Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.
That was the enormous task before me as I, along with dear friends and family, planned a party to celebrate the publishing of my new book.
I knew a few things-
I wanted it to be super fun for the people attending. This was not about me. This was celebrating all the people I love and that have supported and cheered me on.
So, priority one: Invite the right people.
I wanted it to be super cute. If I am going to give a party, let’s do it right!! Good food and drinks, good decor, and good conversation.
Priority two: Make it cute.
We had stations set up throughout the store with food, drinks, party favors, and books. We decorated each of the stations with balloons, streamers and tassels.
Priority three: Make it creative.
We made a Christmas tree covered in small replicas of the book and decorated with the book colors.
The favors were gummy worms with a matching label “Bookworm Snacks”
I think we accomplished my goals. The party was so lively and loud. A room buzzing with excitement, filled with friends, love ones, and new soon-to-be-friends. It was truly a pinch-me moment.
I looked around as I saw people laughing, chatting and taking photos, and I could tell people were enjoying themselves. I was swamped with signing books and hugging friends and it was the best kind of fun.
I missed a few dear ones that weren’t able to make it, and I am so grateful to my mom and sister for helping me pull it off. My friend Shawna was instrumental in the planning and celebrating, and Donna and Colleen, the owners of the Shoppe on Goliad, were the most gracious hosts. They have an amazing store and have found real treasures. It was the perfect backdrop to the party, and they were wonderful. Thank you to Becky and Maya for coming early and helping set up!
Looking back, the book release party wasn’t just about a book. It was a celebration of how our living spaces have stories and memories to tell.
I want to give huge thank you to all the incredible folks who came to the party, laughed, shared, and got inspired. You all made this journey even more amazing. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
The Story of Your Home is here!
Omg!! Looks so fun! Who did your pictures?!