The Hip Hostess

Girls {Bring Your Guys} Night

2012-01-11T11:55:00.000-06:00

Every month, a group of us girls get together and have a Girls Night. Each month is different and hosted by a fabulous lady!

December happenes to be the one exception to the rules.

Bring your guy...Usually, our honeys aren't allowed! {hehe}

Your Hostess for the Evening!

The Hip Hostess!

Kim & I decided to use what we had at the studio to pull off a colorful, Christmas Fiesta! Which was fun just going through all we had!

We rented the room at Maria's Cantina.

Have you been there?

Food is wonderful, drinks are great, and the atmosphere is perfect.

Each table had a solid table cloth in a different, vibrant fabric.

We used spray painted branches, glass vases, open frames, and old ornaments and glittered pine cones scattered around as the centerpieces.

No rhyme or reason to it, just complete craziness and color wonder!

We used printables from ___________.

{Please forgive me, if you know where these came from, please let me know.}

Cheers!

XOXO,

Kim & Ashley

Glamping in November {Real Party}

2012-01-07T16:04:00.001-06:00

I know, I know, we are so behind on this post. Please forgive Kim, {not me} she's been swamped!

Anyway, I am taking over this one.

In November, Kim's girls E & E turned 5 & 6. Yes, they are only 53 weeks apart, so they have the luxury of having joint birthdays, at least until they know better!

Kim decided on a Glamping Birthday. I loved this theme.

So fun and lots of details that can be executed.

We started with the invites.

Half Full Martini designed the perfect invites for us.

Jennifer is such a doll and great to work with.

Do you see the chevron! Yep, we finally got to use some!

Camping Tents welcomed all the little campers to Camp E 2{squared}.

{I can't turn this one for some reason...I'll wait a minute, while you turn your head!}

The food table had to be my favorite.
The moss covered E and 2 were adhered to fabric and framed, being the backdrop for the table. We draped chevron fabric from the bottom to the frame out to the front of the table.

{Blogger is driving me crazy. These pictures, will not line up} UGGG.

I loved using the tin cans for chex mix and pretzels.We clipped them to wire affixed with a decorated clothes pin! Love!

Tin cans also served as risers for the food table.

We dipped marshmallows in teal chocolate and stuck them with twigs.

Cast iron skillets served these cuties! The kids loved this.

Using the Starbucks bottles covered in fabric, we served lemonade and sweet tea.

No drinks these days should be served without a striped straw!

Jill with Peas and Thank yous designed the polka dot labels.

Aren't they a fabulous fit?

Each child made a bird house to take home in these simple bags.

Again, tags made from Peas and Thank yous. Jill rocks!

Entertainment by the Memphis Aardvarks. They were so fun and the kids had a blast.

Stay tuned as we recap and catch up on our parties from 2011.

Vendors

Invites: Half Full Martini

Pillows: Skoope Modern Decor

Straws: The Party Fairy

Labels & Thank you Tags: Peas & Thank Yous

Entertainment: Memphis Aardvarks

eLePhaNT fUN~ Baby Shower Post

2011-12-16T13:50:00.000-06:00

Love the clothes pin banner.

Check out those napkins. Lots of fun, fabulous colors in there!

Bring out the elephants and peanuts!

A reader sent this in to me {she happens to be one of my besties, too bad she is 800 miles away}. Now, growing up, this girls always said she was not creative, didn't have the artistic ability, etc. to do anything.
NOW, one child later, and she is in touch with her creative side! I love it.

Cheers to finding EVERYONE is Creative!~

XOXO,
Ashley

Where are you going?

2011-12-09T03:00:00.000-06:00

I am often wondering this lately.

Is The Hip Hostess a phase?

Is it something I want to do as a full time job?

If so, how do I get there?

Kim and I love planning events... I mean we really love it! However, have we made that step to "go for it"? The answer is NO. I don't think we even know the first thing about how to persue our dream...

Do we read a book?

Take a class?

Internet research? Hmmm...this has been weighing on me lately.

I'm in accounting and Kim's in sales...we could do this, totally.

So, I'm coming to you, our sweet readers, to ask for input.

What do you want to see more of on our blog?

Less?

Is anything we are doing interesting to you?

We both would like to thank you for following/supporting us as we reach for our dreams!

It’s a continuous work in progress….

XOXO,

Ashley

Oh TWOdles~

2011-12-08T14:23:00.000-06:00

It's a Mickey Mouse Party!
One of our great friends threw her son a Mickey Party.
It was so fun and OH SO CUTE!

These Trail Mix Bars are so fun and a healthy alternative to the Candy Bar!

Do you spot the printables?

Well they are from Half Full Martini, of course!

The Party was in the Morning so there was a spread of Breakfast foods for all to indulge in.

Lovin' the Glittered Tables!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Tanner!

PS. Kate HATED Mickey Mouse!
Cheers to Mickey!~
XOXO,
Ashley

The QuiRky tURkEy Thanksgiving~

2011-11-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

Holy Moly! I love some printables. I mean, I collect them! Before my computer crashed I had a file just for them and would go and just "look" because it made my heart smile.

There are several graphic designers in the party world, but today I want to show you Piggy Bank Parties.

Hank, the party pig, is cranking out some amazing designs. Check out their Etsy shop and look around. You will soon have a collection of must have printables like me!

Ok, on to my point of the title of this little blog post.

Meet: Piggy Bank Parties

I recently met the face behind Piggy Bank Parties and she is awesome.
So, where did I look for Thanksgiving inspiration?
Here of course!
At the brains of printables!

OINK! The Blog

Low and behold, I FOUND MY INSPIRATION! The Quirky Turkey it is! WHooHOOo!

Check it out. Aren't you just swooning over this little Turkey Guy?
Stay tuned for the Quirky Turkey Post on Thanksgiving in NASHVEGAS, baby!
Home of the grandparents.

Cheers to Quirky Turkeys!
XOXO,
Ashley

Girls Night, November Edition

2011-11-18T14:43:00.001-06:00

Each month, a group of my girlfriends and I host a Girls Night Event.

Here is how it works.
One of us is assigned a month and has the freedom to design, plan, and host the girls night.

Only one rule...You have to send out your information by the 1st of the month! Easy and so exciting to see the Subject read: Girls Night on the first in your email.

So far we've had an Asian Bistro Night at Mosa, a fabulous little joint here in Memphis! A Premier Jewelry Party, which was a great night of shopping and laughing!

Last night, we had a Girls Night Wine Tasting.

FABULOUS!

Tiffany, our hostess, had everything planned to a T.

You know how us hostesses from the South LOVE that!

We tasted several different wines, cheeses, and cracker spreads.

Then, on to the craft for the night.

Decorating wine glasses, of course!

So many laughs were shared around this round table.

Yummy Cheese & Cracker Tray from Flying Saucer.

I had no idea they did this!

Cheers to the Freak'n Weekend!
XOXO,
Ashley & Kim

"MOO" Shower for A Baby Boy! {Real Party}

2011-11-07T11:19:00.000-06:00

One of my best friends lives in Fayetteville, AR and hosted a Baby Shower this weekend.

Take a peek at all the cute elements she added to make this a fabulous shower. From the theme to the colors, this "farm" had it all.

Don't you just love the banner?

Fabulous addition from Lindsey's Closet.

Loving the trend of signing a childrens book for the mom-to-be. Such a fun idea!

Cute little cookies!

TREND ALERT! Genius!

Serving from a cast iron skillet!

How about some LE'MOO'NADE? So cute!

Thanks Lesley for letting me share your creativity!

XOXO,

Ashley

Spotlight Thursday: Truly a Unique "Closet"~!

2011-10-27T12:04:00.000-06:00

A Fabulous *monogram* Shop!

Are you looking for a cute, modern, and Oh SO Original Monogram Boutique?
Then, check out Lindsey's Closet!

Take a minute to look around and say Hi!

You can find them HERE:
Lindsey's Closet Online Shop

Lindsey's Closet Blog

Lindsey's Closet FaceBook

Cheers to Fun Shop Finds!

Oh, Honey...YOU Said YOU Wanted a Football Party...

2011-10-20T11:09:00.000-06:00

{Trail Mix Bar}

I had so much fun doing this.

All Printables from Half Full Martini.

Did you know the best combination is peanuts and candy corn...THE. BEST.

Totally a Burlap Girl. Gotta love the versitility.

Tried the cupcake liners as embellishments. Worked out cute, I think.

Adopted from this post.

{Bad Picture} Burlap Banner from Half Full Martini.

Says The Miskels.

I will be using this for our family Christmas Party.

Green, White, and Black...Watch out!

PVC Goal Post!

Fun to make!

Believe it our not, Chocolate Covered Bacon is So YUMMY!

One of our guests created the football helmet.. Isn't' it great? LOVIN' IT!

We had such a blast with all of our close friends.

EAT

DRINK

and

WATCH FOOTBALL!

Simply Parties...Fun for All!

2011-10-19T08:57:00.000-06:00

I love the idea of throwing a impromptu party.

You know the ones where you have a small budget and a great idea?

My friend in Florida sent me these pictures from her MOPS group meeting. They had a challenge, a budget, and great ideas. The challenge was to decorate the table with a theme. I love this, shows moms how to have a fabulous party on a budget. Thanks, Jenny for sharing.
Enjoy the pictures!

Which is your fav?
Cheers to Parties!
XOXO,
Kim & Ashley

Real Wedding Album: Barbie

2011-08-27T20:25:00.000-06:00

Real Wedding Album: Barbie
All Images from Beatrice de Guigne

Have ya'll seen this? OMGoodness. I think this is fabulous.

I remember my Ken & Barbie having weddings, but NEVER as great as this!

You have to hop on over to Glamour and see all the pics yourself. I picked some of my favorites! ~So unique, so fun, and the photographer.. OH SO TALENTED! What do you think?

C's Mission Complete {A Real Party}

2011-08-14T13:33:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that I am just now blogging about the fabulous, OH SO FUN!, Mission Complete Party.
When I started planning C's Party, I knew I didn't want it to be at the house this year. After all, when he made out his list, there were 20 kids. No way would 20 kids fit in my house. So, off to the drawing board I went.
Ok,
Bounce...NO, been done too many times. No exciting.
Chuck e Cheese, Nope, not that either.

CROSSFIRE Commandos! ~AHHH PERFECT!
This was it. Scheduled for July 30th ~ 10 am! I'm on it.

First up: The Invites!

I used some pre-designed invites on Shutterfly and they were perfect. Then got creative on the envelopes. I loved how they turned out.

Next up: The Decor

I knew the party room was decorated, so I didn't need much to make it fabulous. Just a breakfast bar complete with some yummy treats for all my guests.

I found this cute fabric on Ebay and had to have it. Stars, Camo, and Peace Signs...YES, please!

What party wouldn't be complete with out these fabulous push up pop containers? I contacted Push Up Pop Containers on Etsy and Anna shipped them out immediately. I received them, put them together, and volia...FELL IN LOVE. These things are amazing. PERFECT for anything and everything. If you are having a party...buy them from The Push Up Pop Containers.Best prices, best shipping, and most of all best customer service! I promise you will find the coolest thing to use them for and all will fall for them, too! Ahhh, love new party trends.

Now, I wasn't sure if I was going to go with the typical mini muffins in them or what. Well, I am a woman, so I change my mind...A LOT! I decided on putting yogurt and real fruit in them and freezing! They turned out perfect. The kids loved the cool treat and had so much fun "pushing them up"! I think the adults loved the idea, too!

We had cinnamon rolls on a stick, mini blueberry muffins, yogurt push ups with real fruit, and a MUDDY'S PROZAC CAKE. Ahhh, how I love Muddy's!

I decided to decorate the cake myself. Last month, I won a contest from Cakes and Kids and had Julie make some military toppers. I put these around the top and yep, volia it was done and just want I wanted. Aren't these great? Julie does amazing work. Check her out, Here!

The Activities: Crossfire took this on! They taught the kids everything to do and boy did they have a blast. The staff was amazing and so great with all the kids.

The Favor: A Custom T-Shirt for each Commander!

We had an great 5th Birthday at Crossfire Commandos!
XOXO,
Ashley

Thirty One SALE!

2011-07-15T11:20:00.000-06:00

I am closing out my Summer Season with a BANG!

Today ONLY, Get FREE Shipping on any order!

Think about the Thermal Totes for your little ones starting school. They would love a new "lunchbox" with their name to start the school year!

AND Because I love all of you for your continuous support!
I will give one lucky member who submits any order a FREE small thermal tote of their choice. {embroidery not included!}

Ask to join my Facebook Group! For Games, Giveaways, Sales and Specials!

www.facebook.com/groups/31withashleymiskel

XOXO,
Ashley

Going Back to the 60's {Real Party}

2011-05-26T10:05:00.000-06:00

One of Kim's dear friends hosted a birthday party for her daughter, Alyssa!

She wanted tie dye everything, flower power touches, and all that goes with the 60's!

The starting point for this soiree was the invite.

I love how Kim put together the wording and fun fonts!

Love the Local: the 'rents pad!

No party would be complete without a bunch of girls singing Karaoke! Fun times!

The Birthday Girl with her mini Candy Bar!

Tie-Dying those T-'s!

Fun, Retro Socks were placed around glass vases for the fun added color on the food table! Genius!

Such a fun party with loads of color!

Peace Out!

Cheers to Tie-Dyed Everything!

Cupcakes...ON WHEELS?

2011-05-25T11:08:00.000-06:00

I was doing my A.M. reading and came across this post from Birthday Girl!

I was in heaven from the first photo!

Enjoy Cupcakes: A traveling sweets experience!

A traveling sweets trailer? OMGoodness! Amazing!

{Love the vintage feel}

I can totally see this at a tea party, baby shower, or any other event...Like my back yard BBQ's!

{Berry Mint Chardonnay, yes please!}

{all photos from Enjoy Cupcakes}

So, if you are lucky enough to be in Santa Ynez Valley & Santa Barbara County, you could have this at your next event! {I am totally jealous!}

Find Enjoy Cupcakes Here:

Cheers to Traveling Cupcakes!

XOXO,

Ashley

Mom's Killer Cakes {An Etsy Shop}

2011-05-23T11:45:00.000-06:00

If you know me, you know I am totally infatuated with any food on a stick. So, when I was planning Kate's first Birthday, I knew I had to have some delicious cake pops...from somewhere, but where was the question. I had tried Starbucks Birthday Cake Pops, but....hmmm, not a big fan.

I went to my go to resource...ETSY! Love, this community. I have purchased several items on Etsy and have NEVER been disappointed.

I searched within my area for Cake Pops and found Mom's Killer Cakes!

Whooohoooo!~ When I saw all the designs, I was in complete AWWWEEE of all of Sarah's designs. Everything looked incredible. You have to check them out!

So, how did they taste? OMGoodness!
They were fabulous. Never did I think, something could be so good. We opted for the Strawberry Cake with white chocolate dipping.
Sarah wrapped all of Kate's Treats so perfectly and she decorated each with such precise details, I melted!

If you are in the Memphis area and need some fabulous cake pops, contact Mom's Killer Cakes! You will thank me, I promise! ;)

Here's how!
Find Mom's Killer Cakes on Etsy
Find Mom's Killer Cakes on Facebook

Cheers to Fabulous Cake Pops!

What's Happening Over at Pinterest?

2011-05-22T11:51:00.001-06:00

Here's what we are working on next! {Sneak Peek to Mission Complete Party}
c/o Pinterest
Come follow us!

Cole's Mission Complete Party

It's a '50's Retro Housewife Shower {Real Party}

2011-05-21T10:32:00.001-06:00

I loved everything about this shower!

As I said in this post, the colors, the atmosphere and all that goes with a 1950's Housewife, fascinates me!

{Welcome to the '50's inspired shower}

{Tile Magnets for the Guest Favors from Wonky Monkey Designs}

Fabulous appetizers from Simply Delicious Caterings!

{Guest "Best Wishes" Signature Book and Favor Bucket}

{Brought out the good china!}

Cheers to '50's Fabulousness!

XOXO,

The Hip Hostesstes

It's a 50's Housewife Kind of Life {B. Nute Productions}

2011-05-20T10:07:00.000-06:00

I love the thought of being a "real housewife" back in the 1950's.

The clean house, the perfect meals, the well planned events...everything about it makes me interested.

So, when it came down to planning my soon-to-be sister-in-law's bridal shower, I knew the theme!

Now, this doesn't fit her schedule by any means, but it sure was fun to pretend!

My first stop was Etsy, for the invitations. That's when I found...B. Nute Productions! Betsy is so fun. Her shop was such an inspiration for this shower and I loved working with her to design the invite. The Classic '50's style woman on the checkered background was perfect. Right down to the "recipe" faded in the background. Such a fabulous addition.

Not only does B. Nute design great invites, she also designs some very fun party goods, including the favor tags. Check out how cute these are! I love them!

Betsy sent over a PDF and I printed and cut with my fab puncher and voila! Perfect favor tags.

Thanks B. Nute Productions. I will definitely be back for more!

You can find B. Nute all over the web!
Be sure to check her out and say "hello".

Find B. Nute Here!
http://www.bnute.com
http://bnute.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/bnuteproductions

Cheers to a Clean House and Perfect Kids! {More on the Retro Housewife Shower soon!}

50's Bridal Shower {Sneak Peek}

2011-05-06T12:27:00.000-06:00

The Colors!

The Favors and More Color Inspiration!

The Invite & Cupcake Liner Tree!

It was so easy & I love it!

Cheers!

Cinco de Mayo! {A Picture Post of Past Soirees}

2011-05-05T10:03:00.000-06:00

Kim & I have had the pleasure of designing several "Mexican" themed events in the past.

So, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, here are some of our favorite picture shots! Enjoy~

Cheers to Margaritas & Salsa!~

Lindsey's Closet {A Monogram Boutique}

2011-05-02T18:20:00.000-06:00

I have a confession....

My name is Ashley and I have an addiction, and down right LOVE for anything MONOGRAMMED, APPLIQUED, or PERSONALIZED! I'm telling you it's bad. I believe that is the reason God gave me a girl...so I can feed it!

{Don't get me wrong, boys can have appliqued and monogrammed, too.

However, it's just not as fun, I don't think.}

So, when I was dreaming of Kate's Party, I knew she had to have something from Lindsey's Closet. I have blogged on Jennifer before, several times, actually, and my love for her items is immeasurable!

LOVE THEM, LOVE HER!

{Kate's Perfect Parisian Outfit}

Here are some of my favs in Lindsey's Closet!

{Shabby Flower Cap}

{Flamingo Applique Onesie}

{Appliqued Towels}

{Fabric Hair Clippies}

Here's where you can find Lindsey's Closet

Facebook: Lindsey's Closet *Go fan her! She loves it!*

Blog: Lindsey's Closet

Web: Lindsey's Closet

Spa Night at Highpoint Church {Single Moms Event}

2011-04-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

Kim & I helped with the Single Moms Spa Night Event at Highpoint Church. Everything turned out perfect and we had such a great time helping. If you are in Memphis and don't have a church home, we would love to welcome you to Highpoint. Facebook: Highpoint Memphis

Special Thanks to Piggy Bank Parties for the custom printables.

Amazing Cake!

Inside each of the glasses were glow necklaces which looked fabulous against the black and pink!

SINGLE MOMS @ Highpoint ROCK! Love ya, Ladies!

Cheers!

Kim & Ashley

Kate's First Parisian Fete! {1st Birthday, Paris Style}

2011-04-19T18:45:00.000-06:00

I have always loved the thought of PINK, BLACK, and WHITE all wrapped up in a perfect party setting. So, when I was perusing Michaels back in February....

AHHHAAAHH moment, I had...Kate's First Birthday Party will be PARIS style!

I was so excited, from the feathers to the Eiffel Towers from Target. I was on a roll and loving every minute of it.

Then, it happened....TIME, OMGoodness, TIME, just snuck up on me and it was the week before the party. I was a hot mess, running around, brainstorming and all...impulse buying...it was a wreck!

I had no idea what I was doing. I was frantic~

However, everything turned out perfect for my sweet baby girl. I couldn't have asked for a better party. Except for maybe, more time...or better yet, better TIME MANAGEMENT! {Hahaha}

Me, The Birthday Girl {Kate} and My Mom {aka My Saving Grace}

Kate's Birthday Outfit: Styled and Designed by Lindsey's Closet

Jennifer is amazing and all her designs are so cute! Thanks Jennifer!

If you are in the Party World, I know you can guess who I contacted for all the Paris Glitter! Miss Purple Pug herself. The Pug does some remarkable work and this was no exception! The perfume bottle was my favorite. She even put No.1 Katelyn. LOVE IT!

Since the party was at 3 o'clock, we decided on some croissant sandwiches and pasta salad. My best friends mom, Mrs. Debbie, makes the best Chicken Salad. She was so gracious to make this for us and deliver! This turned out to be the perfect mid afternoon snack before the SUGAR OVERLOAD which was to come!

I love this picture. There is so much to say about everything on the "Sweets" bar! {I'll keep it simple!}
Kim & I {aka The Hip Hostesses} love to keep...well, everything. So, I was at the studio, digging, and found a roll of crepe paper! Voila!
I knew what to do with it... Thanks to THIS POST! I think it turned out super fab!

Cake Pops are everywhere! In my opinion, it's totally taken over the cupcake. I was lucky enough to find a local vendor for these "OH MY FABULOUS" cake pops from Moms Killer Cakes. You have to order from Sarah. Not only are they beautiful, they taste even better. Everyone loved them.
Mixed in with the pink M&M's are those cute little fondant shoes from Kids Cakes. They were perfect! Added the "umphh" those little candies needed!

Oh, and the yummy chocolate covered oreos from Sweeties by Kim. If you have an occasion for these. YOU MUST add them to your menu. They are so pretty to look at, I didn't even want to eat them! LOL, but I did! of course!

The strawberries and Cake came from Simply Delicious Caterings here in Memphis. They are amazing and offer anything and everything you need! Including a Strawberry Cake to die for! ;)

And if that wasn't enough suga' for ya'. Here is the last of it!
For the party guests, a little piece of heaven, by Laurie at Whimsy Cookie Company. Laurie has done so many cookies for me and they are simply THE BEST in town! Thank you Whimsey Cookie Company. You made a lot of guests, very happy!

Happy Birthday, Kate!
Mommy & Daddy Love You!

Sources:
Party Design: The Hip Hostess
Kate's Attire: Lindsey's Closet
Glitter Centerpieces/Stickers: The Purple Pug
Cake Pops: Moms Killer Cakes
Oreos: Sweeties by Kim
Fondant Shoes: Kids Cakes
Strawberry Cake: Simply Delicious Caterings
Sugar Cookies: Whimsy Cookie Company