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,

Party Crashing: Tea for Two... or 6!

Last weekend I had the absolute pleasure of crashing the adorable 6th birthday of one of my cutest customers. Hadley and her mother purchased tea party supplies from the shop and put together a party that was fit for a queen! Walking up to their house, I was greeted by a very handsome "butler" (aka her brother dressed very dapper). Then I walked into and couldn't help, but be giddy with excitement. The paper tableware looked charming next to the real tea cups and platters she had mixed in, plus the snacks were adorable and looked quite tasty. Party favor bags, tiny tiaras and feather boas she added, such a cute touch!

I love using real tea cups as vases for a tea party! Great decoration and way to add pops of color if your table is less colorful than this one. Now for the little ones to sip out of you, you probably want to stick with paper to avoid broken glass. This doesn't mean they can't do pinkies up with a pretty tea cup:

Our Truly Alice cups are an adorable way to serve beverages to adults and children. For the snacks, I loved the ladybug cheeses made from Mini Babybel cheese. The petit fours from a local bakery, Bagatelle, looked quaint on our mini canape plates. She also served tea sandwiches cut into flowers, veggies and cookies. It's so fun how a few packs of paper plates, napkins, cups and then a few accessories found around the house can transform a table into a tea party dream!

It was one of the cutest parties I've crashed and I'm so happy I was able to share with you. What's better than dressing up and enjoying tea with your friends at a pink table!? I'd say that goes for all girls, big and small!

Photos via me

Want to throw a tea party of your own? Check out our supplies here: Love of Character - Tea Party.

Lots of Love,