We have a winner for the UPrinting Brochures.

It’s Kathy Moore! Hooray for Kathy! Looks like your men’s cooking classes are going to get some shiny new brochures. So exciting!

Kathy Moore - You Are Our Winner!

Congratulations, Kathy! Please email me at Patti@anatomyofadinnerparty.com so I can hook you up.

The rest of you darlings can still hop over to UPrinting and pick up some great deals on printing. Like I am planning on doing. Melanie commented that they were less expensive than even Vista Print. Pretty darn good, if you ask me.

And be patient, my sweets. There are a few cool giveaways coming up on the blog.

Happy Thursday!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Glenn Frey- The Heat Is On

I have been writing furiously lately. Yes, for the blog, but also for my new venture.

Starting this September, I will be offering etiquette classes to the public. My new venture is called Dazzling Manners and there is still so much to do before summer’s heat leaves us.

Domain name is secured, Eric is working on the logo so we can move on to the website. But, how else can I get the word out?

Enter UPrinting, in the nick of time! I am so excited to be able to design my own brochures, business cards and all the other printed materials I will need for my classes! Whew, and at a fraction of the cost it would take to have it done elsewhere.

They even have postcards, so I can announce Dazzling Manners to everyone! Yay!

I can change the world! Yay!

I am going to trust UPrinting with all my class materials, and guess what? You can, too! The amazing folks at UPrinting are sponsoring a giveaway here and if you comment below, you can win this marvelous prize package – take it away, Don Pardo!

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only.

So, you too can get a move on and start making your dreams come true.

What would you do with your printed brochures? Tell me your wildest dreams!

I cannot wait for you to see what I do with mine.

Today blogging to The Staple Singers – Respect Yourself (we are kicking it OLD school, today!)

We have a winner of the Screen Candy – it’s Elizabeth Beasley!

Love the Screen Candy! Stick em anywhere!

I loved Elizabeth’s idea of using these to identify your lunch in the office fridge. Brilliant!

Elizabeth, please send me your mailing address to: patti@anatomyofadinnerparty.com and I will pop your Screen Candy in the mail immediately.

Enjoy!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to 10,000 Maniacs – Candy Everybody Wants

Oh, my post title…it’s a riddle! Do you know the answer?

It’s Patio Furniture, of course! LOL! Who says there are no clean jokes anymore?

This time of the year has me yearning to feed my guests outside. But, um, I don’t have anywhere pleasant for them to sit. Although, I think I may have found a solution!

At Every Outdoor Furniture, guess what they sell? Oh, I can’t put anything past you today. That’s right! Patio Furniture (the kind that stays out all night!)

Sure, you could take some plywood and put it over a couple of sawhorses and call it a day, but isn’t it time to treat yourself? If you are like me, you spend 90% of your time outside once the weather turns nice and with grilling out, inviting friends over and sipping cocktails al fresco, you will be much more likely to do so when you have something fabulous to sit on and eat at. I am eying this gorgeous set.

It's time to take it outside!

It’s made of poly-wood, which means it will last longer. And when making this kind of investment, you want to make sure you’ll have it for some time. I love the white, it’s like a blank canvas for all the charming tablecloths and cute centerpieces I plan on setting out for dinner.

When the sun goes down you will also need something pretty to add some light. Eric is not fond of the huge magnolia tree in our backyard, but I see it as a place to hang a gas chandelier. Wouldn’t this just fit the bill perfectly?

Romantic light for those late night tete a tetes.

This particular chandelier is made by a company called H. Potter, leading me to believe it had something to do with Hogwarts. It doesn’t, but you could always pretend it did! I like the thought of being at Hogwarts, catching up on my Charms homework, wearing my invisibility cloak, while sitting under this light.

The equally charming folks at Every Patio Furniture have given me a $50 gift certificate to share with you! All you have to do is leave a comment and I will announce the winner on Friday.

That will give you plenty of time to peruse their website and find something special for your backyard.

xoxo, Patti (o)

Today blogging to Joe Diffie – My Own Backyard

As I sit here in my office at my tiny desk, on my birthday Friday (actual birthday on Sunday), I can’t help but be so grateful for everything in my life. My incredible husband, Eric, my amazing besties, my good friends, and all of you out there in tv land. Or blog land, I don’t judge.

Happy Birthday To Me!

But since I love you so much, I thought I should give you a gift. CSN has so graciously offered a $65 gift card to their massive online store. Last time we did a giveaway with them, my bestie Clint won and couldn’t say enough great things about the wine glasses and linens he received. Clint said everything was packaged in the most pristine way and both items were gorgeous. And they have virtually everything you could want. You could buy me an offset spatula! Or, holy Toledo, they have Le Creuset, too! Check out this set of bright yellow cookware – wouldn’t this make you smile everyday?

Just like sunshine!

So, my little darlings…comment away. I would love to hear your idea for my perfect birthday celebration. The winner will be announced on Wednesday by a random drawing.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Marvin Gaye – Got to Give It Up, Part I (because it’s my birthday and this is my favorite song, of all time..)

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day my angels! And if by chance you are getting engaged, you are going to have a ton to think about. How about two tickets to The Wedding Experience, being held on February 26, in downtown Atlanta? With Michelle and Byron’s engagement party last night to helping plan Valerie and Jay’s reception in September, I have had weddings on the brain.

The Wedding Experience is perfect for newly engaged couples to jump
start their journey down the aisle, featuring seminars geared toward
helping couples plan a successful wedding. The day will consist of
seminar sessions, table inspiration designs, and lunch.

Attending engaged couples will have the chance to win a weekend stay
at Watercolor Inn & Resort! The prize includes two night’s
accommodations for two PLUS dinner at Fish Out of Water($100 value)!

Cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Brides who purchase their
tickets by February 18th will be entered in a drawing to win a set of
Tiffany & Co. champagne flutes.
Register to attend at http://studiowedexperience.eventbrite.com/

Wouldn’t it be great to have a group of professionals guide you in the right direction and give you some inspiration? Leave me a comment and we’ll pick our winner on Wednesday!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Shirelles – Going To The Chapel of Love

Well, I’m not sure what CSN stands for, but they have everything! From leather messenger bags to large appliances and everything in between. And, they have been so kind to offer one of my adorable readers a $65 gift card to use as you wish. Merry Christmas!! Just leave a comment and I will pick a winner on Monday, so you don’t have too wait long.

Lets take a look at some of the goodies (one for you, one for me! and maybe one as a gift…or not, your choice).

I know it’s cold outside, but how about pretending it’s spring inside with this gorgeous robin egg’s blue pasta bowl by iitala Teema?

iitala's Teema Pasta Bowl - $17.00

And to feel uber chic while sipping soup, hot chocolate or a late afternoon latte, how about this fabulous set of 6 Venice Soup Cups by Ten Strawberry Street?

Pretend you are Sophia Loren and look super glam. Set of 6, $38.94

Oh, I know you will love this next one. Again, from Ten Strawberry Street, these black and white striped cereal bowls will have you clamoring to eat the most important meal of the day. Love love love!

Set of 6, $38.74. Um, Santa, are you listening?

And for those of you throwing a little ‘do at the homestead for New Year’s Eve, how about an electric fondue set? You don’t have to worry about the little candle going out and gooping up all your cheese. Or chocolate. I don’t judge. This one is from Cuisinart, so you know it’s going to be swell.

Cuisinart Electric Fondue Set $54.95

Did you know that tradition dictates that if you drop something into the fondue you must kiss every guest of the opposite sex at the party or buy them the next round of drinks? Isn’t that a fun fact?

Okay, my sweeties, comment away. I can’t believe I’m giving this away and not keeping it for myself, but that’s how much I love you.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Mariah Carey – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Lovely Becky at Glue and Glitter and I are getting ready to make your holidays sweeter with one of her cupcaprons! Oh, they are way too cute. Take a look:

Aren't they the Cupcakiest?

Becky is so delightful I thought it might be fun to do an Q & A with her so you can get to know her better.

1. How did you get interested in crafting?
I’ve been crafting as long as I can remember. My mom is a preschool teacher, so I grew up making playdough and playing with Legos. Six years ago, a girlfriend taught me how to use a sewing machine, and I’ve been into sewing ever since!

2. Why food related crafts (ie. aprons, lunch sets, coffee sleeves)
I love food and cooking. When we have get togethers, even if they’re not centered around a meal, I always make sure to put together snacks for our guests. I think sharing a meal or spending time in the kitchen is just such a basic connection between people.

The other reason I focus on food-related crafts is because whether you’re ordering takeout or picking up your morning coffee, there’s such a potential for waste. I design my products with that in mind. When you buy a Cupapron, a Lunch Kit, or a Cup Glove, you’re doing more than just buying handmade. You’re helping reduce your footprint, and that means so much to me.

3. What is your favorite meal to feed to company?
We tend to have more appetizer- and drink- themed parties. There’s something about a bowl of dips and spreads that’s so appealing! My favorite thing to serve is a vegan cheeseball. Folks always love it, and it’s fun to make dishes that buck the stereotype for vegan food, you know? It warms my heart when guests tell me they’d never guess something was vegan, because maybe that experience softens them some to giving more vegetarian and vegan foods a try.

4. Are your fabrics from recycled items?
Almost all of my fabric is recycled, remnant, and vintage. There’s a seller on Etsy, Noonday Textiles, who makes beautiful hand-dyed organic hemp and I sometimes treat myself to a few yards from her shop.

5. How did you come up with the idea for Cupcaprons? They are so cute!
Aw, thank you! I actually had a dream that I was wearing an apron with a giant cupcake for the pocket. I’m not kidding. I woke up and grabbed my sketchbook. It was sort of crazy! I’ve never dreamed of a product design before.

6. Are the aprons (and your other crafts) machine washable? How can they be cared for?
They are. Because vintage fabrics can be delicate, I’d wash cold and dry on low, but yes. They’re totally washable.

7. I know you have just started crafting full time. Can you tell us about your journey to self employment?
Sure! I’m at a point in my life where if I was going to give this full time thing a go, now was it, you know? My husband and I don’t have any kids yet, but we do want to have kids down the road. A year ago, we started saving up with a target amount in mind that we were both comfortable with. When we hit the target, I put in my notice. Lady Rogue actually just did an interview where we talked a lot about this transition.

Thanks again for taking the time to chat! I really enjoy reading your blog. You make me want to plan a proper dinner party!

So, my Darlings, to win one of these sweet treats, all you have to do is leave a comment. A random winner will be picked on December 15. The only tiny snafu is that you must be a resident of North America. I have a friend that did a giveaway and then had to figure out how to ship to Sweden. Lets keep it simple here.

Don’t you love holiday shopping from your computer?

xoxo, Patti