Pick-Your-Potato Bar

This Spud Bar makes me so happy - 1) I never met a potato I didn't love, and 2) the reference to the 1950's "sputnik" is just so genius and creative!  Designed by Botanica Florals, this potato bar includes everything: mashed potatoes, french fries, tater tots, potato wedges, potato skins, baked potatoes, and of course all the toppings to go with them. 

The fun "futuristic" labels for each item are a great touch too.  I am seriously jonesing for a potato now!

This table display would be so great for any occasion, but especially for a males birthday or bachelor party, game day, or even Father's day.

Takeaway Tip:

This bar is particularly well suited to convenience foods.  No need to hassle with recipes, peeling or chopping here.  Just buy frozen or pre-made items and serve it up in style!

Vendors:

Photographer - Tiny Water Photography

Styling - Botanica Florals

 

Pink Crabby Birthday

What better way to kick off summer than this Pink Crabby birthday party by Jessica of Party Box Design.  Full of outdoor fun, a crab boil, and a pink crab motif everywhere, this is a great lesson in how to personalize a theme.  Read on for all the details told by Jess...

"My daughter Charli loves crabs, we are from MD... and I must admit, I heart prep! What other possible theme could there be then, a... Preppy Pink Crab Party?!? Plus I really think Shades of Pink, Powder Blue and Navy look so well together. I had to throw in the polka dots, because what is prep without polkas?!?

My husband made the amazing Crabby Bar and Beach sign, which is prob my most favorite part... aside from the actual bar, which was a labor of love. The crabby bar was originally purchased from a second hand shop- amazing find!

We of course had to have steamed crabs and Crabby Ale at the party, which the guests loved. If you are from MD, then you know Summer means crab feasts- it's one of the best things about this state."

"For the favors the kids took home crabby cupcake push pops and crabby cookies. The adults were given a jar of crabby spice.

Overall, this was our favorite party yet, with so many amazing vendors and a fantastic photographer. This party really felt like "us", more then just a theme but rather a great party that celebrated all the things we love."

Vendors:
Styling & printables - Party Box Design
Photographer - Cellar Door Photography
Poms - Pom Flair
Bottle labels - Bottle Your Brand
Fondant Cupcake toppers - Lynlee's Petite Cakes
Cupcake Push pop containers - CupKate's Event Design
Crab Cookies - Cookies are my Canvas
Balloons - Polka Dot Market
Birthday Outfit - Coffee, Crafts & Cupcakes
Party Hat - Lulu and Co.

Pink & Yellow Spring Brunch

Kate of Studio LIME Design sent me these pics of a pretty brunch she hosted for mother's day.  The simple modern design would work perfectly for any ladies get-together and has some ideas that are easy to re-create.  I particularly like the pink and yellow color combo, and the recycled cans painted, tied with ribbon, and filled with flowers.  Read on for what Kate has to say about the brunch... 

"I wanted to host a sweet and simple brunch for my mom and mother-in-law to honor them and show how much my husband and I appreciate all of the hard work, dedication, and selflessness they've displayed and modeled for us {new parents ourselves!} over the years.

My tablescape was inspired by the beautiful and soft springy colors that surround us at this time of the year. I used a pale yellow fabric to cover my place mats and some brighter pink and yellow fabrics/ribbons to cover the vases holding floral blooms to infuse a little more color to my table. A large lantern with candles was used to anchor the table.

At each mothers' place setting was a ceramic pitcher filled with a floral bouquet and a simple white frame holding a picture of her with her children from a long, long time ago. This was a special touch for each guest of honor, added to springy vibe of the table, and doubled as each mom's Mother's Day gift as well.

Each guest also had a mini menu tucked inside their brunch napkin listing the eats for the day. The hit item on the menu was a "Banana Nut French Toast," which couldn't have been more simple to make {tips on my blog}. And mimosas were served to kick off the brunch because what's brunch without mimosas?!?!

I also created a sweets bar using the sideboard in my dining room. I propped a fabric covered backdrop to add a pop of color and a twig tree with hanging crystals. On to the good part -- the desserts -- mini powdered doughnuts, sugar cookies with flower fondant toppers, and a pound cake with cream cheese frosting to top it all off. One of my favorite quotes, which explains the awesome responsibility we have as mothers so perfectly, was also added to the dessert spread."

Thanks for sharing the lovely brunch with us, Kate.  All these ideas can be used in bridal showers, birthdays, and baby showers as well!

Paper items & styling - Studio LIME Design

Fondant Cake Toppers - Two Sugar Babies

Join Me On Savvy Living

Happy Memorial Day weekend! I hope you've found plenty to inspire your celebratory cookout this weekend. If you would like to see some favorite pot luck dishes from others, or share your own, join the conversation on the Ebates Savvy Living community. Cheers!

Simple Fabric Flower DIY

Today I'm sharing one of the easiest DIY crafts you can possible do, but one that has so many possibilities.  These are easy to make fabric 'flowers' that I used on my backyard bbq dessert table.  This simple embellishment can be used to dress up almost anything.  Here's what you need:

• Strips of fabric cut to size with pinking shears
• A button
• Needle & thread

1. Begin layering your strips of fabric in criss cross patterns until you have a full circle.
2. Then place your button in the center and sew a few stitches through it and the fabric to keep it all together.
3. Apply the 'flower' using glue dots, and enjoy!

I can think of dozens of ways to use these to dress up a party: sew them onto a birthday girls tee shirt, attach to the corner of place mats, attach them to apothecary jars, apply them to favor boxes....

You can also add in strips of ribbon, lace, and burlap for more texture.

Do you have some ideas?  Share them here!

Designer Kids Tables For Weddings & Birthdays

Ever think about the fact that during most weddings the kids of your guests are all but forgotten?  I came across this innovative business called Petite Fete in Toronto in which Azie, the owner, provides child care during the event, and does it in high style.  Genius, Right!!  Azie provides a gorgeous party setting and includes activities and favors so the grown ups can enjoy the event worry free.

Here are some of the designs that represent her business.  Notice how upscale they are but still have kid-appeal.  Azie's services are also available for birthday parties.

While the above parties are adorable for younger children, I think the 2 below would be well suited for elementary age up to pre-teens and teens.

I just adore all the attention to detail, and I think there are some great ideas to inspire you when planning your own child's birthday.  Meanwhile, if your in the Toronto area, give Petite Fete a call!

Photos - Rebecca Wood Photography