Color Me {Whiskey & Cigars}

It's hard to believe that it is already October. It seems like just yesterday we were complaining about the blistering heat while enjoying it at the same time. Now, cooler weather has set in and fall activities are in full swing. We are enjoying spending time outside on the back deck just relaxing with a good book or stack of magazines. It has been so nice that we actually went and bought a picnic table this past weekend and ended up sitting out there most of the day Saturday and Sunday. The weather was gorgeous and I couldn't have planned a better way to spend the days. While sitting under the pine trees, I started thinking about R's birthday that will be here in just over a month! For the celebration this year, he has decided he wants to spend it doing some of his favorite things, sitting outside smoking cigars and drinking whiskey. Clearly, I have turned this into the theme and plan on mixing up a few whiskey cocktails, creating a cigar bar, and serving up his favorite chocolate chip cookie cake. With planning now in full swing, I decided to share my inspiration board for the celebration with you today in hopes of inspiring your own fall gatherings and winter birthday get togethers. Whether they be just for fun or parties with meaning, I hope you try and incorporate some of the masculine influence of the whiskey and cigars party into your affair.

Have a great Monday!

A Few Good Men

Let's be honest ladies, when it comes to making decisions for your big day, it typically all about what we want. You've been envisioning this day since you were a little, and can't believe it's finally here. You want everything you've ever dreamed of, and this day should be exactly what you imagined. But, don't forget, this whole thing wouldn't be happening without that one special someone and there should be some representation of them in the day too. Don't worry, I've got the perfect solution for you though, whisky and cigar bar. If your guy is anything like R, he will be all over this idea. With a variety of cigars and different types of whiskies covering the table, all the guys, not just your groom, will be thankful you thought of them!

Image: Elizabeth Anne Design

Up in Smoke

Lately I've been searching for clever new ideas for invitations and save the dates. While I love the classics, I've been longing for something that would take guests by surprise. One day while perusing Pinterest, I came across this image of some cigars. It got me thinking, what if for each male guest being invited, send a cigar with the save the date. Now, of course, it all has to tie in. A cigar on it's own might seem random, but when your save the date reads like this one, it all makes sense.

While it might be difficult to have him hold off smoking it until your big day, encourage him to bring it along to help celebrate! Pretty unusual right? Here's how I made it all happen. I bought a cigar and scaled my save the date to size so it would fit inside the tube. If you haven't purchased many cigars, a lot of stores will sell them in these protective tubes with a cork on top so the cigar does not get harmed in transport. It makes it very convenient in this case. Roll the save the date around the cigar tightly enough so it will fit in the tube. Coincidentally, when mine was rolled, the date was not covered and provided the perfect eye catcher for guests. Tie some ribbons on top and mail it off! 

Don't want to send female guests a cigar? Check back next week for the girly version! You'll love it!

The Perfect Gift {Stocking Stuffers for Him}

Remember on Monday how I showed you some great stocking stuffers that you (and I) would love to have? Well today, I'm bringing you some stocking stuffers for the man in your life! With the help of R, I have constructed a list any man is bound to love. Here it goes!

{1} Mini Bottles of Liquor: Don't ask me why, but R insists this is the perfect stocking stuffer. Whatever liquor may be your guy's favorite, buy a few, through them in and he is bound the jump across the living room on Christmas morning to hug you!

{2} Star Wars Trilogy on BluRay: Now you can watch what some would say is the greatest movie of all time in high definition!

{3} J.Crew Boxers: Okay so I know your guy probably does not enjoy opening up new boxers on Christmas morning, but these (and all the others from J.Crew) are just so cute. In fun prints and colors, these are the perfect thing to add a little pop of necessity and fashion to an otherwise very manly stocking!

{4} Lotto Tickets: The second favorite item R finds in his stocking every year. Apparently it's "awesome" to scratch off the possibility of winning money!

{5} Cigars: The last manly treat of the day. Not only are cigars the perfect size to wrap up and stuff stockings with, they are a little indulgence that I will never buy R unless for Christmas or his birthday. 

Have you all bought your stocking stuffers yet? What are you stuffing with?!