Entertaining Basics :: Dinner En Blanc

So excited for next week's Dinner En Blanc, the countdown has officially begun.  If you're planning on being a part of this stunning soiree, here's a little inspiration on what to bring next week.  With all the traveling and logistics, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, but we've put together a little list of essentials.  And do get you in the mood, check out this lovely Diner En Blanc documentary.  If you aren't going, not to worry, you could easily recreate an all white soiree for your next summer evening dinner party. 

{1.} First and foremost, let's not forget the bubbly, champagne flutes, & bucket

{2.} Set the table with lovely white linen, beautiful dinner plates and napkin rings. 

{3.} Add to the romance with hydrangeas and candle light.

{4.} Go for fancy details with this stunning parasol and this seasons hottest trend the floral crown.

{5.} You can't forget dessert like these lovely rose cupcakes.

{6.} Finally bring something handy to carry your goods, like this handmade picnic basket, as you'll be walking all over downtown Chicago to get to the final location.

{7.} Other items to consider: food (unless you're getting a catered basket), sparklers, cutlery, napkins, etc. 

Party Inspiration :: Pineapple Express

Nothing says summer soiree like bright and festive yellow.  Team that up with pineapples and you've got the basics for a trendy summer soiree.  I love how fun and easy it is to pull together.  Not to mention the pineapple inspired menu:  tasty eats, delicious desserts, and thirst quenching drinks that you could whip up! 



{Photo Credits:  Party Print, Fabric, Pineapple & Kiwi Popsicles, Pineapple Straws, Lollipops, Place Cards, Plates, Pineapple Invite, Pineapple Costume, Pineapple Pinata}    





Inspiration Board :: Beachy Coral & Poweder Blue Wedding Inspiration

There is something so dreamy and romantic about the combination of powder blue and coral.  Add the scenic backdrop of a calm ocean and tall grass and you have the makings of a stunning pretty coral and powder blue wedding.  Some visual inspiration for your summer wedding or soiree.




{Photo Credits: Top Row:  cake, suit, salty dog cocktail, ikat pattern; Second Row: table setting, escort cards, bridesmaids; Third Row: bowties, robe, bell favors}





Entertaining Basics :: Block Party Essentials

Summer is in full swing, which means summer soirees are filling up our social calender.  Today we're sharing our block party essentials for a festive gathering for friends and neighbors.  With plenty of party details and thoughtful extras.

Create a cozy ambiance with string lights or votives.  Pay attention to your guest's needs by creating a sunscreen and bug repellent station, and offering blankets to keep your guests warm as the temperatures dip.  Serve fresh summer food in individual portions, with recyclable wood utensils, or on festive summer dinnerware.  Get creative with your beverages; a recycled wood wagon doubles as the perfect beer cooler.  Or offer up a delicious homemade lemonade in a summery drink dispenser.  The best part of any summer soiree is the minimal but effective decor.  Opt for a traditional picnic tablecloth pattern in red and seasonal flowers that pair perfectly with simple mason jars.  There you have it our summer block party entertaining essentials!  

Groom's Style :: Suiting Up for Summer Weddings

I had plenty of input on the Mister's suit for our wedding.  Personally the most important things to look for in a suit, from a woman's perspective, are style and fit.  If you are new to Bonobos, allow me to introduce you to a stylish men's suiting company.  Bonobos offers tailored pieces, on trend styles, and excellent customer service, which includes free shipping and returns.  The Mister is a huge fan and owns several pants from Bonobos, and they fit like a dream.

With wedding season in full swing, I thought I'd share my favorite groom's style for the season:  the seersucker suit.  I'm a huge fan of seersucker and cotton suits for summer weddings, but don't just limit them to weddings.  They work great for garden parties or any outdoor soiree.  Imagine breathable fabrics, that wont leave the groom a sweaty mess, and a fit that looks oh so dashing.  If you are getting married this summer, Bonobos also offers a groom service, where brides and grooms can meet with their consultants to discuss wedding attire for both the groom as well as the groomsmen.

As an homage to my favorite summer suit, a boho-chic seaside wedding inspiration board:




{photos via: Cotton Suit, Invitation & Stationary, Bow Ties, Table Setting, Bride, Seersucker Suit, Bride & Groom}

  And another thing I can't get enough of, their gorgeous lining materials. Here are some of my favorites:


{ The Foundation Suit}



{ The Capstone Tux}



Safari Adventures Birthday Inspiration

The little Man is turning one in three weeks!  Where has this year gone?  I’m a little sad that he’s growing up so fast, but so excited for what this next year will bring.  We decided on a Jungle Book & Safari themed party for the little Man’s first birthday.  The little Man is currently rocking some long hair, and with an orange diaper cover he’ll be a replica of Mogli, which is why the Jungle Book/Safari theme is perfect for him.  I’ll be sharing his party on The Wise Baby and hosting some fabulous Etsy giveaways, so stay tuned.  In the meantime, here’s the inspiration behind his Jungle Book/Safari themed party.



{Photos via: Postcard, Safari Notebooks, Jungle Book print, Gramophone, Leopard, Suitcases, Gold Safari Animals, Cake, Banner} 



You are my Sunshine Baby Shower

My cousin welcomed her little Man into the world earlier this week.  And in like fashion this week I'll be sharing the details behind her baby shower.  We threw her a 'you are my sunshine' themed baby shower this past December.  I love the theme as it's perfectly gender neutral.  And it's the perfect warm and cheery contrast to chilly December weather.  I'll be sharing the details behind the shower next week.  In the meantime here's the inspiration behind the soiree! 



{Photo Credits:  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7}



Fall Harvest

Happy Monday!  Fall is officially here, but in the off chance you're enjoying an extended Indian Summer, I put together a fall harvest inspiration board, perfect for warmer fall weather.  Love the warmth of early fall colors, and the natural textures from burlap to jute to hay and linen.  Here's to Fall!

{photo credits: Top Row: Bouquet, Chairs; Acorn Place Setting, Pumpkin Centerpiece; Boutonnieres, Couple}



Chili Cook Off Party Inspiration

We hosted a chili cook-off this weekend, and it was a total success!  I wanted a rustic feel to our cook-off so I incorporated rustic textures and rich fall colors.  With a red plaid, burlap, and golden pumpkins we had a great backdrop for our delicious chili cook-off.  I'll be sharing our chili cook-off and the winning recipe tomorrow.  Happy Monday!




{Photos via: Sign, Chili Cook-Off Invite, Cornbread, Plaid, Condiments, Root Beer, Chili Bar}

 



Moroccan Nights

I love the teal greens, soft sage, and gold accents of a gorgeous Moroccan Night themed soiree. Imagine the golden ambiance or a sunset in the desert, mirrored in the twinkling lights of hanging lanterns, a billowy tented reception reminiscent of a Bedouin tribe, gilded centerpieces featuring beautiful succulents, and opulent & luxurious fabrics in the form of draping, rugs, and pillows.  Creating an exotic and vibrant backdrop for your next soiree whether that's an intimate dinner party or a wedding reception. 


{Photos Via:  Top Row: Lanterns, Candle Centerpiece; Second Row: Henna on Feet, Trellis Pattern, Succulent Centerpiece, Gold Mercury Votive, Succulent Bouquet; Third Row: Favors, Dress, Tent}



Apple Orchard Red

Nothing says Indian Summers like a trip to the apple orchard.  It's the perfect bridge between late summer and early fall.  Those crisp reds, and deep rust colors are the perfect backdrop for a romantic outdoor wedding.

{Photos via:  First Row: Bow Tie, Bridal Party; Second Row: Apple Heart, Boutineer; Third Row:  Invitation, Chair, Couple}

Harvest Orange

It's that time of year again, when the temperature dips, the leaves start to fall, cardigans and boots make their annual reappearance, and everything turns that wonderful shade of harvest orange.  Imagine crispy fall leaves, golden pumpkins, and rust colored flowers.  There are so many things I love about a fall color and nothing brings them together quite like harvest orange.


{Aisle floral arrangement | Champagne glasses | Calla lily bouquet | Tie | Place card | Twirling couple}  

Farewell Party Inspiration

Our friends are moving to California.  And although we’re so sad to see them go, we’re excited for them to finally be living their ‘California dreaming’.  We wanted to throw them a little farewell party before the left.  Here’s the inspiration behind their Ciao Chi Town party.



{skyline}



I love the airport codes as a back drop or as a banner.  Other options could include the a map of the USA with a heart in Chicago and a heart in California, connected by a dotted line. 

Every party needs a little glitter, try a fun Bon Voyage banner or go the DIY route by stringing paper airplanes together.

Chalk accents are so popular right now.  I love the I heart Texas chalkboard photo booth props.  And how appropriate is a chalkboard globe guest book. 

Re-purposing boxes as a backdrop is so genius, this would also work great for a housewarming party, and a great use for those empty boxes.   I love those moving box wine dispensers, and such a cute play off of ‘house wines'. 

You can’t have a going away party without an invite.  Love this one’s play off of childhood sayings.

And if you're looking for a more traditional or international travel decor, these Bon Voyage cupcake toppers would be perfect, with their blue and red boarder.  And finally cookies or hard candy in a ‘goodbyes suck’ bag make great favors.

Pink & Purple Wedding Inspiration

With the big wedding around the corner we're sharing the lovely couple's color palette for their big day.  It's a beautiful combination of blush, pink, & purple.  The ceremony will feature a bolder pink and purple combination, while the reception will play with softer hues like blush and feature plenty of romantic candle light.  Can't wait for the festive weekend ahead and to celebrate the beautiful couple.

{Photo Credits: Top Row: Pink Mandap, Bride, Hanging Crystals: Second Row: Moroccan Tea Glasses, Pink Roses, Cake, Invitation; Last Row:  Pink Reception, Purple Reception}

Vintage & Rustic Rehearsal Dinner

So the BIL (brother-in-law) and soon to be sister-in-law are hosting a welcome dinner this Friday before their wedding ceremonies.  Their welcome dinner is being hosted by extended family, and they have a beautiful outdoor space, which is perfect for the couple's rustic and vintage theme.  Imagine hay bales as seating around a bonfire, old whiskey barrels as high boys or the base for a smores bar, and drinks stations with mason jars for friends and family to toast the happy couple.  With any vintage and rustic theme natural elements play a big role.  Raw wood (barrels, and directional signage); jute, burlap, and twine (as table runners, or wrapped around tins or mason jars); cotton balls (as decor); vintage glass bottles (as decor or centerpieces).  Classic treats like spiked lemonade, iced tea, smore, and pies add the vintage element, and we love the idea of relabeling beer bottles your own brand of moonshine.  Create an interactive drink station using the beer bottles as a ring toss, where guests get a chance to wine a prize (or a drink) if they get a ring around a bottle.  This is a great alternative to corn holes, and adds the element of old school traveling carnivals.  Finally, add modern conveniences like an outdoor station with cool towels, shawls, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent for guests to stay comfortable.  

{Photo Credits: Top Row: Wood Signs, Drink Station; Second Row: Favor Jars, Bonfire, Barrel Table; Last Row: Baby's Breathe Centerpiece, Pie Bar, Glass Bottles, Cotton}

Emerald Green

Our homage to emerald, as Patone's color of 2013.  I think emerald green is a brilliant and show-stopping choice.  It's impeccably regal and sophisticated, and can be paired with white or gold to create a stunning effect.  From luxurious statement pieces, to an all out emerald color palette, incorporating emerald will make any soiree stand out. 


{Photos via: Top Row: Reception Table, Bow Tie, Cake; Second Row: Couple, Chandelier, Lattice Pattern; Third Row: Earrings, Invitation, & Kate Spade Clutch}



Great Gatsby

I loved this book, and I'm so excited to see what Baz Luhrmann interpretation of this classic story will look like.  The Mister and I watched Zero Dark Thirty this weekend, and we happen to catch a preview of the Great Gatsby, and all I could think was wow.  I love the glitz and glamour of the 1920's!  And if you haven't caught the preview yet, check it out below.



{via RivernorthLove}



Baby Week: Nursery Inspiration

It's Wednesday of Baby Week, which means we are sharing our nursery inspiration board!  When it came time to design our nursery/guestroom we knew we wanted a modern feel and that we liked a color palette of yellow & grey.  Working with just that, and after finding out we were expecting a lil' sir this March, we came up with this inspiration board to serve as a jumping off point for the room.  I love that this nursery inspiration board is both a lil' modern & a lil' retro, and has a variety of patterns & textures.  It's not too babyish, and perfect for him to grow into over the years.

No. 1   | You Are My Greatest Adventure Print
No. 2   | Collapsible Wire Basket
No. 3   | Wool Animal Bookends
No. 4   | Chicago Print
No. 5   | My Hair Isn't Messy, It's Just Erupting With Awesome Print
No. 6   | CB2 Daybed
No. 7   | Anthropologie Oversized Zinc Letter
No. 8   | Jonathan Adler Utopia Elephant Lamp
No. 9   | Zebra Pillow
No. 10 | Pendant Lamp
No. 11 | Rug
No. 12 | Ottoman Pouf
No. 13 | Curtains
No. 14 | Crib Bedding
No. 15 | Chevron Pillow
No. 16 | Armchair
No. 17 | Melissa & Doug Stuffed Giraffe
No. 18 | Yellow Apothecary Jars
No. 19 | Dresser 

Wedding Inspiration: Thin Mints

This weekend,I made this version of my favorite girl scout cookie: the thin mint.  Which served as the inspiration behind today's wedding inspiration board.  With bright mint grounded by warm chocolate hues, it's perfect for any springtime wedding.  Happy Monday!

{Photo Credits: Top Row: Smores Oak Tree Favors, Southern Belle, Place Setting; Second Row: Table, Cake, Mint Juleps: Third Row: Bridesmaids, Invitation}

Traditional Christmas Inspiration

Inspired by one of my favorite holiday movies, Little Women, I love the warmth and ambiance of a traditional holiday decor.  A traditional Christmas: where stockings were hung by the hearth, oranges were stuffed with cloves, carols were sung by the fire, and Christmas decor mostly involved bringing the outdoors in.  Some traditional Christmas inspiration for your holidays, enjoy!

{photos via: Gift, Holiday Prep, Stocking, Wreath Chandelier, Tree, Acorn Hurricanes, Christmas Crackers}