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A few days ago I got to do something surreal– invite a bunch of the Moms I admire over to my house for a delicious and fun luncheon to celebrate something I am truly thankful for and proud of– this site! The afternoon included delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and the type of conversation I crave with a group of awesome women. And the best part? It was stress free!
I’m the type of person that wants to put my hostess mark on everything when I have company over, but with a one year old running around while I prep, it has been impossible lately. Now that I need to cut corners on prep time with food or decor, I always make sure it doesn’t compromise the great taste and elegance of what I’m trying to pull off. That’s why I’m SO thankful to HORMEL GATHERINGS® for coming through with their party trays for this launch party! I love their trays because they include pre-cut meats, cheeses, and crackers– and ready-to-go so I can keep them in my fridge to pull out for planned parties, or even surprise guests.
I just arranged the HORMEL GATHERINGS® meats, cheeses, and crackers on a beautiful tray, and the appetizer portion of the afternoon was done in two seconds. I was able to spend extra time primping myself, and even get Marlowe in to a clean and pretty dress to greet guests! (My dress is Tory Burch, by the way) On the real, too, it’s nice to have a little protein snack for the ladies when I’m serving delectable cocktails and wine– nobody wants to get blotto at a luncheon, and that wine can sneak up on you if you don’t have a little something in your stomach.
Thankfully I took my own advice, and made myself a little salami and cracker sandwich, because the Lavender Mojitos that Annie Campbell Catering crafted for us were out of control delicious, and so was the Rosé from Club W (I’m a rosé fanatic)! Marlowe snacked with me– I let her pick at the HORMEL GATHERINGS® tray herself. It was her first time eating salami, but I daresay not her last!
The ladies began arriving, and we all had a little sip and bite on the patio before moving on to a sit-down lunch on the lawn. I tried to incorporate a rustic garden party vibe, with the appetizers served on wooden plates and trays, with fresh and wild blooms thrown in. I love when a party feels put together, but still very relaxed and comfy.
It was so nice to catch up with everyone (and meet a few new faces!)– it is so rare that we get to see each other with out all of the kids making us crazy and distracting us from the conversation at hand. It was also so interesting to have so many Moms there from all different points of view, careers, and lifestyles. It was a lunch table filled with everything from Fitness Instructors to Childbirth Educators, Bloggers to Podcast mavens, children’s fashion designers to Talent Managers, to Stay-At-Home Mothers and Work-From-Home Mothers! I feel so fortunate to have a community of women around me who are strong, opinionated, hilarious, supportive, and DIVERSE! It proves to me again and again that there are so many “right ways” to raise our children.
For lunch, I served a California chopped salad with prawns, veggies, and parmesan, and grilled bread topped with burrata and white bean purée. My favorite kind of lunch! For dessert, Annie Campbell created quite possible the most beautiful cake I have ever seen (and equally as tasty!) and Chocolate chip and sea salt cookies that were so deadly they had my girlfriends texting me devil horn emojis for days after the party. Ha!
One of my favorite touches to the party were the favors– The Bouqs (who I have been using to send bouquets for years, by the way) created an adorable flower cart with mason jars and clippers. Guests were invited to trim the blooms and make their own arrangements to take home! I even created a few myself to fill in the table arrangements. So easy, fun, and a great way to continue loveliness of the afternoon long after the lunch was over. And I couldn’t send the ladies home without something special from me personally– So I created herb bundles of rosemary from my garden, wrapped in ribbon for their fall cooking needs!
I had a great time–the afternoon felt like such a relaxing treat! It was such a fantastic way to celebrate this new endeavor– by celebrating my community of women who have encouraged me to share my voice. I’m so thankful to everyone who was involved in making the day a success– and to the readers of the blog, who inspire me every day. I can’t wait for the Anniversary party!
Below is a gallery of even more pictures from the Happily Eva After launch luncheon!
xoxo
EAM
Photos by Amy Graves
* While I did receive compensation and Hormel Gatherings Party Trays to serve at my party, the writing and opinions expressed above are 100% my own. All brand partnerships and affiliates for this site will always reflect things or experiences that I genuinely like and that I believe to be a good fit for my aesthetic and brand.
Everything was so cute! Shoes????? Where did you get them?
Hi Sarah!
Thanks so much! They are Tory Burch also 😉
FUN! Love your dress and makeup! Would you do a fall lipstick line up for us soon? I need fun lip color for upcoming family “fall” pics -and I loved your spring picks! xx
Thanks, Vanesha!
Funny you should mention the lipstick: I’m working on a September Beauty Picks post as well as a Fall lipstick Favorites post!
Stay tuned…
xoxo
EAM
You are just the best! Your site is a favorite and I first really started to follow you on IG after you were on Atomic Moms…your site is relatable and just makes me feel good…and better about motherhood…this gig is tough! Keep it up mama!
Heather,
Thank you so much, that means a lot! What you just wrote is basically my ultimate goal, so it really makes me happy to hear that.
It is tough! (But great…but tough…Lol)
Thanks for reading!
xoxo
EAM
Not sure how I found your site but I’m so glad I did. Love your style, sense of humor and honesty! Keep up the good work lovely lady 🙂
Your get together looks like it was so much fun!! Maybe we can partake virtually next time? 😉 Love your dress btw! Girl, you’ve got style!
Everything looks amazing!! I love having get togethers just like that! And little Marlowe looks adorable and seems like she’s such a happy baby 🙂
Leslie, Sara, and Jenna
Thanks ladies!!! I had so much fun putting the even together. BTW my dream is to get some great sponsors and throw a Mommy get together for me and MY READERS!! I’m working on it, stay tuned
xoxo
EAM
That would be amazing!!! Wish I lived closer 🙂