Well folks, it's time for me to plan my favorite event of the year — my birthday party! Since I threw a blow-out bash at a bar for 27 and a big picnic at an oyster farm for 27.5, I've decided that, for 28, things should be more subdued. Thus, I'm hosting an intimate dinner party for me and my 20 closest friends. The dinner will be served in my grandfather's gorgeous backyard, but before I can think about the menu, I have to send invitations. To learn how I made the ones seen here, read more
Come Party With Me: Technicolor Luau — Invite
Every Summer FabSugar hosts a luau. Since Fab is so fashion-forward, the theme is not your typical Hawaiian-shirt extravaganza; each year she picks a different style for the luau. Last July she threw a sophisticated black-and-white soirée, and next month, she's going vibrant with a technicolor luau. Fab and I often collaborate on parties and this time will be no different. I'm doing the planning and cooking, she's doing the hosting. To get things started, I had to make Fab an invite. Learn how I made the one seen here and read more
Come Party With Me: Annabelle's Birthday — Invite

Meet Annabelle Buffy Durbin, FabSugar's cutie-pie, social butterfly Frenchie. Always the adorable center of attention, Annabelle's fourth birthday is on July 14 and Fab's throwing her a paw-ty next weekend.
She asked me to help with the the planning, so all this week I'm sharing the details with you. Consider hosting a party for your pet! Before we can talk doggie cupcakes, Fab has to send the invite.
To learn how I turned this picture of Annabelle into an emailable invitation, read more
The Card Shop: Hello! Lucky Wedding Invitations by Joel Dewberry and EIEIO
As if weddings weren't exciting enough, one of my favorite stationery companies, Hello!Lucky, has just launched two new collections of wedding invitations designed by the talented textile designer Joel Dewberry and decorative paper studio EIEIO.
Each collection includes an average of six different designs, with varying colorways and the option to order the works: RSVP cards, save the dates, wedding announcements, thank-you cards, accommodations cards, reception cards, directions cards, menus, place cards, and seating cards.
Additionally, all of the materials can be printed either digitally or by letterpress — I'd go with the latter if I were you! My favorites are Sparrows by Joel Dewberry and Chandelier by EIEIO, each $97.50 for 25. So chic and elegant, but a bit contemporary, too. Check out all of the Sugar network's wedding coverage here!
The Card Shop: Cynthia Warren Wedding Invitations
When it comes time to plan your wedding, Cynthia Warren may be the perfect woman to design stunning, bespoke invitations for your big day. The Bay Area-based artist has designed for events of all sizes, from small, intimate weddings to gala fundraisers for Alice Waters's renowned restaurant Chez Panisse. Warren will work closely with you to translate your story into an artful design that's not only elegant but memorably unique, and one that reflects your personality and taste. Leave it up to this Jill-of-all-trades to design everything from invitations and menus to individualized keepsakes and candy boxes for your event. With a background in illustration, calligraphy, and typography, her hand-drawn lettering and imagery give your wedding a sense of history, before your marriage even begins! See more of her work when you read more
Introducing Our Invitation Collection Created Exclusively For Pingg!
Introducing Our Invitation Collection Created Exclusively For Pingg! You know we love the printed invite, but we created such cute engagement party, bridal shower, and bachelorette invites and save-the-dates, we couldn’t help but share them in any way possible. Pingg lets you email your guest list and send reminders . . . and of course there’s an option to print and mail the old-fashioned way!
Announcing Our Free Invites on Pingg!
Just in time for wedding season, I'm extremely excited to announce our partnership with my favorite online-invitation service, Pingg! Our fabulous designer has created a series of invitations for you to customize and send for free. Whether you're looking for an invite to an engagement or bachelorette party, bridal or baby shower, we've got you covered with multiple designs for each occasion. Pingg is incredibly easy to use: you simply upload the event information, customize the invite to your liking, and select your preferred method for sending (you can email, Facebook, or print and snail mail). I hope you will enjoy these wonderful invites as much as I do!
Come Party With Me: Bedazzle Bonanza — Invite
Some people may think a bad economy is not a very good time to host a party; however, FabSugar and I disagree. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to gather up a group of friends and host an affordable get-together. That's why were throwing a Bedazzling bonanza. We'll supply the sparkling snacks and rhinestones, and everyone invited will bring an item (t-shirt, canvas tote, belt, headband) to Bedazzle.
A Sunday afternoon is ideal for this sort of crafty party because it's after lunch, so only small nibbles are necessary, and on a work night — meaning no one will have a desire to drink heavily. All week, I'll be sharing the details of our party with you. Use them to throw your own fabulously creative event.
If you don't have a Bedazzler, consider a painting party, a knitting soirée, or cooking class. Save money and time by sending the invites through email, Facebook, or evite. To learn how I made the invite seen here, read more
Party Foul: Assuming the Kids Can Come
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!
Download Our Free Holiday Invites!
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!