{real parties} a new year...damask style!

We are thrilled to feature our first party submission by Andrea of Pocket Full of Parties! As many of you know from our "Big Announcement," Andrea's submission email prompted us to fulfil the vision we had for Oink! We hope you enjoy the party she created...

This is Andrea of Pocket Full of Parties. A week before New Year's Eve, I decided to throw a "Pocket Full of Parties" family-centered event at my house with my friends and their children. After considering many themes and colors schemes, I ultimately chose black and white damask with red accents. This has been my favorite color combination since I was a very little girl. The great thing about this design is that it is versatile and can be used for many occasions--birthdays, weddings, bridal showers and dinner parties.

Once I chose this theme, the rest was easy. With the "help" of my two year old (who pretended to craft things while I was doing so), the party was put together with class and style in 5 days! My guests were so thankful to be invited to a kid-friendly New Year's party and raved about the décor, desserts and food. Such a proud moment for me and my family!

I think Andrea did a wonderful job! I like that she stacked the silverware and tied them with a loose bow. I also love that she mixed gorgeous cake pops with star-shaped Peeps!

Hank's Hint: To keep your party budget in balance, make sure you choose economical menu items if you splurge on a "must have" treat!

I wanted to get to know Andrea a bit better and share a little bit more about her business with you. Here's my lil' interview with her...

How long have you been in business? I dreamed up Pocket Full of Parties in July 2010.

How did you get started in the business? It all started with the birth of my daughter and the realization that I LOVED throwing parties for her! A month and a half before her 2nd birthday, I realized that I enjoy party design so much that I might as well try to turn my passion into a business. I started a blog, business Twitter and Facebook accounts, asked my cousin to design an official Pocket Full of Parties logo and the rest is history!

I also have to credit an old friend and neighbor, Kori of Paper and Pigtails, whose party printables business inspired me to find my creative side again and my cousin and Pocket Full of Parties' Creative Consultant, Melissa, who's listening ear helped me find my passion.

Do you do this full-time, part-time or just for fun? Party planning is part-time work AND just for fun right now.

What penny pinching ideas or tips went into your event? Be creative and think about using an item in a different way than it was intended. I saved Christmas bows and ribbons and used them for my party bunting and banners. I discovered beaded tree garland in the Christmas clearance section and hung it from the ceiling to create a backdrop behind the dessert table. I love using things in unexpected ways.

I hope you enjoyed our first feature. I am inspired by Andrea and proud that she had the courage to take a leap and send a submission to our blog.

Thanks for choosing Oink!, Andrea! It means to the world to this lil' piggy!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

Sources:

{Free} Subway Art :: Lizard & Ladybug

Printables :: Little Ladybug Designs

Treats :: Island Girl Cakes

Photography :: Captured by Dee Photography

Treats, Décor & Crafts :: Target, Michael's, TJ Maxx, Walmart and Publix