Here's our latest inspirational interview! She's one of the nicest gals around, packed full of super creative party planning ideas and a newly published author of her widely popular book, Push-up Pops which is one of Amazon’s Top 100 Hot New Releases and has already started on her second book, Candy Making For Kids, coming August 2012. Courtney's creativity has been seen on HGTV.com, Access Hollywood Live, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Ladies Home Journal and MarthaStewart.com to name just a few! She's also planning a Summer 2012 wedding!
Thanks for the interview, Courtney!
Check out more about Courtney and her creations:
We are such big fans of your site, Pizzazzerie! The ideas and
recipes are so fun and unique. What made you decide to launch the site?
After spending countless hours browsing
the web for party ideas, I decided to start my own site to fulfill myself
creatively. I adored the sites already out there and was fascinated with the
“business” behind running a blog. I knew it would be a big learning curve as I
hadn’t the slightest clue how to start a website. So I started with a name and
went from there.
In your opinion, what’s the most fun part about hosting parties?
What’s the least?
The most fun part about hosting parties is picking out favors.
I know that sounds silly but it’s always my favorite part! Favors are a total
must-have at any of my parties or events. For my own wedding, I couldn’t decide
on one so now we’re up to 3. Whoops. My least favorite part about hosting
parties is cleaning up.. of course!
Many of your event ideas have incredibly unique themes. How do you
come up with all your fantastic ideas?
For the themes I have designed, I always look for
inspiration in everything from home décor to stationery designs. Pattern is really
huge for me but also catchy phrases like “Eat, Drink & Be Married” or
“Margaritas & Monograms”. There are also the classic holidays + events that
I try to add unique twists to like unusual color schemes (who says Christmas
can’t be pink?). It’s truly a matter of keeping your eyes wide open for
sayings, colors, or patterns that flip the light bulb on!
The photography is fabulous on Pizzazzerie. How important do you
think imagery is to the success of your site?
Imagery is crucial to any website. Because it’s a visual
resource, pictures are all the readers have to see. Unfortunately, we can’t
feature some submissions because the photography is too dark or blurry. I’m no photographer but I’m learning my
DSLR camera as best I can to help with images. It’s definitely at the top of
the “must-learn” list!
Congrats on your book! What made you decide to focus on Push-Up
Pops?
Fun sweet treats are a must at every party. The publisher
and I had been talking about unique book topics and saw the rise in popularity
of push-up pops. We knew it would be the perfect niche book for me to write.
The rest is history!
Summer is just around the corner, which means lots of BBQs. Got any
fun ideas for our readers to help spice up their neighborhood BBQ?
Swap out inexpensive “throw-away” tablecloths for a few
yards of a bright and unique patterned fabric. You can wash and reuse it and it
will kick your barbecue up a notch! Pair it with delicious foods (don’t be
afraid to use “semi-homemade”) and a signature cocktail. Hosting a barbecue
close to Cinco de Mayo? Jazz up your barbecue by setting up a margarita bar
with flavored mix-ins like pomegranate juice, blueberry juice, flavored salts,
fun stirrers, etc! Your guests will love creating their own cocktail.
We know you’re getting married soon…congrats! What about the big day are you most
looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to seeing all the hard work come
together for those final “moments” like seeing my groom at the end of the aisle
and seeing my tablescapes for the first time. I know there will be lots of
mental picture-snapping going on to remember that special day!
Finally, we have to ask: what’s your favorite event to throw parties
for?
Girls’ nights! I’m pre-baby stage and many of my friends
aren’t married yet so I love throwing girly dinner parties full of pink + fun!
When the theme is broad, you can really go all out with unique ideas! I don’t
like rules.
Favorite color:
Green
Favorite possession:
My Puppy
Favorite indulgence:
Chocolate Cake
Favorite food:
Chocolate Cake :)
Favorite beverage:
Diet Coke – Fountain Style
Favorite destination:
Charleston, SC
Favorite movie:
Father of the Bride Part II
Favorite quality in yourself:
Drive
Favorite quality in others:
Patience
