I used to keep an entertaining journal that documented each party we had at our house, or sometimes just a record of food that I made for someone else's party. The middle three images are from a 'dog days of summer' birthday party I threw for my two labs (really just a good excuse to have people over), as well as a friend. I still refer to that binder- I would put recipes of things I made as well as 'reviews' of them, invitations that were sent out, etcetera. I'd like to think I will do the binder again- but I think it's a long shot with how full life feels these days. The only two resolutions I've come up with this year are: 1) don't use a paper or plastic bag all year and 2) start back with pilates 1-2 times a week. I've got many, many more to make- but I'm starting with those for now!
Who knew there were such creatives out there!? Check out all of the readers' great ideas in the comments section for leftover holiday cards here.
I've also been meaning to thank all of you for your sweet comments from the December 28th post. It's amazing how many similar stories there are! Life feels so precious these days.
And on to the post...
This year's biggest party- the inauguration- is just two weeks away! My mom sent me these fashionista items the Obama camp has commissioned for the occasion. Tory Burch, Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenberg...and more- have designed some really cool items for the big day. See more here.
I once worked at a design firm that worked on the Donghia account. We looked at a lot of stylist's portfolios, including Sibella Court's...whose work I fell in love with immediately. I feel like I spot her things everywhere these days! A few samplers, above. I found a great interview with her here, as well. Her table settings, floral arrangements - her everything - is so inspirational!
What to do with all of those holiday cards when the season is over? As a stationery designer, I like to hold on to each year's haul. ALL of it- the good, the great, the bad and the ugly. It's a great way to do 'market research' and to see what else is out there. It's also serves as a reminder as to just how many cards I need to order next year (I WAY under-ordered this year...I hadn't taken into account the new friends via my son factor). I used some pretty leftover cord from present-opening, tied them all up, and slipped them into a large envelope from Paper Source and labeled them 2008. I put my own card on top, so I can keep track of our holiday cards each year as well. Do you do anything creative with your cards?
sara hicks malone
Hi. I'm Sara Hicks Malone, a former art director for Martha Stewart Baby & Kids magazines, stationery owner (Hicks Paper Goods) and blogger (Sara's Party Perfect). These days the majority of my design work is for Minted (minted.com), though I occasionally work with companies and individuals for custom projects.
I used to keep an entertaining journal that documented each party we had at our house, or sometimes just a record of food that I made for someone else's party. The middle three images are from a 'dog days of summer' birthday party I threw for my two labs (really just a good excuse to have people over), as well as a friend. I still refer to that binder- I would put recipes of things I made as well as 'reviews' of them, invitations that were sent out, etcetera. I'd like to think I will do the binder again- but I think it's a long shot with how full life feels these days. The only two resolutions I've come up with this year are: 1) don't use a paper or plastic bag all year and 2) start back with pilates 1-2 times a week. I've got many, many more to make- but I'm starting with those for now!
