Minted is hosting a Halloween Inspiration Board contest, and here is my submission. I love Halloween, but I am definitely drawn to a moodier color palette as opposed to the typical black and bright orange. This board is perfect for the traditional...and grown up...October soiree. I chose Smudge Design's Halloween Spirits invitation as my inspiration because I love the type-heavy, clean design. The invitation is spooky and fun, and still perfect for a sophisticated . . .
Rex’s Puppy 2nd Birthday!
My sweet baby boy turned two last week. I have no idea where the time goes. We definitely celebrated his second year, with two of his favorite things...dogs and balloons. We served hot dogs, panzanella salad, potato chips, fruit salad, and Whataburger french fries. All of Rex's favorites (well, minus the panzanella...)! We didn't go overboard on decor, but we had plenty of fun paper goodies hanging around. As far as all the paper goods, they were all a product of Fig . . .
Menu: Street Taco Bar
Happy Wednesday! With cooler weather in the forecast, an outdoor soiree should be in the works for you and your family. What better than a yummy taco bar? Not much. beef tacos - chicken tacos - corn - beans - cupcakes . . .
Menu: Ladies Brunch
It seems like we ladies are brunching more and more these days. For birthdays, for showers, for Sunday get togethers...we all seem to gravitate towards the meal that is two meals in one. Below is a great menu to throw a ladies brunch at home! frittata - party decor - cocktail - salad - biscuits - cheesecake . . .
How to Set a Casual Dinner Table
Setting the dinner table does not need to be an ordeal. While I do love a family-style dinner where napkins and plates are stacked at the end of a buffet for no-nonsense dining, there is something about a set table that makes any meal taste just a little bit better. A pretty table doesn't mean polishing all of your silver or standing over an ironing board for hours ironing perfect creases into each monogrammed linen napkin. Case in point: classic white every day dishes, a simple . . .
Menu: Late Summer Farm to Table Dinner Party
This menu is perfect for wrapping up your outdoor summer entertaining with some seasonal produce and delicious cocktails. I would throw a clean white table cloth on an outdoor table, serve everything but the souffles family style, and pass the cocktails before and after dinner. If you are looking for some wine pairings for your soiree, this post will definitely be helpful as well. squash - souffle - . . .
Soiree: Country Breakfast Birthday Party
One of my best friends, Brooke, threw an absolutely adorable 2nd birthday for her son, William, a few weeks ago in Dallas. We packed up and went to visit and celebrate the sweet little blonde nugget that he is. He adores all things rodeo after seeing his first on on July 4th, so naturally, Brooke showed him a fabulous time with a delicious brunch spread, hay bales, tractors, a bounce house (which Rex LOVED), and lots of horses. I was lucky enough to design the invitations and other party . . .
13 Easy Entertaining Appetizers
Unexpected dinner guests showing up in an hour? Not an issue. Your friend that is hosting book club comes down with a stomach bug, and it is now at your house...in 20 minutes? No problem. photo via here There are a few things that I keep around the kitchen so that I am prepared to throw a simple gathering with little to no notice. Entertaining should be fun for the host, and you should not be cooped up in the kitchen while your guests -- and the rest of your family -- . . .
Soiree: Rex’s 1st Birthday (almost a year ago!)
Since I wasn't blogging when Rex's first birthday rolled around, I am sharing it now! Just two months in our new house, we were still exploring how to use our back yard to its full potential. I designed a sweet dinosaur invitation and party decor using bright orange and a soft turquoise. We had a great brunch spread, drinks, and lots of fun on an overcast October Austin morning! His birthday party will be at the end of September this year, and I am still going back and forth on . . .
Printable: Outdoor Movie Night Invitations
The weekend is almost upon us, and we are thrilled. Mat's aunt and uncle are in town from Tampa, Florida, and we are looking forward to some much-needed R&R. We plan to spend many hours in the pool, try some new recipes, and just plain relax. Image here...plus lots more pretty party pictures Today's free printable is an invitation for an outdoor movie night. With this nutso heat, the evenings are now providing the best summertime entertaining weather. What better . . .