“Our coterie has morphed into that since its beginning in 2002 as a group of single gals who were sometimes more focused on drinking than cooking. Now we’re a mix of single and married professional women and moms with a…

{photograpy by Edyta Szyszlo Photography, styling by Enjoy Events Co., via Ruffled Blog} {left image: Gelupo Gelato via Here Design; right image: Photographer Unknown via Pinterest} Gelato screams downtime and sunshine to me. Perhaps because I only eat it while visiting my…

{Images via Honeysuckle Life} Tulips are one of the very few flowers that can achieve a true white, and they’re also easy to arrange. Simply strip the stems of the bottom leaf, or two if you want less green. Trim the…

{photography by Jennifer Young, styling by Enjoy Cupcakes and Green Wedding Shoes} Want an easy dessert idea? Make cupcakes and toppings the day before your big party, then set them out the day of and let guests build their own. Jen…

  A few pretty salad bowls to brighten up and modernize your table. Wouldn’t they make perfect gifts for a new bride or homeowner? 1. $84, Serving Platter in Opaque White with Tan, Heath Ceramics. 2. $40, Liquid Round Bowl in…

{photography by Life’s Ambrosia} Appetizer: Bruschetta on Toasted Crostini {photography by Brooklyn Supper} Salad: Blood Orange, Beet and Fennel Salad {photography by Terry Corcoran} Entree: Bistecca alla Fiorentina {image via Hatsoy} Side: Tortellini Bolognese {photography by Your Southern Peach} Dessert:…

{photography by Nu Visions in Photography, styling by Ashley Brooke Designs} Buffets are the easiest way to feed large numbers of guests. It’s such a standard that it’s hard to get creative. Which is why I love this make-your-own picnic reception found…

Need help planning a party menu? Here’s a full five-course menu for a classic Southern picnic. {photography by A Nest For All Seasons} Beverage: Simple Sweet Tea {photography by Creative Kitchen} Appetizer: Pimiento Cheese Dip with Celery Sticks {photography by…

{gingham picnic invitations. photography and styling by Eat, Drink, Chic.} Each day this week we’ll be serving up party inspiration, menus, recipes, and cute ideas for different types of parties. First up, inspiration for Southern Style Picnics! I’ve been to…

{photography by Sloan Photographers, flowers by  Studio Choo} Closing out our week of outdoor parties, the sweetest of recycled details for a sustainable garden reception, with recycled can centerpieces and mason jar votives. Found via Ruffled Blog.

Planning an outdoor party? Here are a few blogs, magazines, supplies, and books to help you research. Accompanied by photos from the Pool Party Collection from A Blissful Nest. Photography by Nicole Benitez Photography. Blogs Hostess with the Mostess Amy Atlas Ruffled…

This post is written by a longtime blog friend, Kelli Donley. I started reading her blog in 2006 for all it’s simple craftiness, and for the way she builds community, online and off. Kelli is also the author of Under…

{photography by Love Me Sailor, styling by Bash, Please, via Ruffled} One of my favorite bloggers wrote once that whenever she entertained, she made sure to stop everything an hour before her guests arrive to shower, fix her hair, and release the stress…

The days of having one matched dish set that matches your decor perfectly are gone. To be honest, the days of having one style of decor are gone as well. Interior designers love to mix and match periods and styles,…

{photography by Larissa Cleveland} Another garden themed party! Yes. And isn’t this reception just so gorgeous? If you click on over to Ruffled Blog you’ll see dozens of images filled with beautiful wedding details like a floral wedding dress made from…

  {photography by Carlie Statsky Photography, styling by Laura Cook} Burlap napkins, rocks wrapped with twine and feathers, lime green pottery, and terra cotta pots all combine to create a botanical garden party perfects for horticulturists and botanists. Found via Style Me…

{photography by Our Labor of Love} When you read a lot of wedding or design blogs, you get the feeling that everything has been “done to death,” even if you’ve never seen the product in real life. When I spied these…

{photography by Gem Photo, Caspix Photography, Unknown} Seating is one of the biggest constraints when planning an outdoor party. The typical household has one dining room table with four to six chairs. Patio furniture usually includes four seats, with plastic lawn furniture…

{photographey by Ashley Photographer, styling by Lindye Galloway Events, florals by The Vine’s Leaf} For a more formal outdoor party, this Hunger Games inspired shoot, found via Green Wedding Shoes, is perfect for an intimate anniversary party or couples shower. It’s perfectly vintage,…

{photography by Summer Street Photography,  styling by  Whim Events} This inspiration shoot, featured on Style Me Pretty, would be perfect for a backyard bridal shower. It has gorgeous details like a teal glass vase, vintage china settings, berry tea, and stacked books used…

{photography by Kelty Luber of Steep Street, styling by Christina Wright of Simply Modern Weddings} A casual outdoor reception, via Ruffled Blog, with seed packet table numbers, paper drinking straws, ribbon tied chairs, and an outdoor lounge. Visit the post to see one a…

{photography by  Dixie Pixel Photography, styling by The Modern Hostess} You may be asking yourself why I primarily feature weddings. First, I started a wedding blog with my best friend in 2007. Second, brides put so much time and creativity into planning…

  {photography by Gabriel Ryan, styling by JL Designs} Originally styled as a baby shower, this owl themed summer party by JL Designs features a lemonade station, owl drink stirrers, and fresh summery flowers in vintage glass bottles.

{photography by Gucio Photography} If you have a few moments, go check out this wedding on 100 Layer Cake that is slap full of DIY details. I love the chalkboard menu and mason jars used as escort cards.

{photography by Love is a Big Deal, styling by Vintage My Wedding} This Southwest inspired party, found on Green Wedding Shoes, features a striped jute table runner, vintage brown bottles used as vases, and a creative tea-themed drink station. It would be perfect for…

{photography by Robin Cain} From a garden to the table, this Farmer’s Market dinner party from Elizabeth Anne Designs Living is one of my all time favorite dinner parties because of its theme and simple style. Briana created a simple tablescape with…

All this week, we’ll feature cute outdoor parties as well as provide tips and ideas for outdoor entertaining. First up, a vintage modern backyard party with white, creme, and green details from JL Designs. {photography by Aaron Young, styling by JL…

{Image: Lovely Indeed for The Sweetest Occasion} A little taste of the loveliness planned for next week!

These hampers from Harrod’s are filling me with inspiration today. After a weekend of crashing in spare bedrooms, I know they would make a great thank you gift for our hosts.

I read a great article featuring the home of  Windsor Smith in the January-February issue of Veranda Magazine. While her home was beautiful, an eclectic mix of colors and styles, what interested me the most was her tips for entertaining, something…