pucker up

I was driving home the other day and saw sweet young girls selling lemonade on the corner. It brought me back to my childhood when my sisters and I would set-up a makeshift lemonade stand in front of our house in hopes cars would stop and we could add $10 to our piggy banks. For me, lemonade stands represent happiness, youth, optimism and summertime.

Take time to make yourself a glass of lemonade today…or stop by your corner lemonade stand and reminisce on your childhood summers.

Vintage Lemonade Stand by Reverie and photography by Work of Heart Photography

Lil Luna Yellow Vintage Lemonade Stand
{full DIY tutorial by Lil Luna found here}

Even weddings are not excluded from lemonade stands…how adorable is this wood lemonade stand featured on Wedding Chicks

We LOVE wine barrels {and have some serious wine barrel love when we feature Jodi’s wedding}, so we swooned when we saw a lemonade stand made with wine barrels on Ruffled Blog

So, now that you have lemonade stand inspiration and a DIY tutorial, you might as well spread the lemonade love and throw a lemonade themed party…here are some party tips for you.

DRINK
Obviously, I would serve lemonade…both pink and regular. Make both and serve in a large pitcher like this one from Pottery Barn.
Next to the pitcher, line up mason jars set with pink and yellow striped paper party straws.
For the adults, serve their mason jars with lemonade cocktails spiked with vodka

DÉCOR
Lemons in containers of all kinds – glass jars, hurricanes and galvanized buckets.
A lemonade burlap banner
Glass jars or mason jars filled with change and labeled with a vintage .25 cents sign
Lemons hanging from the ceiling or trees outside; hung with yellow and white twine, of course.
Lemonade and Vodka framed sign on the bar for adults
Single bud vases with a pink peony or yellow daisy, or canned good cans wrapped in a festive yellow and white or yellow and pink decorative paper and ribbon filled with a single {or several} flower buds.
Pink and yellow pinwheels
Signs bought at etsy or diy on wood like Poppies at Play

DESSERT
Lemon, blueberry yogurt loaf by sweet pea’s kitchen {this is yummy, I’ve made it}
Pink lemonade cupcakes using this recipe by real mom kitchen
Pink and yellow striped lemonade flavored hard candy sticks

FOOD
Picnic style food served in individual packages

FAVORS
Mason jar filled with ingredients for lemonade or lemonade cookies
Bottles filled with pink lemonade and a custom label from I Do It Yourself on Etsy
For the adults, make a lemon gift bag with a recipe and ingredients for a lemon, lavender martini like these from A Subtle Revelry

And, last but not least, you can’t have a party without the perfect invite. So, Jenna at Fleur de Lis, a paperie, has created this adorable invite for you. Click here to order from our etsy shop for $15.

 {images via Reverie photographed by Work of Heart Photography, Lil Luna photographed by Jacquilyn Avery Photography, Wedding Chicks, Ruffled Blog and Tutto Bella}

surf’s up, dude

Looking at this Tiki Surfer party makes me wish I in Hawaii, or at least a guest at the tropical paradise Sheena {talented party planning mom} created in her backyard for her son’s 1st birthday!

Sheena and her husband went above and beyond to make their son’s birthday memorable and fun! And, a bonus for them, they get to keep the Tiki bar! Keshia of Photos by Keshia captures all the lei’s and tiki’s in action.

With great enthusiasm, Sheena shares more of the party details below…

Sheena used her husband’s handy skills {she said he can build or make just about anything…you lucky lady} for party props. He made the realistic life-size surfboards {10 of them} they placed around the party, 2 tiki totem poles that greeted guests on both sides of the driveway, and he built the fantastic Tiki Bar.

I had 2 signature cocktails that I had served from the Tiki Bar in plastic tiki cocktail glasses that I found at the dollar store. For the kids I had them drinking out of plastic coconut cups.

We found an antique wood highchair and painted it to match the party so we would have an awesome cake smash setting!

For a more tropical setting, we bought many fake tropical flowers and placed them in existing greenery and plants. I made a dress-up station located at the entrance where party goers could pick various items to complete their luau look! There were beachcomber hats, tiki masks, flower hair clips, sunglasses, flower anklets/bracelets, and of course grass skirts for the girls.

I found tiki head pots and used them for my centerpieces with tropical flowers placed in them. I hot glued more of the flowers around the tabletop tiki torches to add more color. Different color tablecloths on all the tables really brightened everything up too. For the chairs I simply put a lei on the back of each and told the guests as they got there to make sure they picked one to put on.

As far as food, no luau would be complete without a pig with hat and sunglasses! We simply ordered that from a local town. We also had chicken and shrimp kabobs with pineapple, small ears of corn, coconut rice, and lots of veggies. For dessert, I put blue jello in individual cups with spoon and a gummy shark in it and called it shark infested water. Those were a big hit. I made cake balls to look like a pina colada drink in coconuts. I also made pretzel totem poles by using icing to glue tiki head sugar dec-ons to a pretzel rods and standing  them in crushed graham crackers. I had made surfboard cookies also, but that was the one thing I forgot unfortunately. I had the cake and cupcakes done by a local baker but I did design them all.

As far as activities, in the pool I got shark and surfboard inflatables and the kids absolutely loved them. I had music from the beach boys and any other surfer songs playing throughout the party. And, we had a limbo set that the kids had a lot of fun playing.

You thought of everything adorable for this party Sheena. And, from the looks of it…you had one happy boy!

We can’t wait to see what you come up with when Ryker turns 2!

VENDOR LOVE
Cupcakes and Cake: Cakes by Cathy Weems and Lacy Leonard
Photography: Photos by Keshia

{images via Photos by Keshia}

here comes the bride

I love ring bearers and flower girls in grown-up suits and dresses made for their pint-sized bodies…and I love them even more when they have accessories for their outfits, and handmade signs.

My son has been a ring bearer in three weddings, and I’d say we’re 2 for 3. For Jenna’s wedding, he refused to walk down the aisle with anyone but me, and with a binky in his mouth. Not his finest moment. But, for Jodi’s wedding, he was absolutely perfect pulling his sister, the flower girl, in an antique wood wagon down the aisle with a sweet smile on his face. And for our friends 2012 winter wedding, he looked like a big boy walking down the aisle with a priceless, shy {yet proud} smile on his face, and did exactly what he was told to do…all with his pants falling down {they were HUGE, and the non-planning mom that I am didn’t put the pants on until the day of the wedding, and being that we were late, we had to improvise and attempt to use paper clips to hold them up}.

I LOVED the antique wagon my son pulled my daughter in at Jodi’s wedding. My mom found the wagon at an antique fair, we nailed a piece of wood to the back, and with paint and a brush, free-handed: here comes the bride. So adorable…and a great décor piece in your home once the I do’s have been said.

Need more inspiration and just overall cuteness? Here you go…

{images via Jenna Walker Photography, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, Joyful Joyful Designs via Etsy and Preston Bailey}

mojito mania

One of my BFF’s just recently asked me for some ideas for a mojito-themed bridal shower. The fabulous bride-to-be didn’t want a typical bridal shower, but loves mojito’s and accessorizing with jewelry, so the hostess {my friend} wanted mojito’s and accessories to serve as the inspiration.

So, here’s some ideas I came up with…{I’m not even a mojito-loving woman, but I wanted a refreshing mojito after doing a little party research for the mint flavored drink}.

BAR
Nothing seems more fitting than a Mix N’ Muddle Mojito Bar with these fixin’s suggested from Bon Appetit.

Create a sign for the Mix N’ Muddle Mojito Bar like this bride and groom did {found at Martha Stewart}, and fill old crates with bunches and bunches of limes….LOVE THIS!

Don’t forget to have a bucket or glass filled with green and white striped straws for your guests to decorate their cocktails.

DESSERT
Serve delicious mojito popsicles like these found at Sugar and Charm Blog.
Guests will be totally impressed with green and yellow jello shots like Loralee Lewis created for her recent party.

Mojito cupcakes topped off with a slice of lime.

DECOR

Fill vases at varying heights with limes and flowers.

Use a three-tiered centerpiece and fill with all things green, including limes and mint.

Hang green lanterns in a row above tables, or hang lanterns from trees throughout the backyard party space.

{If you’re creating family style seating, I love a long row of short centerpieces with hydrangea or white flowers. If you don’t have a cabinet full of empty vases, you could improvise and use mason jars, wine bottles or tin cans spray painted green or covered in decorative fabric/paper} to hold bunches or single bud flowers}.

Dress up the table and food/drink stations with lime green votives and acrylic lime glassware from Pier 1.

In addition to topping off drinks with a parasol, carry the parasol look over with an adorable parasol topiary.

Use vases, martini glasses and other forms of glassware for a chic jewelry display.

If you opt not to spend money on flower arrangements, a cheap and cute ‘green’ centerpiece is wheat grass. You can even grow it yourself a couple weeks before the party.

PLACECARDS/LABELS

Use limes for the base of a placecard, and insert a toothpick and flag to write the guest’s name. You can use green patterned washi tape for a festive toothpick flag found here.

Or, if you opt to use the limes as food labels, a great free placecard option is a paint chip card {with party coordinating colors} with the guest’s name typed on it. {I think this idea is so cute…I’m using it for an upcoming party of my own}.

FAVORS
Treat guests to a mojito muddler.

Candy rings and jewelry that will double as decor and a sweet favor.

Hope to have some pictures from the party soon.

If you plan to have, or have had or attended a mojito party…or any cocktail themed party…please send the pics our way. We love a good cocktail-inspired party!

{images via Martha Stewart, Sugar and Charm Blog, Thoughtfully Simple, Pinterest, Bon Appetit, Rustic Wedding Chic}

red, white & blue

Show your patriotism this 4th of July holiday, and celebrate our freedom with a little red, white and blue.

P.S. When I refer to ‘it’ below, I’m referring to red, white and blue!

1. Wear it

2. Bake it
Mini Cherry Pies by Country Living

3. Or, don’t bake it…this No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Mini Cheesecake Trifle by Glorious Treats looks amazing

4. Plant it
My father-in-law built these planters with antique red barn wood, and my mother-in-law planted beautiful red, white and blue flowers

5. DIY it
I couldn’t sleep at 5 am today, so I woke up and thought of a quick and easy DIY project. I re-used Budweiser Platinum beer bottles my husband happily consumed last week. The base of this simple patriotic centerpiece is an antique piece of wood, the beer bottles are vases to red and white daisies, and I used a hot glue gun to attach a burlap ribbon with red stripes to decorate the bottles.

6. Hang it…and the tissue fans will look like fireworks, via Martha Stewart

7. Sip it
Red, White and Blue Sangria by Punchbowl

7. Most importantly, thank a soldier serving our country who fights everyday for our freedom. Among two of the many organizations are A Million Thanks and Operation Gratitude.

{images via Glitter Guide, Glorious Treats, Country Living, Tutto Bella, Punchbowl and Martha Stewart}

slug bug style

Our friend and talented photographer, Meredith Moran, worked her first styled shoot in May at The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park. Her dad’s refurbished slug bug served as the inspiration behind the shoot. Of course, we love the red slug bug…and all the details to go along with. The pop of red. Vintage white dresser. Old school desk sprinkled with buttons. Antique china. Mason jar floral arrangements on antique books. And who doesn’t love a Radio flyer? For all you brides out there…you can rent those items and more for your wedding from Jessica at A Vintage Affair Rentals. If I could re-do anything from my wedding, I would rent Jessica’s entire warehouse.

Kudos to Meredith and Tiny Bubbles Event Design. We can’t wait to see what you come up with next.

For more lovely photos from the shoot, visit here.

VENDOR LOVE

Photography/Design:  Meredith Moran Photography
Planning/Coordination:  Tiny Bubbles Event Design
Vintage Furniture & Accessories:  A Vintage Affair Rentals
Paperware/Invitations: Fleur de Lis {a paperie}
Flowers:  The Ruffly Rose
Cake & Cupcakes: Goblin City Bakery
Dress: Kathy Ireland Weddings by 2 Be (get it at The Bridal Collection)\
Hair & Make up: Cory Bryant, Make Up By Cory
Flatware/Glassware/Chairs: All Well Rents
Lace Tablecloth: Linen Hero
Venue: The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park
Models:  Jim & Kelli Goodwin

{images via Meredith Moran Photography}

sunflower seed labels

Having a sunflower themed wedding, I was obsessed with the thought of handing out sunflower seeds as place cards/gift favors.

Jessica and Jenna helped me design custom seed labels to perfectly fit our wedding style.
I gotta say, they turned out pretty darn cute!

The ladies got sunflower seeds to ‘plant, love, grow’. And the men got seeds to ‘crack, eat, enjoy’.

To complete our look, we mounted the label on rustic kraft paper ordered from Fleur de Lis (a paperie) and attached hand-calligraphed place card tags with raffia.
Love it.

We’re selling the labels in our Fleur de Lis, a paperie etsy shop. Check them out here and order today {$18 for a custom file}.

{image via Jenna Walker Photographers}

mini bar

When I saw Camille Styles bar cart on Pinterest…

it made me happy.

I’m not a big booze hound {I do admit to LOVING red vino}, so I didn’t go to a happy intoxicated state, but I think it’s just so pretty and charming…and how fun would it be to have a mini bar like that and have girlfriends over for some cocktails and good times?!

It got me to thinking – with my limited space, what kind of cart would I buy for a mini bar in my home?

First, I found some inspiration…

Mini Bar on a Mirrored Tray, Such Pretty Things
{you can find several budget-friendly priced tray mirrors at Target, like this one here for less than $20.}

Vintage Bar Cart, My Scandinavian Home

Bar Cart, My Scandinavian Home

Triple Trolley Bar Cart, Glitter Guide

Antique Dresser Bar, Honestly…WTF

Wall Mount Cabinet/Bar, Plow & Hearth

Then, I found some pieces to add to my wish list.

Bar Cart, Pottery Barn {$549}

DIY Chevron Bar Cart, The Swede Records

Mirrored Top Tray Table, Horchow {$700}

Formosa Tray Table, CB2 {$39.99}

Ebony Finish Square Tray Table, Overstock {$137.99}

Ernest White Bar Cart, CB2 {$149}

Nickel-plated Antique Butterfly Cocktail Table Tray, Overstock {$115.44}

Tool/Bar/Garden Cart, Harbor Freight Tools {$75}
{for a more industrial look…and multipurpose}

 Lachlan Tray Bedside Table, Pottery Barn {$199}

Caneel Bay Bar Cart, Furbish {$800}

OK, so I want THIS ONE {of course I would want one of the most expensive ones from Pottery Barn…}. That, or I will have to scour flea markets/antique markets for a lovely vintage bar cart find!

What one do you want?

Next, stock my bar cart. Thank God for Martha Stewart…she shares bar essentials with us here so your bar can be freshly stocked for your party.

Cheers!

{images via Such Pretty Things, My Scandinavian Home, Glitter Guide, Horchow, CB2, Overstock, Pottery Barn, Honestly…WTF, The Swede Records, Harbor Freight Tools, Furbish}

to: dad

For those special men in our lives that protect and guide us…our wonderful dads. Buy him something special for Father’s Day this year {June 17} to say I love you. Below are some fun finds to get your shopping started.

We’ll share our dad’s gift with you too {it’s adorable if I may say so…but our dad is a #1 fan of the blog…thanks, dad…so all you fab readers have to wait a bit longer to see it}

1. Dad’s Playbook, Uncommon Goods {$13}
2. Guinness Aftershave, Nevermore Body Company on Etsy {$22}
3. Personalized Hand Stamped Key Chain, Fired Up Ladies Hammer on Etsy
4. Blended Scotch Whiskey {of your choice} with Custom Label, Whiskey Blender
5. Bocce Ball Set, Restoration Hardware {$84}
6. Beer Bottle Label, Pinhole Press {$11.99 for 15 labels}
7. Carved Leather Bracelet, DIY, full tutorial here from Lil Blue Boo
8. Car Wash Kit, DIY

{images via Uncommon Goods, Restoration Hardware, Whiskey Blender, Pinhole Press, Fired Up Ladies Hammer, Nevermore Body Company, Lil Blue Boo and Martha Stewart}

fit for a queen

In honor of the Queen of England’s Jubilee celebration {June 2-5, 2012}, marking 60 years of the Queen’s reign in England, we’ve put together a list of British finds and party necessities fit for royalty…and you’re worthy!

For a beautiful tea party inspiration in honor of the Jubilee, visit Naomi Kenton’s site here.

Women’s Original British Boot, Hunter {$194}

Union Scarf, French Connection {$88}

Religion Union Jack Knitted Tunic, Asos {$97.41}

Union Jack Sunglasses, Asos {$20.87}

Keep Calm and Carry On Necklace, Bip & Bop {$19.99}

Union Jack Flag Lettering, Rosenberry Store

Tea Cup Bracelets, Stay Gold Mary Rose on Etsy

Vintage China Diamond Statement Ring, Stay Gold Mary Rose on Etsy {$39}

Jam Party Kit, Lakeland {£5.99}
{it’s too late to order these for the Diamond Jubilee, but this would be a fun party favor for an Olympics celebration…and can be made at home with small Mason jars, homemade jam and British-themed toppers and twine}

Union Jack Baker’s Twine, Not on the High Street {$7.42}

British Cupcake Kit, Meri Meri {$12.95}

The Loo Bathroom Sign, Shabby Sign Shop

Hand-decorated Kids Reclaimed Vintage Chairs, Mama Lilly {£85-200}

Union Jack Dresser, Miss Mustard Seed

Classic Union Jack Telephone, Present Finder {£49.99}

Strawberry Trifle Dessert, The Girl Who Ate Everything

{images via Cambridge News, Naomi Kenton, French Connection, Rosenberry Store, Bip & Bop, Stay Gold Mary Rose, Shabby Sign Shop, Not on the High Street, Hunter, Lakeland, Meri Meri, Mama Lally, Present Finder, Asos, Miss Mustard Seed, The Girl Who Ate Everything}