Sunday, Monday, Happy Days!

Stem blog reader, Bridget, recently contacted me with a few questions and she just so happened to be planning a 50's Theme birthday party for her daughter. Lucky for us, she was kind enough to let me share some pictures with you.

Guests were encouraged to dress the era and were in turn treated to Bridget doing her part to complete the scene. As you can see, Bridget really went all out and got the adorable blue poodle skirt outfit together for the birthday girl. Oh, and Elvis? That's her son. Talk about getting in the spirit.

Just check out some of those fun touches: old-fashioned soda fountain sundaes, centerpieces made with old records (do kids even know what those are anymore?) and the adorable old Cruiser food boxes.

Games at the party included one where the kids were given toy cars and straws. The objective was to use the straw to blow their car across the floor and be the first across the "finish line." Sounds easy but I'm sure it takes some lung power! I'm really in love with the second game where the kids were in two relay teams and had to race and carry their tray of fake diner food without dropping it. The fake food items were dog toys that Bridget picked up. Come on...that is smart thinking!

I've added a few other items (napkins, record decorations, food baskets) to the mix that can be found on one of my favorite sites - Retro Planet. I think the food baskets would make fantastic containers for party favors. Just fill with retro candies and goodies and wrap with cellophane and ribbon and you have a cool favor, daddy-o.

Thanks again for sharing, Bridget. It's nice to kids having some good old-fashioned fun!

Stem on HWTM

Much thanks to Jenn at HWTM for asking me to guest post this week to help lighten her load a bit. If anyone deserves it, it's Jenn!

Check out her blog for the scoop on all things Candy Corn!

Vintage Bridal Shower

Have I mentioned my love for all things vintage? Oh, I have? Well then, it only makes sense that ever since I saw these plates a few months ago I haven't been able to get them out of my mind. They are the perfect jumping off point for a vintage bridal shower (or any other girlie occasion) that combines vintage refinement with a little "wink."


These simple invitations from Wedding Paper Divas let guests know they're in for something ladylike. Little do they know the kitsch is around the corner. I think it would be amazing if you added a line to the invite asking your guests to come dressed in vintage party frocks. I.Would.Love.That.

I love the simplicity of this table runner from Target. Hurry though, it's on clearance online. (Bonus!) Run it over a simple white tablecloth and then use vintage purses, sunglasses, teacups and round hat boxes for your centerpiece items. Tuck fresh blooms inside the purses and teacups for easy floral arrangements.

If a new plate for each guest isn't in your budget, get a few for serving/decor and get the coordinating napkins instead. Place a napkin centered on simple white plates and you'll still convey the look for less. While you're getting serving pieces, add a couple of these chocolate brown serving platters to your stash. I adore these.

In lieu of regular placecards, get these sassy mugs and put one at each setting. Replace the tag on a teabag with a homemade nametag instead and place the teabag inside the cup. Placecard and favor all in one. Easy breezy, beautiful vintage girl.

Next up, we'll go 50's fun. I hear Elvis might even make an appearance. Stay tuned.

Retro Week!

In case I've only mentioned it once or thirty times...I love all things vintage. Ahead this week on Stem is an entire week devoted to the "days of yore." Apparently I love all things Friends episode quote related as well.

Annnnnd, maybe playing dress up in a few of my vintage garments. Shout out to Shannan: Remember when we were addicted to My Style Diary? We make me laugh.

Stay tuned - lots of retro-inspired fun ahead from around the internet and from some Stem readers as well!

Lemiga Events

Looking for some eye candy to check out this weekend? Look no further than Lemiga Events. Michelle Gainey of Lemiga certainly knows how to create a party that I'd like to attend.




Check out her site and her blog for endless inspiration. Below is just a smidge. I mean, look at her gorgeous letterpress business cards. What a first impression!



Thanks also goes out to Michelle for listing Stem parties as a blog you enjoy. The feeling is absolutely mutual!

Wonder Woman ((cough, cough))

My apologies for being short on or so late on posts the last two days. I'm not feeling well and am trying to get caught up on emails so everyone doesn't think I'm a jerk. : )

So until I have more of the energy I give you something that jumped out at me from Paper Source. Is it just me or do these items make anyone else want to invite your girlfriends over for a completely kitschy Wonder Woman party to celebrate some serious Girl Power?

The mug would make a great favor for your Super Friends. Wouldn't this lunchbox be a fun way to serve an old-fashioned brown bag lunch? I'm giddy. This table runner from Social Couture and these plates from Plum Party are just two of the many items you could add to this Super Party. I have a feeling I'm going to have to explore this idea in greater depth when I regain the energies!

BHG.com, Will You Marry Me?

This Halloween Wedding party theme has me way more excited than one person should be.

It has everything:

Something old (that wedding dress you've been dying to wear again)
Something new (this fantastic party theme)
Something borrowed (from BHG.com)
Something blue (me if I don't get to host or attend a party like this)

In addition to what you see here, there are many more ghoulish ideas here to secure your spot as the ultimate Bridezilla hostess. I dare you to enter the site and see for yourself. It's a scream.

Note: This Halloween party could a great spin on the "Bridesmaid Dress" parties. Ask your guests to come dressed in their wedding finest. Or tackiest. Tackiest is good, too!

Credit: Becky Mollenkamp courtesy of BHG.com

(and sorry about the spacing on this post...Blogger will NOT cooperate for some reason right now!)