'Just make it pretty' Birthday Party

When one of my close friends asked me to help plan her birthday (shhhh dirty thirty heheh) I was so excited. Her only request was that I make it pretty. I couldn't wait to begin and already had a few inspirational pictures from Pinterest.

The Fresh Exchange Blog

 This beautiful farm dinner party was my original inspiration, I love how comfortable yet elegant and beautiful it is. We have an amazing local antique rental business, The Attic that has farm tables for rent. I decided to put in the investment and have my husband make our own. We gathered some old barn wood from my cousin Marcie's farm (big thank you) and you would think that I would say we got to work. Well, in all reality he waited until the day of and a group of three men finished this table in 5 hours or less. It is beautiful and HUGE. So here it comes, the unveiling of this amazingly beautiful party.

Ashley Ennis Photography

Me standing next to the amazing table. I was so happy with the finished product. The bright fuchsia and gold color scheme really stood out in the backyard.

Ashley Ennis Photography

A couple of the items I already had like the huge hurricane candle holders but most I found at thrift stores or the dollar store.

Ashley Ennis Photography

Ashley Ennis Photography

The smaller fuchsia vases were purchased at a deep discount at Hobby Lobby. The mismatching crystal glasses were found at the thrift store.

Ashley Ennis Photography

All of these beautiful flowers were picked that morning from a backyard of the birthday girl's mother's. I love using whatever sources you can to save you money. Another option for flowers is your local farmers market.

Ashley Ennis Photography

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On most posts I really don't talk about the recipes that I use but I loved this menu, it was so fresh and fun. Above is the drink for the evening Smirnoff Sorbet Light Lemon Cucumber Martini it was very refreshing and light.

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This picture does not do justice to these amazing little morsels. For an appetizer I made Crostini with Peaches, Blue Cheese, and Honey. They were amazing, the flavors were so complex and worked so well together.

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I don't have a photo of the entree but it was Baked Lemon Pasta which was a nice lower fat entree. I must say it tasted best the day after. For dessert I made Raspberry Coconut Cream Trifle in champagne glasses (from the dollar store) This was spiked with some malibu rum and was an amazing sweet treat ending.

kayleighbrickeydesigns Instagram

kayleighbrickeydesigns Instagram

 
kayleighbrickeydesigns Instagram

The place settings were a lot of fun. I used butcher paper purchased in the packing section of your local grocery store and then I used a rubber stamp with gold ink to add a little something to the side. The plates were purchased white at the dollar store and I used a gold permanent marker to put the design on the edges. The silverware was purchased 3/$1 and I then taped them off and painted the bottoms to add to the color scheme. Last but not least I made a tissue paper flower to add the the middle of the plate.

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It ended up being a great night enjoyed with great friends. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere only got better with the evening when the twinkling lights above and the candles came to life!

Do you have a birthday party that you will never forget? I would love to hear about them! Share below I love to read your comments.

Until next time. 

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

-Oprah Winfrey

Fun and Affordable Party Food

So, I have indeed been missing for awhile but for good reason. I have been working VERY hard to finish my coursework to get my certification with Lovegevity for Wedding and Event Planning.

There is a new trend showing up on tables all over different types of events lately. The salad bar has had a makeover and it is taking over the party and wedding scene. The reasons I love these 'food bars' are numerous. I love that a food bar can be used as part of your event decor. You can use your food to add to the theme of your event (remember my chili bar at my husbands western party?). I really love how cost effective they are, the presentation is big and the out of the pocket isn't. They also give your guests the ability to customize their meals. I really love adding a couple unexpected items that will really add to the flavor of your meal. If you are doing a taco bar you could add a fun salsa with pineapples or chunks of rich chocolate to a chili bar. By putting these items out you also get your guests talking and who knows, someone may find a new favorite.

I have put together a couple different types of 'food bars' just to get your creative juices flowing...

Kayleigh Brickey Designs

Yes, this was the chili bar from the Western Roundup, we went really basic but it still was so much fun. I loved adding avocado and lime to mine.

http://greenweddingshoes.com/a-wedding-inspired-by-500-days-of-summer-part-2/

A pancake bar would be great for a baby shower or bridal shower or even a brunch wedding. Adding different flavored syrups and fruit toppings and don't forget those chocolate chips. 

http://www.tonyastaab.com/2011/02/a-pasta-bar.html

A pasta bar!!! How great is this? The options are endless here, different cheeses, proteins, vegetables, and sauces. 

http://www.pnpflowersinc.com/2011/10/styling-rustic-popcorn-bar.html

I did this for my youngest's birthday last year and it was a big hit, play around with sweet and savory toppings there are so many options, lime and garlic salt, cinnamon and sugar, cocoa powder and cayenne.

Kayleigh Brickey Designs

This pie buffet was on the smaller scale but it was perfect for our little get together. 

http://www.weddingwindow.com/blog/smores-bar/

This would be so much fun. Add homemade marshmallows of many different flavors and different chocolates or even diced chocolate bars such as snickers or reeses for something unique. 

http://www.hwtm.com/themes/everyday_parties/memorial_day_summer_bbq

The all American hot dog can be a fun addition to any get together. Have some fun with the toppings there is no limits, I've even seen a peanut butter and jelly hotdog!

http://www.creative-baby-shower-ideas.com/christmas-baby-shower.html

A hot chocolate bar would be great for a winter wedding. Think how the adults will react if you added a liquor or two to enjoy in their drink. This could also be used at an ice skating birthday party to warm everyone up after being on the ice.

http://itsabrideslife.com/category/food/

This would be a so much fun for birthday party but don't limit yourself. I am all about stepping out of the traditional box. What if you had this cupcake buffet at your wedding as a cake alternative!

http://www.justluxe.com/lifestyle/dining/feature-1776696.php

I love how this Milk and Cookies bar is given such a grown up look. By adding the different cookies and different flavored milks this turns something that could be ordinary into something extraordinarily unique!

http://swanky-chic-fete.blogspot.com/2011/04/cute-as-button-pink-and-gray-birthday.html

Burger bars are so much fun, I really have a problem with being able to stop myself from adding too many toppings.

http://www.justluxe.com/lifestyle/dining/feature-1776696.php

This Bloody Mary bar would be great for a brunch wedding or an adults birthday party.

http://www.weddingsillustrated.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.details&ArticleId=2607&returnTo=inspiration#.UX3AjcXA_L8

A Mimosa or Bellini bar is a great addition to a bridal shower or even an addition to the bridal party room the morning of a wedding.

So, who is hungry now, because I sure am! But why stop there, there are SO many options for this new trend. What kind of 'food bars' have you seen? Can you think of any unique toppings? Feel free to leave me some comments below!

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Alice In Wonderland Party

I love throwing ideas at my daughters for their birthday parties. I was ecstatic when I heard that my oldest wanted to have an Alice in Wonderland party. I love a challenge and I knew this would be a fun one. 

All of these photos were taken by Kelly Cottier Photography check her out at http://www.kellycottierphotography.com/

 These invitations were too cute to pass up. I love that the envelope even goes with the theme, a cute little teabag.

 I got the print offs from a website online and just made a few changes, which ended up being a lot more difficult than I had anticipated!

I loved the finished project though. It was so fun and it gave an idea of what the guests were in for at the party.

 I love setting the scene the minute you walk in, or in this case right when you drive up to the house!

 Once you walked through that key hole you were transported to the queens garden. Hanging cards and hearts galore.

 These giant cards hung from the walkway from the front porch through to living room.

These signs led you to the main tablescape. But which way to go? Better not make a mistake!

 I love these huge paper flowers they add so much to the vibrant colors!

 Vintage teacups and plates covered the table filled with many delicious treats. These cookies were as tasty as they were beautiful. Again this is using your food to add to the decor!

 Flea market finds are great for parties, they make things more personal.

 Its the little things that count, these little heart jelly sandwiches were so cute.

Little finger foods and a huge variety of cookies and finger treats were available from any angle.

For our craft we had lots of stickers, ribbons, glitter and more to decorate your very own 'Mad Hatter Hat'

This party was so colorful and crazy, just what I imagine 

Again, these photos were all taken by a good friend Kelly Cottier she does amazing work and has reasonable prices you should check out her website. 

http://www.kellycottierphotography.com/

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Western Roundup

When my husband mentioned (in possibly a joking tone) that he wanted to have a cowboy party, I jumped at the opportunity. First thing is first, I started researching for some inspiration. It is my favorite part to take bits here, bits there, and add my own original aspects to a party. For me there has to be something at a party that people remember.

So here is the setup, and not to toot my own horn but these pictures do NOT do it justice.

 I used the hats that were also for the guests as decor. Double use is a great way to save money.

 I love freezing lemons with some water in a cupcake pan to add to water. It just adds some color and 'fancifies' it.

My husband loves chili so what better than a chili bar with pick-your-own toppings. I really loved adding some lime and avocado for a little Mexican zip.

 I have tried organized games at adult parties before and I think there is a time and a place for that. At this party I wanted there to be the option for entertainment but not too forced. I made this ring toss with lightweight, paper, rings which was great for indoors.

The best way to add to a party is to have guests dress up. I used the hats pictured a few above and these bandannas and everyone needs a sheriff badge!

My husband LOVES root beer so I found it very appropriate to have a root beer keg for root beer floats. It was great and so much fun. I felt like it was one thing that you don't find at every party you attend.

For dessert we had a pie buffet, old fashion apple, marionberry, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream.

We had a really great time. I love how a themed party can bring out the kid in all of us. Till next time. Yeeeeeeehhhaw!

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