About Joanna Mercer and Gathova

Hi, I’m Joanna

Welcome to Gathova. I’m Joanna Mercer, an enthusiastic DIY event decorator with a deep love for making everyday spaces feel celebration-ready. If you’ve ever looked at a blank table and thought, “I want this to feel special, but I do not have a wedding budget,” you’re my kind of person.

I’m not formally trained in hospitality. What I do have is a garage full of craft supplies, a soft spot for a good color palette, and years of real-life party experience from setting up for friends and family. I’m the one who shows up early with tape, scissors, backup candles, and a plan.

How it started

My love for decorating started way back in childhood, when my parents would turn our backyard into a giant neighborhood luau every summer. Think: folding tables, string lights, big bowls of snacks, and just enough chaos to make it memorable. I learned early that the “magic” of a party is usually a bunch of small choices made with care.

As I got older, I became the designated party planner for my friend group. Baby showers, cozy birthdays, graduation parties, and the occasional “we’re all turning 30 and coping with cupcakes” night. I learned what actually works in real homes and backyards, not just in perfectly staged venues.

And somewhere along the way, I discovered my favorite decorating superpower: upcycling. Give me a thrift store vase, a leftover ribbon spool, and a handful of grocery-store flowers, and I will happily try to make it look like it came from a boutique party shop.

What Gathova is about

Gathova exists to demystify event styling. I want you to feel confident planning a gathering that looks thoughtful, feels welcoming, and stays within your real-life budget and schedule.

Most of my ideas are built for real life: small spaces, last-minute setups, kid-friendly messes, and that moment when you realize guests are arriving in an hour and the table still looks like a normal Tuesday.

My goal is to help you get from “I want to host” to “the table is set and I can actually enjoy this.” Expect practical tutorials, quick styling formulas, shopping lists that do not require specialty stores, and simple timelines you can follow even if you’re decorating the night before.

You can always start at the home page to browse what’s new, or jump straight into the sections that match the kind of party you’re planning.

What you’ll find here

Gathova is organized around the parts of party planning that tend to trip people up, plus the fun details that make guests say, “Wait, you made this?” Here’s what you can expect:

• Smart, realistic savings: low-stress ways to cut costs without making things feel skimpy. Start with Budget Party Hacks.
• Step-by-step decor you can actually finish: projects designed for normal humans with normal time. Visit DIY Decor Projects.
• Seasonal ideas that feel fresh: celebrations that lean into the time of year, from cozy fall gatherings to bright summer get-togethers. Browse Seasonal & Holiday.
• Tables that do the heavy lifting: centerpiece formulas, place setting tips, and styling tricks that make a room feel pulled together fast. Explore Tablescapes & Centerpieces.
• Guides for all kinds of reasons to celebrate: themes, milestones, and party styles that help you choose colors, decor, and flow. Head to Themes & Occasions.

My decorating basics

I’m big on a few simple principles:

• Pick one wow moment. A great backdrop, a balloon moment, or a beautiful centerpiece goes further than trying to decorate every surface.
• Repeat your colors. Even a budget party looks polished when the same 2 to 4 colors show up in a few places.
• Plan the flow, not just the photos. Where do people put drinks? Where does the trash go? Is there a spot to set gifts? A party feels better when it functions well.
• Hot glue is helpful, but a plan is better. I love crafting, but I love calm hosting even more.

Welcome and how to reach me

I’m genuinely glad you’re here. Whether you’re planning a big birthday bash or just trying to make a simple dinner feel a little more special, you deserve ideas that are encouraging and doable.

If you spot an error, have a question, or want to share what worked for you, send a note through the contact form. I read feedback closely, and it helps keep Gathova practical and accurate for everyone.

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