Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Five Dollar Decor


Here is a simple yet effective decor idea to brighten up a buffet table or an empty corner of the room. All of these items can be purchased from Dollar tree (just $5!!) and it adds a lot without looking too cheap!



Pink Translucent Spiral Vase



Fresh Flower Floral Foam



Onion Grass Sprays



"Baby's Breath" Bushes



"Chocolate Truffle" Scented Candles









Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A New Kind of Cupcake

I am a HUGE cupcake fan. I love how they look all frosted and piled up on a tiered platter in their pretty cupcake holders. I know that many people out there would agree with me that cupcakes are a timeless party favorite that have been, and will be, around forever. So you can imagine my surprise when I read a recent article proposing that macarons, the highly fashionable French pastry, might be the new cupcake. Honestly, I have never had a macaron but I am definitely going to have to try my hand at a recipe because, of course, I need to see what all the fuss is about! What I know so far is that 1. they are a highly fashionable pastry and that there are many bakeries out there solely devoted to them 2. They are a beautiful pastry and can be made in almost any flavor 3. They are hard to make right and are therefore an even bigger luxury. I'm not resigning my cupcake position but, I may very well be on my way to discovering another garden party treasure!

http://pamplemoussecakes.com/macarons/index.html


Macaron Recipe - Brave enough to try your hand at it? Let me know how it turns out!


More on Macarons here!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

5 Ideas for Chanukah 2011

If your hosting the Chanukah Party at your house this year, here are 5 small details to make it just a little more memorable!





1. Snowflake cupcakes - Recipe and Technique  
2. Fake snow - order some off line and use it to add a winter touch to the decor.
3. Hot apple cider in apple cups - directions on how to make the apple cups.
4. DIY Chanukah decorations - instructions for making a 3-D paper snowflake.
5. Party Favors - fill mini boxes with chocolate gelt, dreidels, candy, and more!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Garlands


Garlands are a great way to decorate your event space because they add color, interest, and you can make them yourself. You can hang them on the ceiling like streamers or in the doorway when people walk in, over the buffet table, or anywhere you feel needs a little brightening up. You can use tissue paper, flowers, balloons, hanging crystals, colorful circles, candies, tassels, lights, curled ribbon, and dozens of other materials. Think about your theme (colors, style, feel) and decide what would go best with it.


http://www.blog.dcnearlyweds.com/2009_09_01_archive.html
http://frazierandwing.com/garlands

http://lolomag.com/2011/11/party-confetti-or-house-decor-how-to-make-tassel-garland/


How to make your own garland

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Dessert Spreads

Nothing screams "party!" more than a beautiful spread of desserts and sweets. Whether it's a candy bar, Viennese table, or both you can really play around with it and make it a real attraction for all your guests.
http://heatherannmelzer.typepad.com/heather_anns_web_land/crafting/


 Candy bars are great for kids parties but adults love them too so if your having an "adult's only" layout some sophisticated sweets like salt water taffy, chocolate rum balls, viennese crunch, caramels, etc. Don't under estimate the power of a sweet tooth at any age!




Use bright bold colors as a background for your table and place your desserts in large attractive containers.

http://sugarpluminvitations.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html

Add character and boldness to your table by using height and displaying the items on different levels. It will make a larger table look a lot fuller and more grand.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Stylish Beverages

Drinks are a big part of any event or party. Try serving beverages in one of these two very trendy containers. You can even use the reusable bottle as party favors!
http://callmekilla.blogspot.com/2011/06/trend-mason-jar-drinks.html

You can purchase mason jars at Target, ACE, Pottery Barn, and many other locations at very low prices. Cut up some ribbon or lace and tie it around the outside for special touch.
http://emmalinebride.com/handmade-wedding/diy-favors-lemonade-mason-jars/

Another trending party additive is beverages served in reusable glass bottles. The wonderful thing about these guys is that they can double as a take-home party favor with a personalized label or note attached. Fill thee classy bottles with homeade lemonade, iced tea, or even flavored water. The possibilities are endless and the results are cute, fun, and add flair and style to your event. You can purchase these bottles at Crate and Barrel and Specialty Bottles


Sunday, December 4, 2011

Fresh Fruit Flower Arrangements


Fresh fruit floral arrangements are great for baby showers, birthday parties, summer events, brunches, and even gifts. Choose fruit that will match the decor of your event and place the arrangement in a pretty basket or container.

http://www.foodspiration.com

http://gordongossip.blogspot.com

http://www.chefolio.com

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Boxes!


Boxes with stripes, boxes with polka dots, boxes with ribbons and bows, boxes with silver tissue paper... the possibilites and design are endless! Use boxes as food holders, for souviner gifts, or even for centerpeices.

http://www.harvardsweetboutique.com