Weddings become more and more amazing every year. That formal event seems more fun than in the past. Couples these days want a memorable wedding that fits within their personality. For these reasons, they are always an incredible source of inspirations for any big party.

You probably have seen the wedding of the creative director of Hello!Lucky, Eunice with Daniel. It is featured on The Spring 2010 edition of Martha Stewart weddings and many on the blogosphere have praised it this month. This remarkable wedding illustrates so well key components that can make any party one that your guests will remember for many years.

1. Set the Tone with Stages, Props and Custom Signage

If you wish to make a statement, you need to invest in out of the ordinary party decor elements. They use the service of Because We Can to build a portable flat-pack grand stage, various signs, and fun props. Look for local people with a background in theater set, or even an excellent store window designer. They know how to create make believe props and stages.

And do not underestimate the power of custom signage. It does not give directions to your guests. It look should reinforce your party theme.

2. Parades and Costumes

The idea of a parade to bring the guests from point A to point B is a great and fun idea. It sends the message that it is time to celebrate. People of all ages love parades. Anyone with an artistic flair coupled with some building experience can made their own version of hand-painted silhouettes, if you have time on your hand. At a kid party, the kid can decorate their own silhouettes. When selecting the materials, make sure the silhouettes once attached to the stick will still be lightweight.

3. Attention to the Comfort of Your Guests

Assuring the well-being of your guests is the number #1 rule of entertaining. Every party has their high and low moments. Make sure that your guests always find something to do. It is not just about paying attention to food and drinks. It is also making sure that nobody is too hot, or too cold. It is about self-servicing snacks all day long, just in case someone is really hungry. All these little details translate into fun and happiness for your guests.

The last point applies to everyday entertaining. If those are planned ahead, the host and hostess will be free to enjoy the company of their guests. It does not always work that way in real life. But as long as you aim for more work before and less work during the party, you should be OK.

SEE MORE:
+ Eunice and Daniel feature on Martha Stewart Weddings
+ Portable stands, props and signage by Because We Can
+ Behind the scenes coverage on the blog of Hello!Lucky
+ Get the vendor list on Hello!Lucky
+ via 100 Layer Cake

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They are plenty of details that you could recycle from this real wedding featured on Style Me Pretty. For one, I love the distressed wood candlelight chandelier. The concept will also work for an outdoor party by hanging the chandelier on a big tree. Plus, it is something that you can build yourself. Make sure to use small pillar candles instead of votive lights. You do not wish to replace them during dinner.

The Tabletop

Take clues from the way they set the table for an Easter brunch party or a Mother’s Day chic picnic. The restricted color scheme means that you can mix and match paired down tableware. As you can see, every day tableware can create an elegant tabletop. It is all in the way you display it and how you will enhance the look with your centerpieces.

Think about the Comfort of Your Guests

Whenever you do an outdoor party, think about ways to let your guests sit comfortably on the lawn. Put a futon mattress on the lawn with plenty of pillows for the guest(s) of honor. Transform little kid stools into side tables or use trays to get a place to set down your glass of wine. You could use big square blankets, towels or sheets. Select a place big enough for people to gather in smaller groups, if they wish to. Close proximity encourages the flow of conversation.

+ See all of the wedding images on Style Me Pretty

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Think soft green, yellow pink and even orange for your Easter tabletop. Set the tone with an exquisite tablecloth. The Easter Bunny Jacquard Tablecloth can be used all spring and summer since it references to Easter is subtle. I would simply marry it with elegant white dinnerware.

Then, create a vignette with treats instead or as a component of your centerpieces. The Fudge Brownie Farm Animals illustrate the look I suggest. Kids will love it!

Easter Menu

For a breakfast-style element, the Broiled grapefruits look divine and are simple to make for a crowd. I love how Jamie Oliver platted his Easter lamb. It looks so fresh and tasty. Finish the meal with the chocolate easter egg cups by Donna Hay. The egg cups make all the difference in her design.

SOURCING:
+ Easter Bunny Jacquard Tablecloth $120-$160 USD at Williams-Sonoma
+  Fudge Brownie Farm Animals $29.50 USD
+ Broiled Grapefruit recipe
+ Easter lamb recipe by Jamie Oliver
+ Chocolate easter egg cups by Donna Hay
+ Set of 2 White Porcelain Egg Cups $4.99 USD at Kitchen Kapers

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You probably wonder what is the relationship between a pouch and a party theme. Sometimes, you find inspirations in the usual place. It started with a purchase I did this morning. I bought this yellow and white XL frame pouch with a collapsible handle designed by Oktak. My favorite handbag over the last years was yellow and I missed it. This burst of color complements many of my outfits. Plus, I like the sunny shade.

As I examined further the fabric pattern, I realized that those jungle animal shapes would be wonderful for a baby shower or a first birthday party. The silhouettes are simple yet sophisticated. If you are not a talented artist, you can draw the basic shapes from a coloring book and a kids book. You may have to make a few adjustments to get it right.

As for the color palette, I think that the festive yellow and white combination works every time. It is gender neutral. It is suitable for kids and adults.

One Day Sale

If you interested in buying pouches and fabric handbags, Oktak hosts a 10% sale all day. The rebate does not show up on her etsy store but in her newsletters Aki of Oktaktold us to check out as usual, and she will refund the 10% through PayPal. I bought a few items in the past from Oktak, so I do not worry about the process. In fact, I received a confirmation of my refund during the time it took me to write this post.

+ XL frame pouch with handle – yellow shapes on white by Oktak $45 USD

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You have less than a week to prepare for the Academy Awards 2010. I scoured the Web to integrate the best party ideas into a cohesive party theme. You could easily merge the do it yourself candy bags from Twig & Thistle with Bakerella’s oscar statuette cookies.

Print Your Own Candy Bags, Invites and Ballots

For a theatrical effect, make your own tray held by a neck strap. You can use it to serve candy or popcorn. Kathleen of Twig and Thistle made invites, ballots, popcorn bags, and party favors all available as downloadable PDF’s.

Invite your friends one to two hours before the Awards show starts. It will give you the chances to chat, eat the canapes, discuss the dresses on the red carpet and will leave enough time to fill the ballots. Ask people to dress up so they can pose at a movie star photo booth.

Oscar Night Cupcakes and Cookies

Since everyone will want to watch the show, including you, forget the formal dinner and serve tapas instead. Ideally, opt for recipes that can be eaten at room temperature.  For dessert, get inspired by the star cupcakes from Sprinkles cupcakes.

Leave the Oscar statuette cookies to be the star of the night.  I like how Bakerella displayed the cookies on the red carpet with cute small signs. This baker is amazing. If you plan to serve the cupcakes for dessert, everyone could get back home with their tasty Oscar statuette.

SOURCING:
+ Awards Night Sugar Cookies by Bakerella
+ Statue Cookie Cutter $12.95
+ Ballot template, DIY candy bags and print your own invites by Twig & Thistle
+ kid picture from J. Crew
+ Gold star decorated cupcakes by Sprinkles cupcakes

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The concept behind this wedding photo shoot is to apply the latest Chanel runway show, which I enjoyed, to design a wedding. The event took place under a wooden barn with an equestrian feel. The Stylish Soiree created this rustic chic event. The brides wore three dresses. I wish I have done that.

The tablescape uses the popular red, black and white palette. Since it is still in the morning, I was more inspired by image of the milk glasses.

+ Details on Style Me Pretty – photo by Studio 28 Photo

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It is not because I was making plans this evening for my upcoming trip to Japan that I felt the urge to show you this inspiring birthday theme for a little boy. It comes to no surprises when we know that Amy Atlas organized it for her son’s birthday. Most little boy will adore an airplane theme.

It feels sophisticated and fun. The kids must have enjoyed it. She put attention to details from the runway table runner up to the airplane cake, the party hats and the cupcakes. See more pictures of the blog of Amy Atlas.

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Nicole’s little girl will be 2 years old shortly. She wrote to me because she is looking for inspirations for a birdie birthday theme. I often find that looking at art print for kids is an excellent starting point. I have to warn you that you will probably want to buy an art piece or two. On the other hand, if you do, your party decor will be transformed into a useful souvenir.

I love the illustrations made by Lorena Siminovich. Her style talks to me. It is playful yet sophisticated enough to appeal to the discerning parents. Another advantage to be inspired by art is that it gives you a color palette.

Be Crafty with the Bird Silhouette

Bird silhouette designs are relatively easy to find if you look at baby clothes, home accessories, handmade toys and invitations. The silhouette shape already carries a childish vibe. It is simple to make your own template and be crafty.

You can add a festive look for a 2 years old party through the use of pattern and colors. Look for beautiful pattern, like you see here on the Bird Baby Bib, to make your own birthday banner with fabric or paper.

Invitations and the Cake

A beautifully decorated cake is a must. Serving mini cupcakes at a kids’ birthday party is easier to serve then a big cake. And if you have left overs, it is quicker to give a cupcake away to your friends. From the sophisticated birds in the nest cupcakes from Martha Stewart to the do-it-yourself cupcake toppers on a stick, there are lots of options that look great.

For the invites, I like the simplicity of the Birthday Party Birdie Invitations from Vanessa Cavaco. She also make matching round stickers and favor tags. Vanessa has a good eye. She is the one who spotted the  lovely felt birdie cupcake toppers and the bib, both available on etsy.  Look at all her finds for the theme.

More Art Prints with Little Birds

Finally, I invite you to revisit my post on Birds in a Tree decor for a nursery. You could use the wall decals I showcased or be inspired by the stretched art pieces for kids.

I hope all these ideas will inspire you to create your own birdie birthday party theme. It is a fun theme to play it.

SOURCING:
+ Mushroom Collage on Wood by Lorena Siminovich – limited edition $140 USD at Petit Collage
+ Cheerful Blossoms Growth Chart $59  at Petit Collage
+  Baby Bird Baby Bib by the Groovy Mommy on etsy $15 USD
+ Baby Bird Cupcakes by Martha Stewart
+ Birdie cupcake toppers by The Cupcake Girls on esty $18 for set of 4
+ Birthday Party Birdie/Bird Invitations from Vanessa Cavaco on etsy $1.20 USD

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If you do not like your pancakes, you will only have you to blame at Slappy Cakes. Each table features a built-in griddle. They bring you the batter, fruits and other accompaniments. They offer a variety of batter options, including buttermilk, buckwheat, vegan and gluten-free. Some of the berries and fruits are grown on their own courtyard garden. Slappy Cakes is located in Portland, Oregon.

If you live too far, you can borrow the concept for your next brunch. Make sure to have access to several crepe makers. The best crepe model is a large round griddle. I use two crepe pans but a stove pan is not practical for a cook-it-yourself party. This one, the CucinaPro 1448 12 Inch Griddle & Crepe Maker, has excellent reviews on Amazon and it is $42.

+ Slappy Cakes
+ via Springwise

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Cindy of Hungry Girl por vida captured the essence of simple elegance with these shots of gray paper straws. You cannot go wrong with single serving glass milk bottles for a baby shower or a kids birthday party. You can simply remove the commercial labels or go one step further and tailor the bottle with an event tag.

There is another reason why you will feel good. Besides its more sophisticated tones, the Kikkerland gray paper straws are more eco-friendly since they are biodegradable than the traditional plastic straws. Caring for the Earth is a good message to send at a baby shower party.

For a movie night or a circus party, you may prefer to get a box of blue and white  or red and white paper straws. + Paper Straws by Kikkerland $3 for box of 50 + photos: HungryGirl on Flickr + via Parcel Post

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I featured Sunday Suppers on several quick link posts. From what I have seen this week, I am not going to stop soon. The concept behind their Market class can be resumed in building a seasonal menu based on what is available at the market.

Casey Solomon and Karen Mordechai propose more than cooking classes. They put attention to details of the tablescape. This is how they first grabbed my attention.

For the market class, they came up with a brilliant yet simple idea. They wrote the menu on brown paper bags. At the end of the night, the guests used their paper bag to bring home fresh peaches.

They filled a wood crate with local peaches and put it next to the door. Small details include placing a piece of jute underneath the crate. You could use potato bags. Tea towels were used as napkins and to make a bed for the peaches. I am sure that many of you will recycle their entertaining ideas.

If you are interested in taking their classes, they are held in Brooklyn, New York.

PHOTO CREDITS:
+ Sunday Suppers

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Yellow is the hot color of summer 2009. Inviting this cheerful color to your party puts everyone in a festive mood. If you are planning to devise a yellow party theme, take a look at these:

+ serve lemon mint granita from the smittenkitchen.com

+ Big sunflowers make a bold statement. As you can see, they can look stylish. I like how they transformed vintage suitcases in a green garden where you plant seating cards – via Snippet & Ink

+ go green and wrap your gift in a Mustard Yellow “GIVE LUCK” reusable Fabric Gift Wrap from chewingthecud available on etsy. It is $10 each. She explained on her blog how to wrap a single box and more wrapping techniques with fabric.

+ Release your thirst with the Citrus Thyme Water by Sunday Suppers

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