Now we're on to fish...

If you have been reading my blog for any time at all, you know that I am a firm believer in first: the invitation setting the tone and second: having the first site of the venue also set the tone (an entry way, front door, pathway, etc...). It doesn't need to be extravagant, just something that ties in the tone or theme of the event.

For instance, this piece of wood was from an old rail road track down the street from my house. With a little paint and a few minutes to spare, it turned into a darling sign. The palm trees & large starfish were from my sister's house: no cost. The 'welcome' mat doubled as a gift for the bride-to-be who loves ocean life.

Staging a scene (or setting the tone) is easy and doesn't need to be expensive; gather things from your house and/or borrow coordinating items from your friends. These little details pay off and they sure mean a lot to the guest-of-honor!





I love these lighting features. They are fantastic!


Don't be afraid to get creative with drinks and dessert when hosting an event in a restaurant or private banquet room. If you want to serve a signature drink or the guest-of-honor's favorite drink, but are worried the restaurant will not allow it, JUST ASK! You will be surprised how accommodating most places are. The same goes for dessert; don't assume you have to serve the desserts featured on the menu. I have never heard of a place that does not allow outside desserts (although some may charge an arm and a leg for slicing/serving fees). It's always good to get the details beforehand!








The last shower was birds; this shower was goldfish.

You can't have a great party without delicious food!


The gift table

I was in love with this funky fabric the day I laid eyes on it in LA's garment/textiles district. Isn't it funky-fabulous?!

Custom 'thank-you' cards for bride-to-be

Guests favors...Chocolate mint truffles and ocean themed bath soap

Another birdie, part II

This is a true story. One of the birds escaped my 'must-have, beautiful' antique cage that I bought just for this baby shower. It was a bit traumatic I must admit. But there is no need in going there, because guess what people, there is a happy ending to this ever-so-sad story! I've always known my husband to be extremely talented, but this night in particular, he proved himself heroic. Little birdie aka Atticus (see above) escaped from the cage and sat atop the canopying tree during the entire shower. He was frozen with fear, seeing as this was his first time ever to be cage-free. One would think he would have flown far-far-away. But he didn't. He stayed for hours, even until the shower was over. This is when my husband came to save the day. He climbed up a tall ladder, and yes, caught the bird out of the tree with his bare hands.

I am happy to say the 3 little finches (Atticus, Finch, and Pete) that were purchased solely for this baby shower, now have a happy little home right in our living room :)


we all love presents :)

I think this food table was long enough, don't you? Goodness. :)



the drink table


Martha Stewart's baby bluebird cupcakes. I think they turned out cute figuring I whipped them up in less than a half hour! Mom came to the rescue to put the final touches on with their little eyes. :) I changed the recipe a bit by using vanilla buttercream instead of the chocolate that Martha calls for. It was for no reason other than I was on a serious time-crunch. But I thought they turned out delicious just as they were.

This was my first shot at My Sweet & Saucy's recommended Vanilla Buttercream and I loved it! I will definitely be sticking with this recipe. If you are looking for a yummy and easy buttercream, I highly recommend this one. The lemon juice takes away that normal overly "sweeeet" flavor. Try it!


I have just started using fondant and I love it. These little leaves turned out exactly how I pictured them to be, and they were so fun to make.

Don't forget your bath salts!



photo credits: studio317 and the 'not so professional' pictures were clicked by yours truly :)

Another little birdie joins the nest.

It was the perfect evening for a baby shower; beautiful and breezy outside. Guests said they felt as if they were in another state because it seemed so magical. Is this what spring evenings feel like living in New Orleans, while sitting outside sipping lemonade and watching the fireflies?

What a fun shower this was; definitely one of my favorites ever. It might have something to do with being my sister's 3rd baby and a 'bird' themed shower, but I could be wrong. :-)


Small Stump's birch tubes


Birds of a feather, stick together




The surprise guests of the evening...3 little Zebra Finches.



The sweet little finches took center stage and chirped the night away.


The beautiful invitations were designed and printed by Studio 317. They were amazing.

More pics to come...