Inspiration Board #6: Pinecones and Chocolate

{Click to enlarge!}

For the next four Mondays before Christmas, I've decided to post holiday-themed boards (though some more explicitly themed than others). This one is for a sophisticated and chic soiree - the brown and white palette is perfect for a chilly night in December, while the cupcakes, truffle cake, and pine cone accents add just the right touch of whimsy. For a sweet finale at the end of the night, try a hot cocoa bar in place of the more standard candy or cookie display!

The Details
First row, left to right:
Lace patterns kick up the style a notch (Rebecca Thuss); delicate cupcakes look decadent topped with mocha frosting and coconut shavings (via Black*Eiffel); display sepia-toned photos of family and friends at the cocktail hour or reception to lend a vintage vibe (photo by Elizabeth Messina on Oh How Charming!);

Second row, left to right:
A chocolate truffle cake mimics the shape of a pine cone (April Reed); winter light makes the brown tones in this elegant room glow (via Martha Stewart Weddings); guests will take immediate notice of a thick brown envelope in the mail (Tara Jones); a dress with lace detailing is an updated classic (via Style Me Pretty)

Third row, left to right:
A silvery-brown suit can look as elegant as black (via Style Me Pretty); use pine cones to prop up place cards at the reception entry (The Knot); pine cones form an inexpensive monogram in a window (Martha Stewart Weddings)

And check out this pinecone bouquet!

Does this board convince you? Or do you still think brown is too drab?