national stationery show

I can't believe the National Stationery Show is under way! I hope those of you attending the show will stop by the Hicks / Whitney English booth. I'm really excited about this collection...it's always the culmination of so much work on behalf of so many people. Whitney sent me this snap from her iphone. 

the total package

I've always loved a cohesive package- a 'branded' look whether it is for an actual brand or a person. I requested some beautiful fabric samples from Rubie Green, and the package that arrived made me feel like it was Christmas! I love the oversized silhouette stamp used on the exterior of the envelope, mimicked in the business card as well. The note paper - I was happily surprised to see - is a Whitney English design. And the fabrics are just beautiful! Unfortunately they don't work for the project I was looking at, but I'm holding on to them in hopes I can use them for something later. Check out the rest of the Rubie Green collection here. Great work, Michelle!

monochromatic magic

This gorgeous party was put on by Mary McDonald and Nathan Turner for Veranda magazine. I love all the luscious green details- those striped poles, the chinoiserie silhouettes, the veranda-tini topped with a gardenia! Perfection. 

must-see: monkey topiaries!

From Ondine's (of Top Design fame) wedding...and I quote: "Ondine's parents used to throw animal-themed birthday parties for their daughters"...which somehow translated to them growing 40-pound grass monkey topiaries in their suburban backyard for her reception decor (I think they're actually quite beautiful). For the full run-down, check out the NY Times here.

via... Beach Bungalow 8

circus party

Australian mom, Cassie, threw this circus bash for her son's birthday. She got some help from 'Partee Petit', a company that helps pull together birthday parties. So many creative ideas to borrow! The clown cake is cute without being creepy, and all the fun carnival games and festive decor are just perfect.

On a side note- for those of you interested in the 'baby shower by mail' article, I have updated the link, below. 

in case you missed it...a goldilocks birthday

...spotted on Nesting via Jordan, reminded by Chelsea, and in love with this beautiful party once again. For the full original post, check out the Goldilocks birthday party right here.

gen says... (mother's day treat)

From Gen,

"Just thought I would pass along a few quick photos from Mother's Day.

First, I must tell you that I have been totally inspired by all my new Hicks items that I just picked up. My absolute OBSESSION is the trophy invitation. We used it for Lucy's gift to her mom- and she customized it with her own darling hand written note. 

This year, we kept things very simple for Mother's Day. I took a page from Sara's birthday, and told my husband exactly what I wanted this year- just a lovely bouquet of hand-picked peonies from our friend's yard.

Peonies are my absolute favorite- and even better when they are pink! Sara's strategy (don't make your husband guess what will really make you happy) worked out perfectly. This year I actually got exactly what I wanted and it didn't break the bank.

I put the peonies right next to the bed so that I can smell them while I drift off to sleep- and they look just perfect with the Mother's Day gift that I could not resist treating myself to - a lovely orange modern toile bedspread for the summer (picked up on major clearance at Pottery Barn).

In the morning, Benjamin whipped up a simple little breakfast with the kids, for me and Lucy's mom. What a lovely way to start the day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! -Gen"