Popsicles and Inkspot Workshop

Who doesn't like a good popsicle on a sunny afternoon? How about making your own for the block party or bbq? Check out these yummy treats:
Watermelon Slice Pops
Tropical Island Pops
Raspberry-Lime Swirl Pops
The MacBeth Collection Bitsy Bucket:: $25 Fill bitsy bucket's with ice and popsicles for an "eat them quick" popsicle bar or centerpiece.
Star Popsicle Molds:: $15.95
"Not Just for Kids" Popsicle:
Midori Melon Popsicle

Don't forget your fabulous Popsicle Invitation:

Inkspot Workshop has the most fabulous note cards, invitations, and custom stationary! How cute are the Popsicle Invites and Note Cards? You can even have your note cards packaged in these gorgeous chocolate brown gift boxes tied with green ribbon. So many more cute cards and invites! Must See!

Inkspot Workshop Gift Box:: $3.50
Inkspot Workshop Popsicle Party Invite:: $20 Set of 10 Can be customized in Boy Color's too.
Personalized Popsicle Girl's Note Card Set:: $16 Set of 8
Personalized Popsicle Boy's Note Card Set:: $16 Set of 8

Pictures: Inkspot Workshop

Happy Hour: SATC "The Charlotte"

Be sure to try out this SATC inspired martini from Style Network, The Charlotte, before you head off to the premiere tonight! Cheers!

The Charlotte
1 1/2 parts premium vodka
3/4 part Disarrano
1/2 part Triple sec
1/2 part Peach schnapps
1/2 part freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 part simple syrup
1 1/2 parts apple juice

Throw ingredients into a martini shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into your favorite glass. Sip slowly. Be sure to finger the ropes of pearls around your neck.

Picture & Recipe: Style Network

Happy Hour: Mountain Dew Floats

Yummy Mocktail for your neighborhood barbecue! The Mountain Dew Float from Rachel Ray Magazine is sure to quench your guests thirst on those hot nights!

Ingredients

Juice of 2 limes
Coarse salt, for coating rim
8 scoops lime sorbet
3 cups Mountain Dew

Directions
Dip the rims of 8 large glasses into the lime juice, then dip into coarse salt. Put a scoop of sorbet in each glass and fill with Mountain Dew. Cheers!

Swanky Deal: Bubble Vases

Super cute Bubble Vases in 4 color options perfect at each place setting or down the center of the table. Case of 15 for $19.99!

Let's Go Camping!!

Pitch a tent in the backyard and "Let's Go Camping". This theme works great for a dinner party or a children's birthday or sleep-over. Here's the details:

INVITE:
Camping Invite

DECOR:
Coleman 4-D Classic U-Tube Lantern:: Place a few on the table or around the room as decor
Pottery Barn BBQ Gingham Plate
Red Bandannas-Great napkins!
Twig Runner
Coleman 54 Quart Steel Belted Cooler:: Fab Retro Cooler looks great and holds your party beverages!
Grown-up S'mores:: Yummy Peanut Butter S'mores
S'mores Maker:: For Dessert place a couple S'mores maker's down the center of the table and everyone can make their own!

MENU:
Check out this Cowboy Cookout Menu

FAVOR:
Fill small Travel Cases with Toasted Marshmallow Jelly Belly's

Paper Airplane Centerpiece

Who knew paper airplanes could make such a fabulous centerpiece? Love this idea from Rachel Ray! Click here for the HOW-TO.

Happy Memorial Day!

Enjoy your Memorial Day with a Raspberry Lemonade:

Ingredients
3/4 cup fresh or thawed frozen raspberries
9 cups water
2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
2 cups superfine sugar

Directions
Puree the raspberries in a blender and strain through a fine sieve into a pitcher. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk together until the sugar dissolves. Serve over ice.

Recipe: Food Network
Picture: James Carrier/Sunset Magazine

Tapestry for a Tablecloth?

I am groovin' on the Sami Hayek for Target Collection, especially the tapestries. Each one measures 90X108 and at $19.99, how can you not pick up one? I know I could make them work as a tablecloth somehow!

notNeutral Espresso Set SALE

Check out this Modern Black and White Espresso Set of 4 from notNeutral. On SALE at Wrapables for $22.99. Great Hostess Gift when you are staying with friends this summer!

Happy Hour: Raspberry Cheesecake

Perfect for your 80's Theme Preppy Party Signature Drink. The Raspberry Cheesecake Cocktail can be found at Cherry in Las Vegas.
RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE

THE RECIPE
2 oz. vodka
2 oz. raspberry-flavored liqueur
2 oz. heavy cream
1 oz. sour mix
Mint sprig for garnish

DIRECTIONS
In a shaker half filled with ice cubes, combine vodka, raspberry-flavored liqueur, heavy cream and sour mix. Shake well. Strain into glass. Garnish with mint sprig.

PICTURE & RECIPE: InStyle Magazine

Tubtrug Love

I don't know what my life would be like without my tubtrugs. They are perfect for icing down party beverages, hauling decor to events, laundry, makeshift pool in my backyard last weekend, bobbing for apples, holding water balloons, etc. I could go on and on. What makes them stand out from a regular bucket is their flexibility. They can "SQUISH" into small spaces and you can pull the handles together like a handbag. They also come in a wide range of colors to match any decor! Great for this summer!! You can find them at NapaStyle(as pictured above, $24 set of 3) or Storables(12.95).

Picture: NapaStyle

Personalize your Ice Cream Bar!

Dreaming of a super cute ice cream bar for your event this summer? These wooden spoons from Paper + Cup help you personalize you Ice Cream Bar and are just too sweet! Need some ice cream cups to match your wedding design scheme? Check out Gelato Market to find a full selection of shapes and sizes, like the Blue Rotanda Cup pictured above. For a Birthday Party or Outdoor Soirée check out the Andy Warhol Ice Cream Cone Set. Dip your custom wooden spoon into these Sprinkle Covered Ice Cream Scoops. How about serving mini ice cream sandwiches at your next shower? With the variety of ice cream and sorbet flavors your treats can match your color palette. Happy Scooping!

Carrie Bradshaw + Mr. Big = Bridal Shower

With the movie, Sex In the City, coming out next week, I just had to do a Carrie Bradshaw inspired wedding shower. The color scheme is fuschia and platinum(only the best for Carrie). Here are the details:

• Sacsso Pink Pewter Champagne Bucket
  
• Hot Pink Peony arrangement placed in Mint Julep Cups
• Rich Floral Bridal Shower Invite from Wedding Paper Divas
• Metallic Double Banded Dinnerware
  
• Quartz "Diamond" Napkin Ring
• Pewter Silk Tablecloth
  

On to the Yummy Treats:

• Signature Cocktail: The Long Stemmed Rose (I know Carrie's signature drink is normally a Cosmo, but I thought this drink was just too pretty to pass up!
• Mini White Cakes with Pink Flowers for each guest
• Eleni's New York Designer Shoe Cookie Favors-Can't forget Carrie's obsession with her Manolo's!
  
• High Heel Mint Tins Favor
  

CB2 Sale: Invite Marilyn to your next Dinner Party!

Lots of great Tabletop items on sale at CB2, including these Marilyn Plates :: $2.95!

Once Upon A Box-Every Party Tells A Story

How cute are these birthday party kits for your next Bite-Size Bash? Once Upon A Box has 7 super cute party themes to choose from. A "Surf and Sand"Full-Size Kit is $98(shown above), and the "Sweets and Sprinkles" Mini-Kit(shown below) is $38. Lots of great inspiration here! .

Around the World Cake Inspiration

How amazing is this cake? Check out Cookie Magazine to find out how to make it!

Picture: CookieMag

Party Banners by letterspace

Need a banner for your next bash? letterspace has your traditional Happy Birthday, Thank You, and Congratulations Party Banners, but you are able to customize them with different paper choices to match your design scheme. The 4 inch letters are strung on satin ribbon through eyelets with additional ribbon on each end for hanging.

Need to customize your banner with the guest of honor's name or age? letterspace allows you to create your own with all the color/paper choices shown above. (up to 15 letter's is only $10!) They also have a wonderful selection of Handmade Cards, Boxed Notes, and Invitations.

Happy Hour: Angry Dragon Cocktail

This cocktail may be too gorgeous to drink! You could just stand at a party holding this drink as an accessory. I love it!

ANGRY DRAGON COCKTAIL

Ingredients
2 tbsp. of dragon fruit
1 tbsp. yuzu
3/4 oz. jasmine syrup
1 oz. sake
1 oz. Ketel One Citroen

Directions
Muddle dragon fruit in a pint glass. Mix in yuzu, jasmine syrup, sake and Ketel One Citroen. Add ice, cover and shake. Pour into glass and garnish with dragon fruit.

Recipe and Picture from Instyle Magazine

Bridal Shower Brunch with a Orange Twist

Doesn't the color orange just make you think FESTIVE? Orange gives any color palette that added spark that you need sometimes to take it up a notch! I know I'm probably in the minority, but I love Dark Chocolate and Orange together, literally. It is one of those perfect combinations of sweet and tart. It also works well for a Modern Bridal Shower Brunch. Here's the details:

Rosy Blooms Shower Invitation :: $56(25 invites)
Orange Barber Pole :: $15 6pcs
Rio Samba Tablecloth in Chocolate/Tangerine :: $115-$165
Cayman Orange Dessert Plate :: $3.95 - Glossy Orange Plate, will look striking against the Rio Samba Tablecloth!

Signature Cocktail:: Orangina Sunrise : Easy and Yummy Idea!

Rocco Candelabra Sale

The Acrylic Rocco Candelabra is on sale at Cocktail Vibe for $39.99 each. With 8 colors to choose from, you'll be inspired to host a dinner party every weekend! I have this candelabra in Red, and love the fact that is modern, chic, and folds flat for easy storage!! I'm definitely checking out the mirror style. Happy shopping!!

Margarita Mama Mocktails

Need some Signature Mocktail inspiration for that summer baby shower you are hosting? Margarita Mama Mocktails for Moms-To-Be includes twists on old favorites such as Mudslides, Mojitos, Cosmopolitans, and Mimosas, plus yummy new libations like the Materni-Tini, the Raging Hormone, and the Chocolate Crave. Cheers!

The High Chair : Taken to a whole new level

This picture just cracked me up! The High Chair by Droog gets shorter as the child gets bigger so they can always be at eye level with their parents. Crazy, but would be fantastic for a Mad Hatter Tea Party!!

I Heart Empty George Cards

I have two addictions in my life, that I'm unable to kick; purses and paper. I believe these addictions were past down from my grandmother who had a large purse collection and always had exquisite stationary and would send me a thank you note for my thank you note. As I was browsing Etsy today, I found the most fabulous shop to feed my addiction, Empty George Cards. There were so many modern, chic, and down right hilarious choices that I really had a hard time narrowing down the pictures I wanted to use for my post. From gorgeous lined envelopes to personalized stationary, I know you will find something you just have to have.

Here are some of my favorites that I've pictured:

• I Heart Jim Halpert:: $2.75
• Stop Lying to Yourself:: $2.75
• Preppy Envelopes :: $12(Set of 12)
• Lake Blue Envelopes:: $4(Set of 4)
• Retro Modern Martini:: $20 (Set of 12)
• Robot Greeting:: $24 (Set of 12)

How cute are these Giraffe Baby Shower Invites by Empty George Cards? These invitations can be completely customized with your event information.

Fabulous Deal :: Get 25% off your order at Empty George with promo code "Swanky Tables" in the "Message to Seller" Thanks Megan!

Pictures: Empty George Cards

Cute as a Button Cookies

These Baby Buttons Cookies from Food & Wine Magazine would make super cute favors or treats at your next Baby Shower or Sip & See. You could easily add some color to them to match your decor or add a flavored extract or lemon/lime zest to spice them up a bit. Package them in small boxes, take-out containers or cellophane bags tied with a coordinated ribbon.

Ingredients

• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor, pulse the butter with 1/2 cup of the confectioners’ sugar until combined. Add the cornstarch, vanilla and flour and process until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to a work surface and divide it into 4 equal pieces.
2. On a lightly floured work surface, roll each piece of dough into a 12-inch rope. Cut each rope into 12 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Transfer the balls to the baking sheet; they won’t spread much. Bake the cookies on the center rack of the oven for about 22 minutes, until the bottoms are golden but the tops are still pale.
3. Sift the remaining 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar into a bowl. Add 12 warm cookies to the bowl at a time and toss to coat. Transfer the cookies to a clean baking sheet. While the cookies are still warm, poke 4 shallow holes into each one with a toothpick or skewer to make a buttonhole pattern. Let the cookies cool completely before serving or storing.

MAKE AHEAD The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Picture: Food & Wine Magazine

Happy Hour: Mamasita Martini

Add this cocktail to your Mother's Day Brunch Menu:

Mamasita Martini
5 fresh strawberries, stems removed
½ oz. simple syrup
2 oz. sour apple pucker
1½ oz. Grey Goose vodka
1 oz. sweet and sour Mix
1 cup ice
Muddle the strawberries and simply syrup
then combine with other ingredients in a martini shaker.
Shake and lightly strain into a chilled, sugar-lined martini glass. Garnish with a strawberry

Recipe from the Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill in Coral Gables, Florida via cocktailatlas.com

Is this my glass?

Every holiday, I spend half the time saying "is this my glass"? The other half of the time, I'm chasing after my 2 year old twins and hoping I'm not burning something in the oven. I thought the Rubberband Id's, from Martha, of course, was a fabulous idea! Try Aerotrend for a large assortment of bright colored rubberbands. Cheers!!

P.O.S.H Tableware in Chicago

I just happened to find this fabulous tableware store in Chicago, P.O.S.H., while surfing online. The small shop specializes in an eclectic assortment of vintage Hotel Silver, Restaurant China, and Flea Market Finds. Two of my favorite collections(shown above), the Historic Chicago Athletic Association and the Pancakes Make People Happy. Any Cubs fans out there?

How cute are these? I love the Paris Souvenir Bowls and the Delacroix Wedding Tray.

These items would be wonderful for a "Paris J'taime" Bridal Shower or Bridesmaid Luncheon.

If you are in Chicago, be sure to check out the store:
P.O.S.H
613 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60610
312.280.1602

Pictures: P.O.S.H website

Martini Centerpiece

I love this centerpiece and have always wanted to try it. Find out how you can create this centerpiece from Floral Designer, Oscar Mora.

Just add Ice!!

How can you have a summer party without a Party Tub? It's also a necessity when you run out of space in your fridge! Here are some of my favorites this year:

Preppy Tubs from The MacBeth Collection :: $75 Love the Whale Icon! I'm thinking Hot Pink Rugby design with Alligator Icon
Swanky Acrylic Tub from Smith & Hawken :: $30-Great Price!!
Beach Bash Tub with Stand from Pottery Barn :: $45-$59

Cinco De Mayo Cocktail Party

Cinco De Mayo Cocktail Party with a hot-hued color palette of fuschia and red:

• Fuchsia & Red Rugby Partyware
  
• Fiesta Feet Napkins
• Fuchsia & Red Amac Boxes::I like to use these as floral arrangement containers down the center of the table
  
• Stemless Margarita Glasses
• Red Candelabra
• Accordion Paper Banner

The Menu

• Strawberry Margarita
• Lime Chile Beer
  
• All-Time Favorite Guacamole
• Adobo Chips with Warm Goat Cheese and Cilantro Salsa
• Grilled Chicken and Green Chile Quesadillas
• Chipotle Shrimp Cups
  
• Mexican Chocolate Fondue
  

Very Friendly Tea Towels

Here's a great hostess gift to make sure you are re-invited! Coffee? Tea? or Me? this takes Hostess to a new level. Humorous yet practical. Something you may not want to bring to your MIL's, but great for friends! Find this at Violet. Great site for fabulous gifts!

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep

In celebration of the Kentucky Derby today, don't forget to serve up a Traditional Early Times Mint Julep.

Early Times Mint Julep

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• Sprigs of fresh mint
• Crushed ice
• Early Times Kentucky Whisky
• Silver Julep Cups

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Picture: Kentucky Derby

Happy Hour: Hibiscus Mocktini

Here's a great mocktini recipe from Real Simple Magazine:

Hibiscus Mocktini

Ingredients 3 cups hibiscus tea (such as Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger) 3 cups ginger ale Fresh pineapple spear Fresh mango, sliced

Directions In a pitcher, mix together the tea and ginger ale. Serve over ice in a tall glass with the pineapple spear. Add the mango to the glass before serving.

Picture: Real Simple Magazine, Francesco Lagnese

A Baby Shower for Twins Part 2: Mod Animals

Planning a baby shower for twins? This design scheme combines bright colors and mod animals. Check out these finds:


Invitation:

• Mod Animal Invitation :: $14
• Elephants Personalized Stationary :: $20 (order without personalization as invite or personalize with twins names as gift)

Decor:

• French Bull Multi Dot Tabletop Collection :: $6-$22
• Elephants Gift Tag Set :: $4.50 Use as place cards tied around the napkins
• Elephant and Hippo Wall Sticker :: $38
  

Signature Cocktail:

• Pink Elephant Cocktail Recipe
• Raspberry Lemonade Recipe (Non-Alcoholic)
  
• Green Libertini Glass :: $2.50 SALE

Gift:

• Kee-Ka Organic Cotton "Perfect Pair" Bodysuit Gift Set :: $45
  

Favor:

• Eleni's New York Party Animal Cookies :: $65
• Elephant Ribbon :: $1.90(yd) Use ribbon to tie cookie bags