More Easter Inspiration...

...for those of you who will be dining alfresco.

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I'm loving this tablescape from Martha Stewart for two reasons...

1. I am OBSESSED with peonies

2. The birds' nests add a rustic element(and you know how crazy I am about all things rustic)

Pastel Bliss

Hosting Easter this year? Here is a little inspiration for your table...

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Spring Fever

The weather outside today has me itching for spring temperatures again...and more sunshine! I'm hoping spring will get its act together soon. In the meantime, here is an inspiration board that is all about spring, sunshine, and of course warm weather...

Chic Links

This should be another busy weekend for me...I'm going to tackle painting the living room and dining room at my fiance's house...I'm going to register at my FAVORITE store...I'm excited for my best friends annual crawfish boil...and finally, I'm serving a meal to special needs adults in my community. I can only imagine how tired I will be on Monday!! Hope you enjoy these links from the blogosphere this week....

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I am head over heels crazy about this Save the Date...too bad my wedding does not have a nautical theme!

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Cocktail shakers have more than just one use...loving this creative idea!

I wish this was my outdoor dining space!

How gorgeous is this photo shoot?? And this one too!

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Loving this sneak peek and hoping to see more photos soon!

Image via Style Me Pretty

Spring Favors

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I know most of us have been to a wedding where match books are given as favors and while that is still a great option (I'm always looking for matches to light candles), I LOVE this new twist from Martha Stewart. And, its just perfect for a spring wedding!

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P.S. They chose Forget "us" Not as the flower seeds...how cute is that?!

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Image via Martha Stewart

Its all about the details...

You wouldn't think that something as simple as a chair can make a difference in your tablescape, but I think even the smallest details matter. My favorite look these days is mixing different chairs for a vintage vibe....
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Visit antique stores...stop by garage sales...and pick through your local thrift shops...you just might be surprised what you can find and use for your next party!
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Images via The Bride's Cafe and Style Me Pretty

New Obsession: Wood

So, lately I've become a little obsessed with incorporating wood into table arrgangements/decor. I have been obsessed with the rustic look for awhile now, so naturally wood fits in perfectly with the rustic design style. If you can't afford to use a lot of flowers for your party, I think incorporating natural elements such as wood is a great way to still add a lot of style without breaking the bank! (I'm also really digging the cotton in the first picture, but that will have to be another post!)

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Jasmine Star Photography

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Lala Laurie.

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Style Me Pretty
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Hatch Creative Studio

Style Me Pretty

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What do you think? Are you a fan of wood??

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Monday blues...

I don't know about you, but when Monday rolls around, I'm usually pretty blue that the weekend is over! This image from Martha Stewart is doing a pretty good job of cheering me up though. Does anyone know the name of the yellow flower (if its actually a flower) that looks like little puff balls? Not only do I like the bright vibrant colors of the flowers, but I LOVE the vintage cans used instead of the typical glass vase.

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Image via Martha Stewart

Chic Links

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I am so glad it is finally Friday...this week has been soooo sloooow! And on top of that, the sun hasn't been out all week...talk about depressing. This weekend is a BIG weekend for me...not only is my house officially going on the market (fingers crossed it goes well), but my parents and my future in-laws will be in town for the weekend. Needless to say it will be a busy busy weekend!! I will be back on Monday with an update, but in the meantime, here are a few of my favorite links from around the blogosphere...

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This is the sweetest, most amazing DIY "love" project!

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In honor of St. Patty's Day this week...check out this fabulous Irish Wedding here and here.

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Emily inspires me to do a better job hosting my own Supper Club!!

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I'm loving this "new" chic color trend for spring!

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Speaking of color, I love the decor in this colorful home! I've already started an inspiration file(this definitely made the cut) for decorating my "new" house...

Image via here

Breaking News...

...I joined Twitter today! And, I made my first "tweet"... which was basically about nothing, BUT I'm excited!

Image via here

Two Girls and a Glue Gun

I'm always constantly amazed by my talented and creative friends, and I have been wanting to share with you for some time now, these adorable "boards" my friend Stacey makes for any and all occasions! Stacey and her good friend Katie (hence the name Two Girls and a Glue Gun) have been in business since the fall of 2003...check out their blog here! Of course I start with weddings...naturally since I am in wedding planning mode!

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but she also makes them for baby gifts...

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and for the Holidays...

and for those who live for football...

and for those who live for parties (like me!)....

I threw a cookout last May for my fiance's graduation from graduate school and I had Stacey make this board which I hung on a tree (next to the sidewalk to my front door) to help route people around to the backyard where all the fun was happening.

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If you need a custom design, contact Stacey at twogirlsandagluegun@gmail.com

Happy St. Patty's Day!

In the spirit of St. Patty's Day, I thought I would throw together an inspiration board full of GREEN!

Go Green...

...for St. Patty's Day! Looking to add a little green to your home to get into the Irish spirit?? I suggest picking up some bells of Ireland and putting them in a white vase or pitcher...I'm loving this image from BHG!

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P.S. Today is my good friend Harriet's birthday so, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Harriet.....if I wasn't busy with selling my house, I'd try to whip up something like this for you :) ...

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Speaking of cupcakes, for those of you who don't like to bake, but need some cupcakes for a friend, call Katy! I'm sure she would be happy to help!

Image via BHG

Where did the weekend go?

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Do you ever stop and ask yourself where did the weekend go? I seriously think a weekend needs to be 3 days instead of two. This weekend I was busy getting my house ready to put on the market...and let me just say, I'm over it already... and my house doesn't even have a for sale sign in front of it yet. My house is in good shape and I am a very neat/clean person, but WOW...I've never put so much energy into making my house look good. I thought getting ready to host a party was bad, but geez getting ready to sell your house is 10 times worse! If anybody out there has sold a house, you probably feel my pain...and I mean literal pain...my body is sore from head to toe from yard work! Please, please, please say a little prayer for me to stay sane in this process, and for the perfect buyer to come along...sooner rather than later!




Image via here

Chic Links

The Cherry trees are in bloom down South and I think it might be safe to say that Spring is here! I hope you enjoyed my guest blogging series this week on Hostess Gifts. I was thinking about putting a few of my own suggestions up today, but I didn't think there was much left out there to suggest!

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How fabulous is this DIY wedding??...it has me itching for summer already!!

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This photo shoot is as cute as a button!!

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I've never thought of using cotton in floral arrangements...but I LOVE IT!

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One of these days I need to get around to hosting an Oscar Party.

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This is the most beautiful first birthday party I've seen in awhile!

Image via Flickr

Hostess Gift Picks from Peach and Pearl

Today wraps up my guest blogging series on Hostess Gifts. I hope all of you out there stumped over what gift to give a friend/hostess have gotten some great inspiration! My final guest blogger is Emily from Peach and Pearl...I just love her blog...especially her inspiration boards!! I hope you enjoy her chic picks...

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I love the combination of script and sans serif fonts in this custom address stamp and think it would appeal to all ages. ("Katie" address stamp with wooden handle; Letter Girl on Etsy; $36)

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I've always loved these mugs from Anthropologie. They'd be a perfect pick for an event with multiple hostesses, like a shower. Super cute with a bundle of lavender tucked inside! (Monogrammed Mugs; Anthropologie; $6 each) Bonus! Lavender available here.

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Emily Ley makes hands-down the cutest, chicest calling cards. I particularly like her Newspaper, Southern Frame, and Circle Monogram designs, but there's something to suit every personality. (Emily Ley Paper; $40 for 25 cards)

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