| GET INSPIRED: THANKSGIVING TABLESCAPES |

with thanksgiving just about a week away there is lots of planning going on: after multiple plans falling through thanksgiving will be held at my parents this year.  my parents just did a big remodel so i think my mom is really excited to host her first holiday there (especially with my sis and brother-in-law back in town).  i have volunteered for mashed potatoes + gravy, rolls and pies..oh yes, most importantly, to me, the tablescapes.  i love sprucing up a table: here's what is currently inspiring me. hope you are all having a great week. xx

sources 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

| on the list: host an end of summer bbq |

happy wednesday, guys! i feel like this week is just flying by.  i have been having a real itch to host a fun end of summer bbq: what better way to say goodbye to summer than hosting a party with friends, sun and yummy food?  check out my party inspiration below:

- paperless post x j.crew evites : paperless post has the cutest evites ever: inviting your guests with an adorable ecard not only will save you some money it will also help set the vibe for your party. {i loved the gather the girls invite... make it a fun bbq for you and your girls! }

- domaine recently did a post on "how to host the perfect picnic".  if you live in an apartment or your yard just isn't ready to host a party going to a nearby park or beach can be the perfect alternative.

- yummy and creative drink recipes are always a staple for a party; i loved this take on a refreshing fruit juice (perhaps with a bit of bubbly ;)).

- if you want to host a end of summer dinner i liked "the dinner alfresco guide"by the everyday girl.  I have not decided a time for our end of summer bbq but planning a night party may be fun.  fire pit, sunsets and a reason to dress up a bit.

- menu inspirations found here and here.

- love this idea of fresh florals and meat& cheese platters.

| looking back: bachelorette party |

I was organizing my iPhoto earlier today and started to reflect on some awesome memories.  i discovered photos from my bachelorette party and i thought it would be a great post.  some girls really love the wild and crazy nights: my sister was one of those.  i set up a hotel suite at the Hard Rock in downtown San Diego, we wore wigs, we drank heavily and bla bla bla.
for my bachelor party i wanted to relax.  i know there are many girls out there like me who are looking for a day of rest, relaxation and a bit of pampering (especially if you are a super hands-on bride and just need a day to yourself with your girls).  When my sis asked me what I wanted to do for my bachelorette party I told her just that.  My mom and her hosted the cutest spa day at the Rancho Bernardo Inn : we had manis, mimosas, lunch and spent the day in the sun.  i look forward to sharing a few more fun wedding details as Jeff and my 1 year anniversary approaches.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoy a peak into my bachelorette party.

 { our cabana: decorated with fun candies and reusable cups filled with goodies for the girls }

{ paper source banner found here + cute undies filled the cabana }

{ fresh mani's and cute cookies }

{ the girls }

{ finishing off the day with mimosas and chocolate covered strawberries }

| mother's day brunch inspiration |

you guys know my obsession with hosting (prime example 1//2) so it's no surprise I'm totally thinking how stinking cute a mother's day brunch would be?  I mean, by no means would it be a big ol party, it would be a small intimate cutie brunch.  I've been contemplating making a reservation for brunch but there is something so fun about hosting at your home.  here is what is inspiring me for mother's day.

 - source pinterest

| amber's bridal shower |

Sunday was Amber's bridal shower brunch; I talked about what was inspiring me for the soirée here. I've gotta say all the planning totally paid off, although at times a bit hectic I 100% enjoyed putting it together.  I implemented quite a few of my inspirations and overall my vision came to life: soft pastel palette with a rustic, romantic vibe- we had fantastic weather and it was a fun time!  If you are looking to host an upcoming shower I wrote out the menu that I decided to serve below.  enjoy!

the menu:

assorted cheese, nut, baguette and jelly platter

fruit salad

two quiche; broccoli + cheddar and spinach, artichoke and gruyere 

blueberry and poppyseed scones

assorted macaroons

mixed green salad with apples, apple crisps, goat cheese and spiced almonds in a champagne vinaigrette 

the drinks:

champagne bar with peach, orange, pomegranate and ruby red grapefruit juices to mix

home made red sangria; i'll share my amazing recipe in a future post

the games:

share a story about the bride

how well do you know the bride?

bridal mad libs*

what's in your handbag?

advice jar*

*We didn't play these games as a group: I placed the mad-lips on each plate for the ladies to fill out during the day and sent Amber home with them.  We passed the Advice jar around and sent Amber home with the cute little spoons of wisdom.*

| dress, BCBG similar // sunnies, ray-ban |

| bridal shower inspiration |

i am such an ocd planner and am obsessed with hosting (which i totally don't get to do too often).  i offered to throw my dear girlfriend amber's bridal shower brunch in the beginning of april and i can't stop researching pinterest / style me pretty / glitter guide / any other cute blog to get inspired.  here's the low down: 16 of amber's family and friends will be coming to my house, i'm hosting a garden-esque party to celebrate amber's upcoming marriage, i'm wearing a coral dress...annnd...that's all i've got so far.  OH! my husband so graciously offered to build me two farmhouse tables to wine and dine the girls.  here is what is currently inspiring me...i'm pretty much still all over the place but feel pretty confident with a few ideas I have churning - stay tuned to see how the soirée turns out:

sources: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

the hostess with the mostest

i love to entertain!  Any chance I get to host friends over or throw a small dinner party I start the planning immediately.  For Halloween I love the idea of throwing a small dinner party with lots of festive goodies--which would probably include the infamous pumpkin spice cupcakes as one of the desserts.  To me, it beats dressing up and beating the crowds around town.

My mom and I threw a bridal shower for our friend Whitney.  The menu included heavy hors d'oeurve of cheese plates, chips + dips, & fruits.  A light lunch of two different salads: a chinese chicken salad & a home made salad that i like to call my specialty.  For drinks we offered: home made Red Sangria, Lemonade, and spa water.  I made red velvet cupcakes for dessert.  We also found out the Brides favorite candies were Mike & Ike so we made hand made goodie bags with thank you notes and some candy.  

 I helped my friend Amber throw a intimate personal shower for our friend Jill.  It was somewhat of a last minute plan but it turned out great.  We opted for heavy hors d'oeurve only.  A house made salad with a mustard balsamic vinaigrette, lots of different cheeses with italian meats, assorted nuts and fruits, bruschetta, and an eggplant hot dish (my favorite).  We served a plethora of red wines and red sangria along with sparkling juices from Trader Joes.  Dessert was a home made penis cake filled with banana chocolate and vanilla flavors.  The party guests were sent home with bags filled with mini bottles of champagne or red wine & chocolates.  We also had condoms for the girls to take on their way out! 

Jeff and I hosted his mom + god mother for a nice little winter wine night.  It was so cold I thought keeping the apps in our living room where all of us could be comfy and cozy on the couch was the perfect idea.  We lit lots of festive candles, put on some Ray Lamontagne pandora, & drank Chianti (both Jeff's mom + god mothers fav).  We bought Sushi at costco and did lots of meats and cheese and some Harry and David goodies.  We exchanged late holiday gifts that night also and Jeff's Auntie Debbie got me a great slow cooker cook book; "CrockPot Ultimate Recipe Collection"
that served great purpose during winter!

I made these mini caprese for a dinner party at Jeff's fathers home.  They were a major hit.  I bought all the ingredients the day of the party so they would taste fresh!  Jeff and I found a great olive oil store right near our old apartment in Boston.  We bought a basil olive oil and an aged balsamic to accompany the caprese.  I also brought a bread bowl full of a home made spicy artichoke dip.  

I feel like when you aren't hosting and you are a guest it's always important to show up with something. *we always bring a bottle of nice wine for the hostess and offer to bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert.

sweet tooth.

+red velvet cake pops accompanied by a boston theme(!) for my sis & brett when they came to visit.

we had awesome tickets to the red socks vs. padre game.

+5 bite cupcakes from Christine.

+a festive tin i made for my friend anna (her birthday landed right around easter).  rice crispy treats with easter m&m's inside & other candies.