Rustic Winter White Setting

Since it's the last day of February and hopefully Spring will be here sooner rather than later, I thought I'd pay homage to one of the snowiest winters I can remember, and share this inspiring Rustic Winter White setting.  This beautiful scene was designed by Jenny of Jenny Haas Photography and Ashley of Ashley Krogman Designs, and features some eclectic elements like owls, music papers, and paper rosettes in varying tones of white and beige.

The white themed dessert table is simple yet stunning and provides some nice inspiration for an ice cream sundae bar, I think {instead of snow cream serve ice cream}.  These rustic pieces could easily carry you into Spring and Summer when surrounded by green moss instead of snow.

This scenario would be so lovely for a milestone birthday or engagement party!

Other Credits:

Cake - Sweets by Jenny Edwards

Cake Topper - Woodland Chick on Etsy

Barnyard Birthday Party

This sweet first birthday party was sent in by Tara of Shindig Diva, and offers up some adorable little details!  A "sky" backdrop gives an outdoor atmosphere on this chilly January day, while the mix of gingham and cow print patterns used in the banner, signage, and tabletops gives this party a classic farm feel.   

Many of these ideas can be re-created to host your own Barnyard Bash: bales of hay, cowboy hats, apples, animal crackers & lollipops, and some party printables are all you need to get started.  You can read more and see all the details on the Shindig Diva post.  Thanks for sharing Tara!

DIY Airplane Save The Date {Or Invitation}

by contributor Kristi Delfino

Hello my dears!  Do I have a special treat for you today - A Luna and Chloe original design!  Hopefully by the end of this post you will be flying high...he he.  Okay, so I was talking to a friend recently about destination weddings, and it got me thinking...if I was having a destination wedding how would I do my Save the Date announcements.  And in just a matter of seconds it hit me.  I might be dating myself here (eek), but do you remember the balsa wood airplanes, or jet gliders that you would get from the store for $.50 or so?  You would assemble them in seconds, and having them take flight all over the house or yard. 

My brother and I used to fly them down the staircase growing up when we lived in an old victorian home.  However, me being the younger one, I usually was the one that had to go down and get them and bring them back up!  Typical, no?

Anyhow, I put the two together (a destination wedding and jet gliders) and this is what I came up with...

I am OVER THE MOON about how they turned out! I purchased the jet glider for $1.00 at Michaels.  And while it has writing on each side of the pieces, I just flipped them over and used the undersides. There was a small stamp on the underside that said where it was made, but with a little sandpaper it came right off. Ooh, and the sandpaper is fabulous for fixing a mistake if made. Just wait for the ink to dry before you sand off, and don't rub too hard. Now, I know exactly where to get the jet gliders without anything on them (granted they are shaped a little differently), but I couldn't justify spending over $30 and receiving over 30 of them, when I only need 4 for this project.

Here are the supplies that are needed for making a Save The Date plane:

1. Jet Glider
2. Fine sandpaper (optional)
3. Letter and Number stamps
4. Stamp pad

I included some other items in the picture below that I used.  However, you only need the four items above to actual make them.

All you really have to do is stamp...

I made a custom envelope for them, added a piece of chipboard to protect the plane from breaking in the mail, and then added some little details...

And voila!  They are ready for take off...

Yet, don't think I stopped there...oh no!  I tried to think of another, possibly eaiser way to use too.  And here's is another option for you that I came up with...

For the banner you could either print it up (the easy way), or stamp it (a little more time consuming).  Since I started with stamps, I figured I would continue with them! 

I glued the twine and a very thin piece of chipboard that I cut to the back of the banner.  I didn't want the paper to bend or fold, so this gives it some stability.  Also, I glued one piece of twine to the top of the back of the plane and one piece to the bottom to attempt to keep the banner straight when flying through the air. 

In talking with my sister the other day about my idea, which I knew she would love, she was ecstatic to say the least!  She has a little boy (Baby Riley is what I call him, with the most fabulous red hair EVER) that is turning one soon.  Well...guess what?  Oh yes, these are perfect for a boy's birthday party...or a girl's too. 

And even if you aren't having a destination wedding you can still use these if you love to travel, are a pilot of just for the fun of them! 

There are so many ways to customize them too, and you could always use a colored stamp pad instead of black.  And for those of you that love the idea....but don't want to make them yourselves, I am offering custom made Save the Dates or Invitations in my Etsy store if you are interested, as well as the little stitched heart on the tag.  They will be available for purchase in my Etsy store come Monday, February 28th!

 ~ Ciao

...concept, design, styling & photography all by luna and chloe weddings 

*** Both the airplane save the date and the stitched key tags are my ORIGINAL designs. PLEASE do not copy, and pass it off as your own! I am sharing with you how to make the airplane save the dates out of kindness, return the favor. Thank you bunches!

Modern Tabletop Inspiration

The ladies of Carter & Cook designed this beautiful modern tablescape for the HITCHED event recently.  The centerpiece here is sensational combining gorgeous florals from Arrangements, with tall rustic branches, and topping it all with a whimsical antler 'mobile'.  

Other notable details from this table are the tulle rosettes attached to the napkins and drink stirs, and the adorable antler cookies for each guest.

Beautiful inspiration for any celebration!

Credits:

Design - Carter & Cook

Floral Arrangements - Arrangements

Photography - Brandon Kidd & Erin Hearts Court

Paper elements - Mae Mae Paperie

Cookies - The Messy Baker

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles Birthday Party

A couple of months ago I was asked by HGTV.com to share some DIY ideas for kid's birthday party favors and decor.  I was thrilled to be part of the feature for their site and decided I would put together something very simple for the beginner party planning mom.

My theme was Planes, Trains, and Automobiles inspired by the classic wooden toys I found in the $1 isle of Target.  The train made a great centerpiece to hold a personalized birthday banner, and the airplanes were hung from above to create a "mobile" over the table.

Coordinating scrapbook paper with monogram stickers were wrapped around juice boxes and will remind the kid's which drink is theirs.  Traffic signs found online were simply printed and cut out to top off the cupcakes.  I know we are so familiar with party printables, but I wanted to show how you could decorate a party if you are not familiar with them. 

Finally, a different vehicle was placed at each place setting and makes a great take-home favor.

Speaking of favors, I put together small take-out boxes filled with play dough, an easy themed activity book, another vehicle, and cotton candy "clouds."  The 'clouds' tag and birthday banner were both created in Picnik - super easy!

You can see this children's party featured on the HGTV website, in a gallery alongside some other pretty amazing party gal's designs.

Just goes to show you can create a cute party without spending a fortune, or hiring a planner (but shhhhh, that's just between you and me).

 

What's New Here!

Hi friends!  Just a few news-worthy items I'd like to share with you all quickly:

I've taken on a new role as one of the Community Leaders for the Blog Frog Coffee Talk Community.  This is a fun and easy-going social site where you can chat with some new-found girl friends about parties, being a modern woman, motherhood, and just about ANYthing else!  I'd love to have you come visit and chat with us!

Also, I'll be contributing a couple of posts each month on the savvy, sassy site known as Savvy Sassy Moms!  Andrea Fellman is the sassy founder of the site and is giving it a facelift by incorporating a new look and design(still in the works), as well as adding several new contributors.  Visit Andrea's site for an entertaining read on subjects that relate to being a woman and a mom.   

Oscars Party 2011!

The count down to the Oscars is on with just a week to go before we see who will take home the golden statue.  We're here to help get you red-carpet-ready as you host a fun and festive night of your own.  These ideas and printable items collected from around the web will help you decorate with flair, as well as offer up some special activities.

From top to bottom:

The Food Network has some sleek and stylish ideas for dressing your table - Napkins folded like envelopes are a clever trick and these are finished off with a seal! 

You'll be seeing stars when you cut slices of star fruit to adorn your champagne glasses.

Re-create the classic Hollywood sign by printing out each letter and using to top cupcakes.

If you're looking for a go-to site that has a complete Oscars Party ready to print then visit MyGrafico for this set that includes invitation, napkin wraps, wine tag, buffet/name cards, and favor boxes.

After picking your best and worst dressed stars from the red carpet, take a moment to fill out this award ballot from Twig and Thistle.  Tally up the answers at the end of the night to see who chose the most correct winners.  You may want to give them a special prize like a bottle of champagne or movie tickets.

  Finally, make your guests the stars by hanging a curtain for a backdrop and offering these printable photo props from Paper & Cake.  Add in some other accessories like feather boas, hats, & tiaras and everyone will have a great time getting into character!

With these ideas and printable items available, you can all be winners this Oscars night!

 

A Cozy Breakfast Bar

Aahh, the weekend is almost here and I've got just the thing to help you enjoy it.  This lovely breakfast bar was originally set up as a birthday celebration by Rubyellen of Cakies blog and is full of wonderful ideas... 

The buffet is set with a selection of cereals and milks and also a pancake station with 3 batters to choose from: red velvet, whole wheat, and buttermilk.  Several toppings and syrups are available to make them even tastier!  Rubyellen also had bacon, eggs, and potatoes to offset all the sweetness.

One of the cutest things from this party is the "bacon and egg" favors made from pretzel sticks, white chocolate, and an m&m.  A very cute and appropriate idea!

I love the slightly vintage feel of this party and there's nothing better than starting your day over a leisurely brunch with friends.  Give it a try - Bon Appetit!