All Things For All Parties

Singles Plus One or Not!

 
Photo by Elizabeth Anne Designs

Not only have I gotten this question a lot but I myself struggled with this one for my own wedding; so I am going to share it with you and I would love to know your thoughts.

My cousin's daughter is getting married and she and her fiance are paying for most of their wedding; they are definitely on a very tight budget. They really want to be able to invite all of their friends and family as well their single friends with a "guest." She asked me if it would be acceptable to invite single family and friends but not include "and guest" on their invitations? Her fiance feels like they should definitely allow wedding guests to bring a date but she feels like if they do this than they will not be able to invite other people because they will now be obligated to let their single friends bring a guest that they can't afford.

Corporate Dinner Event

 

It's hard to believe that a party as flawless as the one shown here today was almost completely ruined by a mid-Summer wind & rain storm but thanks to the amazing Emily Carlson of Haute Hostess this party went off without a hitch and none of the guests had any idea that it had almost been cancelled. I love the clean lines of the tablescape - it's so simple yet elegant - very appropriate for this occasion. 

When I asked Emily what her secret was she told me, "that after years of party planning she has discovered that event planning actually involves more problem solving skills than design!"  Well, Emily - like any great host you make it all seem so effortless. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous event with us.

Oh and if any of you or someone you know is looking for a top event planner look no further - Give Haute Hostess a call and have her help you plan your next event (corporate or social).  I promise - you will not be disappointed. I absolutely LOVE her work.

 

T.G.I.F. WATERMELON COOLERS

 
Photo by All You

Serve up a pitcher of these to help cool off during these Sizzling Summer Days. They are not only refreshing but dee-licious!  Perfect for your next summer party or signature wedding cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups seeded
• 1/2-inch watermelon cubes
• 2 cups chilled ginger ale
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 ounces frozen limeade concentrate

Preparation:
Arrange watermelon cubes on a baking sheet. Freeze 30 minutes, or until solidly frozen. Working in batches, blend frozen watermelon, chilled ginger ale, 1/4 cup water and frozen limeade concentrate in a blender until smooth. Serve in chilled glasses.

Recipe by MyRecipe.com

Summer Dinnerware

 

It's time to liven up your place settings! There were some fantastic new dinnerware collections featured at the recent LA Gift Show in LA and we thought we would share this one with you from French Bull.  Perfect for outdoor entertaining.

 

When to Give a Wedding Gift

 
I actually get this question a lot and since a friend of mine was having this very argument with her MIL this week I thought I would share it with you. 

The question is:  I have heard conflicting views about how long you have to give a wedding gift?  Is it a year or not?

And the correct answer is:  The notion that there is a 12-month grace period is actually a pure myth.  A wedding gift is given to celebrate the occasion, not the first anniversary!

In most cases, gifts should be sent as close to the wedding date as possible.  (However, in some areas and cultures, it’s customary to bring gifts to the wedding ceremony and place them on a designated table at the reception.)

 

Ice Cream, Ice Cream...We all Scream for Ice Scream!

 

Ice srceam, you scream, we all scream for an "Ice Cream Party!"  Who doesn't love ice scream?!?!  Especially when it's 100 degrees outside.  

Anna of Anna & Blue Paperie created this adorable custom ice cream themed party for her client's daughter's 1st birthday party.   It's the perfect theme for a summer party.

I love that she created this Ice Cream Printable Party collection using a color palette that consisted of soft pinks, yellows and browns and than incorporated a classic pink and white striped pattern to give the collection that true vintage feel of an olde fashioned ice cream shoppe.  Anna really out did herself with this one. 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

It's an Art Party

 

Pull out the smocks and the plastic tarps, it's time for an Art Party! Whether you have finger painting toddlers, or tweenage muralists, this artful birthday party collection will inspire the Picasso in everyone.

 
Utilize art supplies for your decor like they did here with the vanilla cakeballs - this paint tray is perfect for doubling as a serving tray and adorable.

  
Label food with paint splotched tags...For a little extra fun give the food cute names like Picaso's Pastries or Van Gogh's Goodies.  Get creative and just have fun with it...remember anything goes when it comes to art since "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

 
 
 
 
 
Since this is an Art Party you can either make all of your own inviations and decor or purchase this Printable Art Party at Paper & Cake.

This printable party comes complete with Invitations (fits A6 envelope), Address Labels, Thank You Note, Jar & Candy Buffet Labels.  Mini Popcorn Boxes, Pennant Banner and much, much more.

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Rainbow assortment of Cakeballs available at terrispartytreasures.com
Photography courtesy of missymariephotography.com
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Preppy Entertaining

 

"Preppy is a lifestyle, not a clothing style," Bitsy sighed as she observed the West Coast girls trying to pull off Reds. Her friend Buffy nodded before they resumed their tennis game.

I absolutely love Preppy even though I am a true West Coast girl.  I hope you enjoy ithese uber-preppy summer entertaining items as much as I do.

Kids love them…  adults love them too.  These 10 inch melamine plates by Soiree are great for outdoor dining or fun to use in your home.  Great patterns make it fun for the whole family! Dishwasher safe.

 Hicks Paper Goods offers modern, stylish designs that are perfect for every occasion.  Order blank stock to print yourself or personalize and let them print for you! 

These pink & white striped grosgrain ribbon napkin rings are the perfect addition to add a touch of East Coast preppy to any table setting or outdoor event.

Pie Potluck Party!

 

 

Pie shops are popping up everywhere here in LA and are becoming the new hot trend!!  Yum!  When I was preggers the only thing I craved was PIE!  I seriously could not get enough of it.  So, I say move over cupcakes and let's throw a party for pies! 

Assign guests a specific variety of pie; like cream pie or fruit pie or a nut pie....you get it, right?!  This is the best way to ensure a great variety of pies plus your guests will still  be able to show-off their creativity and share Grandma's secret pie recipe.  Pick a time to throw this party that would be conducive to eating pies - like after a late lunch or early dinner. 

Set-up a pie table with different leveled trays.  Personal pies are also a fun idea and will look adorable on your table setting.  Don't worry about too much decor...let your pies be the star of this show.

Don't forget to provide yummy toppings for your pie lovers.  I like ice cream and whip cream for mine but the skies the limit for this occasion...cinnamon, nutmeg, sprinkles, strawberries - whatever tickles your fancy.

I normally like something warm with my pie like a tea or coffee but for this occasion I am serving up Pie-Tini's!  Why not go with something festive like a Key Lime Martini!  Wowza!

For favors, provide to-go boxes so your guests can take a slice home for later.  Oh and even though no one said it was a contest I would definitely hand out a prize to the person or persons who the "best all around pie" and the "best pie crust" and you definitely can't forget the "prettiest pie."

Let the pie eating begin.

Lemonade Stand Party

 

Oh my goodness, today was a hot one and the weatherman says it's getting hotter!!!  Yikes!  I have to say I was so excited today when I turned onto my street to find my neighbor's daugther sitting in front of the house selling good ole fashioned lemonade...I think I scared all the neighbors when I slammed on the breaks to buy a glass (I am sure they thought I had lost my mind) but it was definitely well worth the stop.  Thanks, Katie 

I love lemonade and I promise this tangy-tart collection will make you smile from ear to ear. Use it for your kid's very own lemonade stand this summer; just pull out a card table or cardboard box, add a little print*cut*party magic and sales will go through the roof! Or host a lemonade-themed summer party...with some lemons and a little sugar, your guests will surely love you for it!

 
 
 
 
This Printable Lemonade Party includes all the items shown here as well as Invitations, Pennant Banners, Coasters, Cupcake picks and much, much more!