Simple & Pretty ~ Cake Decorating Perfection

via on Pinterest

This cake needs to end up on my table.  One could plan a whole party around the style from this cake.  I just might have this bookmarked for a simple and pretty valentine's day dessert.  And it would be absolutely lovely for a shower.

Have you found yourself addicted to pinterest yet?  I am liking it a lot.  It is so fun that I thought about just pinning everything that I come across... but I am finding it more useful to edit myself and only pin those things that I really, truly, actually want to bookmark for future ideas.  I apparently am on a house and kitchen kick as that is what I am pinning the most. 

Brunch Club + Almost-A-Mom Celebration

One of my favorite things is brunch club.  This past summer I started meeting a couple of amazing women for brunch... after a couple of hours of chit chat at a local brunchy spot we decided that we had to make this a regular occurance.  You know how sometimes you really really mean to meet up with people more often but the whole planning part doesn't happen and before you know it  a considerable amount of time has passed?  Well, we decided to avoid that by setting up a standing date.  The third Sunday of every month I know that I will be meeting these seriously cute ladies for a fun couple of hours.  It is such a good thing.

I met these lovely ladies through blogging, way back when we were all up to our ears in wedding planning.  So it is not too much of a surprise that now a few members of brunch club have little buns in their oven.  And so for this month it was only fitting that we celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment for dear C.  It was not a baby shower but an Almost-A-Mother celebration!

 

 

I invited the ladies over to my home for a little brunch celebration... Bunting, white linens, burlap, bits of yellow, and a menu filled with citrus flavors (and yellow tones- I really couldn't help it!).

Sanskripts Fresh Stationery Line

The work of the lovely folks over at Sanskripts has completely caught my eye.  They have such a nicely diverse set of invitations and cards with a range design elements including florals, grunge, beach, whimsical, and many other types.  The attention to details is so very apparent in their work.  And their fresh take is available for everything from wedding stationery to holiday parties to baby announcements...

Aren't they just so pretty?  And while they are already wallet-friendly, Sanskripts if offering a 10% discount and free shipping for In This Instance readers!  The discount is available for anything on their site and applies to your full order.  This special offer is available on orders through December 31, 2009 and all you need to do is mention the code inthisinstance in your order request.

Enjoy!

A Sweet Vintage Bridal Shower

Oh how I love a sweet bridal shower!  It is such a feminine celebration and there are so many ways you can go with the decor and atmosphere to make the day special.  A few thoughtful details and touches can make such a difference.  If you have been reading my blog for a bit, you may have picked up that I love girly things.  Vintage teacups? Pretty, dainty food? Soft flowers?  Love, love, love it all.  This bridal shower photographed by Vanessa Lam has such a beatiful style, it is so gorgeous. 

Such a pretty setting for celebrating!  Thank you for sharing these lovely photos, Vanessa!

A Little Lamb Shower

I am beyond impressed and over the moon for the Little Lamb baby shower that Erika of Delphine Ephemera planned for her friend.  It is somehow chic and adorable at the same time.  Her attention to detail and design abilities really shine through and provide some beautiful "real celebration" eye candy for your Friday. 

How great to have a pretty backdrop ready for those group photos that you will want to have for years after the shower!  This is a nice idea to borrow from the weddings world for showers and really any celebration.

And possibly one of my favorites from Erika's posts on the baby shower is this shot that shows one of her tricks for set up; putting the serving dishes out with post its or the packaged item!  Honestly I wish I had thought of that for the showers I have hosted, it must be so helpful in giving those last minute helpers an easy way to know exactly where they can pitch in.

Erika's posts for this shower are filled with little tips, from sharing her sketches for the layout and inspiration during the planning to the reminder to "shop" at friends and family's houses for decoration pieces to borrow to help keep costs lower.  And while this is featuring a baby shower, those tips are relevant for any celebration you may be planning.  She has even shared printables for cute little lamb cupcake flags and straw flags that you can use for your party.  Thanks for sharing this gorgeous baby shower, Erika!

{photos by Jessica Davis Photography and shower by Delphine Ephemera}