Black and White Sweets

Image from Simplesong

I love the black and white theme for this open house party held at Fifteen Eleven. 

Those little bow cookies are carry out the shop's branding so sweetly.

Spotted on you are my fave.

A Little Shower Spread

I could have stood at the table and taken pictures all day, but about 25 lovely ladies were patiently waiting outside for lunch. Salads (which I only helped make look pretty, Jackie and Jillian were the chefs) ruled the spread with chicken, pasta, fruit, and spinach.

Minor details: the sandwich flags were made with satin ribbon and attached to picks with double sided craft adhesive (aka tape). The striped table runner is actually folded wrapping paper and ribbon. And, if you're considering getting 10 three foot balloons, make sure your car is big enough to hold  them or else you'll have to hold one out the window all the way home from the party store.

Lastly, I knew some babes would be joining us, so I didn't want to leave them off of the favor train. Bubbles were on hand and animal crackers served double duty as decoration and snacks for the littlest guests.

Crystal Place Card and a Tartan Runner

I just really like where this Thanksgiving place setting is going. From High Gloss Blue.

I Would Have Died and Gone Straight to Birthday Heaven

A surprise birthday luncheon for Kathleen from Twig and Thistle is just about one of the sweetest things I've ever seen (in regards to birthday amazingness). She thought she was showing up to her friend's house for a small lunch and what she got was an explosion of pink, tulle, glitter, calligraphy and floral goodness. I'm not kidding when I say if that was me I would have died and gone to Birthday Heaven.

Bow Napkins in Action

Now this is a birthday table. I love seeing Martha's ideas come to life.

From Coco+Kelley

Napkin Bow

Hello super adorable way to fold a napkin.

From Martha

Their Greatest Design

I think when two jewelry designers decide to get married it's only in their best interest to make the entire thing themselves. I love every detail about this wedding. From Artemis's wedding dress (which she bought for practically pennies and reworked) to their wedding tent, everything is magical and more importantly, quite personal. And, speaking of personal, wouldn't it be nice to be able to design and make your own wedding rings? I'm in love with theirs.

See more of Artemis & Nao's wedding here.

All pictures from Artemis's blog, tales of a junkaholic.

Champagne vs. Spritzer Budget

From Style at Home, two tablescapes on opposite ends of the expense spectrum.

High: $5,874
Low: $1,003

The good news is that they're both very attainable if you utilize what you already have and mix and match ideas from either one. The color scheme is for sure something to steal. Details here.

Pic spotted on Peacock Feathers

SS Tip #44 - Teacup Flowerpots

Host a fancy afternoon lunch in the backyard and sprinkle a few of these on the table.

Pictures from: Domino found here, Vintage Bliss, {frolic!}, and Eddie Ross.

Absolutely Yes on All Accounts

A tad girly yet I love it. A "kitchen rustic vintage" tablescape with "modern sensibilites."

Very much up my alley. From Utterly Engaged Issue 008. Page 37 if you need some more details.

SS Tip #35 - Tablecloth Alternative

From left: Real Simple, Attic Mag, & Martha

Talk about a good thing, Martha. Using wrapping or wall paper instead of a table runner = easy cleanup and a delightful compliment to your decor. There are so many great patterns out there and they're waaaay easier to find than the perfect ($$) linens for your party.

Paper Source gift wrap

SS Tip #32 - Tea Time

I can't wait for Spring & I'm also looking forward to the new Alice in Wonderland. With that, I've started thinking about very merry unbirthday parties......

From top left: Country Living, Kim Vallee, Martha Stewart, Kiss the Groom, & Jordan Ferney

File away these ideas for a wedding or baby shower.

Also, have you ever seen this version?

The made for tv movie from 1985 is hands down one of my favorite movies of all time.

Oh Wow and Also This Happened

Oh Wow.

Amy Atlas from Hostess with the Mostess

And also, this happened:

I've Twittered myself. Do you tweet? If not, maybe you should start so we can be new together. Follow me here!

Now This is What I Had in Mind....

for a winter wonderscape. The feathers, the sparkles....

Found via Style Me Pretty

SS Tip #13 - Winter Wonderscape

So now it's a little late to be throwing together a Christmas party. Let's wait until after the holiday and make it a winter wonderland. A snowy tablescape might be nice. All white pieces on a berry red tablecloth? Some items to consider....

White birch napkin rings...

Snow Owl Wood Shop, Etsy. $10

A milkglass compote...maybe filled with silver ornaments or red candies...

Eddie Ross, Etsy. $85

Know where to sit. Acorn placecards...

Found via Project Wedding.

At every place setting a silver charger.

Target. 4 for $19.99

              Party crackers...could be fun place cards if you hand write your guests name on a little cardstock, holepunch, tie to one end...or just scattered around on the table for merry mess-making...

Pier 1. $14.95

All over the table and light every one.

32 piece candle set, Pottery Barn. $49.00 (easily found elsewhere)

OR make these doily votives and let everyone take one home after the party.

Found via Creature Comforts.

Plates that don't necessarily need to be stored away right after the holiday...

West Elm. Set of 4, $29.99

Don't forget dessert

What about adding a twist to your dessert table and include a hot chocolate and smores bar? Mugs, marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers piled on mini cakestands, peppermint and cinnamon sticks and.......a bottle of Bailey's off to the side?

If you make this happen send me a picture - I couldn't find a single one anywhere.