AMAZING DIY BALLOON ARCH

Want to add a big statement to your decor?  The House That Lars Built shares a tutorial on how to make this amazing balloon arch.  I have been thinking about having a Halloween party and this would be great to have in the entrance in black and gold.  Love! Find the full tutorial here.

GENDER REVEAL PHOTO SHOOT INSPIRATION

Revealing a baby's gender either through a small party or with a photo in the mail has become pretty popular. There is such an excitement to finding out a baby's gender... makes the idea of having a newborn that much more real! This photo shoot submitted by Virginia's Crystal Reyns Photography provides darling inspiration for both.  I love the vintage props and the way the reveal is made through the drinks and cupcakes.  We actually waited to find out what our twins were going to be.  Did you find out or wait??

PERFECTLY STYLED NYC BIRTHDAY SHOOT

I was afraid my girls weren't going to be too busy this summer, but the days are flying! And this weekend we are taking a long weekend to go to Mount Rushmore--a far cry from the area that inspired this amazing "Taxi Cab State of Mind" birthday shoot! Being a NY native, I especially love this!  My husband has a milestone birthday coming up in November and I would love to do something like this. Petite Seats, a child sized chair rental company in Patterson, New Jersey collaborated with various talents to design this shoot. The color palette is perfect and so indicative of the city. The talents of Digna Toleda Photography beautifully captured and shared all the details for us to enjoy. Please make sure to refer to the list at the bottom for other participating vendors.

Additional Participating Vendors:

Cake Designer: The Traveling Cupcake

Event Planners: Favors & More

Location: Art Factory

Other: Clone Ink

BIRTHDAY LETTER HEADBANDS

Want the guest of honor to stand out but don't want to use the traditional cone hat or tiara?  How about this fun idea from Adventures in Fashion?  Best thing about it is that you can use the letters to come up with any message or nickname you'd like!  Find the full tutorial here.

SOFTBALL / BASEBALL COACH GIFT IDEA WITH FREE PRINTABLE

Saturday was Renee's last day of softball–and it was a looong day, with 3 games in 90+ degree heat!  But, I have to say the coaches made it fun for them, with a water balloon fight and pizza party in between the games.  They were great coaches and we wanted to make sure we showed our appreciation for the time and effort they made throughout the season. We went to Party City and found a bunch of softball/baseball themed candy and bucket to put something cute together. I put the candy in a craft ornament I happen to have. We also included a baseball ornament we found at Hobby Lobby.  (Yes, can you believe the Christmas ornaments are already out at Hobby Lobby?!?!)

A cute ball tag was the finishing touch: "It was a BALL having you as a coach!  Thanks for everything!"

They loved the baskets! If any of your kids play softball or baseball, feel free to use the tag I made.

You can download the FREE PRINTABLE HERE

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Party Time Linky

EARTHY GRAY AND WHITE BABY SPRINKLE

This baby sprinkle has just enough wow and details to make it charming and lovely without going over the top. The beautiful ruffled cake by Peace of Cake was a show stopper, but I love the watermelon carriage! The burlap and raffia-looking ribbon gave the decor an earthy feel, with touches of pink to let you know that a baby girl was on the way. Thanks to Maryland photographer, dKin Photography, for capturing and sharing the details of the special day.

BACKYARD MUSTACHE BABY SHOWER

To celebrate a little boy's upcoming arrival, this mama-to-be's sister and sister-in-law threw a fun mustache themed shower. I've seen quite a few mustache themed parties, but I have to say this is the first time I've seen a mustache shaped cake! Inspiring details include the bow-tied napkins and the diaper cake.  Enjoy the little details in this little man celebration taken by Colorado's Heart Life Photography.

DIY SUMMER FRUIT TRAYS

Add some fruity deliciousness to your entertaining decor with this fun idea from Mark Montano, author of The Big-Ass Craft Book series. The spoons serve as handles for the trays.  So cute! It would also make a great hostess gift.  Find the complete tutorial here.

PINA COLADA CAKE TRUFFLES

While everyone is ordering the latest craft beer at a bar or restaurant I always go for the fruity drink during the summer.  So, when I saw these Pina Colada truffle balls over at The Pint Sized Baker it was an immediate "oh yes" and pin from me! I'll have to try these and report back on how they were. And if you do, you'll have to let me know.  Thanks!

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY: TABLE AS A PROP

The dessert or snack table is often a main attraction at a party, but usually the table is adorned with a fancy table covering.  I love this idea found in a Noah's Ark Christening party on Kara's Party Ideas that uses the table as a decorative prop--in this case–the ark! Think pirate ship, ocean waves... rather than just focusing on the background, the whole area becomes part of the decoration.  You can see the rest of this adorable and creative party here.

CARNIVAL INSPIRED 1ST BIRTHDAY SHOOT

I am leaving you before the long holiday weekend with this fun and precious photo shoot from Erin Nicastro Photography. Francesco's first birthday was carnival themed so they were sure to use the theme in his souvenir photo shoot.  The use of the popcorn holders also makes this fitting for a retro drive-in party. This is all making me look forward to the 4th of July festivities this weekend! The balloons just add a fun and playful touch to the photos, too. Happy fourth!  Be safe and have fun this weekend!

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY: PAPER PLATE BACKGROUND

This background is so smart I had to share! I love the use of paper plates to create waves as a background for a mermaid party found on Hostess with the Mostess. An inexpensive way to make a big impact. You can use this idea for a rainbow background (Wizard of Oz!) or for just a pretty ombre backdrop. Find more great ideas in the Mermaid bash here.