocktail umbrella luminaries are perfect for outdoor parties, or lighting a walkway to your front door. If your party is during the day, skip the candles and fill these decorated jars with sweets -- DIY Cocktail Umbrella Lantern instructions via Pom Pom Emporium

Santorini Inspired Wedding

{Leave the passport at home and invite as many guests as you’d like – It’s a non-destination “destination” wedding! Take inspiration from the culture of a far off land and infuse it into your wedding plans. Your guests are sure to feel as if they’ve traveled across seas to be with you as you say your vows. Choose a destination that inspires you, or one you and your partner have visited. Or, simply choose a place that you’ve always dreamed of exploring and learning about. Take cues from the scenery, cuisine and atmosphere in order to create the feeling of a true destination wedding. Today’s post is the first in a series of three non-destination “destination” weddings.}

Santorini is a cluster of small islands in the southern Aegean Sea, and is a part of Greece. White buildings with bright blue rooftops are a trademark of the islands. Santorini is also known for having a flourishing wine industry. The blue waters of the Aegean Sea create a central lagoon, which is absolutely breathtaking and inspiring. A Santorini inspired wedding is the perfect choice for a laid back couple seeking a refreshing atmosphere for their nuptials.

Drape thin white fabrics in your ceremony space to catch a breeze -- Brides

For hors d'oeuvres, create a warm Greek olive buffet with fresh breads and olive oil -- Martha Stewart

Meatballs with ouzo and mint could be served as appetizers or part of the main course -- Martha Stewart

A white invitation with clean lines and subtle blue waves mimics the beautiful Aegean Sea -- FineStationery.com

A bright blue dress in a light fabric is great for bridesmaids or guests of honor -- J.Crew

Choose a poolside venue for a relaxed and refreshing feel -- Kamari Beach Hotel, Santorini

A simple olive branch bouquet gives a nod to Greek culture -- Project Wedding

Dress the bride in a long flowing white gown, inspired by the attire of a Greek goddess -- Brides

Serve a wine that is made in Santorini, or pass bottles out to guests as favors -- Santo Wines

Image of Santorini via Wikipedia

Summer Strawberry Social

It’s just about strawberry season, and I am already thinking of ways to incorporate these sweet red fruits into my summer cuisine. A fun way to celebrate the arrival of summer is to host a strawberry themed social. Use the fruit in side dishes, desserts and even refreshing beverages. The vibrant color and delicious taste of the strawberry always makes for a summertime hit!

• Please both children and adults with refreshing strawberry beverages. Children will enjoy strawberry lemonade while adults sip on sweet strawberry ginger caiprioscas -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• Inviting guests with this fresh strawberry themed invitation is the perfect way to start your summer celebration -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• A single strawberry with a slit cut into it for a place card makes for a simple and sweet place setting -- The Princess and the Frog Blog
  
  
• Decorate with small pots of bright red flowers, or opt to fill plastic berry containers with fresh flowers -- The Knot
  
  
• Individual bags of strawberry seeds make great favors for party-goers -- Crate&Barrel
  
  
• This spinach and strawberry salad with sesame-poppy seed dressing is light and perfect for a delicious side dish -- Southern Living
  
  
• End the celebration by indulging with a helping of this strawberry sugar-biscuit trifle -- Southern Living
  

Please and Thank You

Image via Emily Post's Etiquette Daily

National Etiquette Week is upon us, so mind your Ps and Qs and keep your elbows off the kitchen table. A little lesson in etiquette is always fun, so I’d like to share a few interesting question and answer sessions from Emily Post’s Etiquette Daily blog:

Etiquette News Flash: The RSVP never went out of style

No Gifts, Please: What to say on an invitation

Thank You Notes: When kids should pen their own

Emily Post’s Etiquette Daily blog is a fantastic resource for etiquette lessons, and is broken down into categories such as Business Etiquette, Children’s Etiquette, Entertaining Etiquette and Wedding Etiquette, among others. Happy reading!

Pretty Polka Dots

For an event that really pops, look to pretty polka dots for inspiration. Dotted decor in a pastel palette makes for a lovely look, and is just right for a young girl’s birthday party.

• Choose round candies in pastel colors for a candy buffet, letting guests create their own goody bags to take home. Seal the bag of sweets with a personalized and polka dotted sticker -- Scissors.Paper.Cake and FineStationery.com
  
  
• This invitation with pretty pastel dots is perfect for the occasion -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Fun dotted table covers will add color to the space -- Birthday Express
  
  
• As an alternative to cake or cupcakes, and keeping with the polka dot theme, serve pink cake pops for dessert -- Bakerella
  
  
• Polka dotted pennants can be hung inside the party space, or outside your home on the day of the party -- Polka Party

Celebrate Mom

Flower Arranging Kit via Martha Stewart

For the mom that gardens or enjoys fresh flowers, this DIY flower arranging kit makes for the perfect gift. Simply add shears, a stem stripper, floral clay, a floral frog for placing flowers, and a floral preservative to a mason jar and tie it up with a pretty ribbon. These items can be found at most greenhouses or flower shops. Be sure to include a handwritten note to tell mom how much you appreciate her!

Flower Stitch Card from FineStationery.com

Spring 2011 Wedding Gown Picks

Many top designers have recently released their 2011 spring wedding gown styles. With this new collection to choose from, the brides of spring 2011 are going to be so beautiful and oh so chic. Here are a few of my picks, along with wedding invitations that complement the dresses:

• Dress by J.Crew, along with Elegant Ivory Invitation
  
  
  
• Dress by Blush by JLM, along with Ribbon Crest Invitation
  
  
  
• Dress by Anne Barge, along with Beveled Border Invitation

All dress images via Martha Stewart Weddings

Invitations via FineStationery.com

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Dont' siesta - start a fiesta! Recipes for a sweet Mango Margarita and tasty Black Bean Salsa will surely put you in a festive mood for Cinco de Mayo. Enjoy!

Margarita Invitation from FineStationery.com

Mango Margarita recipe via allrecipes.com

Bright Espadrille Invitation from FineStationery.com

Black Bean Salsa recipe via allrecipes.com

A Maritime Memorial Day

For my family, Memorial Day weekend has always been the unofficial start of the shore season. The beach house is opened up for the summer and it’s time for sand, sun, eating crabs, and relaxing on the deck. With the holiday fast approaching, I wanted to share some seaside suggestions for a maritime inspired Memorial Day.

• Personalized melamine plates in red white and blue stripes are perfect for quick meals after a long day in the sun -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Hurricane glasses filled with sand make for easy beach house decor. Try a patriotic color scheme with colored sand, or add starfish and raffia ribbon -- Hostess with the Mostess
  
  
• Plastic personalized tumblers are just right for sipping lemonade or refreshing cocktails -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Invite family and friends to take part in your beach party with this stars, stripes and flip-flops invitation -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Wrap grosgrain ribbon around cloth or paper napkins and adorn them with starfish or shells to really make your tabletop pop -- Hostess with the Mostess
  
  
• A day at the beach requires a sturdy tote for sunscreen, a book, snacks and a towel. This nautical themed bag is perfect for showing your passion for all things patriotic -- L.L.Bean
  

Start Your Engines!

Ready, set, go! With the Indianapolis 500 coming up at the end of this month, you're sure to come in first place by throwing a race car themed birthday party for your little speed racer. Give kids the green light for fun with race day details and fast-paced games.

• Decorate the party space with simple stoplights made from craft paper-covered boxes -- Jolly Mom blog
  
  
• Make a pit stop for a piece of raceway inspired cake, making sure to serve the birthday boy's slice on a personalized race car plate -- Cake Journal and FineStationery.com
  
  
• Refuel between games by sipping on juice poured from a (new) gasoline tank -- Maddycakes Muse blog
  
  
• Snack on stoplight fruit skewers -- Poca Cosas blog
  
  
• Turn a hallway or porch into a race track with black cloth and tape, lining the way with parking cones and stoplights -- Jolly Mom blog
  
  
• A checkered flag invitation and race car address label set the scene for a day at the races -- FineStationery.com