Rustic Sunflower and Navy Country Sunset Reception

“Never look directly at the sun. Instead, look at the sunflower.” This quote resonates seamlessly with this week’s wedding and party idea board. Picture a rustic country soiree, with lots of lanterns filled with candles, and vibrant sunflowers everywhere you look. Hints of navy help balance out the bright yellows in the sunflowers, and add pops of color to the rustic elements.

I’d love to see this summer celebration take place outside on a beautiful country property, perhaps with rolling hills and a vintage barn a little off in the distance.  If you felt so compelled to, this party idea board could easily transform into a rustic country wedding filled with the same sunflowers and navy blue elements. A natural branch altar adorned with sunflowers and navy ribbons would be all you need to add. And I’ll be the first to say I’m not normally one to choose country anything, but sunflowers have always been a favorite of mine. They have such a happy energy that they seem to radiate out, naturally making them the perfect flower to be at the center of this event design. I can only imagine what the ambiance would be like after the sun sets, as the candles are all flickering and enhancing the glow of the sunflowers that are everywhere you look. I bet it would be magical!

Here’s what I had in mind for this summer soiree idea board:

Rustic Country - Sunflower and Navy Soiree at Sunset

Rustic Country – Sunflower and Navy Soiree at Sunset

Be sure to stop by and see where I found each of these images for more information:

Rustic Brown Weathered Wood and Metal Candle Lantern – sold by LittleBitMyStyle on Etsy

Yellow and Navy Summer Centerpiece and Tablescape with Sunflowers – shared by Southern Bride and Groom Magazine

Country Place Setting – shared on Burnett’s Board

Popcorn Bar – available by Grand Rapids Popcorn

Country Lanterns with Candles and Sunflower Vignette – spotted on Pinterest

DIY Sunflower Save the Date Printable Postcard – created and sold by VGInvites on Etsy

Rustic Sunflower Cupcake Dessert Bar – shared in a roundup post by Deer Pearl Flowers

What is your favorite summer flower?

Jungle Animal Print Celebration – Themed Party Ideas

I’m not sure what the most appropriate greeting for this jungle themed animal print party would be: rawr or meow. Either one could work, but I’m going to go with rawr!

Rawr! Welcome to my jungle animal print inspired party idea board.  This animal print party inspiration board is all about incorporating animal print in a more classy and modern way. I like to think there is no gimmicky jungle props involved here. And there’s no plastic animal props here either!

When I was putting this party idea board together, I was envisioning a soiree for one of three events: a ladies luncheon, a birthday party for the modern woman, or a super sophisticated baby shower. The tropical hints found in the green foliage help balance out the mixed animal prints…..and help make this a perfect theme for a summer soiree!

Oh, and if you need even MORE inspiration, I’ve got you covered! Stop by this board on Pinterest to get more ideas for all my favorite jungle, safari, and zoo party ideas. And if you are looking for more animal print party ideas, I’ve pinned all of my favorites here on this board. I know, so many boards. Is my OCD’ness showing?

On to the leopard and animal print party I’ve been promising you. Here’s what I had in mind:

Jungle Animal Print Celebration – Themed Party Ideas

Jungle Animal Print Celebration – Themed Party Ideas

Stop by where I found each of these images for more information:

Glitter Glam Funky Hot Pink Watercolor Flowers with Leopard Print – Printable Invitation – made and sold by SimplySocialDesigns on Etsy

Safari Animal Print Fan Place Settings – tutorial available on Oriental Trading

Animal Print Popcorn and Food Display – shared by A Small Snippet

Animal Print INSIDE the Cake – recipe and tutorial shared by Sweet Dreams

Tropical Foliage Print Photo Booth – shared by Green Wedding Shoes

Tall Giraffe with Animal Print Balloons – shared by P is for Party

Tropical Tall Centerpiece with Palm Leaves with Yellow Flowers – shared by Elizabeth Anne

Jungle Animal Print Napkins – spotted on Pinterest

Leopard Print Cake with White Flower – spotted on Pinterest

Do you like this animal print idea board more for a ladies luncheon or birthday party?

Colorful Dinosaur Party Ideas for Girls

Girls like dinosaurs too!

I never got why boys were always the ones having the dinosaur and ninja themed parties, and girls always had to have the spa or princess themed parties. That is just absurd! Girls can like dinosaurs, ninjas, and event racing themed parties too.

And so to honor the strong, confident girls around the world who want to celebrate among dinos, I have put together this week’s inspiration board, for them. The concept was to have a colorful dinosaur birthday party for girls, which was not completely pink, purple and full of gentility.

But you know what I found? It’s actually pretty hard to find dinosaur themed birthday party posts for girls that are not full of princess crowns, tutus, and bright pink. So I thought I would incorporate lots of vibrant colors throughout to make this event perfect for the dino loving little girl that could care less about a tiara and a doesn’t mind what color her dinosaur friends are.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Colorful Dinosaur Party Ideas for Girls by Unique Pastiche Events

Colorful Dinosaur Party Ideas for Girls by Unique Pastiche Events

 

Be sure to see where I found each and every one of these images:

“Girls like dinosaurs too” T-shirt – sold via CafePress by WhiteDogBlackDog

Printable Dinosaur Food Signs – created and sold by iwedfred on Etsy

Dino Tails Favors – shared by Buggie and Jellybean

Dinosaur Party Cutlery and Napkin Flatware Set – created and sold by MadHatterPartyBox on Etsy

Dinosaur Birthday Cake Video Tutorial – shared by My Cake School

Krispy Colorful Eggs (Dino Eggs) – recipe shared by The Pioneer Woman

Digital Girl Dinosaur Birthday Party Invitation in Green and Orange – created and sold by ZoeyBlueDesigns on Etsy

Green, Blue, and Purple Polka Dot Balloons with Dinosaur Weights as Table Décor – shared by Craftiness is not Optional

Dinosaur Birthday Party Hat – created and sold by PoshBoxParties on Etsy

Colorful Dinosaur Track Print Biscuits / Cookies – recipe shared by Tesco

Personalized Dinosaur Birthday Party Favor Bags – created and sold by ShopPsychobaby on Etsy

DIY Dinosaur Party Plate Tutorial – shared by Spaceships and Laser Beams

I think there is just the right balance of femininity in this week’s birthday party idea board, what do you think?

Oh – if you need more ideas: stop by my Pinterest board dedicated to all things dinosaur party ideas.

**UPDATE** Check out my DIY decor and party site A Sparkly Life for Me to see some cute DIY Dino party tablescapes!

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Moss and Bunnies Inspired Easter Morning Brunch

What age does Easter stop being fun? Is it when you too old to be invited to the egg hunts? Or when you realize that you can get Reese’s year round, they just aren’t shaped like eggs?

Living in Florida, we have a very short month or two (January and February, MAAAYYYBE a little of March) where we don’t need to run the air condition, and it’s actually pleasant to go outside. I consider that both winter and spring for us. Kind of like a two for one season! You can imagine the number of Easter egg hunts I grew up with where there were mosquitoes out in full force, or the sun had already melted the chocolate, even early in the morning. Sure, as a kid it was fun and what did we care there was chocolate; but in retrospect I find myself wondering what an Easter up north would be like.

I expect there would be lots of fresh, colorful flowers that would be welcomed after a proper winter. And, of course, somehow everyone would have cute, moss covered bunnies around, because what else would you decorate for spring with, right? Mostly I just really want to decorate my home with them, but they always seem so out of place. So I thought it would be a great combination for this week’s party idea board to mix the softly textured moss bunnies, with vibrant yellow elements, found in the daffodil table décor and napkins. The moss covered rabbits are adorable, aren’t they?

Here’s what I had in mind:

Moss and Bunnies Inspired Easter Morning Brunch

Moss and Bunnies Inspired Easter Morning Brunch

Be sure to check out where I found each of these images:

Moss Covered Spring Bunnies – shared in the Style Me Pretty Vault

Spring Easter Bunny Wreath Moss Wreath – made by donnahubbard on Etsy

Topiary Bunny Yard – shared on POPSUGAR

Spring Party Food Buffet – shared by StoneGable

Yellow Bunny Napkin Folding Material – tutorial shared by Tortelina

Spring Daffodil and Moss Easter Table Setting – shared by Between Naps on the Porch

Digital Easter Brunch Invitation – created and sold by SugarSpiceInvitation on Etsy

Rustic Realistic Moss Bunny Cookies – tutorial and recipe shared by Semi Sweet Designs

Bunny Rabbit Party Favors – shared on Kara’s Party Ideas

 

Do you still have fun at Easter as an adult? Or do you just enjoy visiting with family and friends?

Pink Carnation Inspired Spring Soiree – Party Ideas

Does it feel like spring near you, or is it starting to feel more like summer? This week we have been in the mid 80’s all week, and we are already having to run our AC. I’m trying SO hard not to get into “summer clothes” mode so early in the year, but it is hard with this weather!

So to help me try and cherish whatever spring we have left here in Florida, I’ve put together an adorable pink carnation party idea board. This soiree can be used for any get together you have coming up. I’m thinking baby showers, a bridal party, or even a birthday party with the girls. Carnations are such a versatile flower, and hold up very well. The sphere arrangements you see throughout the party inspiration board give this idea board a more modern vibe, don’t you think?

Here’s what I had in mind:

Pink Carnation Inspired Spring Soiree - Party Ideas

Pink Carnation Inspired Spring Soiree – Party Ideas

Be sure to stop by and see where each of these images were found:

Pink and White Carnation Floral Sphere Centerpieces – shared in the Style Me Pretty Vault

Carnation Flower Photo Backdrop Tutorial – shared by A Practical Wedding

Pink Carnation Flower Cupcakes – spotted on Pinterest

Champagne Glass Tower Station – shared in the Style Me Pretty Vault

Pink Carnation Flower Escort Card Bed – shared on Elizabeth Anne Designs

Pink Cocktail Tables with Pink Carnation Centerpiece Wreath – spotted on Pinterest

Champagne Bottle Display with Frozen Flowers in Ice – shared in a round up post on OMG Lifestyle Blog

Pink Ruffle Cake –created and shared by Christina of Sweet Escape Cakes

Pink and Glass Sweet Dessert Table – shared on Catch My Party

Pink Floating Carnation Flowers Pool Spheres – spotted on Pinterest

Pink and White Carnation Flowers Sphere Table Décor – shared on United with Love

Are you a fan of carnations at your party? Or do you prefer different flowers at your celebrations?

Spring Peach Blossoms and Ribbon Bridal Shower Party Ideas

Did you know that March 3 is Peach Blossom Day? Or that February 28 is Floral Design Day?

That’s ok, I didn’t either. But after finding out that the two holidays were so close to each other, I thought, why not combine the two? They do go hand in hand.

And with that idea in mind, I put together this springtime peach blossom bridal shower party idea board with accents of flowy ribbon and fabric strands to balance out the organic nature of the flowers and food. This is a very soft and feminine soiree, just like the peach blossoms celebrated- and absolutely perfect for a springtime bridal shower.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Spring Peach Blossoms and Ribbon Bridal Shower Party Ideas

Spring Peach Blossoms and Ribbon Bridal Shower Party Ideas

 

Be sure to stop by where each of these images were found:

Peach Filled Cake with Dulce de Leche Buttercream Recipe – shared by Smells Like Home

Pink Maison Stock Flowers – shared by Maria Starzyk on Flickr

Country Chic Peach Blossom Bridal Shower Invitation – created and sold by LifeOnPurpose on Etsy

Peach, Pink, and Gold Ribbon Chandelier – shared by Maine Season Events on WeddingWire

Peach Pashmina Guest Wrap Party Favor – shared on Bridal Musings

Haru’s Cherry Blossom Cocktail – recipe shared by Polka Dot Made Weddings

Coral Verbena Stems Table Settings – shared on EAB Designs

Blush, Nude, Rose Quartz, Peach, with Silver Sparkle Sequin Fabric Ribbon Backdrop – created and sold by ohMYcharley on Etsy

Whimsical Floral Menus – created and sold by BoJackStudios on Etsy

Peach and Pink Flowers in Mason Jars – spotted on Pinterest

Blush, Peach, and Emerald Wedding Centerpiece – shared on Wedding Sparrow

Rosette Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies – recipe and tutorial shared by Simply Suzanne’s

Spring Blossom Bridal Shower Date Jar Card Printable – created and sold by MaggieJDesigns on Etsy

Did you know that March 3 is Peach Blossom Day? Or that February 28 is Floral Design Day?

Relaxed Cabin Engagement Party {with a Moose?}

This post is for the SUPER chilled, incredibly relaxed couples who love the mountains. The couple that is most comfortable in jeans and a comfy shirt, and are up for hiking any day. The nature loving couple that doesn’t need all the fluff and formalities, and just wants to ENJOY the moment.

I’m picturing this couple’s engagement party at a beautiful cabin in the woods. It’s chilly out, plenty of snuggling is going on, and warm comfort foods are in abundance. There are fires going, and conversations flowing. Families and friends are meeting and getting to know one another, and everyone is relaxed and having a great time.

Oh, and there are moose accents. That’s right, I said it. Moose ACCENTS. Because who doesn’t love a cute moose cookie? Honestly… what else would you tie this soiree together with? I almost picked bears because they are also high up on my list, but the moose won.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Relaxed Cabin Engagement Party {with a Moose?}

Relaxed Cabin Engagement Party {with a Moose?}

Be sure to stop by and say hi to all the places I found these images from:

Marzipan Moose Mousse Cake – recipe and tutorial shared by My Name Is Yeh

Rustic Pizza Food Bar – shared in a roundup post by Brides

Espresso Chocolate Moose Cookies – recipe share by The First Year

Rustic Cabin Hot Cocoa Bar – shared by Witney Carson

Candlewood Glass House Cabin and Fire Pit –shared by Travel Wisconsin

Welcome To Our Beginning Wood Sign – shared on Wedding Chicks

Pashmina Guest Scarf Favor – shared in a roundup post on Adorn

Foggy Forest Engagement Photo Ideas – shared by Green Wedding Shoes

Rustic Tables and Benches with Baby’s Breath – shared on 100 Layer Cake

Rustic Country Moose Wedding Invitations – created and sold by WhoaNelliePress on Etsy

Pinecone and Moose Escort Cards – shared on The Sweetest Occasion

Eco-Tree Pine Tree Seedling Party Favors – available on The Green World Project

Should I have picked bears over moose for the accent elements?

Sweets for Your Sweetie – Valentine’s Day Dessert Soiree Ideas

What is it about Valentine’s Day that makes everything have to be sugar coated? Fruit? Muffins? Exchanged words? EVERYTHING just has a sweetness to it, which –don’t get me wrong- it’s welcomed, but it can sometimes borderline on TOO much. And I’m sure for some people, at some point, it is too much. But sometimes, everything is just perfect and that extra sweetness just works perfectly and is welcomed with open arms.

Enough about sweets……yeah who am I kidding. That should have read: SO BRING ON THE SWEETS!

Sweets are the hero of this week party idea board for Valentine’s Day. This soiree can be scaled up or down in size for all sorts of events, though my favorite would be a stay at home bake-a-thon with your sweetie, whipping up one scrumptious dessert after the other, and enjoying the creations that you made together. But hearts are universal, and are easily included in themed baby showers, bridal parties, girl’s night, or even a festive family and friends gathering.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Sweets for Your Sweetie - Valentine's Day Dessert Soiree Ideas

Sweets for Your Sweetie – Valentine’s Day Dessert Soiree Ideas

If you find yourself in need of some clever Valentine’s Day inspired breakfast ideas, check out my post covering what I believe to be the perfect Valentine’s Day breakfast.

Be sure to stop by and say hi to all these great sources of inspiration and tutorials for this week’s idea board:

Strawberry Hearts Valentine Snacks – tutorial shared by Modern Parents Messy Kids

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake Surprise Cake – tutorial and recipe shared on Mom Loves Baking

Red Sugar Rimmed Cocktails – shared on Bird’s Party

Sweet Cherry Pie Pastry Envelope – recipe and tutorial shared by Liz Bushong

Valentine Gourmet Chocolate Caramel Apples – created and sold by BigBearChocolates on Etsy

Candy Hearts Table Décorspotted on Pinterest

Valentine’s Popcorn White Chocolate Popcorn – recipe shared by Gimme Some Oven

Red Hearts Valentine’s Day Décor – shared on Advice from a Twenty Something

Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – recipe shared by Life, Love and Sugar

DIY Valentine’s Day Table Candy Décor – tutorial shared by The DIY Dish

Valentine’s Day Balloon Heart –tutorial shared by The House That Lars Built

Red and White Valentine’s Day Place Setting – shared by Pier 1 Imports on Pinterest

Candy and Tulips Table Centerpiece – shared in a roundup post by Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body

Valentine’s Day: do you love it or hate it?

Winter Penguin Party Ideas – for Kids

Did you know that today is Penguin Awareness Day? According to a few places, January 20th is Penguin Awareness Day. So to celebrate the best way that I know I can, I thought I’d make penguins the theme of this week’s party board!

Since we are having a cold front (if that’s what you want to call mid-fifties in Florida), I thought I’d do a cute, stylized penguin party that is perfect for kids with winter birthdays. This party is also VERY DIY friendly, and I’ve been sure to link to all of the places I found these items and the tutorials below.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Winter Penguin Party Ideas – for Kids

Winter Penguin Party Ideas – for Kids

Be sure to stop by these lovely sites where the images in today’s idea board were found:

Penguin Party Invitation Set – created and sold by bellybeancards on Etsy

DIY Penguin Party Balloons Tutorial and Printable – shared on Hostess with the Mostess

Penguin Cups – shared by Whirligig Bug

Penguin Winter Party Goodie Boxes Set – created and sold by PaperPartyParade on Etsy

Winter Penguin Cake Pops Tutorial – shared by Niner Bakes

Snowy Penguin Cake Tutorial – shared by Kara’s Couture Cakes

Winter Penguin Party Favor Bags – created and sold by CraftyCue on Etsy

Did you know that today is Penguin Awareness Day?

Soft Rose Quartz Pink – Baby Birthday Party Ideas

Cuteness incoming!

Yup, that’s right. Cute, baby smashing birthday party ideas are in this post.

Not to mention….TRENDY ideas. This week’s inspiration was of course, the other color of the year – Rose Quartz. I had to! Last week I shared an over the top Serenity blue wedding. If you missed it, check it out here. I’m going to keep this week’s introduction short and sweet – just like this party inspiration.

Here’s what I had in mind for this soft, rose quartz inspired baby birthday party:

Soft Rose Quartz Pink - Baby Birthday Party Ideas

Be sure to check out where I found each of these images:

Soft Rose Quartz Floral Rose Birthday Number One – shared on Kara’s Party Ideas

Amazing Pink Rose Cake – shared via Violeta Glace V on Catch My Party

Soft Pink and White Birthday Cake Smash Set Up – shared on Jeneanne Ericsson

Oversized Paper Roses Backdrop in White and Rose Quartz – shared by Modern Luxury Brides California

Girl’s First Birthday ONE Party Invitation with Watercolor Roses – created and sold by SimplySweetPrintShop on Etsy

Are you a fan of baby cake smashing parties?