May 2010 – Page 4 of 5 – A Well Crafted Party

Real Party: A Childhood Birthday Revisited

May 6, 2010 No Comments A Well Crafted Party

Our friend Ryan wanted to celebrate his birthday in the same way he got to celebrate birthdays when he was a kid. He wanted bright colors, fun games, build your own foods and root beer floats. So, we had bright colored balloons and streamers all over our apartment. We played board games and Pin the Toupee on Ryan. Enjoy the photos of my first posted “Real Party”.

From left clockwise: We turned our dining room into a large photo booth filled with fun props. The Chip & Dip bar started the evening off with fun build-your-own snacks. One table was topped with an assortment of games and a box full of great kid appropriate prizes including: PEZ Dispinsers, Whoopie Cushions and Lego sets. Even the bathroom got the bright colored treatment.

From Left Clockwise: Root beer floats were made a little bit more adult with the addition of root beer schnapps or the ever popular Stout Shake. Ryan got to hold his bald counterpart while people attempted to pin a toupee on him. I can’t have a party without a banner! More Pin the Toupee fun. Balloons hung from the ceiling and covered the floor!

A Well Crafted Party

Quick Inspiration for Cinco De Mayo!

May 4, 2010 No Comments A Well Crafted Party

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, and that’s a perfect excuse to throw together a fun, weekday party. Who can say no to endless chips, salsa and margaritas? Have no idea what to do for tomorrow? Here are a few inspiration boards to help get your brain kicking. Throw together some decorations with bright colored tissue and use all of the bright colors you have in your home to make a great last-minute Cinco De Mayo celebration.

Sources: Tissue decorations via Martha; Decorations used in a summer celebration featured on Design Sponge ; Bright colored maxi-dresses are perfect for a fiesta; a tasty treat featured in Martha Stewart’s now defunct magazine Blue Print; Margarita Cupcakes are a nice break from traditional foods from a fiesta; bright plates and tablecloths from Anthropologie makes me just want to have a party

As I’ve said before, Martha is the Queen of All Good Things… but, did you know that she is also the go to person for a GREAT drink recipe? Just check out these recipes for Margaritas!
Margaritas from left to right: Guava Margaritas; Pink Grapefruit Margaritas; Strawberry Margarita; Traditional Margarita; Coconut Margaritas; Paloma Coolers

If you just want a little taste of Mexico this Cinco De Mayo, please try “The Best Tecate Ever”. My favorite Mexican food restaurant serves something very similar to this tasty concoction.
First, frost up a glass in the freezer– it needs to be VERY frosted. Second, use half a lime to rim the glasses and squeeze the rest of the juice into the glass. Just drop the half into the glass. Next, fill the frosted mug with Tecate and drink it in!

Mother's Day

Monday Menu Madness: Mother’s Day

May 3, 2010 No Comments Mother's Day

When I think of Mother’s Day I think of breakfast in bed. I think of pampering mom by letting her sleep in and be treated to a delicious, decadent breakfast whilst surrounded by cozy blankets with sunshine streaming in on her from the open window.

While most likely this won’t happen, why not give it a try and let mom have a few fantastic morning moments on her day.

Below are some sample menus and links for recipes that I think make up a great Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed:

“Mom”osas and Eggs in a Basket: Eggs in a Basket, Toad in a Hole, Egg in a Hole… many names but not so many breakfasts are quite this cute. 1. Eggs in a Basket recipe from the queen of good things Ms. Martha Stewart 2. “Mom”osas, or Mimosas rather, give mom a nutritious gulp of orange juice along with bubbly goodness 3. Don’t forget the flowers this Mother’s Day! This daffodil bouquet, from Paper-Source, she can keep forever.

Hot Mama Breakfast in Bed: Treat mom to a quick flash back to college days with a sophisticated pizza in bed and a simple, spicy Bloody Mary. 1) A delicious looking breakfast pizza with Italian sausage on Ciabatta bread would be a tasty start to a morning. 2) Pair it with a quick green salad–some great tips on how to make a good salad at The Stone Soup blog 3) a Bloody Mary with a kick will get mom ready for her day 4) Lastly, grab a few bunches of flowers at the supermarket and throw together a lovely bouquet for mom via iDIY.

I Love You a Latte Breakfast in Bed: What mom wouldn’t enjoy a breakfast of heart pancakes and a great latte? 1) Martha gives tips on how to make these great looking heart pancakes 2) I think a well-made latte is probably one of the closest ways to near euphoria for me. Show mom the love. 3) Does that bouquet look like it originated from a supermarket? Those diy gurus over at iDIY show you how to do it.

A Sweet Treat Breakfast in Bed: A quick decadent treat for mom starts with 1) amazing homemade donuts and 2) The most amazing recipe for chocolate milk all from the Pioneer Woman

Don’t live near mom? Show her some love through the mail. These great baskets will let her have a great breakfast on her day even if you live across the continent. 1) The adorable tray from Wine Country Gift Baskets would make breakfast in bed a complete treat 2) This basket from amazon comes with waffle mix and chocolate 3) a great gift basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets 4) Really treat mom with this Dean and DeLuca basket with coffee and pure maple syrup