PARTY FAVORITES: YOU ARE MY FAVE

We are continuing a series here called Party Favorites and today we have a quick and dirty look into what actual party crazed bloggers really do keep on hand to throw their signature AWESOME bashes. Guess who is letting us peek into their toolbox? Let's peek into self-proclaimed party addict Melanie from YOU ARE MY FAVE. One of the first blogs I started reading ever, you know the kind. Awe inspiring, pretty pictures and never ceasing to amaze you? That's how I feel about Melanie. Party person extrodinaire, pretty little new mommy and ALT Alumni...Melanie is my fave.

Have you seen the series by Melanie called "___ in a Box"? It is truly amazing and the best version of a collage I have seen. It's awesome. Here are a few sneak peeks, but you'll have to follow her to get the newest renditions.

Melanie shared some of her absolute favorites that she always has on hand, here is what she said:

I pride myself in being able to go through my house and make a pile of things to donate without hesitation but when it comes to party supplies, I could be on a reality series about hoarding. I always think, "I know there's a party I could use this for in the future." I've had decorations saved for my children's birthdays for a couple years now. I have one son and he's three months old. This needs to stop. 

Here's my little list of three party supply essentials: 

1. CONFETTI - Every time I see an event on TV where confetti falls from the ceiling I think, "I wish I was there," even if it's the finale to something horrible like Dancing With the Stars. I just love it that much. I really like the shape, size and colors of this dot confetti from good ole' Party City. 

2. PRETTY PACKAGING SUPPLIES - So you can whip up a cute favor in a snap. Think small muslin bags, twine, brown kraft paper boxes, thank you stamps and washi tape. Olive Manna and Xpedx are two of my favorite sources. 

3. CAFE STRING LIGHTS - You could throw a party in a cardboard box and if you hung up these lights, everyone would comment on how pretty it looked. Instant game changer. I stock up at Target every summer.

Thanks again Melanie, always inspiring and distracting me from getting any real work done. Not that I mind! xo!

PARTY PALETTE: PINK, ORANGEY RED, GREEN AND AQUA

If you have ever noticed a color trend that I can't shake here at Hank + Hunt, it is usually this palette. I modify it sometimes, but it always comes back to these four colors. I might be predictable but I don't care. I've yet to find a colorway that makes me happier than these bright hues. You can see it in my house, in my closet and in my shoe collection. I accept it. Happy Monday!

PARTY FAVORITES: VALLEY & CO

We're not even half way for all the tricks and treats we have in store for you with this series! Party Favorites is a quick and dirty look into what actual party crazed bloggers really do keep on hand to throw their signature AWESOME bashes. Guess who is letting us peek into their toolbox today? The dynamic planning duo, VALLEY & CO. aka Nick and Aleah.

This wonderful husband and wife team are always sharing their entertaining tips and tricks on their blogs.  Yep, they have TWO. One for weddings and events, the other for daily casual yet amazing entertaining. Both sites offer a bounty of incredible ideas and inspiration. Go check them out right now, really, I will wait here.

Welcome back, aren't they amazing? They plan events in both Seattle or San Diego, so look them up if you're in the area! Let's learn a few more of their tricks, shall we?

1. TEA TOWELS: don't underestimate the power of tea towels! We love to use them as over sized napkins - they can be dressed up {or down} with twine, confetti, leaf napkin bands or place cards. The brighter the colors the better!
 
2. EDIBLE PARTY FAVORS: no matter whether we're entertaining at home or throwing a fête for our clients, sending guests home with a little token gift is a must. Bonus points if it's something they can nibble on!
 
3. FUN, SHINY THINGS! Most any party can use a dose of something glittering, sweet and unexpected. Pops of color are always fresh.

*We always pepper in a good play list, too!

I just want to give a BIG HUG out to Nick and Aleah, who have always been great supporters of H+H from the get go. You guys are wonderful and THANKS for sharing your party tricks! xo

PARTY FAVOURITES: BRIGHT BAAZAR

We just started a new series here called Party Favourites, that's the fancy spelling in honor of our guest today. Party Favorites is a quick and dirty look into what actual party crazed bloggers really do keep on hand to throw their signature AWESOME bashes. Guess who is letting us peek into their toolbox? Let's take a hop across the pond to see amazing picks from WILL of BRIGHT.BAAZAR. Yep, that Will. Will has impeccable style, a drop dead gorgeous blog and his these picks will have you daydreaming of gloriously bold parties. I might have quite a few times while writing this post.

I instantly adore people who love color and Will is crazy about it. Pop on over and get a dose, it's sure to brighten any grey clouds away.

Please join me in welcoming Will!

Hello! I'm Will from Bright.Bazaar and I'm delighted to be here sharing my top three party favourites with you all.

1. I keep a little stash of honeycomb tissue balls in stock as they bring instant festive cheer at anytime of year! These playful red, white and blue designs were perfect for the Jubilee year, too!

2. Another party favourite of mine are striped paper straws - I like to mix blue and red colours in the summer for a nautical feel when having drinks out on my deck.

3. Perhaps it's a British thing but I don't think any summer party is complete without bunting. And, for me, it's a case of the more the merrier!

Thanks for having me, Jenny!

You can read more from Will on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest. A HUGE Thank You to Will for sharing his party secrets.

PARTY FAVORITES: SHOP SWEET LULU

We just started a new series here called Party Favorites and today we have one of the best suppliers of party goods sharing her picks! Party Favorites is a quick and dirty look into what actual party crazed bloggers really do keep on hand to throw their signature AWESOME bashes. Guess who is letting us peek into their toolbox? It is Jessie from SHOP SWEET LULU. I met Jessie this year at ALT and she is just as sweet as her shop of goodies. Shop Sweet Lulu has everything, including the Rice rainbow of melamine...the only source I know of in the States.

Cake stands, treat sticks, you name it, she has it. Let's see what her favorites are, shall we?

I'm such a lucky girl to play with pretty party supplies every day!  Since I do all of our product photography, I get to keep the samples at home - so I've got a huge stash on hand at all times.  But hands down,  my three must-have party supplies are:

1. An assortment of 6" Celebration candles.  They make everything more festive!

2. A beautiful, simple cake stand - they're so multi-functional!  I recently served breakfast pancakes one of these, but you could also serve cupcakes, muffins, or a small cake on one of these lovelies.   

3. Cupcake liners in lots of colors and patterns.  I've whipped up countless batches of last-minute cupcakes, and these fancy them up quite nicely!

Go check out her amazing shop and let me know what your favorites are!

Oh, and by the way...Shop Sweet Lulu is having a Pin It to Win It contest where you can win $100 to the shop! All you need to do is start pinning your best party inspiration and you could win. Check out the details HERE.