Backyard Beautiful: Entertaining Under the Stars, Part 3 . . .

Well here we are, back to Friday again so soon and all set for another round of gorgeous outdoor inspiration to take us into the weekend.  This week brings us all sorts of glamour and color, from lazy afternoons spent hiding from the heat in the shade of an oak tree to a chic & delightful lemon & blush brunch.  So kick your heels up, pour yourself a crisp glass of pinot grigio, and get ready to celebrate the end of summer in the best way that we know how . . .

Oh those hanging paper lanterns again . . .

Or you could hang some fabulous streamers instead . . .

A cozy picnic is a timeless classic . . .

Or an elegant affair in plum & eggplant . . .

This amazing color palette makes a beautiful brunch . . .

Or perhaps you are more of a sunset on the beach kind of a gal or guy . . .

But no matter what fits your fancy, you can never, ever go wrong with a pure explosion of vintage color . . .

Stay tuned for part four in our series, coming next week, and have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Backyard Beautiful: Entertaining Under the Stars (Part 2)

Another Friday, another series, and here we are with part 2 in our 5 parter of 'Entertaining Under the Stars'.  Last week brought you all sorts of outdoor dining goodness, from a terrace tea party to a Moroccan picnic and this week's backyard beauty will not disappoint.

Let's kick things off with a sweet supper in the orchard . . .

And a Provencal Picnic . . .

Why not hang a lantern or two . . .

Or just string up a few vases of flowers . . .

The shade of a tree is always a nice spot for a spread . . .

Or how about a Glamorous Girl's Night Get-Together . . .

No picnic table?  No worries, the bed of a truck will do just fine . . .

And campground confectioneries are usually a hit . . .

Perhaps, lucky you, your backyard is the beach?

Do I see a ruffle cake?  Fab.

There.  I hope you are feeling inspired and are all set to cut that grass and wipe down your patio furniture for dinner with friends this weekend.  Have a wonderful one and enjoy that lovely August sunshine while you still can:)

60's Inspired Mod Dinner Party: A Retro~Chic Dream . . .

I just love the 1960s; the mod fabrics, the clean lines, the vintage details, the push towards individualism & self-expression.  What a charming time in our history it was as we veered away from the established norms and lived on the very brink of a revolution!

So as we head into this weekend, why not change things up and entertain in style with a chic dinner party inspired by an era that was the very definition of transformation . . .

Ah,  the cascading table cloth in the most fantastic retro print . . .

And lo and behold, a whiskey bar.  Now what could be better than that . . .

A cake with details to die for . . .

I am feeling a little nostalgic now.  I do believe it might be time to go pop in that 'Mad Men' DVD to kick off the weekend . . .

1960s Inspired Photo Shoot Courtesy of JL Designs

Wrapping Paper Table Runners: A Gorgeous Party on a Budget...

In love with vintage fabrics & patterns but having a hard time fitting expensive linen rental into your party budget?  Well, why not think outside the box a bit and consider different ways to create the look you want without spending a fortune. . . .

For just a few dollars a piece, you can find all sorts of fabulous patterned & rolled wrapping paper and even come up with some gorgeous embellishments that you can make on your own . . .

Plain brown kraft paper (just $1 a roll at the Dollar Tree) can be fancied up with a decorative scrolly stencil . . .

Or why not cut your beautiful pattern out and dress up a plain white tablecloth . . .

And just imagine what can happen if you take it outside . . .

Look how lovely the look is complemented with these gorgeous paper flowers...

And speaking of paper flowers, how stunning is this rustic & sublime embellished runner?

Gorgeous, modern, & unique without barely even touching your budget!  Now how can you possibly beat that?

Tutorial Tuesday: St. Patrick's Day Cupcake Toppers!

Want a simple way to infuse a little Irish luck into your St. Paddy's Day desserts?  Here is a quick & easy way to dress up your holiday cupcakes!!

Difficulty Level: EASY

Supplies you will need:

~ cream paper stock (I prefer textured...to give it that classic, vintage look)

~ green paper stock 

~ clover craft punch (a heart punch works as well...just punch out 3-4 hearts & arrange into a clover)

~ circle craft punch (a great investment to be used over & over again, for all of your holiday dessert labels.  Juneberry Lane ❤'s Fiskars...)

~ tape

~ toothpicks

Clover hole punch (found at Michael's/Jo Anne's/major craft retailers):

Scallop hole punch (found at major crafte retailers):

1.) Using the green paper stock, punch out clovers with heart or shamrock craft punch.

2.) Using the cream card stock, punch out the decorative circle.

3.) Tape the shamrock to the cream circle.

4.) Tape a toothpick to the back of the cream circle.

5.) Insert the topper into your favorite St. Paddy's Day cupcakes...

ENJOY!!!