Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertaining. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Jones' 1st Birthday Party

The party was loosely animal-themed.  Almost everything was homemade (food, decor, favors).  Close family and friends were in abundance.  The babe enjoyed himself immensely.
homemade party hats; inspiration via here
balloon animals (made by James!); inspiration via here
Balloon animals, from left-right: pink poodle, orange tiger, pink pig, blue dog, green Loch Ness Monster.  (My husband is uber-talented, no!?)  Nessy was made specifically for me.  The hubs and I have a running argument about which is more believeable- Nessy or Bigfoot.  I claim Nessy because she would be harder to fake...
guacamole & chips...more balloon animals: white bunny, yellow monkey & pink swan
left to right: yellow monkey, pink swan, yellow duck, green elephant
 The balloon animals were the hit at the party, truly.  Not pictured, the hubs also made a really cool horse and a hummingbird too.  We may start renting him out by the hour for parties...

homemade cake with homemade bunting decoration; inspiration via here & here
the sweet birthday boy with his Aunt Cat; homemade crown tutorial via here
Here are some of the details:
Food- organic animal crackers & organic Cheddar Bunnies; homemade guacamole & chips; cantaloupe, strawberry & blueberry fruit salad; grilled cheese roll-ups; homemade cake.

The cake- this was my very first attempt at making a homemade cake.  Ever.  It was intimidating, but I was determined to do it, and it actually came out pretty damn well.  I used a cake recipe that I can't seem to find online now...and this buttercream frosting recipe.  The cake was a little dry, but other than that, it tasted great.

Favors- each child took home a balloon animal, a party hat, and a goody bag which included a vintage, metal animal-shaped cookie cutter and a small plastic animal figurine.  I used plain white bags for the favors & sealed them closed with an animal stamp- either a duck or an owl.

ooohhh, cake!
the momma and the sweet birthday babe
Happy First Birthday, Jones.  Your momma and daddy had a blast planning this party! XO

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Holiday Entertaining Gift Guide

For that person who loves to entertain, (and we know who we are!):

image via here
The bowl holds colorful, removable pouches to fill with different dips!

image via here

Simple, gold wire trees--and 4 for only $10!

image via here


image via here
Creative cocktails and clever quotations, for only $9.95 from Urban Outfitters.

image via here
Can you say classy and kitchy?!

And finally, a display piece for your gorgeous cookies, cupcakes or cake: 
image via here
I adore hobnail and milkglass...and baking.  Perfect!

And there you have it--some super-cool, modern and vintage entertaining pieces for the entertainer on your list this holiday season!