{event showcase} Harry Potter 9th Birthday Party

When my daughter expressed an interest in Wizards (101 and Waverly Place, that is), I suggested the fantastic world of Harry, Ron and Hermione.  Reading together was time well spent and she enjoyed their adventures as much as I.  When it came time to celebrate her birthday, she quickly decided on a Harry Potter theme party ... and I pulled together a few ideas to create a fun wizardry experience!

The birthday party was inspired by Hedwig, Harry Potter's Snowy Owl.  My daughter loves animals and thinks it would be really neat to have an owl for a pet! 

The Snowy Owl, pictured above, was a $.99 sale item in the post-Halloween bin!

Guests received their party invitation via Owl Post.  Invitation designed by Jill Means Design, who I discovered on the One Charming Party blog.

Welcome! A Magical Celebration is in Progress!

Decor was minimal.  I relied on owls, newspaper print and the Griffendor House colors' burgundy and gold.

The prominent party space was The Great Hall (aka my dining room)! 

My goal was to recreate the Hogwarts' Dining Room without tremendous cost.  Therefore, I relied on color (burgundy and gold), texture (shiny gold and newpaper fans) and a few props (my collection of HP books and floating gold candles - by far, my favorite decor element!).

When the guests arrived, we did experiments to see if they were a wizard or muggle.  Children with fizzy concoctions were wizards.  Game inspiration and instructions may be found here.

Our Potions class was complete with Dragon Warrior Eyes, Blood Oozing Skulls and Snake Fangs (all post-Halloween candy), as well as Phoenix Feathers, Truth Serum (vinegar) and Elixir of Life (water).

Once the children were all confirmed Wizards, we sorted them into two houses.  Sorting was done by the color of their drink - blue or red.  A splash of food coloring was put in their cup beforehand and covered with ice.  When water was poured in the cup, the color was revealed.  This great idea was discovered here.

Once the children were sorted, we played a fun game of Quidditch!  There were neither brooms nor flying; instead, we took a Harry Potter quiz.  The team with the most correct answers selected a Seeker to find the Golden Snitch - gold foil wrapped Ferrero Rocher chocolates with wings!

After an exciting Quidditch game, the children made their own tissue pom owls, which was more challenging than I anticipated but they enjoyed the activity.  Then, we brought out the camera and had tremendous fun with the photo booth!  I purchased a big poster of Ron and Harry in the flying car (Chamber of Secrets), cut a hole in the center and invited everyone to take their photo.  Some kids were better actors than others?!!

Completely entertained and immersed in the wizardry world of Harry Potter, we then had cake - a Snowy Owl Cupcake Cake made by Chrissy at We Take the Cupcake.  No doubt, it tasted as awesome as it looked!  Our family loves Chrissy's frosting and I truly enjoy working with her!

As children left, they received a goodie bag of Honeyduke's Candy - Harry Potter Chocolate Frog and Bertie Botts Every Flavour Jelly Beans.



Have these photos and invitation, decor and entertainment ideas inspired you to host a Harry Potter birthday party?  If so, please leave me a comment to let me know.  Also, let me know if you have other HP birthday party ideas to share!

{Snow in Love} DIY Glitter Taper Candles

Continuing my 'Snow in Love' series*, today I have a fabulous and inexpensive way to glam up a dinner table or food buffet, or even a welcome table or fireplace mantle: DIY Glitter Taper Candles!

How often have you found a box of glitter taper candles and wished that they came in a different color or on the other hand, were challenged to find any candles to complement your special occasion?  For me, these scenarios happen a lot ... but not any more.  It's so easy to make your own glitter candles!

Materials

Candles

Glitter

Glue

Sponge (or thick paintbrush)

Wax Paper

Pour a line of  glitter onto a sheet of wax paper.

Using a sponge, apply glue to the candle in long, even strokes.

Holding the candle gently by the wick and the flat part of the other end, roll it in glitter.

Place the glitter candle in a candlestick holder to dry!

Has this tutorial inspired you to glam up your taper candles?  If so, please leave me a comment to let me know.

*Other articles from the 'Snow in Love' series may be found here and here!

{Snow in Love} Snow Decor

Hosting a Winter ONEderland first birthday, Snow Sprinkle baby shower or Snow in Love engagement party this season?  Then, you'll need a little snow! Even if there is no snow outside, you can still create a snowy experience inside ... which is my preference anyways!  Below are a few ideas for snow decor.

Suggested snow materials include:

Swiss Dot white linens

White china

Clear  or milk glass serving dishes

White round votive candles

Bubble vase filled with baby's breath

Crystal or clear plastic and pearl garland

Clear gemstones

Snowflake ornaments

Clear ornaments

Granular sugar

Powdered sugar

Marshmallows

Coconut

Glitter

What other snow materials do you use or would think to use?  Please leave a comment to let me know.  As you can see in the photo above, I love a mixture of materials, which creates rich texture in your snow design!

For more "Snow in Love" design inspiration, including food and drink suggestions, as well as more photos, please read the January issue of party possibilities.

DIY Ice Cooler

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful holiday season!  I feel like it's just starting for me.  Last week, I was involved in producing an international government conference for the new Republic of South Sudan; hence, the lack of posts.  But this week I'm back in action to share a fun and festive idea for your Christmas Eve or Christmas Day brunch, dinner or open house - a do-it-yourself ice cooler that will look fabulous on your bar.

I made the ice cooler above for my first photo shoot at the beginning of October!  It was a gift-wrapping party and the article was just published in the holiday issue of I Am Modern magazine (yes, I'm so excited!).

Here are the instructions for making the ice cooler.

Cut off the tops of two plastic soda bottles (1L and 2L)

Place the smaller bottle inside the larger bottle

Pour water between the two bottles, and add colorful garnish like cranberries and rosemary

Freeze overnight

Carefully remove the bottles and place the ice cooler in a bowl; I used a trufle bowl filled with more cranberries

For more 'posh in a pinch' holiday party inspiration from this photo shoot, please read my December issue of party possibilities; I've included a lot more photos, courtesy of my friend, Audrey!

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday celebration!

{in season) Cranberries

I have a fabulous client, who is more like a friend.  When I visit her home to discuss upcoming parties, she offers coffee, smoothies or a glass of wine ... it hardly feels like work!  This holiday season, I'm helping her with her decorations, including new greenery for the staircases.  I found this inspiring photo on pinterest; isn't it fabulous?!

The little pop of red reminded me of cranberries ... and how much fun you could have creating the look and feel of a holiday party based on cranberries.

Red ornaments atop candlesticks?  Stunning and simple decor!

Rosy Cranberry Cider ... perfect beverage to warm up a crowd on a cold winter's night!

Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites!  Yummy appetizer!

Other creative ideas for cranberries:

Garnish

spear a few onto a drink stirrer

Floral

add cranberries to a clear vase for a festive touch

Candle Holder

embellish a tray of votive candles with cranberries

Ice Bucket

DIY ice bucket decorated with cranberries

Tutorial forthcoming soon!

What are your clever uses for cranberries this holiday season?  Please leave me a comment and let me know!

All images found on pinterest.  Credits include BHG, Martha Stewart and Yummy Mummy.

Wine Bottle Disguise

Whether you are a novice purchaser, recycler or matching-maven, you can always be a savvy hostess by dressing up your wine bottle!  See how pretty the bottle sits on the dinner table?!

To dress up the wine bottle above, I used a cloth napkin folded into thirds, wrapped it around the bottle and secured it with a complementary ribbon.

Other materials to dress up your bottle include:

fabric remnants

gift wrap

tissue paper

twine

raffia ribbon

wasabi tape

custom or pre-made labels

... and what about acorns, leaves and felt rosettes to embellish??

Has this article inspired you to dress up your wine bottle?  Please leave me a comment to let me know.

{in season} Gourd-geous Tablescape

Last weekend, during the east coast snow storm, my family visited our local pumpkin patch; it was two days before Halloween and we were without pumpkins!  We found little ones for the girls and perfectly round pumpkins for my husband and I.  I turned my pumpkin into a vase, filled it with seasonal flowers and placed it our dining room table.  I'm not one to brag but I really think it's gourd-geous! What do you think?

To make your own pumpkin vase, select a medium-size, not-too-tall pumpkin.  Cut the top and gut it.  Place flowers inside a glass container and then, insert this container into the pumpkin.  Voila!  In 10 minutes or less you have a gourd-geous floral arrangement, too!

More photos and posh in a pinch tips of my Gourd-geous Gatherings tablescape may be found in this month's party possibilities newsletter.  I invite you to read it and let me know if you like the butternut squash vases, mink brown satin table linens, place setting embellishments and leaf-shaped butter!

{in season} Pumpkins!

Like many of you, I've discovered Pinterest (and spend way too much time exploring sooo many creative and inspiring ideas)!  For instance, a quick search on "pumpkin decor" revealed thousands of fabulous ideas for embellishing a gorgeous gourd or making your own, not to mention a ton of yummy recipes.  Below are two ideas for posh pumpkin decor in a pinch ... plus an easy cheese pumpkin recipe from Betty Crocker!  Let's begin ...

Thank you Martha Stewart for inspiring another use for my orange paper lanterns!  Just add a stem and green paper leaves for 'lil pumpkin cuteness.

I can't wait to make this paper pumpkin centerpiece with my girls!  Creative and crafty blogger, Aly Dosdall, made these pumpkins from circles of scrapbooking paper!

This photo just looks too festive ... and according to the Betty Crocker recipe, these Cheese Pumpkins are really easy to make - rolled cheddar cheese, chopped peanuts, pretzel stick and parsley! 

Do you have a favorite pumpkin idea?  If so, please leave a comment to let us know!

Welcome Guests with Inviting Front Door Decor

Photo credit Pottery Barn via Pinterest

One of the basic tenets of successful event management is to create an environment ... to offer guests a positive impression and, depending on the event, to establish the theme of your party.  The environment might be your living room, private dining room or ballroom.  Regardless of venue, the room should incorporate the look and feel of the party.  One tactic, especially, if you have to stretch your budget, is to focus on the entrance or reception area.  For example, front door decorations like the photo above would be so inviting for a fall gathering!

 I'd love to hear from you about your front door/party entrance decorations.  If you have an idea to share or opinion on the topic, please leave me a comment.

Crepe Paper Table Runner

Hooray! Two more days until our long holiday weekend begins! 

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer and outdoor parties!  If you are hosting a BBQ or picnic this weekend, I have a clever decoration idea ... and chances are pretty good that you have the materials stored in a bottom kitchen drawer (just waiting for this moment!).

It's a crepe paper table runner!

Different theme or occasion? Just change the colors! Love that!

Do you know other crepe paper decoration ideas?  If so, please leave me a comment and let me know! 

Stars and Stripes Decor

Memorial Day is quickly approaching; are you ready?  If not, I've got a simple yet eyecatching patriotic decoration that you can make moments before guests arrive for your BBQ or pool party! 

It's a hanging floral decoration (photo above) and in the words of my 4 year old daughter, "it's easy peasy" to make!  The instructions, as well as more project ideas, are outlined in this Good Housekeeping article but in a nutshell, its a dish towel folded in half and stapled around a gallon-size Ziploc bag.  Is that genius or what?!  I can't wait for my hydrangeas to bloom!

For more Memorial Day inspiration, please read my blog, A Slice of Summer Entertaining, on DC Ladies.  I share three watermelon recipes - a drink, a dessert and a super cool decoration!

So, what are your Memorial Day plans?  Are you beach bound, firing up the grill or tackling a never-ending list of home improvement projects? Can you guess my plans?!

{event showcase} Flutter By Garden Party

Does your family suffer from allergies? Mine, too, but that didn't stop us from celebrating Mother's Day in the garden!

We invited family to "flutter by" ... for dinner in our faux garden!

Our tablescape was inspired by the butterflies and gerbera daisies found at Michaels, as well as the fuchsia, yellow and purple stationary at Paper Source.

For the foundation of my tablescape, I used a light pink satin table linen.

The table runner was created with [existing] faux grass mats and accented with a vase of [existing] gerbera daisies embellished with butterfly wrapping paper, fuchsia ribbon and butterfly ...

a hot pink with yellow polka dots watering can,

... sweet ceramic birds,

... and a bumble bee.

For each place setting, I used my own purple china, flatware and stemware and embellished the white cotton napkin with a strip of wrapping paper.

As well, I tucked gerbera daisy "pens" (gifts to compliment handmade stationary) into bud vases filled with hot pink sand.

The tablescape looked very colorful and inviting without a lot of fuss!

If my garden party inspired you, please leave me a comment and let me know which faux detail you liked best!

Inspiration for your Easter Celebration

Still wondering what to do for Easter?  Look no further!  I have some outstanding seasonal ideas for decorating and entertaining family and friends, young and old. Enjoy!

Decor? Dessert? Definitely Fun!

Bunny Cakes on a Stick by Pizzazzerie

Another easy DIY decoration from the talented team at Pizzazzerie!

Add a splash of whimsy to your flower vase by adding dyed eggs.

Sometimes a little embellishment makes a BIG impact!

Bunny Ears napkin fold discovered on Hip Hostess.

Mix up your Easter celebration with a photo booth ... and capture the fun memories with these adorable Bunny Ears and Nose photo props!

Designed by the talented team at Frog Prince Paperie (for a Bunny Hop party produced by The Savvy Moms Guide).

Free download available here.

Origami bunny favor - such a sweet treat!

Super Cute Chick Cookie Pops from The Celebration Shoppe (for Parents magazine)! 

I'm making these cuties for a Girls Night Out Spring Break get-together tomorrow night because Chicks Have More Fun, correct?!

So that's my run-down on easy last minute Easter entertaining and decorating ideas!  Hopefully, my short list will eliminate your research so that you may enjoy more time with family and friends!

Candy Decor for a Sweet Party

Somethings just put a smile on your face ... like these photos of a 'Land O' Candy' party from Parents.com [via Tip Junkie Parties]! 

The colors are so bright and cheerful!

"Lollipops" made from cellophane wrapped balloons on a stick! Genius!

"Hard Candies" made from cellophane wrapped paper plates! Too clever!

"Sugar Trail" made from 12x12" scrapbook paper.  I wonder how long it would last?!

What are your favorite candy decor ideas?  I'm kind of liking this theme for my daughter's 5th birthday in the fall and would love some more bright ideas!

Dress Up Your {Spring} Party with Ribbon

Warning!  The ribbon decor ideas below are adorable ... and affordable, which is very posh in a pinch.

I've had so much fun exploring other decor themes - paper cups and balloons, and received such a positive response that I'm featuring ribbon today.  Enjoy and be inspired to celebrate Spring!

This little cutie caught my eye - ok, the bunny too!  Ribbon Topiary created by She's {Kinda} Crafty for the new Anders Ruff "Spring has Sprung" collection featured on Hostess with the Mostess.

More cuteness from She's {Kinda} Crafty! Love this Ribbon Wreath.

She's {Kinda} Crafty ... seriously, isn't she?!

Ribbon Tablescape from Martha Stewart Weddings spotted on Divine Party Concepts

This photo just makes me happy!  Ribbon Napkin Rings found on You Are In Good Company

I can't write about creative ribbon decor ideas without showcasing this awesome ribbon storage idea found on At Home with Kim Vallee.  Someday, my ribbon collection will look like this ... maybe?!

I have one more ribbon idea ... a ribbon curtain/backdrop ... and a sneak peek to my Star Wars Spa party; more photos coming soon!

So a few ribbon decor ideas for your Spring party.  Which idea will you create?