everyday inspiration

Posts tagged “party

Christmas + NYE Picturebook

C H R I S T M A S 

[the start of Christmas break means Mom’s birthday – fun celebration at Midici!]

[Christmas Eve with this wonderful family + a new baking favorite: salted caramel cookies]

[Christmas morning love]

[celebrating Christmas evening with another wonderful family]

B I G  C E D A R
[a few days of rest and relaxation at this amazing place]


N Y E
[the best Hotarman-masquerade house party ever]

[Cheers to 2018!]

xo xo


Picturebook: Fall Party!

I think we can all agree – Fall is the BEST season of all. If you don’t agree, you can just stop reading now.

(Just kidding. Kind of.)

For the first time, I decided to host a party celebrating all the best things of the season – red wine, pumpkin-flavored everything, scarves, boots, and the perfect weather.

And boy, did we have it all!!

See a few pictures below. Unfortunately I didn’t get quite enough for my liking … but I do have a couple of hilarious videos/snaps to show if you ask next time you see me.

img_0145{party outfit goal: basic white girl – fall edition}

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img_0130{drink table, including my signature drink: apple cider mimosas (delish!)}

img_0123{This was SUCH an easy appetizer/dessert – wrap butter-soaked apples, apple pie spice + brown sugar mixture, and pecans in crescent rolls. Cook for 8-10 minutes.}

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img_0029{These were our contributions – apple pie bites (recipe above), baked brie with fig, pumpkin cheesecake bars + pumpkin salsa from fresh market (which was seriously a hit!) This doesn’t show all the amaaaazing food our friends brought. Thanks, friends!}

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img_0038{Love these beautiful friends! Unfortunately didn’t get any other pics with the 20+ people who were there, but I love them too!}

img_0142{late night games: drenga + fingers}

img_0141{final pic of the night with husband <3}

[not pictured: shenanigans on our back patio, including boys + cigars, a hilarious 30 minutes trying to open a champagne bottle with a knife then a shoe, and stories that made us laugh ‘ till we cried.]

xo xo


How to Throw a Star Wars Watch Party, By a Non-Star Wars Fan

Until last night, I had never seen a Star Wars movie. (Well, supposedly I saw one in the theater with Husband, but all I could tell you about it was that Natalie Portman was in it. And I didn’t know until last night that she isn’t Princess Leia…)

Well, now I’ve seen three. But it took about 6 months to convince me to watch them.

Here’s the secret – turn something into a themed party, and I’ll watch anything. I was inspired by this Buzzfeed list – 17 Foods Guaranteed to Excite Any “Star Wars” Fan – so I gathered the troops for a watch party. Star Wars themed attire encouraged. Star Wars themed food required.

Guess what, it was a success! Themed food and drinks are always so much more fun, as you’ll see below. The movies, well … I can’t say I’m a big fan, but I will absolutely be re-wearing my Star Wars shirt to the premiere. (And maybe sneak in some themed food …)

IMG_9390[We made it through 2 movies – Episode IV and Episode V]

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IMG_9364[Just a few of my pun-y names, that I thought were hilarious.
Not pictured: Boba Fett-uccine and (my personal favorite) 5 Leia Dip]

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IMG_9394[This drink was EVERYTHING. I still don’t know who Qui-Gon Gin is, but the drink sure is delicious and looked so awesome.]

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May the Force be with you.
xo xo

 


derby daze

Friday night we went to the ArtInfusion Derby Party at Crystal Bridges. After our trip to the races a few weekends ago and this weekend being the Arkansas Derby, we were all in.

As Lorelai from Gilmore Girls says, “I’ll do just about anything if I can buy an outfit.” So that I did. I found a fascinator at Dillards (which, by the way, I didn’t even know what a fascinator was then I saw photos of Kate and Pippa wearing them and I knew that’s what I wanted instead of a hat) and a bowtie for husband to match his salmon pants (perfect for the occasion, right??).

Enjoy some photos below from our “night at the derby”! xo xo

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{obligatory pre-party selfie}

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{first round of mint juleps – cheers!}

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{love, love, love this photo!}

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{the girls and the boys}

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{the second round of mint juleps}

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{the amazing tour guide, featured: Boy Leading a Horse, Picasso}

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{look who we found heading to the after-party}

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{after-party with penguins at 21c}

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{what a terrific evening with these party people!}


Pop, Fizz, Clink!

This will be one of the first years in recent memory I have not hosted my annual Oscars viewing party. Awards season is one of my favorite things ever and it all leads up to the Academy Awards. A good watch party includes friends, ballots, champagne and red carpet critiquing.

Below are a few photos from my first ever viewing party in high school. The attire was sweats (which back then meant we were all wearing Victoria’s Secret PINK), we traced our hands on a fake red carpet and we drank sparkling cider. 

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228361_1007736826697_3421_nLast year I rented out the theater at our apartment complex and had a special cake made just for the event. You can see photos and read my post here. Unfortunately this year I decided not to host an event. As it turned out, mother nature affirmed my decision, as we’re currently in a thunder-sleet-pocalypse and I’m not sure how many people would have been able to attend anyway.

While of course I’ll still be watching (ballot and champagne in hand) I wanted to share some fun viewing party ideas I’ve seen around the web.

Enjoy your evening with the stars! xo xo

straws{Oscar nominated actor straws via}

popcorn bar{popcorn bar via}

gold balloons{easy gold decor via}

Screen Shot 2014-03-02 at 3.17.52 PM{movie quote cupcakes – TDF via}

Screen Shot 2014-03-02 at 3.17.35 PM{custom labels via}

confetti poppers

{confetti poppers via}

You might also enjoy: 10 Facts You Should Know About the Oscars, Oscar Noms Reviews: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly


And the Oscar for best party goes to …

Theme: Simple with a touch of glam

Attire: Casual comfy with bling accessories

Food/Drink: Pizza + Champagne

Location: Ranch at Pinnacle Point Clubhouse/Theatre

Enjoy some pictures of a few of the night’s details +  honored guests.

xo xo

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{the invite}

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{Kira}

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{Shawn + Rhagen}

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{Amanda + Ryan}

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{Tayler + Luis}

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{Jessica + Jonathan}

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{Jon + Ashley}

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{Lauren + Alex}

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{girls}

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{no papparazzi allowed}

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{Seth McFarlane = hilarious}

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{our very own Oscar}

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{ballots}

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Love, your hosts M + K

You might also enjoy: 10 Facts You Should Know About The OscarsMy Top 10 Movies of 2012