Girls Night In

I’m throwing a birthday party for my best gal pal this evening, and we’re celebrating by getting together for an intimate dinner with girlfriends, laughter, & a little bubbly.  When hosting at home, I like to keep things super simple, while still infusing the gathering with unexpected touches that make guests feel special.  My color palette for tonight’s party comes from this lovely invitation (above) by sugar paper.  It’s pink, girly, & sophisticated… just like the birthday girl!

The tabletop is inspired by the birthday girl’s favorite flower, pink peonies.  I’ll cluster them in low, tight bunches down the center of the table, and a pink napkin will give a pop of color to each place setting.  Hmm, any ideas where I can find a similar pink & white striped linen?

Now is the perfect time to try out one of these modern riffs on classic balloons & streamers.  Really, did you ever think that crepe paper could look THIS chic?  And I found a great online source for these HUGE balloons.

What’s a birthday party without a layered birthday cake… or these flowery cupcakes perhaps?  Get Martha Stewart’s recipe for this beyond-gorgeous Ruffle Tower Cake.

Okay, okay, so my dining room looks nothing like a French chateau… and we’ll all be in jeans… but this girly, sugary, land of pastels & flowers is SO like the birthday girl that I had to include it as inspiration.  Tomorrow I’ll share details on the menu, but for now I don’t want to spoil the surprise! Bon anniversaire, ma chérie!

Images: {Row 1} Invitation, sugar paper {Row 2} Pink Napkin, Karl Juenson via party perfect; Pink Stripes, Style Me Pretty; Peonies, Black Eiffel {Row 3} Streamers, Martha Stewart; Balloons, Dior ad; Balloons, Style Me Pretty {Row 4} Cake, Martha Stewart; Cupcakes, Style Me Pretty {Row 5} ‘French Open’ Shoot, Vogue Oct. 09