Pink & Gray Couples' Shower

Today's post is for Jennifer who's throwing a pink and gray couples' shower at night time. The shower is for a very large group of people and is to have a 'casual cocktail party' feel. Candles, pale hues, multiple textures and romance prevail in my theme to create an intimate and elegant environment despite the number of people.

- Intricate yet simplistic, a solitary rose in a well-fitted bowl would be lovely as a centerpiece or general decor when alternated with many tea light candles [via Matthew Mead]
- Romantic chandelier [via snippet & ink]
- Elegant glass bottle of perfume makes an extravagant favor for the females [via snippet & ink]
- A pewter tray displaying vintage trinkets in pinks, creams and grays [via Matthew Mead]
- A sweet dessert featuring pale pink and grey florals, grey velvet ribbon and a pair of lovebirds [via Brides]
- Sumptuous texture meets elegance in these cocktails [via Brides]

Eclectic Asian-inspired Birthday Party

Sarah emailed in looking for some inspiration for a Asian-inspired birthday party for her husband's 40th. I've kept this theme a little more abstract with modern, everyday elements for a really eclectic and gender-neutral event.


- Overlapping squares wall art from West Elm
- Modern table setting with black and white patterned, square dinnerware and red napkins atop a bamboo placemat. The centerpiece is made of smooth river rocks and red candles placed on bamboo placemats lined up to serve as a table runner. [elements from Crate & Barrel but found at HWTM]
- Vodka red squares make for an eclectic cocktail
- Red bowls with chopstick divots [via HWTM]
- Mod tea pot and tea cup set from Target
- Folded red invitation tied with a unique knot

A Valentine's Dinner Party

With Valentine's Day less than a week away, why not gather your friends and celebrate together? Whether they're single or in relationships, everyone can join in on the fun of this heart-themed dinner party.

- Handmade heart invitations from Etsy seller SandyPhotoArt
- A red leather heart journal can serve as a guest book as well as a place for writing thoughts on love
- Pink passion martinis are the perfect cocktail for the occasion
- Dessert couldn't be sweeter then with these cupcakes adorably adorned with white frosting and 2 hearts [via flickr user Dimpleicious]
- Stunning red and white table setting made up of red chairs, white base linens, a red runner, multiple small red floral arrangements, white dinnerware and red napkins.

Oh Baby! Pink & Blue Baby Shower

Amy emailed me looking for ideas for a blue and pink baby shower. Though she already has inspiration ready for an upcoming shower I am happy to add to that with a few ideas of my own.

- Add a small floral centerpiece and light blue rimmed china to a blush pink tablecloth for a beautiful and sophisticated table setting.

- Light pink tulle maternity dress for the mom-to-be

- Petit fours with blue and pink booties are an elegant and appropriate dessert for the occasion

- A simple favor consists of a light blue box topped with a pink slip of paper that can denote the guest's name. Make the scroll element by wrapping the paper around a pencil.

- Pink invitations with blue text and a damask-patterned blue envelope liner [via]

Chartreuse & Aqua Wedding

The Knot has declared that chartreuse and aqua is a 'hot new color combo' for weddings. I couldn't agree more, as this pairing has lovely potential for spring events.

- A beautiful table setting with a multi-tier centerpiece made of lisianthus, cymbidium orchids and Kermit mums alongside green taper candles
- Votives decorated with color coordinating jelly beans serve as a perfect favor
- VW getaway photo by Duston Todd [via snippet & ink]
- Beaded aqua clutch by Moyna
- A trio of wedding cakes with varied aqua and chartreuse designs by Colette's Cakes
- Metallic cream heels
- A candy buffets in hues of green [via snippet & ink]
- Colorful stir sticks from Martha Stewart
- Pale aqua bridesmaid dress by Maggy London

January Birthday Dinner in Pewter

This month's Birthday Dinner post features the color pewter. Combined with touches of gold, pewter creates an old-world glamour feel to this party theme.

- Miscellaneous pewter and gold desserts put together on a tray provides color-coordinated options for your guests (via Matthew Mead)
- Use an array of vintage pewter trays for serving food. Consider utilizing them in your centerpiece too or try pewter vases for floral arrangements (via Matthew Mead)
- A golden favor box adorned with a piece of pewter rhinestone jewelry (via Matthew Mead)
- A vintage-inspired chiffon silk dress for the guest of honor
- Pewter and gold colored dinnerware add to a lovely table setting
- Pewter candelabra with gold candles creates an old-world glow at the center of your table

Puppy 1st Birthday Party

Ronda left a comment a few days ago looking for ideas for her son's puppy-themed 1st birthday party. Here a few bits of inspiration:

- Puppy-themed tabletop decor - Though the diaper-fold napkins may be more apt for a baby shower than a 1st birthday, the set-up of this table is very cute. It features dog cookie favors at each place setting. The centerpiece can be puppy-related with a few small dog stuffed animals or maybe cylindrical vases filled with dog treats in different shapes or colors.
- Puppy-themed sugar cookies are an easier DIY dessert idea (via flickr user bumblebeegrad)
- Adorable puppy 1st birthday cake (via flickr user crafty confections)

Winter White Wedding

Winter weddings are the perfect time to take advantage of one of the most elegant and lovely colors - white. Subtle and sophisticated, classic and chic, this color is stunning when used solo or when paired with other winter hues. Consider steel blue, black, periwinkle, silver, sage green or, as in today's inspiration board, pewter.

- Italian-influenced designs adorn this stunning white and pewter wedding cake
- Reception table with white florals, linens, dinnerware, candles and seating
- Bridesmaids in white dresses, pair with pewter-toned jewelry and heels
- A white floral bouquet is accented with crystals and pewter brunia tie into the pewter ribbon belt on the bride's dress
- A boutonniere made of a single ranunculous and a silvery dusty miller branch
- A homemade favor of snow-white vanilla meringues

A Glamorous New Year's Dinner

There's nothing quite like the elegant combination of black and white. It's sophisticated, timeless and, in the right setting, so very glam. So, what better combination than black and white for an extravagant and glamour-filled new year's eve dinner.

The images above all come from a 1940's inspired home collection by Ralph Lauren. (via Toast and Tables)