Those shamrocks made from a heart stamp = adorable!

{Shamrock-stamped paper goods from Martha Stewart; shamrock-accented napkin and belled topiary from Better Homes & Gardens}

Loving Molly’s brightly colored napkins on the Purl Bee – check out her really easy project plan. I’d love to make a few of these with a fun coordinating pattern!

Row 1: Red Rose cupcakes by Clever Cupcakes, Red Fruits cupcake by chotda

I’ve been obsessed with FCLstyle.com since I first found my way there a few months ago. I love the concept (5 styles of French decor) and how beautifully collected and photographed the pieces are.

The Bohemian style really caught my eye – I love the colorful patterns contrasted with the moody feel of the furniture pieces. It’s the perfect inspiration for a luxe-natural design plan with bright floral prints and hints of butterflies. What a gorgeously chic bridal shower this would be!

{All images above from FCLstyle.com}

When I saw those candle holders, I immediately wanted to shrink them down and use them for centerpieces or buffet decor. (Moss and silk butterflies are easy to find.)

The most difficult part would be finding the candle holders. I looked everywhere, but all the tabletop versions I found similar to these were much too expensive to be practical for an event (in the $100 – 200 range). I’d check out Home Goods, Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Pier 1, etc. and see what you can find, but I also collected a few below that would work for different types of decor plans.

Left, Tapered Clear Glass Hurricane Candle Holder from Christmas Central; right, 15″ hurricane candle holder and Glass hurricane with steel base from Target.

Left, Calia Pedestal from Organize.com; right, Green hurricane glass candleholders from Bellacor.

How gorgeous are these lanterns from ZGallerie? Perfect and affordable enough to be used in multiples for hanging event decor – over a bar or lounge area, hung low to fill a corner or empty space, or over dining or cocktail tables in lieu of centerpieces.

I think they’d also be lovely wedding card boxes (sans the candle)… a modern take on the birdcage often used for this purpose.

Wouldn’t two of these arrangements be stunning flanking a spring wedding ceremony/altar? They add such a whimsical handmade touch.

Bird’s nest favors that double as placecards bring a touch of the same theme to the reception tables. So adorable! Of course, all of this would be equally beautiful for a shower or any springtime event.

{All images from Martha Stewart}

These totes from Bayanhippo’s Etsy shop would be adorable as bridesmaids gifts for a nautical or seaside wedding. Or (if you’ve got the budget or a small guest list) for out-of-town guest gifts.

… but also just as a pretty beach bag, which is exactly why I’m sneaking off to buy one!

• Mustard Dill Tortellini Salad Skewers from Southern Living
• Orange storage tub and brightly colored acrylic tumblers from Crate and Barrel
• Flowery monogram pins from Martha Stewart
• Daffodil windowbox centerpiece from Brides
• Citrus vases from CB2
• Porcelain flower pin escort cards via Style Me Pretty

Hope your day is beautiful!

I thought I had looked EVERYwhere for these straws when planning a party last year, but I guess I didn’t look hard enough! You can get ‘em at Bake It Pretty.

Is there a better way to spend New Year’s Day than eating chili (and competing) with friends?

For this festive and light-hearted party (our own Carly’s annual family event!), we designed a carnival-inspired theme with fun chili details throughout. Banners, balloons and chile lights were hung for a festive feel, and we created a standin (based on an illustration purchased at iStockphoto) to serve as a photo op.

Each chili was assigned a number and guests wrote down their favorites on our “vote” cards designed for the occasion. Popcorn Balls wrapped in red and white striped cones were displayed as favors, cake pops in coordinating colors provided another sweet treat, and the hostess’s signature Bloody Mary worked to cure any lingering hangovers.

We had a blast planning this cookoff… and an even better time enjoying the party!

{All photos and designs by Make Merry!}