2010 has been one AMAZING year for us.  Plain and simple, it’s going down in the books as the start of some amazing things.  I wanted to take a few moments out of my holiday break to say a heartfelt thank you to each and every reader that has been a part of this daily journey with me, and to reflect on all of the wonderful things that have happened this year.  I hope you will join me for a quick walk down memory lane….

The Party Dress has been providing daily party inspiration for {almost} two years now!  Inspiration boards, real party features, creative food ideas and new must-try products.  For me, it provides a creative outlet – for our readers, I hope it inspires each of you to get creative in your daily life.  Our readership continues to grow and we have had the privilege of showcasing parties from some seriously talented people!  We have had countless websites link to our ideas, and was named one of Nesting Newbies top 10 websites!

We have an amazing support system of some fabulous sponsors, including The Celebration Shoppe, Munchkin Designs, Busy Bee Paperie, Luna Bazaar, Curly Cue, Tiny Prints, Wedding Paper Divas, Minted, Beau-Coup, Tea Collection, Plates & Napkins, Paper Culture, The Land of Nod and Layla Grace.

Our biggest news this year was a mention in the November 2010 issue of InStyle Magazine.   I’m going to share a quick little story with you…  I was on vacation when I received the news that The Party Dress was going to be included in a “best of the web” section in InStyle.  My husband and I took a much needed trip to Maui, back to where we honeymooned just a couple years ago.  I PROMISED him I would stay off my e-mail and website (and facebook and twitter) for that whole week.  But let’s be real….I run two internet-based companies….there was no way I could completely ignore it!  So one afternoon, I hid my phone in the beach bag and as soon as he disappeared into the ocean to jump some waves, I pulled it out for a little “me” time.  And there it was – and e-mail with the biggest media news we had ever received.  InStyle knew who we were…..and they were going to list us in their magazine!  I couldn’t have been any more excited!  And of course, had to fess up to checking my e-mail when my husband emerged from the ocean….

Probably the biggest news of 2010 was the launch of our social stationery company, WH Hostess.  Pulling from my roots in graphic design,  my retail buying/merchandising experience, and my love for all things party, I decided to launch a new website featuring fresh, modern stationery that would reflect my style and work with ideas that I showcase daily on The Party Dress.  My goal was to design invitations that would inspire full party themes.  Bold colors, fresh patterns, and modern takes on classic party themes.  The collection quickly grew to include party accessories and decorations, birth announcements and a fabulous holiday collection that was launched with a flip-book holiday catalog!

WH Hostess received an amazing welcome from party bloggers, readers, friends and family….and in just a few short months grew from a part-time business to a full-time job!  We have worked with amazing customers to create some pretty fabulous parties this year….and already have a ton of amazing parties in the works for 2011!

It’s next to impossible to mention all of the blog love we have received this year, but some of the highlights include our elephant parade party featured on Amy Atlas, our modern train party, bumble bee and mad for plaid holiday dessert table were all featured on Hostess with the Mostess, and we have had countless features on P is for Party, Stem Parties, Scout, Celebrations at Home, Happy Hour Mom, Kate Landers Events, LLC and so many more……

Speaking of the Modern Train Party….  It was WH Hostess‘s first BIG party and we were lucky enough to have one amazing client in Melisa of Project Nursery!  I have been blogging for Project Nursery for a long time now, and had so much fun partnering with her to create this party.  The party was featured all over the blog world – my little modern train was on at least 30 blogs (that we know of) and is still our most popular party theme!

It’s been a fabulous year of amazing parties and celebrations….what more could a girl ask for?!

Big things are in store for both The Party Dress and WH Hostess in 2011….and I can’t wait to jump into this exciting year with both feet!  First up?!  Some amazing new party features coming soon on the blog, new collections on WH Hostess and a trip to NYC to attend the Martha Stewart Doers into Dreamers Conference.  (and that’s just in the first couple of weeks of 2011!)

I hope you will all continue to visit us for your daily party inspiration!

Happy New Year!

xoxo

Kelly