Hope you had a great Halloween!
I'm missing my book club girls back in New York. They met this week without me-- as they should. I guess I need to find one here in DC!
I'm loving this beautiful book club meeting via The Sweetest Occasion. I hosted a lot (as you may have seen here), but they were never this fancy. It inspires me to elevate them-- should I find a new one!
I have lots of exciting things planned for this week-- so come check me out at Event Lucky!
If you are crafty and have the time, this quilted placemat pattern will create a festive
and fun stage for your place setting. Invest yourself in the holiday!
Complete instructions and color image to ensure your success!
Download this free placemat Pattern HERE at Parties and Patterns.
Check out our BLOG for more free recipes, patterns, and ideas.
To be honest, I am not into Halloween. Sorry-- I don't really like dressing up {although I have seen some cute, creative costume ideas this year!}. But I do love sweets, so I can get into a holiday that gives away lots of 'em!
How about a "legs" theme? I love the Wizard of Oz, and there are so many creative ways to use those Witches legs!
And don't forgot the witches hats!
And ghosts are so cute...
And these random treats {teeth and vials} would round out a table.
And a little bit of simple decor never hurt anyone! {And check out my pumpkin round up here}
What are your plans for Halloween?
Until Next Week! xoxo
{All images from Pintrest, some with no owners! If any of these images are yours, please let me know}
You are invited to have a few horrors d'oeuvre...
...fresh from the source....
A few fingers and bones really hits the spot....
As soon as I saw this ice cube mold at Dollar Tree, the creative wheels were spinning into overdrive; it makes the perfect candy mold!
White candy melts with a little bit of orange and chocolate melts makes a nice flesh tone. Pop the mold in the freezer for a spell....
Pretty cool on their own, but with a few drops and flicks of red candy melts...
...a ghoulish treat that is perfect for all ages! Fill a cello bag and tie off with ribbon? Oh yes, it will tickle the recipient's funny bone. Not Just A Mommy!
Bored with the usual scary faces and mess of carving pumpkins?
How about these dressy options...
You know how I love gold polka dots:
I'm thinking of trying this one myself:
Ok, maybe these aren't sophisticated, but they are darn cute:
These studded ones are hot!
I love the intricate work on these bejeweled pumpkins:
Even pumpkins like bling:
What are you doing to decorate for the season? {As seen on Babble}
Until Next Week! xoxo
Get in the Halloween spirit.
Scare up some fun with these thrilling Homemade Party Favors "Halloween Candy Bag Labels."
Whip them up for parties, your kids, grandkids, neighbors and teachers.
If your're really adventurous pass them out to trick-or-treaters and your house will be a huge hit.
Don't linger, Halloween is just around the corner. There are seventeen labels to choose from.
Download these free candy bag labels
For more fun ideas, recipes and patterns visit our BLOG.
Along with the new look of Event Lucky (have you checked out the new design?), I am changing the direction slightly. I want to highlight special, thoughtful moments as much as the larger parties and events. You've probably noticed these quieter moments creeping in-- because those times can be just as memorable as that big party. It's about celebrating every day (just like the tagline says), and that means everything from announcements to gifts, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and everything in between. I love the thoughtful, creative ways that we make every day special-- and I'd love to see the ways you do that at home. So feel free to send in your submissions-- from the notes you put in your kids backpack, to his grand birthday party-- send it in!
I love the way Holly from Nothing But Bonfires celebrated her father's 60th birthday. She sent a note to friends and family (you can read ithere) asking them to send memories of her dad. They could send more than one if they wanted, it just had to be on separate pieces of paper. Here's how it looked:
I love the adorable airmail envelopes she used. They look so cute. Oh-- you want to know how he reacted? Well, these pictures tell it all.
It's safe to say he loved it.
What do you think? Have you ever done anything special for someone's birthday? xoxo Event Lucky
Start your spooktacular Halloween party off with some haunting soda pop bottle labels. There are ten ghoulish labels to choose from and they will get your guests howling with delight. These labels are designed for soda bottles, but since I have grandkids I also like to attach these labels to juice bottles or milk bottles. This packet comes with instructions and printable labels. You can download these free party bottle labels
Download, Print and Party.
Check out our BLOG for more fun ideas, recipes and patterns.
photo from This And That Creative
I know, you are still trying to get your Halloween plans together, with the costumes and the parties, much less looking ahead to Christmas. But the craft stores have had their holiday wares up since the summer, so someone, somewhere is planning. Here are ten holiday tips to help get your Christmas motor running! Not Just A Mommy!
Make A List And Check It Twice
Grandmas the kids need to make gifts for...the White Elephant gift for your office party...the cookies for your neighbors...all those cards you need to send...there are a ton of things to keep track of during this time of year. Create a list so you can be picking up things while you are out and about instead of fighting through crowds in a few months.
Create A Budget
No one wants to start the New Year with a hefty credit card statement. Many of us tend to be generous when shopping for holiday gifts. Keep in mind that it is very easy to succumb to "impulse buying" and go all out on your holiday shopping.
Creating a budget will keep you mindful of your spending. Keep an eye out for sales on your big ticket items; I haven't done the madness of Black Friday shopping, I'm still in a food coma from Thanksgiving. This is where your list comes in handy. If money is an issue, consider giving homemade gifts instead of store-bought items. Baked goods, handmade crafts, or personal services you can provide are great ideas.
Order Your Christmas Stationery Now
Now that you've your list, cross one thing off, ordering your cards, party invitations, and mailing labels. Storkie has a fabulous selection of stylish Christmas cards, from photo cards and magnets, to my favorite, the Christmas Card Inventation featuring a gorgeous assortment of outer wraps and inner card styles. You choose the color combinations to create the design that perfectly fits your style and tastes.
Send Out Save The Dates For Holiday Parties ASAP
Calendars fill up fast during the holidays, let your invitees know your intentions now so they can put your party in there. Nothing sours your holiday mood like having people already committed to other functions. In fact, now is the time to send them out.
You Are Not A 4 Star Restaurant, Your Holiday Menus Need Not Be
From Thanksgiving through New Year's, there is al ot of eating going on. I love Thanksgiving because I can cook. I dread Christmas because I cannot bake. If it were only about cupcakes I would be a rock star. So I buy my cookies. Nothing wrong with that. Have a friend who bakes like Paula Deen? Ask her to make an extra batch of her world-famous rum cake for you. Can't cook at all? Host a holiday potluck! Plan the menu and ask everyone to bring what you need. Otherwise, you WILL end up with 10 trays of brownies.
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!
Do not become a holiday martyr doing all of the cooking, cleaning and shopping. Is there a child at your elbow asking to help? Is there a friend hovering near by? Did your mother-in-law ask for the umpteenth time to bring her Yam-a-loaf? Take the help.
The Secret To A Kick A** Holiday Party...
Make the guests do all the work. Every year, I have a Christmas party with an awesome theme that secretly takes all the work off of me. Why put up crazy decorations when your guests come in festive wear (Ugly Sweater Party), store bought treats, (Santa's Mustache Bash) and bring all the gifts? (Ugly Sweater Party 2009)? Want them to help you decorate your tree? Have a Tree Trimming Party! Need treats for the season? Have a Cookie Exchange Party. This year, I'm planning a Gift Wrapping Party...no, they aren't wrapping my gifts...I wish. Have everyone bring over a few unwrapped gifts and make this Christmas chore a social event.
Just Say No
Don't holiday-party burnout. You do not have to attend every single event. Close friends and family, yes. The work party, yes. The weird couple down the block who you've hardly spoken to all year's open house, no.
After-Christmas Sales Are A Goldmine
Want to take stress off for next Christmas? Reserve a little money for those after-Christmas sales. Getting prepared now can save you a lot of time and money, which can be added to your Christmas budget next year. Stores want to move the Christmas items to make room for the Valentine's Day and Easter items, which I swear comes earlier and earlier every year.
It's All About Me
Holidays are a high-stress time and is all about goodwill towards others. But don't forget the most important person, you. Don't skip yoga class for a One-Day-Only-Sale. They lie. There will be another one. Don't neglect your weekly lunch break with Susie. She will cross you off her Christmas card list. Afterall, the holidays will pass, and they'll be back next year.
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the Storkie holiday blogging program. I received compensation for my participation. All opinions are 100% mine
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