Winter Party Ideas and Inspiration: Snow

Are you guys in a area that hasn't let up on the freezing temps and snow?! I know I haven't been in my "day job" office for a month now. I go in once a week (work from home otherwise), but due to the snow & ice, I haven't left my town in weeks!

So in honor of my frozen State...here are some ideas to incorporate snow into your party - even if you haven't been in on all the real stuff! lol

Add some winter flair with white "snow covered" branches! You can just do a stroll outside (if you are brave and have mittens!) and pick up some sticks, spray with white spray paint or spray "snow". Source

Decorate tree forms with epson salts, sprinkles, , coconut, nonpareils (like these - link) to create a textural winter wonderland! Source and tutorial

Create fun snowflakes with the bottoms of water/soda bottles! This would also make an excellent winter activity at the party! Source and tutorial

Another activity, or could be used as decorations for your party, would be to use salt dough (recipe example) or clay to make keepsake snowflakes! pic source 


















 

Valentine's Day Party Ideas and Inspiration: Hearts

I am still daydreaming about what cute staged photo to take for my little guy's first valentine, so there will be no Valentine party here ;o) Shoot, I don't think my house has been presentable enough since he was born to have many people over at all lol

... but if you are planning something special, hope this inspires you! Don't forget about older, but still fresh!, Frosting for Valentine's Day here (link)

Simple fast Valentine dessert... chocolate dipped strawberries (cut tops into a "V" a bit first to look like hearts!).  A box full of these would be an awesome hostess gift! Source 

Who doesn't love cheesecake?! These mini heart topped bites would be a great dessert to offer at your party! Source and recipe

Up for a little fancier baking idea? These heart shape nutella tortes are beautiful! You could wrap them in individual boxes like these (link), attach a fork like these (link) and tie up with a pretty bow! Source and recipe

Use a cookie cutter and turn your rice crispies into cupid hearts! The arrow is just a lollipop stick like these (link) Source and tutorial



















 

Get ready for some Football! Party ideas and inspiration

We don't watch football in our house, but any chance to throw a party, I am in! Are you planning a Superbowl party this year?

Here is some inspiration to Frost your event! Don't forget about older, but still fresh!, Frosting for a football party here - link.

One of my favorite ideas I stumbled on this year! How clever are these icecream football sandwiches?!  Source and tutorial (buy sticks here - link)

Don't forget about the 'ol paper chains for decorating! This free printable is all you need to add some flare to your setup! Source and download 

Turn pretzel pillows into chocolate footballs! Source and tutorial

If you are a little more adventurous, try these football touchdown cake pops! Source and tutorial




















 

Happy National Pie Day! Add a pie to your party!

Eclairs might be the new "cupcake"...but there's always room for pie! heehee In celebration of National Pie day today, here is some inspiration...

Nervous about pulling off a whole pie? Let's look at ways to ease you in ;o)

Serve the pie in "pieces"! Pie crust as "dippers" and the filling in a bowl... Source and recipe

Cut pie pieces and add a dollop of filling and whipped cream for an easy, pretty serving option! Source and recipe

Not all pies have to be sweet! Make these mini Shepherd's Pie! Mini cupcake tins and pre-made pie dough can give you the perfect start! Source and recipe

Still nervous? Pick up some pre-boxed pies and use a bit of washi tape & a wooden spoon or fork to "Frost" it up a bit! Source (buy spoons here - link)

















 

Valentine's Day Ideas and Inspiration: Gifts/Party Favors in a Jar

Well, I thought the turn of the new year would bring more peace and focus, but so far, not so much! I vowed to get back to blogging several times a week, but as you can see, not so much! It really is a habit, like anything else. Once you fall out of it, it's hard to get back on!  My little guy is 8M old today! you would think I would have it together by now ;o)

If you are stashing Valentine's ideas... here are a few!

I think this is my favorite out of the bunch! Lemon heads in a jar marked "Pucker up Valentine"! Source

Jar full of Hershey kisses marked "Kisses for you"! Source

Use Valentine colored candy corn with labels "It may be corny but I love you" ;o)  Source

...add Red Hots instead and a label "You're so hot!" Source


















 

New Year's Eve Appetizers!

Hopefully everyone is planning a safe and fun night! Here's some inspiration if you are still struggling with filling out the appetizer table!

Frost up your caesar salad tonight! Mini salads served in champagne glasses are not only beautiful but easy for your guests to eat! Source

I love anything on a stick ;)  It makes it so simple for guests to grab one and it looks so pretty! Great idea if you have to bring something tonight! Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, prosciutto and basil then drizzle a little balsamic glaze! Source 
(toothpicks purchase here - link)

Salmon/dill/cream cheese pops would be an excellent fancy appetizer to add to your table! YUM! Source  (lollipop sticks buy here - link)
















 

Last min New Year's party ideas!

Is everyone digging out from the holidays?! My son still has one present he hasn't opened lol.. though opening means tearing and licking the paper ;o)

If you are throwing a New Year's bash...here are some last min ideas to add an extra dab of Frosting!

Hand full of balloons and some stick on numbers (or even marker!) will have your campagne station looking super festive! Source

Grab some brown painters paper from your local hardware store (or any big paper) and hang up a "New Year's Resolution" banner! Have all your guests list what they are aiming for in 2014! Source

Set out a bowl of hersey kisses marked "midnight kisses"! Not only super easy, but chocolate goes great with champagne ;o)  Source

A fun dessert would be this "clock" cheesecake! Even if you don't have time to make one, buy one and "Frost it up!" with edible numbers made from fondant or modeling chocolate! Source and tutorial

















 

Merry Christmas!

What a wild ride this year has been!  Wishing all those celebrating today a very Merry Christmas!

Here are pics of my little distraction ;o)

  

Christmas/Winter Party Inspiration

I don't know about you guys, but I don't know where the time has gone! I feel like I am working too many hours preparing for everyone being out of the office (boo!) and then all the holiday parties - I am not sure when there is time to even put the laundry away lol.

Here are a few ideas if you are still pulling together your Christmas party!

Welcome in your guests with simple trees and red letters! You can pick up wooden letters at any craft store.  Add an extra dab of Frosting by outlining the letters with mini lights - so even your night guests can appreciate! Source

After your guests come in from the cold, welcome them with a hot cocoa bar! Make sure to include fun add-ons like candy canes and marshmallows! Have "to-go" cups so your guests can enjoy on the way home too! Source

Don't buy a lot of decorations for your party... look at ways to "winterize" your current home decor! A little piece of evergreen sprayed with fake snow would be super simple, super cheap and super elegant and festive! Source

Want to be creative with your cookies but a little scared of piping?  Try adding a little "snow" edge to your cookies and instead of piping mistletoe, get the mistletoe sprinkles (like these - link) and add on! Source unknown :(