Party picks
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Martha Stewart Crafts' new Seaside collection includes paper lanterns, $14.99 for 6, www.marthastewartcrafts.com.
By ALLISON BAKER
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
The domestic goddess, Martha Stewart, has made it easier (once again!) to be a little more like her even while juggling the hectic schedule of the average American. This month Martha Stewart Occasions hits stores and the Web just in time for the dawn of graduation-wedding-family reunion season.
Stewart's range of inspired products will help anyone celebrate the next special event on the calendar because everything is customizable and affordable. And these aren't your normal `You're invited!' cards. The coordinated themes include stationary and decorations that can be mixed, matched and personalized. The 3-D embellishments, like the pop-up flowers from the water lily theme add an impressive touch that cannot be ignored. With guestbooks, favor boxes, place cards and even elegant, beach ball-inspired paper lanterns, you will want to throw a party just as an excuse to use these products.
By using the Print-It-Yourself template at www.marthastewartcrafts.com, you can design and print materials from home. Martha Stewart Occasions products require minimal or no assembly. Products range in price from about $4.99 to $29.99.
Party Picks is a monthly collection of fun stuff to make your celebrations sparkle.