Last week I went to New York to help throw Gretchen Rubin a party to celebrate her new book Happier at Home, which will be happily landing in the world on September 4th. The ladies of Go Mighty and I as well as Isabel Kallman threw the event at the perfect spot for a casual summer evening party…a New York City terrace. Divine.
The whole evening was pretty great, like swoosh of cool air in the afternoon heat, and here are some of the items that made this one extra special. A few of my favorite things…
1. Candy. Candy, candy, candy. I’m so into candy right now. This is nothing new or trendy or cool. But it makes me happy. Especially colorful candy.
Chocolate, of course, too. Always. Confession/party tip: I impulse-bought these sea salt chocolate truffles at Staples while I was in line for something else. I can’t even believe how totally fantastic they were. From the Staples line. Awesome.
But don’t worry, Healthy People of the World, there were also vegetables. For balance. And aesthetics.
2. Polaroids
Old school. The original instant gratification of photography. They’re fun to hang around too.
3. Pickles
Growing vegetables and making my own canned things with them was on my list this year. So that happened. And to take it one step further, I smuggled jars of my homemade pickles, spiced pickled squash and lemon tomato marmalade on the plane from Austin to serve at a NYC terrace party. Rad. I’ll post these recipes soon. They were crowd pleasers.
4. Pretty Nametags
I love these chalkboard name tags!
I found them on Etsy.
5. Popsicles
If I’m being honest, these are my favorite things in the world right now and were one of my favorite things about the evening.
Besides the people, of course.
Awesome people eating popsicles…or better yet dipping them in prosecco as we did here and then eating them…basically the best way to spend a summer evening. Or one of them, for sure.
6. Champagne
So the popsicles came with prosecco, but the good stuff was served alone. And oh my gosh was it good. Imported Wines provided Diebolt-Vallois “Cuvèe Prestige” NV Brut Blanc de Blancs.
Straight from France. Straight to us. Thank you, Imported Wines. You make the good stuff easy to get.
7. Doughnuts
We called this last year. Harry Mayes swore this from the moment he could speak. Doughnuts rule.
And doughnuts and champagne are like peanut butter and jelly. You know it.
8. Gifts
Anthropologie is all about happiness at home, so they provided lovely 2013 calendars for us to start looking ahead, happily. And of course, Bliss and happiness go together like doughnuts and champagne.
For more on gifts and greatness, check out Amber’s post on all the giftbag goodness.
9. Friends
Isabel Kallman, Liz Gumbinner and Liz Lange
It was such a treat to see so many smart ladies that I love in one space.
Check out Sarah’s post for so much more on that and so many great photos.
10. A Happy Guest of Honor
Jamie and Gretchen Rubin, Maggie Mason and Sarah Bryden-Brown are Mighty Happy People
Gretchen is one of my favorite humans on the planet. Naturally inquisitive, genuinely upbeat, she is a force of goodness and delight. It’s always a treat to be in her presence.
And celebrating with her and Isabel in one spot, with boozy popsicles, well, basically that’s the best summer evening ever.
And that makes me happy.
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Check out Amber’s post on all the giftbag goodness.
See Sarah’s post on all the mighty happy people who came to celebrate.
Add your name to the list if you want to find out more about Go Mighty.
And buy Happier at Home for yourself and others. It will make everyone happier.
All photos taken by Sheri Silver.
You sure know how to throw a party, lady! What a wonderful night with wonderful company. And I can totally vouch for those Staples caramels. I had two. (They were a good dessert after the donuts.)
Why is Alice holding a sign that says SEX? She had too many donuts, didn’t she.
Great question, Eden. I think she was saying that sex makes her happy. Or perhaps she was saying that she’d work for sex. It was all a a bit confusing.
Can. Not. Wait. to hear more about Go Mighty. Seriously. So, incredibly excited.
I love that you included vegetables “for aesthetics” — that’s my kind of party.
You were a wonderful hostess, as were Isabel, Maggie and Sarah. The party was one of my favorite experiences of BlogHer12, and I’m glad we were able to help fete Gretchen for the launch of her wonderful new book. Thanks again!!
I LOVE those pictures. They actually capture the attention to detail that went into making the party such a lovely and happiness-inspiring event. So glad I was able to be there. xo
This was such a beautiful party: pefection in every detail! I am still thinking about the delicious champagne popsicle cocktails! So many wonderful ideas I’ll have to steal for my next summer party
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That looks like such a beautiful event. I love the sound of being on a NYC terrace in the cooler hours of the afternoon. The colours and variety of food and they way it was displayed and the orange theme are just gorgeous. What a wonderful event to be a part of.
I’m just a little bit in lust with those chalkboard name tags.
I sense an etsy wormhole in my future
Ooh, I just love that you smuggled in a little Texas into the Big Apple. Way to go, girl.
You, Isabel, Maggie and Sarah are terrific hosts. i loved your details – from the popsicles to the chalkboard name tags. It was all so true to Gretchen and her book. And what a way to kick off BlogHer. Thank you!
Great party, great company!
I am just wondering who made the popsicles and what are in them. They look really good and are such a great idea!
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This is the first time I got the know about the Mighty Girls and instantly I got excited about it! I`m so looking forward to hearing more
And thanks for the party tips – Popsicles were a new thing for me but we`ll definitely try them in our own next girls` evening!
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I love party details, and this is awesome! Great photos too.
-Tara
http://madmaxandfamily.blogspot.com
http://blog.chron.com/madabouttown/
This party look awesome–I love how flowers, candy, and vegetables are beautifully coordinated so they look natural together, love it love it love it. This is a skill that I need that and chalkboard nametags, I think I need those too.
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You are the party hostess with the mostess.
Awesome party Laura! I’m stealing all the ideas!