Sock Monkey Party

Blog by Teren Coulter

I have always had a deep down love for the classic sock monkey. I heard that my dad enjoyed sock monkeys growing up, so maybe this is where my slight obsession comes from. I think my love for this little icon also carried over to the more updated Julian Monkey from Paul Frank. Both my boys are constantly rockin' the Small Paul line. Needless to say, when I came across an adorable Sock Monkey Party at "We are the New Black", I totally became inspired and created my own inspiration board.

{Decor}I love the color palette of red and aqua for this particular party. Use the iconic sock monkey, or the updated Julian monkey, to create banners, cupcake tags, signs, etc.

{Entertainment} Purchase "blank" sock monkeys and have children decorate with fabric pens, buttons, ribbons, felt, etc., paint monkey faces on children, or have children try to run an obstacle course with a banana under their chin.

{Food} Banana cupcakes, PB&J sandwiches, dried banana chips, and frozen bananas!

Photo Credits {Table Setting}{Plates and Cupcakes}{Blank Sock Monkies}{Invite}{Banner}{Shirt}

Apple Orchard {I Do's}

I LOVE The Perfect Palette Blog.

What a wonderful resource for those Bride's who can not envision how their day will come together.  It is not only a wonderful tool for Bride's, but for us Wedding Planners. Visualizing the final look of my events is in my nature, but convincing Bride's to just let-go and trust that it will all come together is another story. Now, a wedding color palette doesn't have to be difficult.The Perfect Palette blog helps inspire color choices and helps show how many ways colors can be combined to bring weddings to life. 

 

Here is one of The Perfect Palette's most recent color combination:

 {Apple Red, Burlap, Wheat and White} 

Red is a color that you definitely expect to see at a Winter wedding...but what about using the color red in a Fall wedding? I happen to think that pairing red with a soft and natural color like latte makes for a truly special palette. I love the idea of using this palette for a Fall wedding out on the farm, or better yet an apple picking farm! I've always loved the idea of saying 'i do' in an apple orchard. I think the idea of sending guests home with burlap sacks full of apples with an apple pie recipe attached is just so charming or what about jars of apple jelly? Oh and who does not love the idea of adding a touch of wheat into bouquets, centerpieces or even place settings? Such simple yet charming ideas!

 

{Photo Credits} bridesmaids, burlap sacks of apples, flower girl, bridal bouquet, ring bearer, place setting with wheat, favors

 

A {Ghostly} Halloween

Blog by: Teren Coulter

I absolutely love fall. It is my favorite season. In fall comes my favorite holiday, Halloween. I already have my boys' costumes ordered and my Halloween decorations up. I simply could not wait one more week! With Halloween comes Halloween parties, of course, and I love the idea of taking one character and creating a whole party around it. In this case, the ghost.

My inspiration for this party came from the {ghost invite} in our own shop.

 

Here are some {decorating ideas} for your ghostly party:

* Use medical gauze and starch to create a hanging ghost chandelier.

* Use white pumpkins in place of orange ones and decorate the pumpkins using black paint or even a thick black Sharpie.

* Take white sheets, large styrofoam balls, and wooden stakes to create a circle of dancing ghosts in your yard.

* Create a Halloween tree using spray-painted branches, di-cut ghosts, and ornaments created especially for the spooky holiday.

To {entertain} your little trick-or-treaters:

* Trace each guest's foot on white paper, you could even use their hand, to create a personalized ghost and keepsake.

* Paint two liter bottles white and add eyes and a mouth to create pins for ghost bowling.

* Dress your little ghoul in a white and black tutu- isn't it adorable??? This is my favorite!

To fill your {guests' tummies}:

* Make soup with ghostly cheese bread or try some ghost tortilla chips with witches' guacamole.

* Turn peanut butter cookies, cake-pops, or even strawberries into ghosts using melted white chocolate.

* Use whip cream to create ghosts on top of cupcakes or even custard. YUM!

 

Photo Credits: {ghost soup} {peanut butter cookies} {chips} {strawberries} {cake pops} {cupcakes} {custard} {tree} {Ichabod pumpkin} {fireplace} {ghost chandelier} {bowling} {footprint art} {tutu} {circle of ghosts}

Shabby Chic {Tea Party}

Blog by: Teren Coulter

When my Great-Grandmother passed away I was given her antique china. It is nothing of great monetary value, but it definitely has sentimental value. I was hoping someday I would have a little girl and I would be able to use the flower-print china for a classic tea party. I was,however, blessed with two little boys who want nothing to do with pink, flowers, or tea of any sort.So, I have decided to share my ideas with you, in hopes that someone will put to use my vision of a {Shabby Chic Tea Party}.

• Choose a color palette, I prefer the pastels, and mix match all sorts of china found at flea markets, thrift stores, garage sales, or in your grandmother's attic. Also stick with the same color scheme and choose mis-matching vintage linens, chairs, and serving ware.
• Use mason jars or large tin pails to collect flowers from your garden and use as table centerpieces. 
• Make a bunting out of floral fabric to hang above your table, or you can use floral lanterns, or even a shabby chic chandelier.
• Make party hats out of floral paper and embellish with silk-flowers, rhinestones, and fringe. 
• Serve tea sandwiches, scones and jam, or just simply a variety of desserts and cupcakes...and don't forget the tea.
• For entertainment, have someone teach an etiquette class, or have a dress up trunk with vintage inspired hats, long gowns, gloves, and high heels.
• Let your tea party guests leave with cotton candy, inspired by the party's color palette.

  

{Photo credits}

Table setting: http://www.countryhome.com/ 

Tea cups: http://www.countryhome.com/

Bunting: http://sweetcottagedreams.blogspot.com/

Lanterns: http://wwwcutepinkstuffcom.blogspot.com/2009/08/holding-on-to-summer.html

Cupcakes: http://crumbsanddoilies.blogspot.com/

Hats: http://www.suchprettythings.com/

Cotton Candy Machine: http://www.overstock.com/