MILA'S PEONY PICNIC BIRTHDAY PARTY

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It's Mila's birthday week! So I'm reminiscing and looking back. Here's a peek at her 2nd birthday. You may remember it from 100 Layer Cakelet (and as one of their favorite kids birthday parties of 2014). Hopefully, I've included a few here you haven't seen before.

All photos by Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

I had planned an elaborate balloon overhang, à la Geronimo Balloons, but my helium resource fell through. So I went to plan b by criss-crossing twine amongst the trees and hanging the balloons from there.

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These were literally the last batch of coral peonies for the season.

I love this gold twine for the cutlery so much. I hope I can figure out something as good for Mila and Brixton's birthday party this weekend!

All resources listed here.

STYLING YOUR SUMMER TABLE WITH FORAGED FLOWERS

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When it comes to styling a table, I love foraged flowers and leaves. They really give an "organic" feel that commercially-grown flowers don't quite have. Don't get me wrong, I NEED those flower mart flowers, but adding that foraged element just does something special!  

Bougainvillea is wildly abundant in Southern California (it's drought tolerant!) and its stunning color was the perfect fit for the kids' birthday party earlier this summer. [Even though bougainvillea isn't tropical, it went with our Mexican destination celebration-inspired theme.] 

The fun part of styling with these beauties is you just pluck and stick, pluck and stick until you love the look. They fill in gaps beautifully and create a lush landscape.

They look equally great on the table itself or placed strategically on a serving tray.

Design: Twink + Sis

Photos: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Party supplies: Meri Meri

Pinatas: Prospect Goods

Cake and copper cake stands: Whisk and Whittle

Brass cake stands: Borrowed BLU

Tables, benches, blankets, pillows: Yeah! Rentals

THE COOLEST CAKES ON INSTAGRAM

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I feel like there is the most amazing cake renaissance happening right now. Some cake makers are really taking it to the next level and creating the most daring, artful masterpieces I have ever seen. I also love that the more natural, less junky cake is also taking a front seat in the "cake scene." Here are some of my favorites, currently on Instagram, for your viewing pleasure.

@nectarandstone

@laelcakes

@matchboxkitchen

@andybowdy

@whiskandwhittle

@largemargecooks

@bluebellscakery

@sweetnsaucyshop

@jennaraecakes

@sweetbakes_

@tome____

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Inspiring stuff! xx