Celebrating the Everyday

There's never a shortage of reasons to have people gather - a new baby, a birthday, summer, Christmas, friends visiting, a wedding, a new season, or a graduation. Truly, each day holds a special reason to to play, have fun, and embrace life.

The most important part of celebrating is being together with friends and family. Here are three ideas I try to keep in mind when I'm hosting a party:

1. Keep it simple.
There are three steps to planning an event:

{a} pick the day, time & place
{b} send invitations
{c} provide food and activities

That's it. Not so hard, right? I can always do more, but more isn't always necessary.

2. Don't worry. It's easy to get caught up trying to outdo other celebrations I've attended. Instead I try to think of how I can show love for each one of my guests, especially the guest of honor. The goal is to make others feel warmly welcomed and celebrated. I spend time thinking and planning out the details rather than worrying about them. I put my heart into the planning.

3. Let it be. You can plan and plan and things might still go wrong. The birthday girl is screaming, the cupcakes burn, it rains, someone gets sick. So many things are beyond our control. Celebrate anyway. Take a picture of the screaming birthday girl, (she'll frame it one day) send someone to grocery store, move the party indoors and pass out blankets, enjoy being with the people you're with.

Being together and celebrating life are the reasons we've started our little business - Handmade Play. We're hoping it will inspire you to gather up your friends and family, enjoy each other, and play together. We want it to bless you and be a resource to help make sweet memories with those you love.

Right now Handmade Play is offering a "Store Opening" discount. Use the code "celebrate" to get 20% off your order. This code is valid until Saturday, January 16.