Up Party ideas

I saw the new Disney/Pixar movie Up this weekend...what a lovable movie, with such a sweet story. Trust me, this is a must-see! I just know that there are going to be some amazing Up parties out there. It got me thinking about what I would do if I were planning an Up party. Here are some images and ideas that have inspired me so far:

I could want to use all the colors of the balloons in the movie as my color palette. An Up party is screaming to be colorful! 

Grape soda would need to be served of course ( if you have seen the movie than you know why) as well as chocolate bars.

I love the idea of mixing in elements of blue sky and white clouds throughout the party space. Tablecloths, balloons, scene setters ect...

Serve bright party foods and candy at this event to keep the fun in the food!

Maybe pull in some polka dot elements?

Here are pictures from the Hostess with the Mostess's Candy land party that inspire me.

Balloons, balloons, balloons.....EVERYWHERE! ALL OVER the party space, attached to the favors, even attach then to the invitations! Use your imagination!

What are YOUR ideas for an Up party???

What kind of hostess are YOU?

I found this great quiz on the Martha Stewart website! I found out that I am 

The Thoughtful Hostess:

" You plan ahead to ensure that the events you host are special and that your quests feel welcome. Friends feel comfortable in your home and enjoy bringing signature dishes to your table. You're known for featuring unique touches without going overboard.

Take the quiz and find out what kind of hostess you are!

and playing the role of last minute wedding coordinator.......me!

I am not a professional party planner (yet!) , so I sure am not a professional wedding planner either. For now I'm indulging in my hostessing obsession, I enjoy scouring the internet, magazines, anything really for party inspirations and the best recipes. I love how other peoples creativity helps to widen my own, and how I can come up with something different and unexpected because of that inspiration. So, we have established that I am NOT a professional, that being said.....I was asked this past weekend to "help out" at a rehearsal dinner for a wedding that my husband Matt was the best-man in. The bride knew that I had "a thing" for party planning, so she thought I was a good choice. We get there and, it turns out everyone's eyes were on me to basically run the whole show. This was nerve racking for me as I have never planned or coordinated a rehearsal dinner, much less a whole wedding. I decided to rise to the occasion and give it all that I had. I have to say, it was VERY stressful but I learned SO MUCH!

 Here are just a few things I learned:

1. I need to get myself an "emergency kit" with tape, lighters, tea lights, scissors, markers, chalk, double-stick tape, and band-aids ( my poor blistered feet, they didn't deserve to be in such pain...but they sure looked cute!

2. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES ........you will be running around ALOT to make sure that everything is on schedule and everyone is on the same page.

3. I wore a bright yellow top , which seemed to work out well for me because if the caterer or photographer needed me for anything, I was easy to spot.

4. I also learned a handy little trick: pre- light the candles to melt the wax off of the wick so that when you need to light the candles quickly (say I dunno about 50 of them in roughly 10 minutes) it won't take as long. This trick is especially for weddings when it comes to the unity candle.  

Anyhow, that was my recent experience. I hope to have some photos soon....there was sort of a rustic apple theme.

Modern Marie's 20th Birthday Fiesta!

Check out this sweet Fiesta that Modern Marie held at her home for her 20th birthday! I just love all of the bright colors! Her blog is so full of inspiration, these photos make me want to have a fiesta of my own! 

What a creative invitation! So simple to make, I love it!

Yum! Margarita pie!

The paper flowers are such great details in this party!

She used pom-poms to spice up a colorful table runner from Crate and Barrel

The festive table settings look great!

Forever 21 Party Dress!

I went to Forever 21 yesterday, you know just to scope out the newest styles and I stumbled upon a LOVELY party dress! So....someone invite me to a fun retro party so that I have somewhere to wear it immediately! I also bought this adorable blue flower ring and purple fabric flower headband. Oh Forever 21, how I love you

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...Ryan turns 3!

Here is a party that my cousin Ashley threw for her daughter Ryan's 3rd birthday! The Wizard of Oz is such a great party theme for children! So fanciful! Check out the details of this adorable party!

Ashley used sidewalk chalk to create a "yellow brick road" down her front walkway. So people could follow the yellow brick road to the party!

Legs of the wicked witch of the East!

Rainbow piñata!

Pinwheels and swirly lollipops brought a bit of Munchkinland to the party!

I just love the cotton candy tornado!

What a creative mind! Not a surprise, after all she's the one who threw my beautiful "Love is in Bloom" bridal shower!

Thanks for the party inspirations Ashley!

So You Think You Can Dance Season 5!

I am so excited to have So You Think You Can Dance Season 5 on television now! I did not watch the first two seasons, which I regret because I fell in love with, and developed an obsession with seasons 3 and 4! The last two weeks episodes have been auditions in New York, Miami, Los Angeles,Denver, Memphis, and Seattle. This Wednesday and Thursday night will be progression of the dancers on to the Las Vegas portion of the auditions to determine which 10 guys and which ten girls will be in the top 20. After the top 20 is selected , that's when the real fun begins! Stay tuned! Here are some of my favorite dancers so far. I m rooting big time for Kelsea Taylor (the first video) . Enjoy my favorites and stay tuned for more of my favorites!!So You Think You Can Dance comes on on Fox Wednesday night and Thursday night at 8pm.