S.J.'s Safari Party turned out great! Below are some of my most favorite pictures from the party ...

I've had the pleasure to work with a repeat client... Marecia. This year she came to me for customized "Safari Adventure" Invitations. Marecia is one creative "mommy" and knows exactly what she wants. In the past couple of years I've worked with her on several designs... some of my favorites are her son's Christening Invitation and various items for his First Birthday Celebration (Sesame Street Themed). I always look forward to working with Marecia each and everytime, because I know she's going to bring something totally original and out of the box : )

I will be building on this collection slowly for the next couple of weeks as we put the pieces together for her son's amazing Safari Adventure party... stay tuned!

The theme for my birthday celebration was Fashion Boutique/Swap Party. I've been wanting to do a Swap party since I first saw Sparkling Events and Design "Pink Diamond Party". Several months had passed and still I had no idea on the direction I wanted to go with my own personal swap party... and then Eyecandy Events and Details sparked my interest again with their take on a "Green Swap Party".

I was back and forth with wanting to have a "party" initially because I felt as though I really didn't have the time to plan for one (I had already celebrated so many birthday's in October) and had done so many (fun) things I really didn't need a party... at the very last minute I changed my mind and decided to host a mini party for close family and friends (within in a week) - I did not want to spend a lot of money on this last minute party and decided to take "Swap" to the extreme.  I spent less than $20.00 to create this theme (which was spent only on snacks and drinks)!

My first goal was to pick out my color scheme - I looked around my home to try and figure out which room could I "borrow" majority of my party supplies/decor - I chose my bathroom! My bathroom is decorated in Damask and a deep plum/wine color and I thought those colors would be perfect for my Fashion Boutique. Other areas I borrowed from included my dining area (I stacked tables on one another), my room (jewelry and candle holders, pillows, and picture frames), the kitchen (martini glasses), and the garage (fabric).

I decided to let my imagination run wild and played up color scheme through paper printables such as a mini banner, placecards, party flags, Coco Chanel signs/quotes, and toppers. I had artwork on the walls that I did not want to take down for the party so instead... I found pictures in my favorite fashion magazine(s) and taped them over my wall art and my Fashion Boutique came to life right before my eyes.

As guest walked in to the boutique they were asked, to pick a card (which was hanging from the chandelier) and the number on the card would determine their swapping order. Guest were allowed to pick up three items at a time (taking turns) until all of the items were gone! I was in awe of the gently used items brought to party some still had tags on them...everyone left the party pleased and happy to have swapped with one another.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the party... I could not upload them all so please feel free to stop by FB and check out the rest : )