And in case you like the idea, but have no interest in investing in dozens of simple white sheets, you can always opt for a more cost-effective, airy version.  Even hanging a trio (as shown) can be a welcomed addition to any All Hallows’ Eve festivity. Consider this cute DIY version from Simply Designing. With just a styrofoam ball, some cheese cloth and black paint, you too could have wispy ghosts to share with your guests.

(She even shares how to create them on her website, so if you’re interested, definitely check it out.)

But the all-time, most amazing, awe-inspiring (and not even spooky) Halloween spectacular (that I know of) has to be The Blaze. Put on every year in upstate NY, more than 5000 jack-o-lanterns are carved and put on display each year. They’re even set with synchronized lighting and sound to add to the drama and excitement. It is a MUST see.

Word to the wise: Tickets, especially for weekends, sell out very quickly so be sure to jump on this opportunity early for your chance to see this next season!

• Having a great camera is not enough. Sure, Aunt Sue has an awesome SLR and would be totally happy to take those candids through the event for free, but you’ll need someone with a great eye as well, so keep that in mind.
• You want to see the photographers’ past works. Their styles should be quite evident to you when flipping through their past events. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, kindly thank them for their time and move on. You’re doing both of you a favor, believe me.
• Everything in events is negotiable. EVERYTHING. If it’s not the cost, it’s the package, or the time, so consider what it is you’re actually looking for and ask for it. You’ll be surprised at how willing photographers, especially, are to work with you and truly get/give you what you want for your day.

Take a look at some of our favorite award-winning snapshots from past events (most are wedding specific).

Today, on July 4th, many plan to camp out on their patio, on a blanket in a park, or poolside with friends and fam to watch the fireworks. There really aren’t all that many blue foods to choose from (aside from the usual blueberries, blue jell-o, or blue popsicles) so it’s easy to stick with the ones you know- like the rockets on the right.

Though firecracker popsicles are a great addition to this holiday each year (and my husband’s personal fave), they’re not the easiest to transport.  Here are a few delicious treats that’ll make the trek and still compliment the firework spectacular for you and your guests. Happy fourth!

Guilty pleasures first – Uncrustables. Aside from the fact that these may not be the healthiest option out there, they can be frozen ahead of time, thawing while you travel to and set up your picnic. Might not be just for kids either ’cause uh oh- they’re pretty yummy.

With patriotic chips at nearly every grocery store, all you’ll need to pair them with is a delicious salsa or pico de gallo!

Here’s another way of adding some blue into your celebration (as long as they don’t melt before hopping into each beverage).

Red and Blue potato salad (one of the only truly blue foods around).

Handheld gooey goodness. These krispy treats will match your prideful decor, but will also get better as they warm.

Easy peasy red and blue cupcakes. Make these ahead of time, toss ‘em in a 9×13 baking tin with a cover and they’re ready for transport.

Now, I’m sure at one point or another, we have all been to a restaurant, maybe as a kid (or with a child), where the server sat you in front of 3 crayons and a paper tablecloth. Sure, we’ve doodled, and played tic-tac-toe, and enjoyed the creative environment, but how often have we really given it a second look as a way to enhance the food presentation itself?

A fellow blogger, Lauren with RockPaperScissors, posted this tablecloth with signage of personality and I think it’s just genius.

Especially with cookouts, July 4th celebrations, and pool parties, we’re in the midst of the fun but laid back, outdoor-lovin’ lifestyle.

This would even be a great addition to a casual rehearsal dinner, a book club gathering, or a nostalgic family reunion.

Every once in a while, I just need to take a minute to give credit where credit is due. Kudos, Lauren!

Lighting:

Encouraged interaction:

Fancy a friendly favor?

Black tie affair, and justly so.

Unexpected elements:

Hanging windows for that shabby chic, country-like bliss.

Delicate elegance with complimentary negative space. Gorgeous.

Literal bridal shower? Seen this done with hung lampshades as well (just as funky but beautiful).

Manzanita branches adding class and an unexpected chic twist to an elegantly rustic reception.

Here is a mix of a few of the cuter birthday cakes we’ve seen lately:

For the clean line, DIY-prone Lego lovers.

For the very, merry unbirthday.

For single-serving, utensil-free, funfetti lovers.

For the portable, ice cream cake (sorbet shown here), park-bound, summer flings.

Holy Hogwarts. Seriously, check out the rest of the fantastic complimentary items here. Talk about talented theme execution…

For those who are super-powered.

It may seem counterintuitive for an industry pro to give advice about not spending oodles of money on events… but that’s what we’re doing in today’s post. The key (as we’ve previously mentioned) is to keep your event truly personal, and that does not necessarily have to go hand-in-hand with dollar signs.

In fact, event budgets don’t require they be a specific $ amount, they just require that whatever budget you set is stuck to and has expectations to match. (Great in theory, much more difficult in reality, we know.)

Check out this recent post from LearnVest.  Bride, Abigail Dalton, describes how she stuck to her guns on budget and still ‘Held a 100-Person Wedding for Under $4,000′.

Our favorite quote from the post:

“… At the end of the day, we have photographs we love, memories of delicious cake and happy friends, and the relief that we could throw a party without drowning ourselves in debt or liquidating our savings.”

Let us know what YOU think.

Dressed to Impress

These mobile human tables can be fantastic ways to (literally) carry your theme throughout your event, while adding entertainment pizzazz.

Obviously these are great food trays for themed parties and fundraisers, but these could also be great vehicles for silent auction or party favor displays as well.

Just remember to provide ample space for these tables to move around the room and between guests while maintaining good flow. Found here and here.

Hors Wall

As highlighted by fellow blogger, Satin & Snowflakes, a catering company called Tulips & Maple has begun to perfect the art of entertaining through catering. They’ve coined it ‘catertaining’. Check out the wall o’ hors d’oeuvres they had on display at one of their recent events. Such a unique, nearly Willy Wonka type of playful presentation.

This could be a great presentation option for kids, with the removable wooden (or could be colored plastic) spoons and the ability to have these line the walls in whatever shape or pattern you’d like.

Beverage Beauties

And how about these exquisite additions to a client event, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain recently held?

Champagne poured into and served right from her skirt. Genius (and still wildly elegant).

These could be wonderful additions to formal cocktail hours or galas. These could also easily become more futuristic (with a change of ensemble or addition of uplit glasses).

For that matter, these could also be used for more casual affairs (by pouring coke floats, filling ice cream cones, or making flavored sodas with pre-poured syrups- that would also be very colorful).

So many options!