Confetti Lab at the Party Pantry!!!!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

I am SO freaking excited about this event!  If you are in the So Cal area, you should be too!  Some totally creative ladies came together to put on Confetti Lab and I can barely contain myself.  Lauren of A Fabulous Fete has let me in on a little of what we can expect and it's going to be bonkers!  Lauren, along with Eva (The Wedding Party Pantry) and Brittany (Spruce PR), are hosting a really cool party...about parties!  Genius! 

Lauren  created this inspiration board for the event and I'm totally in to this vibe.  A little desert, a little summer and a lot of awesome.  

YEAH!  I love that not only will you get to learn how to make party crafts, but you can also purchase items from some super amazing vendors.  From what I hear, the vendors will be:

Blair Britt ~ who I had seen at a Wedding Pantry event before and LOVED her stuff!  This time she will have party printables!!!  And check out her awesome blogs too - Joie De Vie and Blair Britt Events. 

Lauren Elise ~ she has a ridiculously cool Etsy shop and super amazing crafty blog - I'm a super fan.

This is Post Modern ~ Wooden letters and numbers. 

Will Lauren have some of her own items available??????? I  hope so!!! 

And that is just in the boutique area!!  Two party areas will be in full effect and the girls have put together a great mix of treats for attendees.  There will be tacos!  There will be delicious cocktails by Tres Sietes Tequila.  But let's really focus in on why I will be there,  the desserts.  The Kupcake Spot will have mojito cupcakes (my fave), Dolce Vista will have Mexican hot chocolate (my fave!) and churro (my fave) cupcakes and Somedays Bake Shop will be providing Horchata cupcakes (while the name does not appeal to me you know if it is frosted I will eat it and I will probably love it.)

And gift bags!  No good party is complete without a gift bag on departure.  :) 

Oh and did I mention that I got to sneak a listen to an amazing party playlist that is being provided by Hi Fi Weddings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yeah,  this party is going to rock! 

Check out the window Lauren created for the month of June at the Wedding Pantry, here.

And if this confetti doesn't make you want to come, I don't know what will! 

This party is FREE! just RSVP here so they can keep a tentative head count.  Its from 6-9pm at The Wedding Pantry (which is calling itself The Party Pantry for the evening - see, on account of because they sell things that work for parties too, not just weddings!)

Local bloggers, let's meet up!  Email me if you are going (cupcakesandcutlery@gmail.com)!  And please help spread the word of this fabulous event! 

But seriously, if you have any parties to host this year, you won't want to miss this party about parties!!!  Now, off to plan my outfit...I only have a week! 

Sharon

(I was not given photo sources for the inspiration board...sorry!)

Inspiration Board Challenge - April

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Do you guys know Laurel of Go Against the Grain?  You totally should.  She creates details and you know that is what sets any good party apart.  Her graphic design skills make me green with envy and her custom maps are to die for. 

images by Go Against the Grain

Adding a tag to a straw is such an easy idea but look at what an impact it makes! 

images via Go Against the Grain

So if you are in need of some cupcake picks,  candy bar signs or anything personalized, Laurel is your gal.  Don't forget to check her out on her blog, follow her on twitter and "like" her on Facebook. 

I found the inspiration item for this month on Looks Good to Me.  If you don't know it you simply must check it out.  It is fashion based and not only are their gorgeous clothing and beauty items that you will be lusting after, she creates the most gorgeous illustrations to go along with them.  For instance, when I am packing for a trip, I may jot down my list on the back of a receipt, but Caroline illustrates it...like, whoa.  

Image is by Looks Good to Me

And then I saw this amazing party illustration, complete with Confetti Systems-esque garlands and I was sold.  She has a few prints for sale in her shop and I want each and every one of them.  Her talent is truly remarkable and I am a HUGE fan.  

I can't wait to see the board that Laurel comes up with based on this illustration!  

Sharon

Hank and Hunt has new goodies!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Um.  Have you seen these new goodies from Hank and Hunt? Ridiculous.  Check out that metal cupcake stand!!!!!  What?!? And her printables...the ikat and confetti? Gingham! Sheer genius. Go buy them.  Right now.  Printies are like $5.  Less than Starbucks.  (ok, I never spend that much on a drink at Starbucks but I have to imagine that the big gulp size costs the same as a smart car).  So proud of Jenny and the products she is adding.  She is truly talented.  I want to be her when I grow up.

Sharon
image via Hank and Hunt.

I heart these napkins but they make me angry

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

*I've woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning and if you can get through the snotty tone of my post, I really do LOVE this product.

I was perusing the Daily Candy Christmas page, 30 gifts under $30, and I saw these My Drap napkins. I first saw these napkins years ago in one of the cooking magazines. These napkins come on a roll, are made with cotton, and are perfect for when you don't want to use paper napkins, but don't want to rent linen ones either. The great price means you can throw them out after one use but I'm pretty sure you could wash them and use them again (not like, forever, but once or twice more). But here is my problem. For a long time, the website said they were available at Bloomingdale's Home Store but they couldn't be bought online. Other then that there was a store in the UK selling them but I'm pretty sure it said they wouldn't ship to the US. So that left an online store in Spain (where they are made) to buy from and worry about international shipping rates.
So here is this great product that I can't easily get. Look at all the amazing colors they come in! Ideal for kids party, sophisticated adult shindigs and holiday dinners. And then it happened. I got an email from a PR company about this product. It looked like it was finally happening. I might be able to buy them easily after all. They offered more info and a sample. So I emailed back, excited to finally try them out. And then I got no response. What the...
I mean, look at these napkins. They are simply perfect. They come in a cocktail and dinner napkin size as well as placemat size. Fast forward another month. I got another email in my inbox from the same PR company announcing these napkins. Um, hullo! I fired off another quick email. Guess what. No response.
All I want is for these napkins to be available to the masses stateside. So I was over the moon when I spotted a gorgeous picture of them on Daily Candy. I clicked right over to the site and...utter disappointment. Sure I may be able to buy them in the US ($10 shipping seems ridiculously steep for a roll of 12 napkins. The dinner napkins are priced at $35 which I think is more then they used to sell them for at Bloomingdale's. While they have some pretty pictures of the napkins, the look of the rest of the site really does them a disservice. I really really really want this product to do well but I feel like the company is working against itself.

In my heart, I know these napkins could be a huge hit in the party world. But they make me angry.

If anyone has actually seen these or touched them, please let me know. I just know they must be glorious once you get past the website ugliness.

(I am sorry to be so sour. And I, too, find it odd that I can be so worked up over napkins... I think after coveting these napkins for so long I really wanted the website to sing to me.)

Sharon

-All photos via MyDrap

I promise to be back to my old self tomorrow.

Potter and Butler is here!!!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Thanks a lot, Emily. I desperately need to go get in the shower so I can finish packing and catch a plane and now, here I sit writing a new, unscheduled post. Emily of Hello!Self,

has been teasing a new celebration decor company and I have patiently waited. Its finally here!!! Introducing Potter and Butler.
The colors she uses are a delightful change to some of the more subdued stuff out there right now. They are all handmade and use lovely fabrics.
Look how elegant and simple this looks on the plate and ads an amazing pop of color.
Sure we've seen poms, but there is something about these that makes them dainty yet powerful.
Gorgeous!! You could forgo florals all together and just use poms.
LOVE! You've got to check out the rest of her stuff on Etsy. So great! Congrats, Emily on a site well done. And Potter and Butler is on twitter too!

Sharon

All images via Potter and Butler

Wine Country Soda - Delicious and Beautiful

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

It is true that we eat with our eyes first. Well my eyes get very thirsty too. I immediately noticed these gorgeous bottles of Vignette Wine Country Soda at my local Whole Foods. Not only is the label crisp and modern, but the color of the liquid is stunning. And wine country soda? You had me at "wine." I had to know what these were all about. I contacted the company to see if they might send some for sample and they graciously agreed.

Vignette Wine Country Sodas are non-alcoholic and made with California varietal wine grapes. These sodas are all natural, lightly sparkling and not overly sweet. Offered in three flavors, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rose these drinks are perfect for your next party. There is a strong clean grape flavor in the Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay flavor is fruity and reminds me a lot of pear and the Rose is a perfect blend of the two.

The colors of these beverages are simply beautiful and even the bottle shape is perfection. I'm always looking for non-alcoholic options for my guests and these are going to be my new go-to beverage of choice! Pouring a glass of this soda for someone would instantly make them feel special and included in the fun. I even had my oldest son, niece and nephew try them and they enjoyed them too.

These Vignette Wine Country Sodas are available at finer grocery stores like Whole Foods and Bristol Farms stores in 4 packs (ah, could be 6 I can't remember!), BevMo stores or online for a 12 pack.

Big thank you to Vignette for sending me the samples and thank you to Cheryl of Sadie James Photography for the beautiful photo!

Sharon

Stylecology - Plan your next party in style

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Stylecology is an online store that offers stylish and unique accessories, gifts and products for every phase of life but also is the perfect place to browse for your wedding supplies. They have a variety of hostess and baby gift options, jewelry, home decor and more but it is also a place I bet you haven't thought to look when designing a party.

Their wedding section is ripe with great party items. Sure, you might not need table numbers for your next fete but these darling peacock seals and favor tags are a must. (other styles available) Set of 25 for $42.

Who doesn't love this old-fashioned one gallon candy jar? So cute. And the price at $13.32 (price break at 4) is very reasonable. Compared to how much some places charge for the apothecary jars, this is a steal! Oh and Stylecology sells some bulk candy too (by color!).

This glass plate ($29) is billed as a sign-on guest plate. I think it would make a perfect serving tray. Could this by my next inspiration board challenge piece? Because my head is swimming with possibilities.

Looking for personalized ribbon? You can find it here a bevy of colors. Not only can you take care of favors for your bridal shower or bachelorette party, but you can also package them up beautifully. They have dozens of options for boxes and bags but I'm partial to their small cloth bags. So cute!

Ribbon wands ($5.50 each), created by Mary Dann, aren't just for weddings any more. They come in several colors and I happen to know several little girls who love to have these at their next birthday parties.
These votive wraps $2.29 each (set of 24) are a stylish option for adding a little special touch to your event. The available designs are very.

There are great baby gifts, items you are going to want for your home, the most beautiful wrapped soaps. This post doesn't even begin to showcase all that Stylecology has to offer. Check them out for yourself.

Follow them on twitter (@Stylecology) for daily discounts.

Sharon

All photos via Stylecology

Inspiration Board Challenge - October

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

I really enjoy this little challenge and I can't believe we are already on to our second installment. There are tons of party blogs and it takes time to weed through them and find those people who's style you really connect with. I am so excited to share with my readers (although most of you are probably already familiar with her work) Kori of Paper and Pigtails.

I adore her graphic design style (she's available for branding and other design work - not just parties) and her printable party packs are some of my favorite online (see them in action on her blog). If you haven't seen her work, pop over and take a look. Her new Halloween pack is adorable and her recent preppy turtle party for her own daughter is so what I would do if I had a little girl. Word on the street is she's got new sets in the works so check back! Inspiration boards are something that anyone can do, but some of us don't get an opportunity or have a reason to do them often. I like that they allow us to get a better sense of the creator's style and gives them another way to express their love for a party. I am so excited to see what Kori comes up with. AND NOW, THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR...

The October challenge piece! I mean, how could you not choose and item that goes right in line with Halloween? I really enjoy this Burlap Pillow Cover by Tobey of My Adobe Cottage. I think it lends itself to so many different styles while being totally Halloween inspired. You simply must check out the rest of her shop. There are many styles of pillows and covers to choose from (um, the North Pole mail bag is a fave) as well as the most ridiculously perfect burlap Christmas stockings and French inspired burlap table runner with red stripes.

I hate that we have to wait a month to see the finished inspiration board! But I do like that this one will be up right in time for Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween, I challenged Jenny of Hank and Hunt (you know, my online bff?) with a Halloween inspiration item as well. Not only did she create the most adorable inspiration board, but she put the party together for a photo shoot as well. And I have the pictures. They are mine. All mine. Muwahahahah. Sorry that was my attempt at a sinister laugh. And they will be up next week. You will want to see them. Trust me.

Thanks again to Kori and Tobey for being part of my challenge for the month! Have a great weekend everyone.

Sharon

Top 3 photos from Paper and Pigtails

Photo of pillow from My Adobe Cottage

Hank and Hunt - Making all celebrations a little bit sweeter

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Dear Martha Stewart,

Do you know Jenny of Hank and Hunt? I imagine you are quite busy with all your businesses and obligations but I think you should know about her. Aside from the stint in prison (at least I think...) you and she have many similarities. To me, the parties she plans go far beyond what most people do, without going overboard. She's the real deal. Inspired by all things lovely, she creates warm celebrations that truly let the guest of honor feel like the most special person in the world.

It's a rare find to come across someone so well versed in so many things. Her knack for finding delicious fonts is second to none. She's always ready to jump in to the kitchen and whip up a batch of scrumptious treats for her party guests. And don't get me started about her party decor. Her design sensibility is something I covet. It's understated, classic and cutting edge all at the same time.

And you need to experience her decadent fabric garlands. So detailed, so luxurious you'll want to wrap yourself in them. Her fabric choices are always perfect. Even though I didn't fluff mine as instructed (I'm quite lazy), they still add the perfect touch to my parties. When you don't have the perfect backdrop, her garlands add a simple visual element to anchor a buffet, a special spot for the guest of honor or even a photo background.

She's recently expanded her Etsy shop to include a party pack with her spectacular fringe garland, a small pennant banner (by the way, she knows the difference between a pennant and a garland - I'm guessing most people can't), and fabric cupcake picks.

Seriously, Martha (hmmm, sounds very similar to a talk show I've heard about) Jenny is on your heels. While we have not talked of her designing a line of pet care products, I know she could do that too. I know you have a lot on your plate but you would not be disappointed if you hopped on over to her blog. Her posts are a highlight of my Internet browsing. I love her themed posts and always marvel at how amazing her entertaining finds are. I realize that you have lots of fans but I don't think you will find many quite as talented as Jenny. The two of you will meet someday (and I hope I'm with her). Jenny's going places.

Sincerely,

Sharon

One Step Ahead and no steps back!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

The way my head works is that I can be reading a magazine, catalogue or even shopping in a store and see something and immediately figure out a way to use it for a party. Is this a useful trait, like say, simple math, not really. But I think it is part of what makes me uniquely me. (Although I think A and T are also afflicted in this manner). So as I was reading a recent One Step Ahead Catalogue I got very excited at finding a few great products that could be used at a future party. I love the divided trays that they have at Pottery Barn Kids (although I just looked online for them and couldn't find them. They could only be sold in the stores, I just don't know, I haven't been there in a really long time). I am not sure about you all, but in this economy (what I am I 50 now?), where we are worried about how much it will cost to fill up our gas tanks, these pricey trays become a very low priority (Starbucks, don't you worry, you will always be my top priority, shhhh, it will be our little secret). But One Step Ahead has a similar tray in a 6 pack for $10.95!!! They come in blue, green and yellow (PBK wins here with their color options). They are microwavable and top-shelf dishwasher safe. They can be reused after the party for your kids regular meals too. I see these being great at all kinds of kids parties including a camp themed party with a mess hall. These trays can also be used as a serving dish or antipasto plate for a more grown up party. The catalogue also has matching sip bowls (6 for $9.95) which would be soooo great for an ice cream social. And last but not least, I saw this Good Bites Mini Bites cutter ($5.95) that would make creating appetizers a snap! It is made for cutting your child's sandwich into small bites and removing the crusts. Um, hello finger sandwiches! It makes me want to have a tea party this afternoon. Well, okay maybe not this afternoon because I don't have the cutter and I would have to spend that extra time cutting the crusts off and cutting in equal portions. No thank you. But maybe soon. Aside from these great products the catalogue also has safety items for baby proofing your home, clothes, toys and all kinds of great convenience items for parents. Okay, time to got get gas, which just happens to be right by a Starbucks. I hope I have a few dollars left over to get at least a few gallons in the car...

s-

Retro inspired party fun!

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Recently A and I were in a Paper Source store. They had a great display for kid's parties and they had some really cute felt hats sitting out. I was just drawn to them. The colors were vibrant, the shapes were retro cool and I could totally picture our kids running around in them. So I had to check and see who they were made by. Some people care about clothing labels. Me, no, party products. I was pleased to see they were by Party Partners. I was familiar with the company as they are sold on Plum Party and you all know how much we love them! It was great to be able to feel the quality of the item that you usually only find online. So of course I had to check out the rest of their line and see just what they are up to. I love it all!!! They have several fun hats including tiaras, circus hats and baby bowlers. They have lots of tooters to choose from decorated in various ways. What I love about their products is that they are retro done in a modern way. Their products have a touch of humor to them, which I adore. Even their straws and party picks are great! I think A may have already posted about their surprise balls (like a mini pinata for each guest) and their most easily accessible products is probably the fun fringe (which I have seen in tons of stores). My favorite category by far is Halloween. If you know me at all, you know that I hate pretty much everything about that holiday on account of the fact that I am a sissy scardy cat. But I love this style of decoration. And if I am to be involved in any kind of way this October 31, it will be with these decorations only. They also have a Holiday section so be sure to check that out too and see how you can jazz up your humble abode this holiday season. And in the spirit of efficiency and savings, they are starting to put together party kits to take all of the guess work out of putting together a theme party. Right now the only kit available is the jungle theme and it rocks. Check it out. All you really need to add is some tableware and food and you've got yourself a party. You can shop directly from their website but also from Plum Party too. I heart Party Partners.

s-

Plates and Napkins

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

I have been meaning to check out this website, Plates and Napkins, for a while now. But I am really lazy. And isn't it funny how the minute you find out you are pregnant, it is the perfect excuse for everything? Like, hey, I can eat an entire 5 pound bag of m&m's, I'm pregnant. Or, I don't have to do laundry ever again 'cause I'm pregnant. So I am sorry if my posts have been lacking lately in humor, thoughtfulness, or have shown any weakness in any area. But I'm pregnant. So, as always I am trying to get this post in before my son realizes that I am not paying attention to him and he comes over like a cyclone and rips the computer clear out of the wall. I was perusing my new Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine and came across her really cute picnic set ups. She had about 3 different moods for picnics and had menus and products to go along with each. One of the set ups had really cute yellow plastic cutlery so I looked up what it was and found that it came from Plates and Napkins. So I popped on over and wow!!!!! I really could have used this site so many times. You know how you have the perfect paper plate in your head, and you have actually never seen it in a store but in your heart of hearts you know that it must exist in this world somewhere? No, so it's just me then? Well, Plates and Napkins is that somewhere. They have themed plates, solids, patterns, modern, (including some by French Bull) and so much more. And that is just the paper plates and napkins. They also have several paper runners to choose which would be soooooo cool. They have place mats, really cute cupcake papers, cutlery caddy's and an amazing selection of plastic cups. It really is more than just plates and napkins. The prices vary, so you will have to click around the site to see if anything falls in your budget, but I do know that the clearance section has a ton of potential options. I don't know how to wrap this post up today, but I'm pregnant so it is okay.

s-