Invitation Consultants Blog - Wedding and Party Inspiration

We're Monkey-ing Around at Baby Showers

We're just monkey-ing around when it comes to planning a baby shower.

Jungle themed baby showers are trendy now. Afterall they represent color, energy and warmth. Here are some tips for a jungle themed birthday party for your mom-to-be, whether they are having a girl or a boy, because silly and vibrant animals are for any gender!

1. Choose a wild baby shower invitation with a jungle animal or animal print like: In the Jungle and Jungle Party (which can also be used as a birth announcement).

2. Don't just serve bananas! When I think jungle, I think of all kinds of fruits, passion fruits, mango, kiwi, papaya..

3. The colors of the shower can be numerous, there is no right or wrong here. The key is to make sure you have at least 3 colors represented in the decor. I recommend at the very least: brown, green, yellow.

4. Instead of a cake, try cupcakes decorated with baby animals from the jungle.

5. Games at the shower: Creative Baby Shower has a few game ideas.

6. Party favors: candy wrapped in monkey wrappers and animal print purses.

7. Buy cute gifts for the mommy-to-be that are jungle inspired like: monkey booties, monkey business bib, jungle picture frame, and critter booties.

Once your friend's baby arrives it will become a jungle out there for them. I remember life becomes nocturnal and the house is loud with many noises. So set them off right with this wild and crazy shower!

Food for thought: hors d'oeuvres receptions & shindigs

The inspiration behind this post comes from something that we all love...food! It can spice up a party and in some cases be a total letdown. I personally love the idea of an all hors d'oeuvres reception or party. For recessionistas, the idea of this party can be done on a budget if done right. Nowadays people can throw a soiree with sophisticated snacks to keep their guests happy all night long. Attendees can grab a chair if they want to sit down and knosh, or saunter around and mingle with an amuse-bouche. If you're looking for something a little bit sweeter, a reception or party dedicated to desserts only would be a scrumptious treat. Pick a fabulous food-inspired invite to let your guests know that light hors d'oeuvres or desserts will be served, and have them dress in urban chic attire. Serve yummy beverages that complement your snacks and play some loungy tunes. Your party will be one that guests will savor for years to come! Enjoy...

Photo credits: Left three photos via Anna Williams Photography; Salmon cakes, mocca mousse with spicy cookies, goat cheese & honey, and melted brie with prosciutto in phyllo photos via foodgawker. Clock photo via Google Images.

Sushi Setting, Save Scarlet, &  Dine With Us invitations all via Invitation Consultants.

We Heart our Customers

We are so excited to roll out the only Invitation & Stationery Rewards Program we know. Loyal customers = Fabulous rewards. Our new Fabulous Rewards Program earns customers 1 point for every $1 spent. Redeem points for gift cards! We love paper..you love paper...so why not earn more paper! More details here.

Enjoy!

Nostalgic School Themed Graduation Party

Here is an Inspiration board for a fun graduation party with an abundance of nostalgic details to reminisce upon with guests (like how much you used to LOVE recess)!

Clockwise from top left:pencils with illustration and vintage desk via poppytalk; diy chalkboard frame with photos via design sponge; plastic trays and rice crispy cake via martha stewart; vintage desk with apples and flowers on books via martha stewart; peace out invitation via invitationconsultants; school lunch spread via martha stewart.

Is your Office like The Office?

Does Michael Scott remind you of your boss? Or is your boss the polar opposite? Do you ever wonder what working at "The Office" would really be like? Perhaps, the word is "crazy."

Whether you work at a hip office (like ours), an outlandish one like Dunder Mifflin or a plain vanilla (you can hear a pin drop) office; we all sort of have something in common...office parties. Here are the 4 top office parties that offices have around the country and what Michael Scott might say about each one:

1. Baby Shower for the employee about to go on maternity leave ( You have some people who are excited that they may take over her job should she not come back and others who worry they will have to do her work too while she is out). Or, for a "Jan" who may or may not choose to serenade the staff.

2. Bridal Showers for the employee about to get married. If your office is like Dunder Mifflin, the shower may get violent if your "Roy" shows up. Or it could just plain boring and lame if your "Angela" plans it.

3. Retirement throw one for your "Stanley" even if he refuses to retire.
4. Holiday or Christmas Party that is either dreaded or anticipated. Some try to stay away from the bar, while others embrace it. Keep an eye on your "Meredith" and hope your "Ryan" and "Kellie" don't take the holidays as the perfect time to air their grievances.
....Sometimes birthday parties are ok too!

Michael's take on things is a little awkward. In any event, these things really inspire me when I think of offices:

Desk: Cote de Texas, Desk: Brooklyn Bride, The Office Cast, Ties a Flyin Retirement invitation, Confidential invitation, Paper inspiration, Little Boy's Tie, Office necessities

Deal of the Week! 25% off Engagment Ring Announcements

If you like it then you should put a ring on it! This week, select blinged out annoucements are 25% off giving you a chance to save a little and splurge on some new hand candy. Shop the Deal of the Week.

Mom's Day Picks

Mother's day is just a couple of short weeks away, so I've rounded up my picks in this season's sweetest colors of the best gifts for any mom in your life.

From left to right:

Monogrammed lunch totes from Pottery Barn: Perfect for spring and summer picnics with the kid's or friends. 

Scalloped initial custom stamper from IC: M is for MOM or pick her initial and personalize it with the family address.

Spearmint Cotton Sweater from J Crew: Comfy and perfect for ladies who lunch or ladies who work & it can be monogrammed.

Aromatherapy Orange Ginger Candle from Bath and Body Works: It's cute and calming.

Two Pea's in a Pod Necklace from Etsy seller LuckyAccessories: There are several adorable versions of this to choose from. Pick one with as pea's as there are kid's or family members.

Maui Sunset Folded Note from IC: Updated blooms for a modern mommy.

Shiseido Skincare Set: This set is the height of pampering your skin, and would be a great indulgance for any mom this mother's day.

Something not featured: homemade & from the heart is ALWAYS perfect.

Earth Day Everyday

In honor of our beautiful Mother Earth, I put this element-inspired board together. Colors inspired by wind, water, earth, and fire can spur all sorts of party ideas! From weddings, to corporate events, to prom....nature at it's finest is oh so hip. Enjoy.

All photos courtesy of Project Wedding, Anna Williams Photography, and Jenny Yoo.

Water imagery: Orchids, Blue Lanterns, and Lilies.

Fire imagery:Dress, Red Florals,Ceremony Lanterns.

Wind imagery: Ruffle detail, modern cake, balloons

Earth imagery: Jewelry, Dress, & Pear from Anna Williams Photography (Still Life & Food Sections) - gorgeous photos.

Have a Peace filled Earth Day

Hello all,

Thank you for continuing to read our blog. We are celebrating today by wearing green! We also are celebrating by doing a fundraiser for Malaria Awareness. For every employee that wears green, we will donate $5 to the cause. Happy Earth Day!

Peace & Happiness!

Whimsy for the Recessionista

Lately, the news and radio has been reporting promising signs of the recession easing up! what a relief! Here is some whimsical inspiration for the recessionista. Whether it's a snapshot or a homemade cake, imagination and a whimsical touch puts the sophisticated in economical!

photo of bridesmaids in purple and vans sneaker cake via Brooklyn Bride; oversized yellow flower pin via Frolic; supersized grey scarf via etsy and willow playhouses via Frolic