Table of Contents
Introduction: A New Way to Gather 1
Part 1 Pretty Prepared
Chapter 1 Starting Your Celebration Practice 13
Reasons to Have a Party 15
What's Your Why? 20
A Formal Note on Formal 25
When Parties Just Happen 26
Family Dinners Are Gatherings Too 27
Chapter 2 Pretty Fun Planning Basics 31
Budget Basics 31
Keeping Track of Expenses 32
Food and Drink Basics 35
Pretty Fun Party Rules: to Sum It Up 43
Part 2 Pretty Excited!
Chapter 3 Winter 51
Holiday Cookie Bake-off 53
New Year's Eve 63
Open-Door Football Sunday 73
Valentine's Day: Naughty and Nice 81
Cozy Pop-Up Party 87
Family Dinner Night: Happy Hump Day 95
Chapter 4 Spring 111
Mom's Favorite Things Brunch 113
Easter/Spring Celebration 121
Bestie's Bachelorette 125
Tea-Tasting Garden Party 131
Just-Add-Rain Pop-Up Party 141
Family Dinner Night: Sunday Roast 147
Chapter 5 Summer 159
Fourth of July Lawn Chair Cookout 161
All-the-Kids Birthday Party 173
Backyard Tournament Pop-Up Party 180
Father's Day Pienic 185
Back-to-School Taco Night 189
Family Dinner Night: Saturday Night In 195
Chapter 6 Fall 207
Harvest Moon Gazing 209
Day of the Dead Fiesta 217
Game Night 227
Pop-Up Party for One 232
Family Dinner Night: Monday Night Dinner 235
Thanksgiving with All the Piec 239
Conclusion: Checking In 251
Acknowledgments 255
Notes 257