~Mother's Day Brunch~

With Mother's day around a month away . . .

have you made plans for your mom already?

A few close friends of mine are throwing a Mother's Day brunch at my house.

My inspiration:

(image and ideas from Tastfully Entertaining)

pretty in pink party for Mother's Day!

My inspiration for the pink theme was this beautiful pink and orange floral table decor. The tweed-wrapped vases are a DIY project from Martha Stewart. (iWrap fabric around inexpensive glass containers.) Place an assortment of pink hued carnations, dahlias, tulips and spiky gerbera daisies into the vases for a lovely spring look. Set your floral arrangements atop a blush pink tablecloth accented with white plates and white napkins. Set a floral-adorned favor on top of each folded napkin.

                                     Source: saraspartyperfect.com via Emily on Pinterest

On a table off to the side set out an arrangement of place cards. For more intimate family gatherings I would allow guests to select their own seats. Just make sure to sit the guest of honor, your mom, at the head of the table. On the other end of your place card table, display your dessert, a sweet pink 2-layer cake decorated with gum-paste rose petals.

                                                    Source: drugrehabtreatmentlocator.com via Shelly on Pinterest

Serve a pink cocktail or whatever drink is Mom's favorite. This pink cocktail entitled the Long-Stemmed Rose is just rose flavored vodka garnished with a rose petal.

                                                                          Source: everythingfab.com via V e e on Pinterest

Lastly, though this is the probably one of first things you would do, is choose from FineStationery.com. Also, as an added bonus they include pink colored envelopes which are bright and cheery to receive in the mail.

Or do like I do and make your own! 

We will throw in some turquoise and creams . . .

sit at a fun decorated table . . .

(image from 10 Rooms)

And enjoy our Mommy's!

Do you have plans?

Any suggestions for food?

~Simply by Tamara Nicole~

~How to Throw a Bridal Shower~

Bridal Showers:
We all want our party to be the one that everyone talks about . . .

to be an amazing hostess.

And we've all been in the planner's shoes at one point or another 

(Louboutins?!)

                                                                           Source: hostessblog.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Who is in charge?!

In more traditional weddings, the Maid of Honor (MOH) plans the bridal shower with assistance from the bridesmaids. These days it can be whoever wants to, and it always helps to get help from others. :)

                                                                       Source: hostessblog.com via Tamara on Pinterest

When:

 It is important to consider the timing as it is considered normal to throw a shower about two months prior to the wedding as the bride may have several showers to attend, as well as so many other things going on.
Ask the bride when works, and set a date.  Usually I've seen showers Saturday pr Sunday brunch style, but it can be whenever works!

                                                                                   Source: etsy.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Theme:
In my opinion this is extremely important in planning a party.  You want things to flow. Coordinate.  Think about your bride, and her style and choose an appropriate theme.
BUT also know that this shouldn't be identical to the wedding style, let the wedding stand out on its own.

Keep it light, fun and upbeat.
All about the bride!

Here are some great ideas for themes from
the Hostess with the Mostess
here

Here are some of my favorite themes:

                                                                    Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Tea Party
Garden Party
Cupcakes and Coffee
Breakfast at "Tiffany's"
French Flair
but there are sooo many options, and as long as you carry it throughout the shower it can almost be anything, but cater it towards the bride and her personality or "likes".

Good Eats

                            Source: shaunayounge.blogspot.com via Tamara on Pinterest

In my eyes, the two most important things to focus on as a hostess is:
great food, and fun classy decor
If you have a great unique selection of food and beverages, people will be impressed and happy.  Score even more points by making a cute dessert table display that coordinates with your theme

(via Amy Atlas)

 and label your food dishes in style.

(Martha Stewart Banners)

Decor
Keep the theme going with the decor. 
Make sure decor is classy, not tacky!

(source)

(source)

                                                                      Source: ablissfulnest.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Games:

Oh the famous bridal shower games. 

Either you love them or you hate them. 

No matter how you feel, they usually are part of the shower, and work great to break the ice when people do not know each other.

Consider the bride and the guests as you think of these, and keep it just to 2-3 games so there's plenty of time to chat, open gifts and enjoy each other's company.

(For some free game ideas go here)

                                                                Source: i-do-it-yourself.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Favors:

Cute favors can go a long way at a shower!

As long as it coordinates with your theme and colors, no matter what you decide to give, package it nicely and people will love it.

                                                           Source: austinweddingblog.com via Gilbertine on Pinterest

Tea party . . . hand out some yummy tea bags with cute labels.

Wine and cheese . . . wine with fun customizes lables.

Garden theme . . . hand out some cute flower pots with treats, or plant seeds.

A few more tips

*Make sure that there are plenty of photos taken

(for larger showers consider hiring a photographer)

*Keep it fun and light and all about the bride

*Keep the drinks flowing . . . eases up the party and makes it silly

(but watch out for the lushes! No drama.)

*Name tags so people call each other by names.  Maybe have them also right how they know the bride.

Most important:

Have fun!

                                                                         Source: hwtm.com via Tamara on Pinterest

Do you guys have any tips on bridal showers?

Think back to the best bridal shower you have been to, what made it stand out?

~Simply by Tamara Nicole~