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Here’s to a year filled with happiness, health, success, and of course, parties!
Posts Tagged ‘belleza e luce’
Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 1st, 2012{Real Parties} Cibella’s Elegant Bayou Party Invitations
Thursday, September 29th, 2011When Cibella informed me that she wanted a “pretty swamp” theme for her birthday party, I must admit that I was a bit perplexed. How was I going to make a swamp girlie and pretty? Finally, it hit me! I used inspiration from Princess and the Frog; the artwork portraying the bayou was incredibly beautiful!
While the focus of the party, as you will see in my next post, did not focus on the princess aspect, I used a silhouette of a girl kissing a frog with dragonflies surrounding the party details.
I used the lyrics to Down in New Orleans for the opening lines of the invitation:
The evening star is shining bright
So make a wish and hold on tight
There’s magic in the air tonight
And anything can happen…
My daughter requested the use of greens and purples, so I choose an avocado green paper and contrasted it with the use of lavender and plum details.
I decorated the backside of the invitation with a triple layered seal featuring my daughter’s initial and a dainty crown
Since she couldn’t choose which envelope she preferred, we opted to send half of the invitations in avocado and the other in lavender. I was fortunate that the USPS had Mark Twain stamps featuring a riverboat which lended to the bayou theme.
Stay tuned for all of the wonderful party details as we party down on the bayou!
{Real Parties} 60th Birthday Par-Tee!
Thursday, August 25th, 2011
We’ve been celebrating milestone birthdays around here left and right at Belleza e Luce. I’m so happy to share this one with you today because it was styled for my Dad, who turned 60 at the end of July. My Dad was never one to celebrate or acknowledge his birthday – loves to celebrate anyone else’s, but not his, so much so that we couldn’t even say, “Happy Birthday,” to him. However, something happened in this last year and when he started talking about wanting a party, my mother and I just about fainted!
The party theme was obvious – he loves anything golf, and I knew we needed to keep it low-key, fun, and the emphasis not so much on his age, but on gathering with friends and family.
I created a simple invitation with an actual golf tee inserted into the paper; a green and navy argyle patterned bellywrap covers the party details until the big reveal exposing who the party was for (a huge surprise to family and friends!). The mailing label features the argyle pattern and silhouette of a golfer in navy.
This summer, I have been 0-2 in hosting parties outdoors, being rained out twice. Would I strike out? Thankfully, my prayers and sun dances were answered! We had a beautifully sunny and warm day with no threat of any inclement weather.
I used golf tees, golf balls, and wheatgrass everywhere in the decor. I also created 8×10 signs that were placed around the yard with golf sayings (e.g Fore!, Par-Tee, Bogie, etc.), quotes from Caddyshack and from famous golfers.
As guests arrived they were asked to guess the number of golf tees in the bowl with a chance to win the coveted “Par-Tee Tournament Trophy.” The closest guess was 744 with the actual number being 729 (as his birthday is July 29th – clever, huh?)
We had a a 9 hole mini golf course brought in, which provided endless fun for the younger guests and a cut-throat competition amongst the golf-fanatic adults.
We served Arnold Palmers (non-alcoholic) and pitchers of Water Hazards (rennamed Blue Hawaii cocktails), in addition to other refreshments at the 19th Hole.
In addition to the mini golf course, the kids enjoyed splashing in the pool and decorating foam visors with stickers, markers, and glitter.
Since my Dad has always enjoyed the movie, Caddyshack, it was only fitting that the famous gopher make an appearance. He popped up at the dessert table which displayed Donut Hole-in-Ones (munchkins) in golf ball baskets, Water Hazards (blue raspberry jello), Sand Traps (Rice Krispie treats), Chocolate Chip Shot Cookies, and the amazing, delicious tiered cake featuring greens, water hazards, and golf flags by Joy&Cake. Did I mentioned how yummy it was? I created the wheatgrass stand that the cake was displayed on.
Old golf bags and clubs of my Dad’s were placed on the side of the table as well as around the yard.
It was too hot for these guys to make an appearance while the sun was out, so they were placed on the dessert table as the sun was setting.
They are now happily living in my cousin’s pond.
Guests went home with a package of golf balls and customized golf tees that read, “Gary’s 60th Par-Tee.”
The party was a hole-in-one! (Yes, pun intended!)
{Real Parties} Popsicle Party
Monday, July 18th, 2011Yes, I’m back! A much too long of an absence, but we have been quite busy at Belleza e Luce. There are some new things coming up in the next few weeks which I am super excited about!
With summer in full swing, I wanted to share with you a party my children had for a few of their friends. It was a glorified playdate, really, to celebrate the beginning of summer and the end of the school year. Unfortunately for us, the weather was not too cooperative so swimming was out of the question. We ultimately had to move the party indoors due to some heavy rains, but I was able to get some photos before the last minute party relocation.
My daughter requested bright colored invitations with stripes. With a vintage carnival-like poster in my head, I created a palette of fuschia, aqua, yellow, creamsicle, and lime green. The colors worked together beautifully! I enjoyed creating this sophisticated, yet playful invitation and it would be equally fitting for an adult get-together as well!
Their group of friends were first invited to lunch a lunch of turkey and cheese sandwiches, grapes, and carrots sticks, which I served in lime and yellow bags.
In my effort to keep things simple for the party, I purchased 3 bouquets of daisies from the local supermarket and placed them in bowls of colored jello. Simple andeasy centerpiece, much to the delight of the party guests who thought it was colored water!
Following lunch, they created some beautiful sand art.
The rain stopped long enough for the children to be able to throw water balloons into targets, at trees, and bushes.
I used acrylic frames found at the craft store to hold crushed ice and laid the popsicles on top. Preparing this ahead of time, saved time later when the kids were extra excited over dessert.
Cibella and Luca gave each of their friends a small beach bucket filled with a large lollipop, pinwheel, bottle of bubbles, and some sidewalk chalk.
A favor sticker simply stated, “Happy Summer!”
The Popsicle Party invitations and favor stickers are now available in my shop! Water bottle labels, bubble labels, large stickers, banner, and cupcake toppers will be available soon!
Addressing an Invitation
Friday, February 25th, 2011We are heading into Wedding Season here at Belleza e Luce and with that comes the many events associated with weddings: bridal showers, bridesmaid luncheons, rehearsal dinners, day-after brunches, and of course the wedding itself. As you prepare your guest lists for your celebrations, keep in mind the following invitation envelope etiquette.
| Couples | ||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | |
| Married Couples | Mr. and Mrs. David Smith | Mr. and Mrs. Smith (or less formal: Michelle and David) |
| Married Couples, woman kept maiden name | Ms. Michelle Taylor and Mr. David Smith | Ms. Taylor and Mr. Smith |
| Unmarried couples living or not living together (mail to the person you know best if the couple does not live together) | Ms. (or Miss) Rebecca Jones
Mr. Robert Smith |
Ms. (or Miss) Jones
Mr. Smith |
| Two women or men over age 18 living together, address alphabetically or by the person you know best | Mr. Benjamin Adams
Mr. James Roberts |
Mr. Adams
Mr. Roberts |
| Children | ||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | |
| Child under 18 | Do not include on outer envelope, if you do not have an inner envelope, then add “and family” on the second line of address | Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Leah 2 or more children – written in order of birth, oldest first Mr. and Mrs. Smith Leah, Joseph, and Michael |
| Children over 18
receive their own invitation |
Miss Barbara Taylor
or Mr. Thomas Smith |
Miss Taylor
If allowing the invitee to bring a guest: Mr. Thomas Smith and Guest |
| Single Guests | ||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | |
| Unmarried Male | Mr. David Smith | Mr. Smith and Guest |
| Unmarried Female | Ms. or Miss Rebecca Jones | Ms. or Miss Jones and Guest |
| Widowed Female* | Mrs. Nicole Taylor | Mrs. Taylor and Guest |
| Divorced Female, *
kept married name |
Ms. Jessica Roberts | Ms. Roberts and Guest |
| Divorced Female, *
maiden name |
Ms. Amanda Thomas |
Ms. Thomas and Guest |
| Special Titles | ||
| Outer Envelope | Inner Envelope | |
| Doctor, Male | Dr. and Mrs. David Smith | Dr. and Mrs. Smith |
| Clergy | Reverend and Mrs. John Taylor | Reverend and Mrs. Taylor |
| Officer, Male
(retired or active) |
Commander and Mrs. James Roberts | Commander and Mrs. Roberts |
| Judge | The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas James | Judge and Mrs. James |
| Female with any special titles | Dr. Emily Taylor and Mr. John Taylor |
Dr. Taylor and Mr. Taylor |
* It is always considerate to inquire with the female relative or friend how she prefers to be addressed in these circumstances or if you are unsure of her last name status. In the event that you feel awkward speaking directly to this person, ask someone else who would know the answer; it will be appreciated that you care enough to make sure your guest is addressed appropriately.
Bridal Show
Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011This past Saturday, Belleza e Luce had the pleasure of being an exhibitor at the Wedding Set Go bridal show at the Sheraton. It was my first Bridal Show experience, and I think it went quite well. I met some wonderful brides-to-be and hope to work with them in the future on their weddings. I didn’t take my large camera with me, so for now, I only have these photos taken from my camera phone.
Now on facebook …
Monday, February 7th, 2011… FINALLY!
Belleza e Luce is now on facebook! We are working to add photos and more information in the coming day. Be sure to stop by, say hi, and ‘like’ us!
And for any NJ area brides – be sure to stop by the Wedding, Set Go Bridal Show on Sunday, February 20th at the Sheraton. Belleza e Luce will be there showcasing our invitations and event planning. We would love to meet you!
{Featured} on Birthday Girl!
Tuesday, January 18th, 2011Our Rootin’ Tootin’ Cowboy Birthday Party is featured today on Birthday Girl. We are so honored and pleased.
Please take a moment to visit Becca’s wonderful blog. She posts fabulously original birthdays and parties!
New Valentine Mini Card Sets
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011Just listed in our Etsy shop are some wonderful mini card set collections, perfect for your child to give to classmates and friends. From cupcakes to dinosaurs, even superheros and woodland creatures, the card sets are personalized with your custom message.
Upon request, we can create coordinating cupcake toppers, favor tags, and invitations for your special Valentine’s Day party!
{Inspiration} Valentine’s Day
Saturday, January 1st, 2011With the holiday season officially over, I thought I would jump right into 2011 with an inspiration board designed for a children’s Valentine’s party.
I tend to keep Valentine parties on the simpler side, focusing on friendship, crafts, and activities, and keep a color palette of red, pink, and white. I based this inspiration board on our new printable Valentine Hearts invitation, now available in our Etsy shop.
{sources: bonbons, garland, table runner, centerpiece, chairback decor, pistachio wreath, cookies, invitation, tic tac toe, candy sundae, cupcake toppers, legwarmers, friendship bracelet}
Tips for hosting a Children’s Valentine’s Party:
- Two to 2 1/2 hours is plenty of time for the party.
- If the party will be held on a weekday, schedule it for immediately following school, so it will be over before dinner-time and not too late that homework cannot be completed.
- Decorate with felt hearts strung together with baker’s twine. Create various length strands to hang from ceilings, chandeliers, and drape across windows or mantels.
- Invest in a good quality white cloth tablecloth. You can easily change the look for different occasions by adding table runners, chargers, or placemats.
- If your party will include crafts, place butcher paper over your tablecloth and remove when done so your space is neat and clean for enjoying sweets and treats.
- Always offer a healthy treat in addition to the fun cupcakes, cakes, and confections. Fruit with a yogurt dip is a wonderful choice.
- Rather than sending your little guests home with more sugary treats, a friendship bracelet created by your child will certainly be more meaningful to their friends and appreciated by their parents!
Contact Belleza e Luce today for customized Inspiration Boards for your next event or to schedule a Valentine’s Party for your child!
