An Oogieloves Inspired Party

In anticipation of the upcoming interactive kids movie coming out on August 29, The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure, celebrations.com and contributor Chris Nease of Celebrations at Home recently put together an Oogieloves inspired party and asked me to share their ideas with YOU. This colorful and creative themed party is full of set-up inspiration, snacks and treats inspired by the characters in the moive, and lots of great DIY ideas.

Inspired by the beautiful and vibrantly-colored LovelyLoveville, the table was set with bright placemats, plates, utensils, and printables.

Image: Celebrations.com

I love the die-cut placemats and contrasting plates that are used at each place setting as well as the playful name cards letting each child know where to sit. How cute are the monogrammed milk bottle jars filled with blue-tinted juice! Wooden utensils were dressed up by adding brightly colored tape to the handles. Genius! And, to keep guests occupied, a maze activity card and pencil were attached to each place setting with a clip.

Images: Celebrations.com

Guest were also treated to a fun and colorful array of snacks inspired by some of their favorite Oogielove characters.

Image: Celebrations.com

Ruffy was the inspiration behind the Goldfish crackers, Lero and Lola's maracas inspired these adorable Colorful Crunchy Cereal Pops, and homemade Dotty Rounder Cupcakes were served for dessert.

Images: Celebrations.com

Image: Celebrations.com

Whether you are celebrating the release of The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure or creating a Oogieloves themed birthday party for your child, this party is full of great inspiration and ideas to get you started. Thank you, celebrations.com and Chris Nease for sharing your party with us. For more party ideas and tips, stop by Celebrations.com, here.

Cute As A Button and Ruffled, Two!

Today I am excited to share a dessert table that I designed for a baby shower this past January. The guest of honor was already a mother of two girls and was expecting her third AND fourth (yes, twins!). One boy and one girl. So exciting! I wanted to keep the theme gender neutral, casual, and bright and cheery. I came up with the theme Cute As A Button and Ruffled, Two!

After choosing a theme, I decide on two main gender neutral colors: a bright yellow and an aqua blue. I also used white as my neutral base. I added ruffles that I made from white crepe paper streamers to the cake stand and serving pieces (see my post about this, here) and then finished them off with mini paper fans that I made and/or a little ribbon.

Cute As A Button printables were created for the dessert table (will be available in the Sheek Shindigs Etsy Shop, here, soon!) and embellished with mini paper buttons.

I also made paper fans and embellished them with Cute As A Button stickers to hang above the table for a little extra fun. You can find instructions on how to make these, here.

The main attraction of the table was the button cake. To create, I simply purchased a double-layered 8" cake from my local bakery and decorated it with edible sugar buttons myself (buttons are available in the Sheek Shindigs etsy shop, here). This was an easy and inexpensive way to dress up a standard, store-bought cake. I created a coordinating cake topper by accordion folding a 7" x 1 1/4" piece of paper, embellishing it with two mini paper buttons, and attaching each end to a white candy stick.

In addition to the button cake, there were cupcakes, cake balls, and mini meringue cookies for the guests to enjoy.

What a fun day it turned out to be for a special woman and her growing family!

Credits:

Sheek Shindigs: design, set-up, decorations, desserts

With Love Photography and Design: Photos

Hand Crafted Valentine's Ideas

Only a few more days until Valentine's Day. Are you ready? I thought that we were all finished with our Valentine's cards and projects until ..... my daughter and I went to a Valentine's playdate/party the other day and I fell in love with the craft that the hostess (and fellow party lover) had waiting for us. I almost immediately came home and googled my way to its original source, Fiskars, and was delighted to find the craft instructions as well as a few other fun ideas.


{Image: Fiskars}

Charlotte and I made the "I'm bananas for you!" craft together at our Valentine's playdate and we both had fun doing it. It wasn't one of those crafts where the child has to basically sit back and watch while the adult does all of the work. It was age appropiate (she is 3 years old) and the final result was so cute. My friend had all of the shapes for making the monkey pre-cut and ready to assemble before we got there. She also provided banana chips in place of the candy bananas which I thought was a wonderful idea, especially when you are dealing with a group of 3 year olds that already have more energy than they know what to do with. Thanks Nicole! You can find the DIY instructions over at Fiskars, here.

{Image: Fiskars}

Check out this "You're Grrrrrreat!" Lion Lollipop cover from Fiskars. I mean, really! These would be so cute for a younger group of children, like a preschool class or playgroup.

{Image: Fiskars}

And what about this "You Rock" Valentine's idea? I know that my oldest son (8) would LOVE getting a package of Pop Rocks to try out and I feel like the presentation of this Valentine's craft isn't as juvenile looking, perfect for your grade-schoolers.

{Image: Fiskars}

For all of these craft ideas and more, visit Fiskars, here. Have fun!

{Party Ideas} A Snowman Themed Party

In need of a versatile holiday or winter theme for your next shindig? How about hosting a Snowman Themed Party. Whether you are hosting a non-religious holiday party or a winter celebration, you can't go wrong with a few jolly snowmen (and women) on your side.

Snowman Themed Food: From a Frosty glass of milk to a shot of snowman ice cream, here are some fun snowman themed snack ideas for your party.

{Images and Source Links: Top Row: All You , Good Housekeeping , Better Homes and Gardens , Middle Row: Martha Stewart , Better Homes and Gardens , babble  , Bottom Row: Candie Anderson , Canadian Family , Better Homes and Gardens }

Snowman Crafts: If there is snow on the ground, suit the kiddos up and let them create a winter wonderland of snowmen and women. If not, here are some snowman craft ideas that should be almost as much fun.

{Images and Sources: Kaboose , Kaboose , Family Fun , Kid Activities }

Snowman Activity: Set up a Build Your Own Snowman station for little ones to create their own frosty snow creatures. Stack marshmallows (skewered with tooth picks) onto a graham cracker with a thin layer of frosting. Use pretzel sticks for arms, chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, and orange jelly beans for a carrot nose.

Snowman Favors: Send your guests home with a snowman-to-go favor. Here are a few of my favorites.

{Image and Source Links: Add Ink and Stamp , Married, Broke, and Hungry , Bakerella }



A Reptile and Amphibian Birthday Celebration

We recently celebrated my son's 5th birthday with a Reptile and Amphibian Themed Celebration. Ever since his preschool class adopted a turtle as a class pet, my son has been fascinated by reptiles. Since I was not willing to grant his request for a slimy pet of his own, I decided that a Reptile and Amphibian themed party was the next best thing!

I had the pleasure of working with Amanda of Lil' Sprout Greetings on all of the printable designs for the party, including the party invitation and welcoming sign.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed, given a safari hat and binoculars, and sent on a reptile safari. It was amazing how many snakes and lizards they found crawling around!

I wanted to keep the snack table simple with healthy options (other than the cookies and cake), and in theme with the party. I created a safari-like backdrop of leaves and vines and used the coordinating printables that were created by Lil' Sprout Greetings. Snacks included Gecko Grapes, Python Pretzels, Alligator Apples, and Turtle Trail Mix. I also created frog-topped, chocolate dipped Oreo cookies and a reptile safari cake (don't judge me too harshly...this was my first attempt covering a cake with fondant).

The highlight of the party was a live, hands on reptile show which was led by a Wildlife Educator from a local company called Reptiles Alive. The children were able to view and touch live reptiles (turtles, lizards, frogs, and yes....snakes!) while the educator shared fun facts about each animal. The kids loved it!

Images: Reptiles Alive!

The birthday boy even got to help hold the reptiles and pass them around for his friends to touch. Better him than me! He was so happy, as you can see!

We had a great time celebrating my little man's big day!

ABC Paper Party Cups

Yesterday I came across a fun Etsy find and just had to share. Check out these ABC Paper Party Cups from Isakay Boutique. Aren't they great!

These paper party cups come in packages of 30 cups with 2 different letters on each cup (one on each side), plus a heart and a period symbol.  If you are looking for an easy and unique way to personalize your next shindig, these cups may be your answer. I love the idea of using them for a word party banner...



To help "label" your food...

Or, to just help you get your message across.

What would you say with your ABC Paper Party Cups?

{Party Ideas} End of Summer Celebrations, Part 3

The third, and final, End of Summer Celebration idea that I wanted to share with you is a favorite that I have been saving for some time. Although I am quite sure that having two boys has something to do with its appeal to me, this celebration idea is perfect for any summer-themed party and it is inexpensive and easy to DIY.

Today's End of Summer Celebration Idea: Host A Bug Hunt Party!

Bug themed parties have been circulating for quite some time but I though that there was just something special about this one created by Parents.com.  I love the creativity involved in putting this simple little party together and the fact that it can easily be re-created at an extremely affordable price! What a fun way to celebrate the end of summer with your children and a few of their friends. Other than some kid-friendly munchies, you only really need a few other inexpensive extras to pull of this Summer Celebration.

Start with a Bug Hunt: Get the party started with a Bug Hunt! Buy a bulk bag of plastic bugs and scatter them around your yard before guests arrive. Provide each guest with their own magnifying glass and set them off on their hunt! So easy, so simple, and so fun! And, if it's too hot outside, the hunt can easily be done inside.

Image: Parents

The Snack Table: Don't underestimate the power of crepe paper! This wonderfully creative table skirt was created by layering different shades of green crepe paper streamers and gluing a few plastic bugs on here and there. This definitely isn't a 5 minute project, but I bet that your kids would love to help out with creating it. At least mine would! Cover the top of your table with a green tablecloth and attach the skirt using glue, staples, or heavy tape. Then, get creative with your buggy snacks.

Image: Parents

A Few Snack Ideas: I found a few buggy snack ideas to get your started. I tried to look for some healthy choices that the kids would be excited about and that the moms would appreciate.

Wormy Cheese Dip: Wormy cheese sticks make the perfect dipper for this Spider dip holder. You can find the details on how to make this, here.

Ladybug Crackers: A little more time consuming but so cute! Click here for the recipe.

Build-a-Bug Snack Station: I love this idea from Party Ideas from Mell and Sarah. They made an idea-starter display for the table and provided all the ingredients for guests to make their own!

Image: Party Ideas By Mell and Sarah

Dirt Cup Dessert: Kids will delight when dessert time rolls around. Who doesn't love a dirt cup full of chewy worms! Visit Family Focus Blog for the recipe and how-to.

Image: Family Focus Blog

Bug Jar Favors: Put your empty mayo and peanut butter jars to good use! By adding a little grass/moss and a stick or two, you can create Bug Jar favors for your guests to take home. How cute!

Image: Parents

Have fun with this one. This is definitely going on my favorites list!

Go Green!

Want your next Shindig (and all of the others to follow) to be Sheek and eco-friendly? Investing in some basic reusable party goods is a great way to begin your future of Green Entertaining. Not only will these reusable party items save you money in the long-run, but they are earth-friendly as well. Double score! Parents.com has some great suggestions for a starter kit:

Image: Parents

Durable plastic tumblers: ikea.com
Melamine divided plates: amazon.com
Cloth drawstring good bags: bagsplus.com
Fabric banner: landofnod.com
Felt party hats: partypartnershop.com

{Real Parties} An Orange, Aqua, and Blue Circus Celebration

I am thrilled to be able to share this week's {Real Parties} submission. Mae of Mae Armstrong Designs sent me this ADORABLE Orange, Aqua, and Blue Circus Party that she created for her precious twin boys AND her husband (they all have the same birthday...how cool!).  Mae was inspired by all of the DIY parties that she had seen online and decided to challenge herself.

The party's theme was inspired by a paper Meri Meri elephant carousel that had been given to the twins. Mae created the invitations (LOVE!) and "sewed a simple elephant themed fabric pennant and a crochet banner...re purposed old baby food jars into pretty little containers for Jelly Beans... whipped up some homemade caramel popcorn  and added a jar full of animal crackers and goldfish to our dessert table". Mae also made birthday shirts, pj's and bibs for the boys, party hats, and three giant smash cakes. I am so impressed!

As an added touch, Mae's husband "hired his co-worker to play 'Happy Birthday' and some other songs on his bagpipes. It was an ode to the boys half-Scottish heritage and filled the neighborhood with some pretty cool tunes". What an awesome idea!

Thank you for sharing your impressive party with Sheek Shindigs, Mae. Job well done!! You can see more of Mae Armstrong Designs here and here.

Vendor Information:

Sweet Zugar Cakes: Main birthday cake

email: sweetzugarcakes@hotmail.com
website: http://www.sweetzugarcakes.com

Katie Cakes: Giant smash cupcakes
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Katie-Cakes/168834879840539?sk=wall