Showing posts with label party planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party planning. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Soiree Day-Simple, Classy Bachelorette Party


You know sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches.  That's what I had to do with this bachelorette party I hosted over this past weekend.  First of all, it was really more of a personal shower.  I'm using the term 'bachelorette party' because when I was searching for ideas, mainly tasteful game ideas, it was pretty much slim pickins'! So I'm hoping this party provides some 'classy, tasteful' ideas for others.  Because, in my opinion, one does not have to be 'dirty or nasty or insert your own word' to celebrate getting married.  The bride to be is extremely shy and my intention was to provide a simple, fun, let's try something new kind of night....not embarrass her at all.  
Last week was a long one for us...my husband's grandma went to heaven on Monday and then one of my husband's coworkers lost a family member the same day.  So 2 funerals, 1 out of town, in one week and spending extra time cleaning since we were gone made me be crunched for time when preparing for the party so I didn't do some of the decorations I wanted to do and some of my food didn't come out as planned. And I just didn't get really good pictures! BUT! It still turned out very nice and we had a great time.  
Enough of my rambling, on to the details!!

Theme:
Last week I shared how I came up with a purple and gold theme. 
I already had the gold tablecloth. I found the purple tulle in the clearance section at JoAnn Fabrics. I got one yard and simply used it as a runner. Then I sprinkled little jewels on the purple fabric only.  Found them in the wedding section at Party City. The only other decor thing I bought that you see is the purple votive (clearance section at Michael's) that I put a battery operated candle in. I love those things! I left it on and Hunkie was going to bed and tried blowing it out! I had a good laugh over that! ☺ 


Food:
So here's where the 'let's try something new' part played in. When planning for the food I wanted it to be more like a tasting party.  And keeping with the purple color I chose to do purple foods. All the savory dishes were things I had never made before so it was really fun!
Savory:
Mini Square Quiche with Brown Tomato
(there are purple tomatoes but the closet thing I could find was the brown, still tasty)
I used Zestuous's Mini Quiches Recipe as my guide. I was surprised how easy quiche is to make! It's definitely added to the party food list!
Red Onion Chutney with Cream Cheese & Goat Cheese served on Crostini
Oh my! This was my favorite! I could eat this everyday! I mixed the goat cheese with cream cheese to dial down the tangyness.  I used these two recipes as my guides...Kitchen Geekery.com & My Baking Addition
Purple Potato Gratin with Bacon
This was fun and yummy! My first time making a cheese sauce so I'm not sure if it was the best or not. Anything with bacon is a home run, right? Used Eating Out Loud's recipe. I spooned it into the individual ceramic spoons which are also fun!

Sweet:
Blackberry Dump Cobbler
This is the easy, use a cake mix and dot with butter recipe that I grew up on.
Rice Krispie Treats with Purple and Gold Sprinkles
Again, I kept the desserts easy since the savory I had never done before. I did use a flower cookie cutter so they'd be a pretty shape!
Pound Cake Bites with Vanilla Icing
This is what didn't really work.  I wanted the bites to be covered more in a glaze and then wanted a chocolate seal on them. Well the chocolate seal didn't work out so I just drizzled the icing on and then added gold and purple sprinkles.  Thank goodness for the sprinkles...they saved the day!

I put extras of everything on the back side of the table so the ladies could always go back to the table instead of my dirty kitchen.  I also made Purple Acai and Blueberry Green Tea....very yummy as well!


Favors:
Mary Kay Case with Lip gloss and a Perfume Sample
I used some awesome tags from Ellinee for these and my game prizes.



Games:
(And I didn't think to get pictures! *Sad face!*)
Pantie Jar
I did find this idea in a forum online.  I filled an apothecary jar with 12 pair of assorted panties in the bride's size and had guests guess how many were in the jar. Then the bride got to take all the panties home.  I had a gift bag close by so they'd be easy to take home and actually I went through them one by one as I put them in the gift bag so the bride could see all the different styles which was totally fun cause we oo'd and aw'd over each one! (Got all 12 pairs in the Target clearance section!)
Wedding Etiquette/Traditions Trivia
I simply googled and found a website that I picked 20 questions from. Good, clean fun!
My mom gave me some animal print makeup bags that she hadn't ever used that I filled with beauty samples that I used as prizes.  $0 cost for prizes, how about that?!

Then the bride opened her gifts! Great night I must say! 
You can't go wrong with good food and good friends.

Happy Tuesday Lovelies!

{See my Link Parties Page for the shares.}

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Soiree Day-Personal Shower Prep

Been working on personal shower prep for the same bride to be this last week! The bride was gracious to let me give her a personal shower and it's this weekend and I'm excited for it!  I'm calling it a personal shower because it will by no means be the typical bachelorette party.  I'm going for classy but fun.  The bride had told me that she loves Spring.  So taking that fact, some lavender cake plates that I've yet to use and a cute champagne gold makeup case given to me by my Mary Kay lady I had my inspiration.  
Here's my inspiration board...

found all images via Google here's the links:

I'm planning on doing my own version of a tasting party with purple foods, so should be fun! And have some simple games planned.  I'll share all the details next week hopefully!

Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Soiree Day-My Favorite Things Party

Well where in the world have I been?! 
Thanks to the awesome gals at My Sister's Suitcase
I just became aware of a trending party theme.....My Favorite Things Party.
Apparently Oprah and her 'Favorite Things' episodes sparked a party trend! You gather some friends, have them bring their favorite appetizer or dessert and a certain amount of their favorite thing.  So for example 5 of  a $6 or less item. So then everyone goes home with 5 different, awesome new things. You can work how you hand out the items in your own way....draw for them or invite just 5 people so everyone goes home with all the same things. And of course the price of the item can be adjusted as well. 
It sounds like so much fun that I'm trying to think when would be the best time for me to try this out! Ha!
Here's a round up of some parties I found on Pinterest.
{To pin please click on blog name!}













As you can see you can throw this party in any fashion you desire!
 And at any time of the year! 
Remember those awesome My Sister's Suitcase gals? Well they made a printable tag and are sharing it! Go HERE to download!

Now I'm off to ponder some planning! ☺

Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Soiree Day-Fun, Fabulous, & 40 Party & Free Printable!

Hey Lovelies! 
2 weeks before Christmas my beautiful sister turned 40.  I knew I wanted to do something to make it special since it was a milestone and honestly I almost let it slip by me! So I talked to my brother in law to see what he thought and we planned a small surprise party with family and a few friends. 
Well I did the planning and he provided the funds, we made a great team! ☺

I chose a blue/pink theme and just kept it simple! I made a sign to use in centerpieces on the tables and even took the phrase "Fun, Fabulous, & 40" and added to a recent photo of my sis. I found a "Happy Birthday" headband at the Dollar Tree and added some balloon stickers, rhinestone "40" and some jewels for her to have a special 'hat'. My mom helped with some of the food....we made my sis's favorite sweets...chocolate covered pretzels rods, peanut butter blossoms and carrot cake cupcakes! Yum!
I also used blue and pink Sixlets in appetizer dishes to add some colored fun!





Carnations are my sister's favorite flowers. One bunch was enough to do centerpieces in some of my collection of recycled glass jars! I used 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of scrapbook paper and $1 plastic frames to finish off the centerpieces.  Easy and cheap!


It was a nice evening and sis was truly surprised!

Like the sign I made? Well I'm sharing!! Just right click and save!
I also made a favor tag that I didn't get to use so hope someone can!



Enjoy!

Happy Soiree Day!

{See my Link Parties Page for where I'll be sharing!}



Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Soiree Day-Miss Maggie's Place & A Giveaway


Well it's a day full of treats! Oh and happy October! 
Today I want to tell you of a new party sharing site! Miss Maggie's Place!
We all know how the party planning business has just been booming and some of us can create some pretty amazing parties just like the professionals! And some even budget friendly.  Jennifer of Miss Maggie's Place thought it would be great to have a place where we can share all of our hard work.  Even those of you who have any type of party business going! 
Here's Jennifer, who has a fun party favor Etsy shop,  in her own words...

 "As women we work so hard on creating celebrations for our kids, family and friends. Miss Maggie's Place is dedicated to you. Come show off all of your parties, photos, and party recipes and be an inspiration to other moms.
I'd also love to feature you if you have a mom based business that specializes in party items, printables or supplies. "

If you're not familiar with a sharing site it's easy to join. Membership is free and you can upload as many party ideas as you want!
To spread the word we are having a giveaway!
Check out these fun prizes from Jennifer's Etsy shop....

10 Pack of Capri Sun Juice Wallets
{Value $30}

1 pair of Arizona Tea Earrings
{Value $10}



1 pair of Halloween Barrettes
{Value $8}

Be sure and check out the site and all the social media places!






Entering is easy with Rafflecopter! 
Giveaway will end next Monday and I'll announce the winner on Tuesday!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Soiree Day!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Soiree Day-Crazy About Color


I don't know about you but when planning or brainstorming (Remember that from school? I still do it!) color always plays a part!  I wanted to share some sites today that are great tools for planning!
{Of course there's always Pinterest but these specific sites are fantastic and deserve to be used just as much!}

Image courtesy of Design Seeds
I love this palette from The Sea category!! So modern to me!


Image courtesy of letschipit.com
This is too cool! You can upload an image or use an url and it will pull colors from your inspiration photo and basically give you a paint chip! You probably already new about this I bet!


Board courtesy of Photo Card Boutique/Image courtesy of Style Me Pretty
Yes this is a photo card business but the owner creates very lovely "Color Crush Palettes"!


I've suggested The Perfect Palette before.  Seems like she's been around a while and definitely knows what she's doing!! I used her site for color references for my blog designs!


Know of any other sites? I'd love to hear about them!!
Here's to your next reason to plan a party!!

Happy Soiree Day!

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Soiree Day-Soiree Guest vixenMade


I'm so,so excited to have a guest for Soiree Day today!! And I can't think of anyone better than Victoria of vixenMade to be the first Soiree Guest! She's sharing some fabulous budgeting party tips that I can't wait for you to read!!
♦♦♦

vixenMade



Hello, Vintage Gwen friends!

It's so great to be here today!  I'm Victoria, the 'vixen' of vixenMade and I'm a crafting, sewing, DIYing mess. I love doing it all.  And something else I love doing is party planning.  Every time I have a party, I can't wait until the next one.  Thank goodness for my three lovable children that I can throw parties for, too!  
But with my parties, there comes a budget.  It's usually a pretty tight budget since it can get costly very quickly.

So, today I'm giving you some budgeting tips so you can throw your own party for less!

First off, plan ahead.
This isn't always possible.  Especially if it's last minute or your kids like to change their minds on a 'theme' for their birthday.
But if it's possible, plan ahead by knowing the main colors/theme/look you're going for so you can buy things for cheap!  What do I mean?  Well, my daughter is a bit of a planner (NOT like me.  I am a procrastinator.  And I'm a bit spontaneous, too.), so she'll tell me what kind of party she wants before her upcoming party has even passed!  That's a bit extreme.  But still, even 3-4 months prior to your party, you can keep your eyes open for things that may be on sale that would work perfectly for your party.

Examples:  * props - an eiffel tower decoration for your 'Paris' party on clearance (I found mine about a month before the event)


* supplies - clearing out last years popular color in paper straws, but that grey/white color would go perfect for your upcoming 'Woodland' theme
* holiday decor - end of year holiday clearances help you stock up on those purple bows which would be perfect for your 'Mardi Gras' party in a few months

Next, dig into your storage.
If you have a lot in storage like me, it might be just what you need to fill the spaces for the upcoming party.
Whether it's your Christmas decorations or your Grandma's old knick-knacks.  You need to have a little more of an open mind.

Examples:  * that old vase is headed for the trash, but wait--maybe painted a fuchsia color it would be perfect to hold lollipops at your daughter's sweet 16!
* have some ugly candlesticks?  Don't give them away!  Find some old plates and glue them together to create new cake plates.


* even an old patterned throw rug can become a eye popping backdrop for a dessert table!

Thirdly, spend some time at the Dollar store.
It's true, some people find they hate going to their local dollar stores.  Yes, their toys will probably fall apart in a few days or their cheesy picture frames are too much to even look at.  But you must look beyond that and use your brain.
Seriously!  Nab some color-coordinated napkins while your there and you might just find something for less than what you had planned on spending.

Examples:  * you will always find cheap glass ware!  I've found a 6 pack of shot glasses for $2 in the past.  It worked perfectly for my Girly Bling party.
* check out the ribbon.  Grab a couple spools to adorn your apothecary jars or to tie up those goodie bags.
* candy!  Hoard those bags of gumballs.  They'll work great to fill your jars up at your 'carnival' themed party and the kids will go nuts over them.

Lastly, teach yourself to bake.
So what if you are NOT miss suzie homemaker.  Sugar cookies are easier than they seem to make.  And cake is conveniently found in boxes of cake mix for those who just don't have time.
For me, I love to bake, when I'm in the mood.  The only thing is, I don't have patience.  Or time.  And I can't fathom having to frost each cookie with royal icing for those star cookies my kids might want.  But I will, to save me a handful of money I might be shelling out if I got them made at a specialty bakery.


And if you really can't do it... go with something easy.  Marshmallow pops.  Jello.  Prepackaged treats such as Oreos, popcorn, rice krispy squares or mini chocolate bars.  You can use it all and still come across like you've spent time putting it all together.

I hope I've helped some of you in your attempt to pull off that party that seemed almost impossible.  I could really keep going.  I'm a bit of penny pincher in some aspects, so I hate to spend more than I have to.
At the same time, like I said, I love to throw a party.  

Thanks so much for having me, Jennifer!!  I had a blast.

post signature

See? Great tips and I love what she achieves on a budget!! Here's some of my fav vixen soirees....
{This is my most favorite!}

{I will be referring to this when my sister graduates from nursing school!}

{Love that green lace!}

All photos courtesy of vixenMade.


Go check her out at her place, vixenMade and be sure and look her up at these other fun places...

Happy Soiree Day!