Light up your next event with DPS and The Event Company {Orange County Resources}

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Allow me to introduce you to some awesome companies, DPS and The Event Company.  Owned by Anthony Dever, DPS provides sound, lighting and production services which means they help put together some amazing fashion shows, concerts, large corporate parties, and most recently handled the cooking demos with our Queen Bee, Martha Stewart, at several Macy's locations.   They are local to Orange County but spread their amazingness to the surrounding counties as well.  Check out their blog to see some of the ridiculously cool things they've been up to recently.  A few months ago they moved their offices to a new location.  They decided to throw an open house for their clients, friends and family and I was lucky enough to attend with my husband.   

Sensing that their services would be perfect for the wedding and event industry, they rolled out The Event Company.  Providing lighting, cinematography and live music talent, they can totally take your private event to the next level.  Both companies work from their new offices in Irvine and the space is truly gorgeous!  Totally sleek and chic and just from walking in, you immediately want them to take over and produce your event (I mean, I don't really have any events to produce but you know how my head works, I started trying to come up with things...)  They had this gorgeous purple and white dessert table set up in the front room by Cookielicious.  It was the perfect, delicious welcome. 

The party, coordinated in part by Callie of The Event Company, was mainly held in the warehouse space at the back of the offices so there was this industrial, chic feel to the party.  The decor was handled by Larissa of Inviting Occasions and was GORGEOUS!  This picture does not do it justice.  It was simple, elegant, totally cool with just a few florals.  Simply stunning. 

The food and bar were done by 24 Carrots Catering and I was blown away.  For a hearty appetizer/meal, they had a create your own slider bar.  There were bunches of toppings and at least 8 different sauces for you to choose from.  This would be a totally fun idea to recreate at home.  And for desserts they dazzled with some molecular gastronomy.  I'm a wanna be foodie and adore the Top Chef franchise but this was the first time getting to actually try some.  You all should have this at your next party!!!!!!  So fun!  For one dish, they did some sort of an inside out cheesecake pop.  Forgive my lack of knowledge on what was actually happening but here is my take.  They had some dough balls, dipped them in a cream cheesey/whipped creamy mixture then dipped it some super scientific solution (maybe just dry ice?  I'm not a scientist.  I just don't know).  They came out all frozen and fun.  And were quite delicious as well.  But my absolute favorite was the Dragon's Breathe Caramel Corn.  They dipped a ladle of caramel corn into a very mysterious foggy mixture and then served it in these adorable wood dishes (similar dishes can be found here).  Watch the video below of my husband eating it to see why they called it Dragon's Breath Caramel Corn:

Not only was this super fun to eat, it tasted amazing.  I wanted to eat gallons and gallons of the stuff but was minorly self conscious of the smoke coming out of my face.  They also had a signature cocktail that was super yummy which tasted like and orange creamsicle.      

images are mine

I didn't bring a legit camera to the event so these are the photos taken with my husband's iphone.  I was absolutely mesmerized by this light ring hanging over the stage.  For real.  It was perfectly timed to the music and was like nothing I have ever seen.  In talking to other party goers I learned that the strings can actually be hung in a number of ways including straight down as a curtain which can then be programmed to display words!  Oh the possibilities!  DPS seems to be on the cutting edge of not only what is advanced, technologically speaking, but also what is crazy cool.  

Anthony had this insanely good recording artist play the party.  His name is Jasper Sawyer and I'm so grateful to have been introduced to his music.  Everyone on stage was so talented and it was a really great show!  

Check out this DJ booth created by DPS.  I wish there was video of it, the totally unique ways that it could be customized for an event are crazy.  From the colors, words, etc. it can totally sync up with the music and create a really cool vibe for your event.  And DJ Kevin Scott could be the best DJ ever.  He played a cool mix of music that appealed to everyone at the party.  That can be really hard to do when you've got the too cool for school, an older generation and those just looking to dance.  But he killed it!    

I love when good humans give birth to good humans.  We met Anthony's parents at a birthday party for him a while back and they were awesome.  You can tell that Anthony gets his love of music from his mom who my husband and I bonded with over new wave music.  I adore his sister, Nicole (in the middle in blue) she is absolutely the life of every party.  And his wife Courtney (on the end) is such a sweetie (Oh and a talented interior designer.  I'm guessing she had a hand in the pretty new office.)  Anthony is the real deal.  He is so good at what he does, his happiness is infectious and he is a good person.  In talking to some clients at the party, they all echoed those sentiments and raved about working with both companies.  While some of their services might be too large for your next home party, keep them in mind for your company holiday parties and for the next time you need to throw a concert in your back yard. 

Check out the DPS blog for the cool things they have been a part of recently.

Check out The Event Company's blog and lighting gallergy to see some of their wedding work.  

Social Media Details:

DPS {Facebook} {Twitter}

The Event Company {Facebook} {Twitter}

Sharon

All images are by Reza Allah-bakhski except the crappy ones noted as mine

For Your Party {Giveaway!!!}

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I am just about ready to be lost in all kinds of party planning.  November through February are an entertaining whirlwind for me.  I've got 11 family birthdays, 3 holidays and whatever else I dream up to work on for the blog.  While we don't throw all out parties for each of these birthdays we like to do something special for each person.  What I love about For Your Party is that you can get custom napkins or other party paper items printed (in totally reasonable quantities) to help celebrate a special occasion without breaking your back planning an over the top gala.  Who wouldn't be excited to show up to a dinner in their honor and find a napkin, coaster or stir stick created just for them?  

For Your Party knows that you all have a lot going on this time of year and are giving away an awesome set of party goods to one lucky reader.

Giveaway includes: 

*50 Stir Sticks - For Your Party offers 3 styles/shapes to choose from and graphics and design are totally customizable. 

*50 Printed Coasters - 4 styles to choose from.  Winner can customize the look to suit their party needs. 

*50 Printed Cocktail Napkins in any color with customized message.

Winner can personalize the products with any choice of color, over 70 fonts, tons of shapes and message copy.  Or choose one of their ready made designs, all of which are super cool!  Take a minute to look around their site and see some examples, this will give you a ton of ideas of what they are capable of doing. 

  

Don't have any parties coming up?  Create something special for your family's Thanksgiving dinner.  

Photo Sources:

Trifle, wine glasses (my photo), glitter pumpkin and flowers, turkey breast

Stir Stick, napkin and coaster were created by me using the For Your Party site which is super easy to use to customize most of their products any way you want. 

Or use one of their "vintage inspired" themes for an upcoming baby shower you have to throw.  

Photo Sources:

Popcorn, cake stand, garland, mint tissue ball, green and white tissue pinwheel, drink, baby shower game card.  Umbrella napkin, stir stick and candy favor box created on the For Your Party site. 

The possibilities are virtually endless.  

To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me what event you will use the custom goods for.  I will choose one winner, at random.  Will accept comments until midnight, Monday, October 24, 2011 and announce the winner on Tuesday, October 25, 2011.

Follow For Your Party on Facebook for a 10% discount on your order!

Follow them on Twitter and check out their blog for more ideas on how to use their awesome products! 

Sharon

Photos of winning items care of For Your Party

DIY Painted Napkins using Izze Soda Bottles

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Here is my tutorial for making painted napkins using an Izze soda bottle.  This post perfectly sums up my crafting abilities and process.  Generally when I create a tutorial there are tears, laughter and lots of little hands running away with stuff needed to complete the project.  This was no exception.  I often find myself shaking my head and thinking, "what the heck am I doing."  But at the end of the day I enjoy it so that is why I put myself through the crafting insanity. 

My family loves Izze sodas.  This is the only soda my food allergic son has ever known and it is a product that I feel really good about.  I always have a few cans (not bottles, the are glass and for those of you who know me I am risk and mess averse so the thought of having to clean up broken glass and a sticky soda mess if one potentially breaks is almost too much for me to bare.  No, I do not have a therapist yet but it has been suggested by several people) in the fridge as an extra special treat.  If you read the party blogs, you have certainly seen Izze sodas at a bajillion parties thanks in part to their great taste, natural ingredients and fantastic colors.  But I decided to get creative with the bottles and see what I could come up with.  

First you have to drink the soda.  Both boys really enjoyed this part.  Next, gather your supplies.  I was given a set of cloth napkins by my mom in law when she was cleaning things out.  This was great since I messed up quite a few in a quest to figure out how to do this project.  This really, ridiculously easy project.  That my brain just couldn't get right.  For instance, these are napkins.  If you don't want to through them out after one use you are going to want to use fabric paint.  The above paint is not.  It may or may not have come off in the washing machine.  This was one step above the washable Crayola paints that I had my oldest son do this project with first (yeah, I'm a bonehead).  The little white cup is a wax coated paper cup from a package that I bought via Oriental Trading Company.  These little cups are awesome and everyone should have these around for crafts.  For real. 

The idea is really simple.  Dip the bottle in paint and stamp it down on the fabric.  Since the top and bottom of the bottle are different sizes its like having two stamps in one.  AND if you didn't take the bottle cap off and empty the bottle first, you could also use the bottle cap as a stamp which would probably create more of a full painted circle instead.  But I didn't try this.  And it could get paint around where you want to drink from later on...Please note that my son has no shirt on in an effort for him to not get messy.  And he only dropped the bottle once (it did not break, yeah!).

Now, here is where my brain really let me down.  I don't use paints a lot in my crafts so I didn't realize how thick and stiff some of the circles might end up (even after running them through the wash to see if it would soften them up).  So, say you decide to wipe your mouth with your amazingly designed cloth napkin.  You probably don't want to end up with cuts on your face from the stiff paint.  The first and second picture show napkins with pretty scratchy paint circles.  The last picture shows what happens when you decide it makes sense to add water to the paints.  Too much water.  Actually, this last option could have turned out cool had I added even more water and created a sort of watercolored effect.  And chose paint colors that were hideous.  

This gold napkin was the final and most perfect napkin.  Although there were a few rough spots, they certainly wouldn't scar your guests.  I decided to add water, little by little until I came up with a consistency that wasn't too watery but wouldn't dry hard (how's that for vague).  The pattern I did on this napkin was sort of like an extra large chevron pattern.  I didn't get a good shot of the whole napkin though.  Maybe it got a little bit of soda on it before I could take that shot and maybe, just maybe that frustrated me and I threw it across the room.  

I also love the Izze logo.  It's so bright and cheerful.  I decided to take the bottle, when I was done using it to paint the napkins and paint the bottle itself.  I didn't take off any of the stickers, simply used a few coats of white spray paint, taking care to cover the logo so it would stay vibrant pink.  Then I dipped the bottle in a little watered down gold paint. 

I'm totally not the most artistic person so I know that there are so many other patterns that these bottles can create.  But I do like taking things and using them in a new way.  I hope this inspires you all to think of ways to reuse your Izze soda bottles.  As for the soda, I'm thinking I have a great idea for how to use some of them in a cocktail.  Shucks, more recipe testing...

Follow Izze on Facebook and Twitter and read their blog!!!

Sharon

All images are mine. 

*I received Izze product to review for this post.  But as I said before, this is something that we always have in our house.  I support this brant.  They are awesome.  And that is MY opinion. 

Neon and Neutral Party {So Glad You Were Born!}

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You may remember that I entered a contest a while back in an effort to win treats for a party I wanted to throw for my friend, Erika.  I didn't win, but decided to throw the party anyway.  It can be really hard to figure out a theme for an adult birthday party.  So I went with a color theme instead.  I am beyond grateful that the amazingly talented Jackie Culmer, photographer extraordinaire, said she could come and take some pictures before the guests arrived.  If you haven't checked out my post of one of Jackie's parties from a few days ago, go see it now! 

{See the original inspiration board for this party.}

Along with the color scheme, I decided to use the letter "E" all around to further personalize the event for the guest of honor.  I was able to make large letters for big visual impact while still being able to keep the costs down by purchasing small sheets of Styrofoam and conning one of my best party resources (my dad) in to cutting them out on his saw.  A few coats of spray paint were all they needed.  We also reused some plywood from a previous party to make some of the smaller ones.  And instead of calling it a birthday party, I decided to instead use "So Glad You Were Born," which is directly inspired by Shanna Murray's poster on Oh Happy Day. 

These are my girls!!!  Love them.  We are very rarely in the same place altogether (Kayla, second from the right lives in Texas) so to have a photo with them was very special.  The birthday girl, Erika is on the end on the right and Taryn, right next to me (in my fave $10 H&M dress - I can't quit you!), was ridiculously gracious in opening up her home for us to use.

This is my favorite party to date.  I know I say that about all of them but this one was ridiculously fun and personal.  I created little vignettes around the party space of all the things she loves or that remind us of her.  And they all had to fit the color scheme because I am that OCD.  Erika is a woman of Christ so I decided to share that with a neon yellow cross (which would look kind of awesome hanging in a home I think).  She is also a lover of the 80's so I created a custom "cootie" catcher in her honor.  Under the flaps were 80's dances that she had to do when she landed on them.  We only pulled that out after all the guests were gone and it was just closest friends.  Although she would have done it with the party in full swing.  That is why we love Erika.  For other pops of color I used tall cylinder vases filled with neon pink 'Easter Grass' (I'm calling it that because I have no idea what that stuff is actually called...) and topped it with an air plant.  In other areas I put flowers in empty glass jars I had collected and spray painted on stripes in neon yellow and pink to jazz them up. 

Erika loves office supplies and spreadsheets so what better way to show that than with spray painted calculators and erasers.  

Yes, that is a neon pink fondue pot.  Thanks for asking.  And check out the bling on those skates!  I did NOT do that, btw.  All Erika!  She is full of child-like wonder and joy and so I asked her if I could borrow the skates.  I put them along side some bright yellow bubbles and we were all set. 

It was literally one hundred bazillion degrees that day so we kept food crazy simple.  Pretzels and kettle corn were set out for a little snack and we had a company come and set up smoothies and funnel cakes.  I am not at liberty to say which company we used as they were quite awful and I don't want to recommend them to anyone.  But I will say, they may have been a screaming deal, but you get what you pay for...

Anyone interested in a sugar cookie bake off?  Because Taryn has the best recipe.  And she will go to blows over it.  

I wanted a way to share some photos and mementos from Erika's life and needed a simple way to display them.  I found these two really large frames at a thrift store and used cording to wrap them.  Anyone else a Fanadu (meaning you have an irrational love for the disco movie Xanadu)?  No?  Just Erika, then? 

I borrowed some photo albums and memory books from Erika a few weeks before the party.  I pulled out some of the best treasures I could find, including her DMV written test from when she was 15, report cards and school photos, scanned them and then using neon colored zip ties attached them to the cording. 

We did two versions of a guest book for her.  The traditional writing of sentimental message on a card sort as well as a personalized plate.  You can find the enamel paint pens at your local craft store.  I had really wanted to do something like that since seeing Lauren's tutorial. 

I really love how these books turned out.  I spray painted them and created silly book titles that also represent the guest of honor.  And now I need to give a huge shout out to Ms. Jenny of Hank and Hunt.  She came up with the cool pattern you saw around the party on pennant banners.  She created the banner that hung behind the pool that lead to the look of all the other signage at the party.  And to top that off, she created water bottle labels and cupcake flags.  Boom.  And guess what?!  She is going to share them with you!  Jenny is the best!!! 

{Download printables from Hank and Hunt.com}

Huge thank you to Jackie Culmer for taking such amazing photos.  I can't wait to work with her again!  Huge thank you to Kristin of Meringue Bake Shop for creating a really fun splatter paint cake (of which I promptly forgot in the fridge) and cupcakes.  My parties would not be complete without my father and his super talented skills.  Thanks, dad!  And of course thank you to Taryn for the use of her house and for helping me with some of the crafting.  Oh and to you, spray paint - you're my heart.  What would I be without you?

Sharon

All photos by Jackie Culmer

Three Little Birds Adorable Bob Marley-themed 3rd Birthday Party by Jackie Culmer

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Maybe it is because my family is infatuated with Rastamouse ever since we saw it on YouTube last week.  Maybe it was because I had a very brief phase where I wanted to dreadlocks, wore a lot of red, yellow and green and bought incense (from the swap meet) in high school.  Or maybe because it is just freaking awesome but I had to share the most adorable kid's birthday party that I came across the other day.  Not only is Jackie Culmer a kick-ass photographer (I will be sharing the pics she shot at my neon and neutral bday party on Wednesday!) but she also rocks the house with her party design.  

This is absolute perfection for me.  The theme is totally original, casual and cool.  The graphic design is crisp and fresh.  

It is the perfect balance of kid and adult friendly and is styled without being fussy or too themey.

And what music inspired party would be complete without a cd favor?  I want one!!! 

Check out the rest of the party on Jackie's blog, The Silver Spoon and Paper Plate.  And check out what she did last Halloween while you are there here, here and here.  

She knocked my socks off with the photos she took for my party a month ago, can't wait to share!!! 

Sharon

all photos via Jackie Culmer

Baby Farm Sprinkle Featured!

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I'm SO excited!  You guys know The Wedding Chicks right?  Well they got even more awesome and started On to Baby to feature what happens after the big day is over.  They feature adorable nurseries, kid and maternity photo shoots and of course showers and kid parties.  I never understood how you got a party featured on one of these big sites.  I always thought they patrolled the blogosphere, scouring for the coolest of the cool.  Turns out, most often, you submit them.  So I decided to submit my 'Baby Farm' themed baby sprinkle and they chose to feature it! Woo Hoo!!!!!  I haven't even posted any of the photos on this blog yet so you simply must head over there to see them all.   

BABY FARM SPRINKLE by Cupcakes and Cutlery 

The party was for my best friend, Taryn, who was having her 4th kid.  She's classy and fun but I really wanted to do the farm theme so had to figure out how to make it all work together.  She likes modern but  I wanted it to be different from her other showers.  So we took it a little bit country. 

Want to know how to make a cute dessert table?  Split up the work.  I used some store bought items, made some simple but delicious desserts and had Meringue Bake Shop make the specialty stuff.  It didn't cost a ton of money and I wasn't slaving away in the kitchen for days and the table looked really cute!

While I knew what I wanted the end result to look like I get utterly paralyzed by the actual styling of things.  I called in backup and had Lauren come over to help me finish it up.  She is awesome and I will just leave it at that so it doesn't get all weird and gushy.  She worked the chicken wire into the hanging balls - GENIUS!  Of course she did more than that but I was blown away!  It looked so cute!

I forgot to submit this photo of the invite!!! How cute is it?!  Designed by Lauren.  Sorry my editing skills suck so bad and I had to cover the address with those two dumb boxes.  Don't let that detract from the handpainted!!!! background and squiggly swirls (that is the name for those framing thingies, right?).

I hope you guys like it!  Thank you On to Baby for sharing it! 

Mini pies and decorated sugar cookies done by Meringue Bake Shop

Styling done by A Fabulous Fete

Woodwork done by my Dad!  Holla

Large sign printed by Direct Edge Media

Sharon

All photos by me! 

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