a ‘my favorite things’ party

last february, i threw a ‘my favorite things’ party for my girlfriends 
where we each gathered a gift focused around items we love most
i decided to do it over valentine’s day weekend
to express my love and appreciation for friendships 
today i am going to share some of my ideas with you all…
it was a lovely evening spent with wonderful friends
here are some ideas for you:
invites:
my favorite site for invites is shutterfly’s new line, treat.
the products are creative, adorable, affordable, and so easy to personalize.
here is one of my very favorites for friendships:
so, so cute!!
decor: 

a lot of my decor items were from various etsy shops; however, i also found some great finds at ikea, world market, and michael’s. 
my goal for the event was for it to be inviting, feminine, and hopefully beautiful- 
i wanted it to show my love for each one of them.
some fun straws, rustic candles, baby’s breath {$3 from the grocery store}, and vintage cards were a few of the things i decorated the event with. 

the rose gingham napkins were from ikea
food, drinks, and treats: 
{left} my favorite store bought sprinkle sugar cookies and {right} some homemade ruffle cupcakes 
{i am such a lover of ruffled bake goods}
i found the hearts and boho flag toppers on etsy 
here are some lovely ones from manniatitta
the fruit skewers were supposed to represent and symbolize ‘cupid’s arrow’ 
i chopped up about three different colors of fresh carnations
and then applied a small amount of honey {with a small paintbrush} 
to one side of each champagne glass 
and then attached the florals
…when each guest arrived, i greeted them with a glass of bubbly for toasting…

an ombre cake with a tassel topper:
-bird plate from sweetmeas
easy appetizer recipes that people always love:
a baguette- cut thin
put olive oil and bake for about 15 min 
then spread with goat cheese, fig butter {trader joe’s}, prosciutto, and 
top with fresh basil 
the white dip above was a huge hit
esp. with jalapeno chips 
&
just four ingredients:
1 cup shredded cheese
16 oz sour cream 
1 can original rotel 
1 packet of hidden valley fiesta ranch 
when picking a menu
i decided to make/buy my all time party favorites
to share with all 

 i served wine, champagne, my two favorite beers, and pink raspberry lemonade 
{served in vintage milk glasses from micheal’s}:

 gifts:

everyone brought such thoughtfully amazing gifts
the price range was around $30 
i have also seen a similar concept, but where people bring one small item that they love
{maybe around $3-5}
bringing enough for every person who plans to attend
everyone would then have a bag- possibly with a cute tag that says, ‘favorite things’ 
however, i decided to have everyone bring one larger gift
the amount of items varied per gift 
and then we picked numbers and did an exchange
… 
i loved seeing everyone’s favorites!
the gift i gave:
 a wooden necklace, a hobnail candle, and a beautiful mess’ amazing book 
{my biggest inspiration/favorite blog ever.}

i wrapped my gift in paper from world market
here is the cute gift that i received- loved- so much: 

some other items that were given:
wine, chocolate, bakeware, an apron, blueberry luna bars, k. cups, candles, headbands, an eco- friendly water bottle, a ceramic egg tray, skinny girl margarita mix, fun socks, soap, a chalkboard frame, cards
and so many other cute items!! 
i hope you enjoyed my suggestions for throwing a ‘my favorite things’ gathering
always here if you have any questions 
now go ahead –spoil your gals
 show them you love them, relax, and enjoy some time together
-i would love to know-
have you ever attended/thrown a ‘my favorite things’ party? 
…. any other ideas?
 i would love to hear- please comment below and inspire us all! 
xo

Comments (14)

  • Rachel Nicole | littlebluesailboat.blogspot.com

    October 29, 2014 at 1:56 pm

    I loved this when you shared it before. And now I'm determined to throw one of these myself once we're in the new house. I wanted to share another option for having holiday cards made (for your entire mailing list): overnightprints.com. We used their postcard service for Max's birth announcement and I plan to use them for our holiday card, as well. I found a design on Etsy that I love and the designer will send me the digital file. Then I just upload it to OvernightPrints and they print all the cards for a fraction of what you can find on Shutterfly or other sites. Just thought I'd share the wealth!

    1. Nelle Monaco

      October 30, 2014 at 2:15 pm

      🙂 Yes, you need to do this in that amazing new house – can't wait- so excited for you! Also, thank you so much – amazing suggestion!!

  • See Kae Style

    October 29, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    This is such a fun idea! Everything looks so pretty

    1. nelle monaco

      November 4, 2014 at 3:44 am

      Thank you so much! It was very fun… I recommend!

  • Hannah

    October 29, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    This is such a cool idea! I really want to put together something like this! Maybe for Christmas or Valentines!!

    1. nelle monaco

      November 4, 2014 at 3:45 am

      Thank you so much, Hannah! Both are perfect occasions <3 please share if you do!!

  • Anonymous

    October 29, 2014 at 4:15 pm

    Oh my gosh! This looks like it was so much fun. You really have a great eye for decorating (something that I do not have!). This is such a cool idea. And doing it around Valentine's is perfect!

    1. nelle monaco

      November 4, 2014 at 3:46 am

      Thank you so much! I appreciate you stopping in and I agree about Valentine's Day <3

  • Sarah Moore

    October 29, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    This is the cutest party ever! I love all of the details and food! I had a Valentine's Day tea for some of my girlfriends one year and we had the best time!

    1. nelle monaco

      November 4, 2014 at 3:46 am

      Awe- thank you so much, Sarah! You are so sweet and you def. should! Thank you for stopping in and hope your day went well!

  • Alex

    October 29, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    Saw your blog on Eat, Drink, & Be Mary's Giveaway! Absolutely love it. New follower via GFC! 🙂

    – Alex @ Radiating Sunshine
    alexmhons.blogspot.com

    1. nelle monaco

      November 4, 2014 at 3:47 am

      Hi Alex! Thank you for stopping in 🙂 I really appreciate it and so glad you are enjoying- your comment means a lot to me!

  • Stacia, Paper Swallow Events

    November 3, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    What a beautiful party! I love all the details you gathered together!

    1. nelle monaco

      November 4, 2014 at 3:48 am

      Thank you so much, Stacia! I really appreciate it – it was a lot of fun! Thank you for stopping in!

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