21 Run Mini Party

I realize there are times when throwing a huge party just won't work out. You may not have the space, the time, or the funds. I have come up with what I like to refer to as a Mini Party. This mini party was held in a hotel room and so I really had to work with my surroundings. I wanted to have this party on a lower budget but I didn't want to skimp much. What better color scheme for a 21st than hot pink and silver glitter. My house has glitter in every crevice and corner (which I'm quite fond of)! I really hope you enjoy what I came up with.

Here is the main setup. There is no mistaking what this party is celebrating! The big 21 is a huge statement piece at a low cost!

Even the food was '21' themed we had whipped cream vodka soaked strawberries that were then dipped in chocolate. And of course you should never leave out Jello shots! I used a bright pink jello to keep with the color scheme and used a hot pink icing to drizzle on top of the strawberries. The cake was a lemon cream cake that I got the recipe from Jam Hands. It turned out really good but obviously not pink. So I used the beautiful flat sparkle sprinkles that I bought at Micheals.

 A glittered champagne bottle next to sugar rimmed champagne glasses with handmade swizzle sticks and a hot pink liqueur in the bottom. I took regular plastic forks and glittered the bottom.

  

The bottom of the serving trays is another way to add to the theme. I glittered them so that they would show through but not interfere with the food. This could be done with basic paint or even a tinted color. 

I hand glittered these martini glasses and they turned out so great. One way to glitter glassware is to use Mod Podge and glitter and just paint it on. A word of warning though. I did not put a glaze or a sealant after I glittered these and I will be sure to do that next time. That is what would make these glasses easily washable. I wanted to have a pink drink but I wanted to keep it cost efficient so I just used Lemonade and Strawberry Vodka and then just used some icing coloring to make it pink. Who says things have to be authentically pink! 

The decor really up'ed the atmosphere for the evening. I would love to hear from you. What other occasions would a "Mini-Party" be appropriate? 

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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Not Your Ordinary Bouquet

You spend a good amount on your bridal bouquet and it's beautiful. You can't wait to do one of those amazing things you saw on Pinterest to preserve it. After the wedding you leave it for your family to put away and head off on your dream honeymoon. You get home and start unpacking everything from the wedding and come across your bouquet. It has been shoved into a box but you still think it can be salvaged. You begin to pull it out and you notice that the entire thing has mold all over it!

So maybe this exact situation hasn't happened to you. Maybe you have seen some people with old dried bouquets hanging somewhere in there house with a big pile of dried petals falling off. For me the possibilities of what I can do with this amazing bouquet I spent so much on are limited and it will never look as amazing as it did on your wedding day. 

So you have had the same thoughts, or possibly you just want to add something a little unique to your wedding day. There are so many amazing options for a bridal bouquet now-a-days that all range in price, size, and extravagance. I wanted to share a couple options that I love but remember there are so so so many more!

www.100layercake.com

 I wanted to start with something fun and this is it! These bridesmaids carried balloons down the aisle.What a surprise and it looked amazing while they were standing at the front.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ATouchofSucculents?ref=ss_profile

What can I say? I love succulents! They are just so beautiful yet so unique and they come in such fun colors.

www.handmadepaperflowers.com

This is so hard to believe but these are PAPER flowers. Aren't they just amazingly beautiful. I love this company, if you live near me then its a local business (Shop Local!)! There were so many amazing bouquets I had such a hard time just picking one. You can also find them on facebook 'aNeMonE'. They have so many other options even home decor or a special gift *hint*hint* 

blue petyl bouquets            Kayleigh Brickey Designs       www.ritzyrose.com

Brooch bouquets are beautiful! They range in colors and size making options endless. These beautiful eye candies can be found on Etsy and many other websites. You might remember Miranda Lambert had one for her wedding. The one in the middle was created by Kayleigh Brickey Designs and the brooches were given by the important women in the brides life making the bouquet even more special. 

CherubinoCrafts                 DecoraMood                  MomoRadRose all on etsy

I love these different options. Feathers are inexpensive and an easy DIY. In the first I like that the feathers are miced with some berries and browns. Any of these would be great for a winter wedding but the middle feather bouquet can be used any time of year. 

               www.seattlepremierevents.com               www.cdn.indulgy.com

An amazing way to set the mood for an evening wedding. The bridesmaids carry lanterns or candles down the aisle. You could even kick this up a notch and have small candles for all of the guests to hold. Can you imagine the beautiful pictures?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CuriousFloralCrafts?ref=ss_profile         http://www.etsy.com/shop/thefoxglovefinery

Fabric flowers are another option for a DIY but going to a professional is great because they have perfected their technique. Foxglove Finery is another (kind of) local business that has beautiful fabric bouquets.

I hope this gives you a couple ideas but don't just so here go research some other amazing options and know that there really isn't much that is out of the question. Imagine having a lot of these options as a forever keepsake.

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Mint, Pink, and Gold Color Inspiration

So I had in mind the colors I wanted to use for this post but as I was going through some pictures I just couldn't keep my eyes off of this color combination. I just love how you can take this color combination and make it your own. You can brighten and lighten any of the colors to make them pop or soften them to give them a more vintage feel. Mint really made a scene this past year in fashion and I think it is fun to look at what's in season with fashion and bring it into your wedding.

I love adding the option of printed patterns into your wedding. I think it is great way to make a statement. Consider having your maid of honor in a print, even your groomsmen's ties or bridesmaid shoes, or even your own shoes. The mint gives you the option of bringing succulents into your floral design. How modern and beautiful are those! The gold makes the possibilities of DIY endless by using gold spray paint and glitter. Gold is a pretty easy color match which helps when trying to save money by doing things yourself.

How do you feel about this color combination? Do you  have any favorite color combinations? Please comment below. I love getting your feedback!

And how can you resist this too cute flower girl!

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Photo Credits: http://www.weddingflowerswinnipeg.com/blog/mad-about-style-bridesmaid-shoot/ http://www.stylemepretty.com/2012/06/15/santa-cruz-wedding-at-kennolyn-camp-by-edyta-szyszlo-photography/ http://www.etsy.com/listing/71645415/food-photography-macaron-photograph-5x5?ref=fp_treasury_5 http://weddinginspirationsbykate.blogspot.com/ http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/424343 http://www.societybride.com/tag/mint-pink-gold-wedding-colors/ http://salonstylepins.com/2013/01/17/beautiful-flower-girl-dress/ http://www.stylemepretty.com/ http://www.betsywhite.com/flightsoffancy/2010/08/jade-seafoam-pond-and-peony/ 

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/

Don't forget to add me to your facebook: Kayleigh Brickey Designs

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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