Thanksgiving is just 1 week away so it is time to kick it into high gear so that you still have time to get that pumpkin pie made for Thanksgiving day! Before the food goes into the oven and the guest start knocking at your door, it's time to work on your Thanksgiving crafting skills. Here are three great Thanksgiving craft ideas that will not only have your home ready for a day of Thanks but also give your guests something cute to take with them. (You can start worrying about the menu tomorrow.) 

Gobble Gobble Treat Boxes
These sparkly treat boxes are the perfect table accessories. You could add each guest's name to the opposite side of the box to act as a place card and then they can take them home to enjoy after they have indulged in your delicious pumpkin pie. You can put your own decorative spin on these Thanksgiving pillow boxes or decorate them exactly how this glitter enthusiast did by following the directions by blogger Artsy-Fartsy Mama. 

"Give Thanks" Vinyl Decals
To say that I am obsessed with vinyl stickers might be an understatement. They make monogramming and decorating easy as 1-2-3 and allow you to personalize just about anything! Which is why they are great to use when decorating for the holidays. You can do one large cutout like this one from WeSpeakVinyl (one of my favorite Etsy shops!) or get individual vinyl letters for glasses, bottles or candles. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to decorating with vinyl! 

"Give Thanks" Burlap Pillow
And how adorable would this be in your living room where your guests will be lounge while they are munching on appetizers. I found this "Give Thanks" pillow DIY on Tattered to Taylored a few weeks ago and am currently on a mission to make my own. This is such a simple craft project as it doesn't require any advanced sewing skills (which is perfect for me!) and is easy to customize with any saying. 

Which Thanksgiving craft are you going to make for this year's celebrations? Share your favorite or another great Thanksgiving crafting idea in the comments section below!

xoxo
Megan

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Thanksgiving is a time when the majority of us will gather with immediate and extended family for a day of quality family time. However, this is also a time to give thanks for all of your friends. Someone once said:

And what better way to celebrate and give thanks than with a Friendsgiving celebration! One year, back when I was an undergrad, the girl's I was living with along with a few other of my sorority sisters hosted a fun Thanksgiving themed potluck right before we all went home for Thanksgiving break. One of the girls I lived with love cooking so she decided to handle the turkey while the rest of us picked our favorite sides to prepare. Since college I still love getting together with friends around the thanksgiving holiday to celebrate and enjoy some great foods. Here are some great tips on how you can host your own Friendsgiving celebration this year...

1. Go a Little Non-Traditional. 
Thanksgiving with your family will probably always have the traditional food and activities so turn your Friendsgiving into a fun evening for everyone to enjoy. Create some fun place cards for each guest or lay a large piece of butcher paper down instead of a tablecloth that will allow all your friends to draw or write what they are thankful for. 

2. Make it a Potluck.
When your family gets together whomever is hosting is probably cooking everything minus like 1 pie or side dish. For Friendsgiving have the host fix the turkey and have each guest bring a side. Encourage your guests to get creative with their thanksgiving favorites and try out some new recipes. They will get to have their mom's homemade pumpkin pie so trying out a new Friendsgiving recipe won't leave you missing your tradition favorites. Just make sure that you keep track of what people are bringing so you don't end up with 3 side dishes of green beans and 4 pumpkin pies. (They did make shareable Google docs for a reason!) And don't forget to have each guest bring a bottle of wine too!

3. Include a Fun Game or Activity.
Organize a fun game of touch football, a marathon of all your favorite Thanksgiving shows or a board game that everyone could play together. Just be careful that you don't have guests that will get too competitive! 

4. Play to Your Guests Strengths.
No matter what kind of group of friends you pull together, each one of them has their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to participating in an event like Friendsgiving. Play to your friend's strengths when you are putting all the details together. You are bound to have a friend that loves music, one who is great at organizing activities, a few who are amazing cooks and the one friend with the perfect home to host the get together. Your friends will love that you thought of them and you will have a wonderful meal to enjoy!

And last, but not least...

5. Have Fun!
There is nothing traditional or mandatory about Friendsgiving. Invite people who you will have fun with no matter what.

What other tips do you have for someone planning to host a Friendsgiving? (Just make sure to not tell your mom if you have more fun at this Thanksgiving that at your family one.)

xoxo
Megan

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And now there are four...baseball teams that is. Right now St. Louis, LA Dodgers, Boston and Detroit are battling it out in the National & American League Championship Series. With only a few more games left, this is the perfect time to start planning a world series party! No matter if your team is playing in this year's series or not, this is a great, low-key, event to host and one that everyone will enjoy attending. Here are some great ideas that you can incorporate into your World Series Party.

The Food
You can't get more traditional than setting up a hot dog bar for a baseball party. You can have a variety of hot dogs and sausages for your guests to choose from as well as a variety of toppings like chili, cheese, onions, relish, pickles, bacon, peppers, ketchup and mustard. To go along with your hot dog bar you can serve pretzel bites, popcorn, peanuts, and the American drink of choice: beer. Think of what you enjoy having most when you go to a game and bring it to your party! 

The Decorations
Baseball party decorations might be some of my favorite ones to create. Using apothecary jars, baseballs, mini wooden bats, and peanuts you can create some amazing centerpieces and displays. With everything non-team affiliated these decorations could be used every year for a world series or regular season baseball game celebration. 

The Apparel
This one is a must for baseball fans. For those who's teams are playing in the World Series showing up from head to toe in your team's apparel is the only option. If your team is not playing you can either choose one of the two teams left or show up supporting your team (since they will be doing so good next year!).

The first game is this upcoming Wednesday, October 23rd. Who are you cheering for to win the 2013 World Series?

xoxo
Megan

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To me it just wouldn't be Halloween without a decorated pumpkin. As a kid I loved picking out a design, or creating my own, to carve onto my pumpkin. My family would always set aside a night where we would spread newspaper out on our kitchen table, pull out the pumpkin carving set and have a fun filled family evening of carving pumpkins. Obviously when my sister and I were really young we would just watch our dad do the carving, but we still helped out by pulling out all the pumpkin "guts." Even today I still love all the possibilities that come with carving a pumpkin. 

To get into the Halloween spirit (and get your pumpkin ready for the 31st invite your friends to take part in all the pumpkin decorating fun by hosting a pumpkin carving party! A pumpkin carving party is easy to host as all your guests will come with their pumpkin and carving supplies. Besides that here are some great tips on hosting a successful pumpkin carving party.

1. Find an open area (outdoors if possible – easier to clean up!) for everyone to have a designated carving area.
2. Create or buy some cute invitations. I am loving this pumpkin invitation from paperless post! You can also include some great links for your guests to print out their carving template.

3. Pull out all your pumpkin carving utensils and extra spoons for some carving fun.
4. Create a spooky Halloween playlist.
5. Put together a yummy pumpkin themed menu. Don’t forget the pumpkin flavored drinks that are out this time of year!
6. Find (or create) some fun Halloween themed paper products like these cups that are very easy to make and your guests will love. You can even put out sharpies so your guests can complete the face (instead of writing their name) so they know which cup is theirs.

7. Put together a party favor bag for your guests. Make sure to include some tea lights for their pumpkins as well as instruction on how to keep their carved pumpkin fresh until Halloween.

The best thing about hosting a pumpkin carving party is seeing what designs everyone chooses to carve their pumpkin into. What design are you carving your pumpkin into this year? 

xoxo
Megan

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The first day of fall is this Sunday, September 22nd. Recently I have been sharing some of my coping methods, I mean favorite things I look forward to in fall with you recently as the summer has been winding down. Well now that the last day of summer is officially this Saturday there is no better time than the present on throwing an end of summer party! Here is a great way that you can celebrate by hosting an end of summer white party. 

Decorations
This one is pretty simple: use white! White linens, tables, tents, chairs, balloons, carpets, floral arrangements and more. It doesn't matter if the party is inside or out just cover everything is a dazzling layer of white. For extra lighting use white twinkle lights, lanterns and votives to illuminate your all white party. (Silver is also acceptable if you are looking to add a little sparkle to your decor.)

Outfits
Make sure on your invitation to let all your guests know to wear their end of summer whites to the party. This will also help with your decoration as the guests will add to the sea of white you are trying to create. 

Food and Drinks
Some people may get a little worried when it comes to the foods as the first associate with white food is bland. This is not a problem with some of these white party food ideas:

• Appetizers, Sides & Main Dishes: A White Cheese Platter, Yogurt Parfaits, Seafood Chowder, Spring Rolls, Chicken Salad, Popcorn, Crab Dip, Finger Sandwiches
  
• Desserts: A White and Silver Candy Buffet, White Iced Cupcake Display, White Chocolate Dipped Desserts
  
• Drinks: White Wine, Champagne, Vodka & Seltzer (anything clear and bubbly!) 
  

What if your favorite way to celebrate the end of summer? Have fun enjoying the last of summer this weekend!!

xoxo
Megan

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I will not shy away from admitting my slight obsession with Pinterest. I could spend hours and hours on the site finding great recipes to try, new crafts to tackle, outfits to style and of course party ideas galore! So when I came across this Pinterest Party idea I first thought it was hysterical and then realized I already do this most anytime I plan for a party anyways. This just gets everyone on Pinterest finding great new things to try. (And then you can all share your pins with each other or create one big group board for the event!) Here is how you can host your own Pinterest Party with your friends...

Invitations
Of course you will want to use cute invitations and party printables that you find on Pinterest for your Pinterest party. There really is no other acceptable option. These cute ones are from etsy shop Making Things Whimsical and are perfect for this Pinterest Party!

Now that you have the invitations done here are the party guidelines:

• Decide what Pinterest activities you want your guests to complete (meal, craft, nails, etc.).
  
• Create a Pinterest board for everyone to RSVP their find to. You don't want any repeats!
  
• Have all your guests show up in their favorite Pinterest inspired outfit.
  
• Enjoy your Pinterest activities. I like the option of combining as many different Pinterest activities at one time.
  
• And because you all have so much fun doing it pick a date for your next Pinterest Party night in a month or two!
  

How simple is that party! This is how I get all my ideas for our Girl's Dinners and where I find the majority of my event crafting ideas. What is your favorite thing that you have tried from Pinterest?

xoxo
Megan

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The summer really is winding down with the last of the red, white and blue summer holidays coming up in a week. Labor Day "traditionally" marks the end of summer but I just consider it the kickoff to football season! This summer I have shared tons of great red, white and blue party ideas for Memorial Day and 4th of July and have one more patriotic post to share with you until next summer! So without further ado here are some great red, white and blue party crafts that you can make for your Labor Day Party celebrations!

Stars and Stripes Garland
This is an easy craft to do and can be displayed on food tables, over doorways or on railings. Alternating your stars and stripes pieces of paper when making your garland and just make it as long as you would like. If you have kids that want to help get ready for your Labor Day celebration this is the perfect craft for them! If you can’t find any stars and stripes paper you can download a free paper chain print from Love the Day. 

Flag Table Runner
I have really been in the crafting mood lately with decorating my new apartment and ran across this great DIY flag table runner project while looking for cute table decorations. Bliss, Bloom, Blog provides a great tutorial on how she painted hers bamboo table runner but you could also make yours with a piece of canvas or a cloth table runner. 

Star Yard Painting
This popped up earlier this summer and I love how easy it is! You can make your own stencil from a large piece of cardboard and then take flour or washable spray paint and decorate your lawn. I saw everything from lawn games painted on grass to monograms as well as these patriotic stars along the walkway. You can use this trick for any party where you want a creatively decorated walkway.


There are just so many great red, white and blue crafting ideas when it comes to party decorating! What are you doing to celebrate the end of summer/Labor Day weekend?

xoxo
Megan

For more great red, white and blue party ideas you can check out this posts…

One theme that has been very popular this year is "The Gatsby." Yes, the Roaring Twenties are back and bigger with the help from the new Gatsby movie from this past spring. The Gatsby party feel includes tons of glitz, glamour and classic decadence touches and is the perfect end of summer party idea. After all Mr. Gatsby was known for his crazy summer night parties! To help you create your own Gatsby Gathering I have put together a few ideas that are guaranteed to turn some heads. 

Party Decorations
Since this is the time of glitz and glam go all out with your glitter and gold. From metallic table cloths, glittered candle sticks and gold rimmed table settings nothing is considered gaudy with this party theme. Adding tons of extra candles (the battery ones work great if outdoors) along with fake jeweled stones will help in adding extra sparkle and glow to your decoration selections.

Party Music
The Gatsby story takes place during the rein of the Jazz Age. So, for your party you will want to go hunting for some great jazz tunes to get your guests swinging out on the dance floor. This could include classics from Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington as well as tunes from over the past century. 

Food and Drinks
Don't worry, even though this theme was during the age of prohibition you don't have to setup your own speakeasies at your party. Just remember every great Gatsby party begins and ends with champagne!

Dress Code
What's a 1920's Gatsby party without a dress code? You don't have to go all out with the men in tuxes and the girls in flapper dresses but do encourage your guests to get into the 20's spirit. Women can wear lots of pearls, sequins and feathers and the men can wear fun shoes, ties and hats with slicked back hair. You can also give a prize to the most authentic dressed guests to spur a little competition.

What is your favorite book themed party idea?

xoxo
Megan

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This Saturday is National Watermelon Day. I consider watermelon one the my summertime staples and will even make a whole meal out of just watermelon. To me you can NEVER go wrong with watermelon anything. Even the colors are pink and green (two of my favorites!). So to help you celebrate this fun summertime holiday I have put together a number of fun watermelon themed ideas and recipes that you can try out this Saturday.

Party Accessories
You can't go wrong with using watermelon colored paper products or these adorable watermelon toothpicks from Etsy shop Naissance. You can also find great watermelon party banners on there as well. For those who like to get a little crafty you can always make your own watermelon accessories using circle punches, black markers and a little bit of creativity.

Party Games
There are so many different kinds of watermelon games you can play in celebration of National Watermelon Day. Depending on the age group here are a few of my favorites. 

• Watermelon Carving Contest. Give each contestant/group a watermelon and see what kind of creation they can make from it. Let all the guests judge which one is their favorite.
  
• Watermelon Eating Contest. Give each contestant a slice of watermelon, have their hands tied behind their back and see who can finish their wedge first. The plastic lobster bibs may come in handy for this contest.
  
• Seed Spitting Contest. Lay a piece of butcher paper on the ground and let guests see how far they can spit their seed. Mark each guest's seed before the next contestant trying their luck.
  
• Watermelon Pinata. Fill a watermelon shaped pinata (learn how to make your own here) with watermelon flavored candies. Let each guest have a turn trying to knock all the goodies out.

Party Menu
Not all of your watermelon party foods have to be made from watermelon. You can also create cute watermelon shaped treats for your guests to enjoy. Here are some great recipes to try out for a watermelon celebration.

• Herb Goat Cheese and Watermelon Party Bites
  
• Honey-Glazed Grilled Watermelon Wedges
  
• Watermelon Waffles (note they are not waffles made from actual watermelons!)
  
• Watermelon Flavored Cake
  
• Drunken Watermelon on Tap (Can also be made for those under 21, just don't add the rum)
  

And if you are ever in China or Japan a watermelon for your party host is the perfect gift. Who knew! What is your favorite watermelon themed party idea? 

xoxo
Megan

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I am a huge fan of the holiday season so when you have the opportunity to get to celebrate again I never say no. Christmas in July is not a set holiday date but something that could be celebrated at anytime during July. You can draw some inspiration from the folks who live down under and celebrate Christmas during their summer months. So plug in that light up palm tree, throw some garland up around the house, press play on your Christmas playlist and get ready to celebrate with some holiday cheer. Here are some fun ways that you and your friends can celebrate Christmas in July.

Peppermint Infusion
A great way to add a sprinkle of holiday cheer is to add in a little peppermint twist. You can take some of your favorite summertime treats like s’mores or a cool concoction and add some broken up pieces of peppermint or a splash of peppermint liquor.

Tacky Sweater Party
Since this isn’t the official holiday season your guests will have no problems dressing up in their tackiest Christmas outfits since they don’t have to worry about attending another party before or after yours. Inspire your guests to find their tackiest apparel as well as mix it up with a little summertime items and have everyone vote on the winner.

Christmas Crafting
If you have a group of friends who loves to craft this is the perfect time to tackle one or two of those DIY Christmas projects that you just never seem to have time to do. That way when the holiday season comes around you are ready to go with your new Christmas tree snow globes, utensil holders or ornament tree centerpiece (all things I have one my potential Christmas craft list) and will only have to worry about what gifts to buy. 

White Elephant Swap
Still have a Christmas present that hasn’t been touched or you just don’t know what to do with? Have all your guests bring over that one left over item wrapped up for a fun white elephant swap. You can find all the directions from my holiday gift exchange post.

Only 152 days until Christmas! You can keep up with the official countdown here. Are you celebrating Christmas in July?  

xoxo
Megan

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