Crab Feast!!

Ok so it's going to feel like summer here in the east this weekend!! I can't wait! I can just feel one of these coming on.. Or someone needs to have a Crab Feast or Seafood Boil and invite me!:-) First, make a stop at one of my favorite stores and pick up a few items.



Crab-claw-shell cracker, wooden mallet, galvanized pail and tray, LOVE this, gotta have it!


OMG this boat is a MUST have! (Or maybe you can hit up another one of my favorite stores to find a replica for much less than $139.00... but it's hit or miss. So take your chances if you wish.)


Double Duty!


Get all of these items for your party at Pottery Barn now!

Giveaway: Sunflower Soiree!!

I've been asked on many occasions if I can provide prepackaged stylish party goods. After numerous inquires, I decided to develop a line of Party Parcels for the hostess with an eye for chic details! I can't wait to reveal what I have in the works at The Flair Factor(my event styling company). With lots of anticipation of what's to come, I am hosting a HUGE giveaway right in time for Mother's Day to introduce my new venture, Chic Party Parcels! This Mother's Day prepare a Chic Sunflower Soiree honoring Mother's,Grandmothers,Stepmothers,and Godmothers!The Sunflower Soiree will also work well for Bridal Showers, Baby Showers,or Girlfriend gatherings! All Fête Fanatics please enter to win your Sunflower Soiree Party Parcel today! Spread the Word!

Here's what you'll win..

(4) Sunflower Napkin Rings

(4) Sunflower Drink Charms


(4)Drinking Straw Flags



(4) Favor Packaging include clear boxes,ribbons,& paper shred **cookies not included**


6 Opportunities to WIN!!
Here's how to enter..

1. Follow my blog and leave a comment that you have
2. Leave a comment telling what you are planning for Mother's Day
3. Become a fan of The Flair Factor on Facebook and leave a comment here that you've done so
4. Post about this giveaway on your own Blog, Facebook Page and/or Tweet about it & comment here with the links! (3 opportunities to win)
To increase your chances, leave a separate comment each time you complete one of these actions!
Only US residents are eligible for this Giveaway.
The Winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, May 2nd at 11:00pm (EST).
Any entries received after this time will not be considered.

I joined Twitter!

I'm still trying to get use to it and work out the kinks! Follow me here!

Happy Earth Day!

Inspire and raise awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment today!

photo of my arugula plant I started a few weeks ago

Here's my little bit of awareness to share. This time of year everyone is trying to get their gardening on, right? Did you know that you can help the earth by gardening? My Nature.Org has great gardening tips that will make a big difference in the health of the ocean. Check it out here, and do a little more green gardening! Oh I also heard on Live w/ Regis & Kelly that you can also use newspapers as weed blockers! Please, if you have any tips of your own, please share!

Use a Straw

Some people like using straws when drinking their beverage. So when setting up a beverage station at your next party, add drinking straws to the glasses. I'm all about the small details that makes a big impact. Drinking straws are inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors. They are sure to punch up your drink display. It just adds a special little touch to your drinks. See for yourself....

Chris from Celebrations at Home had her straws double as place cards. Of course Chris used the cutest "milk bottles" and mason jars to boot!

Celebrations at Home

Vintage Paper Straws are all the rage!

photo via P is for Party

And of course I have to plug my own...
I cut these down to size to fit chocolate liqueur cups for a girls get together.


I added a tiny pacifier to these straws for a baby girls shower.

Featured Fête: Inspired by Thomas The Train

Anyone coming up blank when thinking of party ideas for boys? Well think no more! Kelly from The Party Dress sent over the cutest pictures of a Thomas the Train Inspired birthday party. Kelly The Well Heeled Hostess along with Melisa of Project Nursery did their thing for Melisa's 3 year old son Austin's party. I hold this one close to me because my 3 year old nephew totally adores Thomas the Train! From the cake toppers, bubbles, train whistles, and the most darling desert table, this party is brimming the most adorable details inspired by Thomas the Train. See for yourself.






Party details told by Kelly..
A custom Austin & Friends logo from WH Hostess was used throughout the party - from invitations, to decorations and party favors - it truly set the tone and color palette for the party. Some of our favorite decorations included the use of 3 foot balloons for a modern statement and simple centerpieces that consisted of blumebox eco-friendly vases, shredded tissue paper, and custom centerpiece sticks. The dessert table was truly the shining star of the party. The table was styled with two cupcake stands, plates of sugar cookies, jars of aqua and red candy, and a chocolate cake (from Costco, as requested by the birthday boy himself!). Two Sugar Babies created monogrammed fondant toppers for the cupcakes and sugar cookies, and a 3D train to top the cake. WH Hostess created coordinating cupcake toppers to add another touch of style. A custom banner hung above the table, truly defining the space - the whole thing had a very colorful and happy vibe!

Activities at the party included bubble fun (mini bottles of bubbles with custom stickers) and a trackless train that rolled thru their neighborhood. The kids were each given an engineer hat and train whistles as they boarded Austin's party train - this was definitely the highlight for the kids! Party favors included Thomas the train tattoos, coloring paper, and homemade train-shaped crayons (packaged in cellophane bags with custom toppers that read, "Thanks for riding Austin's party train!")

Check out more pics and details at The Party Dress and head over to Project Nursery to see the video for this party!!

Edible Save The Dates

I am all for edible favors and practical gifts. Edible save the dates.. how scrumptious! So what happens after you consume that yummy reminder? Hopefully your host doesn't mind if you forget, after all you couldn't resist eating your Save the Date. :-) Kidding.. They are really cute. But what do you think about an edible Save the Dates?

Flour Pot Cookies


Gracious Bridal


Bridal Inquirer

Eye Candy by Amy Atlas

Have you seen the latest Amy Atlas Desert Spread done for Brides Magazine? If not, here's your chance!
Spiced Chocolate


Vintage Birds & Blooms


Modern Citrus Chevron

Head on over to Amy's blog to check out the delicious details.

Inspiration to Fruition: Aluminum Cans

Last week, I blogged about reusing aluminum cans, check out the post here. So I rinsed and repurposed my cans to add a bit of pretty to our Easter meal. They can be used in more ways than one. I added some ribbon and Wha-La! Check them out!
Florals..



Floating candles..

Silverware holder..

My mom loved the creative use of the carnation milk cans! So did I, I plan on using them again!

Enjoy Easter!

Stubb's Capers 'n' Creole Deviled Eggs
Include the incredible edible egg this Easter! Try this Recipe!
6 large eggs, hard-cooked
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 heaping tablespoon mustard, Creole or coarse grain
4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely minced scallions (green and white parts)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Paprika for garnish
36 capers, drained, for garnish

Shell eggs, cut in half lengthwise, and pop yolks into mixing bowl. With fork, mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice and scallions. Mix in salt and pepper. Mixture should have pronounced lemon and mustard flavors, so add more if desired. (Chilling will make flavors less perceptible.)

Fill cavity in each egg half with yolk mixture. Top with sprinkle of paprika and place 3 capers on top of each filled egg half. Chill till ready to serve. Makes 12 pieces.

Note: For best flavor, serve just slightly chilled.
Image and Recipe from Dallas News