Inspiration Board: Jillian's College Party Housewarming

When you think "college" you can't help but think of red cups, keg stands and needing quarters to do laundry-- at least that was our experience! For Jillian's housewarming we've come up with a fun, festive college-feel for food, decor, and even games.

Here are a few thoughts to inspire and get you in the mood to party: kegs, chips, Animal House, beer pong, Jell-o shooters, quarters, Top Ramen and Tylenol. Lots and lots of Tylenol.

Image credits clockwise from left: Jell-o shots, Animal House, bunting, Doritos, quarters, beer pong, Top Ramen, chalkboard, keg

Christine's Baby Shower

Here are some photos from Christine's Baby Shower! We are starting with dessert, just because we can.

Christine knew she wanted Sprinkles cupcakes and chose red velvet and dark chocolate. We adorned them in Lu Lu black and white damask Bella Cupcake Couture wrappers.

The mommy-to-be also knew she wanted a modest candy station for guests to make their own favors. There were only 16 guests so we offered a selection of licorice, chocolates, taffy and jelly beans. Enough, but not over-the-top.

Pink candy was not difficult to find in October, thanks to Breast Cancer Awareness month!

Favor labels were custom made for the occasion by Sarah + Abraham and were also used on the cookie favors used for guests' place settings.

A pink and black damask table full of sweets.

When seated, guests were treated to onesie-shaped sugar cookies with pink royal icing. Each favor contained one large onesie, one mini-onesie, and one mini-heart shaped cookie. The large onesie cookies had a black polka dot design and the "F" on the mini-onesie stood for the guest of honor's last name.

Centerpieces were clusters of pink gerbera daisies in white vases surrounded by damask votive holders. (We'll show you the secret behind those DIY votive holders next week!)

We always go into an event knowing things may not exactly happen "according to plan" and this baby shower was no exception. Although when we finalized details for the party with Christine, her mother (who was the gracious hostess of this event) had other ideas about how the tables should be arranged. Instead of using two long rectangular tables situated beneath a canopy for guest seating, she wanted to use these three round tables (shown above) and use the rectangular tables and canopy for the buffet line for the food.

We made it happen-- even if it meant plastic table cloths on the round tables. Sometimes you just have to go with it!

Regardless of logistics, Christine had a beautiful baby shower that was made even more special by the attendance of her family and friends. The party lasted well into the evening and we are pretty sure not a single Sprinkles cupcake was left over.

DIY Fabric Napkin Rings

This Saturday is Christine's baby shower and we are so excited to see it all come together! We used black and white damask ribbon on the invitations for this party and are tying in the pattern on the place settings with these fabric-wrapped napkin rings.

There are several things we love about this project. First, it is easy. If you can plug in a glue gun and wield a pair of scissors, you can make custom napkin rings. Second, this project was inexpensive and eco-friendly-- using fabric scraps and repurposed paper towel rolls. Third, it can be 100% personalized. Use any fabric you like to match any decor or table setting! Finally, this project is quick. Here is how you can make your own:


You need:

• fabric
• paper towel rolls
• scissors
• hot glue gun
• glue sticks
• rotary cutter (optional)
• self-healing mat (optional)

Using the scissors, cut a paper towel holder into 6 or 7 equal-sized pieces. We cut ours into 1 1/2 inch circles.

Trim fabric into 3 1/2 or 4 inch by 6 inch pieces-- one for each napkin ring.

Wrap the longest length of fabric around the outside of the cardboard ring. Glue one end of the fabric to the cardboard, then after you've wrapped it around, fold the finishing end over and glue the end down.

Fold the ends in, one side at a time, and glue them to the inside of the paper towel ring.

Don't be shy with the glue! You want the outside to look nice and finished but it is okay if the inside isn't perfect.

It is THAT easy! Next week we'll share pictures of the completed table settings we will be using these for.

Inspiration Board: Christine's Baby Shower

Here is a preview of the pink and black baby shower we are working on for expectant mommy, Christine:

1. Black and white damask complimented by light pink.
2. Pink gerbera daisies in clusters of white vases.
3. Black and pink candy station for guests.
4. Individual onesie cookie favors at each place setting.
5. Place settings marked by butterfly cutouts "kissing" champagne glasses.
6. Outdoor seating shaded by white tents accented with pink paper lanterns in varied sizes.
7. Pink and white pashminas for guests draped across chairs (October in the bay area can be chilly.)

That's all for now! You'll have to check back in October to see the results. We can't wait!

Black and white damask courtesy of Tonic Living Fabric, labels by Sarah + Abraham, bunting from The Cotton Bunting Co., onesie images from Country Kitchen Sweetart, candy station found at From Diamonds to Vows, butterfly place cards are Martha Stewart, pink gerbera daisy from The Flower Merchants, lantern found at Luna Bazaar, vases from Ikea, and onesie cookie from The Cookie Cutter Shop.