As my birthday is poorly located 2 days before Christmas and celebrating anything else is just too much, I’ve been thinking of changing my birthday to June instead. Since I am not ready to be 6 months older {ahem} I’m thinking of having a half birthday party next month. That way most of my friends should be in town and I won’t be competing with all of the holiday parties.
What do you think? {image source}
P.S. I might need to have this drink, too.
I’m sorry for being a bit MIA— if you follow me on Facebook, you know last week was a big week in the lives of many of my closest friends. One friend had a baby (Baby Emi has joined us!), one friend got engaged, and one friend got married! So I’ve been busy celebrating, even from afar.
So things are still a bit hectic, but I saw these awesome animal DIY puppets, I had to share. Aren’t they so cute? And easy to make!
Just around this time last year I was getting ready for a special little girl’s birthday party.
Starting from this inspiration page…
To this fun party {Part 1, Part 2}…
It was a great day, and I can’t help but smile looking at these pictures. Her mom and I had so much fun planning this party. I know this year will be just as special.
Happy Birthday, Charlee!
We were in Bangkok, Thailand last week and I found my self continually looking up. I always found something of beauty. These are just a few of the ceiling shots I took over our holiday. From modern square polka dot paper lanterns to gorgeous cloth lanterns, I found tons of party inspiration.
Even though I live on the outside of the world and no longer anywhere near the South, my idea of grilling out includes burgers, baked beans and iced tea. It was a gorgeous day, sunny if a bit chilly, so we took advantage and indulged our roots.
Naturally, we started with some drinks– Arnold Palmers. A little iced tea, and a little lemonade, and a little vodka, if you like.
Since we had some young guests coming, I got some colored chalk to use on our stone tile terrace to keep them entertained.
Then, of course, the food! Hamburgers, my mom’s famous baked beans, layer salad, potato chips and brownies. What else could you ask for in a southern BBQ?! 
Our plates–
Beans were still to come {don’t worry, Mom!}. Is was great fun, then we cuddled up and watched some Oscar movies. A great Saturday. xoxo
We moved into our new apartment over the holidays and had our first guests this weekend! We invited a couple over for drinks, then we headed out to dinner in our neighborhood. Thankfully, even with a bit of chill in the air we were able to still enjoy our terrace for cocktails and snacks. We kept it simple, but I think it turned out beautiful and classy, which is just what we wanted.
We had champagne with pomegranate seeds, which added just the right touch of fun.
We chose salty snacks, the best accompaniment to sweet bubbly {not desserts, as it is often paired.} Popcorn and almonds were the perfect start to the evening before a Japanese dinner.
All and all a great time! 
As we relax and recover on this first day of 2013, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Since today is a day for goal setting and good fortune, it helps me to know where I am going when I see where I came from, both personally and professionally. Care to take a journey of 2012 in pictures?
The year started out with much excitement and hope as we settled into a new routine in Washington DC.
I managed some weddings for a few amazing couples– {Helen & Joel, A bike couple, Erin & Adam}
And one incredible 5 year-old’s birthday party.
Hosted some casual parties– {book club, dinner party, gold cocktails, kitty party, impromptu hosting, indoor picnic}
And did some fun DIYs.{Sprinkle covered marshmallows, Christmas tree, Gold planters, drip paint pots, flower design, balloon backdrop, polka dot tablecloths, gold barrettes, star chandelier}
I also had the good fortune to travel a good bit this year. 
And, most recently, picked up the family and moved to Hong Kong.
Thank you so much for taking this journey with me, whether today, this past year, or over the past nearly 3 years since I’ve been blogging. I am so grateful at all I’ve been able to do and share with you. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2013 has in store — and hope you will join me!! xoxo
This week’s question comes from Mary in Los Angeles.
Hi Sara,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m planning a Christmas Brunch this Sunday and as an activity I will have a craft table where the guest will be able to make their own gift tags– I’ll send you pictures! Where could I also find templates for food labels and other items for a holiday party?
Thanks!
Mary
Hi Mary,
Sounds like a fun party! I wish I could join you.
I found a few different sign packages to give your party a design feel. The first 2 are quite complete– the last one just includes a few pieces, but was too cute to forget. And, of course, they are all free!
I hope this helps– and good luck on Sunday!
xoxo
Sara
If anything can equal my love of bright, saturated colors it’s stark modern black and white. Both palettes leave a statement, and the bolder the better, in my book. The only question left is: which one to chose?
Images: black and white balloons/two tone balloons
cookies and milk/disposable bakeware (!)
black confetti garland/polka dot garland
I love going out. It’s fun to put on my dancing shoes and meet new people. But with moving out of my apartment, and all of the traveling I’m doing lately, nothing sounds better than my pjs these days. My best girlfriends, champagne, junk food, pampering and crafts– sounds like a good night to me. {via Coco + Kelley}
