Margarita Cupcakes!

I went to a party for my friend Molly recently. She is moving away and turning 30th this month, so it was a double-duty party.  

The party was catered by an awesome, affordable taco truck that will go on site with a grill.  The owner Abel brought his grill and the fixin's for all-you-can-eat burritos, tacos, and quesadillas to the park where the party was held. The food was delicious! 

We seriously can't wait to use him again! 

Lindsay and I figured that we needed Margarita cupcakes to go with the Mexican food. 

Yum! 

Lindsay used this recipe to make the cupcakes. 

I used this recipe to make the frosting. 

And then we got together and frosted and decorated with little candy limes and straws.  Cute, cute! 

 ...and we'll miss you so much! 

Summer Party Tips!

I've got a new article up over at Tablespoon.

Its full of ideas for celebrating summer. 

Hint: it involves a few of these: 

Come on over and check it out! Let me know what you think!

Real Party: Yellow & Blue Baby Shower

My friends Katie, Samantha and Leslie recently threw a baby shower for their friend Julie.

The goal was for the party to be more sophisticated, and less "baby".  There were a few little touches that were nods to the safari-themed nursery, but it wasn't over the top, which suited Julie's sophisticated style. I think these hostesses did a great job! 

Party poms were used over the food and drink stations.  Katie made stunning flower arrangements, which included lemons (one of my favorite looks!)

Lunch was enjoyed over several long tables in the backyard. 

Katie made little paper napkin rings.  

 The cute little dessert table included cake stands that Katie made, inspired by this tutorial.  Katie's husband helped her to make these, using his router to cut the top and bottom pieces. I know I'm impressed!  (A bride has already asked to borrow them!)

Desserts included cake bites, cookies, and cupcakes. 

Tags had subtle little safari animal graphics.  

Katie made cupcake toppers with safari animals, L for baby Luke, and blue and yellow graphics.  

There were a few activities set up for guests.  Samantha made signs to go at each one.

One was to write a message to baby Luke in a Curious George book.  This book was perfect to use because of the safari theme, but also because its cover is bright yellow.

There was also a game where guests guessed how many animal crackers were in a jar. 

 Lastly, guests decorated onsies and bibs for the new baby and then strung them on a line in the backyard.

 My husband would love this one!  :)

Party favors were animal crackers tied with yellow ribbon a coordinating tag. 

Congratulations Julie! 

Great party Katie, Samantha, and Leslie! 

(Thank you Katie for sharing your pictures!)

Party rentals were from Danny Thomas Party Rentals. 

To see some of Katie's other parties, check out Christmas Dinner, Superbowl Party,  and The Chili-Cook off. 

Green Your Next Party!

Head on over to Tablespoon and check out my new article! 

Its all about how to be a good citizen of the earth and throw a great party.  

Pretty please, oh won't you check it out? If you enjoy it, "like" it on Facebook! 

Thank you! 

(I have the best readers!)

Real Party: 40th Birthday Dinner

My friend Adrienne recently hosted a dinner for her boyfriend Patrick's 40th birthday, and I helped with a little styling. 

She chose one of their favorite restaurants for the party, and it did not disappoint. 

The party was in a cozy private room upstairs.  Adrienne had some simple flower arrangements done by a local florist and I made some small fabric squares to go under them.  We sprinkled the tables with confetti & the restaurant provided custom menus at each place. 

Patrick is a chocolate lover (which is putting it mildly), so Adrienne asked me to make an all-chocolate dessert table.  It was a hit, especially with the birthday boy. :) 

I made almost exclusively chocolate desserts. 

I made chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes.  These were really easy and people loved them. 

The recipe is from The Larson Lingo. 

 Patrick goes crazy for my salted oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, so I had to include some.

He also loves cake pops, so I made some purely chocolate ones (just the way he likes them).  

Patrick often receives my cake pops "mess-ups", so this time he had some that actually looked nice. :)

I also made some lollipops with a "40" on them.  The were displayed in buckets to match the flowers.  

Happy 40th Birthday Patrick! 

And thanks for the fun party Adrienne!

Real Party: Gender Reveal

One of my bff's, Lindsay (who I mention all the time on this blog), is expecting her first baby.  (!!)

I talked her into doing a cake for her gender reveal.  Despite the non-ideal weather and some melted frosting, we had an awesome time.  

Lindsay wanted to go Tomales Bay Oyster Company to have her big reveal. So all our friends loaded up the cars with yummy food and made the trip up there.

Tomales Bay Oyster Company has an awesome spot along a cool bay in Northern California which is perfect for oysters.  There's picnic tables and barbeques and you can buy bags of oysters on site and grill them up. It is seriously a cool place to have a little get-together.  

The day before I received a sealed envelope from Lindsay's doctor's office. I was under strict orders to share the contents with no one.  {Torture!} 

I made a cake with a secret-colored frosting center.  And of course it melted on the long car ride. But it still served its purpose and tasted yummy. 

The big reveal...

They were THRILLED! It was such a fun moment! 

 It's a...

...Girl! 

 

Congratulations Tom & Lindsay! I can't wait to meet her! 

My Interview with Real Indiana Housewife

I met the sweetest blogger recently: Jacqueline of Real Indiana Housewife.  Her blog is focused on baby showers during the week leading up to her own baby shower.  She did a little interview with me. You can check it out here.  Fun, fun!

Thanks so much for the opportunity Jacqueline! Have an awesome time at your shower!

DIY Idea: Tips for Setting up Your Own Photobooth!

I've got a new post up over at Tablespoon. 

Oh won't you check it out? It's got great tips for setting up your own photo booth for a party.  (Which is easier than you may think.) 

I'd love for you to stop by!  Make my day by clicking here.  :)