One year ago today - as I was celebrating our first anniversary of the Party Shop - I was flooded with emotions. I was entering a season of uncertainty. We knew that we'd be moving from Charlotte, NC to New Orleans by this point, and while I was so excited at the possibilities ahead, it was also terrifying to think about uprooting both of my businesses to essentially start over.

But, so much can happen in 365 days!

• We moved and settled into our new home in Covington, Louisiana (just outside of New Orleans).

• I started to network and connect with our business community. I even participated in a pop-up shop event just 6 weeks after our move!

• I attended Alt Summit and had the chance to meet so many amazing creatives!

• Then a little global pandemic came into the picture … and we pivoted, hard!

• I blew up more balloons than I ever thought humanly possible!

• I added helium balloons to our service offerings and offered delivery services.

• I added new party supplies inventory to the Party Shop and created smaller party sets, perfect for quarantine birthdays at home.

• Created a brand new website to simplify the shopping experience online.

Before I share more about our new website, I just want to say thank you for your support of The Graceful Host, and for allowing me to live out this crazy dream of owning an event planning company. I’ve poured a lot of blood, sweat and tears (so many tears ) into building this brand. But, honestly TGH would not be where it is today without our amazing clients who trust us to execute their events and delivery high quality party supplies & decor. I truly think of each of you as friends. And I hope this little message feels like a big warm hug because that is how it’s intended! I have some big, scary dreams for this next year - and thanks to you and your support, I’m getting closer and closer ... and it doesn’t feel quite so scary.

Thank you for joining me in this journey, and for helping me celebrate

• another year of simplifying party planning

• another year of helping to create memories

• another year of making smiles happen

• another year of endless balloon garlands

• another year of the cutest party supplies ever created

• And another year of hard work and pure passion

So let’s talk about our big news! I am so excited about the launch of our brand new website! My goal with this redesign was to create a better shopping experience. You can now shop by item type - like plates, cups, napkins, etc. - or by party theme, or by color! And there is now an official balloon services menu and contact form via our website.

It’s been on my list for sometime now to redesign our website for an easier shopping experience. When this shop began two years ago, I launched with just 6 themed party kits. And now, we have 11 party kits, over 200 SKUs of party supplies, plus balloons! I never thought I’d have a helium tank in my office, but here we are!  Hope you enjoy our brand new online Party Shop, and thanks for being here! www.gracefulhostshop.com

Also, In honor of our 2nd birthday today, we are hosting a giveaway on Instagram! Enter to win a chance to win a $75 shop credit good for party supplies, or balloons (if you're local). The best part?! We are giving away not one, but TWO $75 shop credits! Visit this post to learn more and to enter.

Thank you for being here, and for helping us celebrate! Cheers to more years of balloons and confetti!

XOXO,
A.