A classic wedding inspiration board - Dairy Foods

{Photo credits: Style Me Pretty and David's Bridal}

By now you have heard of my good friend Libby's upcoming wedding...in the year she has been engaged my husband and I hosted a fall-inspired engagement party and I recently threw her a black and white foodie bridal shower. We also have a wine/cheese/dinner/dancing bachelorette party to look forward to in the next couple weeks as well!

Libby is marrying her best friend, Jason. They met through Erik and I, who also happen to be the matron of honor and best man in their wedding. They are great friends of ours and we never have a shortage of fun and lots of laughs. One of my favorite things to do with Libby and Jason is to grab a few (or more...) beers and bonfire in our backyard. They are a laid back, fun-loving couple who you can always count on. Seriously, they are the type of friends you call when your car is broken down on the side of the road and they'll make it to you quicker than anyone else.

Libby and Jason's wedding in September and it is taking place downtown St. Paul at a historic venue (413 on Wacouta). They have a lot of classic, simple details that will result in a stunning wedding:

• Black and white details with a touch of latte/browns
• Mini calla lilly bouquets and centerpieces (DIY by her talented mother-in-law to be!)
• A black/white/brown dessert table filled with cupcakes, macarons and candy
• A strapless lace gown with gorgeous Badgley Mischka shoes
• A subtle food theme with food labels for each table, tons of delicious appetizers and a family style meal
• No shortgage of great wine

 I can't wait to share her wedding photos with you in a few months!

A Hoedown BBQ inspiration board - Dairy Foods

{Photo credits: Country Living}

Erik and I are hosting a BBQ on Sunday with a small group of friends and some family.  I decided on a good old-fashioned hoedown.

Here are some of my ideas:

"Hoedown Hits-the-Spot" signature drink: alcoholic popsicles
A corn-on-the-cob eating contest
Hay bales (if I can find them)
Bandana decor (I'm thinking of making bunting or some kind of banner)
Red and white gingham tablecloths
Sunflowers
On the menu: still TBD but maybe fried chicken, homemade biscuits, corn-on-the-cob, etc. All the dessert recipes are from Reddi-wip.
Square dancing music?! Maybe.
Cowboy hats

Sounds like fun doesn't it?  Lots of photos to be posted early next week!

I heart Minnesota concept photo shoot - Dairy Foods

{Photo credits: first four photo sources unknown, lower right Inspired Bride)

I am involved in an awesome project and it's taking place this weekend! Head over to Callie V's blog to read all the details, she is the mastermind behind the photo shoot. 

I will be providing the dessert table filled with lemony goodness; lemon cupcakes, lemon curd tarts, lemondrops and more.  Can't wait!

Guest post: a destination wedding inspiration board by Urbane Montage Events - Dairy Foods

This soft, pretty destination wedding inspiration board was created by guest blogger, Faith of Urbane Montage Events. Located in Minneapolis, Urbane Montage Events offers services from day of coordination to full service planning. 

Seeing this board makes me hope that one of my friends will have a destination wedding that I can attend. What a relaxing and gorgeous way to get married. 

My husband and I honeymooned at a fabulous all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The kind of place where your only task is to eat, drink, sun-bathe and be with your honey.  It was one of the best weeks of my life.  However...one thing I did that kind of annoyed Erik as the week went on is that I stalked the weddings taking place on the beach.  I couldn't help it. The ceremony arches had swaying fabrics, the brides had orchids in their hair.  Each wedding was so beautiful and I couldn't help but think if I had to do it all over again maybe I would've had a destination wedding, or maybe Erik and I will renew our vows on the beach ten years from now.

As told by Faith:

"Hello Eat Drink Pretty Readers! My name is Faith O. Folayan from Urbane Montage Events, and I am ecstatic to be a guest on Eat Drink Pretty!

Today I present to you a Destination Wedding inspiration board. Destination Weddings are a growing trend, of interest for many brides, that won’t fade away anytime soon. A warm color palette was used to create a clean and romantic mood. This board can be used for a bride planning a Destination Wedding or looking to create a shoreline affair within local boundaries.

Enjoy! Happy Planning!"

Inspiration Board: Blushing Red Sands

Palette: Rose Red | Sepia Gold| Coral | Tan

Top Row: Sloan Photographers  via 100 Layer Cake, Sabine Scherer Photography via Martha Stewart Weddings, Boutwell Studio via Green Wedding Shoes, Gabriel Boone via Inspired By This :

Middle Row: Michele M. Waite Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs, The Nichols via Grey Likes Weddings

Center: Angelica Glass Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

Bottom Row: Verve Photo Co. via Snippet & Ink, Our Labor of Love via Once Wed

Thanks so much to Faith of Urbane Montage Events for creating this lovely inspiration board for Eat Drink Pretty today!

A bubbly birthday brunch - Dairy Foods

{Photo credits: Martha Stewart Living Boundless Beauty iPad app, Country Living, Tartelette, Sunday Suppers}

I am notorious for throwing myself birthday parties. Partly because I am a bit of a control freak, and also because I am accustomed to having awesome birthday parties. It's my mom's fault, really. She always threw me the best parties. When I was 6, she planned a birthday party at an actual doll shop, we wore dresses and hats and drank punch and ate cake at a mini table. Then there were several parties at the Heart Throb Cafe, a restaurant (now closed) in downtown St. Paul where the servers wore roller skates and you drank malts the size of your head.

And now, even though turning (gulp) 31 isn't a big deal, I can't let a birthday pass without planning just a little something (my actual bday is on Feb. 8). And so this year I am hosting a small, birthday brunch with a few girlfriends.

I decided on a bubbly brunch theme (inspiration from Martha Stewart Living). Being such a girly-girl, I can never get past pink as a color staple. And of course, quiche. I could never host a brunch without making at least a couple quiche. I also may make homemade belgian waffles. And no brunch is ever complete without the main ingredient, bubbles. There will be no shortgage of mimosas and bellinis. 

What is your favorite birthday party memory?  Please comment and share and have a happy weekend!

Cupcakes and Cutlery inspiration challenge - Dairy Foods

Sharon of Cupcakes and Cutlery blog invited me to participate in her inspiration board challenge for December. Please head over to her blog to check out my New Years Eve board including decor, menu and drink ideas.

Thanks to Sharon for asking me to participate!

Photo credits:

Photo Sources (from left to right):
Branches and Lights via Style Me Pretty
Salmon Blini Puffs via Pepperidge Farms
Cocktail via Hostess with the Mostess
Soup cups via Style Me Pretty
Napkins via The Knot
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup via Style Me Pretty
Cake via The Knot
Girl in dress via Style Me Pretty
Tray passed appetizers via Style Me Pretty
Sparklers via The Knot
Orange paper flower via Style Me Pretty

A fall inspiration board - Dairy Foods

{Photo credits: Style Me Pretty}

This inspiration board exists only for one reason. I love the fall. How can you not adore this season? It is so warm and cozy. Sitting around a bonfire, sipping a hot apple cider (or pumpkin spice latte!)...well, there may not be anything better.

Fall also makes me think of s'mores, rustic cheese boards at a cocktail party, caramel apples, going to the apple orchard with my honey...

I would love to plan a party inspired by this board. It would be all things rustic and warm. And also quite sticky with the s'mores and caramel apples!

I wish you all an amazing Friday and weekend.

Inspiration board: a classic Washington DC wedding - Dairy Foods

This is the inspiration board my friend Amy created for her upcoming wedding that will take place in DC. She is going to have a multicultural wedding that is both Christian and Hindu with multiple ceremonies, a sangeet and an Indian reception. It is going to be an amazing wedding. To see the Indian-inspired details of Amy's wedding, click here. Unfortunately, I don't have photo credits, if I am using any of your photos and you would like credit please email, eatdrinkpretty@gmail.com.

The Christian ceremony will be followed by a luncheon on a Friday afternoon. Amy is going for a classic look and will be getting married in a church that was built in 1924 and is a faithful copy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields of London. Since her Hindu wedding (the following day) will be very bright and colorful, Amy wants to keep the church wedding very simple and toned down. She will be using green apples for a modern, classic look that is also budget-friendly. The luncheon will have simple white or light green linens, white wooden folding chairs, surrounded by pink hydrangeas.

Stay tuned for professional photos in October!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! - Dairy Foods

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! I hope you all have fun plans (if you do, comment below and share!) I'm not Irish, but I certainly enjoy the excuse to have cocktails on a Wednesday.

My company is throwing a St. Patrick's Day party that begins at 3pm, yay! There will be Finnegans (one of our clients), Guiness, live music, a best "Irish" dressed contest and I'm sure plenty more. A St. Patrick's Day party is just one of many perks from working at an ad agency. Fun, fun, fun.

Since I don't really drink beer, I decided to make Shamrock Sparklers (Prosecco and a splash of Midori). I'm sure they will be festive and delicious.

{Photo credits: top row from left to right: Hostess blog, Bakerella, Food Thinkers. Bottom row from left to right: Style Me Pretty, Lovely Scribbles, Style Me Pretty}

Inspiration board: a gorgeous Indian wedding - Dairy Foods

My best friend Amy is getting married next October in DC. It is going to be a 3-day affair with multiple ceremonies including a traditional hindu ceremony. The theme for her reception is a blend of enchanting and mystical with bold bright colors.

The main color is fuchsia (a spin off the traditional Indian wedding color, which is red), and the accent colors are bright aqua blue, lime green,and gold. The tables will have a modern minimalist setting, but will also be adorned with plenty of colored votives and Indian lanterns.

Doesn't that sound amazing? I can't wait! I am a bridemaid in the wedding and it will be my first time wearing a lenga as well as performing an Indian dance!

Photo credit note: Amy designed the inspiration board but didn't source any of the photos. If I am using your photo please email eatdrinkpretty@gmail.com and I will credit you. Thanks!

A gorgeous inspiration board - Dairy Foods

This gorgeous inspiration board led to an even more gorgeous dessert display. The display is totally chic, with sparkly confections and an amazing wedding cake all with a stunning purple and grey palette. Stay tuned to find out who is behind this amazing creation and how you can book her for your next event, I will be posting pictures of the dessert display with all the details tomorrow!

Inspiration board: Hello 30! - Dairy Foods

I have a milestone birthday coming up in a couple weeks, the big 3-0! I am embracing turning 30 because it means I get to throw a fabulous party, but really because I am genuinely happy. And when you're happy on your birthday, there is no reason to fear getting older. I enjoyed my 20's for sure, but am fairly certain my 30 year old self is a bit wiser.

The party theme is pink, gold and champagne (as in the drink, not the color) with a touch of shabby chic-ness. Here are all the details, I am trying not to go overboard (um...kind of difficult!):

- A pink and gold dessert display (my sis is helping me out with this)
- Pink china mums because they are gorgeous and girly
- Huge pink balloons (inspiration via Style Me Pretty)
- Lots of candles (lighting is important!)
- Sparkling wine (it's not a celebration without some bubbly!)

And most importantly, fabulous friends to share my birthday with. I can't wait!

I forgot to source all the photos on this inspiration board. I know a few including, Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty and Hostess with the Mostess.

Holiday inspiration board - Dairy Foods

I love the holidays so much. To me they represent so many wonderful things; family, friends, lots of baking and cooking, comfort food, time off of work, relaxing, festive cocktails, and warm fireplaces.

My family tradition includes hanging out at my parent's house with my siblings, their significant others and my aunt. We eat a pretty non-traditional meal of lasagna, garlic bread, and usually some type of champagne cocktail that I come up with. We then sit around the tree and open presents and hang out. Most years we go to church around 10pm and sing Silent Night with everyone holding a single candle. To me, that is Christmas.

Erik's familly tradition includes a huge meal made by his mom that includes prime rib and lobster tails. We eat way too much and lounge around on the couch all evening drinking tomato beer (a North Dakota classic).

I'd love to hear your holiday traditions. Leave me a comment or shoot an email to eatdrinkpretty at gmail dot com.

Enjoy the holiday inspiration board I created, of course, the majority of the images are either food or cocktails!

{Photo credits: Real Simple, EZ Chef, Martha Stewart, Pottery Barn, Reader’s Digest}

Kristin's wedding inspiration board - Dairy Foods

As a gal who loves all things wedding-related, I am pretty lucky right now to have my two best friends engaged and in the middle of planning their weddings. Kristin's wedding will be local, in downtown St. Paul next September with an eclectic feel of both modern and vintage with a super unique color scheme of pewter, red and tiffany blue. Amy's wedding is in Washington DC next October and is going to be a 4-day extravaganza of a western/christian wedding (eco-themed) and a pretty traditional Indian ceremony and reception. I am very excited for both weddings!

Kristin came over yesterday for a fabulous brunch (mushroom shallot quiche, homemade waffles, mimosas and bloody marys, more on that to come in a post later this week) and we sat down and tackled her inspiration board.

Kristin's ceremony is going to be held at a Catholic church in South Minneapolis followed by a reception at the MN History Center. The MN History Center has amazing architecture and a unique space that allows for a cocktail hour held on the balcony, followed by dinner in an open rotunda and dancing with views of the capital.

I love the details Kristin is planning for her day, gorgeous red flowers, candles in mason jars for a romantic feel and how amazing is that cake? We found that from The Cake Girls and hopefully it can be replicated at a local bakery in the Twin Cities.

Oh and did I mention I am Kristin's matron of honor?! Very excited.

I've said this before but I love love love inspiration boards. They are very easy to make and really bring a vision to life.


Photo credits to: Casablanca Bridal, Cake Girls, The Knot, Just Bloomed, Martha Stewart, Tiffany, Watters and Watters and Florrie Mitton Couture.

Weekend edition: Thanksgiving inspiration board - Dairy Foods

I have a feeling that Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for a lot of people. It certainly is a favorite of mine. What's not to love about it? You get time off work, an excuse to stuff yourself silly with comforting, warm and delicious food, hours baking and preparing the meal, spending time with family and friends, the list could go on and on.

And the best part is, Thanksgiving is just a few days away. So excited! My family tradition is each year we gather at my parent's house with immediate family, significant others and my aunt. There are never more than about 10-12 of us but the house is chaotic anyway, full of lively chatter, banging into each other in the kitchen, sounds of football and my father and husband cheering it on. Erik and I prepare and roast the turkey each year. We get over to my parent's house bright and early (around 7am) and in the past have done a parmesan sage turkey recipe that usually turns out moist and delicious. My sister makes mashed potatoes, my aunt does the stuffing, my brothers basically just eat and my mom makes her delicious pumpkin roll. Oh, and I can't forget the champagne sparklers we have each year which is basically prosecco and pomegrante juice. Delicious.

This inspiration board below is from The Sweetest Occasion blog. I just love the warm colors, the picture-perfect pie, and the gorgeous menu board.

If you have a moment, please share your Thanksgiving tradition in the comments section. I'd love to hear them!

Inspiration board: vintage baby shower - Dairy Foods

I am co-hosting a baby shower with friends Megan and Linsey for fabulous, adorable mommy-to-be Jill. We are all very excited for this shower as it is Jill's first baby and I am not kidding when I say that she is one of the cutest pregnant gals around. We have decided on a vintage themed shower, think glass baby bottles filled with blooms, old fashioned diaper pins, lacy ribbon, vintage-chic photographs in frames, etc.

Since it wouldn't be a proper party without some booze (in my opinion), we will have wine but also sparkling tea for the pregnant ladies, and of course lots of great food. We're going to keep the food simple but delicious. So far on the menu we have:

Caprese skewers
Mini cucumber sandwiches
Cheese and baguette
Croissants and chicken salad
Fruit salad
Cupcakes

And of course I have put together an inspiration board for the occcasion, look at all the cute, vintage-y goodness. I can't wait!

Jill and Matt are not finding out the sex of the baby (boo!) so we are keeping everything as gender neutral as can be (sssshhhhh, don't tell Jill but I am secretly hoping she has a girl!!!).

The loveliest tablescape - Dairy Foods

If you've been reading my blog then you know I have a "10-year old girl" desire to throw a tea party. I went to Spring Tea with my mom and a couple other gals in my family a few months ago and have been thinking of it ever since. I've even stopped into an antique store in St. Paul a couple times to check out the dainty tea cups and saucers. Now I just have to convince myself that it makes perfect sense to spend $100 on vintage cups for a one time event.

I have been gathering inspiration from many sources for this upcoming tea party, cookbooks, decorating magazines, all over the web, even Target.

Check out the latest inspiration I found from House Beautiful magazine. This tablescape would be perfect for a tea party and I just love the shabby chic-ness. What do you think? Wouldn't you want to come to tea???

Here is a link to the tea party inspiration board I created a while ago.

Baby shower inspiration board - Dairy Foods

My younger sister's best friend just found out she's having a girl. Katie (my sister) is throwing a baby shower for her in October and has already begun planning for this special party. Her vision is a bird theme with gorgeous stationery, a dessert table with pretty cupcakes and bird/nest decor throughout.

Katie put together this lovely inspiration board to help her through planning, isn't it great? If any of you are interested, inspiration boards literally take 15 minutes to throw together and they are more helpful than you would think in planning a party. Email me at eatdrinkpretty@gmail.com if you are interested in step by step directions or if you have an upcoming party that you've created a board for and I'll post it!

This is the "before" of the party, the vision and the planning stage. After the party, I'll post photos to show how Katie executed the bird-themed shower. I am sure it'll be fantastic.

Email me if any of the above photos are yours and you would like credit or request to remove them.

Inspiration board - 30 and Fabulous - Dairy Foods

My good friend Libby is fabulous and turning 30 on July 24th, to celebrate we are throwing her a Mexican Fiesta. What that means to us is:

A keg

Red Sangria as the signature drink

Homemade salsas and guacomole

A rocking taco bar

Sombreros

Perhaps a pinata or two

Mustaches (don't ask but I guarantee Erik will take this opportunity to wear one)

Lovely decor

I put together an inspiration board of the vision I have for the day. I have a bunch of cylander vases left over from my wedding that I'd like to fill up with limes and use as centerpieces at the taco bar. I've also been collecting jars and am repurposing them as party decor by adding a candle and putting them around the backyard for that lovely glow. I'd love to add wire and hang them but we'll see if Erik let's me do that.

I do not have proper photo credits for this inspiration board so if you've happened upon my blog and I am illegally using your photo, let me know and I'll take it down asap!

Doesn't this party look like lots of fun and muy delicioso????

Inspiration boards Food Recipes

When I was planning my wedding, inspiration boards were all the rage. An inspiration board is a cumulation of photos you gather that elicit the feeling/look you want to achieve for your day. They help guide decisions and are helpful in showing to vendors (like florists, etc) so that they understand your vision. It is really all about maintaining a vision.

Below is the inspiration board I put together during wedding planning and the second is a collage of photos from my wedding. My vision was an all-white winter wedding with lots of branches, candles, romance and elegance.

Photo credit: Sewell Photography (if you are interested in seeing more photos from my wedding, check out my photog's blog)

The whole point of this is, why not extend the idea of inspiration boards for weddings into everyday entertaining/hosting? It can be done to guide your vision of your next dinner party, bridal shower, baby shower, cocktail party, etc. And plus, it's just plain fun (if you are a geek like me) and really doesn't take that long to do.

For example, I am planning a tea get-together (I'm sorry but I can't bring myself to say tea party) with the women in my family within the next month so I put together an inspiration board to represent how I want the look/feel of that party to be. As you can see, I am going for a garden-feel with fresh flowers, pastels (maybe in the linens?), and of course pretty little sandwiches and mini desserts.

Send me your inspiration boards for your next party and I will post them! Email me at eatdrinkpretty@gmail.com (I can also send you instructions on how to build one, it is super easy).