Sentimental Soiree

I'm far from a hostess with the mostess but I do adore gathering, celebrating and making others feel loved. In fact my love language is quality time which to me is the most valuable (also the most challenging to obtain). As my 40th birthday approached I didn't just want a dinner or party, I wanted to honor the people that make my life the blessing that it is.

Here are some of the things I incorporated to make this soiree a special time ...

CHEERS

After everyone had a few minutes to mingle as the host I toasted them as a group with a greeting of gratitude and purpose.  I shared how special each one is and in efforts to spare our make up of tears that I'd write to them individually in the coming days.

I believe it's important to open your time together in recognition of why you're together.

Even if it's a casual shindig at your home, begin with a greeting. 

CAPTURE THE MOMENTS

Delegate someone to take pictures of the fun memories being made.

This allows everyone to be present with their phones down and eyes up!

EMBRACE

Share all the smiles and squeezes you can! Our days are so full and thank goodness for technology that allows us to keep up it's not the same as face-to-face fellowship.

ENJOY

Make sure all are eating the food, participating with one another in conversation and 

GIVE

I gifted my guests a classic silver frame.

The following week I printed and mailed a photo of us together with a handwritten note.

Whether the occasion is a milestone or impromptu backyard hang out, 

make the moments count with the people around you!

Dress Beautifully Being a Graceful Host

XOXO Sarah Louise

Party Piece

 

Gals, I sure do hope you have several Christmas fetes to attend this year! I know I do and I'm ready to dress for it because that's almost as fun as the party itself.  I love seeing all the sparkle and shine on the racks (balances all the warm & cozy) but sometimes it can be a little extreme. 

Personally, I like my party pieces to go beyond just the season or event.  For example, I avoid Christmas plaids, red, and sequins as they don't translate as well beyond the holidays.  Instead, I look for pieces that can be mixed and matched, ones with embellishments and unique fabrics that can be worn throughout the year and even balanced with a pair of jeans. 

This top really struck my fancy for its organza fabric, moody florals, puff sleeves and bow tie back. It's not your 'typical' Christmasy top but still perfectly fitting. The colors are so unique and can be paired with dark hues like burgundy, plum, navy or with lavender and ivory. My favorite part was that the black cami/lining is sewn into the blouse as opposed to the clip in separate (key for easy on and off and concealing undergarments!) 

This top translates beautifully for a girls night out, date night, soiree or event where you need a little something special. I chose black skinny pants but a dark wash jean or faux leather pant would be fabulous.

Top | Pants | Heels - Designer Version | Earrings |

Dress Beautifully in a Party Piece

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: A ONEderful Birthday!

Hey gals! Cheers to a new week and hopefully you're still energized and keeping up with your goals for the New Year.

I wanted to share with you Vivian Louise's 1st Birthday celebration.  While it's a bit of a personal show and tell, I feel it's important because you, as a reader, stuck it out while I posted sporadically once she was born.  And she makes me, me so it's also a celebration of my first year of motherhood.

 Good Morning Baby Girl

Her birthday party was held at our home, and since we recently moved it was a great opportunity to host our friends that hadn't yet seen it. I highly recommend having your baby's first birthday party at home because it's the place she was nurtured and cared for during the first year. It's also cozy for your guests and extremely convenient for scheduling around naps.  You want to schedule it right after your baby wakes up so that they are nice and happy!

INVITATIONS
You gals know I'm obsessed with the mail (I even got this beauty for Christmas). Checking the mail is one of my favorite activities to do in the afternoon with baby girl - Santa even brought her this play kit! That being said I ordered and mailed her invitations.
The design was PERFECT.  Her color is lavender and I felt they were classic and delicate, just like her.

Invitations & Thank You Notes

THEME

Vivian Louise LOVES the very hungry caterpillar.  She received several toys and books at my baby showers and has since has collected lots of caterpillars.  So I incorporated it in the cupcakes, treat bags and used her favorite stuffed caterpillar for display and pail to hold utensils. I used her color, lavender for the remainder of items: balloons, plates, napkins and flowers.

DECORATIONS
First, I'm NOT a Pinterest Mamma. No crafts. I believe that clean and simple is beautiful.
I used classic lavender balloons and fresh flowers, along with her newborn photo, her favorite caterpillar and milestone blocks on the console table.  I framed the invitation to display on our entry way table. Her treat bags and cupcakes added to the hungry caterpillar theme.

I also created a hanging display of her monthly pictures so that guest could see just how's she's grown.

FOOD
Since her party was at 1:00 pm I chose light snacks. I served cucumber tea sandwiches, pretzels, goldfish, animal cookies, a hummus and veggie platter and my favorite punch (because it's delicious and light so no staining if spilled).
I also used my vintage linens with a touch of lace and pink embroidery on the table.

CAKE
I wanted her cake to be simple so I chose a white cake with white icing and lettering in lavender.
I must share that when I picked it up I was a bit disappointed that the baker took initiative and added lavender dots on the side.  Even though I expressed more than once that I wanted it simple, no extras. Oh well it was still beautiful.

My sister makes all the birthday cakes in our family. She even made Vivian Louise's dedication cake.
She made a hungry caterpillar using cupcakes! It was so perfect and fun.

PS I made the kids eat their cupcakes outside on our covered patio. No way am I going to have dirty hands with green icing in our home!

FAVORS
I ordered these adorable hungry caterpillar treat bags and filled them each with 2 oranges and an apple for the kids to take home.  The Mammas giggled because they know I'm very nutritious (not sure if the kids actually liked them)

I thought I would cry and be super sad that my baby was 1, but I didn't.  I was completely overjoyed at the wonderful and precious gift that God has blessed us with.  I truly celebrated her!!!
Our hears are full of gratitude to our family and friends who gifted her fun toys and shared love and encouragement to us.

*I want to raise Vivian Louise to have a grateful heart. I plan to teach her how to write thank you notes. I also make sure to send pictures of her playing with toys or wearing outfits to those who have generously given to her.

My Top | Her Dress

Dress Your Birthday Parties Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

Soiree: SL in the QC

Invitations designed/created by Moi

I've cropped the bottom of the invitation for privacy - No creepers/stalkers welcome

This past Saturday I hosted my first soiree in our new home.

It was a time to gather with my gal pals and a welcoming of my return to the Queen City. 

I also wanted to debut our house and it's interiors as I've been keeping it somewhat a secret.
(Posts to come)

Decorating is an ongoing process and there's always tweaking.  I find myself never quite ready or satisfied with a room but my Mamma reminded me that 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.  You can't do it all.  It takes time.  Sadly, my house didn't come with a money tree in the backyard and decorating isn't cheap!

There's no perfect house nor life, but it's ours and it's perfectly filled with Love! 

I was tickled pink to use these family heirloom crystal glasses and to serve from my antique buffet

My goal for this shindig was not only to celebrate our new home but to also show gratitude for the welcoming our friends and family have shown us.  They are our support and encouragement through our day-to-day and our milestones.  Cheers all around! 

These pink bubbles were a gift and I've been saving it just for this occasion

POP FIZZ CLINK

 And for those driving or expecting a baby some sparkling lemonade & water
Fancy Another Tray: Kate Spade || Ice Bucket: Lenox ||
Zebra Cocktail Napkins: Here ||

Bar carts are essential for serving in the formal room or away from the kitchen

I served heavy hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats

barbecue chicken sliders, orzo pasta salad, bacon wrapped dates, roasted sweet potatoes, 

hummus & veggies, pepper jelly over cream cheese & crackers

Strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese icing & sugar cookies with lemon curd

My co-host all gussied up 

Our moving announcements by Shutterfly 

I have a thing for snail mail :) 

When throwing a soiree remember, it's not all about the decor, food and how fancy the presentation is; rather the company and fellowship that fills the room!

Stay tuned for a peek into my home and design next week!

Dress Your Next Soiree Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise

A Life of Giving

Two years ago I left my home, career, friends and family to join Mr as he fulfilled a commitment to practice medicine in the US Navy.  I sit in amazement at the incredible journey it has been.  In the beginning I was a fish out of water, but I made a decision to bloom where I am planted and today I can say that I am a better person for this experience! I took the opportunity to impact the lives of others and embrace my world.  I served as the fundraising chairperson and now president for a non-profit that supports military families.

Two weeks ago my non-profit co-hosted, with a sister non-profit, a luncheon for military spouses.  This luncheon brings together spouses across multiple military bases in the spirit of camaraderie and service.  It involved months of planning for the committee to bring this event to fruition but it was well worth all the hard work. We graciously hosted 150 ladies for a lovely time in sharing special memories.

Our focus was on inspiring our guests to make a life of giving regardless of the circumstances. See, for military spouses we often come second to the job, we move a lot, and we are often separated for long periods of time.  These things can be very discouraging, but they can also be an opportunity.

No matter your situation and responsibilities you are a special and valuable person that has a lot to share.  Each and every one of us has gifts and talents that can be used to give to our family and community. Whether it's at home or to a broader audience, I encourage you to find your passion and use it to give.  There is no gift too small.  As we grow and travel on the journey of life things change and your giving will too, so do what you can when you can!

"We Make a Life By What We Give, Not By Where We Live"

This quote was the focus of our luncheon.  We had four speakers that each had a turning point that brought them to a life of giving.  Each giving in different ways, they were able to provide insight and inspiration for others to find their own way to give.  Rather than stand at a podium, we set up a stage resembling a front porch - they spoke to each other as if we were looking in on a conversation among friends.

Our theme was lemons, linen & lace.  We wanted a fresh, light and simple feel and yellow is the color for friendship. The femininity of vintage linens and a touch of lavender was added for a soft & lovely detail.

Here are some photos from the luncheon

Handmade Keepsakes for Each Guest: Lavender Sachets & Wooden Lemon Coasters 

Centerpieces

 Love these Navy Gals

Dress Beautifully with a Life of Giving

XOXO Sarah Louise