Sweet Treat

Kick off your weekend with this sweet treat, featured by Amy Atlas -- a Creamsicle Trifle! Can you say, "Mmmmm"?

The Finer Things on Pinterest

Inspired by our image boards? Discover more inspiration by following The Finer Things on Pinterest, now! We've been busy pinning lots of fun images for you to check out -- pop on over and see!

Unique Wedding Gift

Your summer plans probably include one or more weddings, as the warm breezes and blue skies make for a lovely day. When attending a wedding, there are several things to think about - travel, your ensemble, and a gift for the newlyweds. If you're looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, check out {this} Etsy shop,  full of wonderful ideas that any couple would love. Choose a city heart map, like the one below, to memorialize the city the couple tied the knot in, the city they met in, or perhaps the city in which they will reside once married.

End of Summer Beach BBQ Bash

It's hard to believe that the final month of summer is just around the corner, isn't it? Let's enjoy the time and sunshine we've got, but remember that it's not too early to start thinking about an end of summer beach barbecue bash!

Sand and shark fin cupcakes make the perfect sweet treat after the sun sets -- Martha Stewart

Serve food on personalized melamine plates that can be used year after year -- Boatman Geller, available at FineStationery.com

A summer punch will cool guests off under the hot sun -- Martha Stewart

When you've been in the ocean too long, relax on the sand by playing checkers with this towel and stones set -- Martha Stewart

A colorful spread of delicious food is sure to bring friends and family together -- Martha Stewart

Recording Unforgettable Moments

This keepsake journal, spotted on Cup of Jo today, would make the perfect gift for a baby shower or first birthday party. Keep it handy in your kitchen or living room, and jot down each cute and funny quote from your child that you'd like to remember forever.

Book available {here} and {here}

Weekend Craft

Happy Friday! I hope you all have wonderful plans for the weekend! If you find yourself with some down time, here's a lovely craft idea by Sweet Paul that will keep you busy:

Find a clear glass vase, or an empty wine bottle with the label removed. Choose a few fun colors of washi tape from your craft store or favorite online craft shop, and pick up a pair of scissors. Start wrapping the vase with the tape, alternating colors and/or patterns as you go.

You will end up with a pretty custom vase for a small bunch of fresh summer flowers! Simple!

Images via Sweet Paul

Clever Cake Toppers

If you're looking to jazz up a cake for your next party, check out these creative cake topper ideas:

Raspberry candle holder, paper party umbrellas, donut hole candle holders, photo cake toppers -- All images via Martha Stewart

New Partyware from Boatman Geller

With summer in full swing, you've probably had the chance to do a lot of outdoor entertaining -- whether it's a simple family dinner or a fun party for friends. Boatman Geller's new personalized partyware is here just in time to jazz up your backyard soiree. Choose from a large collection of serving trays, platters, plates, napkins, ice buckets and more, all in bold patterns and colors. With so many great designs to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect look for your entertaining style.

Shown above, clockwise from top left:

Blue Madras Ice Bucket, Pineapple Platter,

Square Lobster Crest Tray, Navy Whale Dinner Plate

Tuesday Trends: Late Summer Neutrals

When long, hot summer days gradually give way to crisp mornings and cooler breezes, a neutral wardrobe could be key. Bright colors and bold prints typically lend themselves to the summer months, while a warmer palette is perfect for autumn. For the in-between days, dress appropriately in subtle, neutral pieces that are sure to show off sun-kissed skin. Here are a few pieces that will round out your late summer look:

A statement necklace in tortoise shell is a great accessory that can take you from the office to an after-work dinner party -- Anthropologie

Choose a great skinny belt in a neutral color and pair it with tunics, cardigans and dresses for a versatile look -- Gap

A structured cocktail length dress is a fantastic staple piece to keep in your closet. Wear it alone, with jewelry, or pair it with a blazer on cool nights -- Zara

A great pair of shoes can really take you places. Show off your summer pedicure just a little while longer with a pair of open toe wedge sandals -- JCrew

Carry a couple of personalized calling cards on you when you're about town. You never know who you'll meet! -- Calling cards by Checkerboard, available at FineStationery.com

Wedding Trend: Ombre

Ombre, a look in which colors gradually blend together from light to dark or vice versa, is making its mark in wedding style this year. Perhaps one of the most popular color choices for the ombre look in the wedding space is pink. The ombre look can create an ultra feminine and romantic feeling when used in a range of pale peach-pink to brighter fuchsia. Here are a few ideas for incorporating the ombre look into your big day:

Bridesmaid Dress via J.Crew, Bouquet via Martha Stewart,

Place Card Display via Style Me Pretty,

Centerpiece Arrangement via Martha Stewart, Cake via Martha Stewart

Healthy Frozen Weekend Treat

Cool down this weekend with a frozen treat that is also healthy -- tasty Strawberry Granita!

Image and recipe via Martha Stewart

Gatsby Wedding

Perhaps one of my favorite themes for a party is a Gatsby-styled affair. Think of a sprawling green lawn as the venue, with long tables, lights and a jazz band. If you're going for an authentic look, encourage guests to sport ensembles from the era. Have long strands of pearls on hand for the women, and cigars for the men to enjoy.

For inspiration, check out this Gatsby-themed wedding ceremony and reception, featured on 100 Layer Cake:

Creating Color Palettes

Creating a unique color palette isn't always easy. Sometimes you wonder if you're selecting the right hues, and have trouble envisioning the overall color scheme before the work is complete. Now, when it comes to choosing paint colors to match the furniture, linens and decor in a space, look no further than that Color Palette Generator -- spotted on Creature Comforts. Next time you're browsing the web or your favorite blog and spot an image that inspires you, simply follow these simple instructions to pull colors from the image that work together to create a stunning, personalized palette:

Check out the instructions for creating your own

custom color palette on Creature Comforts blog.

Nursery Rhyme Themed Baby Shower

If you're throwing a baby shower for a mama-to-be that plans to be surprised by the gender of her baby, choose a nursery rhyme theme that is whimsical and fun. In addition to nursery rhyme themed snack items and books for decor, choose a cute invitation and ask guests to bring along their favorite tale as a gift for the new baby.

Images via Martha Stewart

Personalized Summer Tote

In the summertime, when traveling around and heading to the beach become popular, a tote bag is the perfect accessory. Why not have a tote bag that is one-of-a-kind? With a plain craft store canvas bag, an iron, fabric adhesive and your favorite photo, you can create this personalized photo tote in just a few minutes. Choose a photo of your favorite beach spot, family members, a pet, or a vintage photo and enjoy showing off your creation!

Photos via Sweet Paul

Baby Shower Idea

This idea, spotted on Lovely Morning, is perfect for a fun "getting to know you" activity or guessing game at a baby shower. As the sign states, pin a colored paper bloom to your lapel to show off whether you believe the baby will be a boy or a girl (blue or pink!) Get to know other guests by asking why they are leaning towards a baby boy or a girl. This activity could also be applied to bridal showers, by asking guests to wear a specific colored bloom if they are from the bride's side of the family, or from the groom's side of the family. It's an easy activity to try out at the next shower you host!

Unique Party Idea

Put a fun spin on the next birthday party, bridal shower or baby shower you host by turning the event into a cake decorating party! Bake small, individual cakes for each guest (this works best if you're having a small get-together), and provide several icing colors, icing piping bags and tips, and decorating embellishments. Each guest can design their own cake, and then admire the other creations before or after gifts are opened.

All images via The Sweetest Occasion

Watermelon Themed Summer Party

One of summer's staples is juicy, fresh watermelon. The refreshing taste is perfect for a hot, sunny day, and the possibilities are endless when it comes to recipes. If you're looking for a fun theme to plan your summer get-together around, look no further than the watermelon. Use watermelons in your decor as planters, create cooling watermelon drinks with mint, and have icy watermelon treats on hand when the sun is high in the sky. You could even plan fun activities like watermelon eating and seed spitting contests for kids!

Watermelon Bombe via Martha Stewart

Balloons and Planter via Hostess with the Mostess

Watermelon Cooler via Mommy's Kitchen

Petite Jello & Lime Watermelons via Chocolate on my Cranium

Frozen Watermelon Pops via Love My Philly

Invitation by Glad Tidings, available at FineStationery.com

Refreshing Summer Sip

Minted Rosewater makes a wonderful afternoon treat for a hot summer day. If you're hosting a luncheon or shower on a summer day, serve glasses of homemade minted rosewater to guests upon their arrival. The cooling drink is simple to make, and will be a memorable party idea.

Minted Rosewater

makes one small carafe

2 cups cool water

1/4 teaspoon of rosewater

2 sprigs of mint

loose rose petals for garnishing

Image via Sunday Suppers

Happy Fourth of July!

Fireworks Invitation by Inviting Company,

available at FineStationery.com

Have a Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Background image via Real Simple