Today we are going to starting answering YOUR questions. Here we go:
Question: How do you store all your stuff? Do you have a dedicated cupboard for all your party stuff (decorations, banners) stuff like that or do you not reuse stuff from year to year?
Marcelle says:
A great place where I store many of my party supplies is in our buffet. It's a large piece of furniture that is a statement piece, but is also functional with it's drawers and cupboards. In one drawer of the buffet I store paper supplies such as napkins, straws, paper plates, and cutlery. Another drawer houses the linen tablecloths and serving platters. The side cupboards are tall enough for me to stash vases in.
Decorations are stored in plastic containers and tubs. Yes, I reuse decorations, but I also love to make new additions or buy things from time to time (especially if it's on clearance at the end of the season I can't resist!)
Melissa says: Oh, I definitely reuse stuff from year to year. There is no way I could re-create everything each year. I try and add one new thing each holiday and throw out anything that is broken or I don't use anymore.
I store all of my holiday decorations in big containers like this:
They aren't anything fancy, but they are sturdy and are big enough to store large items. I have one for spring holidays (Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and 4th of July), one for Fall holidays (Halloween and Thanksgiving) and 2 for Christmas.
For banners, instead of storing them in the big bins (I'm afraid they will rip and tear), I use this binder. I have a ziplock bag to hold each one. It's nice to have them all in one place and very accessible.
Over the years, I have collected serving ware that I store in one cupboard in our kitchen (besides a few larger items that I keep in a closet). These are things I use over and over. Most of my stuff is white or silver because then it can match any color scheme.
Finally, I store my party supplies in a these boxes I got from IKEA. Anytime I come across cheap stuff, I pick it up and store it in here. I keep one for general party stuff and then I use smaller ones to organize for a certain party or holiday that is coming up.
If you feel like there isn't enough space at home to store all of these things, you could rent out a Brooklyn self storage unit, or one wherever you're based, and keep them all in there until you need them for a party or celebration.
We got so many great questions and felt like it would be waaay too much information for just one post, so we will be back next week to answer some more.
Heather says
Melissa, your idea for storing banners is absolutely brilliant. I keep mine in a box but you're right, they often rip and I have to replace them. I am going to get a binder like that. Thanks for the tip!
Emily says
I was also just going to comment on the binder!!! I had never even thought about that! I am going to do that, along with getting all my other stuff organized!