Houston Blogger Meetup with Kelly Lyden!

Houston friends and bloggers! Kelly Lyden of The Party Dress and WH Hostess is coming to Houston in November! I am organizing a Blogger Night Out on either Monday, November 7th or Wednesday, November 9th. We would love to meet you! Everyone is welcome...bloggers AND blog readers!

If you are interested in joining us for dinner, please feel free to leave a comment here along with your e-mail address. I'll be in touch soon with a time and location.

Looking forward to meeting so many of you!

** UPDATE: We are going to meet up on Wednesday, November 9th! **

How to Set a Formal Dinner Table

Happy Monday everyone!

Summer is only just now coming to an end, but the holidays and all of the festivities that it brings, will be here before you know it. Often times, Thanksgiving and Christmas and maybe a dinner party in between call for a formal table. Here are a few diagrams to refer to when setting your table.

{image via Martha Stewart}

How to Set a Formal Table

{image via Martha Stewart}

Setting a proper table can feel daunting. But etiquette consultant, Pamela Hillings, said it best..."Once you realize table setting is based on logic, things become less intimidating". Follow this simple rule: set the silverware on the table in the order that it will be used, from the outside in.

The fork used for the first course will be placed the farthest to the left and the knife for the first course will be the farthest to the right. Place any spoons that will be used before dessert to the right of the knives. Dessert utensils should always be placed horizontally above the dinner plate.

All stemware to be used dinner dinner should be preset. The date glass sits to the right of the plate while, just above the knife. Wineglasses should be set to the right of the water glass.

The Dessert Course

Dessert is enjoyed by all on special occasions, more so than a soup course these days. Here is what a proper dessert setting should look like.

{image via Martha Stewart}

All stemware, besides the water glass, should be removed. The dessert spoon and fork remain from the initial setting. Dessert is presented on a small plate accompanied by a coffee or teacup and a teaspoon.

Happy entertaining! Do you have any fall dinner parties up your sleeve?!

How to Cut & Create an Arrangement Using Hydrangeas

{image via Nancy Lui Chin}

I think it is safe to say that hydrangeas are a favorite of many. This beautiful flower can often be found year round from a florist, but they typically bloom from late spring to summer...so right now! And I bet that many of you mommies will receive some of these beauties this weekend for Mother's Day!

In the current issue of Southern Living magazine, there is a small article on how to cut and create a stunning arrangement at home. Here is the step-by-step guide as told by Southern Living...

Choose

Look for flowers that have fully opened and feel slightly papery to the touch. They will last longer when cut. Use one bloom color or mix varying shades.

Clip

This pertains to the lucky ons who have hydrangea bushes at home! But if you buy the flowers from a florist, the same technique applies.

Snip stems early in the morning. Cut at an angle, above a leaf bud. Place your stems in a bucket of cool water immediately after cutting.

Condition

Heat a pot of water until almost boiling; remove from heat and wait five minutes. Dip stem emds in hot water for 30 seconds before arranging in cool water.

Create

Show off your display with a rounded container to echo the shape of the blooms. Use moist floral foam to keep the stems in place if needed.

Where I Have Been....

Hello friends!

I just can't apologize enough for my absence this week and previous weeks. I have debated on whether or not I should share a little about what has been going on lately. I certainly do not want to sound like I am complaining or whining and I want this to be a happy place; and most importantly, a place for parties and fun! But I also do not want people to wonder why I have not posted often and even worse, lost my passion for this blog. That is not the case at all!

First of all, there is nothing life threatening going on, thank heavens. I just have been battling some health issues lately, mainly terrible headaches. I have suffered from mild to severe headaches for about 10 years. I seem to always find a way to control them, but this year, I have been to the ER 3 times for treatment and I realized that I can't keep going on this way and that I need to get to the bottom of the problem. I visited with a neurologist this week and we have a few things scheduled for the upcoming weeks. I will have a MRI on Tuesday. I am definitely anxious about that, but I am not worried because no one thinks this is a severe issue...just an issue we need to figure out.

So, my sincere apologies for not blogging much these last few weeks. I really miss you and diving into party posts! I just have had several appointments that have taken a toll on my daily life (emotionally, physically and a lot of time and effort). On top of that, my rambunctious boys are 4 and 2 and that right there does not lend time to much else.

My sweet husband realized that I needed some complete me time. He took the boys AND new puppy to our farm for the ENTIRE weekend. People...I have not had a weekend ALONE in years! Of course, we as a couple have left the boys, but it has always been on a trip where we are going, going, going. Or I have been on girls' weekends with full schedules. But this weekend I am alone and have zero obligations. I can't tell you how excited I am (although I woke up with another splitting headache; finally under control now). I have been on the couch ALL morning watching reality TV (thank you Bethenny ever After for lots of laughs!) and countless royal wedding documentaries off of Apple TV (I can't shake the royal wedding fever). Although I miss the boys (all 3) tremendously, I am loving and appreciating my weekend of no obligations. Even sitting here writing this post, at this time of the day, in peace, is unusual. I'm off to get a deep tissue massage in a bit and can't wait. The feeling of not having to rush home afterwards to the kids is a relaxing feeling. And tonight, I think I'm going to go to dinner and a movie with a friend and just chill. I'll be waking up whenever I want tomorrow as well. Then, I'm off to the West U Home Tour and can't wait. Ahhh...I'm just going to enjoy these hours and I know I will be a better mom when everyone comes home tomorrow.

Thank you all for your loyalty and patience. I am truly blessed to be in touch with so many of you and I can't wait to feel normal (my normal) again! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

XOXO,

Christi

{Party Tips} Seating Chart

I know that most of us are not planning weddings, but that does not mean you will never have the need to put together a seating chart. Even when we are having 2 or 3 couples over for dinner, I still stress about who is going to sit where and I'm often changing my mind up until the last minute.

While reading one of the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine recently, I came across this example of how to organize a seating chart using these Muji sticker sheets. I really like the idea of using detachable strips on paper instead of constantly erasing with a pencil or continuously starting fresh on new paper!

Please Vote for P is for Party

I was so excited when I received an e-mail last week letting me know that P is for Party had been nominated to the Top 25 Party Plannin' Blogs list on Circle of Mom's! I am truly honored and was quite surprised! My personality is kind of funny...I can be competitive, but then again, I avoid confrontation at all costs and never like to hurt peoples feelings. With that said, asking for votes feels kind of funny, but another part of me would absolutely LOVE to make it in the top 25 or even in the top 10!

If you enjoy reading P is for Party, your vote of support would mean so much to me. You can vote ONCE a DAY up until April 11th. You can vote HERE.

A sincere thank you!

Today is an exciting day for Kelly of The Party Dress and P is for Party as well! Kelly has produced the first issue of an e-glossy magazine full of eye candy! I was thrilled to be a part of the occasion! In the first issue of the magazine, you will see the debut of Nick's safari party along with a DIY moss cake stand tutorial.

Congratulations Kelly and thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing issue!

Happy Birthday Texas - An Ode to Texas Pecan Pies!

In honor of Texas Independence Day and my never ending sweet tooth, I wanted to share with you my top 3 Texas pecan pies that everyone can easily enjoy!

Goode Co. BBQ is very popular in Houston and their pecan pies are infamous. You should see the line out the door during Thanksgiving week! The pies are dark, sweet and delicious and you can order them online! They arrive at your doorstep in a sturdy wooden box, perfectly wrapped for freshness. The pies are $31.95 and make great gifts! I send them to friends throughout the year.

Next up is the San Saba Pecan Pie in a Jar. Yes, you read that correctly and it truly is that easy! All you need to do is add eggs and provide the pie crust and you have a delicious pie! Their Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie is to die for as well! You can order the jars directly from San Saba or order online from William Sonoma. They are currently on sale at William Sonoma for $14.99! Their preserves are equally as tasty and are amazing smothered over pork tenderloin or to top off your ice cream!

I can't say enough good things about the pies from Royer's Roundtop Cafe. Their pies are UH.MAZING! And the good news is that you can order them online as well! Their Pecan Pie is a restaurant favorite and I am obsessed with their Chocolate Chip Pie! They like to say that the pecan pie is "not too sweet and does not have that karo flavor".

Mmmm....Royer's Chocolate Chip Pie! I served these in the mini version at my birthday dinner last year!

Now Accepting Sponsors!

I am happy to announce that P is for Party is now accepting Sponsors! I am not quite sure why I have not tackled this until now. I often receive inquiries about ad space from fabulous bloggers with businesses and I am thrilled that I can now support their endeavors and provide traffic to their sites.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor with P is for Party, please feel free to contact me at pisforparty@att.net. I look forward to hearing from you!

Holiday Table Challenge Hosted by The Party Dress!

Have you heard about the Holiday Table Challenge that is being hosted by Kelly of The Party Dress?! For the next few weeks, Kelly will be showcasing gorgeous tables designed by many of your favorite bloggers. You will not want to miss this eye candy which I am sure will serve as great inspiration for you for the season and other celebrations to come! I was lucky enough to be asked to participate and I hope I am able to come through with an inspiring design!

Two beautiful tables have been shown so far. A dreamy "Coastal Christmas" table was styled by Beth Beattie of Beth Beattie Branding, PR and Events. Then, today, Chris of Celebrations of Home, was able to show off the elegant table she designed that will not only work for Christmas, but for any special occasion. Chris used black, white, silver and lots of sparkle to create a stunning table to inspire you!

A big thank you to Kelly for hosting this fun event!

Busy, Busy, Busy

{Candid Chic Photography}

I am so excited that the holiday season is here! My calendar is full, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I love being able to celebrate this special time of year with family and friends!

I do feel a little overwhelmed though with not only the hustle and bustle of Christmastime, but I am also in the process of planning Conrad's second birthday party which will take place in a few weeks AND Nick's birthday party in January. I guess I need to accept the fact that this time of year will forever be insanely busy! A November anniversary, Thanksgiving, two birthday parties, Christmas, shopping, house guests, parties, school functions, New Year's...you name it!

I miss blogging on a daily basis! I truly am so sad that my time is limited for the next few weeks. I promise to post ideas and parties during this Christmas season, but I just wanted to explain my absence and lack of posting. I look forward to sharing Conrad's party details right after Christmas!

A heartfelt thank you to EVERYONE who checks in with me daily and for all of your uplifting comments. Reading your sweet words truly make my day and encourage me to continue blogging.

Coming up right after this post...an unusual Christmas dessert!

xoxo,

Christi

Where I find Inspiration

People often ask me where I find inspiration when I begin to style a party. I honestly find inspiration everywhere...magazines of all kinds, peoples' houses, fabric, books, online...the list could go on. but I do find myself turning back to this picture time and time again.

I first spotted this page layout while reading House Beautiful and I have already blogged about it here. I finally scanned in the actual image from the magazine to share with all of you! the color combinations are gorgeous! When I look at the picture, my mind starts turing with one party idea after another. I wish I could get my hands on the actual jpeg, so you could see the vibrant colors come through!

Thank you to LA PLATES for dreaming up such beautiful color combinations!

A New Look!

{image via style me pretty}

Welcome, dear readers to the new look of P is for Party! I can't tell you how excited I am and over the moon about the new blog design! I hope you like it as much as I do. I started P is for Party on a whim one day and I am truly humbled by the love and attention the blog has received. Thank you for giving me a reason to write!

{image via Flickr}

I could not have done this without the creativity and patience of Carolyn...a dream to work with! If you are interested in a small update or an entire blog makeover, she is FABULOUS. You can visit Carolyn's blog, Life in Graz, to learn more about the process. I really cannot say enough nice things about Carolyn!

Please stay tuned for an amazing giveaway I have put together to celebrate the NEW look! I will have details soon. Thank you again for stopping by and for your continuous support!

Lots of Love ~ Christi

A Quick Break - New Blog Design Coming SOON!

Hi friends! I am going to "take off" for a few days while I finish up the last minute details of my new blog design! I.CANNOT.WAIT! I am smitten with the new logo design and color scheme! {The above photo from KiKi La Ru gives a hint to the new palette}. Carolyn has been amazing to work with and I love all that she has come up with. I will be back soon with a tremendous giveaway to celebrate the new launch of P is for Party...hopefully in a few days!!!

Miss You!

{image via style me pretty}

I have been such a bad blogger lately! I am SO sorry and I truly miss everyone and my daily dose of creativity. I've been reading your blogs though and have seen so many wonderful posts! My in-laws decided to move from Colorado, where they have been for the past 10 years, and come back to Texas. This all happened in about a month, so they have been staying with us while their new house is being remodeled. So, my quiet time during the boys' naps and after they go to bed has been replaced with decorating errands and dinners out. It's been fun though! Anyway....I promise to get back to blogging this week!!

xoxo,

Christi

PS - The above picture has no meaning, besides that I just think it's pretty. =)

The Junior League of Galveston

Attention Houston and Galveston area friends!!

My good friend and stationery extraordinaire, Hayley Hardcastle, is a member of the Galveston Junior League. This year, she created the logo for their upcoming Secret Garden Mother-Daughter Tea which is sure to be fabulous. If you would like to support the Galveston Junior League, please read on for details...

This year marks the second annual event for The Junior League of Galveston County! The Mother-Daughter Tea will feature a seated light lunch and style show showcasing fashions for young and young-at-heart. This event is multi-generational, and will be a celebration of women and the wonders of motherhood. There are also activities for children and vendor booths for shopping for all ages!

This year, the event will be held on Saturday, May 1 from 9 am - 2 pm in The Davidson Ballroom at the Tremont House Hotel in historic Downtown Galveston. For more information contact Lynsey Ginsberg at JLMDT2010@hotmail.com or visit www.JLGalveston.org to download sponsor form to purchase tickets.

I'm A Busy Bee Over Here!

{image via The TomKat Studio}

Goodness gracious! I apologize for my lack of posts lately! March and April have been busy, but fun months. I feel like I have been going and going. On top of that, today I dropped my 16 month old's morning nap...so bye bye morning computer time for me.

I have MANY real parties to share with you and lots of other party inspiration, so please stay with me. I PROMISE to keep up with my posts next week!

Why did I choose the above image for this post you might ask?? Because I am starving at the moment and cupcakes sound amazing! Plus TomKat's bee printables are too cute!

The Surprise Party Was Perfect!

The surprise 70th birthday party for my Dad this past Saturday night was absolutely perfect!! He truly had no idea and was overcome with emotion. I cannot wait to share the pictures with you which will probably be in a few weeks! Thank you to everyone who sent their well wishes for a successful weekend! It truly was a night to remember.

{balloon image via style me pretty}

Headed to Dallas!

I'm headed to Dallas for a much needed girls weekend! I can't wait to spend time with some of my best friends and visit some of my favorite shops and restaurants. On weekends like these, I usually consume thousands of unnecessary calories. This will be sure to include many cookies (maybe multiple trips!) to JD's Chippery and a biscuit and cinnamon roll breakfast fromBubba's on Hillcrest. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Shopping is on the agenda this weekend as well! Today we will hit up Lover's Lane which means I'll probably stop by Drip Coffee Shop and Tart Bakery for an afternoon snack! Then, tomorrow will head to Northpark with the rest of the city.

I am really looking forward to trying out a new restaurant that my friends rave about. It's called Rise and they serve gourmet souffles...isn't that such a cute restaurant name! Javier's is another Dallas favorite of mine, but I don't think we'll be visiting them this time. All this talk about delicious, fattening food is making me also want to stop by Highland Park Pharmacy for a grilled cheese! Festive Kitchen in Snider Plaza is yet another favorite of mine. Hopefully I'll make it by there to grab a few goodies to take back with me to Houston to share with my family. Their Sundried Tomato Basil Pesto Torte is amazing and we always serve that at Dallas showers!

Can you tell I'm looking forward to this trip?! I'm not going to know what to do with myself for 48 hours...KID FREE!!!

Easter/Spring Tablescapes & Parties Contest!

Michelle from Maddycakes Muse is hosting an EGGcelent (I could not resist!) spring parties and tablescapes contest!! I know we are all ready for spring and this is the perfect event to help us get in the mood.

All 3 prizes are GENEROUS. The first place winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Etsy!!! I am so excited to be on the judges panel and be in the company of five very talented and creative ladies...Amy from Stem, Monique from Enchanted Expectations, Susan from Between Naps on the Porch, Kara from Karas Party Ideas & of course, Michelle from Maddycakes Muse.

Hop on over (I just can't stop!) to Maddycakes Muse to learn more about the fabulous prizes and how to enter. Don't delay...the contest ends on Sunday, February 28th.

{image via Country Living}