Whether large or small, it seems dangling parasols from the ceiling (upside down) is the decor du jour. I'm quite partial to the small ones...the large ones seem odd to me, for some reason.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
i spy: dangling parasols from the ceiling
Whether large or small, it seems dangling parasols from the ceiling (upside down) is the decor du jour. I'm quite partial to the small ones...the large ones seem odd to me, for some reason.
60-second centerpieces?
That headline caught my eye on Real Simple's website (I always forget about their great entertaining ideas, I don't know why!). Anything in bulk in a similar color palette can be stunning, and this carnation centerpiece proves the point. For more '60-second centerpieces', look here.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
chef / kitchen / cooking party
Another favorite Aussie with another awesome party. Too fun! The apron cake, the make-your-own pizzas, the utensil favors- someone had a blast coming up with this one.
via... nathalie of imprintables
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
tania's party #3
Tania's saved one of her most fun parties for the boys (thank goodness, I was starting to get jealous that I couldn't have a tea party or sleepover for my little G). The paper chains, the repetition of the same letter in various sizes and mediums, the graphic color palette- all are right up my alley. Plus- I'm in love with the dangling donut game...
tania's party #2
I can't help but ooh and ahh over these adorable little girl parties. How I would have loved playing grown-up at this tea party! What a dream...more from Tania here.
tania's party #1
I fully believe there is something in the water in Australia...every party I've ever received from an Aussie is truly divine. Tania has graciously shared three of her brilliant parties with me. The first up- a sleepover! Check out the details...I really can't get past the girls-tucked-in-bed cake.
Monday, April 27, 2009
the exchange
Every year Gen and I have an unspoken competition as to who can out-package each other's birthday gift. Our birthdays are a week apart, so we usually exchange gifts sometime in late April. It's not so much about what is in the package, but how the package is wrapped. While I'm desperate to see what treasures are inside, I try to linger on the wrapping for as long as I can stand. She always, always out does me! Though to my credit this year- I was preparing for a dinner party while also trying to wrap- it didn't get the attention it deserved. Next year, I will try again...
bzzz...it's a bee party
Sunday, April 26, 2009
still loving...
...this party set-up discovered on absolutely beautiful things. Garlands strung from the tree and blankets on the ground- what could be more lovely this time of year?
(Of course, I'm envisioning myself without all the sneezing and itchy eyes that come my way with the pretty weather).
cotton candy loveliness
I'm not much for the taste of cotton candy, but this photo sure makes it look delicious.
via...a field journal
sesame street party
If you (or more likely, your child) are a fan of Sesame Street- you should check out Christopher's 3rd birthday party, hosted by his mom, Jenelle. The cupcakes are super cute.
reader question of the week #2
reader question of the week #2:
"My husband and I both turn 30 this year- and I really want to plan something special for him/us. We are military, USAF, and have just moved- so we are away from friends and family. I'm sure we'll have some close friends nearby by the time our birthdays arrive, but I don't want to force a big party with a lot of people we sort-of-know and kind-of-like. I could really use some creative ideas to pull close friends and family together across the world to wish him/us a happy celebration. Here's a few things about us: 1) We met in Brussels while working for our church; 2) We have 2 kids- one boy, one girl; 3) He loves Bruce Lee, Arnold Schwarzenneger, Paul Rudd, movies, games; 4) I love running, sewing, Paul Rudd, games, violin; 5) We live in New Mexico, in the desert, now. Any help you could give us would be so appreciated. Thanks! -Dayna"
reader question of the week #1
reader question of the week #1:"I have a daughter who is about to turn three. She told me she wants a 'guitar' birthday party. I thought that was a pretty fun theme, but unfortunately for her, I am not nearly creative as the people on your blog. I need some cute ideas for cake table decorations, party favors, etcetera. Anything along the lines of music/guitar! Thanks! -Stacy"
To submit your query for question of the week, email me at hickspapergoods(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thursday, April 23, 2009
rifle design
I'm sure I'm late in the game discovering the brilliance of Rifle Design. I adore the illustrative style, and was thrilled to see she (Anna Bond) is an Orlando resident (just outside my hometown of Winter Park, FL). She even designed a whole suite of wedding items for a Winter Park wedding...the ceremony took place at my rehearsal dinner site. I love making those connections- sometimes the world feels so small!
very exciting...
Whitney and her team have been working tirelessly (on many things and) on the Hicks Paper Goods website. I'm so excited to finally have a place where the collection can be viewed in its entirety! There are still some kinks to work out, and some tweaks to make- but stay posted and check back frequently.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
lucky to be...33
When my husband asked what I wanted for my 33rd birthday, I replied that I wanted a party for some friends - with him cooking, serving, cleaning. He quickly (surprisingly!) obliged, and I have to say it was one of the best birthday gifts ever.The plan...
I have long wanted to host a 'lucky' party- one that celebrated all the friends in my life that I felt lucky to have. The reality of throwing an all-out bash was overwhelming, however, so we decided to have a small-scale dinner for some close friends. We decided that 6 was a manageable size- which turned out to be the perfect number (even though one had to cancel at the last minute). I figured with my husband taking care of the big stuff, I could finally take time to focus on all the small detail stuff that I enjoy doing. However, this was...
The reality...
I realized not much more then a week before the party that I had not sent out invitations. It was too late to send out an HPG creation, so I threw something together quickly. I printed the invitations and Super 77'ed some remnant wrapping paper to the back to give it some pattern. Once the invitations were out, I thought I would focus on the fun small stuff. However, with a weekend trip, a mis-scheduled house cleaning, and the usual mom brain- I neglected to focus on any of the fun stuff until the day of. And I was too busy cleaning and taking care of my son to really go to the lengths I had planned on. I was still pleased with the results, though.
I used a 'lucky'/horseshoe theme- chocolate horseshoe favors were given to the guests, with a blurb telling them what I was lucky to have them for (kindness, humor, spirit, friendship, creativity, etc). Horseshoes I purchased on etsy were loosely placed on the cocktail table and dinner table. I wanted everything to be cohesive, but not too thematic. I used the wrapping paper as the jumping point for the color palette- red and pink and lots of white. My husband (who I promise dressed himself), even showed up in a pink striped shirt and tie- perfect!
The evening couldn't have been better, and I really couldn't be any luckier to have such good friends and an amazing husband. I'm already trying to talk him into doing it again next year. I highly recommend a similar evening as a fabulous way to ring in a 'boring' birthday.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
must see...
Chelsea is doing a fabulous series of tablescapes for Project Wedding- incredibly inspirational, even if you are on a budget. If you haven't already checked it out, look here.
'bath party'
I love this 'bath party' from Fine Little Day...though to be honest, I can't quite figure it out. I need to know more!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
can I just say thank you?
I was so thrilled to be asked to be a part of this year's Cause for Paws committee- a yearly luncheon put on to benefit the Nashville Humane Society. I have had 'volunteer more' on my to-do list for a long time, so I jumped at the opportunity. But then I found out what I would be doing... asking for donations. For me- you might as well be asking me to fly around the country (hate flying) or give a speech in public (terrifying)- so the thought of backing out of the commitment definitely crossed my mind more then once. The thought of those dear animals, however- kept me going- particularly this year when so many pets are being abandoned due to economic circumstances. This isn't exactly an ideal year to ask for help- and while I definitely got more then a handful of no's, I was overwhelmed and so appreciative of all the yes' I did receive!
I really can't thank these generous people more then enough...
smoothie king / west end location
reader question of the week
reader question of the week:
"I have a 9 year old boy having a birthday soon. Any ideas you can recommend would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! -Denise"
To submit your query for question of the week, write me at: hickspapergoods(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
classic circus party, take 2
The circus party seems to be the theme du jour. Check out Arnelle's circus party... it is full of treats to delight the eye. All the details here.I'm off for an early weekend to celebrate my 33rd, help host a good friend's baby shower, and head off for a mini-trip to Atlanta!
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