Puppy Birthday Party Inspiration - Banners

Etsy

I may have mentioned in the past that our one and only party supply store closed last year and I took it hard. Where was I going to find all of my supplies? It has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This has steered me in the direction of learning how to make my own party decor. 

I used the above banner as inspiration for my daughter's birthday party. The colors are pink, purple, and green and a paw print separates the words.

*Pictures will follow next week*

Country Living

As you know I am not a seamstress. I would love to learn how to sew and it is on my list of things to do. So, when I bought some puppy printed fabric at our local Walmart I wondered: 1. What am I doing buying fabric? and 2. Prayed that the lady cutting my fabric didn't ask what me any questions that involved sewing lingo!
I used fabric, ribbon and glue for my pennant banner and it turned out very well I must say.
The only thing I would change for my next banner would be to actually sew the pennants onto the ribbon as opposed to gluing them on. I am learning!

Puppy Birthday Party Inspiration - The Cake

My oldest is turning 4 this week and like every mom I cannot believe where the time has gone.

I begin planning my daughter's birthday parties month's in advance which can be smart and daring at the same time. Smart, because I have time to find inspiration, buy supplies, and make what I need before the big day. Daring, because 4 year olds (especially girls in my experience) change their minds. Constantly.

My daughter decided on a puppy themed party and, with several alterations to the theme along the way, I think she and I have have come up with a fun take on a usually pegged boy themed party.

Cake Central

The cake above served as the starting point of our party planning.

Until one day, a good month of buying supplies for above cake behind us, while walking thru Walmart my daughter spots this:

Picture by Birthday Direct

She simply and honestly said she wanted a Littlest Pet Shop party now. I think the baker that was icing a cake behind the counter saw steam rising from my head. I reminded my sweet little girl that we had already picked out a theme and bought things for her party. To a 3 year old's mind that does not really sink in.

So, long story short, we compromised. I know this may sound silly to everyone reading this. It's just a cake and it's HER day and both are true however; I am a person who likes to prepare and be prepared well in advance of events. My daughter is teaching me, in her own way, to "chill out".

Our compromised cake will incorporate elements of both cakes and resemble the cake below.

Tawni's Sweet Shop & Catering

Fun "Garden" Desserts

Martha Stewart

Corn on the cob is one of my all time favorite foods of the spring and summer. I am definitely in favor of this take on the yummy vegetable. This is one of the many great idea's from Karen Tack's book "Hello Cupcake!".

the decorated cookie

Watermelon's conjure up all sorts of images of warm weather activities. I am not a big fan of the fruit but these cookies would make it onto my plate.

bake at 350

Any child would eat THESE vegetables!
Hope you've been inspired by this week's them and will "plant" your own Garden Party soon.
Enjoy!

Not Your Average Outdoor Buffet

Country Living

This is a great take on an old fashion buffet table. Pull down the tailgate and spread out your food. Sometime the term "Garden party" can take on a snobbish connotation with images of fine china and crystal set up on white tablecloths in an outdoor setting. I'm all for dressing up, putting on a fancy hat and having that kind of "Garden party" but sometimes a pair of comfy jeans, flip flops, T shirt and a pickup truck buffet sounds great!

Country Living

This simplistic beverage station will satisfy your thirst. A couple of jars filled with your favorite drink and a ladle is all you need. 

Martha Stewart

After your glass is full set it down on a leaf. Literally.

Flowerpot Cakes

Martha Stewart

If you're like me you look at this and think that's a cute display of herbs. Look a little closer and you'll be blown away when you find out that it is edible cake! This show stopping dessert will leave your friends talking long after the party.

Saucy's Sprinkles

What a creative take on a wedding cake. Each person get's his/her own potted cake. No need to have someone cutting the cake to be passed around.

Another idea to bring the presentation of your flowerpot cake to another level would be to plant a shallow dish of wheat grass to place your "pots" on. 

Garden Party - Setting the Atmosphere

Dinner for Two in Africa

Dinner in the Fields

Setting the atmosphere of a party is just as important as setting the table in my opinion. In the pictures above I would say location, location, location. It just takes your breath away! The simplicity of the dinner in the field is elegant to me. You do not need much, if any, fluff to make a table setting beautiful. 

If you don't happen to have a big field available to you and you're not on a plane to Africa, there are many other ways of making your garden party memorable and tranquil.

My Home Ideas

A few hanging lanterns turn this into quite the romantic dinner for two in your own backyard.

I found hanging lanterns, similar to those in the picture, in the dollar bins at Target last week. This is a very affordable decoration and can be used again and again.

Pottery Barn

These cost a bit more than the lanterns in the dollar bins at Target but well worth the cost. After using these for your garden party use them as decor in your home or front porch. 

Garden Variety

Farmer's Market

I love this time of year when the farmers are planting their crops, home gardens are being started and the farmer's markets are open again. My grandparent's were farmers and my own parents planted a large vegetable garden in our backyard. The memories of dirt between my toes and picking ladybugs off of potato leaves is a fond one. It is for that reason that this week is dedicated to garden inspirations.

Womans Day

I have to warn that I am going to gush over this a bit but how can you not?!? The only thing missing from this tray of delicious cupcakes is Peter Rabbit himself.

Why not host a Garden party this spring? You provide the food and some soil and seeds and have your guests bring the pots they wish to house their seedlings. 

You might discover an inner gardener that you did not know existed!