Party in an Art Gallery

This past weekend, I invited some friends to a private art gallery to learn more about Japanese prints. It’s a space that I love spending time, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to share it. Even though the owner of the gallery hosted the event in her space, I couldn’t help but add an Event Lucky flair to it.

I sent the invites out via Paperless Post.

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It was a hot and steamy Sunday, but perfect for light snacks in a cool gallery.

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The owner of the gallery gave a great introduction to Japanese prints. It was so interesting– I was really into it!

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Afterwards, the group talked and enjoyed the art! And everyone left with a Hello Kitty! cookie as a little reminder of their Japanese afternoon.

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Thanks so much for a lovely afternoon! xoxo

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Ask A Planner

It’s been a awhile since we’ve had the Ask-A-Planner question, so it is exciting to back in the saddle! This one comes from Asia, and is a question I dealt with for my own wedding.

 

Dear Sara,

My fiance and I are currently living overseas, but are moving back to the US soon. After we are settled, we will have a small wedding there with mostly family.

We want to have an engagement party while we are still overseas with our friends here, but I read on many web-sites you MUST invite everyone to the wedding that you invited to your engagement party.

Do you think that holds true if you live in one country and will get married in another?  We want to celebrate with our friends overseas while we are here, knowing that many of them wouldn’t be able to come to the wedding in the US anyway, nor do we want that large of a wedding.

Thank you! 

Newly Engaged in Asia 

 

Dear Newly Engaged,

First of all, congratulations!! This is such an exciting time!

You are already diving head long into one of the first challenges of planning a wedding– the guest list. This effects so much of the planning process (including additional parties!), and it one of the hardest parts. Additionally, there is not a lot of info out there for people in your situation (I know, because I looked for us too!) of living and planning in different cities, especially overseas.

Honestly, I think the rule of only inviting guests to parties that will be invited to the wedding is kind of a pain; It can fatigues your guests (I was a bridesmaid in a wedding that had different kinds of bridal showers every month leading up to the wedding. I was in college at the time— it was so expensive!!). And really— even people not in your situation ask this same question, so I’m kind of waiting for the day when this rule is abandoned.

But–even though I am all about bucking the norm, I think there will still be some traditionalist out there who might expect an invite to the wedding if they are invited to the other festivities. And you’d risk hurt their feelings– and no one wants that to happen.

In order to celebrate with your overseas friends and not confuse people, I’m wondering if you can get around “the rule” by calling the party something else. Like  ”A Celebration of our Union” (ok, the name needs work) or something that implies what it is, without saying the traditional term “engagement party” that will lead people to expect a wedding invitation  Since you won’t be having another party here after you are married there should be some way to convey to people that this is their chance to party it up wedding style with you and it’s all in the wording of the invite. (And maybe you can even wear a white sundress to the party!).

Readers, what do you think? What is the best way for dealing with this oppressive rule of invites?

Half Birthday

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.

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What do you think? {image source}

P.S. I might need to have this drink, too.

Make It Pretty!

I loved these styling tips by Chelsea from Frolic! – and I thought how useful they are for any kind of decor or party planning process. I’m sharing them here and adding some of my own thoughts and tips.   She says she wants everything to look pretty and just right but it also has to be simple, quick and inexpensive– something to which we can all relate!

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1. Think about Location.

One of the first important decisions of an event is picking the venue. Even if it’s at your house, deciding on whether the party will take place indoors or at the pool will make a big difference in the look and feel of your event.

 

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2. Stick to one or two colors.

It makes things so much easier ( and cheaper!). To make it even easier and to add some depth, I often pick a color then decorate in shades of that color, based on what I can find.

 

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3. Pretty chairs are important.

This is a tough one, as it can add up quickly, and sometimes you don’t have much control over the chairs at a venue. But they do certainly make a difference, so decide if chairs or {simple} slipcovers can fit into your budget.

 

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4. Anything can be a centerpiece.

It doesn’t alway have to be flowers– think outside the box.  Using seasonal fruit  or donutes for centerpieces and doubling them up for favors is great fun for guests.

 

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5. Make your table look homemade.

Little personal touches are what make an event memorable. Making the napkins or seating cards give a lot of warmth and character to your party.

 

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6. Use pretty packaging.

Buy or make jams, sodas, or favor packages. Ensuring that these items are pretty make people want to take them home.

 

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7. Hang flags!

Bunting is so popular right now because it is simple and inexpensive to make. It adds a bit of fun to your wall or ceiling, making everything more festive.

 

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8. Use handwriting.

I have nice handwriting, so I use this technique often. But I have a friend with even better skills, and I’ve called on her more than once to lend a hand! It really shows that you took the time and cared enough to add that personal touch.

 

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9. Have fun! 

Your event should reflect you and your style– so use things you like and enjoy. Don’t feel pressure to use or incorporate pieces that don’t speak to you. Have fun with it, and your guests will enjoy it too!

 

Cucumber Ginger Martinis

For as much as I love sweets, I don’t prefer sugary drinks. I don’t chose cocktails with fruit juices {danger of a headache!} but drinks with ginger or ginger ale are my first choice.  And I love the clean flavor of cucumber– it’s so cool and refreshing. This martini by Sugar and Charm sounds like all of my favorite things — and something I need to make.  Yum!

Cucumber & Ginger Mini-Martinis (recipe is for one mini-martini)
3 slices cucumber
Juice of 2 lime wedges
1/2 teaspoon agave sweetener
1 ounce ginger-infused vodka (I like Skyy or you can make your own beforehand)

In a cocktail shaker, muddle cucumbers, lime juice and agave until the cucumber is completely crushed. Add in ice and pour vodka on top. Shake vigorously until ingredients are mixed. Strain into a mini- martini glass and garnish with a cucumber wedge.

Ask-A-Planner

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!

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I hope this helps– and good luck on Sunday!

xoxo

Sara

Ask A Planner

Today’s question comes from Liza in Belgium, via Facebook.

She asks:

How long in advance do I need to send invites for a themed party when dressing up is preferred?

Dear Liza–

This is a great question. Dress up parties can be a lot of fun– but a lot of work– for your guests, so giving them lots of heads up time is a wonderfully thoughtful idea.

My general rule of thumb is about 6 weeks — for a wedding, party, whatever the case may be. If the dress up request is complicated {say Louis XIV} I might consider save-the-dates, or making sure invites are in guests hand at 6 weeks prior. If the dress up is a more liberal {pirates or greeks} you have a little more flexibility. And if the dress up event is expected {like Halloween} and guests have probably already considered costume options, only a few weeks are necessary.

I hope this helps– and your party {and costume!} is a swinging success! As always, we’d love to see your pictures.

xoxo

Sara

PJ Party

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}

 

Fun Party Shops

We are in the most painful part of the move right now, where you feel like you don’t have enough time to get everything done. Sandy certainly added her excitement as well! So glad my NYC peeps are safe and sound– that was pretty scary, even from DC!

So, with all of that, I thought you might like this list of fun party supply shops to take our minds to other things. Some of these shops I hadn’t heard of– but I can’t wait to check them out and order it up! One of the best parts? Most of these online stores ship internationally…  {via PapernStitch}

#1 Herriott Grace

This shop is STUNNING!! Things seem to sell out pretty quickly though, so be sure to check back often. Or join the mailing list for updates. 

Currently loving rustic porcelain pedestal

#2 Signe Sugar

Cupcake toppers and gum paste letters or numbers.

Currently loving…Colorful gum paste letters and numbers

#3 Confetti System

Love.

Currently loving twist rope garland

#4 Knot and Bow

Best known for interesting packaging-related supplies, but the tags and stickers are good for presents, which are party related!

Currently loving party confetti 

#5 Paper Tuesday 

Filled with honeycomb ball poufs and cool tissue fans, this shop is on internet ‘speed dial’ for when one of those two things.

Currently loving Clarissa Pouf Kit

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