Tequila Soaked Sorbet

I'm loving this concept of Tequila Soaked Sorbet I found on

My Lips in Stitches blog.

As the last stop {the dessert stop} on a Mexican themed progressive dinner,

this was the perfect way to wrap the evening with good friends!

Tequila Soaked Sorbet

1 pink lemon sorbet ~ {Trader Joes was used for this party} see *note below

{*note: mango is not the best option but raspberry & lemon worked well!}

1/4 cup best~quality tequila {Senor Patron was used for this party}

Finely grated zest of 2 limes

"Eco-Chic" Bridal Shoot

I love the concept behind this styled bridal shoot for Utterly Engaged. It's "eco-chic"

...designing in a sustainable way that is easy on the wallet and easy on the environment

without sacrificing style.

Here are some of the amazing sustainable and cost saving tips that the talented Carissa with

JL Designs incorporated into the overall design and we can all learn from!

*for the tablescape, use vintage vases and milkglass (see KEC's post on DIY milkglass) at local thrift stores

*buy flowers as local and domestic as possible, which helps lesson the gas and emmisions used in transporting the flowers from where they are grown.

*by arranging flowers in vases with only water, it reduces the need for floral foam, which is not bio-degradable

*incorporating the cake, desserts and sparkling lemonade bottles into the actual tablescape lessens the amount of florals needed, saving on cost

*buy vintage sheets (in this case $1.00/pc at a salvation army) and then top the linen with an adorable eyelet lace border

*serve a light brunch or dessert reception in the late morning or early afternoon helps cut down on overall food and beverage costs, as well as lighting

*print your own invitations and stationary on recycled paper

Head over to JL Designs' blog to see more from the photo shoot tips and resources!

Style, Design and Photo Credits:

Publication: Utterly Engaged

Floral Design, bouquets and tablescape: JL Designs

Photography: Stephanie Williams

Cake and Desserts: Sweet & Saucy

{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

"Color Your Summer" Party Theme

I know you are going to just love this "Color Your Summer" party theme compliments

of Hostess with the Mostess as much as I do!

Along with colorful ideas for table settings, centerpieces, food presentation and

drink recipes, you can also find free downloadable printables for all the drink parasols,

place cards and framed signs ("refreshing" sign and "hungry" sign) so that you can recreate

this same look at home!

For complete details, check out the entire Color Your Summer party theme in the

Hostess with the Mostess party themes section.

An Ultra-Romantic Celebration

Are you looking to throw an ultra-romantic celebration?

Think luxurious lace and vases bursting with country-garden blooms. This tablescape I found via Brides.com would be perfect any luncheon, bridal shower, wedding or engagement party.

What I found impressive is the creative use of delicate lace and doilies for this party.

Beautiful cotton lace Tuscany table runners were used for the seat covers as well as the tablecloths; and doilies were calligraphied with guests' names in lieu of escort cards. Both

of these details add such a romantic and personal touch!

Article and photos adapted from Brides.com

Photography by Jeff McNamara