Lessons in fab: throwing an UnBirthday party

Every summer I say goodbye to my sweet Emily for a few weeks while she visits with her dad. This means each summer I miss her birthday. I know...it makes me sad too. But this year, that sweet husband of mine suggested we throw our poppet an early birthday; an UnBirthday, if you will.

It has been a few years since I last threw a party of any sort so I began stressing immediately. I had about a thousand ideas and so little time to execute them all. I mean, have you seen all the party photos out in the blogosphere?  People know how to throw a PARTY!  I knew I wouldn't be able to live up to all the internet fab nor my own expectations.  Luckily, I have Ben to remind me that throwing a good party is just like anything else - it takes practice.

We plan, we party, we learn, we repeat. 

That guy is so smart.

Just in case you don't have time to practice before your next big party I thought I'd share what I learned about throwing a party that is definitely eight-year-old approved.

1. Pick a theme.

I did some detective work and discovered Em wanted a party that centered around Disney's Tangled, and involved a pinata.

I'll be honest, I don't much care for children's themes. Don't get me wrong, I really like Tangled, but I didn't want to have Rapunzel and Flynn plastered on every surface.  The color palette however...

Tangled movie still via Polka Dot

2. Select fabulous invitations from an amazing stationary store.

Oi 'Hip Hip Hooray' invitation from Akimbo

3.  Practice your confection artistry before the big day.

My inspiration via Raspberri Cupcakes

My pancake-thin first layer. The day before the party. Whoops.

4. Entertain...

Making masks and crowns

5. ...entertain...

pin the hair on Rapunzel

More on that part below.*

6. ...entertain.

But try to not get your adult guests killed.

7. Provide good eats...

...or have your guests scavenge for their own.

8. Dish up your less-than-perfect but incredibly delicious cake creation.

9. Stop, breath, and enjoy!

10. Oh, and a few more things...

The ice in your freezer is nowhere near enough. Buy a big bag.

If the choice is between the roomy, sunny porch, and the smaller shaded patio, plan on everyone hanging on the patio.

Make your hamburger patties the night before. It might mean the difference between having your husband at the party and having him inside sipping a martini while furiously pounding out meat pucks.


*I see you jealously eying my Rapunzel game and who can blame you? The lovely Alicia Parsons of Akimbo designed it for just this occasion.

Lucky for you, Alicia is as magnanimous as she is lovely and is letting me offer it to you! Just right click on each of the images above above and tell them to "open link in new tab." Once the image URL opens, right click again and select save as. Voila! You now have you very own Akimbo print! Enjoy!

And if you have any party tip, mishaps, or stories, please share them in the comments section. I love hearing from you!

A vintage rustic fall garter

I cannot believe I never shared this garter with you guys!  I'm really slipping.

When Nicole contacted me I instantly knew I wanted to work with her.  She had an idea of what she wanted, but she knew what she didn't want: no lace, no bows, no froo-froo. Then, she sent me this photo for inspiration.

I love everything about this! Those gloves! That china! A RACCOON! After a little back and forth with Nicole, I came up with this.

This custom garter is made of sooty gray linen stitched into overlapping patches. I left the edges unfinished because, honestly, linen is like love - most beautiful when it is raw. The petersham ribbon brings a richness with its deep honey tones and makes for a tailored contrast against the grainy linen. Vintage buttons, and cream-colored baker's twine echo the vintage feel and weave of the bride's sweet wrist-length gloves.

This is, honestly, one of my favorite garters ever. How about you? Are you more vintage and less lace or do you go for something with a more traditional feel?

Craft-along: Flower tutorial 4

For other blossom tutorials and the more info about this craft-along please click here.

I'm sure this will come as a huge shocker, but sometimes I start making something and it ends up being something else entirely. That's what happened with today's flower.  I set out making a flat-ish bloom and ended up with a fabulously frilly carnationesque number.  And I love it!

I like it so much, in fact, that I'm changing my whole flower wreath blossom scheme. Do you want a ruffly carnation for your wreath? Well let's go, then!

For every girl, a garter

You guys might remember me admiring some of the great mustard items popping up on the wedding and fashion scene back in February. Well, I'm still not over it. It's just such a tasty color! So I hopped on Pinterest to indulge my craving and found these:

From top: Modcloth, Kendi Everyday, Chictopia

Side note: All of these remind me of my friend Kit. I don't necessarily know if she'd wear any of these, but, you guys, that girl is a genius at wearing her clothes. Everything she puts on is chic and brilliant and Kit. It is a talent, I swear.

Anyway. How cute would any of these be for bridesmaids or for just going out dancing?! And to accessorize?

This is the Mellow Yellow Garter by BeauAndArrow  on Etsy. I love this! Wish I'd made it. But, alas, I have so many ideas and only so much time so I thought I'd share some of the other great designers out there making beautiful garters. I don't think I've ever seen grosgrain look so good.

And, is it just me, or are stripes totally making a resurgence in the fashion world?