Most Loved Websites Archives - All the Best Moments

Most Loved Websites (for Valentine’s Day)

February 5, 2021March 26, 2021by Kaitlin Donaldson

The Most Loved Websites Series lands among my favorite blog topics to write about. It’s essentially a brain dump of staple sites that I bookmark, frequent, and purchase from time and time again, because they’re just that good! Next up in this series, are my top website recommendations for all-things Valentine’s Day. Well, except for floral (shameless plug for NY Florists to Support this Valentine’s Day). What you will find in this roundup of Most Loved Websites (for Valentine’s Day) are chocolatiers, silky pajama sets, CBD sweets, and loads of other goodies.

Hudson Valley Chocolates

Bespoke, wholesome, and decadent chocolates (need I say more?). Hudson Valley Chocolates makes all of their truffles, chocolates, buttery caramels and confections by hand using the highest quality of ingredients that never include any artificial preservatives, flavors or colors.

My personal favorites are their chocolate covered strawberries (try them in dark, milk and white chocolate!), their chocolate dipped Oreos (I’m sensing a pattern here), and their truffles.

I ordered all of my chocolate desserts from Hudson Valley Chocolates for my 25th Birthday Bash. They were hands down some of the best chocolates I’ve ever tasted. An absolute must-try this Valentine’s Day!

Maude

If you’re a fan of bubble baths and oil-based massage candles, Maude is the store for you. It’s a forward thinking brand that’s founded on principals of inclusivity and simplicity. Their emphasis on modern design and quality, fuss-free products has attracted rave reviews from Vogue, GQ, InStyle, Refinery29 and tons more.

What I’m trying to say, is that Maude is easy to love, and their products are beyond ideal to help you create an effortlessly romantic evening this Valentine’s Day.

Stick With Me Sweets

I never knew that I could love bonbons as much as I do, until I tried Stick With Me Sweets. Literally, where do I start? The words chic, magical, and #aesthetic come to mind.

Based in lower Manhattan, Stick With Me Sweets is a premiere chocolatier whose specialty is hand-shelled bonbons that take three full days to create before they’re packaged up into cheerful little storybook boxes, shown below. If you’re gifting their bonbons this Valentine’s Day, recipients may think they’re receiving an actual book, because that’s how realistic the exterior of the box looks (except much more enchanting and whimsical). Their smallest storybook box comes with 6 bonbons, and is priced at $25.

PS: Stick With Me Sweets carries more than just bon bons, so if you’re a truffle, caramel or general confections fan, you’re in luck.

Summersalt

Couples and singles alike; let’s chat breakfast in bed. This is a total vibe for Valentine’s Day – just those three words sound super indulgent. While it may seem simple, it’s all I’ve ever wanted out of a Sunday, and coincidentally, Valentine’s Day 2021 falls on a Sunday, so you know it’s the right move.

If you’re planning this sweet moment for yourself or for bae, turn to Summersalt for silky pajamas that will elevate your breakie in bed. The Cloud 9 Pajama Set looks like a literal dream, unless the Cloud 9 Boyfriend Sleep Shirt is more your style. Slip into something silky to treat yourself or your SO this Valentine’s Day.

Mello

Two words: CBD caramels. And they’re d e l i c i o u s.

Mello is everything you’ve ever wanted out of your caramel, and more. It’s non-GMO, kosher, gluten free and all natural. I love this for Valentine’s Day because it’s such a fresh take on traditional candy, plus the added perk of becoming, well, Mello(w). Each individually wrapped caramel contains 15mg of active CBD, and you can get a box of 20 for only $50. Thank me later!

If you liked this post, view more of my go-to’s on the Most Loved Websites Series.

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Interior Design

Most Loved Websites (for Holiday Decor)

December 11, 2020March 26, 2021by Kaitlin Donaldson

The best websites for holiday home decor, ranging from cheap and cheerful to luxe and lavish.

annie selke

Christmas in color. Holiday decor from Annie Selke is eclectic yet refined, with a big focus on texture (you’ll see a ton of felt, wood and embroidery on this site).

Their Rainbow Trees and this stunning set of Tannenbaum Mod Assorted Trees are my absolute favorite, especially for an entry table or mantle.

perigold

Festive napkin rings, timeless dinnerware, and really beautiful serving platters like this Mistletoe Cheese Tray. I love the patterns in the Lastra collection, shown below.

Perigold also carries unique candle holders ranging from floor lanterns, to hurricane glasses, candelabras and candle sticks.

magnolia

Pure bliss for the rustic-meets-modern farmhouse enthusiast. Magnolias asymmetric fresh cut garlands carry that quintessential evergreen scent of the season, and make for gorgeous backdrops (how stunning would this be behind a bar cart!?).

Magnolia also carries a variety of decoupage ornaments, and a select range of rustic mid-century modern ornaments.

terrain

Holiday decor with an edge. Terrain carries unconventional accent pieces, ornaments, garlands and trees, that still feel nostalgic and true to the season. Perfect examples? Check out this old world Feather Forest Tree or Miniature Faux Pre-Lit Snowy Tree.

I love the avant-garde approach to their holiday collection. It strikes a balance between sexy and industrial, without sacrificing charm.

balsam hill

If you’re still in need of a tree, Balsam Hill trees are the way to go. A few years back, I purchased this artificial Cathedral Fir Tree, which came completely pre-lit with simple instructions for assembly. While their trees may be a bit pricier than artificial trees from Target or Home Goods, the quality is definitely worth it.

The holiday decor from Balsam Hill is also top notch. They carry a wide variety of products with classic Christmas designs, ranging from garlands, to stockings, life size figures, accent pieces and much more.

If you liked this post, view more of my go-to’s on the Most Loved Websites Series.

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Event Planning

Most Loved Websites (for Event Planning Tools)

June 24, 2020March 28, 2021by Kaitlin DonaldsonLeave a Comment

Next on the Most Loved Websites Series are three tools that all streamline the event planning process. These sites are so high-level, they’re frequented among clients and planners alike.

BizBash

BizBash is an all-time favorite in the events community. Meeting and event professionals turn to the site to read up on current trends, strategy, production, and programming. But party hosts will find this site just as useful for event planning tools as well established names in the industry.

The Style & Decor page is my own personal rabbit hole. It covers hot topics like Event Design, Floral, Tabletop, and Gifts & Swag. BizBash also publishes a few lists annually of the Top 100 Events, Venues & Destinations, Brands and People, Meetings and Conferences. It’s perfect for discovering talented event partners and finding inspiration.

eventup

Think of eventup like a search engine for event and meeting spaces (just note that not every venue is on there).

Browse venues in top cities, or filter the search by price range, venue type, and style. Users can also sort spaces according to seated or standing capacity and type of event. If you’re looking for something specific, take the filters one step further and sort by neighborhood, distance or amenities.

Eventup delivers information on space rentals without needing to visit the venue’s website directly. Check out this example that shows the site’s page for SPiN, a cool ping pong themed venue in NYC. Users can even request a quote from the venue without leaving the page.

Photos on this site showcase the kind of transformations that can be done to a space. Take a look at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC, shown in the below image. The design and lighting installations are amazing!

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

AllSeated

Floorplans are essential for any event. Often, venue managers will produce floorplans and share them with vendors for their input and specifications, to determine where each item will live within a space.

Events that have an increase in complexity, or large number of moving parts, may hire an event planner or designer. They take the lead on creating and managing the floorplan.

AllSeated allows for each of these parties – venues, planners, designers and other event partners – to edit floorplans collaboratively. It’s a high-level site to create floorplans that are accurate and to scale.

With 2D and 3D options, specific measurements from popular rental companies, ready-to-plot tables and chairs, and tons venues to choose from, it’s a turnkey resource to prepare for a seamless install and set-up.

The site also allows users to manage guest lists. The best part? Guest lists can be inputted directly onto floorplans. So, if a guest RSVP’s with a food allergy, the planner can indicate which table and chair the guest has been assigned to, for the caterer to note on the event day.

Check out an overview of an example floorplan, below.

If you liked this post, view more of my go-to’s on the Most Loved Websites Series.

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Event Planning

Most Loved Websites (for Childrens Parties)

May 27, 2020March 28, 2021by Kaitlin DonaldsonLeave a Comment

Little people deserve big parties! Check out this list of Most Loved Websites to find the perfect piñata, tassel garland, DIY balloon arch, and other unique goodies for children’s parties.

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Meri Meri

Meri Meri is my all-time favorite party supply store, for children’s parties and even for celebrations of my own.

The site is playful but refined, with so many unique party themes to choose from.

Check out their hanging decorations, and elevated tableware. Fun fact, I actually used their plates, napkins, cups and cutlery for my Twenty Fifth Birthday Bash! It was very Katy Perry meets California girls, so flamingo themed tableware was a must!

I love their pre-designed party sets like the one pictured below.

If you’re short on time, take a look at their Party in a Box collections.

They have all of the essential supplies for themed celebrations, like Mermaid in a Box (such a sweet collection!). Most boxes are prepared for up to eight people, so make sure that you select the right quantity of boxes, depending on the guest count.

Clafoutis Creations

Children’s parties made elegant. Clafoutis Creations is a wonderland of whimsy, from enchanting tableware to pretty party supplies, with tons of themes to choose from.

Find cupcake kits in an animal parade theme, iridescent confetti fit for a swan lake theme, hyper-stylized paper goods, everything you need for gifting, and enough accessories to please even the pickiest of kids.

Busy parents – turn to Clafoutis Creations when you’re looking to find more than the standard set of matching plates and cups. It offers unique touches that really pull a party together.

Three small square circus tents in whimsical linear patterns with blue, pink, green and gold color schemes. Glitter and rose petals flood the background.

Candy Warehouse

Because, what’s a party without candy?

If your eyes are set on a candy bar, sweets to include in favor bags, or if you plan to incorporate candy into a tablescape design, chances are you’ll need a lot of it. Candy Warehouse offers a wide range of bulk candies in varying quantities and flavors, with the option to select unwrapped or wrapped candy.

Candy Warehouse is one of my Most Loved Sites for Children's Parties. Pictured: Pink and white candy display in vessels of varying heights.

They carry well known brands like Hershey’s and novelty ones like eFrutti (home of the gummy hot dog, hamburger and pizza). If you’re sticking to a specific color scheme, this site also offers a shop by color option, which even includes metallic, rainbow and pastel categories.

I find it SO MUCH EASIER to buy candy in bulk, online, and find the exact type and quantity that I’m looking for, versus making a trip to a store that offers fewer and more costly options. The value is unmatched!

Ellie and Piper

Chic party supplies with a boutique feel. Ellie and Piper partners with brands like Talking Tables, My Mind’s Eye, Harlow & Grey, Knot and Bow, and so many other stylish stores.

There’s a sassy, upbeat energy to the products on this site. They’ve made an appearance at many of the parties I’ve planned for the little ones in my clients’ lives. Find balloons, decorations and tableware on this site, pre-sorted by category. Or, browse inspiration on their Instagram for loads of theme and installation ideas.

This is also a sweet site for gift ideas that fly under the radar. A curated collection of wooden toys, activity kits, art supplies, and unique bags live here!

A pastel rainbow with wooden dowels displays pink strawberry frosted donuts with gold sprinkles

Maisonette

Another one of my Most Loved Websites for Children’s Parties is Maisonette – it’s cuteness overload! They carry apparel, toys and furniture for little ones, but the Birthday Party Shop is where it’s at.

Maisonette is a favorite for knick knacks like unicorn brooches, stickers, favor supplies, candles, crowns and many more fun finds. They sell brands like Meri Meri, Handstand Kitchen, and bling2o. It’s a super turnkey site for games that entertain an active audience!

Maisonette is one of my Most Loved Sites for Children's Parties. Pictured: Pink, green, silver and gold unicorn accessory set. Includes headband, necklaces, hair clips, and hair ties

If you’re in the market for the sweetest tutus, Maisonette also sells iloveplum, which is an absolute need-to-know for princesses, fairies, and ballerinas alike. They also carry other brands for costuming, like Lovelane for little mermaids and super heroes, and Great Pretenders for dinosaurs and pirates. It’s one of the first places that I turn to, especially when outfitting is involved!

Mauve tutu onesie for baby by i love plum

Oh Happy Day

This site is PURE JOY. Giant round balloon kits? Check. Cute message boards? Check. Out of the box tabletop supplies like superhero bolt party cups? Check. Neon cactus and rainbow lights? Check. Ok, I’ll stop now.

Oh Happy Day is actually divided into two different sites, a blog and an e-commerce shop. The blog is a great resource for kids craft ideas, printables and DIY projects, while the shop is a hub for modern party supplies. Sort by color and find all-things metallic or filter through decor to find goodies like party fans, horns, stirrers, banners and garlands.

Pro-Tip: Skip the assembly process and opt for pre-made favor kits. Each kit comes with all you need for one favor bag, featuring nostalgic toys, candy and games. Think: Slinky, Pop Rocks, Rubik’s Cube… the works!
Oh Happy Day Favor Kits

Favor kit materials, including mini ping pong paddles, Pop Rocks candy, stickers, and other goodies

If you liked this post, view more of my go-to’s on the Most Loved Websites Series.

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Event Planning

Most Loved Websites (for Weddings)

May 15, 2020March 26, 2021by Kaitlin DonaldsonLeave a Comment

Whether you’re searching for a theme, color scheme, venue, event partner, creative way to display escort cards, F&B presentation style, or a dose of inspiration, these resources have got you covered. Keep reading to discover some of my Most Loved Websites for Weddings.

Harper’s Bazaar

Head over to Harper’s Bazaar, click the dropdown bar on the top left and there you’ll find Brides. The site is inclusive of planning advice, current news in the wedding space, luxury wedding inspiration, and lots of hidden gems.

Recent articles feature celebrity weddings, sustainability, the launch of new bridal collections, announcements of venue openings, and wedding registry ideas, just to demonstrate the wide span Bazaar Bride covers.

Each year, Bazaar Bride publishes their own Little Black Book of the Top Wedding Planners in the World, the Top Florists in the World, Top Wedding and Event Designers, Cinematographers, and Photographers, in the world. Making it onto their list is considered a major accolade in the industry. It offers couples a guide to the best of the best!

Harper's Bazaar is one of my Most Loved Sites for Weddings. Pictured: Bride and Groom kissing at a church alter

Over the Moon

The content on this site feels fresh, modern, and so inspiring.

It was co-founded by Alexandra Macon, the past editor of Weddings for Vogue, who now shares her wealth of knowledge on planning tips and access to celebrity weddings on her own platform, Over the Moon.

Here you can find beautiful photos, stories and the why behind the inspiration. For how-to’s, top destinations, guides, and insight from some of the most esteemed names in the industry, visit the Planning page on Over the Moon.

Brides

Brides has been around for decades, but still remains on the pulse of today’s wedding space.

Everything etiquette, to advice, and inspiration for the engagement, bridal shower, bachelorette, through to the end of the wedding and honeymoon coverage.

Brides shares articles on planning, celebrity wedding news, trends and features Real Weddings to get the inspiration flowing.

Brides is one of my Most Loved Sites for Weddings. Pictured: Bride and Groom smiling under an outdoor chuppah

Style Me Pretty

This site is a personal favorite for inspiration.

The Real Weddings tab allows viewers to search for inspiration by category. Filter searches by wedding location, season, style, color scheme, and type of venue the nuptials took place in. Bonus: it’s insanely aesthetically pleasing.

Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book is also super useful for couples searching for event partners. Here you can find hair & make-up stylists, officiants, stationers, planners and everything in between.

Martha Stewart Weddings

This site is another goodie to take inspiration from Real Weddings.

It also includes a tab for ancillary events leading up to the wedding. Check out some of the Engagement Parties and Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties.

Inspiration aside, Martha Stewart Weddings has tons of articles on useful tips, advice and resources to reference during the planning process.

100 Layer Cake

100 Layer Cake is a favorite to share with clients and engaged friends. This wedding and family blog is combined with tips and insight to simplify the planning process.

Search event partners by region to find the best fit for what you’re looking for.

Slated to launch soon, their new Matchbook app will enable couples to secure vendors all on one platform. Until then, check out their site for tons of ideas, and to see gorgeous wedding photos submitted by planners and couples.

100 Layer Cake is one of my Most Loved Sites for Weddings. Pictured: Bride and groom smiling at their outdoor wedding reception

If you liked this post, view more of my go-to’s on the Most Loved Websites Series.

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Read more Event Planning advice.

Event Planning

Most Loved Websites (for Party Supplies)

May 4, 2020March 26, 2021by Kaitlin Donaldson1 Comment

When I think of candles, disposable tableware, decorations, and vessels, I gravitate towards products with a creative flare, that feel luxurious and unique, without a hefty price tag. I’ve compiled a list of five companies that tend to fly under the radar, especially compared to staple party supply sites like Amazon, Oriental Trading or Party City. The products on the websites below are my most loved, and awesome resources for well-crafted party supplies, and are all about the details.

Meri Meri

An absolute favorite for party supplies that are geared towards children. Meri Meri is whimsical, thematic, bright and colorful, with a creative take on tableware needs.

I love their tassel and balloon garlands, which are super easy to assemble at home.

I’ve also purchased small decorative elements from Meri Meri, like party crackers and confetti, for clients to incorporate into their tablescapes over the holidays.

Meri Meri is one of my most loved sites for party supplies. Pictured: Zoo animal themed plate, cup and napkin set

Jamali Garden

This site is typically my first stop when sourcing faux greenery, vases, trays, and other vessels.

Jamali Garden is a great resource for floral supplies and tools, silk flowers and artificial plants, as well as candles and candle holders. It’s very reasonably priced for such high quality products.

For Your Party

This is one of my go-to sites for custom cocktail napkins and guest towels.

For Your Party also carries customizable cups, matches, coasters, menus and place cards. There are dozens of templates to input personal text, or customers can create their own designs by choosing the material type, orientation, font, colors and graphics.

For Your Party is one of my most loved sites for party supplies. Pictured: Blue and white personalized stationery, cups and matches

Vase Source

The name says it all; Vase Source supplies vessels ranging from votives, to pots and planters, and tons of vases in diverse shapes, sizes and materials.

It also carries everything you need to create an arrangement at home, like faux floral, floral foam, fillers, and candles.

Since this site typically caters to wholesale distribution, individual purchasers need to create a temporary account before placing an order.

White and purple orchids in white and black vessels

Coterie

Coterie elevated party goods is a personal paradise. It offers stunning collections for a variety of themes, and even carries a line for furry friends (check out the Dog Pawty Time Set).

The cool thing about this site is that it automatically calculates a suggested quantity of items based on the number of guests in attendance. Simply select the package and corresponding number of guests, then choose the items you wish to include from the collection.

Customers can still mix and match sets from different themes, but this site is especially turnkey for busy bodies that want a cohesive tableware collection in one click.

If you liked this post, view more of my go-to’s on the Most Loved Websites Series.

Have a question about something specific? Ask it on my Q&A page!

Read more Event Planning advice.

Interior Design

Most Loved Websites (for Interiors)

May 4, 2020March 26, 2021by Kaitlin Donaldson1 Comment

Most Loved Websites Series meets interiors! Like most people obsessed with interior design, I have a favorites tab saved on my browser filled with homeware sites. I’ve narrowed it down to a list of the top ten gems, and a few notes on why they’re my go-to’s.

roost

Roost offers a bespoke collection of furniture, tabletop, home decor, lighting, textiles and more. The handcrafted details, and unique use of gemstones and mixed metals make for stunning finds.

The catch, is that Roost is a wholesale distributor. I visit their site for inspiration, but purchase their products through Burke Decor (which is a great site in it’s own right).

Roost is one of my Most Loved Sites for interiors. Pictured: rustic, mid-century modern living room

schoolhouse

American made, quirky but traditional home decor, hardware, office goodies, you name it. Schoolhouse is the perfect site to find a retro wall clock, or wooden toys for children. It’s also a personal favorite for lighting fixtures.

If you like homes styled by Joanna Gaines, this is the site for you.

Wooden countertop with farmhouse sink, looking out onto a bay window facing a garden

gracious home

Located in Manhattan’s upper east side, Gracious Home is an independently owned and upscale store that carries brands like Sferra and Le Creuset.

It boasts a curated selection of lighting, kitchenware, linen, and accent pieces, as well as some decorative furniture. I love their bedding, frames and holiday decor.

Gracious Home is another one of my Most Loved Sites for interiors. Pictured: White bed with ethereal chandelier and wooden nightstand

west elm

West Elm accounts for the majority of pieces in my home. It has playful, mid-century modern collections with a refined edge.

If you have an affinity towards brass, wood, and pops of color, this will likely become a favorite of yours as well. West Elm also supports hundreds of locally made, sustainably sourced and fair trade products, which are identified with symbols below the products themselves.

Mid century modern dining room with a marble table, and pink suede chairs with gold accents

serena & lily

Coastal meets modern; Serena & Lily is super Cali-inspired.

They carry everything from furniture, to art, home decor, lighting, dining, and more. Collections hone in on earth tones and natural materials like mahogany, rattan, abaca, and reconstituted stone.

It’s great for beach house finds with a modern twist.

Beach inspired family room with a blue and white color scheme. Touches of wood and greenery

arhaus

Artisanal and elegant with a sustainable approach. Arhaus carries indoor and outdoor furniture, all-things tabletop and decor, and a stunning collection of wall art ranging from prints, to maps, to framed tapestry and watercolor pieces.

The duality of their unique yet functional homeware translates to comfortable living fit for everyday use.

Modern yet traditional family room with ivory couches and a gold and white coffee table

anthropologie

Anthropologie is traditionally known for its clothing and accessories, but I love its funky, upbeat and whimsical collection of furniture and home goods.

I gravitate towards their outdoor, kitchen and dining collections the most, along with their dish towels and assortment of candles.

If the style doesn’t appeal to you, consider this site for housewarming and host gifts (I’ve had a lot of luck in the books and games section).

Anthropologie is one of my favorites on this list of Most Loved Sites for Interiors. Pictured: leather l-shaped couch with white pillows and a white wash wooden coffee table

sur la table

This store’s specialties are cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools and even some pantry finds (think: olive oils, seasonings, specialty hot cocoa mix, chocolates… the works).

Sur la table also carries small kitchen electronics like coffee makers and toaster ovens. I like to pick up various odds and ends from here, like spatulas, cookie cutters, ramekins, and linen napkins.

To top it off, they offer in-store cooking classes, and are available for hire to teach cooking classes for dinner parties at home.

Fresh baked breads, olive oil, and spices

world market

With products from literally all over the world, the options on World Market are truly endless. It’s a perfect site for reasonably priced homeware without sacrificing style.

I furnished the backyard in my last apartment entirely from this site; the outdoor couch, coffee table, rug, and garden stools included.

Fair warning, this site can sometimes require a bit of a dig to find the pieces you’re looking for, but the reward of hidden gems at half the cost is well worth it!

Outdoor furniture vignette with pops of white and blue

bloomist

Inspired by nature, Bloomist has a minimalistic approach to pitchers, vases, accent pieces, botanicals, pillows, candles and books.

The company uses natural, environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in their craft vessels, and donates 1% of earnings to global causes. It’s a win-win!

Bloomist is such a great resource on this Most Loved Sites for Interiors list. Pictured: Collection of white, stone and glass vases holding foliage arrangements

If you liked this post, view more of my go-to’s on the Most Loved Websites Series.

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