A beautiful gathering - A sip and see for baby June

It's always so exciting to receive an invite from my amazingly talented friend Sarah. She is the creative force behind Lil Hoot events.  Sarah recently held a sip and see in the beginning of August to give all of her sister in law's friends (also a great friend of mine) an opportunity to meet her precious new daughter June. The overall theme was the pineapple, a symbol of hospitality and good fortune, read the historical details below. Sarah never misses a detail, her events are always perfectly beautiful! It was a wonderful treat being there in such a creative environment to meet baby June. I couldn't resist sharing the photos by Meredith Nelson. For all the details and information on the designers behind the stationery, and goodies, see Sarah's blog here.

I recently helped Sarah with some design work at her home, we recovered the corner wing chair in pink with white piping. I also never tire of La Fiorentina fabric by David Hicks.

How adorable is this set up?

A little bit of history on the pineapple, the tradition actually began in Salem, Ma.
Sarah shared this message with all of us:

In neighboring salem, massachusetts, about 200 years ago, a ship's captain had just returned from the South Pacific, knocked on the door of a stately mansion on Chestnut Street and presented the owner with an exotic fruit... a pineapple. Gilded pineapple carvings soon appeared on the homes of coastal New England and confirmed that hospitality was to be found within.

the image of the pineapple came to express the sense of welcome, good cheer, human warmth and family affection inherent to gracious home gatherings.

thank you, sweet friends, for joining us to celebrate and welcome baby june.

please enjoy these friendship sweets. {dark chocolate}

We sipped Sangria while fanning ourselves on the steamy, summer afternoon.

A photo of my sweet friend Sarah

 Sarah - Congratulations on another amazing event. 

 Lauren - We love June, she's beautiful. You are such a wonderful Mommy.

Last Hurrah

I couldn't agree with that quote more. I'm away enjoying the last sunny, warm days of the summer. The prosecco will be flowing and I'm without wifi (but now at a little cafe with free wifi in a remote town). Enjoy your weekend! xx, Julie

Bar Cart Beauty

I love to entertain, and I love a good cocktail, so I was detailed to see Society Social will be launching a line of beautiful bar carts and haute hostess attire. The fabulously chic Mrs. Lilien will be designing a signature cart for the line. This image is so beautifully styled....

Watermelon

 What's better in the summertime? This cheery palette is refreshing all year long! I am having a few friends over later this afternoon! I think I need to make this watermelon limeade recipe from Martha Stewart!

Ingredients

• 8 cups chopped seedless watermelon (about 6 pounds)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
• 2 tablespoons sugar, plus 2 tablespoons more, if needed
• 1/2 cup vodka, (optional)
• Mint leaves

** Note - I made the watermelon limeade on Friday afternoon. It was very refreshing. Be sure to serve it with lots of ice!! The ice thins it out a little! Enjoy.

 Images: Design Sponge, Pinterest, Pinterest, Phoebe Howard, Pinterest, Martha Stewart

Happy Day!

I felt like ending out the week on a colorful note, especially because the north east is expecting snow tomorrow {no that's not a joke}. This shoot is of a birthday party concept, inspired by the the outfit above. I love all the simple details, I also love that this entire look can be achieved on a tight budget.

1. Bake your own cake - this one looks very manageable

2. They sell very similar paper globes at Target

3. Hand write your invite on simple card stock, just purchase the envelopes and liners from a shop like this.

4. The textural tissue paper back drop adds the perfect amount of texture and color to this table.

5. This gingham fabric could easily be found from a local fabric store such as "Joanns". A few quick stitches and voila, a table cloth, you could even tape the edges if you don't have a sewing machine.

6. This concept could work for a number of spring gatherings..not just a birthday party.

Happy Friday!


images: via Styled Magazine

lil hoot

I'm so excited to share a bit of news with you. My dear and amazingly talented friend, Sarah, has started a new venture and blog. Sarah is the brainchild behind Lil Hoot . Lil Hoot offers creative, custom party planning. I've been to a few of Sarah's parties, so I can attest every detail is always magnificently covered, they are perfection. Along with her new company, Sarah is also sharing her secrets and ideas with you on her design blog. So be sure to pop over, you won't be disappointed. Welcome to the blog-world Sarah!! I can't wait to see all your genius ideas and beautiful events. 

www.lilhoot.blogspot.com

a little peek

excuse the holes in the ceiling, still haven't found the perfect chandelier for my dining room!

I was happy with my daughter's small birthday celebration on Saturday, thought I'd share a peek at the details {as some of you may remember, i featured my inspiration board last week! I had the bib and invitation custom made through Etsy! Emerson wouldn't touch her cake, I guess she has plenty of time to learn about sweets! If you live in the N.E. hope you're staying warm! I'll never warm up to -20 weather!!

inspiration board

Birthday Party!

Wow, where does the time go? My little girl is turning one next week, so I'm hosting a small family birthday party for her! Above is my snowflake inspired board and her party invitation! The party colors are pink and red and the main theme is snowflakes! I'm hoping to make snowflake cookies similar to the pretty ones above. {that's if i can squeeze an extra couple hours into next week} 

Holiday Hit List

Besides finishing up my decorating there are a number of other duties I need to attend to! Here's a glimpse into my holiday "hit" list! 

1. Love this sequin mini from J.Crew. I love the idea of mixing something sequin in with my every day clothing....


2. Who can go wrong with Mr. Boddingtons? I need to send out my cards very soon.


3. A simply elegant up-do, the perfect look for any holiday party!


4. I'm going with a striped wrapping theme this year!


5. Veuve Clicquot Rose - need i say more?


6. I have a thing for baubles { i mean who doesn't?}...it's been a very rough Fall, good enough excuse for me to buy this ring from Kate Spade! { not sure if i will go with the black or not !}


7. I am having a small family fete on Christmas eve, these gold specked plates from Crate and Barrel are perfect!



images: hair style - glimpse of glamour blog

ONE WORD

CELEBRATE!

My good friend is turning 40 next week but she's celebrating in style with a big party on Saturday night! whoo hooo! Have a great weekend + Happy Birthday Ann-Marie!

I think I'm going to have to buy a few hundred balloons for my next fete!

images: walking around where the sidewalk begins, Martha Stewart - Kevin Sharkey, vanessa and valentine

What's Cookin?

Keep your Thanksgiving day dinner table simple {because I'm sure you're as busy as I am} + earthy with natural decorations and layered plates in warm color tones..

Are you cooking the whole Thanksgiving she-bang? or just helping with a side dish..

I'm just helping out this year, so I've decided to bring whipped sweet potatoes a la Ina Garten..click the cookbook below for the easy recipe!

while we're on the topic of dinners..The Obamas' hosted a state dinner last night..{wouldn't you just love to experience an event like that just once in your life? } here are a couple photos via The Huffington Post. Michelle's elegant gown was appropriately design by Naeem Khan..

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY!

Images: top two: the hostess blog {via Country Living}

Wishing you a spooky weekend...

here are some last minute party ideas...i live in crazy town, U.S.A. right now {Salem, Ma.} so I'm actually looking to flee some of the madness ;)! Have a great weekend!

for the seriously chic

for the bar

for the guests

for the entrance {wreath - Pottery Barn}

for the decor