4th of July ~ FREE DIY Printables

Paper and Pigtails, one of my favorite party printable boutiques, would like to help

you get ready for the 4th of July with these perfectly patriotic (and free) printables!

Please head over to Bella Grace Designs for the free download and be sure to check out the

Paper and Pigtails Etsy shop for coordinating 4th of July printables (available next week)!

{Real Party} Feather Her Nest Baby Shower

I found this adorable "Feather Her Nest" theme party that Jess at Polkadots and Pirates

put together for a mommy-to-be and her "tweet" baby girl!

Such adorable them and creative ideas - great job Jess!

Doughnut Dessert Centerpiece

I love the idea of using different decor on children's tables at weddings. Why pay top dollar for your centerpiece and table decor for the kids when what they really want is a crayons and coloring books like at a restaurant, right?! Or why not replace the centerpiece at the kids' table with an enticing food display?

Pair chocolate, strawberry and vanilla frosted doughnuts with pre-mixed milk of the same flavors, and place on a simple cupcake stand.

Isn't this idea adorable? I think it would be perfect at a kid's table,

but I can see this working perfect for a baby shower or child's birthday party too!

Tip: Be sure to place flattened paper cupcake liners in between donuts so they

won't stick together!

Image Credit: Martha Stewart

[Real Party} Ice Cream Social Baby Shower

Another adorable Ice Cream Social - this time for a baby shower!

All the party decor elements, including the invitation, were designed by the

hostess and planner, Jordan with Polkadot Prints.

{Real Party} A Graduation Carnival Party

My friend, Erin Palos, who is an amazing wedding and portrait photographer based in Orange County, California, has also proven herself to be quite the party planner extraordinaire too!

When I saw this darling circus theme party she planned to celebrate one of her sons graduating preschool and the other son graduating elementary school I just fell in love with it!

It just has such an authentic carnival feel to the whole event, and what a great way to end the school year and kick off the summer. Erin did not miss a single detail, and I can imagine the kids had an absolute blast with all the yummy food, colorful games, and the photo booth!

If you haven't checked out Palos Studios you can see more of their amazing work

and find out what sets them apart here!

Thanks for sharing Erin!

{Inspired by} Retro Housewife Bridal Shower

I just love this Retro Housewife Bridal Shower inspiration board I found on Marry You Me.

Ideas from the designer include: "retro food for ladies who lunch, mini pies, sunny disposition & positive outlook...and of course the opportunity to receive all the cookbooks and kitchen gadgets a new bride needs". I can totally see taking this theme and running with it!

But it doesn't stop there, I've even included a darling free DIY recipe card!

You can include these with your invitations and have each guest bring along their favorite recipe to share with the bride-to-be; or print your favorite baked goods recipe and attach

them to your homemade goodies as guest favors!

Enjoy!

Click HERE to download your FREE DIY printable recipe cards!

Easy Summer Craft Series - DIY Blackboards

As the first in my {easy summer craft} series I wanted to share this adorable DIY blackboard idea. Not only would it be cute as decor for your kitchen, but a perfect party decor element to include for a backyard bbq, a school themed party, a summer picnic, or brunch at home.

You can transform any object with a flat, smooth surface into a blackboard. Here, enamel bakeware was used, but you can make use of anything that strikes your fancy, such as an old mirror or a salvaged window.

Directions: Apply two coats of chalkboard paint using a small sponge applicator or roller, as the fibers in regular paintbrushes tend to leave behind streaks. Chalkboard paint comes in both liquid and spray versions. If you try the spray, be sure to cover the surrounding area carefully to prevent spatter.

Image and post credit Country Living