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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Category Archives: Events & Parties

Nothing Basic About It

13 Wednesday Sep 2017

Posted by melissaoconnor in Events & Parties, Inspiration, Weddings

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Tags

basic invite, birth announcements, bridal shower invitations, clear wedding invitations, escort cards, event stationery, foil invitations, newborn stationery, save the date magnets, save the dates, seating cards, stationery, wedding decor, wedding invitations

I always like to support other businesses in the field, even though they might be competition. The design world is filled with tons of talent and there is enough to go around, that’s for sure. Everyone has a preference and likes different aesthetics, so you should never have a problem finding what you’re looking for.

Basic Invite is a great place to shop for all your stationery needs. They offer invitations for all type of events, including weddings, as well as all things baby. Everything can be customized and they have unlimited color options so you can make sure the item is exactly how you want it. They are one of the few websites that allow you so many choices. In addition, you can get custom samples of the item you are ordering. This allows you to not only get a feel of the paper they offer, but hold an exact replica in your hand.

If you are planning a wedding, Basic Invite has it all. You can find the perfect bridal shower invitations to get started, and then move on to your save the dates from there. They even offer save the date magnets, if that’s your thing.

And once you are ready to get those invitations in order for the big day, you can count on Basic Invite to cover all the bases. Their wedding invitation examples really help guide you in the right direction. Whether you want a romantic, modern, or a vintage design, you will find something you like. The bonus is they have over 40 different envelope colors so finding that perfect match is not a problem. And they are peel and seal, which saves so much time. Plus, their free address collection service makes that task simple as can be.

For day of stationery and decor, you can find a lot of options for those as well. For seating, place cards for your wedding are a convenient and classic choice.

Having a guest book at your wedding is nice idea too. Basic Invite offers a large variety of these and you can customize them all. They are classic and sophisticated, and lay flat for that streamlined look.

Basic Invite also just launched their new clear collection and added rose gold to their foil line. So if these are up your alley, go for it!

It’s worth a visit to see what they have to offer. And check them out on social media to get news and see what they are currently up to. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram and Twitter. And for event inspiration, take a peek at their Pinterest boards too!

Party Planning + Design Tips

30 Friday Jun 2017

Posted by melissaoconnor in Decor Ideas, Events & Parties

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Tags

1st birthday, birthday celebration, birthday party, party design tips, party planning, planning a party

I wanted to share some party planning and design tips, since a big focus last month was for Elliot’s 1st birthday celebration. We had about 45 people or so at ours. Organization is key!

1. Make a list of all the orders you need to make and things you need to buy
2. Rent what you need and place food orders about a week or so before the event
3. Check things off the list as you do them
4. Keep all supplied and decorations together, tucked away
5. Make a drawing of the space with realistic measurements for accuracy
6. Use any help you get!! No one can plan a party alone

I chose to have a picnic theme. Pretty easy and casual. Here are a few photos from the party pre-arrival:

We set up some huge ONE balloons with a photo banner underneath with pictures of Elliot this past year. Something like this is a nice way to showcase growth and how much your little one has changed. And super easy to do!

I set up some drinks that most people like, Water with lemon and orange slices, and Iced Tea with lemon, as well as some soda. This is much easier that putting out bottled water or other drinks. And less to throw away or recycle!

For the tables I bought white tablecloths at a wholesale website because it was cheaper than renting them. And now I have them for future parties! Click here to visit the website I used. Then I bought plaid fabric from Fabric.com to lay on top. For centerpieces, I purchased some greenery from our local nursery and just wrapped them in brown bags with ribbon. This was easy, affordable, and I can plant them in our yard now that the party is over! There were also some games and coloring set up for the kids. And on each table were small bowls with snacks for people to munch on.

And you always should have enough seating for people to relax and talk as well, so we set up the patio with a comfy area perfect for catching up.

One of the last things I put together was goodie bags for the kids. I bought strawberry baskets and filled them with all sorts of little toys and crafty like things. Then wrapped them up with pretty tags. The kids loved them! It was definitely overwhelming to plan this party. I didn’t make that much food and I was still stuck in the kitchen most of the time, which didn’t make me happy. We had all the sandwiches catered and some other relatives made some side dishes as well. I bakes the cupcakes, icing and all, and they came out delicious!! Everyone raved about the food, and that is important. You want all your guests to have fun and leave with filled bellies. Hope these tips help you out for your next party. My last piece of advice…breathe!

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women’s March

23 Monday Jan 2017

Posted by melissaoconnor in Events & Parties, Real Events

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Tags

equality, human rights, protest, protest sign, unity, womens march, womens rights

This Saturday was really a day that will go down in history. Millions of people marched in protest for women’s rights, equality, and more. I wasn’t able to attend any of the events, but I was surely there in spirit. I am just so proud to be a woman and will fight till the end for our rights, as well as for equality among all. Here is a small collection of signs I found to be highly entertaining, not to mention clever. Some of the photos even brought a tear to my eye. Enjoy!

skaufman4050
Credit: @skaufman4050

5883f7d01c00002d00d9373c
Credit: Damon Dahlen/The Huffington Post

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women's March
Credit: Sai Mokhtari/Gothamist

some-of-the-best-signs-from-the-womens-march-on-washington-body-image-1485097290

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women's March
Credit: Adam Volerich/Gothamist

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women's March
Credit: @shannondowney

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women's March
Credit: @tommanatos

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women's March
Credit: My awesome cousin Alexandra! @aleczandrab

16194957_10101097125369009_4323709282551300221_n
Credit: My kick as friend Lizzy and her adorable son!! @this_unscripted_life

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women's March

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women's March
Credit: Sai Mokhtari/Gothamist

16114280_10154510114223935_8194984789706633173_n
Credit: Another friend Jen, who is super rad and talented – @jenniferlombardo

Clever and Creative Signs from the Women's March

WASHINGTON, DC. - JAN. 21: Organizers put the Women's March on Washington in Washington D.C. on Saturday Jan. 21, 2017. (Photo by Alanna Vagianos, Huffington Post) *** Local Caption ***
Credit: Alanna Vagianos/Huffington Post

A Sweet New York Baby Shower

24 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by melissaoconnor in Events & Parties

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Tags

baby shower, candy bar, cocos customs, dessert table, event invitations, gray star design, its a girl, stationery

This month friends and family gathered at my cousins’ girlfriends baby shower to celebrate their little girl on the way. I helped out by designing the invites as well as most of the event stationery. The dessert table was beautifully laid out by the talented Christine from Coco’s Customs, a friend (and relative of my cousin’s side of the family), that I have had the pleasure of working with before. Everything came out so nice and the mother to be, again, was super excited and thankful. Needless to say, they received everything they will need for the new addition and I wish them tons of amazing years ahead as a family of four. Here are some shots from the day. Enjoy!

A Sweet New York Baby Shower

A Sweet New York Baby Shower

A Sweet New York Baby Shower

A Sweet New York Baby Shower

A Sweet New York Baby Shower

A Sweet New York Baby Shower

A Sweet New York Baby Shower

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