Memorial Day BBQ/Cookout inspiration

Is everyone planning a cookout this weekend? We are planning on doing ribs for the first time ever! I have never tried to cook them at home - fingers crossed they come out good! What are you guys cooking?

here is some inspiration for your Memorial Day celebration... don't forget about older, but still fresh!, Frosting for Memorial Day here (link)

Create a festive backdrop or space divider with this folded paper project! Source and tutorial

Take your setup to new heights with a fabric canopy held up by tree branches. The canopy not only adds color and drama, it will add some shade for your goodies! Source

Hot dogs don't need to be just thrown in a metal tray... Frost up your serving station and make dressing a hot dog tons of fun with a hot dog bar with all the fixings! Source

These little BBQ grills are cake pops!!! Super cute idea! Source
















 

4th of July (part 1)

Is anyone else excited about 4th of July?!? I love it - well, I love every holiday I get to eat and not exchange presents rofl... here is a start of a few posts I'll do on ways to Frost your 4th!

I thought these were genius! Sparkler holders! How great would these look on your table?!? ...Might just have to make them for my get together! Source found via simplycreativeinsanity blog

Confetti filled balloons would be great for any occasion! Definitely a great alternative to a pinata! Just use a funnel on the end of a balloon to fill the confetti, then blow up, tie off, hang and va-la! Source

Dress your table with red and white striped fabric, blue runner and starfish for a beachy take on a flag! Lose the stripes and use this setup for a beach themed party! Source: Book:  Parties that Wow

I love these cookies - you can make them with red centers and use them as decoders! The easiest way to make these is to cut out the middle with smaller star cutter, then place a piece of clear candy (like jolly rancher) in the middle, it will melt was the cookie bakes, and va-la! Instant adorable treat! Source

I am in LOVE with this cupcake - why? because it's easy! Make red, white and blue frosting and have at it - add a few star sprinkles to the blue and you have a masterpiece! I was also thinking... why not use sugar cookies where the white is and then icing where the red and blue are - then you would have cookies AND cupcake - hello?!? YUM! Source found via cupcakestakethecake

Bandanas!

Bandanas can be used a lot of party themes! Horse, cowboy/girl, cookouts, etc. Here are a few dabs of frosting to inspire you to incorporate them in your next party theme!

Use cuts of fabric or bandana themed scrap paper and adhere to a toothpick with either glue, double sided tape or my fav - no sew fusing! You can even have each one mean a different doneness (guess that isn't a word lol - well, medium, rare) or different kinds of cheeses, or onions vs non-onions! Source unknown (in a secret location and can't search for it....shhhhh.....)

Wrap up a fun favor for your guests in a bandana, tie with twine and a coordinating favor tag! These awesome favor tags are handcrafted and can be customized with your order from blog bff Purple Pug - Source

Wrap sandwiches or cookies for a camping trip or picnic for an extra little frosting on your event! Source

Tie them together to make an adorable garland! Would look great on a buffet table too! Why not cut letters and hang them with twine from each knot to spell out "happy bday" or whatever the occasion! Source found via bedifferentactnormal blog

Use bandana inspired fabric as your guest napkins or use one as a placemat.  p.s. left the pic big so you could see the adorable juice box cover they made! Source














 party add-on

Grab a few multicolored bandanas to use in your party theme (buy here: link)

Memorial Day Party!

I think before we get into the fun, we should all remember what Memorial Day is.... beyond a day off of work and stuffing our faces with fantastic BBQ!....

Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I. (wikipedia.org)

 You all must know by now my strong obsession with kabobs! I love how they put some fun touches on the ends! Just use a round hole punch and glue two circles together on the end! Source

Pop Rock cookies! How silly would these be (you know, the candy that "pops/crackles" in your mouth when you eat it?  Cookie edges are covered in pop rock and sprinkles... yum!  Source and tutorial

 I've seen a lot of dipped strawberries, but the ones done as a loose interpretation of a flag are my favs! (thanks Brittanie for the find!) Source

And lastly, pay tribute to those who have and do serve with these cookies! yum! Source and tutorial

You could also incorporate some of the BBQ/Cookout Party ideas!