As I am putting finishing touches on 2025 designs, I can’t believe I will be celebrating my 21st! Well, 21st year of being licensed that is. That got me thinking about the great milestone it is to turn 21. How much fun a good 21st birthday bash is!

Since I love planning parties any chance I get. Let’s talk about planning a 21st birthday party!

Step one is ALWAYS finding your palette. I have a pantone color book I LOVE to flip through to find palette inspiration, but if you don't have access to something like that Pinterest can be a fantastic resource.

If you prefer using physical references, visit your local hardware store's paint section. You can have SO much fun looking at the swatches there. For this party I want it to feel fun, flirty and feminine – so, of course pink is our star!

I’m pairing a lovely vibrant magenta with a soft flirty pastel pink. To make the colors pop, I'm adding a bright tangerine orange to the mix for extra vibrancy.

Now that our palette is chosen it’s time to explore party décor!

A photo wall is an absolute must at any party now. It’s important to document big milestones like this and having a designated place for guests will help avoid disruptions at the party.  

There are many pre-made options available online, but for my party I kept it simple with a classic tinsel wall, I’m also adding a few balloons including classic number balloons in 21 to finish it off. You don’t have to stop here! You can also include a prop table, a neon sign, even some disposable cameras to use the rest of the night!

The options are endless and entirely up to the vibe of party you’re creating.

Now, what 21st is complete without alcohol? Start the night with some shots. Then, move on to pre-gaming with a good batch cocktail.

For my party I’ll be batching up my 21st birthday recipe which you can find on the bottom of my Happy 21st Birthday Hand-Painted Wine Glass.

Happy 21st Birthday Batch Cocktail – Serves 8.

• 1 cup Orange Liquor
• 1 cup Peach Schnapps
• 1 cup Lemonade
• 2 ½ Tablespoons of Sugar or Simple Syrup
• 1 Bottle Sauvignon Blanc (approx. 750ml)

Now what Lolita party is complete without a hand-painted glass fit for the occasion? Our birthday girl will be cheers-ing the night away with my Happy 21st Birthday Hand-Painted Wine Glass.

Her guests will be joining in on the fun with my classic Cheers Bitch Hand-Painted Stemless Wine Glass. Both glasses fit perfectly within my palette and the vibe of the night ahead.

Before it’s time to head out to the bars be sure to have your guests grab their party favor – a hangover kit!

Tucked into adorable pink mylar bags I have a packet of Liquid IV to help rehydrate, makeup remover wipes (I KNOW you’re not cleaning off that full face of makeup after a bash like this!), mint gum, Advil, cooling undereye patches, and lip balm.

These handy bags can be used throughout the night as needed or the next morning. And of course, each guest gets to take home their Designs by Lolita glass to commemorate the event as well!!

Reaching 21 years of licensing has been a wild ride, filled with amazing people, fun products, and exciting new places to visit.

I can still remember those endless days (and nights) at the beginning. Painting hundreds of glasses, breaking them and baking them in the oven. As an artist, I still get to experience that creativity, of ideating new glass designs or testing out new painting techniques. Throughout the years, there is never a dull day.

There have been so many people behind the scenes who have helped me along the way, and fans of the glasses who have supported my dream. I’m still dreaming about new products and excited for what the future holds.

I just can't wait to share some BIG projects I have been working on with everyone in the next year, so stay tuned and continue this fabulous journey with me!