apples and pinecones.

my best friend's little girl turned one and so of course there was a party to celebrate!  my friend and i got together to plan what to do for it and we actually both had the EXACT same idea in mind.  it was hilarious.  this party was one of my favorites and totally fit the little birthday girls' personality.  my friend served delicious soup and rolls for dinner so this party was mostly about decorations.  pink and green look so good together!

the table with the treats:

i made these pennant banners to go around.  they added so much color and were so easy.  tutorial coming soon!

i literally got these sticks from a tree in my yard after my husband trimmed it.  I painted them white, stole these butterflies from my daughter's room and voila!  they created the perfect divider while adding a whimsical feel.

we got the bird house at a thrift store, painted it white, spray painted the pinecones pink, added apples and ribbon and had the perfect centerpiece for the treat table.

a special mini banner for the birthday girl.

tables were set up for the guests to eat their dinner and these were the centerpieces set on top of pink tulle

ready to pop!

this baby shower was all about popcorn.  it was so delish!  we had white chocolate, caramel, cheesy, buttered, and lime n salt flavored popcorn.  if you've never tried lime n salt popcorn-you must.  and it only seems fitting that with popcorn you have candy...red candy though so that it matches...of course!  i found the big mdf "BOY" letters and thought it would give the classic table a bit of a modern twist.  i loved the contrast against the red back drop as well.

the tablescape:

the labels up close and personal

tissue paper rosette tutorial can be found here

the popcorn boxes and bottled red soda added to the classic feel

homemade lollipops.

the truth is: if it's homemade, it impresses people.  what's even better than homemade?  EASY homemade!  these lollipops are always a hit and are so simple to make.  i love how the colors and flavors have endless possibilities.

lemon, orange and strawberry lollipops:

watermelon lollipops:

recipe:

ingredients:

-3/4 cup granulated sugar

-1/2 cup light corn syrup

-1/4 cup butter

-1 (3-ounce) box any flavor gelatin dessert mix

-nonstick cooking spray

special equipment:

-20 (4-inch) lollipop sticks

-metal tablespoon-size measuring spoon

-candy thermometer

directions:

butter 2 large baking sheets.  arrange 10 lollipop sticks on each baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.  stir sugar, corn syrup, and butter in small saucepan over low heat until sugar has dissolved.  slowly bring to a boil, stirring frequently.  continue cooking for 7 minutes, or until candy thermometer registers 275 degrees f.  stir in gelatin until smooth.  using a metal tablespoon and working quickly, spoon syrup over 1 end of each lollipop stick.  cool completely.  wrap each lollipop in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

recipe from food network.

pretty n pink.

this party was a first birthday party at a beautiful home overlooking the lake.  we had a light yet delicious dinner and some fabulous treats.  i went with a light pink, white and pearls.  so pretty and feminine!  above the table i had the birthday girl's initial and twelve photos-one for each month of her little life so far.

the tablescape:

i made the mini cake for the birthday girl to dig into:

this little table held treats and a little book i made for the guests to write a message to the sweet birthday girl:

cookies & milk.

this cookies and milk theme was for a baby shower.  i wanted it to be warm and earthy.  i was really pleased with the simplicity of it and these colors are my absolute fave!

the tablescape:

I hand painted all of the wooden labels...with a paint brush...not so easy!

i knew i wanted wood in there and when i saw these logs my imagination ran a little wild.  i drilled holes in the logs to fit the tealight candles then added moss for some added color.

i'm convinced that sticks make everything better.

these old milk bottles add just the right touch...not to mention a good variety of drinks for the guests!

if you have a kid, you want need advice. this should help the new mom.

soft & pink.

this is the dessert tablescape that we had after my sweet daughter's blessing day.  i love how everything came out so soft and sweet, just like my little miss.

a halloween party for kids.

i had a halloween party for my son and his little friends this past year.  it was scary.  not the halloween part...having all those kids here.  kids are nuts.  scratch that.  kids+sugar are nuts.  however, the kids had a blast and that's all that matters.  

the invite:

 the tablescape:

mummy dogs:

wicked witch fingers:

toad eyes:

 old bones:

cat brains:

severed hand juice:

the table for the kids to sit and eat: