'The Bachelorette' Premiere Watch Party: Party No. 5 Wrap up!

And just like that, Party No. 5 is all accounted for!

Check out lots of pictures, plus my final thoughts on everything that went into making this premiere party extra special. (Including links to the rest of Party No. 5's posts.)

Chris Harrison introducing us to "the men".  What would this show be without dear ol' Chris? (That tissue paper art above the television, and "here for the right reasons" banner outlined in depth here.)

For the food, I went for potluck style heavy appetizers. Everyone brought something to share, which made throwing a party on a weeknight, much easier on me. I made bruschetta before hand, Liz and Ashleigh brought mini caramel apples (so cute), Katie brought fancy dips from Caramel and Becca brought veggies and supplies for the drinks. Our speciality cocktail was a raspberry champagne mixed drink, that not only tasted wonderful but looked pretty too! 

Lydia came through in a big way, by helping put together the handmade boutonnieres. I love having friends who help make my wacky ideas come to life. It takes a village. And my village is incredible. 

I displayed my roses on a gold charger, mimicking how they do it on the show. Once most of the guests arrived, we helped each other pin them on. I think everyone appreciated the special touch of receiving their own wearable rose! 

Note: This photo was only semi-staged. :)

The paper hearts on the far wall had each contestants's name written on them. As we watched the first episode, we categorized the guys by who we thought would stay, and who we disliked! This process wasn't necessary but it was a fun way to try to learn the guy's names. 

After the night was through, we wrote down the names of the guys we thought would make it to the end. I still have the sealed envelopes waiting to be opened up the night of the finale. I wonder if anyone got it correct! 

I'm especially happy that I got to introduce some of my newer work friends, to my regular crew. Huge thanks to Ashleigh, Liz, Becca, Lydia and Katie for making time on a weeknight to eat good food, and watch bad TV. Because the truth is, although we love to watch the antics on the show, Mondays are so much better when you get to connect with your favorite girls at the end of the day. Cheers! 

As always, thanks for reading and supporting this little blog of mine. Look out for Party No. 6 soon. It turned out to be a real fiesta!