We love the idea of throwing an annual party. You know, one that becomes famous that you throw every year. That's one of the reasons why we loved designer, Amber Eilert's Harvest Party. We've picked her brain to get more details on how she did it.

Tell us about your party? What was the occasion?
Our Harvest Party is just a great way to gather friends & family, share some delicious food, and celebrate the season. We had our first one last year, and by the beginning of October, I was getting date requests so people could get it on the calendar for this year. It's a great tradition, and good to have before everyone gets wrapped up in the holiday season.

What was your inspiration (or theme)?
We live in Sonoma, a wine-country town where the vineyards have all turned golden, it's really pretty right now. I am completely inspired by the autumn season--the rich colors, the scattered leaves, and the chill in the air on my morning hikes.

Your invitations are straight out of a magazine!! How did you make them?
That's so sweet! I designed the invites, save-the-date tags and envelope labels in InDesign, printed them on my trusty HP 1350, and mounted them to super thick card stock.  I made the leafy save-the-dates on the day they were sent off so the leaves wouldn't dry out. I love designing invitations - when I start a new design, I actually get giddy! I'm in the process of starting my business--Whish Invitations--a line of cards, invitations and announcements inspired by nature and modern design.

What did you do at the party?
I had a fun craft table set up for the kids on my front porch and a trampoline on the lawn, we had about 12 little tykes this year. For the adults, we had a Pumpkin Relay Race--we teamed women against men, balancing a mini pumpkin on our head, walking a straight line and then passing it to the next person in line. It was hilarious to watch! The men won... darn them and their great sense of balance. The kids had their own version of the relay afterwards, and they had a blast!

What did you eat?
The party is potluck and we're lucky enough to have some talented "foodies" in the bunch. The menu was pretty scrumptious: potatoes gratin, brie and pear baguettes, baked mac n' cheese (adult style), bechemel lasagna, dates stuffed with blue cheese, spinach salad, caramel apples, and pumpkin cookies (and that's just some of it!).