For recent parties, I’ve been loving the idea of making the bar a decorative showpiece, as well as a spot that’s as much about social mingling as beverage mixing. This gorgeously minimal martini bar spotted on Sunday Suppers accomplishes both goals to perfection, and it also spotlights the trend towards classic cocktails in a crisp, modern setting.

Guests mixed drinks to their liking with Vodka, Vermouth, soda, dirty water, & garnishes (olives, cucumbers, & lemons.) I love how the clear glass vessels allow the beauty of the individual ingredients to take center stage. Rustic elements like a tarnished silver ice bucket & stir sticks are a unique counterpoint to the modern glass, and provide a bit of old-world character to the set-up.

Images: Karen Mordechai via Sunday Suppers.

Today’s board takes inspiration from the subtly sophisticated shades of an African Violet. Feminine without being overly sweet, purple & green combine to form an unexpected beauty. Imagine a springtime garden party brimming with organic, earthy touches. Clusters of blooms tucked into a simple napkin fold, favors adorned with pretty buttons, & colorful lanterns that glow against a dusky sky. A towering cake layered with petals, plus truffles adorned with miniature blooms, are a sweet ending to this romantic fete. Who says you can’t have your cake…and chocolate too?

*Images: {Row 1} Envelope & Floral Arrangements, Style Me Pretty; Chocolate Truffles & Favor Boxes, Martha Stewart Weddings {Row 2} African Violet, Martha Stewart Weddings via Snippet & Ink; Napkin, Style Me Pretty; Notecard, Ice Cream Social; Purple Pump, Mulberry via coco+kelley {Row 3} Hydrangeas, O Magazine; Lanterns, Style Me Pretty; Wedding Cake, Martha Stewart Weddings {Row 4} Table Number, Alison Events; Bridesmaid Bouquets, Style Me Pretty.

Faux Bois is a French decorating term meaning “False Wood,” describing warm, woodsy finishes that look freshly plucked from an enchanted forest. Such an earthy look seems particularly fitting at this time of year since it evokes a toasty, wood-burning fireplace; yet it’s warm tones also seem to forecast early springtime picnics in the park. For those with a crafty bent, a Faux Bois finish can be created on paper or walls with a few simple DIY techniques. I love to incorporate real wood & branches in party decor for a look that’s organic and refined: present an array of cheeses on a rustic wood cutting board; recycle a tree stump as a surprising vessel for flowers; and present guests with the most eco-friendly favors: tiny saplings wrapped in burlap packages.

Images: {Row 1} Flowers, Rebecca Thuss; Donuts & Stationery, Martha Stewart Weddings; Table Setting, Style Me Pretty {Row 2} Cheese, Sunday Suppers; Picnic, Sam McAdam; Cocktail Table, Style Me Pretty {Row 3} Headband, Style Me Pretty; Vineyard Centerpiece, Snippet & Ink; Wedding Cake & Escort Cards, Martha Stewart Weddings.

Have you ever seen anything so gorgeous?! The genius team over at Sunday Suppers recently collaborated with Martha Stewart Weddings on this oh-so-French cheese dessert table, and it totally inspired me think in terms of creating a still-life when designing a buffet. This one highlights the natural beauty of cheese by using an all white & cream color palette. Delicious accompaniments like baguettes, pears, & honey add a touch of contrast while staying in keeping with the rustic-chic look of the design.

Maybelle Imasa-stukuls is the talent behind the labels, and her classic script is the perfect “pairing” for such an elegant setup. It’s so important to let guests know what cheese they’re about to taste so they can fully appreciate the distinct flavors.

Guests were presented with individual “tastings” at each place setting: a portion of each variety of cheese was displayed on a porcelain painter’s palette for an artistic touch.

*Photography & Food Styling by Karen Mordecai.

Just added to my inspiration files: this effervescent cake adorned with a confetti motif that screams celebration. A simple shape in classic white is a sophisticated backdrop for a scattering of dots in a rainbow of colors. The theme is continued in these darling handmade escort cards (below) pinned to a cork board. And there’s no reason why confetti should be relegated to weddings; a birthday party or anniversary would be the perfect time to pop open the bubbly and spread some multicolored cheer!

*Images from Martha Stewart; spotted via coco+kelley.

This compass-inspired Save-The-Date is a whimsical, playful way to announce a destination wedding.  Guests spin the wheel to discover all the delights that they won’t want to miss out on: dancing! feasting! toasting!  From Martha Stewart Weddings.  Get the How-to & Clip Art here.

Today’s inspiration board is a little bit mod, a little bit Audrey -Hepburn-glamour.  Bold black & white pair graphic prints with silky fabrics, drapey bows, & elegant script.  This always-classic color combo is one of my favorites: the perfect palette for a black tie wedding, sophisticated dinner party, or an ooh-la-la weekend brunch with your favorite girlfriends.

Images: {Row 1} Seating Cards, Martha Stewart Weddings; XOXO logo, Snippet & Ink; Polkadot Blouse, Kate Spade. {Row 2} Black Heels, Krisatomic’s Flickr; Petit Fours, Amy Atlas. {Row 3} Place Setting, Brides; Calligraphy, Laura Hooper; Cupcakes, Le Cupcake.

Individual Cheese Plates, Donna Hay; Cheese & Crackers Baskets, Martha Stewart

I’m planning a dinner party tomorrow night for a group of ten, and want to serve hors d’oeuvres that are delicious, chic, and totally make-ahead so I’m free to greet my guests at the door with a glass of wine.  I came across this adorable riff on the cheese board from Donna Hay that transforms the classic into single-serve versions!  Place a selection of cheeses, a stack of crackers, and fruit, such as figs and miniature apples, on small bread boards. Also loving this cheese-and-crackers version by Martha Stewart.  Fill rustic wooden baskets with an assortment, and let them double as place cards.

Cheese Labels, Style Me Pretty

Give your guests a cheese education by labeling the offerings with descriptions.  These mini topiary card holders recall Napa Valley and would be perfect for a wine & cheese pairing.

Cheese Board, Salt & Chocolate

A few tips from Food & Wine on putting together the perfect cheese plate:

• Serve one to two ounces of cheese per person.
• Include a mix of fresh, aged, soft and hard cheeses.
• Arrange—and sample—the cheeses starting with the freshest and lightest, ending with the ripest and most intense.

A colorful strand of flags hanging above the scene of a party packs such a festive punch.  I’ve seen this trend pop up a lot lately, which isn’t surprising considering this super stylish touch is also super budget-friendly.  A few of my favorite ways to use it:

Festive Flags set the scene for a Willy Wonka-style candy buffet.

Gingham fabric has homespun vintage appeal.

Give cocktails fanfare with stirrers festooned in emerald & aqua.

A Papel Picado-inspired invitation creates anticipation for a fiesta.

A "Double Trouble" banner at a baby shower reminds that twins are twice the fun.

Photo Credits: 1+2+5+6 Martha Stewart Weddings, 3 Amy Atlas, 4 Shim & Sons, 7 Spice Paper Designs, 8 Party Perfect

It’s no secret that cupcakes have been the trend of the moment for quite some time now… so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that an entire delightful party could be designed around these bundles of deliciousness!  I’m loving these so-cute-you-just-want-to-eat-them invitations, by uber-talented designer Betsy Dunlap.   And a couple of recipes to help with the menu, from the cupcake queen herself…

Chocolate Cravings...

Get the recipe for Mocha Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze.

Berry Delicious...

Get the recipe for Meringue Cupcakes with Strawberry Rhubarb & Creme Fraiche.