Tea Party Birthday Celebration

Sunday, I had the pleasure of hosting a birthday celebration for my Mother In Law.  No, she is not "one of THOSE" Mothers in Law.  She is so kind, loving, thoughtful, giving and wonderful!!  She knows just how to use her unique gifts in the lives of those around her.  She has always taken joy in having tea parties with her three grand-daughters, so I thought it was only fitting that the celebration have a Tea Party theme.

The favors consisted of 2 individual tea bags wrapped in scrapbook paper envelopes, tied off with chocolate satin ribbon, plus a little chocolate lamb.  Place cards were made with coordinating scrapbook paper.

In the upper left hand corner of each place setting, I used my antique punch glasses to house my tea bag shaped cookies dipped in chocolate and set off with string and tag, reading "Happy Birthday Liz".  I got this brilliant idea from the lovely Kim at Frost Me Blog.

As for the food, I have my wonderful husband to thank for that.  He started the meal with a cheese tray consisting of Hoop Cheese (the guest of honor's favorite), Gruyere, and Parrano, with fig paste, candied walnuts, and balsamic syrup.  Then he prepared an amazing and colorful meal that we served buffet style.

We started with a Spinach Salad filled with delicious Strawberries, Candied Pecans, Feta, Bacon, and a Balsamic Vinegar Dressing.
 
Chicken Fingers and a Veggie Tray of Carrots, Celery and Ranch was especially designed for the younger guests, but the adults were allowed to partake too.
The main course was his very own creation, a Curried Stir Fry with Yellow Peppers, Pineapple, and Butter-Cilantro Basmati Rice.  It is a perfect Gastrique!!


The Birthday Cake was Specially Ordered with a unique surprise for the Birthday girl.  When she was growing up, her mom used to make a Caramel Cake with Coconut mixed into the icing.  So to remind her of her decadent days gone by, I had them sprinkle coconut over a portion of the cake.  It was Tasty and Beautiful!!
So the Sweet Tea, Water, and Salt & Pepper would be readily available, I set up a Beverage Station on top of the Microwave beside my place at the table.

I had seen so many of my blogger friends making the adorable Martha Stewart Pom-Poms.  I couldn't believe how easy they were...and they made such a great accent hanging over the table!!

To welcome the Guest of Honor, I made a sign with Scrapbook Paper, Ribbon, and a Photo Mat.





Overall, it seemed everyone had a great time.  We all enjoyed the time with family, celebrating the joy that Liz brings to all of our lives, and that is what matters the most!

As Seen On:

Whatever Goes Wednesday, Creative Party Place, Tablescape Thursday, Show & Tell Friday, Sunday Showcase, Toot Your Horn Tuesday, Tabletop Tuesday, Woo Hoo Wednesday

Easter Tablescape

Easter is just barely over a week away.

As I've said before, I love taking things on hand, or basics to create a Tablescape design. This Easter Dinner Party is no exception.

Some Beanie Baby bunnies, plain ol' plastic Easter eggs, and some baskets, all from my daughter's room, are the centerpiece to this table.  I just wrapped chocolate satin ribbon around the eggs and added some fresh cilantro that I had on hand for a lush, spring feel.

At each place setting, I placed an open egg with a decorative cross embellishment inside, as a friendly reminder of the reason for the season.  If you prefer not to put a religious symbol, you could put a flower, bunny, or other spring symbol.

Easter is almost here!  If you are planning on hosting Easter Dinner, then start looking around, you may have what you already need on hand to make your Tablescape as stylish as you are!

Happy Easter!!!

Featured on:
Tablescape Thursday
Whatever Goes Wednesday
Idea Sharin' Wednesday
Show & Tell Friday

Modern Silver Anniversary

An anniversary is about more than years gone by.  This modern take is a glamorous way to celebrate two lives that became one.  A sheer black and white overlay is the backdrop for this tablescape.  However, the focal point is the wedding day picture that is displayed on the white cake plate with black and white striped ribbon.

The "Happy Anniversary" Message in a bottle sets off the design with a romantic tone. 

Although this was created with an anniversary in mind, it could easily be converted to suit other glamorous affairs.  For example, a wedding shower could have an engagement photo in the frame, and the message could read, "Congrats".  A baby shower could have a sonogram, baby, or pregnancy picture.

     

 

Whatever the theme, this Modern Design is sure to impress.

Featured On: 
Entertain Exchange
Toot Your Horn Tuesday
Tablescape Thursday
Crash this Party

Simply Elegant

As quickly as you can pickup ingredients for your meal, you can pick up pizzazz for your table.

A $5 mixed bouquet from Publix added to what I already had on hand and brightened the table for this quickly planned dinner party for 4.  All I had to do was arrange the flowers in a vase when I got home, and place the white candles in silver holders on each side.

The place settings consisted of silver chargers, pale blue china, khaki linens, and pearl napkin rings.

Suddenly, this impromptu invitation took on a Simply Elegant appeal that made my guests feel treasured and important..as they should!

Asian Inspiration

When it comes to your tablescape, the easiest thing you can do is decorate with what you have on hand.  This Asian Inspiration was just that!  I love collecting Chinese pieces, so this was a great place to start.  Neutral linens and dishes were a great backdrop for my colorful, treasured collection.  The centerpiece began with two bamboo cheese trays as the foundation.

The candles are accented by grains of rice, an Asian cuisine staple.

The Chinese dolls dressed in red are just the splash of color this neutral table needed.

Sometimes the best inspiration is what's around you, the things you already love...and you don't have to spend a dime.