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]

Kite 1st Birthday Party

Shelly emailed in looking for some inspiration for her son's 1st birthday party in the park. She already had the invitations sent out (see top left) and just needed to take that theme through to the next step. Here are a few ideas:

- kite cupcakes for a matching and delicious dessert
- homemade kites actually fly and would make a nice favor - match the colors to your invitations or partyware
- homemade kite decorations are super cute and can be customized with words, letters, numbers, etc to fit the party; made with patterned scrapbook paper and various ribbon strings [via party perfect]
- bright and fun, this party tabletop sports a multi-colored umbrella to add to the decor
- celebrate the birthday boy by spelling out his name on pendants made to match the colors and patterns of your kite decor [via party perfect]

Reader Giveaway!

Tastefully Entertaining readers can enter to win a pair of these luxurious KN Karen Neuburger chenille lounge socks! You may be asking how socks relate to entertaining, but these cozy accessories would be the perfect favor or prize for a spa-themed shower or a child's pampering party!

Enter to win by leaving a comment on today's post about your most luxurious party idea or accessory.

Each reader can enter once by leaving a comment on this post. Please be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you're a winner. Entries will be accepted up until 7:00 pm EST on Monday, March 2nd. Two winners will be selected by a random drawing.

Preppy Pink & Green Whale Birthday Party

Amy left a comment looking for ideas for her daughter's 3rd birthday party in the park. The themes she mentioned were preppy, pink & green and whales. I love this idea and was thrilled to gather ideas for such a cute party concept!

- Green polka-dotted paper treat packets sealed with a pink monogram seal [via Rebecca Thuss]

- Hand painted pink and green polka dot boxes are ideal for favors or decoration [via]

- Paper lanterns in shades of pink, green, yellow and white would look lovely hung from tree branches in a park setting (don't worry about actually lighting them, just let the color provide great decor) [via Rebecca Thuss]

- Pink & Green whale basket can help carry party essentials to the location as well as portray the theme [via]

- Super preppy grosgrain ribbon napkin rings for the adult table [via Social Couture]

- The perfect way to spread the word: pink and green whale invitation by Boatman Geller

- Green and pink whale luggage tags are a practical and cute favor (great for traveling as well as lunches, backpacks, sleepover gear, etc) [via]

- Fun and coordinating footwear for the stylish host/mom [via Target]

Also, for dessert, here is a preppy pink and green cake:

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]

A Valentine's Day Wedding

Vanessa emailed in looking for inspiration for a Valentine's Day wedding. Not planning a wedding? Some of these ideas will work perfectly well for a Valentine's Day dinner party too.

- Modern and fun take on a cupcake wedding cake [via SocialDesign]
- Cute red flats by Stuart Weitzman [via snippet & ink]
- Calligraphy by Tara Jones
- Chilled tomato soup with white crème fraiche hearts
- This red drink entitled Aphrodisiac is perfect for a signature cocktail
- DIY jam is sweet favor
- A gorgeous bridal bouquet of red Gerber daisies
- Red table runners, rose petals and menu cards adorn this red and white tabletop
- kate spade dinnerware in red and white polka dots
- Fit the groom with a red tie and red floral boutonniere [via snippet & ink]

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

Pink, Lime & Black Wedding

Today's post, featuring a pink, lime green and black wedding, was inspired by this fun tabletop design by Ravishing Radish. Utilizing Totally Tabletops dishes and a cake from Tallant House, this display is a great base for a contemporary wedding scheme.

- Customized pink and black coasters
- Personalized name buttons attached to stylish pink and black table cards
- Bridesmaids can wear classic black dresses while carrying vibrant pink and green bouquets
- Have the groom wear a solitary pink flower boutonniere

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

Christmas Table Details

Adorn your Christmas tabletop with lovely place cards or place setting decorations. Here are several DIY ideas to inspire your holiday tablesettings.

- Paper plate angels
- Crepe-paper bells
- Vintage scroll with holly
- Christmas tree place cards
- Green bow napkin decoration
- Holly jolly place setting
- Candy cane place cards
- Paper tree place cards
- Tree-shaped napkin rings