now i know my abc's.

I love the design/concept of these abc paper cups by Imagine and Make. I am throwing my son an alphabet-themed birthday party in a few weeks and they would be perfect both for containers and decorations. Plus, all the photographs and ideas on the site are just too cute.

ten images of inspiration : more party eye candy.

Four days and counting until my big holiday soiree, so I am in major party planning mode. All I can think about is all the little details that go into making a perfect gathering- thank goodness for the internet, which is full of so much eye candy. (More party collections: here, here, and here.)

Sources (from top to bottom): 100 Layer Cake, Gloria Wong Design, Sunday Suppers, Rebecca Thuss, 100 Layer Cake, JL Designs, Martha Stewart, Flickr: Lisa Rupp, Josh Goleman, and Once Wed.

it's time to party party.

I definitely have parties on my mind lately, especially since I am throwing one in a little over a week (hooray for the holiday season!) This afternoon I was lucky enough to receive some promotional items from the very-talked-about PartyParty collection from Urban Outfitters (designed by Confetti System), and I must say, they are even more gorgeous in person. It appears that not all of it is available online yet, but I hear there's plenty in most stores and I highly recommend getting your hands on them if you plan to host a soiree, or just to add some cheerfulness to your home.

(Also, stay tuned for photographs from my holiday gathering- a large portion of the attendees are photographers and I am sure there will be a ton!)

ten images of inspiration : the art of the party table.

I am throwing a big old-fashioned holiday cocktail party next month, so party planning has been on my brain a lot lately. I have been spending my late nights browsing through sites for decorating inspiration, especially table ideas. Aren't these ones lovely? (For more inspiration, check out this post from earlier this year.)

Sources (from top to bottom): Martha Stewart, Robyn Glaser, 100 Layer Cake, Amy Atlas Events, Once Wed, Once Wed, Morning by Foley, Rebecca Thuss, Nested, and Joanna Henderson.

collections : ice cream social.

At the end of July, a good friend of mine is throwing an ice cream social/art sale, and I am lucky enough to be a part of it. Party planning is one of my favorite things to do, so I thought it would be fun to throw together some of my own ideas/bits of inspiration. If you live in the Portland area or will be visiting here in the summertime, please try to make it to the event- it's going to be fabulous!



1. Provence Paper Lantern ($6.50), 2. Yellow Paper Star ($12.95), 3. ice cream bowls- set of 4 ($19), 4.
Cuisipro Ice Cream Scoop & Stack ($11.99), 5. ThussFarrell photograph/styling, 6. Stripe Floral Coasters, Set of 12 ($8.25), 7. White Voile Bunting (£18), 8. striped ice pops summer party invitations ($14), and 9. Lovely Deco Cellophane Adhesive Tape W15mm - Natural Border ($3.99)



10. Flourless Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwiches, 11. 1/4" Brownstone Rickrack Ribbon ($2.99), 12. Asian Hand Painted Silk Folding Fans ($21 for 12), 13. sugar or jam pot (£14), 14. Wooden Ice Cream Scoops ($12), 15. mustache on a stick. THE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB set of three ($75), 16. cupcake making kit ($19.95), 17. Felicite, Turquoise, Liberty Fabric (£19.95), and 18. Ice Cream Starter ($12)



19. The Ticket Imprints ($14), 20. madras napkin set (£18), 21. MELPI-T (price unknown), 22. Pink Ice Cream Spoons - Set of 4 ($4.95), 23. biodegradable spoons, red ($4 for 12), 24. Design/styling by Rebecca Thuss, 25. Sidewalk Chalk ($14), 26. ice cream cone set of four ($24), and 27. Vintage 1950's Jumbo Size FLEX-STRAW - Drinking Straws ($5.85+)

this morning...

I am loving these two lovely items from Rose and Radish


jm2 Matriochka Blackboard ($113) and Atelier Lzc Party Napkins ($13)

this morning...

I am loving these two lovely items from Rose and Radish


jm2 Matriochka Blackboard ($113) and Atelier Lzc Party Napkins ($13)

for the hostess.

• 1. Marimekko Kaiku Serving Tray from FinnStyle ($35)
  
• 2. Napkins Variety Set from Pop Ink ($20)
  
• 3. Branch Serving Spoon from Egg Mercantile (€29,00)
  
• 4. Wood Laser-Cut Coasters Set from A+R Store ($40)
  
• 5. Ceramic Tapa Canoe from Modamuse ($53.73)
  
• 6. Pink Vinyl Doilies from Lovely Lovely (£13.00)
  
• 7. Towering Espresso Set from Violet ($32)
  
• 8. 4 Leaf Hurricane from notNeutral ($24)
  
• 9. Vases from Show ($60)

for the hostess.

• 1. Marimekko Kaiku Serving Tray from FinnStyle ($35)
  
• 2. Napkins Variety Set from Pop Ink ($20)
  
• 3. Branch Serving Spoon from Egg Mercantile (€29,00)
  
• 4. Wood Laser-Cut Coasters Set from A+R Store ($40)
  
• 5. Ceramic Tapa Canoe from Modamuse ($53.73)
  
• 6. Pink Vinyl Doilies from Lovely Lovely (£13.00)
  
• 7. Towering Espresso Set from Violet ($32)
  
• 8. 4 Leaf Hurricane from notNeutral ($24)
  
• 9. Vases from Show ($60)

summertime : plum party.

I am all about this time of year. There is something so hopeful and comforting about the summertime. It's the time to be less of a hermit, make friends, drink cocktails outdoors, and make a number of plans.

Things I plan to do this summer (and you should too!):
-Wear brighter colors. Bring out the pinks, purples, and shocking blues.
-Make lavender lemonade and Hibiscus & Rose Hip Iced Tea.
-Bring a picnic and sneak in some wine to outdoor movie nights.
-Design something fabulous.
-Buy fresh berries and jams at outdoor markets.
-Put Lily Allen on headphones and seriously strut down the street to the beat (I've actually been doing this a lot lately).
-Take hikes and photograph flowers.
-Go out for lavish desserts or crepes.
-Discover new exciting spots in the city that I've never noticed before.
-Throw a spectacular outdoor party using goods like these from Plum Party.

summertime : plum party.

I am all about this time of year. There is something so hopeful and comforting about the summertime. It's the time to be less of a hermit, make friends, drink cocktails outdoors, and make a number of plans.

Things I plan to do this summer (and you should too!):
-Wear brighter colors. Bring out the pinks, purples, and shocking blues.
-Make lavender lemonade and Hibiscus & Rose Hip Iced Tea.
-Bring a picnic and sneak in some wine to outdoor movie nights.
-Design something fabulous.
-Buy fresh berries and jams at outdoor markets.
-Put Lily Allen on headphones and seriously strut down the street to the beat (I've actually been doing this a lot lately).
-Take hikes and photograph flowers.
-Go out for lavish desserts or crepes.
-Discover new exciting spots in the city that I've never noticed before.
-Throw a spectacular outdoor party using goods like these from Plum Party.