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Author: Lauren Smith

  • Mardi Gras Madness: Laissez les bon temps rouler!

    Mardi Gras Madness: Laissez les bon temps rouler!

    I am one of the biggest Mardi Gras lovers you will ever find. I am not saying this to brag or be different, this is truly just a very simple and true statement. If you know me at all, you would know this is fact. Mardi Gras is one of my favorite holidays! I am Catholic so maybe I am biased, but you seriously do not need to be Catholic to have a good time on Mardi Gras. Though, I am sure you already knew that.

    Let the good times roll, and let’s get this party started.

    Beads, masks, feathers, and more beads… all in the colors of green, purple, and gold. That is all you need to throw a Mardi Gras party of a lifetime. Get gaudy! That’s how you get the best looking Mardi Gras party! Throw in some bubbly, a few king cakes, and a lot of Cajun food, and I am telling you this party will be perfect.

    However, we are going to focus on a tablescape for this party blog.

    Alright, I am using this table below as a foundation and inspiration of what I would want my Mardi Gras table to look like.

    mardi gras decor

    I like the white table cloth that has been died to feature the signature colors, but if this seems like too much to do or not enough time, then definitely go for a white table cloth and festive table runner! Trust me, there are enough decorations to make up for a plain table cloth.

    I am also obsessed with the gold chairs that feature beads hanging off of them. Not only décor, but they also double as guest accessories! Secondly, I like the idea of attaching the traditional style masks for a little sophisticated and historical touch.

    mardi gras mask

    I also am a fan of using anything loud and in your face, so if your party venue allows, these glittery chandeliers could be a dashing touch, along with these festive fan bursts. 

    Lastly, I love that this table used Christmas ornaments that were painted in the style of Mardi Gras to add some finishing touches to the bowls and vases atop the tables. These are great décor fillers, and are super easy to buy or make.

    mardi gras table decor

    Yippee! We are that much closer to one of my favorite holidays, and I can’t wait to get all my supplies so we can really let the good times roll! Don’t forget your king cakes!

  • Oui, c’est Paris: A Parisian Galentine’s Day

    Oui, c’est Paris: A Parisian Galentine’s Day

    What’s more perfect for Valentine’s Day than the city of love? Even more so, why not spend Galentine’s day in the city of love! For all the gals and pals you love so dearly, celebrate in style with them! I saw a Parisian style Galentine’s Day party the other day, and I must share it with everyone. I don’t watch Emily in Paris, but it feels like if you are a fan, perhaps this is the party for you!

    It is cute, sophisticated, and just very fitting for Valentine’s Day. I especially love the Parisian window illustration they have as their main décor. At Party Place, we have plenty of Parisian style lamp cut outs, architectural elements, and more to contribute to your Parisian vibe. It will be like you’re there! You can see those here.

    What’s even better about a Parisian Valentine’s Day party is that the red roses are perfect for both themes! Go to your local florist or supermarket to get some beautiful and fresh roses. Love and Paris… the best of the best!

    For this party, we are thinking of a lovely little tea party, brunch moment. Honestly for the gals, what could be better? Include things like macarons (bonus points for Valentine’s Day colors), croissants, and baguettes for the easy-to-see Parisian factor. Places like Creative Kitchen and other bakeries in Fort Smith have lots of macaron options! Check out Harvest Moon for the most divine croissants and other breads. Your guests will surely be thinking they are in France when they taste that quality!

    macaron

    Anyways, we want to keep the palette pretty minimal and chic with the décor. Think less gaudy Valentine’s Day (which I love), and more of the understated Parisian charm we all know and love. I especially love the plate set up here that features a muted color palette with a lovely design and one chic chocolate bar!

    paris theme party

    More on the food side of things… if you want more than bread and macarons, just go for decadence! It doesn’t mean it has to be expensive, it just means it is inherently fancy or for the more “refined” palette. Again, maybe that sounds intimidating, but I promise that it isn’t. It is all about the simple luxury! Nothing screams simple luxury more than Paris. The city of love and lights thrives off the simplicity of walking and the enjoyment of food in the company of the people they love. So, when you are planning your Galentine’s Day, just think about that! Ask yourself, what would the Parisians do?

    All photos courtesy of Catchmyparty.com

  • You’re a Pizza My Heart: Valentine’s Day Party

    You’re a Pizza My Heart: Valentine’s Day Party

    I love pizza, who doesn’t? Especially as someone who has been to Italy twice… pizza is like a love language for me. I experienced the good stuff, and I never want to go back to dull and flavorless pizza. Anyways, my love for pizza aside… it does have to do with today’s party idea.

    heart pizza
    Courtesy of Thrillist

    Basically, the gist of the party is pizza making, heart shaped pizzas, and lots of love. Even if you just want to do this with your partner, family, or an actual party, this is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day at home.

    First and foremost, we know I love a good food bar.

    Why not make a pizza topping bar for all of your guests to customize their perfect pizza! My idea for the heart shaped dough if you have lots of people is to make it ahead of time for less of a mess! However, if it is just you and your s/o then maybe that would be a fun bonding, cooking experience for the both of you.

    Pizza bar
    Courtesy of Pinterest

    To decorate the food bar, get these cool table scatter hearts to give the lovey dovey gushy feeling. Definitely the vibe.

    Next, have a drink area, and make sure to get cute little red and pink cups (available at Party Place) and little candy hearts… all the corny Valentine’s Day stuff. I love it all!

    Consider making it a mix of corny Valentine’s Day and mamma mia Italia! That is definitely a cute combination and worth it! Red and white tablecloths, wine, and maybe some gelato for dessert. Amore!

    If gelato isn’t your vibe, get some pizza my heart cookies like these from Creative Kitchen. They can definitely whip up some cutie cookies!

    Valentines pizza cookies
    Courtesy of AlphaWorxCrafts

    Courtesy of AlphaWorxCrafts Well guys! That’s all I’ve got for the pizza party. I will probably be doing something similar with my boyfriend. Such a simple but awesome idea!

  • A Freakin’ Freakshake Party

    A Freakin’ Freakshake Party

    Do you know what a freakshake is? Well, if you don’t, no need to feel bad, I didn’t know what one was until I went to Vegas a year ago and saw a whole storefront dedicated to them! Basically, it is an extreme and over the top milkshake, which is probably any kid’s dream (or adult, no judgement here!). So, what make a regular milkshake different from a freakshake are the toppings!

    Candy Shake

    You might simply be thinking that this would mean sprinkles or Oreo chunks, which you aren’t wrong… but dream bigger! Get more creative with things like donuts, pretzels, chocolate bars, other candy bars, full size cookies and so much more. Honestly, the possibilities are truly endless and up to your own personal preferences which makes this a fantastic party idea.

    Even pancakes are a viable option! Check out this one below.

    [pancakefreakshake.jpg]

    pancake freakshake

    I know you might think January isn’t the time to host a milkshake party, but with National Milk Day coming up on the 11th, I find a milkshake party quite endearing and lovely.

    So, its simple! Get your friends together, ask everyone to bring a topping and get a whole freakshake topping bar going! Get super duper extreme these things! You don’t want it to be boring! So take those average ol’ vanilla milkshakes and maybe even chocolate if that is your crowd’s vibe. With these two basic flavors, you’ll be sure to cater to everyone’s toppings they bring.

    This is a great party idea if you’re hosting a family friendly party that doesn’t include alcohol, or maybe a kid’s birthday, game night, or even just a freakshake get-together!

    Be sure to check out these Plastic Mason Jar Glasses for a sturdy and classic option that will be sure to hold all the goodies inside (and they are cute) .

    For straws, you’ll want something that can properly suck up the deliciousness, so get these shake straws to ensure awesomeness.

    Get crazy and get creative! Check Pinterest for some recipes if you want to get super into it, but don’t be shy, just make something freaky!

    Chocolate freakshake
    Courtesy of Rawberry Fields
  • Merry Grinchmas!

    Merry Grinchmas!

    My nephew has an obsession with the Grinch movie from Illumination, which is what I would assume is this new generation’s version of the iconic Christmas character. I watched it, and it was very good and cute, but when I watched it for the 70th time with him… I was a little tired of it.

    However, I never ever get tired of How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey. I grew up with this movie, and it has been a staple for my sister and I to watch at least once (though probably more!) a year at Christmas. Recently, I have noticed that this specific iteration of the Grinch has become super popular again this holiday season (thanks TikTok), so, lets pay homage to the Grinch by throwing a party! Let’s throw ourselves a Grinchmas!

    The great thing about this is that you can honestly tailor the party to any of the Grinch movies, so pending your favorite, you can use different things to make it known which one you’re referencing. Right now we’ll go with the classic animated film, but there is no limit!

    You’ll want to start building your decorations off of the colors lime green and red. Yes, Christmas colors, but you know, lime green is very much so an important color to the Grinch! Think a little gaudy for your decorations, like big sequins, feather boas, and just lots and lots of red and green patterns. You’re trying to emulate Whoville, right? Go crazy!

    I personally love this table setting below that includes all of the aforementioned criteria.

    Grinch party
    Courtesy of Catch my Party

    Next, think about adding in a festive hot chocolate bar for your party. It’s Christmas! Who doesn’t want to indulge in hot chocolate at this time of year?! Keep the same color and pattern vibe from the table setting and get it going. Adding things like peppermints, candy canes, whipped cream, and marshmallows to your hot chocolate bar can really make it pop at the party.

    grinch party decor
    Courtesy of Catch my Party

    Lastly, you’ll want to consider some party games. Whether or not you do classic board and card games or find a festive game like White Elephant or Dirty Santa, it can add a ton of fun to your party. I love going to parties and having a bonding moment through a game. Perhaps you can find a way to incorporate this Grinch suit we have at The Party Place… I think it would add a whole different level of fun!

    Have a great time with this Grinchmas party, and happy holidays!

  • Gingerbread House Decorating Party

    Gingerbread House Decorating Party

    One of my favorite holiday traditions when I was a kid was decorating a gingerbread house. A childhood friend of mine always hosted this super fun gingerbread house party for all of her daughter’s friends, and it was amazing! I looked forward to it every year, and I always appreciated the interesting and unique houses we would all do.

    gingerbread house
    Courtesy of Catch My Party

    This being said, a gingerbread party is definitely something I would like to do again. I think it could be even more fun as an adult simply because it is like a stroll down memory lane. Lucky for all of the River Valley folks, The Party Place has all the materials to make this party a reality!

    First and foremost, if you are looking to go an easier route and not make the gingerbread from scratch, we’ve got some great gingerbread house kits so you’re making the workload a little less intensive. Trust me, making super stable gingerbread to build a house out of… it is difficult. 

    Anyways, regardless of what you do, you’ll need to designate everyone’s work areas, so why not get these holly jolly placemats and name cards to make a festive table setting that can also help minimize the decorating mess.

    You’ll definitely want to get some more decorating materials than what comes with the kits (if you do that) so people can have more unique houses! Some really great and inexpensive options are to get family size bags of candy—like the Christmas M&Ms—or even boxes of cereal! Trust me, Golden Grahams make excellent shingles. Other fun little candies like gum drops or even chicklets are awesome and colorful options, as well as sprinkles!

    cups of candy
    Courtesy of Catch My Party

    Add in a few more table decorations along with all your house décor options, and you’re golden! Put on the classic Christmas music or even a Hallmark movie, and get to decorating. Consider adding in a fun punch, cider, or even sangria to make some real holiday magic! Whether you’re throwing this party for your kid or for yourself, it’ll be a gran ol’ time, and it will make the Christmas season that much more Christmas-y.

    Candyland house
    Courtesy of Catch My Party
  • Give Thanks! (For Coffee + Tea + Cider)

    Give Thanks! (For Coffee + Tea + Cider)

    Howdy! With Thanksgiving approaching, it is time to slow down, reflect, and give thanks for all things that were good this year. It really is a great time to just relax and be thankful. If you’re a college student like me or just live a busy life in general… coffee is probably something you’re thankful for. I know I am. It sounds so cliché for a college student to say this, but oh boy, I am so thankful for coffee. It has gotten me through many days where I have had to work until dawn on a project or paper or anything of the sorts!

    coffee bar
    Courtesy of bystephanielynn.com

    All that being said, I think it would be a fun party idea to throw a Fall/Thanksgiving Coffee and Tea party! It is getting colder by the second, and those hot and caffeinated drinks became way more than just a way to keep you awake. They make you all warm and fuzzy and keep you distracted from how cold you actually are standing outside.

    These types of parties are fantastic for lowkey get-togethers that make the best memories.

    The primary inspiration for this party are our Pumpkin Spice Hot Cups. These are so cute and oh-so-perfect for a coffee and tea party. Plus, they make clean up easy with no dishwashing. Anyways, these are perfect for coffee, tea, or even cider if you want to be festive!

    Autumn Pumpkin Spice Multipack Hot Cups

    The best way to throw together a coffee party is to get lots of different syrups, kinds of milk, and creamers to recreate your coffee shop go-to. Don’t worry about having the fanciest coffee maker in the world. People will love your party regardless because you are taking the time to make great memories and moments with all the important people in your life.

    I know this is exactly what I will be doing for all my friends before we go on Thanksgiving break! A simple yet oh-so-fun party. Better yet, throw on a Christmas movie outside on a projector and cuddle up with blankets and your drinks. It doesn’t get better than that!

    outdoor movie
  • Fall Harvest Dinner Party

    Fall Harvest Dinner Party

    Halloween has come and gone, and it is time for Fall to be in full swing! The weather is finally getting cooler, and it is the perfect time to throw a dinner party with warm drinks and delicious food.

    My mom just hosted her own fall dinner party, and it was super cute! I am going to use her party as the main source of inspiration for this post. Trust me… she does it well. This party is a must! Not to mention that all the food was made by my sister as well. You can commission charcuterie boards through her with her business Cheese Wisely. You can find her Instagram here to order.

    Anyways, let’s get into it!!

    Dinner parties really do not need to be intimidating at all. You just get to throw a great dinner for your friends! They aren’t looking to be completely blown away, they are simply looking for quality time with YOU. That being said, it isn’t all that hard to host a Fall Harvest Dinner Party. You get your decorations, table pieces, dinnerware, and of course, the food.

    mini charcuterie

    I loved that my mom’s party featured my sister’s tiny charc boards… so that everyone had the opportunity to get what they like! If you’re anything like me, I tend to eat a lot of charcuterie at a party, so this is totally the best option to me. No need to overstuff before dinner when it is portioned out for you!

    personal charcuterie board

    Now, for dinner, that can be up to you. Soups are great because you can make them in bulk, and maybe even consider a meat dish, side dish, and of course bread! Think of things that wouldn’t be hard to make for multiple people, and things will be much smoother for you.

    No need to worry about having all matching dinnerware either. I loved the natural, unsophisticated yet classy look my mom’s party had with the mixed dinnerware. It gives a really cozy vibe that totally gives me fall vibes.

    Also, everyone loves a good balloon arch. Besides table pieces and napkins and other such things, decorations are minimal. A good balloon arch will do the trick. Consider even putting this fall leaf garland to add more spice to the arch. Choose any colors you like, and I can guarantee Party Place has all the colors you need.

    fall balloon arch

    Well, that is pretty much all you need to do to host a good party. Take a look at some of our fall favorites for all the party needs here.

  • A Stranger than Usual Halloween Party

    A Stranger than Usual Halloween Party

    With Halloween coming up shortly, it is time to think about the Halloween party you want to throw this year! Last time we talked about a Spooky Cute theme, so let’s change up the vibe if that wasn’t your style. A failproof party idea for Halloween is—drumroll please—Stranger Things! Yep, I am talking about that show everyone went absolutely nuts for a few years back, and with the new season coming out sooner than later, what better way to hype up the return of Stranger Things than with a Stranger Things party!

    This is also a great theme for a Halloween party because if you have watched the show, you know it really gives that spooky, thrilling, Halloween vibe.  Here at The Party Place, we have you covered in all ways when it comes to throwing a Stranger Things party. We have napkins, plates, banners, and even a photo booth kit to take your party to the next level.

    First off, at your party, you definitely have to serve Eggo waffles since those are Eleven’s favorite! What better way to serve them than on our waffle shaped plates! We also have some very fitting napkins that feature Eleven’s face with her iconic nosebleed. Definitely a showstopping addition to any Stranger Things party.  Another thing while we are on food… since we are serving those delicious, childhood nostalgia waffles, you might as well and set up a proper waffle bar!

    waffle shaped plate
    11 Napkin

    Make it simple and sweet with fruit topping, chocolate chips, butter, whipped cream, and of course… syrup! This is a super simple way to pizazz your food at your party without breaking the bank.

    Stranger Things Waffle Bar
    Courtesy of Brittany D from Catch My Party

    Now that is taken care of, let’s talk about the photo booth!

    You can make an easy photo booth at home for great Instagram pictures with an expandable curtain rod that can fit between doorways. Attach a sheet with some heavy duty clips, and you’re golden. Pair that with our photo prop kit and you’ll have the cutest Stranger Things pictures of anyone!

    Lastly, if you’re looking to spice up those decorations a bit more, why not recreate the famous Christmas lights alphabet! These can easily be done with a strand of lights and construction paper (to cut out the letters). This is a perfect addition to your party theme, and it will be the real selling point for any good Stranger Things party.

    Well, no matter if you decide to do a Spooky Cute Halloween party or a Stranger Things one, Party Place has you covered! We can provide all the party supplies so that your parties go above and beyond!

  • A Spookily Cute Party!

    A Spookily Cute Party!

    Halloween is my absolute all-time favorite holiday. Seriously, it is up there with Christmas. I think the decorations are so fun, the movies are great, and dressing up? I love that! It is a wonderful holiday that is filled with so much fun! Plus, who doesn’t love a holiday with a bunch of sweets! There is so much you can do for a Halloween party that doesn’t have to be filled with horror and gore! Spooky cute is trending, and let’s just say it is calling your name for this year’s Halloween party theme.

    What’s spooky cute?

    This is what I call a perfect amalgamation of aesthetics. It takes the scary aspects of Halloween and other such things, and it puts a cute, harmless twist on it! I love it! This about a witch or ghost. Scary stuff! However, brighten up the colors and make it a little softer and more childlike… you’ve got a spooky cute ghost and witch.

    This image below captures the aesthetic perfectly. With colors like pastel green, lavender, peach orange,  black, and silver, you can have a softer more inviting look than something with dark green, orange, and black! I love the balloon arch with the one witch balloon. It adds a specific Halloween flair without being too gaudy or scary!

    Halloween table
    Courtesy of Catch My Party

    We also have some napkins and plates that match this theme well found here.

    Next, let’s talk about food! Anything and everything goes for a Halloween celebration. I think classic pumpkin cookies are a perfect edition to any table spread. Creative Kitchen right here in Fort Smith, AR can create a batch of pumpkin cookies that look straight picked from the patch.

    pumpkin cookies
    Courtesy of Catch My Party

    Lastly, incorporating candy in a more sophisticated and theme-ready way is one way to elevate your spooky cute party! Things like test tubes with gummies or candy eyeballs can be a spooky cute vibe when done right! Again, focus on a good muted color palette that takes traditional Halloween colors and just brighten them up! It is the best way to ensure a truly fabulous Halloween party that looks trendy, aesthetic, and most importantly… spooky cute.

    Halloween candy
    Courtesy of Catch My Party

    Stop on by Party Place for all your Halloween needs. Our balloons are perfect to incorporate the color scheme and don’t forget to look for serving utensils and plates!

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