1st alphabet birthday [for baby alex]

a dear friend based in canada will be celebrating her cutest baby boy's first birthday soon and about a year ago, i have suggested she does an adorable alphabet party for his birthday. i didnt realize it was that time already! it also means, her maternity leave will be up soon and she faces reality that the return to work memo is any day now. sorry han. but before all that, baby alex still has to turn one year old first and it's party time!

i've spent most of the afternoon researching (more like "googling" really) for different cute party elements i can share with her. first came to mind, is this hip alphabet birthday shirt found online (credits at the end of the post). i'm also loving the floral centerpiece with mixed letters in the vase and maybe even topped with a letter flash card on a stick. the inspiration board below also includes the coolest invite made out of magnet letters and sealed with the actual invite. for the menu, alphabet tater tots and letter cereals or crackers for baby guests. letter cupcake toppers makes for adorable cupcake decor and would tie in with the theme perfectly!

party favors can be DIY letter crayons made using the silicone alphabet molds or alphabet books or even boxes of flashcards. totally educational and fun too!

alphabet shirt, tater tots - kitchen doughdough

alphabet flash cards - gaddie and tood

cupcakes - shindigz

magnet invites - city cradle

alphabet molds and floral centerpiece - one charming party

friday faves will be back next week! in the meantime, you all have a great weekend!

mommy and me spa party [party inspirations]

a good old friend suprised me with an email last night requesting if i can assist her as she plans for her big day. she would like to celebrate it along with her daughter's birthday this coming april. a fun mommy and me spa party was planned and i think it's a great idea that both mommy and daughter will enjoy along with their friends. 

this inspiration board came to life and i adore the black, pink and lavender color scheme as it is truly girly and fun. a spa party is not complete without a spa bar lining up bottles of nailpolish, body scrubs, lotions, scented oils and soaps. these would serve as party favors as the guests fill up their spa baskets to-go. 

for the little girls, a kid-friendly dessert table or candy bar would be more appropriate serving cupcakes topped with spa-themed cupcake toppers, cookies, cakeballs and more. the girls then get to take home a personalized spa canvas bag filled with mini-lotions, bath bombs, lip balms, toy rings and candy bracelets. 

a signature refreshing drink is a must. say, a pink martini or mojitos for the mommies and a fresh strawberry milkshake for the girls. i am typing this and i'm getting to really like this idea very much (even though i don't have a daughter) but this soiree is such a fabulous get-together with friends and getting pampered on your special day! 

{photo sources}

pink shake 

cupcake toppers 

personalized canvas bags 

bath bombs

floral topiary 

friday faves [st. patty's inspiration]

green is undeniably one of my favorite colors. celadon was the color of our wedding ~ we had green hydrangeas for centerpieces, bouquets, bridesmaid and maid of honor dresses. i regretted not wearing green shoes then. it's an unexpected touch and the whimsical thought of wearing a pretty green pair brings a smile to my face! 

this friday fave post hopes to bring a bit of inspiration for st. patrick's day celebration coming our way ever so soon. hope you like it! 

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HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND FRIENDS! 

Ni Hao Kai-lan [5th Birthday Party]

my friend apple's daughter, grace turned 5 recently and they had a colorful Ni Hao Kai-lan themed birthday party for her last sunday. here is the invite she sent out to her friends from tinyprints. too cute! 

{stock photo from tinyprints.com}

Ni Hao Kai-lan is such a popular character that even my son adored when he was younger. it is a fantastic theme to revolve around your party decor, menu, games and favors on. And this party has loads of fun details i'm excited to share and i'm sure you will all love!

the fondant cake topper is so adorable! 

i LOVE the signature colors for the party ~ the vibrant hues are perfect for the celebrant's personality and her favorite character Ni Hao Kai-lan. this table showcased the party favors alongside a dragon pinata and milk vase carrying pinwheels. i am also loving how she anchored the table with lanterns in coordinating colors!  

the dessert table and candy bar filled with tons of goodies! oh my!

to decorate the cupcake stand, my friend lined it with red paper and finished it off with pom ribbons. chinese take-out boxes were filled with stickers, erasers, chinese foldable fans and drums and hello panda sweet treats then she topped them off with dragon puppets and chopsticks! how clever! 



apple also bought fortune cookies from costco and dipped them in melted
Valrhona chocolates and sprinkled with colorful edible sprinkles!
simple and easy! 

 

she also found the cutest perfect cookies from etsy and
served macarons in coordinating colors from a local baker!




the kids had a fun-filled day with party activities such as face-painting and petting zoo. a balloon maker was also present and the kids played pass the parcel, pinata and more!

happy 5th birthday GRACE! thanks for allowing me to share, Apple!


party sources :

party invitations : tiny prints 
cupcake stand : cupcake tree
apothecary jars and glasses : michaels and target
gumballs, rock candy, taffy, dumdums : oh nuts
personalized m&ms : M&M
Ni Hao Kai-lan cookies & dipped mallow pops : fun favors etsy shop
macarons : masses pastries
cake topper and cupcakes : dolce bakeshop
fondant Ni Hao Kai-lan figures : LilDetails
takeout boxes : walmart
dragon puppets, pinata, kai-lan stickers : party city 
chopsticks, lanterns, foldable fans : oriental trading

objects of my affection [and a discount code]

throwing a swanky shindig can be quite costly but if you invest on a few basic necessity, they will last you a lifetime and you will use them over and over, year after year. i am guilty myself ~ i spend a fortune over platters, cake stands, silverware etc. and i love adding pieces to my collection over time. 

here are a few objects of my affection : 

a fireengine red stand mixer will be a standout on your kitchen countertop

 this stainless steel cake stand is perfect for a mod contemporary party at home

 i have been eyeing this copper chafing dish for awhile now. it lends a rustic charm to the buffet table! 

this sterling silver cup is a sweet token for a special newborn baby

this tea warmer server set is lovely for an afternoon tea party with the ladies!

and lastly, a great addition to your dessert table, this 3-tier silver dessert server gives that added height and impact that will surely impress your guests! 

:: :: :: 

luckily for S::C::F readers, the folks at OVERSTOCK.com  

is offering a 10 % discount code to use on their site.

DISCOUNT CODE : 121745 (excluding movies, books and electronics). 

This discount code never expires, however, it can only be used once per email address.

and 

FREE SHIPPING CODE : 202234 (free shipping code for electronics only) 

[All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code]

Happy Valentine's Day

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

donuts and carnations [a valentine's day centerpiece]

i've seen so many dessert tables using these irresistible powdered sugar donuts and since we're in the midst of some freezing temperatures here in houston, i couldn't help but set up a valentine's day table centerpiece that you can easily create in your own home using some of your available vases, inexpensive flowers, cakestands and tucked away goodies in your pantry! 

i played around with my camera and came up with i hope a lovely tablescape that will inspire your upcoming valentine's day plans at home.

my husband is going to be annoyed with me.
he will have to finish off those donuts (and he's trying to eat healthy)!

little girl's birthday party [hamptontoes style]

lisa's (of hamptontoes design blog - a personal fave of mine) daughter's birthday party is not till march but i am looking forward to this party especially that it will be held in a dream venue perfect for a 5th barbie-themed birthday party. it will be gorgeous!

 lisa, being the ultimate party hostess and planner - has already gathered up all the amazing party supplies which she got for unbelievable inexpensive prizes. i cant believe the budget finds she discovered at claire's, homegoods and target! 

in the meantime, let's enjoy these photos taken from her daughter's 3rd princess party and 4th tutus and tiaras birthday parties in the past. i adore all the DIY crafts she tackled for both parties including adding floral touches to each tutus which were also giveaways to the little girls. i also especially LOVE her signature personal princess cakes for each guests - such a lovely touch and making each little party guest's experience extra special! 

i'm now dying to see what she comes up with on her daughter's 5th barbie birthday party! to see more pictures of the parties thrown by lisa, see links below. 

3rd princess birthday party

4th tiaras and tutus birthday party

{all photos from hamptontoes} 

bowling party [an inspiration board]

i am excited that my bestfriend contacted me to help her out coordinating her daughter's (who happens to be my goddaughter) bowling birthday party next month. i've gathered a few images to get me started on the game plan. all i just need to do is check out the venue and go from there! 

image sources clockwise: 1) cupcake fondant toppers  2) cake ~ unknown source 3) black dotted baking cups 4) bowling pin cookies ~ unknown source 5) canvas tote 6) trophy 7) cupcake toppers. pls notify me if you know the missing photo sources. thank you.

big thanks [40th birthday party]

i couldn't think of a much better birthday gift than having my birthday brunch celebration featured on some of my favorite party blogs i have long admired. i am so thrilled for all of the attention and i am grateful for that. again, thank you so much!

CATCH MY PARTY

thank you jillian! 

A CHI CHI AFFAIR

thanks rachie!

P IS FOR PARTY 

big thanks to christi and kelly (of WH Hostess and The Party Dress) for the quick mention! 

once again, dear friends, thank you for all the warm greetings and birthday wishes 

you all have extended to me. sincerely i am thankful for friends, old and new! 

friday faves [color palette edition]

i am excited for spring and the colors it brings (especially with the cold weather outside). i have been pouring over the internet for the past few days for some bright inspiring colors and there are a lot of gorgeous- ness out there! 

here are a few images i'm obsessing lately....

i'd rather be shopping

effortless style blog

trays from furbish studio

dooby design blog

HAPPY FRIDAY! STAY WARM! 

sweets for you this valentine's day

links

rose gold flower necklace with diamonds

hugs and kisses greeting card

faux pearl and sailor knot bangle

boyfriend in a bottle