This beautiful event was submitted by Susana and Clara of Dulce Sobremesa. They designed this sweet, modern elephant and balloon party for Mateo's first birthday party. As told by Susana and Clara:
"We designed the garlands, labels, little elephants and the table decorations. Everything was handmade by us (no printer used!) We also designed a mini-cake so that Mateo could blow out his first birthday candle! This event took place in Valencia, Spain."
Such gorgeous, clean details! Thanks so much to Susana and Clara for sending this party my way!
The hoedown BBQ my husband and I hosted was so much fun. I'm not sure what it was exactly, maybe the fact that just saying the word "hoedown" is cool, having perfect 83 degree weather with no humidity and plenty of sunshine, or an abundance of great food and drinks. Or obviously, all of the above. 
I focused on a few main details but didn't bother with stationery or labels. My friends wouldn't really notice that stuff. What they would notice? Great food. And there was plenty of that. 
My cute sister and I with mini BLTs. These were a big hit. 
Here is the appetizer table that included watermelon, veggies and dip, mini BLTs and chips. I never, ever forget about chips. 
Mini BLTs are so easy. I basically just take prepared, refrigerated biscuits, bake them in the oven, cut them in half and top with a slice of tomato, a teaspoon of mayo, a small piece of lettuce and one piece of bacon. 
Veggies and dip for those healthy types. I forced myself to eat these between huge handfuls of potato chips. 
I made a couple different boozey popsicles. One with rum and the other with champagne. Both had homemade raspberry simple syrup. They received mixed reviews. What I came to believe is the more drinks my guests had, the more likely they were to enjoy the popsicles. I think the boozey flavor concentrates as it freezes.
You can't have a hoedown without fried chicken. We catered it from 
I made a quick bunting banner with bandanas. It was easy, fold a bandana in half (from JoAnn Fabrics) and tie each end to a string. 
Grilled corn on the cob was on the menu as well. Shirts were coming off for some reason at this point in the day. 
We had little cowgirls and cowboys enjoying the party as well. 
That's my cute hubs working the grill. 
We had no shortage of 
These were easy and called strawberries on a cloud. They tasted like little bites of cake. But they are much lighter. You only need one or two to satisfy your sweet tooth. 
You can't have a hoedown without some pie and a good old fashioned pie eating contest. Three brave men participated. But only one could win. 
Tardiff (on the left) was victorious. Biffer (Jason) came in second but also ended up with a blueberry up his nose. Willie gave his all but came in third. Good job guys. 
Each guest left the party with a packet of 
Here are a few fun facts. 
{Photo credits: 
{Photo credits: 
This sweet blessing celebration was sent to me by Kaysi, mom to baby Kruz. This party was 100% DIY from the centerpieces to all the (gorgeous) cupcakes. 
Thanks to Kaysi for sending this sweet party my way. Your little guy is so adorable!
{Photo credit: 
Libby's shower was a huge success and you'll see there was no shortage of food or cocktails. That's my kind of shower.
I served a "Blackberry Bridetini" signature cocktail which consisted of homemade blackberry simple syrup, vodka and club soda. The drink was light and refreshing with a hint of sweetness. 
The template for the paper goods is from the 
For a non-alcoholic option we had Italian soda from Trader Joes.
Here's Libby, the cute bride-to-be sipping her Blackberry Bridetini.
Kristin, my helper for the day....taking a well-deserved break for a cocktail.
I served cheese and bread/crackers/fruit as an appetizer. Libby is obsessed with bread and cheese. I also created a mini crostini bar. Guests could build their own crostini and choose from three toppings; bruschetta, white bean and caper and artichoke parmesan (full menu below with links to recipes).
More bread than we needed. One thing I have learned...though I think I can plan one bad-ass party, I have no idea how to estimate appropriate amounts of food. I bought way too much food and now have 2 pounds of mozzarella, 2 baguettes and dozens of cupcakes sitting in my fridge. 
We served Italian pasta salad (brought by Libby's sister-in-law, Suzie) and proscuitto-wrapped melon with a lime drizzle for lunch.
Build-your-own caprese sandwiches served with foccacia or ciabbata. The gorgeous basil is from the Mpls Farmers' Market. 
By the time we served dessert everyone had eaten quite a bit plus it was 90 degrees out. Yeah...it was hot as hell. But for an outdoor shower I will take heat over rain any day. 
I decorated the tent with black and white paper lanterns. Thanks to my hubs and brother-in-law, Drew for helping with set-up. 
I kept the flowers pretty simple with white mums and hydrangea purchased from Trader Joes for only $12. I put them in bud vases, apothecary jars and varying sizes of cylinder vases. 
Libby received a wedding tree as a gift from her mom (purchased from Etsy) that will be her guest book at the wedding. Guests put a finger print on the tree and sign their name, great idea for a fall wedding (Libby got the idea from our friend Nicole who is getting married in October.)