POP, POUR, PARTY!
Always on the lookout for new local businesses, our own Southern influencer and self-professed party snob, Charlotte Kilborn Carey, struck event gold when she stumbled into Olde Towne Daphne’s newest shop, Pop and Pour Party Co. Brimming with goodies so on point, her social spirit soared instantly. Naturally, she struck up a conversation with the owners, Jena Yaeger and Lesley Hendon. Seemingly separated at birth, the trio excitedly talked all things entertaining and became fast friends. Here, Charlotte enlightens and inspires us with her party past and what she learned from her new sisters in entertaining solidarity.
By Charlotte Kilborn Carey Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com Hair Felisha Allen, HeadDress Salon, 251.689.7427
Like so many of us Southern belles raised in a large family, weeknight dinners were always a party and a production. So naturally, when I was just 5 years old, my mother started letting me plan my birthday parties. And, birthdays have been the most important celebrations ever since. In my 20s, my friend Laura and I would throw ourselves huge birthday bashes in our little midtown homes. The hottest ticket in town, we always served batches of Sangria made from cheap wine in my mother’s posh punch bowl. Everyone loved it! After my parents separated, and too much driving back and forth, I began the tradition of entertaining at my home, and I’m still going strong 30 years later.
My first son, Clark, was born on Halloween, and so began the themed parties. Thinking everyone dressed up for him, the legacy of celebrating your big day was easily passed down to the next generation. I think I threw my final one last year after 31 years of making mummy dogs and Franken-guac. My daughter, Camille, had elaborate themes from princess jumpy castles and farm animals to cultural experiences from around the world. We even had a Quinceañera on her 15th. birthday. Luckily, my youngest, Charles had a superhero obsession and a summer birthday which made pool parties a no-brainer. With countless life-size Spiderman balloons, I should have bought my own helium tank long ago.
Simply put, I’ve always loved to entertain. It’s my love language and I’m happiest surrounded by dear friends. I insist on having a great time, and I want everyone around me to have a wonderful time, too. As an overachiever and perfectionist, I try not to sweat the small stuff. I’ve come up with a formula, and my number one rule and starting point is always choosing a theme. I follow it precisely for everything from the invitations and decorations to the cocktail, floral, and menu selections. I once had a pink party, and even the rare beef tenderloin was topped with a pink peppercorn sauce! I always serve a signature cocktail to guests as they arrive to set the tone, too. Even for girlfriend gatherings, I like to have a vibe and sometimes give happies to my guests. These gestures make even small get togethers more intimate and memorable.
““WE OFTEN JOKE THAT WE’D LOVE TO HAVE A SNAPSHOT OF PEOPLE’S REACTIONS WHEN THEY ENTER THE STORE. IT’S ALWAYS THE LOOK OF ABSOLUTE HAPPINESS—EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED.””
With the goal of curating an unforgettable party, a seasoned host will leave no stone unturned. And, over the years it’s been hard to find specialty party items to make the grandiose events in my mind a reality. I’ve spent countless hours in the big box stores and scrolling through the mega-sites. Unfortunately, those party sources only take you so far and typically disappoint.
So, after repeatedly driving past Pop and Pour Party Co. in Olde Towne Daphne, I finally made an appointment with myself to check it out. I mean, who wouldn’t be drawn in by the hot pink shopping cart filled with disco balls on the front walkway?
A self-professed party snob, my advice before your next event is to run, not walk, to Pop and Pour Party Co. You can thank me later. It’s as if these boss babe entrepreneurs, Jena and Lesley, can read my detail obsessed mind! It was love at first sight, they had me at hello. In all seriousness, they’ve beautifully filled a black hole in the local social gathering marketplace. A feast for the eyes, they’ve literally thought of everything. And, in the name of transparency, I was super impressed when I saw one of my favorite (and secret) brands on their shelves.
Both mothers, Jena is originally from North Carolina and relocated to Alabama in 2008. Married to Ron, they have three children; Grant, James, and Janey. From Alabama, Lesley moved to the Eastern Shore in 2021 with her husband, Jake, and together they share three children; Blakely, Aubrie, and Mason. Interestingly, prior to opening, they were both in the industry. Jena owned Alabama Sleepy Teepee and Fairpoppers Balloon Boutique, and Lesley owned Tap & Pour. When they kept running into one another at local events, they struck up a friendship over collaborative discussions. In agreement the area needed an elevated party store, they decided to merge businesses under one roof when they both saw the same "For Lease” sign last spring.
Jena Yeager
Explaining the concept and mission of the store, Jena tells us, “We’re a one-stop-shop where customers can effortlessly find elevated party supplies and unique gifts. We like to think we're the happiest retail space on the Eastern Shore! With everything you need for your happiest celebrations, both big and small, that feeling of frivolity begins right here.” Chiming in, Lesley adds, “We provide things you won’t find anywhere else. Naturally, we carry classic brands like Meri Meri and Jollity & Co., while bringing in new, fun brands like My Mind's Eye, Slant, ban.do, and Oh Happy Day. They all offer a fresh take and quality is the consistent thread. If we haven’t used it, or wouldn't, we don’t offer it.”
Thrilled to meet my matches, and with their flair and talents immediately on full display, this duo couldn’t be any more delightful. “We often joke that we'd love to have a snapshot of people's reactions when they enter the store. It’s always the look of absolute happiness—exactly what we wanted. Plus, party planning can be stressful and we want to make it fun. We’re here to help no matter how long it takes to find that perfect combo of party supplies,” Jena beams. Offering every color in the rainbow, Lesly adds, “One of the best things about our brands is their absolute dedication to themes. It’s enchanting to see the different touches that elevate them from drab and tired to exciting and new. For example, our Pirate-themed section has a cup kit that turns paper cups into pirate ships, the Princess-themed section has party hats with tulle accents, and the Boho-section has precious paper flower party favor glasses. Our themes are truly one of our favorite parts of our boutique.”
Lesley Hendon
Getting more specific about the holiday goodies in store, Lesley tells us, “The selection is endless. Everyone loves the Holiball line of inflatable indoor and outdoor Christmas ball ornaments. And, kids flip for the Sparkle Syrup by Runamok, mini bedazzled boom boxes by Tech Trends, CandyLab’s toy cars, Bewaltz telephone purses, BlaBla hand-knit stuffed animals, the Polar Express party themed items like the train ticket napkins, and the paper party flags by Cami Monet. For the ladies, we adore the Ryan Portier candles, the Packed Party snowman sipper that holds an entire bottle of wine, Musee bath products, Laura Park Duffle Bags, LuLu Belt Bag Dupes, and jewelry from Taylor Shaye, Sunshine Tienda, and more. For the gents, you can’t go wrong with the Runamok Maple Bitters, Camp Craft Cocktail Kits, and Cocktail Co. Old Fashioned sugar cubes. We even offer fun pet products like a stuffed White Claw cans and "Vive Clawquet" stuffed Champagne bottles by Haute Diggity, too.”
As for specific services, Jena adds, “Fairpoppers is more than just a copy and paste balloon company - we pride ourselves on bespoke balloon decor for every order. From large corporate functions to the walk-in balloon bouquet requests, being part of a celebration is such an honor. We go above and beyond to ensure our balloon decor elevates and adds joy to each and every event. Not only have we sourced the longest-lasting balloons available, we're also proud they're biodegradable, too. And, yes, in addition to grab-and-go at the store, we deliver and install garlands, too.”
Charlotte Kilborn Carey
If you meet Lesley, you’ll see she doesn't do boring. “When I started Tap & Pour, I knew I wanted something different and I literally searched the world until I found what I wanted. Sourced in Italy, the Piaggio mini trucks are essentially mobile bars that even come with a tap-tender to serve a customizable drink menu. The sweet cotton candy cart was built to my specifications and boasts a pink and white umbrella, making it picture perfect. Everything can be personalized from the snow cone cart and Instagram-ready ball pits to the fringe backdrops and the various pristine bounce houses. We even have a Glowforge 3D laser printer to create custom acrylic swizzle sticks, cake toppers, signs, and more.”
A fan of hiring experts when possible, Jena and Lesley are available for complete party design, too. With a natural eye and the experience to curate any celebration, their happy to help you plan your next party. Regarding their top tips, Jena shares, “Never underestimate how much decor can elevate a space and an experience. Even a simple fringe birthday sign can make a small family party even more festive. And, don't underestimate how many guests you'll have. You can always return unopened packages of party goods or use them for your family afterwards. We love to use seasonal or themed paper plates for everyday use for our families.” Lesley wisely adds, “Be sure to set your budget and stick to it! We offer a range of prices because it's hard to enjoy your party if you're worried about overspending.”
When asked about what they’re looking forward to, they laugh in unison saying, “Our Dolly Parton and disco cowgirl themed party goods!” Regarding the reaction to the store overall, they share, “The response has been absolutely astounding. We knew the store was needed, but the outpouring of support from the community has been more than we ever expected! We're so grateful because who else gets to make people happy every single day?” As we primped, laughed, and bounced our way through the photoshoot, I became over the moon excited as I dreamed about new themes for occasions to celebrate with my new Pop and Pour friends. Just in time to ring in 2023, I’m ready to party!
Pop and Pour Party Co. | 1809 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 | 251. 408.9392
PopandPourPartyCo.com | @PopandPourPartyCo
