This Week's Tip-off: Dressed Up Paper Plate

If you don't want to spend the money for themed colored partyware, use this great tip from Racks and Mooby to dress up regular paper plates.  Tailor the paper plate with the color of the ribbon.  Of course you don't have to use white plates--use yellow plates with red ribbon, etc for a pop of color in the summer--or change the ribbon on each plate for a rainbow party.  You can have so much fun with this--and it might even be more decorative than those premium themed plates!  Find the full tutorial here.

Vibrant Sock Monkey Party

How fun to be turning two with this bold red and turquoise blue sock monkey party!  Mom demonstrated her amazing DIY skills with the clay cake topper she made and decor!  Dad worked the grill, serving guests with hot dogs, grilled corn and other summertime fare. The signage was made by Dimple Prints. In all, it looked like a swinging good time!  Enjoy these photos captured by Orange Blossom Photography.

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Waxed Paper Dot Garland

This totally reminds me of backdrops I've seen in store windows. It's eye-catching, a conversation starter and you can make it as colorful as you'd like. It does look like it will take some time to melt and apply the wax, but the results are awesome!  Find the full tutorial at Green Wedding Shoes.

Nautical Themed Wedding Shoot

Having just left the ocean, it's no wonder I was immediately drawn to this styled wedding shoot submitted by Wren Photography.  Done in anticipation of their collaboration with the other vendors for the opening of "I do. Wedding and Event Center" in Michigan. This shoot offers so much great inspiration for any nautical themed birthday or shower.  My favorite detail is the oar used as a guest book!  Enjoy the details, and make sure to look for the list of talented vendor contributors at the end.

 

Participating vendors:

Photographer: Wren Photography
Event Designer: Live Life Events
Floral Designer: Forsberg Floral
Invitation Designer: That Girl Amber
Dress Store: A Bride's Choice
Cake Designer: Joe's Cakes
DJ: Double Trouble DJ's
Jewelry: Richardson Jewelers
Bridesmaid Dresses: Che Bello
Event Venue: Lake Superior Theater

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Today's Takeaway: Dipped Ice Cream Cones

I am finally back at home in Colorado after our three week stay in New York!  So much fun, but still recuperating from the lack of sleep.  I'm also still catching up on all my blog reading, emails, etc.  But as I was looking through some of them I came across this cute ice cream party from Meaningful Mama with these adorable hand dipped chocolate ice cream cones.  They totally jazz up the display and I can only imagine how excited the kids were when they saw them!  But wouldn't it be great to take this idea one step further and let the older kids and adults dip their own cones and choose their own toppings?!  (Y'know how I love interactive stations!)  Perfect for your ice cream socials and parties this summer.  Here's how Meaningful Mama made the cones and here is the full party.