This cloudy weather is starting to bring on the winter blues.  I figured I would take a look back through my files and my Pinterest boards for some of my favourite things.  Take a peek.  

There are a few things sitting around in the shop that I just didn't have time to post.  Until now.  It is a brilliant day (+6 degrees Celsius and sunny?  That never happens in southern Ontario in mid-January!).  So this morning I captured some pics of the goodies and now I can share them with you.

Friday January 13th  5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Wrapping up our week from across the Atlantic, we can't forget the biggest party of the summer.  The 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

I think the Olympics lend itself well to corporate events as well as parties with the kids.  Any event with an Olympic theme needs to be bright and colour (Just think of all those flags!)

So many options when it comes to invitations, incorporating rings and circles.  A variety of activities from cycling to running to light the torch (or a camp fire would work too).  The spirit of friendship and the challenge of competitiveness.  Soccer, swimming, rowing and more.

As I try to find inspiration pictures I start to realize that there is an opportunity here to pull of a fabulous Olympic themed event.  Other than a big group gathered in a pub or huddled around a t.v. there really doesn't seem to be too much out there to inspire us to host a great event.  Looks like this one is wide open for interpretation.

Hmmmm, I'll have to give this one some more thought.  If you end up hosting a great Olympic party, let me know.  Send some pictures.  I would love to share them.

This is Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.  Yes, diamonds!  I certainly do not think that tiaras are coming back any time soon but I do think there is going to be some sparkle at parties this year.  Those huge crystal dripping chandeliers will light up everywhere this year.  

Onto flowers!  No matter where the Queen goes she will be handed bouquets of fresh flowers with lovingly written notes from her admirers.  Hand picking single flower arrangements wrapped in kraft paper is such a treat.  I know I would love to go to a party and be able to walk away with a pretty bouquet.  

Our final theme from the Royal Jubilee is the flotilla on the Thames.  The floating party will be over 7 miles long and feature the Queen on a handsomely decorated barge that will be converted to look like something from the 18th century.  I'm intrigued to find out what that will look like.  Be sure to tune in on June 3rd.

The flotilla ties in nicely with another celebration that is setting party trends this year:  the sailing of the Titanic.  Yes, April 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic.  No need to focus on its demise, the grand ship provides us with lots of wonderful decor ideas.  

The Titanic anniversary also lends itself well to the growing art deco (thanks Boardwalk Empire) decor trend.  So those chandeliers will cover you off on the this trend too, along with flowing champagne and cigars.  I think this theme would be fab for upcoming product launches or corporate events.

Of course there was a whole other side to the Titanic.   Away from the glam there was the storage of precious cargo and stowaways.  Think, luggage, trunks, crates, whiskey barrels and if you really want to fulfill your Titanic movie dream, find a vintage car to complete the look.

More to come later this week.

This week I am going to take you on a journey across the pond to jolly ol' England.  I'm a gal with Irish roots but England served my family well during the potato famine.  I grew up learning about the monarchy from my Great Aunt who was an active member of the British Ladies League in Detroit.    I was also part of that generation that woke up early one summer morning to watch Diana marry Prince Charles.  It truly was almost every little girl's dream to wear a gown like Diana's at the time.

2012 is gearing up to be a spectacular year of pomp and ceremony in England.  This year is the Queen of England's Royal Jubilee.  The Queen is celebrating 60 years at the throne.  Will and Kate's wedding really was just the beginning of striking vintage that shimmers and pays tribute to classic styles.  

So what lies ahead for party and event themes as it relates to the Royal Jubilee?  Many, many glorious things.  Here are my predictions for a few themes that encompass the spirit of the Jubilee that takes place early in June.

There is always time for a cuppa tea.  Always.  Combine it with a lush green garden and you are all set for a lovely tea party with friends.  Big girls and little girls love tea parties.  Finger sandwiches, lemonade, bite size desserts and linens - oh my.  Perhaps there is an Imperial Order of the Daughter's of the Empire (IODE) organization who will be hosting one in your home town.
But wait, what about the lads?  If you have been to England you know you can't walk more than 10 feet without running into a fine English pub serving up beer and fish and chips, or better yet, curry.   

Combine the ladies afternoon tea party with a good ol' pub for the evening. The party can go all day.  Set up dart boards, saddle up to a bar of sorts with lots of beer and maybe throw some Union Jack themed blankets down for a fish and chip picnic served up from a food truck.  (Gosh, this one is sounding so good that I might host it this summer)

The Queen will spend part of her celebratory weekend at the Epsom Derby.  Oh how I love me a good Derby.  Big hats, lovely frocks, roses, spirited cheering, green grass and horses!

Top row from left: bridal hat from Martha Stewart Weddings, ribbon seating card and trophy both from Wedding Style Guide, bouquet from Well Wed
Row 2: mint juleps via Brown Turtleneck Sweater, dessert buffet from Well Wed, tent fromDavid Beahm
Row 3: wreath via Real Weddings, d.Sharp cake topper and confetti both from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo by Leigh Miller
Row 4: seersucker suit photo by Liz Banfield, horse photo by Punam Bean, bluegrass musicians photo by Jose Villa, horseshoe invitation by Greenwich Letterpress

Stay tuned this week.  More to come on our 2012 British theme week.  Part II of the Royal Jubilee and more.  Cheerio!