"What makes a gathering memorable? The feeling & energy. Hands down."
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I'm a big theme girl! If I get hit with a fun idea or inspiration, I'll quickly plan a party around it.
Cocktails. Just kidding. I love a game, like having all your guests write down a random fact about themselves, mix them all up, read, and guess who goes with which fact! Basic idea but always fun—and usually hilarious.
"Have your guests write down a random fact about themselves; Mix them all up, read, & guess who wrote which fact."
I would focus on the overall experience. I think small florals are better for an intimate table, and then I would mix in some great lighting elements. I will also always splurge on nice glassware. It makes everything feel more elevated and special.
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The feeling and energy in the room. Hands down.
"Put as many pieces in place as you can, and know that everything that's supposed to happen will happen."
Use Partytrick! :) I always tell them if they're stressed, that's the energy they're bringing to the party, so just put as many epieces in place as you can, and know that everything that's supposed to happen will happen.
I love fried pimento cheese balls... and candied bacon.
Spotify to the rescue. I'll throw on either hits or some classics at the beginning of the evening. I have a personal EPIC dance party playlist that I'll pull out as the night gets later. A "Guilty Pleasures" playlist is always a hit too.
Doing the worm... my back the next day would disagree!
Sarah-Allen Preston is the founder and CEO of Afloat, and mother to three rambunctious boys. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Art History, and attended Parsons School of Design in Paris. While in college she launched her first business, Preston Paper, a hand-illustrated stationery company. After being featured on the TODAY show, the business grew to a wholesale line that was available in gift stores nationwide. She moved back to Kansas City to start her family, and the stationery line evolved into custom work, which eventually led her to her next career as an event planner. Her weddings have been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, and BRIDES magazine. In 2020, she founded the Afloat app and platform after a difficult personal experience. Afloat is headquartered in Dallas, and launching new markets across the country, making it easy and enjoyable for people to send local gifts, and celebrate everything with those they love.
There's something timeless about a Slim Aarons photograph: the crisp linens, the cocktails held just-so, the oversized sunglasses hiding secrets behind every lens. It’s aspirational without trying too hard. And it’s this exact effortless elegance that makes the Slim Aarons aesthetic the ultimate inspiration for your next summer gathering.
Starting a run club is an excellent way to foster community, promote fitness, and create meaningful connections with fellow running enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced marathoner or just beginning your running journey, hosting a run club can transform your solo activity into a social experience that motivates everyone involved.
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Let’s fix your mimosa bar—and make it a little less “Live Laugh Love” and a little more “How is this actually delicious?”
Expert tips, exclusive content, and the 411 on the latest parties.