picnic birthday

Picnic-themed first birthday for Tomas from love-ink. Even if you don't read Portugese, you'll still be inspired by this lovely affair! More here.

strawberry picnic

Oohhh...some fabulous parties from mom Nicole. First up, this awesome 'strawberry picnic' themed affair for daughter, Niamh! Love the pattern on pattern, splashes of strawberry, red and gingham- and check out that cake.

backyard garden party

I love living vicariously through blogging friends...this garden party from Chelsea is oh so lovely!

brrrrthday party

A clever winter-themed party for Veronica's daughter, Sophie...a 'brrrrthday party', get it!? Very cute, I think. More of this winter wonderland right here.

a tale of a marrakesh birthday party

I've been in love with Maryam's 'My Marakesh' blog for some time now. Her intimate writing style makes me feel as though I am a part of her daily life, yet there is no mistaking she lives in a land much more exotic then my home turf. Just check out her daughter Skylar's 8th birthday! Berber tents, moroccan carpets and engraved silver trays were set out for the celebration. And yes, there were cupcakes- it seems those tasty treats span the globe. Feast your eyes on much more right here.

backyard party

Check out this sweet celebration for Daisy's 2nd birthday, right here.

backyard glam

Amanda was inspired by this backyard fete, and created her own take on it for her daughter's 5th birthday. Guests walked the red carpet to the backyard movie screening, which included freshly-popped popcorn and cupcakes. What more could a girl ask for?

barbeque beauty

You'll be inspired by this red and white Southern-style barbeque (via Colleen)! I love the s'mores-in-a-bag party favors as well as the saucy labels for food and drink. 

so long, summer

I just had to get in this summery-feeling sailboat cake before it was seasonally inappropriate. With my little G starting school today, I suppose it signals that summer has officially sailed (try saying that three times!)...

via graceful cake creations

outdoor picnic party

A great outdoor party to share as the warmer weather starts to dwindle and summer comes to a close. Sarah threw the party to celebrate her mom's 60th birthday- what a wonderful way to pay a tribute to a very special someone!

outdoor movie night

As the summer season (and weather) comes to a close, an outdoor movie night seems so appealing. This beauty from Liz makes it look like a ton of fun, too! Liz gives great how-to's on how to set up the actual movie (a perk for the tech-challenged), as well as hostessing tips. So much more to see right here. 

pool party

Tevita's fun, festive 1st birthday party makes me want to head to the pool! More here.

strawberry-themed picnic

This party seems apropos after an all-American weekend. More of this strawberry-themed picnic from Anna right here.

family reunion

Ahhh...nothing says summer like an ol' fashioned outdoor family reunion. Thanks to Emily for passing along this special family event- complete with fried chicken and deviled eggs- yum! All the dets here.

more outdoor loveliness

I love this simple snack, eaten al fresco (from all stripes).

outdoor celebration

Thank you to Katie for passing along this pretty outdoor birthday celebration. More here.

still loving...

...this party set-up discovered on absolutely beautiful things. Garlands strung from the tree and blankets on the ground- what could be more lovely this time of year? 

(Of course, I'm envisioning myself without all the sneezing and itchy eyes that come my way with the pretty weather).

2 things I love

Two things I love are:
1) finding something on SALE

2) finding something great in an unexpected place!

While doing some light shopping at the mall, I came across these great pavilion verandas from Z Gallerie. Z is one of those stores I pass by but never go into. For some reason I decided to stop in this time. The pavilion verandas look like much pricier versions, but are only priced at $399-$499! I can see one of them set up for a poolside party. The styling inside the veranda could use some help, but I'm willing to overlook it for the price.

Z's other offerings were fairly impressive as well. They seem to be doing a Jonathan Adler/Hollywood Regency thing these days. Keep it up Z, and get to work on that styling!

Pavilion verandas are available in green, black or chocolate trim.