Bold and Bright Bat Mitzvah

For a Bat Mitzvah party that is bold and bright, choose a color palette of orange and pink. The mix of colors is sure to bring serious style to your celebration.

Brightly colored paper lanterns will make the dance floor glow -- The Knot

For a big pop of color, use hot pink chairs at the dinner tables, and place orange and pink patterned linens on tabletops -- Eddie Ross

Set up a soda bar, complete with fizzy orange drinks and fun pink and orange party straws -- Soda bar via Hostess with the Mostess and party straws by Crate&Barrel

For dessert, serve mini cups of cream and gelatin. Keep with the color scheme by decorating the dessert table with patterned papers, linens and candies -- Amy Atlas Events

Bright orange blooms add another burst of color to the tabletops and venue -- The Knot

Show your bold style with an orange invitation featuring pink Torah designs -- Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Dance and celebrate all night in comfortable style by choosing an orange tunic and pink sneakers. Accessorize with gold Star of David earrings -- Tunic by ModCloth, sneakers by Converse and earrings by Tiffany & Co.


FineStationery.com can personalize many Bar and Bat Mitzvah invitations with Hebrew. Contact one of our Specialists for more information on personalizing your invitation!

Summer Savings!

Enjoy summer savings on stylish products at FineStationery.com, now through 11:59 p.m. on July 7th. Stock up on stationery, or order wedding invitations and holiday cards!

Shop FineStationery.com

Kid's Crafts for the Fourth

If your children have been out of school for a little while now, you may be in search of activities for them to get their hands on during the day. Here are seven fun and patriotic crafts – one for each day of the week – that kids can create in preparation for the holiday this Sunday!

Monday: Decorate the outside of your home with festive tie-dyed bunting -- Family Fun

Tuesday: A red, white and blue windsock will look great in the garden, or hanging from bicycle handles -- Better Homes and Gardens

Wednesday: This paper wreath is wonderful for windows or doors -- Family Fun

Thursday: Float this boat at the park during a holiday picnic - A great use for old soda bottles! -- Family Fun

Friday: Weave tiny bracelets to wear one at a time, or stacked on your wrist. Create more to pass out to friends at the fireworks display -- Better Homes and Gardens

Saturday: Become an artist by creating firework designs with glue, glitter and dark paper -- Better Homes and Gardens

Sunday: These patriotic wands are fun to wave at the parade as the floats go by -- Parents

It's A Girl!

Those of you that have followed The Finer Things for some time now will remember Jess, the former writer. Early this year, she announced that her family of three would become a family of four this June with the addition of a baby girl. After many months of planning, excitement and choosing a name, Jess, her husband, and their little boy welcomed Cecilia Mae this past Friday. Mama and baby are both fantastic!

Announcement by William Arthur, available at FineStationery.com

You've Got (Snail) Mail!

“Nothing beats the thrill of opening the mailbox and finding a personal letter, written and addressed just to you” says a touching article from CNN. It is so true – Knowing that someone thought of you, took the time to sit down and write a note, whether it’s long or short, and put it in the mailbox only to arrive in your own days later is so wonderful. Although I am guilty of sending many more emails and text messages than letters, I do find it extremely important and fulfilling to write and send notes to friends and family every once in a while. Yes, I'm talking about "snail mail". One of my very best friends sends me handwritten postcards from each city she travels to for work. Even though we talk on the phone, I still find it exciting to hear about her travels all over again by reading her postcards. Letter writing is much more personal than email. Have we forgotten the joy of selecting our own stationery, taking out our favorite pen and crafting a letter? I encourage you to rediscover the art of letter writing. Start with a simple note. You don’t even have to put a stamp on it. Leave a note for a loved one to discover somewhere in your home. Hand deliver a note to a neighbor. Reach out to an old friend. I bet you will find happiness in doing so!

This article by CNN may inspire you.

As you start to think about reconnecting through writing, here are some refreshing summer stationery styles that make letter writing so much more fun:

All stationery available at FineStationery.com -- Clockwise, from top left:

• Snail Mail Flat Card by kate spade (top image)
• Indian Summer Note Card by Noteworthy Collection
• Woody Flat Card by Boatman Geller
• Sailor's Delight Flat Card by William Arthur
• Stripe Flip Flops Note Card by Boatman Geller
• Tennis Flat Card by idesign and co.
• Lime Palm Note Card by Checkerboard

Pop! A Champagne Themed Engagement Party

Nothing says “Celebrate!” better than a glass of bubbly champagne. Celebrate the newly engaged couple with an engagement party that bubbles with excitement and love. A champagne theme is the perfect choice for such a soiree.

Top champagne flutes with pretty round place cards and have the flutes sitting out on tables as guests arrive -- Green Wedding Shoes

The blushing bride will look lovely in a peach-colored cocktail dress and gold heels. She is sure to shine while showing off her brand new engagement ring -- Cocktail dress by Madewell, heels by Stuart Weitzman at Zappos, ring by Tiffany & Co.

Decorate the space with strands of gold, silver and blush-colored beads, resembling champagne bubbles -- Brides

Table number cards inserted into champagne corks pull the theme together nicely -- Brides

For a sweet treat, popcorn balls and champagne gelatin with cream hit the spot -- Popcorn balls by Lolliblog, gelatin by Martha Stewart

The newly engaged couple should sip from a special pair of flutes. They can use these flutes again on their wedding day -- Saks Fifth Avenue

For centerpieces that pop, fill various sizes of champagne flutes with tiny gold and silver balls. Use light colored linens on the tables as well -- Martha Stewart

An invitation that is shaped like a champagne bottle could not be more fitting for this event -- Stevie Streck Designs, available at FineStationery.com

Customized Bridal Treasure

I stumbled across an image of a wedding gown hung on a customized hanger on {all things lovely}, which is a blog written by a local photographer. Later, I found that another local photographer (who photographed my wedding) had posted about these customized hangers as well. How neat are they? What a nice gift for a wedding shower! They would be perfect for getting photos of your dress without the dull plastic hanger from the bridal shop, or for a photo of the rings. This piece is definitely something that will be treasured by the bride for many years. Order early though – these customized hangers are hand-made and do take time!

Turquoise Trends

A few months ago, Pantone announced turquoise as the color of the year for 2010. Lately, I've seen this fresh and vibrant color popping up in fashion, accessories, and home decor. According to Pantone, "in many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky." Try adding a touch of turquoise to your wardrobe or home for a refreshing look and feel.

Cocktail dress by J.Crew

Turquoise necklace available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Save the Date Card by Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Sports watch by Lacoste

Bag by Anthropologie

Home decor via House Beautiful

Calling Card by Crane & Co., available at FineStationery.com

Home linens by Michael C. Fina

B is for...

Baby’s name! Although my husband and I do not have any children, we know many people who do have kids, or are about to become parents. Finding out what our friends decide to name their babies is so special. To choose a name must be very exciting and sometimes difficult. A decision so important should be celebrated! While you are still expecting, why not host a casual luncheon at your home and take the opportunity to announce the baby’s name to family and friends all at once? Send invitations with the first initial of the baby printed on them. Guests will start guessing from the moment they receive the invitation. For party décor, hang cut-outs of the baby’s initial, print the initial on party favors and bottles of soda, and hang onesies with the initial embroidered on them. Desserts can be embellished with cookie cut-outs showing the baby’s initial. Throughout the luncheon, have party-goers write their guesses on small pieces of paper. After lunch, the parents-to-be can read off the guesses, and then reveal their choice for the baby’s name to everyone. If anyone guessed correctly, have a prize on hand to present to them. It is sure to be a fun and laughter-filled event that the soon-to-be parents will remember for a long time!

Initial announcement by Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Cupcakes, party table and candy cone favors via Martha Stewart

Personalized onesie via Restoration Hardware, Baby + Child

Here's To You, Dad!

Wishing all fathers a fantastic and fun Father's Day!

From all of us at FineStationery.com


Looking for a fun activity today? Create a custom picture frame with Dad's favorite photos and then he can display it proudly in his office!

Reader Request: An Autumn Marine Wedding

Jessica left a message on the FineStationery.com Facebook page asking for help with her upcoming wedding. I was so excited to see her message because her request is a challenging one! Jessica is getting married to a Marine in October. The groom-to-be will be wearing his dress blues – how dapper! The bride is worried that their wedding will take on a patriotic look because of the groom’s attire. She loves fall colors, and is looking for a palette that will complement the Marine’s dark uniform.

When I think of a Marine’s dress blues, I think of dark blue and navy with shiny gold accents. While the uniform does have touches of red, I suggest not concentrating on them as part of your palette if you want to stay away from a patriotic look. Navy blue pairs well with a very rich plum color. So, for a regal autumnal palette, use navy, deep plum and gold.

Tabletops should glow with gold linens and flatware -- Brides

The wedding cake should be simple, yet grand. Accent a classic ivory fondant cake with satin plum-colored ribbon and flowers -- The Knot

Bridesmaids will look fabulous and chic in two-toned plum and navy gowns -- Vera Wang

Carry a bouquet of purple and blue flowers, wrapped with a satin ribbon -- The Knot

Groomsmen should wear navy blue suits to complement the groom’s uniform. A plum-colored tie is a nice contrast, and will coordinate well with the bridesmaid’s look. Gold cuff links with blue enamel make a nice groomsmen gift and add to their overall style -- Suit from From The Waist Up and cuff links from Brooks Brothers

This customized dog-tag is the perfect touch on a favor bag. If you look closely, you will see that it has been embossed with the newlywed’s names and wedding date! -- Absolutely Charmed

An ivory invitation adorned with a plum ribbon and printed with navy ink looks beautiful -- FineStationery.com

Place candles on tables in your reception space for a warm feeling. Candles in large plum-colored hurricane vases add a warm glow to your ceremony space -- Tabletop via The Knot and candles via Brides

For the bride, a pair of satin navy heels will work perfectly as her something blue -- Nina

Looking for a little inspiration? Send an email to The Finer Things, or leave a comment. Your request may be featured in a future Reader Request post!

A Second Invitation Inspiration Winner

Two Thursdays ago, you started voting for your favorite wedding invitation from a selection of three fabulous designs {seen here}. The invitation that received the most votes was promised to be the inspiration for a special wedding post. The votes were counted, and a tie was announced last Thursday. Due to the tie, both winning invitations won a special post. Last week, you saw the inspiration for Invitation #1 {check it out here}. This week, you will see the other winner, Invitation #3, in a wedding post inspired by its navy blue and creamy tulle beauty. This elegant invitation designed by Vera Wang is available at FineStationery.com.

• Dress the bride in a stunning gown with a voluminous tulle skirt -- Reem Acra, Spring 2011
  
  
• Flowers should be classic and elegant. Use ivory roses for bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres -- The Knot
  
  
• Tulle veiled topiaries look unique and romantic -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• For your signature cocktail, choose a blue tinted concoction -- The Knot
  
  
• A puffed tulle bracelet accents the bridesmaid's dark navy gowns -- Bracelet by Etsy seller cocoirene and navy gown by Jim Hjelm Occasions
  
  
• The dessert table should display an elegant wedding cake, adorned with blue ribbons and ivory roses, and lots of ivory colored candies, like white chocolate and coated almonds -- Cake via The Knot and candy by Amy Atlas Events
  
  
• Choose a wedding band that sparkles with diamonds and blue sapphires -- Tiffany & Co.

Monograms To Fit Your Style

Monograms are a unique way to show your personal style through the use of your initials. Monograms are a timeless choice for personalizing stationery. There are many styles to choose from when it comes to selecting a monogram - simple or ornate, classic or modern. As FineStationery.com offers hundreds of choices, you are sure to find a style that fits your taste. Below are some examples of the most popular monogram styles today:

Single Letter: The single letter style may not technically be a monogram, but its simplicity is quite charming. Often paired with a motif or other design element, the single letter style makes use of the first character in an individual’s first name or surname. This single letter style is shown on a flat card by Vera Wang.



Two Letter: A two letter style combines the first characters of an individual’s first name and surname. This style can be used when a middle name is not present, or for a more casual circumstance. This two letter style is incorporated with a design element on a folded note card by William Arthur.



Three Letter: There are two variations of the three letter monogram. The most classic and widely used style is that in which the center character is larger than the left and right characters. In this style, the largest center character is the first letter in an individual’s surname. The character on the left is the first letter in her first name, and the letter on the right is the first character in her middle name. Another accepted three letter style is when all three letters are the same size. In this case, the individual’s first name is represented by the letter on the left, the middle name is represented by the letter in the center, and the surname is represented by the last letter. The first of the three letter monograms is shown on a calling card by Crane & Co. and the second of the three letter monograms is shown on a flat card by Crane & Co.





Married Monogram: A married monogram is a style that represents a married couple’s shared surname and individual first names. In a married monogram, the surname is represented by the largest, center letter. Traditionally, the woman’s first name is represented by the letter on the left and the man’s first name is represented by the letter on the right. This married monogram is shown on a folded note card by Checkerboard.



Contemporary Styles: There are many contemporary styles for monograms, changing with design aesthetics and typography choices. One style that seems to be commonly used is a four character style, in which an un-married couple represents their first and last initials. Other contemporary styles incorporate motifs, full names, addresses, business names, etc.
This save the date card by kate spade displays a contemporary four character monogram.



To browse a wide selection of monograms for use on personal stationery, calling cards, save the date cards, wedding invitations and more, be sure to visit FineStationery.com. Find your favorite style and make it your signature monogram!

All stationery pieces can be found at FineStationery.com

Beach Ball Themed Bash

This summer, beat the heat and enjoy the company of great friends with a beach ball themed bash.

• Set up beach chairs for guests to lounge on -- Pottery Barn
  
  
• An inflatable beach ball cooler is perfect for keeping drinks cold, and doubles as a decoration -- Party City
  
  
• Hang clusters of beach balls in the party space -- Party Spot
  
  
• This colorful invitation is sure to excite guests. It’s printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks, making it environmentally-friendly! -- Grey’s Greetings, available at FineStationery.com
  
  
• Serve colorful and cool concoctions, like fruit spritzers -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• This giant beach ball sprinkler looks like so much fun! Kids and adults can cool off in the backyard -- Pottery Barn Kids
  
  
• Light fare is always good on a hot day. Crab salad rolls and tomatoes with goat cheese are great choices, and easy to make -- Coastal Living
  
  
• Create a garland of paper pennants with phrases like “Splash!” and “Dive In!” -- Kara’s Party Ideas
  
  
• Cookies decorated like beach balls will be a big hit with the kids -- Cookie Crumbs
  
  
• Dress in a casual, yet bright colored cover-up for the festivities -- Neiman Marcus

You're A Grand Old Flag!

Did you know that today is Flag Day? Display the American flag proudly today, and celebrate Old Glory with a few fun facts and a deliciously patriotic dessert!

American Flags invitation by Starfish & Dreams - Available at FineStationery.com

Fruit Cheesecake Flag Cake via Martha Stewart

Stylish Aprons

While out shopping for a gift yesterday, I came across some of the cutest aprons in one of my favorite stores. They were made from such pretty fabrics and had great detail and shape. They were certainly not your grandmother’s apron. With my interest in aprons peaked, I started browsing the web for more, and was pleasantly surprised to find so many great styles. An apron would make such a charming gift for a bridal shower, housewarming gift, or could even be used as the theme for a shower. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

• Pineapple apron -- Anthropologie
• Lemon and stripes apron -- Jessie Steele
• Ruffled half-apron -- Anthropologie
• Retro print apron -- Jessie Steele
• Blue heart pocket apron -- Carolyn’s Kitchen
• Red and white floral apron -- Flirty Aprons

You Voted... Here's Your Wedding Inspiration!

Since last Thursday, you’ve been voting for your favorite invitation from a selection of three fabulous designs {seen here}. The invitation that received the most votes was promised to be the inspiration for today’s wedding post. The votes are in, have been counted, and… we have a tie for first place! Invitation 1 and Invitation 3 each received nine reader votes. Thank you all for participating! Due to the tie, you will be treated to two wedding posts, inspired by these great invitations!

Today’s post is inspired by Invitation 1, which is a fun black bordered kate spade invitation with tiny white polka dots, a thin gold border, and a bright green envelope liner.

• Bridesmaids will look chic in a bright green dress, and can dance the night away in a pair of cute black and white polka-dotted heels -- Dress by J.Crew and shoes by kate spade
  
  
• The bride will look beautiful when twirling around the dance floor in a tea-length polka-dotted dress -- Michelle Roth
  
  
• Fresh white tulips with bright greens wrapped in a black and white polka-dotted ribbon will look so sharp as the bridal bouquet -- Brides
  
  
• Dress the reception table with bold place settings in black, white and gold. You can incorporate the polka dot theme with your linens -- Brides
  
  
• A candy display is always a hit for guests! Choose assorted candies in bright green colors to make a statement -- Amy Atlas Events
  
  
• The groom will look smashing in a tailored black tuxedo and a gold bow tie. Add a polka-dotted scarf to his pocket for flair -- Brides
  
  
• Pull the gold border from the invitation to use as design inspiration for your wedding cake -- The Knot

Be sure to check out next Thursday's post for a wedding inspired by Invitation 3!

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

Classic baseball always seems to be celebrated in red and blue... but what if you're a baseball loving girl? For this party, boyish baseball meets its match with a pink and red palette. I've always been a fan of the American pastime, and remember sitting in the stands as a little girl on a hot summer day. For a birthday treat, my hubby is taking me out to the ballgame tonight to root for our favorite team. So, for all the girly-girls out there who love the sport, this pink and red baseball birthday party inspiration is for you!

• Use personalized baseball stickers to seal goodie bags -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Dress the birthday girl in a cute custom M.V.P. shirt and girly baseball cap. Many major league teams now offer caps and jerseys in pink (some to support the fight on breast cancer!) -- Shirt by Customized Girl and Phillies cap by MLB.com
  
  
• An invitation printed with a baseball motif in pink and red ink is a home run in terms of stationery -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Don't these baseball cookie cupcake toppers look delicious? -- Wicked Cakes
  
  
• Small crescent dogs are a little more dainty and fun than regular hot dogs -- Food Network
  
  
• As the song says, "buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack"! Set up a dessert table with Cracker Jack, popcorn, peanuts and cake for the team to munch on -- Caramel corn recipe by eHow and peanut bags by Bake It Pretty
  
  
• Red and white polka-dotted pennants will look lovely when strung in the party space -- Dots and Spots
  
  
• Dress up yummy cupcakes with fun striped wrappers -- Bake It Pretty

An Uncle Sam Celebration

One of the most iconic images related to the Fourth of July is good ol' Uncle Sam's top hat. Use this icon as inspiration for a patriotic party this July!

• Host your party outdoors, and decorate the space with an American flag garland -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• These top hats made from craft paper hold small bags of candy and make for perfect place settings and party favors -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• Set your tables with paper plates accented by stars and stripes -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Set up a treat table, complete with festive paper cones full of popcorn -- Scissors.Paper.Cake
  
  
• For the adults, this red and blue cocktail is patriotic and refreshing. Add a red and white striped straw for flair -- Food Network and Bake It Pretty
  
  
• Set the theme with this Uncle Sam hat invitation -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• No dessert is more patriotic than a pound cake decorated like Uncle Sam's top hat -- Sara Lee
  
  
• These Uncle Sam ice cream treats are so much fun for a kid's dessert -- Family Fun

One more day to vote!

Hello! I hope you all had a great weekend and a nice Monday. Just a little reminder that tomorrow is the last day to vote for Thursday's wedding post inspiration!

Vote here!

Last Day of School Traditions

The last day of school is fast approaching, and kids are anxious for summer fun. Why not make their last day of classes extra special by starting a tradition? Choose something you can do each year on the last day of school – It’s a great way to jump-start the warm weather fun and your kids will look forward to the tradition each year!

On the last day, dress up the student's lunch bag with colorful stickers and personalized labels. Be sure to include a note to tell them how proud you are, or us the note to reveal a summer vacation you've been planning.

When I was in elementary school, a pool party was always in order for the last day of school. Don't have a pool? Set up sprinklers in the backyard and provide beach balls, hoses and water balloons for kids to cool off.

Treat the student to an ice cream cone right after his last class! Dress the treat up with fun dessert picks.

Send calling cards to school with your little student, including their name, address, phone number and email address if they are old enough. Kids can pass them out to classmates in order to stay in touch easier.

Do you have any last day of school traditions? Be sure to share them!

Fun Friday Finds

Isn’t this garland crafted from ribbon roses and twinkle lights just so adorable? Use it for decoration in a little girl’s bedroom – it’s not only pretty, but doubles as a night light!

In addition to the sweet garland decoration above, here are a few great finds from around the web:

This is one of the most creative and funny marriage proposals I’ve heard of!

A handbag with a striped bow adornment is hard to resist. Perfect for summer – don’t you think?

A new use for old crayons! Kids can have fun with this weekend craft, featured on Spearmint Baby.

This recipe for macaroni and potato salad sounds delicious, and would be great for summer picnics or barbecues.

Paper art that will inspire and amaze you, featured on William Arthur’s blog.

I am loving this beach house featured on the House Beautiful website – especially the kitchen and master bedroom!

Have a wonderful weekend, and don’t forget to cast your vote for next Thursday’s wedding post on The Finer Things!

Vote Now!

Time to cast your vote!

The time you all take to stop by and check out what is happening at The Finer Things is truly appreciated. It’s always so wonderful to read all of your comments and receive your feedback. Building a fun and entertaining community is something that The Finer Things aims for!

I’d love to try something new, and get everyone involved! As you know, Thursdays are for wedding related posts. I’m always searching for new ideas and themes to share with you. A lot of the time, I am inspired by particular invitations I see – whether it be the color palette, the design, or a combination of the two. Below are three options from FineStationery.com’s beautiful selection of wedding invitations. It’s up to you to vote for the invitation that inspires you the most. Which one speaks to you? The invitation that receives the most votes will be featured in a wedding post inspired by its style. I can’t wait to hear which invitation you’d most like to see put together with other wedding details. You have until Tuesday, June 8th to cast your vote! Simply leave a comment below with the invitation of your choice. The winning style will be represented next Thursday, June 10th, right here on The Finer Things!

Invitation 1

Invitation 2

Invitation 3

A Casual Cactus Wedding

For a wedding that is unique and earthy, opt for a color palette of green and burnt orange and choose cacti and succulent plants over standard wedding blooms. These plants come in gorgeous colors, from pale to deep green, orange, red, white and purple. Cacti have a wonderful texture and shape, and last much longer than your typical wedding floral arrangement.

• Decorate your ceremony and reception spaces with wreaths made from cactus and succulent plants in a variety of colors and sizes -- Martha Stewart
  
  
• For unique bridal style, have your hairstylist add a small succulent plant to your tresses -- A Los Angeles Love
  
  
• Tiny potted plants in neat rows on a burnt orange cloth look great and work as favors and place cards -- JuneBug Weddings
  
  
• The bridal bouquet is sure to stand out when created from an array of succulent plants -- Green Wedding Shoes
  
  
• For centerpieces, create contained mini cactus gardens. Use small colored stones as the base for the plants. These arrangements are not only conversation pieces, but will last for quite some time -- Green Wedding Shoes
  
  
• Bridesmaids will look lovely in burnt orange dresses -- J.Crew
  
  
• For the wedding cake, have your baker place mini plants in the center of bundt cakes dripping with royal icing -- Green Wedding Shoes
  
  
• A simple pale green invitation is the perfect choice for wedding stationery -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Serve dishes made from actual cactus plants, like this salad with prickly pear pads -- Food Photo Blog
  
  
• Don’t forget the groom – Dress up his tuxedo with a small succulent boutonnière -- Succulent Love Designs
  
  
• For your signature cocktail, a Cactus Jack is sure to please -- In The Spirit

Trend Alert: Bold Floral Prints

Summer style is in full bloom this year with beautiful floral prints. Add a pop of color to your wardrobe and accessory collection with these bold pieces:

• Kitten heel floral flats -- Zappos
  
  
• Flower cluster pendant -- Nordstrom
  
  
• Bright floral note card -- FineStationery.com
  
  
• Tote bag -- kate spade
  
  
• Floral linen shorts -- Tory Burch
  
  
• Lightweight scarf -- Lilly Pulitzer
  
  
• Flowers and gingham bathing suit -- Anthropologie
  
  
• Summer halter top -- Anthropologie
  
  
• Flowers and gingham pencil skirt -- J.Crew

Invitation Inspiration

An invitation sets the tone for any event. After all, it is the first bit of information that a guest will receive. The invitation can convey what kind of event is being thrown, what the color scheme will be, or if there is a theme. With the invitation being of such importance, why not choose one that you simply adore, and then style your event after it?

This invitation by Ellie Mim’s is so cheerful and bright – wouldn’t it be lovely to use as a baby shower invitation? The floral and gingham patterns are delightful, while the mix of aqua, red, pink and yellow create a color palette that is so energetic. Using this invitation as inspiration, host a summer afternoon baby shower that is blooming with pretty laid-back style.

• Opt for an outdoor setting, choosing a covered porch or garden for seating. Decorate simply with fabric bunting and plenty of comfy cushions -- Country Living
  
  
• Set a large glass drink dispenser full of refreshing lemonade on a table with mason jars to sip from -- Pottery Barn
  
  
• Cupcakes with creamy icing in red wrappers look darling when placed in a white cupcake tower -- The Knot
  
  
• Fill antique milk glass vases with soft yellow blooms and place them around the party space -- The Knot
  
  
• Miniature jars of jam topped with red gingham cloth make adorable favors. Place them on the table next to red chargers for a pop of color -- The Knot
  
  
• These colored milk glass and floral centerpieces are whimsical, and will brighten up the tabletop -- County Living
  
  
• Mount seating cards to a board covered in a printed fabric, and accent them with tiny buttons -- The Knot