Creative Birthday Parties for Kids

Children’s birthday parties are no longer about musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey. We found parents are upping the ante on birthday parties and showing us how they make it happen. Circus Theme  Allison Goldstein of Highland Park recently created a circus-themed birthday party for her daughter Gracie’s 4th birthday. Allison worked […]

Party Decorations: Use What You Already Have

If you’re like me and made a pact not to acquire any more tchocthkes, here’s inspiration to stop buying and start using what you already have this summer.   Sharing the tricks of their trade, prop stylist Hilary Ashlund, and Stephanie Cook, a party planner from Lake Forest with SPC Events, give us the will […]

The Floral Report: Chic and Simple Does It

Flowers and plants may be required at a soiree, but a growing number of designers are ditching the lace and Baby’s Breath in favor of arrangements and centerpieces with a more contemporary aesthetic. “There is an explosion of modern, simple home decor that has been going strong for awhile now,” says Epoch Floral co-owner Mike […]

Home Entertainment Systems

Although many experts recommend holding big events at reception halls, hotels or restaurants, there’s nothing like throwing a fantastic party at home—if you’re prepared. Think Through the Basics Seating, lighting, space. Is there room for 100 of your nearest and dearest to mingle, talk and laugh? A room, like this one, which was designed by […]

They’re Delightful, They’re De Limos

With Spring Break, proms, graduations and summer weddings just a short time off and with any time good for a girls’ night out, Make It Better’s experts offer a guide to their favorite limousine services. But first some tips: When calling, ask about amenities. Some provide very “high end” cars. Standard equipment in many includes: […]

4 Better Parties

’Tis the season of the party. But what kind should you throw? Here’s our Better guide to hosting the perfect party—one you’ll enjoy as much as your guests. Our secret? Know what you want to wear and go from there. We’ve got menu ideas, decor hints and even caterers who can make you feel like […]

Creative Parties for Kids

Ask my first-born about his most memorable birthday party, and he’ll tell you about his 6th birthday. We took about 15 kids to an area horse stable where they each got turns riding horses around the ring. For party favors, they got—in addition to the obligatory goodie bag—bandanas that they wore while riding. It was […]