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!).

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}

Shower are such joyous celebrations.  Regardless whether it is a baby shower or a bridal shower there is such anticipation and the guest of honor is always glowing with happiness.   I am loving this baby shower posted by Christina Domingues.  The warm colors, use of pattern and shapes in the details, and deliciously displayed food kind of make you want to be there just by looking at the photos.

This shower has such a cohesive and simple look that goes a long way towards creating an effortless and intimate celebration.   Lovely.

{Photographs by Christina Domingues}

The autumn equinox is on September 22nd... that means whether you are ready to or not it is time to say goodbye to summer.  What better way to say farewell to summer this weekend than a little fiesta!  I love this table setup featured on Head of the Table and completely agree with her that is a fantastic setup for a fun taco night and a little celebrating.  It is casual but the details are thoughtful in creating an atmosphere.  Possibly the best part of this table is that it is so achievable for a limited budget (such as one might have for an impromptu Farewell Summer Fiesta/Taco Night).

Doesn't it looks like perfect setting for a fun, simple evening with friends and/or family? 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mad Men season three premiere airs tonight!  I find this show to be the perfect type for a viewing party... it is filled with those "are you kidding me" moments and the long pauses that one just needs to voice their thoughts on as they are seeped in undertones. 

If you are a procrastinator like me, you may be trying to decide what exactly to pull together for the little party.  One doesn't need to have a dinner party for a tv show viewing so that makes it much easier.  Focusing on the bar and the pre-show music with a few appetizer type snacks and you are good to go.

Pull a select set of appetizers from those mentioned on the show such as shrimp cocktail and chips and dip or those celery filled with cream cheese that Betty made for the birthday party.  Deviled eggs or pigs in a blanket will also be period appropriate without being too much of a time drain on your day.  For dessert maybe a bundt cake or chocolate mouse.

For the drinks, this is easy, there is a nice list of the favorites on the show on AMC with the recipes.  I might add Heineken as a nod to the dinner party Betty hosted. 

If you can find them, candy cigarettes displayed in an old fashioned glass will be a fitting touch along with a retro fan.  Betty wouldn't use paper napkins for hosting so pull out the cloth napkins and this also gives you an excuse to use the china from your wedding (for the newlyweds) or just to use either fun or fancy serving dishes. 

There are lots of playlist suggestions on iTunes.  But I would include a little Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin, etc.  Of course make sure the The Twist is on there!

And now you still have time to fuss with your hair or pull out your best Mad Man look.

Enjoy the show!