One Fabulous Fiesta!

Anne's graduation party was destined to be a colorful, fun-filled fiesta!  Delightfully bright pink invitations {custom designed by LTDP!} set the tone, and the decor fell in line from there.  Dozens and dozens of handmade paper flowers and pompoms added splashes of color throughout the event, inside and out.  A few of our favorite details?

*  "Bienvenidos" and "Adios" signs {designed to match the invitations} on the doors greeting guests as they arrived and made their exit
*  congratulatory cupcakes!
*  margarita machine, complete with hot pink margarita glasses
*  and of course the glittering altar!

 Cheers to Anne for graduating so we could all have so much fun!

{fete sketch} "Love is Sweet!" Bridal Shower

I've never been one for frou-frou pastel and oh-so-proper bridal showers.  A celebration of a bride-to-be, a woman about to begin a new chapter in her life, should be just that - full of life.  I think that perspective comes through loud and clear in this inspiration board for an upcoming bridal shower I'm working on!  Doesn't it look delicious?

{Top: tablescape, Joyful Weddings & Events; lollipop centerpieces, Bridal Party Tees; wrapped candy, Sweet Factory; tissue paper pom poms, How About Orange.  Middle: paper pinwheels, Rebekah Westover Photography.  Bottom: cupcake flags, Wedding Bee Pro; candy buffet, Joyful Weddings & Events.}

I was inspired by the bright pinks the bride has chosen for the wedding itself, and decided to bring in some sunny orange to keep the color palettes for the two events distinctive.  The pink and orange pairing instantly inspired images of lollipops and candy shops, hence the "Love is Sweet!" theme.  Sure to bring smiles and sugar-highs to all!

{fete sketch} A Graduation Fiesta!

Next in the party pipeline is a fiesta-themed backyard bash in honor of a soon-to-be college grad.  Talk about fun!  I am beside myself at the prospect of bringing this bright, colorful vision to life:

  {Sources, Top: prayer candles, An Inch at a Time; tin can florals, Re-Nest; purple/orange altar, GoMexico; photo booth, A Practical Wedding.  Middle: fiesta invitation, Empress Stationery; paper picados, Ay Mujer; chippin’ & dippin’ invitation, Serendipity; Succulent favors, BHG.  Bottom: pink/orange altar, Peace Paz Paiz!!!; tiki bar, NJS Design; picados with lights, Blog Goggles}

Add some sizzling fajitas and frosty margaritas for a guaranteed good time.  Salud!

Lately I have been crushing on the elegant, curvy, yet bold typographical icon, the ampersand.  Here's a little eye candy to justify my obsession.

{print & pillow & necklace all from Etsy designers}

The significance of the ampersand for weddings is apparent - it is all about togetherness!  The symbol is often beautifully exaggerated in wedding stationery, and for good reason.  Symbolic meaning & elegant design make for fabulous wedding invitations like these:

 {Clockwise from top left: TheKnot, Wedding Paper Divas, Double E Design, Papeterie, The Future Mrs. Darcy, Minted}

But why stop there?  This typographic icon would complement the stationery and decor for other events too.  So I brainstormed a bunch of party themes incorporating the amazing ampersand... & instantly felt the urge to throw a bunch of parties!  I have images of the ampersand gracing the invitations and decor in so many different ways for the different themes...

& baby makes three  {baby shower}

merry & bright  {holiday party}

wine & dine  {dinner party or wine tasting}

50 & loving it!  {milestone birthday party}

two thousand & eleven  {new year's eve party}

Red Carpet Recap

Cheers to News 8 Austin for hosting a fabulous Oscar chat Sunday night, and for inviting Let Them Drink Punch! to be a part of the festivities!  Following everyone's comments online made watching the awards show a blast.

The challenge, which I happily chose to accept, was to devise and execute a design concept for this Oscar watch party in just a matter of days!  I was inspired by the event's most recognizable icons - the red carpet and the little gold man of the hour.  From there, it took a little creativity and an inspiring trip to the craft store to find just the right touches to bring my vision of Hollywood glamour to life.  Despite working with a short time line and a modest budget, I was thrilled with the results.  We even managed to attract a few "celebrities!"

Check out the photos below (courtesy of the fabulous Jill Hays Photography) to see how it all came together.

{Sneak Peek} Oscar Buzzzzzzzz!

I am so excited to be a part of the News 8 Austin Oscar Chat tonight!  Due to a last minute change in plans, the News 8 web team was left in need of some Oscar-worthy decor for their new location and turned to Let Them Drink Punch! to make it happen.  Here's a sneak peek at some of the ingredients I'll be using to put together the perfect look tonight....

Be sure to Check out the live News 8 Oscar Chat to see photos of how it all comes together, and to hear local fashionistas' takes on the red carpet fashions!

Oh, the Parties We'll Throw!

These are exciting times, friends.  A million thanks to all who inspire me and have encouraged me to follow my passion.  After years of planning parties for myself and those near and dear, it is finally time to take this thing public.  And so I give you Austin's latest source for wedding, party, and event planning - Let Them Drink Punch!

With a few events already in the pipeline, the creative juices are flowing and I can't wait to dive right in.  Check back here often for updates on what's keeping me busy and what's keeping me inspired.

You can also follow the new biz {and spread the word!!!} on Twitter, Facebook, or at letthemdrinkpunch.com.

Cheers!