Poolside Inspiration

Looking for a little inspiration for your next summer gathering or party? If you have access to a pool (preferably a private one) then look no further. Kelly from The Party Dress put together this "Cocktails by the Pool" inspiration board that left me wanting to host a Girls' Night by the pool myself. Now I just need a private pool! Whether you are hosting your event during the day or at night, a poolside gathering offers a fun, relaxed setting to guests of all ages. Hop on over to The Party Dress for more details and poolside inspiration and tell her that we sent you!

Fab Find: Fondant Cupcake Toppers

This week's FAB FIND will make customizing your cupcakes a cinch. Cake and Kids offers custom, handmade fondant cupcake toppers for birthday parties and other special occasions. Their etsy store offers a large variety of cupcake toppers to choose from OR you can place a custom order. They are super cute and include many fantastic options for both boys and girls (which is often hard to find).

Robot Cupcake Toppers



Ladybug Cupcake Toppers



Superhero Cupcake Toppers



Whale Cupcake Toppers



Owl Cupcake Toppers (LOVE IT!)



I already have an event in mind that I plan on using Cake and Kids for ;) Visit the Cakes and Kids etsy store here for more information.

Boutique Tents...Couture Cabanas with Classic American Style

Boutique Tents was going to be this week's Fab Find (and it still may be) BUT I just couldn't wait until Friday to post about them. Anne Girault of Boutique Tents "seeks to impart classic style and a touch of whimsy to each pavilion she creates" and let me tell you, she does! Anne puts 10 years of sewing experience and her training in fine arts and interior design to amazing use by designing and crafting these OH SO SHEEK tents.




Boutique Tents offers a collection of 8 designer tents as well as a custom design service. These would fabulous for any special occasion... wedding, reception, baby shower...the list goes on. These gems would add color, visual interest, and an amazing custom ambiance to any event. You can check them out here.

Popsicle Party {sneak peek}

I am hosting a casual get together this August for my kiddos and a few of their friends. I wanted a summer theme that would suit all ages (18 months to 6 years old) and that we could do outside. I ended up deciding on a ....

POPSICLE PARTY!

Here is a sneak peek at the invitations that I just finished making:


I used card stock and popsicle sticks to make the Popsicle Party invitations. They open up to reveal the party's details. I will post pictures and more details in August after we host the get together.

In the meantime, one of the activites that I would like to do is a craft involving popsicle sticks. I need it to be appropiate for both 3 and 6 year olds. Any ideas??

Fab Find: Olliegraphic

This week's FAB FIND is one of my favorite finds so far. And it is, of course, an Etsy find. Olliegraphic offers its customers customized printable designs and accessories. Some of their items include calling cards, stationary, edible cupcake toppers, and melamine plates. All of their items can be customized with pictures that resemble your child. These items would be super cute for a "customized" birthday party.

A sample of the invitations, which you can customize to look like your little birthday boy or girl.



L-O-V-E these customized cupcake toppers. Wouldn't it be cute to customize one to look like each child attending the party!

Customized melamine plates. Not only would these be cute for your own children, but you could customize one for each child attending a birthday party, use them at the party for snacks and cake, and then send them home with each child as the favor.



Hope on over to Olliegraphic's etsy shop to check out all of their super cute items.

Dress Up Your Beverage Bottles!

A simple way to add visual interest and some "WOW" at your next event is to dress up your beverage bottles. Any type of plastic bottle, juice box, or jar can be dressed up with some craft paper, ribbon, and a few embellishments. For a customized look, add a personalized label or tag with a message to your guests. This little detail will really add a lot to your party!

Above images from My Creative Cafe

If you don't have the time or energy to dress up your bottles with lots of embellishments, a simple tray lined in paper and colorful straws can still have the same effect on your beverage bottles.

Above image from Sharnel Dollar Desings

Have fun "dressing up"! We would love to see your creative ideas.

Cool Pops

I have a new fascination with popsicles. It may be solely based on the fact that we are roasting this summer with temps in the 90's and 100's and anything that helps cool us down is extra appealing. Even so, there are so many fun recipes and molds that you can use to make the otherwise ordinary popsicle into a COOL POP at your next event!

Mint-Melon Pops
recipe


Lemon-Blueberry Twist Pops
recipe



Tie Dye Pops
recipe



Mandarin Orange Cream Pops
recipe



Rhubarb and Raspberry Yogurt Ice Pops
recipe



Pops would be a great alternative to cake and ice cream for a summer birthday party. Or, serve them as a playgroup treat next time you host. They are easy to make, fun to eat, and super COOL on a hot day!