Sweets for Your Sweetie – Valentine’s Day Dessert Soiree Ideas

What is it about Valentine’s Day that makes everything have to be sugar coated? Fruit? Muffins? Exchanged words? EVERYTHING just has a sweetness to it, which –don’t get me wrong- it’s welcomed, but it can sometimes borderline on TOO much. And I’m sure for some people, at some point, it is too much. But sometimes, everything is just perfect and that extra sweetness just works perfectly and is welcomed with open arms.

Enough about sweets……yeah who am I kidding. That should have read: SO BRING ON THE SWEETS!

Sweets are the hero of this week party idea board for Valentine’s Day. This soiree can be scaled up or down in size for all sorts of events, though my favorite would be a stay at home bake-a-thon with your sweetie, whipping up one scrumptious dessert after the other, and enjoying the creations that you made together. But hearts are universal, and are easily included in themed baby showers, bridal parties, girl’s night, or even a festive family and friends gathering.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Sweets for Your Sweetie - Valentine's Day Dessert Soiree Ideas

Sweets for Your Sweetie – Valentine’s Day Dessert Soiree Ideas

If you find yourself in need of some clever Valentine’s Day inspired breakfast ideas, check out my post covering what I believe to be the perfect Valentine’s Day breakfast.

Be sure to stop by and say hi to all these great sources of inspiration and tutorials for this week’s idea board:

Strawberry Hearts Valentine Snacks – tutorial shared by Modern Parents Messy Kids

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Heart Cake Surprise Cake – tutorial and recipe shared on Mom Loves Baking

Red Sugar Rimmed Cocktails – shared on Bird’s Party

Sweet Cherry Pie Pastry Envelope – recipe and tutorial shared by Liz Bushong

Valentine Gourmet Chocolate Caramel Apples – created and sold by BigBearChocolates on Etsy

Candy Hearts Table Décorspotted on Pinterest

Valentine’s Popcorn White Chocolate Popcorn – recipe shared by Gimme Some Oven

Red Hearts Valentine’s Day Décor – shared on Advice from a Twenty Something

Strawberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – recipe shared by Life, Love and Sugar

DIY Valentine’s Day Table Candy Décor – tutorial shared by The DIY Dish

Valentine’s Day Balloon Heart –tutorial shared by The House That Lars Built

Red and White Valentine’s Day Place Setting – shared by Pier 1 Imports on Pinterest

Candy and Tulips Table Centerpiece – shared in a roundup post by Designer Trapped in a Lawyer’s Body

Valentine’s Day: do you love it or hate it?

Winter Penguin Party Ideas – for Kids

Did you know that today is Penguin Awareness Day? According to a few places, January 20th is Penguin Awareness Day. So to celebrate the best way that I know I can, I thought I’d make penguins the theme of this week’s party board!

Since we are having a cold front (if that’s what you want to call mid-fifties in Florida), I thought I’d do a cute, stylized penguin party that is perfect for kids with winter birthdays. This party is also VERY DIY friendly, and I’ve been sure to link to all of the places I found these items and the tutorials below.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Winter Penguin Party Ideas – for Kids

Winter Penguin Party Ideas – for Kids

Be sure to stop by these lovely sites where the images in today’s idea board were found:

Penguin Party Invitation Set – created and sold by bellybeancards on Etsy

DIY Penguin Party Balloons Tutorial and Printable – shared on Hostess with the Mostess

Penguin Cups – shared by Whirligig Bug

Penguin Winter Party Goodie Boxes Set – created and sold by PaperPartyParade on Etsy

Winter Penguin Cake Pops Tutorial – shared by Niner Bakes

Snowy Penguin Cake Tutorial – shared by Kara’s Couture Cakes

Winter Penguin Party Favor Bags – created and sold by CraftyCue on Etsy

Did you know that today is Penguin Awareness Day?

Soft Rose Quartz Pink – Baby Birthday Party Ideas

Cuteness incoming!

Yup, that’s right. Cute, baby smashing birthday party ideas are in this post.

Not to mention….TRENDY ideas. This week’s inspiration was of course, the other color of the year – Rose Quartz. I had to! Last week I shared an over the top Serenity blue wedding. If you missed it, check it out here. I’m going to keep this week’s introduction short and sweet – just like this party inspiration.

Here’s what I had in mind for this soft, rose quartz inspired baby birthday party:

Soft Rose Quartz Pink - Baby Birthday Party Ideas

Be sure to check out where I found each of these images:

Soft Rose Quartz Floral Rose Birthday Number One – shared on Kara’s Party Ideas

Amazing Pink Rose Cake – shared via Violeta Glace V on Catch My Party

Soft Pink and White Birthday Cake Smash Set Up – shared on Jeneanne Ericsson

Oversized Paper Roses Backdrop in White and Rose Quartz – shared by Modern Luxury Brides California

Girl’s First Birthday ONE Party Invitation with Watercolor Roses – created and sold by SimplySweetPrintShop on Etsy

Are you a fan of baby cake smashing parties?

2016 – Year of the Monkey….. and BANANAS – Baby Shower Ideas

Did you know 2016 is the year of the monkey?

Well, if not, now you know!

I know it isn’t a literal meaning, as in monkey themed things will just pop up, but I couldn’t help being inspired by cute little monkeys and bananas. I thought I’d put together an adorable baby shower (or birthday party) inspired by cute jungle monkeys and bananas. Lots of brown and yellow elements of course, but I would love to incorporate a banana scent into the party room so it was just subtle enough to be noticed. And of course, if space permitted: large, leafy tropical foliage plants.

Here’s what I had in mind:

2016 - Year of the Monkey….. and BANANAS - Baby Shower Ideas

Be sure to stop by where I found each element in this week’s party idea board:

Banana Baby Shower Invitation – shared in a roundup post on Invitesbaby.com

Monkey Baby Shower Cake Display – spotted on Pinterest

Yellow Centerpiece with Lemons and Bananas – shared on Floret Cadet

Monkey Jungle Diaper Cake Decor – created and sold by PrincessAndThePbaby on Etsy

Frozen Chocolate and Sprinkle Banana Sticks – shared in a roundup post by babycenter.com

Banana Party Favor Box – shared on Oink! The Blog of Piggy Bank Parties

Monkey and Banana Cupcakes – shared by Cocoa Claudia on Flickr

Monkey Juice Drink Dispenser – shared on The Howard Family Blog

Did you know 2016 is the year of the monkey?

A Rustic Foodie’s Dessert Party – Fall Edition {with salted caramel and lace}

On most days, I would not consider my style anywhere along the descriptive terms: chic, country, or rustic.

But this week I make an exception for that. This week I am sharing with you my idea of a rustic, foodie’s dessert party. A party that is farm-to-table fresh, cooked and prepared with love, and boasts great company and delicious wine. I love the emphasis of salted caramel desserts lining a lace and burlap table, allowing guests to graze on delicious treats as they mingle with other attendees. The only thing that’s missing would be a handful of accent candle lights, in mason jars, of course, scattered around.

Keep in mind as you are enjoying this party idea board, that this set of inspirational images could easily translate to a birthday party theme, or even a wedding.

Here’s what I had in mind:

A Rustic Foodie's Dessert Party – Fall Edition {with salted caramel and lace}

Take a look at where I found each of these images for more information:

Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake – shared by Half Baked Harvest

Rustic Dessert Table – shared on Style Me Pretty

Fig Almond Tea Cake with Coconut Honey Glaze – recipe shared on Hungry Rabbit

Rustic Burlap Lace Birthday Invitation – created and sold by SunshinePrintables on Etsy

How To: Candy Feathers – tutorial shared on About.com

Lace and Twine Kraft Paper Favor Boxes – created and sold by AnnaLouAvenue on Etsy

Caramel Dipped Pears – recipe shared on Just Between Friends

Rustic Shabby Chic Pom Pom Décor – created and sold by pomtree on Etsy

Are you a caramel fan? Or do you prefer something more along the lines of chocolate to satisfy your sweet-tooth?

Rainbows and Butterflies….with a Side of Chocolate – Soiree Party Ideas

How perfect would you consider your birthday if you had pretty butterfly decorations, colorful fruit to nibble on, and decadent chocolate brownies to savor? I know I’d be thrilled.

You really can’t go wrong with these three elements being the center of attention at your next bash. Be it a bridal, birthday, baby, or just a get together with the girls, rainbows and butterflies…..with a side of chocolate, how can you go wrong? Here’s what I had in mind for this upbeat, sweets filled soiree:

Rainbows and Butterflies….With a Side of Chocolate - Soiree Party Ideas

Here are the individual images that I found and the fantastic sites I found each of them on:

Rainbow Butterfly Birthday Invitation – created and sold by CharlesAlexDesign on Etsy

Fruit Heart Kebobs – shared on a roundup on 100 Days of Real Food

Colorful Berry Spring Tart – recipe shared on My Little Expat Kitchen

Raspberry and White Chocolate Bites – shared on New Nostalgia

Blue and White Chocolate Butterflies – shared via How To Cook That on YouTube

Summer Berry Cones – shared on The Cottage Mama

Bite Size Rainbow Brownie Kabobs – recipe shared Cake Whiz

Stacked Chocolate Brownies with Flowers and Butterflies – shared Louise’s Kitchen …. & Other Rooms

If you could add ONE more thing to this party, what would it be?

Hobbit Day Woodland Party Ideas

Did you know yesterday was Hobbit Day? Apparently my nerdy-ness level has been down ranked since I just found out about it myself. But you know what? That’s why we have sites like Pinterest, so we can bookmark ideas for future use. With that in mind – I put together this party inspiration board for Hobbit Day 2016 (and beyond!) and all your future Lord of the Rings party needs. Here’s what I had in mind for this outdoor party:

Hobbit Day Woodland Party Ideas

Oh- and if you were looking for something a little more refined, say for a wedding, check out this woodsy inspired wedding idea board I put together a few weeks ago.

Check out where the fantastic creations from this week’s idea board were found:

Forest and Woodsy Party Food Station Buffet – spotted on Pinterest

Forest and Woodsy Party Food Station Buffet – spotted on Pinterest

Wood Chalk Board – shared in a roundup post on DCWV Diary

Wood Chalk Board – shared in a roundup post on DCWV Diary

Gold Coin Treasure Favor – shared on Mommy’s Little Peanuts

Gold Coin Treasure Favor – shared on Mommy’s Little Peanuts

Enchanted Forest Lounge – shared on The Knot

Enchanted Forest Lounge – shared on The Knot

Speak Friend and Enter Door Décor – shared on India Loves Texas

Speak Friend and Enter Door Décor – shared on India Loves Texas

Hobbit Party Yard Sign Décor – shared on Pinterest

Hobbit Party Yard Sign Décor – shared on Pinterest

Woodsy Table Display – shared on You Paid More Than Me

Woodsy Table Display – shared on You Paid More Than Me

Ferns, Candles and Glass Tablescape – shared on Ruffled Blog

Ferns, Candles and Glass Tablescape – shared on Ruffled Blog

“No Admittance Except On Party Business” Quote – shared on Storyboard Wedding

“No Admittance Except On Party Business” Quote – shared on Storyboard Wedding

Vintage Entertaining Toldeo Cocktail Swords on Cocktails – shared by Ode to Awe

Vintage Entertaining Toldeo Cocktail Swords on Cocktails – shared by Ode to Awe

Rosie Cotton’s Apple Tarts – recipe shared on When Geeks Wed

Rosie Cotton’s Apple Tarts – recipe shared on When Geeks Wed

Lord of the Rings Party Menu – shared by Michelle Paige

Lord of the Rings Party Menu – shared by Michelle Paige

Hobbit House Cake – shared on Pinterest

Hobbit House Cake – shared on Pinterest

Mountain Cookies – shared on Sweet & Saucy

Mountain Cookies – shared on Sweet & Saucy

Lord of the Rings Hobbit Second Breakfast Brunch Invitation – created and sold by MirkwoodScribes on Etsy

Lord of the Rings Hobbit Second Breakfast Brunch Invitation – created and sold by MirkwoodScribes on Etsy

 

There are SO many fantastic ideas out there; I wish I could have included them all. Check out my “Nerd It Out” Pinterest board that I pin all of my favorite geek themed party ideas. Fair warning- there is a lot of Marvel, so if you’re a fan, enjoy!

What’s your geeky indulgence?

Fan art? Movie memorabilia?

Birthday Bear Picnic Ideas for National Teddy Bear Day

I just love it when I discover unusual holidays I never knew existed. In fact, today’s party idea board was inspired by “Teddy Bear Day”, which is apparently celebrated today, September 9. I took it one step further and turned this into a picnic party. Originally I wanted to go for a sleep over theme, but after reading about how there is actually a Teddy Bear Picnic Day (in July) I just had to create something marvelous around that.

Just about all of these elements could easily be translated indoors or outdoors. A few white sheets and some kid friendly snacks can make for quite the play party out in a local park, or even in your back yard. This is a classic, year round party theme you can’t go wrong with.

Here’s what I had in mind, and be warned….cuteness incoming!

Birthday Bear Picnic Ideas for National Teddy Bear Day

Birthday Bear Picnic Ideas for National Teddy Bear Day

See where I found all of these inspirational images from:

Cuddly Teddy First Birthday Teddy Bear Cake – created by Tricia at Something Sweet Cakery

Cuddly Teddy First Birthday Teddy Bear Cake – created by Tricia at Something Sweet Cakery

Cuddly Teddy First Birthday Teddy Bear Cake – created by Tricia at Something Sweet Cakery

Wool Felt Bear Ears Headband – created and sold by TheThreadHouse on Etsy

Wool Felt Bear Ears Headband – created and sold by TheThreadHouse on Etsy

Wool Felt Bear Ears Headband – created and sold by TheThreadHouse on Etsy

Teddy Bear Cookie Tutorial and Recipe – shared on DIY & Crafts

Teddy Bear Cookie Tutorial and Recipe – shared on DIY & Crafts

Teddy Bear Cookie Tutorial and Recipe – shared on DIY & Crafts

Set of Party Favor Teddy Bear Favor Bags – created and sold by whitetulipboutique on Etsy

Set of Party Favor Teddy Bear Favor Bags – created and sold by whitetulipboutique on Etsy

Set of Party Favor Teddy Bear Favor Bags – created and sold by whitetulipboutique on Etsy

Vintage Teddy Bear Party Printable Kit – created and sold by worldwideparty on Etsy

Vintage Teddy Bear Party Printable Kit – created and sold by worldwideparty on Etsy

Vintage Teddy Bear Party Printable Kit – created and sold by worldwideparty on Etsy

Handmade “Honey” Teddy Bear – created and sold by thistllebarbears on Etsy

Handmade “Honey” Teddy Bear – created and sold by thistllebarbears on Etsy

Handmade “Honey” Teddy Bear – created and sold by thistllebarbears on Etsy

Printable Teddy Bear Party Invitation – created and sold by DaysignsbyDay on Etsy

Printable Teddy Bear Party Invitation – created and sold by DaysignsbyDay on Etsy

Printable Teddy Bear Party Invitation – created and sold by DaysignsbyDay on Etsy

 

What type of cute party would you throw themed out with teddy bears? A birthday party, a sleep over? How about a baby shower?

Milestone Memories Birthday Celebration Ideas

Do you have someone in your family that has a milestone anniversary or birthday coming up, who doesn’t really need anything in regards to presents, doesn’t really want anything in particular, but you still want to do something special for them?

I’m going through that right now. I’ve been doing my darndest to think of something, but really there is not much in way of options. Having said all that, I think the effort and time of putting together something special and unique, like this week’s inspiration board shares, is a great idea. It’s personal, it’s meaningful, and it’s something you can’t just buy off the shelf. Here’s what I had in mind:

Milestone Memories Birthday Celebration Ideas

Milestone Memories Birthday Celebration Ideas

Get all the details where these inspirational images were found:

 Photograph Tablescape and Centerpiece – shared on Ruffled
Photograph Tablescape and Centerpiece – shared on Ruffled

60th Black and White Photo Birthday Numbers – shared by Sarah Dawn Designs
60th Black and White Photo Birthday Numbers – shared by Sarah Dawn Designs

Photo and Chalkboard Milestone Birthday Party Invitations – made by nowanorris on Etsy

Photo and Chalkboard Milestone Birthday Party Invitations – made by nowanorris on Etsy

Black and White Photo Birthday Cake – spotted on Pinterest

Black and White Photo Birthday Cake – spotted on Pinterest

Black and White Photo Background – shared on Scrappy Sugar Girl

Black and White Photo Background – shared on Scrappy Sugar Girl

Ages to Perfection Milestone Birthday Cupcake Picks – made by simplifiedlivingshop on Etsy

Ages to Perfection Milestone Birthday Cupcake Picks – made by simplifiedlivingshop on Etsy

Custom Personalized Wine Bottle Label – made by LushLabel on Etsy

Custom Personalized Wine Bottle Label – made by LushLabel on Etsy

 

Candle Cake – spotted on Pinterest

Candle Cake – spotted on Pinterest

How would you want to celebrate a milestone birthday in your life?

Puppy Party Ideas for Mutt’s Day 2015

Hello and happy Wednesday! The inspiration board for this week is inspired by Mutt’s Day. Apparently, July 31 is the official day to celebrate your mutt! When I read about this unusual but fun holiday, I knew there was going to be an idea board put together inspired by the holiday.

This week’s idea board could really go a few ways: as a party for welcoming a new mutt to your home, an adoption party (for stuffed animals of course!), or a puppy party – with the kids getting to wear cute puppy ear headbands, play puppy games, etc.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Puppy Party Ideas for Mutt’s Day 2015

Puppy Party Ideas for Mutt’s Day 2015

See where all of these inspirational images were found:

Puppy Party Invitation – shared on the Patten Family Blog

Puppy Party Invitation – shared on the Patten Family Blog

Puppy Party Invitation – shared on the Patten Family Blog

Puppy Piñata – shared by Kara of Kara’s Party Ideas

Puppy Piñata – shared by Kara of Kara’s Party Ideas

Puppy Piñata – shared by Kara of Kara’s Party Ideas

Dog Bone Rice Crispy Treats – shared on Spaceships and Laser Beams

Dog Bone Rice Crispy Treats – shared on Spaceships and Laser Beams

Dog Bone Rice Crispy Treats – shared on Spaceships and Laser Beams

Paw Print Walkway Tracks – shared by Swish Printable Parties

Paw Print Walkway Tracks – shared by Swish Printable Parties

Paw Print Walkway Tracks – shared by Swish Printable Parties

Dog Shaped Cake Tutorial – tutorial shared by The Experimental Home

Dog Shaped Cake Tutorial – tutorial shared by The Experimental Home

Dog Shaped Cake Tutorial – tutorial shared by The Experimental Home

Paw Print Cupcakes – recipe shared by Manu’s Menu

Paw Print Cupcakes – recipe shared by Manu’s Menu

Paw Print Cupcakes – recipe shared by Manu’s Menu

Need more ideas for your puppy party? I’ve got you covered! Check out my puppy party board on Pinterest where I’ll keep adding more cute ideas as I find them!

My question to you is: are you a dog person or a cat person?