Celebrating Five-O, Installment #2

The wine weekend celebration for my friends will surely be a fabulous time for all who attend. This second invitation was fun to create. The invitation part is a wine label with a posterized photo of the hosts and has a very detailed RSVP card for the weekend chock full of activities! I'm ready to pack my bags now!

Earth laughs in flowers. - Emerson

It may be gloomy and cloudy today but our roses are in full bloom. And what is cheerier than a yummy yellow one? Ahhhh, spring and baseball season! Happy weekend!

Lending Library

It's always good to share a good book. I rarely read a book and give it away. Most of the time I want it back and every so often one never finds its way back to me so that got me thinking. I just finished reading a book I really enjoyed and plan to share it with a friend, and then my daughter, and most likely another friend or my mom after that. So I decided to design a bookplate for our little library here at Stone's Throw. These are just a handful of what I've been playing around with. Bookplates have been around for hundreds of years and I intend to make sure they do not become extinct!

Favor-ite Favors

A little something to remember the day, the evening, the weekend or the event. And these days a party favor ain't what it used to be! Some are extravagant and some are just plain thoughtful, but no matter what it's always fun to take home a little gift. Black and white fabric covered hangers, each with a place card tag were the favor at a lingerie bridal shower. A cozy blanket was a most thoughtful favor for an outdoor wedding in the coolness of January, even if it was in sunny San Deigo County! And custom etched wine glasses were the favor at my most recent party. With each guest's name on a mini wine lable and a special friendship quote on the back. Of course they used the glass at the party, and I had tissue paper and "thank you" printed paper bags at the table for wrap up on the way out the door.

A friend of mine told me of a bridal shower she just went to where the favors were aprons, a variety handmade by the hostesses. Sounds like the perfect thing for a kitchen themed shower. And another friend of mine is giving a "Time for Tea" shower and she found some lovely vintage hankies for the favor. The "tea bag" invitation has a beautiful vintage look as well. There's nothing like following a theme from beginning to end!

In the Vineyard

Well, I like to pretend! That's what theme parties are all about, so our backyard became a lovely picnic area at a vineyard for my birthday. The fabulous invitation was created by my dear friend Danielle Leopold, but I was flattered that so many thought that I had done it. I love her work. I did enjoy making the place card wine glass tags, the wine labels, as I named each table a different type of wine, and menu cards to complete the "paper & such"! Also, I love Continental Catering in San Diego because the food is delish and they help create the ambiance that I'm looking for.

An idea I love (and stole!) is the do-it-yourself photo booth. "Dress up and pose at the brick wall please!" Thanks for playing.

Most of all I LOVE that so many friends and family came to celebrate with me. A special shout out to travelers from Idaho, New Hampshire, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, and almost Colorado (they got snowed in)!