toot, toot!


That's me tooting my own horn- which I try not to do too often, but I can't help myself (sorry!). While I was doing a 9:30 p.m. grocery run on Friday night, I spotted the May issue of Better Homes and Gardens. On page 24, there it is...a shout-out to Party Perfect- hooray! Thanks to Miranda for putting up with me (I'm not the best interviewee as I tend to go off-point and then forget what I was saying), and to BH&G for choosing little ol' me as one of their faves! I'm so incredibly honored. And apologies for my tilt-y head, not quite sure what I was doing with that one.

party submissions




Dear Readers:

Thank you for your loyal following- hard to believe I will be celebrating Party Perfect's 2nd birthday in June. What a ride it has been! I am constantly inspired by you, and love seeing the parties you've designed for yourself and loved ones. There is certainly no creativity shortage out there!

Because so many of you thoughtfully share your parties with me, I wanted to make sure I posted some guidelines for submission:

- Please send an email with either photo (.jpg) attachments or a link to hickspapergoods(at)yahoo(dot)com. Do not leave a comment on another post if you'd like me to view your party. While I moderate comments, I do not follow up on links that are provided on posts.

- The party has to be visually stimulating in order to make the cut. There are some brilliant parties I've passed on because the pictures simply don't do the great idea justice.

Some tips: photograph details in natural light before the party; minimize 'busy' backgrounds; make sure to photograph the details (favors, food, etc)- not just the people at the party; and my personal pet-peeve...don't angle your camera!...straight-on shots are best.

- Some have been concerned that we have to be 'friends' in order to have their parties posted. While I certainly feel fortunate to have several creative friends, the bulk of my posts are from people I have never met in person...so don't be shy!

- I love to feature parties of all kinds! While the majority of submissions I get are for children's parties, I know there is a plethora of great adult parties out there as well- so submit away.

Thank you for opening your hearts, minds, and parties to me- it has been such a privilege to be a part of your lives.

xoxo,
Sara

images via kate spade

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.