Favorite 15-- Book pages

Have you all seen this pin?? I just love it. I think the simplicity of the dark, light and greens are just beautiful. I wish I would have seen these before my wedding and shower. It's a new favorite decorating style that seems so cheap!

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My suggetion: Keep the pages in the same quality--- I would have used all yellowed pages.

To save money: Buy a new book for $1 at the Dollar Tree and tea or coffee stain the pages yourself!

The event: Bridal shower, baby shower, back to school bash, birthday party, wedding, graduation party, or a book group party

Branch out: Use all pages from Dr. Seuss books, Golden Books, science books, love stories, etc... Make it themed to match your party.

Splurge: make wreaths from pages of a book or into pommanders, have a typewriter or library index card guest book, give book mark favors, use quotes or phrases from books on your invitation and in your vows, title tables after favorite books, use a book as the ring bearer pillow, etc.

 

Happy Planning!
Krista



Favorite 14- A love for Ombre

Anyway else loving all of the ombre goodies out there. From hair to wreaths, dresses to curtains... Ombre is taking over the fashion world. When I saw this Martha Stewart centerpiece, I fell in love!

Source   Are you surprised that it's Martha Stewart?? We shouldn't be, right?!

My suggetion: Make the colors fade a little better. There seems to be some variation in the darkest shades of pink. I think I would try to make the blend better.

To save money: Buy artificial. Your flowers don't have to be real and expensive to get different shades. Look around for full flowers that don't have colored centers.

The event: Bridal shower, baby shower, birthday party, wedding, book group party, family dinner, Mother's Day, church luncheon.... This would be gorgeous for any occassion!

My spin: I don't think I would change this.... L.O.V.E. IT!

Branch Out: Imagine all pink or blue ombre for a baby shower.... how sweet! Also, you don't have to worry so much about matching those shades of pink/blue (they NEVER match) since you're hitting almost every shade!!! Use all white dishes, table coverings, vases, etc..

Splurge: Make ombre table coverings.
Serve an ombre cake.
Make ombre invitations.
Wear ombre attire.
Use tissue paper poms in graduating shades of your color of choice.
Create ombre backdrops from different shades of sheets/material sewn in large ruffles. (When I think ombre for a party, I think ruffles....anyone else?!?!)

Happy Planning...

Favorite 13--- Don't judge a book by its cover



Thoughtfully Simple



My suggetion: Mix centerpieces of books, apples, vintage school supplies, flowers, and chalkboards. Stand some stacks of books up with pretty bookends, or lay them out flat and turned to a favorite page.

To save money: beg and borrow...  Have you heard me say that before?? It's my motto. Don't be afraid to ask around. Teachers, parents of young children, novelists....ask around to different types of people based on your theme. And as always-- hit up used stores and yard sales!

The event: Bridal shower, baby shower, back to school bash, birthday party, wedding, graduation party, book group party

My spin: depending on the event--- make the stacks of books themed (Golden Book, Dr. Seuss, Poetry, love stories, research). A set of encyclopedias would provide many books that are all about the same size. Many of them are trimmed in gold or silver and would make pretty centerpieces. If you can't find enough books in your theme or that have a pretty cover, wrap some in brown paper and stamp the spines with words or titles.

Branch out: Use books as the centerpiece for your Beauty and the Beast party. Pair them with tin can vases for a vintage party. Use only books of photography or art for a dramatic art show. Use all children's books and decorate with a 'bedtime story' theme at a baby shower or child's birthday party.

Splurge:
You can take the whole book idea in a few different directions.... Use the whole "school theme" or make it more like a library/den.... or use research books for a wedding of a scientists or mathematician.
--- pair the books with alphabet letters, flash cards, pencils, crayons, composition books, school lunch, lined paper, etc. Vintage or Modern--- you decide. Also throw in some stuffed animals that match the book characters.

--- make wreaths from pages of a book or into pommanders have a typewriter or library index card guest book, give book mark favors, use quotes or phrases from books on your invitation and in your vows, title tables after favorite books, use a book as the ring bearer pillow, etc.
--- Send library card invitations
--- Having a party for adults? Decorate part of your home to look like high school lockers and let guests doodle and decorate them.

--- Rent or borrow a giant chalk board like coaches use and allow guests to write messages in your new 'photo booth' area.
--- Cover the tables in chalkboard paper and use chalk to label seats for place settings, or allow guests to doodle.
--- Buy or borrow an apothecary table or library index cabinet for your guest book table, cake table or dessert display.
--- Set the mood at your party with a den/library feel. Use large bookcases, leather chairs/sofas, lamps, and coffee tables to create seating areas.


Happy Planning!
Krista

Favorite 12-- Diamond Rings

First of all---if you haven't checked out Kara's Party Ideas, you really need to. What an amazing site! While I was looking for ideas for a bachelorette party and bridal party breakfast, I stumbled upon this picture. I've also seen it floating around Pinterest! Tell me, how C-U-T-E are these?!?! Unfortunately, the Etsy seller has quite a pricetag on them. They are $36 for 24 of them... $1.50 for diamond cutout plus the price of donuts.... THAT is a bit out of my price range for a home party, but I love the idea.

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 My suggetion:  Try cutting out a diamond on your own....or... print a picture of a diamond outline in a pretty outline color to match your party, adhere it to a toothpick and voila! You might also ask around for Cricut cartridges... one might have a diamond design?

The event: Kara's theme was Jewelry. I plan to use it for a bridal party breakfast. Also try it for an engagement party, bridal shower, jewely party (Lia Sophia and Premier), Girl's birthday--- princess, dress up, etc.

My spin: I think this could also work for full sized donuts. Not as delicate, but it might still be cute.

Favorite 11- Take me out to the ball game!

Baseball season is in full swing! (no pun intended! hahaha) Baseball themed parties (and showers) are all the craze lately!

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My suggetion: ditch the figurines...Unless it's a party for a kid, keep the decor simple and classic.

To save money: beg, borrow and steal... OK-- maybe not steal, but beg and borrow. Ask local sports enthusiasts what baseball equipment you can borrow. Use the empty space trick to save on fillers--- use a jar inside of a jar or place a large object in the middle and pour the filler around it. Use green moss in bowls or vases for grass.

The event: Fourth of July, baby shower, bridal shower, wedding, birthday party

My spin: Love the peanuts... How about some centerpieces with cracker jacks (or popcorn) as well?? Or use the same idea with a long vase and filler, but add a small Louisville Slugger bat laying on top of it?

Branch out: Host a full outdoor sports themed party with golf, football, baseball, soccer.... Keep green as a common color (grass) and make centerpieces and decor out of all of the equipment and balls. Add pennants, whistles, ref jersies, etc.         Switching gears---- the peanut filler would be great for a circus themed party, as well!

Splurge: You have to set the tone of the party with a invitation that memics a ticket to a ball game. Name your house the __________ Field. Have guests sign a ball, bat or jersey. Dress up your tables with miniature bats, or even use them to spell out words or names. Serve baseball cupcakes complete with red 'lacing.' Buckets and wheat grass can be planted and grown before the party. Create a concession stand with hot dogs, pretzels, beer (if appropriate), popcorn, coke and candy. Send guests home with big league chew and cracker jacks! (If it's a shower you're hosting--- send guests home with pancake batter with a note saying "Hey batter batter!")

Happy Planning!

Krista at Sweet T Events

Recycled Centerpiece... It's Earth Day! Favorite 9

How simple and cutesy-poo is this! And-- It's recycled!



Country Living

Country Living painted coffee and soup cans for an adorable centerpiece.

My suggetion: use all different sizes--- from the Vienna sausage/Beanie Weenie size all the way up to the largest coffee or super-sized green bean cans. Make the arrangements fit the size of can.

To save money: buy the sample sized containers of paint, or try craft paint. (Be sure to read the labels about if it can be used on metals). I think I would keep the paints flat, not satin. Use wild flowers or the flowers blooming in your garden instead of buying artificial. Hosting a big party? Ask friends and family to keep their tin cans for you! Need more than that? Print it in the local newspaper or post it on social networks.

The event: A vintage shower/party, a girl's afternoon lunch, Mother's Day dinner.

My spin: keep the cans metal, but tie them up with beautiful ribbon, rafia, or twine. Pair with a colorful table linen and plates. Also try mod-podgeing (is that a word?) decorative paper to the cans.

Branch out: If you keep the cans metal, the same idea could be used for a western/cowboy party. Group the cans with bandanas, straw, cowboy boots... you get the idea.

Splurge: Hit up antique stores and flea markets for metal cans with the original labels....Add equally colorful flowers to the colorful labeled cans and pair with a simple tablescape.

Favorite 8-- Spring has Sprung!


Whether you're throwing a bridal shower, afternoon luncheon or wedding...this is a beautiful and inexpensive centerpiece!

Katie Brown Blog

 Look closely--- those aren't even vases--- they are drinking glasses! You have two options for painting glass like this. You can spray paint the outsides--- like this or paint this insides like this in video. In this particular picture they have painted the inside so that the details around the bottom still show. I love it! You could use glasses, vases, goblets, jars, etc. Cluster them together and fill with flowers.

Hit up your local thrift store, yard sales and boxes in your basement.

Favorite 7

I think this may have been one of the first photos that I saved, oh-so-long ago! I just love the thought of bringing the outdoors in.

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This centerpiece could be done large scale or small. Here they have very unique branches in rather large clusters, but I can imagine small branches out of the yard in a $1 vase from the Dollar Tree sitting in the middle of a table, surrounded by votives.

If you are wanting something more abstract, ask around for trees with unique branches.

For a winter party, spray paint the branches white or silver, cover with glue and sprinkle with epsom sale, rock salt and glitter. Ornaments and snowflakes dripping from the branches would sure set the mood.

If your party is more elegant, drape strands of faux crystals from red, silver, white or black branches.

Glue matching flowers onto the branches, or sprinkle artificial leaves onto them.

Experiment with different vases/urns and vase fillers.  If using glass vases, try glass beads, dirt/moss, faux snow, or rocks.

It's good to add multiple heights in centerpieces for dimension and eye-appeal. Try pairing this centerpiece with a low one made from a slab of branch or tree trunk topped with candles, pinecones, acorns, ribbon, etc. Another low centerpiece idea is to use a long chunk of branch laying on the table surrounded with candles (or with holes drilled in the top for the candles to sit in).

This could be used for a party or shower that have themes like birds-nesting, enchanted forest, camping-outdoors, or for any season party.

Favorite 6

This favorite comes from P is for Party's blog and it was for a first birthday set around "It's a Wonderful Life." I just love the simplicity of these centerpieces. The host used vases and coches for the adult table centerpieces but wanted something less fragile for the kid tables. 

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I love the color scheme of this specific design, but can't you imagine them in silver and blue, gold and red, green and brown.... or any of your favorite Christmas package color combinations! I love the little touch of artificial snow she added. These are so beautiful on their own, but I can picture them grouped with glowing candles, vases filled with ornaments, an abundance of fake snow mounded around them, and little sprigs of greenery. What a beautiful idea for a Christmas dinner or a winter wedding!

Switching gears--- This idea could be used for any type of party. I had a friend use this same concept with a stack of 3 gifts (one wrapped in polka dot paper) paired with polka dot decorations and gerbera daisies at a baby shower.

Imagine them wrapped in brightly colored paper with a big bow at the top for a kid's birthday party, paired with balloons and streamers for a true "Birthday Party Theme."

Tiffany blue boxes trimmed in white would make a perfect bridal shower decoration.

For a more feminine look, a small bundle of flowers could be anchored to the top instead of a bow.

Wrap single boxes of varying sizes in coordinating papers and cluster them as the centerpiece. Wrap small, single boxes indentically and group them in a fancy centerpiece to serve as decoration, but also as favors when you fill them with your party's parting gift.

A shower filled with these centerpieces could be topped off with a matching cake.

My favorite part of this whole idea: the price! Who doesn't have gift boxes and wrapping paper lying around?!?! Again--- if you know this will be your theme for a future party, how great would it be to get all your supplies 50% off after Christmas! You could just pick up the boxes if the paper wouldn't match your theme, or a roll of silver or gold can be paired with most colors to add a little 'something.' Planning, planning, planning!

Favorite 5

This one has been around so long, I forgot about it! I guess i'm cheating a little bit-- it's not just one picture, but they all go with a theme!



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First of all--let me just say that I L-O-V-E the drinking glasses with the kitchen utensils standing in them. I can even see this as an invitation design with 3 utensils in 3 glasses across the top. That would really set the theme, wouldn't it!

If at a bridal shower--here are a few thoughts: the utensils/glasses could be the hostess's gift to the bride OR they could be used as prizes. The winner could take utensils or the set of glasses. I would probably purchase glasses from Dollar Tree or the cheap section of Wal-Mart if they were prizes, but I would buy nice utensils. No one wants flimsy plastic utensils. If buying cheap glasses, you can use etching cream and stencils to design the glass, or paint simple stripes/designs. I think I would put a matching dishtowel under the glasses to help "anchor" the centerpiece design.

The dishtowel cake would make a great main centerpiece for a shower, and could also be a gift to the bride. If you know that someone is making one, ask them to bring it early for you to use, but make sure they get acknowledgement during the shower, and it would be a good idea if it matches in color.

Other centerpieces could be kitchen items as vases--- coffee pots, pitchers, nice looking cans without labels...use your imagination. I've even seen blenders and toasters with flowers coming out of them! I'm even picturing a small crockpot filled with flowers as a huge centerpiece!Use your resources-- yard sales, friends, second-hand stores, but be careful of what you're buying. You still want them to look nice!

Another idea is to ask each guest to bring a recipe: their favorite, one for the slow-cooker, one that can freeze, or a family recipe to start the bride's collection.

As far as I'm concerned, this doesn't just have to be a bridal shower design as suggested, but also for a child's cooking themed party. With cooking and food as a theme, there are several directions you could go: pizza/italian, baking, or just utensils/kitchen items. Need help for more ideas? Contact me.

Favorites

I have so many 'favorites' hiding in my files and I want to start sharing them. They might be cakes, centerpieces, placecard ideas, dresses, invitations...it could be anything. Not sure how often I'll dig one out and blow the dust off, but I want to share them.

Favorite #1) Easy lace centerpiece

How beautiful is that! I could see this being the centerpiece for wedding with blush, lilac, gold, peach, powder blue, or even red as it's accent color, but also at a birthday party for an older woman. I even just pictured a little girl's first birthday party done in pearls, flowers and lace and the little girl has a giant peony headband on.
This could be done so cheaply! Those vases are $1 or less at many dollar-type stores. Pearls can be found at many yard sales and second-hand stores--- OR try painting mardi-gras beads with spray paint. Hello! CHEAPER! :) (If you know me, you know I'm all about a bargain and good-buy idea!)  If you're willing to do some work to hunt and DIY, this is a gorgeous centerpiece done on a budget. The lace is where I start to see the price increasing, so I have a few ideas:

1) buy cheap lace curtains, runners, tablecloths from dollar-type stores or second-hand
2) make one like this:

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They used doilies stitched together to make one large runner. Genius! Again, buy these second hand. I'm also sure that many moms, aunts, grandmas have these things lying around. **Idea** I think it'd be beautiful if the bride and groom's table runner was made from doilies with sentimental value. If so, I would stitch in a way that it could be cut apart again later if needed.

Beverage Calculations

If you're like me, you never know how much to buy for a party. Bhg.com has an article about calculating beverages that I found helpful.

• On the average, expect guests to drink 2 drinks or servings of a nonalcoholic beverage the first hour and 1 each hour thereafter. Remember, people drink more when the weather is warm.
• If you plan to serve bar drinks, you should allow 1 1/2 ounces of liquor for each drink. That means you'll get about 16 drinks from each 750-milliliter bottle (fifth) of liquor. Allow about a quart of mixer -- carbonated water, tonic water, or ginger ale -- for every 3 persons.
• When serving wine, plan on one 750-milliliter bottle for every two guests (one bottle for every 3 to 4 guests if the wine will be served only during a meal). If you prefer to buy the large 1.5-liter bottle of wine, it will serve 4 guests (6 to 8 guests if served only during a meal).
• When ordering beer for a party, allow about 12 ounces per guest for every half hour to hour. For a large crowd, you might want to buy a keg.
• Always have some nonalcoholic beverages on hand. Besides having juices, bottled water, lemonade, soda and/or iced tea, consider nonalcoholic wines and beers.
• If you're uncertain about how much to buy, ask your beverage store if you can return any unopened bottles. If you entertain frequently, you may want to plan ahead and shop in quantity.

Source: bhg.com

Cars Party

I had the absolute pleasure of getting to plan a Cars party for my nephew's second birthday. He had watched Lightning and Mater more times on DVD than we could count, so there was no question about the theme. His parents ended up renting a room to hold the party in because the guest list grew to about 60 people with such a big family and so many close friends.



Chocolate donuts = Casa Della Tires

 

Old license plates, free oil boxes and cheap signs made simple room decor

 

The kiddos made their own license plates and colored themed pictures for the birthday boy



The birthday boy had his own Cars place setting

Tables were decorated with road stripes (party streamer), cones (borrowed)  and race flags (cheap from the party supply store), as well as piston cups ($1 at Dollar Tree)

Guests enjoyed themed glasses for pictures ($2 for 8 at Wal-Mart)

Borrowed cones, flags and car supplies, free oil boxes, and a DIY speed limit sign made another simple room decor

 

The kiddos also had cars to play with on the road rug (already owned)

 

Rice Krispie treats and M&Ms made street lights  (Have you read my suggestion of not making your own cake?? This one is perfect example of all the things that can and will go wrong in the last day before a big party if you take on a task like making the cake...)

 

I found a scene setting that matched the theme on clearance for $7!

 I forgot to get pictures of the favors for the kiddos (another reason why I suggest asking or hiring someone to take photos), but each child got a lightning sack with Cars themed toys, a DIY candy bracelet with lightning, Cars fruit snacks and a gold "Piston Cup" made from silver trophies found at the Dollar Tree.)

Fifties Themed Birthday

When my dad was turning 60, my family wanted to throw a party. My dad loves to dance to the oldies and loves the simpler life, so we chose a 1950s diner themed party.

Guests enjoyed Root Beer Floats!

Themed photos

Photo matte to sign

Kids of all ages loved singing and dancing to 50s music

Discount store records, flowers, 50s candy and cards with 50s trivia

Centerpiece with themed candy and trivia cards

Museum style display with inventions from the era with cards explaining their discovery



Parts of Invitation altered for obvious reasons



 
We also served diner food: Hamburgers and hotdogs, chips, cole slaw and baked beans.