It is almost May which means graduation for high school and college seniors is right around the corner! What better way to celebrate those years of achievements and hard work than with a fun graduation party. Knot the Groom has a plethora of party decor options that can be personalized with your grad’s name and school colors. If you are planning a small, intimate gathering with family and friends, a table runner is a wonderful way to spruce up a nice sit-down dinner. Most graduation parties, however, involve a lot of people coming and going throughout the day as they hop from one grad party to the next. With that in mind, consider setting up a buffet table with a larger, personalized table runner that draws attention and helps direct guests. Make sure to send invitations or announcements about two weeks in advance of the celebrations. It is always a nice gesture to send an invitation to people you know cannot make the party as well so they know of your accomplishment. And who knows, they may still send a card with some college (or life) fund money!

Photos by: WeddingWire, April Foster Events
Where to buy: Elegance Decorative Table Runner; Elegance Table Decoration; Elegance Table Runner; Graduation Announcement
Deal Alert! Save 30% this week only on the large Elegance Table Runner. Personalize with your own name and color! Use code FB043012 at checkout.
For many, homecoming is all about the midnight dances, toga dress up days and screaming pep rallies, all of which are my favorite parts. For others, the homecoming game is the ultimate culminating event. I never attended a high school or college that had huge sport teams, or much school spirit, so I have been listening in awe as people regale me with their stories of sports-crazed homecoming weekends. Homecoming is traditionally an opportunity for colleges and high schools to welcome back alumni for a weekend full of activities, sports and parades, among other things. Now I’m beginning to wonder why my alma mater has not welcomed me back! I want to tailgate and picnic and rush the field when my football team scores a major upset over our undefeated rivalries. For now, I suppose, I will live vicariously through others and tailgate in my backyard with a nice cooler of adult beverages. If you are attending your homecoming activities, get pumped uo with some university-geared homecoming inspiration.

Where to buy: Greek Aluminum Water Bottles; Pilsner Glasses; Party Beverage Coolers; Men in Uniforms…Priceless.
Deal Alert! Save 30% on this Cooler Tote with Cell Phone Holder with code FB101711. Keep those beers and sodas cool as you celebrate your favorite team’s homecoming victory! And remember, drive responsibly. Read more »
The homecoming dance is the first big social event of the year for most high schools. Pep rallies, football games and school dances provide a much needed break from the daily routine of classes and homework. At homecoming this year, make an entrance worthy of an 80s teenage angst movie by strutting your feminine side. You’ll be center of attention in a girly, rose colored dress and accessories. Now all you have to do is convince your date to wear a matching pink tie.
Photos by: Whitney Dafoe Photography, Val Stefani, WeddingWire, Jen O’Sullivan
Where to buy: Freshwater Pearl & Crystal Jewelry Set; Rosette Handbag; Glitter Evening Shoe; Willow Strapless Hourglass Figure Brasselette Read more »
Tucked among the lush grounds of the Hillwood Estate & Museum, hides a treasure chest of vintage inspiration for wedding enthusiasts and brides-to-be. Intricate lace work and luxurious furs are among the several bridal fashions on display for the museum’s “Wedding Belles: Bridal Fashions from the Marjorie Merriweather Post Family, 1874-1958″ exhibit. Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress of the Postum Cereal Company, made her way down the aisle four times between 1905 and 1958, leaving behind a collection of gowns that reflect changes in the time and the woman. The Hollywood inspired gown of Marjorie’s third wedding, a trailing rose velvet fabric trimmed in white fox fur, is particularly stunning. The classic gown of Marjorie’s youngest daughter, actress Dina Merrill, also stands as a testament to the family’s passion for finery, fashion and artistry.
The exhibition provides other nuggets of knowledge about trends in wedding fashion; for instance, brides used to incorporate orange blossoms into their ensemble as a sign of fertility.
The Bridal exhibit is located in a smaller house on the grounds and can be viewed until January 1. Make sure to tour the mansion which has several wedding displays as well, including the dinning room and another gown inspired by the ever fashionable Marjorie, pictured below.
The mansion’s second story holds a few wedding treasures, one of which is this wedding gown from 1939. Read more »

Your newest intrepid blogger braved the sea of crinoline, cake, hydrangeas, and photo booths this past weekend at the Bridal Showcase in Washington D.C. The nation’s capital certainly delivered with enthusiastic vendors, a stunning fashion show and, of course, brides, brides, brides! I was able to snag a few freebies and deals from venders at the showcase to share with you, our loyal readers. But get ready to dash; some of these offers are only good until Friday! Read more »