Inspired Creations ~ Retro Milkshake Bar

I love vintage and I love ice cream....and there is something so perfectly complimentary when you pair them together for a party or a photo shoot.

This styled shoot featured on The Sweetest Occasion was created by

Kellie Kano and Elissa Keno.

I love the use of colorful shower curtains for the backdrop ~ that's ingenious!

The also used red & white striped paper straws, neapolitan pink, brown and white and fun

retro touches like chalkboard signage, glossy white bar stools, glass bottles of Coca~Cola

and assorted classic ice cream toppings to bring all the details together for the perfect

retro milkshake bar.

As always, please check the original source on The Sweetest Occasion to see a credit list and links to all the talented vendors who participated in this shoot.

{Real Party} Lemonade & Sunshine

This is truly one of the most adorable parties to hit the blogosphere in a long time.

Jess at Pen n' Paper Flowers came up with a darling idea to do a combined celebration for her 2 daughters. It all started with this color palette of pink and yellows, and the creation of the invitation which can be found in her Etsy store.

From there the details are just amazing, and so creative...

...read on for some amazing inspiration!

I love just the simplicity of tin cans and fresh cut flowers from the garden ~

makes an darling adornment.

a well~worn tablecloth, dishes and crates...

all the neighbors and friends gathered for the party in the backyard...under the shade...

to enjoy some cold lemonade...

and {my personal favorite} a cupboard full of old fashioned desserts.

This is truly one of the most creative ideas ever to use a vintage kitchen hutch for the

food presentation in an outdoor setting.

empty bottles dangling from tree branches...

the use of wooden crates, galvanized buckets and old milk bottles...

the use of lemons randomly places throughout the scene for added pops of yellow...

fabric pieces were wrapped around just about everything...

vintage glass jars and milk glass service pieces...

mason jars were used for sipping on lemonade...

mason jars were also used for displaying fresh cut flowers...

Another one {of my personal favorites} ~ an old bird bath used to display frozen treats...

(lemon sugar cookie ice cream & strawberry/lemon swirled italian ice)

more sweet treats included mini lemon cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting...

Recipe by My Baking Addiction

Yummy pink lemonade cake!

Recipe by A Southern Lady Magazine

and homemade lemonade lollipops nestled in a vintage drawer ~ so cute!

favor buckets of yellow & pink gumballs, a cute custom packet of lemonade, a personalize monogrammed glass drinking bottle with a white paper straw, and a fabric covered repurposed jar filled with lemon drops. Adorable!

I just love the tin can banner Jess created using an old window ~

As always, I encourage you to go to the original post on Pen n' Paper Flowers to read all the behind the scenes tips and to see all of the inspiration resources that Jess gives a personal thank you too!

{Real Party} Outdoor Picnic

What a beautiful way to celebrate Mom!

One of my favorite inspiration blogs Grey Likes Weddings planned this sweet outdoor

picnic for Mother's Day, but this could all work just as perfect if you are hosting a small wedding, or an alternative to brunch the morning after your wedding. You can even use

leftover flowers and decor from your wedding!

This idea would also work perfect for an afternoon rehearsal dinner. Lunch in the park

and lawn games with out-of-town guests and family could be the perfect antidote to pre wedding jitters. It lends itself to an intimate and informal atmosphere for both sides of

the family to meet and greet, and the bridal party to get better acquainted.

Post adapted from Grey Likes Weddings, for the entire post and all the photos head

over to Grey Likes Weddings' blog.

All the flowers and Styling were by Grey Likes Weddings

Check out Grey Likes Nesting for the recipe photo tutorial of the lemon tartlettes

Photography by T&H Photography

A Pancake Breakfast

Another Design Sponge home-run for this original inspirational photo shoot!

This has to be one of my favorite creative party concepts that I have come across in a very

long time! The idea of setting up a table anywhere (in this case the park was the perfect venue) and then getting to spend precious time with family and friends; in this case the park was the perfect venue. Throw in some delicious mini pancakes, easy DIY projects, and you've got one adorable breakfast party!

How fun would this be for an after wedding breakfast, baby or bridal shower or even a birthday party or family reunion?!

When it comes to setting a table, sweet and simple always works great. They used vintage hankies as napkins and a soft white cotton for the cover. It's easy to dress up something simple by sewing on a lace pattern to the bottom of the tablecloth or sourcing a vintage one.

The paper mobiles were easy to make, according to the designer. For the base, just take the inside of an embroidery hoop and cover it tightly with a strip of fabric. The rest of the mobile is made out of paper. Just cut strips of paper, fold them in half and then glue the ends together (it helps if you make a flap at one end). Combine smaller pieces into bigger pieces for different designs. Once you get all the paper shapes constructed, punch a hole in the top of each one and then hang with twine. You can customize the mobiles by using different shaped embroidery hoops or by switching up the paper color and twine.

To top off the mini pancakes, hand draw your guests' names on colorful stripes of paper,

fold in half, glue the ends together, and then poke a sewer through the middle back. It's a great way to bring the paper element onto the table while creating a personalized touch all at the same time. The theme was also continued throughout by making tags for vintage syrup containers found at a local antique market.

The flowers were purchased at Trader Joe's - how much easier could that be?!

They have beautiful filler flowers and ranunculus always seems to be in season there.

Use old tins as flower containers, along with some charming blue mason jars and vintage

coffee and tea canisters.

Event Design: Ashley Meaders of The Flashdance

Photography by Jesse Chamberlin from Our Labor of Love

Read more at Design Sponge