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Today we are happy to have My Silly Bear join us with this fun giveaway. In the next 2 weeks a lucky Party Blog reader will win a set of 5 Spiced Cider Party Poms. Includes
- Large Tissue Paper Poms (15" Diameter)
- Medium Tissue Paper Poms (12" Diameter)
- Small Tissue Paper Poms (8" Diameter)
- Easy to follow Instruction Sheet
- 1 Yard of Monofilament per pom
Tissue Paper Pms are the newest trend in accenting party and event decor! Made with eco-friendly materials and easy to put together, they fill the room with color and make for a lush decor with minimal effort!
To enter the contest, please visit My Silly Bear and then come back here to leave a comment {or thought} from their online shop. The contest runs thru Monday, September 20th (midnight), with a winner being selected on Tuesday, September 21st. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so we can email you if you're the lucky winner. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your friends and check your Spam folder for emails in case you turn out to be the lucky winner.
Contest Item: A set of 5 Spiced Cider Party Poms. Contest Deadline: Monday, September 20th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite product{s} from the Crossroads Cottage shop?Click on the "Comment" link below to leave your answer. The giveaway sponsor will be contacted with the winners name and email address so they can contact you to make the final arrangements.
Today we are happy to have Crossroads Cottage join us with this elegant giveaway. In the next 2 weeks a lucky Party Blog reader will win a set of 12 12 of pinwheel cupcake toppers (mini lolliwhirls), 12 cupcake wrappers and 12 traditional party hats.
The winner will be able to select their preferred papers from hundreds of options at the link HERE.
They also carry whirl banners, pennants and they're pinwheel wedding bouquets are featured in the fall/winter edition of the knot magazine.
To enter the contest, please visit Crossroads Cottage and then come back here to leave a comment {or thought} from their online shop. The contest runs thru Monday, September 20th (midnight), with a winner being selected on Tuesday, September 21st. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so we can email you if you're the lucky winner. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your friends and check your Spam folder for emails in case you turn out to be the lucky winner.
Contest Item: A set of 12 12 of pinwheel cupcake toppers (mini lolliwhirls), 12 cupcake wrappers and 12 traditional party hats. Contest Deadline: Monday, September 20th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite product{s} from the Crossroads Cottage shop?Click on the "Comment" link below to leave your answer. The giveaway sponsor will be contacted with the winners name and email address so they can contact you to make the final arrangements.
Assembling the cheesecake lollipops is fun! Just cover your lollipops in chocolate dip, coconut, chopped almonds, chopped pistachios, crumbled graham crackers, sprinkles, dots, confetti or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Ingredients:
1 batch of cheesecake
1/2 pound of chocolate
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of heavy cream
Lollipop sticks (if you can't find lollipop sticks, you can use straws or thick skewers)
Directions:
1. Cover the cheesecake in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for several hours to overnight.
2. Scoop 2 ounces of the cheesecake, form it into a ball and place it on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
3. Insert a lollipop stick into the cheesecake ball.
4. Freeze the cheesecake pops until very cold, about 2-3 hours to overnight.
5. Melt the chocolate into the butter and heavy cream over a double boiler and turn off the heat.
6. Dip the frozen cheesecake lollipops into the chocolate ganache and then into any decorations that you want and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
7. Refrigerator the overnight.
For a cheesecake recipe or more inspiration visit PoshPosh
Can't wait to accent the party with these treats !!
Here's some wedding inspiration for those brides who loves the color pink and fushcia!
Check out all the photos at Sarah Postma
Personalized Hershey Wrappers can be found here
Check out more photos of this vintage wedding with a warm and colorful reception at AnnPaul Photographers
Cactus Candle Favors found here
Cupcake Wrappers found here
Free Printable Love Bird Cupcake Toppers
2" in Size
popups must be enabled to view and print PDF file CLICK HERE
All of these DIY Wedding projects can be accomplished by anybody of any skill level, and April with April Foster Events truly shows that a wedding is not about the size of your budget, but the size of your creative imagination.
Using fabric for inspiration it can be scanned and traced into a printable file to use.
For DIY instructions for the pinwheels, Chocolate-dipped Rice Krispy Treats, fabric covered lampshades, framed matted photos, and escort card door display visit Elizabeth Anne Designs.
Looking for some wedding ideas?....LUVIN this simple and fresh feel of a romantic garden party!
The stunning treats were created with love by the amazing Amber at Le Cookie Monkey!
Free Printable Cupcake Toppers Free Printable Stickers and/or Cupcake Toppers
Can use these as stickers or bunting also
2-inch in Size Popups must be enabled to view and print PDF file
Today we are happy to have Treasured Editions join us with this elegant giveaway. In the next 2 weeks a lucky Party Blog reader will win 12 French Vanilla Crepe Paper Carnation Poms and a 20% Coupon. These Crepe Paper Carnation Poms have a simple elegance that compliments any decor or table setting. You can use them at weddings, showers, birthday parties or any event you like! Perfect to use as napkin rings, just simply twist the floral wire around a napkin and you add that inexpensive but special touch to any table setting. Each pom is made from quality crepe paper. Each pom measuring approx. 3 1/2 inches across by 2 inches tall, securely attached to white paper wrapped floral wire ties measuring 3 1/2 inches long.
To enter the contest, please visit Treasured Editions and then come back here to leave a comment {or thought} from their online shop. The contest runs thru Monday, August 8th (midnight), with a winner being selected on Tuesday, August 9th. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so we can email you if you're the lucky winner. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your friends and check your Spam folder for emails in case you turn out to be the lucky winner.
Contest Item: French Vanilla Crepe Paper Carnation Poms Contest Deadline: Monday, August 8th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite product{s} from the Treasured Editions shop?Click on the "Comment" link below to leave your answer. Treasured Designs will be contacted with the winners name and shipping address so they can ship these to you and email you the 20% coupon for future purchases.
Today we are happy to have The Cute Glass join us with this elegant giveaway. In the next 2 weeks a lucky Party Blog reader will win a I Do - Wedding Hand Painted Wine Glass. This wine glass is hand painted with a flower bouquet. It can be painted to match your wedding colors for no extra charge. Perfect for your wedding party! The paint is baked on to insure a long life. Hand washing is recommended. The wine glass is 7.25" tall and holds 10.5 oz.
To enter the contest, please visit The Cute Glass and then come back here to leave a comment {or thought} from their online shop. The contest runs thru Thursday July 29th (midnight), with a winner being selected on Friday July 30th. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so we can email you if you're the lucky winner. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your friends and check your Spam folder for emails in case you turn out to be the lucky winner.
Contest Item: I Do - Wedding Hand Painted Wine Glass Contest Deadline: Thursday July 29th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite product{s} from the The Cute Glass shop?Click on the "Comment" link below to leave your answer. The Cute Glass will be contacted with the winners name, email address and shipping address so that they can contact you to finalize the giveaway with your color.
If you are interested in making these lovelies..check out the tutorial on Glorious Treats...wouldn't your party guests be surprised by your creativity.
FREE Printable Hydrangea Bunting
popups must be enable to view and print PDF file click here
Found this inspiration on Inspired Creations
The design centers on a gorgeous sweetheart table with a sweet candy buffet acting as centerpiece. Pretty glass vessels are filled with rock candy, salt water taffy, Jordan almonds, and chocolate candies. The table is draped in rich blue and apple green linens with gorgeous satin chair sashes. Favor crackers were made from tissue paper rolls covered in wax paper and tied with ribbons, designed to resemble individually wrapped salt water taffy candies. Floral and fruit garlands accent the tables.
Crystal Place Card Holders found here
FREE Printable Cupcake Toppers - Can Be Used Also as Bunting or Stickers and Tags Click Here
popups must be enable to view PDF file and print
Today we are happy to have Pomp and Plumage join us with this beautiful giveaway. In the next 2 weeks a lucky Party Blog reader will win a $50 USD Gift Certificate to be used on anything in the store (excluding custom orders). Recently featured on Glamour & Grace Weddings and STYLE ME PRETTY, this artist has some beautiful pieces to offer to today's bride.
To enter the contest, please visit Pomp and Plumage and then come back here to leave a comment {or thought} from their online shop. The contest runs thru Wednesday July 21st (midnight), with a winner being selected on Thursday July 22nd. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so we can email you if you're the lucky winner. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your girlfriends and check your Spam folder for emails in case you turn out to be the lucky winner.
Contest prize: A $50 USD Gift Certificate to be used on anything in the store (excluding custom orders).
Contest Deadline: Wednesday July 21st, 2010 at 11:59pm EST Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite product{s} from the Pomp and Plumage shop?Click on the "Comment" link below to leave your answer. Pomp and Plumage will be notified of winner's name so they know who you are when you notify them to retrieve your certificate.
Accent any event with these new favor kits from Accent the Party....great for filling with any treating you think your wedding party guests might enjoy!!
Print the 2" diameter rose designs on standard paper or cardstock and cut or punch them out. Make 2 small slits near the top and the weave a 1/4-inch ribbon through. For streamers, ribbons are a more polished alternative to crepe paper; the pre-pleated ribbon used to make these swags comes in various widths.
Sugar Cookie Dough
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 tablespoon slices
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 drops red food coloring
1 cup miniature semi sweet morsels
Glaze
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2-3 tablespoons milk green paste food coloring OR 15-20 drops green food coloring
Find all the fun instructions at the link posted above.
You'll need:
- 9 sheets of tissue paper, your choice of color for each pom pom
- 3 lengths Floral wire (about 7 inches)
- 3 Thin dowel rods or wooden shishkabob sticks cut to desired lengths
- Small block of floral foam
- Small pot or other container
- Embellishments for pot
- Sharp scissors
Steps:
-Sheets are 20 inches wide, so unfold the pack and cut it half.
-Open up the cut sheets and lay them on top of each other to make a stack of 18 (or however many you are using) sheets
-Cut the stack to 8 inches wide.
-The remaining 18 inches is the perfect size for a big tissue ball...you use the exact same method to make a big one as a small one.
-Take your 8 x 10 inch stack of papers and cut it in half so you get two 8 x 5 stacks. You only need one of these stacks for a tissue pouf.
-The 5x8 stack will be accordion folded on the long side
-With the accordion fold all squeezed together, wrap the floral wire around the center then twist the ends so they are tightly secured
-cut the ends in a semi-circle so there is a nice scalloped edge when they are opened
-Take each sheet individually and pull them gently up to the center -When you pull up the sheets, alternate pulling them to the left and right of center. This will give a nice ball shape
LUVIN this chic yet inexpensive wedding inspiration... JL Designs put together a beautiful table top using string pendants. They blew up a balloon, wraped it with string, slathered it in fabric stiffener, let it dry, and then popped the balloon - SUPER cheap and SUPER different...
The Love Letter Opener Favors were found at Accent the Party.
Cake: -The bottom layer is devils food with miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips added, the middle layer is white cake, the top layer is red velvet. Decoration: -Start by drawing out the design on a sheet of white paper -Put the drawing behind a sheet of wax or parchment paper -Trace -Dry for 24 hours, then place around cake…no frosting “glue” needed
Check it out at I Am Baker
Mini Root Beer Float Cupcakes
Makes 32 Ingredients:
1 package of Betty Crocker Vanilla Cake Mix
1 Tablespoon of Root Beer Extract
1 can of Root Beer
Creme Roulee wafer cookies
Vanilla Icing
Red Mini Gumballs (or M & M's or other red candy)
Clean votive candle holders or shot glasses
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place 1 Tablespoon of root beer extract in 2 C. measuring cup
Fill the cup with Root Beer until it reaches 1 1/2 C. (you'll have just a taste of root beer left in your can).
Add to cake mix and stir well.
No eggs, no oil, easy!!
For a personalized touch...order these personalized shot glasses from Accent the Party
Place the shot glasses/votive holders on a baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Fill 1/2 full with cake batter and bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes until done.
Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cut the creme roulee wafers in half.
Put vanilla icing in a canvas bag with star tip (or you can just put it in a ziploc baggie and snip off one end).
Pipe a dollop of icing onto each cupcake, top with a gumball and half of a wafer cookie. Serve or refrigerate until needed.
Chocolate Nest Recipe
Makes 12 Takes
15 minutes to make, plus chilling Ingredients
* 100g butter, cubed
* 1 tbsp cocoa powder
* 50g milk chocolate buttons
* 75g golden syrup
* 4 Shredded Wheat
* 36 mini chocolate eggs
Method: How to make chocolate nests
1. Put the butter into a medium bowl, then add the cocoa powder, chocolate buttons and golden syrup. Microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds, or until melted, then stir to mix everything together. Tip For this recipe you'll need a 4.5cm wide, 2.5cm deep 12-bun patty tin (a small fairy cake tin) and 12 paper cake cases.
2. Hold 1 Shredded Wheat over the bowl and squeeze in your hand to crumble it in. Repeat with the other 3 Shredded Wheat. Stir to mix evenly.
3. Line the patty tin with 12 paper cake cases and put a generous tablespoonful of mixture into each of the paper cases. Press the centre of each nest with your fingers to make a slight dip, then arrange 3 mini chocolate eggs in each of the dips. Chill for 30 minutes before eating.
What a cute idea....just in time for a spring party
Here's what you'll need:
•Mini lemon or other yellow muffins. (Find the lemon muffin recipe and full instructions here)
•Container of lemon frosting
•Mini muffin liners (Yellow if you can find them- I could only find white)
•Yellow regular sized muffin liners
•A package of wooden skewers
•Styrofoam or floral foam
•Clay pot and saucer (In whatever size you'd like)
•Green straws
•Green and brown card stock
•Eyelet punch
•Scissors, craft knife, and glue
Yes, summer is coming and so are the fantasies of being on a beach somewhere. Here's a great way to accent a tropical party for your guests.
Recipe of Pink Bikini
The recipe makes 10 cups
Ingredients
1 bottle of raspberry lemonade
3/4 cups of coconut rum
1 cup of amaretto liqueur
Preparation
Combine the raspberry lemonade, coconut rum, and amaretto liqueur in a large pitcher.
Stir well, and serve over ice or in half cut coconuts.
How to crack open a coconut....
Hold your coconut in one hand over a sink or bowl to catch the liquid that comes out. Tap firmly in the center of the coconut with a hammer, rotating and tapping along the equator. You might have to rotate the coconut several times before a fissure appears and then break the coconut open.
Courtesy of Coastal Living
These look so delicious and refreshing.....Pomegranate Green Tea Cupcakes....try serving these delights at your next event....
Pomegranate Green Tea Cupcakes
12 cupcakes / 350 degree oven
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 tablespoons green tea (matcha) powder
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1. Beat butter on high until soft, about 30 seconds.
2. Add sugar. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add egg/egg yolk one at a time, beat for 30 seconds between each.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha in a bowl.
5. Add about a third of the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar and beat to combine. Add about a half of the milk and beat to combine. Continue adding, alternating between dry and wet and finishing with the dry.
6. Fold in pomegranate seeds.
7. Scoop into cupcake cups about 2/3s full.
Bake for 22-25 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.
For the rest of the recipe visit Cupcake Blog
Not So Humble Orange Creamsicle Cake yields 24 standard cup cakes
a 9x13" cake or 2 8" rounds
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon orange gel coloring
1 1/2 teaspoon orange emulsion
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
200 grams all purpose flour
200 grams granulated sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (58 grams) canola oil
1/4 cup (57 grams) (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (115 grams) sour cream
Find the rest of this yummy recipe at Not So Humble Pie
Ingredients
1 18 ounce package of chocolate sandwich cookies with white filling
Finely crushed 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese
Softened 1 pound of white baking chocolate, melted
Directions
1. In large bowl combine the crushed cookies and the cream cheese. Beat with mixer on low speed until it's well blended. Form 1" balls by hand and them dip them in white chocolate. Place them on baking sheet covered with waxed paper. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
To store, cover and refrigerate.
Makes 50 truffles.
Courtesy of BHG
Looking for ideas for A Spring Tea...can't wait things are colorful and warm again. Decor Photos
Flower Pen Favors, Cupcake Wrappers and Watering Can Candle Favors found at Accent the Party
If you're looking for free party supplies and decorations to accent the party with....
Free printable paper chinese laterns Part 3....
How to Make these Laterns
A.. Choose your design from any of the links below and Print out picture
B. Fold the paper in half and cut along the lines
C. Open the paper and tape, staple or glue the left and right edges together. Tape a piece of string or cut out construction paper to the top of the lantern and hang it anywhere you like. You can also make several lanterns with different designs, then hang them on a long string across the room to make a parade of lanterns.
Pink and purple for this wedding theme were incorporated in various hues in all the decor and flowers and I like how the festive Chinese lanterns seem to be the crowing glory. This was put together by the design team of Kendall Brown of Eclatante Design and Donna O’Brien of Beautiful Blooms.
If you're looking for free party supplies and decorations....
Free printable paper chinese laterns....
How to Make Laterns
A.. Print out picture
B. Fold the paper in half and cut along the lines
C. Open the paper and tape, staple or glue the left and right edges together. Tape a piece of string or cut out construction paper to the top of the lantern and hang it anywhere you like. You can also make several lanterns with different designs, then hang them on a long string across the room to make a parade of lanterns.
If you're looking for damask party supplies and decorations....
Free printable Damask paper chinese laterns....
How to Make Laterns
A.. Print out picture
B. Fold the paper in half and cut along the lines
C. Open the paper and tape, staple or glue the left and right edges together. Tape a piece of string or cut out construction paper to the top of the lantern and hang it anywhere you like. You can also make several lanterns with different designs, then hang them on a long string across the room to make a parade of lanterns.
1. Assorted decorative papers
2. Scissors
3. Glue - a glue stick works best for most papers
4. Wooden skewers or drink stirrers
5. Alphabet stickers - should coordinate with papers
Here's a cute way to accent the party with this cute DIY project...personalized drink stirrers. It seems relatively easy...don't you think?
Great for a baby shower or bridal shower, this retro color palette of yellow, white and grey will add a chic touch to the special event.
Use vintage vases filled with mums and sunflowers.
Find the recipe for the cute Marzipan Bumblebees at Marth's site.
Purchase the muffin pans to make the coconut cakes at Sur La Table
Find all the other DIY tips for this event at Lolli Blog
Offer your guests a candy buffett....
Lolliblog will be following up in the near future with a post on DIY instructions for the marzipan bees, the yarn and the ribbon chandeliers, floral arrangements and the table linens. So stay tuned.
Photos courtesy of Lolliblog via Jasmine Marie
This is a fun party exchanging chocolate recipes and who doesn't like chocolate? I found this theme idea at Parties and Holiday's Blog.
Make your own napkin ring holders with cardstock circle punches
Try serviing Milk Chocolate Chai Mousse. You find the recipe at Dove Chocolate Discoveries. Try offering caramel apples dipped in chocolate as a treat for the party. Skewer the miniature apples on rustic birch branches if you have some in the yard, for a modern and chic interpretation of a childhood favorite. Dip the apples in caramel and chocolate and then roll them in Chocolate Covered Almonds or your favorite plain nuts or sprinkles for a yummy dessert or snack. Finish them off with a sprinkle of your favorite dusting powder for an added flavor kick
Fill a glass or vase with Hershey Kisses and have your guests guess how many are in the vase or glass for a prize.
You can find these pretty blue party supplies at Target.
Have some fun and accent the party by making your own drink umbrellas. Use a soup can as a handy template for paper umbrella tops. Cut the paper with scallop scissors for a added decorative edge. From each circle, remove a pie-slice shape measuring about 1/8 of the circumference. Form into a cone, slightly overlapping straight ends; use a glue stick or double sided tape to secure them. Dab with white craft glue inside the nose of the cone and pierce the tip with a wooden skewer (snip skewer for a custom fit); allow to dry.
From Martha Stewart
Courtesy of Tara from Southern Wedding
Use this drink umbrella template to make festive drink umbrellas. Add a splash of color and some summer time fun to the cocktails and drinks for your guests. Find the tutorial at Handmade
Make cheery centerpiece with your new found talent for making drink umbrellas. To make these unique centerpieces, visit Crafty Sylish. They offer the full tutorial to follow.
Hope these ideas provided our readers inspiration and ideas to accent the party with.
Floral Design: Nobutama Floral Studio
Flowers: Hydrangea, Vandalia roses, stargazer lilies, sea shells and starfish
Linens: BBJ Linen
Photographed By: The Studios of Joseph Guidi
Decorations for your Bohemian party can be as simple or as ornate as you desire. A combination of green and orange add a graceful motif. This theme boasts a lot of fun and it's that time of year to entertain outside. Most items here I found at zGallerie. I love the Taj Laterns in orange, turquoise, green and fuschia. Accent the area with Columnea Orange Sherbet flowers. These large orange flowers are produced all year on a vigorous trailing plant.
Serve a Green Flash with 1 ounce of vodka, 1/2 ounce of Peach Schnapps, 1/2 ounce of Blue Curacao, 3 ounces of orange juice, 3 ounces of sprite and ice. Your guests can lean back, savor the special evening and enjoy.
It's going to warm outside so serve your guests Green Tea Ice Cream to cool down with.
Sugar Bloom Cupcakes shared this new and wonderful idea for tall cupcakes....I love the idea....For the full tutorial, visit their blog. It looks simple enough and they're so unique!
I just love the color combination. Being from SW Florida, these colors are right up my alley.
Use Hydrangea, vendella roses and cymbidium orchids to accent the tables with.
Serve a cool refreshing cocktail like the Strawberry Basil Margaritas:
2 ounces of tequila (1 oz = a shot)
1/2 cup of strawberry simple syrup*
juice of 2 limes
splash of Cointreau (substitute any other orange-flavored liquor)
2 Teaspoon of fresh basil, chopped roughly
To mix the drinks, place the basil in the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or large cup). Pour in the tequila. Mash the basil leaves into the tequila, so as to release the flavor. Fill the shaker with ice, then add strawberry syrup, lime juice, Cointreau. Cover and shake, then strain out into glasses. Garnish with sliced strawberries and basil.
To make the strawberry simple syrup:
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of water
4-5 strawberries, sliced
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries look exhausted. Cool the syrup, then strain the liquid through a sieve, pressing the strawberries firmly to extract all liquid. Store in a bottle or jar in the fridge-will keep for up to 2 months. (Recipe courtesy of Blue Jean Gourmet)
If this doesn't inspire you when it comes to spring garden parties, I don't know what will. Thanks to Sandy at Quill Cottage for sharing. Can I come over for tea?? I love her blog!!
Why not try transporting your wedding party guests to the eastern shores for this Nantucket Nautical style clambake where sea foam and cherry colored beachy decor set the tone for this laid back DIY nautical event.
Keep in mind cable knit, the Kennedy's and the Coca Cola Classics for this all Americana inspired palette. Use glossy red willow branches and red coral for the evening and bring the fun event to a dramatic new height for your guests. Use small bud vases and embellish them with the same ribbon used on the main centerpiece to tie the table together. You can fill them with any flower you want, from inexpensive red carnations to bright red peonies.
I found this cute idea at La Fuji Mama and though I'd share it with our readers....little bite sandwiches dressed up as cupcakes. So simple and can be used at baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, weddings and other special events.
Bright colors like yellow and black will give your table an ultra modern appearance that could work for any special event, whether it's a baby shower, a cocktail party or a wedding reception! Grandeur, beauty and glamour seems to be the inspiration for this deco type table setting! The mirror placemats add a sense of elegance and a small table runner of wrapping paper on top of a striped table runner gives it a Palm Springs Deco. I love this color palatte!
Why not set up a flower filled spread for a daytime tea party when throwing a bridal shower. You can offer a variety of teas and scones served in elegant china and floral print paper napkins.
Add a touch of elegance by placing a glass bobeche atop a bud vase and hang crystal around the edges. Finish them off with any single flower bloom that can stand on its own. Or you can try single stems of oakleaf hydrangea and sweet peas in glass decanters or vases to create a simple and sophisticated arrangement for the table.
When holding a bridal shower outside, a giant umbrella will shield your party guests from the blazing afternoon sun and hanging lanterns will illuminate the table when nightfall arrives. You can mix citronella candles with other colorful tealights to keep away those pesky pests and offer your guests cotton shawls to ward off any chill in the evening.
Serve fresh lavender and lemon verbena which will add a subtle depth to this refreshing drink. You simply add rum to make it into a cocktail if you want.
Cut the peel from the pineapple, remove the core, and cut the fruit into 1-inch pieces.
Place the fruit in a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until the pineapple is crushed but not pureed. Transfer to a large nonreactive pot, add the sugar, 4 cups water, and 3 herb sprigs.
Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
Gently press the solids to extract the juice. Cool and stir in the lemon juice. Serve over ice garnished with the remaining herb sprigs.
For a Pineapple-Rum Cooler, stir in 1 cup of dark rum.
Make the tarts: Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Mix Gruyère, cream cheese, mustard, oregano, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Melt butter in a large skillet, add onions, and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-low heat until dark brown and caramelized -- about 1 hour. Stir in the thyme and set aside. With a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry dough into 8 equal-sized pieces. Roll each piece out to 8- by 6-inch rectangle. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture on the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border all the way around. Top with 1/4 cup of the caramelized onions and 1 tablespoon of the olives. If freezing, skip to Step 2 or bake tarts on parchment-lined baking pans for 10 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 375 F, and bake until puffed and golden -- about 12 more minutes.
Freeze the tarts: Place uncooked tarts on parchment-lined baking pans, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid -- about 2 hours. Wrap each frozen tart securely in freezer paper or aluminum foil and stack them in an airtight container. Store frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, bake frozen tarts at 400 F for 12 minutes, reduce oven temperature to 375 F, and bake until puffed and golden -- about 15 more minutes.
Serve tea, finger foods like tea sandwiches, cookies and tiny tarts. They will minimize the need for dishes.
Bridal shower games are a great icebreaker for your guests, especially when they might not know each other to well. To choose what games to play, there a lot of great ideas at BridalShower.com
I like to try new cocktails whenever I get the chance. Between my busy work schedule with my business and the family over the years, it has become harder and harder to be able to enjoy an evening with a yummy new drink. During a recent wedding over this past weekend at Sanibel Island, my husband and I were able to enjoy some much needed time to relax with friends and enjoy a cocktail. A chocolate cocktail....and it was so good it inspired me to find some recipes to use at home.
Below are 3 chcoolate martinis I found at Dove Chocolate Discoveries. I'm absolutely positive they will wooo your wedding guests.
1. CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO MARTINI
ingredients 1 lemon slice,
¼ DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ (DCD)
Chef Series Dark Chocolate bar - shredded,
2 tablespoons raw sugar,
8-10 ice cubes,
4-5 tablespoons espresso - chilled,
1 shot DCD Chocolate Martini Mix,
1 shot vodka - chilled
preparation
1. Using the lemon slice, wipe the rim of a martini glass.
2. Using the DCD Dessert Decorator, shred chocolate bar into a small bowl and add the sugar. Mix well.
3. Dip martini glass in mixture and roll to coat rim.
4. Drop ice cubes into a cocktail shaker and add espresso, Martini Mix and vodka. Shake for 20 seconds and strain into rimmed glass.
2. CHOCOLATE TURTLE MARTINI
ingredients
1 DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ (DCD) Chef Series Dark Chocolate bar - melted and/or tempered,
DCD Cocoa Powder,
2 ounces vanilla vodka,
2 ounces DCD Chocolate Martini Mix,
2 ounces pecan-flavored liqueur,
2 cups crushed ice,
1 jar caramel ice cream topping,
1 toasted pecan - for garnish,
1 DCD Chocolate Ruffle - for garnish
preparation
1. Rim your favorite martini glass in tempered chocolate or cocoa powder. (You can also try drizzling some caramel sauce and melted chocolate on the inside of the glass for an elegant design.) Set martini glass aside.
2. Shake the vodka, martini mix, and praline liqueur in a martini shaker with ice to chill. (Fill the martini glass almost full with crushed or shaved ice, being careful not to touch the rim.)
3. Strain drink into the martini glass, and garnish with a toasted pecan and/or chocolate ruffle.
3. CREAMSICLE MARTINI
ingredients
2 ounces mandarin orange-flavored vodka,
2 ounces DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ (DCD) Chocolate Martini Mix,
1 ounce Irish Cream,
1 ounce light cream or half and half,
1 cup ice, Optional garnishes:,
Chocolate-covered strawberry,
DCD Chef Series Dark Chocolate,
Chocolate-covered pretzel rod
preparation
1. Shake the vodka, martini mix, Irish Cream and light cream in a martini shaker with ice to chill.
2. Pour into a 12-ounce martini glass, and garnish as desired.
Accent the Party and impress your guests with a great focal point for your next party table with one of these watermelon baskets. Watermelon baskets are a fun and very practical way to serve fresh fruit to your guests. Watermelon baskets can be a great hit at parties, weddings and picnics. Here are some great ideas from ClassBrian.com and they have instructions on how to make each watermelon basket.
Watermelons come in many different varieties like red, green or yellow flesh and also seeded or seedless varieties. If you are going to use the fruit scooped out from your watermelon basket creation, consider buying a seedless variety.
If you're not very creative in the kitchen or want to bring a dish to a party, consider ordering one from Carved Creations. Use their masterful team of International Carvers from Carved Creations? to sculpt away at your perfect day.
Are you interested in throwing a tea party for your little girls, or maybe for you and the ladies? Then you have come to the right place. Here you will find tips on how to throw a majestic tea party that will have you all feeling like princesses!
First off, the weather. The whole idea of this "Spring Tea” is to enjoy the spring time for it is the season of growth and sun that we all love to enjoy, and to be quite frank, its hard to enjoy the sun and warm breeze from behind closed doors. Bring the tea outside.
Start out with the invitations. They do not necessarily have to be anything special nonetheless formal, you could even hand-make them if you’d like. Its simple. You can pick up card stock and cute little patterns from your local scrap booking store, and there you go. Glue on the pattern and say what you may. Be sure to include time, place, attire if necessary, and the occasion. Be sure your guests know that the Spring Tea will be held outside for some may have allergies or need a light jacket. Either way, it is best to be prepared.
Next, the sitting arrangements are key. Again, depending on how many guests you plan to invite, be sure they all have a seat. Your backyard, lawn chairs may suffice, but if there are more guests than chairs, contact your local rec. center. Places like that usually have tables and benches that you can easily decorate and cover to rent on a daily basis. They typically should not cost you more than $40 to rent for one day.
After you have the table settings taken care of, food and tea are the next step. After all, what is a Spring Tea without the tea itself. Since there are so many types of teas, you could either have a wide selection ranging from mint, to berry, or the basic sweet tea with lemons. If you are trying to save money, in the invitation, either prepare a list of tea’s that one may like and have them respond, or when they RSVP, be sure to ask what they prefer, so that way you can narrow down the selection to just a few. As for the food, that simple. Cookies and sandwiches are all you need. Whether the cookies be homemade chocolate chip, or ones that you may purchase from a bakery, they will both go over just as well as the next. Sandwiches could be tricky, so you could set-up a buffet where they can create their own, or make three different types and just hope everyone likes them. Usually at tea parties there are scones and such, but if you are trying to make this one memorable, try different appetizers including wraps, quesadillas, or shrimp cocktail. Those little cucumber sandwiches, no matter how healthy they might be, often leave your guests hungrier than they were when they first arrived. Offer your guests personalized tea favors. Be spontaneous!
Lastly, the entertainment. Your party may function just fine with conversation and laughter, but its fun to keep everyone on their toes. Games such as Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, or Guess that Tune, can be a hit as well. You don’t have to try hard to impress your closest friends, they already know you, and love you just the way you are!
