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Life is full of pasta-bilities!

I was looking at national holidays (you know, as one does), and I saw that July 14th is the national holiday for mac and cheese. I am not asking you to throw a mac and cheese party, though you are more than welcome to do so, but instead, I want everyone to throw a pasta party.

Pasta is one of my favorite categories of food. I am a big Italian food fan, so it honestly only makes sense that I am this way. I have been to Italy three times, and each time I have taken a pasta making class with my favorite chef in the world… Chef Fabio!

He is such a fun guy, and he is super Italian. By this I mean that he puts me to shame every time I come back and tell him I have in fact bought boxed pasta again.

He usually just sighs and tells me “but you know how to make pasta, stop eating this garbage!” Yes, those are his words, not mine.

So, I am going to give you guys this super-secret pasta recipe for this pasta party.

First, I am going to tell you how to set up the pasta party.

Basically, we are making little Italy. Since it is summer outside, let’s go for an outdoor dinner party vibe. Get the bistro lights hung, a cute little gingham table cloth placed, and the Italian love songs rolling. Click here for an Italian playlist on Spotify.

For décor, think about making food the centerpiece. That is very Italian. Go simple and let the food do the talking. If you want to get real Italian though, get some empty wine bottles, place skinny, long candle sticks in the top of the wine bottle. This is a super easy but fun way to add some rustic, Italian character to your tables.

Now, for the pasta recipe, we are making tagliatelle.

Just four ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  1. Make a small volcano/nest with your flour and place your cracked egg in the middle of your volcano/nest on a clean, flat surface. (make sure to have a little flour reserved for later)
  2. Add in the salt and olive oil to the nest with the egg.
  3. Take a fork and gently start incorporating the egg mix into the flour. (be careful to not let the nest break and the egg go everywhere!)
  4. Once it comes into a shaggy ball, start to knead it with your hands until a smooth dough ball is formed.
  5. After this, clean off your area and put fresh flour on the surface.
  6. Place your dough ball in the middle of the floured surface, then roll out until thin and flat.
  7. Take your flat dough sheet and roll longways half way. Repeat on the other side.
  8. Now, take a knife and cut ¼ inch pieces that cut across both rolled sides. Repeat until end of the dough.
  9. Then, take your knife, slide it under the cut dough rolls and gently pick up the knife. You’ll see the dough unroll into lovely strips!
  10. Now, boil your noodles for about 3-4 minutes and add whatever sauce you want.
  11. Enjoy!

Here is a photo of me and Fabio.

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Pool Parties with Party Place

Summer is in FULL swing! Now that it is July, that means the heat has cracked up to the max
and school is out for another month for the kids. So, what else could be better to beat the heat
and entertain one’s self than with a pool party!

Even if you do not have a pool at your disposal at your house, we have several other options for
you to get those pool vibes going.

First off, check with your local public pool or a friend that has a pool to set up a time for you to
have a party. This can be as casual and lowkey as you want, and honestly the world is your
oyster. The only thing to consider with a public pool is that if this is an adult pool party, alcohol
is probably not allowed nor glass of any kind. Yet, let’s not let that put a damper on us! You
don’t need anything more than good vibes for a pool party, truth be told.

Now, if neither of those options strike your fancy, let’s think about how to make it a pool party
without a pool. Invest in some kiddie pools (which are pretty inexpensive!!), beach chairs, and
maybe even for extra fun some sand from your local home improvement store to really maximize
the sunny summer vibes we are going for this party.

Honestly, if it is a kid party, kiddie pools are fantastic for the little ones and provide tons of fun.
If it is more for adults, I still think a kiddie pool has a certain comical value that is 10 out of 10 in
terms of vibes. I know my friends and I would absolutely love to host something like that. Again,
just for kicks, you know?

I don’t want to tell you guys how to host the perfect pool party because the perfect pool party is
subjective! However, what I do want to suggest are lots of decorations you could use to make the
pool party, however you want to go about it, extra special and summery.

Here are links to some of my favorite decorations and party supplies for pool parties from The
Party Place:

  1. For the Pineapple Lovers
  2. Colorful Cutouts
  3. No Sand? No Problem? – Beach Table Covering
  4. Shark Attack!! – Napkins
  5. Sally Sells Seashells Plates

Have a fabulous time this summer, and be safe with all your party endeavors.

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That’s Egg-cellent: Egg Party

national egg day

June 3rd is National Egg Day, and I think that is pretty cool. I am unsure of your status on your appreciation of the egg, but I do think it is worth noting. I also think it is great for throwing a party. I know, it sounds weird and unusual, but to be honest, that is the point! No one else is probably throwing an egg party for National Egg Day, and that is something to be proud of for sure.

You might be thinking to yourself, how do I throw an egg party?

egg party

It goes deeper than just having egg decorations and so forth. Think about all your favorite ways to cook and eat eggs. Got it? Good! Now, take all those ways and make a party menu out of it. Celebrate the versatility of the egg. Your guests will surely love the originality of the party.

For the decorations, go with white and yellow! Balloons, napkins, and lots of other subtle decorations will make your egg party pop. Another aspect to think about would be playing into the breakfast vibes. If you want more than egg colors, go for reds and diner colors too!

fried egg

If you are working with an egg menu, you can either go for an egg bar with things like fried eggs, toast, scrambled eggs, and omelets. However, if you’re going for a more made-to-order moment, make some tiny menus with exclusively egg dishes on them. This can be a fun way to make the party interactive, fun, and casual. Cooking food at a party is always a great way to get the vibes going well.

Now, I imagine everyone dressed up accordingly to their favorite egg dish. You can interpret this however you would like, but I think it would be a fun way to really play into the goofiness of this party.

egg party meal

So, have you got some ideas for an egg-tastic National Egg Day?

Come to Party Place to get the most egg-cellent decorations.

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Mother’s Day Brunch

mother's day brunch

Mother’s Day is always such a fun holiday to me. It is peak brunch vibes and little flowers everywhere, at least in my family it is! My mom loves to brunch, and she used to be a florist, so it really checks out!

Even though I cannot be there for Mother’s Day this year because of my final exams (ever in my undergrad!!!!) we celebrated this past weekend. I will be there in spirit for all the mother figures in my life, and of course, specifically for my mom. She has always gone above and beyond for me, so why not give her the best brunch party ever!

moms brunch

I’m taking inspiration from this Mumsy Daisy Brunch party I found on Catchmyparty.com. It is the perfect amount of cutesy little flowers, pastels, and brunch foods that I am sure many moms would love.

There is no reason to go above and beyond in terms of cost. I am sure any mom or motherly figure would appreciate the effort you have put into a brunch like this for this special day.

It is all about appreciation and showing that appreciation for your motherly figures in your lives.

Let’s go through a few of our fav elements from this brunch party.

First and foremost, who doesn’t love a good charcuterie board? No one! Everybody loves these grazing and snacking trays at parties. They look so nice, and they are perfect for any occasion. This is a great way to prevent yourself from having to cook tons of food. Trust me, I have filled up on a charcuterie board too many times to count at parties.

charcuterie board

Cheese Wisely has some lovely charcuterie boards that are made to order, so definitely check them out on Instagram to place an order for any event.

flower straw

For this Mother’s Day brunch, I want to continue with the pastels and flowers. So look for little details, whether they be cups, straws, or napkins that can add a little fun. The small details count the most in my book. So, even if you decide to not do flowers, be sure to check out Party Place both online and in-store to get all the goods for your Mother’s Day Brunch.

Cheers!

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Level Up: A Gaming Party

gaming party

Nowadays, kids play video games way more than with other toys I think! It was popular when I was a kid, but with the never-ending developments in technology and gaming, video games just keep soaring in popularity. Their availability is endless too… on phones, Nintendo Switches, PS5, and so much more.

mario party decoration
Courtesy of Catchmyparty.com

So, why not throw a gaming birthday party for the gamer in your life! I may not be up-to-date on what all games are popular with the kids these days, but we have some super cool retro-pixelated party supplies that are sure to impress.

Personally, I am a Genshin Impact player, but I know things like Minecraft and Fortnite are popular with those kids these days (maybe, perhaps I am wrong). However, I am also a huge Mario fan. Grew up on the franchise, and will forever love and appreciate it.

Anyway… here is a slew of supplies for you to choose from for your party.

  1. Gaming Party Beverage Napkin
  2. Gaming Party Luncheon Plate
  3. Gaming Party Jointed Banner
gaming party plate

You can use our decorations to get a general gaming vibe, and then use more specific decorations (like with the Super Party banner) to reference specific games.

We will go with Super Mario since that is what I know the best, but feel free to choose anything you like. Our plates, napkins, and banners can go with virtually any game!

Make foods and party favors that reference video game characters or elements in the game, to really be with the cool kids hehe.

I love this Super Mario Bro. desserts that reference specific game elements! So easy and cute!

Mario party food
Courtesy of CatchMyParty.com

I think it would also be cool to include a gaming tournament or just a dedicated area for the little gamer and their friends to actually play games!

I remember having Smash Bros tournaments in high school, so this makes me totally nostalgic.

Maybe my next birthday party will be a retro gaming party to relive those days as a youngin’.

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Hop to It!

easter party idea

Easter is a fun holiday! I can’t resist the cute little bunnies and all the pretty pastels. Ugh! A Spring dreamland! Bunnies are definitely a top five animal for me, so you can see where this is going. Totally for the bunny supremacy, duh!

Luckily for all the bunny lovers out there (and Easter advocates) at Party Place, there are TONS of options for your Easter parties, shindigs, and what have you. So, today we are doing less of a party theme, and more so of a round up of all the favorite Easter party decorations we have this year.

Of course, I had to start with something bunny related. I love these cutie little headbands for so many reasons. These are great party table fillers as well as photo booth accessories. These are versatile and cute and do not take up that much space. Even better, they are less than $10 for a pack of 8.

bunny headbands

Keeping with the bunny theme (of course)… we have the most adorable Easter basket ever! It is a plush bunny with a polka dot interior. Screaming and crying over the cuteness. I would love to see my 2 year old nephew carry this as he galivants around picking up all the eggs he can find. If you’re doing an egg hunt, why not do it in style!

I love pastels, I love pink. Bam. Perfect combination here. These plates are perfect for all the Easter goodies that will be coming your way. If you gave something up for Lent like chocolate, then now is the time. Celebrate your love of chocolate on a fancy plate like this one.

Well, those are my top three favorite items from our Easter selection this year. However, if you weren’t digging these, we have plenty of options for all parties and all styles. Take a glance, and you’ll find something you like!

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Llama Llama Party-rama!

llama themed party

Courtesy of Birthday in a Box

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with llamas. Truth be told, I still love them more than the average person, probably. They are just such a goofy animal, you know? Fluffy, long necks, kind of short legs, big eyes… adorable. I just think they look cute and goofy, what more could you want? Anyways, since llamas are pretty popular with kids these days, I feel seen, you know? Regardless of my feelings, I do think llamas are a great theme for a birthday party.

From my own experience—animal-centered birthday parties are always winners with kids. Who knows why? Animals are just fun creatures! Also, I think animal parties are the easiest to buy decorations for, stick to the theme, and engage with the kids. There’s a lot you can do with color palettes, games, snacks, and whatever else when you have one central animal taking the lead.

In this case, we are going with the llama. Lucky for you guys, here at Party Place we love our llamas too. If you click here, you can look at all of our llama-tastic decorations. This includes balloons, plates, cups, and even garlands!

Here are my favorite llama party supplies:

Llama Invitations

Party Blowouts

Llama Balloon

White & Green Llama Party Centerpiece

Once you exhaust our awesome source of llama decorations, your job is relatively easy after that. It’s now all about the arranging and food offerings that you have that make or break a party. However, if its for kids, your job just got easier. I feel like children are easier to please and wow when you throw a fun and colorful party for them. I know my nephew is excited simply at the sight of balloons, haha! Like the photo at the top, I recommend getting one centerpiece-style table, bar, or cabinet that can have all food, cake, and main décor set up on it. This way your main party area is clean, well done, and of course, minimal to clean up.

Especially with kids parties, by containing the party décor to one table and perhaps another for eating and gift opening, as well as an area with a game, you are better off for party clean up and enjoyment.

Don’t make things harder than they have to be! Get those llama decorations and go from there. The décor is always a great place to start and focus your visions. Cheers to all your llama party endeavors. We hope to see you guys soon.

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Luck of the Irish: A Kid-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Party

st patricks day party

Anyone else remember that Disney Channel movie Luck of the Irish? Maybe I am just getting old, but I think that to be the best era of DCOMs. Anyways, I loved that movie, but that is not what we are here to talk about.

I have a nephew that is 2 years old, so this is a party that I would want to throw with/for him. Even if it was just me and him… total party time. So, don’t think you need a bunch of people to throw this party. Just adapt it to your needs. I know me and my bestie (my nephew) will have a grand ol time just with us.

That being said, I did want to share a few of my favorite elements of this party I plan on doing.

Balloon Rainbow Arch

I love a good balloon arch, and so does my nephew. This kid loves balloons. Don’t ask me why, but he does. So, it is a definite yes for me to make an arch for this party! It is super cute to use these rainbow balloons with one shamrock and a golden fringe! I love the simplicity, but full effect these all add together!

rainbow balloon arch

Check our balloon selection here.

Rainbow Waffles

Next, I am obsessed with the rainbow waffles. If you couldn’t tell, we are going for the rainbow theme for St. Patrick’s Day. All rainbows and sunshine over here!

rainbow waffles

Make this simple rainbow waffle cake with a tiny waffle iron ($15 at Target and Walmart), food coloring, and some yummy icing! That sounds delicious, and just like something any kid would be loving!

Rainbow Everything!

Get rainbow plates, gold chocolates, and everything else that makes you think of the lucky attributes of this holiday. The rainbows are a great kid-friendly addition that gets them engaged while still following the theme.

rainbow party supplies

I can’t wait to celebrate with my nephew and do all this fun stuff! It doesn’t have to include a lot of people for it to be a party. Just have fun, and may the luck of the Irish be with you! Cheers!

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Mardi Gras Madness: Laissez les bon temps rouler!

mardi gras party

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!

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

parisian galentines

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