in case you missed it...

I love this whole dinner concept from Jordan of Oh Happy Day. A 'secret' dinner party in the 'middle of nowhere'. I'm thinking of totally copying this idea- it's so fabulous! The invitations really make it over-the-top special. Click here for the details.

tosca radigonda

Tosca Radigonda does beautiful work. I love the way she captures color and reflects it in a really dreamy way. Her photographs make me feel nostalgic about my own childhood, and make me want to create some dreamy memories for my own family. You should visit her website to see more of 'Pixieland' (the fairy-type photographs...great inspiration for a pixie/fairy party). I absolutely adore her 'Special Olympics' series as well- her photographs bring a great deal of humanity to her subjects. 

I'm starting to plan my son's 1st birthday party (in late November), and these are giving me great inspiration. I hope you'll be able to take something away from them as well!

party in pink

I was going to wait to post these beautiful baby shower pictures from Los Altos-based photographer Loren Weltsch until next week, but I just couldn't postpone- I think it's the perfect party to send you into the weekend. 

Let me count the ways I love this idea...

1) The look is very high-style, but I also think it is easily achievable. Pretty outdoor setting? Check. Lanterns in varying shades of the same color? Check. Simple flower groupings (with my absolute favorite flower- the peony) in varying shades of the same flower? Check. Things the 'average' person can do? Absolutely!

2) I'm often asked about 'themes' for parties, and I think there is no easier and prettier 'theme' then a color story. As long as you stay within a restricted color palette, you can easily mix a variety of shapes and patterns for a cohesive look. This party illustrates this concept so well! This same look could be achieved for the fall with varying oranges or yellows, with seasonal flower groupings on the table (mums, daisies, etcetera).

3) I love the way circles and dots are used both literally and in abstract ways. The invitation circles mimic the lanterns, the dot tags used on the food markers, even the cookies mimic the roundness of it all. 

4) I think rectangular tables are always prettier and easier to set-up - and I love the counter balance to all the roundness of the other elements.

Loren's photographs also make this party look even more special, so if you have it in the budget, a photographer (or even a friend who is good with the camera) will make your party memories last!

Thank you for sharing, Loren! Have a great weekend, everybody.

the apple of my eye #2

I asked Nathalie to send some larger shots of the great apple cake (made by a neighbor) and the table spread. Love it!

the apple of my eye

My day was made when this party landed in my inbox. Thank you to my new Australian friend, Nathalie, for passing these beauties along! It's days like these that make blogging so fulfilling. 

I not only love the colors of this party, but I love the subtle appearance of the number 5 in some of the elements (like the 5 cents on the cider sign). When I worked at the MS Kids magazine, we would sometimes hide a single object throughout various stories in the magazine- like an apple. It was something sometimes only we noticed, or some very discerning readers. But it was kind of like an inside joke and also provided a sense of cohesion to the issue, as well as a subtle sense of play. I love that kind of thinking in this party idea.

Nathalie writes, "Having boys doesn't mean you need to tread down the pirate, cowboy and superhero party theme path. Think about theming his party around what your child enjoys- what makes him smile...in my case, it was apple pie!

Purchasing small child sized apples from my local green grocer, green toffee apples, serving apple lemonade and of course apple pie with ice-cream could not have been easier. Adding a bit of eco-chic with bamboo cutlery and plates and putting an Imprintables stamp on it made it even more ENJOYable!

We played traditional party games such as bobbing for apples, flying wooden airplanes, sack race and tug-of-war. It kept all of the boys entertained.

One valuable lesson I learned was to have an alternate plan for wet weather. With only one hour before the party commenced, the rain was horrendous. The initial concept of having a 'picnic in the park' was not viable and the venue had to change at home...which unfortunately was not in a state to be hosting a party. Thankfully it all worked out in the end and Travis could not have been happier!

Apple lemonade recipe:

1 bottle of apple juice

1 bottle of pear juice

1 2L bottle of lemonade

Combine; watch the children and mums alike devour this tasty concoction."

Apple of my Eye invitation $4 AD/set (includes personalized double-sided invitation, Kraft envelope, and thank you tag)

Kraft party bag with sticker $3.25 AD

'Enjoy' stamp + ink pad $35 AD

All photos taken by the very talented Kasia (who has an amazing product line herself!)

Thank you again to Nathalie! Anyone else who wants to share their 'party perfect' party with me, please send photos to hickspapergoods@yahoo.com.

oh, jen!

loving all of these amazing images from photographer jen gotch.

homespun party perfect

While I love the high-styled spreads of those like Amy Atlas and Rebecca Thuss, nothing makes my heart sing like a homespun party. The love that was put into these charming parties shines through. From top: Design Mom, Ferardandy (via design mom), Mia's party (unknown original source), Melodie Adams.

And for the cutest baby Halloween costume EVER- click here!