Of fancy hats and mint juleps

It's almost Kentucky Derby time and while I really have no interest in horse racing, I do think it would be fun to host a Derby Party sometime. Then again, what WON'T I use as an excuse to wear a fancy hat and drink mint juleps?




Plum Party has done it again with some great one-stop shopping for your Derby party. Not only do they have the super tongue in cheek plates above but these Win Place Show tickets make an instant betting game of it for your guests. Because, let's face it, the guys probably aren't that interested in the "Cutest Hat" contest.


Set the scene by covering your buffet table with astroturf (you can get this on the cheap at your local home improvement store), serving up some southern food, mint juleps and sweet tea. If the weather is nice, set up a game of horseshoes on the lawn, and don't forget to use horseshoes in your decor inside!

When I think of horse racing I think of really short men who freakishly weigh less than my right thigh. I mean, I think of the colorful silks they wear. Take advantage of this and use colorful fabrics in your decor. Mock up your own "silks" and use as chair covers or pillow covers for your seating area.

Finally, what Derby party would be complete without the addition of the Official Flower of the Derby - the red rose? Use red roses to make a show-stopping centerpiece. Can you imagine how great a several low rectangle containers filled with red roses would look running down the center of your buffet table? Close your eyes. No, wait, finish reading, then close your eyes. For that extra touch of Louisville tradition, present a red rose to each of your female guests with a typed up description of the rose history found here.

This little soiree will have you all set to Win (your guests' raves), Place (yourself atop the haute hostess list) and Show (off).

If you've had a Derby Party, share your ideas with us.

And.....I'm OFF!

I have the best job ever

I don't mean to brag, but I think I might have the best job ever. I get to help people celebrate some of the happiest occasions in their lives and I get to meet really cool people along the way. Don't hate me.

I almost titled this one: The Post With All The Links, because not only did I get to create a baby shower for a great client and fun couple, but said dream clients also happen to have some pretty fantastic sites of their own.

Big thanks to Kristen Munson - the client voted (I would) Most Likey To Hang Out With. Did I mention she just happens to be a goldmine of Social Media info? You need to read this: http://www.socialmediamom.com/

Congratulations to Jim and Franki Durbin - I didn't get a picture of them so you'll just have to trust me when I tell you how adorable they are. Social Media. Web Design. Branding. The Durbins do it all. See for yourself, but don't blame me if you spend all day on their sites (or all of your paycheck on Franki's Fab Finds.)

http://www.durbinmedia.com/

http://www.lifeinaventicup.com/

http://www.durbinmedia.com/brandstorming/

Just in case you don't trust me.... In a few days, Julie will have photos up on her website and you can see for yourself what a great bunch this was! Meeting Julie was another great bonus that came out of planning this baby shower.

http://enstallphotography.com/-/enstallphotography/default.asp

The Sweetest Thing - Take Two

Looks like the sugarathon shower schedule for this weekend will have to wait!

My friend having triplets was admitted to the hospital last week and told she will be there until those triplets are born, so we've postponed the shower until, well...until much later. I'm hoping sometime before they turn 18. I'm not sure they'd appreciate all the cuteness at that age.

Party Planner's Dilemma O' the Day:

Whatever will I do with the sweet treats I've already bought?

Clearly, I'm going to have to ponder this one over some chocolate.

This Suds For You

I know. I actually just typed that title.



This baby shower theme was chosen by my lovely hostess, Dawn. She asked me to come up with something simple and clean for her mom-to be friend. What's more clean than suds? (Thanks to Jenn at Hostess With The Mostess for the cute fish bowl idea!)

Add some floral oasis "bubble bath" cubes, rubber ducks, bubble crates and an inflatable duck bathtub and you're all set.

can anyone else hear the angels singing???

Well "hallelujah" is the best thing I can say about this product.

You combine my insane love for playing games with my equal disdain for your standard cheesy baby shower games and you have this love child.

How much fun would this be to divide your guests into 2 or 3 teams and play some trivia with prizes for the winning team? And the colors just so happen to match The Sweetest Thing baby shower I'm doing in a few weeks. Someone bring me my credit card STAT.

fabulous florals

Flowers make things more festive. What more can I say?

A lot. I can say a lot. Ask my friends. What I will say though is that few things bring me as much joy as creating new floral designs. Below are just a few. Enjoy!

tripleticious baby shower

The latest project is the baby shower for a good friend having triplets! I can't wait to share all the chocolatey, sugary sweet details with you soon.

Until then, here's a little sneak peek of the invitations.


Names and addresses removed to protect the innocent.

This long version will go to all of the guests and the box invitation is a special keepsake version for mom-to-be, grandma and Aunt Jen!