Invites

Recently, I hosted an event where I wrote "Significant Others Welcome" on the invitation. You can imagine my annoyance and frustration when some people showed up with husbands and children. The party was a happy hour, an occasion that children do not normally take part in.

When you receive an invitation, it's important to read the fine print. One should never assume that a significant other or child is invited unless specified. The names listed on the outside of the envelope are the invited guests. If it says Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the Smith children are not invited. However, if addressed to The Smith Family, then the kids are welcome to attend.

Have you ever been in a similar situation? Share your stories with us below!

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This holiday season we're giving you free, downloadable invites. Last week I showed you two festive invites and today I've got two more! The Hanukkah invite is elegant and simple, while the Christmas one is fun and fabulous. All you have to do is download, print, fill in, and send. Happy hosting!

OK, so you're not throwing an ugly sweater party this holiday season, but what about a holiday party? A festive cocktail, a delicious dessert soiree, or a laid-back brunch are great ways to gather friends together. Set the tone by mailing them a red and green themed invite. We've created two free, downloadable invites that celebrate the season. One features a girl and a Christmas tree and the other has an ornament theme. Start by clicking on the links above to download them. Next print, fill out, and send. So what are you waiting for? Go get your holiday party on!

This year instead of hosting a swanky (and expensive) holiday cocktail party, consider throwing an ugly sweater party! The theme is informal and fun, yet totally festive. It's an ideal party for introducing new groups of friends because the ugly sweaters break the ice and create easy conversation. To help you get your holiday party on, we've created a free downloadable, ugly sweater party invite! All you have to do is download, print, fill out, and send. Voila — instant holiday party. Don't forget to carry the kitschy theme to the menu by serving cheese balls, Chex mix, and slippery Santa shots. Happy hosting!

This weekend my girlfriend is hosting a holiday sample sale for her jewelry line. After the sale, I've invited everyone over to my house for a tree-trimming party. The event will kick off the holiday season, so I want it to be festive and fabulous in everything from the invites to the specialty cocktail. Since many of you are probably hosting your own holiday soirée, take my ideas and convert them into your own party. I've already made and sent the invites. To learn how I created the one seen here, read more

Too busy to think about Thanksgiving? No worries, this week I'm planning a quick and easy Thanksgiving dinner that requires little effort and minimal stress. With help from the grocery store everything on the menu can be made the day of. A dinner party that gives thanks can be stress-free and delicious. Instead of hosting a formal fete, host a casual meal with the emphasis on friends and family. To get started, call guests to invite them to dinner, or send these easy, hand-written invites in the mail. Learn how I made them and, read more

Thanksgiving is the biggest food holiday of the year; the entire celebration revolves around the meal. Thus, I'm planning a Thanksgiving dinner for foodies — those who love to cook and eat. From the invite to the decor I've got you covered. Take my ideas to make your own memorable and scrumptious Thanksgiving. Let's start by sending elegant, homemade invitations. To see how I made the invites shown here, read more

Just because the economy is in a downward spiral that doesn't mean you should call off your plans for an amazing Thanksgiving dinner. Now, more than ever, is a time to get together with loved ones. This week I'll be discussing my ideas for a Thanksgiving dinner that won't break the bank. Whether you're a student with a small income or were recently laid off, I've got you covered. Take my tips and translate them into your own delicious meal.Usually, I'm an advocate for sending handmade invitations through regular mail, but between the cost of supplies and stamps, the first way to start saving is through an email invitation. If your group is smaller than 5, invite each guest with a phone call. For a larger group, create a quick, fun emailable invite like the one seen here. To learn how I made it, read more

November 4th, 2008 is possibly the most important day of the year. Since it's such a significant night, no one should sit at home nervously waiting for the next president to be announced. I've joined forces with LibertySugar and together we're hosting a party at a neighborhood saloon called Elixir. Owner and master mixologist H. Joseph Ehrmann has assured me election coverage will be aired. This week I'm sharing my party plan, so you can steal my ideas and host your own political party! The big day is only a week away: invites need to be sent as soon as possible. To see how I made these email-able invites, read more

Last Halloween I went all out and hosted a huge blowout bash complete with geometric pumpkins and a dangerously delicious punch. This year everyone is expecting me to host another big party, so I'm doing the unexpected and hosting an intimate Halloween-themed dinner for 12 lucky guests! Everything about the event from the invites to the food will be Halloween related. I'll share my ideas and tips here and you can translate them into your own Halloween fete. Let's start with homemade invitations. To see how I made these informal, fun invites, read more