Trend Alert: Lace

Oh My, I've been loving lace for so long now, I can't believe I haven't done a post about it yet!  Lace is one of my favorite materials being used in design these days.  From trims and ribbon, to large panels, I can't get enough of it!  The popularity is directly related to the presence of vintage inspired designs, but it's being used in very modern ways.

There are so many ways you can add a hint of lace in your decor.  Wrap wide lace borders around flower vases and candle votives as seen above.  Mix it up a bit by pairing it with a fabric underlay in another color, wrapping the entire glass from top to bottom, or using it only at the edges.   

Small delicate details are so impressive because usually they are the most unexpected.  Some eye-catching ideas here are to use it with place cards, create a cake stand border, wrap around napkins, and add a special detail to candy favors.  Search your nearest fabric store for some beautiful lace selections that you can incorporate in small ways. 

Lace can be a real statement piece when it's used in central areas of an event.  I love creating lace swags and draping it across other props.  It's easy to make a lace banner - just attach it at 2 points and use clothes pins to display cards, mini letters, photos, or anything else you can imagine.

Draping it along tables is a beautiful way to create runners or an interesting pattern.  There are so many colors and designs to choose from, you can have fun mixing and matching for a more eclectic combination. 

I hope you will give lace a try soon.  It's not just for grandmother's anymore!

Photos:

My Sweet & Saucy

Eileen Tran, Martha Stewart

Celebrations At Home, Style Me Pretty

Elizabeth Ann Designs, My Sweet & Saucy

Trend Alert: Paper Chains

What is it about the humble little paper chain of our childhood that makes it so chic today?  Maybe it's the fabulous papers available which introduces interesting patterns.  Maybe it's the ease and affordability of the project itself.  Or maybe it's the resurgence of all things retro and vintage that has brought it to the forefront.  Whatever the reason, these fun and whimsical swags that used to hang along Christmas trees, are popping up in the most stylish and modern designs from weddings to kids parties. 

 Ever since I posted this party last year I've noticed a definate increase in their presence.  The great thing is that anyone can incorporate this trend without being a craftsman or a crafter.  Just cut and glue (or staple) until your hearts content.  Get creative and use newspaper, old books, sheet music, etc.

Hope to see it at your next party!

Photos:

Style Me Pretty via P is for Party

Shana Faust; Martha Stewart

The City Cradle

The Purple Pug

Paper and Cake

Trend Alert: Hanging Rags, Swags, And Lace

 

You know how much hanging banners and buntings can add to a party.  Now they are easier than ever to make!  You can create your own unique hanging decor for backdrops, or overhead swags and "chandeliers," using long strips of fabric, ribbon, and lace.   Depending on the colors and materials you use, you can create a vintage look or modern.  I personally love the eclectic mix of lace mixed with several coordinating fabrics & ribbons.  Which look appeals to you? 

Photos: Gabriel Ryan Photography, Amy Atlas, Amy Atlas, Kelly Moore Photography via Social Bites

Ice Cream! {Brain Freeze Not Included}

Since it's in the 90's here with no signs of cooling off, I thought I'd do a round up of ideas for an Ice Cream Social.  Below, you'll find lots of great ideas for serving, displaying, and enhancing your ice cream experience!  Brain freeze not included.

Fun Ideas above:  cute labels; sqeeze bottles for wet toppings; dipped cones; spoons tied on to cups with a side of pie.

A basic sundae display; wrapped whip cream cans; ice cream bonbons; sherbet pops.

Have fun displaying your toppings on "found" objects such as garden planters or vintage tin tables.  Use pretty apothocary jars filled with cones, and dry toppings.

Set up fun Sundae Tables with the same stylish details as traditional dessert tables.  Choose a vintage-inspired look, or go for a bright contemporary look. 

Two ways to keep the ice cream cold:  insert the container into ice when it's close to serving time, or pre-scoop into bowls and store in the freezer until ready to serve.

Sundae Bars:

classic 'ice cream parlor', yellow & white sundae bar

top ice cream vendor photo

Trend Alert - Bring The Inside, Out!

You know the term, "bring the outside in" when it comes to interior decorating...large open windows, lush greenery and flowers, even garden-style furniture pieces.  This trend is doing the opposite and bringing indoor pieces, outside for entertaining.  I love this idea because it really helps create a cozy atmosphere when you're in the midst of wide open space.  Here are some beautiful examples: 

Desk tables and decor mark the spot for writing well-wishes to the guest of honor, viewing photos, housing a welcome book, etc.  Chests (oh, how I love the open moss-filled drawers) can act as the dessert table or drink station.  You can even pull out some old drawers and display treats inside.

You can use shabby chic furniture styles, or sleek modern styles to incorporate this look.  It's unexpected and very cool!  

Photos:
desk 1, desk 2,
chest 1, chest 2,
drawers, desk
bar

Ice Cream Cones And Cotton Candy

Two icons of childhood are making quite the presence these days.  Ice cream cones are being used to hold all sorts of treats, combining form with function in the tastiest way!  Fill the cone with candies for favors, such as m&m's, jelly beans, or gummies; serve a fruit parfait inside during a brunch or drinks on the patio; serve classic cupcakes or rice crispy balls inside for a birthday indulgence the kids will love!

Cotton candy, the mainstay of carnivals and fairs, is now a popular choice for dessert tables at any type of party.  Presented in paper cones (or ice cream cones!) they can be easily and stylishly transported...but that's not all.  They can also serve as a fun drink garnish!  A great way to add whimsy to an adult function!  There are so many colors available, you can match up almost any color scheme.  

Delight your guests at your next celebration with a new twist on a couple of old ideas.  Serve ice cream cones and cotton candy!

Photo:

m&m's cone (unknown), berry filled cones, cupcake cone, meringue cookie cones,

rice crispy cone 1, rice crispy cone 2

cotton candy cone 1, cotton candy cone 2

red drink, martini, cotton candy float (Martha Stewart), tea cup

cotton candy cup & cotton candy stick (Martha Stewart)

Trend Alert: Hanging Frames

Have an outdoor soiree in the works?  Try creating a bit of drama with one of these hanging frame ideas.

You can see this idea works great for creating a walkway, a 'wall' or backdrop, or a photo opportunity.   Just gather some old frames from yard sales, and hang them with ribbon or twine, from trees, tent frames, or a diy pole system.   This would be the perfect addition to an engagement party, outdoor wedding, birthday, or family reunion.

Sources:
Top: Snippet & Ink
Middle: Ruffled Blog
Bottom: Jessi Haack Weddings

Boxed Lunch Ideas

Now that we are in the midst of Spring, and Summer is just around the corner, we're going to start taking parties outdoors.  A great way to add extra pizzazz to outdoor entertaining is to provide a boxed lunch(not only for outdoors I might add).  There are so many ways to present it, from mini wicker baskets, gable boxes, shoe boxes, and cigar-style boxes, to drink carriers, and small produce-style carriers.

 

The beauty of serving a boxed lunch is that they are all made up ahead of time so no last minute rushing around with food, for the hostess.  You can still set a lovely dining table and have a box at each place setting, or set them up in rows on a side table and have your guests grab one.  This way you could offer a couple of different choices (like turkey sandwiches & roast beef sandwiches) for your guests to choose from.  Of course you would label each one as such.

Don't forget that the presentation inside is where you can also work your magic.  Paper wraps, string or ribbon, bamboo utensils, and sticker labels are all part of the design.  Think of the oooos and ahhhs you would hear when they open one of the these boxes and see the display inside.

Consider doing this for your next shower, kids birthday, or picnic party in the park.  We've been packing lunch boxes for kids for years.  Just add a little style!

Sources:

mini picnic baskets, gable boxes(Amorology Weddings)

green & brown box(Lolliblog)

drink carrier, wooden box, green table display

purple & white presentation

pink & red boxes, red gable box(Martha Stewart), tan shoe box

cigar-style box

pink & black shoe boxes

Boxed Invitations

One of the best ways to create a buzz about your upcoming party is to create a fabulous invitation.  Boxed invitations are a great way to do that.  The fun thing about these is that you can add fun details and items that wouldn't fit into a traditional envelope.  You can get so creative with these and the possibilities are endless.  Here are some good ideas to get you going:

Add candies to the bottom of the box and wrap in tissue.(Wedding Bee)

Pink maribou feathered box with beaded ribbon!  Bachelorette Party, or Special Birthday?(Paper Olive)

A "school" themed box with button magnets and personalized pencils.(Amber & Jeff's wedding blog)

Add decorative "snow" for a winter soiree.  Maybe a warning to "open with caution." ; ) (My Personal Artist)

I love this for a man's birthday party.  Cigar and animal print...very rugged! (Paper Olive)

A mini Candyland board with lollipop for a child's birthday (Paisley Quill); A fun questionnaire with pencil for a bridal shower.(Gourmet Invitations)

The rustic look is very popular and these would be great with it's moss lining and scroll invitation (Celebrate Beautifully);  For a baby shower, write directly on a newborn diaper (or add a sticker with the info) and send it in a box!(Make Your Own Invitations)

You can't tell me you wouldn't want to attend any of these celebrations!

Trend Alert: Hanging Ribbon Backdrop

I love it when you can take simple, readily available elements, and create something amazing out of them. In this case, that is done with ribbon!

For the simplest project just hang long strands side-by-side to create a fun backdrop for photos or buffets.

Want to get a little fancy? Clip on some family photos, photos of the guest of honor, or postcards.

Last, but not least, add 'paper tiles' to the ribbon to add even more pattern and interest.

Hanging ribbon streamers not only make for an attractive backdrop, but they can also hide an ugly wall or act as a room divider. These would work really well for kid's birthdays, but given the beauty of satin ribbon, you can see it also works great for weddings, and anything in between!

top: The Wedding Co., My Sweet & Saucy

middle: Green Wedding Shoes, Make Merry! Events

bottom: My Sweet & Saucy