Delicate Drinks

You know how we've got a little thing for doilies going on ?

Well after seeing these . . . .

(images via A Field Journal)

it's officially a head-over-heels, heart-pounding, butterflies-in-the-tummy, can't-get-enough-of crush!

Pop over to this gorgeous blog for more details and links to the DIY tutorial.

We have been busy creating some doily garlands in white for a very special project, but wouldn't they be pretty in pastels too? Off I go in search . . .

Sweet Surprise

There is such joy in finding pretty things in unexpected places.

These lovely bottles of lemonade (Product of France!) are available at . . .ALDI! This week only of course - you know how it goes.

I have stocked up for Ava's `Strawberry Lemonade' party, but they are just made for a pretty baby shower or high tea.

Thanks to Alicia for the tip-off. You were right. They are perfect.

Hello Cupcake

When it comes to decorating cupcakes we are buttercream swirl kind of girls - not because we have a preference, more because that is about as far as we've gotten with our mastery of cake decorating skills - and even then it's possibly a stretch to say we've mastered it! The gorgeous creations of cupcake couturier and caterer, Hello Naomi, have long held our admiration, fascination and intention to one day try our own hand at a little fondant colouring, rolling, cutting and sticking. So we were most excited to see Naomi will be running a series of tutorials over at the prettiest little online baking store Little Betsy Baker, and have vowed to tune in regularly. Check out the first one now for tips on making these little sweethearts.

(image from Hello Naomi via Little Betsy Baker)

Real Hip Hooray: Pinwheel Preppy

This one's for the boys. Pinwheels are one of our favourite party details and the inspiration for this perfectly preppy celebration designed by the talented Sharnel for her young man's 4th Birthday. These gorgeous pictures whizzed around the blog world last week (1st blog lesson: no sleeping allowed or you miss stuff!) - but we figure you never really can have too much of a good thing, so for any of those who didn't catch it elsewhere, these are just for you . . .

Sharnel and her business partner Keren are creators of the yummiest ever cupcakes and other goodies over at The Cupcake Company and we had the pleasure of working with Sharnel on some polka-dot pretties for our first Mathilda's Market stall last year. This talented Mum has since grabbed the attention of the party glitterati, including THE Amy Atlas, for her simple, beautiful party styling. Sharnel shares many things of beauty on her blog, My Life, My Loves and has kindly provided all the resources for William's party there.

Love this colour scheme as much as we do? Here are a few of our favourite Navy and Green details to help you get the look:

Top row L to R: Navy spot wrap, Specklefarm stripe placecards via Details, details!; Pinwheel via Twirlie Whirlies

Middle row: Paper flags and baking cups by Paper Eskimo, Paper lantern (Grass) all via Details, details!

Bottom row: Navy tin pail via Details, details!; Invitation from Smallprints; Paper lantern (Navy) via Details, details!

Truly. Madly. Deeply.

It's official. We are in love. The Macarons and I. Well, possibly it's a little unrequited crush, all I know is my heart beats a little faster when we are in the same room together and I simply can't get enough. That's not to say our first date last week went entirely without awkward moments and moodiness, but all I hoped for was enough `good' ones to be able to line them up in perfect little rows of coloured goodness and this is what I got . . . .

Happy. Contented. Dreaming of the next time we shall meet.

P.S. Sorry I kept you hanging for a week. Long story short is that my camera disappeared just before the Parisian party last Saturday. I suspected foul play may have been involved. Camera was found several days later in the side pocket of rolling luggage hidden in back of sister's wardrobe. Should have been the first place I looked, right? 18 month old suspect since apprehended and cuddled incessantly! Pics are courtesy of friend's i-phone . . . pink poodles coming up next.