{Snow in Love} Snow Decor

Hosting a Winter ONEderland first birthday, Snow Sprinkle baby shower or Snow in Love engagement party this season?  Then, you'll need a little snow! Even if there is no snow outside, you can still create a snowy experience inside ... which is my preference anyways!  Below are a few ideas for snow decor.

Suggested snow materials include:

Swiss Dot white linens

White china

Clear  or milk glass serving dishes

White round votive candles

Bubble vase filled with baby's breath

Crystal or clear plastic and pearl garland

Clear gemstones

Snowflake ornaments

Clear ornaments

Granular sugar

Powdered sugar

Marshmallows

Coconut

Glitter

What other snow materials do you use or would think to use?  Please leave a comment to let me know.  As you can see in the photo above, I love a mixture of materials, which creates rich texture in your snow design!

For more "Snow in Love" design inspiration, including food and drink suggestions, as well as more photos, please read the January issue of party possibilities.

DIY Ice Cooler

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful holiday season!  I feel like it's just starting for me.  Last week, I was involved in producing an international government conference for the new Republic of South Sudan; hence, the lack of posts.  But this week I'm back in action to share a fun and festive idea for your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day brunch, dinner or open house - a do-it-yourself ice cooler that will look fabulous on your bar.

I made the ice cooler above for my first photo shoot at the beginning of October!  It was a gift-wrapping party and the article was just published in the holiday issue of I Am Modern magazine (yes, I'm so excited!).

Here are the instructions for making the ice cooler.

Cut off the tops of two plastic soda bottles (1L and 2L)

Place the smaller bottle inside the larger bottle

Pour water between the two bottles, and add colorful garnish like cranberries and rosemary

Freeze overnight

Carefully remove the bottles and place the ice cooler in a bowl; I used a trufle bowl filled with more cranberries

For more 'posh in a pinch' holiday party inspiration from this photo shoot, please read my December issue of party possibilities; I've included a lot more photos, courtesy of my friend, Audrey!

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday celebration!

{in season} Gourd-geous Tablescape

Last weekend, during the east coast snow storm, my family visited our local pumpkin patch; it was two days before Halloween and we were without pumpkins!  We found little ones for the girls and perfectly round pumpkins for my husband and I.  I turned my pumpkin into a vase, filled it with seasonal flowers and placed it our dining room table.  I'm not one to brag but I really think it's gourd-geous! What do you think?

To make your own pumpkin vase, select a medium-size, not-too-tall pumpkin.  Cut the top and gut it.  Place flowers inside a glass container and then, insert this container into the pumpkin.  Voila!  In 10 minutes or less you have a gourd-geous floral arrangement, too!

More photos and posh in a pinch tips of my Gourd-geous Gatherings tablescape may be found in this month's party possibilities newsletter.  I invite you to read it and let me know if you like the butternut squash vases, mink brown satin table linens, place setting embellishments and leaf-shaped butter!

'Ritas and Ribs

Have you ever been stuck, creatively challenged to come up with a birthday party theme?  Sometimes, I am, too.  My go-to strategy is to evaluate the guest of honor's interests and hobbies but another option is to consider their favorite food and drinks!  That's what my client did when she hosted a birthday party for her husband.  She invited guests to a BBQ and Margaritas party, which I finessed into a 'Ritas and Ribs party!

Other festive food and drink pairings include:

Wine and Cheese ...classic!

Beer and Brats ...Oktoberfest?

Mimosas & Muffins ...Sunday Brunch?

Scotch & Chocolate ...fit for a man!

Champagne & Cupcakes ...sophisticated celebration!

Mistletoe & Martinis ...office holiday party!

When in doubt, how about Sips and Dips?!!

So back to 'Ritas and Ribs ... if you want to host your own, then please read my September newsletter, party possibilities!  I've included all the details plus lots of photos.

Was this article helpful to you?  If so, please leave me a comment and let me know.

Love Bug B-I-N-G-O

Looking for a fun activity to play at your child's Valentine's Day party?  Try BINGO!

I made BINGO cards for my Love Bug Bash last year and it was a hit!  The cards were easy to make.  I printed the BINGO table (or frame) on cardstock and rubber stamped the squares.  To make each card slightly different (and reduce the time stamping), I filled in some squares with different expressions like BEE MINE or LUV YOU.  We used M&Ms as markers; mini marshmallows would work too!

For more inspiring Love Bug and or Valentine's Day party ideas, including a Love Bug Party Planner (below), please read this month's party possibilities newsletter, published by posh parties, LLC.

Party for a Couple of Love Birds!

Need a little inspiration for planning an engagement party ... or perhaps a couple's bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, anniversary or Valentine's Day party? 

Then, read this month's issue of party possibilities, published by posh parties, LLC!

It features a Party for a Couple of Love Birds

... and includes ideas for an invitation, decor, food and drinks, as well as a free printable Party Planner (below) to make planning easier.  Enjoy!

Click here for larger image and to download this Party Planner.

Cookie Swap ... with a Twist!

The December issue of my e-newsletter, party possibilities, features a Cookie Swap ... with a Twist holiday party!  Basically, gather friends together for cookies and cocktails without baking at 350!  Inside the issue are inspiring ideas for getting the part started - invite text, cocktail recipes, decor and goodie bags.  I encourage you to read it and let me know what you think!

Below are a few of my favorite invitation designs to support the party theme:

{from http://www.shutterfly.com/}

{from http://www.tinyprints.com/}

{from www.polkadotdesign.com}

{from www.partyboxdesign.com}

{from www.polkadotdesign.com}

Which would you choose?