April Showers Bring May Flowers

Thankfully, the April showers held off long enough for Carly & John's engagement party weekend.  Mr. Cuddles and I so enjoyed hosting the party, having a few extra roomies (Clark, Jess and Kel) for the weekend - and most importantly - celebrating the happy couple!  Albeit sad to admit, we also enjoyed a bit of adult freedom we've been lacking since bringing home the Fin man.  Saturday morning - party day!!! - we shipped him off to a 10-acre farm in western Maryland for his first play date/sleepover extravaganza.  Our dog trainer, a "girl-a" (4-year-old Sam Skaife's terminology for the ladies), who one might mistake for a boy-a, picked up Finley and off they went.  While he clearly had a blast and met some new friends (see images below), he wasn't as worn out as we expected.  Please tell me this isn't a sign of his energy level for years to come :)

Aqua Fin

 

Fin's new friend, Mackie

 

#theweddingsenger (kudos to Clark for the clever hashtag).  Several good friends and family came out to celebrate Carly & John's engagement and we were thrilled to meet her sweet parents and extended family.  Enjoy these party pics!  There will certainly be more to post after the McKeon-Senger nuptials in early October (can't wait!).  It will also be my first trip to T-Town (a.k.a. Tulsa, OK).

Party invitation

Entry table setup
(clear, "quilted" jelly jars served as perfect vases)

"Bites"

Avocado-pistachio bruschetta

Caprese skewers with marinated mozzarella

Cava dip trio with toasted pita

Cocktail meatballs
Mini ham and pimento cheese sandwiches
(with red, white and blue DC-themed picks, of course!)

Spiced shrimp cocktail

"Sweets and Treats"

Assorted macaroons

Chocolate-hazelnut cookies

Mini lemon bars

Sea salt brownies

S'mores bites

Sweethearts candy
(complete with gold lace take home bags)

Outdoor space

Lounge setup

Lounge setup 2

"Beverages" at the outdoor bar

Mix your own cocktail setup

Beverage dispenser with white wine spritzer, Carly's favorite!

 

Custom Carly & John tumbler

Ladies at the after party

In closing, happy Spring!  I hope all of you are enjoying some warmer weather.  After this post - unless something really amazing comes up - I'm take a Spring "break" and postponing my next one until early May as we'll be back in Pawleys (May 10-19) celebrating our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY with our wonderful families and I know I will have some thoughtful commentary and pictures to share!

With Easter right around the corner, I thought I'd share some great menus and table setting ideas I've been dying to replicate:

All the single ladies - loving these foiled eggs.  They're trendy and would look stellar in a decorative bowl at your entry way.  P.S. we received the Alessi bowl in silver as a wedding gift and it's divine.

For the kiddos - arts and crafts, Easter baskets and treats!

For the pet lovers - snacks and quacks.

Mouth watering menus - Southern inspired, Light lunch, bountiful brunch, HoneyBaked Ham, dining out or catering in.  I, personally, am partial to a good brunch.

Must-have centerpieces - white flowers, tray displays, greens and elements of nature.

Top notch table settings - plain and simple, plain and simple 2, simply sweet, perfectly pastel or totally Tory.  You can't go wrong with any of these setups.

Cakes' Commentary
Spring is the-best-time to "use or lose."

Use...

- Fresh herbs and flowers to brighten up your home
- Lightly scented candles and cleaning products
- Linen spray to freshen up your sheets
- Outdoor pillows, rugs and wreaths

Lose...

- Heavy jackets and opt for something lightweight
- TOMS and show off your toes
- Stick straight hair and opt for some beachy waves
- Neutrals and introduce pops of color
- A few lbs. and try a new activity (spinning, barre, yoga) or sign up for a walk/run surrounding a cause you support.

Comments for Cakes? Please submit comments, feedback, questions, or things you'd like to see posted!