Moroccan Dinner Party

Looking through some old photos and realized the colors of this Moroccan-inspired dinner party we threw some time ago would make for a good twist for your parties this Autumn. The rich jewel tones would work well with natural branches and twigs, or branches gone glam with some gold spray paint.

Don't forget the little touches that go a long way.

• Gift bags of goodies (lined up here before they were filled and finished!) for your guests to take home. I find that most people don't mind taking home some freshly baked cookies for the road!
• A menu so guests know what's in store.
• Simple vases wrapped in scrapbook paper and ribbon as candle holders.
• Easy garnishes to store bought appetizers and desserts. Here: cayenne and red bell pepper on store bought hummus or the wafer cookies on end and lemon zest and fresh mint atop store bought lemon sorbet.
• Jeweled buckles and ribbon used as napkin rings with the flatware rolled up into the napkin.
  

The florals are simply blocks of Oasis floral foam on long gold platters and packed tightly with coral roses and garnet carnations, peacock feathers and woven with gold cording. The one for the buffet has three votive candles in the center for an extra touch. I promise, ANYONE can do these. I find if you "scoop" out random portions of the Oasis it helps give a really free-flowing pattern to your arrangement. Try it - you'll look like a pro!


This party wouldn't have been a party without the fabulous meal cooked by my husband, so I had to add those pictures, too. Moroccan tuna, Portuguese peppers (delish) and saffron rice. Our friends joke that they will have to hire caterers when they have us over for dinner! I have to agree that between my insane need to decorate and my husband's amazing work in the kitchen, we do make quite a team! Now taking RSVPs for the next dinner party at the Belle Isle House!

Game. Set. Match.

How completely appropriate that "love" is a term used in tennis, because that is exactly how I feel about this tennis-themed bat mitzvah created by Jamee of Setting the Mood. I love every little detail about this. I have no doubt you'll agree!


Visit Setting the Mood for more scoop on the details. Just looking at her logo lets you know you're in store for something amazing!

I'm Baaaaaaaaack

Thanks for your lack of posting patience with me the last week or so! I had a good reason. Honest.

I had the pleasure of working on a gorgeous wedding this weekend that I can't completely show you just yet. A local St. Louis magazine gets first dibs, so until I can spill all the details, here's a sneak peek of two of the elements created by the fabulous Ginger O'Hara of Serendipity. She's as cute as she is talented. How's that even fair?

I'll be sure and post more pictures and details of the day as soon as I'm allowed!

Cecily Ink

cecily ink's got it going on.

Need stylish invitations for you next party? Need fresh coordinating table items for your next party? Need gorgeous gift wrap to wrap presents to take to a party? Need a great hostess gift to take to said party? Need me to stop this line of questioning? Consider it done. You are now free to head on over to Cecily Ink and look at all of the above items mentioned and much more.

Did I mention Free Shipping for a limited time? What are you waiting for?

My Friend Etsy

In search of a unique gift for your Thanksgiving or Autumn party hostesses? Then allow me introduce to you Amber of Bijoutiful. This self-taught creative wonder uses recycled and reclaimed metals and zero harsh chemicals during the fabrication process of her works of art.

There are many more designs for you to see at her Etsy Store,but these are just a few that I think would be delightfully appropriate to give your next party hostess this season.

Looking at Amber's work, you can actually see her words reflected: "It brings me such pleasure to bring beauty into other people's lives by way of my little creations. I try to reflect this through my work, and it ends up that a bit of my heart goes out with each piece I create."

You've definitely succeeded in bringing beautiful work to Etsy, Amber. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Because She's Worth It

There are so many things I love about this Bouchon Bakery Birthday Brunch thrown by Wanwisa that it's hard to choose my favorite. If forced to pick though, it may just be the fact that she threw this party herself, for herself...because she's worth it!

Enjoy all the delightfully chic details from the invitations, the menus, the Macaron Croquembouche centerpiece, the delectable take-home favors in mini gable boxes from beau coup and the way every last detail is coordinated. ("Cookies and Milk" dessert of macarons and a side of "Milk" ice cream parfait served in tiny mugs, anyone?) All of these great ideas could easily be translated into a chic bridal shower or baby shower.

Visit Wanwisa's equally delightful blog Modern Vintage Designs for a complete overview of the event and her fantastic vendors.

Happy belated to Wanwisa and thanks for sharing your day and your photos with all of us!

Tangarang...that's FUN to say!

Not only is Tangarang really fun to say, it's also a really great Etsy Shop to browse. Get your wallet.

But what is Tangarang? In the words of Kira of Tangarang herself:

"Not content with the typical licensed party invitation kits, superhero solutions, or box-store frozen appetizers, I felt it was time to expand the choices for discerning hosts. Creating hand crafted items and coordinating them with just the right chic party products, plus providing an amazingly easy menu seemed to be just what was lacking in the party product market.

Not having enough time to run around and coordinate every detail of a party, while juggling a very busy schedule, was another reason to create a service that offered to do the planning for other hosts who wanted a hip, modern affair without stress and without the intrusion of an expensive party planner. We are all busy individuals – busy with work, kids and life in general so tangarang was created to take the hassle out of planning a great party and give back the creative joy of entertaining in style."


Would you just look at this fantastic custom-personalized baby gift idea? I'm basically dying over this. Throw a shower to match your gift or give a gift to match your shower. Perfection.


Tangarang also has a blog full of fun finds, so stop by there, too, before you log off your computer and enjoy!

Editor's Note (Okay, it's me): Not all party planners will break the bank so don't be afraid to interview a few next time you're throwing a party! It may just be the perfect fit for you. : )