Crafty Weekend

This weekend, I tried to start planning for my Derby party (per usual). I had previously posed a super cute Derby tablecloth that I found on line. However, I felt I could totally make something that would work just as well but be my 'special touch'. So, to Joann's Fabric I went and spent way way too much, but I picked up some super cute fabrics:

A cute new Lemon design

A beautiful flower/humming bird print

 

This diamond print just looked so bright and cheerful; plus I thought it was masculine enough to work in BF's apartment for the party.

I bought a simple white to back each, however fabric being what it is, I needed to add a good 2-3" to each side to make it wide enough for a standard dining table. Check out my picks below!

I could've totally pulled this off in 3 hours, but I always seem to have issues with my first version of anything I sew. I ended up having to remove a side because I'd sewn it on the wrong side for my pleat. But I soon got the swing of things.

Are you crafty? Do you have any suggestions for my Derby Party?

Derby Party - Hostess Essentials (Part 3)

As mentioned in Part 2 of the Hostess Essentials, flow of traffic is key to ensuring your guests can enjoy every aspect of your party. This is a subset of that thought.

Your Wet Bar, will be one of your most visited destinations (along with your hors derve table). I recently found a great outline of what you need to have available for a basic wet bar, and some party ideas.

- Epicurious is a fabulous website that I've used in the past for recipes, but they have a wonderful article here about how to throw a cocktail party.

- Martha Stewart (of course) has a 'how-to' Set Up and Stock a Bar. This is a step by step shopping list that might get used during my preparations.

- Recently a friend of mine pointed me towards Kegworks to obtain my much sought after Mint Julep glasses. They also sell a complete 'Bartending Kit Bar Tools'.

Additionally, nothing says you're a carrying host like setting out nice linens. Obviously taking the time to place fine linens on your table is always a risk (see accidents per Essentials Part 2), but they add a touch of personality. I found the below Jockey Silks table cloth that looks so fun!

Although, personally I think I'll check out some local fabric store to see about getting a couple yards of affordable fabric to create smaller linens to add that touch of personality, on a budget, that I don't feel bad about because I didn't spend a ton! I'll be sure to take pictures if I actually accomplish this lofty goal with my swamped schedule!

Have tips for me on hosting my Derby Party? 

Please let me know!