Sweet Summer Stationery on Sale

By Stacy Claire Boyd! As a follow up to Emily's post, grab some of these adorable customized thank-you notes and pads in summer hues at 15% off for the last day. Cute for kids' correspondence, these notes are also versatile enough for anyone who enjoys a little touch of classic gingham, plaid, polka dots or stripes. They remind me of summer fruits like the specimens from Martha Stewart's Fruit Decorations and Favors slideshow. Never needing to be dusted or tossed, fresh fruit is delightful and delicious as an edible gift for guests at your next baby shower, bridal shower, summer party, or wedding.

Sand and Sea: A Wedding Aquatic

As refreshing as cool, clear water, aqua and teal tones are always a perfect compliment to rich ivory, sand, and gold tones. The stunning Crane & Co. Ecru Lettre Kensington Card invitation ensemble with "Peacock" ink (center left) and the rich teal Dots & Stripes Border card by eInvite that could accompany as the save-the-date (center right), are the pieces that first inform guests of your aquatic affair. Whimsical octopus earrings from Anthropologie are an unexpected delight. Beach glass vases of varying heights would pair nicely with sea grass braided storage baskets holding programs or fans (bottom, both from West Elm). Finally, Brides.com offers ideas for a seaside placesetting, with plates that seem to hold the ocean's bubbles, and sand dollar cookies as a cute take-away favor (top left and right).

Orange Blossoms

The bright orange and white contrast of the Dandelion Dance invitation by einvite inspired this collection of images. The cocktail infusion party favors from beaucoup are an interesting idea for a spring or summer wedding, bridal shower, or party - and the packaging is irresistible. The profusion of petals that constitutes a dahlia and the pile of pots (images via marthastewart.com) make me smile and get excited about the new blooms popping up!

Key Details

Readily available at flea markets and antique shops, old keys are a great way to bring a bit of vintage flair to any party or wedding. Decorate invitations, boutonnieres, or even bride’s maids with antique keys. Hang them from your bouquet, give them away as favors, or dangle them from centerpieces and place cards. Keys are small enough to put almost anywhere but charming enough to make a statement. Best part is, they won’t break the bank either...except for maybe the ones at Tiffany's!

{Images Top L to R}
5 Porcelain Keys available at The Curiosity Shoppe
Acanthus Antiqued Brass Vintage Skeleton Key Necklace Collectibles by urbanheirlooms
Large Key invitation by Checkerboard Ltd. available at eInvite
Flea Market finds with Branch Floral as featured by 100 Layercake
Whiskey Brown Leather Saxony Clutch with Antique Skeleton Key by urbanheirlooms
Tiffany Keys available at Tiffany & Co.
Flea Market finds with Branch Floral as featured by 100 Layercake

Wedding and Party DIY Ideas

There are so many ways to make a wedding or party more personal. I always find it impressive when someone takes the time to individually construct the favors, the flowers, or the decorations. I recall my fiance's cousin's wedding when each guest received one of the bride's amazing homemade cookies inside of a tiny box she constructed and adorned. While this might not always be easy, einvite offers templates for favors to print on cream or white cardstock, including the one shown below at einvite.com/favors. The individual terrariums (found on design*sponge) would be perfect for the green-thumbed crafter having a smaller wedding or event with a garden theme. Fiftyflowers.com offers mixes of coordinated wedding flowers at a low price to arrange yourself, and has all of the most popular blooms. Finally, the variation in color and size of the river stone "placecards" found on theknot.com makes for an interesting and fun display, and calls to mind the simple joy of bringing together all the different and unique folks you love on your big day.

Romantic Vintage Wedding Details

I am a lover of all things old, particularly things of the decorative variety. There is an attention to detail in vintage creations that is unmatched today, and I find it amazing when things survive through decade after decade because someone attentively cared for them. The ribbon appliques for sale on vintagepassementerie.com thrill me. As both an admirer of flowers and someone who plays with paper and ribbon as an invitation designer, I am drawn to these mini-pieces. Imagine applying one to your special outfit, your gloves, purse or hair ornament. eInvite offers a gorgeous pink damask invitation that also evokes the past, plus there is a free downloadable customized wedding favor pattern that matches at einvite.com/favors, if you are into doing-it-yourself and saving money. The cake featured on Martha Stewart Weddings can be created with the culinary stencil from culinarystencils.com. The custom wedding dress with exquisite ruffle detail is by Elizabeth Dye at The English Department and is perfect for the brave who don't fear the froof.