a sweet treat.

The cupcake craze is still very much a faze and there is really no reason not to settle for anything but moist, fluffy cake topped with impeccable frosting. At Boston's Sweet I found all of the above to celebrate my dear friend Sarah's 24th. Individually wrapped in an adorable box - it was the perfect edible surprise. With flavor choices including Red Velvet, Lemon Raspberry, Bubblegum, Pink Lemonade, Pina Colada... how can you not get several? A delicious after dinner treat, snack or gift for so many occasions.

I am totally jealous of your cupcake, Sarah!

Photo by Sweet Cupcakes

the search for the perfect wine glass.

I am on a little mission to find my housewarming gift to myself. As I am going to move into a new apartment in the coming months, I am on the look out for one of entertaining's most vital elements - a delicate but excessively large wine glass.

Success may be found at Crate & Barrel in these Classico glasses that are 9 inches tall and hold 20 ounces of vino! Currently on sale for $3.95 it might be the perfect time to indulge.

I also have a weakness for stemless wine glasses. They are a bit more contemporary and little trendier. As seen in this wedding by fleursnyc, stemless glasses are another completely chic way to quench the thirst of your guests in style. They can also be easily converted into a cocktail glass when garnished or a miniature vase for small flower arrangements.

Isn't that centerpiece amaaazing!?

Photo by Still Photography

the ultimate party shoe.

I am in love with Kate Spade's fabulous Guest shoe! It is the epitome of elegance and fun - perfect for a dressed up affair.

inspiration.

Wedding photography is my go-to boredom killer. Capturing moods of extreme happiness while guests are surrounded by carefully thought out elements relating to venue, place setting, floral, etc., lends itself handily for gorgeous pictures. So fun to be involved with the individual pieces that come together to achieve a design that embodies the aura those celebrating hope to express through their event.

Todd Pellowe, a very talented wedding photographer in Louisville, Kentucky, recently posted this beautiful farm wedding on his blog, providing me with the motivation for the yellow and blue color palette I've chosen for The Prettier Party - basically I am obsessed with the bridesmaids and their fun yellow shoes!

Photo by Todd Pellowe

fiesta in a (pink) box.

I have been dying to write about my party in a box but I've had to be patient so as not to give away any surprises... I concocted this arrangement as a thank you to (requested insert here: my wonderful boyfriend) Vassar's parents, who have been sooo kind to put up with me for an entire week in Maine!

After hitting up Balducci's, my absolute weakness when it comes to grocery stores, I set off to find the perfect container for all these South of the Border delights. Creativity got the best of me - I used the box my calling cards were sent in and found pink wrapping and polka dot tissue paper scraps, and ta-da! The perfect thank you party!

how does your garden grow?

I could not be more excited - one of my closest friends, Amanda and her wonderful (Colby-grad!) fiance Chris, had their gorgeous engagement party just over a week ago! Her grandparents (and their adorable flat haired retriever, Oliver) hosted about 80 guests at their back-country home. All of the details had the prettiness of a garden party and the perfect reflection of Amanda's style. My absolute favorite touch were the baskets of freshly cut flowers from one of the attendants gardens. I love the combination of white and purple hues with a few bold pink accents.

I wish that I could have fresh flowers in my apartment all the time. Unfortunately, I am a bit inept with plants but a flower arrangement, no matter how simple, can make any space feel literally more alive. And there is nothing easier (or more economical) than using your very own garden and a classic wicker basket to create the perfect centerpiece.

I couldn't resist including a picture of Oliver and Gracie!

call on me.

So maybe not exactly party related, but stationery in general is completely fabulous and can add so much to an event. Since I am not given a business card at work I just invested in the cutest Crane & Co. calling cards! (And if in transition it's always nice to have a statement card to network with.) Get your own at finestationery.com.

(pommery) pop!

Celebrating? Why not drink pink?

Rosé is chic again. And it's no wonder why - a chilled glass in this flirty color makes for the perfect summer dessert beverage. With fruity undertones and all the bubbles of your typical sparkling - Pommery POP Champagne is just a lot more fun. Delicious and adorable - how cute would this be served with cupcakes? (Dare I bring up the possibilities come Valentine's Day...)

Added bonus - you can buy mini bottles to incorporate in table displays or give as party favors.

launch!

Sitting at a desk all day with excel sheets cluttering my desktop is not offering much in the way of creativity, so I'm establishing a new outlet. We all love parties, the chance to bring together family and friends, forge new relationships, and celebrate all the joys life brings. Whether as elaborate as a wedding or as intimate as a garden gathering, I want to focus on the little things that make us swoon, from stunning flowers to delicate place settings, the perfect gift or scrumptious cuisine.