Backyard Picnic Bar Mitzvah

For those who don't follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you may not know that I'm undergoing a site makeover and re-design.  I thought it would launch yesterday but as technology usually goes, it hasn't happened yet!  In the mean time I thought I would share a recent party I styled for a client.  The photography isn't the best, and the impending thunderstorms created a last minute scrample to move some things indoors.  But at least the client & their guests were happy!   

You've probably not seen a bar mitzvah this casual before - but the client wanted a backyard picnic-style party on a budget and that's what we gave her.

We ended up having to move the photo booth area to the covered front porch, and the dessert table into the dining room.  The lighting was very dim (which means fuzzy pics) but you can see most of the details.  I covered a paper mache "L" (for Larson) with moss and hung photos of the guest of honor on the backdrop to add personal touches.

The pie pops from Cakewalk Desserts, displayed in mini bales of hay were a hit with the guests, as were the cupcakes in a jar I put together.  I got the mini spoons from Think Garnish and stamped "eat cake" on them - these were my favorite favors ever!  These are really small jars from Walmart, literally the size of a cupcake.  You can't see the frosting covered by the lid. 

The backyard was covered with a tent so I was able to proceed as planned...with one caveat.  I had planned on 4 tabletops but when I got there, there were 5!  I had to spread out the centerpieces in order to cover the 5 tables.  Oh well, gotta roll with the punches when working on real events!

The guest book area was set up with 2 large canvas boards and paint pens so guests could write messages to Larson on his special day.  These can be hung in his room afterwards.

All the printed items were by the fantabulous Kori of Paper & Pigtails.  You may notice this is very similar to the Backyard Printable set she shared.  Since we worked together on this event she simply changed the colors a bit for the "summer party" and offered it as a free download exclusively to CAH readers.  Also repurposed were extra napkin pockets I had made, and the fabric wrapped cans holding flowers.  I love recycling!

I hope this party design relays 2 important messages:  1) Real parties are much less "perfect" than styled photo shoots; and  2) Sometimes you have to go with the flow & Make It Work!

Cheers!

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