pretty hanging things

For a while (and possibly still now) there was much excitment in blogland over hanging tissue pom poms used in party decor. I can certainly see the appeal, they are very pretty and fun. I've used them. :) Anyway...I was trolling through my pinterest boards and noticed a trend of using (other) pretty hanging things to pump up the party decor. I think my favorite is the one using ribbon (or are they crepe paper streamers?) paired with cafe string lights. So simple but very festive.

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: thepleatedpoppy.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: bumpsmitten.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: bumpsmitten.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: 8foot6.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: somewheresplendid.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: jldesigns.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Are you a fan of this, shall I say, trend?

p.s. Need an invite to pinterest? Send me an email and i'll send an invite your way.

romantic summer tablescape

If you've read olive & a for a while it's most likely no secret that I wish I was skilled in the art of floral arranging and party planning. I've probably talked about it enough. ;) But since I'm not, I'll just have to admire those who've got themselves some skills. A good representation of said skills in my book would be this gorgeous tablescape styled by Elizabeth Anne Designs. I just can't get enough of the colorful flowers mixed with the airy table and room. It makes for such a pretty and romantic statement.

p.s. I love the lace table runner that was created using simple strips of 6″ lace stitched together on the straight side. So sweet.

If you are wanting to see more of this gorgeous shoot head here.

good {party} idea : carnation cones

I've been sifting through some old issues of Martha Stewart Living and came across this sweet idea that I wanted to file away.

The idea is originally for valentines but I think it would be so fun to use as a party favor, say maybe for a baby/wedding shower. It could also be used as a place card for a brunch or dinner. Carnations are relatively inexpensive and you could use any kind of heavyweight paper to go with your theme. 

two six

I feel lucky to be celebrating a birthday today.

I also feel old. Ha!

I hope that you have a very happy weekend!

Oh and do tell...If you had to make a fun wish today, what would you wish for?

Me? A trip around the world with my husband.

{image}

winter tablescape

I am in love with this tablescape... vintage details. red and cream with touches of aqua. little owls. pretty florals.  

For more of this party go here.

a fresh take on a halloween bash

Alli of the blog hooray and photographer Andrea Dozier have collaborated on a fun little styling series which will feature mock holiday parties. I love their idea of finding basic elements that can be used from one party to the next and then adding details specific to the holiday. First up is this fresh + gorgeous Halloween party.

For more images and sources head here!

If you don't already read hooray, I'd suggest adding it to your reader and stay tuned for the next party in the series.

{photos: Andrea Dozier}

currently loving...

this pretty + sweet party for a children's shop!

 Oh and how awesome are those balloons?

{via party perfect}

vintage bookplate DIY

Style Me Pretty is a great resource for inspiration and while it is dedicated to weddings, it's easy to glean great ideas for parties, etc. They recently shared this fun idea in their newsletter that would work for pretty much any party by switching out the numbers for letters or other fun things.

Supplies:

- House Number(s): found at a hardware store or online for more vintage options
- 2 screws
- screwdriver
- vintage books

To Assemble:
Step 1: {prep} Remove pages from vintage book
Step 2: Place the House Number in the middle of the cover of the book
Step 3: Screw the House Number into book cover using screwdriver
Step 4: Repeat with other numbers to coordinate with number of tables at event

{Concept and Styling: Posh Paperie :: Photography: Jackie Wonders}

circus themed baby shower

Being pregnant and also having attended a friend's baby shower this weekend means I definitely have babies and parties on the brain. When I ran across the link I had bookmarked for this darling circus themed baby shower from Style Me Pretty, I had to share. It's a very sweet and girly shower with so many fun details. Find more photos of this adorable baby shower here.

talent crush

I kind of have a talent crush on Ashley Meaders. It's not hard to see why when you take a peek at her portfolio. The girl has got skills when it comes to events, design and crafts. As she says herself, she makes stuff.

So...I just realized that almost all the pictures I chose were of stuff hanging. I guess I like pretty hanging whatchamacallits.

{photo 2 Kyle Hale, other photos our labor of love}

postal birthday party

My sister in law had a birthday recently and since we couldn't be there to help celebrate her birthday, we thought we'd send a little something her way. That little something morphed into a birthday party in a box.

I had so much fun putting this kit together . I don't scrapbook but I do like pretty paper so I found some papers that I liked and took it from there. I sadly had to take this picture at night so I don't think the colors came out very true but I thought it all looked pretty together. If I'd had more time, I think I could've kept adding more things to the kit...

The kit included: paper bunting banner, set of note cards, birthday party in a box "instructions", cupcake toppers, candles, cupcake liners, a mini birthday card, and a pair of handmade earrings. {Not pictured is a cake mix.}

What is your most favorite things you've ever received or sent in the mail?

one of these days...

I'm going to have a closet stocked to the max with party supplies. Just for fun! I'd love to have these stripey straws in my supplies.

Speaking of parties...I was excited to see that Suann from Simplesong launch her new adventure Hip Hip Hooray! a daily resource for all things kid’s entertaining. I love the mantra of sorts, "We believe kids’ parties can be stylish, creative but still approachable and even better – affordable!" Can't wait to see what they share.

Oh and tell me, what are your go-to party supplies?

happy weekend

Happy weekend friends!

Are you ready for the holiday? We are celebrating with some family this weekend which is always a pleasure. I hope you have a great weekend and I'll see you back here Monday!

As always, thanks for reading!

xo, Heather

Remember this post about the awesome Kate Spade wall? Well...I used it for a little bit of inspiration. Our wedding anniversary is today and I wanted to do a little something different for my husband.

Using the idea and on hand envelopes and cards, I decided to write little notes for each of the 10 days leading up to our anniversary. Every morning my husband chose an envelope off the wall and found a little note card inside.

On the cards I wrote simple things like "a way to a man's heart is through his stomach" (he got to choose his favorite meal to eat that night) and other random things that I thought my husband would enjoy. Silly really but I think we both had fun with it.

Happy Anniversary Jers! I can't wait to spend 50 more anniversaries with you. 

diy project : memory tree

I am excited to share how the memory tree for my parents 50th anniversary party turned out! I worked on the tree this morning with my talented sister-in-law and had a great time. It was actually pretty simple to make once we figured everything out. I think it turned out beautifully and am very happy with it. 

For those who are interested, here is the breakdown... the pail was a downeast clearance center find that was spray painted gold. The branches were cut from my mother-in-laws backyard and inserted in dirt/soil topped with rock and moss. The tags were cut with a cricut machine and hung with sheer green ribbon. Overall the project cost around $12 to make.

happy 5th of may

hey guys! i just wanted to pop in to say happy cino de mayo! are you doing anything today to celebrate?

i am celebrating because i finally finished my finals!  that makes me a very happy girl. i'm also excited because my little family and i are headed to Utah for a couple weeks between school semesters. it'll be good to get away!

i hope that you have a great day! i think i'll go have some chips and salsa now. :)

found it!

i know, i know...i've been talking about this a lot lately (see I and II) but i found it! the perfect inspiration picture that pretty much sums up how I'd like to see my parents anniversary celebration.

photo came from this charming wedding.

super birthday party

my friend Holly recently threw her little guy a superhero birthday party and i wanted to share. she had lots of fun details for the day, my favorite being the "super power" water where guests were able to choose their own desired power. for more on the party, head over to her blog.

daliha domes

Love this idea from Country Living using cake stands to hold brightly colored floral domes.

To make, cut the bottom of a foam ball, so it sits flat. Then soak it in water for 30 minutes before inserting the flowers. Pretty pretty!

a little bit country

i mentioned my parent's upcoming anniversary party a while back and since then i've been searching for  inspiration for the party. i'd like to do a simple and sweet country inspired party and i think these florals in mason jars fit the bill.

have any of you thrown (or been to) an anniversary party before? do you have any ideas you'd care to share? i'm all ears!

{photos via 100 layer cake, once wed, and style me pretty}