A great party theme for all ages…the horse. So saddle up..here are some ideas to get you trotting!

Shadow puppet invitations as a horse silhouette by this mom.

These wonderful hand stitched on burlap invitations by Peas and Thank You are wonderfully tactile and three dimensional.

Lisa Mallory had this simple horse silhouette painted as a backdrop for this tasteful 1st birthday party.

I kind of like where this decoration is going…It’s a Scottish wedding horseshoe. By Thistle Flower.

I think I might like to see it with a real horseshoe and real flowers! Love the Tartan ribbon detail.

These lovely pony ribbons could inspire many things. Favors, escort or place cards, prizes for contests or games…source unknown. 

Same concept, completely different look.

For the young ones..pretend horses. Party idea by Megan Cooley.

A “safer” Horseshoe Game by Roadside Mercantile

An elaborate horse race dice game. source unknown.

Chocolate horse silhouette cupcake toppers by Heather’s Sweets and Treats. 

Always like to combine favors with place or escort cards. Made by Elizabeth Ann Designs.

For the adults….a good ole saloon sign…

Horse decor with a little sense of humor!

Distressed wooden horse silhouette by etsy artist Slippin Southern.

Painted black horses with guests names printed on by My Hands Made it.

You don’t have to wait for April Fools Day to get a laugh! If your goal is to throw a party or event with a sense of humor this is for you. I’m dedicating this post to my sister, Kate who always gets me to laugh hysterically. She was here recently for a visit so I thought I would post some party ideas that get us to at the very least… smile!

RSVP cards with a sense of humor. Are you in? Heck yes! Darn it, no.

By Printerette Press.

Everyone has a moustache when they sip from these straws made by Brooke Meyenberg of Little Retreats. 

Great photo booth props by Oh Happy Day. 

Tea bags by Fred Flare.

Vane Broussard of Brooklyn Bride gives a DIY tutorial on these humorous balloons with people hanging on for dear life. Very clever.

As if ring bearers and flower girls weren’t already cute enough! Handmade and very personalized sign replaces the traditional flower petals or ring pillow. Source unknown.

When you just can’t think of what to give out for favors at your next party! Idea from Just Can’t Stop Making Things. 

From The Peach Kitchen, all soda cans need a little grass skirt!

Incredible photo booth props by Fandi!

From Hello Lucky, these chalkboard word bubbles make picture taking much more entertaining.

Jess Mac put these classic comical Groucho glasses inside favor bags for guests.

If you are having trouble thinking of ideas for your favor bags, look no further! By Cheree Berry.

Hilarious “garland” for a party! Pac Man eating the lights as he travels along! Source unknown.

How about some ninja escort cards from this bride?

From RSVP Candy, these personalized escort cards in the “See Jane Run” retro style!

Instead of the basic Mr. and Mrs. signs…photo by The Nichols.

A photo opportunity was created for this carnival inspired wedding reception by bride, Marie.

Everyone loves books and they can inspire so many different types of events. Baby showers are popular with guests bringing their favorite storybook for the new baby. Decorations inspired by nursery rhymes and classics. Book inspired decorations give weddings a vintage look as well as a sense of relaxation and leisure. Birthday parties and book club events are also great opportunities to use pages, bookmarks and library inspired imagery. Here are some ideas for your inner bookworm…

Handmade bookmarks by Design Come True.

Vintage dictionary paper lines the envelopes and library card pockets were made to hold the old fashioned “checkout card”  which acts as the invitation! All handmade by Design Come True.

Vintage book covers hang as a garland also made by Design Come True.

Vintage, shabby chic velvet and jeweled bookmarks by Andrea Singarella

 Karissa Winkel of Pretty Handsome Paper covered these books, which were also the favors for this wedding event. They also did double duty as escort cards as the binding indicates the guest and the bookmark, the table number.

Your favorite book becomes a favor that your guests can actually use! Wrapped in brown paper, tied with string and a library check-out card. This idea from The Knot.

Simple, easy and original! Card catalog for escort cards. Photo by Chloe Murdoch.

Miniature books as seating cards. Idea by Martha Stewarts team.

Elegant escort card table with books! Source unknown.

Tiny miniature books delicately hang from this sweet garland. Idea by Martha Stewart’s team.

A handwritten ceremony backdrop with poems that were read by the mothers during the ceremony. Photography by Tammy Horton.

Family photos mounted inside favorite books are much more original than the standard picture frame display! Idea from the Knot.

Old books make for great table displays. This one covered in brown paper has a printed table number written in a vintage style font. Source unknown.

Carefully cut out table numbers from the pages of a book. By Honey and Poppies.  

Brown paper wrapped books with subjects stamped on binding. Tied with a red grosgrain ribbon.  Photo by Whitney Smith

More vintage books with painted on table numbers. This display by Luella’s Boudoir.

Beautiful calligraphy style paper wraps this stack of books by Peacock Park.

Arrow and Apple decoupaged these jars with book pages and set candles inside.

Books containing live plants by Gartenkultur!

Don’t forget dessert! Once Upon a Time banner for a sweets table by Oh Sugar Events.

The resurgence of silhouette art is a popular trend in today’s wedding events. They first became popular in the late 1600′s as an alternative to expensive traditional painted portraits.

Hand painted on a faux linen background, the couple is facing each other.  The scrolled banners state their new last name and wedding date. They had a garden wedding so we incorporated natural elements and an earthy color palette. By Design Come True.

A save the date silhouette card by an etsy shop that is no longer listed. Very beautiful though!

Hammerpress did a lovely job incorporating a silhouette into this wedding invitation.

These fun gift tags by Sesame Letterpress would make great escort cards. Instead of table numbers, you could have silhouettes of different animals and people. On the back would be the guests name.

Different shaped animal silhouettes for simple escort cards. Source unknown.

Etsy shop owner JonNi Paper Goods makes all kinds of fantastic silhouette place cards. Love this one for a baby shower. They also do all kinds of animals!

Quite a mixture of silhouette shapes! I even spot a snowman! Photo of Mary McHenry.

Not sure who made these little matchboxes with the silhouettes but I love them!

Groomsmen gifts with silhouette tags by Megan Wright.

This modern interpretation of a silhouette by Dauphine Press is a refreshing take on the traditional black on white. These would make nice escort cards as well as gift tags or even just decoration! 

Martha Stewarts team came up with these fun Welcome Bags for guests when they arrive.

A garland of silhouette airplanes. photo by Tanja Lippert

Bean bag toss game for a wedding with the bride and groom’s silhouettes!

Acrylic silhouette cake topper by Simply Silhouettes in Portland, Oregon.

Silhouettes hanging on the chairs of the bride and groom by Olive Hue Paper Goods.

Paper flowers are wonderful for events because you can make them ahead of time and they last forever as keepsakes. You can also make them in colors and sizes  that Mother Nature never intended.

This was my own personal wedding bouquet that I made out of paper.

These handmade boutonnieres by Design Come True were made for an autumn wedding. The flowers themselves are made from paper but the oak leaves were pressed and wrapped with beaded berries.

This delicate paper flower made by Design Come True was used in the brides hair on her wedding day.

 A colorful floral bouquet for a spring wedding can be kept for years to come. By Design Come True.

Whimsical pastel colored paper flower bouquet by this creative bride.

Simple large single bloom for a wedding bouquet. Source unknown.

Jamie Leuschen created this large flower out of pages from a Three Musketeers book.

Paper roses made out of sheet music by Jones Design Company.

Origami paper flowers, Kusudama by Rag and Bone.

Tiny paper flowers made of book pages. Source unknown.

A gorgeous monochromatic paper flower backdrop by Ruth Fischi.

Paper flower chandelier by David Stark Design

 Big paper floral blooms on the backs of each chair. Source unknown.

The creative team at Ruche made these oversized flowers.

More gigantic paper flowers by Green Wedding Shoes at this couple’s ceremony altar.

These lovely clusters of brightly colored flowers were part of an event put on by  Oh How Charming. 

Oh Happy Day gives us inspiration with these sweet little paper flower headbands.

Tissue flowers top these green favor boxes. Source unknown.

Martha Stewart’s team created these dahlia wrapped favors.

Paper lotus flowers as place cards from Paper Source.

Delicate ivory paper roses by Creative Jewish Mom.

Martha Stewart’s team shows us how to make paper dogwood flowers.

You’re invited! Here are some festive Fourth of July ideas for your upcoming holiday celebration. Red, white and blue never had so many looks!

Fantastic stripes with classic navy blue, how could you RSVP “no” to these invitations by Pink Piggy.

I know these are nautical themed but I think these are great inspiration for fourth of July invitations. By Quill and Fox. 

A great collection of BBQ invitations from Studio Wicked.

Handmade paper stars with double sided patterns by April Kennedy who was inspired by Paper Source’s kits. She generously provides a tutorial so you can make them too!

These star picks from this wedding could be used for food or drinks. Here they have a monogram of the couple but they could also serve as escort cards or place cards.

These simple and sweet flags attach to straws by Tweedle Dee Designs.

I’m pretty sure even the most picky kid would devour these sailboat hotdogs by Pizzazzerie! 

An oldie but a goodie from Martha Stewart’s team!

Better Homes and Gardens came up with this simple idea of wrapping candle holders with striped papers.

I’m always looking for simple games to entertain guests of all ages!This fun balloon dart game was made by Roots and Wings. 

Pretty paper stars falling.

This garland made of felt circles can be used to decorate for the Fourth of July or any Patriotic holiday! Unfortunately it is no longer for sale on etsy but I think it can be easily duplicated:)

 A Pumpkin and a Princess made this festive paper chain with alternating stripes and stars.

Deena Rutter made these whimsical fireworks.

These “firecrackers”  by Jamie Brock look like a lot of fun to make! Glued on sequins and twine for the “fuse”! I’d love to see these strung on a banner hanging on a porch.

These smaller firecrackers made out of lifesaver rolls and party picks. Idea by Disney Family Fun. Very nice favor idea.

Brenda Ponnay came up with these sweet fireworks that pull from the ribbons and release confetti!

Gingham table setting by Annie Campbell of Apres Fete

Cute Star wands by Family Fun. 

The Ribbon Wand Shop. Just ribbons on a stick! Young children will love these!

Gift tags with sparkers from this wedding inspire us to make them for Fourth of July!

Matches included with sparkers, bound together on a tag. By this creative bride. 

A sparkling farewell to you! Have a wonderful of July celebration!

I recently celebrated my own birthday this past weekend at the pool with a retro feel and vintage style decorations. The 1950′s pool parties were mostly my inspiration, I even donned a flowery swim cap! The first few signs were made by moi, Design Come True but I’m sharing more ideas from others as well.

These sunglasses were the catalyst for the entire party. They just made me so happy to look at!

I made these retro style signs to let guests know they found the party entrance! The motel and drive thru signs of the 1950′s had such great shapes to work with. Hand painted on cardboard then attached to a wood post with balloons. The “lights” are plastic pill caps.

Another handmade sign by yours truly at Design Come True. Guests need to know where the cocktails are! Hand painted on cardboard, then hung from the pool house rafters.

My husband and I agreed on a cocktail menu to offer guests and provided the ingredients for them to make. Here is the Vodka Collins recipe! All made out of paper. Each of the drink illustrations are watercolors, cut out and attached to the recipe.

I was inspired by this sign sold by Modern Fifty. A vintage Indigo Aquanauts Swim Club hanging sign.

Loralee Lewis made these adorable Cabana Cupcakes food cards. She also has matching invitations.

Playful flags on straws by Loralee Lewis

Party Like Paula made these pool inspired food tent cards. Displayed inside “waves” made of Easter grass and vellum.

Pumpkin Petunia made this simple beach ball banner.

Pool party banner by Social Couture

This talented mom made a vintage style cabana for her daughter’s pool party.

Holly from Paisley Petal Events had these “surfboards” made for party decorations. Imagine being a kid that gets to take home these for party favors!

The editors for Fiskars came up with these submarine straws.

Etsy shop owner Bits of Plaid and Paisley makes these cabana tent favor boxes.

Hope these inspire you! Cheers!

I was recently asked to make some things for a child’s 1st birthday party. They wanted to use the theme of Mickey Mouse! Being less than an hour away from Disneyland, I have a feeling I will be getting quite a few of these requests. So the party is really more for the adults but it’s time to “Put on your ears”!

I painted Mickey and his friends on these miniature canvases  as well as little phrases that Mickey says like “Hot dog”! and “Oh boy”! The easels were painted black and they are intended as table decor and guest can take them home at the end of the party.

This wooden sign on a stake makes for a great party decoration but the parents can use it later in his room or perhaps in the backyard treehouse one day. Hand painted on yellow and the edge is wrapped with a black and white polka dot ribbon.

The parents wanted to give candy apples as favors to their guests so I created these Mickey Mouse shaped favor tags. All hand made and tied with a yellow and silver ribbon.

I made an extra long garland banner with Mickey Mouse “parts”. His glove, pants, shoe and ears! All hand made with card stock and threaded on red satin ribbon.

I wish I had a photo of this Mickey Mouse cake topper actually ON the cake! Unfortunately the Mickey party falls on the same day as my own birthday party so I won’t be able to go and take photos. Anyway, this cake topper is made of paper and Mickey is hand painted. The rounded wire displays the child’s name, Ashton! So that’s it for this party but here are some more fun Mickey Mouse party ideas that others have done…..

So much work went into these adorable Mickey Mouse party invitations by Paper Cut Invites.  I love the details of the yellow buttons!

I love this simple party favor bag made by Jen Marie! Black bags with Mickey ears! What could be easier! The hard part is thinking of ideas for things to go inside! 

Jelly beans fill these favor bags and are topped with Mickey ears that state the year of the birthday boy or girl. Source unknown.

Clear tubes filled with primary colored M&M’s with round Mickey tags, source unknown.

This is an awfully nice Mickey Mouse cake topper by Trendy Cupcake Shop. 

Another adorable Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse banner by My Paper Party. 

Every Mickey Mouse themed party should have ears for guests to wear. These are so nicely done, I wish I knew who made them! That’s it for this post! “See you real soon”!

Summer is just about the corner and a luau party is a perfect way to celebrate with tiki bars, cocktail umbrellas and tropical flowers! The beauty of luau is that it is a very versatile theme that can be used for birthdays, showers, retirements, anniversaries, weddings and even corporate events!

From the  Kaleidoscope Collection,  of Allison Cosmos, this design can be printed on place mats, tablecloths or even as a colorful photo backdrop.

Martha makes it festive and simple with escort tags attached to paper parasols.

A bright red hibiscus graphic image with guests names on escort cards. It seems that instead of table numbers, they elected to assign guests to the islands of Hawaii. Made by  Mem Wongsa

I love these retro style sunglasses with tropical fruits and palm leaves. Found on tumblr.

Large crepe flowers look great on these chair backs but could go on doors or posts as well.

Megan Reardon created these unique palm tree “umbrellas” for your cocktails.

Hibiscus picks from Century Novelty. 

Bright and colorful paper flowers slip onto straws by Merriment Events

Handmade paper umbrellas by an Austrailian artist. 

Love this vertical hanging bar menu sign. I’m dying to add some color to it though!

The Felt Mouse  made this multi arrow sign pole for a Luau party. I like the natural texture on the background and the translation below the word in parentheses.

A pretty cute Tiki Bar sign by Kelle Hampton.

Aloha cupcake picks by Bakerella I believe the lei is made out of fondant.

Paper tropical flowers by Ellinee.

Aloha banner by etsy shop Purple Zebra Paper Company.

Another luau inspired bunting. This one by etsy shop A Little Frayed. 

Tiki Lounge invitation, unknown source. Love the 3D quality and raffia roof!

Beautiful hand drawn map of Maui by E Fine Stationery

Beautiful bright hibiscus flowers decorate this simple white cake by Anna and Blue Paperie

Aloha Tiki Tags by etsy shop owner Paper Girl Studios.  Great for luau favors.

Welcome Favor bags with vintage Hawaii postcards by Kelle Hampton. 

A lovely ceremony altar with floral pomanders by Sonia Sharma Events.

Tissue paper poms give ceremony chairs a festive look. Photography by Elyse Hall.

 This charming garland ropes off the aisle with colorful poms on twine by Events of Love and Splendor. 

Martha Stewart’s team came up with this fun evening decor for a poolside celebration. Paper lanterns stacked and lit from within and plain white inflatable beach balls make for a festive and modern display.