party decor

We feature some of the most gorgeous, detail-filled children's parties and baby showers around here at LilSugar, but we're also aware that not every mom has the time to make her own marshmallows and macarons or string a DIY fringe banner — or has the budget to hire someone else to plan and execute the perfect on-trend, over-the-top party. Luckily, one of our favorite online invitation and art shops, Minted, has solved the everymom's biggest party predicament: how to throw a superstylish but incredibly simple soiree.

Minted's just-launched party decor collection has 40 awesome packages for holiday and birthday parties and baby showers, in a range of themes. (Minted will add more every day!) All the packages (starting at $65) include customized banners, cupcake toppers, table confetti, and party necessities like plates, cups, napkins, and favor bags. If you want even more cuteness, you can upgrade to the "perfect party" package ($98) or a "dream party" package ($178) and add in lots of signs, stickers, party crowns, pinwheels, and more. Some of our favorite options include a sweet, pink Hello Baby shower, the cute blue Time Turns Too Fast birthday party, and the festive Pastoral Noel holiday fete (shown above). Now if only Minted would provide the coordinating cake and cookies, too . . .

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member inglenookdecor from the Lovely Little Vignettes group:

Sometimes the easiest and simplest DIY's are your best option when designing or decorating an event. So when my friend Carmela asked me to decorate her soiree for Austin In Style Weddings and Inspiration a day before the event {and only a few days afte my three week Holiday vacation}, I happily obliged. After all, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3...

1. Have a theme. I just asked her what is the feel she would like to have for the little soiree. The adjectives she chose were glamorous and sweet. And although themes can range from time periods, movies, destinations {really, the options are endless}, we went with a color palette. Gold is glamorous and pink is sweet, so gold and pink it was!
2. Use what you already have.All we needed were branches {which we alread have}, gold spray pink, pink gift tissue paper, candles galore and sweets.

It started with a white branch.

Then some gold spray paint. We also spray painted the small shades gold, made pink pom poms and adorned a hurricane with a chevron pattern.

3. Install. Here is my intern Rachel joyfully fluffing the pink poms poms after tying them to a chandelier.

And here's another look

We scattered a few antique mercury candle holders as centerpieces.

See? Easy as 1, 2, 3.

Check out more of Maureen's cool decorating tips on her site, Inglenook Decor.

Do you want to create colorful banners or bunting for an upcoming wedding or party, but your sewing skills aren't up to snuff? Simplify the process by skipping the fabric store and picking up some washi tape instead.

This DIY couldn't be simpler. Start by picking up several rolls of your favorite washi tape — the washi tape shown here is from Lotta Jansdotter's exclusive limited-edition line. Lotta is offering several different types of washi tape, but my favorite of her designs is the Aqua Berries Washi Tape ($10.50 for three rolls).

You'll need something to "string" your washi tape to. I love the look of hemp or jute twine, but you could go for a more refined look by choosing circular or flat satin ribbon or grosgrain ribbon. Then simply fold your washi tape in half over your ribbon or twine at regular intervals. Finish the look by clipping the ends into your design of choice with a pair of sharp scissors. You could round the tape, add a point, or clip into it for a flaglike effect.

Easy, fun, and inexpensive — that's the type of party decorating I like best!

Some brides are major veil girls, while others choose to opt out of this traditional bridal headpiece. If you're not the type of bride who's interested in wearing a long, cascading bridal veil as part of her bridal ensemble, why not make it part of the decor instead?

At a Camarillo ranch wedding, the bride decided to opt out of a traditional veil and show off her gorgeous mahogany curls instead. But the allure of the veil wasn't lost on her — she added cascading veil-like tulle behind her dessert table instead. I love the effect — it softens the rustic barn and adds romance.

Here are a few more ideas for adding tulle to your wedding's decor.

• Wind it around a trellis or arbor for a dramatic entrance to your wedding.
• Use it as a table runner for your reception.
• Tie it in bows around the backs of chairs at your ceremony.
• Braid ribbon into lengths of tulle and use it as an alternative to bunting.
• Create a transparent tented effect when you hang it from the ceiling.

Did you use tulle in your wedding's decor? Tell me about your technique in the comments!

Photo by Stone Crandall

My sister is getting married in August, so I've been spending a lot of time visiting wedding blogs and poking around BHLDN's website. One item that recently caught my eye was this lovely Barn Swallow Pedestal.
Featuring a flock of fork-tailed fliers darting about on a hand-painted platter, it seems like a perfect match for her vintage-inspired, country wedding. But at $60 - $100 per cake stand, I don't think that she'll be willing to add a half dozen of these cake stands to her dessert table.

If you feel the same way about the price, good news — I have two simple DIYs that will save you a lot of money! For the cake stand DIYs, just keep reading

Hollywood A-listers gathered to honor nine leading ladies, including Jennifer Aniston and Barbra Streisand, at the Elle Women in Hollywood tribute Monday, but here on Casa, we think another woman deserves a spotlight: event designer extraordinaire Cara Kleinhaut. Cara and her award-winning design team at Caravents are not only responsible for the production at Elle's exclusive event, but soirees for top-notch Hollywood clients, including HBO, Target, and Condé Nast publications. Fresh from the intimate women-empowering award dinner, Cara talks to us about translating Hollywood event design into home decor, party tips, and throwing decor caution to the wind. Check out what Cara had to say:

CasaSugar: You recently designed the Elle Women in Hollywood event; what's it like to produce such a high-profile party?
Cara Kleinhaut: We do a complete room transformation at the Four Seasons in LA. We come in and build false walls, stage backdrops, room lighting . . . the room is completely built to reflect and represent the Elle brand, using Calvin Klein Collection as a big inspiration.

CS: How did you come up with the design palette?
CK: Calvin and Elle are minimalists and chic, and L'Oréal Paris is very colorful and feminine. So it was about marrying the different aesthetics that work for everyone. We used a color palette of white, slate charcoal, with pops of plum and a beautiful burgundy. And a texture palette of ultrasuede, hammered silver, plexiglass, and smoked plexiglass. Everything was a partnership with Elle, and the calla lilies were a group decision. They are extremely elegant, very structured, tailored looking, and extremely chic. It was my favorite detail of the night. Barbra Streisand loved our calla lilies!

Keep reading for Cara's tips on how to throw a fabulous Fall fete.