Hosting Tips

Puppy Parties are a Thing Now (and We’re Obsessed)

You can’t handle the cute.

By Jenn Rose Smith

Just in case you’re not watching all of my insta stories, I have big news: I’m now the proud parent of a golden retriever puppy! His name is Moondoggie, and he’s six months old. Moon loves other dogs, but he’s not so sure about people. We’ve been working with dog trainer Zión Chatelle, who recommends that I introduce him to as many new people as I possibly can, so long as it is a positive interaction. “It’s important for puppies to form positive associations with people from a young age. The more people you can introduce him to, the better,” she says. “Different ages, races, size, gender… and if those interactions involve him getting a yummy treat, that’s even better!” I took Zión’s advice to heart and decided to host a puppy party happy hour here at the CS Bungalow. When Shutterfly offered to let me design my own custom invites and accessories for the party, I jumped at the chance. If you ask us, puppy parties are basically the new baby showers. Except fun. Scroll down to see what just might be our cutest party ever:

photographed by ashleigh amoroso

Thank you Shutterfly for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

I designed my own invites on Shutterfly, and chose a cute envelope liner to compliment the card.

At the party, my friends surprised me with this adorable custom tote bag full of all the puppy necessities — treats, bags, rope toys and more.

I kind of freaked out when my friends presented me with this framed custom print of Moondoggie — he’s already grown so much since this sweet photo was taken! Seriously, though, have you ever seen anything cuter? I didn’t think so.

Suruchi brought out treats for Moon in a custom jar we designed with Shutterfly. It says “Puppy Power”!

We served cold beer with these adorable custom puppy coasters from Shutterfly. It was fun to come up with silly phrases inspired by the cute dog illustrations. Scotch on the rocks, anyone?

Moon loved all of his Shutterfly surprises, but it’s safe to say that the custom treat jar was his favorite.

Moon also loved his custom dog bowl we had printed with the word “Moonjuice” in a groovy 70s font.




Shutterfly has so many great pet products, but their customizable dog bandanas are hard to beat. Moon loved wearing the one I designed for him.

I chose a fun tie-dyed print, and customized it with the phrase “Don’t Stop Retreivin”. You can recreate this exact design for yourself on Shutterfly, or create a completely original one!

We wanted something to commemorate Moondoggie here at the office, and this framed illustration was perfect. Our team had it customized with Moon’s name, and it looks pretty darn cute on our shiplap wall.


Moon soaked up all the attention (and the treats).

My sweet friend, Nikki Chanel, brought her son Jace to the party. He and Moondoggie are almost exactly the same age!

Jace and Moon (who are both six months old) bonded under Mom’s supervision.



A few treats and a little attention can go a long way with turning a puppy into a “people person.” Moon is gaining confidence and ready for his next happy hour!

Create your own puppy party with custom products from Shutterfly. In addition to the bandana, water bowl, and treat jar we used for our party, Shutterfly even has customizable dog beds, blankets, and pillows to take your puppy party to the next level. When you combine cute products with our own sense of style and fun, the possibilities are truly endless.