Introducing... Paperless Post!

Back in January I tested several online invitation websites and brought you the winners and losers (the things I do for my readers!). Well, thankfully technology is forever changing and I'm pleased to bring you the newest wave of online invitations - introducing, Paperless Post!

When the nice folks at Paperless Post emailed me introducing their product, I happily jumped on the chance to review it. To be honest, I wasn't sure if it would be up to snuff to introduce to my wonderful readers (ahem, that's you!). Well, after going through their gigantic collection of GORGEOUS invitations, I'm pleased to say, I'm a new fan and you should be too!


A blurb from their website (because really, I couldn't have said it better myself!):

Remember the days when everyone communicated using paper and ink? Correspondence was a craft: personal, and intentional.

At Paperless Post, we seek to redefine the tradition of paper stationery so that people can send custom, personalized invitations and announcements with the same thought and care as previous generations, but the way we communicate today: online.
 
Paperless Post stationery is as tasteful as its tangible counterpart, but it also makes life simpler. In minutes, members can send out invitations for any occasion- dinner parties, anniversaries, save the dates - whenever they want to send something more personal than a simple email or awkward PDF. After sending, they can then monitor as guests receive and reply to their invitations.

The options are limitless: Invitations (everything from weddings to barbecues), Thank You Cards, Save the Dates, Birth Announcements and even Stationery! Check out this refreshing summertime invitation:

Ahhh, simply gorgeous. What a great site to use for your next two penny party! I've been touting the benefits of leaving evite (which is soooo 1999 it's not even funny) forever, which brings me to my next surprise!

The awesome team at Paperless Post have offered Two Penny Parties' readers a very special deal -  35 free stamps (to send invites) when you sign up! Plus, you can buy more invitations for as little as 20 cents each! Before you roll your eyes and say, "Yeah yeah, but evite's 100% free!" I'm happily reminding you that Paperless Post is a million times more gorgeous (and personalized!) than lame ol' evite. Ready to give it a test drive? Here's how:

1) If you aren't already, become a Follower of this blog. Click on the white follow button on the right side of the blog. Go on, I'll wait... *whistles to self* Ready? Ok, on to step 2!
2) Visit Paperless Post using this SPECIAL Two Penny Parties link and sign up (it's free to sign up!). Once you're signed up, your account will be pre-loaded with 35 free stamps to send invitations!
3) Kiss those old online invitation sites goodbye!

 

Love it? Hate it? Leave me some feedback in the Comments section!

(All images courtesy of Paperless Post)

event planning

Poker Party!

It's Thursday night, you're struggling to find something new and fun to do with your friends... Instead of the usual ho-hum, why not host a poker night? It's a great way to have a smaller party with close pals (and possibly win some money too!). Here are some tips to get you started:

(Photo Courtesy of karichen)

The Rules
Unlike a housewarming or birthday party, poker parties should be flexible in nature. Poll your guests and pick a date and time conducive to everyone's schedules. If you're a serious group of players, you may want to specifiy an end time since poker can go on all night (and really, who wants poker players hogging the living room until 4am?). Along the same lines, try to keep your guest list between 4 and 8 people and make an effort to match skill level. You don't want someone pulling up to a table full of seasoned players. Afterall, this is a party - no need to send people home hurt and grumpy, right?

Decide what kind of poker you're going to play (yes newbies, there are different games!). If you're unsure, here's a great tutorial from PokerCards.com. Make sure (ahead of time!) all players are familiar with the type of game you choose and are willing to play. Again, this is for fun so there's no need to create tension where none should exist!

The last decision everyone should be in agreement on is the buy-in amount. Whether it's $10 or $100, all of your guests should know what they're walking into. Keep the amount high enough to make it interesting, but not so high that bank accounts will turn red if they lose.

If you don't already have them, pick up a few sets of cards (at least 2 decks, people!) and poker chips. Yes, you can technically play with real coins, but poker chips are cheap (your local drugstore should have them for 2 or 3 bucks) and they add a level of authenticity to the party.

Food
Believe it or not, there are some light rules around food you should serve (crazy, I know!). Here are my do's and don'ts:

Don'ts:

• Serve greasy/sticky/saucy foods - players can accidentally "mark" cards with their messy pawprints which could lead to an unfair advantage.
• Serve anything that requires any utensils. Finger foods reign supreme.

Do's

• Keep plenty of napkins around so players can keep their hands (and the cards!) nice and clean.
• For a surefire menu aimed to please even the pickiest of eaters, I bring you... Pretzel Dogs and Tater Tots!

Check out Vanilla Icing's blog for great recipes for this fabulous recipe on quick, easy pretzel dogs.

(Photo Courtesy of Vanilla Icing)

Don't forget the tater tots! They'll add an unexpected twist to your poker night. Everyone loves feeling like a kid once in a while, right? 

(Photo Courtesy of A. Spradling)

Drinks

Keep it simple. Serve nice cold beer. Check out the Thirsty Thursdays for some previous suggestions! (Psst, have some drinks on hand for your designated drivers too!)

Did I miss anything? Leave me a message in the comments below!

event planning

Today is National Junk Food Day!

Today is National Junk Food Day - how will YOU celebrate? Before you run to your local fast food place (and if they know you by name, you may want to skip today's festivities), here are a few ways to make junk food a little bit healther.

• Fries: Bake, don't fry! Better still, bake some sweet potato fries and serve them with a raspberry vinaigrette. You won't miss the grease one bit! 
• Burgers: Use a lean meat (chicken, turkey) or go veggie! Avoid toppings such as mayo, bacon and too much cheese. Check out our slider suggestions here!
• Pizza: Opt for a whole wheat crust, lots of sauce and skimp on the cheese. Load up with veggies (go on, don't be shy!) and avoid the greasy meats (pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, ground beef, etc.).

My awesome pals from Feast on the Cheap also offered some delicious recipes to add to your junk food fest. Don't waste any time- check them out right now!!

• Garden Guacamole
• Four Cheese Crab Mac and Cheese
• Buffalo Wings with Bleu Cheese Dipping Sauce
• Chocolate Mint Brownies

 So, how will YOU celebrate? Leave your ideas in the Comments section below!

event planning

Thirsty Thursday: Red. White & Blue Ice Cream Float!

I know, I know, I've already done a thirsty thursday about ice cream floats. Those were made using sodas - these are like, totally different! Psh. Here's a red, white and blue drink that'll set off fireworks at your salute to the 4th!

Prepare Ahead:

• Freeze blueberries, raspberries and strawberries (sliced) on a baking sheet so they freeze individually - 2 cups in total should be sufficient.

Ingredients:

• Frozen Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries - see above
• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Cranberry Juice - chilled

Fill a tall glass 3/4 of the way up with cranberry juice. Add 1-2 spoonfuls of frozen berries and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you have a sparkler, now would be the time to light and serve it. Otherwise, a bendy straw will work just fine!

Drink up!

(Photo Courtesy of aida_n)

event planning