Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Truck?

Every time my son hears the wailing siren of a firetruck he gets really serious and asks me over and over "truck"? Its as though he's worried he missed the captains call and is ready to jump feet first into his overalls and boots.  I have a strong feeling that his birthday party this year will be firetruck themed! In preparation I have begun scouring the internet for the best decor and I have to say, I have found some great things!



i love this simple invite...it feels classic and fun


these boots are perfect to use for decor as well as for holding treats!

fill these with colorful cookies !

these are perfect dalmation colored cupcake holders


dalmation wrapping paper anyone?

you can get 12 of these for 10 dollars on ebay for each guest



lovin all these cupcakes

Goin Back to Cali to Cali to Cali!

My family and I recently moved back home to California and although that has nothing to do with parties...it is definitely news I want to share! We are so beyond happy to be back home, closer to friends and family and feeling reenergized. I have spent the past few weeks en route, then unpacking and finally settling in. I am excited to be back online and share new inspirations!

Monday, May 16, 2011

A Time To Read


love reading. Its a simple pleasure that I've held dear since I was a young girl. You can imagine my excitement when I see my son enjoying books as much as he does. There is something about turning the pages of a book...not knowing whats on the next page...that still excites me. There is comfort in a favorite book...the pages worn, ripped and dog eared in your favorite places. I think a party with treasured books at its core would delight young readers. Seeing their most loved characters brought to life and sharing their favorite adventures with friends.

i loves these personalized books for favors




  
this giving tree would make a bright and cheerful centerpiece when clustered with others or real flowers

these lanterns would be fun to hang with traditional bright lanterns

personalized wild things art

remember felt story boards???

these custom tablecloths are to die for

who can live without a dr seuss cookie?

 hungry caterpillar treats

esty...of course



a book cake



Friday, May 13, 2011

Mad for Plaid





Ever since I was little, my mom has sported plaid blazers. Even when they weren't in style, she clung to them, insisting that one day, they would be back "in"...she was right. When you're around that much plaid, you learn to appreciate and eventually love it. While my mom prefers her plaids in muted tones, I much prefer bright bold plaids paired with stripes and polka dots. While that look might not be right for clothing, its a definite for a table setting. What better pattern to celebrate a party, than a pink plaid! Below are some tablecloths, napkins, etc that I found online that would be perfect placesettings alone or mixed together!

this material is from the local fabric store

i love the blue glass vases



who doesnt love a peony centerpiece



napkin bunnies
tissue pom poms are easy, inexpensive and a must for  a summer party



lemonade in a mason jar is so summery and fresh
found these cloth napkins on amazon

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

do it yourself

I found this fantastic, inexpensive way to decorate your own grocery store cake! enjoy!!

http://www.hostessblog.com/2011/04/diy-tutorial-cake-decorating-with-paper/


Monday, May 9, 2011

dinosaursssssssss

My friend Jenny recently asked me skeptically, how to make her sons dinosaur themed birthday party "upscale". Never one to shy away from a challenge, I scoured the internet looking for creative ways for her to have a dino themed party wthout having to use the party store paper plates with TRex on them. I found tons of ideas online including one for an adult beverage for the moms and dads!

I have to include a link to this company that will personalize your party supplies! http://paperandcake.blogspot.com/

This drink recipe sounds delicious!

Green Dinosaur

A delicious recipe for Green Dinosaur, with vodka, gin, rum, Midori ® melon liqueur, triple sec, sweet and sour mix and 7-Up ® soda.

2 oz vodka
2 oz gin
2 oz rum
2 oz Midori ® melon liqueur
2 oz triple sec
2 oz sweet and sour mix
2 oz 7-Up ® soda


Combine all ingredients and stir. Serve in a highball glass over ice.

This drink is most often served in a Highball Glass




sweet dinosaur kabobs


these are great for the party and everyday

i love the bright colors in this cupcake tower

face masks will bring out the roar in all your little dinos!
green kool aid


my son loves watermelon....so this would be a must!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

tea time!

Mothers day got me thinking about my own mother and all the things she loves to do. Since I was very small she has taken me to see the nutcracker followed by tea. When I was young it was a tea party with the cast and when I was older it was to high tea at the Ritz or a similarly fancy hotel. Tea parties are the ultimate in femininity and a perfect idea for a little girls birthday party. With such fabulous flea markets everywhere these days, you could score beautifully vintage doilies or gloves or even china. I found items I think would make a beautiful place setting for a children's tea party!

this tea set is so delicate and dainty!

a perfect way to present gloves and handkerchief for each guest

gorgeous!

this cupcake tower is the perfect addition 
these are fresh peonies added to a classic chandelier. breathtaking!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Cinco De Mayo!!

If you happen to love mexican food as much as I do, then you may have already thrown a cinco de mayo themed party. If not then its time to start!  Today at work, I was surrounded by chips, salsa and guacamole...if they had stopped there I would have considered it a successful party. BUT NO..there were burritos and fajitas and rice and beans...all foods I adore! Everyone was happy and chatty and It got me thinking about what a festive holiday cinco de mayo is. All the bright colors, music and festive decor. What a great theme for a kids party! I found so many great items to add to this theme not to mention a place that will come to your house and help your guests paint their own plate as a souvenir!

this vintage tablecloth will definitely brighten any table
hand painted plastic cups


love these paper banners called papel picado 

cookie flower centerpieces
candy centerpieces too!


these frames are perfect for place cards


these plates were painted at a plate painting party...what a perfect craft for kids
finally the piece de resistance...a pinata!



Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Under the Sea

My wonderful neighbor and friend Carol recently told me she wanted to redo her girls' room in a hawaiian/surfer theme. Being a California girl myself, I love a good beach theme. It reminds me of sorority socials and for some reason a dessert I've made countless times over the years. Its blue jello in a clear bowl with gummy fish in it. Its simple, delicious and screams beach party to me. These days, I've traded in my silk sorority leis and wedge flip flops for a more grown up beach decor, but I still love incorporating a little whimsy and blue jello into a kids beach party!

the famous jello!! a great thing to have at each place setting
i found these prints that would be great as placemats!
amazing starfish lollipops
i found the most amazing site with handmade creations like these surfer girl boxes and decorated bottles