How to throw a Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos theme party

Karina, Claudia and Me

Alright guys. It's one week later and now that I think I've finally recuperated, I wanted to share with you all of the fun details from our recent Day of the Dead party. Now, as you may know, this is our third year hosting this soiree so we've really been able to make this party unlike any other. And now with all of our experience, we wanted to give you all the necessary how-to instructions in case you want to do this party on your own. So here goes!

Dia De Los Muertos

As promised, here are photos from our second annual Dia De Los Muertos party! We were so impressed with everyone's enthusiasm with their outfits -- it was truly an amazing turnout!

Our very talented friend, Thomas Smith, was the photographer of the night and has shared the wonderful photos he took. I can't wait to plan our third annual. Enjoy!


Even our bathroom got dolled up!


The ladies do last-minute touches...


My cane was a last minute costume add, courtesy of my boyfriend's sprained ankle.


DOPT's own Lisa Michelle giving the camera some love.


Charlie + Johnny get into character.


The lovely variations of Dia De Los Muertos makeup. Looking good, ladies!


Party time! My boyfriend, Charlie, DJ'ed a great set!


Our favorite co-chair party planner, Rachel.


The DIY decor.


Claudia + Alex accomplish looking spooky yet adorable.

For more pictures, visit Tommy's Flickr site!

Day of the Dead Party Photos Coming Soon...

Happy Monday, lovely peeps! Lisa Michelle, Karina + our friend Rachel threw the most amazing Day of the Dead party on Friday, and we can't wait to share photos with you (we're hoping by tomorrow!)

In the meantime, here is a photo of me + Alex (he was one of the Cobra Kai's from The Karate Kid). Alex did not want make-up on his face, at first, and I practically had to tackle him with my white paint brush, but once we got to the party, he realized everyone was wearing make-up, and finally went with the flow. Oh, boys. =)

How was your Halloween? xo

P.S. If you have Day of the Dead party photos you would like to share, please email us at dreamingofpalmtrees@gmail.com. Posting tomorrow!

Pumpkin Carving Rooftop Party

Yesterday we got together for a pumpkin carving party on the roof. It was so much fun. The weather was absolutely perfect for outdoor crafts, snacks + creepy cocktails (I made Giada's Italian Fruit Punch).

We used stencils...

Our Mom brought wine (go, Mom!)...

Our friend, Lauren, showed off her mean carving skills...

DOPT sisters concentrating....

Megan made a disco ball pumpkin...

Using my stenciling skills...

We all decided Karina's pumpkin won...

Our final products...

I think I may make this a yearly tradition. =) Happy Monday! xo!

P.S. - Afterwards I roasted the pumpkin seeds (I added fresh rosemary), and they came out so tasty!

Have a dreamy weekend!

How magical is this blue lagoon in Iceland? I find it both dreamy + eerie, perfect for the mood I've been in lately with Halloween abuzz.

Speaking of Halloween, do you have your costume picked out yet? It's on my agenda for this weekend, along with some pumpkin carving on Sunday. It's been ages since I've carved a pumpkin so I've invited a few girlfriends over for creepy cocktails + afternoon crafts. I'm going to try to carve this. =)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

And here are some fun links for your Friday... xo!

Last minute Halloween costume ideas

For New Yorkers: Halloween Guide 2010

Minimalist pumpkins!

Have you seen this hilarious blog, Dear Girls Above Me? (It's being made into a tv show.)

Cool stop-motion wedding video of couple Bonnie + Rhys (via Design*Sponge)

Swedish Design, you get me every time.

I watched this docudrama this week. Incredibly inspiring - Highly recommend!

(Photo via Pinterest)

P.S. - And in case you missed it... Karina's cute + AWESOME vid for Alexandra Grecco Fall 2010