Party Invitations, Party Planning & Event Ideas

Care Packages & Holiday Cards for Troops & Veterans

There is a little over a month left to get care packages and cards sent out to deployed troops by the December 10 deadline to ensure they receive them in time for the holidays.  Veterans Day is just one week away and it's the perfect evening to host a care package and card making party!  

Get your packaging party started with an invite from Sendomatic.

 
 So that you don't have to buy all the items that will be packaged and sent to the troops, encourage your guests to come up with ideas for their own care packages. (In addition to the evite, you might want to send out a list of links, ideas, and tips for your guests.)  Packages can be a hodgepodge of items or they can center around a single theme such as the holidays or Movie Night.

• Loving a Soldier: Christmas Care Package Ideas
• The Fun Times Guide: Great Ideas for US Soldiers Care Packages
• The Annoyed Army Wife: A Plethora of Very Creative Care Package Idea Posts
• SpouseBuzz: Care Package Ideas
• LovetheTroops.com: Care Package Ideas for Our Soldiers

If you don't know a servicemember serving overseas there are plenty of organizations that supply addresses for servicemembers and/or units, platoons, etc.  A great site to start out on is Any Soldier.  For a small donation on this site you can get the address to the unit of your choice. This site also provides you with information about the troops and items they are requesting for care packages.

*If you've never sent care packages overseas PLEASE read about the restrictions and shipping requirements before getting started.  Visit your nearest post office for information on maximum box size and required paperwork that must be attached to the box.  Also, keep in mind that items such as chocolate and candles can melt and aerosol items can explode during shipping and it is best to not send these items.*

If care packages aren't in your holiday budget or you want to give to more troops than what care packages allow, send holiday cards.

 1. Military Christmas Cards - CH46 by Pedaling Designs  2. Military Christmas Cards - C130 by Pedaling Designs  3. Patriotic Military Snowmen Cards by fluffycatgal  4. Support the Troops Greeting Card Set by Snowcatcher 
 

For the fourth year the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are teaming up for Holiday Mail for Heroes to send holiday cards to servicemembers, their families, and veterans all over the world.  Simply fill out a card and address it to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD
20791-5456

Cards must be postmarked by December 10, to be delivered.

Keep your guests in the patriotic and holiday mood with these festive decorations and goodies:

 1. Desert Camo Tissue Pom by Sweet Poms  2. Patriotic Tabletop Christmas Tree by Christmas Tree 'N More  3. Patriotic Tissue Pom-Pom by createandadorn
 

1.  Stars and Stripes Forever Cookies by Cookies by Katie  2. Returning Heroes - Specialty Black Loose Leaf Tea by Tea for All Reasons
 

Don't send your guests home without packages of their own along with a thank you for all of their help.  These favors will remind guests of the fun time they had thanking our troops and hopefully encourage them to remember our troops all year long.

 1. Ginger Babies Military Ornament by Ginger Babies  2. Hand Stamped Nickel Land of the Free and the Brave Key Chain by hillcrestjewelry  3. Stars Trifold Gift Tags Set by Nycole
 

If you're looking for other ways to support our troops visit USA Patriotism for a list of charity and non-profit organizations for our troops and veterans.

 

Halloween Chic DIY: Festive Fabric Flowers

Wow, I cannot believe Halloween is less than 2 weeks away; the month has flown by super fast! I have been amazingly lucky to coordinate a wedding for Jon & Sara, launch a Holiday Line and crochet tons of scarves for the kids of the Plaza District through Rethread. The time is ripe for a little me-time! I get to teach myself how to make a chiffon flower, then share it with you!

I had some trouble actually deciding what I was going to do with the flower, so I came up with a few uses, and these were my 2 favorite:

 

Table Adornment 

OR Super Cute Headband!

 

 

So I will leave it up to you what you would like to do with this fun little project, but here are the super easy instructions.

 

Materials:

Chiffon in black and orange

Cardstock

Pencil

Pins

Scissors

Needle

Black Thread

*Floral Wire

*Headband

*Glue Gun

 

*Depending on what you want to do with the flower, you might not need this

 

Step One:

Using your pencil, draw a flower about 4-5 inches in diameter. I drew spokes so as to get my petals evenly spaced; I am terrible at free handing and this helped a lot!

Step Two:

Fold your chiffon so you have at least 8 layers. It's a pretty thick amount without it being difficult to cut through. Then pin the card stock through all the layers of the chiffon on each petal. Chiffon is very slippery so this is necessary for your sanity. 

 

Step Three:

Cut out the flower. It is easier if you cut a circle around the flower first, then the finer details. There is less fabric to be managed and again, it will save you some sanity.

Step Four:

Unpin the card stock and repeat as many times as you need. I recommend using 8 layers per flower so consider one cut to be one flower. Do both black and orange all at the same time; it will be easier to get this step over and done with. 

 

Step Five:

Layer 3 black pieces then 5 orange pieces, with the orange on top.  Make sure the petals don't line up, then fold in half.

 

Step Six:

Thread your needle with black thread. Then start sewing about 4 stitches in the middle bottom of the flowers. (Sorry I forgot to use contrasting thread... I will remember next time!)

 

Step Seven:

Fold in half again and sew a few more stitches until you start to get a little knob at the bottom of the flower. Once you've got a nice little knob, tie a knot and cut the thread off.

Step Eight:

EITHER YOU CAN grab your headband and arrange the flowers on the headband in a fashionable and pleasing way, then hot glue them to your band. Instant awesomeness. 

 

 

OR YOU CAN take your floral wire and wrap it around the knob at the end of your flower, make sure to start wrapping above the knob and as tight as you can. (It took my a few tries to get it really secure, but if you start above the knot, that will be your best bet) Then you can attach it anywhere you'd like!

 

There are a million things to do with these flowers, so let me know if you have any other ideas!

 

Hope you have fun, be creative and get inspired!

Back To School Bash Inspiration

Some of you have already started school, and some, like us in the Seattle area don't start until after Labor Day.  Want to throw a end of summer soiree to get the kids back into the school groove? There are so many interesting directions to take your Back To School party's theme; normally it's about using school supplies and such for a more generic feel.

But no one said you couldn't focus on an aspect of school like a school bus or your child's favorite subject. Here are a few inspiration boards to...inspire you. And the beauty of it all, you can mix and match to your heart's delight. Not Just A Mommy!Apple
This icon never goes out of style. Candy Apple cupcakes from Women's World; apple yarn favors from Make and Takes; teacher themed baby shower from Bower and Power. School Bus
Check out this awesome inspiration board from Divine Party Concepts; how perfect would this be for a Get On The Bus theme for first-time riders, a.k.a. Kindergartners. Chalk/chalkboard
Seating labels from PubSub; chalkboard tabletop from Martha Stewart Weddings; Fancy Flours' cupcake picks; sidewalk chalk favors from Mighty Girl ; a fun photo op like this speech bubble photo booth from Junebug Weddings. Art/Crayons
Art party inspiration board from The Party Dress; paint bucket decor from Maddycakes Muse; Picasso party from BHG; Lizard N Ladybugs' pretzel crayons. Science
Test tube favors from Following Phubie; Cookie Mag's radioactive wrap; science experiments at The Celebration Shoppe; Living Locurto's mad scientist invites. Alphabet/Letters
Letter chandelier from Blonde Design; initial party from Martha Stewart; One Charming Party's flower centerpiece; the Hostess Blog's alphabet baby shower; alphabet invite from City Cradle. Reading/Books
Books can be for decor or serve as the theme. This book party from Ashley Ann asked guest to bring books to donate to children at a local hospital; Food For Thought's storybook baby shower; Curious George inspired birthday party at the Hostess Blog; a pretty centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings; Pat The Bunny baby shower at The Smith Family. Geography
Check out my post on a 'Where In The World' themed party; A. Party Style's party place setting; Cookie Mag's globe cake. Breakfast/Snack Time
What's more quintessentially 'school' than milk & cookies for snack? Plan a whole party around it; check out my post on cookie buffets. How in love am I with The Purple Pug's breakfast bar; it makes a perfect neighborhood Back To School party. Wanting to do something simplier? Donuts, juice and milk are always appreciated, but take your donuts to a classy level by displaying them on a nice stand. Or personalize individual packages with a fun logo like this one from Got 2 Have Faith.

Eco-friendly Bash Ideas

I've blogged before about being eco-fab; reusable party decor like paper lanterns and tablecloths, making party favors do double duty as a craft and a keepsake, etc. Today is all about more fun ways to save yourself some green and save some green...ba-dum-bum. First stop, Bash Events. Owner Paige Appel specializes in modern sensibility and sustainable practices for events and weddings. Check her wedding out in her Utterly Engaged spread; eco-fab details include renting her wedding gown, having an at-home wedding, organic food and natural decor. Her husband even painted the Love Is Sweet theme on their garage door. Loving this eco-friendly artist party from One Charming Party. Details include invitations made from 100% tree free paper and junk mail, favors are recycled crayons and upcycled notebooks, aprons made from mens’ dress shirts and fabric banners made from stained clothing and old pillowcases. Giggleberry Creations' book-inspired party includes cupcake toppers and wrappers made from old book pages and a handmade backdrop. Check out this eco-chic tablescape from Emerson Made at Ruffled; a kraft paper runner and stunning, reusable handmade fabric flowers are clean and practical. Plus, check out the Emerson Made site, not only will you find lots of fabric flowers but other green goodies. I heart this cactus-themed wedding board from Fine Stationery; succulents are more affordable than flowers, and of course last longer. Check out the tiny potted plants that work as favors and place cards and the wreaths made from cactus and succulent plants in a variety of colors and sizes. This summer fiesta at Design*Sponge also utilizes succulents and lots of tissue-paper projects, both affordable and recyclable. The fabulous Katherine Marie Photography used newspaper-wrapped gifts and mason jar treats for a birthday celebration. I bet she had ribbon lying around, it's a perfect use of leftover ribbon. The ladies at Lolliblog know how to stretch a dollar! Check out their favorite party details from vintage tea cups from a local thrift store, apron chair covers, yarn balls, to mini chalk boards for reusable name tags. In the Gospel According To Simply Green: Parties Danny Seo, the celebrity eco-stylist often called the "Green Martha Stewart" shares a plethora of eco-chic ideas; a few gems include making invites from recycled makeup compacts, salad-bar radish roses, baby-clothes shower invitations and tea lights from oyster shells. Check out this farmhouse brunch from Pottery Barn, so many great elements you can duplicate! A casual tablecloth is layers of brown butcher paper with pencil outlines of place settings, flowers, even personalized messages. The fun place tags at each seat are torn squares fastened to the glasses with rubber bands. They even fashioned an edible napkin holder out of the large outer leaf of a cabbage. Overhead, hang multiples of our mason jar candleholders, with herbs and single flowers tucked into the rim with rubber bands. Not Just A Mommy!

Paddycake, Paddycake, Baker's Twine

Oh, baker's twine...how I love you...let me count the ways.... ...as lovely pom-pom gift topper I made to dress up a candy box filled with pretty votive holders... ...making kraft paper even more scruptious at The Purple Pug.... ...on lovely invites from Paper Thick Ink... ...as clever accents from Suzonne Stirling via Whisker Graphics... ...flickr user Dayben makes a pretty vase even more fab... ...embellished with hearts to make a lovely little garland... ...adding a special touch to baked treats at Bake It Pretty... ...incorporated into a Martha Stewart wedding from the balloons to napkin ties... ...even a cupcake gets special treatment! I could go on and on...but I won't, because I don't have that kind of time. But I hope this inspires you to get your hands on a spool or too, and I'll even help you out!

Remember The Twinery from my Tweeps McLovin' post? Yup, ordered my own sampler pack and I fell in love. My pom-pom gift topper used her twine in Maraschino, Pink Lilac and Pink Sorbet. Well, the lovely Nicole is offering my readers 25% off your entire order to their online shop with the code MOMMY25. It expires in one week, so hop to it!

And...I would love to see what you make with their twine. Not just because it will be fabulous, but if you send a photo of your twine-covered goodness to Nicole at thetwinery [at] yahoo [dot] com by August 1, she'll be selecting 3 images randomly and the creators behind the images will win a full spool of twine...in any color you'd like! If you send me a photo it won't win you anything but my adoration and a feature on my blog, which is priceless. Not Just A Mommy!

Better Than A Balloon Release

It must be Tuesday, because EventLucky is here! 

I know, I know, balloon releases are pretty.

How can you resist these pictures?

Well, I can resist. I just think of all the dead birds that ate and choked on the colorful pieces of rubber.  Balloon release just make me sad.  I won't get on my high horse about it (like I did here), but I did want to share an alternative with you-- that may be even more beautiful.

Sky lanterns are airborne paper lanterns mostly seen in Thailand. They are made from oiled rice paper on a frame, and contain a small candle . When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern,  the lantern to rises  (similar to a hot air balloon).  When the candle dies out the lantern floats back to the ground.

As these lanterns are made from natural, biodegradable materials, they will not cause harm to wildlife when they return to the ground. Granted that while the original lanterns used a bamboo frame, manufactures have been using wire frames, which were not good. But as of this year, many lantern frames are made from flame resistant wool, which can be ingested, making these sky lanterns a better option.

Even better,  it is considered good luck to release a sky lantern, and many Thais believe they are symbolic of problems and worries floating away.

Aren't they beautiful? I was in Thailand one Christmas when the locals released the sky lanterns over the ocean throughout the night. It was magical. It would be a fantastic ending to any event-- ecological, different and beautiful. Can you get any better than that?

You can purchase sky lanterns here or learn to make your own here.

Next week I will show you the details from my fabulous dinner party this past weekend. Until then...xoxo

Hip Hostess Gifts in a Hurry

Need a gift in a hurry for the hippest of hostesses?  Last week, I blogged about the amazing poolside baby shower my friends threw for me.  For their hostess gifts, I wanted something that perfectly complemented my friends' gourmet cooking talents while tipping a hat to the theme of the shower. 

The end result?  Dainty (but oversized, mugs filled with a lemon thyme plant, and accessorized with a cute little cocktail umbrella.  The final product was delightful, and reminded me of a tiny little patio, perfect for fairies and teeny sun-seekers.

I failed to take a picture of the mugs in their final form, but the following is montage of the supplies I used.  This is a great summer hostess gift, and the lemon thyme is an unusual but very versatile herb that can happily grow in its mug, while sitting on the windowsill of the recipient's kitchen.  Practical and pretty!

Lovely mugs from www.anthropologie.com.

Cocktail umbrella + Mug + Herb = Easy and unusual hostess gift!

Parasols and party planners,

Graduation Party Details

EventLucky here to share some fun from my long weekend. Hope your weekends are full of sun and well planned parties!

My Memorial Day weekend was crazy busy, as my husband graduated from graduate school. His mom came to visit, so we threw him a little party...and I am so excited to share the details!

We knew we had a long day on Monday for the actual graduation, so we didn't want a party that would go too late (does that make us old?). We decided on a "happy hour" party from 4-7 PM, with snacks and drinks appropriate for pre-dinner.

I asked a friend to design pennants for me in my husband's school colors. She did such a great job! I printed them out on cardstock and cut them out for decorations.

For the menu, I wanted to play with the idea of a rolled diploma, so we made asparagus rolled in procuitto, hand rolled sushi (ok, we ordered this), and pigs rolled in a blanket,  in addition to some veggies, nuts, and appropriate colored candies.

I also made the chocolate mortarboards, which were a big hit. Once you give up on finding the perfect colored "tassels"  they were pretty easy and make a big impact.

We had Pimm's Cup (not yet made in this picture) and a prosecco toast for drinks (nice and light for a hot day).

And here's the food table-- styled a la Amy Atlas! You can see the orange candies-- orange slices and reece's pieces!

I can't let guests leave empty handed-- and I hate to have tons of food leftover after a party...so I gave each guest a cupcake for an after dinner treat.

I got the cupcake boxes and black and white bakers twine from cdkane on etsy -- she was great to work with, and cheaper than any bake shop in NYC!

But...the boxes were a little big for my homemade cupcakes. I didn't want the cupcakes to rattle around while the guests traveled, so I used a small piece of stik-tak (available at any hardware store). A tiny bit of tack kept the cupcakes centered with all of their frosting intact! Guests said the cupcakes made it home in perfect form!

Does anyone else have graduations coming up this month? Any fun graduation party details to share?

Top 3 Event Decor Trends

Hi Guys! EventLucky here, sharing your weekly dose of pretty pictures! Hope you enjoy! 

I read dozens of blogs a day to find the best trends and brightest ideas, for your next event and mine. Here are the top 3 decor trends that I am loving right now.  Maybe they can be of use for your next party!

1. Fabric Letters

These fun fabric covered letters are a great way to communicate with your guests. The coordinating but varied fabrics add texture and excitement to any color theme.

I love how this couple used them for the drinks and desserts table...

And this couple used them to delineate their couples table.

2. Flag Banners

While not exactly new, these fabric or paper banners add a festive atmosphere to any event.

Whether in muted colors...

Bold Colors...

Or patterns... these banners look great.

3. Names or letters

What better way to honor someone than to incorporate their name into the decor!

These cupcakes and cookies for a christening are so sweet.

I love these napkins at a baby shower.

And these chocolate favors add a flavor of fun!

I hope that you enjoy these trends as much as I do! Have you seen any decor trends that have caught your eye?

Have a great week! xoxoxo EventLucky

Shower Season

EventLucky back this week to share baby shower ideas with you. Hope you enjoy and would love to hear from you! 

With the warmer weather upon us, it is sprinkling outdoors and in!  Friends are having babies left and right, and announcing babies on the way.  I bet more than a few of you are planning showers, so I have gathered some cute baby shower ideas to share with you!

Invites

I found these cute invites on etsy, but there are tons out there. These can work the "shower" theme--

Or these invites would be cute for a clothing theme.

Decor

I love the clothesline as decor-- too cute, and can be added to the guests of honor's gift!

If you don't want to do a literal clothesline, cut pieces of paper with warm sentiments make for a nice wish book.

And this hanging message is so sweet.

I  love these natural centerpieces, with potted plants and fruits.

I also love the use of letter blocks, whether the name of the baby or not.

Seating cards are also a fun way to decorate. If using the clothesline, the pins are cute napkin holders.

Or these little fabric sachets with safety pins.

Or, if you choose a tea party style shower, tea bags can tell people where to sit.

Activities

Not everyone wants to plays games, but you also don't want your guests to get bored.

Asking everyone to bring photos of themselves is always fun. Have people guess which baby picture matches which guests. Or, try this game with celebrity baby photos.

Or have some scrap fabric around to encourage guests to personalize clothes for the baby on the way.

Favors

A friend of mine loves these cookies in cellophane wrappers-- they are beautiful and thoghtful. Also, sachets could fit the bill.

Also, even though the lollipops are rings, you could steal the idea to make pacifiers.

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your next shower! Please send me pictures from your best shower ideas!

xoxo EventLucky