COLORFUL & MODERN DUMBO PARTY

How lucky is this little girl, that she not only gets a party to celebrate her full year birthday, but also her HALF year?! This sweet Dumbo party combines a nostalgic character with modern decor for a merry 1 1/2 celebration. The white and silver background helped make the bold and bright colors of the main decor really pop. Thanks to California's Monocle Project for taking and sharing the photos.

Photographer:   Monocle Project//Design and Decor:YouKNowYouNeedIt//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

OUR CAMPING PARTY

My girls turned 9 in early June and in true Coloradan fashion, we had a camping themed sleepover (with a little pink and bling!). For the first time I didn't go crazy with a detailed dessert table. Maybe because I knew it was going to be a long night, but I wanted to keep everything pretty simple.

Here are a few photos from the day–and night!

We have an 8-person tent that luckily fit in our living room. Of course I needed to dress it up with a pretty pink paper chandelier.

I saw this small smores station in another party--but I have to tell you--it kind of sucked. Everyone's marshmallows burned, I think, because of the concentrated heat. Funny enough, this group of girls aren't too into sweets and didn't really care! I, on the other hand, was pretty disappointed.

The girls got to create their own dream catcher and painting on a wood slab. We had a ball with questions taped to it, to have fun with, around the "campfire".

Pepperidge Farm Pirouette cookies were used as logs on the cookie pie.

Battery-operated candles in tissue paper made up our campfire.

I found these little lanterns 3 for $10 at Big 5 Sporting Goods.  Kids (and parents) loved them!

It was great fun! And honestly, the easier the better folks!

Shopping List:

Michaels: Pink paper chandelier by Martha Stewart, wood slabs
JoAnn Fabrics: Crochet doilies, feathers
Hobby Lobby: Mini embroidery hoops
Oriental Trading: Camp Glam centerpiece
Big 5 Sporting Goods: Mini Lanterns
Jessica Sawyer Designs Etsy Shop: Camping Clipart for front door sign and favor tags

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY: POOL BALLOONS

As I was scrolling through this lovely al fresco baby shower on Style Me Pretty Living these balloons set in the pool really jumped out at me! I've seen floating balloons and even glow in the dark balloons underwater but I love the way the different heights of balloons look together and really help to make the decor be a major part of the atmosphere. (Floating balloons can easily be overlooked.)  Consider this idea if you're lucky to have access to a pool for a final summer soiree! See the full party post here.

MOUNTAIN CABIN WEDDING

The captured gaze between this couple really shows how much they love each other. The casual decor and style really shows how much they just wanted to kick back and have a good ol' time on their wedding day! Don't you love her cowboy boots with the dress?! The bottle caps in the boutonnieres were a fun little touch–and I love the cake in the basket! Thanks to Virginia photographer, Heather Michelle Photography, for capturing and sharing the beautiful rustic details.

Photographer:   Heather Michelle Photography//Event Venue:Mountain Valley Retreat & Conference Center//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

CHOCOLATE DIPPED FRUIT CONES

Have you been enjoying the delicious fruits of the summer season?? You may have been enjoying them in forms of pie, tarts or just on their own. Here's a great idea from Our Best Bites. Put fruit in chocolate dipped cones to turn them into a fun and indulgent party dessert! Find the full tutorial here.

APPLE WREATH USING FREE PRINTABLES

This adorable wreath brings new meaning to giving an apple to the teacher! Designed by Kiki & Company for Tatertots and Jello, it is so easy to make using provided free downloadable printables. Find them and the tutorial here.

1ST BIRTHDAY CARNIVAL PARTY!

Who needs an event planner when you have a mom as creative as this?? Little Anthony's mom and aunt spent months planning and creating all the elements to make his first birthday over the (big) top perfect! Bold colors and games made this party fun for kids and adults alike. The ferris wheel cupcake holder and red noses for everyone to wear were a couple of my favorite details. Big thanks to New Jersey photographer, TLGREEN PHOTOGRAPHY, for capturing all the festive details and sharing them with us!

Photographer:   TLGreen Photography//Caterer:Biagios//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

GREAT IDEA! SERVING TRAY USING SPRINGFORM PAN

There's still lots of summer time to use some new ideas for your entertaining. I love this idea from Craftberry Bush. I bet some of you have an old cheesecake or springform pan in your cabinet – or it's probably easy to find one at a garage sale. Convert it to a cute rustic serving tray! Find the full directions here.