Before I go on at length about how genius these cookie exchange party invitations are, I first need to share just how genius the idea of a cookie exchange party is to begin with – pure brilliance, if you ask me. (But then, I am the sweets-addicted girl married to a sweets-addicted guy, so my household might be a wee bit biased on this one.) At any rate, long story short, I love Brooklyn Limestone and have been obsessed with this blog since first being tipped off as to it’s amazingness (totally a word, by the way) a couple of months ago. Yesterday, the insanely talented Mrs. Limestone shared the invitations she created for an upcoming cookie exchange party – cute hang tags tied with ribbon around a dollar store spatula. Like I said, genius.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, you’re about to get a feel for just how much I love the holidays. (It’s a whole lot, in case you were wondering.) I find just about any excuse for entertaining during the holidays an acceptable one and adore the idea of an afternoon or evening spent with my girlfriends sharing cookies, a few bottles of wine and lots of good cheer. I really really wish I lived in Brooklyn so I could devise a way to get myself an invitation to this party, which I’m sure will be amazingly good fun. While I work on that, make sure to pop over to Brooklyn Limestone for all the details on these adorable invitations.

{Photos from Brooklyn Limestone.}

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just a week away? I know I can’t – I don’t even have my thoughts pulled together on what I’ll be making for dessert yet! (The general rule of thumb in my family is that my mother cooks dinner and I show up with a massive spread of desserts.) I figured it’s likely there are others of you out there who are feeling the crunch as Thanksgiving quickly creeps up on you, so I thought I’d pull together a little Thanksgiving inspiration board to help you with your party planning. You’ll note the deliberate absence of anything that outright screams Thanksgiving save for a singular pie. There are no construction paper turkeys and no pilgrim hats, yet doesn’t it still feel warm, festive and inviting just as Thanksgiving should?

In case you wondering, yes, that would be a “wedding” cake you spy, because I’m officially starting a trend of incorporating pretty cakes at every occasion one deems worthy of a fabulous confection or two. This particular Thanksgiving celebration is about warm, muted golds and neutrals with a focus on simple details that allow the food itself to shine through. I love the idea of cute boxes with labels and ribbons so family members can bundle up leftovers to take home in something a bit more celebratory than Tupperware containers. A lovely, intimate at-home celebration that puts warm hospitality at the forefront without overshadowing the meaning of the day.

{Row 1: Pottery Barn, Martha Stewart, Country Living.}
{Row 2: Country Living, Sunday Suppers, Saipua.}
{Row 3: Bouchon Bakery, Martha Stewart, Elizabeth Messina.}

I’m always entranced by the lovely creations, thoughtful inspiration and amazing photos of Sunday Suppers. This sneak peek of their recent fall harvest dinner has me on the edge of my seat waiting for more! I think this ribbon-bedecked ornate frame turned dinner menu is pure brilliance. I love how the curl of the ribbon plays off the pretty swooshes of the white calligraphy. I love this idea and I intend to use it in some fashion just as soon as I can determine how to work it into my holiday entertaining.

{Photos by Karen Mordechai for Sunday Suppers.}

I really love the cute notebooks, journals, address books, post cards, page markers and all of the cute little extras designed by Girl of All Work. If you’re looking for a great way to stay organized as you plan your wedding or if you’re on the hunt for great stocking stuffers, hostess gifts or bridesmaids gifts, you should check out their fun office and paper products. As a paper lover, an obsessive note taker and notebook junkie, this is my new go-to destination for cute little extras to keep around my desk.

{Photos from Girl of All Work.}

If you are a same sex couple  (or, like me, an ally to the very depth of your bones) looking for touching real wedding inspiration, you should definitely check out the real weddings featured on So You’re EnGAYed, an incomparable resource for gay couples planning a wedding. I literally find myself feeling overcome with emotion almost ever time I venture over, inspired by so much more than just the pretty flowers and fabulous styling of these events. (Although there is plenty of that, too.) All of these beautiful weddings are featured on So You’re EnGAYed and they are all vibrant affairs rich in love and I’d love for you to venture over and have a look for yourself.

{Photo by Documentary Associates.}

{Photo by Sarah Maren.}

{Photo by Jordan Lyall Photography.}

{Photo by Mary Kate McKenna.}

{Photo by Our Labor of Love.}