PARTY POST! My older sister, Cortney, was turning the big 3-0 and since I LOVE planning parties, I led the charge. It was an intimate gathering of her closest friends in my small 1-bedroom apartment. Enjoy!

PS. My sister is pictured on the right. I am on the left.

Probably one of my favorite photos from the party because I have no idea what people are doing here but it looks like they are having fun! I was definitely absent from this portion of the party—most likely picking at, I mean, TASTE TESTING the food before it went out.

My sister’s friend, Dani, is holding the postcard invitation I made for the party. I wanted to tie the pattern into the decor so I created a giant backdrop with the same pattern. The pattern is very easy to make since you don't need to be precise at all. Just need a color palette!

The runner is made from balsa wood strips and the confetti is actually hole punched from a giant leaf found in my apartment complex. My inspiration? The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The party was catered by one of my very best friends since 3rd grade - the one and only Spencer Huey - summer camp director, bee whisperer, and chef extraordinaire. He actually just started an instagram page with all of his mouth-watering recipes @spencercooks. Follow him if you want to gain a few extra pounds. Now that he's moved back to the Bay Area, I'm well on my way.

There wasn't any room in the budget for party favors so I got out my mini polaroid camera and everyone took a pic with the birthday girl to take home! I also gave them each a bouquet of flowers that were on the table. It was an inexpensive and personable alternative to a handmade or bought favor.

Hope you enjoyed and feel inspired to be creative!