October Inspiration Board Challenge - Final Board

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Remember this Mini and Maximus shirt?  Yup, it was the inspiration piece I sent to Taryn of Formal Fringe to create a mood board for.  

Taryn says:

I know this is a kid's t-shirt, but I can't help but imagine it being worn by a playful women on a milestone birthday, worn tucked in to a glimmering sequined skirt.  The glitter and glam carries into the whole fete through metallic details on escort cards, plates, envelopes and even in the drinks!  The decor of the room is neutral, weaving tones of gold, copper and silver with modern black and white.  It's the perfect state to crown her the official V.P. of Fun for the night! 

Photo Sources:

Metallic china patterns, Martha Stewart Weddings
Netural Tassle Garland - CONFETTISYSTEM
Mojito with edible glitter - Fashionably Bombed
V.P. of Fun t-shirt - Mini & Maximus
Metallic Sequined Bell Skirt - J.Crew
Black and white lounge - Rue Mag
Golden feather envelopes - Furze Chan
Metallic graphic escort cards - Martha Stewart Weddings

Thank you so much, Taryn for putting this board together!  I love your idea of pairing the Tee with a gorgeous, shimmery skirt.  And those metallic stars in the drink are making me SO happy!  This would also make a rad New Year's Eve theme.  I wish I had the energy to throw a blow out party for the last big holiday of the year.  

Can you believe it is November already!?!  Let the Christmas shopping commence!  I heard Christmas music while shopping at Michaels today and I didn't hate it...

Serve Ciao Bella Sorbet at your next cocktail party!

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You guys know that I had a makeover by Mom's Fashion File, right? (said sarcastically and with a wink).  I'm not trying to rub it in to those that didn't win, or brag about how fantastic I looked "after".   It was an amazing opportunity on so many levels.  I met many beauty experts and successful professional bloggers but it really came down to the amazing group of sponsors they put together including those from their Secret Style Suite party.  The absolute highlight for me (and not just because it contained alcohol that I required before the fashion show) were the cocktails created using some of the Ciao Bella Sorbets.  (Remember I posted a brief snippet about them about a month ago?) Absolute cool fantasticness and you SO totally need to set up a bar at your next party. 

Ciao Bella uses all natural ingredients and delicious, bold flavors and is a favorite of my family.  I am dying to try the Peach Ginger Sorbet though, so if anyone in Orange County runs across it can you let me know! I look at every market I visit and have yet to find it! 

Follow Ciao Bella on Twitter and Facebook! 

Here are some recipes for you to try out.  You will not be disappointed!

{peach ginger margarita}

1/2 pint CIAO BELLA Peach Ginger Sorbet

1/2 pint CIAO BELLA Lemon Zest Sorbet

1/2 cup lime juice

1 cup tequila (white or golden)

1/4 cup Cointreau

Ice Cubes

Optional:  salt for the rim

Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth.  Pour into a margarita glass with a salted rim.  Add more ice as needed.

{wild blueberry lemon drop}  I heard RAVE reviews about this one

2 oz. citrus vodka

1 oz. Cointreau

2 oz. lemonade

CIAO BELLA Wild Blueberry Sorbet (very soft)

Optional:  sugar for the rim and CIAO BELLA Lemon Zest Sorbet

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.  Pour into a chilled martini glass with a sugared rim.  Garnish with a small scoop of Wild Blueberry or Lemon Zest Sorbet!

{blood orange sparkling sangria} This is the one I had...PERFECTION!

One bottle sparkling wine (can use white or rose)

1/2 cup Cointreau

1 pint fresh raspberries

1 pint strawberries (cleaned and cut in to small pieces)

CIAO BELLA Blood Orange, CIAO BELLA Prickly Pear Sorbet or CIAO BELLA Peach Ginger Sorbet (all good options)

Pour wine and Cointreau into a pitcher.  Delicately add fruit and ice.  Pour into glasses and garnish with CIAO BELLA sorbets.  

{pickly pear bellini}

Sparkling wine (prosecco, cava or champagne)

CIAO BELLA Prickly Pear Sorbet

Optional:  fresh fruit for garnish, CIAO BELLA Blood Orange Sorbet or CIAO BELLA Raspberry Sorbet

Pour the sparkling wine into a champagne flute leaving plenty of room at the top.  Slowly add a small scoop of the Prickly Pear sorbet to the glass.  Be mindful as it will likely foam up over the rim of the glass.  Cheers!  

Go try it.  Now.  

Sharon

Top 2 photos by Amy Winkelmann for Cupcakes and Cutlery

Bottom 2 photos by Bella Diva Photo (see more shots of the Ciao Bella Table from the party here)

A Stella and Dot Playdate! Do it!

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By now I am sure that most of you have heard of Stella and Dot.  For those who have not, it is similar to Avon in that you buy from a representative and host in home parties but that is where the similarities end.  Stella and Dot is really cool jewelry made for the modern woman and mom who wants to remain fashionable.  Amy and I leave for Blogher in 3 days, and thought we should start figuring out our wardrobes.  Amy suggested we see about getting styled by her friend, Heather, who is a Stella and Dot stylist.  Um, done.  So we turned it in to a playdate.  Heather brought her adorable little girls and make your own pizzas for the kid's lunches.  Amy hosted us at her house and I brought my little ones.  

For the adults, Heather brought this delicious roasted shrimp and veggie orzo salad.  YUM!  But then it was time to get down to business: get us pretty for our first major blogging conference. 

With the kiddos busy eating out on the patio, Heather took over the dining table and set up shop.  You would not believe how fast this all came out.  She's a finely tuned machine.  It was great to be able to see the pieces and pick them up and really get to know the jewelry.  I was surprised by the quality.  Cartier it is not, but WAY higher than H&M.  They have a few different niches that they design pieces for, which means there is something for everyone.  They have really nice delicate stuff as well as totally on trend items.  I tried on my outfits and we fiddled around with what we felt worked best.  

Here we dressed up my $10 H&M dress with a great layered coin necklace and arm candy.  My wardrobe schedule is pretty well set now.  The stress is off.  Not only did Heather help me decide on the jewelry, but gave me suggestions on shoes as well.  She is awesome you guys! 

Amy tried on her outfits as well and Heather added the finishing touches.  Heather is local to Orange County and you should totally book a party.  Heather and I used to take sewing class together and she's ridiculously Martha Stewarty.  She can help you turn a ho hum jewelry party in to a really fun Girl's Night Out.  Or do a playdate like we did and keep her all to yourself (or a select few friends).  Totally fun.  Just add lemonade.  

Not local?  You can buy pieces right on line here.  

And be sure to "like" Heather's stylist page right here.

I want to thank Heather for loaning me these pieces for Blogher.  I'm super excited to show off these great accessories.  And word on the street is they have hand bags coming out at the end of the month!  I can't wait to check those out! 

Sharon 

All photos are mine. 

Party Decor ideas - pretty, printable and pink

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So you want to host a party to raise money for breast cancer but you don't know where to start.  If you are not a party lover, like myself (and my regular readers) you don't have to get crazy.  Let the food and friends be the main focus and keep decor to a minimum.  If you have more time and want to jazz up your party space, you can add on some of the other ideas to make the atmosphere more fun. 

via TomKat Studio

Pink Ribbon Party Circles by TomKat Studio

These free printables from TomKat Studio would make a party extra special even if you didn't do any other decorating.  Use a punch to cut out some of these patterns and create very quick cupcake picks.  Print some square on cardstock and cut them out for coasters.  String them together for a super quick garland.  You can use them as a place card, name tag, really - what couldn't you use them for.  

image via Hey Love Designs

Breast Cancer Awareness Party Circles by Hey Love Designs

Here is another great set of modern party printables with the pink ribbon theme.  

Pamper Party Kit by HP

But you don't need to keep to the pink ribbon symbol to throw a great party!  HP has a great Pamper Party Kit complete with invitation, decor and more.  Maybe not the right look for a co-ed party, but certainly perfect for a Girl's Night In or Dessert Buffet. 

image via Martha Stewart

Word Garland by Martha Stewart

If you find you have a little more time and want to take your get together to the next level, you can create your own banners with uplifting words and use that as the basis of your party decor.  Martha's printables (yes, we're on a first name basis.  She should just be glad I don't shorten it to Ma...that could get creepy) include all the letters of the alphabet and some punctuation.  Just choose the color(s) paper you want your letters to be and you are halfway to finishing your banner.  

image via Bambina Babe

Pink Tissue Paper Pom Tutorial by Bambina Babe

Paper poms are all over the blogosphere and there is a reason...they are freaking cute!  They are very inexpensive to create but they make a big impact due to their size.  They are very easy to make and are pretty forgiving if you don't think of yourself as an expert crafter.  I just made my first one a few months ago and immediately had to talk myself out of hanging them all over our house.  

Pink Plastic Streamers (made with plastic tablecovers) by ME! (shameless plug)

Another inexpensive decor idea is these plastic streamers.  I came up with these a few months ago and think they are super fun.  Again, for not a lot of money, you can come up with a ton of streamers to use around your party.  Depending on how many you want, they can be fairly time consuming so it is the perfect activity for you to do as you are catching up on your Real Housewives of New Jersey (Grrrrrlllll, don't even front, I know you watch it).  

IMAGE BY JEANNA HAYES

DIY Ribbon garlands by SHEPAPERIE

Getting a little more complicated and costly is this ribbon garland, but I include it because, well, look at it.  It's stunning.  It doesn't require any special tools and the idea is simple, tie ribbon on a stick.  It can easily be modified to fit a number of different decor needs.  Tie them to a round embroidery hoop and you've got the fastest chandelier in the west (especially if you choose a mini hoop - not the crazy big ones).  Tie these on the a suspension rod and pop into a door frame for a quick photo backdrop (in which case might I suggest you not use ribbon so that you still have money in your wallet for party food).  I might even suggest plastic table clothes cut in to strips in various shades of pink (ruffled or not ruffled).  In photos it would be very hard to tell the difference in materials and much more cost effective. 

Here is a sneak peak from a party I just hosted last weekend.  Strung ribbon as garlands, no sewing, no nothing!  It looked super cute and couldn't have been easier.  Also, these paper medallions that you are seeing everywhere are the perfect way to add pizazz to your party.  You only need a few and they are very quick to make.  See tutorial here. 

I hope this has helped you to see that there are tons of easy ideas that you can use to put together a quick get together for a good cause. 

Have you entered GEORGENE VEHE'S SWEETS FOR THE TEATS CONTEST yet for your chance to win a pink KitchenAid hand mixer sponsored by Del Webb?   Go now! 

Sharon

Pink parties are the coolest

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Anyone out there sign up to host a dinner party through 1,000 Cooks for the Cure?  Did you know that it doesn't HAVE to be a dinner party?  Why not make it a fun girl's night out and do a dessert potluck with rose champagne.  The images above are from a styled shoot/tiny party Lauren and I hosted in December for New Year's Eve (how gorgeous are these images by Up Imagery!?!).  But I think it could be used throughout the year as well.  All these treats were provided by Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop for the shoot but her ideas are totally (for some - I am not one of those people) easy to DIY.  If a professional baker is not an option, I probably would buy store bought items and then jazz them up to make them cuter.  You can't go wrong with pink rock candy, pink tinted white chocolate "suckers", or a 3 layered strawberry shortcake cake.  Keep checking back for more recipes and entertaining ideas.  

Have you entered the contest yet? 

GO HERE NOW! 

Sharon

All images by Up Imagery

All treats by Meringue Bakeshop

Styling by Myself and Lauren of A Fabulous Fete

Children's Party Network So Cal Meet Up!

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You guys!  How fun does this meet up sound?!  If you aren't a member of Children's Party Network yet, you should rush right over and sign up (its free).  What the heck is it, you ask?  Its an awesome place to meet other party lovers - everyone one from professionals to plain old mom's like me who want to share ideas and support each other.  The coolest part is that they are hosting a meet up for So Cal.  You all should totally go.  See info above and click here.  I bought my ticket one morning and that afternoon got an invite in the mail for a friend's wedding.  Boo!  (I mean, yeah for them and love and unions and cake but I really wanted to go to this!) 

It will be a super fun chance to go out to dinner, meet some great party ladies and take some fun goodies home.  I am super bummed that I won't be getting any glittery goodness from The Purple Pug (who is scheduled to appear via the goodie bag). 

Can't wait to hear all about how this turns out and when they will have another one. :) 

Sharon

June Inspiration Board Challenge - The Final Board

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If you have clicked over from any of my links recently to Cakes Likes a Party, then you know how talented Annika is.  I had no doubts that her inspiration board would turn out amazing.  And at the time I didn't know that she had two little boys and, like me, is dying inside to host a girly little party instead of Monkeys Donkys Robots and Pinatas. 

This inspiration piece couldn't have been better.  It allowed her to put together a sweet (yet salty) party that is totally different than our usual affairs.  I want to have this party.  Who is with me?  (Do I say that about every inspiration board??? - I'm pretty sure I do because they are all so great!)

Here is what Annika had to say about this party:

I loved this image so much because though it's pink and ballerina-ey, it's also tough as nails. And if you think about it, ballerinas are pretty bad-A because their toes may be mashed and smashed but they have smiles on their faces and buns on their heads.

Immediately I thought of a 21st birthday party. Just like a tough ballerina, a 21-year-old gal is walking through the door where sweet innocence meets the edgy real world. I am envisioning this party in a beautiful field where the guests will all sit inside a tough geo-dome to dine that's decked out all girly inside. Dance the night away, then all pack in the airstream for a ride home from the caterers. Huh? Well, an airstream caterer (do they exist? If not, they should!) will feed you and be parked right next to the geo-dome just to look super cute. The rest is kind of explained below. 

Photo Sources:

21 poster - to hang above the Birthday girl's chair Airstream - to be served out of. Basically a mobile kitchen. Plate - to eat upon, silly. Word confetti - all over the floor to dance on and throw at each other Mini berry cakes - who needs food? Pink table & black striped runner Gnarly bracelet - to use as napkin ring then take home as a party favor

Place cards - to put peeps in their place

Pretty, but tough, flowers - to add some loveliness

Black stemware - No more solo cups for you!

Geo-dome - where the party will be set

Black poster - The look of the invitation

Ballet slippers - Tough & Sweet! The inspiration piece!

Black chandelier - overhead

Chevron napkins - wipe your face, dear.

Look like a biker angel - Tough and beautiful! Just like all 21 year olds should be!

Puh-Lease!  This party could not be more my style.  Annika and I might be the same person (ok, her taste is totally better than mine).  That tent!!!  Those black glasses (which my mom in law has - including shot glasses, champagne flutes, goblets - And I'm not sure if she knows that I am totally coveting them.  And that I know where she stores them.  But I would never take them.  At least all at once.  I think it would be easier to sneak one piece at a time.  Oh no, I've said too much!)  So I know I just had a birthday and all, but let's put this party on the list of parties to throw me.  

Thank you for participating Annika!  Can't wait to see you again soon!

Sharon

Like an entertaining mullet - photo shoot in the front, party in the back

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First, I want to thank all of you who have shared kind words with us about this photoshoot.  Choosing to do the shoot the weekend before Christmas might have been one of the worst ideas I've ever had but the stress was totally worth it.  I am in LOVE with how everything turned out, the vendors we got to work with and the fact that Lauren and I had an amazing time working together on it.  (If you haven't followed this project from the beginning, read this post first).  

    

I didn't know Lauren before this project but thought she might be the perfect partner.  And I was totally right.  I could not have guessed how well the planning and styling of this party could have gone.  We were on the same page the entire time down to the types of champagne glasses to use.  We complemented each other really well and I can't wait to work on our next project...

Although we originally set out to do a New Year's Eve party, I love that we kept it from being too themey and allowed it to shine as a girly shindig too.  The glittered jax and pink yo yo's lent a sense of whimsy and pink glass accents were subtle and sweet.  We used mostly rosey-gold tones to keep the look cohesive and grown up along with gold which added just the right sparkle without being over the top.  The gold cake stand that Lauren made (available on her Etsy shop) and the tiered plate stand (inspired by a silver one seen in the December issue of Real Simple Magazine) added a ton of interest and can be re-used in all kinds of other celebrations.

Both Lauren and I enjoy hitting the thrift stores for party pieces.  These glasses can be found in abundance and were such a great touch for the party.  To me, these glasses are really feminine and are fit for pink champagne.  Having a lot of guests and don't want to buy a ton?  Buy just a few and use them to serve candy, plop a big candle in it or turn it over and put a plate on it for a quick pedestal.    

I love the idea of serving a signature cocktail to keep from having to supply a full bar.  I have never been trained as a bartender so I don't know the first thing about mixology or even which brands are better than others.  When you are using mixers, you don't have to worry (as much) about the quality of the liquor and everyone loves something new.  How freaking adorable are those labels?  Can you believe that Lauren did those by hand?!  Traditional calligraphy can take a hike.  For those of us less than blessed in the writing department, there are various free girly fonts we could use instead like Champignon, Loopi, Gruenewold, and the unfortunately named Breast Bomb.

Because we were focused on creating the decor from the pages of a magazine, were were able to introduce a few other subtle colors through the various garlands we hung.  To make this even more girly, you could easily use a variety of coordinating scrapbook paper for the garlands.  There are also some great wrapping papers out right now (thank you Valentine's Day...) that could be used.  

To mimic the jagged edges of the starbursts we used throughout the decor, I found these opaque white star lights at Ikea and we made a quick "lantern" with them for the table.  Although I like the idea of candlelight, I have an irrational fear of open flame and sometimes there is more drama with a harder light.  Shadows can keep a pink party in check.  

Noisemakers scream New Year's Eve, but with the right color glitter, they become a girly accessory.  To all those about to get married, we salute you.  But we also implore your bridal party to leave the male anatomy doodads at home for your bachelorette party.  Want to be noticed?  Pass out glittered noisemakers.  That will cause an entrance that won't go unnoticed.  Just be sure to appoint one person noisemaker collector so as the drinks start flowing the noisemakers won't turn in to the cause of a bar brawl. 

These fancy little numbers in the champagne flutes didn't come out until much later in the night, after the photographers were long nestled in their beds.  But they were a super fun touch and totally girly.  I liked the idea of a non-baked dessert and came across this recipe by Donna Hay for basically a fancy jello shot.  They are made with cranberry juice, gelatin, vanilla beans, and vodka (I used raspberry vodka) and poured over sliced strawberries to set.  A dollop of whipped cream and they are ready.  If you know me at all you know my motto is "can't leave well enough alone" so I wanted to add some "bubbles" to the top since they would be served in a champagne flute.  I basically made a krispy treat but substituted Kix cereal and used a few pink marshmallows to give it a hint of pink.  I think they added a nice touch.  

So whether you like this party for New Year's or any girl get together we thank you for coming back each day to see more of the project.  The project wouldn't have happened with Real Simple Magazine having such lovely pages so I'm just going to give you a quick little run down of all the items we were able to make with them:

-paper jewelry

-all kinds of different garlands

-placemats

-placecards (see them above, the actual names were made with letters cut out of the magazines gift guide.  Each section of the guide had a title and I was able to find all the letters for each girl's name there)

-Signs

-Photo props

-Calendar favors

-Ribbon decoration 

-Chandelier

-Drink Labels

-Napkin Rings

Lauren has some photos up today as well.  Hop on over to see her wrap up!!  

And a huge thank you to our vendors and sponsors who collaborated with us on this very fun project:

-Meringue Bake Shop - The most fabulous desserts ever!  Kristin, thank you, as always, for your willingness to participate in my crazy adventures.  You never hesitate and always come up with unique ideas.  You are truly an artist and so much better then anyone knows yet.  Seriously, your PushCakes are IT for me.  I love that you are always trying new things and pushing bakery boundaries.   I look forward to you getting the attention you deserve and I will help you to do that in any way I can. 

  

-Up Imagery - Ed and Desi MADE this shoot.  Given a time crunch, (ok huge underestimation of the time set up would take on our part) they styled some of the detail shots themselves and they came out amazing.  Big thanks to Eva for matching us up!  Their excitement about the project from the very start kept me going.  I love their shooting style and they were a joy to work with.  Can't wait to work with them again and look forward to keeping up on their blogs to see their work!     

-Lucid Absinthe - Thank you for working with me on a recipe for the signature cocktail.  I NEVER would have come up with that on my own!  Thank you also for the product sample! 

-Freixinet and Segura Viudas - Thank you for the samples you sent for the shoot.  Both were delightful and fit the party perfectly.    

-Glue Dots - Thank you for supplying all the adhesive we could ever need for the paper crafting we did on this project.  The ease of use of your products and versatility were perfect for this crafty party decor.  You were on board with us from day one and we appreciate your generosity. 

photo by Up Imagery

-Amy - In the midst of packing up your old house and preparing to move in to your new one (as well as preparing for Christmas) you offered to make a full meal for us.  Not only did it look good but it tasted amazing.  I thank you for your friendship and appreciate all the support you have given me in this project and in others.  I look forward to seeing what the new year has in store for you (hint - it involves food and Amy becoming a star...)

-Taryn - Thank you for letting us take over your house for the day to shoot the party and then actually have a little party.  The fact that you let us invade your space was so generous and the fact that you are about 20 months pregnant is even more mind blowing.  You are an amazing friend to me and giving beyond belief and I adore you.  

-Lindsey - Thank you for picking up the pink rock candy for us.  It may seem like a little task, but the party would have felt undone to me without it.  And that just lets you know how crazy I am but that really helped us out!  You did whatever little jobs we gave you and were just plain fun to hang out with. Thank you for everything!  

Lauren - Seriously, you are awesome.  I am beyond impressed by your talents and am so happy that you are mere minutes from me.  I am so glad that we were able to meet, create an amazing project and become friends.  This would not have been possible without you and I am truly grateful that you were willing to work around my schedule with the kids to get everything done.  Cheers to 2011!!!

Sharon

All photos, except group photo, taken by me

Everything tastes better pink

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Are you salivating?  This is what I think heaven looks like.  Pink and gold and pretty and sweet.

In my heaven there is rose champagne.  And nobody judges when a pregnant woman takes a sip. ;)  Since I am much more gluttonous when it comes to food than my party partner in crime, Lauren (she took only one small dainty bite of fried mac and cheese one night at dinner whilst I devoured the rest of the plate) it makes sense that I tell you about the food and drink for our New Year's photoshoot/ par-tay.  While we realize that your New Year's Eve entertaining is over for this year, this theme could easily be changed in to another type of celebration (hullo - it's going to be Valentine's Day before we know it).  

 Along with rose champagne, the rest of our beverage options contained tiny bubbles.  Lauren mentioned Almond Champagne and I thought it would be an awesome compliment to the desserts we served.  And it was.  For those non-drinkers, we had some sparkling lemonade and Segura Viudas Spanish sparkling wine for those who wanted their bubbles straight up.

For the last few holidays, I have gotten emails with cocktail recipes using Lucid Absinthe.  But Thanksgiving just didn't seem like the time to try a cocktail with a dark reputation.  Grandma, can you please pass the gravy and the absinthe?  Uh, no.  But I was very interested to see what they had in the way of a girly cocktail.  They sent a recipe called the Cherry Sparkler and I couldn't wait to try it.  

Lucid Cherry Sparkler:
1 1/2 oz. Lucid
3/4 oz. Almond Syrup
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
3-4 pitted sour cherries


In a mixing cup, muddle cherries in lime juice and almond syrup.  Add the Lucid and ice and shake well.  Strain in to a chilled flute and top with champagne.  Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg and cherries.

My heaven smells like the muddled cherries, lime juice and almond syrup.  YUM!  But Lucid has a very licoricey flavor to it.  It's quite strong in taste and alcohol - so be warned.  The champagne adds a little bit of lightness to the drink but overall the Lucid takes over.  If I were to make this again, I would use less Lucid and double the cherries, lime juice and almond syrup, or even add a little cherry juice (which you see pictured above) to give it a bit more cherry flavor.  The finished drink is sort of a milky pink and is very pretty.  And I love how we served it in mismatched glass bottles with Lauren's hand written labels.  I know it is kind of hard to see in the photo above, but I am in LOVE with her writing.  Not quite calligraphy, but fun and fancy.  We used Freixinet Cordon Negro Brut as a mixer in this cocktail but it is also remarkably easy drinking on its own...(tipsy alert).
      

Lest you think we just gorged ourselves on sugar all night (don't be fooled, I've done it before and I'll do it again) we did have an awesome meal.  You may remember Amy, my soon to be food contributor.  She put this whole meal together for us and it was phenomenal.  We started with Cracker Jack soup, a peanuty bisque-like soup with a touch of heat from Bob Blumer's Glutton for Pleasure (recipe to follow as soon as Amy can dig the cookbook out after her move).  We then enjoyed a Flakey Mushroom and Gruyere Tart and delicious green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette.  The mushroom tart and salad recipe came from the January Real Simple issue and fit this party perfectly.  It was light enough to leave ample room for all the desserts, but meaty enough with the mushrooms that it more than satisfied.  Check out the recipe here.

One of the easiest ways to add color to your table is with candy.  In the weeks leading up to the party I scoured all kinds of stores to find interesting candies.  How cool is that caramely colored licorice?!  I found that at Ikea, I think it's called the Florg or something (side note:  not tasty).  And I am addicted to colored rock candy.  I never eat it but I die over how it looks.  It can't be on a stick, it has to be the string kind that you can snip in to whatever size pieces you want.  Look how cute it looks hanging out by the placecard (above photo, bottom right corner)!  As if there wasn't enough sugar on the table, I used sugar to anchor the placecard and in the light it had a wonderful sparkle. 

And now can we talk about the brilliance that is Meringue Bake Shop?  Once again, she nailed the desserts.  We discussed theme and look and what she put together was truly remarkable.  Lauren and I added a few treats to the mix to really take it over the top but the stars of this table were Kristin's treats.  I was bummed she couldn't be with us at the shoot but she had tons of orders to make because that is what happens when you do awesome work.  Meringue Bake Shop is known mostly for the cupcakes.  But Kristin is really way more versatile than that as you will see.  Check out the homemade vanilla marshmallows (2nd tier from the top in photo above) and the pink sugar cookies (bottom tier).  Delish!

How awesome are these chocolate suckers!  I think this might be one of my new favorite things.  So simple but the visual impact is amazing.  And don't think that popcorn was just for show.  It was cherry flavored and scrumptious.  Like, seriously addicting.  I've ordered this for my son's birthday next weekend.  I can't quit this stuff!

The cherry vanilla mini cakes.  I'm not sure I have the words to do these justice.  I heart them, everything about them.  The fact that they were topped with flaked gold made them even more wonderful.  And check out the strawberries and cream cake.  Moist, simple and delicious.  

Ok, hold on to your hats and glasses.  I'm sure that you've noticed that salt has popped up everywhere lately.  I think salt may be the new black.  These were Salted Rice Krispy treats and they were beyond delectable.  I've had Kristin's basic Krispy treat before and they are way better than any I have ever made.  Add salt to that and you have a flavor explosion in your mouth.  These are totally in my heaven.  

Big, big thank you to Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop for being so willing to collaborate with Lauren and I on this shoot!!!

On Tuesday, Lauren will be posting about the DIY projects we did for this project so be sure to check it out!!

Sharon  

All images courtesy of Up Imagery

*We received samples of the Lucid, Freixinet and Segura Viudas.  These opinions are our own. 

Glitzy and Girly, a Real Simple New Year's Eve Celebration

We've moved to www.cupcakesandcutlery.com - you'll be redirected to this post in a moment.

Wow.  This is cutting it close.  Posting our New Year's Eve project on New Year's Eve... But Lauren and I think it is pretty special and we are so excited to finally be sharing it with you.  Here is how the project came to be...

I read my Real Simple Magazine cover to cover as soon as it arrives each month (to be honest, I skip over anything plant or garden related due to my black thumb).  I tear out the items I want to keep (mainly recipes) and then walk to my recycle bin.  And each month I think there must be something better I can do with this magazine.  Do I do this with all magazines?  Nope.  Us Weekly...wham, bam, thank you ma'am.  Food and Wine...Sayonara.  But there is something about the ink colors used to print the Real Simple pages.  It is so vivid and rich and the texture of the paper is so delightful.  And then it hit me.  I would create a full party from the pages.  But since my two small boys keep me quite busy and I am still have my craft training wheels on, I pushed the thought aside.  Then one day I read an interview with Lauren.  Everything she said told me that she was my Real Simple party soul mate.  I contacted her and without hesitating she became my partner in crime.  That was mid November.  And now we are pleased to finally be sharing this very special project with you all.  Happy New Year!  

What started out as a styled shoot ended up becoming a small party.  And it was a blast.  Although Lauren and I met a month and a half ago, we are on the same page with everything we do without even talking about it.  We knew that we wanted to create a New Year's themed party but as we don't like to be too "themey" with our celebrations, there are only a few nod's to traditional New Year's icons.  Since I have two little boys (who don't let me decorate their birthday parties in pink) and Lauren is a girly girl we were drawn to add girl's night elements as well.  And if you know me at all, you know I like dessert.  Like, a lot.  The idea of a dessert and champagne party was a no brainer.  But we wanted to break away from the structured, symmetrical, military-like precise dessert tables we've been seeing all over the place.  Dessert anarchy!   

Next week we will go in to detail on all the really cool elements of this party and show you all the ways we used Real Simple magazine to put together this gorgeous party! 

Quick side note:  Lauren lent me this fab fur vest and I totally felt like Rachel Zoe.  I die.

I can't leave well enough alone when it comes to parties and entertaining.  This project is proof!   The whole reason I started blogging was for the creative outlet and I have come to learn, over the last few years, that I have too much creativity for my own good.  I really crave sharing it with you and I aim to do just that in the new year.  Maybe Lauren and I will work together again (foreshadow) because we make a great team.  Lauren is crazy creative, a master crafter, super cool, totally sweet and ambitious.  I am so glad that this project brought us together.    

We could not have done this party without a few amazingly talented vendors.  I am so grateful to be part of such a creative community of truly generous artists willing to collaborate for the sake of creating something special.  These amazing photographs were taken by Ed of Up Imagery and Desi Mendoza and I am blown away with what they did.  It was a low light situation and they rocked it.  I love their shooting style and I can't wait to work with them again.  My baking angel, Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop, provided tons of baked treats (full food and drink details next week) that aren't only visually perfect but taste absolutely amazing!  She is amazingly talented!!! Big thank you to Glue Dots for supplying all the adhesive for this project.  From the minute I spoke to them about our idea, they were totally supportive and willing to help us out with our paper crafting.  They sent both Lauren and I pretty much all of their products to use and they really held this party together (pun intended).  Thank you to Lucid Absinthe, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut and Segura Viudas Brut Reserva for sending product for this party which in turn lead to lots of giggles.  And of course Real Simple for having such beautiful pages! 

GUESS WHAT?!  Lauren has even more photos from the party on her blog today too.  Go see!!!!!

So be sure to come back next week to see even more from this party!  We sure hope you like this as much as we do!   

Sharon