Deanna from Mirabelle Creations and a GIVEAWAY!

Let me introduce you to a fabulous blogger...Deanna from Mirabelle Creations! 

Deanna is a wonderfully creative party planner and crafter. I know her from blog world, as we both started blogging around the same time; but also in person as we go to church together! She is so sweet, kind and creative. I love all the detail she puts into her parties. They are all so beautiful.

She's even started her own Etsy shop where she gives 50% of her profits to charity! 

Take a peek at some of my favorite parties featured on her blog:

This is from her adorable "Give them wings" party where she invited other Kindergarten moms over for brunch to get to know one another, and connect about sending their babies off to school for the first time. I LOVE this idea! Such a great and personal way to connect with others.

 

 Of course, as a fellow UK fan, I swooned over this beautiful party. Now THIS is how I like to watch sports :)

This Rustic Star Spangled Banner party is a summer must. I can't wait until this next summer to grab these printables and put them to use at my 4th of July outdoor party!

Get to know Deanna below, then head on over to Mirabelle Creations to let her know how much you love her!

1.     Tell us a little about yourself & how your blog & shop came to be.

I've always loved parties and party decorations!  I can remember when I was a little girl, I remember my mom making me a Strawberry Shortcake Cake for my birthday.  I adored that cake -- probably more than the presents.  Then, as I had my own kids, I started planning their birthday parties months in advance.  My passion grew into a business this year when I started my blog and opened my Etsy store. 

2.     What was one of the first parties you threw? What lessons did you learn from it as to what worked & what didn’t?

My daughter's first birthday -- she'll be turning nine in the next few months.  She had been a ladybug that year for Halloween, so I picked a ladybug theme for her 1st birthday.  A big lesson I learned from that party was pick a party theme that means something to you.  Maybe it's your child's favorite toy, a favorite book or a nickname.  You will pay more attention to the details, which will make it more meaningful for both you and your guests 

3.     How do you get your inspiration for a party idea?

Sometimes there is so much inspiration around, it's overwhelming.  Besides, being influenced by the guest of honor's favorite things, a lot of my inspiration comes from fabric patterns.  Often, I have found a tablecloth or dessert table background fabric first, then planned the party around the fabric.

4.     What are the first steps to planning a fantastic party/get together?

Start well in advance and pick your theme.  I planned a Golden Indian 50th Anniversary party for my in-laws.  Once I picked the Indian theme, when I was out shopping, I found lots of Indian inspired items -- elephants, lanterns, etc.  If you have time, you will be able to find party decor in the most unpredictable stores. 

5.     What are some goals, personal or professional you have your sights set on?

The past six months have been a huge learning curve and a bit of a whirlwind.  One of my goals when I started was having a party featured on Amy Atlas' blog.  Her modern, clean style is incredible.  When my football party was featured on her site, I was in the clouds for weeks!  One of my current goals is to grow my customer base for my Etsy store.  At least 50% of all profits from the sales are donated to charity.  One of the reasons I started the store was to be able to raise money for charity, while doing something I love.

6.    If you were throwing the party of your dreams, who would be some famous people you’d want on your guest list?

Tina Fey (would keep everyone laughing), Amy Atlas (of course -- so I could pick her brain about party planning), John Wall (he could teach me how to Dougie), my Grandma Fan (she is the sweetest person I know and the best cook), Justin Timberlake (do I really need to say why?) 

7.    Other than planning your next fabulous party, what are some things you love to do?

Reading, sewing, cooking, lounging at the beach.

8.   If you threw a party and filled it with the food, colors, décor, etc…that showed us who you were and what you loved, what would it include?

Most importantly, I would start with my family and friends.  The best parties always start with loved ones, the rest is secondary.  If I could throw the perfect party, I would find a way to incorporate all of my guests favorite things or at least one thing was that was meaningful to each guest.  To me, party planning is all about making your guests feel special and important, as a way of showing them your love.  

**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**

Thanks so much Deanna! And because she is so fabulous, she's giving all of you a chance to win an ENTIRE COLLECTION from her shop! It's awesome, and so simple! The collections are customizable and sent to your computer within 48 hours! No need to wait for slow shipping. 

Some of my favorite collections shown above are available, along with many others, like a beautiful Thanksgiving collection, An adorable baby shower collection, and a fun Fancy Nancy Parisian collection! And Christmas collections are coming soon! I can't wait to see them. 

You have 4 ways to enter to increase your chances to win! Here's what you can do:

1. Become a follower of Mirabelle Creations and comment below that you did so
2. "LIKE" Mirabelle Creations on Facebook, comment below that you did
3. Become a follower of Just down the Hall through Google Friend Connect, then comment below that you did so
4. Share about this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or your blog and comment below telling me you did (You can click the buttons at the bottom of this post to link up automatically!) 

Make sure you include your email so we have a way to contact you if you win. If no email is available, a new winner will be chosen (don't be THAT person! haha) The winner will be announced on Wednesday, November 23rd!

**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**