{Real Party} Menu Cards

I organized a lunch at The Faculty Club on the LSU campus today. Since it was a pretty informal affair, we let the guests order from a limited menu. I'm no design tech, but I was pretty proud of these menu cards I created on the fly!

As you can tell, it was really informal and small lunch but I wanted to share anyway!

{Bliss Board} LSU Spouses Luncheon

In early October, I'll be coordinating an informal luncheon for a group of spouses. Since these individuals are LSU related, I want to keep the colors purple and gold without being obvious. So, I've chosen a lemon and lavender theme...focusing on the lemons! What an easy, simple yet chic way to decorate...I can't wait! I love the idea of fresh lemonade in mason jars and the fresh lemons as place cards. Check out this Bliss Board I'm using as inspiration as I begin to plan all the details:

Let me know what you think!

{Fab Find Friday} Custom Silverware

While I was wandering through Etsy today, I found this adorable custom vintage silverware set. How perfect would this be for the wedding cake?!? L.O.V.E it!

Serving Sets also available:

Done by Wooden Hive

The Groom's Cake

A fabulous wedding tradition is the groom's cake. Typically smaller and more "festive" than the actual wedding cake, the groom's cake is a gift from the bride to the groom. This is a special way to highlight any hobbies, talents or interests of the groom and it can be a neat way to include him in the wedding festivities.

Now, traditionally, the groom's cake was cut and put immediately into small boxes or envelopes for the guests, especially single women, to take home and "dream on". Literally...put under their pillows! Today, this isn't as common and the groom's cake is simply served for the guests to enjoy that evening.

I love how creative you can get with the groom's cakes. You know how much I love it when bride's think out of the box...check out some locals I L.O.V.E....

Couture Cakes, LLC

Couture Cakes, LLC

Couture Cakes, LLC

Cake Goddess, LLC

Cake Goddess, LLC

Ambrosia Bakery

Ambrosia Bakery

Ambrosia Bakery

Ambrosia Bakery

{Real Party} Bid Day Pool Party

The theme of this party was "never underestimate what heat and a week full of activities can do to the appetite of college women!" Holy cow! The event was "catered" by the wonderful and generous donations of area alums and was devoured by 200 fun, excited , yet exhausted college ladies. Celebrating with 85 new members was a blast, so I can't complain! Unfortunately, they were running ahead of schedule on Saturday, so I wasn't able to do a run-though beforehand with my camera. I caught these images with my phone as the girls were arriving. Hope you enjoy!

I finally got to put my Cricut to good use!

A small candy bar for the girls to enjoy!

Unfortunately, the jar with the lemon heads didn't make it home. Sad day! The small cups were a printable I purchased at Paper and Pigtails...so cute!

This is a weird shot of the food table, but you get the general idea!

And they are off...

A close up of the adorable cupcakes by Couture Cakes, LLC

How adorable is this!?! I love it!

Among what you didn't get to see, were some adorable popcorn and M&M snacks that I made with the same printables from Paper and Pigtails. This was my inspiration, so it gives you an idea of what they looked like:

I wish I had better pictures to share with you! This was a fun event thanks to the hard work and time donated by several area alums...THANKS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED!

DIY From Green Wedding Shoes

I saw this post on Green Wedding Shoes this morning and I just had to share! It is a DIY project that will result in some fun, couture shoes for your big day! I love Green Wedding Shoes because they always feature the most creative weddings and parties. Check them out and you'll see what I mean! Enjoy!

You will need some comfortable shoes to start – she found these at shoebuy.com (Nina brand). I love Nina brand and have been luck at DSW. You will also need some nylon fishing line and some silk chiffon fabric in the color and/or pattern of your choice! I recommend buying a yard so you have extra.

Next cut two pieces of fabric. 15″ x 13″ in length. Then fold the fabric in an accordion style with the 15″ length longest.

Take the fabric and tie a lose knot around the front of the shoe. This is why it’s important to use a shoe the has a narrow middle part in the front.

Next, cut four pieces of fishing line about 30″ long. Then push one side in so there is a nice small bump and wrap the fishing line around where my fingers are below. Tie in a knot on the underside so you won’t see it. Wrap the fishing line around again and knot again.

Do that again so you have two small sections on each side. And then repeat on the other side.

Once you have the first shoe done, go ahead and repeat on your second shoe. Once you have your shoes done, trim the ends so they match each other in length.

How great is that! Easy, Affordable and Fun! Just had to share! If you end up using this guide for your big day, please share!

top left photo by Sarah Yates, all other photos by green wedding shoes

{Bliss Board} Bid Day!

This Saturday is Bid Day for sorority recruitment at LSU. Each year, the new members have a pool party celebration the evening of Bid Day thrown by the alumnae of that sorority. I am so excited to be part of that group this year...and of course, I had to do a little Bliss Board for the details I've been charged with:

This is just a little sneak peak...I can't wait to share all the pictures after this weekend!

Let me know what you think!

{Fab Find Friday} PomLove

The floating, colorful poms are making quite a splash at various events lately...and I love it! You can hang them in a tree for easy outdoor decor, you can use them to frame a fabulous dessert table...really the possibilities are endless!

My Fabulous Find for this crazy Friday the 13th is a vendor for these little pops of color: PomLove. They have more than just the solid color options, which I adore! I found them on the The TomKat Studio Blog and I am obsessed with her so I'm now obsessed with PomLove!

Check out some of their gorgeous product:

Don't you just love it!?! Visit PomLove's Etsy shop and get crackin' on your next event!

If you used poms at your latest shindig, send the photos to blissbyrachel@gmail.com and I'll feature your soiree!

{Blissful Inspiration} The Signature Cocktail

Whether you are looking to add a creative twist to a shower, social event or wedding, adding a signature cocktail to your bar is a fun way to go. From martinis to frozen drinks to various teas, this little something extra at your party will go a long way with your guests.

Start your cocktail hour off right with your signature drink being butler passed among the guests:

Going on a tropical honeymoon? Give your guests a sneak-peak with similarly-themed drinks:

Bring your color scheme over to the bar with bright, eye-catching drinks:

Getting married when it is chilly?  Think about hot chocolate or coffee:

Lastly, have fun with the drink cards! Give your drinks a catchy name and go wild with the presentation.

Clearly the options are ENDLESS! So have fun and get those creative juices flowing!

{Bliss Board} LSU Baby Shower

I bleed purple and gold as much as the next guy but I think a baby shower decked out in all things Tigers can get a bit cheesy. FEAR NOT TIGER FANS, with lavender and lemon instead of the bright purple and gold as your color scheme, the shower can still be spirited without crossing that line.