Inspiration Board: 100th Birthday Party

My friend Lindsay and I were recently hired to make centerpieces and party favors for a 100th Birthday Party. 

The hostesses (Mabel's daughter, granddaughters, granddaughters-in-law) had already sent out these invitations:

They requested that all the decor match the invitations, and that pictures be incorporated into the centerpieces if possible. 

We had to put this together on a budget.  They needed 100 party favors, and 12 centerpieces.

Lindsay and I had lots of ideas and got to work immediately.

We presented the hostesses with several mock-ups of ideas.

The first step was the inspiration board.

1. We thought pink hydrangeas in cylinder vases that one of the hostesses already owned would be perfect for this palate.

2. This little silver guy is a lollipop mold with a 100 on it - perfect!

3. Chocolate candies in cellophane, tied with cute ribbon, would be a budget friendly party favor.

4.  Some kind of runner with stripes or dots was a must! I love the low bowls as centerpieces on this long table.  (Ours were rounds, probably not as good for this kind of a look).

5. Bakerella's cake pops were a perfect match.

6. Love the photo center pieces by Martha. These would incorporate photos as the hostesses had requested.

7. Cutie boxes for favors could hold candies, seeds, etc for favors, and would be a touch of color on each plate. 

8. Some swatches in our colors. You have to love these colors. 

9. There are SO many ribbons in this color palate. We knew we would have to incorporate them somehow.

Check back later this week to see what we the hostesses chose and how it all turned out!

The Colors of Christmas: Pink & Gold

Today's color combo is: Pink & Gold

1. Oodles of flashy pink ornaments.

2. An even flashier stocking.

3. A pink door welcomes holiday guests.

4. Beautiful handmade etsy ornament.

5. Pink holiday cocktail anyone? Yes, please.

6. Pink and gold tree trimmings.

7. Gold chargers to make a stunning tablescape.

8. Pink tree...let's hope its tabletop size.  Or not. ;)

9. Lovely tablesetting in our colors of the day. 

I love this color combination, as it is the one my Grandma used for many years.  What do you think?

The Colors of Christmas: Gold & Silver

Today's color combo is: Gold & Silver

1. Cute silver & gold tree place card holders

2. Stunning wreath, makes quiet a statement at the front door

3. Little gold trees

4. Vintage tray with shiny ornaments, a nice display

5. Christmas tree dripping in gold, surrounded by silver presents

6. Metallic votives

7. Mod-place settings in the colors of the season. 

The Colors of Christmas: Purple & Silver

Today's featured color combo is Purple & Silver

1. Handpainted etsy ornament. Isn't it lovely?

2. Fancy presents: so sophisticated with this color scheme.

3. Purple and silver ornaments galore.

4. Purple stocking, waiting to be filled!

5. Purple ruffle chargers.  I can just imagine the gorgeous place settings. 

6. Which would include this purple stem-ware, of course.

7. Christmas candle.  A nice hostess gift for any girl who loves purple. 

8. Tree ornaments

9. Funky purple garland. Kind of reminds me of the Miami tree from yesterday!

The Colors of Christmas: Aqua & Green

The old stand-by for Christmas decorating is of course red & green.

In the interest of shaking things up a bit, each day this week I am going to feature a different holiday color combo. I love how there is no wrong way to go at Christmas with your colors.

Its all about being BRIGHT!

Today's featured combo is Aqua & Green 

1. Cute white table-top tree with aqua and silver ornaments.  Tabletop trees are a good way to go if you want to shake up your color scheme. 

2. Aqua tree.  A bit much?  Probably not if you live in Miami... :)

3.  Dress up your tree skirt is the colors of the season. 

4. Aqua and green ribbon and wrapping. 

5. Glass ornaments...so many possibilities of how to use these beauties!

6. For example, wintery ornament topiary.  (Click here for the how-to details.)

7. Rustic Jingle Bells banner to ring in the season. 

What do you think? Love it? Hate it?
See ya tomorrow! 

I am Loving: Purple & Orange

A vendor brought some purple and orange flowers into our office this week. I was reminded how much I love this controversial color combination.

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Both of these colors are so bold and the two of them together are so unexpected. I think purple & orange should be used more frequently than for the occasional Halloween party. They make a nice pairing for a late summer party as well, whether its a wedding, a shower, or a bachelorette party. I wanted to pay a little tribute to this under-rated pair.

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This color palate makes for a stunning bouquet or floral centerpiece.

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You simply must fall in love with these fabulous paper goodies.

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Yum: tasty and cute!

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Sweet little party favors.

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I love this look! Speaking of bright shoes, have you seen Papery & Cakery this week? She's been doing a fantastic series with event inspiration based off a fabulous shoe. You must check it out! Its been a favorite read of mine this week.

What is your take on this color palate? Have you ever used it for an event? Sophisticated and fun, or hideous? Let me know what you think!