Fireworks Tailgate Celebration

It’s summertime and our guest blogger, Amy, from Amy’s Party Ideas, is helping you plan the best, but most simplistic parties of the summer! Amy’s goal is to empower you to be able to create these professional, custom party looks on your own. Her latest party idea is a Fireworks Tailgate Celebration—just in time for July 4^th! Enjoy this special feature!

Every Fourth of July, we love to watch the fireworks!  In the past, we have fought the crowds to find a parking spot, haul all our stuff to the park, find a place to squeeze in and sit in the crowd and then wait in hours of traffic as everyone tries to leave at the same time.  But last year, we decided to tailgate at our parking spot and it was wonderful!  We parked, opened the back of the SUV, spread all the food out, and enjoyed a spectacular show!  So this year, I have partnered up with Swoozie’s to show you how you can create your own fireworks tailgate!

When thinking about a tailgate, you want food that’s easy to transport & will be good hot or cold.  So we kept our menu simple with hot dogs served in colorful baking trays, chips served in French Fry boxes, fresh fruit served in the most charming baking cups, cupcake pushpops, mini cherry pies & cherry strudels. I added a little chocolate candy red star to the top of the cupcake pushpops for a sweet touch! We also had a great pasta salad served up in thecutest casserole container you have ever seen!  And I love IZZE drinks!  Their packaging is the perfect color for our patriotic party!

Fun favors for our guests were red striped paper favor bags filled with blue gumballs.  We added a personalized sparkler on each bag so everyone would know which one belonged to them!  So fun and easy to do!

One of my all time favorite details for this tailgate are the personalized hand held fans!  They are actually offered in a variety of patterns and would be perfect for any summer birthday party or event but I just fell in love with the stars & chevron stripe patterns.  They are very sturdy and well made and can be used year after year…well worth the investment.

Bring a couple of chairs along & small pillows to make it extra comfy.  Add some drink holders that just stake in the ground and you have a great place to relax, enjoy some good food, friends, & fireworks this holiday!

Summer Wedding Trends: Glam it up!

Wedding season is here! And, really…what’s better than a summer time wedding? Whether you’re having a cute little backyard bash, beach blow out, or beautiful indoor ceremony, Swoozie’s has you covered with the latest trends that are heating up Summer! Let’s start with the basics…

Hot summer colors?

Yellow! Yellow is the perfect summer time, feel-good color for bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, and small detailing. The trend embodies simplicity—so give your bridesmaids some guidelines and let them wear the yellow dress of their choice. You all save on cost and get a fabulous backyard, cozy feel to your wedding. Accent the bouquets with yellow and it’s a win!

Not going for the cozy feel? Mint is also rocking out the summer, but with a chicer look. The possibilities with this cool color are endless and Pinterest is your go-to for inspiration!

Easy décor

Mason jars are a must-have when checking out wedding décor this summer! Use these to hold centerpieces, candles, lights, or drinks. These adorable accents are perfect for the cute, outdoor, summer time wedding. They come tall and short, so mix it up when you’re deciding on cute accent pieces. We’ve got you covered!

 

The possibilities are endless!

  

Wishes of prosperity

Okay. So as you leave the ceremony, how will your guests see you off? People often throw rice, birdseed, rose pedals, and confetti as the bride and groom leave the ceremony. The newest trend this summer is bubble blowing.  Set up a table at the entrance with programs on one side, and bubbles on the other. Bubbles add a magical touch to your fairytale farewell!

Special Treats

The trendiest summer wedding treat is the infamous push-up pop! They’re easier and less expensive than most people think. Check out Courtney Dial Whitmore’s book—it’s a great novelty to keep handy for your next big event—like when those babies start coming!

Personalization

Personalization is a must—the napkins, the glasses, and the party favors! A new trend? Personalized aisles! It adds such a beautiful touch to the ceremony and you’ll be glad you did when you look back at those adorable wedding pictures in a few years. They create memories that last a lifetime!

Planning a wedding? Then don’t miss out on our sale! We’re giving 15% off all the items in our wedding catalog. Just use the code: wedding15!

Hello Brides-to-be!

Now that you’ve selected your bridal party, it’s time to plan your bridal parties!

Here at Swoozie’s, party planning is our thing. And while planning your big day is undeniably memorable and special, the real fun happens while planning your pre-wedding parties! Bridal showers, couples showers, bachelorette parties… we LOVE helping you come up with ideas for these events. So, before you say “I Do” let us Swoozie you!

We are pleased to invite you to Swoozie’s Bridal Event!

 

This year’s events take place on three different dates at all our Swoozie’s locations around the country:

Try some cake and sip champagne while our team talks to you about this year’s latest shower and wedding trends and offers tips to help make your day the best it can possibly be.

The first 20 brides who RSVP for Swoozie’s Bridal event will receive a magnificent SWAG bag full of goodies, valued at $100! And even better, all brides are entered to win $250 toward the retail value of wedding invitations and a Lilly Pulitzer bridal show valued at $350 from each Swoozie’s. We love seeing the excitement on a bride’s face when she wins this special gift!

Click here to RSVP for the complementary Bridal Event. Be sure to include your full name, address, the location of the Swoozie’s store in which you will be attending the event, and the total number of people who will be attending in your party.

If you aren’t able to attend the Bridal Event, you can still check out this season’s fabulous Swoozie’s Wedding Book online. Now through July 31^st, receive 15% off anything from the Wedding Book when you use the code Wedding15 at checkout.

We look forward to meeting all of you fabulous brides-to-be and your wedding planning crew.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is rapidly approaching! Check out some of these top gift picks – with a variety of options, we are sure that there is something for any dad.

For the Dad Who Has Everything

This Personalized Monster Mug will quench a monster-sized thirst! Perfect for any cold drink, this giant glassware holds a liter of liquid!

For the Dad Who Love’s a Cookout

This 2-in-1 Cooler Duffel Bag is ideal for the beach, the gym, a picnic, or even a day at the office! It includes a large water-tight insulated center compartment as well as front and side pockets for dry items.

For the Suit and Tie Dad

Classy is the name of the game with these personalized cuff links. Not a fan of round or silver – no worries, there are plenty of styles to choose from!

For the Dad on the Go

How could you go wrong with this manly canvas and leather travel bag?

For the Dad Who Loves Sports

This designated driver will never let you down. Disguised like a golf club driver, the Cooler Club fits easily into your golf bag and dispenses 48oz of your favorite frosty or hot beverage throughout your round.  Cover it with a head cover and no one will ever know.  There will be no such thing as a bad round anymore!

Still looking for inspiration? Check out our Father’s Day Pinterest board with all kinds of personalized ways to make this Father’s Day perfect! You can also check out our Father’s Day catalog with even more gift ideas by clicking here.

Simple Steps to Make Your Summer Party a Success!

There is no better time than the Summer for letting loose, having fun and enjoying great friends and family. Don’t let the overwhelming sensation of throwing a party prevent you from gathering with your loved ones. Below are 5 tips to hosting a summer party that will make it so easy, you will want to throw a different bash every weekend!

Plan Ahead

Before spreading the word to friends and family, strongly consider the date and time of the party you want to throw. Is it around a holiday, graduation, etc.? If so, it may be difficult for people to attend. Also, keep in mind that some people live and die around sporting events. Consider game times of all local sports teams to prevent the constant “score check.”

Pick a Theme

With the popular world of blogging and Pinterest, there is a flood of inspiration online. Picking the theme of your party is essentially what will set the tone of the entire event. I recommend keeping it broad so that your decorating, food, and activity options aren’t limited.

Some of my favorite themes for the summer are Backyard Barbeque, Seaside Soiree, Salsa Nights, and Garden Party.

Invite People

There is something timeless about a written or printed invitation. In today’s digital world, we have gotten caught up in emailing and “Facebooking” whenever we want to communicate with people. The true feel of the party begins before people even arrive. Make a statement to your future guests by sending each of them a personal invitation. I personally love these BBQ party invitations!

Consider DIY Options

If you are throwing a party on a budget, then you should consider DIY options. It’s actually simpler (and often more personalized) than most people think. Just grab a few essentials that can make a statement and work around them. Amy’s Party Ideas always has a tone of cute DIY party theme ideas and takes the time to tell you how she did each of them.

The most important items you will need: plates, cups, and napkins. These are cost effective and can make a huge statement!

Activities

Consider having a couple of activities for your guests so that when they aren’t eating, there is always something to keep them occupied. Maybe it’s a beer tasting station, or a game of croquet in the backyard. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the activities make sense with the theme of your party.

For example, if you are throwing a “Salsa Nights” party, consider setting up a DIY mustache photo booth. People will love taking hilarious photos of themselves – not to mention will have a keepsake to remind them of how awesome your party was!

But most importantly, relax and have fun with your guests! Your company is, by far, more important than whether or not the finger foods you provided were hot and fresh out of the over!

Swoozie’s Top Teacher Gifts

There’s no denying it – teachers are AMAZING. They fill our children’s minds with knowledge; they care for our little ones; they’re inspirational. It makes us SO happy when kids come in to Swoozie’s to pick out gifts for their teachers. They’re always so eager to pick out something special! We just love their excitement.

Recently, we asked some of our teacher friends to share with us their favorite gifts. Here are a couple of their top-picks!

Vanessa’s Picks:

This fabulous blue and orange tote is a must have for summer. Great for the beach, at the market or on the train. Just add magazines and sunblock for a great personalized gift. Also, teachers are always looks for a great way to look fashionable AND professional. This scarf is just the trick for a cute spring balance!

Angela’s Picks:

Early mornings and a classroom filled with children is the perfect reason to drink coffee. So, why not give a teacher a cute thermal mug for them to sip from? Oh, and who doesn’t love a yummy treat to enjoy throughout the day? These cookies will be just the tasty delight they were hoping for!

Missy’s Picks:

We can guarantee you that most teachers have never seen something like this double decker lunchbox! With two compartments, they’ll be amazed at its functional design! Also, with summer approaching soon, you can be sure that almost all teachers will be laying by the pool.  Get them one of these adorable towel lounge covers for them to slip over the back of their chair. All they will need to do is  apply sunscreen and order a beverage!

Laurie’s Picks:

Say goodbye to water rings on the desk with this oh-so-cute Vera Bradley tumbler! Oh, and this box is a beauty all its own, but the coordinating pad and pen are the icing on the cake. Perfect for jotting down notes during class or writing internal correspondence.

Maria’s Picks:

Every woman needs a cosmetic case, which makes it the perfect teacher appreciation gift! Also, help your favorite teacher enter summer in style with this adorable nautical clutch.

Hopefully this gives you some great gift ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week! What gift will you be getting for your teachers this year?

Gifts Any Stylish Mom Would Love

1. 4 Boys Bag: This water resistant bag is a great, all-purpose vacation, summer camp, road trip and boating stow-away bag.

2. 3 Way Cosmetic Bag: Behold, the ménage a toiletries. Features three cleverly placed compartments for concealment and transport of your unmentionables.

3. Over Sized Luggage Tag:  The sturdy buckle strap keeps this navy blue vinyl with white anchor applique luggage tag in place whether it’s on a gym bag, backpack or suitcase.

4. Personalized Tumbler: Use one tumbler the entire day! Double wall insulation helps keep drinks hot or cold. Straw is removable and the lid can be used to drink straight from the tumbler.

5. Monogrammed Pendant: These are all of the rage, and come in a variety of texts and colors.

6. Striped Ribbon Hat: With a wired brim, this hat is shape-able and collapses for travel!

7. Personalized Cooler: Such a fun and affordable cooler that you can take to the pool, beach, or picnic!

8. Large Personalized Tote: Extra Large, Fun and Functional. You can take this tote anywhere!

9. Personalized Phone Case: Phone cases are now a fashion piece, so make them personalized.

10. Canvas Striped Bag: This roomy travel bag is the perfect companion on a weekend trip.

11. Initial Chevron Flat Bag: Perfect for storing jewelry, makeup or whatever your heart desires!

12. Note Pads: Every mom could use a note pad in the kitchen to help keep her thoughts organized.

13. Weekender Bag: Zipper top keeps packed items secure through airport screening as well as tight fitting overhead compartments.

14. Sea Life Medallion Clutch: Vegan leather envelope clutch with sea life metal medallion and secure magnetic closure is the perfect summer accessory for any fashionable mom.

15. Sea Life Medallion Cuff: Such a cute touch to any beach outfit.

16. Personalized Color Block Tote: This collapsible carry all tote can lay flat for easy storage!

17. Pleasure Chest: Insulated cooler bag is vertically designed so it can hold up to 4 bottles of wine.

18. Wine Tote: Stylishly totes your favorite wine, bubbly or spirit!

19. Stick On Monogram Patch: Instantly personalize with this amazing patch that can be stuck-on or ironed-on for a more permanent application.

20. Racquet Cover: This is the perfect gift for the stylishly active mom. The navy and white striped racquet cover holds two over sized racquets.