How to Design a Party

Just as Ratatouille's Gusteau believed "Anyone Can Cook," I believe that Anyone Can Throw a Party. All you need is a reason to celebrate!

I've been showing you lots of ideas for party themes, from showers to birthdays and more. But some of you may think "I'm creatively challenged. I can't do that on my own!" Oh, yes you can!

Especially with some help from the Hostess with the Mostess herself, who shows you how to design your own party using an inspiration piece.

Entertaining on a Budget

If you haven't yet figured it out from my frequent links, Jennifer Sbranti, otherwise known as The Hostess with the Mostess, is the reigning Queen of Parties. Originally a graphic designer, she now hosts lavish get-togethers with and for some famous folk.

She has her own blog and contributes regularly to the Celebrations section of Real Simple Magazine, as well as other places around the web.

I find her party planning ideas fascinating and wonderfully done, but not always budget-friendly, which is why I appreciated one of her recent articles:

Entertaining on a Budget

She offers some great ideas for dressing up your table and some basic tips for how to achieve a polished look with very little cost and almost no effort.