real parties: a picnic in the park

Success! The weather cooperated and we wound up with a sunny (even reasonably warm) day for my birthday picnic in the park. Since we had to carry everything with us I didn't go all out the details, but I created a simple logo and applied it to a number of the elements you see below, like the cups, napkin wraps and labels. The menu included sandwiches (pb&j and turkey & havarti) wrapped in parchment paper, labeled and tied with twine, juice, chips and home baked chocolate chip cookies that doubled as the favors. We even made extra favor bags of dog cookies for our furry friends.

Our guests contributed an amazing spread of salads, desserts and other delights and we wasted away the afternoon lounging on picnic blankets, watching the kids play and listening to the local color (which started as 3 guys playing drums and culminated into a mob of hippies, instruments and dancing in the meadow across the way). To round off the afternoon, the guys played a game of Bacci ball while some of the girls took the kids for a ride on the carousel (okay, so maybe that part was more for me than for the kids). I really couldn't have asked for a better day and perfect close to my 'birthweek' festivities.

{all images copyright bg2010}

custom inspiration board: coastal mediterranean

I created this board for Katina's 40th birthday and housewarming party. She and her husband are moving into a new home by the sea in Perth Australia, where unfortunately it is winter season in June. As such, they decided to hold the party indoors, but I suggested she could still maintain a coastal feel by creating a mediterranean theme (which also celebrates her greek heritage). I truly love this blue & bronze look and think it's going to be the perfect way to celebrate & showcase their new home.

Theme: Coastal Mediterranean

Party Ideas

Colors: blues, bronze and whites
Setting: an evening of cocktails, food and music at private home by the sea
Decorations: create old world coastal charm using blue & white patterned linens on food tables, blue napkins, colorful china and toss pillows on the floor for extra seating. Flowers may include succulents and/or simple white flowers in glass vases adorned with stones or beach glass. Make liberal use of candles & lanterns as lighting.
Food: passed appetizers and small plate stations with a mediterranean flavor (ie: dolmas, falafel, hummus, lamb, filo wrapped chicken, tabbouleh and other salads, etc). Consider a traditional birthday cake for dessert iced in fondant with blue, bronze pattern detailing, and include a few traditional desserts like baklava or cheese & fruits such as pears, figs and grapes. drinks: cocktail service including a special champagne bar area (with bottles in blue glass ice buckets or other accents of blue).
Favors: jordan almonds are a traditional greek favor and can be wrapped up in delicate packaging with paper labels.
Other: a greek band for dancing and background music during cocktails & dinner.

Photo Credits
Row 1: table setting via weekend host; china via country living; invite via dauphine press; greek panorama via google
Row 2: pear place card via 100 layer cake; greek salad via real simple; mosaic table setting via sunday suppers
Row 3: succulents via ritzy bee; jordan almonds via lolliblog; paper fans via flickr
Row 4: tent and pillows via betsy white; menu via brooklyn bride; champagne via hotel club