Sweet -n- Whimsy

Next up is an all-out party for a little girl. This was definitely more difficult to pull together, as I found it much more difficult to find images online that matched the ones in my head. There just doesn't seem to be as much of this sort of thing out there, I guess.


While the picture I have in my head is a bit pared down from the above image, it gives the idea. I see a patch of lawn beneath a grove of oak trees, in early summer. Simple round tables and chairs, in more of an ivory hue.
Fabric bunting like this strung from limb to limb. Invitations here.


Napkins- click on picture for template from Martha- could be done in advance, or as a project for the attendees.

Handmade paper tops scattered in the center of the tables, again from Martha (click on pic), to be used as centerpieces and also sent home as favors.



Hmmm. Difficult to see the detail here, but I love the monogram on the sleeve. So subtle and, well, detailed!

The perfect gift for your little princess. Click on pic for link to Etsy seller. How fun to have a locket! Also- keep this in mind for later when we talk favors.

Since an actual playhouse just seemed extravagant (unless your little girl is lucky enough to already have one!), this seemed to be a more affordable option, especially if you have the skills to do it yourself. A couple of these in the yard, and the wee ones can make-believe for the afternoon.
Especially when her other gift is a tea set, like this one. This is actually a vintage one found on e-bay (click on pic), but is too adorable not to note here.



This fun little chalkboard (maybe you already have one on hand?) could be used to welcome guests as they arrive, or the party-goers could write their well-wishes for the guest-of-honor.


This would be so, so, so fun. To rent a vintage-styled photo booth, or create your own. Some prints have the option to get two duplicate rows of four different shots- one to keep and one for your guest to take home as a favor. To up the fun factor, have an assortment of props on hand- tiaras, wide-brimmed hats, glasses, etc.

How about cake and sorbet to top off the day?


Along with ice cold milk- but only if you serve it up in these awesome bottles!



I like these as favors for the image of the by-gone era they evoke.


And every girl's gotta have lip balm! (Again, picture has clicky link to Etsy seller.)

Now. Remember up above when I told you to keep the image of that darling pearl necklace in mind? I looked all over for a kit to make something along the same lines, and this is the closest I could find. (Clicky, clicky on pic.) I wanted to find a kit, suitable for younger girls, that was more elegant- ivory pearls and silver seed beads on a thin pink cord. I think I would just go out and buy the materials, and make the "kits" myself. Tuck the supplies into clear cellophane with a fold-over card. This could also be party entertainment as well, and they would take home the finished product.

Ah. That's it for this one, folks.

Soft as a Baby's *Blush*

I played off of the "shower" theme a bit, going for a fun, casual spring-like event. The hanging parasols bring that element in, while remaining true to the soft ivory and melon colors. This look could also be carried thru by placing paper lanterns (unlit) in the same colors in groupings on the tables.

I love the idea of this being a brunch shower, and serving the guests a simple brunch as they arrive. I would also have small fruit smoothies available adorned, of course, with little umbrellas.

The next element I would bring is is bunches of tulips, in soft, springy tones. Along with the above centerpiece, I picture small individual vases, each containing a single tulip in various shades, lined up along the center of the table.
Although this is kind of a poor image, I love the idea of incorporating baby pictures as decor, either of the parents-to-be, or the guests. (Would have to request them ahead of time.) Clipped to twine using wee little tiny 1" clothespins, of course.

I thought these little note cards could easily be adapted into invites, or purchased as is from Etsy seller sentimentaljourney and used as the perfectly coordinating gift card when you give these shoes below!
Are those not absolutely adorable?? Click picture for link on to how to DIY, courtesy of the lovely and gracious Martha.

And, finally, the inspiration cake that started it all. Is this all coming together now? Following brunch, I would have the gift opening, so as to give everyone a chance to work up their appetites for dessert! And for an added dose of sweetness, serve it up with these adorable bottled lemonades, below.




Last, but not least, send your guests on their merry way, tip-toeing through the tulips and splashing in the puddles, with these in hand:


Sweet little favors to take home and plant- bulbs for the season. These could also be done up in muslin or flour sack bags, or cellophane, with a fold-over label in coordinating colors.

Home Decor on the Cheap

Shortly after we moved into our house (2 years ago), I fell in love with these prints from Ballard Designs.

But, with a price tag of over $700 for a set of 8, it just wasn't going to be happening. I wasn't willing to give up just so fast. I looked, and looked around on the 'net, hoping to find them cheaper, to no avail. I decided I needed to figure out a way to "make" these my self. Enter ebay, Menards and voila. The "look" I wanted, for about $75. Sweet.

Spring Fever

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!
~Mark Twain

More shower stuff.....

Thought I'd add a few more shots from Saturday's shower here. Sorry, I do realize that my shots are all out of focus, thanks to a smudge on the lens. (Thanks kids) So, until I can get that remedied, you'll have to put up with these.

Simple Beauty

Here is where I spent a part of my morning, unloading the dishwasher, loading it back up, wiping the counters and generally sprucing up the kitchen. I have to say, with the sun shining in, the country-side views of my backyard, and the lovely flower arrangement I put together this morning it was all a rather enjoyable few moments. There is something soothing in the familiar, methodical rhythm of the daily tasks. Knowing that, because I am here and doing this, life must be good.


This was a flower bouquet that was left-over from the shower. Didn't have time to do anything more involved with it at the time, other than to put it into a vase. It served its purpose at the time, and served it well. Now, it was starting to look a little worse for wear, and honestly, making my dining room table feel cluttered. I am a little that way- after a while I just need to clear things out. But, it seemed a shame to toss it, as there were still some very pretty flowers. Then, I remembered that I have this lovely green glass reproduction flower frog vase that would be just the ticket. And this is what I ended up with. A different look, all with the same flowers.

Ta Da!

The invite. Of course, I think it looks better in real life than it does here, but you get the idea. They were very fun to create, although a bit time consuming to put together. They seem to be well received. I am drawing from this invite for the "theme" of the shower. A vintage look with grass green, salmon pink, ivory and silver. So far, so good! On the inside was a poem (found on the internet), that asks each guest to use the enclosed bag and put a little something extra inside. A jar of spice, a sponge for the kitchen sink, a bottle of hand soap... you get the idea. Also, a request for their favorite recipe. So, I included a couple sheets of tissue, the gift bag and a recipe card.