This gorgeous winery-inspired event by Beth Helmstetter features pretty florals in rich shades of burgandy/orange/coral, rustic elements like wooden wine boxes and barrels, and a mouth-watering spread of wines & cheeses (of course!)… all displayed in a gorgeous outdoor setting.

These images are great inspiration for a fall or winery-inspired wedding… and I also think the centerpieces would be lovely on a Thanksgiving table!

Read on for lots of pretty pics and party details, as told by Beth herself…

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“For this event we had over 150 people traveling from the east coast to Southern California. We decided to welcome them to the area by hosting a winery themed party with everything from a wine and cheese pairing during cocktail hour to a rustic family style dinner accompanied by classical guitars.

For the wine and cheese stations, we choose three regions from California including Central Coast, Sonoma and Napa. From there we selected a red and a white from each region and paired it with an appropriate cheese, crusty breads, spanish olives and dried fruits.

To add to the winery aesthetic we chose to serve the cheese in the full rounds rather than in bite sized pieces. This raw presentation was not only fun for the guests to dig into but it was also a beautiful way to add to the design of the event.

In lieu of traditional cocktail tables, we used wine barrels which were a hit!

For dinner everyone sat down to long, family style wood tables under a sky of raw Italian lights.

The centerpieces were created in wine boxes which I secured from the fine people at Costco and then had a carpenter cut them down to appropriate table sizes.

All in all, the event was meant to be a comfortable and approachable way to welcome guests all while introducing them to an experience that is regional to the state.”

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Gorgeous party, Beth! Thanks for sharing!

Resources & Credits:
Photographer: Steve Steinhardt
Location: Westlake Village Inn
Florals: Holly Flora
Furniture: Town & Country Event Rentals

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P.S. Love this style? Check out our other real party features by Beth:
• Cowboy Themed Baby Shower
• Eclectic Baby Shower
• Natural & Organic Wedding Reception

The New Moon movie premiers in just a couple weeks! So for those of you planning to host a New Moon party, I’ve designed some new, printable quotes from book #2 as a follow up to the earlier Twilight quotes & drink labels.

Since the New Moon movie paraphernalia features a different look & color palette than the book cover (see above), I decided to create these quotes in 2 different styles as well: the “woodsy” theme for the Wolf Pack quotes and the signature red/black/white theme for Bella & the Vampires.

There are FOUR 8×10″ quote designs and TEN 5×7″ quote designs. Scroll down to check out all of the available designs. You’ll find printing tips + links to download high-res PDFs of everything at the bottom of this post. Hope you have fun with them! (P.S. Stay tuned for additional NM party ideas… coming soon!)

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Here are the 8×10 Quotes (featuring Bella, Edward, Jacob, and Alice):

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And Here are the 5×7 Quotes (featuring Jacob, Bella, Edward, Emily, and Aro):

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DOWNLOAD THE QUOTES HERE:
Note: The files are in high-resolution PDF format, so they may take a few minutes to download, depending on your connection speed.

8×10 Quotes (4 designs / 9.8M pdf) – Click here to download

5×7 Quotes – Wolf Pack (4 Total / 6.3M pdf) – Click here to download

5×7 Quotes – Bella & Vampires (4 Total / 6.2M pdf) – Click here to download

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PRINTING Tips: I strongly recommend printing these designs at a print shop (such as FedEx Kinkos) or an office with a high-quality printer. Due to the amount of ink coverage and large volume of black especially, these designs can be difficult for home printers to handle (and can get expensive going through all the cartridges!). A place like Kinkos should only run you between $1.25 – $2 per page, and I’ve set the 5×7 quotes up as 2 per page to help maximize the space/value.

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DOWNLOAD Tips: When files are downloaded to a PC, you might need to “extract” them before they’ll open properly, especially if the file size looks smaller than noted above, which means it is probably compressed. Select the file that won’t open and look for a button at the top of your downloads folder that says “Extract”, then click it.

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COPYRIGHT/USAGE: You are free to download and print these movie quote & drink label designs for your personal use only. They may be printed from your home computer or at any commercial print shop such as FedEx Office/Kinkos. (If you ask Kinkos to download these directly from this post, you may need to show them to this permission info.)

Please do not attempt to resell or redistribute these designs. If you’d like blog about these templates, please make sure to link back to this full post at HWTM and not directly to the downloadable files. Thank you!

I’m just loving this khaki & blue party that Noel Culbertson put together to celebrate her husband’s birthday and recent promotion! The color palette is so crisp & chic… this look would also be gorgeous for a wedding or engagement party, or any nautically-themed celebration.

Read on for all the details, as told by Noel…

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“My husband went through the grueling six week induction process upon being promoted to Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy. The process culminated just before his birthday, it seemed only natural to celebrate both.

I went with a khaki theme for the party since all of his new working uniforms are now khaki. I used the B is for Baby Shower party on HWTM as a springboard. For a fun touch I ordered custom fortune cookies, which started me on the road to filling these apothecary jars along with several milk glass jars from local antique stores with khaki goodies.

I picked up khaki table cloths and mini paper bags at Target, and found fabric for the table runner at Joann’s. With so much khaki on hand, I ordered some blue candies to throw a little color in the mix.

To speed up cupcake baking I ordered these wrappers that you can set on a cookie sheet and bake as is. I printed and cut the flags then glued them to lollipop sticks I picked up at Michaels. The rest of the goodies came from Costco, which helped keep costs down.

I designed the jar labels, flags and party “logo” in Photoshop and printed it off for the party favor bags, frame, and a large vinyl “congratulations” sign i had made for the house.

I also hung sepia-tone pictures of the induction process in rustic wood frames behind the table to show off the process and to keep the look unified.”

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Thanks for the inspiration, Noel!

Sometimes when you’re browsing the web for ideas, that magic moment happens when you stumble on something that you just absolutely LOVE. I experienced such moment when a recent search for something completely unrelated landed me on this stunning, almost “magical” East Meets Guest reception theme from Brides. Honestly don’t you just want to jump right into the party?

This look would be also be gorgeous for a bridal shower or milestone birthday…

The eclectic mix of textiles – boasting Indian, Indonesian, AND Japanese- inspired prints – give such a rich, artistic feel to the tabletop. I also love paper fans cinched with button mums… and the use of thin tubular vases for the tall portion of the centerpieces – a great way to add height & drama to the design without discouraging cross-table conversation!

Chic red bamboo chairs definitely enhance the tabletop design – especially when draped with garlands of button mums!

The 3-tier cake dons a playful, unique design too… I’m loving the fun, contemporary-looking topper! And lucky bamboo bundled with ribbon doubles as a thoughtful, long-lasting favor for guests, as well as a pretty – and quite appropriate – decorative accent for the party!

For complete details, visit Brides.com.

{Photography by Richard Jung}

Complete details from the French Circus Baby Shower (or “Cirque du Bebe“) that I styled for Tisha Campbell-Martin in July are now up in the HWTM Party Themes section… click here to check it out!

There were sooo many details to cover on this party, and the text is running pretty long as it is, so if you still have questions on anything please feel free to ask them here. Also – downloadable templates for the custom signs are coming soon! =)

P.S. You can also view the entire (& extensive!) photo album from this party – including the guests – on the HWTM Facebook page.

Here’s a sneak peek at the invitations I just finished for Tisha & Duane’s upcoming “French Circus” baby shower, which will be mailed out in Stardream’s shimmery Onyx Metallic envelopes. (All personal info has been changed in this version… although it would be pretty cool if the venue was really on “Ringmaster Road”!)

I just gotta say that it’s been so much fun working on this theme!  Still in the preliminary stages, but so far the plan includes black & white striped fabric, brightly colored feathers, crystals, damask prints, mod animal shapes, and vintage-circus-inspired elements (with lots of playful ideas like appetizers on sticks and “magical, floating” popcorn cones a la Amy Atlas. More planning details coming soon… stay tuned!

While the Mint Julep is definitely the obvious drink of choice when it comes to Kentucky Derby parties, revelers who aren’t fans of bourbon can sip on vodka-based “Infield Punch” instead. This simple cocktail recipe from Budget Living’s Party Central is basically just fruit punch & vodka garnished with lemon, but it’s so much more fun with a cool name that matches the theme!

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Infield Punch
(serves 10)

2.5 Gallons Red Fruit Punch
1 750 ml bottle vodka, gin, rum, or pure grain alcohol
1 lemon, sliced

Mix punch and liquor in a pitcher. Chill. Just before serving, mix in ice and garnish with lemon slices. Enjoy!

Looking for a reason to party this weekend, but “Hats ‘n’ Heels” isn’t really your thing? Not to worry! One of the best things about the Kentucky Derby is the wide variety of personalities – and methods of celebration – that it attracts.

We’re talking both ends of the spectrum here… from the “lifestyles of the rich & famous” Millionaire’s Row to the wild & rowdy crew making up the infamous Infield, which has been described as “comparing only to Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras”. (A quick YouTube or Google search will help explain why!)

So how do you bring the Infield home to your own crew if you’re nowhere near Churchill Downs? Easy! For starters, head to your local party supply store and pick up a bunch of plastic beads and crazy hats & sunglasses. Emphasis on the “crazy” part.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? PHOTO OPP! The opportunity to capture your friends & family on film in hilarious get-ups doesn’t come about every day, right? And after a Mint Julep or 2, even mom & dad might be striking poses!

Decorations:
An Infield theme is all about casual, fun and clever/novelty decor. Create “Mini Infield” centerpieces from shallow vases filled with grass or a similar ground cover, then decorate the “mini Infields” with toy horses and beads or mini plastic trophies. Stick some straws out of the grass as a cheeky nod to the area’s “activity” of choice. (Ground cover is available in flats at places like Home Depot and local nurseries).

Activities:
Keep the dress code casual so that guests can participate in fun picnic-style games like potato sack races, bean bag toss, and beer pong. (More great photo opps here!)

On the Menu:
Fire up the grill! Cook up your favorite BBQ menu – but be sure to add some Southern flair! Need some recipe ideas? Find a bunch of them here.

What to Pour:
Mint Juleps are popular on the Infield too – but there’s always plenty of beer and cocktail alternatives flowing for those that don’t especially love bourbon or whiskey. Make sure you have a few different crowd-pleasers (including non-alcoholic options) on hand!

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For more info on The Infield - check out KentuckyDerby.com… and for more party ideas or to purchase Derby themed cups & partyware, check out KentuckyDerbyParty.com.

Red roses play a huge part in the Kentucky Derby, which has been aptly dubbed as the “Run for the Roses” due to the gorgeous garland of more than 400 red roses and bouquet of 60 long-stemmed red roses presented to the winning horse/jockey duo.

So… it goes without saying that roses are a great place to start when it comes to decorating for Kentucky Derby parties too! Here are a few quick, easy, & budget-friendly centerpiece ideas to get you started. (The felt 1, 2, & 3 numbers are representative of “win, place, & show”, but they also make it easy to differentiate below!)

To keep things even more affordable, purchase roses in bulk at discount shops like flower supply stores or even Costco. Scroll down for the detailed “how to” info on all 3 designs…

CENTERPIECE #1: Winner’s Circle (or “square”!)

You’ll need:
shallow square vase
roses (approx 16-20 for an 8×8 vase)
floral foam wet (one brick)
artificial grass or grass-like craft paper
red satin ribbon
felt number (optional)
horseshoe brad (optional; purchased at a scrapbook store)

Directions:
Cut the floral foam brick in half lengthwise and use it to line the entire bottom of the vase. Trim to fit as needed, then add water until the foam is saturated. Cut a square of “grass” that is about 2-3″ smaller in diameter than the vase, and place it on top of the foam, centered.

Trim rose stems to about 1.5″ long, then create a rose border all the way around the vase by inserting them into the foam. The rose buds should partially overlap the “grass” to help hide the edges.

Set a toy horse on top of the grass. Adorn the horse with a red ribbon & themed embellishment – like the horseshoe brad pictured here. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you can also create a rose garland for the horse (instead of the red sash) by hot glueing lots of mini craft roses onto green satin ribbon.

Optional: Decorate the vase with a band of red satin ribbon and a felt number “1″ or other derby-appropriate embellishment.

Resources: Toy horse, “grass” paper, & floral foam all purchased at Michaels. Roses, ribbon & vase from Wholesale Flowers in San Diego. Felt numbers from Joann.

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CENTERPIECE #2: Julep Roses

You’ll need:
silver julep cup vase (plastic or silver plated)
red roses
red ribbon
felt number (optional)

Directions:
Remove all leaves from the roses and trim the stems so that the rose buds sit just above the rim of the vase, creating a tight bunch or “crown”. Decorate the vase with a band of red satin ribbon and felt number or other derby-appropriate embellishment.

Tips: purchase plastic silver julep vases individually or in bulk

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CENTERPIECE #3: Rose Bed Cube

You’ll need:
square “cube” vase
red roses
floral foam wet (one brick)
red satin ribbon
felt number (optional)

Directions:
Trim the foam brick to fit within the vase, then add water until the foam is fully saturated. Next, trim the rose stems so that the base of the bud sits just below the rim of the vase. Insert 3-4 rows of roses, depending on the size of your rose buds and/or vase. Finally, decorate the vase with ribbon and a felt number or other derby-themed embellishment, and you’re done!

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Opting for the more casual route for your Derby party? Stay tuned for some INFIELD-themed party ideas tomorrow!

The Kentucky Derby is coming up soon – Saturday, May 2nd – and even if you can’t make it to Churchill Downs yourself, this is SUCH a fun excuse to get together and throw a party at home!

You can go all out with a specific theme like Hats n’ Heels, Racing/Silks, Infield, etc – or keep it casual with simple cocktails, appetizers, and a good view of the flat screen! KentuckyDerbyParty.com has tons of great ideas for celebrating at home – from Derby-appropriate recipes by chef Bobby Flay to themed party ideas to Derby party invitations. (A few favorites from the invitation designs are pictured below.)

And if you’re REALLY looking for an excuse to party – here’s a good one: KentuckyDerbyParty.com is currently hosting the “Bring the Derby Home! Sweepstakes” where you can win a Derby party for you and 20 of your closest friends! The party is valued at over $3500 and includes a 32″ Toshiba Flat Screen! Just register on KentuckyDerbyParty.com by noon tomorrow (Friday, April 24th) to enter the sweepstakes – it only takes a minute!

(Learn more about the history & traditions of the KD here.)