Real Party :: Ice Cream Social

Kim-Erin celebrated her daughter, Riley’s first birthday with an Ice Cream Social theme. She wanted to have a theme that was unique and not overdone. Plus, who doesn’t love ice cream?! The little details really make this party one of a kind. Handmade yarn balls to replicate ice cream scoops make fabulous and affordable centerpieces. Painted terra cotta pots hold a buffet of toppings and candies. Party favors of stickers and candies wrapped in clear cellophane tease the party-goers. Plates with custom labels flaunt Riley’s name with retro Ice Cream Shoppe font. My favorite detail is the photo ice cream tree. Photo ornaments of Riley and ice cream cones are fastened to the branches and drip with charming appeal. Happy birthday, Riley!

Wedding Dress Wednesday :: Angelia Sasmita

I stumbled upon this week’s collection via Portland Fashion Week (October 7-10, 2009). The designer, Angelia Sasmita, currently resides in Shoreline, Washington. Another local talent! Her Spring collection is inspired by all things natural: water, wind and the heavens.

Soft and flowy fabrics that move with the wind are key characteristics in Angelia’s collection. Light and airy chiffons and french lace recreate nature’s best on the body. While heavier silks like duchess satin helps frame the body with sumptuous fabric. Subtle earthy colors such as ivories, creams and pinks are prominently found. Details are abound! Scattered beads, pearls and stones hems show off Angelia’s artistic steer towards the sparkly stars in the heavens.

Brooches and bows literally tie each of the designs together. Dainty peplums and ruching around the waist detail add texture and drama to the skirts. While the bodice and neckline showcase her exquisite beading and detail.

Her prices range from $850-3500.

Winners :: Martha Stewart Giveaway

We have five winners! Yay! Thanks for commenting and tweeting the giveaway. If you are a winner and haven’t received an email from me, please email me prosttothehost@gmail.com Thanks to everyone else who entered! Cheers!

Winner #9: Jo who loves “stamping cards and fabric”.

Winner #20: Kristen who makes greeting cards instead of buying them

Winner #8: Lisa who tweeted the giveaway

Winner #5: Liz B who likes to make “pretty little cards and ‘gift certificates’ for gifts”

Winner #25: Brittany who is following my on Twitter.

Congratulations!

DIY Project :: Customized Fonts

Problem: You have 100+ envelopes to address and your hand is already cramping at the thought of it. In addition, your budget will not allow you to hire a calligrapher. What options do you have? Force your bridesmaids (remember they are NOT slaves) to address your invitations or recruit family members… OR you could make your handwriting in a font! Seems strange…but keep with me. There are various websites that allow you to upload samples of your handwriting and they’ll turn into a TrueType font. The ultimate personalization!

(image from Font for Peas)

You can even add your squiggles, hearts and geometric shapes to “your” font just like dingbats. I haven’t even mentioned the best part. Some sites are free or charge a nominal fee.

(image from Fontifier)

Check out:

FontCapture (Free!); FontsForPeas (Free!);Fontifier ($9);YourFonts ($10)

If you are like me and your handwriting is nothing special. You can always “borrow” and download free fonts from websites listed above or from Da Font or Abstract Fonts to add some panache to your paper.

DIY Projects :: Dessert Buffet

Together, Bake it Pretty and Inspired Bride created a table full of candy for the eyes and tummy. I can vouch for Bake it Pretty’s selection and quality, as I’ve used their products for most of my parties (cupcake frosting tip, cake pop sticks, sprinkles, cupcake wrappers…oh the list goes on and on). Find all the delicious details (and recipes) for recreating this spectacular table of sweets.

http://www.inspiredbride.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/allbuffet1.jpg

Maddy, from Inspired Bride, use a simple color palette of ice blues and whites to avoid taking the focus away from the display. Check out Maddy’s tips and easy directions to inspire your next dessert buffet.