December 17, 2012

 

Little Monkey First Birthday

My friends little boy just turned one.  The theme: Monkey banana. Since he was turning one, the decorations were kept to a minimum. How many monkey's do you see?

I would have gone with a yellow or green table cloth to keep with the theme. That's just me. I like to match everything to my theme down to the last detail.

Fresh Pina Colada's were served for the adults.  By fresh, I mean, pineapple chunks and canned coconut.This was the first time I had fresh pina colada's and they were quite tasty.

Along with a veggie tray, quiches were served.  Potato and spinach variate's.

The chicken skewers were a BIG hit with the kids and the adults.  Can you tell?  We eh hem, sampled some before the party really began :)

Mini bundt banana cakes were a hit among the kids.  oops! I missed getting a picture of the chocolate covered banana's. Both dark and milk chocolate were served.

BIRTHDAY CAKE! It was gluten free and vegan because many of the kids who were invited have food allergies. I confess, I didn't try a piece.  I'm all about the gluten and sugar and eggs. As soon as my ears hear the words gluten free and vegan I think, that can't possibly taste good.  The adults that did eat the cake said it was good but dry.
Happy Birthday Jax!

December 14, 2012

 

Hot Chocolate, Mini Bundt Party

I LOVE Christmas movies!  So I invited a friend over to watch one and have hot cocoa and mini bundts.  Now I could have just made her a hot chocolate and handed her a mini bundt on a plate.  But why not fizzy it  up a little.  It's easy. Even if it's a spur of the moment get together.  

I dressed up the table with snow batting. Added some glittery snowflakes for background and put the hot cocoa toppings in cute Christmas dishes.

Mmm festive hot cocoa.  I had 3 different kinds of whipped topping too.  Caramel, chocolate and peppermint. Adding a little peppermint schnapps to your cocoa makes it extra tasty.

Gingerbread mini bundts got their festive on with a snowy glaze and edible holly leaves.



December 10, 2012

 

Christmas Party Time


 First Christmas party this season.  I would have loved to have thrown a big one myself because well, I LOVE Christmas and throwing parties.  However, attending them is a lot of fun too.  This party was kid centered.  So the punch I brought had to be kid friendly.  Thank you to my aunt for letting me borrow her punch bowl.  Party tip: If there's a party item you don't have, check around with family and friends to see what you can borrow. You'll save money on an item you may only use once and you won't have to find a place to store it.

Rudolph's Tipsy Spritzer  this version was non-tipsy. I suggest doubling this recipe as well.  It's tasty and the amount that's called for in the recipe doesn't make enough for a large group.

My friend served Papa Murphy pizza . Easy, quick, inexpensive and what kid doesn't love pizza.

For dessert:

Peanut Butter and Jelly bars. I wasn't so sure about these because they sound kind of gross to me. I never mix jelly with my peanut butter. But these are quite tasty and disappeared fast! My friend told us it's a box mix. I searched the internet for it but couldn't find it so here's a recipe for them.

Pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips. Another BIG hit with the kids.

And no Christmas party would be complete without PEEPS! My personal fav :)

 There were no cute labels, no Christmasy backdrop, no table set up all Christmas party photo op ready like you see on many party blogs.  But none of the kids would have even noticed and the adults had a great time visiting without all of that too.  I think people feel like they have to go OVER the top in order to throw a party because that's what they see on the blogs. It isn't necessary though. Getting friends together and having a good time is what it's all about.  Over the top is just in us party diva's DNA ;)

December 5, 2012

 

Woo Hoo!! Wednesday

Last night was the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. I watch it every year. I LOVE the wings. I don't even notice the lingerie, I'm too busy ogling the wings!

I've always thought this would be a FUN party. Gather your girlfriends and watch the show. Thing is, it's always on a Tuesday and doesn't start until 10 p.m. Not exactly conducive for a party.

As this is Woo Hoo!! Wednesday and anything can happen, here's some elements for my dream V.S. Fashion Show party. The invite would sparkle and inform every one that the attire was formal.

BIG wings for a backdrop would be a must.
A gorgeous sparkly tablecloth with a table setting inspired by Style Me Pretty 


Champagne would be served and for the main course, hmm. I need help on this one little fizzy's. I don't cook meals, I'd like to but I don't for various reasons. What would make a rich main course fit for this party?

For dessert, yes, we'd have dessert. We're not on a model diet we're just watching them. Since it's the Christmas season and in keeping with the sparkly theme, sparkly snowflake cupcakes from Victoria Made.

This party would be lush, extravagant, sparkly and so much fun!
Now what to serve for the main course?