i spy: mish-mash lantern garland

It seems this mish-mash lantern garland (originally via d*s, pictured at top) is all the rage. I've spotted two other versions so far and love all of the interpretations! Middle picture from an engagement celebration via 7-year wedding; bottom photo from Audrey's mad hatter party via Simple Lovely.

in case you missed it...

This adorable DIY ice cream sundae bar has been making its way around the blogosphere, but I couldn't resist sharing just a few snippets. For more of this beauty, check out the original post at Eat Drink Chic!

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. 

birthday candle round-up

I've just starting brainstorming ideas for my son's November birthday, and have come across some very fun birthday candles. 

My favorites, above: Tag animal candles via lmnop; skinny candles (also available in sparkler version) from layer cake shop; birthday girl and animal toothpick candles from hey yo yo; number, taper and candelabra candle from plum party.

reader question of the week #2

reader question of the week #2:

"My grandmother is turning 90 on Thanksgiving! She was widowed this spring so it will be her first birthday 'alone,' so we want to make it extra special for her. She is an amazing woman, quite young in spirit. Living in 'Lower Alabama,' she has access to the casinos along the Gulf Coast and we have family in New Orleans, so one of her favorite things to do is go to the casinos and try her luck. She is also an amazing cook — people have no problem driving 3 hours just to eat one of her amazing biscuits. She is smart as a whip (she was born in the wrong generation and clearly missed her calling as rocket scientist) and loves to play games like Double 12 Dominos or anything involving math. I would love ideas as to how we could best celebrate her birthday. Thanks! - Holley"

reader question of the week #1

reader question of the week #1:

"We just bought our first house and I CANNOT wait to host Thanksgiving there this year.  I will be inviting 14 adults and 19 kids!! I am going to have my hands very full. Although I will be doing most of the cooking with my mom and sister I have some guests that would love to bring something to share. I am wondering how I could incorporate their 'assignment' in a cute and fun way into the invitation. Also, any fun game or crafts the kids could do while we clean up and the men folk watch football? I would love some fun ideas. Thanks! -Cassaundra"

astrid's 1st birthday

Brooke turned me on to this beautiful home-y feeling first birthday party from Bird & Banner. Lovely!