Manic Monday

Today is graduation today! SCARY! Everything has been crazy with packing and my ceremony site getting changed last minute. In true Oregon fashion we go from having a gorgeous couple of days to torrential downpour. There is one good thing about graduating though: I finally learned how to create a formal invitation. I'm not going to lie it took me a few tries to get it right, but all of my invitations were sent!

Formal wedding invitations are also pretty specific, but I found a great drawing that explains it simply.

For everyone graduating today, congratulations! For everyone else, happy Monday!

What I Love Wednesday!

I love...outdoor celebrations!

It's June! Time to be outdoors enjoying the sun, hanging out with friends and family, eating yummy food, and loving life. Outdoor celebrations are so versatile and can be styled for any occasion, so they're the perfect venue for any summer event.

Beach fiesta with stylish pillows and an elegant floral arrangement.

Whimsy picnic with rustic elements and romantic accents.

Colorful lakeside tea party that would also be perfect for a little one's birthday!

Secluded garden party just for two.

Switch up the tablescape with this cute alternative design.

Perfect picnic food!

How will you be celebrating this summer?

Friday Fun!

I found a great party idea this week that sounds like so much fun. I can't wait to try it!

How to host a favorite things party in a four easy steps:

1. Have each of your guests bring five items of their favorite thing. This can anything from a favorite lip gloss, gift card to a favorite coffee shop, candy bar, etc. As long as it's $6 or less it counts. (The amount is open to discretion based on your guests, just let everyone know ahead of time)

2. As each guest arrives at the party, have them write their name on five slips of paper and throw them in a big bowl.

3. Pass the bowl around and have each person take five names, making sure not to take their own or double-up.

4. One at a time, each person describes their favorite thing, reads the five names they picked from the bowl and passes out their gift to those five lucky winners!

Once everyone has shared their favorite things, each guest should end up with five new gifts to take home. This is a fun way to learn about other people and get some cool stuff in the process!

Enjoy the weekend!

Engagement Party Inspired by Chocolate

Here's a sweet idea for an engagement party for the couple that loves chocolate. Or, if you're like me, for a bridal shower if the bride loves chocolate. This cute idea uses vintage props, bold floral colors, awesome stationary, and lots and lots of chocolate food and desserts.

I love this cake!

I like how the dessert bar is made from frames. They add an element of elegance, and you can hang them in your house with photos from the party or the wedding after the event!

These look so yummy!

More frame fun!

Purple flowers tie in the stationary, but the other rich colors and bold flower choices work well with the chocolate displays.

Concept by Leila and Gianna.

Photos by Lane Dittoe.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I love Cinco de Mayo celebrations because they are SO much fun! Here are some great ideas for food and decorations to create your ideal party!

Use lots of bright colors and patterns! This is also a great opportunity to DIY and make some fun pom poms or a cutout banner.

You can find these recipes here.

I'll be making two kinds of enchiladas and of course some guacamole and salsa!

Flan isn't for everyone, but personally I can't get enough of it!

These are hilarious!

How will you be celebrating today?

Let's Party!

Sorry for not posting yesterday, I had a hectic traveling day!

After spending some much needed time in the sun this weekend at home, I can't wait for nice weather at school! Next time the weather is nice, I think it would be so much fun to plan an outdoor dinner party with a tapas-inspired menu.

I love the tapas style of plating because it's the perfect way to sample a little bit of everything. Here are some of the recipes I've been hanging onto to try:

Happy Monday

This past weekend was Mom's Weekend for my sorority. The weekend was full of fun events for the moms and daughters to attend, but my favorite was the 31 Bits of Jewelry party on Friday, planned and styled by my friend Anna.

31 Bits Design is a development organization that provides women in Northern Uganda with an opportunity to counter poverty and provide homes, food and income for their families. These women hand-make jewelry using 100% recycled paper and other local materials to be sold on the international market.

This is what my mama bought.

I liked how Anna styled the room using existing pieces and some personal touches. Must keep in mind for the future!