Making a List... Checking it Twice

I'm starting to work out all of the details of Emme's first birthday party this spring. Right now I'm just thinking of the theme (bees!) and obsessively surfing Pinterest, looking for cute DIY ideas (and let me tell you... wowsers... a lot to chose from there!) Of course in my pinning, I keep coming across great free printables for all sorts of things - checklists, party themes, household decorations, etc., and that leads me to announce two things: 1) I've requested a Partytopia pinterest log-in so that I can pin to my heart's content and you all can follow me there. 2) I'll be adding a printables section to this website to categorize some of these Pinterest gems in one place, plus I'll probably add some of my own. As a caveat, I am no graphic artist, but hopefully I'll be able to come up with some cute things that you can make your own. Free of charge, of course... 'cause I'm big-hearted and generous like that. :) If you come across great printables that you would like for me to share, send them my way!

Nautical and Nice

I'm spending the weekend at the Naval Academy, and while walking around downtown Annapolis today I mused on how fun it would be to host a nautical party served up colonial style. I'm thinking navy blue, hunter green and red with weathered brass accents. Everything with a slightly beaten and weathered look. Lots of texture. Some natural fibers and maybe some fancy knots.

For instance, while this cake is lovely, it politely suggests Martha's Vineyard  while denying me entry to its private yacht club.

From Hostess with the Mostess

This cake would serve me lemonade. The party I'm talking about has stiff tavern punches with at least a fifth of rum. In lieu of cake, there is rustic apple pie. There are oil lamps, and delicious crusty bread and whipped butter. Throw in some rowdy parlor games for good measure, and we have a recipe for a wonderful event. 

Maybe some day I'll live on some water, or at least have a pool, and we can make this one a reality!

Getting Serious in the New Year

Deep inside... deep inside... I have a blogger hiding in me deep inside....

Ok - so that's a terrible pun on a song I haven't sung since I was a kid. But you get the point. I really do want this site to be a party planning resource extraordinaire, so I'm going to make a New Year's commitment to regularly post gems on here. I mean, I'm a Pinterest addict, so finding inspiration shouldn't be remotely difficult, right?! :)

I do have some news to share. First, the coat closet to home office renovation is complete! Hubby surprised me with the custom remodel on Christmas Eve Eve. How he managed to do a construction project in my own house, under my own nose, without me knowing is still beyond me. But oh I how I love the space! I have a few more accessories to throw on the wall, and then I will take pictures to share with you all here.

Second, I am thrilled to be working with a great friend, excellent baby-sitter and best house- and dog-sitter a gal could wish for to help plan her July wedding. She has agreed to allow me to share the boards on here, so look for those next week!