Instead of something blue, enlist all things blue, including periwinkle blooms transforming your tabletops and celestial swirls fancying up your footwear. 

Here, we mix-and-matched patterns and airy clusters of delphiniums, muscari, and dusty miller make this tablescape richly multilayered, not dully monochromatic. To greet guests, top each dinner plate with a gift. Pastel geometric bowl-and-spoon sets act as favors.

Pearl River rice bowls, spoon, and vases.

To introduce a seaside vibe for a waterfront affair, make a splash with stationery by Milkfed Press, and don't be afraid to play up your theme. Follow the lead of these nautical-inspired invites, with wavelike scallop edging and anchor graphics, and your loved ones are sure to get on board.

While spotting your name in lights is exciting, seeing it in script on Moroccan ceramic is a more permanent thrill. These "Bejmat" slabs by Mosaic House are just $2 a pop, but when adorned with calligraphy (here by Emilie Friday), they lend an aristocratic air to an escort-card display. Arrange them over a board bearing table numbers (and have the digits written on the backs of the tiles, too).

Bridesmaids are a girl's best friends. Outfit yours in figure-flattering shirring and colors that don't scream "wedding party!" and they'll stay that way.

From left: J.Crew "Lucienne" dress #47995; Dessy Collection dress #2823 with M&J Trimming ribbon belt #25179; Anne Sportun lapis necklace N1224.

In their deeper hues, blue gems are such attention grabbers that a little goes a long way. Indulge your desire for indigo by choosing one signature piece you'll have and wear forever.

Clockwise from top right: Caleo "Halo" sapphire studs, hamiltonjewlers.com; Meus Designs topaz drops, lissajewelry.com; House of Lavande "Blue Line" bracelet.

Thanks to its pretty petite print, this versatile cotton purse looks just at home paired with your favorite skinny jeans as it does alongside a glamorous white gown. Win-win!

Stella McCartney "Wedgwood Grace" clutch.

Show off these high-steppers with a tea-length (or shorter) dress, or play coy with a longer, now-you-see-them, now-you-don’t hemline.

From top: Brian Atwood "Starlet" pumps, saksfifthavenue.com; Rupert Sanderson "Cerise" peep-toes.

For neckwear that truly ties a look together, try a bold print that complements his handkerchief without being too matchy-matchy, like the calico and stripes shown here.

Moods of Norway jacket; Seize sur Vingt shirt (212-625-1620); Forage tie, stagaustin.com; Alexander Olch "Pocket Round," barneys.com.

A bow tie is always a sure bet, but the sharp touches on these -- an understated chevron motif here, a chunky knit there -- have more character than your average knot. Pair one with a debonair square of silk for the ultimate in classy cool.

From top: Lord Willy's pocket square; Billy Reid "Point Bowtie"; Brooks Brothers bow tie.

Whether it's light or dark, dots or solids, a tie is one accessory where your guy can let his personality shine. If he picks out one in a quiet hue, then steer him toward a fun pattern, and vice versa.

From left: Thomas Pink polka-dot tie; Paul Smith Accessories silk tie; Ben Sherman herringbone tie, bensherman.com for stores.

The ships on these cuff links and tie clip are ideal for your first mate -- and his mates.

Wedgwood "Saxon Blue and Gold" cuff links and tie slide.

This jaw-dropping creation starts out simple -- two round tiers covered with fondant -- but added floral flourishes make it a rhapsody in blue. Cheryl Kleinman in Brooklyn, New York, created this masterpiece by hand-painting the flowers and leaving behind telltale brushstrokes. Enlist your baker to follow suit.

Astier de Villatte cake stand, johnderian.com; Royal Copenhagen teacups and saucers.

From everyday dinnerware to the finest of china, blue-and-white patterns are classic without being boring. Register for these striking settings, and you'll use them for eternity.

From left: Marchesa by Lenox "Empire Pearl Indigo Collection", macys.com; Blue Aves dinner plate, neimanmarcus.com; Blu Bianco salad plates, vietri.com.

Given variations in developing techniques, pictures snapped in a number of different eras can be jarring to the eye when grouped together. The remedy? BeFunky.com's downloadable photo editor, which lets you apply a colored filter (we used cyanotype) to old images you've scanned onto your computer. Print and hang in spray-painted frames, and you’ve got a carefully curated photo wall guaranteed to turn heads.