Here Comes the Bride

Hello friends. Did you know June is the most popular month for weddings, so why not make this month on Peoples Paper about planning a wedding. Practically every day this month we're talking about weddings… Are you ready? There are a lot of blogs that talk about weddings. I visit them on a daily basis and love the information they share with readers. While we'll talk about ideas and DIY projects, we also want to talk about some other things too like setting your budget or why hiring a wedding consultant is more necessary than you think. We hope these tips and our experience can provide you with good information that will help you plan the wedding perfect for you. So let's start planning.

The Party's over…

Today is the last day of our Celebration spectacular.  We've talked about all aspects of planning a wonderful party that all your summers soiree's should be fabulous!   As a party planner, I love parties and planning them.  So while this blog is about stationary and starting a business, it is party planning that helped me to discover what I love---designing stationary.   I know you're wondering what will you find on People's Paper in June?  WEDDINGS!!! Yes, that's right we're planning a wedding next month.  Actually, we're highlighting all the things you need to know about planning a wedding.   This includes helpful tips, party plans and so much more all while still sharing our journey of starting a business.

Don’t forget the Party Favor

I know when planning a party sometimes the last thought on your mind is a party favor. Well, re-think your thoughts on the party favor. Whether your hosting a large or small celebration, that treat guest get to take home with them is a great reminder of all the fun they had. So as we start to conclude our Party segment of the Summer Celebration Series and move into weddings here are some tips on the types of party favors to give.

Sweet Treats: Who doesn't like a little something sweet packaged in a goodie bag or box for them at the end of the evening. Picture them nibbling on their treat while recapping the party in car.

If you want to give guest something sweet think about these items:


Frosted cookies that commemorate the event. Have your local bakery create a lovely message design or even picture on the cookie. This bakery out of New York, Eleni's cookies does all types of parties and events.

Think Chocolate you can't go wrong with this cocoa confection, so why not give guest a box of truffles, a brownie from Mari's New York, a chocolate bar with your own specially designed paper, or customize some M& Ms for the event.

Have a Cupcake! This one is my favorite (mainly for my love of cake) but why not if guest have enjoyed each other's company or no one felt like sweets give them as a gift as they leave.

There is nothing better than a bag of candy. Whether your 2 or 52, candy always does the trick. Now don't go to the grocery store and find the first bag of candy you see. Think about candy creatively. Maybe give out jelly bellies in your party colors or give guest an old-fashioned swirl pop, or candy you loved as a kid. Visit Dylan's Candy Bar (then schedule an appointment with your dentist)

Not all of us want to give candy, so think about maybe some other items like these…

CD mix- if guest enjoyed what they heard why not burn CDs of your music mix so they can enjoy it on the way home or when they're working out.

Gift Card- Don't panic! Think about a gift card to Starbucks.

T-Shirt- Some parties are so much fun they require a t-shirt so friends can commemorate their attendance. That's like my New Edition Concert T-shirt from 8th grade. Some experiences like parties say it best with a t-shirt.

Deck of Cards-you can customize a deck of cards and have them printed and give them to friends as they leave (this is perfect for game night or vegas themed events)

Personal stationary-if you're hosting all ladies, a lovely note card set with their initial is always a wonderful parting gift

Finding the right party favor for your celebration can actually be a lot of fun, so when you're thinking about your party and all its details don't forget the party favor. Your guest will be glad you remembered.

(pictures sources: Mari's New York; Eleni's NYC)

“Where’s the Camera?”

Does this phrase sound familiar? Usually we miss great pictures from our party all because we don't think about having the camera anywhere in sight. Today, let's talk about taking great photos for your party. I should say that for your own party there's no need to hire a photographer but here are some cool ideas for capturing all the moments that even you might have missed….

IDEA #1: Purchase a few disposable digital cameras (some color, some black and white). Give these cameras to friends who you know will be up to this challenge. Ask them throughout the night to take photos of everything at the party and then on their last shot have a picture taken with you (the hostess). You will be surprised at the photos and how your friends capture the same party. That's what makes this idea so much fun. By mixing the color and black and white photos it gives you different perspectives and dimensions to all the shots taken. Now, you need to ask friends who will not forget after they took two pictures. If you need a little incentive (give out a gift card to Starbucks or something).

Depending on the size of your party, is what will determine how many cameras: For 25 guests have 2-cameras; 50-guest 4-cameras; 100 guest 6-cameras.

IDEA #2: If you're hosting a party with a guest of honor, it's rare that they get to talk to everyone, so when guest arrive, take their picture and then post them on a wall, and have them sign their photo with some thoughtful words. Once all guest have signed, put them in a cool photo album for the guest of honor to enjoy (hint: this could be your gift to them—wink -wink!) To do this you will need a Polaroid, film and if you can't greet everyone, you'll have to ask a friend to be responsible. But the end result is a great keepsake.

IDEA #3: While being the hostess is important, take a moment to enjoy the party and grab the camera and take a few candids and posed shots of your guest. Take the hostess hat off and put on the partygoer cap and snap away.

Now, besides these cool ideas, here are some things to do before the party starts so you don't end up spending half the party searching for your camera.

1.Purchase film, batteries, disposable cameras in advance. Don't wait until 10 minutes before the party to realize you need a camera.

2.Set out the camera in a visible space. Place it in the central hub of the party like on a table, counter top so that when you need it, you can grab it.

3.Take photos of everything, food, guest and have one taken of you too.

4.Have Fun!

While our summer celebration series winding down, I hope that when you're celebrating with friends and family you don't have to say "Where's the camera?"

Happy Celebrating!

I LOVE MUSIC: The Remix!

As promised today we're talking all about building your playlist. I must confess I LOVE iTunes and think it is WONDERFUL for a music lover like me because I have all access to all types of music. Today we're talking about how to find music for your party mix.

Those of you who love music via a music sharing or download site, I say go forth and search for all the music your heart desires! You're a music downloading pro so all I can do is give you some of my favorites to downloads (at iTunes). Look at the end of this posting for the list. Now one thing I will share is if you want to take it up a notch, check the mixes made by other people/members on the site plus the pre-mixed selections created by the site. I know with iTunes, that the iMixes and iTunes mixes are actually pretty good.

For those of you who are not into all that music downloading or sharing, don't worry, there are plenty of great CDs that you can build a mix off of and have your party grooving from start to finish. My favorites are: Eryka Badu Worlwide Underground; Bar Grooves (Anything); Habitat Collection. Plus Check the playlist below.

Whether you're downloading music or purchasing the CDs and being the DJ, finding music for your party is effortless and easy. I bet at the end of the night friends will ask for a copy of your mix. It's a long list so brace yourselves.


Hip Grooves and Beats:
Jazznova; Heavy; Sweetback; D Nell-1st Magic; Lisa Shaw-Cherry; Habitat Collection-twilight, poolside, beach; Om: Ibiza ; Large Groove 2006 ; Zero 7; Hotel Costes; Rhythm Lounge vol 4; Large Grooves 4; Om : Lounge vol 10; Om : Lounge from the vaults vol 1; Buddah Bar; Verve Remixed; Bar Grooves: Mimosa,Frosted,Fresco, Metropolitan, Magenta, Citrus, Azure; Thievery Corporation - The Richest Man in Babylon;

Great Rap and R&B:
DJ Jazzy Jeff; John Legend- Once Again; Maxwell-Urban Hang, Suite, Embrya, Get to know ya; Robin Thicke; Pete Rock the Surviving elements from Soul survivor sessions II; Brand New Heavies; Tribe Called Quest; Rashaan Patterson; De La Soul; Eryka Badu; Common; Talib Kweli; Mos Def ; Floetry ; Dwele ; India Aire; Musiq Soulchild; Eric Roberson; Stereo MC?s – Supernatural; The Roots – Phrenology; Nerd feat Pharrell; Zhane; D'Angelo; India.Aire.

Mellow and Jazzy Mix:
Pete Belasco; Sergio Mendes; Bebel Gilberto; Roy Ayers-Virgin Ubiquity Remixed; Verve Unmixed; Incognito (Bees and Things) ; Scotch and Soda by blue note (import); Jazzflora vol 2; The jazz influence; Re: Jazz remix; Electro Bossa.

Old School Flavor:
If you're looking for great soulful old school music here are a few of my favorites: Atlantic Star "When Love Calls"; Midnight Star "Curious" and "No Parking on the Dance Floor"; Earth Wind and Fire—Anything fast will work!; Dazz "Let it Whip"; Cheryl Lynn "To Be Real"; Maze "Before I let Go"; "Ain't no Half Steppin" Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew; Gap Band "Outstanding"; Chaka Khan "Ain't Nobody"; Donna Summer "Love To Love You Baby"; Stevie Wonder "All I do" plus others; Barry White "Can't Get Enough of Your Love" "Ecstacy"; Shalamar "Make this a night to remember";

I hope these suggestions get you started building your summer party playlist.

Happy Mixing!

Let Them Eat Cake!

Ask anyone who knows me, and they'll tell you I LOVE cake. If there is cake I'll never turn it down. So today for our Summer Celebration Series we're talking about cakes and other sweet treats for your celebrations. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, housewarming or after work mixer, dessert is the sweetest ending to a perfect party. While everyone will love the invites, decorations, music or food, it's what you serve for dessert that people get the most excited about. So how do you pick the right dessert for your party? Keep Reading. (photo courtesy of Baked NYC-dulce de leche cake)



Before you order the cake, here's some questions to ask yourself…

Q. What type of party are you having?

A. The type of party usually predicts what type of dessert you will serve. You can't have a birthday party without cake. But for a housewarming, you may think about serving your mom or grandma's special cookie recipes and creating a cookie bar. Another idea is to think about an ice cream bar for a back yard BBQ or brownies and rice krispy treats for a late-night mixer.

Q. What's your party theme?

A. I know I keep going back to that word THEME but believe it or not, a theme will make all your party planning sooooo much easier. If you're hosting a Hawaiian Luau, why are you pulling out the cake? Look for a sweet treat that fits with your theme. If you're hosting a fiesta, DON'T settle for cake think about a Mexican chocolate cake, Flan, Tres Leches cake or my favorite Sopapillas (with honey)! Sticking to your theme can often streamline your dessert choices.

Q. How many people will be at this event?

A. Size of your party ALWAYS matters when thinking about dessert. The number of guest will determine the quantity needed so when you're thinking about elaborate desserts, think of how much that will cost and if it's in your budget go for it! If dessert will end up breaking the bank re-think your dessert ideas.

Q. What's the age of the guest?

A. Tres Leche's cake will not work at a child's birthday party. Think about who is on your guest list and their age. You know you're guest and you know whether flan will go over real big or if you will be eating flan for 2 weeks.


OTHER TIPS…

Be creative: Whatever you choose for dessert be creative with it. Make the brownies into game pieces or make cookies that look like letters of the alphabet just have fun!

Be aware of food allergies: we can't be aware of all food allergies out there, but if you have a friend allergic to peanuts, don't put them in the dessert.

Know your guest of honor: If the birthday girl doesn't like chocolate cake don't order chocolate cake. If you must have chocolate cake (I understand) be creative and maybe do chocolate and vanilla cupcakes or have to smaller cakes or mix and match desserts so the crowd and your guest of honor are happy.
(photo from sprinkles cupcakes-party cupcake tower)

So this whole talk about cake would be null and void if I didn't share some of my favorite cake places across the country and oh yea some of them deliver... For those of you (me included) who love baking I've linked to some cool cake recipes to add to your recipe file. Enjoy!


Favorite Sites:

Sprinkles Cupcakes; Baked NYC; Lovin' Sullivan Cakes; Cake Girls; Crumbs Bake shop;

Recipes:

Martha Stewart Kids Carnival Cake; Vosages Chocolate; Real Simple-birthday party chocolate cupcakes and vanilla cupcakes

Required Reading

Today I'm taking a break from all the party info I've provided to give you a required reading list. Now, not all of us love planning parties and these books will help you create innovative events that you can make authentically yours. I personally own all of these and as a seasoned party planner I pour through these books anytime I need a good idea so why shouldn't you? Whether you are a party planner by nature or one who needs a little guideance, these books are perfect! You can find all of them at your local barnes and noble, borders or other local book store.

Fete Accompli-written by two well-known publicist who plan parties for the stars this book is full of party planning tips, ideas and even DIY instructions for assembling various types of party decor. Oh yea! this book also has a workbook for those who need a bit more assistance.



Party Confidential-This book is also from the same publicist who wrote Fete Accompli this book is a bit more party focused with the same helpful hints and DIY and just as idea filled as their first book.



InStyle Parties-if you're an avid reader of InStyle magazine like I am, then you know that at the end of every issue they created these wonderful parties that you could create for your own celebration. This book has many of the parties seen in the magazine plus a few new one too. Their details instructions on how to do it yourself are perfect when you're planning a party at the last minute.



Simply Green Parties-Ok I don't have this one but while I was looking through Barnes and Noble online I fell upon this book that focuses on how to plan a completely "green" event. I love it! I've added this to my list.



Great Parties for Kids-For those of you who want to plan a party for your cute protege that is beyond Blues Clues or Dora The Explorer, this book is full of cool kids parties for children ages 0 to 10.



Handbook for Hosts: A Practical Guide to Party Planning and Gracious Entertaining-This book is put out by the magazine Town and Country Before you think its out of your league, its not, its pretty helpful in giving you etiquette cues and being a gracious host.



Real Simple Celebrations- The magazine Real Simple created a book that follows the same style of their magazine...creating simple, effortless and inexpensive ways to celebrate all types of events. I read this book and was ready to throw someone a birthday party.




There are so many books about parties, but not every book has what many of us are looking for when we want help in planning a party. The books are great for brainstorming, recipes, and creating a party from start to finish. Just add them to your list of books to purchase.

Happy Reading!

The Gift Giver

What kind of gift giver are you? Are you the type to just walk into a store find something put it in a gift bag? OR Are you the type who looks for something that fits the person you're buying the gift for? Whether you're a gift giver by nature or one by force, here are a few tips to get you through the process and have people enjoy your gifts (in our next entry we'll talk about "re-gifting").

When searching for a gift here are some tips:

#1 Identify your purpose. If this is a birthday party you need to get a gift the birthday girl or boy will enjoy. Think about their hobbies, favorite colors or foods and look at a gift that will reflect the things they love. Oh and by the way if you're lost in the dark on trying to figure out what to give, ask them a few questions to give you a little guidance on identifying the best gift for them.

If you're searching for a Hostess gift, then go for something that would work in the Hostess house. If you're invited to her parties, you know her house. Find a cool kitchen gadget, cookbook, or cooking accessories (oven mit's or apron) that go with her kitchen. In essence a hostess gift should be about the hostess. Don't bring bottles of wine because that is a gift for the party but not for the hostess. One cool idea I heard once is to send the hostess a flower centerpiece arrangement this will help her with the decorations but also be an unexpected surprise that she can display for everyone to see.

#2 Know your budget don't break the bank on a gift. Be creative. I know for some of us, creativity is displayed in the design on the gift card. If you're on a budget, look at doing something that is partially assembled for you (like a stationary set or coffee set) so that all you have to do is add a few little extras to make it your own gift.

#3 Take your time most of us don't think about gifts until the day of the party. Then we rush to find anything and don't take the time to think about what a good gift would be. Give yourself some time to find something nice for your friend don't rush the gift creation process.

#4 Find a friend if all else fails, call a friend. We all have a person in our lives who is good and finding cool gifts. Enlist their help.




#5 Find cool wrapping paper or bags-So once you've found the gift why not top it off with lovely wrapping paper. Whether it's a cool gift bag or flashy wrapping paper why not top off your gift and wow your friends with cool gift wrap. While you can visit your local Target for cool wrap and bags here are a few other places I just love! wimsy press;Hedi;eieio

I know shopping for a gift isn't always easy and sometimes we need a little help. Check us out on Friday for our Gift Idea List and best places to find gifts easily.

Happy Gift Giving!

Did You RSVP?

When that glossy invitation comes to your mailbox or email box, what do you do? If you RSVP--Good for you! If you don't--let's talk....

While we may not think sending your RSVP is even necessary the truth is your friend hosting the event wants to know that your coming so that she can get the right amount of food, not run out of drinks or scramble around to create a last minute party favor for you. So why not say "I'll be there" you will be so glad that you did plus, when you host a party you too would like to know how many people are planning to attend.

Some thoughts to erase from your RSVP list:
"They know we're coming"
"I missed the deadline so we'll just show up"
"No one RSVP's anyways"

Ignore these silly phrases and respondez s'il vou plait

Invitations Part Deux

When it comes to invitations there is definitely variety. Today I've collected a sample of invitations that can fit your budget, themes and levels of craftiness. Enjoy!


THE DESIGNER INVITE: Every year my sister places a request for an invite for my Niece's birthday and after talking to my niece to learn the array of colors that must be included, I create the invite. With a designer you have a blank canvas in which to create an invite. You can be and simple or as ornate as you desire. If your budget doesn't permit all the bells and whistles like some of these below, select a pre-packaged invite that suits your party theme. Here's a save the date created for a birthday event.




THE PACKAGED INVITE: When you need an invite quick and do not want to contact a designer these types of invites work perfectly for any event. I am in the process of creating my own line of packaged invites. Here is a sneak peek to one of my packaged invite designs.



THE DIY: Creating your own invites from scratch seems like a lot of work, but really is just as easy as filling in the blanks on a packaged invite. Here are some links to great invitation kits that are perfect for different events. [insert pictures for these too]

These DIY animal card kits would be perfect for an animal themed birthday for kids



http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/kits/diy_animal_card_kits.html

Create a cool pop up card using the instructions from Martha Stewart Crafts



http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/index.php?v=msc_proj_popupcards&sort=-price


or the used the same site for instructions on making your own foldable cards




http://www.marthastewartcrafts.com/index.php?v=msc_proj_foldedcards&sort=-price



Need more DIY resources check out: Michaels, Target, Hobby Lobby and other craft and art supply stores for products and step-by-step instructions.

Happy Creating!

You're Invited!

When it comes to hosting a party the invitation gives your guest their first peek into what they can expect at your party. Whether you stand in the invitation aisle of your party supply store sifting through party invites or create your own follow these simple steps for finding the right invitations.

1. Know your theme-If you're hosting a birthday, brunch or open house, setting the theme will help you in picking out the right invite.

2. Know your guest- Your invites should match your guest for kids pick cool vibrant color invites with animals, shapes or symbols. For adults look for stylish and chic.

3. Know your budget Sometimes we have the money to splurge on a custom design other times we may want an invite that is a bit more cost-effective. By setting your invite budget you won't end up using decoration funds to cover invitation cost.

4. Be Creative!- Step outside the box and look for invites that are unique and not something you see everyday. Whether you do it yourself, enlist a creative friend to make them for you or call a designer, make your invite fun.

Once you have found the perfect invite fill them out in clear and legible handwriting. ***Here's a tip: Ask a friend with cool handwriting to writ out party invites for you. Don't forget to include your RSVP date and contact phone number.

When you're ready to send your invites give yourself 3 to 4 weeks before your celebration.

Need some hints on creating your own party invites? FRIDAY I'll share some invite samples for your celebrations

The Art of the Party

I've been playing with the idea of having a birthday party for myself this year, and before thinking about food, the guest list or even what music to play, I first thought about the theme of my party. When planning a party a theme gives you focus so that everything for your party matches back to the theme. Party themes can range from your favorite colors to a Hawaiian luau. Whatever theme you pick it is the theme that will help you select the invitations, music, food, decorations and party favors. For me, I'm thinking about an 80s themed party.

I'll keep you posted
Happy Creating!

Welcome Summer

While its not Summer just yet, I'm excited by its arrival. Why? My birthday falls in the summer, I have sandals I've been dying to wear and can't wait to attend all the parties and gatherings friends will host throughout the summer. While all of this is enough, there's more...

I'd like to introduce a new series that will be featured on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays called The Summer Celebration Series. While paper is my passion, so are parties and throughout the Summer I will feature chic, fun and unique ways to celebrate. For May our focus is all about parties. In June we'll celebrate weddings and by July we'll talk babies.

For all my friends who love paper, don't fret, you'll be surprised how much of this series will feature paper in all styles, shapes and forms. Look for our first entry in the series "You're Invited"

Happy Creating!