My family and I are entering what is my insanely busy season at work. I have to say: I truly, deeply dread this season every year. I know that one day, not too far in the future, I'll be in tears, convinced that I won't be able to pull it all off. This also is the...
Secrets of a Party Planner
Listen in on Party Planning Interview {And Get a Free Gift!}
Yesterday, I mentioned an interview I was preparing for this summer. Today, you get to listen in! The interview was part of Monique Brown's Total Woman Summit, and of course it's free to you. Monique teaches women the skills necessary to life a more charming life--a...
So You Want to Hire a Party Planner {Here’s What They Secretly Want You to Know}
Back in August, I was preparing for an interview, not really knowing what I'd be asked. I was brainstorming questions about party planning so I could jot down some answers. And then I had a horrible thought: "What if she asks me about being hired as an event...
Tutorial: How to Build a Party Backdrop From PVC Pipe (Pipe and Drape System)
A few years ago, the Vice President of Special Projects built my first free-standing party backdrop from PVC pipe. You can see it in use in my Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Party. This system — sometimes called a pipe and drape system — is terrific because it allows you...
How to Test Your Dessert Table Layout So There Are No Surprises on Party Day
This is the week of my much-delayed Gardening Party shoot. I've only wanted to stage this party for a year. Then we were going to shoot in May and got rained out. So we're bracing ourselves for the the June heat! I thought I'd share how I pre-stage my dessert tables....
What To Do When You’re Feeling Stuck
Have you ever heard the joke about, "I try to take things one day at a time, but lately several days have attacked me at once"? This is how I've been feeling the past few weeks, and why I had to take a mini blog break. As much as I like being here, and sharing new...
6 Party Lessons From My Bike Ride at the Beach
Sometimes inspiration comes when you least expect it. When you're not thinking about your next party, or cruising Pinterest. But instead when you are doing something active. During our vacation last week, that meant riding bikes. I wasn't sure my legs (not to mention...
Snow Days, Valentine’s Prep, and the Pre-Party Panic
On today's long to-do list was a simple Valentine's Day classroom treat to share with you, but the best laid plans and all that ... Tomorrow, promise! (We did score the last of the heart-shaped Peeps at Walgreen's, though. Go us, go us!) So here's a quick peek into...
When Is It Worth It to Spend Money on Your Party?
I'm working with a few clients right now on custom party plans and a party kit. I'm also planning my own daughters' 9th birthday party. So party budgeting is top of mind for me right now. Which ultimately leads to the question: when is it worth it to spend money your...
Did You Wait Too Long to Plan Your Child’s Birthday Party?
It happens all the time. You're busy, which I totally get because I am, too. So, if you've waited too long to plan your child's birthday party, but you still want a custom look, here's what you need to do to make it happen: 8 steps to pull off a last-minute birthday...
9 Essential Party Styling Tools (That Cost Pennies)
Today I'm sharing some tricks of the trade ... the "how did she DO that" kind of tools that party planners turn to. Not that you can really call any of these items "tools" in the true sense of the word. Here are my top 9 essential party styling tools. Most cost just...
Getting Party-Ready: 5 Easy Steps to Tame Clutter
We had a little bit of perfect storm recently with work, health issues, school and activities starting, parties, and just stuff. I decided that the girls had to come first, and took a little blog break. At the same time, I've put a lot of effort into getting the party...
Why I Do What I Do + What I’ve Never Shared With You
Why do I have a party shop? Why do I blog? Why I am on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, PInterest and Google+? Connecting with you in all these different ways? This may be news, but it's not for the money. It's to make birthdays easy. The party biz is not my day job. My...
Survey Results: Why We Throw Parties & Giveaway Winner
I'm excited to publish the results of our first reader survey! I've loved reading your responses -- especially to the question about why you celebrate birthdays. I chose my favorite response, which was actually also a very common sentiment. (Read to the bottom to see...
How to Host a Slumber Party Without Losing Your Mind
This past Saturday night was our Night Owl Sleepover, and as always, I learned a few things during this party. A few of those things I learned the hard way. Here's how to host a slumber party without losing your mind. 1 - Keep your guest list small. This one I learned...
3 Steps to Brainstorm Your Next Party Ideas
"Oh my gosh! How did you think of that?" It's one of the questions I hear after parties sometimes, and it's so sweet. But of course, parties don't come to me full-blown. Creating the details is work, but I do have a trick to make it easier. Here's how to brainstorm...
How to Plan for a Party Away From Home
You know I love an at-home party, but sometimes space does not permit. That was the case with my twins' 8th birthday party. As the girls have moved into separate classes at school, their group of friends has expanded and our guest list has grown. We also invite close...
Anders Ruff Interview: How to Make a Commercial Party Location Special
On Sunday, the Vice President of Packaging, Shipping and Special Projects and I took the girls to a roller skating party. (Hint: ear plugs.) Of course, the kids adored the activity, the birthday girl got to invite 20 kids, and the hosts didn't have to risk all those...
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