Funky Trick 0r Treat Pail

Love this! Just in time for Halloween! We have one more left! $55 -- comment if you are interested :)

Crazy for chevron! Chevron stationery

Our favorite pattern this season-- chevron! Below are some of our favorite items-- all available at our online boutique www.papercottage.net. Save 20% when you use code BASICS through 10/31/12.

Inspiration! Eloise party

While having lunch in the city yesterday, we stopped by "Eloise at the Plaza"--  one of our favorite, whimsical spots. This little visit inspired us to share ideas for an Eloise party. Below are party tips, photos from our visit and the perfect party invitation. Enjoy!

Party Tips

Pink, pink everywhere (with a touch of black!)

Pink boas for everyone!

It's a tea party, of course, so serve pink lemonade in pretty tea cups 

Iced cookies - yum!

An Eloise book reading is a must

"Pin the Bow on Eloise" completes the fun

The perfect invitation--- available at www.papercottage.net. Use code BASICS thru 10/31/12 to save 20%.

Gingerbread Haunted Houses!

What a great twist on a holiday classic! Step up your spooky with these creepy gingerbread houses. Use the base of a traditional gingerbread house but decorate with candy corn, ghost marshmallows, black licorice and the colors of this scary season! For more great seasonal cards and stickers, visit us at www.papercottage.net!

Cute Cupcake Party!

One of our favorite parties -- The cupcake party-- so easy and so much fun! The first step-- the invitation. This adorable one is available at our online boutique www.papercottage.net  (save 20% using code BASICS thru 10/31/12).

The star of the party-- 2nd only to the bday girl-- the perfect cupcake! Go mini -- make them yourself or work with  your local bakery. Add fun sprinkles and edible silver balls for more sparkle.

Give each little chef a cupcake apron. After guests arrive, have them put on aprons and get cooking. You can work with them to bake the cupcakes and decorate them, or, for little ones, have cupcakes ready to go and just have icing and fun, colorful decorations (sprinkles, candy, etc.) on the table and let them get to work. This apron is available at zazzle.com

Next-- serve pink strawberry milk with the tasty treats in these fun pink and white striped straws!

Games, games, games! Play pin the cherry on the cupcake-- this game was made from felt and backed with duct tape-- yummy!

Send guests home with a treat-- use these cute boxes to package the girls' cupcakes. Just google "paper cupcake boxes" and you'll have your pick!

2012 Holiday card trends

Don't worry-- we're not jumping the season! Just want to get you thinking about your holiday card and this year's trends. We're seeing LOTS of color-- bright, vibrant-- much more than traditional red and green. We love the mixed vintage elements that many  designers are incorporating into their styles. Chevron is bigger than ever as are fun, fab, funky fonts. And, the photo is back -- the bigger the better! Check out our entire card collection and remember to save 20% thru 10/31 with code BASICS at www.papercottage.net - share with your friends so they can save too!

Perfect Pumpkin Wreath!

This pumpkin wreath from our friends at Southern Living is the perfect way to transition your home from spooky Halloween decor to a warm and cozy Thanksgiving look. No need to re-do everything-- after Fright Night is over, pull down the spider and the black ribbon and you're set! The best part-- it's super-easy to do. Simply wire the tiny pumpkins to a wreath form using florist wire that you insert through both sides of the pumpkin and fill in spaces between with sheet moss. Top with bow and you are good to go! While you're at it, it's time to start thinking about Thanksgiving cards and invitations. Visit our store at www.papercottage.net for a great selection and save 20% thru 10/31/12 with code BASICS! Enjoy!