Oh, So Many Ways....

to decorate Easter eggs!  And so much fun.  It was my favorite Easter tradition when I was a kid.  Below are lots of different examples.  Since I'm in the graphic design/advertising field I love the more designed ones.  I really like the picture of the three colored dots.  Reminds me of Pantone colors and the design with the letters which of course reminds me of fonts and copywriting.  Can ya tell I'm writing this while I'm at work:)  The egg is the perfect blank canvas to create pretty much anything and any design you want.  Enjoy!
Reference: Martha Stewart

Spring Garland Ideas

Don't you just love Spring decorations?  Here are some Spring garland ideas from Etsy .  My favorite are the colorful tissue pom poms.  Garland can be used in so many different ways.  Not only hanging on a mantle but strings of garland can hang from ceilings.  This adds color and texture to ceilings.  It can also be used as a colorful and textured background for a candy buffet or food table.  Endless possibilities.

 

Friday Color Inspiration: Citrus Orange and Green

Happy Friday!  Here is a little color inspiration to brighten up your day.  Depending on use, orange and green can either be playful or very elegant and is used a lot for summer weddings.  Enjoy!

 

Polka Dot Inspirations

Oh, polka dots!  How could ya not love them?  And using polka dots is one of the easiest party themes to incorporate.  You can do so much.

 References: Martha Stewart, Etsy, Polka dot design

Chalkboard Inspirations

Here are a few very cute Chalkboard inspirations.  My favorite is the plate charger.  It can double as a table place card.  I also like the napkin ring with the wood border around the chalkboard.  Would be perfect for a Back to School or School house themed party.  You can find lots of chalkboard items at Etsy seller Playing Grown Up.  Check out the Etsy page.  Great stuff.  Oh, and Happy St. Patrick's!  Have a very green day:)

Reference: Project Wedding

Color Inspiration: Pink and Green

Happy Friday!  Here's a Spring Color inspiration board of Pink and Green.  It's finally starting to feel like Spring here in Chicago.  Pink and Green together is so bright and cheerful and can be used for tons of parties.  From bridal showers to first birthdays.  Enjoy!

At the End of the Rainbow Cupcakes

Saint Patrick's Day is such a fun Holiday....especially here in Chicago.  There are huge celebrations here.  It's that time of year when the weather is starting to be beautiful, outdoor seating at restaurants is a must and beer gardens are in full swing....ahhh, fun.  It's the gold at the end of the rainbow!  Here are some really cute Saint Patrick's Day cupcakes.  Serve em' up with green beer at your Patty's day party!

 

  

  

  

Reference:  Family Fun

UP, UP and Away

I've noticed tons of postings recently referring to the Oscar nominated movie UP.  As I was searching for something to post today I found these really cute and easy to make UP cupcakes.  These would be great for an UP themed kid's birthday party.  Or, how about an Oscar night cocktail and dessert party?  Create different desserts that pertain to all of the Oscar nominated movies and set them out on an Oscar themed dessert table.  So cute!

 Reference: Family Fun

Last Minute Oscar Party

Cute ideas for a last minute Oscar Party from Rachel Ray
Love the red and gold and the napkins made to look like winner envelopes.

  

  

  

   

Envelope, Please 

1. Transform paper napkins into award-winning envelopes by drawing two diagonal lines and attaching a gold seal.  

Walk This Way 

2. Run a red tablecloth or wrapping paper across the table and sprinkle gold-star confetti to create a mini red carpet.  

Winners' Circle 

3. Distribute Oscar ballots and give prizes to guests who predict the most winners. 

Reference: Everyday Rachel Ray

Oscar Party Signature Cocktails

Here are a few ideas for signature cocktails for an Oscar Party.  I love movie/awards theme parties.  They are a lot of fun to put together and there are so many things you can do.
Using the Best Picture nominees as inspirations for signature cocktails is a good idea.  Here are a few examples.

Avatar - Blue Angel

Ingredients:

• 1/2 oz. blue curaçao 
• 1/2 oz. brandy 
• 1/2 oz. cream 
• 1/2 oz. crème de violette 
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice 

Mixing instructions:

Mix all ingredients with cracked ice in a shaker or blender and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.






The Blind Side - Sidecar

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz. brandy 
or Cognac
• 3/4 oz.  Cointreau 
• 1/2 oz. lime juice 
(or lemon)

Mixing instructions:

Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker or blender. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Up in the Air - Air Mail

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz. lime juice 
• 1 1/2 oz. gold rum 
• 1 tsp. honey 
• champagne 

Mixing instructions: Shake all ingredients and strain into a highball glass. Fill with Champagne or sparkling wine.

These are just a few ideas.  Or you can go with a general Red Carpet or traditional retro style cocktail such as a Manhattan or Red Carpet Fizz.

Oscar Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 1/4-1/2 oz. sweet vermouth 
• 1 1/2 oz.  blended whiskey 
• Dash  Angostura bitters 
• Maraschino cherry 
[optional]

Mixing instructions:

Mix all ingredients with plenty of ice in a mixing glass or pitcher and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Amount of  vermouth should be adjusted to individual taste. 

Red Carpet Fizz

Ingredients:

• 1/3 oz. Orange liqueur 
(Cointreau, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier)
• 1/2 oz. pomegranate juice 
• 1 750-ml. bottle champagne 
• fresh raspberries 

Mixing instructions:

Mix Pomegranate Juice and Orange Liquor with plenty of ice in a mixing glass and strain into a chilled cocktail or champagne glass. Top with Moët & Chandon White Star Champagne. As seen on Oscars.org

Reference - That's the Spirit

Spring Champagne & Sweets Cocktail Party

I love this idea for a Spring Champagne & Sweets Cocktail Party. This post was originally an idea for a wedding reception but I think this would be great for a Spring Cocktail party with friends.  The simplicity is beautiful.  You could also add more Spring colors too with flowers, etc.  Turquoise anyone?  My favorite parts are the champagne glass tags and the pink flags in the strawberries.  Cute pink decorated mini cupcakes for a final touch would be perfect!  Love!

 

 

 

  

 

 

Vintage Postcard Place Cards

What a great idea for unique place cards that can also double as party favors.  Postcards are so colorful.  This would work great for an outdoor Spring party or wedding reception!  Check out the tutorial here at Project Wedding, so easy to make.  Hmmm....a Country Chic theme comes to mind.

 

 

 

Spring Party Dress Cupcakes Toppers

Seriously, how cute are these?  They would be perfect for a little girl's Spring Tea Party or a Spring Bridal Shower!  You can find them here at this Etsy shop.  Or it could be an easy DIY project.  Okay, maybe not so easy but it would be worth a try:)