Hostess with the Mostess®

Attn: Sweet Tooths – Did you know that there’s an entire website dedicated to “crafty recipes” starring m&ms, Snickers, Dove Chocolate, Twix, 3 Musketeers, and MilkyWay?! BrightIdeas.com is exactly that… and there are oodles of fun treats on there for all sorts of occasions.

In honor of the sweet-&-spooky holiday that’s right around the corner, here are some favorites from the Halloween category…

Pictured at top: Midnight Moon Cake, Vampire Bites (New Moon party, anyone?), and bite-size Pirate Brownies. Pictured below: if there ever was a time to describe a spider as “darling”, these Spider Cupcakes are it!

These Night Owl Cookies are pretty darn adorable too…(modify the colors for an Owl Themed Baby Shower!) Read More…

If you’re hosting a Pink Party in October (or any time of year), chances are good that you’ll be serving up some pink drinks, so here are a few ideas for adding an extra splash of your signature color to the outside of your drink!

Adorning stemware & glasses with fun details like ribbon & rhinestones only takes a few extra minutes, but it really elevates signature drinks to the next level and adds such a fun element to the party.

The DIY Details: Read More…

For the first time in my life I’m thinking that toilet plungers and dustpans would actually make for great gifts! This change of view can be  credited solely to Alice Supply Co. – whose fun, hip designs for garden hoses, buckets, brooms, & more just might change the way you look at housework…(at least a little bit!)

The prices are affordable too, making these great gift ideas for new nesters, the college bound, and recent college grads…. or maybe even that teen living in your house that could use a little “encouragement” getting the chores done!

Pictured above: Dustpan & Brush Set ($16.50); Chip Cheery Garden Hose ($38), and Modern Plunger ($18.50) – all at Delight.com. Read More…

Guest editor Sayeh Pezeshki from The Office Stylist is here with her top tips for planning a bridal shower, and doing it right!

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“As an office stylist and online boutique owner, life can get pretty hectic. I have to keep track of everything both with my styling projects as well as with the running of the store. Without checklists and organization, my life would be a complete mess!

So, when my friend announced she was getting married, I knew that my detailed & organized approach towards my business would definitely help with throwing her a fabulous Bridal Shower, and thought that my approach could also help others when they are introduced to the very same task.” keep reading… {full article in Entertaining 101}

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! Read More…

Today’s Real Party feature comes from Jaclyne of Heavenly Blooms and features loads of thoughtful & charming elements like handmade invitations, sparkling pink drinks, mini Georgia Peach Pies, a traditional Southern “Charm Cake” and an elaborate “Beauty Bar” for guests to enjoy. Read on for all the details, as told by Jaclyne…

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“When my best friend was pregnant with her first little girl, Kate, I knew I HAD to throw a baby shower… throwing parties and details are just part of my nature! However, this was her second baby, and having thrown quite a large shower for her first baby I wanted something a little more intimate and focused on the Mommy.

I didn’t want to do a “traditional” baby inspired shower, so I came up with a Southern theme instead. My inspiration was customized to a few of the guest of honor’s favorite things, such as the movie Steel Magnolias, southern food, the color pink and being pampered. The baby shower was held on a hot, humid August day so even the temperature coordinated with our “Pretty in Pink with Southern Charm” theme! Read More…