HOLIDAY PARTY FAVORITES: MATTHEW ROBBINS

It's that time of year again, and as a self-proclaimed crazy Christmas lady, I can only really hold out so far. It's here again, our PARTY FAVORITES series, now in HOLIDAY form. Break out the tinsel and let's get merry! If you are new around here, Party Favorites is a sneak peek into what is really in everyone's party stash to throw those signature AWESOME bashes. Starting off our season is the amazing Matthew Robbins, author of INSPIRED WEDDINGS, master floral artist and premier event planner. He shared general entertaining and styling tips yesterday and you can find their goodness here. Let's steal a peek into Matthew's holiday toolbox, shall we?

Take it away Matthew!

Favorite tree: real or fake?  If real: flocked or plain? If fake: white, silver or green? I love both for different reasons but generally I prefer a real tree and I love smaller planted trees that can be displayed on a tabletop or pedestal in a decorative planter. I do own a fabulous silver tree from the 1960s and it can be really fun to display but I have to really be in the mood for that one and I like to limit the decor on the silver tree so it feels chic and festive. 

Favorite color palette for Thanksgiving? I love deep fern green, chocolate brown, aubergine or plum and champagne tones combined for the fall. This is less traditional and not so obvious but it still feels warm, lush and decadent which is what we all crave for Thanksgiving. 

Favorite color palette for Christmas? I'm obsessed with citrus tones combined with rich evergreens. The citrus is unexpected and brings a fresh, vibrant touch to the traditional evergreen palette. 

Chargers: Yes or no? I normally prefer a charger but this can be anything...a small silver tray, a beautiful place mat, a gorgeous piece of slate, etc. Anything that grounds the tables and provided a beautiful backdrop for all of the details is a wonderful thing to use. Chargers also bring dimension and a more layered, textured look to the finished table.

Placesettings: matching or mixed dishes? I generally prefer matching but I do love mixing subtle patterns and tones such as a variety of white on white patterns can be really chic and fun. I prefer to avoid insanely mixed pieces. If you prefer to mix the china, stemware, etc try choosing a "theme" or motif to bring some cohesion to the table such as floral patterns, white on white texture, etc. 

Tablecloth or runner? If the table is beautiful I prefer a runner only but sometimes a full tablecloth is necessary for finishing a table. If you use a very neutral base linen you can layer with a runner for even more texture and dimension on the table. 

Favorite Christmas song? I love "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland and also love "Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton.

Thank you so much for starting off our merriment, Matthew! I wish you and yours a very merry everything! xo

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 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.

SUPER SOURCE: TUCK & BONTE

Have you searched Etsy lately for any party goodies? Be sure to check out TUCK & BONTE, full of gorgeous garlands and cards and cake toppers. I am in love with the little cake garlands. LOVE.

Of course, as you might guess, I would have the green and aqua garland hanging all day, everyday. Right above this here computer. It would be fabulous.