Sunday, February 28, 2010

Stylish Disposable Dinnerware

Wouldn't it be great to have the convenience of disposable dinnerware, without sacrificing style? Well get a load of these beauties! Can disposables be more chic? They almost look too nice to toss into the garbage, right? I am loving the smooth fluid modern lines! It would definitely make for a great no fuss modern dinner party. They are not only the most stylish disposables I've seen, but they are biodegradable! Wasara the Japanese company made it all possible. Check out their site for more info.


Friday, February 26, 2010

Pretty Picture Frames Work Wonders!

You don't have to be a graphic designer to create beautiful signage for your event. Just use your creativity to make your signs Pop! When creating signage for your buffet stations, gift tables, or menus, it's always a great idea to put it into a pretty picture frame. It adds that extra flair and refinement to your event decor. Trust me, graphic design will not be missed. There are soooo many frames out there to choose from. I'm sure you wouldn't come up short when looking for the perfect one to compliment your theme. After you find your frame, pretty it up with cardstock, ribbon, or what ever you think will punch up your design!

Lollipop Designs by way of Hostessblog and Green Wedding Shoes


Photo fromBirthday Girl

And my shameless plug...a few from my own collection.
The first two are from showers I hosted
Baby shower1

Baby showers2

So to camouflage my lack of graphic design skills I embellished with pretty paper and X-Mas ball ornaments acted as "dots" for the polka dot shower.

From a Holiday get together

I embellished with spray painted leaves from my yard and added to the frame.

From a Sweets and Treats display I created

I embellished with ribbon as the background..
So don't worry about not having skills in the graphics arena. Frames can be impactful on it's own. So go ahead, frame a cute message to your guests for a special touch.

Perfect Paper Treat Bags

Here's a nifty little idea that will accommodate your homemade party favors perfectly.. The brown paper bag! I love the homey simplicity of it. It will give your party favor that extra feeling of comfort and love. There's just something about that brown paper bag... It's a great economical solution for favor boxes. Can you beat 100 bags for a buck? Can you? A penny per bag? :-) Pick up some paper lunch bags from your local dollar store and embellish them accordingly and WHA-LA!

Image from Martha Stewart


Source


Click here for DIY instructions and a free label template.
Imgage Source

Thursday, February 25, 2010

One single bloom

Keeping it simple doesn't mean scrimping on design. One single bloom in a few vases will be just as impactful as a variety of flowers in one vase.

country living

Adding filler to the vase makes for an even more impactful design.

Pic Source BridalPartees

Dont stop at glass bud vases..

Pic Source Kenzie Kate

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Easter Tablescapes and Spring Parties Contest


Have you heard? Maddycakes Muse is running an Easter Tablescapes and Spring Parties contest. She is offering three great prizes to the winners.
1st Place ~ $100 gift certificate to any ETSY shop
2nd Place~ Gift tower from BeDazzle My Bonbons ($65 value) and $40 DimplePrints gift certificate
3RD Place ~ Easter Spring Chicken Printable from Paper & Cake and $50 gift certificate from The Baby's Bundle
So get in touch with your creative side and get your party on! Hurry up and head over to Maddycakes Muse for the details on how to enter. Only one week left!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Sweets and Treats!

These are the goodies from my girlfriends'( luv of the sea) gathering. I chose the modern color combo of red for love ( it was the day before Valentines Day), and turquoise blue for the sea, and touches of black. I didn't go with any of the typical nautical decor. Instead I kept it simple and used Food to reflect our theme.
Treats and Sweets!




I couldn't leave out goldfish! It fit so well with the theme!


Chocolate Liqueur cups


My version of strawberry short cake..Strawberry Short Kiss! French Vanilla ice cream smushed between homemade shortbread cookies in the shape of lips (can you tell, and of course, fresh strawberries. YUM!


Those who didn't want strawberries drenched their ice cream in chocolate


Everyone went home with yummy gummy fish and lobsters

Additional images on Facebook

Thursday, February 18, 2010

For our Luv of the Sea....

Food that is! Last weekend I got together with a few of my girlfriends for a Pre Valentines Day gathering. We decided on sharing a single food that we LUV.. Seafood!! Everyone contributed with a seafood dish to share. We definitely had a delicious time enjoying great food and even greater company!

I set each place setting was with LUV

Hugs and kisses!!


Ok, so who knew that crab legs steamed at your local supermarket can be so yummy!? Why didn't anyone inform me??

Melted butter


Salmon Salad


Lobster Swizzle Sticks


Monday, February 15, 2010

Valentines Day at Home Continued.....

Last week I set up a formal Valentines Day at home tablescape. Here's a few sweets for everyone to savor. Chocolate is a must!

Fondue.. Yum


A sweet tasty wine.. Mmmmmmm...Moscato!

Buffet set up to compliment the formal dinning table decor. I love candles for a ambiance.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Love Day!


Happy Valentines Night! I had a lovely day, early dinner, and relaxed with my husband. I'm just now logging on in hopes that everyone enjoyed their day.
The photo is from my Pre-Valentine's Day Dinner on Sat, with friends. I will share the photos as soon as I get them upload.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Valentines Day at Home

No need to head out to a crowded restaurant this Valentines Day. Instead, stay in and deck out your dining room table for dinner. It'll make your loved ones feel special right at home. Here's a setting I created all decked out in red, black, white, and a touch of gold and lots Valentines Day Flair!.

Rose Petal Runner


Ambiance is a must!



Sweet Treats.. what's Valentines Day without a bit of chocolate

Additional photos on Facebook

Chocolate Covered Fruit

Planning on making a romantic dinner at home for Valentines Day? Or even a family love feast? Top it off with a tasty treat for desert. Serve chocolate covered fruit and indulge.. guilt free! Well sort of :-)

Chocolate Covered Strawberries.. love em'

Get Recipe here

Chocolate Covered Cherries.. Yum yum

Get Recipe here

Chocolate Covered Bananas.. hmm, never had it but I like the ingredients. It can't be bad together.

Get Recipehere

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Bottoms Up: Cocktail Recipes

Whether you are toasting to love with your significant other, or your best friend, raise your glass filled with one of these tasty recipes this Valentines Day!

Rainbow of Love


Ingredients:
1 bottle chilled Prosecco
1/2 oz. dry gin
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. chilled pineapple juice
1 1/2 oz. chilled orange juice
1/2 oz. chilled grapefruit juice
1 whole strawberry

Preparation:
Chill a long fluted champagne glass a few hours in the refrigerator before preparing.
When ready to serve, remove the glass and pour in juices, gin and a touch of Cointreau. Fill the rest of the glass with Prosecco. Gently stir.

Romeo & Juliet
Warmed your hearts with..


Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz. Patron Silver tequila
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
1/4 oz. cherry or Chambord raspberry liquor
2 oz. chilled peach juice
3 maraschino cherries, garnish
Orange spiral, garnish

Preparation:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add tequila (or Absolut Apeach), Grand Marnier, cherry liquor and peach juice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and pour into a chilled fluted glass or large martini glass.

Place orange spiral on the lip of the glass so it drapes down the side.
For a fluted glass: drop a cherry into drink.
For a martini glass: skewer three cherries on a swizzle stick and lay across the lip.
Recipes from Fine Living

Friday, February 5, 2010

Foodie Friday: Super Bowl Snack Stadium

A football stadium of snacks! Hmm.. this definitely interesting. It may be a bit much for me, but your guest may like it. For step by step detailed instructions on how to make this for your Superbowl party this Sunday, go here. Get a "LOAD" of this!

Source Holy Taco
The Field:
1 Pound of Guacamole
15 Oz. Queso Dip For The Steelers End Zone
15 Oz. Salsa For The Cardinals End Zone
2 Oz. Sour Cream for the Field Lines

The Players:
15 Vienna Sausages
Helmets - 3 Oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

The Goal Posts:
1 Slim Jim for Each Goal Post
1 Oz. Monterey Jack Cheddar To Anchor (each)

The Stands:
58 Twinkies
1 Pound of Bacon
1 Bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos
1 Bag of Cheetos
1 Bag of Corn Tortilla Chips
1 Bag of Chex Mix

The Blimp:
20 Oz. Football-Shaped Summer Sausage (optional) (on second thought, no, this isn't optional. Go buy one.)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Tables that go the full Length

I just love the dramatic effect of a long reception table. The are simply stunning! Long tables allow interaction and over the table conversations. This seating arrangement will work well for indoor venues, and can have the same impact outdoors.
Depending on the size of your guest list, it would be a great idea for your family and friends to dine together, family style! Take a look...

photo from feteny
Is this stunning or what?

photo from Marth Stewart
Talk about impact!

Photo source instyleweddings