reader question of the week #1

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend! We had our last getaway before baby #2 arrives in 8 weeks, and it was just what we needed. Back to the subject at hand...

reader question of the week #1:

"I live in Chicago, home of a thousand great pizza places.  For my husband's 30th birthday, I plan to get one pizza from a bunch of different pizza places around the city and do a "taste test" with our friends.  While I want to use pizza as the theme, I also want this to be a classy party that celebrates my husband's birthday.  I've thought of trying to create a homey Italian pizzeria in my apartment, but I am having a hard time thinking of great decorations. Also, do you have any ideas for Italian appetizers that don't necessarily incorporate bread and cheese (since we'll be eating a lot of that!)?  -Alissa"

yoga party

I'd like to believe I am able to raise children that will someday request a 'yoga' birthday party (much like my revered Frida Kahlo party), but I'm not holding my breath. Alas- I am not only applauding the creative ideas found at this 6 year-old's party but also the enlightened parenting that must have inspired this child to request such a fete! More of this peaceful celebration right here. Namaste.

new on the scene

Friends, former co-workers and fellow stationers Kristin and Angie just joined the blogosphere. These two are chock full of great party ideas you won't want to miss! 

For starters, the 60th birthday party Angie threw for her mom is full of take-home ideas. A heartfelt presentation she created of her mom's 'favorite things' (a take off of 'Oprah's favorite things') is a fun and special way to celebrate a momentous birthday. Angie also created classy custom water wrappers and food labels with her mom's childhood portrait.

Kristin's recent party for her 3 year old son is also a favorite. She illustrates exactly what I've been saying for years...just because you throw a birthday party at a separate venue (i.e. Gymboree or the like), doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style or creativity. Kristin put together a dynamo favor bag for the guests and baked beautiful, tasty cupcakes to make the 'Wiggles' venue more palpable for her, and pretty for everyone to enjoy. Much more from these talented ladies right here.

Haley's picks: gifts for pre-school girls

For those of you looking for gift inspiration for the pre-school {girl} set that doesn't include Jasmine, Ariel, Belle, Mulan, or Cinderella (the Disney princesses for those of you 'uneducated' in the world of little girls); look no further then Haley's picks for this month. Even better, they are all (but one) under $30!

From Haley:

1. I had just had to include this super-cute costume.  Anytime we give a costume to a friend, it is always such a hit.  But it is hard to find quality costumes at a 'birthday-budget' cost.  This one is a STEAL at $30, and it has a lace-up back to ensure a good fit. 

2. Giant Play and Learn Book ($13.50)...Moms everywhere will thank you over and over for this incredible activity book.  The pages are filled with fun games and projects that will keep both mom's and preschoolers busy for months!  A great way to learn to follow directions, color in the lines, and write letters and numbers!

3. Euro Play Cases ($29)...I love the vintage feel of these play cases.  Such a great open-ended toy....leaves so much opportunity for imaginative play.  And a great place to house all of those teeny tiny dolls and clothes that little girls insist on collecting.

4.  Manners Can Be Fun ($15)...This book is hilarious.  It is easy to understand, and the pictures are amazing.  A great addition to any book collection.

5. If your little one goes for sparkle (mine does), then this "tiara" headband is great ($22).  It would be great for playing outside, grocery store runs, dinner with family (all times in which my toddler INSISTS on wearing a crown.)  It isn't too offensive as far as tiaras go, and she can still feel like she's the princess she says she is!

6. School Years Scrapbook ($26)...A great gift idea for those late summer/early fall birthday parties!  A wonderful way to document a child's school experiences...it even has places for "first day of school" photos, and pockets for all of that artwork you can't bring yourself to throw away.  Think of it as a baby book for the older set.  A must have in my book.

7. I am just obsessed with these little rainboots ($38).  What a GREAT gift idea!  Until their feet are big enough to fit in those super-cute wellies, these are such a fun, rainy-day option!  

8. I adore this felt version of a tiara ($14) I spotted on Etsy.  I chose this because it is so much softer than its plastic competitors.  And the sweet birds are a fresh take on a normally tacky trinket.

9 & 10.  I fell in love with these kits from dumpling dynasty on a recent trip to miami.  The pigtail kit ($16) is filled with everything they could ever need to play "beauty shop" with their girlfriends, and the baking kit ($16) has a real wooden rolling pin and spoon...it even has a set of adorable pink birthday candles!  These are truly precious, and a great gift for any preschool girl.

{haley will be tackling pre-school boys next!}

meet Haley

Haley Dale is one of the most stylish moms I've ever met. She's one of those women everyone is envious of. Haley somehow manages to look chic every second of the day, brilliantly juggles the chaotic life of two young girls, has a mile-long list of talents (including sewing and jewelry-making to name a few), and never seems to break a sweat doing any of it (and oh yeah...she's gorgeous). She's also the go-to person for just about every question you might have: need to know what to wear to the boss' house for dinner? Ask Haley. Need to know who makes the best and most affordable window treatments in town? Ask Haley. Need the perfect gift? That's right...ask Haley. 

So it seemed like a natural fit to add Haley to the Party Perfect roster of contributors. Haley will be our go-to gal for gifts, and will be penning a monthly column called 'Haley's Picks'. I know I am always looking for guidance when trying to find just the right something. So without further ado, please welcome Haley to the Party!