Do you celebrate the DERBY?! {Tips for how you can}

The past few years Drew and I have hosted a Derby party at our house. It is one of my favorite traditions that we've started as a married couple. This year, however, one of my best friends is getting married on Derby day (May 3rd) so we will be celebrating in a different way. I'm hanging up my hat this year, but will jump back in the saddle next year. Ha. Derby or not, it is going to be a fun weekend!

Do you celebrate the Derby?! If you need some tips for how to host your own Derby party click here for recipes, activities and of course outfits!See below for some inspiration...

And I promise to fill you in on where the heck I've been very soon!

Tips for hosting the perfect Tacky Sweater party!

As our 5th annual Tacky Sweater party approaches I've been thinking about all that goes in to planning one. After 4 successful parties I finally feel I have a few useful things to share so today I'm going to be sharing 6 tips that will help you host a successful Tacky Sweater party!

Tip # 1: Instead of sending out a Facebook or email invitation go ahead and send out a personal invitation to help get people excited about your upcoming party! I ordered my holiday party invitations from Tiny Prints and they really did help create a fun feel for our upcoming party!

 Tiny Prints Holiday Party Invitation

Tip #2: Think about a party theme and have fun with it! Last year I had a Naughty and Nice theme and used a banner from my Etsy shop. I found adorable napkins to tie in from TJ Maxx.

Tip #3: If you are having a houseful of guests with amazing tacky sweaters it is always fun to have a place to take festive pictures. There are so many easy ways to create a photo booth. I used an old gold frame, left over fabric and some christmas lights to make a cute photo spot.

Tip #4:  Make a specialty drink for your guests to enjoy. My personal favorite comes from my sister in law. We decided to call it A Berry Merry Cocktail and it is perfect for any holiday party.
Ingredients-1 bottle of Green Apple Smirnoff Vodka (750 ml), Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail (64 fl. oz), sliced Granny Smith apples and fresh whole cranberries. Serve cold and with cute striped straws of course.

Tip #5: Throwing a tacky sweater party can be all about the ugly sweaters, but to keep the party happening it is always a great idea to have something else planned to keep people entertained. My husband decided to start a holiday beer tasting last year and we always have an intense Boccer ball tournament.

Tip #6: Use adhesive gift tags as drink labels so everyone's cup is personalized and fun! This also helps make sure you don't accidentally swap drinks with any one at the party.

Tiny Prints Personalized Holiday gift tags

So there you have it...a few of my personal tips for hosting an amazing Tacky Sweater party! Now start planning and don't forget to find yourself the perfect sweater or vest!