vintage party week: fancy people & their parties

I go through binge and purge cycles of accumulating things. I'm in a cleaning out phase right now, and one of the first victims to go is my vintage HOLIDAY magazine collection. I do love them- all of them, but I feel they are ready to move into the home of another caring person. 

As I bid adieu to my dear HOLIDAY's, I will share some of my favorite party-inspired images. Today I pay tribute to some of the fancy partying people of days past. I hope you enjoy! 

sharyn blond linens

would love to have one of her fingertip towels in my half bath...would also make a lovely hostess gift!

gift wrap 'buckles'

I love these gift wrap 'buckles' by etsy seller dsharp. $5.50 each, ribbon included.

I spotted these ghosts in Pottery Barn Kids the other day, and just loved them. Particularly since you can recreate these (for less) using plain white lanterns, white fabric and some felt or construction paper. Too cute!

parties, friends + a big white house

I live in a contemporary home, far different from these wonderful big, white beauties...but in my mind, the classic white home has always been a dream (though I'm quite happy in our modern abode...it is white). I imagine these houses are always full of friends and family, bustling with activity and parties galore! 

I've pulled this collection of lovelies from some favorites. The only one missing (in my mind) is one I spotted in a Kate Spade ad campaign several years ago. Big white house, green shutters, and purses falling out of the window onto the immaculate green lawn--anyone? If you happen to have it, please email it to me and I will post along with these!

From top: photo by Paul Costello; 'An Affair With a House' by Bunny Williams; Domino (left), J. Crew (right)...pulled this from someone's blog long ago- would love to source if known (thank you to PP readers who identified the images!); photo by Matthew Hranek for Best & Co; photo by Slim Aarons.

out and about with Allison: a baby shower (x 2)

From Allison:

Photos 1-5: a driveway supper / couple's baby shower

Photos 6-12: a tea baby shower

"I just celebrated a dear friend's pregnancy with two brilliant showers. The first: a driveway supper shower, complete with a night sky full of stars. It was a couple's shower for Courtney Rowson and her husband, Carter. The event was held at Amy Pastre's home, the momma-to-be's business partner at Sideshow Press. The soiree was thrown by Sandy Lang (a writer) and her beau, as well as Amy and her husband. They threw a magnificently relaxed dinner shower to honor the expecting parents. A long table was set up in Amy's driveway with a simple tablecloth, potted plants, and a few oil lamps. We started the evening off with a pomegranate soda cocktail, spicy-sweet pretzels and almonds, and sliced pears and cheese with honey. For supper we feasted on roast pork loin with pancetta and sage, sweet corn, an arugula and endive salad with roasted brussel sprouts, and a white-bean and tomato salad. Yum! For dessert Amy and Sandy made a delicious banana cake with rum banana sauce and ice cream. There was also plenty of wine. Everything was served family style. Placecards were made from from birch bark...so simple, classic and casual. I cannot take credit for these magnificent photos, however. Sandy's fiancé (and co-host), Peter Frank Edwards, captured them. The evening was perfect- and the perfect way to celebrate the growing family tree of our friends Courtney and Carter!

The second party, a Tea shower, was given by a few of Courtney's girlfriends at my friend, Boo's, lovely home. The invitation was absolutely adorable...a tea bag attached to a custom Sideshow letterpress creation. Genius! The shower was complete with assorted tea sandwiches (smoked salmon and caper, herbed goat cheese, and cucumber and mint), fresh figs with honey, blue cheese and walnuts, and mini cupcakes. Instead of hot tea, Boo created a refreshing iced herbal tea made with Earl Grey. And of course Rosso Bianco champagne, Courtney's favorite (it was her third trimester)! I couldn't resist taking a picture of my gift, wrapped in Snow & Graham paper. Instead of watching the mom-to-be unwrap all of the gifts (which can take hours), all of the guests picked a gift and unwrapped them at the same time. Then we went around the room and showed Courtney her baby's new clothes and toys. Much more fun for everyone!

Both parties were lovely. As I walked away from each engagement, I realized how important friends are in my life. I have such an amazing vantage point of getting to see all of my friends' children grow up--I'm feeling very blessed and lucky, indeed. There will be so many more fun parties in the years to come!

Until next time...party on!"

Thank you, Allison! I adore all of these great ideas, thanks for sharing. -Sara

2 clicks for 2 things

Click One:

Before I had my baby, my babies were my pups, so I am particularly passionate for animal causes. 

The Animal Rescue site is having trouble getting enough people to visit daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated to abused and neglected animals. It takes about 20 seconds- costs NOTHING- and will help animals. Just click on the purple box that says 'fund food for animals.' 

Click Two:

Whether or not you are an Oprah fan, I urge you to support the Protect Our Children Act, that helps generate funding to protect our children against child predators. Click here for information on how to contact your senators-- I just did it, and it took about 3 minutes of my time. 

vintage slim aarons

love this vintage Slim Aarons photo via Bunny's blog.

brownie pops

My mouth has been watering for these brownie pops, ever since I discovered them on the Amy Atlas website. They claim to have 'gooey, brownie interior's' and a 'crisp, chocolate exterior.' They are offered in a variety of flavors and seasonal exteriors, and can also be personalized for any event. Available here.

the latest

I'm loving the latest gift installment in Denise Sharp's 'Bestow' collection. 

con poulos

We've got wedding festivities for a friend this weekend, so I am off for the weekend. 

Here are some FAVORITE images from a favorite photog...Con Poulos. 

pops!

I'm loving these puppy dog & cupcake pops from Bakerella.

discovered via Made Sweet

fun political poster

I love this Obama vs. McCain boxing poster by Yee-Haw. Would be fun to have up at a political fundraiser or party! 

nashville (and national) spotlight: kayce hughes / pears + bears

Watch out, Cath Kidston! Kayce Hughes is poised to be your American counterpart very, very soon. 

A former designer for Ralph Lauren, Kayce heads up the beautiful, whimsical brand of Pears + Bears / Kayce Hughes.  Kayce knows her brand very well- she started out by designing clothing for her SEVEN children (no twins, either!). Her line has expanded to include great women's items and accessories.  

I was so thrilled when I met Kayce a couple of years ago- yet another cool lady in Nashville. It's no fair that she's beautiful and super skinny (that's her and some of her children in the photos above)...but at least she shares her wonderful talent with us. I'm hoping I might one day have a daughter, just so I can have her wear the Andrea party dress!

Above, some favorites & press (she did the bridesmaids dresses for Gen's wedding) pulled from her website.