This post is a guest post from a reader, Annie Harrington, who wanted to share her story of prepping for a party for Working on it Wednesday. Annie Harrington is a small business owner, writer, and amateur photographer. In her free time she enjoys writing about ways other business owners can positively impact their brand image with unique printed material. She also dabbles in party planning and DIY projects.Working on it Wednesday is all about projects and parties in the works— Please enjoy Annie’s work in progress and feel free to share any tips and ideas in the comment section!
Birthdays are my favorite excuse to throw a party.
My friend’s birthdays are my favorite birthdays to celebrate.
(Well, until my little guy’s first birthday… I’m sure.)
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| Alicia’s birthday cake from last year—Carrot Cake! |
My friend Alicia has a birthday near the end of November which gives me the perfect excuse to have a Fall themed Dinner party in her honor. I’ve been brainstorming on the party for about a week now and I’m getting quite excited about it.
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| Table from Alicia’s birthday dinner 2 years ago. |
I’ve decided to make the party a sort of challenge for me to help me keep it on budget and to inspire me to do some fun DIY projects for the blog.
The Details:
Guests: Approximately 16 Guests
Color Scheme: Browns and Blues inspired by this Inspiration Board from Creature Comforts
Inspiration Board Links: Burlap and Lace Poms from Jenny Cookies,Winter Tablescape from unknown via Pinterest (if you know please let me know so I can link), Color Inspiration Board from Creature Comforts, Clear Bottles as Candle Holders
I’d like to explore different textures and lighting for this party…
and of course have some delicious food!
Food Inspiration Board Links: Braised Beef Short Rib Pot Pies from Martha Stewart, Spinach with Garlic Chips from Pioneer Woman, Roasted Carrots from Pioneer Woman, Cake inspiration from Jenny Cookies
The Challenge Rules:
Decoration Budget: $25 (must use mostly items that I already own)
Food & Favor Budget: $100
As we are a foodie group each of the guests are bringing a bottle of wine and a dessert or appetizer.
So, my food and favor budget must cover the main course, 2 sides, 2 bottles of wine and favors for 16 people. Certainly a challenge, but totally doable!
Gift Budget: $0— Must be completely homemade from supplies I already own.
This would be slightly less possible if I didn’t already have something in mind and have an over abundance of supplies at the moment.
I’m really excited about this next party
that I’ve been gathering inspiration for lately.
(I’m still working on my Beer before Baby party and will have an update on that one soon…
but, wanted to share my inspiration gathering for a different party that I’m working on.)
I have a dear friend that for some crazy reason I ALWAYS forget that their birthday is coming until the day it is here. The past couple of years we’ve celebrated the occasion nearly a week or two late, mainly because I don’t remember and plan something til way too late.
Well, this year I am going to be on top of it… mainly because she is
{AWESOME} and deserves a fabulous party.
So, I’m currently
{WORKING ON}
a Library Themed Birthday Party
for this dear friend.
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| My Pinterest Board for A LIBRARY THEMED BIRTHDAY |
A little background on this friend:
She LOVES books as much as I do… maybe even MORE.
(Which, I would have a hard time believing of almost anyone… but, she is studying to be a librarian.)
She is easy going. She loves wine. She loves good food.
See why we’re friends?
I think she is a CLASSIC lady in every way.
She is sweet, proper and just so beautiful… I think of her as a LADY. Which makes me want to put some fun girly details into this party (although, I wouldn’t call her girly…)
Some of my favorite “PINS” from the above Pinterest Board:
I love the idea of using “book pages” throughout the decor.
(Check out how the pages were used in an awesome party over at Catch My Party.)
Unless I have an extra copy that I don’t mind cutting up then I’ll most likely make copies of pages to cut up and use throughout the party decor. But, I think the idea is just AWESOME.
(Check out how the pages were used in an awesome party over at Catch My Party.)
Unless I have an extra copy that I don’t mind cutting up then I’ll most likely make copies of pages to cut up and use throughout the party decor. But, I think the idea is just AWESOME.
This book bag makes me laugh out loud.
I may just have to buy it!
I’d like to either have a bookbag decorating activity or possibly make some bags for favors.
I may just have to buy it!
I’d like to either have a bookbag decorating activity or possibly make some bags for favors.
These beautiful bookmarks are DIY!
(Check out the DIY instructions HERE.)
Again, I’d like to either have a bookmark making activity or make a few in advance as favors.
(Check out the DIY instructions HERE.)
Again, I’d like to either have a bookmark making activity or make a few in advance as favors.
This invite (well, and this entire party) really inspires me. I love the idea of using the details from a library (not just the books) throughout the party.
Besides looking delicious this cake would bring in just the necessary amount of “girly” into the party.
(Of course it is a Martha creation.)
I think it is just beautiful!
I think it is just beautiful!
Thanks for checking in with my current project!
Do you have any suggestions for a Library Themed Party?
Also, what projects are you working on?
