Backyard Barbecue

August is a busy month in our house with both of our kid’s birthdays two weeks apart and our anniversary in-between them. In the past we’ve had separate birthday parties for the kids and we try to separate them by a few weekends — Brady’s the weekend before his birthday and Owen’s the weekend after his birthday — but this year that just wasn’t going to work out. So, instead we decided to throw a joint backyard barbecue with some of our good friends, family and neighbors instead.

We were blessed with some unseasonably comfortable weather and had a blast celebrating our two boys. And, luckily for us, the awesome online party supply store Party Pail, contacted us to see if we had any parties coming up that we could use some of their plain party goods for… ummm… yes!

I generally love buying plain party products and then customizing them myself. Like these custom stickers on the plain white paper cups from Party Pail. I also designed these star drink flags to go on their bright orange striped straws.

Finding a simple way to nicely display cutlery is always a challenge. You can’t get much simpler than these empty tin cans wrapped in burlap ribbon!

What would be an AFL party without a hand stamped napkin? It’s another easy way to add a personal touch.

I absolutely love these baking cups from Party Pail. Most cupcake liners loose their color or pattern once you bake the cupcake. Not these! They were just as vibrant after baking as they were before. And they looked great on this simple cardboard cupcake stand that I wrapped in some more burlap ribbon.

These chevron treat cups with custom labels were the perfect way for us to send our guests home with a little treat.

Happy Birthday to my sweet boys! And, check out our Etsy store to pick up the party pack or invitation for the party. Fete on!

Black & White “Oh Baby” Shower

Oh Baby! There’s nothing I love more than the trend of modern co-ed baby showers. So Rebecca and I were very excited when we were asked to style Max & Irene’s co-ed baby shower hosted by Irene’s co-workers. We were even more excited when they were excited about our modern black & white theme. There were no cutesy pastel decorations at this party.

We designed a digital invitation along with a coordinated pennant bunting, drink flags, food labels, and favor bags. Throw in some black and white wrapping paper, straws, some hand stamped napkins and one of Rebecca’s awesome cake buntings and you’ve got yourself a simple yet modern shower. We wish Irene & Max all the best as they start on this new life adventure and hope they always remember to keep life simple, but never plain. Fete on!

AFL Elsewhere: United With Love

We’re very excited to have one of our favorite party DIY projects – hand stamped napkins – featured on the amazing wedding website United With Love today. Whether you’re planning a wedding or just a casual get together with friends, they are a simple and economical way to personalize your event. Be sure to check it out!