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xmas in july :: mantel decorations
One of the first things I do when putting up my Christmas decorations is to decorate the mantel. It gets me in the holiday spirit, plus it's a small enough area that can be completed fairly quickly. Quick is not the case for this beautiful display I spotted via desire to inspire! 500+ glass ornaments hand wired and twisted together - WOW! Now that's a mantel!!!! I definitely have a new inspiration for my own fireplace. Simply stunning!
xmas in july :: annual series
It's baaaaack... last year I did a little series called xmas in july. Throughout the month, I shared Christmas traditions, ideas and crafts from my own family as well as showcased some other great ideas I had stumbled across. If you are anything like me, the holiday season sneaks up so fast and I feel overwhelmed. So, in an effort to alleviate those stresses and actually enjoy the season, I thought I'd get a jump on things. It worked last year, so I wanted to do it again. (If you like it, we can turn it into an annual thing???) I know it's weird to be thinking of Santa Claus, white Christmas' and eggnog while the thermostat soars outside, but just think how nice it will be to be one step ahead.
To kick us off, I go to the amazing Martha Stewart team. I have had this idea saved in my Christmas inspiration folder for years, but unfortunately I only have one tree in my front yard. If you are blessed with trunks, check out the supplies needed and how-to here.
And wait, I just had an ah-ha moment.... Since we just celebrated the 4th of July, stars and stripes are on my mind. This project would work for Independence Day too! You could use red and white lights for the stripes and blue lights for the star. To do this, make sure to plan ahead and buy the colors this holiday shopping season.
To kick us off, I go to the amazing Martha Stewart team. I have had this idea saved in my Christmas inspiration folder for years, but unfortunately I only have one tree in my front yard. If you are blessed with trunks, check out the supplies needed and how-to here.
And wait, I just had an ah-ha moment.... Since we just celebrated the 4th of July, stars and stripes are on my mind. This project would work for Independence Day too! You could use red and white lights for the stripes and blue lights for the star. To do this, make sure to plan ahead and buy the colors this holiday shopping season.
happy birthday america
Happy Birthday,
AMERICA!
I hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday!
Please remember our current soldiers, as well as past, who have worked so hard for our freedom.
fourth of july ideas
I just finished putting together a couple of last minute 4th of July gifts. I wanted to share in case anyone else needs some last minute ideas.
My family and I are meeting some friends tonight at our town's firework display. I made all the children in our group a little favor - a bag of perfectly ripe summer fruit. (Isn't it ironic that strawberries, blueberries, and cherries are all in season around the 4th of July!? Sure comes in handy, huh?) I started with a gusseted poly bag. For the fruit, I used Rainier cherries because they are red and white along with blueberries to round out the colors of this patriotic holiday. For the tags, I printed little American flags, cut them into circles sized to fit some tag sale tags I already had on hand. Then, to finish the package, I tied a coordinating ribbon. Quick and easy, but still festive!
Next up, is a little hostess gift I threw together. (I was inspired by this idea from You Are My Fave via Pinterest.) Tomorrow we are headed to see some friends that just moved to Marblehead, Massachusetts. Beyond their housewarming gift, I also wanted to bring a small gift thanking them for having us. With it being the holiday weekend, I took a patriotic spin for the ribbon and tag. A gift we can all enjoy together while making memories. And, who doesn't love to eat watermelon on a beautiful summer day!?
And finally, look at this other fabulous idea found via Pink and Green Mama via Pinterest... we will definitely be doing this on Monday! The kids will love it!
My family and I are meeting some friends tonight at our town's firework display. I made all the children in our group a little favor - a bag of perfectly ripe summer fruit. (Isn't it ironic that strawberries, blueberries, and cherries are all in season around the 4th of July!? Sure comes in handy, huh?) I started with a gusseted poly bag. For the fruit, I used Rainier cherries because they are red and white along with blueberries to round out the colors of this patriotic holiday. For the tags, I printed little American flags, cut them into circles sized to fit some tag sale tags I already had on hand. Then, to finish the package, I tied a coordinating ribbon. Quick and easy, but still festive!
Next up, is a little hostess gift I threw together. (I was inspired by this idea from You Are My Fave via Pinterest.) Tomorrow we are headed to see some friends that just moved to Marblehead, Massachusetts. Beyond their housewarming gift, I also wanted to bring a small gift thanking them for having us. With it being the holiday weekend, I took a patriotic spin for the ribbon and tag. A gift we can all enjoy together while making memories. And, who doesn't love to eat watermelon on a beautiful summer day!?
And finally, look at this other fabulous idea found via Pink and Green Mama via Pinterest... we will definitely be doing this on Monday! The kids will love it!
ny rangers cake
A couple of weeks ago, I filled a cake order for a woman who bought a gift certificate I donated to a cancer benefit for a little girl who is still in a fight for her life. (Prayers welcomed and needed!) The purchaser decided to use her certificate for her husband's birthday. As you can probably guess from the finished product, he is an avid New York Rangers fan. I had the logo printed on sugar paper and placed it front and center on top. Along the sides, I made plaques with numbers of well-known players and a hockey cake wouldn't be complete without a few sticks and pucks about.
new look
www.apartystyle.com
Welcome to the new look of A. Party Style! I am thrilled with the new design and I hope you like it too. Beyond the look, there are a few other things I'd like to point out. There are now pages at the top (some still "in the works"). I also switched domains in the process, so new web address as well as a new email. I'm a dot com now - I feel so grown up! :)
I didn't do this alone - trust me! I could not have done it without the talent (and patience) of Carolyn. She was fabulous to work with! If you are in the market to tweak your blog or do a complete overhaul, Carolyn is your gal. You will not be disappointed. Check out her work here. (While you're there, check out her cool stories about living in Austria.)
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