Lusting After {Palm Fronds}

If you are blessed enough to live in, or be from, the Sunshine State, you can relate to my obsession with palm frond accents. Whether as decor for your home or soiree, their vibrant green hue brings a sense of the tropical outdoors in. Right now I'm lusting after the idea of removing the stem and using the frond as a placemat or charger. This inexpensive, chic table accent is just what my summer loving heart is craving. Another great option is to use them as a bold accent in an oversized vase. I know I've got one turquoise vintage rum carboy that is in need of the bright whisping leaves of a palm. If planning a tropical bash this summer, try using them as an oversized centerpiece on a few tables. It's bold, eye catching and something your guests are sure not to forget. 

I could talk all day about the possibilities for these luscious beauties, but I believe I will just leave the rest up to your creative imagination. No matter indoors or out, palm fronds add the right amount of natural beauty, bright color, and island vibe! 

Center of Attention {Single Bud Vases}

I've been hearing a lot lately about people wanting to cut cost where they can from a party. And while my suggestion is to always put the majority of your budget towards the most important element to you, one way to cut cost is to use less flowers. It's no secret that flowers can be incredibly costly, but they are a wonderful way to add pops of color and freshness to your soiree. Therefore, I don't suggest cutting them completely. If you still want fresh, gorgeous buds but want to cut the cost of your centerpieces, I suggest little bud vases with a single bright stem in each. When grouped together, bud vases will have the same impact as a large arrangement with half the cost. Plus, they are a great way to incorporate many different types of flowers in a few different colors without having to worry about the full arrangement! 

Center of Attention {Monochromatic Florals}

Welcome to the latest series of posts on Events Uncorked. I realized the other day that I do very little posting about flowers and centerpieces in general. Therefore, I'm launching a new series of posts called "Center of Attention" focusing on just that. So, let's dive right in. Today I want to talk a little about monochromatic florals. And by that I mean having different flowers in the same shade to create your centerpieces. I like this idea because it keeps it simple and uniform, but it still has a bit of visual interest with the varying textures and shapes. 

Going along the same lines, I love the idea of having small arrangements of the same flower on each table. For example, one arrangement of pink roses, another of pink tulips, and a third of pink peonies. All the same color. Each in their own vase. But, together on the table in matching vases, it will modern, clean, and pulled together! 

Under the Big Top

Back in October, I had the opportunity to plan a 90th birthday for one of Jacksonville's most beloved ladies. With her love of fun and clowning around, we went with a carnival theme to entertain the 200 guests. Hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, and funnel cake cookies kept the guests well fed while partaking in carnival games like balloon pop, ring toss, and even a fortune teller. I'm pleased now to finally get the opportunity to share some images of that day with you. Enjoy the fun!

 A hand painted photo board including a clown and a bearded woman gave guests a photo op to remember the fun!

 Remember this ring toss game? It was a hit, and much more difficult to ring the bottle than you would think!

 A former student of the Birthday Girl made this cake and the cupcakes for her big day.

 A wall of balloons alluded to the carnival favorite "Balloon Pop".

 Each table was clothed and confettied the same. Continuity was continued with floral arrangements and a vintage coke glass full of custom M&Ms.

 Changing one detail on each table, add a little quirky-ness to the party.

What's a carnival without raffle tickets?

Get Creative {Branching Out}

You go to a wedding or a party and everybody expects there to be an abundance of flowers everywhere. Well how about this time, there's not. We are going (technically everybody else is in it) into fall, and branches are abundant. And, I'm feeling for my next party I want to walk outside, pick some up off the ground, or maybe rip them from the tree, decorate them and use them as a center piece. How gorgeous would it be to have branches lying on the table with little votive candles stuck between each little branch? I promise that's not considered a fire hazard. Or maybe roll them in glitter and stream crystals through them. Talk about glitzy glam. Seriously, there are a thousand different ways you could use branches, and as long as you branch out, it doesn't really matter. 

*Images: {Row 1} 1, 2, 3 {Row 2} 1, 2 {Row} 1, 2

A Little Friday Lovin' {Rope Details}

Being from the beach (and no longer living there), I have been trying to bring little nautical touches in everywhere. And by little, I mean in every square foot I can get them in. Anyways, rope details are perfect for bringing a nautical touch to your house or soiree without the area screaming "I'm a nautical themed bash." My new favorite idea is coiling up a rope in glass bowl, as in the picture above, and using it as a centerpiece. Plus, how fab are those Christian Louboutin's? I mean talk about the most amazing use of rope ever! Seriously, I could go on forever, but I will spare you my continuous blabbering about rope. How do you feel about it? Would you add rope details to your next bash or your home?

Party Inspired {Mason Jars}

Being from the south (well sorta...), I've been drinking from mason jars for years. In fact, I'm drinking my sangria from one right now! But, lately they have seemed to make appearances at parties all over.  They add a bit of a down home, relaxed feel and are completely multi-functional. You can use them as centerpieces, lights, regular drinking glasses, dessert cups, and even place cards! Last year, I even hung them from the ceiling in my apartment with candles in them for my roommates birthday. 

*Images from top left: Place Cards, Drinks, Hanging Jars, Flowers