Golden Anniversary

A Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary should be celebrated in style. Since gold is the traditional color associated with a 50th anniversary, set a gorgeous scene with a shimmering gold and regal black palette.

Choose a regal invitation, like this layered shimmering gold and black style from Checkerboard -- FineStationery.com

The guests of honor should stand out in a gold dress and bow-tie -- Dress image via Style Me Pretty, Bow-Tie image via Southern Weddings

Use a large gold frame lined with black velvet to pin place cards to, or paint the inside of the frame with chalkboard paint and write out your seating chart -- Style Me Pretty

Serve croquembouche for dessert with other sweets -- Style Me Pretty

Glowing candles will create ambiance at the venue -- Style Me Pretty

Fill the space with beige Sahara roses or yellow roses -- Style Me Pretty

Pink, Navy and Gold Engagement Party

Bright pink, deep navy and orange-gold make for a stunning palette, loaded with energy and style. Choose this palette for a late summer or early fall evening engagement party.

Be sure to have lots of bubbly on hand for toasts. Add a fun twist to a glass of champagne by adding a flavored lollipop as a garnish -- Martha Stewart

Serve sweets, like candies in the color scheme and sugared donut balls or cake pops -- Martha Stewart

As the bride, stand out in a gold colored cocktail dress -- ModCloth

For favors, fill small plastic tubes with assorted pink, orange, yellow and blue candies, then top them off with a curled ribbon -- Martha Stewart

Create simple centerpieces by floating dahlias in low glass bowls -- The Knot

Have the groom sport a dahlia boutonniere, along with a brightly colored necktie -- Martha Stewart

Choose an invitation that is bright and playful -- Invitation by Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Dressing the Table for the Fourth

Here are a few cute ideas to dress up your table for the Fourth of July -- all with eco-friendly cloth napkins and a few craft items:

Clockwise from top left

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4

Summer Happy Hour Popsicles

Summertime Happy Hour specials don't have to come in a glass... Cool off with a cocktail on a stick (adults only, though!) Here are two ideas for Happy Hour Popsicles to kick off your weekend:

Corona Pops and a matching invitation!

Frozen Melon Margarita Pops and a matching invitation!

Flag Cake for the Fourth

Isn't this adorable flag cake so clever? This dessert would make the perfect treat for the Fourth of July! Imagine your guest's excitement when you cut the first slice!

Check out the baking and assembly tutorial {here}

Festive Pink and Gold Party

If you're throwing a birthday party for an adult friend, choose a sophisticated color palette and add fun details like delectable sweets, shimmering stars, shining confetti and whimsical garlands. Pink and gold make a perfectly festive palette for a female. Don't forget the fun details, like a sparkling pinata filled with her favorite treats!

Macaroons topped with a fleck of edible gold foil look decadent and delicious on the dessert table -- Martha Stewart

Hang pink and gold pinatas in the party space. You'll be surprised at how fun they can be! -- Confetti System

A gorgeous garland in pinks and gold will dress up the venue in no time -- Confetti System

It's a birthday celebration, so be sure to use lots of confetti! -- GeronimoBalloons.com

Cut out stars and sprinkle them with a few coats of glitter after applying spray adhesive. Arrange them in the party space for fun -- Martha Stewart

This invitation features a festive gold feather, which is perfectly whimsical and great for a birthday party invitation -- Invitation by Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Invitation Inspiration: Aqua and Pink Bridal Shower

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? Here's a bit of inspiration for a bridal shower or luncheon with a pink and aqua palette and a yummy cupcake theme:

This invitation is perfect for a bridal shower, luncheon, or rehearsal dinner -- Invitation by Inviting Company, available at FineStationery.com

Set custom crossword puzzles at each place setting. Make sure to create the crossword puzzle using wedding-related words, and words that pertain to the bride and groom -- The Knot

Top each cupcake with a plastic ring for added flair -- Bake It Pretty

As a party favor, each guest will receive a tin of Cupcake Mints -- Bake It Pretty

Create a glittered cupcake stand for the bride-to-be -- DIY via The Sweetest Occasion

Decorate the venue with pink, white and aqua paper globes -- Bake It Pretty

A dessert or candy display is always a hit with guests. Choose candies and desserts to fit the color scheme -- Amy Atlas

Fill the venue with fresh pink blooms -- The Knot

Let's go on a Safari!

Safari themed parties are great for kids of many ages. From amazing animals, great details and perfectly styled treats, this particular Safari Party (spotted on Kara's Party ideas) is a wonderful example. Check out the decor and dessert table!

These animal print designs would make perfect invitations for a safari party, don't you think?

Top, middle, bottom invitations all by Noteworthy Collection, available at FineStationery.com

Here's to you, Dad!

Golf Invitation by Inviting Company, available at FineStationery.com

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

Looking for a summer dessert? Look no further than Pink Lemonade Cupcakes! Pretty and delicious, these might soon be your signature summer treat. Check out the refreshing recipe {here}

Props for Engagement Photo Sessions

Engagement photos are becoming more popular, as many photographers offer sessions as part of their wedding photo package. Newly engaged sweethearts are not simply posing together for a few lovely photos – they are going all out with themed shoots, props and stylish wardrobes. If you’re not keen on choosing a theme for your shoot, you might consider including a few simple and meaningful props. Your photographer might have props to choose from, or you could supply your own. Here are a few neat ideas for props:

Sweet tooth? Cupcakes or mini cakes make great props, and are so cute!

Young at heart? Bubbles make for a playful prop.

Avid board game players? Use scrabble pieces to spell "LOVE" or your initials.

Pennant signs are popular props for engagement and wedding photos. Spell anything you like!

If you're an adventurous or sporty couple, add a bicycle to your photo session for fun.

Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5 -- All photos via Style Me Pretty

Summer Party Idea: Lobsterbake

Did you know that today is National Lobster Day? Melt the butter and tie on a bib! There may not be time to throw a lobsterbake together for tonight, but there's no better time than now to start planning your next seafood fest. A red, blue and butter yellow palette will work perfectly, and nautical details always work for a seafood event. Try out this theme for the Fourth of July, Labor Day, a summer birthday, or a rehearsal dinner!

Lemon Shandies are refreshing and festive for adult party guests -- Recipe and image via Martha Stewart

Set the table with shell candles and natural linens for a laid-back look -- Martha Stewart

Individually wrapped lobster-shaped lollipops make great favors for all guests. Fill a galvanized bucket with sand, and stick the lollipop sticks into it -- The Knot

If you aren't too keen on cooking whole lobsters, serve mini lobster rolls and chilled lobster gazpacho. If you do want to try your hand at cooking an entire lobster, check out these tips from Coastal Living -- Lobster Roll recipe and image via Martha Stewart, Gazpacho recipe and image via MyRecipes

Send out these shell and lobster invitations to invite friends and family to your lobsterbake -- Invitation by Bonnie Marcus, available at FineStationery.com

As a guest, present the hostess with a set of coasters made from sailcloth -- Pottery Barn

Setting a Proper Table

Mrs. Lilien Styling House is a great resource for chic fashion, art and entertaining finds. To round out her entertaining tips, she has posted a handy guide for setting a proper, formal place setting. This is something that every great hostess should learn! Either memorize the layout, or simply print out a copy and tuck it into your dining room cabinet for your next dinner party -- your guests are sure to be impressed by your lovely table! Be sure to click through to read the details that go along with the guide!

Pineapple Inspired Party

Summer celebrations are not complete without fresh, sweet summer fruits. Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits to use when creating summer desserts or drinks. The color is vibrant, the juice is sweet, and the taste is perfectly tropical. If you're throwing a summer bash, and looking for a theme to tie it all together, go with an aqua and yellow palette with pineapple details. This versatile fruit can be used in your decor, drinks and food, and is sure to please!

Pineapple party invitation by Stevie Streck, available at FineStationery.com

Pineapple Rum Cocktail (adults only!) via Martha Stewart

Yellow and white pom-pom decor via The Knot

Pineapple slices with ginger yogurt sauce via Martha Stewart

Grilled Pineapple via Martha Stewart

Buy 75, Get 25 FREE on Select Styles

For a limited time only, when you buy a quantity of 75 on select items by Crane & Co. and Martha Stewart, you'll get 25 of the same item for free! What a fantastic deal for wedding and stationery items! Shop Crane & Co. {here} and Martha Stewart {here}. Below are a few of our favorite items:

Peony Invitation by Martha Stewart

Sea Shells Invitation by Crane & Co.

Feather Flat Card by Crane & Co.

Pink, Violet and Clementine Wedding Inspiration

I spotted this series of wedding inspiration photos on Martha Stewart's website, and fell head over heels for the pretty color palette. I just had to arrange the photos in an inspiration board to show them off! This fresh, vibrant, fun and feminine group of colors is perfect for spring and summer weddings. Think of all the lovely floral arrangements that could be created with this palette!

Bouquet, Jewelery, Gowns, Cocktails, Favors, Table Setting and Boutonniere

via Martha Stewart

Invitation by Chloe B., available at FineStationery.com

Father's Day Inspiration

If Dad is a fan of golf, this party inspiration is a hole-in-one! Hostess with the Mostess posted this golf themed birthday party, which could easily be translated into a fun and sporty Father's Day celebration. The treats on the dessert table are styled in such a neat way -- be sure to click over to the original post to check out the details!

If you're looking for a hole-in-one kind of gift for Dad, check out these golf-themed items:

Personalized Melamine Plate by Boatman Geller

Personalized Stamp by Noteworthy Collection

Boxed Notecard Set by William Arthur

Summer To-Do Lists

This fun Summer List by Whatever blog is inspiring! Gather your kids and have them list different kinds of activities they'd like to do throughout the summer months. Then, when you're looking for something fun to do... consult the list! Be sure to include summertime traditions on your list, as well as new things you'd like to try, or places you'd like to visit. The list can consist of anything from decorating bikes to a movie party -- the possibilities are endless, and the list will differ from family to family. What kinds of activities do you have planned this summer?

Photo via Whatever

Bright Tropical Wedding

With the weather getting hotter every day, I've got tropical themed parties on my mind. If you're recently engaged and planning a Summer 2012 wedding, consider turning up the heat with a bright and bold wedding with tropical flair.

Choose a signature drink with a tropical name, like the Blue Parrot -- Martha Stewart

Carry brightly colored blooms to make a statement. Have each bridesmaid carry a smaller similar bouquet for a colorful impact -- Style Me Pretty

Bridesmaids should wear brightly colored cocktail dresses in different colors -- J.Crew

When it's time to dance, slip on a pair of fun heels to contrast with your white gown -- The Knot

These hibiscus flower place cards sit on the rim of a cocktail glass -- Place Cards by Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Place a small container of tropical flower petals on each chair in your ceremony space. Have guests toss the petals into the air as you make your way back up the aisle as newlyweds -- The Knot

Serve island food, like skewers with chicken and fruit -- Martha Stewart

An invitation with a colorful accent will make a statement -- Invitation by Chloe B., available at FineStationery.com

Bridal Shower Inspiration

Here's a bit of inspiration for a Bridal Shower that is perfectly planned for a bride that loves pink. Choose several shades of pink, mixed with white or tan, and lots of puffy and ruffly accents.

Crepe paper pomanders, featured on The Finer Things in July 2010

Invitation by Inviting Company, available at FineStationery.com

Pink desserts via Martha Stewart

Floral pomander centerpieces via The Knot

Pink drinks with personalized tags via The Knot

Sugar puff cake via The Knot

Ruffled cocktail dress via ModCloth

New Save the Dates, Engagement Party Invites and more!

Check out the new wedding items from Noteworthy Collection {here}!

Outdoor Summer Safety

Parents.com posted a great article with outdoor summer safety tips for children. In case you haven't checked it out, I'm passing it along to all of you!

Must-Know Tips for Summer Safety