YumSugar

Trend Spotting For Spring and Summer 2012: Rainbow Multi and Mixing Pastels With Neon and Metallics

Guest Writer — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:00:53 PDT

We're excited to present a trendspotting post from Alana and Sara, designers behind the chic Australian party goods and stationery company Poppies For Grace.

Rainbow Multi

Poppies For Grace creates rainbow button envelopes and confetti bagstissue balls. We see this trend in fashion event decorations, stationery, upholstery, and almost everywhere we turn. We started producing the multi colored envelope packs around the same time as Japanese washi tape was becoming hugely popular in Australia.

We think this is the perfect time in color history for us, as we love to wear brights. That means there is an abundance of choices, which is something we haven’t seen before.

Our color choices take inspiration from floristry art. The perfect bright bouquets get us very excited! Nature has always been the key inspiration in our designs as we look forward to Spring each year, and keep the Spring feel alive in our studio year round with bright colors.

Having children has also heightened our love of color. We want their children to be surrounded by color, which symbolically represents celebration, glee, merriment, joy, and extravagance.

Pastels, Neon, Metallic

These combinations are the pairing of great friends. Two are loud and totally extraverted, while the other is quieter and softer. While they are different, all are full of beauty and bring different elements to decoration.

Confetti System got this party started with their beautiful garlands. Poppies For Grace is about to release a print entitled 'Hope" in gold. The print features sweet wooden animals, which are sparkly and rich.

Thanks ladies! We're wondering, what are our readers seeing as Spring and Summer trends?

A Guide to Wedding Festivities

Katie Sweeney — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:19:28 PDT

When a couple decides to get married, they aren't just signing up to host a wedding, they are also committing themselves to a lot of parties that happen along the way. An engagement party, shower, and bachelorette are all commonly associated with weddings. But with so many parties, it's hard to keep them all straight! That's why I've created this handy guide that explains everything you need to know - from the proper time to host a shower to the first person to toast at the wedding. Read on for all the details.

The Secrets to Party Hopping

Katie Sweeney — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:41:44 PST

It's often the case that around the holidays - especially a highly-anticipated night like New Year's Eve - there's so much going on that more than one event falls during the same time.

Instead of committing yourself to attending one party only, why not party hop? It's a great way to catch up with all your friends and not miss out on anything.

Since party hopping is my favorite sport, I'm sharing my suggestions after the break.

10 Holiday Party Ideas

Katie Sweeney — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 07:50:43 PST

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the holiday countdown officially begins. There are exactly 33 days left in the calendar year, and if you haven't started planning your holiday party yet, pick an evening and invite friends over for some good eats, delicious drinks, and general merriment! From an ugly sweater party to a classic cookie swap, we've got 10 awesome ideas, complete with menu suggestions, drink recipes, and decorating tips, to inspire you.

Behind the Scenes at Martha Stewart's 70th Birthday Party

Nancy Einhart — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:30:36 PDT

When Martha Stewart turns 70, you know it's going to be a fabulous party. Today's episode of The Martha Stewart Show on the Hallmark Channel gives us an inside look at Martha's big bash thrown this Summer by Darcy Miller, celebrations expert for The Martha Stewart Show and editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings.

Our very own Rebecca Gruber of LilSugar attended the taping and scored some exclusive party pics. Click through for a look at the menu, the sweets, the adorable Scrabble- and puzzle-themed decor, and inspiring yet easy to re-create crafts and favors. Happy birthday, Martha!

Hosting a Dinner Party? Read This Beforehand!

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 03:15:44 PDT

When it comes to cooking, there's nothing more rewarding than serving your friends and family at a party. Whether it be a dinner, baby shower, or birthday bash, crafting the perfect menu is crucial to an event's success. From your guests' dietary needs to the occasion to the season, there's a lot to consider when planning a menu. Don't be overwhelmed, I've got a handful of suggestions to keep in mind the next time you're deciding what to serve.

Being a good hostess means that you make guests feel welcome and comfortable, that's why it's important to think about their diets. Don't serve a meat-heavy menu if you have vegetarians in attendance. A friend allergic to gluten? Offer a gluten-free meal. While you may have to think outside the box, there are millions of dishes in the world; it can be done!
If it's easier for you to cook with a theme, like rustic Italian, casual Californian, or traditional Spanish, do so!
Unless you are highlighting a special item on purpose, (like serving a blood orange meal, where each course features blood oranges), make sure there isn't too much of one ingredient. Too much cheese or starch or vegetables will result in an unbalanced meal.

Get the rest of my tips - and share yours! - after the jump.

5 Reasons You Shouldn't Be Afraid of Opening a Champagne Bottle

Katie Sweeney — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:17:35 PDT

At a viewing party for The Bachelorette last night, I was surprised to learn that many of the ladies in attendance don't like to open champagne. "It's scary," a friend said. "I'm afraid I'm going to hit someone in the eye!" another chimed in. Since I've opened more bottles of sparkling wine than I can count, I'm living proof that it's a safe act to perform on a regular basis. In fact, it's a task that everyone should master with confidence! To encourage you to open that bottle of bubbly, I've got five reasons you shouldn't fear the cage, or the cork. Find out what they are - and chime in with your thoughts in the comments - when you read on.

Marie Antoinette 25th Birthday Party

Yum Community — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 03:41:07 PDT

We love being inspired by your parties, so we had to share the photos of Vane Elliemae's awesome-looking 25th birthday bash!

I had a no-holds-barred 25th birthday blowout party at my house. I was inspired by a trip to Versailles the Summer before and knew I wanted my birthday to feel like something out of the Sofia Coppola film Marie Antoinette. Hope you like the photos.

Keep reading for more images of her birthday.

How to: Add a Lite Dose of Geek to Any Party

GeekSugar — Sun, 29 May 2011 07:06:23 PDT

A party isn't a party until the geek arrives! Who else is going to talk about Apple stock or the best apps to track your menstrual cycle? Am I right? While not all guests can handle chatter about server maintenance, everyone can vibe with a creative and slightly nostalgic mood. Infuse your next function - be it a birthday party, bridal shower, or bachelorette party - with a lite seasoning of geek using these sweet and subtle suggestions.

Tips For Hosting a Weeknight Dinner Party

Katie Sweeney — Tue, 10 May 2011 04:36:45 PDT

While some people believe that dinner parties can only be thrown on a Friday or Saturday night, I happen to think that any evening is a great time to host a dinner! Annie, of TrèsSugar, agrees because she hosted one last night, on a Monday! Before she left work, I offered some of my suggestions for a successful weeknight dinner. To find out what they are and to share your own, keep reading.