JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH SIP & SEE

Our beautiful friend (and amazing photographer) Jenna Elliott, and her husband Andrew, adopted a baby boy, James. Her girlfriends chose Sunday brunch to host her Sip and See at Jenna’s favorite place — Arlington Garden in Pasadena, California.

We were inspired by Jenna’s only request for the theme — the book James and the Giant Peach (which her best friend’s grandfather wrote). In looking at the James and the Giant Peach artwork, three things stood out: peaches, birds and the ocean. So we used those as the guideposts for the Sip and See decor.

For peaches, we used giant balloons, with green crepe paper leaves (that we cut out free-hand), to give the effect of peaches floating overhead. Dessert carried the theme through with peach donuts and the incredible peach marzipan cake topper by Whisk and Whittle.

Gold birds nested atop the cake stand and candy dishes from Target and little white ceramic birds decorated the place settings. We also incorporated Sugarfina’s Apollo Kumquats to serve as “egg” candies.

For the ocean, we tore pieces of fabric in blue, green and white and then tied them to twine to create the fabric garland runner. West Elm has some incredible agate pieces so we used the coasters on the place settings and bookends to adorn the cake stand.

We also loved the idea of using spheres as a nod to the peach, and to the earth in general, so we incorporated wood and metal spheres throughout the length of the table.

Photography: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography | Event Design: Marlan Willardson & Laurén LaRocca of Twink + Sis | Floral Design: Marlan Willardson & Laurén LaRocca of Twink + Sis | Agate: West Elm | Baby Bug Pants: Mary Says Sew | Baby Peach Hat: Karen Fudge Baby Love | Bird Dessert Stand & Candy Dishes: Nate Berkus for Target | Cake & Donuts: Whisk and Whittle | Candy: Sugarfina | Ceramic Birds: Creative Co-op via Amazon | Food & Drinks: Hostesses: Jeanie Sigal, Clover Fiandaca, Erin Moore & Emily Hughes | Napkins: Meri Meri Toot Sweet | Park: Arlington Garden | Photography - Assistance: Sarina Cass of Red Anchor Photo | Plastic Wine Glasses: Cruvina | Round Wood Platters: West Elm | Spheres: West Elm | Vases: West Elm

 

CIAO BELLA FRANKIE BABY SHOWER

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

My best friend Aubree is expecting her first baby, a little girl named Frankie -- due in just a few weeks! So last month we showered her with a "Girly California" themed-party, with tons of pinks and succulents. We were so thrilled to have the shower recently featured on Style Me Pretty Living. Today I wanted to share even more details of the event with you!

All photos by Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

We held the shower at the beautiful home of our friend, Paige Long.  The shower ended up being on one of the hottest days of the year, so it was great that the guest-of-honor wanted an evening shower. We let the hot weather dictate the decor by minimizing florals and we opted out of making large arrangements (as we were afraid they would wilt too quickly). Instead, we used a ton of bud vases from our friends at Yummi Candles, mixed with Paige's stunning crystal cups, that she inherited from her grandmother. They added such a beautiful touch. I love having special items like that included in the decor! We used an abundance of succulents, which ended up being the crowd favorite and doubled as party favors! That's always a plus!

Because we decided to have the succulents be the main attraction, we focused on garden roses as the key flower. We used 4 colors (in the pink and coral families) of garden roses, and added peach stock and astilbe as accents.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Mary, one of the other hostesses, had a variety of beautiful wooden boxes that she had made for her wedding last year. So we repurposed them as decor this table scape, creating height and a cool earthy vibe. 

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

We made the dip dye napkins by purchasing about 20 yards (we made 60 napkins!) of white gauze and pink dye from Joann Fabrics. To do this, cut gauze into 15" x 15" squares, bunch them up, fold them in half and dip only the first third of the napkin in the dye. Then place on some kind of plastic tarp (I used large garbage bags cut open). Allow to dry overnight and then wash on delicate. I washed these twice (on warm) as I wanted them to fade and bleed more. I loved the way they turned out!

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

The shower's youngest and cutest guest!

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Dinner was a favorite of our group of friends -- ComidaLA's South American street eats. They made the most delicious summery, corn and avocado salad, special for us, as the perfect accompaniment to their gluten-free arepas. It was perfect summer party food.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

I really wanted the bar to be a major showpiece. Because it was such a hot day, I knew a variety of ice cold drinks would be an important factor in our guests happiness. I was obsessed with these blush fleur de lis glasses that we rented from Town & Country. Again, we created height using wooden crates, and we put a "pink spin" on all of the beverages, to continue our girly theme.

We made cherry lemonade by puréeing fresh (de-pitted) cherries in the Vitamix and straining them. Then add the purée to your homemade lemonade and it's beyond yummy! The middle drink was strawberry-mint ice water and the right dispenser held the favorite of the night -- ror all of the non-pregnant guests -- a boozy watermelon aqua fesca, that was simply tons of watermelon blended with lime, a touch of fine sugar and water. Add fresh mint and vodka and you have got yourself a surefire hit! We also offered rosé procecco and sparkling water. 

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

And then there's this. The dessert table. Whisk and Whittle killed it again with 4 cakes (gluten-free chocolate with cream cheese chocolate, lemon meringue, strawberry shortcake and carrot cake) and donuts. All more beautiful and delicious than the next. 

A week prior the shower, some of us hostesses got together and had a "craft night" where we created 5 huge paper flowers (using a template from Tania Fischer). Not only did they turn out beautifully, but it was such a fun way to bond with friends when creating an event together. 

To finish off the table we had to give a nod to baby girl Frankie! So we added this beautiful gold and silver acrylic bunting from our faves Meri Meri -- It read our evening’s hashtag #cioabellafrankie!

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Sis and I would like to thank the other hostesses who helped to make this happen! Love you, Beth, Brandy, Brie, Jodi, Mary, Paige & Paige! We can't wait to meet you, Frankie!! xx

Event Design: Twink + Sis | Photography: Jenna Elliott | Floral Design: Twink + Sis | Catering: ComidaLA| Beverages: Twink + Sis | Bud Vases: Yummi Candles | Bunting Letters And String: Meri Meri | Candles: Yummi Candles | Desserts: Whisk And Whittle | Dip Dye Napkins: Twink + Sis | Drink Dispensers And Buckets: Pottery Barn | Gauze And Dye For Napkins: Joann Fabrics | Paper Flower Template: Tania Fischer Design | Paper Flowers: Twink + Sis | Paper For Crafts: Paper Source | Paper Napkins: Meri Meri| Private Home: Paige Long | Rentals: Town And Country Rentals | Rosé Prosecco: Biokult Österreich | Succulents And Pots: Sunset Nursery | Wooden Forks: Amazon

DETAILS FROM TWINK + SIS X BETH RIESGRAF HOSTED BABY SHOWER DINNER PARTY

Laurén (Twink) and Beth enjoying the fruits of labor. Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Laurén (Twink) and Beth enjoying the fruits of labor. Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

We were so honored to have #realsweetbabyshower featured on MyDomaine. We are excited to share even more details from one of our favorite events today on the blog. We teamed up with actress, Beth Riesgraf, star of USA’s “Complications,” to give Beth’s sister, Mary Riesgraf, a glamorous evening baby shower in honor of her baby boy on the way.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

The shower was held at Beth’s beautiful Los Angeles home. A mutual friend actually suggested doing an evening shower and we loved the idea. The guest of honor really wanted a sophisticated and glamorous celebration, so creating a dinner party seemed like the perfect fit.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

We sourced the majority of our tabletop from Borrowed Blu. The seafoam green dishes, mixed with the smoke and black goblets, added a masculine touch honoring the baby boy, without hitting it too on the nose. The brass accents, dip-dyed muslin napkins and soft florals added an inviting femininity and glamour, which I felt paid homage to Mary (guest of honor). The abundance of candles flowing down the table allowed us to play with height, which I think added some interesting visual impact.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

The flowers were some of my most favorite that we have ever done. I loved the contrast of the super soft pinks and whites with the dark scabiosa. 

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

We filled vintage salt shakers with pink Himalayan sea salt. Another tip: Try going with a taper candle that isn't white. If you are afraid of color, even going with a sand or putty-colored neutral can change the feel of your entire table scape.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Sis and I in a rare photo together!!

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

We loved creating this dessert table. A local artisan created the custom photo backdrop and hand-carved gilded “eat sweets and be mary” dessert table sign — the guest of honor cried when she saw it. We love creating memorable moments like that at our events. Having custom elements is our favorite part - it makes the whole experience feel really unique and special. 

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

I brought antique leather bound books (and extra brass candlesticks) from my living room to help create some height and "layer" the table with a little extra eye-candy. 

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Whisk and Whittle created the most stunning cakes and donuts for the dessert spread. And what's better? The cakes were gluten-free!

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Handmade perfection.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Beth is an incredible cook and made her signature braised short ribs and gluten free fried chicken for Southern-themed meal. Upscale comfort food is a favorite of the guest of honor. We added salads and roasted veggies from Joan’s on Third.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Cherry mojitos, that we also adapted into a mocktail for the mom-to-be to enjoy.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Beth created this gorgeous and luxurious cheese platter for the guests to enjoy with their drinks as they arrived.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

And the cutest guest award goes to: Mary's daughter Emma, who perfectly models a photobooth prop made by Beth.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

The group toast as the sun went down was truly magical. 

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Photo by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography.

Congratulations Mary! We love you!! xx

Design, Florals, Custom Backdrop and Sign: Twink + Sis

All photos by: Jenna Elliott of One Eleven Photography

Tabletop Rentals: Borrowed Blu

Misc. Tabletop: One Kings Lane

Table and Chairs Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Desserts: Whisk and Whittle

Food: Beth & Joan's on Third

Taper Candles: Bed, Bath & Beyond

Laurén's Outfit: Top: Isabel Marant via FORWARD by Elyse Walker, Skirt: Raga via Fred Segal, Shoes: Givenchy via Barney's New York

Beth's Outfit: Dress: Stone Cold Fox via Free People, Bodysuit: Anine Bing, Shoes: Dolce Vita