Fourth of July Invitations

Preparing for a fourth of July bash? Step up the style with these waspy-chic printable invitations from Kate Spade. I am in love with the lobster card above. I would totally use them for lobster bake wedding or shower too! 10 cards and envelopes for $25 available at crane.com.

Outdoor Space Ideas for Weddings

I have always imagine getting married outside in the springtime. I've hoped that someday the event would be in my backyard filled with close friends and family. Domino just launched a huge new gallery of outdoor rooms that would be great inspiration for a backyard wedding or party. I've had the above photo tacked to my bulletin board next to my desk forever. A great mexican fiesta would be so fun and it would give me an excuse to buy tons of gorgeous oaxan textiles and paper flowers. A close second would be an event that felt like a casual afternoon lunch in an englist garden (below). All the looks have a mismatched bohemian quality that I totally love. Check out more outdoor rooms for tons of inspiration: dominomag.com.

Michelle Rago Events

I am absolutely in love with this Vermont wedding created by Michelle Rago. Every detail is perfect but not overdone. I love how the white birch and pine cones are extended through every detail. Using natural elements not only infuses the outdoors into your event but it also makes the style that is a smart idea for those on a budget. Use natural elements prominent in your region to recreate a similar. How cute are those canoes? Check out more from Michelle Rago amazing portfolio: michelleragoltd.com.

Offbeat Vases

I was going to try to incorporate this post with the last about Nicolette but there was just too many amazing flowers to share. In the May issue of Domino, Nicolette also did the floral styling for a "In The Vase" piece using common vessels you can find around the house. Nicolette arranged some gorgeous small pieces in teacups, bottles, and bowls that you could easily create at home. To check out more visit: dominomag.com.

Rebecca Thuss

Rebecca Thuss is the style behind my often admired spreads from Martha Stewart Weddings. Rebecca has left Martha Stewart and now runs her own event design, photography, and branding company with her husband. I would hire this team in a heartbeat to do my wedding. I honestly can't think of anything Rebecca has ever done that I immediately love! The women is a genius! To check out more visit: rebeccathuss.com.

Jayson Home & Garden/Flowers

Spring has finally sprung here in the New York Metro Area. Daffodils, Tulips, and Forsythia are in full bloom. Yesterday, we had an unbelievable warm day that was amazing for shorts and sandals. I am thinking about having a dinner party soon to welcome everyone out from winter. I was inspired by the flowers at Jayson Home & Garden. My favorite is the arrangement (above) with Lambs Ear with Scabiousa. The contrast of the silky ears with the roughness of the scabiousa is amazing. You can order Jayson's flowers for delivery if you live in the Chicago area. For the rest of us check out the site for inspiration for your next party or wedding! Check it out: jaysonhomeandgarden.com.

State Wedding Favors

My favorite wedding magazine is hands down Martha Stewart Weddings. I have collected every issue back to 1997. I'm not a wedding freak but more of entertaining queen. Martha Stewart Weddings always outshines the competition with jam packed ideas and inspiration. I love that each event she features is so unique and has a continous theme that connects the entire event.

My favorite idea from the current winter issue? State Wedding Favors. The mag did a great spread on special favors that would represent each U.S.state. The layout in the mag looked terrific and really carried the idea through. Such a smart and creative staff at Weddings! A few of my favorite states favors shown above and below.

New York

Maine

Alaska

Thanksgiving Table

A traditional heirloom turkey platter by Johnson Brothers can be found in antique stores and on replacements.com. $150-$250 depending on age and condition. On the right, a pure linen tablecloth is accented with a garland of flowers that evokes an elegant event. $170, williamsonoma.com

Rich earthy brown pheasant feathers bundled in vases create offbeat center pieces. dominomag.com WS Home collaborated with Spode to create these festive oak-leaf-and-acorn garland earthenware. Set of 4 plates, $88. wshome.com.

Add a touch of whimsy to the table. Peacock feathers under gold-rimmed plate will infuse a little humor into the evening. $28, jaysonhomeandgarden.com. A folky take: illustrated nordic print porcelain plates featuring a wise owl in the center. Try layering these plates with existing china if the look seems to over the top. Set of 4 plates, $152. vivre.com.

Let the seasons colors infuse into your table settings. Gather gourds, baby pumkins, squashes and clementines and arrange in various compotes along your table or buffet. marthastewart.com. I love these wood pedestals for cheeses on a buffet. The pedestal adds height and the wood gives the buffet a rich earthy feel. Buy a few and scatter around the room. $35, chefscatalog.com.

Inexpensive Thanksgiving Decorations

I made this simple fall displays with materials I found in the yard. Grab a large bag, scissors, and some gloves and head outside. Just start chopping down plants that have great visual texture. Don't think so much about it all matching...the wilder the better.

Grab some greenery to break up the browns from shrubs. Don't forget leaves on trees. The beautiful color display in the fall will light up your display.

Bring your materials in the house, grab a vase, and start arranging. Build a taller back and have shorter pieces hanging out toward the front of the vase. Drap the foliage to hang over the sides.

To make the candles simply wrap decorative paper around a drinking glass. Glue to seal the edges and add a votive inside the glass. Make sure to make different heights to increase the drama in the display.

Voila! Decorate tables, enterways, or mantels.