Alongside decorating my home and studio, hosting small get-togethers has become one of my favorite activities. I enjoy developing party themes, hunting for distinctive tableware, and devising DIY decorations—from photo booth backdrops to handmade centerpieces.

I’m excited to be working with ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers this year as a Bright Life Ambassador, sharing colorful, budget-friendly party ideas that use their bold, vivid color palette.

I’ve partnered with Astrobrights for years (see my dayglo Christmas party and neon Thanksgiving ideas for other ways I use their paper). When I need saturated, vibrant color, Astrobrights is my go-to. It’s available in multiple weights, which helps when projects require different paper thicknesses.

For this first post in the series, I challenged myself to use a single material for nearly every element of the party: paper. Using paper keeps the projects accessible, easy to recreate, and very budget-friendly.

Below are step-by-step descriptions and tips for recreating each of the DIY projects featured in this colorful party.

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Have you tried seed crackers before? They’re packed with flavor yet made from just a few simple ingredients—chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax, sesame, and more.

Homemade seed crackers make an excellent everyday snack and a stylish option for entertaining. They look attractive on a charcuterie board, taste delicious, and are naturally gluten-free—perfect when you’re hosting guests with dietary restrictions.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Add fresh or dried herbs for a savory note, sprinkle on everything bagel seasoning for a bold finish, or add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the seeds’ nutty flavor. Unlike many packaged crackers, homemade seed crackers are free from unnecessary additives and are best enjoyed fresh, whether for a daytime snack or late-night nibbling.

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Hello from New Mexico! Technically I’m on a plane right now, bound for El Paso, and from there we’ll drive straight to New Mexico. I’m so excited to spend the weekend celebrating our dear friends Ashley and Jared at their wedding. Follow my New Mexico adventures on Instagram.

That’s what I’ll be doing for the next few days. What about you? If you have some free time and want a few creative projects, here are six DIYs worth trying this weekend:

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A fall take on a decadent favorite — pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Perfect for cozy mornings and seasonal gatherings.

Get ready for crisp weather and sweater season with these easy pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Inspired by a popular nutella cinnamon roll variation, this recipe keeps things simple while delivering rich, seasonal flavor. The generous cream cheese icing makes them irresistibly indulgent — spread it on while the rolls are still warm for the best results.

Below is a straightforward recipe for pumpkin cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing, ideal for fall breakfasts, weekend brunches, or holiday gatherings.

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Maybe it’s the colder weather, or maybe I simply have a serious weakness for waffles, but recently I’ve been daydreaming about big, buttery mornings topped with syrup. Specifically, waffles.

Since I’m usually rushing out the door to get to the studio on time, I haven’t been making them as often as I’d like. Instead, I gathered some of the most eye-catching and delicious waffle recipes I could find to save for a weekend or a slow morning.

Don’t get me wrong—I will absolutely make these, but it’ll probably be when the weekend rolls around. If you have time to start early in the week, though, there’s no better way to kick off a Monday.

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