Megan from Real Weddings – (an Australian-based magazine that recently launched a shiny new website!) –  sent over some beautiful inspiration to share from one of their photo shoots.

These images are from an “Entertain at Home” feature that was a collaboration between British fashion designer Jasper Conran and Waterford Crystal.

The tablescape & party decor was designed to coordinate with Conran’s Chinoiserie tableware (see below), and boasts a lovely palette of soft greens, purples, and periwinkle blues. Would this look be great for an Easter or Mother’s Day brunch?!

I’m especially loving the gorgeous floral arrangements, which feature Delphinium, Lily of the Valley, Blue Bells, and Cornflowers…

The menu:
• Confit scampi with egg custard sauce vierge
• Seared quail breast with cauliflower foam, white asparagus and Iranian cous cous
• Chocolate fondant with a berry compote

Dinnerware and Tabletop Elements:
• Jasper Conran at Wedgwood ‘Chinoiserie’ green and ‘Chinoiserie’ white plates
• Vera Wang for Wedgwood ‘Chime’ Cutlery
• ‘Aura’ wine glasses, ‘Aura’ round vase, and ‘Eternal’ tumblers from Jasper Conran at • Waterford Crystal
• Waterford Crystal ‘Siren’ champagne flutes

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Credits & Resources:

Styling and food by: Katering

Flowers by: Ria Floral (Bondi, Sydney, +61 403 798 598)

Photography by: Matthew Reed Photography

You can also watch a detailed video about this photo shoot/collaboratoin over at the Real Weddings website. Click here to check it out.

I came across this adorable Spring Bouquet craft idea on the American Crafts blog recently and thought it would be such a cute homemade gift idea for Mother’s Day – or an adorable addition to girlie birthday parties, baby showers, or bridal showers! Get the full tutorial here.

P.S. The “flowers” would make super cute toppers/embellishments for party favors too!

One of my favorite parts of Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine is their fabulous Centerpiece of the Month segment, where they invite different people – usually with very recognizable names – to create a centerpiece design to share with readers. Luckily, these ideas are archived online, so if you’re looking for some tabletop decorating inspiration, this is a great place to start!

A few favorites are pictured here – starting with the top image – “Sock It To Me” designed by the fabulous Orla Keily – which features mix-n-match socks used as vase covers…genius!

Pictured below (clockwise from top left): “All Choked Up” by Jackie Shapiro (of French Bull fame); “Veggie Garden” by home design guru Christopher Lowell; “Spool Party” by product designer David Stark; and “Recycled Chic” by cookbook authors Matt and Ted Lee.

I love how adorable and easy this next idea is… “Sugar High” – fittingly designed by Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar – features unwrapped whirly pops and suckers sprouting from a bed of candies. (The white flower pots are from IKEA.)

Pictured below (clockwise from top left): Tea Time by fashion designer Liz Lange (lovely idea for Mother’s Day!); “For the Birds“  by textile designer Angela Adams; “Under Cover” by home furnishings designer Annie Selke; and “Space Balls” by set designer Derek McLane (such a fun idea for kids parties!).

Last but not least is this “Picture Perfect” idea by design guru Isaac Mizrahi. This centerpiece might have you doing a double take… it’s actually pictures of flowers and butterflies, cut out and clipped to a store-bought wire photo hanger. The best part about this idea… these flowers will last a LONG time!!

Today over at Simply Stated – check out ideas for a Fresh Apple Party Theme – which would be fun for a spring/summer bridal shower or casual Mother’s Day Brunch! Also included: the recipe link for these tempting White Chocolate-Toffee Crunch Caramel Apples… yum!

I’m so excited to share this latest “Real Party” feature with you… it’s a gorgeous ‘Under the Tuscan Sun” bridal shower featuring vibrant sunflowers and the rich colors of Tuscany. The hostess behind the party – Lina Wallace from A Stunning Affair - created this for shower for her sister-in-law and she did such a fantastic job…here are all the details on how she pulled everything together, as told by Lina herself:

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Laura’s Bridal Shower
When my sister-in-law, Laura got engaged, I immediately started thinking about ideas for her bridal shower. I felt so honored when her bridesmaids asked me to create something that would be not only unique, but also a reflection of the bride. When compiling ideas for a theme I thought of all of Laura’s favorite things:

• Favorite Color: Yellow
• Favorite Food: Pizza or anything Italian
• Favorite Flowers: sunflowers
• Favorite Dessert: Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
• Favorite drink: Anything with champagne =)

After much thought, I ended up with an “Under the Tuscan Sun” theme for the Bridal Shower. The color scheme was based on patterned ribbon, which was purchased from The Floral Supply Syndicate. Decorative candles and containers were all bought from Moskatels in Los Angeles.

The Bridal Shower was held at the Jerzy Residence (the home of her maid of honor). Upon arrival, guests walked down a pathway of sunflowers leading them to her backyard. Each place setting was topped with a sunflower that doubled as a bridal favor. All centerpieces had a Tuscan flare and also included lemons from the maid of honor’s garden.

The children sat at a separate table decorated with a centerpiece of flowers and lollipops, which they took home as party favors.

Guests’ first stop was at a table where they wrote “Words of Wisdom” for the bride to be. Laura is still talking about some of the comments written by her family and friends.

Invitees were then greeted by hosts, (Laura’s bridesmaids) and sipped on Peach Bellinis while listening to music by Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Louis Prima.

To continue with the Tuscan theme, lunch included some of the bride’s favorites: pizza, antipasto salad and garlic rolls. Yum, yum!

After lunch guests participated in a “Bridal Shower Jeopardy”. To familiarize themselves with the trivia, information cards were provided for anyone to review. Cards were discretely removed just before the game.

Laura then opened oodles of presents. My favorite was a “lady” given by the bride’s Aunt. The lady was made up of an iron for the body, a mop for the hair and an apron for her dress: practical items to be used for the home. Too cute!

The delightful afternoon ended with the bride’s favorite dessert: red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting topped with a sunflower design created by Joeleen of A Sweet Design.

The bride’s mother also brought strawberries dipped in a yummy cream dip, which everyone loved!

Vendor Info:

• Photography: Christine Haws Photography
• Flowers, Planning and Décor: A Stunning Affair
• Linens and Rentals: AAA Rents and Events
• Cupcakes: A Sweet Design
• Invitations: Cards and Pockets

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Thanks for the inspiration, Lina! The shower truly was “a stunning affair”!

Looking for a fresh new palette for your Mother’s Day brunch or other upcoming soirée? Sunny yellow is a perfect fit for entertaining in the warmer months, and this naturally showy color looks especially chic and sophisticated when complimented with more subdued elements like earthy wood-browns and natural patterns. Sound interesting? Check out my post – Fresh Spring Palette: Yellow & Woodgrain – over at Simply Stated: Celebrations for more ideas!