This week we shot a fondue menu for our Supper Club column. Serving a spread of fondue is a fun way to entertain friends and family during the holiday season. Check out this behind-the-scenes video of the shoot!

 

Last week, the Celebrate team took a trip to Orange Beach, Alabama, for several shoots that will appear in the summer 2013 issue. We shot a Fourth of July cookout, a dinner on the beach, and an appetizer story. We can't wait for you to see, but until then, take a look at some behind-the-scenes footage and photos from our trip.

Halloween is still on our minds here at Celebrate. We recently had a shoot for a Haunted House party. With fun decorating ideas and tasty Halloween-themed food, this party is a great way to entertain family and friends. And who knows, you may get a scare out of a few of them! Here’s a sneak peek at a decorated couch.

 

  

 

 

We hope you’re having a wonderful summer! 

 

We are so excited to start preparing for our special Halloween issue! Our first photo shoot was a black-and-white-themed “girls-night-out” cocktail party. With delicious pick-up food and a tasty signature cocktail, this party is a perfect opportunity to break out your favorite little black dress and celebrate Halloween with friends.  Here’s a behind-the-scenes photo of us setting up the shot of our signature cocktail.

 

 
 

Hope you're having a wonderful spring!

With plans for 2013 still in mind, we recently did an Easter Brunch photo shoot. The table was beautiful, and the menu was divine. A special feature was a fun do-it-yourself craft that adds the perfect touch to a spring tablescape—definitely something to look forward to!
 

 

  

   

Photographer Sarah Swihart finds just the right angle for a great shot of the table. 

 

 

In the midst of planning ahead for fall, we’ve been preparing for next spring, too! We shot a beautiful flower-arranging party that will be a lovely way to gather friends for a special occasion or just an afternoon of catching up. Here are some of the gorgeous spring flowers used at the shoot. 

 

 

 

 

Have a beautiful weekend!

 

—Brooke Drinkard 

In this issue, we featured some of our coolest and creamiest treats to beat the heat this summer. One of our favorites is this Key Lime Pie Shake. One sip and we couldn’t tell if we were enjoying a milkshake or a cool slice of a Florida favorite.

 

 

  

 

The secret is using Key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk—a signature ingredient in Key lime pie. Click here for the recipe, and serve this for dessert at your next get-together.

 

What's your favorite way to beat the heat while entertaining?

 

 

Ciao! We had a great time shooting an Italian-themed dinner party. A great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the fall weather is to dine alfresco. We also added a fun twist to the party, so be sure to look for it when our fall issue hits the stands—your guests will love it. 

  

Photographer John O’Hagan takes a photo of the delicious Italian meal.

 

Until next time—Arrivederci! 

 

 —Brooke Drinkard 

Although we just entered May, and our Summer issue is now on newsstands, we have been working hard on our Fall issue. We recently shot a back-to-school carnival party, complete with game booths and fun, festive food. When summer comes to a close, a carnival is a great way to get friends and neighbors together before school starts. Here is a behind-the-scenes photo from the shoot! 

Our food stylist arranges the cupcakes for their close up. Confetti sprinkles with a maraschino cherry make a classic and ever-so-nostalgic presentation—perfect for a carnival. 

  

We can't wait for you to see the whole story!

 

—Brooke Drinkard 

 

Hello, readers! Welcome to our blog, where we’ll be sharing with you a behind-the-scenes look at what we do here at Celebrate—making all of life a party.

 

Keep up with our posts, and you’ll receive entertaining tips, sneak peeks at upcoming features, and all the latest news and trends in the party planning world.

 

Right now our spring issue is on newsstands, and it features ideas for decorating your spring table, planning an Easter picnic, or celebrating mothers with a beautiful luncheon.

 

But keep an eye out for our summer issue, which hits newsstands in the beginning of May—we can’t wait for you to see! In the mean time, here's a sneak peek. Hoffman Media photographer Kamin Williams is hard at work shooting our Best of Summer Burgers story.

 

 

And while we may be experiencing April showers and eagerly anticipating May flowers, our minds are now on pumpkins, fall leaves, and cozy entertaining. We’re jump-starting our fall issue, and we’ll soon be showing you previews of that, too!

 

At Celebrate, party planning is our life—our passion. Share it with us!