With the 4th of July holiday next Wednesday, I thought today would be a perfect day to share with you some wonderful ideas for last minute decorations. These are fun and easy ways to add a festive element to your table and party surroundings. For even more ideas - including GREAT 4th of JULY PARTY FOOD, please be sure to visit my special 4th of July pinterest board.

Image Credits: Festive tabletop with fabric layering, Ribbon wrapped vases, Fourth of July confetti popper rockets , 4th of July bunting , Tablescape with fruit and salad, Burlap and denim ruffled patriotic wreath, Paper plates and rubber bands for a treat box, Clothespin pinwheels

When I saw this photo shoot that Stephanie of Couture Parties posted on her blog the other day, I knew I had to ask about sharing it with you. I LOVE the idea of a city themed tablescape. It got me thinking that you could even do a different city theme for each table - it would be perfect for bridal showers or rehearsal dinners. Maybe the cities could be places that you and your fiance have visited together? Or cities that you wish to visit? For this particular tablescape, Stephanie created a NYC State of Mind table setting. When walking the streets of NYC from the train station, Stephanie sees cabs, streets, and t-shirt shops - so this table was inspired by these items.

I love how Stephanie incorporated the ribbons on the tablecloth to resemble the yellow street lines.

Would you consider planning a party around your favorite travel destination(s)?
I think it's a brilliant idea and something that your guests wouldn't be expecting.

Thank you Stephanie for letting me share these photos with my readers today. Please be sure to visit Stephanie's brand new site, Couture Wedding Design, and her new blog, Creating Couture Weddings.

Photography: Vanessa Tierney

Cookies: It's My Party

Rentals: Taylor Rental

Design: Couture Parties

With the holidays rapidly approaching, it's time for some festive posts to begin . . . starting with these beautiful presentation ideas for napkins from Martha Stewart. Links to the tutorials for each of them can be found after the images.

napkin holders made from felt holly leaves and a jingle bell, satin bow napkin rings, crepe-paper bells, place card with a sprig of evergreen, place cards that resemble elegant paper scrolls, tree-shaped napkin rings

Today I'll be featuring a Real Wedding from Beth Helmstetter Events, LLC, but first I just had to share with you some of the amazing tablescape designs I saw while looking thru Beth's online 'details gallery'. In a little while, I'll be back with one of Beth's weddings from Mexico (I love the calming colors in this beach wedding). In the 1st and last photo below, the location is the same, but you can see how the tablescape and choice of chairs gives the event a completely different vibe.
Photo Credits:
Hughes Photographics (first and last), Visionari (second), Brad Uyehara & Rachel Robertson (third)

Don't forget to check back in a little while for a lovely wedding from Beth Helmstetter Events, LLC.