Table Décor: So Cool, it's Hot!

We just love the color combination of Tiffany blue and cherry red. It’s a vibrant blend of the dramatic and the gentle that inspired the colors in our logo (which are a close match on the Pantone chart) – and this charming little affair designed by MerryB Events.


Special touches balance whimsy and sophistication. A custom made banner (we found easy instructions on suite101.com) and color coordinated balloons introduce fun, while place cards, serving trays and red lilies present elegance–making this table appealing to girls of all ages.

There may not be a little blue Tiffany box tucked under the silver and crystal cupcake stand, but this celebration still sparkles!

Real Life Inspiration: A Birthday Party That’s All Business … Monkey Business!

When Tally Dettling started planning her son James’ first birthday party she knew she wanted something unique to reflect his emerging personality. Since she had dubbed James her “little monkey”, it only seemed fitting to go with it–and once the decision was made, she didn’t monkey around!

Tally set off by designing the adorable invitation herself – blending bright yellow, teal and brown to complete the party’s color scheme. Not a big fan of character themes, her biggest challenge was finding monkey-related accessories that weren’t branded with Curious George. After a lot of internet research and a little shopping around, Tally found the monkey birthday hats and napkins at Birthdayexpress.com. She picked up additional party trimmings in matching yellow and teal from several other sources including Party City.

The big celebration was truly a family affair. James’ first birthday cake–a sweet little monkey–was made with love by his doting mother. His grandmother and aunt, in town for the festivities, decorated the cupcakes. And his adoring daddy, Aaron, documented the festivities in the photographs seen here.

Pulling from her vast supply of entertaining accessories, Tally styled a charming tablescape to showcase the birthday treats and refreshments. She covered the tables in swatches of burlap and arranged the cupcakes on elegant multi-level serving trays and a cupcake tower to create visual interest.

A borrowed “Happy Birthday” banner (which just happened to match the color scheme perfectly) was draped from the canopy and a sweet monkey hand puppet (made by Tally and Aaron to commemorate the occasion) adorned the table.

Friends and family went bananas for James’ special day and are looking forward to his second birthday party, which Tally is already planning!

Backyard Camp Out!

Summer is the perfect season for a Camp Out birthday celebration. Whether it’s just a few hours (better for guests under 6-7) or a sleepover (best for 8-12 year olds), all you need is a tent in your backyard for everyone to enjoy the fun. And if the weather won’t cooperate, moving it indoors can be just as exciting for party-goers.

There are so many choices when it comes to invitations. We found the adorable invites and personalized sticker labels on our inspiration board at StaceyClaireBoyd.com. You can also make your own by folding off-white cardstock into triangles (like a tent) and writing all the details on the back.

For sleepovers, be sure to collect telephone numbers of all the parents before the party just in case you have some guests who find it too difficult to stay all night. Most parents will warn you ahead of time if their child may have trouble, so it's a good idea to develop a "plan of action" for dealing with these children.

Create a camp like atmosphere but setting up your tent in a “remote” location (even consider the basement). Our inspiration board highlights a simple pup tent featured on the blog Earthchicknits. Hang lanterns from poles or string white lights across the camping area. Play a CD of nature sounds which you can get from your local library.



Arrange a few logs to sit on in a half circle or full circle (depending upon the size of your party) around a stone campfire area if local law allows (keep water handy for safety). A manufactured firepit will also do nicely. If your guests aren’t old enough to have a real fire, you can make one by creatively stacking branches on top of a string of red or orange Christmas lights.

"Must have" party activities include:
- Grilling hotdogs

- Making s’mores
- Singing campfire songs
- Telling scary stories
- Stargazing

Flashlights, canteens and personalized lunch boxes (by inthisveryroom.com) make great party favors and can be used many times over. Have plenty of sleeping bags and blankets on hand so everyone has a place to relax and settle in after the festivities. For sleepover campouts, make sure an adult is outdoors with the children at all times and most importantly, remain flexible. You may find your party guests enjoy the "thought" of camping out much more than they'll enjoy actually camping out. You might need to move the sleeping portion of the party indoors. Enjoy your camp out and send us your pictures!

Additional Credits:

Cupcakes by Kim at the CelebrationShoppe.com

Busy, Busy, Busy With Summer Parties!

We've been so busy lately, we've hardly had time to post updates on our summer celebrations. Here's a brief recap of all the fun we've had lately!

Last weekend, we organized the 2nd annual Ross Bridge Independence Bike Parade in Hoover, AL. More than 300 people turned out with bikes, wagons, strollers, golf carts and more decorated in red, white and blue! The sirens and bells of the Hoover Fire Department ladder truck led paraders into Ross Park for popsicles, water (courtesy of The Sweet Stop) and July Fourth fun! See more pictures.


On June 13th, Major David Sparacio led basic training at Will's Boot Camp Birthday Party in Vestavia Hills. In spite of the rain, two skilled squadrons learned how to march and salute before competing in a tug of war, an obstacle course, a soldier down drill and a water balloon fight. The soldiers were muddy but they enjoyed every minute of it! See more Boot Camp pictures.

Then Anna Bella had a very special visit from her favorite princess, Ariel, in Mountain Brook on June 27th. Ariel shared her life story with a school of little mermaids and brought special gifts for everyone. She even crowned the birthday girl with an Ariel princess tiara of her very own before returning to the sea. See more Mermaid pictures.

And fast on the heels of the bike parade was a very special Ice Cream Social for Elizabeth, who will become a big sister this fall. She was surprised by her Grandmother with a Big Sister-to-be Shower where she received all the gear she'll need to be a great big sister. See more Ice Cream Social pictures.