Hallmark Personalized Party Plate

Bonnie: It’s the little extra things that make a party memorable, keep people talking… or are a conversation starter during your party. Like using branded mugs at the soup parties I’ve given.

Soup parties are a great way of entertaining lots of people. I put out a pot of soup in each room, surrounded by garnishes (chopped herbs, shredded cheeses, fresh croutons) and a stack of mugs. Collectible mugs from food companies, hotels, sports events, theatre… you get the idea. In that way, people serve themselves and can easily carry the mugs and use them to start a conversation based on the mugs they’re carrying!

The last party I threw was a surprise b-day one for Bryan in Atlanta. I worked with his friends both to gather ideas for the locale and get a complete list of locals to invite. His girlfriend helped me plant seeds so that we were able to get him to recommend the time and the place. He was actually speechless (a rarity!) for a few moments as he turned a corner in Antico Pizza Napoletana, his favorite pizza parlor and saw a table surrounded by friends from near and far who came to surprise him.

For the party, I ordered some Hallmark birthday plates, selecting some current photos and an adorable one of him as kid, replete with funky heart-shaped blue glasses, wide headband and earphones. I didn’t want to embarrass him… too much. (Sorry, he wouldn’t let us share!)

Ordering the plates was so easy on Hallmark’s site – they even let you know when they think the picture is too low a resolution, as in one of those I’d scanned in. Since I wanted that pose and had no high-res version, I had them use it anyway and was glad I did; it’s one of my favorite plates.

No one failed to comment on the plates! With four different poses, everyone wanted to see them all. And then the questions: Where did you get them? (Hallmark.com) Was it easy to do? (Very.) How quick did you get them? (Within a week!) Are they expensive? (About a dollar a plate).

As the questions and accolades kept coming, I realized we’d found a Bite! — an outstanding product that we had to share with all of you.

Bryan: As you’ve heard by now, I was recently surprised for my 30th birthday. It was truly a special event at what really is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. To set the mood properly, Antico Pizza is a no-reservations, park-bench, family-style pizza joint. You order your food and then see if you can carve out some elbowroom for your party (hopefully no larger than two) at one of four shared picnic tables or a standing bar at the back. Hopefully, this is cool with you, and if it is, then you will absolutely enjoy the place. It does make for some competitive table snatching, though. This is seating Darwinism.

The simple fact that 20 of my friends and family took over the back end of this particular restaurant on any night is no small feat, let alone that we did it on Saturday night, when it’s basically standing room only! Many thanks must go to some strong-willed party planners who turned a crowded sheet metal standing table into party central with the help of a tablecloth and some crazy personalized plates.

Imagine it. Try to tell five different parties that they’ve got to move because you’re supposed to use their mutual table, while they’re eating mind you, and see how it goes. You know what helps? Party accessories! They make your claim of “I need your table” somehow more legitimate.

“You’re going to have to move please. We’re supposed to use your table.”

“No, we’re eating.”

“Look, I’ve got a tablecloth in my hands. We’re clearly having a party here. Don’t believe me? Well then, why do I have these personalized plates?”

It’s simply a game-ender. Who can argue with someone toting tablecloths and wacky personalized plates? That person is clearly having a party. The point is, as I’m sure Eric will note as a party planner himself; it’s the little things that make the party. Or else it’s just a gathering.

Thanks to everyone for an amazing party. I mean, c’mon, I had my own plates.

Eric: Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend my brother’s surprise party for his 30th birthday (getting old, gramps), but I was supportive of my mother’s choice of using the Hallmark personalized party plates: Nothing says party like eating a piece of birthday cake off of your own face.

Working in the hospitality industry, as well as having started my own event company, I have always believed that the smallest details make the difference. Anyone can throw a party, or host an event, but what’s going to make it different and special? What’s going to make your guests realize that there was some thought behind the process?

Hallmark didn’t invent the wheel when it comes to personalizing party supplies, but they did make the process incredibly easy for the average consumer. The Hallmark personalized party plates are a great addition to any event; just make sure that if you’re going to use pictures, choose the most embarrassing ones.

And don’t forget to enter our contest for a chance at winning 50 Hallmark personalized party plates!