We were thrilled to be asked to design a custom collection of party goods [...]]]> When it comes to planning parties down South (Houstons) in November, there is nothing like hosting a birthday bbq outside (which we would KILL to do here in Chicago!), especially when it involves a petting zoo, horse rides and some pretty darling decorations!

We were thrilled to be asked to design a custom collection of party goods for this Barnyard BBQ held in honor of Olivia’s birthday….and I’m even more thrilled to be able to show you the fabulous images from the party!  Olivia’s mom is one of Houston’s premiere wedding planners, Christine from Belle of the Ball, and we are always thrilled to work with her. (Do you remember her daughter, Sadie’s mermaid party from last summer?)

The collection was designed around a red and aqua blue color palette.  To add a preppy, modern spin to your typical farm party, I used animal silhouettes along with a red barn (all dressed up for the party with a pennant banner) on the invitation and coordinating party goods.  We introduced accents of yellow and green in a colorful leaf pattern that you will see throughout the collection.

Olivia’s party was set on the property of their beautiful home in Houston, and they decorated with red and blue oversized balloons, our patterned pennant banner, tables set with traditional red and white check tablecloths and galvanized tub centerpieces holding our centerpiece sticks.  Each child had a cowboy hat, a bandana and a sheriff badge sitting at their place.

The kids enjoyed a petting zoo with baby goats, bunnies, ducks and more. How cute are they?

Don’t you just love these cups?  Christine had us design a coordinating logo to have printed on plain, white styrofoam cups….a perfect addition to the party!  Who Made the Cake created an amazing cake for the party, and a special one for the birthday girl, featuring our red animal silhouettes and a 3-dimensional red barn on top.

Olivia clearly enjoyed her own little birthday cake, also featuring the red animal silhouettes, and served on her coordinating melamine plate!  Isn’t she darling!?

Photography by Goodlight Photography

Supplies & Vendors Used:

We welcomed [...]]]> Happy February!  I don’t know about you, but I feel like 2012 is flying by already!  We have been so busy over here, I thought I would take a few moments out and fill you in on all of the new and exciting things going on at The Party Dress and WH Hostess right now.

We welcomed two new contributors to The Party Dress in January: Jane, our WH Hostess college intern, as well as Casi from CupcakeMAG.  I hope you have enjoyed reading their posts!

January was spent cleaning up last year and preparing for some big parties early this year.  We had an absolutely amazing holiday season, and it left us with very little downtime!  We worked hard this month to finish up some new collections (did you see our new line of adult notecards? oh, and the new chunky notepad patterns?!) as well as put the finishing touches on our brand-new-just-launching-oh-so-fabulous wholesale line.  Fresh, modern, preppy patterns on so many cute stationery products….to say we are smitten is an understatement.  We are working with some boutiques across the country, but if you know of a store we should contact….pass it along!

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, remember to get your orders in for our darling collection of personalized valentines for kiddos.  (who am I kidding?! I am totally sending out the monogram ones from myself!)

We have a few big client parties that are in the works that have the makings to be just amazing. I am hoping my clients allow me to share pictures with all of you soon!

Speaking of pictures, one of the best parts of my job is receiving photos after a party – I just love seeing how our party goods are used!  Just this week, I received photos from 3 amazing parties….stay tuned, they will be up on the blog soon!  (one hint, check out our new barnyard farm animals collection!)  Have you used our products for a party?!  We would LOVE to see pictures!  You can e-mail them to parties@thepartydress.net.  Who knows, they may just end up being featured on the blog!

The biggest news this month is that the Spring 2012 issue of The Party Dress Magazine is now available for pre-order!  This issue literally makes me smile every time I think about it.  Amazing contributors.  Amazing parties, photography and ideas.  Trust me when I say, each issue is getting better and better….and this one is going to knock your socks off!  The digital issue will launch on Monday, March 12th and the pre-ordered printed issues will ship on or before that date.  Charynn and I are finishing up photo shoots this week and it’s going to be very hard not to share the ideas with you just yet.  Maybe we’ll have to do a little sneak peek!

Texas fans, take note:  I am headed to Ft. Worth the last weekend of February to speak on hosting stylish parties at the Project Mom conference.  In the area?!  Come join me!

We are SO close to hitting 10,000 fans on facebook!  CRAZY!! Are you a fan?!  If not, join us!  If so, please pass us along to your friends!  If we hit 10,000 by the time the magazine launches we are going to have one BIG celebration + giveaway!

That’s it for today, my friends!  I look forward to a month of creative ideas, trends and new parties to share!  Happy February!

Put on your sunglasses. Spring is all about bright! Here are some tips when working with brights:

All about Tangerine! You know with Pantone’s Color of the Year being [...]]]> Did you enjoy Part I of my Party Perfect Palettes from last week?  I’m back today with two more bright and cheerful palettes to inspire Spring parties.

Put on your sunglasses. Spring is all about bright! Here are some tips when working with brights:

All About Tangerine

All about Tangerine! You know with Pantone’s Color of the Year being Tangerine Tango — it will be everywhere. But, it’s like pink – you never get sick of a beautiful bright & cheery color. For a oh-so-chic look pair Tangerine with a light seafoam. Perfect inspiration can be found on Pizzazzerie. Need more of a pop? Call on Magenta. She’s your gal! This is where you mix-and-match patterns & prints to make that dessert table really stand out. Kelly’s Pink Orange Ikat invite would be perfect to send to guests. To really top it off, add a pop of turquoise for one perfect trio. Tangerine with a splash of hot pink ikat and turquoise accents is your go-to inspiration board for Spring.

Images:Room Inspiration, Ikat Fabric, Pink & Orange Party, Somewhere Splendid, Hot Pink Ikat Tablescape, Pink Orange Ikat Invitation 

Neon

This would be where you will definitely need those sunglasses. We are headed to the bright side this Spring as neon colors are sure to make a splash this Spring. For some of us, it’s a major flashback to the eighties but has totally gotten a makeover. You may remember neon making an appearance last summer but this year, the eye-catching fluorescence are even better. {if that’s even possible!} Can you handle it? I think so!

Images: Brian Atwood Heels, Neon Party, Neon Colors, Neon Piping, Neon Flatware 

Don’t forget when hosting a party, make sure you find the perfect party dress — after all, you must be the hostess’ with the mostess’. Not just in the kitchen, that goes for style too!

Project Mom is an organization that provides valuable resources and enjoyable events for moms of all ages and stages. Project Mom events include one-day get-togethers [...]]]> Happy Monday, Everyone!  We’re starting this week off with some fabulous news…..I’m headed to Texas (twice) in the next couple of months to be a featured speaker at the Project Mom conferences!

Project Mom is an organization that provides valuable resources and enjoyable events for moms of all ages and stages. Project Mom events include one-day get-togethers and weekend-long getaways for moms who want to be inspired and rejuvenated while relishing some much-needed “me” time. The events include inspiring speakers, practical break-out sessions, a unique shopping experience and a whole lot of fabulous girl time!

I am thrilled to be hosting a session called “Stylish Inspirations for Everyday Occasions” and can’t wait to share some of my favorite party tips with all of the attendees!  I encourage you to take a look at Project Mom’s website and facebook page, and if you are in the Ft. Worth or Dallas area, please…..come join me!