This is officially the last week of summer, which means it’s time for the final installment of our summer cocktail series with St-Germain! As some of you may know, I previously worked as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State and I still have several friends in the civil and foreign service. Over the years we’ve both welcomed friends home after a couple years overseas or wished them well as they departed for a new assignment. So for this party, we imagined that we were throwing a bon voyage cocktail party – but with cocktail recipes that will work for any party or occasion. This one was particularly fun, since I was able to use some of the treasures that I’ve accumulated during my own travels!

Courtney from Swiss Cottage Designs created the beautiful invitations, featuring a double-sided design with an air mail-inspired border and a map background on kraft paper. I love the way Courtney made the initials look like map pins! Michele from Meant to Be Calligraphy addressed the square envelopes in her Edwards style.

We wanted to bring a slightly more masculine vibe to this cocktail party, so we incorporated wood and kraft paper along with deeper tones of purple and burgundy.

For the floral arrangements, I used jewel toned flowers – sweet peas, ranunculus, anemones, and wax flowers – in a tall brass vase and our Turkish coffee pot, along with a potted maidenhair fern and a few scattered succulents.

I took one of Michele’s calligraphy classes a couple months ago. And while I’m still learning and practicing, I was inspired the night before to create this “bon voyage” banner using a white India ink marker and kraft paper. It’s definitely not perfect, but I really love it!

If you’re hosting a party at home, use every available surface! We found this antique Egyptian etched brass tray at a local flea market, and it makes a perfect coffee table for drinks and appetizers.

For favor bags, I used a pencil eraser to stamp polka dots in neon pink, coral, and purple ink on simple muslin bags.

Full cocktail recipes are coming up in just a bit!

Invitations: Swiss Cottage Designs

Calligraphy: Meant to Be Calligraphy

Menu cards and favor bags: Paper Source

Party & Floral Design: Oh So Beautiful Paper

Photo Credits: Nole Garey for Oh So Beautiful Paper

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