Party Invitations, Party Planning & Event Ideas

Old-fashioned 4Th of July Crafts

2009-06-29T21:00:00-07:00

Create these charming paper crafts for the upcoming Fourth of July Holiday.
These crafts can be created with simple craft supplies, newspaper and crepe paper. Find all the instructions and Victorian printouts at Country Living.
Posted by Entertain Exchange.

Stylish Patriotism

2009-06-25T16:11:04-07:00

When bringing your family and friends together to celebrate this Fourth of July, why not put a new twist on the classic red, white, and blue? Rather than covering everything in sight with a patriotic flag, take a step back and go for a more subtle approach. These Blueberry Cupcakes are easy to make and a great way to bring a natural blue to your table. Martha Stewart inspires us with her Berry Spritzers and gorgeous centerpiece, making a chic Fourth of July possible. Filling the table with bite size delicious treats like these Cherry Tomato Tartlets with Basil will keep your guests intrigued and impressed. Who said patriotism can't be stylish?

Here are some ideas we've come up with for the Fourth of July at Modern Living Hawaii. These three simple ideas will have your guests thinking you are blessed with great taste.Decorate your party with these beautiful red paper lanterns for a modern Zen feel to any area. An easy combination of gorgeous red ginger, stones, and a square vase will bring a natural element to your table, while still keeping a stylish tone. Finally, to satisfy your inner child, set up vases filled with an assortment of red, white, and blue candy that is sure to have everyones taste buds patriotically pleased.

Casino Theme Party Centerpieces

2009-06-25T14:39:53-07:00

Any great ideas to help Robin out? Please comment to this post......

"Any great ideas for a "casino" "Poker" theme party...centerpieces? I have 20 glass vases 14" high and 6" wide at the opening...I am at a loss and was hopingsomeone may have an idea of two to share. Thank you and I love your site! Robin"

Fruit Trough

2009-06-25T11:47:39-07:00

This piece is so versatile. Put it right down the middle of your table and change it for your event or the season. Fill it with fruit, jellybeans, pinecones or candles - turn it over and display your cupcakes, what else can you dream up? $99 at 2Modern.com Gus Modern Fruit Trough

Goldilocks: the paparazzi is digging for your details.

2009-06-24T10:56:54-07:00

I'm a new guest blogger here on createmyevent.com and so happy to be lifting the lid on my box full of goodies like: LookBooks, boards, swatches, JumbledJuice, trends, tips, and templates, all collected over the many years of building events! I'm completing my degree in wedding planning and events and no longer will my ideas be trapped inside my office --because I'm coming out of my shell to share them all with you! Before we get to the really good stuff, let me take the mic and spill some gossip about myself:

(yes, I belly laugh and break into dance party mode really randomly!)

Also, ...

I crave pizza and sushi in the middle of the night.

I play jetsetter as much as I possibly can...

but I fear flying worse than anyone I know.

I want to own a boutique event space.

I will talk to anyone and everyone about anything.

I wear my sunglasses no matter the weather.

I write with lots of alliterations.

I'm inspired by color but I'm always drawn to black and white.

I fall in Love too quickly and often.

I bore easily.

I love the smell of my upbringing fresh New England air.

I adore California.

I never drink before I toast.

I need my family and friends to help me throw a great party.

I blog about the celebrations that are featured in my book.

I laugh really really loudly and a lot.

I believe: Fight For What You Love...

and Always Keep In Good Company.

I hope to innovate the world of events.

I always insist ending everything on something sweet.

"the more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate" -oprah

may your life be filled with lots of love & laughter...

xoxo. gOldiLOcKs.

Stars And Stripes

2009-06-23T12:15:35-07:00

Yikes! Fourth of July is zooming up fast!! Nothing screams independance like this invitation from Fine Stationery, to get your party started, and inspiring today's board.

Keep your cool with patriotic fans.

These festive lanterns are perfect for keeping little hands busy. BTW, we've made these before, super fun and easy, and you can change the colors for any season.

Let your table be the star...a super-easy centerpiece from HWTM; tablesettings can include these napkin rings and heavy weight dinner plates.

The perfect signature cocktail? Celebrations' Berry Breeze.

And of course, I had to throw in my super-cute Jello parfaits from last year, easy to make and eat! Not Just A Mommy!

Win a Wall Sticker!

2009-06-22T13:21:00-07:00

It's Easy to Win! Enter Here >

Shark and Beach Cupcakes

2009-06-18T18:06:27-07:00

Thanks Martha Stewart for these great Shark & Beach Cupcakes! View them here.

Summer solstice party ideas

2009-06-06T14:17:13-07:00

The northern solstice (also known as the June solstice or summer solstice) is coming up soon, and it's the perfect time to throw a party, without competing with the abundance of July 4th events that will be filling your calendar. The solstice, which literally means "sun standing," marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer, so celebrate the seasons with a party influenced by the elements.

Fire: If you're outside of the city, have a bonfire and catch fireflies (here's how to do it properly). City dwellers can create a Midsummer Night's Dream vibe with paper lanterns, fairy lights, and lots of tealight candles. And don't forget to fire up the grill! Check out these recipes for Cinnamon-Cured Smoked Chicken Breasts with Cherry Barbecue Sauce and this Grilled Corn with Hoisin-Orange Butter.
Water: An obvious location for a solstice party is at the beach or a pool. If neither of those are options, try a sprinkler! Kids will enjoy a water balloon toss, and maybe some adults will as well. (These ideas are a little wasteful, so be sure to conserve extra water for a few days before and after to make up for it.) Finally, if you've ever tried to make cocktail-inspired popsicles and couldn't get around the fact that alcohol doesn't freeze well, try this clever method for Margarita Ice Pops.
Earth: Flowers and potted plants are all the decor you need for a solstice party. And consider offering seeds as party favors - June isn't too late for beans, summer squash, beets, carrots, or chard; not to mention Fall crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, and radish. Or go with flowers - sunflowers or zinnias would be a good choice.

Vintage Flair For Your Affair

2009-06-02T11:55:43-07:00

There are many little vintage details turning up in today's celebrations. Sometimes it is the smallest details that catch your eye and make something a little more special...especially when it is treasured keepsake. We all have a few heirloom items around the house...some little treasure that reminds us of someone special. In addition, those who like to search for little gems at flea markets might rethink the purpose of their treasures. Here is a collection of ideas to reinvent some old and treasured things that can add a little charm to your next gathering.

Mixing a few antique items with today's modern pieces brings interest to any table.

1. & 2. Flea market crystals hung on simple bud vases with a single bloom create this simple centerpiece and mix and match dishes to bring a lot of visual interest and texture to the table. From Country Living.

3. & 4. Fill a few vintage teacups with small bunches of flowers as a charming centerpiece from Better Homes and Gardens and use a vintage sugar bowl to hold mismatched teaspoons on the buffet table from Country Living.

5. Napkin rings made of vintage button cards from Country Living. Get the instructions here.

Add a little bit of vintage to your party favors. Here are a few
original ideas.

1. Boxes covered with decorative paper and trim, with a crepe paper medallion and a shell button center. Inside the favor boxes is a pair of vintage salt and pepper shakers. From Once Wed.

2. Create candle favors using copies of treasured photos and vintage images from Country Living.

3. Find these wall pockets from The Vintage Polka Dot at ETSY. Vintage images on muslin, tucked with lavender, make up these lovely pockets to hang around the house.

4. Vintage gloves filled with soaps and lotions create this beautiful and unique party favor from Quill Cottage.

Here a few ways to re-purpose those vintage items that guests are sure to notice.

1. Vintage postcards made into garland can be found at ETSY. This one is made by Cori Kindred found at Once Wed.

2. Vintage typewriter key wine tags - Impress your guests with this elegant solution to mismatched glasses. Find these great wine tags at QA Create at ETSY.

3. & 4. Here is an original idea...how about using a toothbrush holder to hold the silverware and napkin at each place setting. Another beautiful touch is adding a little tulle and a clip on earring to the stemware on the table. These ideas come from Quill Cottage.

Celebrate your special day with vintage charm.

1. A wedding cake topper handmade with vintage sheet music at ETSY by amadalebel.

2. Beautiful vintage hankies stamped as "Save the Date Card" for a wedding. Every guest will receive something special and unique in the mail. From Lucky Luxe.

3. White vases filled with simple flowers and a vintage camera sit on top of old record albums give this table an eclectic feel. From Once Wed.

4. A Dapper couple sits atop a tiered finial. Handcrafted of vintage sheet music and finished with organza ribbon. Bottom tier is lined box, perfect to hold jewelry or mementos. From D Sharp.

5. Simple DIY cake plate from Vintage Flair - Decorated with vintage ledger paper and clip on earrings.

By Entertain Exchange

Stache Bash

2009-06-02T09:47:03-07:00

Thanks Twig & Thistle for the great idea for a Stache Bash! The stache is back!

Parker's Crazy Cookies

2009-05-29T18:44:13-07:00

OK, so every now and then something comes along and I think "I knew someone would beat me to it". Meet the latest in tasty personalization and cooler than photo cakes...Parker's Crazy Cookies!

Turn your favorite photo into a bag of pure genius...have them design something special for your next guest of honor! Or choose from themed assortments for a baby shower, wedding, or any other social occassion. The cookies come individually packaged in a tied cellophane bag with a customized label, and you know they'll be a hit! Not Just A Mommy!

Beverage Dispensers

2009-05-25T10:55:16-07:00

For my friend's 50th birthday, his wife had placed a multi-gallon dispenser of Berry Sangria at the center of her beverage display. It was a hot, summer Florida and everyone made a bee line to sample the chilled libation. They were pleased with what they tasted and the presentation impressed.
If you throw parties for crowds on a regular basis, you might want to consider owning a beverage dispenser. They add striking height on a drink or buffet table. Fruit and herbs can be added for flare and the spigots make serving drinks a breeze.

Gumps has a classic, hand blown version for $79.

Wisteria's model has nickel finished accents, a removable pedestal and 2 gallon capacity. $149

NapaStyle, a favorite online retailer of mine, has this chunky, casual Chiara Drink Cooler. The elevated base is hollow for decorative additions or ice. $199

Z Gallerie has a price-is-right, retro design. $49.95

Sometimes an event needs something a little more commercial or industrial. This 6 gallon jug will be right in place. At Uncrate.com for $35.

Vintage Party Hats

2009-05-23T09:51:48-07:00

Vintage Party Hats showing up on invitations everywhere! The Craftpantry party hat invitations and Sendomatic's Party Hats has a vintage look.

Stamped Stones

2009-05-22T11:05:36-07:00

Thanks Grace at Design Sponge for this cool stamped stone idea. Easy, elegant and great for a Spring place setting.