Party Crashing: Cassie's Patio Birthday Soiree!

When your cousin comes in town on her birthday weekend, you go all out to make it special! My beautiful and fun-loving cousin, Cassie, with my aunt and uncle, came to town this weekend. Yesterday was her 24th birthday and you know I love any excuse to throw a fun party! Since Dustin and I put in our fun patio last year, we volunteered to host. It worked out great and the weather was perfect out (well, we could have done without the wind, but can't be too picky!).

Shout out to Dustin for an amazing yard!

For the table, I wanted bright colors with a touch of sparkle. I used the ombre plates, napkins, ruffle gold bowls, gold stripe plates and gold flatware from my shop. The gold and rainbow ombre was a perfect combo, especially for a girly girl outdoor party. Since it was windy out, I put mini water bottles on each place setting to keep the plates down. Unfortunately, I couldn't have a lot out on the table with the wind, but I loved the simplicity of white with pops of color. Of course I had to wrap up her presents using my signature pink boxes and they were great for filling table space. The flowers in the center, I put together using pink flowers and green trick - my favorite filler when putting together an arrangement.

Cassie showed up and was ready to party! I topped her off with one of the new mini party hats from my shop and the Plaid Giraffe girls made her a gorgeous corsage (after spending the day making 100+ for high school proms - power house over there!). She was in Heaven and it was all about her. I poured her a fancy glass of sparkling lemonade and we got the party started. Of course the minute little Leni showed up, things really kicked off. She instantly became Cassie's favorite party guest.

Those two were party buddies all night! After some delicious Ziggy's pizza and mom's salad for dinner, we let Cassie open her gifts. With her party buddy next to her, she ripped right through them and loved them all. I love watching the excitement of someone when they open up gifts and truly enjoy them. Throughout dinner and presents, we of course made the girls do photo shoots and honestly, they are too cute not to share:

Told you they were best party buds! So fun. Presents were followed by a delicious cake made by Grandma Lacy. She, per usual, out did herself and made one in the shape of a rose. I added some "Fancy Pants" sprinkles - coming to the shop soon - for some color. We then topped it off with a heart sparkler, which brought some excitement to the table!

After dinner, we pulled out the giant Jenga for some entertainment. We received the Jenga as a gift from my brother-in-law and his girlfriend. He and my father-in-law made it! Great patio game and kept us entertained all night. The first game we went for a long time and kept thinking it would knock over. Finally came down after my turn thanks to the wind. Leni constantly chanted "KNOCK IT DOWN!" with high enthusiasm and fist pumps. She also would chant people's names to add an extra level of pressure.

"UNCLE PAT, UNCLE PAT!"

Overall, the night was a success and I think the birthday girl had a great time. We enjoyed each other's company and laughed all night. I love my family and was happy to host them at our casa.

Need to throw together a quick party table for an upcoming event? Shop our store for paper products that really pop! Shop this post:

Rainbow Ombre Dinner Plates | Ombre Salad Plates | Ombre Napkins | Gold Striped Plates | Gold Ruffle Bowls | Gold Plastic Flatware | Mini Party Hats | Heart Sparkler Candle

Lots of Love,

Party Crashing: Leni's 2nd Birthday Heart Party!

"Are you here for my party!? Is that for me?" Little Leni bug is two (TWO!) and we had so much fun celebrating her birthday yesterday. She greeted everyone at the door with her adorable smile and excitement for more party guests arriving. My cousin, Kelly, and her husband, Corey, hosted the cutest red heart party and I had to share some pictures.

That kid table though? It was amazing. I'm jealous of chairs that are made for children.

For the birthday dessert, Kelly went with one of our favs, Cheri's Bakery. Leni insisted on a pink cake and Kelly got her color way with the adorable tea party cookies. They were both delicious! As for the birthday girl? I hope her wishes come true...

Lots of Love,

Galentine's Party + Happy 1st Birthday LOC!

Happy Valentine Week! For starters, I need to thank my amazing family and friends that were able to stop by and make last night beyond special and oh so fun! I have met incredible women in my life and I was so excited to share Love of Character's birthday with all of them (those who couldn't come or who live far away, you were missed!). For the past few years, I have been throwing a Valentine Party for ladies to come over, drink, eat and make valentines. It is always a great time and let's be honest, who doesn't love throwing a party with pink as the main color?

XOXO Tic Tac Toe, why not!

These new sparkle party banners are coming to the shop soon!

For the party setup, I did a photo booth, some food and drink and open area in the living room. In the dining room, I turned the table into a valentine making station. The kitchen, everyone's favorite spot to mingle, we had food and drink. Always good to have things in a couple of rooms, so the party can spread out. For the valentine making, I always hit up Target's dollar spot and load up on cute cards, stickers and more. I love to see what everyone creates! In the center of the table, I decided to put a vase of flowers inside my favorite pink boxes and it added a fun touch of LOC!

Food wise, I had a mix of cheeses, crackers and LOTS of desserts. I impulse bought a cake day of! I walked by the cake case at none other than our local Dillons and couldn't resist it:

They are stepping up their cake game! Plus, I rationalized that it was a "birthday" party, so I needed a cake. For the cookies, I was inspired by Leni's heart birthday party last year and purchased cookies from Cheri's Bakery:

Rose cupcake also from Dillons...yes another impulse!

Love the plates and napkins? They are from a new line LOC is carrying, Meri Meri! They will be posted soon with the new website. Plus our gold flatware and floral paper straws always make for a pretty buffet!

Cherry Heart Tarts made by my adorable Grandma!

Conversation Heart White Chocolate Popcorn - so easy, recipe found here.

Another fun decoration made for the party were the wine labels! A cute stationary account started following me on Instagram, so I checked them out and the Kansas Day post caught my attention. I commented on a cute rosé bottle picture and then we became instant friends, literally! She is actually from here and just moved back after school. She made the adorable labels for the party and I was so happy she could attend! Check out her Etsy shop: Lindeman Carte.

Plug - if you want to make fancy labels like this, make sure you sign up for our Calligraphy Class!

Overall, the party was great and I had so much fun celebrating with everyone. A lot of rosé was enjoyed and a lot of fancy cookies and tarts munched on. I hope these pictures have inspired you to throw your own little Galentine Party!

Lastly, thanks for all of your orders, encouraging words and support during the first year of LOC! New things are coming and I cannot wait to share them with all of you. Have a very happy and pink filled Valentine's Day!

Made a small group of party guests use my photo booth with me! XOXO (photos via me)

Lots of Love,