Guest Blogger - DIY Paper Baubles By Bird Crafts

When I began blogging, I never thought I'd make friends around the globe!  Bird of Bird Crafts is one of those party girls I wish I could meet in person.  I just know we'd have such fun together!  Unfortunately for me she is thousands of miles away, in France... So I'll settle for her gorgeous printables, inspiring party designs, and sweet emails. 
Bird agreed to do a Guest Blogger tutorial for me and I just love this project she came up with:

TUTORIAL: Easy Paper Baubles

It's a real pleasure to be able to guest post for one my favorite party gals ever, Chris!

I've had the honor, privilege and utter delight to be able to work with this talented lady  recently, and when she invited me over, I shrieked with joy!!

One of my close friends who recently got married, asked me about easy paper crafts to help decorate and embellish her newly-wed home for Xmas, without blowing the budget! And  this is how this tutorial came about...

What you'll need:

* Scrap-booking paper - I used the one that is included in the Glitter and Snow Printable Collection

* Round paper punch - I used a 2"1/2 but you use any dimensions you want

* Crafts glue stick

* OPTIONAL: Twine or ribbon if making a garland

I used these paper baubles as props on my Glitter and Snow Dessert Table, but you can also thread some twine, string or ribbon through each bauble and make a garland! Would look fab as decorative baubles on any Christmas Tree,  as a party banner accenting your Holiday tables or decorative garland anywhere you fancy!

This is a very easy, inexpensive and very quick to make tutorial, so I hope you'll enjoy making these fun paper baubles as much I do!

Thanks again Chris for letting me loose on your pages! :)

XOXO

To see all the details of this gorgeous design visit here.

If you're interested in being a Guest Blogger on Celebrations At Home send me an idea at cdnease1@yahoo.com

Christmas Cocktails & Cheers Party

Time to spread a little holiday cheer by hosting a small cocktail party (for 6-8 guests)!  I teamed up with Fresh Press to design this gathering inspired by their "Cocktails and Cheers" invitation.  Their designs are sleek and modern, and for this one I simply brought the swag from the invitation into my design, using ribbon and felt circles.  Read on for the party details.

The food is part of the design with it's green, red, and white hues. 

• I've always loved a mashed potato bar so I served some up in mini martini glasses.  The mini glasses keep the portion size just right.  Set out toppings such as shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives.
• At my annual Christmas party, shrimp cocktail is always the first thing to go.  I made individual servings using small tea light holders.  The well is perfect for holding cocktail sauce and the shrimp sits on the side nicely.  
• For some international flair I served wonton potstickers in asian spoons.  Again, the bowl of the spoon holds a sweet chili sauce that you can guiltlessly double-dip in.
• For a fun and unexpected touch, I served individual ceasar "salad shooters" in small shot glasses.  The colors are right on with green lettuce and red cherry tomatoes.
• Finally, serve a signature cocktail for the evening and give it a themed name.  Champagne is always my celebration drink of choice and it's made that much better with the addition of cranberry juice and amaretto add-ins.  Get the full recipe here - I called it a "Jolly Old Elf" cocktail!

   I hope this party inspiration gets you in the mood for holiday entertaining. 

Cheers!

Red & White Christmas

We're kicking off this Christmas season with a beautiful dessert display by Sandra Downie of The White Library.  Sandra is so talented and I always enjoy seeing her latest design.  She was kind enough to share with me her new Christmas table which is sure to inspire your holiday entertaining!

With red and white treats and decor, this classic look would be great for play dates, office parties, neighborhood gatherings, and more. 

Credits:

Design & Styling - Sandra Downie Event Design

Photography - Melani Lust Photography

Striped Cookies - Sweeties by Kim

Candy bar Wrappers - Paper & Pigtails

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you for your support and inspiration each day!

Celebrate and enjoy your time with family and friends!

Image Source - unknown

Autumn Cocktails

Enjoy the flavors of Fall in these cocktails I blended together.  Like most martinis, they pack a punch so take it slow.  The slightly sweet-sour blend goes down rather smoothly.

Caramel Appletini
1 oz Vodka
1 oz Sour Apple Pucker
1/2 oz ButterShots
3 oz Apple Cider
Shake up incredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with slice of green apple or caramel candy piece.

Apple Pie Martini
1 oz Vanilla Vodka
2 oz apple cider
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of apple.

Whoopie! For Whoopie Pies

These little gems are the perfect Thanksgiving favor or light dessert option.  Get inspired by this lovely display from 100 Layer Cake.  Set out mounds of whoopie pies, small paper bags to fill, and gorgeous styling details like goards, pumpkins, and wood stump pedestals.  Your guests will certainly be Thankful! 

Find Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pie recipe here.

Images: Scott Clark Photography

Vendor Spotlight - Hey Babycakes

Remember the Sweet 16 party I did, here?   Well, I wanted to share with you the "sweet" vendor who provided the beautiful and delicious cookies we set out for the guests favors.   Nichole of Hey Babycakes answered my call-out on Facebook for a rush, custom order.  I sent her a draft of the printables we were using from Love the Day, and she was able to duplicate them in her cookie design perfectly!  I was so pleased with the result and they tasted as good as they looked!

Nichole also does cake balls and pops, and works with fondant too.  Please give her a visit on her Facebook page and check out her website for your next party or special occasion.  She's all about custom orders and delicious flavors!  Thanks again Nichole for your help!

Autumn Party For Kids

I've been holding on to this party to share with you for a while now and finally have a chance.  This is a spectacular play date party created by Amy & Bri of The Savvy Moms Guide.  There is so much fun Fall decor, and ideas to inspire an Autumn birthday party or Thanksgiving day activities.  Check it out below and see their blog for even more details.
Photos by Racz Photography

Keys to Good Cooking - Book Review

As a Lifestyle blogger I am lucky enough to review new items occasionally, that might be of interest to those who love to entertain - it's a nice perk to the job ; )  I was recently sent the new book, Keys To Good Cooking by Harold McGee in order to look it over and share my thoughts. 

This is one of those books that is as equally beneficial to the novice cook as it is to the seasoned chef.  It's not a cookbook, but more of a reference guide with easy to follow categories, explanations, and tips.  When reading through it I couldn't help but think it would make a great wedding gift or house warming gift as it explains the difference between frying and sauteing, or poaching and braising. 

One of the most beneficial sections of the book are the chapters dedicated to baking and sweets, as these are areas of very precise measurements and steps.  Here's an excerpt from the candy-making section:

You control the proportions of sugar and water in a candy by boiling them together in a syrup to a specific temperature.  The highter the boiling point of a syrup, the firmer the candy it makes.  Boiling a sugar syrup evaporates water away and concentrates the sugar.  As the sugar concentration rises, the boiling point does too.  The author continues with the different levels of consistencies of candies such as caramel, taffy, and brittle.  

It covers just about anything you can think of that involves the science of cooking, from picking the best produce to cooking with gas versus electric heat. Overall a very comprehensive guide to keep on your kitchen shelf for when you need it.

Simple Thanksgiving Styling {Video}

Here's the video from my morning appearance!

Today I'm appearing on our local morning news show, Virginia This Morning.  I'm sharing simple Thanksgiving entertaining ideas exemplified here and here.  I'll also be discussing Operation Give Thanks and it's party printables sets. 

Another fun idea I'm sharing are these printable coloring pages from Parents.  You can download and print these at home for the kids to color while they're waiting for lunch/dinner.

I hope to have the video of my appearance up soon!

Thanksgiving Kids table

After creating the adult table here, I created a simple and easy table with the new product line from Waverly and Hefty - durable disposable partyware.  I had in mind a table for elementary age kids.  Using stylish paper products for big gatherings is a great idea and the Waverly Tableware line is versatile enough to go from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  Read on for a chance at a coupon for a FREE set...

 

There's that manzanita branch AGAIN!  This time I hung small ribbons with acorns, from the limbs.  On the table a base of craft paper makes for easy clean up after the meal, and provides a canvas for drawing, writing, and games beforehand. 

For name placement I found cheesy crackers with letters on them and spelled out each persons name.  I also filled a tall vase with indian corn and let the kids guess how many are inside.

Now, I have 2 coupons to give away for a FREE package of the new Hefty Waverly cups, plates, OR napkins.  They are available exclusively at Walmart stores.  For a chance to win leave a comment telling me your Thanksgiving plans.  You can also get a coupon for Buy 2 Get 1 Free on their Facebook page.  These items make holiday clean up soooo much easier!

Winners must live in the continental US.  I'll pick a winner on Friday so I can mail out the coupons in time for Thanksgiving.

{This Giveaway is now Closed}