DIY Stocking Favors

Every party needs handmade and personalized elements so for Pete's 70th In Luau of Christmas party we made these stocking favors for guests to fill with candy. Here is how you can make some (for next year) or apply the concept to a design that fits your party...

Step 1: Gather your materials. In this case we used 1/2 yard each of red and green Hawaiian floral fabric and 1 yard of navy blue fabric (for the trim and backing). Using a less expensive solid backing is cost effective but doesn't compromise the look you're going for. You'll also need a rotary cutter, self-healing mat, ruler, sewing machine and thread.

Step 2: Print out a template in the size and shape of your favors (like this stocking one from Martha Stewart) or draw your own. Trace enough shapes for a front and a back for each favor. We made 16 stockings so there were 8 of each color for the front and 16 navy blue for the back.

Step 3: Measure the top of your stocking and cut out a rectangular piece for the "flap" of each stocking. We used pinking shears on the edge to give them a more decorative look.

Step 4: Pin the fold to the wrong side of the fabric (align it with the top) and sew approximately 1/8-1/4 inch seam just along the top side.

Step 5: Now flip the blue over so that it is now on top of the pattern and pin the backing to the stocking so that the flap and the right side of the fabric are sandwiched in the middle.

Step 6: Stitch along the edge of the stocking (see in the picture how the fabric is wrong-side out) but DO NOT stitch along the top, otherwise your stocking will be sewn closed.

Step 7: Trim any excess edge.

Step 8: Flip the stocking right-side out and iron flat.

Done! See how easy?

In Luau of Christmas

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed time with loved ones. Pear Tree Events was busy with a surprise In Luau of Christmas party for Pete's 70th birthday on Christmas Day. We are going to preface this post by saying that in general we are not in favor of using a lot of pre-made, paper decorations. Often they are only used once and tend to not be environmentally friendly. In this case the family had several boxes of luau decorations available to use so we took advantage of it. We ARE in favor of reusing items whenever possible. That being said, here are a couple of party pictures...

The entry way featured a small candy favor display (the guest of honor is diabetic so going overboard on a candy buffet would not have been appropriate.)

We made the Hawaiian print stockings specifically for Pete's birthday and will feature those later on in the week as a DIY project.

As far as decor is concerned, this sign by Handmade by Heather stole the show. Guests decided the sign needed to stay up on the bar long after the party was over. Head over to Heather's shop to see the other fabulous customizable items she offers.

No neck was without a lei.

Straw hats were set around the house for guests.

It could not have been a more beautiful day! The family played Frisbee in the street.

A blue sheet inspired an impromptu photo station for guests. A grass skirt and bikini top were handy so guests to have their picture taken "surfing". (How cute is our assistant there? :)

It was a pleasure to get to be a part of celebrating Pete's 70th birthday with her family. She actually said she had NEVER had a birthday party with decorations before! I guess that's what happens when you share your birthday with Jesus!

Here's to looking forward to 2010 and a fabulous New Year.

Inspiration Board: Laura's Baby Shower

After two beautiful boys, Laura and Jeff are having a girl!

We are putting together a baby shower tea luncheon for Laura next month that will be full of pinks with accents of grey. Pink and gray is the perfect palatte for a cool winter party to shower Laura with girlie gifts.

We can't wait!

Feature Friday: Duchess & Bird

We are nothing less than thrilled to introduce you to today's featured business, Duchess & Bird! Two ladies, a decade worth of trips to Paris, and an idea resulted in Duchess & Bird's owners launching their unique shop. Having opened the online boutique earlier this year, Duchess & Bird is "taking flight with inspired luxuries." See for yourself!

These gorgeous cupcake toppers would make elegant additions to any dessert table.

For a truly special party favor for your guests, fill these French Vellum Candy Envelopes with sweet treats.

 Duchess & Bird also has a selection of ribbons and trims, like this beautifully detailed red and gold ribbon.

We can see this gold thread trimming wrapped around clear glass cylinders holding pillar candles for a classy detail.

Duchess & Bird's selections are one of a kind and each piece has a story. These stunning Antique Mirrored Wall Brackets would make a statement in any home.

These French Grocery Lists are my personal favorite. Frame them for fun wall art for the kitchen, laminate them for place mats, or use them to line the back of a vintage china hutch.

Duchess & Bird's wares are reasonably priced, which makes it possible for anyone to have a little piece of Paris in their home-- or choose the perfect gift for someone who "has everything."

There is SO much more in Duchess & Bird's online store and be sure to click over to the Duchess & Bird blog to get to know the ladies. You'll be glad you did!