Favorite Things Party

WARNING:  This post is not teaching related whatsoever.  But every teacher needs a chance to have fun with her girlfriends every now and then, so maybe this post will be helpful to you anyway. :)

I hosted a Favorite Things party last week, and OH MY would I recommend this if you are looking for something fun to do with a group of friends.  We had such a blast!  I had wanted to host one for a while, but finally got around to doing it and I'm so glad I did!  I used blogs and Pinterest to really help me figure out how in the world to host one of these parties, so I thought blogging about my party might help you out if you are looking to host one too.

I made this invite and sent it out by e-mail.  I removed my address, but you get the idea...

I really didn't do too much as far as decorations.  I actually dreamed up a lot more than I ended up doing.  Mostly because it's summer and I didn't want to go overboard.  I knew that we'd be outside most of the night and that, really, the company was the most important detail of all.  It all ended up being just right!

I found this awesome table caddy at Home Goods and I know I'll be able to use it again and again.  The plates were so super cute and from Dollar Tree!  The paper straws and napkins were from Target.

I had a station set up for the girls to write their names on three slips of paper.  They folded them and put them into the white bowl.  We drew these names later to decide who got which gift.

I made these cards for the girls to fill with a few of their favorites.  We used these when it was time to share our gifts -- I read a card and we guessed who it belonged to, and then it was that person's turn to tell us about their favorite and choose three friends to receive it!

 This metal tin was filled with things that we might need outside.  I stocked up on bug spray, but not a single bug bothered us!!  Each girl got one of the brown and yellow bags to bring their things home in. 

 These cutie little pedestal frames are from IKEA.  So super cheap and really fun for decorating.  I made little sayings to put in them.  There were six of these total.

 I made a yummy s'more mix to share.

 I also got my very favorite pita chips and hummus.

 And then each of the girls brought something too!  I was so happy that I had saved my appetite because the food was divine!

I can't believe that I forgot to take a picture of the drink counter.  There were some very pretty and tasty drinks too!

We ate and laughed and talked and laughed some more, and then it was time for gifts!

  Each girl was asked to bring three favorites.  I chose $10 for the amount, but you could do any amount you want.  I was excited to share two of my favorites!  The Hawaiian Tropic after sun lotion is awesome!  It's a lotion/aloe blend and is so hydrating.  Not to mention that it smells incredible!  Definitely a summer must-have.  And I had to include my favorite floss.  I am known at my school for my love of dental floss!  I always have it with me - in my purse, car, desk drawer at school.  Whenever anyone needs floss, they know to come find me. :)  I happily shared my absolute favorite dental floss!

Here was the table full of goodies!  It was so much fun to see what everyone brought.  Lots of beauty items, a kitchen must-have, a cleaning supply, homemade strawberry jam, and even an unmentionable. Ha!

 This was the awesome group of ladies that joined me for the party.  Love them.

 I just had to share this photo.  This girl student taught in my classroom three years ago.  She was my first student teacher and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to top her.  I knew almost instantly that she was the real deal and that any school would be lucky to snatch her up.  I was over the moon when that school ended up being my school.  I just love working with her!

 This was my stash at the end of the night....plus the, ahem, unmentionable that I wasn't about to post a photo of. ;)

Have you ever planned or attended a Favorite Things Party?  

Just for fun, leave a comment telling me what favorite (or combination of favorites) YOU would choose that equals $10.  I'll pick a comment at random on Thursday and that person will get to pick any item you'd like from my TPT store.  Don't forget to leave your e-mail!!