celebrations.com Gets You in A Party Mood!

The scene is Manhattan, a chic but affordable cocktail party. Guests, lounging on on purple satin pillows are mingling chatting, laughing while sipping festive cocktails, and nibbling on little bites almost too pretty to bite! The photo above shows such a party…but it’s actually an event for celebrations.com, a web site that provides soup-to-nuts resources (literally and figuratively) for sophisticated parties of all types from holiday fetes to bridal showers, or parties “just because.”

When I reviewed the packet of press information I received, I realized that this online site is a goldmine of resources, whether you’re planning a party, or just feel like getting some inspiration for the future or for you own home. The site features lots of free information, including recipes, decorating ideas, and even the inside scoop on hot celebrity parties thanks to Platinum Rye Entertainment.

Become a member, and you will find a “dashboard” that shows you all of the types of services you will need to plan a party.. For example, the Celebrations.com invitation tool can easily create and personalize an online invitation to fit a unique party style. Celebrations.com members can use their own photos or choose from Celebrations.com’s pre-designed photo invitations. Once the invitation is sent, guests can interact on the RSVP page. And, once the party is over, guests can upload and share their photos and stories. You can become a member here:
http://www.celebrations.com/register .

If you’re ready to plan the party of a lifetime and need reinforcements, the celebrations.com group of party planning experts are definitely diamond quality: Preston Bailey, an event designer who has planned wedding for everyone from Oprah Winfrey to royal families across the globe; Jeanne Benedict, a lifestyle party expert; Amy Breman, couture pastry chef (how I wish I’d had a chance to sample some of her delicacies!); Andrea Correale, President and Founder of Elegant Affairs, a catering and event firm im Manhattan; Cheryl Dent, a creative food stylist; Karen Diperi, an event producer and co-founder of Tribeca Events; Julie Mulligan, a floral lifestyle expert (celebrations.com is a member of the 1-800-FLOWERS family of brands); Ryan Shinman founder of Platinum Celebrations and a celebrity parties expert; Leanne Shear & Tracey Toomey freelance writers and “cocktail therapists;” Diana Dornan Heather, senior editor and producer of celebrations.com and Lara Schriftman, partner in Harrison & Schriftman public relations and a definite party expert. Get more info about the Celebrations.com Expert Panel here: http://www.celebrations.com/experts

Here are some photos from the celebrations.com event that I received showing really fast and easy ways to dress up your holiday party at the last minute with items you are likely to have just floating around in your house. Gather some friends. Gather the nibbles and drinks, get inspiration from these ideas (more on the web site) and you have an instant holiday-worthy party!

Dress up a bookshelf with tiny votive candles, placed in pretty glasses. TIP: be sure never to leave candles burning, unattended. TIPS: If you have small children at your party, use battery powered votives instead of real ones, for safety’s sake. Don’t place any candles where they could be easily knocked over and start a fire.

Purchase a giant cocktail glass *you can get these from crafts stores and florists supply and fill it with an elegant bouquet. this one has orchids, but you can get the same effect with less pricey blooms (or try silk for a longer lasting centerpiece)

Core apple and place votives inside, for a holiday-perfect centerpiece!

For a lot more holiday ideas, and even free videos or to book an expert that will help you create the party you’ve always dreamed of, visit http://www.celebrations.com/ and get in the party mood!