Gen and Benjamin throw the best holiday party (of my year)- they go all out with the decorations, in a style unique to them. I had a great time- certainly helped by the fact that I was parked next to the serve-yourself-vodka-cranberry-drinks. Everybody dresses in their holiday finest and the night is capped off with a white elephant gift exchange.

Don’t you love the cardboard Rudolph? I think that was my favorite touch. More on Gen’s blog.

Wife Katie gets a gold star for making her husband’s 40th birthday super special with a ‘southern picnic’ twist! More on Katie’s blog, here.

I was bummed to miss this end of summer bash Gen and her husband, Benjamin threw– particularly since it was catered by Mas Tacos! A local food truck favorite. Right now I’m thinking I will have a fiesta-inspired party for my daughter’s 2nd birthday in October, so this is just the thing I’m looking for.

How cool is that? From mer mag.

Nina threw a sweet anniversary surprise picnic at the lake for her parent’s 50th anniversary. More here.

Love, love, love this trés chic party from Jesse Kamm (via Simple Lovely)! Who wouldn’t want this for their baby shower? I mean- a diapered dinosaur pinata- brilliant.

Cute baby shower cookies from flour & sugar.

What a pretty rooftop party from Le Partie Sugar! Definitely makes me miss the NYC days…

Billy Reid has gotten a lot of attention as of late for his men’s fashions. He’s also a true Southern boy (based out of Florence, Alabama) who loves to entertain. I love some of his recent shindigs- they’ve got that relaxed downhome vibe. He also caters most of his events with Jim N’ Nicks BBQ- a Southern barbeque institution (most pictures from their website). I’m ashamed to say we’ve got one right around the corner and I have yet to try it! Maybe this weekend?

A super swell tiki party from the thompson family (lots more right here).