One of the great things about living in Colorado is the great access to farm-fresh produce during the summer.  From fresh corn to fragrant tomatoes, everything seems to be in season right now, so we decided to take advantage of the abundance of wonderful food at a summer “Farm to Table” dinner party last weekend.  The meal featured local, organic produce and flowers, and herbs and other goodies right out of the garden!

Our friend Robin, of Robin Cain Photography, was …

I get together with a few friends each month for a brunch club, and it’s coming up this weekend!  I’m so excited to celebrate Chicago turning the corner towards summer.  If brunch is your favorite meal too, here are some pretty brunch table ideas to use for your next get-together!

{purple and blue spring tabletop photographed by Simon Bevan for Remodelista via Apartment 34}

{shabby chic breakfast from Le Chat de Sucre via Amy Atlas}

{casual Sunday brunch, image by Carly Taylor via …

Jana, an EAD Weddings Phoenix blogger, shared her poolside bridal shower a few weeks ago. We thought it was so cute the Living readers would love it. The shower was hosted by Jana’s maid of honor, bridesmaids and mom. They did such a great job with simple decor and fun games.

Jana’s mom handmade the jam for favors!

Love the giant initial J, Chiavari chairs, and simple floral arrangements.

The table runners were also handmade by Jana’s mom.

Jana and her Maid of Honor.

The …

One of my favorite places to look for party, fashion and decor inspiration is Vogue.com. They have a great collection of images. Even if I can’t afford the brands and companies they promote, it definitely inspires me. Here are a few images that have caught my eye lately.

This House of Lavande beach party is pretty fabulous, and I think this would be pretty easy to duplicate on a much smaller scale for an outdoor party when the weather warms up. …

As it’s currently quite cold and rainy here, I thought all of us could use a burst of sunshine! Sarina from Sarina Love Photography sent over this adorable backyard bridal shower. It’s full of whimsical details and DIY goodness. I love the pops of color throughout the event, and having crafts in place of games? Fantastic!

Thank you for sharing Sarina!

A few weeks ago, I gave a tutorial on ABCD Design that seemed to be a hit with all who read it. I figured since many of you don’t make it over to ABCD on a regular basis that perhaps I should teach you how to arrange flowers in a glass container here on EADL!

First, it helps to have the right tools for flower arranging. A Swiss Army knife, a set of stem cutters, and some clear floral tape will …

We have the CUTEST shower inspiration shoot for you guys on this cold Monday morning. It was styled by Stephanie Frazier Grimm of Couture Parties. She chose Paradise Public Park in Newport, RI as the venue – the grounds hold a restored and relocated 1810 windmill.

All photography credited to Vanessa Tierney.

This is, by far, one of the coolest showers I have seen in a long time. Styled by Frilly Milly Events, shot by ICG Photography and found via Opulent Couturier, it’s a “LumberJack and Jill” couples shower. It has all the earmarks of a great party:  a good theme, an opportunity to dress up, substantial food and a funky photobooth. My favorite details are the Smores cupcakes and plaid stationery.

This time of year there’s lots of opportunities for hosting parties, from football games to Halloween and Thanksgiving.  And decorating for them doesn’t have to cost you a bundle – all you need is a little creativity and planning.

Here are some tips and ideas for your next get-together.

One of the easiest tips is to pick a color scheme and use it in everything you can.  Like the photo above, or the one below, color can be a powerful unifying theme.

Another easy way to …

I don’t know about you, but I spend most of Springtime fretting about when the weather is going to teeter over 70 degrees. It must be my Swedish heritage, because I fare much better in frigid Winter weather. When the ladies of EAD asked me to share the items that get me through Summer, several comfortable, body cooling-items came to mind…

Image via Athleta

The Organic Cotton Senorita Dress from Athleta. They come in the most delicious, organic colors. The dress comes …