Hi Reader - Easter is just around the corner, and if you're anything like me, you're ready for warmer weather, cute dresses, and an excuse to bring out all the pastel décor. I pulled together my favorite Easter ideas from the blog — tablescapes, treats, and one budget-friendly decorating trick I'm really excited about. Easter tables & centerpieces: Green & white Easter tablescape — fresh, modern, and not overly pastel if that's more your style Green & white ombre floral centerpieces — These...
25 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader - I bought two metallic curtain streamers for my daughters' Dolly Parton/Weather party (you had to be there) — two different colors, two different brands. One came out of the package completely falling apart. I had to scramble to make it look decent, and it was not my finest party planning moment. That's the thing about party supplies — you really don't know what you're getting until you're standing there the day before the party, hoping for the best. I started working on a party...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader - There's a pattern I've noticed after years of teaching party planning — and after making plenty of my own party planning mistakes along the way. Most parents start planning a party the same way: they open Pinterest (or Instagram or TikTok), fall into a scroll spiral, save a hundred ideas that don't quite go together, and then feel completely stuck. Sound familiar? The good news is that this is 100% fixable — and it doesn't require more inspiration. It requires a simple framework...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader - Party printables are one of my favorite ways to create a custom look without spending a fortune. But I know the DIY assembly part can feel a little intimidating if you've never worked with them before. Trimming and assembling party printables isn't hard, but there are definitely some tricks that make the process faster and the results more professional-looking. So I finally put together the tutorial I wish I'd had when I started working with printables. It covers everything from...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader - Can we talk about something that's been driving parents absolutely crazy lately? The birthday party no-show epidemic. You send out adorable invitations. You plan activities. You order the perfect cake. And then... crickets. Or worse—half the kids you planned for don't show up, and you're left with way too much food and a disappointed birthday kid. It's not you. And it's not even really the other parents (well, not entirely). The whole party invitation and RSVP system is broken,...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader - Happy New Year! I don’t know about you, but I’m already thinking about birthday parties for the year ahead. (Occupational hazard, I guess!) And after helping parents plan celebrations for over a decade, I’ve noticed the same four mistakes coming up again and again — mistakes that turn party planning from fun into stressful. The good news? Once you know what they are, they’re completely avoidable. I’m talking about things like: → Starting with Pinterest (which just leads to...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader - Can I tell you about my favorite party of the entire year? Every December, we host a Christmas cookie decorating party. This year, I floated the idea of a Christmas crafting party and my girls vetoed that FAST. So Christmas cookies it was! After hosting it for years, I’ve figured out exactly how to make it easy on myself while still creating that magical Christmas feeling. I just wrapped up this year’s party, and I had to share all my tricks with you while they’re fresh in my...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader - Quick question: Is your child's birthday close to Christmas, Hanukkah, or Halloween? If so, you know the struggle. The packed calendars, the holiday decorations everywhere, and that sinking feeling that your child's special day is getting swallowed up by the season. I get it. My own birthday is two weeks after Christmas, and I remember those combined "Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday" gifts as a kid. Not fun. Here's the truth: your child's birthday deserves its own spotlight. The...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader - Have you seen parents on TikTok and Threads talking about no-gift birthday parties? Some swear by them, others think they're missing the point of celebrations. I'm not here to tell you what to do (you know that's not my style), but I did write up everything you need to know if you're considering a no-gift approach: → Why families are choosing this route→ Popular alternatives (charity donations, book exchanges, group gifts)→ The exact invitation wording that works→ What age kids...
5 months ago • 1 min read