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Kristi Gilbert: Ain't No Party Like a Pinterest Party!

I threw my first party, and it was a total hit!

Editor's note: Since this column was published on March 12, Kristi Gilbert has informed Patch that she was contacted by CBS News and has agreed to talk about her party for an upcoming news feature on Pinterest for the national CBS This Morning program. 

Well, it was a success! I hosted my first annual "Pinterest Party” yesterday and it was, without a doubt, a hit! I invited around 40 girls and was pleased to have 25 in attendance. Each girl arrived with a Pinterest-inspired gift and the party was underway in no time flat!

It didn’t just happen, though. Let it be known that yours truly was up by 6 a.m. chopping, mixing, baking, plating (you get the idea), all in the name of hosting a fantastic party. I might as well have been an octopus in the kitchen, because I had limbs everywhere whisking, shaking and drinking. (Oops! did I just spill the beans about my magic-party-making-weapon?). Don’t worry; I’ll spare the pics.

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As a first time hostess, the pressure was on. You see, I’ve never (NEVER!) hosted my own party before. I know, I know—amateur!

In fact, I don’t know what it was that made me decide to do it. Perhaps it's that I now have a house that can fit more than five people, not a city condo. Or maybe it was the fact that I have been blessed to meet some super-cool "Betties" from the area, and needed a lame reason to have a lil' shindig.

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Nonetheless, I found it fitting to find a reason to have my closest girls over for a few fun-filled hours of hors d'oeuvres, drinks and crafty goodness—all inspired by Pinterest. I know, could I sound more like Martha? Gag!

Anyhow, the concept came about from a college friend of mine; she posted on Facebook about a party she had where she invited her friends over, had a few crafts for them to make (that she discovered on Pinterest) and they snacked and sipped on yummy “stuff.” I took her idea and added my own spin; each guest that was invited to my party was asked to do the following:

  • Search for your favorite craft or idea on Pinterest.
  • Bring the necessary items/ingredients/directions to create the craft. (Make sure to have it wrapped.)
  • Then exchange the gifts—"white elephant" style—allowing us each to take home a fun, unique creation!

Needless to say, the girls outdid themselves. There were some of the coolest gifts, crafts, and creations I’ve EVER seen. Hey Martha, move over; us gals in CH and the “Hinsey” gotcha covered!

And might I say, every last bite of food was devoured. Moment of silence please. If you’re a woman, hosting a party FOR women, you know this rarely happens. Most of the time there is hardly anything that has been touched, making you wonder why the heck you went to all that work in the first place. Am I right? I think so. Perhaps us girls are too busy mingling or watching the waistline to indulge.

Well not today, my friends! I am sad to say that there were only a few little morsels for me to munch on when all was said and done. And it’s only sad because I was too darn busy slaving in the kitchen to sample any of the goodies. Based on their disappearance, I’m assuming they were as yummy as I thought! Can I get a Hallelujer?

And I was more than flattered to see the girls arrive not only holding a gift bag, but also a hostess gift. Can you say “completely unnecessary?” Seriously, though, these girls need to stop with their generosity! Wysteria Lane anyone? Bree would be fuming with jealousy  at the thoughtfulness of these gals!

Our wine cellar (a.k.a. wine rack) is uber stocked now, thanks to their generosity. (Hallelujer No. 2!)

I can’t wait to see the pics of the girls’ creations as they make them. And based on the popularity of the idea, I think I may attempt the party again next year. I can't even imagine what the girls will think of next.

Which makes me think: what the H am I going to do next time to blow their socks off? Lucky for me, I have an entire year to figure that out. In the meantime, stay tuned to my blog for ideas as well as pics from this year’s party! You won't want to miss out on these fab ideas!

Happy week, people. Make it the best! :)

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