Fall is in the Air...

Although I live in Florida, the state of eternal heat and humidity, I can definitely tell that fall is in the air.  Our weather has been cooler (80 instead of 95, with 50s and 60s at night), Halloween decorations are adorning homes in our neighborhood, Guavaween (Tampa's Halloween festival) is weeks away, etc.  I thought I would celebrate the coming of Fall, and all things related to Fall, with this blog post.  I have a fall-themed party to present as well as a harvest-party inspiration collage that I put together.

My cousin and creative director, Melissa, lives on Long Island, NY, where I truly believe that celebrations have developed into an art form.

This weekend, she went to a fall-themed birthday/anniversary party that was so fabulous, I was jealous I could not attend (as I live in a completely different state, 1000 miles away).  There was a decadent cocktail hour, a three course meal, a tiered cake, a dessert spread, and dancing all night long (to the actual band the Duprees, nonetheless!).  These pictures provide just a taste of this fabulous fall event:

Fall also inspired me to put together this inspiration collage which reminds me of harvest-time, Halloween, and Thanksgiving goodness all combined into one.  I hope this collage inspires you to plan such a warm and festive party!

Harvest Party Inspiration Collage

Sources

Favor Tags on Black and White Polka Dot Favor Box

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tomkatstudio

Orange and Black Lollipops

http://www.hammondscandies.com/index.php

Blue Check Cupcake Wrappers and Toppers

Harvest Invitation

http://celebrationshoppe.com/

Chocolate Dessert Platter

http://www.brownies.com/default.aspx

Harvest Paper Cones

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoshPartyPretties

Autumn Dessert Table

www.pizzazzerie.com

Harvest Cake Bunting

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KikiLaRu

Harvest Favor Circles (For use as cupcake toppers, favor tags, etc.)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/papercupcakedesigns

Pumpkin and Cream Cheese Whoopie Pies

http://www.sweetjaneswhoopiepies.com/

Pumpkin Fondant Cupcake Topper

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwoSugarBabies

Orange and Black Dessert Table

http://www.amyatlas.com/index.php/main/

Orange Fabric Flag Bunting

http://www.etsy.com/shop/giggleberry

Harvest Surprise Balls

http://www.acmepartybox.com/

A Remarkable Red and White Wedding...

I just spent the weekend in St. Louis, MO for my youngest cousin's wedding.  From the pre-party to the ceremony to the reception, everything was beautifully coordinated! 

First, I have to give props to my cousin Jeffrey, who did the graphic design work (save-the-dates, invites, etc.)  BTW, he is the one who designed the logos for Pocket Full of Parties!  Second, I have to acknowledge the amazing and enchanted ceremony location that my cousin and her husband chose.  I can see how this pavilion inspired the entire red and white whimsical theme. 

The pre-party held on Friday night incorporated the red and white theme.  What stood out to me were the yummy cupcakes with the red and white toppers that my cousin made!  (Creativity and craftiness must run in the family!)

When I arrived at the ceremony on Saturday afternoon, I was immediately struck by the little details: popcorn and lemonade for the guests as this is a favorite of the couple, programs and table signs designed to match the save-the-dates and wedding invitations, etc.

The bridesmaids, groomsmen, and groom coordinated with simple outfits that complimented the theme.  But, the icing on the cake for sure was the beautiful bride!!  Her dress was modern and stunning, and her beauty truly popped with her to-die-for red shoes and red bouquet!  These were first viewed as she arrived to the ceremony with her dad (my uncle) by horse and carriage.

The reception to follow was held in a microbrewery - how very cool and very St. Louis!  As I walked up the stairs into the reception room, I was filled with anticipation regarding what further decor would greet me.  I was not disappointed.  There was absolutely perfect place card holders, darling favors, tastefully dressed tables, and a fabulous wedding cake (that was yummy, too).

I hope my cousin's wondrous red and white wedding provides some inspiration to you in planning your own affair!

Inspiration Collage for a Boys Party!

I had so much fun researching for and creating this inspiration collage!  I wanted to focus on young boys and what many of them love best: BUGS!  Yuck!  :)  There are so many fun things that you can do with this theme.  Here is my inspiration collage (Cost to purchase a similar inspiration collage with sources: $25):

Sources for the Boys Bug Party

Dragonfly Lights

http://www.oogalights.com

Spider Pinata
http://www.findgift.com

Bug T-Shirt

http://www.etsy.com/shop/appledonia

Hanging Blue Dragonfly (available in other “boy appropriate” colors)

http://www.bugs-n-blooms.com

Assorted Exotic 8” Dragonflies

http://www.partycheap.com

Bug Juice

http://hurrayic.blogspot.com

Gummy Bug Dessert

http://hurrayic.blogspot.com

Bug Antennae Headbands

http://www.theatrehouse.com

Bug Catchers

http://www.ebay.com

Printable Bug Coloring Sheet

http://familyfun.go.com/

Bug Party Printables

http://www.etsy.com/shop/chickabug

Simple Bug Invite

Bug Sweets Jars
Bug Cupcake Tree

http://ohgoodiedesigns.blogspot.com

Introducing Inspiration Collages

Looking for a fun way to get inspiration on a party? Try one of our inspiration collages!

An Inspiration collage is perfect for the true Party Do-It-Yourself-er!  If you need a little inspiration to get started on planning your child's party, a party inspiration collage provided by Pocket Full of Parties is the perfect fit!  Your custom party inspiration collage will include 8-12 photos, along with the sources.  The photos will include coordinated ideas for decorations, desserts, & party printables.  The collage is digital and will be e-mailed to you. The cost is $25.  

Inspiration for a Pink Party!!

Inspiration Collage Sources:

Pink Cupcake Tree

http://www.amyatlas.com/index.php/main/

Pink Striped Backdrop with Flag Banner

http://blog.amyatlas.com/

Pink Rock Candy

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com/

Pink Cloth Napkins

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com

Pink Tissue Poms

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com

Pink Tablescape

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com

Gingham Pink Party Hat

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com

Pink Favor Idea with Printable Pink Party Circles

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperandPigtails

Pink Party Invitations

http://www.thecelebrationshoppe.com/

Promotional Video

My brilliant Creative Consultant, Melissa, created a promotional video for Pocket Full of Parties.  I am in love with it!  Check it out and let me know what you think.  :o)

Oh, and I wanted to provide an explanation for why I have not done Monday's Great Find since about a month ago.  Besides Kira's party distracting me, I have been putting a lot of work into the developement of the Pocket Full of Parties Business (developing packages and pricing, designing a brochure, putting together policies and a contract, advertisement, etc.)  Once I feel as if I have a handle on this, I will again return to my usual Monday feature!  I think it is so important for all party professionals to support and appreciate one another!

Children's Party Network

I have been lucky enough to have had my daughter's second birthday party featured on a variety of amazing party planning websites and blogs.   I am finally posting some pictures from the party here on my blog!!  


What is most exciting is that I was able to include this slide show here through a new website, the Children's Party Network.  It is an online community of, well, children's party planners like myself.  I am so excited to be a part of this community and to enjoy interacting with other party professionals!  I hope you check this website out and that you enjoy the pictures of Kira's party!!




Find more photos like this on Children's Party Network

New Logo!!

I have a cousin, Jeff, who is a talented graphic designer.  Since July, we have been working together to develop a logo for Pocket Full of Parties.  As of last week, we came up with two logo designs that I am thrilled about.  I have decided to use both of them for different applications (business cards, letter head, etc.)

Here they are:

I am now officially ready to have permanent business cards:

Front:

Back

And other things I am considering ordering, such as a small car magnet and address labels:

In case you are interested, I developed the business advertising materials at Vistaprint.com