Hola!! Today is Mel’s big day, so I’m still here in Cabo working away to make her day just as she’s dreamed! From the music to the ribbon garland to the bouquets, I am all Mel & Mark today - so, that’s why I asked one of the craftiest bloggers around, Jenny of Hank and Hunt, to fill in for me while I run around in the sun! Here she is, with some amazing tips on how to be party-ready, for any occasion! Leave her some love, will ya? :)

Hello lovely readers! I am so happy that Jacin asked me to do a little guest post for her while she is off in sunny Cabo. Lucky girl! I wanted to cover something that would help both a bride planning her big day and Mrs. Newlywed…and something that involves those little details.  Your fete closet.  Do you have one? Probably not.  I am going to give you a simple list that you can use to collect and create your very own.  Everything a girl needs to throw a party…at the easiest level.  Keep these little details in a cute little box in the hall closet, and you will be able to throw a celebration at a moment’s notice (new job, hubby got a raise, BFF got engaged…even a easy little dinner party.)

Here is the list for a simple, yet versatile, party chest:
white cake stand
white paper lanterns in various sizes
garland or bunting
cute cupcake liners
striped straws
small paper bags 5”x7”
twine
white candles

This basic collection is your starting point.  With these, you can make anything.  First, let me emphasize the necessity of a WHITE cake stand.  If you will ever have any cake in your home, even if you are not a baker, any cake looks so much more special on a pretty stand. I promise, you must have at least one, I might have more than a few…Personalize those paper bags with an initial stamp for favors or serving popcorn at your backyard movie night.  Make even the littlest celebration special by hanging lanterns and garland.  BTW, little white lanterns in various sizes are at your craft store for less than $2 and they fold flat!  Yes, also hiding in there is a cupcake stand.  We eat many cupcakes here at Chez H+H…definitely a must have.  Twine. The must have for presents, packaging and labels (also, any H+H printable buntings you might find…hee hee.) Never worry about having candles in the right color, (anyone besides me stick their last bright blue candle on a pretty pink cake…not good) use white. The assortment you can find cupcake liners in is astounding.  A simple stripe, dot or check is that little detail that brings it together.  Bake them yourself?  You have to have those simple black liners, just like the cupcakery does. Perfection in a paper cup.

Use this list exactly for your perfect, ready anytime party and venture into the world of party fabulousness. It doesn’t have to be all black and white either…turquoise or coral your signature color? By golly, get those straws/cakeplates/tissue poms.   I collect solid colors as they go on clearance throughout the year in colors I love. For instance, when I needed a centerpiece over my table for July 4…I just happened to have something in my stash.  Add more color by bringing in an amazing vintage abstract tablecloth. Use those beautiful embroidered monogram cocktail napkins from the wedding.  Use your base and build on it to make it personal.  Enjoy all those happy little moments and celebrate them!

Thank you for having me, Jacin!
xo, Jenny