What’s a party without at least a couple decorations? Give a cardboard animal trophy a little makeover with the help of some plaid fabric and rubber cement. Then make quick signs by spelling out words with tacks and yarn. I actually intended to spell out warm up but ran out of room and my laziness won. I had to get back to watching videos of cute babies online.

For some fall party sustenance, fill up vintage thermoses (I scored all mine at thrift stores) with various kinds of hot cocoa and have guests sip their favorites from mis-matched mugs. You could even take a poll at the end to decide which one landed the highest on the delicious scale. Don’t forget to set out some easy snacks to munch on like mini doughnuts and trail mix only available to those wearing plaid of course.

This week will be dedicated to a cozy fall get together. Think sipping hot chocolate and plaid. Lots of plaid.

First up is the invitation, designed and made printable (for you and you and you) by the always awesome Amanda Jones. The combination of craft paper and plaid will have your guests hurling their axe and brushing up on their taxidermy skills in no time.

Just click on the links to download and print -
Warm Up Invite FRONT
Warm Up Invite BACK

invitation design by Amanda Jones

I love these images of a Canadian Thanksgiving celebrated at Marche St George, a general store in Vancouver. They’ve got that cozy and non-fussy, dang I want to be invited to that party thing down. Makes me want to pull out some cable knit and eat something hearty.

See more here and here.

images: Luis Valdizon (first 3) & Klee Larsen (last 1)
via etymologie

I just got the happy news that a friend is engaged so what do I automatically do? Start an inspiration board of course. Her only request is no mustaches on a stick. Totally doable. A pretty cake spread? Also totally doable. If that’s what the bride wants of course. I should probably make myself a note that says, “Remember, this isn’t your second wedding.” Just kidding Lashley.

images by Nidhi Malhotra, flowers by Saipua via Fergi’s pin

By the time my next birthday arrives we’ll have a little backyard and a place to sit where I’ll string lights and planters. I’m picturing it will be a little like this pretty party. I just need to find a friend who cooks in the next nine months.

images: Nikaela Marie

Two tips for making an impact: think in multiples and rainbow-ize that biz.

images: Lizelle Lotter Photography

After every party I like to rehash the events that occurred and make a list of the good and the bad. With the exception of a mosquito bite the size of a plum, this party was all good.

Here is why I felt it was successful and these three key things can be applied to any party.
1. It was outside – little decoration is needed if the surroundings are pretty. And if kids are invited, there’s plenty of room to run around.
2. Pulling the fun/surprise element – I rented the ice cream bike from Little Man, a local ice cream parlor, and was so happy to have a server so that it was low maintenance. Plus I wasn’t worried about the ice cream melting.
3. Offer one base food and lots of options – ice cream and toppings is what a believe to be a universally liked treat but you could do something like crepes and fillings or fondue and dippers. The toppings list for this party included: gummy bears, Oreos, brownie chunks, frozen cookie dough, mini pb cups, jimmies, waffle cone bits, raspberries and pirouette cookies.

I’m now saving up my money for an ice cream bike of my own. I plan to take it on a cross country tour and hand out fudgesicles and free advice. Those palazzo pants are not working for you.

A couple weeks ago marked the first official day of summer and with it came a party of course. I’m going to share some of the details with you this week.

First up, for the invitation I used 2″ stencils and acrylic paints to print out SUMMER on the front so the invitees knew just exactly what was being celebrated here. Then on the back I used small alphabet stamps to print the party details.  The horizontal stripes inside the envelope were made with washi tape for another little surprise when you opened it up. Once I had sealed most of them I realized that I had never actually stated that it was a party so I’m glad the guests figured that part out.

Look out for tomorrow’s post that includes an ice cream bicycle!

I already posted about this on HHH but I couldn’t help but post it here too because it made me so happy. I sent Emily a summer party in a box and she put it to good use. Here are just a couple photos from the party that her kids claimed was the best ever. I like that kids are so easy to please. If a party involves lots of sugar, it’s declared the best.

To make the banner, I used letters from a banner kit then covered their colored metallic ugliness with washi tapein summery hues. I think I need one for the half wall too.

Hooray for summer parties!