I just worked on a farm wedding where we used compostable plates and flatware — a brilliant idea for an eco-casual event. This recyclable flatware available from Terrain takes it up just another notch with its decorative flourishes.

I just worked on a farm wedding where we used compostable plates and flatware — a brilliant idea for an eco-casual event. This recyclable flatware available from Terrain takes it up just another notch with its decorative flourishes.
I simply adore this arrangement featured on One Charming Party. As they suggest, it would be perfect for Mother’s Day. I could also see it as part of a Spring tablescape, a ladies’ tea, a bridal shower…. The bright orange color and the pops of citrus make it a happy addition to any table!
I had a small soiree at my house last night and served appetizers and a selection of desserts. I always try to offer a special cocktail in addition to wine, water, and nonalcoholic beverages. Last night, I was inspired to do a champagne punch to complement the menu and found this delicious recipe on Epicurious. It does pack a wallop, but it is really festive and tasty. It would be beautiful served in this silver-banded punch bowl from Williams-Sonoma.
Whether you are hosting guests for a Valentine’s Day get together or just want to show that special someone you care, this project is for you! These pomegranate filled ice cubes are easy to make and will instantly make any drink you serve that much more special.
You can find a step-by-step process on how to make these ice cubs here, but essentially you just put three pomegranate seeds in a heart shaped ice tray. Freeze and then serve in your drink of choice!
REAL SIMPLE featured a post titled “New Year New Uses,” which I loved. It explains how common household items can be transformed into something new and awesome! There are several in the article worth checking out but below are a few of my favorites.
One of the most frustrating things for me is when my necklaces get tangled! I can never seem to untangle them myself. Easy solution: rub a small amount of baby oil into the knot and work it free with a straight pin.
This is a fun, quirky way to use your holiday lights year round. Simply get any size Mason jar and fill it with battery powered holiday lights. This cute night light can be used anywhere around your home to add spark.
Maybe it is because I am a kid at heart but I love the idea of using lollipops as cocktail stirrers. Pick a flavor or color that compliments the cocktail being served. Your guests will love this fun twist on a childhood favorite!
As we’ve gotten older and friends’ families have started to grow, we’ve found that its naturally harder to plan New Year’s Eve events. Last year the idea came to me of hosting a New Year’s Day brunch instead. That way, our friends and their children could all come together to celebrate the new year in a family-friendly way.
We hire baby-sitters and make sure there are fun activities for the children. Friends say that this helps them to more easily connect with people at the party while knowing that their children are safe and having fun. I create a separate buffet with kid-friendly food in addition to a brunch buffet, dessert display, and beverage “station” for all of the adults.
I wanted the party to be “sparkly” and focused on a silver and white color palette. I sewed a silver sequin runner for the buffet table and a sequin topper with a white skirt for the dessert buffet sideboard. Flowers (done by Petal’s Edge) featured whites and greys and some of the vases we wrapped in sparkly ribbon. Drink stirrers were also wrapped with tiny tinsel strands. Subway art above the buffet is from Eighteen 25.
Here are a few photos from the brunch, beautifully captured by the talented photographer Katarina Price. Thanks, Katarina!
Hosting a New Year’s Party? Some fabulous bloggers have created creative printables that you can use when decorating and preparing for your party. Thanks, Ellinee, The 36th Avenue, and My Fabuless Life!
There are lots of ways to dress up your dinner table to impress holiday guests. Special china, unique glassware, pretty napkins… Adding a centerpiece, however, always helps to complete the tablescape. Whether it be flowers, fruit, or even pinecones, a holiday centerpiece does not need to be complicated to be impactful. Check out these simple ideas from Martha Stewart for beautiful, do-it-yourself centerpieces.
Fresh cut flowers are a traditional centerpiece for any dinner table. What makes this beautiful centerpiece unique are the cranberries in the vase. The pop of red color is gorgeous against the white flowers and stay in the color scheme of the holidays.
This is another beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. This time the flowers are red and the candles are white but you can swap out different colors to match. Depending on the length of your table, line up three to four of these centerpieces to brighten up the whole table!
I am absolutely in love with this “Bubbly Bar” featured on 100 Layer Cake. Wouldn’t it be perfect for New Year’s Eve? See more photos of this awesome display here.