It Takes Hands to Build a House

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But only hearts can build a home. This past Friday, there were many hearts in our home. Our housewarming party was very much a success. Good food, good friends- it took my breath away to see so many loved ones enjoying our home and all that we’ve put into it.

And speaking of what we put into it, the party itself was quite the feat. Almost 40 people responded to our “casual cocktail party” but this wasn’t exactly my first rodeo. Here’s an inside peek…

If there’s one thing that keeps me organized it’s lists. I had a good 5 lists going for this party: food, decor, shopping, hour-by-hour prep for day before and day of, and then an excel spreadsheet with all guests names, their addresses, their RSVP response, and a column for gifts to make thank you cards a breeze. Post-its are essential as well. The day before, I staged the party.

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Chairs were set out throughout the dining and living rooms, the table protected by a white table cloth and my go-to kraft paper, and all platters were set with labeled post-its.

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Then the morning of the party, I just made each platter and left the post-its on the table so I knew just where everything would fit just before the guests arrived.

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It was a wonderful party. Jared and I feel truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. We’re looking forward to many many more parties in this house! Thanks for coming everyone!

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Happy Housewarming

I’ve shopped, and baked, and assembled decor but honestly, tonight’s party is really about our guests.

It’s been a long year but we’ve made it through the bulk of this renovation. And If you’ve helped us in any way- through knocking down walls or putting them up, painting trim or laying floors, and especially in your kind words of encouragement and praise, we thank you. You’ve helped us build our dream home.

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Because Renovations Deserve Celebrations

It’s happening! We’re officially having our housewarming. I have so many ideas and just like the renovation, I know exactly what I want to do. No one has ever called me indecisive. My saint of a husband is along for the ride so long as their will be food and yes, there will be food. But a casual cocktail party with appetizers and drinks and yummy desserts. We’ve invited quite a lot of people so the race to complete some projects is on!

While we work diligently this week, I’ll be converting the blog to party planner central! I have a lot of experience planning corporate and client events- plus a certain wedding last year- so hopefully my tips and my fellow bloggers tips will help you with all your holiday entertaining this season! Cheers!

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Home is Wherever I’m with You

Is it just me or is everyone either buying or looking to buy a house lately? My cousin and his wife just moved into a new home, my other cousin and her boyfriend are moving into a home this week, and two of my co-workers are in the market! It’s such an exciting time and I think it’s important to celebrate this incredible milestone.

You see, our home is about three years in the making. I know we just bought it in April but ever since I knew that Jared was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with, all I could think about was the day we move back up north near our family and set up house to start our own family. So now that we have a house that’s been gutted and ripped up and dusty all over, it brings me so much joy to picture a time when everything will be polished and pretty and everyone can come over to see what we’ve accomplished.

But unfortunately, that grand party filled with friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and basically everyone who reads this blog probably won’t happen for a while. As you can probably tell from the renovation, I’m kind of a “go big or go home” kind of gal. I’m all in or not at all. So given the state of our budget and the fact that it’s going to take a long time to get this place the way I really want it- there will sadly be no grand housewarming with signature cocktails and matching straws and homemade favors.

But don’t fret! We still want to show off the renovation, so there will be plenty of small gatherings by the end of the summer and this fall. And for now, here are some fabulous housewarming gift ideas for all my fellow new homeowners! I recommend always going with edibles and/or plants because you never know what a couple already owns or what their color scheme is. But everyone has to eat! And when wrapped up in these cute little reusable bundles, who wouldn’t be happy to receive these gifts?

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1. For a romantic Italian dinner fill a colander with pasta, sauce, fresh Parmesan and don’t forget the wine! | 2. You can’t go wrong with white hand towels and soap. Add a fresh potted herb for the perfect by kitchen sink basket | 3. A bottle of Pelligrino, crusty bread, and fresh veggies are a welcome addition to any meal | 4. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all! A heavy iron skillet with fresh butter and preserves makes for a good morning! | 5. Potted herbs with olive oil or a fancy salad dressing sets the stage for a hearty salad.