Autumn Engagement Party

Can someone pinch me - my Apple themed Autumn Engagement Party inspiration shoot was featured on the Wedding Chicks blog last week!  I'm honored to be featured on such an inspiring site, and very grateful to Linkowitz Photogaphy and Little Bean Boutique, for their contributions to the shoot through photography and printables. 

The design was inspired by crisp red apples and the idea of tying in the concept of "picking" apples, and "picking" a mate.  Most of the decorative details are hand made and provide a balance of masculine and feminine.  The printables were a key part of conveying the concept - a framed sign read, "he Picked her, she Picked him;" a small card on the table reads, "you're the Apple of my eye;" favor jars of apple butter had a label which said, "we Picked this just for you," and baskets of apples for the guests to "take your Pick" and carry home.   Each place setting also had a caramel dipped apple...yum!

A key focal point was the burlap backdrop with a manzanita branch attached, and faux apples hanging from the "apple tree."  Mini apple pies with the cutest fabric & lace flag picks, and of course apple cider were on the menu.

Swags of lace, and banners made of twine, felt leaves, and paper circles were draped around the area to tie in to the lace details & leaf glass cover on the dining table.

I hope you're inspired by my design.  Not only would this be a unique engagement party, but also a small intimate wedding, adult birthday, shower, or a casual dinner party.

Also, thanks to Vicky of The City Cradle for inviting me to participate in the Fall Celebration Challenge.

A "French Cooking"-Inspired Dinner Party

This gorgeous dinner party was sent to me by Julie of A Reason to get Together, and hosts a most unique concept.  In Julie's words: 

"It was a "Mastering The Art Of French Cooking" dinner party. I had all of our guests (14 total) bring a dish from the cookbook. People brought appetizers, entrees, sides, and dessert. I sent an Evite invitation so that everyone could view what everyone else was bringing to eat, to avoid duplicates. The guests also had to bring wine that coordinated with their particular dish."

What a fun and clever theme for a party, and Julie's decor was the perfect back drop.  With it's orange and green color scheme, and natural elements, this is a lovely transition into Autumn entertaining.

  

I love a party with layers and layers of details, and from the place settings to the drinks table, this one does not disappoint.  Julie even added nearly 60 yards of hand-made bunting to the space!  This design would be perfect for an engagement party, adult bithday, or bridal shower too.  Thanks for sharing this beautiful inspiration, Julie!

An Elegant Garden Dinner Party

I'm in love with this elegant dinner party designed by Desiree Spinner Events (found via Inspired by This).  One of the stand-out features is the menu-wrapped peach at each place setting.  Such a unique detail that could be used with apples, pears, mini pumpkins, etc.  I also adore the book shelf vignettes - a great way to add interest and carry out the party decor even further.

More fun details:  chalk board frame for the dessert table, cute tags for the straws, and mini buntings draping the fronts of serving tables.  Beautiful inspiration for any event!
Photos by Dan Cutrona Photography
Paper goods-Dulce Press