The Party Dress » Parties! http://www.thepartydress.net Modern Ideas for Entertaining, Party and Wedding Planning Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:20 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Party Perfect Palettes – Part I http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/party-perfect-palettes-part-i/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/party-perfect-palettes-part-i/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:51 +0000 Casi http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8889 Last week I shared with you how to entertain in style, keeping in mind the 2012 entertaining trends. And this week, it is all about being chic & loving parties! 

One of the very first things you decide on when planning a party is the colors. Recently, the colors we see in fashion have transferred into the home [...]]]> Last week I shared with you how to entertain in style, keeping in mind the 2012 entertaining trends. And this week, it is all about being chic & loving parties! 

One of the very first things you decide on when planning a party is the colors. Recently, the colors we see in fashion have transferred into the home and served as inspiring color palettes. It’s important to remember that fashion – it’s not just clothes, you want to party in style too right? I am going to show you just how to pull color trends from Spring’s best-in-show hues found at home and in your wardrobe and see how fab they can be incorporated into a party!

Grey

Almost every nail collection we have seen for the Winter of 2012 incorporates grey, which I love by the way. In the fashion world, it is the perfect muted color to add a pop too. Well now, it’s about taking a drab color and making it fab. Pair a great grey with a bright yellow, or tonesd down mustard, purple, or turquoise  – a good contrasting pair that creates an ahhh as guest enter the room. Step out of the box and make a simple neutral shine.

Less is More

Sometimes you may just need a little dose of glamour in life — white, soft pink and a side of sparkle. Oh, and Audrey too. A classic palette gives you lots of options to fill your tablescape with pretties. It’s classy, chic and just simply elegant.
Stay tuned for more Party Perfect Trends later this week!!

 

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/party-perfect-palettes-part-i/feed/ 0 HGTV.com Game Night Feature http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/hgtv-com-game-night-feature/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/hgtv-com-game-night-feature/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:26 +0000 Kelly http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8875 This post is a long time coming!  Last Fall, I was asked by the editors of HGTV.com to come up with some unique ideas for hosting a Game Night party for a feature they were doing on entertaining ideas at home, during the winter months.  I was thrilled to be asked, and of course quickly whipped [...]]]> This post is a long time coming!  Last Fall, I was asked by the editors of HGTV.com to come up with some unique ideas for hosting a Game Night party for a feature they were doing on entertaining ideas at home, during the winter months.  I was thrilled to be asked, and of course quickly whipped together some ideas that I think you can all re-create for your game night.

I added a graphic impact with bold black and white striped tablecloths throughout the party.  I wanted a playful centerpiece for our dinner table, so I added black dot stickers to the side of a white vase to look like a dice.  A pomander of red carnations filled the vase and made a bold statement.

I tied the napkins with a little tag featuring playing card characters, and each placesetting included a cupcake accessorized with a fondant dice from Two Sugar Babies housed under a mini glass dome.

I created a small dessert table that would be readily available to guests so they could grab desserts in between hands.  Desserts included poker chip cookies from Allyson Jane, brownie bites accessorized with fondant dice, a jar of red hot candies from Candywarehouse.com, and cupcakes decorated with mini playing card cupcake toppers (which I whipped up in about 2 seconds!).

I hope you enjoyed viewing my ideas for hosting a fun game night.  What are some of yours?

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/hgtv-com-game-night-feature/feed/ 1 Game Night! http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/game-night/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/game-night/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:00:44 +0000 Jane http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8868 Most of us find January to be a bit of an “in-between” month.  The spirit of the holiday season has come to an end, and we are still a whole month away from the pink and red candy and candle-lit dinners of Valentine’s Day.  As I look out the window, snow is falling everywhere, and there’s [...]]]> Most of us find January to be a bit of an “in-between” month.  The spirit of the holiday season has come to an end, and we are still a whole month away from the pink and red candy and candle-lit dinners of Valentine’s Day.  As I look out the window, snow is falling everywhere, and there’s no way I’m heading out the front door without bundling up in my Uggs and warm winter coat.  The idea of playing in the snow seems appealing for a while, but if you’re like me, you prefer to avoid the freezing temperatures. Which can only mean one thing, it’s time to get creative with some fun indoor activities!

Throwing a game night or poker party is the perfect bridge in your calender between the holidays and cold weather.  Gather up your closest friends to play some Blackjack, Texas Hold’em or even some good ole’ Crazy Eights! You can make a memorable night out of the spontaneous occasion with these cute and creative dessert ideas to set the casino mood from Kelly’s feature on HGTV.com! (more details coming tomorrow!)

I’m in love with these jam-filled playing card cookies! You can switch it up with whatever type of jam your guests desire from strawberry to apricot. I would recommend sticking with red jams such as strawberry or raspberry, and dark jams such as blueberry to create the classic red and black poker night theme!  You could even divide your guests up between the card shapes of hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds for a fun and competitive team event of Spoons (my personal favorite card game)!  Check out this recipe for the full how-to.

Image via Mocha Cafe

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/game-night/feed/ 1 Elegant Barn Party http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/elegant-barn-party/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/elegant-barn-party/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:59 +0000 Kelly http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8861 I came across this stunning engagement party styled shoot on Style Me Pretty today and just had to share it with all of you.  It was supposed to be a casual party hosted on a chilly autumn day in the newly unveiled Pullman Barn on the grounds of the Chicago Botanic Gardens.  (which just happens to [...]]]> I came across this stunning engagement party styled shoot on Style Me Pretty today and just had to share it with all of you.  It was supposed to be a casual party hosted on a chilly autumn day in the newly unveiled Pullman Barn on the grounds of the Chicago Botanic Gardens.  (which just happens to be practically in my backyard)  Captured by Averyhouse who partnered up with Bliss Weddings & Events to create this Engagement party extravaganza full of rustic details, mixed with formal accessories, rubber wellies mixed with crystal.  The juxtaposition of items is enough to capture my heart!

A muddling bar, a S’mores roasting station, a “bobbing for bling in bubbly game”,  as well as the gorgeous gift baskets at each place setting which held goodies for the perfect Sunday morning are some of the details that I fell in love with.  For more details, click here.

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/elegant-barn-party/feed/ 0 2012 Entertaining Trends Continued…. http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/2012-entertaining-trends-continued/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/2012-entertaining-trends-continued/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:00:23 +0000 Casi http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8836 I’m following up my first post on The Party Dress with more darling party trends perfect for entertaining in 2012.

Tangerine Tango

Let’s not forget with Pantone’s colour of 2012 we will be seeing lots of orange and yellow when it comes to party themes this year. Lots of neon to come! Put your sunglasses on — it’s going to [...]]]> I’m following up my first post on The Party Dress with more darling party trends perfect for entertaining in 2012.

Tangerine Tango

Let’s not forget with Pantone’s colour of 2012 we will be seeing lots of orange and yellow when it comes to party themes this year. Lots of neon to come! Put your sunglasses on — it’s going to be a year of the brights. 

Images: trina turk tangerine tabric (layla grayce), pink and tangerine dessert table (pinterest), tangerine vase (pinterest)
 

Push Pops

Of course my love is always with cupcakes {and cake pops!} but this year, make room for push-up pops. Remember those little push-up Popsicles you loved in the summertime? Well, they’ve gotten a serious make-over. This is a trend that keeps on booming and will be the big hit of every party. Just ask Courtney Dial {Pizzazzerie} — she has an entire book about them coming out in March.

Images: push-up pops book (pizzazzerie), m & m push-up pops (frog prince paperie)
 

Sweets Table

When it comes to any event, a dessert table is a serious “wow” factor.  In 2012, they’ve moved beyond your child’s party and are all the rave. I love how they showcase all things oh-so-pretty and sweet. Each sweets table will be personalized depending on the event creating endless possibilities and a focal point at parties.

Images: mod yellow dessert table (amy atlas), barbie inspired dessert table (the tomkat studio)
 

Ahh, it all makes me want to throw a party! Cheers to 2012, cupcakes! Here’s to fabulous parties and lots of pretties!

 

 

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/2012-entertaining-trends-continued/feed/ 2 Breakfast with the Babes! http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/breakfast-with-the-babes/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/breakfast-with-the-babes/#comments Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:00:21 +0000 Jane http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8842 It’s a fun week over here!  We welcomed our new contributor, Casi from CupcakeMag on Tuesday, and today, we are welcoming another new contributor, Jane Carlisle.  A senior at DePauw University, Jane is doing a college internship with WH Hostess and The Party Dress this semester.  She’s learning the ins and outs of both sites, and I [...]]]> It’s a fun week over here!  We welcomed our new contributor, Casi from CupcakeMag on Tuesday, and today, we are welcoming another new contributor, Jane Carlisle.  A senior at DePauw University, Jane is doing a college internship with WH Hostess and The Party Dress this semester.  She’s learning the ins and outs of both sites, and I am sure you will see plenty of inspiration from her in the upcoming weeks!  xo Kelly

 ***

After being home in Chicago for over a month on winter break, as well as beginning my internship with WH Hostess and The Party Dress, I sincerely began to miss all my close friends back at DePauw.  Not to mention, my famous campus radio show I co-host every Tuesday morning with two of my best friends during the semester called “Breakfast with the Babes!” This got me thinking, now that the craziness of the holidays has finally come to an end, what could be better than a fun excuse to gather up all your closest babes for a darling, chic breakfast? Not much if you ask me, I can’t think of anything better than kicking back with a mimosa in hand and nibbling on a delicious stack of pancakes.  A girly breakfast filled with a bright pink and orange color palette is the perfect ticket to bring your girlfriends together.

I absolutely adore the idea of these fun pancake doodles.  You could do anything with this from the traditional circle and heart shapes to something as funky as a shape of a high-heeled shoe!  It could even be fun for your babes to each design their own doodle!

Not to mention, fresh fruit is a must at any breakfast, and the darling assorted fruit presentation inside a carved out watermelon would look fabulous as a centerpiece.  Add a hot pink grosgrain ribbon around the green skin to add that extra girly touch! For a sassy twist on the classic breakfast cocktail, the blushing mimosa will look fabulous against a pink and orange table.  Just add a touch of pineapple juice and grenadine to the classic drink for the blush look! This “Breakfast with the Babes” theme would be perfect for a darling bridal shower or sweet 16!

Images:Pancake doode (moredesignplease.com),Watermelon fruit display (downtown.tumblr.com), Blushing mimosa (myrecipes.com),  Table setting (dexknows.com),
Flower arrangement (bestweddingsites.com)

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/breakfast-with-the-babes/feed/ 4 2012: The Year to Entertain in Style! http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/2012-the-year-to-entertain-in-style/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/2012-the-year-to-entertain-in-style/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:00:05 +0000 Casi http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8828 It’s an exciting day here at The Party Dress as we welome a new contributor, Casi from CupcakeMAG!  Casi is Founder & Editor of cupcakeMAG & cupcakeMAG for Littles, and ringleader of her 4 girls under 8 (let’s not forget to mention her darling hubs).When she isn’t writing and interviewing celebs, you can find her reading the “weeklies”, redecorating [...]]]> It’s an exciting day here at The Party Dress as we welome a new contributor, Casi from CupcakeMAG!  Casi is Founder & Editor of cupcakeMAG & cupcakeMAG for Littles, and ringleader of her 4 girls under 8 (let’s not forget to mention her darling hubs).When she isn’t writing and interviewing celebs, you can find her reading the “weeklies”, redecorating her home, wishing she had a nanny and chasing after her Littles!  And now, you will find her here, posting on how to incorporate home and fashion trends into your party themes!

Welcome, Casi!

To kick off 2012, Casi is sharing her top trends to entertain in style!  (there are so many great ones, we will be sharing them throughout the week!)

Mixing Old with New: Modern Twist on Vintage

Thrifting is back! In my book, it really never went away but – it is a “must” when planning a party or entertaining. Mix a burlap runner {love Sweet Tea & Cloth on Etsy} with your everyday china adding statement to the table or create a centerpiece around milk glass. Time to dust off your grandmother’s goblets! And oh-my-word talk about endless DIY ideas on Pinterest – perfect reason to sit at the computer for 3 hours. It surely does inspire! Kelly’s DIY Jeweled Napkin Rings fit perfectly with this trend.

Images: milk glass table (more design please), vintage china & flower (tumblr), flowers in milk glass (southern weddings), detailed tablescape (style me pretty), antique plates (tumblr), antique bottles (leaping gazzle), vintage glass decanter (vntage queen)
 


Muted Metallic

From a rich pewter finish {Juliska has the best!} to a muted, antique finish – metallics will take a subtle, less statement-making turn. Even though for a few years now lots of warm gold and metallic finishes {and accents!} have been spotted which are still super-trendy just taken down a notch.

Images: pewter dome (the old painted cottage), pewter pot with flowers (pinterest), juliska hostess set (neiman marcus), jamie young gold glass hurricanes (layla grayce)
 

Stay tuned for more trends coming later this week!!


]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/2012-the-year-to-entertain-in-style/feed/ 7 Parties in Work: Spring Bridal Shower http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/parties-in-work-spring-bridal-shower/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/parties-in-work-spring-bridal-shower/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:43:40 +0000 Kelly http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8770 We have SO many amazing parties in the works over at WH Hostess this month.  LOTS of bridal showers, some great themed birthday parties and {eek!} Easter parties!  Today, I thought I would share a sneak peek of a bridal shower that we are working on currently.

Tangerine orange was named the Pantone color of the year [...]]]> We have SO many amazing parties in the works over at WH Hostess this month.  LOTS of bridal showers, some great themed birthday parties and {eek!} Easter parties!  Today, I thought I would share a sneak peek of a bridal shower that we are working on currently.

Tangerine orange was named the Pantone color of the year for 2012, and trust me, you are going to see it used in so many ways!  We love our fresh combination of turquoise, tangerine and fuchsia pink – especially for a bridal shower!  This image of cupcakes perfectly shows our color palette (and the cupcakes are gorgeous!) It’s cute, in kind of a West Palm Beach prep kind of way, and has four amazing patterns that we are mixing and mingling!

Stay tuned for more details.  If this shower turns out as fabulous as we believe it will, you may just be seeing it in the Spring Magazine!  (I have an in with the editor! ;) )

Images: cupcakes (theweddingrow.com), tangerine and turquoise patterns (whhostess.com)

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/parties-in-work-spring-bridal-shower/feed/ 3 A Jeweled Placesetting http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/a-jeweled-placesetting/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/a-jeweled-placesetting/#comments Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:00:18 +0000 Kelly http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8764 Now that the holidays have ended and the decorations have come down, I find myself looking for ways to bring a little sparkle back into my table settings.  This DIY napkin ring project is perfect to tackle with a free hour, and will add so much personality to your table or party.

Scour vintage shops, ebay or [...]]]> Now that the holidays have ended and the decorations have come down, I find myself looking for ways to bring a little sparkle back into my table settings.  This DIY napkin ring project is perfect to tackle with a free hour, and will add so much personality to your table or party.

Scour vintage shops, ebay or garage sales for a variety of whimsical brooches that you can quickly transform into gorgeous napkin rings.  How fabulous for a ladies lunch or bridal shower, right?

Click here for the cull instructions from Southern Living.  Happy Crafting!

 

]]> http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/a-jeweled-placesetting/feed/ 4 Start 2012 with a BIG Idea http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/start-2012-with-a-big-idea/ http://www.thepartydress.net/2012/01/start-2012-with-a-big-idea/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:40:19 +0000 Kelly http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=8757 Happy New Year!  I hope you all had a fabulous holiday season….I know I sure did!  We took a little time to unplug and recharge our batteries and we are back to bring you THE best year of inspiration yet!  Lots of fun things coming…new contributors, new ideas, new party features…2012 has the makings to be [...]]]> Happy New Year!  I hope you all had a fabulous holiday season….I know I sure did!  We took a little time to unplug and recharge our batteries and we are back to bring you THE best year of inspiration yet!  Lots of fun things coming…new contributors, new ideas, new party features…2012 has the makings to be quite fabulous!

The first post of the year can be kind of daunting!  It’s got to be BIG.  So instead of showcasing a big party (which there will be plenty of those to come soon), I figured we would show you a BIG idea.

Not necessarily new to the scene, but fun nonetheless….over-sized balloons.  One makes a statement, a few can provide a modern backdrop to a dessert table.  They are a very simple idea, but can make a BIG statement.  Available at one of our favorite online retailers, Shop Sweet Lulu.

How will you incorporate balloons into your next party?

Images: red balloons (stylemepretty.com), white dessert table (amyatlas.com), white balloon with bride (bklynbrideonline.com)

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