Unique Table Numbers

I love a good table scape! Every element adds to the overall look of the table. There are so many ways to add depth and style to your table but some elements need to be practical and pretty. If you’re tired of framed numbers on tables explore some more unique options!

Dual purpose – I love how practical and pretty these look. Having the menu on the table number gives your guest that extra detail without having to print individual menu cards. The third side could feature a photo of the couple, fun facts or a schedule of events for the evening to name a few ideas. These are also easy on the budget and can be made in Canva.

Pressed and pretty – These acrylic frames look so soft and elegant with pressed flowers behind the table number.

Hanging out – I love how modern and clean these iron table number hangers look. These are an easy to DIY if you’re a little handy.

Drinks on me – I love when there is a bottle of red and white wine on the table at an event. It’s a lovely touch of hospitality I think. Guests can serve themselves throughout dinner without having to go to the bar or wait for the catering staff. Why not make these wine bottles serve another purpose as your table numbers? These affordable stickers are easy to apply and look effortlessly elegant.

When we were – one of my favorite details at weddings is when a couple shares their story, personalities and family in their wedding. These table numbers are an elegant way to share a personal touch with your guests.

Costal cozy – these simple rattan table numbers can be used for a costal or charming classic look. This affordable option is a cute alternative to an overdone type of table number.

Tone on tone – there is something so chic about tonal decor, especially at weddings! These simple table numbers come in a variety of colors are can be found on Etsy.

Velveteen – it’s giving anthropology. These pressed velvet table numbers would look great mounted on a small wooden easel or in a simple frame. Love these for a subtle pop of color too!

Set in stone – modern, unique and natural I love these! Broken stone with a modern font is so unique. You can find several different options on Etsy.

Printed linens- I’m so in love with this printed linen! These feel so unique and soft for an airy event.

If you’re looking for more wedding details, planning advice or even wedding planning services. Follow along or shoot me an email at TheDirtyBlondeStylist.com.

Bridal Shower Themes 2025

From martinis to pickle ball, bridal shower themes have come along way. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite 2025 bridal shower themes. I hope these mood boards get you inspired for your own beautiful day. If you’re looking for help bringing one of these themes to life, shoot me an email at thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com.

Cherry on top

Petals and Prosecco

Off the market

Perfect match

Tying the knot

All I Sea Is Love

Whisked away

Tini bit closer to happily ever after

Mrs. In the making

TheDirtyBlondeStylist@gmail.com
Richmond, VA

9 Ways I Stay Connected To Myself Postpartum

One month postpartum as a second time mom, some days you feel great and some days, not so great. Below are 9 reasons I still feel like myself as a new mom and how I’m trying to stay connected to myself. 

I shower daily – I often hear Mom‘s talk about how long it’s been since they took a shower since they had a baby. A shower for me has never been a negotiable. Every evening I make it a priority to get clean wash off the days spit up and anxieties before going into a long night.

I do some sort of skin care daily – before my babies I never had an elaborate skin care routine(shame on me as a 30-year-old) but since having my second baby, I’ve realized that applying a mask, a serum, moisturizer, an exfoliate in the shower, something a little extra every day makes me feel like I’m on top of my self-care, even if it’s just the bare minimum.

I’ve created part of a routine – Jase is only a month old at the moment, but I’m doing everything I can to establish some sort of routine. Our whole house thrives on routine and even though a newborn is unpredictable, I’ve set some boundaries in place to help us be productive at least in the morning. For example, we do not turn on the TV until 11 when we watch price is right. The morning is reserved for playing games, putting away laundry, maybe even sleeping in?

I asked for help when needed – I pride myself on how much I feel I can take on by myself, but I know my limits. I have had no trouble asking for small and larger favors throughout this month. Everything From “can you hand me that burp cloth” so I don’t have to get up  to texting my mom, “Do you mind coming over for an hour for an extra set of hands”

I get out of the house – I’m easing my way back into society by getting out of the house at least once a week – the first two weeks the only time I left the house was to go to his first week doctor appointment. I immediately felt myself going stir crazy so I’ve been making an effort to get out and either go on walks inside or outside, do light errands for an hour or two at a time. I love shopping, which is a perfect place to walk around.

I talk to my sister four out of seven days a week – In a normal week, I will talk to my sister every morning on the way to drop Jackson off at daycare and sometimes more than once a day. My schedule is definitely not as consistent now that I have a newborn, but I still try and call her at odd times to catch up. Talking to her helps me feel more normal and also gives me a little more adult human interaction that I need in a day. 

I get dressed every day – it may be as simple as going from pajama pants to sweatpants, but getting dressed can be a real game changer. I’ve always associated staying in your pajamas all day with being sick so anytime I keep my pajamas on all day I end up feeling rundown, as if I’m sick. It’s all a mental game. I also like looking in the mirror from time to time and not being horrified with what I see, even though I’m not feeling amazing about my body right now getting dressed and applying a little tinted moisturizer makes me feel just a little bit better.

I often eat before the kids – I keep myself nourished and hydrated. I know myself and the hanger is real. I am no good to anyone if I have no patience and I’m in a foul mood all because I’m hungry. It’s easily avoidable to grab a snack or eat my full lunch before trying to tackle lunch for two little ones.

My husband and I still carve out the little moments for each other – date night doesn’t look the same anymore. Getting a babysitter for two kids is even more challenging. So we are trying to find different ways to really spend time with each other at home. Have a cocktail on a Saturday and watch a new movie even while the baby lays right next to us on the couch, it’s a little moments of quality time that makes the difference.

I hope these ideas help even one other Mama feel like herself. Postpartum can be a very isolating time filled with emotions and overwhelming feelings. These have helped me feel like my old self with all the new happy changes.

My Favorite Things

Check out some of my favorite things all in one place. Some of these links are affiliate links, I appreciate you shopping with me. Fashion, home, gifting and more you can find them all here!

Summer Skin

Leather Jackets

Amazon
Express
Quince
Idyllwind
Wilson Leather
Banana Republic

My Friend Sarah

Does everyone have a childhood friend who has grown up to be a world traveler, and also product connoisseur, or is that just me?
Introducing my friend, Sarah, a new series of products recommended by my fabulous friend Sarah. Featuring products or brands I had never heard of, and have grown to love. Shop all of these products on thedirtyblondestylist.com and follow along for more!

P.S. Some links bring in a small commission for me, so thank you for shopping through me and my friend Sarah!

Mighty Patch – Invisible

Boody Underwear

BYOMA Skin Care Set

Chunky Knit Blanket

The Simple Celebration

In a world of celebrity celebrations and endless Pinterest possibilities it is becoming harder and harder to live up to the perfect party expectations. Whatever happened to baby showers in your grandma’s dining room, birthday parties in your backyard and weddings in a banquet hall? As an event planner I have seen and planned a lot of elaborate celebrations over the years, and I have loved them but part of me is ready to slow things down a bit and refer back to a simpler time, I call it, the simple celebration, the same amount of love, just in a more simple way.

Cakes: They taste just as good flat as they do stacked

I love a good cake. Over the years though as elaborate cakes have become more popular, I find myself longing for that thick sugary icing or the cakes where you printed your picture on it. My 10th birthday was American Girl themed. My cake was a white sheet cake with a picture of me and my doll Kirsten on it. I still remember that cake and it is likely one of my favorites. Whether they are homemade with love, baked by a professional, or picked up from the grocery store, sheet cakes are making their way back to center table.

The balloon bouquet

I remember almost every birthday I went to as a kid had three or four balloons tied to the mailbox so you knew where the party was. Balloons have gotten over the top these days just like a lot of things. With arches, walls, and huge inflatable letters, I still love the idea of simple balloons tied to the back of chairs, to the mailbox, or even scattered along the ceiling floating around aimlessly. One of my newer favorite looks is extra large balloons with greenery or ribbon down the tail anchoring it to the ground.

Click the images to shop the look

Streamers: Low budget item with a big impact

Streamers are taking a backseat to s greenery walls or large photo drop backgrounds. Streamers are simple cost effective way to incorporate color, texture and movement to your decor. I love draping them like bistro lights from a light fixture or from a high ceiling. You can also hang them in a variety of ways against the flat wall, and create your own simple backdrop.

Click the images to shop the look

Location, location location

It is becoming more common for celebrations like baby showers, bridal showers, graduations and birthdays to be hosted in venues. As much as I love a beautiful venue, what I love more is gathering in someone’s dining room, or being able to see photos of their family hung on the wall. The personal touch of being in someone’s home makes me feel like I really know the person we are celebrating. Some of my best birthdays were spent outside, running around the backyard as an adult I imagine that translates to something like a garden party or a barbecue in someone’s backyard.

Details I am loving

Recently I went to a bridal shower that I was so impressed by. It was hosted in the maid of honor’s family home for about 25 people. There were fresh flowers, small nothing bunt cakes and black and white cookies. They had small cut outs of the bride on sticks that were in each cake and many of the flower arrangements. They had photos of the couples scattered throughout the house as well. They had a gorgeous drink station set up with mimosas, sangria and flavored water.

We played games that divided the room into teams to design the brides wedding dress out of toilet paper then design the brides lingerie out of two pairs of granny panties and craft supplies. The results were hilarious. The groom joined the fun for the last two games, mad libs vows that they recited to each other and then, a classic, the shoe game. The prizes for the games were drawn from a “prize basket” where each member of the winning team selected a small prize for them self like an eye mask or small succulent. They did not open gifts in front of everyone. All gifts arrived unwrapped with a card attached. What caught my eye about this event was the subtle details. Nothing was loud and in your face yet everything was beautiful and celebratory. For your next event I would say focus on the follwing things:

  • Details – Flowers in the ice, fruit in the water, what pitchers and platters are holding the food are grear examples of little details that go a long way
  • Make it personal – adding photos of the one you are celebrating, bring in special touches like a photo album, custom cake toppers or sentimental pieces to make everyone feel like they know more about the person they are celebrating.
  • Break away from the expected – If you feel like opening gifts in front of everyone is awkward, you don’t have to do it. If you want to have men at your baby shower because you want everyone to be together, do it. Look for ways to surprise your guests and also make the event more unique.

However you celebrate, I hope your event is filled with love and happiness. If you need help bringing you party, shower or wedding to life, fill out the form below to find out more about how we can work together!

-MB

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Baby Products – One Year Later

When I first had Jackson, I thought I had all of the things we could possibly need to entertain and support our new baby boy. Fast forward six months later, and there only a few that stood the test of time and are still frequently used. Today, I am sharing five of my favorite products that we have used since we brought Jackson home from the hospital until now, 12 months later. I am also sharing a few products that I had no idea would be so helpful.

Someone told me recently, of all the advice you get about being a new parent, so little actually ends up being relevant to YOUR baby. I constantly find myself saying “why did no one tell me about this?” That is because every baby, and every family is going to have some variation of a different experience. I believe the same is true for products. These are some great things that worked for me and my family as we navigate Jackson’s unique development and explore different roads we never thought we would as parents. I hope by sharing our experiences we can help another family get started on their baby prep.

From Newborn to One Year

The Simplest Baby book in the World, I raved about this when I was still on maternity leave and referred to it constantly. One year later, I still find myself going back to it for food tips, play time ideas and more!

The Ubbi dipper pail. I was drawn to this one because it was metal and did not hold onto odder and did not require special bags. They sell designated bags for it but we use a standard trash bag.

The ELECTRIC nose sucker. I could never get behind the nose sucker where the parent sucked on the end of a straw basically to get the gunk out. This one allows me to quickly suck out his nose with only one hand, easy to clean and easy to charge.

Travel feeding spoon. I get so many compliments on this thing! You load the puree into the silicon back of the spoon and slowly squeeze out food into the spoon. This is amazon for on the go eating when a high chair or table may not be available. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, I love this thing!

The Safety 1st humidifier. Jackson started using this more when he got into his own room. The cool mist helped keep his room moist in the dry winter months and also helped him when he was congested after days at day care.

Products we have discovered to encourage development:

Being parents means you need to be able to accept new information on things you don’t know about. Let’s be honest, does anyone know everything about being a parent? I certainly don’t! We all need to help each other out. My hope is by sharing a little about what I have learned, someone out there will have insight on something they may be able to expect. I am always ready to learn and try new things when it comes to helping Jackson. I consider myself very lucky to have friends who all had babies around the same time, so we can lean and learn from one another. If you are not as lucky as I am, no matter how challenging it may feel, you are not alone lady! P.S. you are doing great!

-MB

Alex & Austin

On October 1, 2022, Alex married Austin at The Barn at Timber Creek in Farmville. I had the pleasure of working with Austin and Alex for 3 months of coordination preparing for their beautiful day.

Over the next few months, we worked together to make many decisions about decor, their timeline and the layout of the space. The venue set the scene with beautiful farm tables inside the barn. I love how the tables came together. The gorgeous table settings rented from Classic Party Rental paired with black metal candlesticks, greenery runners and modern acrylic place cards encompassed her entire vibe. I was blown away by Alex’s creativity and skills for making the acrylic name cards and her entire seating chart.

Aside from the tables one of my favorite elements of her wedding was her flowers from Over the Top Flowers. We picked various warm colors to compliment the dresses and suits of the wedding party. These flowers were repurposed from the ceremony to cocktail hour and then into the reception.

Venodrs:

Coordinator/Planner – The Dirty Blonde Stylist
Hair stylist – Elizabeth Toth
Venue – The Barn at Timber Creek
Makeup – Beauty Boss RVA
Cake/Desserts – Mama Devon’s Sweet Treats
Caterer – Piggin Out Catering
Bartender – Piggin Out Catering
Florist – Over The Top Flower Shop
Photographer – Amy Robinson Photography
DJ – Blue Note DJ
Videography – Frederick and Reid Videography
Rentals – Classic party rentals

Alex and Austin were so wonderful to work with. As always, I am honored to be a part of such a special day in a couple’s life. If you are looking for planning and or coordination help on your big day, please reach out at Thedirtyblondestylist@gmail.com.

-MB

For the love of Valentines

It is Valentine’s season! Today I am sharing my favorite looks and gifts for the season. from day dates, evening dinners, to dancing, I have got you covered. Keep scrolling for gift ideas for all the sweeties in your life. Enjoy!

I hope all of these festive pieces have you feeling the love this month!

-MB

2022 Christmas Gift Guide

Every year I like to put together a list of fun gifts and presents for anyone in your life. This year, since I have become a mom, I wanted to add a category for the little ones in your life. Each of these items I love, may already have, and have tested for you, or have looked heavily into the reviews of these products.

The post below does include a few affiliate links. There is no cost to you, but if you use these links, I will receive a small commission. Below you will find stocking stuffers or great complimentary gifts for all of the special people in your life!

Your Girls

Baby

Travel