tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36947856420514681232024-03-19T01:48:45.835-07:00Invite and DelightInviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-60109054639074196652024-03-18T21:24:00.000-07:002024-03-18T21:24:07.510-07:00Flipping Thru the Channels<p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcaLAcOYlpjwV4GW2Dd3qyEdT-yySV-rdql6xWdCY3N4loiZKiGmAZ_4kqsahiLvMunSQyPJIVuhGF6Jl_WmFZ4x0SAVdQabgFm9WaLtFZ5aTpkxXGO3Xx9KNKm-OeG0tLdhVuyQjhrNzxVOwcc_dtPtHavQJUED-W3Flz-QMixMr1bGRWYjrgtArV7k/s2657/1-TV%20Channel%20MD1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2302" data-original-width="2657" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcaLAcOYlpjwV4GW2Dd3qyEdT-yySV-rdql6xWdCY3N4loiZKiGmAZ_4kqsahiLvMunSQyPJIVuhGF6Jl_WmFZ4x0SAVdQabgFm9WaLtFZ5aTpkxXGO3Xx9KNKm-OeG0tLdhVuyQjhrNzxVOwcc_dtPtHavQJUED-W3Flz-QMixMr1bGRWYjrgtArV7k/w640-h554/1-TV%20Channel%20MD1.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b> </span>am the ASB Director at the school where I teach, and we just completed a super fun spirit week titled Flipping Thru the Channels. It was so fun seeing teachers and students dressed up for the spirit days. From MTV Monday wearing band tees to Disney Channel Friday in mouse ears & Disney clothes, it was a week full of fun. I thought it would make a fun dinner party idea, and that was this month's theme. It did not disappoint.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGgQEdi_I7EL64YAXtkDgSNks9VFIT0GngDINaHavdHHByPQrr7amrfTIuZFNijkEH3gwo0kAJdXPoJsT8J9OJTlHtRwbbpIyWd8xLTN0dcd9X_wu0E2WvAiELSZUdWV14vqrjVkzAzHQBE9mNJ0jUefLobLk7Lm-V9zX4SQ4YZkKNoLicK4VGSW6X1Q/s2800/Flipping%20Channels%20MD%20Invite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGgQEdi_I7EL64YAXtkDgSNks9VFIT0GngDINaHavdHHByPQrr7amrfTIuZFNijkEH3gwo0kAJdXPoJsT8J9OJTlHtRwbbpIyWd8xLTN0dcd9X_wu0E2WvAiELSZUdWV14vqrjVkzAzHQBE9mNJ0jUefLobLk7Lm-V9zX4SQ4YZkKNoLicK4VGSW6X1Q/w458-h640/Flipping%20Channels%20MD%20Invite.jpg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invite: </u></b> I designed the invitation with various TV channel logos along the left hand side and an old school television in the middle. Since the spirit week at my school was full of fun dress up days, I decided to have guests dress up to represent a channel as well.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtCPcjzcSWsVE4JnINdAmpRMM_IgWiq37rGT2nVpukPevl3Hv6YPNPd4YRIlUZn55X4ICkWo-1kP2sKNa9pAkJapy9JdUPMZAd720xEd4pvp05oFZ0fcE4PZksHhLMSffieEawRk_aw4_WhP5tQBeQqIgCVXzJ_2oQMpRcR50e2jgvu_iQIN5KtziYag/s6000/1-IMG_3181.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtCPcjzcSWsVE4JnINdAmpRMM_IgWiq37rGT2nVpukPevl3Hv6YPNPd4YRIlUZn55X4ICkWo-1kP2sKNa9pAkJapy9JdUPMZAd720xEd4pvp05oFZ0fcE4PZksHhLMSffieEawRk_aw4_WhP5tQBeQqIgCVXzJ_2oQMpRcR50e2jgvu_iQIN5KtziYag/w426-h640/1-IMG_3181.JPG" width="426" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decorations:</u></b> I used bold and bright colors for the table as most TV channel logos are bold. For the centerpiece, I spray painted a box black and added television decals to match the TV on my invitation. I cut a hole in the top of the box and put a vase inside with flowers.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6kp5JQLUKBLZPr5NZwSCqjc-hFPeXmbc3VZQSpyZ3QrQg79EY2AcKdZ4uDG-6EB5miL3HgUCYQsnYJJAJQxrSmVgWcIaUvqFUw9LKPoG0C17pEYhd2fVai5BuEQyX2MOyK8WtKvnpKJg9ftBd4-CA7kmYJgtLRLkq52scmZbeRG9oDvMV4P61q5TxeE/s6000/1-IMG_3176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6kp5JQLUKBLZPr5NZwSCqjc-hFPeXmbc3VZQSpyZ3QrQg79EY2AcKdZ4uDG-6EB5miL3HgUCYQsnYJJAJQxrSmVgWcIaUvqFUw9LKPoG0C17pEYhd2fVai5BuEQyX2MOyK8WtKvnpKJg9ftBd4-CA7kmYJgtLRLkq52scmZbeRG9oDvMV4P61q5TxeE/w640-h426/1-IMG_3176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>As a table runner, I set out black card stock and then printed various TV channel logos to spread along the runner.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktjhK9L8GzJqvLA7tbuFHDgLC-hFLJ-dvbSiZ0KGjp1ZoyXG-mTZf0gYWyWpfoOyuCNC8C4CAYfJbQAlXPhA9h12asfnPG3UPVc1yhRR-h1xGJwM8EfYGBp6Mrg1mz5rH_hqTMZ3ZG5UBCQFBav-nGjsvjl_CldxHF6Q_nBE3-qcDyqWib1Z9zHm25Yw/s2452/1-TV%20Channel%20MD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="2452" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktjhK9L8GzJqvLA7tbuFHDgLC-hFLJ-dvbSiZ0KGjp1ZoyXG-mTZf0gYWyWpfoOyuCNC8C4CAYfJbQAlXPhA9h12asfnPG3UPVc1yhRR-h1xGJwM8EfYGBp6Mrg1mz5rH_hqTMZ3ZG5UBCQFBav-nGjsvjl_CldxHF6Q_nBE3-qcDyqWib1Z9zHm25Yw/w640-h412/1-TV%20Channel%20MD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />For place cards, I designed small televisions using Photoshop and then cutting them with my Cricut machine. I matched a logo that represented various guests hobbies/likes to show on the "screen." My family travels a lot so I used the Travel channel on my place card with On the Go Carole. A friend who is currently remodeling her bathroom was HGTV with Renovating Rene. For the antennas, I used push pins with black balls at the end and just stuck them through the card stock of the television.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmpFLOESl_Og5eMd6kvf99rruEx1TQrSMU8lZlq7-d9WUkb9lEW9soUtS29yg8GI2ENSKjbNxplqsku6kzlPcg_thDeFzOOym-7dcoTZj3ihbfaeZddBeoOJVplKa6ulNccghmQwKRFo1eoCNwjw_vPghbAXWuKp4ngIOHsfKKAKimIiWVRz_J7aZ_C8/s4954/1-IMG_3228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4954" data-original-width="3111" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmpFLOESl_Og5eMd6kvf99rruEx1TQrSMU8lZlq7-d9WUkb9lEW9soUtS29yg8GI2ENSKjbNxplqsku6kzlPcg_thDeFzOOym-7dcoTZj3ihbfaeZddBeoOJVplKa6ulNccghmQwKRFo1eoCNwjw_vPghbAXWuKp4ngIOHsfKKAKimIiWVRz_J7aZ_C8/w402-h640/1-IMG_3228.JPG" width="402" /></a></div><br />For napkins, I printed the Disney Channel logo to place on bright yellow folded napkins. I labeled the Mousekatools (fork, knife, spoon) for guests to pull in that term used on Disney Channel's <i>Mickey Mouse Clubhouse</i>.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSfI3vS6Daflq2MGu8QEE4Pp6FTZpsng1WFjbRcNPePmspapm3GnBVdIr8yK33EJU8v32rCvtMCox3RwQrbQrkTIITTOs4kOXuzjKuLpn5NqT1QVbWFYmnULZ2_MPn-HaCEqgDptE6kIDKe8FJlly3KcKScmZkelxVYdoIQxm-xXjdYyU_6LBaSt4o20/s6000/1-IMG_3193.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSfI3vS6Daflq2MGu8QEE4Pp6FTZpsng1WFjbRcNPePmspapm3GnBVdIr8yK33EJU8v32rCvtMCox3RwQrbQrkTIITTOs4kOXuzjKuLpn5NqT1QVbWFYmnULZ2_MPn-HaCEqgDptE6kIDKe8FJlly3KcKScmZkelxVYdoIQxm-xXjdYyU_6LBaSt4o20/w426-h640/1-IMG_3193.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />For my beverage table, I borrowed an MTV shirt to display behind the wine and party favors.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyMaGzb1Kqvee5BFiCq5M2KW_DkvLPl3tjKHNNOUvKfDTsQqMoiyinz-kt94_HJhsNUo505py3KCp1VTNrD-uu8baDoXdk7EFuJjIJsOQQgXInP_EOQSNLSxlXf79jflSrNWJ2bVcQB0GhGak3bLQrv1IJkS3tOJp2nHPf61I1Q5PMPJRzRte3hZxLGE/s6000/1-IMG_3201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyMaGzb1Kqvee5BFiCq5M2KW_DkvLPl3tjKHNNOUvKfDTsQqMoiyinz-kt94_HJhsNUo505py3KCp1VTNrD-uu8baDoXdk7EFuJjIJsOQQgXInP_EOQSNLSxlXf79jflSrNWJ2bVcQB0GhGak3bLQrv1IJkS3tOJp2nHPf61I1Q5PMPJRzRte3hZxLGE/w426-h640/1-IMG_3201.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />For the wine labels, I also incorporated TV channels. The white wine was the logo for TLC (The Learning Channel). I just switched it up to be <b>T</b>otally <b>L</b>ove <b>C</b>hardonnay to represent the letters. The background of this label was the same TV as the invite all the way around. For the red wine, I chose the Red Zone channel from NFL Network. I designed the label with a glass of red wine and the NFL logo in it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWmR0TGsSM_rAIyRvovbtYfgCwDcDqQt0EpUfN7R1hHWraqDIYqcqbRWo0w_Eymu6Kmulh_rvZDDtnG-NQkcksWKIfhC12x7b40ZDD-eQL2tzPBERU_JJUJAGLe9YCgO8Jmub7c_xVbxexazbCNu4taXYOuSLCBMlFXZQxh4NDCQOv1yIX8cs58BOs8k/s4477/1-IMG_3205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4477" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWmR0TGsSM_rAIyRvovbtYfgCwDcDqQt0EpUfN7R1hHWraqDIYqcqbRWo0w_Eymu6Kmulh_rvZDDtnG-NQkcksWKIfhC12x7b40ZDD-eQL2tzPBERU_JJUJAGLe9YCgO8Jmub7c_xVbxexazbCNu4taXYOuSLCBMlFXZQxh4NDCQOv1yIX8cs58BOs8k/w566-h640/1-IMG_3205.JPG" width="566" /></a></div><br />The wine charms were just various TV channel logos that I printed out and put on the glass stems.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_msHkjpYNU12_JMlkjZP-Hqk_2Kw2EgPSzL1oDr69gRFwO0CCFdHUNs3Fdw2fZi0ds6_cVbJwoND1Llro-ANBkWQHDsLxckR2TBHWVtLraLyuJGEfvNMj2dZpR5r4m0DcjyqY-TPtnOnO2ayVXapkOzOWwtfLbZzyfeuJ0VUxblA_ybx8qbC0FDpx9iY/s6000/1-IMG_3236.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_msHkjpYNU12_JMlkjZP-Hqk_2Kw2EgPSzL1oDr69gRFwO0CCFdHUNs3Fdw2fZi0ds6_cVbJwoND1Llro-ANBkWQHDsLxckR2TBHWVtLraLyuJGEfvNMj2dZpR5r4m0DcjyqY-TPtnOnO2ayVXapkOzOWwtfLbZzyfeuJ0VUxblA_ybx8qbC0FDpx9iY/w640-h426/1-IMG_3236.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLwR8973TEmVcXqjixx5CKr7JRO8EF3xOF7qPdNSbby2MhdKeuXA1mjt5BzY__um-7rcKUDruiE9_SjIMDTuBbuIMPRzN-XgkADC3ajnyndREyqwmDsKM5UApt7tWpJ3xgXkP8NscMAiS3VxPMzbI50-yH8NVzMXvmMGxaO8_k_gzAS8RbyoU5ReL-To/s1200/Menu%20-%20Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLwR8973TEmVcXqjixx5CKr7JRO8EF3xOF7qPdNSbby2MhdKeuXA1mjt5BzY__um-7rcKUDruiE9_SjIMDTuBbuIMPRzN-XgkADC3ajnyndREyqwmDsKM5UApt7tWpJ3xgXkP8NscMAiS3VxPMzbI50-yH8NVzMXvmMGxaO8_k_gzAS8RbyoU5ReL-To/s320/Menu%20-%20Chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Menu: </u></b>As a main dish, I served garlic mushroom chicken that was delicious! I followed this recipe from <a href="https://cafedelites.com/garlic-mushroom-chicken-thighs/#recipe">Cafe Delites</a>, except I baked the chicken in the oven instead of on the stove as I didn't want to be stuck in front of the stove and not interacting with guests. I did do the mushroom mixture on the stove, but that didn't take long. This is a recipe I will definitely make again. I used an acronym for this dish to match with the AMC television channel. Instead of <b>A</b>merican <b>M</b>ovie <b>C</b>lassics, I had it stand for <b>A</b>mazing <b>M</b>ushroom <b>C</b>hicken.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikv86xhZksKItRMHGiUI1tvsHZlWGaOzMHklcOxDOxeqc1cY9CdqjbEZE8Vh0sI-nRjxwOGmfqmO8GjMOuKoiU80dtDNt_5EJrhSI8-6mLsBA0-ldgEm6xyoIS7R4B13ut9Rp0ppXUulEenUtNjEdcRXIKVGKPzB_yuk1wrM6HbvndezkxfPJJxqlCAP4/s5274/1-IMG_3241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5274" data-original-width="3963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikv86xhZksKItRMHGiUI1tvsHZlWGaOzMHklcOxDOxeqc1cY9CdqjbEZE8Vh0sI-nRjxwOGmfqmO8GjMOuKoiU80dtDNt_5EJrhSI8-6mLsBA0-ldgEm6xyoIS7R4B13ut9Rp0ppXUulEenUtNjEdcRXIKVGKPzB_yuk1wrM6HbvndezkxfPJJxqlCAP4/w480-h640/1-IMG_3241.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBAqBBzQjDxvCLImTszp7hnOj3SP0WBGRjP5tOZACWq_P15jO5Yl-KZdRB4hCpjeLAymKO1AxVMMTPo_Pu9twpE7Ztxwknm5Vo0EB2GuuRbd79ILqZ0LPi8kmxxbhxzhDt7t0oAeqLgJ3tXHW1FTR3lc8gMw-0DkT20p0Si4YvSCNR-C5wfdTd8ClVrk/s1200/Menu%20-%20Potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBAqBBzQjDxvCLImTszp7hnOj3SP0WBGRjP5tOZACWq_P15jO5Yl-KZdRB4hCpjeLAymKO1AxVMMTPo_Pu9twpE7Ztxwknm5Vo0EB2GuuRbd79ILqZ0LPi8kmxxbhxzhDt7t0oAeqLgJ3tXHW1FTR3lc8gMw-0DkT20p0Si4YvSCNR-C5wfdTd8ClVrk/s320/Menu%20-%20Potatoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As a side dish, I made <a href="https://natashaskitchen.com/baked-cheesy-ranch-potatoes/">Baked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes</a> which were also amazing and super easy to make. I chose this "cheesy" dish to go with the Hallmark Channel. I am a sucker for all of their cheesy holiday movies!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8l5BdwYCvs7MhWyNJp0MxZYVLLAaQ5dldzP5UIqxK8EPYlybALAUh8JKEzHCgRfy7vOiK9UhFMpM_ATzF2FHsI7LgcGj-dzcydcnC6Y07apGrVSEWjpZSGAZPeY9bc5Q4YMkPFAHd41jNAW8piyTtAn8z4rRmeTuTa3dCoAZptWt2zuPHOmDTmoW7yU/s6000/1-IMG_3214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8l5BdwYCvs7MhWyNJp0MxZYVLLAaQ5dldzP5UIqxK8EPYlybALAUh8JKEzHCgRfy7vOiK9UhFMpM_ATzF2FHsI7LgcGj-dzcydcnC6Y07apGrVSEWjpZSGAZPeY9bc5Q4YMkPFAHd41jNAW8piyTtAn8z4rRmeTuTa3dCoAZptWt2zuPHOmDTmoW7yU/w640-h426/1-IMG_3214.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXQ-rcuxVVkd5itt-f0bTKkL88173ETWVf0j6EyMvs8ethyphenhypheny8WCFVj4u8PBUoUCk_tjK4wALZgMCHHGMHHWttPMv6dTsJuWpQJBmE55DAJusMHbNvieOWwS2jmAJ-eZaf85m6sretMz75_mrXT64JClWiq00meEWmlZYK1AcbohG33F5aq9ZUjFUaypw/s1200/Menu%20-%20Fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXQ-rcuxVVkd5itt-f0bTKkL88173ETWVf0j6EyMvs8ethyphenhypheny8WCFVj4u8PBUoUCk_tjK4wALZgMCHHGMHHWttPMv6dTsJuWpQJBmE55DAJusMHbNvieOWwS2jmAJ-eZaf85m6sretMz75_mrXT64JClWiq00meEWmlZYK1AcbohG33F5aq9ZUjFUaypw/s320/Menu%20-%20Fruit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I also made a fruit platter and organized the fruit on a platter in the shape and colors of the NBC peacock logo. I served pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberries, purple grapes, blueberries, and honeydew. The NBC letters I cut out on my Cricut. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsibAiSjL1fBA0i5X0cXVevBUA2lSbIdNpb1CVWfegwKqCcWf7bxNY6fW8CLCdvZ6wgWO9brwD09QQgHKiMPhFP_oEVuCprvwV_-vAWyv3EFcIpCl2Eo0vbYw4xJVVbWq_1lb5OfcvnrkUWVUzwrcIOSAHZCoZzOFvhklFVx-iniY-vrGgCtM9GJiZXKI/s6000/1-IMG_3246.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsibAiSjL1fBA0i5X0cXVevBUA2lSbIdNpb1CVWfegwKqCcWf7bxNY6fW8CLCdvZ6wgWO9brwD09QQgHKiMPhFP_oEVuCprvwV_-vAWyv3EFcIpCl2Eo0vbYw4xJVVbWq_1lb5OfcvnrkUWVUzwrcIOSAHZCoZzOFvhklFVx-iniY-vrGgCtM9GJiZXKI/w640-h426/1-IMG_3246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcr0Ro1vwnmW7t-2HSnsC37iC1ItgWmK-nqNMbNBTD9-VzaTb95dnEDPOxs9hG6MuXeDCMXdQ5s-FwrnJV9t8-a07mkYrc-GEz5fFk3trAGyfSsrj3U3N2b1X0loINc5gjckZbWLXtJBw1ilwmuWxat4ORApWD24_ZwE_uccdHVCAVeB3lBAEc0txuEE/s1200/Menu%20-%20Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcr0Ro1vwnmW7t-2HSnsC37iC1ItgWmK-nqNMbNBTD9-VzaTb95dnEDPOxs9hG6MuXeDCMXdQ5s-FwrnJV9t8-a07mkYrc-GEz5fFk3trAGyfSsrj3U3N2b1X0loINc5gjckZbWLXtJBw1ilwmuWxat4ORApWD24_ZwE_uccdHVCAVeB3lBAEc0txuEE/s320/Menu%20-%20Cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I made a <a href="https://natashaskitchen.com/easy-sponge-cake-genoise/">sponge cake</a>. My good friend did all the SpongeBob themed icing on the cake to represent the Nickelodeon channel. I also added the top of the pineapple to the platter to add to the SpongeBob theme. <p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY2aEKC85P0xO5V3XCz8IRj-Z23WN8m8_o0Dqq9RhoMw0YiFQ4aEYRY-p1hev2qKCtvmUOhh7Ul22HEgBcALPhMATZv_s9dg96BaBiWFOpKMKZfYqWsTmzcafcbJYGVfEVTH8u0cS082J-rLgM_hKc6Gxs3OXDKLFmvIHtfMP8kkr30pWRKCK408CSS8/s6000/1-IMG_3208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY2aEKC85P0xO5V3XCz8IRj-Z23WN8m8_o0Dqq9RhoMw0YiFQ4aEYRY-p1hev2qKCtvmUOhh7Ul22HEgBcALPhMATZv_s9dg96BaBiWFOpKMKZfYqWsTmzcafcbJYGVfEVTH8u0cS082J-rLgM_hKc6Gxs3OXDKLFmvIHtfMP8kkr30pWRKCK408CSS8/w426-h640/1-IMG_3208.JPG" width="426" /></a></b></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Favor:</b> The party favor was easy to throw together. I simply wrapped Hershey bars in black cardstock, and then designed an image of a remote control on Photoshop to print and glue to the front to make take home remotes. The text read "Thank You for Tuning In." Guests can enjoy a candy bar as the Flip Thru the Chanels at home!<p></p><p>I didn't take any photos of my guests at this event, but we had several channels represented. I wore an MTV shirt, one guest wore a jersey to represent ESPN, a few guests wore Disney ears. So many options to work with - safari gear for Discovery Channel, decade dress for History Channel, chef attire for Food Network, etc. This was a fun party and would be great for a get together or birthday party theme.</p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-57252145637134979222024-02-09T18:38:00.000-08:002024-02-09T18:53:36.674-08:0049ers vs Swifties Super Bowl Party<p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DCx1SO1vVcJrZKIyqco8SajMm0kmciH4QO3hnzi0I__PEfJcMjmmksTpbgbCRFXj7IdfbZK-0c-3JQHVy-nhXSbvmguS4DU0M43iDvncMnVfZBq7f-z19oXekhEUFEZt1-IX92KErG-tnuy4AOj0LA2-S66jvLchulzztTZgp_e7ULfe2w5BKMSdBow/s3284/1-Super%20Bowl%20Swiftie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2363" data-original-width="3284" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_DCx1SO1vVcJrZKIyqco8SajMm0kmciH4QO3hnzi0I__PEfJcMjmmksTpbgbCRFXj7IdfbZK-0c-3JQHVy-nhXSbvmguS4DU0M43iDvncMnVfZBq7f-z19oXekhEUFEZt1-IX92KErG-tnuy4AOj0LA2-S66jvLchulzztTZgp_e7ULfe2w5BKMSdBow/w640-h460/1-Super%20Bowl%20Swiftie.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">I</span></b> have been a 49er fan since I was little, and I am super excited about this Sunday's Super Bowl LVIII, but the achievements of these teams have been a bit overshadowed by the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce media frenzy (my opinion of course). Instead of getting bothered by it, I decided to embrace it and celebrate my team with a fun and silly 49ers vs Swifties dinner party!<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJR5YLr5W54lbZ1cNOjyQmPXZD8gv9f2mLfRJW2GoYTELO7CsN56HTN9LJvsGQUEA0Mo5KW6-KFGtwc3pmuOWXtkjtUDO09vwfKdKsl-pUfP7w7WlTXOFQ26nBrLWmRgENiCDmwRUuZDbNusuw4do8SrNRhVK7kQZyvTcp43-pu3P6qkIxfsBdc7bcIY/s2800/Super%20Bowl%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJR5YLr5W54lbZ1cNOjyQmPXZD8gv9f2mLfRJW2GoYTELO7CsN56HTN9LJvsGQUEA0Mo5KW6-KFGtwc3pmuOWXtkjtUDO09vwfKdKsl-pUfP7w7WlTXOFQ26nBrLWmRgENiCDmwRUuZDbNusuw4do8SrNRhVK7kQZyvTcp43-pu3P6qkIxfsBdc7bcIY/w458-h640/Super%20Bowl%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invitation: </u></b>I decided to have a bit of fun with my invitation by incorporating an image I found of Swift photoshopped onto Kelce's body. I used this and an image of Brock Purdy to show the rivalry. I switched out the KC in the middle of the Chief's arrowhead with a TS for Taylor Swift. Then I added a few of Swift's song titles into my text.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqAN61-0qRctg0eStHNz8xm6jufTOeki3SceyLndtNo_4_igRSMGyjuuH9fbQT0VL1XYt9pVMfJYLbESWe8-4MK0mFHdhFl76RooZYcLihXWHnCb815eYegeUUnYoJ5JWaCiD8nIh9I9jvUT8XbUJ5nvkE0VVu4QiEDyhN87a-jX3BsTG9nkSOp2XwXI/s6000/1-IMG_3120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqAN61-0qRctg0eStHNz8xm6jufTOeki3SceyLndtNo_4_igRSMGyjuuH9fbQT0VL1XYt9pVMfJYLbESWe8-4MK0mFHdhFl76RooZYcLihXWHnCb815eYegeUUnYoJ5JWaCiD8nIh9I9jvUT8XbUJ5nvkE0VVu4QiEDyhN87a-jX3BsTG9nkSOp2XwXI/w640-h426/1-IMG_3120.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decorations: </u></b> Both teams have red in their uniforms, and Taylor's album was called "Red," so that color became a big focus of the party. I purchased a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moohome-Curtains-Backdrop-Curtain-Decoration/dp/B072P1JGC7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=18L8Q3MG0ODTT&keywords=red%2Bshimmer%2Bwall%2Bbackdrop&qid=1707367628&sprefix=red%2Bshimmer%2B%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-3&th=1">red shimmery backdrop</a> from Amazon to put up behind my table. I added white butcher paper behind it to cover the photo collage of my family. I also purchased the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Decorations-Disposable-Tablecloth-Touchdown-Decoration/dp/B0C6M57WTR/ref=sr_1_18?crid=HOY2BGEUP73I&keywords=football+field+tablecloth&qid=1707367579&sprefix=football+field+t%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-18">football field tablecloth</a> from Amazon.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABp8sZjah-R1ua1NjHKpV63wbJy-BXjfJT8pGjbY5WfstlRMcdXCU4IhCRsQ5Z7TR5h3HL8pEpxhvY7Xf9gptH2wb4wQFfQQbP4-q9xn9Orf8n4kqAqKiYhaZwKVqMn_PhhbcR5ZrJe7ioEsrfYoyO6oU22z0XXB7PUBHvyLHyCN_nUik2OLi6mhRFMA/s6000/1-IMG_3110.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABp8sZjah-R1ua1NjHKpV63wbJy-BXjfJT8pGjbY5WfstlRMcdXCU4IhCRsQ5Z7TR5h3HL8pEpxhvY7Xf9gptH2wb4wQFfQQbP4-q9xn9Orf8n4kqAqKiYhaZwKVqMn_PhhbcR5ZrJe7ioEsrfYoyO6oU22z0XXB7PUBHvyLHyCN_nUik2OLi6mhRFMA/w640-h426/1-IMG_3110.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For a centerpiece, I purchased 3 pieces of red glitter cardstock from Michaels to use like a table runner. On this, I had a gold vase filled with red artificial flowers and gold tissue paper. I designed images to put on skewers inside the vase and to use as photos props for pictures.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSaSGRjimatAAWU8Sl3PajnPri1iybIurRWO21mvliBmg9HuksqrZiJPGqqR2Nhrif7-f4DoGblpqsUmZ6x_dPvsQHjF8OOXH8xp9aj3PDCfWnQgeePQ8YNNPuVR7o1b0fsReJxYoWVVWucXqf9PYeTCTh-cyVDclGrAvm7IE__LX1oj5PMNziUMYZG8/s6000/1-IMG_3117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSaSGRjimatAAWU8Sl3PajnPri1iybIurRWO21mvliBmg9HuksqrZiJPGqqR2Nhrif7-f4DoGblpqsUmZ6x_dPvsQHjF8OOXH8xp9aj3PDCfWnQgeePQ8YNNPuVR7o1b0fsReJxYoWVVWucXqf9PYeTCTh-cyVDclGrAvm7IE__LX1oj5PMNziUMYZG8/w426-h640/1-IMG_3117.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkdnuKgKl_8miSjzmOmfVu19ebf1URKSNHzAWP9zDiGvFl0FmLnHevJXS3FjP-_yJR46DUN-vQRjrbsM7zrt9QROd_kajoabpYPThMLSGa9MA3CwxQRlGOTYhQdSa3n3lg3BVI-igtlmrZSTtbKSnxhbNNQ6oVYdZw1fYu1RoBHrGDok0InwVnDC5OjY/s6000/1-IMG_3116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkdnuKgKl_8miSjzmOmfVu19ebf1URKSNHzAWP9zDiGvFl0FmLnHevJXS3FjP-_yJR46DUN-vQRjrbsM7zrt9QROd_kajoabpYPThMLSGa9MA3CwxQRlGOTYhQdSa3n3lg3BVI-igtlmrZSTtbKSnxhbNNQ6oVYdZw1fYu1RoBHrGDok0InwVnDC5OjY/w640-h426/1-IMG_3116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFLKo633hnLbH3KS73Qd1T5V7l4lVViXQ9ZKBOkZ92_awmj81TGLwMks7hxHtihQJpYPe9liA-L1o7nMyZujX3-dv_QhX3O7nmKhBjctMCRK12QibGBHUNZL1IRDx9cMS-Wdd4auKwEJMuiq437qzB_YpWDZ_R2fNDgCKMv1UNSiN3IP1M75Pb1ISby4/s6000/1-IMG_3119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFLKo633hnLbH3KS73Qd1T5V7l4lVViXQ9ZKBOkZ92_awmj81TGLwMks7hxHtihQJpYPe9liA-L1o7nMyZujX3-dv_QhX3O7nmKhBjctMCRK12QibGBHUNZL1IRDx9cMS-Wdd4auKwEJMuiq437qzB_YpWDZ_R2fNDgCKMv1UNSiN3IP1M75Pb1ISby4/w640-h426/1-IMG_3119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Also in the centerpiece was a football with some red heart shaped glasses to represent Taylor Swift. I found these in the dollar bin at Target. I borrowed the mini 49er helmet and the black 49er hat from my neighbor. The wooden heart is a Valentine's decoration, but I added it to give more of a Taylor Swift vibe to the centerpiece.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVwNIKf31Id-xAVinRhGSTWJttvUGzCModiB7Ftn-0fmLEKRPzI2h1yAivBvsA1_WtcNnLxsDBgzKdqBBK8d4mwQByH8N40VDRSbdN9gMPzZIuVJiPpY9yVldtKFBZod3ve7SCc37ALcDJnrLRwdpdXHmvYSmg3NrD8Q49X-P64MPrdV6j9fEgqF5oYs/s4219/1-IMG_3111.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4219" data-original-width="3993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVwNIKf31Id-xAVinRhGSTWJttvUGzCModiB7Ftn-0fmLEKRPzI2h1yAivBvsA1_WtcNnLxsDBgzKdqBBK8d4mwQByH8N40VDRSbdN9gMPzZIuVJiPpY9yVldtKFBZod3ve7SCc37ALcDJnrLRwdpdXHmvYSmg3NrD8Q49X-P64MPrdV6j9fEgqF5oYs/w606-h640/1-IMG_3111.JPG" width="606" /></a></div><br />The red plastic plates and smaller gold paper plates I purchased at Dollar Tree. I then printed out logos for the 49ers and the Swifties and alternated the teams around the table.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3apLWjlPXJ1uAvxFhoUBqzy8cC5ZrTSLMmt4u7FQ6Xgd5pHutFxycl2-l5KuVwhfwvfr-J7bSWkF-cMlZpe9N2yi6QToDrb5Jvht-vF2X3LzMbVsMcXaOe4gP-ULkeH6bANEg4YsbzteAvbW2fayQOt7ns2kHCSNIoo0KmPS1G3DPql4JcbtGAhb_TYk/s6000/1-IMG_3108.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3apLWjlPXJ1uAvxFhoUBqzy8cC5ZrTSLMmt4u7FQ6Xgd5pHutFxycl2-l5KuVwhfwvfr-J7bSWkF-cMlZpe9N2yi6QToDrb5Jvht-vF2X3LzMbVsMcXaOe4gP-ULkeH6bANEg4YsbzteAvbW2fayQOt7ns2kHCSNIoo0KmPS1G3DPql4JcbtGAhb_TYk/w640-h426/1-IMG_3108.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj595NhC87P_q7hZ05cZmMR7FCF8HaSaXWlrkD4jW9D9LDkse0xC1xVrv5Ea3QGPdC2Ley4WIHTNM1RdSI1weTdLS0Z2GEm0-2Ap0TMvE0Y8MvcEp4QmblciMAvfmY5ws8grAk0bs3Lva0AGRrGZ-LavODJ5X3H7m4LU8b_KDZfdbeDl8tRLoEqI9AXzK8/s3631/1-IMG_3113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3631" data-original-width="2541" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj595NhC87P_q7hZ05cZmMR7FCF8HaSaXWlrkD4jW9D9LDkse0xC1xVrv5Ea3QGPdC2Ley4WIHTNM1RdSI1weTdLS0Z2GEm0-2Ap0TMvE0Y8MvcEp4QmblciMAvfmY5ws8grAk0bs3Lva0AGRrGZ-LavODJ5X3H7m4LU8b_KDZfdbeDl8tRLoEqI9AXzK8/w448-h640/1-IMG_3113.JPG" width="448" /></a></div><br />The gold napkins I also purchased at Dollar Tree. I made mini Swiftie friendship bracelets to wrap around the napkins. These also served as place cards, and I put letter beads with the guest's initials on the bracelet. If I were to host this party again, I would probably keep the napkin less folded and include the guest's entire name, but for my small group, the initials were fine.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMJSVJz2U_ZOiE0_jF_TwQ_6UZx5Hw0j5ShO2Ru3yp1ARoGeTt4TxeG5jDNZWR2b0tbYhO5ZQdoAaHpm3TwnNS7qCd7Dsg0IxmQZ-4SsxTfXPij2Di6maJ7pXpDLjcee8v9NBbocwDk5qvG-G22VDM420aC0f1LOSCjxCaEYlOeMPeWk8O925T_9ybHY/s4000/1-20240206_190539%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMJSVJz2U_ZOiE0_jF_TwQ_6UZx5Hw0j5ShO2Ru3yp1ARoGeTt4TxeG5jDNZWR2b0tbYhO5ZQdoAaHpm3TwnNS7qCd7Dsg0IxmQZ-4SsxTfXPij2Di6maJ7pXpDLjcee8v9NBbocwDk5qvG-G22VDM420aC0f1LOSCjxCaEYlOeMPeWk8O925T_9ybHY/w640-h480/1-20240206_190539%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYFcWYUDyLgGrtrCaEHrNiHcw7T7vuEcPQXm9_yGetfQJvrcmz1vG17HCMP1Wir_YT9s_8rNldKSLn1At-zy7quar5T8yTiiHqruNomf_FSCLjBU_nkT1dCao0yUItUoFsg6NI-uz0jjfJy6ISvTe3fnJT7XvHnN4_4U1oO0cTzO0Nch22Y77Ocv-HCM/s4000/1-20240206_190500-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguYFcWYUDyLgGrtrCaEHrNiHcw7T7vuEcPQXm9_yGetfQJvrcmz1vG17HCMP1Wir_YT9s_8rNldKSLn1At-zy7quar5T8yTiiHqruNomf_FSCLjBU_nkT1dCao0yUItUoFsg6NI-uz0jjfJy6ISvTe3fnJT7XvHnN4_4U1oO0cTzO0Nch22Y77Ocv-HCM/w480-h640/1-20240206_190500-001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />For my beverage table, I lucked out by having close friends that have great memorabilia they let me borrow for the night. One friend went to a Taylor Swift concert, and let me borrow the boxes (on the mantle) and the giant envelopes (on the table) which show Taylor's Eras Tour. I borrowed a 49er jersey from other friend.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5VW8nRBD-h7AYVUhHtIgt0b43733_34u14jsZFW0U0kusJy2ZHxFUNnN1UuznWgB-maxnksrZ2_x9ZFhhaPCuidKyOxbhgCBJUn8tkuyMZB5uTUQNZxZSru8rT3epTkIPEvQk0oFmhm0PZw8cNd3Ts3Bh9gA8_R0EdpgkQUifHZVPzBT404qy-81dYQ/s4000/20240206_190551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5VW8nRBD-h7AYVUhHtIgt0b43733_34u14jsZFW0U0kusJy2ZHxFUNnN1UuznWgB-maxnksrZ2_x9ZFhhaPCuidKyOxbhgCBJUn8tkuyMZB5uTUQNZxZSru8rT3epTkIPEvQk0oFmhm0PZw8cNd3Ts3Bh9gA8_R0EdpgkQUifHZVPzBT404qy-81dYQ/w480-h640/20240206_190551.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Another friend let me borrow his football from the 2020 Super Bowl that is signed by all the players!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeCds-FCdm-J5lQt3uCt0rU4AfVHAI8jRz4m3DVCsDffUggbk12cCYIcLTiEqFIumwvTuSjf7JsUujwMBn_ktdygQe5u9k1zZGPjFjuLk3fU6IG91TpoVhLeFKDcW0dlK6ysH7YNh_o4xvjG9RMnscIyPLqBxEeZl-O0UFH9EaUEkmiQw0FHR2nLdoRs/s6000/1-IMG_3079.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeCds-FCdm-J5lQt3uCt0rU4AfVHAI8jRz4m3DVCsDffUggbk12cCYIcLTiEqFIumwvTuSjf7JsUujwMBn_ktdygQe5u9k1zZGPjFjuLk3fU6IG91TpoVhLeFKDcW0dlK6ysH7YNh_o4xvjG9RMnscIyPLqBxEeZl-O0UFH9EaUEkmiQw0FHR2nLdoRs/w426-h640/1-IMG_3079.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I had fun creating and designing my wine labels with a Taylor Swift vibe, but words that promoted a 49er win! Used Taylor Swift's song "Blank Space" to represent zero points on the scoreboard for Kansas City. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK627WkaZPar8wx-L8lPvgxzBZFjIUhjAM2nrt6ebxa6JpoI7XGI1izp1uixYVsjPAPfNpQIoGglP_G6Ld3C6AFe0-1cm_z9hM5xyiN7lxCMShydS8l6gJOA4hLih6tkArt46xyyjzLAOkdaHJOddXaMTna1t60kHW3Gh41QxlSgdtK9t7Wc_5brNNgcM/s4838/1-IMG_3103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4838" data-original-width="3986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK627WkaZPar8wx-L8lPvgxzBZFjIUhjAM2nrt6ebxa6JpoI7XGI1izp1uixYVsjPAPfNpQIoGglP_G6Ld3C6AFe0-1cm_z9hM5xyiN7lxCMShydS8l6gJOA4hLih6tkArt46xyyjzLAOkdaHJOddXaMTna1t60kHW3Gh41QxlSgdtK9t7Wc_5brNNgcM/w528-h640/1-IMG_3103.JPG" width="528" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I printed out small logos and images I found online. Things like an Eras Tour poster with Kelse instead of Swift, a Chiefs jersey with Swift as the name on the back, red lips, etc.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_TOjjL0vdIERp9bUrzIN77ynsPYPcKClA23jZ3TLiGBPoVBR_SLu3Yei88l9V6Sd3gc_Si5qbqroOI5qcKMdsVniDDVCzXjKIt21VRrgXtmiYN45qnXQzqbjV9y1EvIiIXS-p-iGgvITTCM2Mlz6Psk_pqNpuwlsZhvt2GieMXvD_r__3wpyjWOajm4/s5756/1-IMG_3134.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3561" data-original-width="5756" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_TOjjL0vdIERp9bUrzIN77ynsPYPcKClA23jZ3TLiGBPoVBR_SLu3Yei88l9V6Sd3gc_Si5qbqroOI5qcKMdsVniDDVCzXjKIt21VRrgXtmiYN45qnXQzqbjV9y1EvIiIXS-p-iGgvITTCM2Mlz6Psk_pqNpuwlsZhvt2GieMXvD_r__3wpyjWOajm4/w640-h396/1-IMG_3134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Menu: </u></b>This is a dinner, rather than snacks, so I needed to create a menu that was filling, but still fit with the theme. I decided to highlight various star players on both teams & of course Taylor Swift. We started with an appetizer of veggies and dip. I called this BROCK-oli with more than PURDY good dip after the 49ers quarterback, Brock Purdy.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdICxjKqp2xNlSbdxYIjFP521fGjz9aOfF_H_tVSUzprDjiKnvc5u9G8IhkFWOyUCxosOrFBlvUh6_GFAV6iqgGEp0JgyUoULkcCsSM-gFXguHKzHEa1kmnucsxwKYH2lQ81ZWLp9WlQb93_GG6mg7Bv6iUZFoZf1u-dg1Ao7JiIYd0h7bE2fyXMGoic/s6000/1-IMG_3148-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRdICxjKqp2xNlSbdxYIjFP521fGjz9aOfF_H_tVSUzprDjiKnvc5u9G8IhkFWOyUCxosOrFBlvUh6_GFAV6iqgGEp0JgyUoULkcCsSM-gFXguHKzHEa1kmnucsxwKYH2lQ81ZWLp9WlQb93_GG6mg7Bv6iUZFoZf1u-dg1Ao7JiIYd0h7bE2fyXMGoic/w640-h426/1-IMG_3148-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8tuiTHrJFbokpZ_9J9HAhb2QxCYouni74PuyssoMSBcFgOtLaRL2j6nwHcx8gmuz_Ixrnh389SiO-aonIeeqm0UEtiP4AN13PGS3pHJ7lM9Ryh2xNxoYVl5TPYpCJAeCDNC3og6_Lok4vCKH_nsns2zg2VHp6oXWdoVS03Rx7miTElpULhyphenhyphenazUlJxgw/s6000/1-IMG_3145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8tuiTHrJFbokpZ_9J9HAhb2QxCYouni74PuyssoMSBcFgOtLaRL2j6nwHcx8gmuz_Ixrnh389SiO-aonIeeqm0UEtiP4AN13PGS3pHJ7lM9Ryh2xNxoYVl5TPYpCJAeCDNC3og6_Lok4vCKH_nsns2zg2VHp6oXWdoVS03Rx7miTElpULhyphenhyphenazUlJxgw/w640-h426/1-IMG_3145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the main dish, I had burgers with all the fixings: cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, and avocado. I named these burgers after Taylor Swift's song "Back to December" calling them Back to Decem-BURGERS. Also brought Travis Kelce from the Chief's in with the TRAVIS-ty of toppings.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWF-8BIoK826OATNoTlubFWy2FPkj1LunSNvVJ8oOVz7vfZteqMEitCMw5mUERWbcRdaLm1uAEqY-jqPWK4ulGD-Pw_HnOmH_aDZgumqBJi6rswe5L-WN-7hSsxgkxxbSzR-IY1UtODEr_GvUoIJTBALP-jOmQ7xH2AaA1RPnmFY-3ukkzycrXGNEebk/s6000/1-IMG_3138.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWF-8BIoK826OATNoTlubFWy2FPkj1LunSNvVJ8oOVz7vfZteqMEitCMw5mUERWbcRdaLm1uAEqY-jqPWK4ulGD-Pw_HnOmH_aDZgumqBJi6rswe5L-WN-7hSsxgkxxbSzR-IY1UtODEr_GvUoIJTBALP-jOmQ7xH2AaA1RPnmFY-3ukkzycrXGNEebk/w640-h426/1-IMG_3138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />You've gotta have fries with cheeseburgers, right? Named these after the 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey calling them McCaf-fries.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNstUKGve1ndlRmk2XUwxAySdGcGhMzKlVDERbTuGJN0yCaZStuqfoms1KMQjjY0JnunoASHQLV-L8KuiWqA45W7WKGn1B2tI_deTPYISo5MNLcFs2OHuVGqMNtxWTmdjzCPuLxYgXXlxkbT7S-pyP2AwpP0qTCAPVjYRSzQ2RN9odjT4KfnnhGuXBs8/s4055/1-IMG_3152.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4055" data-original-width="3993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNstUKGve1ndlRmk2XUwxAySdGcGhMzKlVDERbTuGJN0yCaZStuqfoms1KMQjjY0JnunoASHQLV-L8KuiWqA45W7WKGn1B2tI_deTPYISo5MNLcFs2OHuVGqMNtxWTmdjzCPuLxYgXXlxkbT7S-pyP2AwpP0qTCAPVjYRSzQ2RN9odjT4KfnnhGuXBs8/w630-h640/1-IMG_3152.JPG" width="630" /></a></div><br />Deebo Samuel is another amazing player for the 49ers. We had boneless honey buffalo wings I renamed DEEBO-ned Chicken Wings.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntr76i5K7cCYFDqLYBM889c_UuS8enX5dF-15EqOot0VoRIQfPFzu8x0tNb-Ju7HRm2GeDi6wwQnhVbCtNnqrKZj0kL9PnALWHFJBAkGDfZdQLrRwVd-H_zRcKGjKg61pE_XxERNgYvBXdhO8bgN3gYFahYHz05u4f-yRyYu40Y-VzpMqoRk7dM3dzy0/s6000/1-IMG_3164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntr76i5K7cCYFDqLYBM889c_UuS8enX5dF-15EqOot0VoRIQfPFzu8x0tNb-Ju7HRm2GeDi6wwQnhVbCtNnqrKZj0kL9PnALWHFJBAkGDfZdQLrRwVd-H_zRcKGjKg61pE_XxERNgYvBXdhO8bgN3gYFahYHz05u4f-yRyYu40Y-VzpMqoRk7dM3dzy0/w640-h426/1-IMG_3164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I couldn't decide between two ideas for dessert, so I decided to do mini versions of both. One was mini red velvet cupcakes with buttercream frosting & edible sugar. My friend who works at Small Cakes bakery (yummy stuff) made these for me, and I just added pennants I designed. These were named after Taylor Swift's song, "Red".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMrnCMe3bBxHuAzW_SBFcufOluCvEjUlMgsqZgE6iYds3lbI5l3YBCTR0vgM4sielYPNYwwyQZtHJvAqMKeMtKKuO7LPW9L214bluC8hs3sTldzhzKKHNCR4xUjCVUDa7DiLnAwFguukIkTXbW8CZNRcYX2oemJ_112B9y82GkLMVQi6zVp1_qZHYOxk/s6000/1-IMG_3166.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMrnCMe3bBxHuAzW_SBFcufOluCvEjUlMgsqZgE6iYds3lbI5l3YBCTR0vgM4sielYPNYwwyQZtHJvAqMKeMtKKuO7LPW9L214bluC8hs3sTldzhzKKHNCR4xUjCVUDa7DiLnAwFguukIkTXbW8CZNRcYX2oemJ_112B9y82GkLMVQi6zVp1_qZHYOxk/w426-h640/1-IMG_3166.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The second dessert I served was a mini strawberry shake to represent Taylor Swift's song, (milk)"Shake It Off"!<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhed3rt3C4KBNwj4eewRO7Q0FM-tyVzSlk4daMZ0VojLCSDwN2zG7LsSK132caFb6koZpFs3O1d11eQbj7iUHFtryJo18EojVfrna8-RPNFTxSoRqpbgIeLq01r00HeEV9YT4MKDAaTSn_7zr9BK4fNPvmsfiARKWxVu6lD8mU6wqBM_3kM2CaTUu9Hqg/s3324/game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3324" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhed3rt3C4KBNwj4eewRO7Q0FM-tyVzSlk4daMZ0VojLCSDwN2zG7LsSK132caFb6koZpFs3O1d11eQbj7iUHFtryJo18EojVfrna8-RPNFTxSoRqpbgIeLq01r00HeEV9YT4MKDAaTSn_7zr9BK4fNPvmsfiARKWxVu6lD8mU6wqBM_3kM2CaTUu9Hqg/w582-h640/game.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Activity/Game: </u></b> I had fun coming up with this fill-in-the-blank game for the party. I looked up some of Taylor Swift's most popular songs, and tried to incorporate them into Super Bowl sentences. My favorite is, Mahomes will definitely say, "I Knew You Were Trouble" after playing against the 49er defense! As a 49er fan, these sentences were definitely bias to my team, but the guests got a kick out of it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet9wPUJhha_aOv3q_3ScfwbyFQbeOhvSMbRtsBMvgtARgvZt63NH1CpPAqeuWbjMTnLwGypuWwVdc80CtrhE_CKccmluu9B4ZXYiIVE3qez1E2SXbGzEsJT2W8mYdrv80BQ4Ya3IKB7fd8Tb3LgYlye-rfTB2wP7shmLEfGbZG7MVCCSjyvKEnSdfWyY/s6000/1-IMG_3085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet9wPUJhha_aOv3q_3ScfwbyFQbeOhvSMbRtsBMvgtARgvZt63NH1CpPAqeuWbjMTnLwGypuWwVdc80CtrhE_CKccmluu9B4ZXYiIVE3qez1E2SXbGzEsJT2W8mYdrv80BQ4Ya3IKB7fd8Tb3LgYlye-rfTB2wP7shmLEfGbZG7MVCCSjyvKEnSdfWyY/w426-h640/1-IMG_3085.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Favor: </u></b> Aren't these cookies so cute? One of my neighbors offered to make Super Bowl/Taylor Swift themed cookies for me, and she did an amazing job! From footballs, to circles with SF, to castles with "Love Story" on them, they were perfect. Yummy too!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5PoKwbeK56jGe_lZHc-fzh1fS3ADPvUt2miXHSFdaw9Ntt6wrUsW1I5vkr_u-LSNZPr9zPlbsTIGqIG4Iwarm6pHWEn5QtYEdakrbhj6cMEpbIluZ0DwzP6HaH6aDEWCdekjJ3qQ4AcS7h8QCYVXuTXE-twbGLsBwxfKQgvS7sPz0YCFbrRXlkv2kFU/s4087/1-IMG_3089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4087" data-original-width="3632" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5PoKwbeK56jGe_lZHc-fzh1fS3ADPvUt2miXHSFdaw9Ntt6wrUsW1I5vkr_u-LSNZPr9zPlbsTIGqIG4Iwarm6pHWEn5QtYEdakrbhj6cMEpbIluZ0DwzP6HaH6aDEWCdekjJ3qQ4AcS7h8QCYVXuTXE-twbGLsBwxfKQgvS7sPz0YCFbrRXlkv2kFU/w568-h640/1-IMG_3089.JPG" width="568" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As guest's departed, I also gave them this Super Bowl Bingo sheet Swiftie Edition to play during the game this Sunday. I had fun making this and coming up with some of the things that were funny with the Taylor Swift obsession. This card is definitely more geared to both teams. I tried to be fair (for the most part). You may catch my one addition that isn't equally represented!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was such a fun party, and one you can totally throw together for this weekend's game. <b>GO NINERS!</b></div><p></p></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-64277480013483648902024-01-15T12:55:00.000-08:002024-01-15T12:55:38.655-08:00Wigs & Wine Party<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyc5JogIDcqWjN71Yl20BFbzH8VtYEL1d7FdUwEvDJ-BjTEBDz2f7PTZZ30MBPWa8zau7hmvIsEflyXn8RUXH5H1w9OgmKUizSsY34r5h7ahUwjX2Txc5GypuEBOZzdwj-Bw-6P1em45-N35i1nhBaaQX0BvoYXrmnoyz6VWryIR7tW3txxKzsqJcTGtM/s2892/1-Wigs%20&%20Wine.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2523" data-original-width="2892" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyc5JogIDcqWjN71Yl20BFbzH8VtYEL1d7FdUwEvDJ-BjTEBDz2f7PTZZ30MBPWa8zau7hmvIsEflyXn8RUXH5H1w9OgmKUizSsY34r5h7ahUwjX2Txc5GypuEBOZzdwj-Bw-6P1em45-N35i1nhBaaQX0BvoYXrmnoyz6VWryIR7tW3txxKzsqJcTGtM/w640-h558/1-Wigs%20&%20Wine.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>L</b></span>ooking for a little fun for your next party? Then host a <b>Wigs and Wine </b>Party & see what your guest's come up with! This was such a fun theme to host, and the girls and I were laughing at the variety of wigs each guest wore to the party.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4wveiMf3OLVGkl8noalrkXOWaUhJao95whV-zHbcjr4kJs3LCaq3KYKtHm-qiKGjijdmcn_slM8j2qQQr1Xsag9c2jpp5lHALr2YGoGGtQ5IL0nsdREQlHfgagjI5uDg8B-EX0uS_gSifBZ6UgiDCBg0fbECNPv0eeRTxToG-tW-lTjQO7m-3Q78MjY/s2800/IMG_6295.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4wveiMf3OLVGkl8noalrkXOWaUhJao95whV-zHbcjr4kJs3LCaq3KYKtHm-qiKGjijdmcn_slM8j2qQQr1Xsag9c2jpp5lHALr2YGoGGtQ5IL0nsdREQlHfgagjI5uDg8B-EX0uS_gSifBZ6UgiDCBg0fbECNPv0eeRTxToG-tW-lTjQO7m-3Q78MjY/w458-h640/IMG_6295.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite: </u></b> I designed the party invitation on PhotoShop. Kept it simple with a few images with wigs and the party details. I asked my guests to wear a wig (I provided the wine). Make sure you send out the invite with enough time for guests to get a wig if they don't have one already.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh19Tfd5tYaAcFUy_5XKd_BxCoJrNKFVVNx9vUPPPvDBsN_dKV8pUD0J6c44Mb7SrhDH4ub5FB5A894Fw7flLpyyPoIPeKNmp-fBKVsyQBFXo-KZimagEKFwFDQcAM2_dRlAPJ1FXV-oz_WwGPckZf8JBQlMwlKCzZJD0mcGGoQrQtl6Rl5PZ93YupN3Y/s2652/1-Downloads1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="2235" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh19Tfd5tYaAcFUy_5XKd_BxCoJrNKFVVNx9vUPPPvDBsN_dKV8pUD0J6c44Mb7SrhDH4ub5FB5A894Fw7flLpyyPoIPeKNmp-fBKVsyQBFXo-KZimagEKFwFDQcAM2_dRlAPJ1FXV-oz_WwGPckZf8JBQlMwlKCzZJD0mcGGoQrQtl6Rl5PZ93YupN3Y/w541-h640/1-Downloads1.jpg" width="541" /></a></div><br />Check out some of our fun wigs!<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbxSQLHTrQarS6IGqjY0bPSoowao7J7SBc0cT5Qf_a_cU4369kqHh4e0bGJvw_D_J1CQoi3ZmbO78Hq6T6CakP2Pmh54sDODmn0aGMKDHldrobqUCHw8mrAHzM4PAHDMZssHN0ge76ukVUogG5OSJTr2q5xIZSpVCp3ViYhoQruH-l8RXlcGA8IxV1qk/s4436/1-Wigs%20&%20Wine1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1649" data-original-width="4436" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbxSQLHTrQarS6IGqjY0bPSoowao7J7SBc0cT5Qf_a_cU4369kqHh4e0bGJvw_D_J1CQoi3ZmbO78Hq6T6CakP2Pmh54sDODmn0aGMKDHldrobqUCHw8mrAHzM4PAHDMZssHN0ge76ukVUogG5OSJTr2q5xIZSpVCp3ViYhoQruH-l8RXlcGA8IxV1qk/w640-h238/1-Wigs%20&%20Wine1.jpg" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decorations:</u></b> Due to our family Halloween costumes through the years, I have several wigs that I used to decorate the table. Everything from Princess Lea, to the charcters of Inside Out, to a normal ombre wig. I purchased <a href="https://www.michaels.com/product/white-foam-female-head-by-ashland-10315631?michaelsStore=3023&inv=8">styrofoam heads</a> from Michaels Craft Store and placed them on the table with the various wigs I already owned as the centerpiece. A piece of cardstock under each head brought in the colors of the invitation.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPlcZ-7pz-lMZ6bP_7d-riTFz2SL7Xtp-zs710SxwROGrNgZfGFBAhPtg4ZzbGPvGZ9sIO_RDtJkaKLlayRXnF4Kk2STWvqRel3QEyHyH-qj5aqlVofARaZYAZ5JI6nQkWQLmDsqIsWZHGH1IzuMFnL9zZZqRJunPRMpuJBoSDmoWLWaWSpYa6-9i6QQ/s5343/1-IMG_3005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5343" data-original-width="3480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPlcZ-7pz-lMZ6bP_7d-riTFz2SL7Xtp-zs710SxwROGrNgZfGFBAhPtg4ZzbGPvGZ9sIO_RDtJkaKLlayRXnF4Kk2STWvqRel3QEyHyH-qj5aqlVofARaZYAZ5JI6nQkWQLmDsqIsWZHGH1IzuMFnL9zZZqRJunPRMpuJBoSDmoWLWaWSpYa6-9i6QQ/w416-h640/1-IMG_3005.JPG" width="416" /></a></div><br />In coming up with ideas for this theme, I looked up various hair styles that are often made into wigs. I tried to incorporate some of these into the food and decor for the party. On top of each napkin I created a card having fun with the "pixie" style of wig. The message was "I WIG always PIX you!" Only problem with this was, after I created the tag, I discovered that the company that makes Pixie Sticks no longer sells them! They are discontinued!! I decided to make them myself. I got a paper straw and hot glued one end. Then I mixed a half a cup of sugar with one packet or Kool-Aid mix. I poured it into the straw and hot glued the other end. Done (and tasty too).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedcG0u8hijeCohmopQJTNAdNjXo7uuVLhX2IqC61ZS0n7abBx7FT8SHd5VbMAD_Kc8bufRAbBX5M-B1G-5D_deCBzXKZ0Yz_GxAzNqOwC8zqGSO0aloUiJa2s8HmXdUIyMIh9rdAUsHLoSf2r__SvdyJVyjMoyz-vIP-eu3GpOCEgRqTo2FJQ-FsZk-M/s6000/1-IMG_3012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedcG0u8hijeCohmopQJTNAdNjXo7uuVLhX2IqC61ZS0n7abBx7FT8SHd5VbMAD_Kc8bufRAbBX5M-B1G-5D_deCBzXKZ0Yz_GxAzNqOwC8zqGSO0aloUiJa2s8HmXdUIyMIh9rdAUsHLoSf2r__SvdyJVyjMoyz-vIP-eu3GpOCEgRqTo2FJQ-FsZk-M/w640-h426/1-IMG_3012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I usually have place cards set on my table with my monthly dinners, but this time, I decided to let the guests design their own place card and choose their spot at the table. I bought 4" <a href="https://www.michaels.com/product/4-wood-rounds-16ct-by-make-market-10691831?michaelsStore=3023&inv=6">wooden circles</a> from Michaels, painted them a generic skin color, and drew on eyes and lips. I purchased play dough from the Dollar Tree for guests to craft their own wig on top. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-cqW8Zahs0SjnU-L5M2Ej28RiBPSlhKPyccOCgUVGs-RKLWyLhGRp4kI5Ef0dBSMVbN3Kmuwc0V8pg_MaUFgUQpAjaS1CzJ6BdQrtejBRlMzgnSTvm0wljR6IXK1ZKTDonspWEaiK476u-2L226GaIirlVRYycbedVJf-EsSi6Y2xTKV845vSmdVLac/s5365/1-IMG_3042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5365" data-original-width="3978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-cqW8Zahs0SjnU-L5M2Ej28RiBPSlhKPyccOCgUVGs-RKLWyLhGRp4kI5Ef0dBSMVbN3Kmuwc0V8pg_MaUFgUQpAjaS1CzJ6BdQrtejBRlMzgnSTvm0wljR6IXK1ZKTDonspWEaiK476u-2L226GaIirlVRYycbedVJf-EsSi6Y2xTKV845vSmdVLac/w474-h640/1-IMG_3042.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU-uBxJj1Av-uHCJHjZ5uliY5yP2gSjCBhTjCCTU23NZjY3x3lZ8pHnRUF2QAl7zyyflxKNpJ_qmEN5qLhZnKW8RPWt9xlSRQuHMBXXZgw9huvl33l9I2Bws7n2EtvRlCormqjKDQCAZEZ6SOpkSByg4SAkQImKlybwzakfVXxzAsKKsIqGT9AsKqmZk/s1678/1-IMG_6299.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1664" data-original-width="1678" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU-uBxJj1Av-uHCJHjZ5uliY5yP2gSjCBhTjCCTU23NZjY3x3lZ8pHnRUF2QAl7zyyflxKNpJ_qmEN5qLhZnKW8RPWt9xlSRQuHMBXXZgw9huvl33l9I2Bws7n2EtvRlCormqjKDQCAZEZ6SOpkSByg4SAkQImKlybwzakfVXxzAsKKsIqGT9AsKqmZk/w640-h634/1-IMG_6299.jpg" width="640" /></a><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQPAtoOwjtyQ2GNW2qpiP0OywpZlFCqZvo7FXZJ-Xt1CzrsF4b68W1McL31Bl7MpKNILcC3pU_Bqdk0Pe4sdrPaAwglt37J7Jh6qo8RF6-EiaodE0FtyGWJs01lZKsCZDPOr6GfZt9QOv99fg4lqoBmPYtx7Tvcu5sqD7SHboGtPtbvZKEKRbodapGaA/s4267/1-IMG_3048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4267" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQPAtoOwjtyQ2GNW2qpiP0OywpZlFCqZvo7FXZJ-Xt1CzrsF4b68W1McL31Bl7MpKNILcC3pU_Bqdk0Pe4sdrPaAwglt37J7Jh6qo8RF6-EiaodE0FtyGWJs01lZKsCZDPOr6GfZt9QOv99fg4lqoBmPYtx7Tvcu5sqD7SHboGtPtbvZKEKRbodapGaA/w600-h640/1-IMG_3048.JPG" width="600" /></a></div><br />Some of the guests matched their play dough creation to the wig they were wearing at the party. Others created just a fun wig for their wooden piece.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezeBm48Z4CJAhEgWieGIfEo1TvCq1oicvBCpo9k0N_QalSM_M63_Sl_3Mf5U2tm4LbKNXAiwNIXSioSePJlfaeyOC2Q_ns5-JUBVAw6qAwB0fz5GiCQlkXiax32zsxGzo3bVofvkZrbFplqmpsdcJ3ntNMlrFqwWmmWr-QCA4gtxKGcFQkaeNj15XdsA/s5731/1-IMG_3035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5731" data-original-width="3855" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezeBm48Z4CJAhEgWieGIfEo1TvCq1oicvBCpo9k0N_QalSM_M63_Sl_3Mf5U2tm4LbKNXAiwNIXSioSePJlfaeyOC2Q_ns5-JUBVAw6qAwB0fz5GiCQlkXiax32zsxGzo3bVofvkZrbFplqmpsdcJ3ntNMlrFqwWmmWr-QCA4gtxKGcFQkaeNj15XdsA/w430-h640/1-IMG_3035.JPG" width="430" /></a></div><br />I designed my wine labels playing with the word WIG. For the red wine, it was "Care for a S-WIG of red wine?" and the white wine read, "Wiggin' Out? Let your hair down and have some white wine." I designed this second label to have a white wine glass with a wig on it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpWVqgneKix0c4q5R8PxjHwYCOU2fRCHyhNT3bI-kp3lz-qk_VuGECESrzgQN8xL3U2SrIktT_mLBZ1jLldp0PmhNE-97C4Mdlh1oEi-jLXZpCiRpTfHGyZikPoUxuPdFb7ki5P3o5xvVciMTV4qjytXRYYt7vypnC8ShmF60F5bzzl3-Om-_pXqEC0M/s5054/1-IMG_3025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5054" data-original-width="3978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpWVqgneKix0c4q5R8PxjHwYCOU2fRCHyhNT3bI-kp3lz-qk_VuGECESrzgQN8xL3U2SrIktT_mLBZ1jLldp0PmhNE-97C4Mdlh1oEi-jLXZpCiRpTfHGyZikPoUxuPdFb7ki5P3o5xvVciMTV4qjytXRYYt7vypnC8ShmF60F5bzzl3-Om-_pXqEC0M/w504-h640/1-IMG_3025.JPG" width="504" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I printed out the same wig images I used on the invitation plus other matching images. I used my Cricut machine to cut these out.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw7LTsCNByR2H5OKyMhlkgcVtfbwdQfv4Y4ufBzY_ZAUC1BvltIneAY7tgv08f5YKLI7K-0790QK8bwNNNXZYpPN7YLwBop28J5Lm7YwGX9I4SWdKx4a5h882BhZVY0cxiNl5iuAcQ3cF8iCwEsPrWBPeZNVAWoUvrpWDWIs89QtG087_BLHBRjqeZIU/s4032/1-IMG_6252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisw7LTsCNByR2H5OKyMhlkgcVtfbwdQfv4Y4ufBzY_ZAUC1BvltIneAY7tgv08f5YKLI7K-0790QK8bwNNNXZYpPN7YLwBop28J5Lm7YwGX9I4SWdKx4a5h882BhZVY0cxiNl5iuAcQ3cF8iCwEsPrWBPeZNVAWoUvrpWDWIs89QtG087_BLHBRjqeZIU/w640-h480/1-IMG_6252.jpg" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu: </u></b>We started the meal with a 7-layer salad which was delicious and fairly easy to make. I made it the morning of the party before I went to work, so it was one less thing to worry about. To fit with the wig theme, I called this the "layered" salad with an image of a layered wig. I followed this <a href="https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/classic-layered-salad/">recipe</a>, but I switched out the celery and green onions and swapped in orange bell pepper to substitute. I wasn't sure if my guests would be okay with all of these ingredients, but it was very popular.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1L72gqwYyoZzCVo1mcPifs85Twc8LzLIjYAwdTW_A1UC_x0bTi-z5kjKaT7KK5BN-karq3sLbixGW0aSKXVvMvO4v0GNfbcRBJo-2FoIwicMMwiyrTWk78_Zgx9rEU4Ph63PRFt26kRyYn405-yeqgdmy6HVW50JymL3B8zWmkiNUC77CBQjPiDmEVRk/s3414/1-IMG_6262.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3414" data-original-width="3009" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1L72gqwYyoZzCVo1mcPifs85Twc8LzLIjYAwdTW_A1UC_x0bTi-z5kjKaT7KK5BN-karq3sLbixGW0aSKXVvMvO4v0GNfbcRBJo-2FoIwicMMwiyrTWk78_Zgx9rEU4Ph63PRFt26kRyYn405-yeqgdmy6HVW50JymL3B8zWmkiNUC77CBQjPiDmEVRk/w564-h640/1-IMG_6262.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><br />For the main dish, I served <a href="https://pinchofyum.com/garlic-herb-spaghetti-chicken-meatballs">Garlic Herb Spaghetti with Baked Chicken Meatballs</a>. The only substitution I made to this recipe was to serve it with angel hair pasta instead of spaghetti. I switched this to match with the theme: "angel hair" pasta and "mullet" meatballs. This was very good, and I would definitely make it again with spaghetti or any type of pasta.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9chq-gfhWJmP3IcqCHaiK7zKWOPww6qjM9H1VomMDFAC0fvtI7aA34ECn1-ikXTSiB5JeDJARrZTiAlDgGKxeyNeJpD3ez77FkiY7paMTToMuNy-SUFnOivk0HWhdTaWTKb5lp75lcymLwXyT9b43ID3m8xh7EAAPCOvZnwXDDbpy5PqFEnf7tbyvtU/s3312/1-IMG_6268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3312" data-original-width="1868" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9chq-gfhWJmP3IcqCHaiK7zKWOPww6qjM9H1VomMDFAC0fvtI7aA34ECn1-ikXTSiB5JeDJARrZTiAlDgGKxeyNeJpD3ez77FkiY7paMTToMuNy-SUFnOivk0HWhdTaWTKb5lp75lcymLwXyT9b43ID3m8xh7EAAPCOvZnwXDDbpy5PqFEnf7tbyvtU/w360-h640/1-IMG_6268.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><br />Along with the pasta, I made a Garlic and Herb bread that was "braided" to match with the theme. I followed this <a href="https://www.theresasmixednuts.com/2017/05/garlic-herb-braid-bread-get-in-my-tummy.html">recipe</a>. The bread was tasty, and if you are willing to make bread from scratch, this recipe was not too difficult.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpAvPGKakj7czTAuvSaohA9mxrawbXped55Eb_8cwKlceHNnV8JP36Fqu6EDt2n6MjxfDAivfXahvI0hy-OY_I0Ywu8RKgsJSltcZ96Kj-9DlS-knMBRxMTwxQCdYt0QwUg_3lOmK4e5891uwT6vg1MD6F-IxCI1-Q9eUyvZzi-sby7EinFJ_uli5Q4Q/s6000/1-IMG_3040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpAvPGKakj7czTAuvSaohA9mxrawbXped55Eb_8cwKlceHNnV8JP36Fqu6EDt2n6MjxfDAivfXahvI0hy-OY_I0Ywu8RKgsJSltcZ96Kj-9DlS-knMBRxMTwxQCdYt0QwUg_3lOmK4e5891uwT6vg1MD6F-IxCI1-Q9eUyvZzi-sby7EinFJ_uli5Q4Q/w426-h640/1-IMG_3040.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I made a chocolate fondue with fruit, pound cake, and Nilla Wafers. I used one of the styrofoam heads and used a Sharpie to add punk makeup to it. Then I used skewers with fruit on them to push into the head like a Mohawk. It looked so good and definitely added some decor to the festive party.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcq_LFzxDCLDbXmjMNPlNfXd6kyrQChHRZE286DFzUUFLIrU14dbqACPp3ZXNvUch2q7BrO7oxeSBg2DAGdXeEJ6mC2CTPTKrTg2Nt8RTZqXYgulTfeAq8Th7JP_i5X_mojU_AFBH98PZAP64LZzUzExWpyJ9aQFlNcP58rkxR1dNPppjzndJn_x2vCQ/s6000/1-IMG_3019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcq_LFzxDCLDbXmjMNPlNfXd6kyrQChHRZE286DFzUUFLIrU14dbqACPp3ZXNvUch2q7BrO7oxeSBg2DAGdXeEJ6mC2CTPTKrTg2Nt8RTZqXYgulTfeAq8Th7JP_i5X_mojU_AFBH98PZAP64LZzUzExWpyJ9aQFlNcP58rkxR1dNPppjzndJn_x2vCQ/w640-h426/1-IMG_3019.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor:</u></b> I played off the "beehive" wig for my party favor and gave guest's a Burt's Bees lip balm. I created a tag that read, "Even if we all lose our hair...Our friendship WIG always be BEE-utiful!<p></p><p>This was a really fun theme and it was so great to have this fun WIG my close friends! Totally recommend you try this theme for a future party!</p><br /></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-33640431217220278512023-12-14T15:44:00.000-08:002023-12-14T15:44:10.012-08:00Home Alone Christmas<p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D_PXTHV4L-GYQRw0f_zdfrWakYcFdAHCDq1TVH__lgJCNUOxiQb3oI4yxsfiT6DkwDjjcW3iQMd5Jc4JIPNyUhymJTHi1Kx89xlUnnj6u9A_22pSjmANrHLT2Ad5WcXMHvTSpeNLGSAjYp2bebKZypjB-TQterkhICEKXXPqrzX0-Hy6q1mAmLqai7s/s2988/1-Home%20Alone%20MD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2018" data-original-width="2988" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_D_PXTHV4L-GYQRw0f_zdfrWakYcFdAHCDq1TVH__lgJCNUOxiQb3oI4yxsfiT6DkwDjjcW3iQMd5Jc4JIPNyUhymJTHi1Kx89xlUnnj6u9A_22pSjmANrHLT2Ad5WcXMHvTSpeNLGSAjYp2bebKZypjB-TQterkhICEKXXPqrzX0-Hy6q1mAmLqai7s/w640-h432/1-Home%20Alone%20MD.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red;"><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span></b>t's the holiday season, and one of my kids' favorite holiday movies is <i>Home Alone</i>. It is part of our family traditions to watch this movie together each year. It made for a fun theme for my monthly dinner this December as well.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j9A459NmHO2sR5Alj4GJzVG2bs7fIEluvIQsV-LuOcR66UBKpPh7E6r0zD65NU4N7pe3rRaufDY6402U9SGMIxG8v_9csS6tLIu7t7ZSa46thNUbols16I7L5XDhqbugvY64LMGH7CIin8ipzDj_XWIb4Oi-Dxrf_Nq_DI5jyNxfSTSJIW8TJZqfLY8/s2800/DCDDE2A9-F5B7-4474-A778-9156E25731E6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j9A459NmHO2sR5Alj4GJzVG2bs7fIEluvIQsV-LuOcR66UBKpPh7E6r0zD65NU4N7pe3rRaufDY6402U9SGMIxG8v_9csS6tLIu7t7ZSa46thNUbols16I7L5XDhqbugvY64LMGH7CIin8ipzDj_XWIb4Oi-Dxrf_Nq_DI5jyNxfSTSJIW8TJZqfLY8/w458-h640/DCDDE2A9-F5B7-4474-A778-9156E25731E6.jpeg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invite:</u></b> I found some <i>Home Alone</i> images online that I incorporated into the invitation. These included the stack of Little Nero's Pizza boxes, the movie logo, and the pizza can.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDIKzGOQApUFJMqPeER8rOfr337Gu1_MJlQY8kIUYxCKEde498lX5U9aqpJvQlymRUmIHRXAokorfEi9gPz2i7AVf4FwqaOogWAJYTVFexvovxbZkwFa7M0UZk5mr39VXxPgJ_Zx_byrIc3_lAYDYyVbVmPAgQ42fExzBpYDDpu_fstiN3Dp6kS7fGa4/s4032/Table.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDIKzGOQApUFJMqPeER8rOfr337Gu1_MJlQY8kIUYxCKEde498lX5U9aqpJvQlymRUmIHRXAokorfEi9gPz2i7AVf4FwqaOogWAJYTVFexvovxbZkwFa7M0UZk5mr39VXxPgJ_Zx_byrIc3_lAYDYyVbVmPAgQ42fExzBpYDDpu_fstiN3Dp6kS7fGa4/w480-h640/Table.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauz1aOrFkULqMzOc4L0uKJffqBYsBoGrILljipepijoDuS7yKbIJzN9Ju3VTwk2vu9q75KXFoMgJYdAXVDz19AP5bY2h_PCAan5QkYF0I7r3no60ZZac0Idy6ASLKdp9bYz29eN4Gxz7Vcy1rPmtikgiW3SgC1wQafLOCh74PmOzv4ry8-Nrjh5l-aa0/s6000/1-IMG_2957-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauz1aOrFkULqMzOc4L0uKJffqBYsBoGrILljipepijoDuS7yKbIJzN9Ju3VTwk2vu9q75KXFoMgJYdAXVDz19AP5bY2h_PCAan5QkYF0I7r3no60ZZac0Idy6ASLKdp9bYz29eN4Gxz7Vcy1rPmtikgiW3SgC1wQafLOCh74PmOzv4ry8-Nrjh5l-aa0/w640-h426/1-IMG_2957-001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Decorations: </b>There are so many fun ideas for decorations that go with this movie. You could boobytrap your home with obstacles for guests to weave through! For my decorations, I kept it simple with just table and some other decor. I set the table with a red tablecloth & a centerpiece with some of the Battle Plan hazards from the movie.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIs9N6SijxEEnQ10XSVfbrdfHnAy0RROy5SYW6mbIqEdmJbZcZzMzN-dSN69pjFDEf8wyImpBWzmC6HWuD1BCBNZFwSfpm9QSUfEQaNoaJ82p1bfQJJZoyMRHEXwaIVbntBLLHO1GTBjS9iSzrNj3itqgGZigAhEHRzF-LhUJyW4VLywu7lQ98gk_fy4/s6000/1-IMG_2940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIs9N6SijxEEnQ10XSVfbrdfHnAy0RROy5SYW6mbIqEdmJbZcZzMzN-dSN69pjFDEf8wyImpBWzmC6HWuD1BCBNZFwSfpm9QSUfEQaNoaJ82p1bfQJJZoyMRHEXwaIVbntBLLHO1GTBjS9iSzrNj3itqgGZigAhEHRzF-LhUJyW4VLywu7lQ98gk_fy4/w640-h426/1-IMG_2940.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I covered a small paint can with black construction paper and added the word tar on the front. I set this on top of piece of black sandpaper with the largest nail I could find sticking out the top for the part of the movie where Marv walks up the tar stairs and brings his foot down on the huge nail.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3h6OwR6NKfS-3BAeNNhMj_kAiW2VZQlF-a-3wUNes-AvsVaLDb6dBiPYgIjeA8P1-cwGbw3MzZenK3v-kXXD5JljZSnzX1fUiNq1C4UfCCpdZm_9mw66EUrFg1K1omyMQy7d0db6xt6uUBqdBsKxGsHI2gRgVdM3qMYEcXCPAj_UC2YLxl2DVTrsILtE/s6000/1-IMG_2956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3h6OwR6NKfS-3BAeNNhMj_kAiW2VZQlF-a-3wUNes-AvsVaLDb6dBiPYgIjeA8P1-cwGbw3MzZenK3v-kXXD5JljZSnzX1fUiNq1C4UfCCpdZm_9mw66EUrFg1K1omyMQy7d0db6xt6uUBqdBsKxGsHI2gRgVdM3qMYEcXCPAj_UC2YLxl2DVTrsILtE/w426-h640/1-IMG_2956.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I purchased large paint cans and used my Cricut cutter to cut out paint drips in a few colors. Even empty, these were a bit too heavy to hang from the ceiling, but I did attach them to the ceiling above the dining table. These represented when Harry and Marv are clocked by the swinging paint cans in the movie.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk3VA9JCZCpSCXHoYODfwhivEp-n7w8VCGOZnsQ7BiS3aqeVBNBvAihih2pDCT417s93AiTUz6EpwqdOcbxA3gByauunfIY5aATqgbO5BQocyzdLbwJsZLS8Xuguzp4cQP6wab_IDBBLgHR2PqTrTREpMVxl04YipnKUiU8yyYGn55IT-yFQHpykHddk/s6000/1-IMG_2944.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk3VA9JCZCpSCXHoYODfwhivEp-n7w8VCGOZnsQ7BiS3aqeVBNBvAihih2pDCT417s93AiTUz6EpwqdOcbxA3gByauunfIY5aATqgbO5BQocyzdLbwJsZLS8Xuguzp4cQP6wab_IDBBLgHR2PqTrTREpMVxl04YipnKUiU8yyYGn55IT-yFQHpykHddk/w426-h640/1-IMG_2944.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Next on the table was a VHS movie of "Angels with Filthy Souls." I printed out the labels from images online, and attached them to an old VHS of a different movie. In front of the VHS, I had a crowbar and a BB gun like Kevin and Marv use in the film as wells hot wheels cars.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6enhMhG667oxCHd9Ggac3XcMzIhzgykHvHumAU4BKUcZb-fsfWg30WirY2V5HPotEBugIJcGLOKOc9482xJFNkuUvY3GUXbr7OrXTd3hhK8GVkEZ-j5iaFeA59ziGKrR6vds9WytTwaJj90P_IYX7ERGcbmt7PRQa7W6euGmP71txt1SFJ8L-Kxr8wUs/s6000/1-IMG_2942.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6enhMhG667oxCHd9Ggac3XcMzIhzgykHvHumAU4BKUcZb-fsfWg30WirY2V5HPotEBugIJcGLOKOc9482xJFNkuUvY3GUXbr7OrXTd3hhK8GVkEZ-j5iaFeA59ziGKrR6vds9WytTwaJj90P_IYX7ERGcbmt7PRQa7W6euGmP71txt1SFJ8L-Kxr8wUs/w426-h640/1-IMG_2942.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Harry walks through the door into saran wrap covered in glue and then Kevin turns on a fan which covers him in white feathers! To incorporate this scene into my table, I added a box of saran wrap, a mini fan, and put some white feathers in the fan.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ_Vsx4uFtUPb4Os_0Y0uhvk620zsDnB3yHuqQQGSelv_PT1M-5-zWxb-myJpaGll7TVD3XjfYPIHIrC4krxUbkqhQyBWEenn7Oi4Sopza5YqONnwCc8j80F0tPjUa2x0XnNVHl77bbwzrPz5a5RE16c6LGzcxBN4RcL8cJFsy4ZsqOUDyVR7NwyRFHo/s3427/1-IMG_2947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3427" data-original-width="2555" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJ_Vsx4uFtUPb4Os_0Y0uhvk620zsDnB3yHuqQQGSelv_PT1M-5-zWxb-myJpaGll7TVD3XjfYPIHIrC4krxUbkqhQyBWEenn7Oi4Sopza5YqONnwCc8j80F0tPjUa2x0XnNVHl77bbwzrPz5a5RE16c6LGzcxBN4RcL8cJFsy4ZsqOUDyVR7NwyRFHo/w478-h640/1-IMG_2947.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />Another favorite scene is when Marv goes to turn on the light in the basement and an iron comes down the laundry shoot to smack him in the face. Hence...an iron as part of the centerpiece.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwP_KxKEg3jNP-YZbGGsUiI8Ggwi8CQycOeVezyCRe6kerUTsBUbMtymqSvWhbl9wTISOGapKwPMlYbSW5dFi-2gJM_u_xwltFgYX031x1a7PtjD3XDjC8yG8LZbTRmgi1U6tjqc-uWR-DCXaZWyRht0Qb-JurSYwiiHGmZl34vJqOk0oJCT4nWgjKfY/s4032/Buzz%20Girlfriend.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwP_KxKEg3jNP-YZbGGsUiI8Ggwi8CQycOeVezyCRe6kerUTsBUbMtymqSvWhbl9wTISOGapKwPMlYbSW5dFi-2gJM_u_xwltFgYX031x1a7PtjD3XDjC8yG8LZbTRmgi1U6tjqc-uWR-DCXaZWyRht0Qb-JurSYwiiHGmZl34vJqOk0oJCT4nWgjKfY/w480-h640/Buzz%20Girlfriend.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br />Lastly, I added a photo of Buzz's girlfriend with Kevin's famous line from the movie, "Buzz' girlfiend, Woof!"<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlkOoe8DSmX_XbCnuG1S4MytLUZQHPtZOUjqBovFCD38yU1kkDPyqs8ZACqyTVlcrKnkpQZCzFfhed3mJ7H_TWEmgTdGkomGEUFwQXYHvYP2Ba42B_fiVu3VF-6N_-q4YCbqFL7xQvuFO50pXrWgt7npHYLXghhdiFgRI6k1_wUn2WvbHvsAeZXzotac/s4000/1-IMG_2950.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3646" data-original-width="4000" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlkOoe8DSmX_XbCnuG1S4MytLUZQHPtZOUjqBovFCD38yU1kkDPyqs8ZACqyTVlcrKnkpQZCzFfhed3mJ7H_TWEmgTdGkomGEUFwQXYHvYP2Ba42B_fiVu3VF-6N_-q4YCbqFL7xQvuFO50pXrWgt7npHYLXghhdiFgRI6k1_wUn2WvbHvsAeZXzotac/w640-h584/1-IMG_2950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For placecards, I printed out Kevin's mom's photo from when she realizes they forgot Kevin at home, and instead of her screaming out "Kevin!" I replaced it with each guest's name.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPGMEKBhVLwZMVv20-2aiiU-bvGYaEiwKoJcPSKkya9AXyvn26RMFhOlSGhr8sKJgSsT7CaAg8YkRAZp8V0afU6PrmNCRMW8j1CHWOS0o1aEThEsOBFv7w8spKMpLsYN2n4c6nLJan6e_-YXk68o-NRcPb8m6Uj9cYBwDZtnMy0sW_eWlKBVaHEzIHOw/s4606/1-IMG_2948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4606" data-original-width="2866" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPGMEKBhVLwZMVv20-2aiiU-bvGYaEiwKoJcPSKkya9AXyvn26RMFhOlSGhr8sKJgSsT7CaAg8YkRAZp8V0afU6PrmNCRMW8j1CHWOS0o1aEThEsOBFv7w8spKMpLsYN2n4c6nLJan6e_-YXk68o-NRcPb8m6Uj9cYBwDZtnMy0sW_eWlKBVaHEzIHOw/w398-h640/1-IMG_2948.JPG" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>As a napkin ring/decoration, I put a box of Tic Tacs and created a ring with the line from the movie when the smoking Santa has run out of candycanes and gives Kevin two Tic Tacs instead saying, "There you go. Don't Spoil your dinner."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_53E57AsDRsNQBGs_j1Q6f9XSce0g1IFqQHKUT7RoRa17PGknZaw_0iyd72RykHX_zB2DULC3XwH4UzAfQuSpCzmdyVLiL7GiMgLPgquLMLV9QC8xrFlQRJ25_dpkX7v0mX1_PlK9rRAr8sCoDseTHx1KHpFGkohTr-ytQGfRhn91oRXkrs3AwHEgeFA/s6000/1-IMG_2922.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_53E57AsDRsNQBGs_j1Q6f9XSce0g1IFqQHKUT7RoRa17PGknZaw_0iyd72RykHX_zB2DULC3XwH4UzAfQuSpCzmdyVLiL7GiMgLPgquLMLV9QC8xrFlQRJ25_dpkX7v0mX1_PlK9rRAr8sCoDseTHx1KHpFGkohTr-ytQGfRhn91oRXkrs3AwHEgeFA/w640-h426/1-IMG_2922.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />My daughter also drew out the Battle Plan from the movie on a piece of foam board that I used over the drink table. I would traced it, but she's so talented she did it all by hand!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzbsKMH5JdjHNsehGOwP-RcSvnDYmquK-TUaLJRyV7Zw8wQjbmoKWQ7dAomPyj7MLpYyDT3fWSeFOOdj4I9fSM_L8q8zSlbDd5aVSjVARKhnXqKWV8inJvCxpPsLehbWARS7WqKMlvaChKezQKLsZuANkDmyFX5pzWmKDsu76I2TbmR77B3rdd8rraIA/s6000/1-IMG_2938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzbsKMH5JdjHNsehGOwP-RcSvnDYmquK-TUaLJRyV7Zw8wQjbmoKWQ7dAomPyj7MLpYyDT3fWSeFOOdj4I9fSM_L8q8zSlbDd5aVSjVARKhnXqKWV8inJvCxpPsLehbWARS7WqKMlvaChKezQKLsZuANkDmyFX5pzWmKDsu76I2TbmR77B3rdd8rraIA/w426-h640/1-IMG_2938.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Just for fun, I also put a photo of Marv's face coming through the dog door on my wall. I put some hot wheels in front it - another one of Kevin's hazards.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7T6iudrvaz_Nx-bfGTrYQb99gpG8RaYqj1GxcHmY2GmvLs2FkXmfcperzs2SF_unPruDrvCX2Q7edsHAZodEj8kMx6HkbcTTVD5Oh9LSb_8Ki2b21ShJzTJ6Z3wmGgyGMioI-ng9CW5GBGfV8DcJ4ISl1zmG8NdWCqf61L27OENWh22ZF4Uy9odXa_TM/s4032/Door.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7T6iudrvaz_Nx-bfGTrYQb99gpG8RaYqj1GxcHmY2GmvLs2FkXmfcperzs2SF_unPruDrvCX2Q7edsHAZodEj8kMx6HkbcTTVD5Oh9LSb_8Ki2b21ShJzTJ6Z3wmGgyGMioI-ng9CW5GBGfV8DcJ4ISl1zmG8NdWCqf61L27OENWh22ZF4Uy9odXa_TM/w480-h640/Door.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br />On my front door, I put a paper electric BBQ starter like Kevin uses in the movie to heat up his door handle. I don't have a real one, so I just used scrapbook paper.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAJg4VqJ9XYBs3SKcPfweBqgyl1WYbZ7yvykU6wEr0x2pyn7FY7AIG6Jy4poEjxy8qukFcSySJpmEJcIoOQUkxskTuLR8ErgjcCN7rOtGg29Pvnj-dZy7EF8TbnQL9vhXkKRQe_8H5WUcmDROATJxyPH2NJpnDssuYDho9zLexM82c0YGuWzc3iZId_M/s5145/1-IMG_2914.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5145" data-original-width="3958" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAJg4VqJ9XYBs3SKcPfweBqgyl1WYbZ7yvykU6wEr0x2pyn7FY7AIG6Jy4poEjxy8qukFcSySJpmEJcIoOQUkxskTuLR8ErgjcCN7rOtGg29Pvnj-dZy7EF8TbnQL9vhXkKRQe_8H5WUcmDROATJxyPH2NJpnDssuYDho9zLexM82c0YGuWzc3iZId_M/w492-h640/1-IMG_2914.JPG" width="492" /></a></div><br />Coming up with sayings to put my wine bottles is always fun. For my red wine, I decided to use the famous line from the movie during the battle when Kevin asks, "You guys give up or ya thirsty for more?" I simply added "red wine" to the end of this phrase! For the white wine, I played off the part in the movie where Kevin thinks he made his family disappear and then challenged the guests to make the white wine disappear. I also served a rose wine. For this label, I used the lines from when Kevin's mom calls the police station and talks to Rose, then gets transferred to another cop, then this cop sends the call back to Rose saying, "Rose, hyper on 2."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uB5kIzphSD9O3DHXv3JPFXlsCsXNRZCSK94ML2GQEbM7LR-gzg7ckP9q68IPj7oj8C_OnDTOVh4vmYwlyVFso3hc0lT4cDwoagWH9fm9XK6pHzKTTB8h5rtSr31MXcvg-94hiV4WuWhv8MRmA6UGqsCcj6bNYrJo1Frd2KmoiBFsE_xRk3vYO6DwjTY/s6000/1-IMG_2930.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uB5kIzphSD9O3DHXv3JPFXlsCsXNRZCSK94ML2GQEbM7LR-gzg7ckP9q68IPj7oj8C_OnDTOVh4vmYwlyVFso3hc0lT4cDwoagWH9fm9XK6pHzKTTB8h5rtSr31MXcvg-94hiV4WuWhv8MRmA6UGqsCcj6bNYrJo1Frd2KmoiBFsE_xRk3vYO6DwjTY/w640-h426/1-IMG_2930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I cut out iconic people or items from the movie. Some of my favorites were the Michael Jordan cutout used to fool the robbers, the "Kenosha Kickers" jacket that John Candy wore with is polka band, a bottle of Brut aftershave for the famous "AAAHHH scene," and a toothbrush "approved by the American Dental Association." <br /><p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz8koGGymTf-a-iRo86_TJp90g31q921zOCdYzK7Q_HN8KzPDlWEe2dlgW9WNMfeJopcIuuHplc_CXdQ7kwufsmk7PMq0nNQjIK535AhyphenhyphenueL9DJZ2eJ5vYmRRacZlir3FvqB1ocdk3_byn-k1c-pheMAyIGL4oyapoBrMDUrPTVGbZGPZantib5hngoE/s6000/1-IMG_2962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipz8koGGymTf-a-iRo86_TJp90g31q921zOCdYzK7Q_HN8KzPDlWEe2dlgW9WNMfeJopcIuuHplc_CXdQ7kwufsmk7PMq0nNQjIK535AhyphenhyphenueL9DJZ2eJ5vYmRRacZlir3FvqB1ocdk3_byn-k1c-pheMAyIGL4oyapoBrMDUrPTVGbZGPZantib5hngoE/w640-h426/1-IMG_2962.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMcPkY8917Kgmh1wnyLpKnwe7BtRztqDygCGmqw_FVSQxYrNogq0a3KrY0-kpEx_cAPfitGuGMhSySbFxCL3HpexWJgTb4mbKs90RQyXyZLCScXqWY8GqsHj6WQ752AG3ntcCDPaZf_B3OKnNwQQiaRUsFVnK8rs4Z0L8NPyQlNuRiGHRxNTGjo2gzsE/s4491/1-IMG_2966.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4491" data-original-width="3964" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMcPkY8917Kgmh1wnyLpKnwe7BtRztqDygCGmqw_FVSQxYrNogq0a3KrY0-kpEx_cAPfitGuGMhSySbFxCL3HpexWJgTb4mbKs90RQyXyZLCScXqWY8GqsHj6WQ752AG3ntcCDPaZf_B3OKnNwQQiaRUsFVnK8rs4Z0L8NPyQlNuRiGHRxNTGjo2gzsE/w564-h640/1-IMG_2966.JPG" width="564" /></a></div><br />Menu:</u></b> I wanted to incorporate Buzz's tarantula from the movie into the evening somewhere, and I didn't think I could handle having even a fake one on my table while we ate, so I decided to incorporate it into my menu. I made mini tostada boats and cut olives to look like spiders. The boats were simple with refried beans, taco seasoned meat, cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce, sour cream was piped on to look like a spider web, and then the spider olives went on top of that. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc-eQMsV-s_MVQPUMYEBtvKUzkX19XX-TMoMmYst53sVKCQCwe4S7MzJIfpDCiXOdZuzvu241kVJ9_96BLCt1GXL4L2JtPTD1_bqifXu48IGzaj1Cljke-TNKe2ny3SAGBrz2CZ5eH0O4T76Qjima6ITpzBHHV47rkY4a-WK6vIWIOz2wiMNpNdEkiMU/s3378/Little%20Nero%20Revised.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3378" data-original-width="3022" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc-eQMsV-s_MVQPUMYEBtvKUzkX19XX-TMoMmYst53sVKCQCwe4S7MzJIfpDCiXOdZuzvu241kVJ9_96BLCt1GXL4L2JtPTD1_bqifXu48IGzaj1Cljke-TNKe2ny3SAGBrz2CZ5eH0O4T76Qjima6ITpzBHHV47rkY4a-WK6vIWIOz2wiMNpNdEkiMU/w572-h640/Little%20Nero%20Revised.heic" width="572" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpGo4NXI0ODtuRiwIGFzo1ivE88eUG2lGKQWHSuKOKYjaPgd0ftQ8WljgGV7cKED72HISisrW6yCB82xOU-EqWmAHI9Wcd01rzFphcDchjUSrJZ9xKvUuGZ3jdmDz2zcz6tcy4W2an77zZ_xMQgNNDFevibx4HT2HDpox2xDPUog14d2Gn0O0RseHrIU/s6000/1-IMG_2980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpGo4NXI0ODtuRiwIGFzo1ivE88eUG2lGKQWHSuKOKYjaPgd0ftQ8WljgGV7cKED72HISisrW6yCB82xOU-EqWmAHI9Wcd01rzFphcDchjUSrJZ9xKvUuGZ3jdmDz2zcz6tcy4W2an77zZ_xMQgNNDFevibx4HT2HDpox2xDPUog14d2Gn0O0RseHrIU/w426-h640/1-IMG_2980.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />For a main dish, we of course had pizza as Kevin orders "a lovely cheese pizza just for me" in the movie after he doesn't get any of the pizza when the whole family is there. I went to my local pizza joint, and purchased a pizza box. Then I covered the top with white posterboard and created a Little Nero's Pizza logo to put on the top. I made a pizza, but cheated a bit by adding pepperoni and mushrooms after asking the guests their topping preferences.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nlFsS5-eVkp_smhyphenhyphen2FbmrIOEHAd-onIFofuT_QyoaACw7bjTWByL7OFjMgP12oKBopVrG00cSX8VxmSBa-qZeX6PRUrhDvYhA270Gs9oXHamWnozXVG6ZXiUSMaTTItIqARjVL9OvalOoFTbRBBcwYQmk34BYHqP_sORVb22MZHht3IsfB0_IclSX00/s4585/1-IMG_2974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4585" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nlFsS5-eVkp_smhyphenhyphen2FbmrIOEHAd-onIFofuT_QyoaACw7bjTWByL7OFjMgP12oKBopVrG00cSX8VxmSBa-qZeX6PRUrhDvYhA270Gs9oXHamWnozXVG6ZXiUSMaTTItIqARjVL9OvalOoFTbRBBcwYQmk34BYHqP_sORVb22MZHht3IsfB0_IclSX00/w552-h640/1-IMG_2974.JPG" width="552" /></a></div><br />I also served a caesar salad. I took the line from the movie when Kevin's sisters taunts him with, "You are what the French call les incompetents" and just replaced the last two words with la salad Cesar (cesar salad in French).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOWdP3qMeLWvGzhR8IJ3CB-79KbOWmqekaKRy1Wgbhb0PVY8FwCMwXNRpBGD-5YjtdFTgmWARymsYKHuByn9vLvPKtFfTvlmn5TBJvKGthKnPLNqdRCZdrEpkOj2K0ttMangRTx5oKXBDbgJv66BrmYSWcuYoQ1-Dtvr54oEOX0agdw-o5a5mQ0QJMGY/s4708/1-IMG_2987.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4708" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOWdP3qMeLWvGzhR8IJ3CB-79KbOWmqekaKRy1Wgbhb0PVY8FwCMwXNRpBGD-5YjtdFTgmWARymsYKHuByn9vLvPKtFfTvlmn5TBJvKGthKnPLNqdRCZdrEpkOj2K0ttMangRTx5oKXBDbgJv66BrmYSWcuYoQ1-Dtvr54oEOX0agdw-o5a5mQ0QJMGY/w538-h640/1-IMG_2987.JPG" width="538" /></a></div><br />Right before the robbers invade the McCallister home in the movie, Kevin makes himself a microwavable Mac and Cheese dinner. I incorporated this into my menu by making <a href="https://deliciouslittlebites.com/honey-oat-topped-baked-mac-cheese/">macaroni and cheese cups</a> in muffin tins.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0f-wAW587iaxhwQ66mfFWHrIXdIZzH8YMcfjtusUcIWXEt3sLLa6YaAPoXmWYX69uRUE5v07ny8PNMEE9ucGB2F28XMLkDgrp8zankGmE3f5jShzMBdZZX9V5I10sgsZanmotuJeqWKe8fomP_o4przNoV5bEyOiyo42RxWi9vA0uhWDw7OW1J1yi6s/s4469/1-IMG_2994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4469" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0f-wAW587iaxhwQ66mfFWHrIXdIZzH8YMcfjtusUcIWXEt3sLLa6YaAPoXmWYX69uRUE5v07ny8PNMEE9ucGB2F28XMLkDgrp8zankGmE3f5jShzMBdZZX9V5I10sgsZanmotuJeqWKe8fomP_o4przNoV5bEyOiyo42RxWi9vA0uhWDw7OW1J1yi6s/w640-h572/1-IMG_2994.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For dessert, we had Rubbish Ice Cream sundaes. A small ice cream sundae bar with toppings.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJacWV1CnI0H0iFm0l7xgeBq9pztQgS9wXbPCjjFZje8VjlAGyIeQ6lnImVVcZ_fa7Ytz2oN1jm2xruDi3iKyf3bGINqNUGzi5YbX2aBPDUBtF9KKwlqU6KkMnNV0i-QciGuBEmZ8o-34R6Ms4NYG89Afgf83lNYMYLc8R9GRFlybg-vefm0f9uZtez0A/s4032/Pepsi%20Favor.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJacWV1CnI0H0iFm0l7xgeBq9pztQgS9wXbPCjjFZje8VjlAGyIeQ6lnImVVcZ_fa7Ytz2oN1jm2xruDi3iKyf3bGINqNUGzi5YbX2aBPDUBtF9KKwlqU6KkMnNV0i-QciGuBEmZ8o-34R6Ms4NYG89Afgf83lNYMYLc8R9GRFlybg-vefm0f9uZtez0A/w480-h640/Pepsi%20Favor.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Favor:</u></b> I was pressed for time and needed an easy parting favor for guests. I purchased cans of Pepsi and red striped straws. My tag read, "Fuller! Go easy on the Pepsi!" to go with that line from the movie when Fuller's parents are trying to limit his soda intake.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLeMN1t3M9jwGjajHqhdVN2zo8KP7e3_vlTtmA-dOchdhHXYSn7_5Kj9ovacP-8EiFtdBg1HU8lbUEeYOOBehXNaH4aL2gjni_BHXDFl4sGWpwlfG7Pcm6TF4RUY652kxDAgfwgEVXSdiuc8E7LJvJ-ksC7K-IaCNSH6X_EhFw2qlIbWspjcVlWDFryY/s4032/The%20Group.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLeMN1t3M9jwGjajHqhdVN2zo8KP7e3_vlTtmA-dOchdhHXYSn7_5Kj9ovacP-8EiFtdBg1HU8lbUEeYOOBehXNaH4aL2gjni_BHXDFl4sGWpwlfG7Pcm6TF4RUY652kxDAgfwgEVXSdiuc8E7LJvJ-ksC7K-IaCNSH6X_EhFw2qlIbWspjcVlWDFryY/w640-h480/The%20Group.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br />This was a fun night with my girlfriends. I did purchase or borrow a few things to make the decor happen, but most of it I had around my house (like Kevin did). This kept my costs for decor low. I would totally recommend this theme for a holiday movie night or dinner with friends.<p></p></div></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-46743157322128482502023-11-19T12:02:00.000-08:002023-11-19T12:02:58.481-08:00Pumpkin Spice Party<p><b><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjbBqiu780msQGCgPP6snTHFHYwBmLMSTKZTWhh0F980GrMPCcyS8ZQHaoXTBKOSunyjL4RCwel3JDUHYGu9VOCYMnrNsl0fRnTeQptdNXgnPFuCK-fjjJw7lU4_wgyzU9v87fFovOxUNS1kC9vV4p8gmtr6IzJfU8zJ5ANpU4-N-wdgbOkIidomM1sw/s2786/1-Pumpkin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2512" data-original-width="2786" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjbBqiu780msQGCgPP6snTHFHYwBmLMSTKZTWhh0F980GrMPCcyS8ZQHaoXTBKOSunyjL4RCwel3JDUHYGu9VOCYMnrNsl0fRnTeQptdNXgnPFuCK-fjjJw7lU4_wgyzU9v87fFovOxUNS1kC9vV4p8gmtr6IzJfU8zJ5ANpU4-N-wdgbOkIidomM1sw/w640-h578/1-Pumpkin.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: x-large;">F</span></b>all is the season of pumpkin spice. From Starbucks drinks to pumpkin spice flavored desserts at restaurants, it seems the pumpkin spice craze is everywhere. I must admit, I have never even tried a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I decided this might be a fun theme to use for our November monthly dinner.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Iqph9VUsu1jTzeS32nvpS13I9y3MAa0pDT8Vx4vIkpy1N-WmX7GveWV_pm7azVY5G578xq5GPM0BvhFHNSmJaRtCx1jF1pqwAWrxHSBSNVFX3ygiqvy_1DmxSFV05zimBsiw4wOHuj6gzuwDoLmyGfhNXy4_HB7RTzEz3CTRgPUvSj9ZGeeTdSqubww/s2800/Pumpkin%20Spice%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2800" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Iqph9VUsu1jTzeS32nvpS13I9y3MAa0pDT8Vx4vIkpy1N-WmX7GveWV_pm7azVY5G578xq5GPM0BvhFHNSmJaRtCx1jF1pqwAWrxHSBSNVFX3ygiqvy_1DmxSFV05zimBsiw4wOHuj6gzuwDoLmyGfhNXy4_HB7RTzEz3CTRgPUvSj9ZGeeTdSqubww/w640-h458/Pumpkin%20Spice%20Invitation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite:</u></b> Using images I found online, I designed a simple invitation inviting my guests to have a "latte" fun at our pumpkin spice themed dinner.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gB0D6s6dF22X20gFvWEVO_p5N2uBsCf8tlG_m5QS1kXSBMn3HKgy5rmJXi7XZAKdk3sDeOGGW8V8yVg2pOUYtaSnWkrBFSov7wgrYdgQLyH6qQbjC17rbGqQ8m1xn7_5SsUgZxGXnLIbUG-IQrAekOVEEIKAPqVsMSsk-QL_8rwcq7rfwaqPihWb7ZI/s6000/1-IMG_2865.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gB0D6s6dF22X20gFvWEVO_p5N2uBsCf8tlG_m5QS1kXSBMn3HKgy5rmJXi7XZAKdk3sDeOGGW8V8yVg2pOUYtaSnWkrBFSov7wgrYdgQLyH6qQbjC17rbGqQ8m1xn7_5SsUgZxGXnLIbUG-IQrAekOVEEIKAPqVsMSsk-QL_8rwcq7rfwaqPihWb7ZI/w640-h426/1-IMG_2865.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decor:</u></b> Obviously pumpkins made up much of the decor. I used a brown tablecloth and white plates with several small pumpkins on the table. I found some small paper plates with Fall leaves on them to use for the salad plates.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzmrQBgC_3CI-9croTgmb8vd61C0jmBPTvTV8ttjSye-ydK3GZP8ZKsYzCtxzkxpydBDjR696OKsi9cdEpFWVrfM1h0JzBrxTMLVvSzqZlm6J5a6RyUhmkEpmza8tv_lW7zjRFErRK-N_kHYKXP53vFhlw4juRBw9U4s0HPPYtuqZNW92Gkk5t9YGQV0/s6000/1-IMG_2848.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzmrQBgC_3CI-9croTgmb8vd61C0jmBPTvTV8ttjSye-ydK3GZP8ZKsYzCtxzkxpydBDjR696OKsi9cdEpFWVrfM1h0JzBrxTMLVvSzqZlm6J5a6RyUhmkEpmza8tv_lW7zjRFErRK-N_kHYKXP53vFhlw4juRBw9U4s0HPPYtuqZNW92Gkk5t9YGQV0/w640-h426/1-IMG_2848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOjdxO7xXa3hXLjfwK089Jijc33arJA62w_yCYHbVUOsZS4d7dbW-dcQLwunmUDTH6WcdiVzwMqdT2KkkIDrjUaWyKFQucvq7VBt7P9OkY9kKGc7y7iMKcQXM3Ivr3RIUGs_cNMtcZg39_HI1gPzN9LPaKF9Z7uw6xYCLUFWpNKBHJ6fRQcaCyT69ZnA/s6000/1-IMG_2856.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOjdxO7xXa3hXLjfwK089Jijc33arJA62w_yCYHbVUOsZS4d7dbW-dcQLwunmUDTH6WcdiVzwMqdT2KkkIDrjUaWyKFQucvq7VBt7P9OkY9kKGc7y7iMKcQXM3Ivr3RIUGs_cNMtcZg39_HI1gPzN9LPaKF9Z7uw6xYCLUFWpNKBHJ6fRQcaCyT69ZnA/w426-h640/1-IMG_2856.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />For a centerpiece, I made wrappers for to-go coffee cups that matched the invitation and other decor. I placed a couple of them amid various small and mini pumpkins for a simple decor.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ3fRcTNJXQZD4Ajn1JruqLeOc6IJzvkm-GYN0PcWtge2X6QupojNriSTO99b5ghe4KUWpv99ntjDoX-uhUJew1xk8_j-WOYXTEfixTF4P4Z0K8MRzkTZjEsPvQV_Ksbpc9rfo46JVsedUQcNzWocifA7PYEb68kvUUnEBYa_HulE5YpPgj5CgtStLaI/s4968/1-IMG_2843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4968" data-original-width="2758" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJ3fRcTNJXQZD4Ajn1JruqLeOc6IJzvkm-GYN0PcWtge2X6QupojNriSTO99b5ghe4KUWpv99ntjDoX-uhUJew1xk8_j-WOYXTEfixTF4P4Z0K8MRzkTZjEsPvQV_Ksbpc9rfo46JVsedUQcNzWocifA7PYEb68kvUUnEBYa_HulE5YpPgj5CgtStLaI/w356-h640/1-IMG_2843.JPG" width="356" /></a></div><br />I had fun putting an idea to the test and crafting these napkin coffee cups. I folded a white paper napkin in the shape of a cup, and cut out the lid shape using my Cricut cutter. Starbucks gave me the cardboard wrappers, that I cut apart, turned inside out to avoid the Starbucks logo, and resecured with glue. The center logo I designed on Photoshop and used on the centerpiece cups as well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUGVfj9zIMWpzXe2EzCkQJ4CfRXxp4jxtCzj0ELP8NaZNbOOQVl_mScvzAtiWpYpMb-oPnEwy0k6GTCFQJVDirUxMz6hRV49PgNV7DK3YTiRz200TdC6iTnr1hjp_NTC6b5UVfMz0UZHqopUXMaKRIZZw8GLFjPVfMWJSd8IhXqJV8lCruHMaWf3SCBw/s3661/1-IMG_2851.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3259" data-original-width="3661" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUGVfj9zIMWpzXe2EzCkQJ4CfRXxp4jxtCzj0ELP8NaZNbOOQVl_mScvzAtiWpYpMb-oPnEwy0k6GTCFQJVDirUxMz6hRV49PgNV7DK3YTiRz200TdC6iTnr1hjp_NTC6b5UVfMz0UZHqopUXMaKRIZZw8GLFjPVfMWJSd8IhXqJV8lCruHMaWf3SCBw/w640-h570/1-IMG_2851.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKWTE9zRTJYxeOID3UYkuVsBbbmI6PwlacCKEgfL_V5pH97koFAu7DBTh5BAL2LLYjueFGIKnp3UKOLiqM5OnG2gypdw4hZ_fKk3LMTrQthepGVx3SWjfcT2NdD23GEBdG_EdAQf2JtB9E0kA12O3GoyNK2DyQzgFFoluZTG3d5F0PGBOKEBd_T_ybrU/s4345/1-IMG_2862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3576" data-original-width="4345" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKWTE9zRTJYxeOID3UYkuVsBbbmI6PwlacCKEgfL_V5pH97koFAu7DBTh5BAL2LLYjueFGIKnp3UKOLiqM5OnG2gypdw4hZ_fKk3LMTrQthepGVx3SWjfcT2NdD23GEBdG_EdAQf2JtB9E0kA12O3GoyNK2DyQzgFFoluZTG3d5F0PGBOKEBd_T_ybrU/w640-h526/1-IMG_2862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For placecards, I purchased mini cloth pumpkins from Amazon and attached a name tag to each.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWAoz_09sD9_OwTwky4-UEDxmyQPMPTXAnMJN7H3xD7qAzAlaksdkZv5CIiUSgX5xXATgiPkRQ8-paJ_oUNoui86F7RGwqYQyPYnZOiF8z_rk0HvtG4eVhDotp0voIM39ueFF74fQPt1erVhGS8g-GU1JoPyIm2yVCOUILl6FeusFTyJuBoab8kIGMOc/s5306/1-IMG_2877.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5306" data-original-width="3778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWAoz_09sD9_OwTwky4-UEDxmyQPMPTXAnMJN7H3xD7qAzAlaksdkZv5CIiUSgX5xXATgiPkRQ8-paJ_oUNoui86F7RGwqYQyPYnZOiF8z_rk0HvtG4eVhDotp0voIM39ueFF74fQPt1erVhGS8g-GU1JoPyIm2yVCOUILl6FeusFTyJuBoab8kIGMOc/w456-h640/1-IMG_2877.JPG" width="456" /></a></div><br />I designed my wine labels to have a bit more fun with the pumpkin spice idea. For the red wine, I used calorie counting to show why drinking red wine is better for your health. 380 calories for a pumpkin spice latte and only 120 for a glass of red wine. "Choose wisely, my friends" was the comment at the end. For the white wine I used the saying "Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice" and just changed it to "Pumpkin Spice or White Wine is Nice."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIq7wXuriPQvQtKj886rFkaUWTBxeiu7Q6FGuLTT0wWezfcPnk66gticAbpcQDT6qxmDnhQOkMvkOb97pOga2PiJo7zTnl769_-KDZV0vHe25T8w-0cFiyc3eUbI3oCGUkpKARWaFITTnlshDPF0hpIgvBlBwnHYnkJctXI7vybNsCxeHd7ct2CxWX-E/s4744/1-IMG_2836.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4744" data-original-width="3975" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIq7wXuriPQvQtKj886rFkaUWTBxeiu7Q6FGuLTT0wWezfcPnk66gticAbpcQDT6qxmDnhQOkMvkOb97pOga2PiJo7zTnl769_-KDZV0vHe25T8w-0cFiyc3eUbI3oCGUkpKARWaFITTnlshDPF0hpIgvBlBwnHYnkJctXI7vybNsCxeHd7ct2CxWX-E/w536-h640/1-IMG_2836.JPG" width="536" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I used my Cricut to cut out small coffee cups in various colors. They all had a pumpkin on the cup wrapper to match the theme.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylfQofpWZxd61OpLbrHLHxRcaTTB5RsTqCkUxuEU18-9aaSekrS17Sb3pcF3o2FNs2dmBG1hqj8tj9jdoOCJQXf5QIIj10mNhyphenhyphenIe0pMzi0MaPUsYN_aKK7ZgoLa7HMreadntMe3YDG3eF_4AEgQp0QGeyit2pLGEDsk1VgV3Omyr0zOgWwIyZ4bHtDKM/s6000/1-IMG_2880.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylfQofpWZxd61OpLbrHLHxRcaTTB5RsTqCkUxuEU18-9aaSekrS17Sb3pcF3o2FNs2dmBG1hqj8tj9jdoOCJQXf5QIIj10mNhyphenhyphenIe0pMzi0MaPUsYN_aKK7ZgoLa7HMreadntMe3YDG3eF_4AEgQp0QGeyit2pLGEDsk1VgV3Omyr0zOgWwIyZ4bHtDKM/w640-h426/1-IMG_2880.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Menu:</u></b> There is a lot of food out there that use pumpkin spice or pumpkin somehow, but not everyone loves pumpkin. I tried to incorporate some menu items with pumpkin and some without just in case. For an appetizer, I made a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/sunnys-easy-roasted-garlic-and-pumpkin-hummus-2656614">Roasted Garlic & Pumpkin Hummus</a> which I served with carrots and pita crackers. This was a pretty good dip, but it did have a strong pumpkin flavor to it. It was easy to make though and could be made ahead.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG1-lXWtK95zgxd9KN5o78CH2Kh23kBTdI8mjaXgZgu-miu1lcWIw3OxqdXcgJhMgd-lI8PPgljnkkAzMf9IAhGzY_x86rwKYPR59SzxNhT32BDnIM2G-6a3_UMtr4RR9bIVMSe-Wmar9OGEpPAmtlr8C80IRSZncBkBb75-bLFdV3UtAbmWU2HYpA2g/s4734/1-IMG_2900.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3880" data-original-width="4734" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG1-lXWtK95zgxd9KN5o78CH2Kh23kBTdI8mjaXgZgu-miu1lcWIw3OxqdXcgJhMgd-lI8PPgljnkkAzMf9IAhGzY_x86rwKYPR59SzxNhT32BDnIM2G-6a3_UMtr4RR9bIVMSe-Wmar9OGEpPAmtlr8C80IRSZncBkBb75-bLFdV3UtAbmWU2HYpA2g/w640-h524/1-IMG_2900.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the main dish, I made an Autumn Pasta dish I saw on traderjoes5itemsorless on Instagram. The Autumn pasta is only 3 ingredients, easy to make, and SUPER delicious. The pasta sauce has pumpkin and butternut squash in it, but it is a slight taste and not overpowering. I couldn't really taste it much. For the guests I had that didn't want to try it, I served the pasta with butter and burrata and left out the sauce. The guests really enjoyed this dish.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps-9zwhlAMVOpmQraQwOJ2yZY66KHOh_0Y8cvTjI_3LvU2d2PoT2aKj2LhQvkUtc3QLW2UBHvRpUephrCDY4U6-9NzjQLvkVrU8PoFMUoNvCKMy7EmVDitM-Q8tbjfUt2HZP8bxiU1p04KHeqtYq5z5p33aR849bOEFRNvms24h1hg5uXX4SzbmH_560/s5501/1-IMG_2884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5501" data-original-width="3971" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps-9zwhlAMVOpmQraQwOJ2yZY66KHOh_0Y8cvTjI_3LvU2d2PoT2aKj2LhQvkUtc3QLW2UBHvRpUephrCDY4U6-9NzjQLvkVrU8PoFMUoNvCKMy7EmVDitM-Q8tbjfUt2HZP8bxiU1p04KHeqtYq5z5p33aR849bOEFRNvms24h1hg5uXX4SzbmH_560/w462-h640/1-IMG_2884.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><br />Alongside this pasta, I made a <a href="https://www.recipetineats.com/roast-pumpkin-spinach-and-feta-salad/">Roasted Pumpkin, Spinach, and Feta salad</a>. It was served with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing mix that was tasty. For any guest that didn't really like pumpkin, you could serve the pumpkin on the side, and it would still be a yummy salad.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEDdPqt1yuLOapLNql4liYl6NCpAR8F2SfOrjHV-gkq8dfKyYLeBXlGswiEIO6-a-7QEU32q_skIFPIe95ecvCOEqodlzxtJuM92kRUaSSvwbVO1Lu5pM0LYG0KPrwt6PXKxMgKaXiKVwn_B1hODUEiJm8a9zs8PeM76Rvy30YKlMvHRdNNjT0xNmj6s/s6000/1-IMG_2903.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEDdPqt1yuLOapLNql4liYl6NCpAR8F2SfOrjHV-gkq8dfKyYLeBXlGswiEIO6-a-7QEU32q_skIFPIe95ecvCOEqodlzxtJuM92kRUaSSvwbVO1Lu5pM0LYG0KPrwt6PXKxMgKaXiKVwn_B1hODUEiJm8a9zs8PeM76Rvy30YKlMvHRdNNjT0xNmj6s/w640-h426/1-IMG_2903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wDV9_N_GFUwTdIOdc5fC9LE-XjBkak0vjgeFKlrPwP4AlbwolS2mQNCAPbNs9gpFhIxftdXSxgranj4qOPdfkrAHKoTW4XDuZ9iBq5rhyYYM5RJHp2_AEp1lUT0Nkt7jYu2zYLDYxRLNZPosbYyhEcqAXLtwp94ePBM1TwBtdVhV3giJlmz75f7L1WY/s5256/1-IMG_2908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5256" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wDV9_N_GFUwTdIOdc5fC9LE-XjBkak0vjgeFKlrPwP4AlbwolS2mQNCAPbNs9gpFhIxftdXSxgranj4qOPdfkrAHKoTW4XDuZ9iBq5rhyYYM5RJHp2_AEp1lUT0Nkt7jYu2zYLDYxRLNZPosbYyhEcqAXLtwp94ePBM1TwBtdVhV3giJlmz75f7L1WY/w482-h640/1-IMG_2908.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I used my mini bundt cake pan to make small pumpkins. I used a boxed spice cake mix and added a little pumpkin puree. Once the cakes were baked, I trimmed the bottoms of each and fit them together to make pumpkins. Drizzled white cream cheese frosting over the top (also store bought), and added a thick pretzel rod as the stem. These are larger pumpkins, so we shared each pumpkin.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv2uRMQN7emiKTLydZsLn-swDDMkNQPVRXFzAt3BLDFh__UXp2LTChvy2_HemkyrZtdEWjRxFsmJqnoC_PiNQVNizojn7Jhy4AmCs9CP8yXj5rRFzJGJa3TRud2xW-YfqPfDOhnaI5Ty6rDJNB2kwf7_SVMhTlob5T65W1GeE2TOtLd3ojTaODOuTcII/s6000/1-IMG_2807.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv2uRMQN7emiKTLydZsLn-swDDMkNQPVRXFzAt3BLDFh__UXp2LTChvy2_HemkyrZtdEWjRxFsmJqnoC_PiNQVNizojn7Jhy4AmCs9CP8yXj5rRFzJGJa3TRud2xW-YfqPfDOhnaI5Ty6rDJNB2kwf7_SVMhTlob5T65W1GeE2TOtLd3ojTaODOuTcII/w640-h426/1-IMG_2807.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2czUTOmnUYvlFRqpVBcI_juMm0my8xD6wQYw_WalYv7jiYZ02qjVGuUovNM-1wr9jzjL1D5KWHm0xytpho-XhAEh6vjHdAgvhYcxfv9fyj-akvI_wyq-zhCJzIoNq8dMd4gTuIkZ_-fwvMIcT3FpeCzt-qUNgLEgWJ6cKHzmQo4gdeOyfI4a7EVvuIc0/s6000/1-IMG_2825.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2czUTOmnUYvlFRqpVBcI_juMm0my8xD6wQYw_WalYv7jiYZ02qjVGuUovNM-1wr9jzjL1D5KWHm0xytpho-XhAEh6vjHdAgvhYcxfv9fyj-akvI_wyq-zhCJzIoNq8dMd4gTuIkZ_-fwvMIcT3FpeCzt-qUNgLEgWJ6cKHzmQo4gdeOyfI4a7EVvuIc0/w426-h640/1-IMG_2825.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Favor:</u></b> I decided to package some pumpkin spice flavor treats together for my party favor. I purchased pumpkin spice hot cocoa mix, pumpkin spice Milano cookies, and pumpkin spice belVita biscuits. I created a simple tag thanking guests for coming to attach to it.<p></p><p>Overall, this was a easy theme to do. However, if I were to do it again, I would have the decor pumpkin spice, but may not include much pumpkin in the meal. Some of my guest's were not pumpkin spice fans, so they were hesitant to even try many of the foods, and I had to try to accommodate this. Might have been better to just go with an Autumn menu.</p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-65853670632240891442023-10-14T18:10:00.001-07:002023-10-14T18:10:07.753-07:00Seventeen Magazine Party<p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji39Doghasv6af091QJMduQs7PlXN3ZYaIHqEZxEbsFQA39pSpr2Tf5rtxHYkng2w0y8VDoSTAj397po6CIivnDO9GzT4HHqpJ9PitSIXnsHuMLm8ur3rc1r_-UZzKjC6ogQr78o6YamvgcnI634TMqIJG1lXO2BFd55v8JTyd8H2IA01lJwyFmuJP_PI/s2862/1-Seventeen%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2253" data-original-width="2862" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji39Doghasv6af091QJMduQs7PlXN3ZYaIHqEZxEbsFQA39pSpr2Tf5rtxHYkng2w0y8VDoSTAj397po6CIivnDO9GzT4HHqpJ9PitSIXnsHuMLm8ur3rc1r_-UZzKjC6ogQr78o6YamvgcnI634TMqIJG1lXO2BFd55v8JTyd8H2IA01lJwyFmuJP_PI/w640-h504/1-Seventeen%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">H</span></b>ard to believe, but this past Monday, we celebrated 17 Years of Monthly Dinners! Yes, I started hosting these parties seventeen years ago before some of us ladies were married or had kids! What a great 17 years it has been. To honor 17 years, my theme was based around SEVENTEEN magazine. The decor and meal were full of silly headlines & aspects of this magazine, so it was super fun to come up with what to do.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-XmeqSx6lCluQvwVFj2sx4RtCvZMhi2K8uOgyyv80zL4wa7FdfU6uutnUXK_eTstGO4LukVm50Og_ZqkNll3W5Ojp0av54yjYjIKBKeYVNFbnYDRytdAxQIjqfl_KJ84-wwI-bvXR3qhzPYKEZrZN-3tI82aGtgO6FE-mHpMfc0_YUFqBiu7BPvERoM/s1000/Seventeen%20Magazine.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="714" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-XmeqSx6lCluQvwVFj2sx4RtCvZMhi2K8uOgyyv80zL4wa7FdfU6uutnUXK_eTstGO4LukVm50Og_ZqkNll3W5Ojp0av54yjYjIKBKeYVNFbnYDRytdAxQIjqfl_KJ84-wwI-bvXR3qhzPYKEZrZN-3tI82aGtgO6FE-mHpMfc0_YUFqBiu7BPvERoM/w456-h640/Seventeen%20Magazine.JPG" width="456" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invitation: </u></b> I found an image of the cover of Seventeen from October 2006 to use for my invitation since this is the month and year that I started hosting monthly dinners for my friends. I then used Photoshop to change the taglines around Hilary Duff on the cover to represent things about my dinners as well as the party details. For example, "204 Fun Theme Ideas" because this dinner was our 204th dinner, etc.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDEocgJkzANSo2eKIcz2hc5WtTujBUn-7DnqwT36Z-a6Zm2nRA3X0KaQ-UUwvZcvQznKO3n_0q6jjVmY8nUzuFb8AzSm32CERPF5H4CvGnhKpXzqVMVUs16gux0D0Hpza5_dKvAcWFASRbuStrnbzncd-vw7Tfu3IibOI1_zFlyTQXJ6d-_adX9oF5lA/s6000/1-IMG_2766.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDEocgJkzANSo2eKIcz2hc5WtTujBUn-7DnqwT36Z-a6Zm2nRA3X0KaQ-UUwvZcvQznKO3n_0q6jjVmY8nUzuFb8AzSm32CERPF5H4CvGnhKpXzqVMVUs16gux0D0Hpza5_dKvAcWFASRbuStrnbzncd-vw7Tfu3IibOI1_zFlyTQXJ6d-_adX9oF5lA/w640-h426/1-IMG_2766.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decorations: </u></b>I used bright colors for my table because Seventeen magazine always uses bright pink or red as a focus color. Kept the centerpiece simple with some beautiful and bright flowers in vases.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTCQmGD73Rhpxu3Z3Zuu8tVFQ7XlsRvj20KLaZ0fiGcowNpia7CyTzpdQvCL_1tsiLquUjSEMckv3A0u8rhUA0tWp_b3AqOxOY7sinlwKgtnzWCMcUp5IpyRqtAumcJchVdp4OIlME3BBZrwIHhHxS6TvgJJS_bzHqAmDkVQ7BwqoNVonqJXvVQCysyY/s6000/1-IMG_2746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTCQmGD73Rhpxu3Z3Zuu8tVFQ7XlsRvj20KLaZ0fiGcowNpia7CyTzpdQvCL_1tsiLquUjSEMckv3A0u8rhUA0tWp_b3AqOxOY7sinlwKgtnzWCMcUp5IpyRqtAumcJchVdp4OIlME3BBZrwIHhHxS6TvgJJS_bzHqAmDkVQ7BwqoNVonqJXvVQCysyY/w640-h426/1-IMG_2746.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I wrapped each vase with two Seventeen magazine covers I printed out on my computer and then taped around the vase. Simple.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoksDW7VFZL120X62tPefpwv8HQ2SSExEyrSSbTB-JTTQ2WS-KBwLPbTEQpeqJYcFrYQieXLV1WobLZ43aqDGdl-QSni8Ar1a2Q7-vj01BYsjO3G36nK3-RcJQzHBl4jxFD2a7lKxiKhVCReM9pXnDyrIdsoh_fPCOeK-qnBFWpNMlke5vjvOhs7UH7M/s2838/1-IMG_2754.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2815" data-original-width="2838" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoksDW7VFZL120X62tPefpwv8HQ2SSExEyrSSbTB-JTTQ2WS-KBwLPbTEQpeqJYcFrYQieXLV1WobLZ43aqDGdl-QSni8Ar1a2Q7-vj01BYsjO3G36nK3-RcJQzHBl4jxFD2a7lKxiKhVCReM9pXnDyrIdsoh_fPCOeK-qnBFWpNMlke5vjvOhs7UH7M/w640-h634/1-IMG_2754.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ialZtuE2MsiOqRhBTMgN3bakBEKiqP7wqE0Bsx0AFsrx7odEkn0OLNdAwiyPrPxp8MkBGa5z69b5Yl8AHW6qQ958fbGCft5mcHtkIt5O_BTRgZvsc4-djvsn72_khNAZ19Q3xgkP-JrQpmX4YOcUwJ0LoUakFrnaqsSZ0qnQdkelzrA_UijmSng9RH0/s5080/1-IMG_2797.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5080" data-original-width="3836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ialZtuE2MsiOqRhBTMgN3bakBEKiqP7wqE0Bsx0AFsrx7odEkn0OLNdAwiyPrPxp8MkBGa5z69b5Yl8AHW6qQ958fbGCft5mcHtkIt5O_BTRgZvsc4-djvsn72_khNAZ19Q3xgkP-JrQpmX4YOcUwJ0LoUakFrnaqsSZ0qnQdkelzrA_UijmSng9RH0/w484-h640/1-IMG_2797.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>For placecards, I asked each guest to tell me their celebrity crush. I then printed out a photo of that celebrity as a magnet. I created a Seventeen magazine style tag for each that read, "How to Be a Guy MAGNET & attract your Dream Man" for fun. Hopefully you get the magnet play on words with this.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOH-zjZ_5TztPdOEXQNIDqHHWj8peNSm5qYL2M-fovuMlfF5cObblwQhdM6Yeeuzwfb_TOqqGAlBVxvt6Csa189w1hoUB_vOzZeJ3mCo7Re3POCTzWNagBhgMrnsvw5_8pcl2oEeUmr4xgAzVZzRDNPsHm0YtgaXH5MtzzUE1NCVxbQes2kEH-P6wvJk/s4304/1-IMG_2741.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4304" data-original-width="3307" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOH-zjZ_5TztPdOEXQNIDqHHWj8peNSm5qYL2M-fovuMlfF5cObblwQhdM6Yeeuzwfb_TOqqGAlBVxvt6Csa189w1hoUB_vOzZeJ3mCo7Re3POCTzWNagBhgMrnsvw5_8pcl2oEeUmr4xgAzVZzRDNPsHm0YtgaXH5MtzzUE1NCVxbQes2kEH-P6wvJk/w492-h640/1-IMG_2741.JPG" width="492" /></a></div><br />I used bright napkins and created a simple napkin ring with the Seventeen logo on it to wrap around them.<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBEeMwXVcQ40PFQCvwLHgT-yWXJ-soYxDvJZw4AH8kLWnUdmi97Q8dnXe_AK1dLUYx__09By3NXkgiGXYQbCBkrupz9VnfuH6nPj2HAW1zc-yn2NnLtexx4U3i0f8EU7P2wCBJWQIWGGgpK-zqL5jdLAjdVJxdCxz5NMII5VFv-hhvtrSnly3TFvCMG0/s2681/Menu%20Magazine%20Page.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2681" data-original-width="2008" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBEeMwXVcQ40PFQCvwLHgT-yWXJ-soYxDvJZw4AH8kLWnUdmi97Q8dnXe_AK1dLUYx__09By3NXkgiGXYQbCBkrupz9VnfuH6nPj2HAW1zc-yn2NnLtexx4U3i0f8EU7P2wCBJWQIWGGgpK-zqL5jdLAjdVJxdCxz5NMII5VFv-hhvtrSnly3TFvCMG0/w480-h640/Menu%20Magazine%20Page.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I found another issue of Seventeen Magazine to adapt for my menu. Each item of the menu had a tagline around Jennifer Lawrence. These took a bit of creativity to come up with and then to Photoshop onto the magazine image, but it was fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQPexs2GEUE5EMFxdll2BtLZY_3cvmDnW1bZxhBsAKANSJ0Ad9bBDus7J0VszpxFUfJ0gXDSDXCK2kbp1gL4MzOL_uy6iWBLTPjXu8H8uhhlMk_xQJtjh9MoPdGY2K-4H1w0QZ7lN54oJiAzbU-sTB-Bsnx7kzBBSlBFYD0P2c2vBazZL3AuyPO5AKAc/s4000/IMG_4968.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQPexs2GEUE5EMFxdll2BtLZY_3cvmDnW1bZxhBsAKANSJ0Ad9bBDus7J0VszpxFUfJ0gXDSDXCK2kbp1gL4MzOL_uy6iWBLTPjXu8H8uhhlMk_xQJtjh9MoPdGY2K-4H1w0QZ7lN54oJiAzbU-sTB-Bsnx7kzBBSlBFYD0P2c2vBazZL3AuyPO5AKAc/w480-h640/IMG_4968.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I used two more magazine covers to PhotoShop for my wine labels. I found a Seventeen magazine cover that talked about a Massive SHOPPING Guide with style blogger's coolest pics and makeup deals, and changed it to a Massive WHITE WINE guide with wine blogger's coolest pics and wine deals. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uWmKh32mJB-G5bTP1xUrJ9DghcJbn1zo_1CpPYyJj7NJ00XNjHrieAdsEKoIQ9vdwF_saCZEN3Nn49WkdAw7HvzpPNtVZNhNbDxx44D8KjwomarIm7DST2eAwY6mq-6T0is03k1uD168Ofx_9ShX9lplR9Mr5thMysEMpcLfZ6-7jr9dfKf9roZl9Zs/s4000/IMG_4969.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uWmKh32mJB-G5bTP1xUrJ9DghcJbn1zo_1CpPYyJj7NJ00XNjHrieAdsEKoIQ9vdwF_saCZEN3Nn49WkdAw7HvzpPNtVZNhNbDxx44D8KjwomarIm7DST2eAwY6mq-6T0is03k1uD168Ofx_9ShX9lplR9Mr5thMysEMpcLfZ6-7jr9dfKf9roZl9Zs/w480-h640/IMG_4969.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />For the red wine, I used the Katy Perry cover that has The Best FALL CLOTHES for Your Body, and changed it to The Best RED WINE for Your Body. The rest of the taglines on the cover stayed the same.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeVXUYwgLPEBtKaBNq1aQNNn1-qI0jS5FzsFCb2MTEYIJwM98UPeXf8_0b4hyphenhyphenKwii4HLpyiNHrrHsVqq0y9woYl9nHxESoY64Coe4NbGoxrX4gZJVWSg-2AGR75KXxMzKb2FlMEZ7MXEdP9UqWSvUKYSolu73ECrEnL4S72jropKTA-nWL8yq8nAXgj8/s4664/1-IMG_2726.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4664" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeVXUYwgLPEBtKaBNq1aQNNn1-qI0jS5FzsFCb2MTEYIJwM98UPeXf8_0b4hyphenhyphenKwii4HLpyiNHrrHsVqq0y9woYl9nHxESoY64Coe4NbGoxrX4gZJVWSg-2AGR75KXxMzKb2FlMEZ7MXEdP9UqWSvUKYSolu73ECrEnL4S72jropKTA-nWL8yq8nAXgj8/w542-h640/1-IMG_2726.JPG" width="542" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I printed out other Seventeen magazine covers.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-29zYYoWplyV0Xi3moHYbiotHuDznk-DTT_ea-q61iG9Zxm1DI0r9vRNZrLUV86upl7yjYdFje78yqUEwlBk_PjtGpw1UGjNOPlolC4MKMPod4tkR-ifUR7prq4OIi3DffEdwYuZzDhVHb6ogTttaiAScHA_6MF06-ii6yCGhyeCiBp4X6OeahQRczUE/s5100/1-IMG_2781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3755" data-original-width="5100" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-29zYYoWplyV0Xi3moHYbiotHuDznk-DTT_ea-q61iG9Zxm1DI0r9vRNZrLUV86upl7yjYdFje78yqUEwlBk_PjtGpw1UGjNOPlolC4MKMPod4tkR-ifUR7prq4OIi3DffEdwYuZzDhVHb6ogTttaiAScHA_6MF06-ii6yCGhyeCiBp4X6OeahQRczUE/w640-h472/1-IMG_2781.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8rYeDzXW7_iToZBVpKSyWtYYMnZYPQnhD33ban2T4LJ3-PyKpgwJVfksexp1KqVOK2oe8_1-gHvFUEflX1XPbWROuV5z7KrCpg5DSNBR_45xs3JYcbKl3yp8iFaiUAnfteRnm69JP114Qy1PLMUEkuk4j4V__UMStJ8kTMvBiYTFcdoNEr-W2SiPm2Y/s145/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page-001.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="145" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8rYeDzXW7_iToZBVpKSyWtYYMnZYPQnhD33ban2T4LJ3-PyKpgwJVfksexp1KqVOK2oe8_1-gHvFUEflX1XPbWROuV5z7KrCpg5DSNBR_45xs3JYcbKl3yp8iFaiUAnfteRnm69JP114Qy1PLMUEkuk4j4V__UMStJ8kTMvBiYTFcdoNEr-W2SiPm2Y/s1600/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page-001.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><br />Magazine Menu: </u></b>As stated above, all menu item had a tagline on the Seventeen magazine cover I set on top of each plate at the table. Our starter was a delicious cheese dip with crackers. This went with the line, "Cheesy Pick-Up Lines - Don't Fall for that DIP."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFLi8qM_dvzh2of5nGz5Amej5byGocD8M9Wid9iRGlSPfF-q3-Flegc52_Kf09SE8oA8Yt2fgennhaXfadNroLZXKIwwc6DMlWlUiXB9Mb_-mCJKwXFWdgZWJ00cqNzY6NCmdN3y-O0sX53UvvGqC3skfX4zaCHxMIkgpe4e9JyZ73UIo43Ocyn4xTjo/s6000/1-IMG_2784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFLi8qM_dvzh2of5nGz5Amej5byGocD8M9Wid9iRGlSPfF-q3-Flegc52_Kf09SE8oA8Yt2fgennhaXfadNroLZXKIwwc6DMlWlUiXB9Mb_-mCJKwXFWdgZWJ00cqNzY6NCmdN3y-O0sX53UvvGqC3skfX4zaCHxMIkgpe4e9JyZ73UIo43Ocyn4xTjo/w640-h426/1-IMG_2784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ou3DuteML4r-jab2b_bEC2SQOH7IiIdWYl-IEmGZ67Uyqo6oqivGIAKM4vy_qMyLOEujY5gFZyg2Y0fYqEzNYPTefRbA_t7g0FsDEn3db7MDvF3YYZsfmQuAGJWLMXuDfUJHB3DREPpI4QC0N1AY1tpwCZO4uHrwdbvSYJInOWyUM7b8KuMYzAdBGc0/s282/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ou3DuteML4r-jab2b_bEC2SQOH7IiIdWYl-IEmGZ67Uyqo6oqivGIAKM4vy_qMyLOEujY5gFZyg2Y0fYqEzNYPTefRbA_t7g0FsDEn3db7MDvF3YYZsfmQuAGJWLMXuDfUJHB3DREPpI4QC0N1AY1tpwCZO4uHrwdbvSYJInOWyUM7b8KuMYzAdBGc0/s16000/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page.jpg" /></a></div><br />For the main dish I served <a href="https://recipeteacher.com/web-stories/best-damn-oven-baked-chicken-legs-recipe/">chicken legs</a> that were really tasty. They were easy to make and baked in the oven, so I didn't have to fuss with them too much. The seasoning was so good, I made it again later in the week as well. The tagline for this dish on the Seventeen menu magazine was "Get the Best LEGS ever! Look so tasty, he'll gobble you up!" The original magazine, had "Best Jeans Ever."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrhJONoC2bW_v63kB5rtqn3RHrfjAvK8gmXMMLvk-dORJ3Fpt21z1FGav8hfgSM46TFci5R9aeIBnDTNyJSW4seIlf4KQB2UkN6p1eOmQJoZ_tc8eUk2NCUkZMOFP2qQf9DwBz-03kHAvt16tXf2BlOkYWhcpxEczyO3NSafy_HsSMmeOB3ynH5-IDMc/s5759/1-IMG_2788.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3807" data-original-width="5759" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrhJONoC2bW_v63kB5rtqn3RHrfjAvK8gmXMMLvk-dORJ3Fpt21z1FGav8hfgSM46TFci5R9aeIBnDTNyJSW4seIlf4KQB2UkN6p1eOmQJoZ_tc8eUk2NCUkZMOFP2qQf9DwBz-03kHAvt16tXf2BlOkYWhcpxEczyO3NSafy_HsSMmeOB3ynH5-IDMc/w640-h424/1-IMG_2788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNuyw_MQYLer7L_Chm4ks_C2D8p_Ih4Wxlboch_EVwXhUuh-1AiP9StMLqm-HvtB86EESEEHBMJJFgBjwUVxqcs5NsM_vQCbHoCJXatH8Uu3ii3RAjhw6pD1VREhIuekCa0litAa4sYsAU1IE0wH8dknYgOPaDpDPf7091X0H09bLrmeS9m_AbmiB1Yg/s298/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page-005.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="196" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNuyw_MQYLer7L_Chm4ks_C2D8p_Ih4Wxlboch_EVwXhUuh-1AiP9StMLqm-HvtB86EESEEHBMJJFgBjwUVxqcs5NsM_vQCbHoCJXatH8Uu3ii3RAjhw6pD1VREhIuekCa0litAa4sYsAU1IE0wH8dknYgOPaDpDPf7091X0H09bLrmeS9m_AbmiB1Yg/w132-h200/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page-005.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br />The original Seventeen cover had 250+ easy hair ideas as a main tagline, so I had to think of a menu item that could somewhat go with that. I decided on straight and curly French fries since hair can be curly or straight. I purchased curly and regular fries and just popped them in the oven. I didn't make them from scratch.<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGICMdijALon4_j8t1EG-RPasPJlkRhZq13f2hnDeyCTKCB_YPKP8fkioCtY7eAMDFPiRYX5sNFgwxXH-dJFAaVjIJ1_wLnQEyEiW4g5vNWpoOupLvpU8i67r8rYVIJBmXro7QViOdVa6wSth-s7cYKv6YMYzomlPuyogSQPPo2X6E49XjvrF4QMQpT8/s4000/IMG_4971.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGICMdijALon4_j8t1EG-RPasPJlkRhZq13f2hnDeyCTKCB_YPKP8fkioCtY7eAMDFPiRYX5sNFgwxXH-dJFAaVjIJ1_wLnQEyEiW4g5vNWpoOupLvpU8i67r8rYVIJBmXro7QViOdVa6wSth-s7cYKv6YMYzomlPuyogSQPPo2X6E49XjvrF4QMQpT8/w480-h640/IMG_4971.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3mbWjn2Od0Cen0cWdKpYPVbLh8lrFLbusUsaC3MW9DgzNl4Ke-TQ6NxLAiVRzJlFUXcRRfR6M8nYG5RvScaCA2yFGwZtMfzng-qg6zUjpUHPKJSnPbI5vsgrrU92B8_hUMXXgaePwIFTi25m8U2lJ296TcQzuVnxQjMiyZRbvuShyphenhyphenw48LLTIF8yIJ4w/s159/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page-003.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="147" data-original-width="159" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3mbWjn2Od0Cen0cWdKpYPVbLh8lrFLbusUsaC3MW9DgzNl4Ke-TQ6NxLAiVRzJlFUXcRRfR6M8nYG5RvScaCA2yFGwZtMfzng-qg6zUjpUHPKJSnPbI5vsgrrU92B8_hUMXXgaePwIFTi25m8U2lJ296TcQzuVnxQjMiyZRbvuShyphenhyphenw48LLTIF8yIJ4w/s1600/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page-003.jpg" width="159" /></a></div><br />Taking some sort of beauty or health related quiz was always popular in Seventeen magazines, so I decided to incorporate a quiz into my menu as well. My quiz tagline was, "Would you rather VEG out or go out?" For vegetables, I served red, orange, and yellow peppers, zucchini, mushrooms that I grilled on the stove.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtl-tcPU8KpRXaj-l_NEOMpbQxc-PAaPTQ4Q5ZTw4x_k_HyEZyzdnXoplGiv15b2J97zLHHrnBwWU5yEt3vsK9ABL7xCj2eKz0ghpWWEPZGCE6CvREbiOm5yHgr_xWUKrAn-Al0mAoPPPF_x8z9X38E8eOfVDjJUqqg4bJbPAcGgwEtiDE_OJWjHy3zA/s4845/1-IMG_2774.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4845" data-original-width="3993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtl-tcPU8KpRXaj-l_NEOMpbQxc-PAaPTQ4Q5ZTw4x_k_HyEZyzdnXoplGiv15b2J97zLHHrnBwWU5yEt3vsK9ABL7xCj2eKz0ghpWWEPZGCE6CvREbiOm5yHgr_xWUKrAn-Al0mAoPPPF_x8z9X38E8eOfVDjJUqqg4bJbPAcGgwEtiDE_OJWjHy3zA/w528-h640/1-IMG_2774.JPG" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zz4SsiLIC6-lscE86_dIBf8xxfqbUFXeG_au5Mj-An2rdHdMM3LVFnCJwMEAKLmsA65TkIQ4sLFGRO71dU0fBAlHdVPuv8igd2fOZYCl19nrzBXJ2gbRMCnhk_Gu5PRxJJKfaZAYt6JdCoOOkkzYxMUBk8AiKZYKrC1heJz3x3CltBnK8ZJEVYEsqtU/s97/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page-004.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="97" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zz4SsiLIC6-lscE86_dIBf8xxfqbUFXeG_au5Mj-An2rdHdMM3LVFnCJwMEAKLmsA65TkIQ4sLFGRO71dU0fBAlHdVPuv8igd2fOZYCl19nrzBXJ2gbRMCnhk_Gu5PRxJJKfaZAYt6JdCoOOkkzYxMUBk8AiKZYKrC1heJz3x3CltBnK8ZJEVYEsqtU/w128-h99/1-Menu%20Magazine%20Page-004.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>For dessert, I made <a href="https://balancingmotherhood.com/orange-crush-cupcakes/">Orange Crush Cupcakes</a>. The cupcake is only two ingredients -- a can of Crush soda and a box of vanilla cake mix. The buttercream frosting had a few more ingredients, but was tasty too. I added a piece of orange slice candy to the top for added fun. The tagline on my menu for these was, "Guy's Crush Confessions."<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ytSjaOo8svpeDqt6ulEfN5nhdnvHq8t6Jpm68tMLOC6BsQqvcC8tUTKKq3k7WYdrfLIkDczieTX3i3yGjuih_liP-OcCtuAUuIMqOkvH2Q3tL9XrMrlsUTgiF3vOTFfZPOqsDUqiY3YUkL4lKBVwlWUeu8BpWZeLSZ-DsoEdyCBgbnn1EdzUuyac9jc/s6000/1-IMG_2736.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ytSjaOo8svpeDqt6ulEfN5nhdnvHq8t6Jpm68tMLOC6BsQqvcC8tUTKKq3k7WYdrfLIkDczieTX3i3yGjuih_liP-OcCtuAUuIMqOkvH2Q3tL9XrMrlsUTgiF3vOTFfZPOqsDUqiY3YUkL4lKBVwlWUeu8BpWZeLSZ-DsoEdyCBgbnn1EdzUuyac9jc/w640-h426/1-IMG_2736.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor:</u></b> For the party favor, I had various skin and hair projects found in the travel section of Target. I found a Seventeen magazine cover that had a bold tagline about hair and skin and simply printed up that part of the cover to use as a tag.<p></p><p>I am not sure if teens know anything about Seventeen magazine since it is only online nowadays, but this was a fun theme to play with. It could easily be adapted for a teenager's birthday party and just change the magazine title if the teen is not seventeen.</p></div><br />InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-64714994576640938632023-09-23T21:01:00.002-07:002023-09-23T21:01:47.156-07:00Bring Your Own Board - Charcuterie Party<p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuezxgOV29XMf66BEldqi2CeSHan6j4WaMcV202AqaZkmWZs4ANDpfbpPjPBdu5tuRn0X_lJ7bDHb9BxbCr_7exT5fHSafzUZzBcJRuzs4xsaWOpbDusvYX7jCD36SJQrRgj14ktpACU8MTZVJBqezhzweRLiRuz2WUWdnauhgmEdr-DwbLm-EC2edf2c/s3098/1-Chartcuterie%20Board%20MD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2329" data-original-width="3098" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuezxgOV29XMf66BEldqi2CeSHan6j4WaMcV202AqaZkmWZs4ANDpfbpPjPBdu5tuRn0X_lJ7bDHb9BxbCr_7exT5fHSafzUZzBcJRuzs4xsaWOpbDusvYX7jCD36SJQrRgj14ktpACU8MTZVJBqezhzweRLiRuz2WUWdnauhgmEdr-DwbLm-EC2edf2c/w640-h482/1-Chartcuterie%20Board%20MD.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span> few months back, my daughter and her friends had a charcuterie party, and they decided to each bring a board to represent a certain color of the rainbow. They were having a movie night, so all the food was snacks or dessert. My daughter had so much fun coming up with her red-themed board, that I knew charcuterie boards would become a future monthly dinner theme for me and my girlfriends. To make it easy on the guests, we didn't do the color idea, but instead guests were able to pick an appetizer, main dish, or dessert.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqsrRY7oU1_tGgo6aZI0ZDP15IRbPuyaE0WjEdKQhbSVv8j1EonSzraEuvhj6lRJ1UbFBN7CV9z9L-t9a53uMF_Qs7vNOP7BY4FTM_5lgOq6r4-VUZr61FcW4KtNliE6Mes2BSsrwyR7KZ1G5JmADV-gR0VkMhAUXxvv6VM5oJ6u82WO1F5GrzXByi1s/s2450/Charcuterie%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2450" data-original-width="1750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqsrRY7oU1_tGgo6aZI0ZDP15IRbPuyaE0WjEdKQhbSVv8j1EonSzraEuvhj6lRJ1UbFBN7CV9z9L-t9a53uMF_Qs7vNOP7BY4FTM_5lgOq6r4-VUZr61FcW4KtNliE6Mes2BSsrwyR7KZ1G5JmADV-gR0VkMhAUXxvv6VM5oJ6u82WO1F5GrzXByi1s/w458-h640/Charcuterie%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite: </u></b> I found some clipart images of charcuterie boards online, and designed the invitation around them. I kept the colors simple and the fonts easy to read.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycYmXKIDHCSvSJfzno-FXEhYOtg3eqhD4JW0RwvHxdY6NxMhzdNz6JbTmbtIY8RBAE8F-q6q8CctCRC8YeXt04VvU4vNo1qimBqv6M68o-7VD7iQ6JXR_DRHhD5JHrrHtRgwQrIQYF93riAZeXM99Qlj3jSLwKQEWvVG6rmljmDFbjYZIVE3jH3wW2KE/s5567/1-IMG_2717.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3990" data-original-width="5567" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycYmXKIDHCSvSJfzno-FXEhYOtg3eqhD4JW0RwvHxdY6NxMhzdNz6JbTmbtIY8RBAE8F-q6q8CctCRC8YeXt04VvU4vNo1qimBqv6M68o-7VD7iQ6JXR_DRHhD5JHrrHtRgwQrIQYF93riAZeXM99Qlj3jSLwKQEWvVG6rmljmDFbjYZIVE3jH3wW2KE/w640-h458/1-IMG_2717.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decorations: </u></b>I did not have a centerpiece because I needed to leave room for all the charcuterie boards, so that made decorating a bit easier. For the main dining table, I used a brown tablecloth and made a table runner with light brown wrapping paper. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1xfr-RbVpeOdvK4UOGV14kn0ZYozFnb-xyWcMVRjJTu_D9vxrv67uZ-7Xm_aSTy6oKTp-aIedB1pSxvMAo9ydarJmpZBeEISYqAB-ZiUZerdYcPNDFqYG--LbwUpfrJP0_R5RNGJX0Q_MmtObaUJC61qnmikspe70Z_TbqmfNbEZPxNUqzw7i0-1SI4/s5783/1-IMG_2661.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5783" data-original-width="3971" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1xfr-RbVpeOdvK4UOGV14kn0ZYozFnb-xyWcMVRjJTu_D9vxrv67uZ-7Xm_aSTy6oKTp-aIedB1pSxvMAo9ydarJmpZBeEISYqAB-ZiUZerdYcPNDFqYG--LbwUpfrJP0_R5RNGJX0Q_MmtObaUJC61qnmikspe70Z_TbqmfNbEZPxNUqzw7i0-1SI4/w440-h640/1-IMG_2661.JPG" width="440" /></a></div><br />On top of my white plates, I used Fall themed paper napkins to add some color. I bought mini charcuterie boards from Amazon, and a friend of mine helped me laser the guest's names along the bottom. These served as place cards.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKfNPumd1f641Wy_vctM71bIgFIiW0fpOBgSGOyCdTXcVZbqG2phngCXIIfyw0mc2J15851q0aC1yhNiAaqThm44CeBSO9W7_qOfENHgvkuThF7lbu8SdjNq08QDaKQlNSdkEcTD4EXVT7iGB0z7oOUTSLZvGEzh5P1QLNqzCii9k4SfxiM0uDIZcmyM/s5184/1-IMG_2658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKfNPumd1f641Wy_vctM71bIgFIiW0fpOBgSGOyCdTXcVZbqG2phngCXIIfyw0mc2J15851q0aC1yhNiAaqThm44CeBSO9W7_qOfENHgvkuThF7lbu8SdjNq08QDaKQlNSdkEcTD4EXVT7iGB0z7oOUTSLZvGEzh5P1QLNqzCii9k4SfxiM0uDIZcmyM/w488-h640/1-IMG_2658.JPG" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBb3LIawH0gu0HnoCjEYjkXAp62Sg_eXshVXf0uumC2_PqMayRkHTA27cXgUFaL79ik1If4aCsUbQdikewjjhFfHyt3uSbZOu4Zl5Jo_kTZJINLBkrTAqqCSPpxOoxQFWuiFw1YgUCmBmnjdXmuSuFaRZw9KLs3GouvbtniRvUaXtFFTuhIvG_YN-xHE/s5709/1-IMG_2696.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5709" data-original-width="3722" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBb3LIawH0gu0HnoCjEYjkXAp62Sg_eXshVXf0uumC2_PqMayRkHTA27cXgUFaL79ik1If4aCsUbQdikewjjhFfHyt3uSbZOu4Zl5Jo_kTZJINLBkrTAqqCSPpxOoxQFWuiFw1YgUCmBmnjdXmuSuFaRZw9KLs3GouvbtniRvUaXtFFTuhIvG_YN-xHE/w418-h640/1-IMG_2696.JPG" width="418" /></a></div><br />The wine labels I designed around the theme as well. For the red wine, I wrote a funny definition of Charcuterie that I saw online. I listed it like a dictionary would and added a charcuterie board and wine bottle. For the white wine, I changed the common phrase, "You better believe this will be good" to be a pun with cheesy words -- "You Cheddar Brie-lieve this wine will be Gouda!"<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGofxpDCT6176ndrNEaUE1QgnCtT6sxyJI4Q55yXr8vbhdIiT_cE5ZVg_2e2yL1aOVNFw0alQj0fBtItx1We6GLueC8Wu_38sz73i6XmipXhcKQXivH79wdH1TrOf8litJsI3eIJbjo6Qkih9J9-SUGYndbhH-G-ZK9FMBOYRRKoWcx0f3vnGIy23F3A/s5264/1-IMG_2673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5264" data-original-width="3986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGofxpDCT6176ndrNEaUE1QgnCtT6sxyJI4Q55yXr8vbhdIiT_cE5ZVg_2e2yL1aOVNFw0alQj0fBtItx1We6GLueC8Wu_38sz73i6XmipXhcKQXivH79wdH1TrOf8litJsI3eIJbjo6Qkih9J9-SUGYndbhH-G-ZK9FMBOYRRKoWcx0f3vnGIy23F3A/w484-h640/1-IMG_2673.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I printed out common charcuterie board items and attached them to each glass stem. This included things like a bite of cheese, a cracker, a chocolate covered strawberry, a pretzel, an olive, and more.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWlCF---AK-vOIDtGCyIGVZba9FKVI7db9XDyBjAlFiUkjl7gQ1uoQ2pDSp29QrGmq7iMTdizB6aP9W4mn6wpkKBfkwA_ExvTgJegCpM9IMOqwlwrtz2XlauwzgoVccjdjxUb8ESss0m-aco_lGZOT3o3iCpEZ-2ZuaqVIG1-zE9gdFfRHg9yGX1c3jM/s6000/1-IMG_2698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWlCF---AK-vOIDtGCyIGVZba9FKVI7db9XDyBjAlFiUkjl7gQ1uoQ2pDSp29QrGmq7iMTdizB6aP9W4mn6wpkKBfkwA_ExvTgJegCpM9IMOqwlwrtz2XlauwzgoVccjdjxUb8ESss0m-aco_lGZOT3o3iCpEZ-2ZuaqVIG1-zE9gdFfRHg9yGX1c3jM/w640-h426/1-IMG_2698.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu: </u></b> We had so many tasty goodies at this party! One of our appetizers was a chip/dip charcuterie board. Ranch dip, hummus, salsa, guacamole, with pita chips, tortilla chips, and potato chips. Yum #1.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUqDb4TtYmOr6QU-pIXLzpDka5sDwkOy1Unl1x35qJfvvVYS85ytj-M-qG-npCuTPzB5xaxwzkxWp7JLkjeUj3kTV2mQ-q9okniR8I2Nuq21i-lA-Jh1E3teSvUK7zO2_WcouIWn_qiDtHQXcsZFWfNeTFZW5ZHTRuM3ggT_1WWyz0hEaqz8COyeGJzQ/s6000/1-IMG_2714.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDUqDb4TtYmOr6QU-pIXLzpDka5sDwkOy1Unl1x35qJfvvVYS85ytj-M-qG-npCuTPzB5xaxwzkxWp7JLkjeUj3kTV2mQ-q9okniR8I2Nuq21i-lA-Jh1E3teSvUK7zO2_WcouIWn_qiDtHQXcsZFWfNeTFZW5ZHTRuM3ggT_1WWyz0hEaqz8COyeGJzQ/w640-h426/1-IMG_2714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Another appetizer was a cheese and cracker board. Yum #2. So many delicious cheeses, crackers, nuts, and grapes. Must say, my guests and I probably ate too much from these two appetizer platters as they were so tasty!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aQEky3YbfiK01V9nJm2Wo5eJWjsGqPVYNyqNfRAhOlw8zsKIOennyiJEdG8zyhJwTZHwypIVrqIcyAyfXxnCqDKVDx27FXyD_ALHkoowYucZkudLX5M6I5dqMmtRLZHJbPK2fqlcOIBYVVnGFX5sjuqZfbHcOfjFQPSg2TkO8TEsG_fmoh-ulIAxuVU/s6000/1-IMG_2710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aQEky3YbfiK01V9nJm2Wo5eJWjsGqPVYNyqNfRAhOlw8zsKIOennyiJEdG8zyhJwTZHwypIVrqIcyAyfXxnCqDKVDx27FXyD_ALHkoowYucZkudLX5M6I5dqMmtRLZHJbPK2fqlcOIBYVVnGFX5sjuqZfbHcOfjFQPSg2TkO8TEsG_fmoh-ulIAxuVU/w640-h426/1-IMG_2710.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The board I put together was a taco board. There were hard and soft shell tortillas, ground beef, seasoned chicken, and all the other fixings for tacos.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaOud9dqDuMovjtw3hUMkYjrYyuavPELTjY0moHiz8anFWDK-72_vLJEOv8WXkpxvch5dnb-ZUlHi0XWqzFEG1LOT_KmvXSSRwfuaSk4wEtQdbMOOH24Sa47nGtBLdGhyjGHcOJwel_Myv-wVMcv2vYSqszWDbYSCINX91KHzrvuXZFGdtBecdPwjHVg/s6000/1-IMG_2708.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaOud9dqDuMovjtw3hUMkYjrYyuavPELTjY0moHiz8anFWDK-72_vLJEOv8WXkpxvch5dnb-ZUlHi0XWqzFEG1LOT_KmvXSSRwfuaSk4wEtQdbMOOH24Sa47nGtBLdGhyjGHcOJwel_Myv-wVMcv2vYSqszWDbYSCINX91KHzrvuXZFGdtBecdPwjHVg/w640-h426/1-IMG_2708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Another friend brought a sushi platter. It had a great variety of sushi and sashimi. Another Yum!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_-OiweumlIlIJIsWkKKS_hlXbCmmGE5nWubZSxqMwZ8Ny1O6oleyP7HbLR_Y-Baqp4-aNqlovqvS71bH8qGJpEsYMTJZN5lCuvfFno0X5_SNdTe8Da_mn-MSAKdwpsmzjhLFOEFfyEDKtLpXuGBSTtkT39EOqkjHoQsr2RWJHdzJLhOMId7SA0oEPIk/s5971/1-IMG_2702.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3841" data-original-width="5971" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_-OiweumlIlIJIsWkKKS_hlXbCmmGE5nWubZSxqMwZ8Ny1O6oleyP7HbLR_Y-Baqp4-aNqlovqvS71bH8qGJpEsYMTJZN5lCuvfFno0X5_SNdTe8Da_mn-MSAKdwpsmzjhLFOEFfyEDKtLpXuGBSTtkT39EOqkjHoQsr2RWJHdzJLhOMId7SA0oEPIk/w640-h412/1-IMG_2702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Another guest brought a vegetable platter with hummus and spinach artichoke dip. I love how she made a serenity path down the middle of the board with a beautiful flower made out of celery in the middle.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38kOwffjqzM9QC9HVLbtxzDZjOohRTtxy73N5dH1nlJzBt4M28DpPgrzaBTewE6zOWdVqf7Jc1B4Is2UJdvhyAfne1KJejcy8QfizIf1E9WQ8Q-TQo97HcY7Li6o1zWv8fEFFZ90BoG8vbbwJvgY1pi6wO6eLHS_TeJpVIGXf32nJon6s7DnBRmN9pSc/s1402/wendy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="1044" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38kOwffjqzM9QC9HVLbtxzDZjOohRTtxy73N5dH1nlJzBt4M28DpPgrzaBTewE6zOWdVqf7Jc1B4Is2UJdvhyAfne1KJejcy8QfizIf1E9WQ8Q-TQo97HcY7Li6o1zWv8fEFFZ90BoG8vbbwJvgY1pi6wO6eLHS_TeJpVIGXf32nJon6s7DnBRmN9pSc/w476-h640/wendy.png" width="476" /></a></div><br />One of the side dish platters was tasty sides - onion rings, tater tots, sweet potatoes fries, and crinkle cut fries.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECXPg2xvMbW7J5OscUY4SGRXATv2zecMeTTFy9zS-HonHfhc9vCpI6_nwrG8OwCpjMJOzBvTxDOaoXCD_iGq1Cs9OIt2N7T1UXGQeA1HpCqbIZId_nKt3aQhlK9eWDG4hKQdZwjEgh8THRGtCkEkF8ZHDVlga9bJc3pZe3Nr5FfEZRLTqn6_o3HB0ZVg/s6000/1-IMG_2720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECXPg2xvMbW7J5OscUY4SGRXATv2zecMeTTFy9zS-HonHfhc9vCpI6_nwrG8OwCpjMJOzBvTxDOaoXCD_iGq1Cs9OIt2N7T1UXGQeA1HpCqbIZId_nKt3aQhlK9eWDG4hKQdZwjEgh8THRGtCkEkF8ZHDVlga9bJc3pZe3Nr5FfEZRLTqn6_o3HB0ZVg/w640-h426/1-IMG_2720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYMzPT2c17iPioLsNy03vrzU6T_YDJ_qzRmgIt-Zh5bxLw5sPYDRlmCYdLoyvbgOWwoj7z7CY8Mk0bSohCj26Y_PJQg6AhZDg0fidK-7S3AlGEd-YA8quJISt13YrVQMiP7MI6mvXKKHWZMfOxbobwPDNwPoLXcQUmJJiH975krA2cO_KMWdOa1K_B5E/s6000/1-IMG_2723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYMzPT2c17iPioLsNy03vrzU6T_YDJ_qzRmgIt-Zh5bxLw5sPYDRlmCYdLoyvbgOWwoj7z7CY8Mk0bSohCj26Y_PJQg6AhZDg0fidK-7S3AlGEd-YA8quJISt13YrVQMiP7MI6mvXKKHWZMfOxbobwPDNwPoLXcQUmJJiH975krA2cO_KMWdOa1K_B5E/w640-h426/1-IMG_2723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />We finished the evening with a delicious dessert charcuterie board. There were so many tasty goodies on this board.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdccQ_eLbOySJFNUDC2AwrEf2QcSpNN_0kz2DhzF4HqfnJNlCIUSlUvVzWxeCn72WgzB-3UKdLy8xWM2TC39RZOeIItDbV6lUr6ld77mvGa0_Q92gO5APtnQq8oeNGbXTQD2N0j0nOQz-Y2wMlJkZsdtfQjqTPDKIltWTdvSltoE6Iq_CDDr5xEfbKek/s5038/1-IMG_2688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3696" data-original-width="5038" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdccQ_eLbOySJFNUDC2AwrEf2QcSpNN_0kz2DhzF4HqfnJNlCIUSlUvVzWxeCn72WgzB-3UKdLy8xWM2TC39RZOeIItDbV6lUr6ld77mvGa0_Q92gO5APtnQq8oeNGbXTQD2N0j0nOQz-Y2wMlJkZsdtfQjqTPDKIltWTdvSltoE6Iq_CDDr5xEfbKek/w640-h470/1-IMG_2688.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor:</u></b> I made more of the mini charcuterie boards as party favors. I used Photoshop to design a cheese-related graphic with fun sayings modeled after some sayings I saw online, and then my friend etched them onto the boards. I bought cheese knives to attach to each board with ribbon to complete the favor. Besides these three sayings, I had, "That's what CHEESE said," "Let the GOUDA times roll," "Don't Worry BRIE Happy," and "Hello is it BRIE You're Lookin for."<div><br /><div>This party was a lot of fun and it was nice as the hostess to have a little less of the cooking to do. We were all stuffed after this dinner, but it was delicious and fun.</div></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-33550004574115631482023-08-13T12:18:00.000-07:002023-08-13T12:18:13.068-07:00Come on Barbie Let's Go Party!<p><b><span style="color: #f41895; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #f41895; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBBLJckEOBMPCq78anLbjp93RBIbM-B5qn279ZWyLuzZ0P9OBSgkhN-D0Q9FAeFCT7-v5iOLKgVURqXjV1uTibMMnRdZiHDDkqa73tkdWTEWiIWFgXXwcyw4bIt0WnAT9sMk27_Wb31wFOvPnvlUixtwc0qAmiC-_FMqRaRnFTTRcHtcn30-dJjKTcT0/s2379/1-Barbie%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2101" data-original-width="2379" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBBLJckEOBMPCq78anLbjp93RBIbM-B5qn279ZWyLuzZ0P9OBSgkhN-D0Q9FAeFCT7-v5iOLKgVURqXjV1uTibMMnRdZiHDDkqa73tkdWTEWiIWFgXXwcyw4bIt0WnAT9sMk27_Wb31wFOvPnvlUixtwc0qAmiC-_FMqRaRnFTTRcHtcn30-dJjKTcT0/w640-h566/1-Barbie%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #f41895; font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>he Barbie movie just came out, so everywhere you turn there is Barbie merch or pink clothes as it seems like all stores are jumping on the bandwagon. I set up a date for my monthly dinner girls and our daughters to attend, and we had a great time. I followed this with using Barbie as my theme for our monthly dinner. So yes, I jumped on the bandwagon too!<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBPpA-GCG3ouFhsnmy5Reo2pe1VduXiyMuBQBOQ-nCe8Bt6MnSCbKtObEpVEILfaZ9idknADnMIMw5zFFcSPtjC4SG1xwFOm5TSzmmJqLhTJ8ipuyBckll-ZD2g1RyzhHLLZGeMTyrbhtUD9GivOVWh_gICtR9gkmqoq0LixssyeMFF7zQ8ythbdxj78/s2800/Barbie%20MD%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2800" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVBPpA-GCG3ouFhsnmy5Reo2pe1VduXiyMuBQBOQ-nCe8Bt6MnSCbKtObEpVEILfaZ9idknADnMIMw5zFFcSPtjC4SG1xwFOm5TSzmmJqLhTJ8ipuyBckll-ZD2g1RyzhHLLZGeMTyrbhtUD9GivOVWh_gICtR9gkmqoq0LixssyeMFF7zQ8ythbdxj78/w640-h458/Barbie%20MD%20Invitation.jpg" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invite:</u> </b>Lots of pink and of course a large blond Barbie adorned the invitation. Along with the party details, I added the Barbie logo as well as the quote "Every Night is Girls Night" from the movie.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisq0tXQZD5HNIUEZUTg8lRxwctPAj837de9nOd2sR7UPV5BetWxuuZcCxe0eqs99PawRnoLhtRQoKv18fLkniOy8HPAVHB23YlwKpU5cGwRA0wY0MqiWZoCK5OzuE_2DS3d9XQqnC3bJq66koj82YAzrM2uoOzC7bL4Yk9-np7kXGQe9RXcUIKXhK6_fY/s4032/1-IMG-3884%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisq0tXQZD5HNIUEZUTg8lRxwctPAj837de9nOd2sR7UPV5BetWxuuZcCxe0eqs99PawRnoLhtRQoKv18fLkniOy8HPAVHB23YlwKpU5cGwRA0wY0MqiWZoCK5OzuE_2DS3d9XQqnC3bJq66koj82YAzrM2uoOzC7bL4Yk9-np7kXGQe9RXcUIKXhK6_fY/w640-h480/1-IMG-3884%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Decorations:</u></b> A bright pink tablecloth, white and pink plates, and a Barbie centerpiece made up my table. I borrowed Barbies and accessories from a friend of mine to set out as a centerpiece. She had the Barbie corvette, the Barbie boat with mermaid Barbie, Barbie's dog, and many of the clothes & accessories. I purchased the poolside lounger and table at Dollar Tree to place one of the Barbies on.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7L8hqQydzLQsECYCTxTBwkROTU7DRb52UfdgSMbZHzz1QFMT2KhPZckcKYX15ugqqDbGl9GjOuGIClqDjUWjL5Gsa-uizTQGyFRnxqAEezcyDVIKL2zgpbJ3bCf8Zx9drAt5BlYdcHwzKaKAr7NDWzMWs1yeDjuXWqTel-fFDF96TJlOmir98kVX2LM/s4032/1-IMG-3889.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7L8hqQydzLQsECYCTxTBwkROTU7DRb52UfdgSMbZHzz1QFMT2KhPZckcKYX15ugqqDbGl9GjOuGIClqDjUWjL5Gsa-uizTQGyFRnxqAEezcyDVIKL2zgpbJ3bCf8Zx9drAt5BlYdcHwzKaKAr7NDWzMWs1yeDjuXWqTel-fFDF96TJlOmir98kVX2LM/w480-h640/1-IMG-3889.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpmFSvIij0YKhZfDnvafkk47tZo6-gauXLTVB8LmN9VOAe4Sqd8XPM6nEYssYQ2rYjWACciLnzh5GwI79PPw_YDIDt3wpl68YTCkV5RtR5-I5LDCgXEEXbsE6HfQbVNt8C0ZEZEP0Wew7iuOfxPK5kdQgGOgJwC4lh2D0C46YQ9tJrVKCgMaTy76HR-4/s3364/1-Barbie%20MD%2020231-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1653" data-original-width="3364" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpmFSvIij0YKhZfDnvafkk47tZo6-gauXLTVB8LmN9VOAe4Sqd8XPM6nEYssYQ2rYjWACciLnzh5GwI79PPw_YDIDt3wpl68YTCkV5RtR5-I5LDCgXEEXbsE6HfQbVNt8C0ZEZEP0Wew7iuOfxPK5kdQgGOgJwC4lh2D0C46YQ9tJrVKCgMaTy76HR-4/w640-h314/1-Barbie%20MD%2020231-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-Bi8XM2kugm6r6vUG97GpoJOJjTzGc0l57xtZ4HCtv9cCL-vR20C1oWCMIhDdMHCX-ACwntFYaCn-F8w2gdfEAjeINYFkKGNibctyEkbL3B1HsX054aSgsByygf8dJbXJQ5gK_r-4pIB1dUPqpxRCa8zrRUkuQUXfCZVm8tQQ5kQ_qmjAD_49V_eEWE/s5025/1-IMG_2602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5025" data-original-width="3978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-Bi8XM2kugm6r6vUG97GpoJOJjTzGc0l57xtZ4HCtv9cCL-vR20C1oWCMIhDdMHCX-ACwntFYaCn-F8w2gdfEAjeINYFkKGNibctyEkbL3B1HsX054aSgsByygf8dJbXJQ5gK_r-4pIB1dUPqpxRCa8zrRUkuQUXfCZVm8tQQ5kQ_qmjAD_49V_eEWE/w506-h640/1-IMG_2602.JPG" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj8rFBS6pDVb8YR4pNRWLa_ZJIvQwoqtneYC6APvHQXpdODHJXZuIt04tVNXW237uMWRfkqeGDRTE2_SKxlb4sD-Lg9JAFlGHw9z7N0qPg1VJl_bcrWiiHHdtasIxi_s-83tGVEU9QAXYBgePcoKOGY2pZ_SsbW-3qyxInkjmu28zo_9Zq5JZY4rCAkk/s5300/1-IMG_2652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5300" data-original-width="3986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj8rFBS6pDVb8YR4pNRWLa_ZJIvQwoqtneYC6APvHQXpdODHJXZuIt04tVNXW237uMWRfkqeGDRTE2_SKxlb4sD-Lg9JAFlGHw9z7N0qPg1VJl_bcrWiiHHdtasIxi_s-83tGVEU9QAXYBgePcoKOGY2pZ_SsbW-3qyxInkjmu28zo_9Zq5JZY4rCAkk/w482-h640/1-IMG_2652.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><br />For placecards, I made Barbie boxes for each guest with their names on them. I found the template for the box on Etsy. I found the Barbie font online as well (I had to sign up for a free trial & then my card will be charged if I don't cancel). These boxes take some time to assemble, but I only had to make 8 of them, so it wasn't too bad. I glued a background with the Barbie logo inside the back wall of the box. Then added a glitter shape & the Barbie head logo to the front of the box instead of Mattel. Inside the box, I placed a pair of pink heart-shaped sunglasses & a pink candy stick.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQBJoTjaEhRVqxqOije6Gzu-RilNPXlP6lm5i3AcK0Mez0dKHWIaav2T4hmZIJxKgv9ybR-IbTD3HPiikdQy8Ds3vFPTl3tXg4rhkzoz9aNZ7uJPr8QVG9VeDMfCRLdKQj7zDFdRkVlfXZRs-tPPO7_nqY092yOXonYy1cKyWTRagt0U03B01oaXdTQk/s4519/1-IMG_2609.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4519" data-original-width="3003" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQBJoTjaEhRVqxqOije6Gzu-RilNPXlP6lm5i3AcK0Mez0dKHWIaav2T4hmZIJxKgv9ybR-IbTD3HPiikdQy8Ds3vFPTl3tXg4rhkzoz9aNZ7uJPr8QVG9VeDMfCRLdKQj7zDFdRkVlfXZRs-tPPO7_nqY092yOXonYy1cKyWTRagt0U03B01oaXdTQk/w426-h640/1-IMG_2609.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgQHmSsKbY2mDPMrL_FDLxrxDHYbfpNgt1Gpky7CMpTEIoCqfW-jGLvA6R-iBPTTFEo2wNXHcBXCGChP7f_Kh28b0E6L2DQKlyEqbmHodTQ_9_ZBbkYgf5PHuiSlIZ44-HMs3vF0g-CI49z_W6Tm_RhxG0LQq6usUeCjPyw71FKQghYAZFKeCS9afOEw/s6000/1-IMG_2607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgQHmSsKbY2mDPMrL_FDLxrxDHYbfpNgt1Gpky7CMpTEIoCqfW-jGLvA6R-iBPTTFEo2wNXHcBXCGChP7f_Kh28b0E6L2DQKlyEqbmHodTQ_9_ZBbkYgf5PHuiSlIZ44-HMs3vF0g-CI49z_W6Tm_RhxG0LQq6usUeCjPyw71FKQghYAZFKeCS9afOEw/w640-h426/1-IMG_2607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For napkins, I folded a paper napkin, used my Cricut to cut out a Barbie head and sticker shape. I bought bright pink plastic silverware at the Dollar Tree and placed those inside.<div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F7_hHIqKmkZGFsdxTZpx43liEPywg54FNHuJx_SjsbofCWpjvjjRNlNI6_U8esFJ6fPYsuYunRUabf9wU-oYBj1D5XwhTMgr0v-KMwWiHoLVvU6mwbkYSrLWaekehEwNwcbXvXTi9rQhM1c7VQOlpEL3B9nXhexAdCMjS2H36LS6nxFd9T3gVPCHr4c/s6000/1-IMG_2593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7F7_hHIqKmkZGFsdxTZpx43liEPywg54FNHuJx_SjsbofCWpjvjjRNlNI6_U8esFJ6fPYsuYunRUabf9wU-oYBj1D5XwhTMgr0v-KMwWiHoLVvU6mwbkYSrLWaekehEwNwcbXvXTi9rQhM1c7VQOlpEL3B9nXhexAdCMjS2H36LS6nxFd9T3gVPCHr4c/w640-h426/1-IMG_2593.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jrlY0Qq6eBv3fcn3liDw7Gg1LzLX7zzpxISz0qnzEDzWiD9DaKZXsn5UVPZAEvkrdpIS_NfT2m_BGLMNrCsRaNA1IG5MCiJnXzxnqAlw9astitHvXeVQ8JJ8MdLkUbdln-tHpZIMNXgz6TPb8zfA95SndaNwQmaOaAm6rrFN_SEUDUuasLwVK4kPfBo/s6000/1-IMG_2597.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_jrlY0Qq6eBv3fcn3liDw7Gg1LzLX7zzpxISz0qnzEDzWiD9DaKZXsn5UVPZAEvkrdpIS_NfT2m_BGLMNrCsRaNA1IG5MCiJnXzxnqAlw9astitHvXeVQ8JJ8MdLkUbdln-tHpZIMNXgz6TPb8zfA95SndaNwQmaOaAm6rrFN_SEUDUuasLwVK4kPfBo/w426-h640/1-IMG_2597.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I placed a Barbie RV on my side table (again borrowed), and used it to elevate some of the favor purses. I also borrowed a Barbie beach ball cup to make the "O" of my HOME sign.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsDiww3KxEeorPPPXurps2fAHdg_BckO6XPg17BiE37HZElwxiioOqXtFW1jYwegVbDJxjddxAgzd1_tz78uu-hqp-M1NsvLbOCHPevB042_rgpg7g8qcmmU2XLnNEKoMZJkled6hEZjK-9SlfHKBlKxn5JfVS39W0YJW1piSIB2bAO4p1tW5gI4VXus/s6000/1-IMG_2587.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsDiww3KxEeorPPPXurps2fAHdg_BckO6XPg17BiE37HZElwxiioOqXtFW1jYwegVbDJxjddxAgzd1_tz78uu-hqp-M1NsvLbOCHPevB042_rgpg7g8qcmmU2XLnNEKoMZJkled6hEZjK-9SlfHKBlKxn5JfVS39W0YJW1piSIB2bAO4p1tW5gI4VXus/w426-h640/1-IMG_2587.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />As usual, I had fun creating my wine labels to match the Barbie theme. For the red wine, I found an image of a Barbie and added a wine bottle like she was pouring wine into a glass. The text read, "Wow...The Wine Bottle Actually Pours." I love in the movie when Barbie goes to pour the milk and she is surprised that it actually pours! For the white wine, I found an image of Ken and added the text, "Can't get KENOUGH White Wine."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhkJIo2wm62_37VB8que5-JB-RKjv-0XHhJbXwSfd02FYW6nuy__HLg-uoNndA14ZzYAqAAafMipwJypS1-Zo2RxV266v23xlbfktkQV79oTaqwwerChfk9BUVy_oHcYgGYe_Lkez816weDeGq33Ry95JJ_tKQPNWCVRWvBtM8HF0EV0BL7oqpkMERzM/s4878/1-IMG_2583.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3880" data-original-width="4878" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhkJIo2wm62_37VB8que5-JB-RKjv-0XHhJbXwSfd02FYW6nuy__HLg-uoNndA14ZzYAqAAafMipwJypS1-Zo2RxV266v23xlbfktkQV79oTaqwwerChfk9BUVy_oHcYgGYe_Lkez816weDeGq33Ry95JJ_tKQPNWCVRWvBtM8HF0EV0BL7oqpkMERzM/w640-h510/1-IMG_2583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I printed out small symbols that go with Barbie. Things like a pink lipstick, a pink purse, a pink high heel, a neon roller skate, a Barbie corvette, etc.<br /><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XLkQpM-6rvvT3fz2yPwUATAknd7SR7F7uziZU9H-SxTPBhurROSfe93Dbo4Pcdc8uIfAUsSF9w8uSPw7D_g41duLC84LAmSfiCFs3ri36R13IQZaE-RpK08IvYI5K7W8AzvQmpAQcPdkyLol3_KxrjcqX_9CjqC7aoea_D74neNVFsrBrt9i6lDIZUM/s4903/1-IMG_2639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3610" data-original-width="4903" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XLkQpM-6rvvT3fz2yPwUATAknd7SR7F7uziZU9H-SxTPBhurROSfe93Dbo4Pcdc8uIfAUsSF9w8uSPw7D_g41duLC84LAmSfiCFs3ri36R13IQZaE-RpK08IvYI5K7W8AzvQmpAQcPdkyLol3_KxrjcqX_9CjqC7aoea_D74neNVFsrBrt9i6lDIZUM/w640-h472/1-IMG_2639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></u></b><b><u><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qtf-mSv87aR_AE9Uo1Tku6MaMvHTel_gilfXiU1HQiikX9-yalP5Bw3xGFoToyLuw9E5jde-jSBUsYyHTLW2QkcUTQluJQWwknlCdcsyJ4U1WCBa0pEqC91azz12xNBkatkiCM5QiKEDYepccYYtVy4YtX-dCV0WFrpp5Uz7lMbsW8bxQLy0IRL4PeY/s1200/Barbie%20Menu%20Tri%20Tip.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qtf-mSv87aR_AE9Uo1Tku6MaMvHTel_gilfXiU1HQiikX9-yalP5Bw3xGFoToyLuw9E5jde-jSBUsYyHTLW2QkcUTQluJQWwknlCdcsyJ4U1WCBa0pEqC91azz12xNBkatkiCM5QiKEDYepccYYtVy4YtX-dCV0WFrpp5Uz7lMbsW8bxQLy0IRL4PeY/w200-h150/Barbie%20Menu%20Tri%20Tip.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Menu:</u></b> I tried to think of pink food to serve for this party, but didn't want to use a ton of dye. I started with a Barbie-que tri-tip smoked with just a little pink center. Then I made a rose (the wine) butter sauce which turns out pink to drizzle over the top. The recipe for the rose butter sauce, I found <a href="https://www.copymethat.com/r/y0L0diNVg/rose-butter-sauce/">here</a>. It doesn't look as pink in my photos, but it was pink.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoaUviTkkczffbYznfuNQM2WykbdGDy1AF8Iby8KVol7Yi38qe9aVwBlKyIYv28KbK_n6JkUGNowC_KIjKNsjxgf7vmrzNUX6_lE0dOUHS-EET0CsEU08lMILjfxrIYDwOoHIzTLYQNLMaxC3VrC7NghrUAXw8r5RN-6shdkvmuqFmZ-igKz4ZSUwsjA/s3949/1-IMG_2625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3921" data-original-width="3949" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoaUviTkkczffbYznfuNQM2WykbdGDy1AF8Iby8KVol7Yi38qe9aVwBlKyIYv28KbK_n6JkUGNowC_KIjKNsjxgf7vmrzNUX6_lE0dOUHS-EET0CsEU08lMILjfxrIYDwOoHIzTLYQNLMaxC3VrC7NghrUAXw8r5RN-6shdkvmuqFmZ-igKz4ZSUwsjA/w640-h636/1-IMG_2625.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>One side dish was mini red potatoes. Not pink, but close enough. Easy to make a delicious with a little Montreal Steak Seasoning.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7Wzg4UXSbjpb7k-C4rEPcdRgDqjE1nHs8gHd95dEgxsQU_3eQfSbPqgLTAlU1oEDyiR6Q3G42V8idp4HMINOADwvdTQS5utsAGaPEcpyfvw0ukRnczBCVYDWFBVurbjclBq2Yw6OXoHbvUYIjfzG7oHYvLqzZ1B2grKWji3lGxFykQEInG3xVftEWT8/s5981/1-IMG_2632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3523" data-original-width="5981" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7Wzg4UXSbjpb7k-C4rEPcdRgDqjE1nHs8gHd95dEgxsQU_3eQfSbPqgLTAlU1oEDyiR6Q3G42V8idp4HMINOADwvdTQS5utsAGaPEcpyfvw0ukRnczBCVYDWFBVurbjclBq2Yw6OXoHbvUYIjfzG7oHYvLqzZ1B2grKWji3lGxFykQEInG3xVftEWT8/w640-h376/1-IMG_2632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I also served asparagus with a pink butter. I used a chocolate mold to shape the butter into small hearts. I would suggest spraying the mold with vegetable oil as they were slightly sticking to the mold a bit when I tried to remove them.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCoFYiw3yMo3oGKXmoAT2BLLsit69wV_awmvP3yFRWhYQOtKhQnzHXGANdpmlWrnVV_-JlQuPFm2lfVrVwRFKQDWwH8lc2ZCxXgArvCG1IpO5t_wVNDWWEFqh0JpNSUVAhsqWKUShSCySHjPOLc5a7plfcgvZaxRpo8SktTuY864-Sm_VqY8ePSSgUHE/s3878/1-IMG_2643.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="3878" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCoFYiw3yMo3oGKXmoAT2BLLsit69wV_awmvP3yFRWhYQOtKhQnzHXGANdpmlWrnVV_-JlQuPFm2lfVrVwRFKQDWwH8lc2ZCxXgArvCG1IpO5t_wVNDWWEFqh0JpNSUVAhsqWKUShSCySHjPOLc5a7plfcgvZaxRpo8SktTuY864-Sm_VqY8ePSSgUHE/w640-h564/1-IMG_2643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84pvNKQDovZro4Yfv-KcGrxZNOWSGRWNuRyGJO_M8hAeAPJH6TGQ3bHIHoqe7Q6PO9V7nnQqmfAtRbk8teUOq690tUd0etMnL_JrBhxhlHXGAY1rYH4YloE_OSIbCLdnF9r-RAz7gMkF0tO_ey9_g12JY1OpoyMFdFuyQ8scT199asVBAIP9z7J1P8DA/s4032/1-IMG-3871.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84pvNKQDovZro4Yfv-KcGrxZNOWSGRWNuRyGJO_M8hAeAPJH6TGQ3bHIHoqe7Q6PO9V7nnQqmfAtRbk8teUOq690tUd0etMnL_JrBhxhlHXGAY1rYH4YloE_OSIbCLdnF9r-RAz7gMkF0tO_ey9_g12JY1OpoyMFdFuyQ8scT199asVBAIP9z7J1P8DA/w480-h640/1-IMG-3871.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w4KgIU1TFYGIoj4E-TJFPh3duI7psmZij9Gr-PAHe-f0rwBu3yiq6PMjVu3OceK4Fuiz7pjGmSQkT_wA4fD33y4w1tsQwCaGg8x5xNBJ1GFipQVnC2N0j-2FZCgwY46FXT45qxoZgjwJazaSmXrv7h92eui48rAO2eg9KCUDJOgpvM-2r6EGB-7O4E8/s1200/Barbie%20Menu%20Watermelon.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w4KgIU1TFYGIoj4E-TJFPh3duI7psmZij9Gr-PAHe-f0rwBu3yiq6PMjVu3OceK4Fuiz7pjGmSQkT_wA4fD33y4w1tsQwCaGg8x5xNBJ1GFipQVnC2N0j-2FZCgwY46FXT45qxoZgjwJazaSmXrv7h92eui48rAO2eg9KCUDJOgpvM-2r6EGB-7O4E8/w200-h150/Barbie%20Menu%20Watermelon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />To add a fruit, I served pink watermelon. I bought a small watermelon to carve out to use like a ball gown on a Barbie. I wrapped a formal dressed Barbie in saran wrap from the waist down so the watermelon juices and rind didn't touch her gown at all. To cover the saran wrap at the very top, I wrapped some red glitter ribbon around her waist and secured it with pink push pins.<p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V1tpt-YuQb8da_WwT4PFkAoPIDCn_pbd0HClLFYOeog9nLTrj6PpMLmtb-EX9smA9FSMludEmPnj4Fh9wNeXG8gbeJotDR-VFTqksD6ySHv0TfwoN7N-_Y58qph7SrjFaIo-FlF_UdbCI6fP5YyFZO2UCnXtzWJIKkBd60M3vjCvrCVTeCLpO0Z_ovQ/s3082/1-20230807_212421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="2970" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V1tpt-YuQb8da_WwT4PFkAoPIDCn_pbd0HClLFYOeog9nLTrj6PpMLmtb-EX9smA9FSMludEmPnj4Fh9wNeXG8gbeJotDR-VFTqksD6ySHv0TfwoN7N-_Y58qph7SrjFaIo-FlF_UdbCI6fP5YyFZO2UCnXtzWJIKkBd60M3vjCvrCVTeCLpO0Z_ovQ/w616-h640/1-20230807_212421.jpg" width="616" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I made heart-shaped pink waffles like Barbie eats in the movie. I served the waffle heart with a scoop of strawberry ice cream and a pink chocolate heart.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN90jx4AK6gd1m8kR21sb8qtrD7YC2gJ6BtMztH7P0EZs6_DWW-QZ2iFZmDZRfBUdWmZki9PPoXKSg-Jy7HX414aecaLBL7A1Oui4zWKKtj6I4o3Gxy0iny9usrSZr0NxHrzNuwoA9lBsyvk7zOqx7efnn4W-q4QOCQ3uk6g2Emwup2sHcrk3HfQ3QCMM/s6000/1-IMG_2595.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN90jx4AK6gd1m8kR21sb8qtrD7YC2gJ6BtMztH7P0EZs6_DWW-QZ2iFZmDZRfBUdWmZki9PPoXKSg-Jy7HX414aecaLBL7A1Oui4zWKKtj6I4o3Gxy0iny9usrSZr0NxHrzNuwoA9lBsyvk7zOqx7efnn4W-q4QOCQ3uk6g2Emwup2sHcrk3HfQ3QCMM/w426-h640/1-IMG_2595.JPG" width="426" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor:</u></b> As a parting gift for my guests, I made purses out of cardstock. I used patterned pink paper for the purse and patterned yellow and blue paper to make the bows. I cut everything out with my Cricut machine, folded/glued, and then used a small Velcro circle to close the purse flap. Inside each purse, I had pink wafer cookies and pink Starburst candies for guests.<p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDEdeE3ECLp-sh6c1DYDgwwLaT14uSBpByIeYr1OyYSi018_ZMWGch2UAs4b4Mq4tnLwklx8iJ77m0aMCmwpCnphU7_O_MG_efgUWJtZLyUbbiiwI2pA1suReGPdt5wyZjDB35i3B3U4lMzfNpv6maBGXk2WveAYfLdr1GFsvyYrxS_imrWIbw6t29xs/s400/B.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDEdeE3ECLp-sh6c1DYDgwwLaT14uSBpByIeYr1OyYSi018_ZMWGch2UAs4b4Mq4tnLwklx8iJ77m0aMCmwpCnphU7_O_MG_efgUWJtZLyUbbiiwI2pA1suReGPdt5wyZjDB35i3B3U4lMzfNpv6maBGXk2WveAYfLdr1GFsvyYrxS_imrWIbw6t29xs/s320/B.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I was never a Barbie fan growing up, but this really was a fun theme to create with the buzz of the movie going on. Hop on the bandwagon, and host a Barbie party to jump in on the fun!</div></div></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-36403216122027681312023-07-14T11:16:00.001-07:002023-07-14T11:16:30.513-07:00Tutti Fruitti: Summer Fruit Theme<p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0Hj2hDOx5quY-PfWH13MPWvXf57iK_xV0GuRu27SBYIXxGOWJvC9DX7MkORW2I4d3XBudTgImmtq6P74PP1boEr0fkpsHtvpDMXIEob3Hf9MO2SbcoqLIIrOUurQrRymMPyNtt2glxVqOrBtqElUf2Ymr4xgFwzC1EoYnbzNCve4zgT9WO5K_EVCAgQ/s3242/1-Tutti%20Fruitti%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2511" data-original-width="3242" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0Hj2hDOx5quY-PfWH13MPWvXf57iK_xV0GuRu27SBYIXxGOWJvC9DX7MkORW2I4d3XBudTgImmtq6P74PP1boEr0fkpsHtvpDMXIEob3Hf9MO2SbcoqLIIrOUurQrRymMPyNtt2glxVqOrBtqElUf2Ymr4xgFwzC1EoYnbzNCve4zgT9WO5K_EVCAgQ/w640-h496/1-Tutti%20Fruitti%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">A</span></b>t this time of year, you can find watermelon or lemon decorations at most stores, so fruit is a perfect theme for a summer gathering. Plus, if you are like me, you LOVE the taste of summer fruits. This was a fun theme for sure.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9jGjLBN7c-CJnpbk5aF5XwGXT_iyK472Ul_JTXJvVKk823DYbX9dsiGnElEJ2gjjKr1D41clZOjkqanjdoo2kpOJMeGIV6NZAoVMQaPrt6wE5MkAehOIjB-WYKBBv0rXM6WgJSxdkaD1UJGE9NXMKPf5DrAMWBm9516CLNUl7xUPaVOp33uyesCbvHk/s3500/Tutti%20Fruitti%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9jGjLBN7c-CJnpbk5aF5XwGXT_iyK472Ul_JTXJvVKk823DYbX9dsiGnElEJ2gjjKr1D41clZOjkqanjdoo2kpOJMeGIV6NZAoVMQaPrt6wE5MkAehOIjB-WYKBBv0rXM6WgJSxdkaD1UJGE9NXMKPf5DrAMWBm9516CLNUl7xUPaVOp33uyesCbvHk/w458-h640/Tutti%20Fruitti%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite:</u></b> I wanted the invitation to be colorful, bright, and to include a variety of fruits. For this reason, I designed the invitation with a simple fruit border. The rest of the invitation just had the basic information and some fruit puns.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbmuDKq3C7xc419fkWrBHSEfzUObbaet2RktmrIok1X-p6dSKsh7oKQrjSTdw96MDBrn10Z-z-DLhVqVsHP7S0lhEGAevbWqLe1qKgrWHQUcnkaBooxUeV-tNphQ1MP8-e_DP9voRovM_sUchyAikBNjLCS0ebHi0h1jCFCy5cp51cWMrCwu7UHAaWsM/s6000/1-IMG_2515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbmuDKq3C7xc419fkWrBHSEfzUObbaet2RktmrIok1X-p6dSKsh7oKQrjSTdw96MDBrn10Z-z-DLhVqVsHP7S0lhEGAevbWqLe1qKgrWHQUcnkaBooxUeV-tNphQ1MP8-e_DP9voRovM_sUchyAikBNjLCS0ebHi0h1jCFCy5cp51cWMrCwu7UHAaWsM/w640-h426/1-IMG_2515.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decorations: </u></b>For my main dining table, I used a green tablecloth and a lemon table runner I already owned. I found colorful fruit plates and bright flowers to help create the summer vibe.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQlL0_o8u6_L2DIRco28-eXOX8_TYqwYRnBQ9lssfaJFeX7d1amzn7lKO4B0ujgswpXFwm1cd_yvFFUE0i6cjg70Znt6WiWbc_r0IEhMcpBkYzm8UyhfYjRinmlhGjBaSIj15i59gmz-5_BlrcnoNt0VVoBuYVhQyVPg1XnYH3w2tQyWYJw0xF0GEjUM/s6000/1-IMG_2519.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQlL0_o8u6_L2DIRco28-eXOX8_TYqwYRnBQ9lssfaJFeX7d1amzn7lKO4B0ujgswpXFwm1cd_yvFFUE0i6cjg70Znt6WiWbc_r0IEhMcpBkYzm8UyhfYjRinmlhGjBaSIj15i59gmz-5_BlrcnoNt0VVoBuYVhQyVPg1XnYH3w2tQyWYJw0xF0GEjUM/w426-h640/1-IMG_2519.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I wanted to use fruits as much as possible in my centerpiece. I hollowed out a pineapple to use as a vase for bright colors. To make the vase, I cut off the top of the pineapple and used a sharp knife to cut a circle around the pineapple along the edges. It was challenging to get the pineapple out because I wanted to use them in my fruit salad. If you don't care about that, you can easily scoop out the pineapple with a large spoon. Once the pineapple was hollow, I cut off the top of an empty water bottle to place inside to hold the flowers.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpe0kftHln61Mwtb9WTyTGVjcpcmGABpzayDxGxgVp_RCLP5C5O-ZBB5YXMxrrNmWU2xEWRgTCYK81WOn_celO0I7Bk6rpadq1E6gApJuqeChxZqY1FpmgYpDcbhbw8AhZifoeZ3esTvGoBmEt2X5a2yw06Kb2C8r4HrnSLjUtoRa-DxGaAkVzPnvnd8/s6000/1-IMG_2521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpe0kftHln61Mwtb9WTyTGVjcpcmGABpzayDxGxgVp_RCLP5C5O-ZBB5YXMxrrNmWU2xEWRgTCYK81WOn_celO0I7Bk6rpadq1E6gApJuqeChxZqY1FpmgYpDcbhbw8AhZifoeZ3esTvGoBmEt2X5a2yw06Kb2C8r4HrnSLjUtoRa-DxGaAkVzPnvnd8/w426-h640/1-IMG_2521.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />The other two vases on the centerpiece were filled with sliced fruits. Grapefruit and lime in one; lemon and lime in the other. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuTl2JU06jMwIXWwRNpxdntdIpxJPkZO3aYnlwt6T0yib4qy707JOVV6k4XU-lAOgicQ2mnE42-zGw0KKOTQCyqKsVNGDOUnIpB9eT23OmoZIYiUz1KkwU8v-CkcDaJSj5MOx_wQWCPrE7gW0bZjUlfF4FIp4VPHtY8Lwrs7K9V9JgssVMufEZDnVpJU/s6000/1-IMG_2520.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuTl2JU06jMwIXWwRNpxdntdIpxJPkZO3aYnlwt6T0yib4qy707JOVV6k4XU-lAOgicQ2mnE42-zGw0KKOTQCyqKsVNGDOUnIpB9eT23OmoZIYiUz1KkwU8v-CkcDaJSj5MOx_wQWCPrE7gW0bZjUlfF4FIp4VPHtY8Lwrs7K9V9JgssVMufEZDnVpJU/w426-h640/1-IMG_2520.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />The watermelon cupcakes made for dessert were so cute, we wanted them displayed somehow throughout the dinner. I decided to add some of them to the centerpiece and placed them up upside down striped bowls.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIbzKCD2Z5OJ_FoU28Ez0BDxsiMNxFxOpqT7lTJr4yFsfn6QEehG2Ck3MRK4lu-usNAvjzru_3qFq7b3YlEVNEQt0roqU8LPiEfJaKZNPHBCWy0orOgN-NEInI0XOEB29fKffbd2bmeEpEKNiKAH0M8GptedlpoVDQNzont7RCIT6v7MKFZLrBA1rdfM/s4758/1-IMG_2512.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4758" data-original-width="3949" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIbzKCD2Z5OJ_FoU28Ez0BDxsiMNxFxOpqT7lTJr4yFsfn6QEehG2Ck3MRK4lu-usNAvjzru_3qFq7b3YlEVNEQt0roqU8LPiEfJaKZNPHBCWy0orOgN-NEInI0XOEB29fKffbd2bmeEpEKNiKAH0M8GptedlpoVDQNzont7RCIT6v7MKFZLrBA1rdfM/w532-h640/1-IMG_2512.JPG" width="532" /></a></div><br />I found large watermelon paper plates and the smaller lemon/lime/grapefruit plates at Party City.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprcTx5SnQm_J_8Ge_lBXn82g9Mrvv6xYF33bk7c_fUuX4ysMVUES625c7oOr3gpPlRtBzwA2N_wLoCcXYwKAVgPUDdYfUs4Grd9V8w3SxyFwRnbRk5rtGLIGsWQ61ZO9V5H8ef7iGq8y0og_L8tTvGFL1s67CqoSRQMGtrwTj7iTrWLWqB0ILtashOCY/s4664/1-IMG_2507.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4664" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprcTx5SnQm_J_8Ge_lBXn82g9Mrvv6xYF33bk7c_fUuX4ysMVUES625c7oOr3gpPlRtBzwA2N_wLoCcXYwKAVgPUDdYfUs4Grd9V8w3SxyFwRnbRk5rtGLIGsWQ61ZO9V5H8ef7iGq8y0og_L8tTvGFL1s67CqoSRQMGtrwTj7iTrWLWqB0ILtashOCY/w542-h640/1-IMG_2507.JPG" width="542" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUxuswkmpl4pE064xZb9tLv4yLTa7Dw0srbRj_YwnRygnTzJN2QaS-MzdmeS5UDKdwRJasgGzDETpRzRWfh-6mNobNUKdVgTFFh98btkHhCmSfwEGAprMjlTfEOkItk9qVoJFQq4WtnQ0oZvcMp2A3aQ0Lp1PUL4a1RLWOd1fDPUzSTXujz_Xx2YDDuc/s4578/1-IMG_2533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4578" data-original-width="3942" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUxuswkmpl4pE064xZb9tLv4yLTa7Dw0srbRj_YwnRygnTzJN2QaS-MzdmeS5UDKdwRJasgGzDETpRzRWfh-6mNobNUKdVgTFFh98btkHhCmSfwEGAprMjlTfEOkItk9qVoJFQq4WtnQ0oZvcMp2A3aQ0Lp1PUL4a1RLWOd1fDPUzSTXujz_Xx2YDDuc/w552-h640/1-IMG_2533.JPG" width="552" /></a></div><br />For placecards, I used toddler toy fruits that attach together with Velcro. My kids used to have these when they were young and loved them. I borrowed these to use for the dinner. I offset the fruits a little bit, and made a tag with each guest's name to place in the middle.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLq9jIEhK7wp_e70HYpbc9Qdv1hN9EK-2yxZGIPoRjziKJMXGWg04Tgs8ROZxUR-I254cYZwdz1SmErK3qkajp1_B2J057nCN2dc3_G7uTQxaxX7O7TIIb-yh9qPGQKEPUTM0JC8Mu2S672LbejrNbdhvFSzvmsl395MyqCIhD4QZl9WumWZvhS0NKSw/s4491/1-IMG_2540.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4491" data-original-width="3480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLq9jIEhK7wp_e70HYpbc9Qdv1hN9EK-2yxZGIPoRjziKJMXGWg04Tgs8ROZxUR-I254cYZwdz1SmErK3qkajp1_B2J057nCN2dc3_G7uTQxaxX7O7TIIb-yh9qPGQKEPUTM0JC8Mu2S672LbejrNbdhvFSzvmsl395MyqCIhD4QZl9WumWZvhS0NKSw/w496-h640/1-IMG_2540.JPG" width="496" /></a></div><br />For napkin rings, I cut out images of various fruits and made slits to slide the napkin through.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN5pOtYsemMfj3-YbY6NTH31vixRVGoX1kBEH38vuGFxe90iLJFKmSfPs4pz2k0EG9ykgjwz1r2i1HvdNe61EnutgQAPBc7FGnPRsJOfUZCVsN3QsWFnLXY7BYqLsPfteQkiuM0vNJFvfprBruVb-xq9Xsvxr8CzFNR0FDhWOSalJwtGrM8PXKj1AEIs/s4807/1-IMG_2486.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3995" data-original-width="4807" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN5pOtYsemMfj3-YbY6NTH31vixRVGoX1kBEH38vuGFxe90iLJFKmSfPs4pz2k0EG9ykgjwz1r2i1HvdNe61EnutgQAPBc7FGnPRsJOfUZCVsN3QsWFnLXY7BYqLsPfteQkiuM0vNJFvfprBruVb-xq9Xsvxr8CzFNR0FDhWOSalJwtGrM8PXKj1AEIs/w640-h532/1-IMG_2486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I used the same images from the napkins for wine charms.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVWrpSr0zD1Z8Cp-obeO1qPPOQ7gCJJEaBQaEBgZoGz0IrdhwUlMm8oESHzZBlHByCvyqGijTJP7K5Wa__w-qxpWH4sqfUnMMGidq-ymc6g6nUgOavCtNBnhSRrd2iS-qptg5UdbayFZwxvMBqkpM9YchPDETev8EFHG6-8WP4NCzdn-lPIDbFolwtpE/s5451/1-IMG_2490.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5451" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVWrpSr0zD1Z8Cp-obeO1qPPOQ7gCJJEaBQaEBgZoGz0IrdhwUlMm8oESHzZBlHByCvyqGijTJP7K5Wa__w-qxpWH4sqfUnMMGidq-ymc6g6nUgOavCtNBnhSRrd2iS-qptg5UdbayFZwxvMBqkpM9YchPDETev8EFHG6-8WP4NCzdn-lPIDbFolwtpE/w470-h640/1-IMG_2490.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><br />I decided to use fruit puns on the wine labels I created. I used "Red Wine - You hold the KIWI to my heart" for the red wine, and "Chardonnay You're the Zest" for the white wine. I added a wine glass in the hands of the kiwi and the lemon. I also served a peach wine I purchased at Trader Joe's. For this label, I used the pun "I just want PEACH and quiet and a glass of peach wine."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTY_0PBd-5j0lm3EerPQ-tO2fuEXOiKIlFgGxzMZso1zGCutnYmMtvAEcS17tsVuI9btLb08MKT-ePXKeFLBgiGNfoFfWoQoLo9JMXXbCvbsOIT4LiK5XeCxlovGQITfiWr0UbLCfYgbchmWXki-iAsJZ81vqWDlPmqmpsFbsY94d4kxD4XEzEUvFc4ZQ/s5562/1-IMG_2497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3957" data-original-width="5562" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTY_0PBd-5j0lm3EerPQ-tO2fuEXOiKIlFgGxzMZso1zGCutnYmMtvAEcS17tsVuI9btLb08MKT-ePXKeFLBgiGNfoFfWoQoLo9JMXXbCvbsOIT4LiK5XeCxlovGQITfiWr0UbLCfYgbchmWXki-iAsJZ81vqWDlPmqmpsFbsY94d4kxD4XEzEUvFc4ZQ/w640-h456/1-IMG_2497.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Over the beverage table, I hung this sign that I purchased from Party City. The apple in the HOME set, I already owned.<br /><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBp38JiAFIp0dDL6raGrfPMBn6-79juBU037EMnvN90HuZoooRCaEyv4xVFCdZtFjGClm1YKEYi3oBw4t7TFDI19vwk2KwMtqQ9YWgYrajnCb17lL0ba0movKDtXNNl8wx4cCSbUvCoNyufoZYufqc4iG2nFd25TVd4wdK7S_F7Dp9oqJkV7TXTomecGY/s4556/1-IMG_2546.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4556" data-original-width="3697" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBp38JiAFIp0dDL6raGrfPMBn6-79juBU037EMnvN90HuZoooRCaEyv4xVFCdZtFjGClm1YKEYi3oBw4t7TFDI19vwk2KwMtqQ9YWgYrajnCb17lL0ba0movKDtXNNl8wx4cCSbUvCoNyufoZYufqc4iG2nFd25TVd4wdK7S_F7Dp9oqJkV7TXTomecGY/w520-h640/1-IMG_2546.JPG" width="520" /></a></div><br />Menu: </u></b>It is fairly easy to find recipes that use fruits. The problem was there were so many to choose from! I opted to start with a strawberry spinach salad. On the bed of spinach, I added feta cheese, candied pecans, and of course the sliced strawberries. I served it with a balsamic vinaigrette. You could use a raspberry vinaigrette to tie in one more fruit.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTslLCMr24k89DcwtvR5tMtqzE6HPHajwLuIgdF36QwWMK2jxLPPr1zytse1ya0wR38fI6HHcp-cZa4EjswRiRAHfLWAHiVrCmi6VeRxRtYC8O4BiFelP_AK2803gPo2IGIKtDJTJ9Yb8B--wIjSLNWVp3ZdX4osOMd9DG9zyN_-nXOeEbcmLnIvU69_8/s1600/Lemon%20Chicken.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTslLCMr24k89DcwtvR5tMtqzE6HPHajwLuIgdF36QwWMK2jxLPPr1zytse1ya0wR38fI6HHcp-cZa4EjswRiRAHfLWAHiVrCmi6VeRxRtYC8O4BiFelP_AK2803gPo2IGIKtDJTJ9Yb8B--wIjSLNWVp3ZdX4osOMd9DG9zyN_-nXOeEbcmLnIvU69_8/w480-h640/Lemon%20Chicken.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg1QB54p8a-TKLuKoUBdZ_F8mxTurQvtmFe7FCpiGBOaEVnRTxzm7GrDGhgiOf6QWmuLLAcAXzGOF4QSKVKF-amId4t_XuW30qFqrBlkF2NzMgrPG9kLaKoPU4h07jIWD1rMp31zphS1PPbfEvH7AVbxhyYuNdoQHeHLossokRVZwqvYPXgNE7EeSaD8/s6000/1-IMG_2560.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOg1QB54p8a-TKLuKoUBdZ_F8mxTurQvtmFe7FCpiGBOaEVnRTxzm7GrDGhgiOf6QWmuLLAcAXzGOF4QSKVKF-amId4t_XuW30qFqrBlkF2NzMgrPG9kLaKoPU4h07jIWD1rMp31zphS1PPbfEvH7AVbxhyYuNdoQHeHLossokRVZwqvYPXgNE7EeSaD8/w640-h426/1-IMG_2560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the main dish, I made Creamy Lemon Chicken. I did not follow the recipe exactly because I had several complications. I did start with the chicken in the crock pot for about 2 hours, but the chicken breasts I purchased were so thick and I did not allot for enough crock pot time, that I had to make the spur of the moment decision to grill them instead. I transferred the crock pot liquid with the lemon and cream to the stove to finish it on the stove. For this reason, the chicken was not as tender as it normally would be, but the creamy lemon sauce was delicious, so the dish was still very tasty.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypRWbttmyD7Szv_BD4IfroMQCYMq1dxpveNY2sH8-nvqcgFAfGD8BHqa6fn9LoOKbB32agFQFZrBbd0Oa9atGY9sQNZ7qnNtmYidLwOzu80HNzdWXCX7kSOeV_3a4Tw0bjMC_Ep7jdI-CB2_K36rblyfM_ib_hJiPTPjMLI7uILc3RYwIXENq2VoC4tg/s5162/1-IMG_2568.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5162" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiypRWbttmyD7Szv_BD4IfroMQCYMq1dxpveNY2sH8-nvqcgFAfGD8BHqa6fn9LoOKbB32agFQFZrBbd0Oa9atGY9sQNZ7qnNtmYidLwOzu80HNzdWXCX7kSOeV_3a4Tw0bjMC_Ep7jdI-CB2_K36rblyfM_ib_hJiPTPjMLI7uILc3RYwIXENq2VoC4tg/w496-h640/1-IMG_2568.JPG" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Alongside the chicken, I served cilantro lime rice.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFb94z8-AWZS9YxuClTalhL4AkEKICPbsTAfxsN2dhvuY_XczwD-C7V13TCP35zx3qdNFtCtEJn-KtPgOq2BYewG_bb5wz8xypINpuWY8v-EoHpOOFylQiTjp0PhonwOs-H8mEETogCyMFg4v0xgkWRVFycUmzL1_DwAG20OkGGxcWdw3LtXtv2OTx_Y/s5141/1-IMG_2559.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5141" data-original-width="3986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFb94z8-AWZS9YxuClTalhL4AkEKICPbsTAfxsN2dhvuY_XczwD-C7V13TCP35zx3qdNFtCtEJn-KtPgOq2BYewG_bb5wz8xypINpuWY8v-EoHpOOFylQiTjp0PhonwOs-H8mEETogCyMFg4v0xgkWRVFycUmzL1_DwAG20OkGGxcWdw3LtXtv2OTx_Y/w496-h640/1-IMG_2559.JPG" width="496" /></a></div><br />I also served a cup of fruits which included the pineapple from the centerpiece, watermelon, blueberries, and cantaloupe.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupJDqPZ5_w0bfqfi2E80cTVdKwG2ImTjGFd1I8qLDGtU5sulTFGakyfCn4QBtiKHZB4FNZNkAMb_oQ-hU6Id5NeNX2tIMzdt3gMCRtKUY-cGf9LBTd4O1JYLVFC7dDpRa63qRokO1a18ODdDNA_y0KJmuT0mTsi7Qbf4vG9OPv0YutnhX27gHGRSRkVk/s1600/Watermelon%20Cupcake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupJDqPZ5_w0bfqfi2E80cTVdKwG2ImTjGFd1I8qLDGtU5sulTFGakyfCn4QBtiKHZB4FNZNkAMb_oQ-hU6Id5NeNX2tIMzdt3gMCRtKUY-cGf9LBTd4O1JYLVFC7dDpRa63qRokO1a18ODdDNA_y0KJmuT0mTsi7Qbf4vG9OPv0YutnhX27gHGRSRkVk/w480-h640/Watermelon%20Cupcake.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><br />For dessert, we had these cute watermelon cupcakes. I made standard cupcakes, but died them green and had a green wrapper. My good friend made the buttercream frosting and added watermelon flavoring. We then added mini chocolate chips to look like seeds.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpw5aeCxgtZsdDg3Nfh70vbgEyy-QtvEEXdF47Ww3Fkg0CEP-Pnbv3cpITq-TSOCBsDepHC0qwGxr1QWiIipfFIXTXExECs6CIwSZgE9o8duyizYy7Wex7gysc-9dzm-1HKm0b_eO1VXhWD4DQbgzNLa9NsuYiJYFDt4EpkEtB3uyBB4Lhxh42KWLII4/s4619/1-IMG_2498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3572" data-original-width="4619" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpw5aeCxgtZsdDg3Nfh70vbgEyy-QtvEEXdF47Ww3Fkg0CEP-Pnbv3cpITq-TSOCBsDepHC0qwGxr1QWiIipfFIXTXExECs6CIwSZgE9o8duyizYy7Wex7gysc-9dzm-1HKm0b_eO1VXhWD4DQbgzNLa9NsuYiJYFDt4EpkEtB3uyBB4Lhxh42KWLII4/w640-h494/1-IMG_2498.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor: </u></b>I found these cute drink pouches with Hello Summer and a huge pineapple on them at Michaels Craft Store. I added an alcoholic fruit seltzer inside.<p></p><p>It was a super easy summer party to put together. Hope you can host one of your own this summer!</p><p><br /></p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-32715011714229758132023-06-06T19:53:00.002-07:002023-06-06T19:53:06.918-07:00Summer Bucket List<p><b><span style="color: #f40574; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #f40574; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOrUErF5bSGgJI6r72y35TsWqS720tZQCkOL9Nx-6UhN7YTClhRw_yMrl2_zgCTDf5gvlkwYe981x55g3m46xfyy7EEQGhKrxzBwiIsqme4xVdyokNCdSQmbbUyzdv1DfvRldDDwURT6hdqoZ6vt2cPnVd2sEzj8mSLKR9Bct1fM60fOL4TNZi1yU/s3231/1-Summer%20Bucket%20List%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2481" data-original-width="3231" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOrUErF5bSGgJI6r72y35TsWqS720tZQCkOL9Nx-6UhN7YTClhRw_yMrl2_zgCTDf5gvlkwYe981x55g3m46xfyy7EEQGhKrxzBwiIsqme4xVdyokNCdSQmbbUyzdv1DfvRldDDwURT6hdqoZ6vt2cPnVd2sEzj8mSLKR9Bct1fM60fOL4TNZi1yU/w640-h492/1-Summer%20Bucket%20List%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #f40574; font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>t is the beginning of summer, and I am so excited to complete a major item on my own family's bucket list. My kids wanted to visit all 50 states, and this summer, we are visiting Alaska - our last and final state of the 50 states! I am so looking forward to our trip as well as the new adventures we will have as a family this summer. With this bucket list item in mind, I decided summer bucket lists would be a fun theme for our monthly dinner.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxW01Zn95z4aGoVjzRnG3tNvv5nwGwdKa4xX7qncBgOY1diMxpmUxGg4HSG-wX3MqccJlDdZB6eaMsvDwnbUvqGadVADHqtRLZegoLx2qwsVXMwocAVImO9UmUaGWCzKyvwZmFo53AcYvwPpgS6LaC1L0u6jm8qg6AgjYa1Yyzs2wGWhXuDoee9ch/s2400/Summer%20Bucket%20List%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxW01Zn95z4aGoVjzRnG3tNvv5nwGwdKa4xX7qncBgOY1diMxpmUxGg4HSG-wX3MqccJlDdZB6eaMsvDwnbUvqGadVADHqtRLZegoLx2qwsVXMwocAVImO9UmUaGWCzKyvwZmFo53AcYvwPpgS6LaC1L0u6jm8qg6AgjYa1Yyzs2wGWhXuDoee9ch/w426-h640/Summer%20Bucket%20List%20Invitation.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite:</u></b> Inspired by a bucket list image I found online, I modeled my invitation on some aspects of that image. I went with bold and bright colors for this summer-inspired invitation. I designed the invitation on PhotoShop with summer fruits and a bucket. I added two items to start their bucket list at the bottom just for fun.<p></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOC_5snOV66SeI11GXviw6qS3ykGMyc3tNtifsgRezv9D2PQ1-rcsHmiul8MyEInQDLRg4HjVqgBhnconIiKRxGbTfEMmZGG0ApwLOI_D4BYtosql1oLspEYEl7iX9OzIomLGRmolo6MX_N7KfuHErM3R3gPXRIbFJSE_tGawaBe8bWFrvvVey-kI/s5615/1-IMG_2376.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3793" data-original-width="5615" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOC_5snOV66SeI11GXviw6qS3ykGMyc3tNtifsgRezv9D2PQ1-rcsHmiul8MyEInQDLRg4HjVqgBhnconIiKRxGbTfEMmZGG0ApwLOI_D4BYtosql1oLspEYEl7iX9OzIomLGRmolo6MX_N7KfuHErM3R3gPXRIbFJSE_tGawaBe8bWFrvvVey-kI/w640-h432/1-IMG_2376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">Decorations: </b>The decor throughout the party was various bucket list items. They were incorporated into the centerpiece, the wine labels, the favor, the menu, and everything.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczgbggnZdjQJnXX6Q5Vu5PN9y3ENDQMx4eCljz_xHmT6fCqWvZyslyOfS7LUeIHsa4PxUTPYgfJ2LoXguNH5-W_PV0I0f9QSuMnmzUul1hPeledRtAyHslkIygoff89omY_APsZDbofTb5b71mGOF95nJf5wFpPFrTp_vF4Uu_DJ_P_9FoNuvlGu6/s5225/1-IMG_2365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3961" data-original-width="5225" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczgbggnZdjQJnXX6Q5Vu5PN9y3ENDQMx4eCljz_xHmT6fCqWvZyslyOfS7LUeIHsa4PxUTPYgfJ2LoXguNH5-W_PV0I0f9QSuMnmzUul1hPeledRtAyHslkIygoff89omY_APsZDbofTb5b71mGOF95nJf5wFpPFrTp_vF4Uu_DJ_P_9FoNuvlGu6/w640-h486/1-IMG_2365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />To find items for the centerpiece, I basically thought of items I already owned that I could incorporate. I bought small buckets from the dollar store that I used on the table. For this part of the centerpiece, I raided my game cabinet for a some games to go with a "Have a Game Night" bucket list item.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsu9WryFtytp7DPbtDyoYeWokidkdDT0Z4g80ooG2FPEHtoPNbzzU5b7vxG0sefPR3r0xy1jj-v3-W0Srl5juIKSAs-I_06YD0un2NugD6Lk06_XiBpC_c5p87J0TW0hD8hdzBO6qXf-TA8dY36bSvWqBJdcm019zTaVOXijOR_h7lBBqf8eQLBPg/s4650/1-IMG_2372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4650" data-original-width="3653" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsu9WryFtytp7DPbtDyoYeWokidkdDT0Z4g80ooG2FPEHtoPNbzzU5b7vxG0sefPR3r0xy1jj-v3-W0Srl5juIKSAs-I_06YD0un2NugD6Lk06_XiBpC_c5p87J0TW0hD8hdzBO6qXf-TA8dY36bSvWqBJdcm019zTaVOXijOR_h7lBBqf8eQLBPg/w502-h640/1-IMG_2372.JPG" width="502" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love puzzles, and I love the challenge of completing a 1000 piece puzzle, so I used a puzzle box and pieces inside a bucket for this item.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDXFP4dlZ0tyZ7dugI1mJtpmOn-lr0hkepbn3oI2e609rNad3evxTyHZbpN3JD2R8ZP4vI3W88A8R4it7ZW8eTMAQszYcs7XlAghE1PpBP2WO2GPyJpbwbgl6nWm0fbHIlR8Bei3a1ucF_agfknqxyc45FGCzjyF0AzqPJCJZITxFUpz_bO2w7-9s/s5040/1-IMG_2373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5040" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDXFP4dlZ0tyZ7dugI1mJtpmOn-lr0hkepbn3oI2e609rNad3evxTyHZbpN3JD2R8ZP4vI3W88A8R4it7ZW8eTMAQszYcs7XlAghE1PpBP2WO2GPyJpbwbgl6nWm0fbHIlR8Bei3a1ucF_agfknqxyc45FGCzjyF0AzqPJCJZITxFUpz_bO2w7-9s/w508-h640/1-IMG_2373.JPG" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We love going to the Drive-In, so that is an item on my summer bucket list. I filled a bucket and a popcorn pail I already owned with popcorn and added a box of candy for this centerpiece item.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IspoYr9mHftw6G0EKzTv_6mbtPVdFRJ_qgxFvRK_K6gspGBcum4d9dA9TjPOWtJ9E-qvr-aQ44QCyXj0k8xRHVgz008Ln0vvyrN9OtpJSv4bm0uVlpJMj8YFrCY-vRY1RxXii2tN6HppHz0Zo-DDbVYz1jzvG4wbv_HXInl7MgTCswXGrmK7klAH/s4484/1-IMG_2395.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4484" data-original-width="3704" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IspoYr9mHftw6G0EKzTv_6mbtPVdFRJ_qgxFvRK_K6gspGBcum4d9dA9TjPOWtJ9E-qvr-aQ44QCyXj0k8xRHVgz008Ln0vvyrN9OtpJSv4bm0uVlpJMj8YFrCY-vRY1RxXii2tN6HppHz0Zo-DDbVYz1jzvG4wbv_HXInl7MgTCswXGrmK7klAH/w528-h640/1-IMG_2395.JPG" width="528" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Getting a massage to relieve all the stress of teaching is definitely on my summer bucket list. To add this idea to the decor, I just used a succulent to symbolize relaxation.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVAFGfYxgITOkdMeqiciQG0JdpCuw92pebqiSWjmob8QZYwnmAqYdAWnmGC1lW4SSmugyoIvQgPpTl4PtUSJykDD8OZGG8SP2UDOUwHyLPe3EbkSBcY69KFJm0Aelj9XatH8Zo5Kp7c8U-mgv0LgCaI-EsmIspFT8qMbfifE4gsp9NAXFp_ZyLrlO/s6000/1-IMG_2398.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVAFGfYxgITOkdMeqiciQG0JdpCuw92pebqiSWjmob8QZYwnmAqYdAWnmGC1lW4SSmugyoIvQgPpTl4PtUSJykDD8OZGG8SP2UDOUwHyLPe3EbkSBcY69KFJm0Aelj9XatH8Zo5Kp7c8U-mgv0LgCaI-EsmIspFT8qMbfifE4gsp9NAXFp_ZyLrlO/w640-h426/1-IMG_2398.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Visiting ballparks to see a major league or minor league baseball game is another fun activity. I found a plastic Angels hat we already owned and a baseball sign to add to the centerpiece.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumtoYgv3Ay9UGkajRrrVkX_zXPnFsO_laI-dFaZuV6Edc8Ww7rlHlHqOtcLcNz8Mhzo1b6G0rF92tKIn1cft9HLrwWlgPJ25zd_RR_jddmqrXQ1HKwM2lKtnBYeCM1gRgg7mt24dDpc1EUxtNwV3xwBpnGE-47DzGCw_UwnFB9cj4MnRfdhFNkRV7/s4462/1-IMG_2401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4462" data-original-width="3949" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumtoYgv3Ay9UGkajRrrVkX_zXPnFsO_laI-dFaZuV6Edc8Ww7rlHlHqOtcLcNz8Mhzo1b6G0rF92tKIn1cft9HLrwWlgPJ25zd_RR_jddmqrXQ1HKwM2lKtnBYeCM1gRgg7mt24dDpc1EUxtNwV3xwBpnGE-47DzGCw_UwnFB9cj4MnRfdhFNkRV7/w566-h640/1-IMG_2401.JPG" width="566" /></a></div><br />As a place card for each guest, I had an empty bucket list for guest's to fill out with ideas. Guest's names were at the top, and I included a pen. It was fun to discuss fun activities as a group and add them to our lists throughout the evening.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D8nO5On6m2RQpkidk04lsw-IrqO3dcJ2NgP_luk33sEL1ybLrRWsXS9A115hDBbC6iDy8cV3Au2DY1SzmJ2hWhKSI0MS3RVmqoRIbjB1YXuGDOYwGsUM9h2WBsHTBwXQLwRckYeBmF-zW7w-4jCIIq05cHmtpUSlDh_6poPBB9k8FKIyJIWE6vrN/s3935/1-IMG_2408.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3935" data-original-width="3069" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2D8nO5On6m2RQpkidk04lsw-IrqO3dcJ2NgP_luk33sEL1ybLrRWsXS9A115hDBbC6iDy8cV3Au2DY1SzmJ2hWhKSI0MS3RVmqoRIbjB1YXuGDOYwGsUM9h2WBsHTBwXQLwRckYeBmF-zW7w-4jCIIq05cHmtpUSlDh_6poPBB9k8FKIyJIWE6vrN/w500-h640/1-IMG_2408.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><br />To fit the theme into my napkin, I decided to use my Cricut machine to make a sand bucket. I then folded the napkin to look like a beach towel and added the forks to look like sand toys.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOLBzOlCu6ra4YXWZiTGht4FIAmjqisWVDtiFYSh8grPsfb0HN-hHncHtQS-TJkvpXdvke5mahd8-DLJyDiRz4FV8i75HD67m3FfpvLTQYiLsU2Uk4PKfmgWbKF3svyXuevForyJ_HzpATMqPErEEkNwBL20YK2d4q6e5b2erQnkCvAjgux4Bb_q0/s5444/1-IMG_2426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5444" data-original-width="3545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOLBzOlCu6ra4YXWZiTGht4FIAmjqisWVDtiFYSh8grPsfb0HN-hHncHtQS-TJkvpXdvke5mahd8-DLJyDiRz4FV8i75HD67m3FfpvLTQYiLsU2Uk4PKfmgWbKF3svyXuevForyJ_HzpATMqPErEEkNwBL20YK2d4q6e5b2erQnkCvAjgux4Bb_q0/w416-h640/1-IMG_2426.JPG" width="416" /></a></div><br />When designing my wine labels, I went with summer bucket list activities that involve wine. On the red wine, I found a painted image of a glass of wine being poured and added the words "Enjoy a Wine and Paint Night." For the white wine, the bucket list item was to go wine tasting.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlp_WzNZNOQlGGHLZ1uxdMx6xgyUIc_kAhy3Blja2fUihTWdiS8z0tXFnpVr3k5iToNP3m6rjJuoL4emTTpuG6ziJlFMJmp1oXj1CBfG6kpa7tGgfYhLLfNNYaKFrH3TqF7GCxhIG8o1qFWZZLXmqab9CqYt-S-PziVQQtdSCsOCFeYSHvwrnZhodf/s4739/1-IMG_2420.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3595" data-original-width="4739" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlp_WzNZNOQlGGHLZ1uxdMx6xgyUIc_kAhy3Blja2fUihTWdiS8z0tXFnpVr3k5iToNP3m6rjJuoL4emTTpuG6ziJlFMJmp1oXj1CBfG6kpa7tGgfYhLLfNNYaKFrH3TqF7GCxhIG8o1qFWZZLXmqab9CqYt-S-PziVQQtdSCsOCFeYSHvwrnZhodf/w640-h486/1-IMG_2420.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For my wine charms, I made small buckets and added a bucket list item to the front of each. Some of the ones I included were Volunteer, Go Camping, Create a Signature Cocktail, and Declutter a Room.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17gSh37HjeQjDbG5sf7rXwvQUAvF72m0wVqHOmOByC5ev4nNQ_Awm6ALbbzUZ4Y3FEez36MEm2qzUlKn3W4c7cwvfwqfrtNb5gUU01UgHapGYRAR8HHDeTJwl5crEuDhG8wf2SJBwqP9ZlcE1CM5uyUkVIkuQKjR7H2DUFy0k9JGZAlf4HXO2aQ9S/s4405/1-IMG_2439.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4405" data-original-width="3949" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17gSh37HjeQjDbG5sf7rXwvQUAvF72m0wVqHOmOByC5ev4nNQ_Awm6ALbbzUZ4Y3FEez36MEm2qzUlKn3W4c7cwvfwqfrtNb5gUU01UgHapGYRAR8HHDeTJwl5crEuDhG8wf2SJBwqP9ZlcE1CM5uyUkVIkuQKjR7H2DUFy0k9JGZAlf4HXO2aQ9S/w574-h640/1-IMG_2439.JPG" width="574" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Menu: </u></b> For each menu item, I tried to incorporate a summer bucket list item. I also served them in buckets when possible. "Grow a Vegetable Garden" was our appetizer which was veggies with dip that was served inside a bucket. Simple and easy.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kngrKDBAWfYrHpGdun21rLH30j4pAA5ktnzfl_pu7Zk-7gjjkm1TYRUyEwNFzyKIonPRoaLrYGDEsPT89fgfXCt7kaIH9T9FgmSxcDoHnAbHJsPjtE8hjKcYy5MGwfb9LXeaMRj-3l3y0wIrdZnFbkUpIuz-cSMdQiMMuPvrqOKYmjheJ8h7kuru/s4895/1-IMG_2359.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4895" data-original-width="3495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2kngrKDBAWfYrHpGdun21rLH30j4pAA5ktnzfl_pu7Zk-7gjjkm1TYRUyEwNFzyKIonPRoaLrYGDEsPT89fgfXCt7kaIH9T9FgmSxcDoHnAbHJsPjtE8hjKcYy5MGwfb9LXeaMRj-3l3y0wIrdZnFbkUpIuz-cSMdQiMMuPvrqOKYmjheJ8h7kuru/w456-h640/1-IMG_2359.JPG" width="456" /></a></div><br />With the main meal, I served strawberries and blueberries inside a metal bucket to represent the bucket list item of "Go Berry Picking." Side Note: berry picking is actually really fun. We have done it a couple of times and really enjoyed it.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXub8e6oPCFNnSfNT_PravXY-lxVPaFmxzJAPHN1wRk13r26i0Awbkmo1fWSE9rkZeemoDNMlnupIzCsKWK7mvC_qh547J-Lgrh99URrNY0S4EcNVnrowxmZ_jB4y8Dbajb07PWj1HAoeRKcN6K9XwUEI6HoPt1gCmUeXEN6mdnoRaToDrJ3-h-GvB/s5249/1-IMG_2450.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5249" data-original-width="3942" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXub8e6oPCFNnSfNT_PravXY-lxVPaFmxzJAPHN1wRk13r26i0Awbkmo1fWSE9rkZeemoDNMlnupIzCsKWK7mvC_qh547J-Lgrh99URrNY0S4EcNVnrowxmZ_jB4y8Dbajb07PWj1HAoeRKcN6K9XwUEI6HoPt1gCmUeXEN6mdnoRaToDrJ3-h-GvB/w480-h640/1-IMG_2450.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>"BBQ with Friends" is always on our summer bucket list, so I decided to make <a href="https://www.plainchicken.com/grilled-bacon-wrapped-bbq-chicken/">Grilled Bacon Wrapped Chicken</a> for the main course. It was easy to make and delicious. You only need 4 items to make it happen -- chicken tenderloins, BBQ seasoning, bacon, and BBQ sauce.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdZ1TgMNPiL3ZBP5S-qqHvifdLcLlCjFudvxehQLqLNaL_JQXjVqedtCeo1K7L3DGkQdZvEyX9hu7Vnd6TlPlfkS5mGopxHgHOEv21lKr5qhJoM4r8aT23H5nDMKtsbk4kbIgnmBoBWTAtG-xxC1sb27QVI_y5kjK_3tEOLZYyeukzVywMkU_UltQ/s2368/1-IMG_2458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2368" data-original-width="2361" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdZ1TgMNPiL3ZBP5S-qqHvifdLcLlCjFudvxehQLqLNaL_JQXjVqedtCeo1K7L3DGkQdZvEyX9hu7Vnd6TlPlfkS5mGopxHgHOEv21lKr5qhJoM4r8aT23H5nDMKtsbk4kbIgnmBoBWTAtG-xxC1sb27QVI_y5kjK_3tEOLZYyeukzVywMkU_UltQ/w638-h640/1-IMG_2458.JPG" width="638" /></a></div><br />I made <a href="https://cookinglsl.com/easy-oven-fries-recipe/">french fries</a> in the oven. Again, easy to make and the only ingredients are potatoes and seasonings. I sometimes use an air fryer for fries, but with so many guests, I needed my double oven to cook all of them.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M1A5NzE0QgPMV_DnSC0NajXW1zw9QJk8eWCi7DIqBCigr0GK51bYNFqg-JUp-pEuXyfLShE9ltzLHmE4OfIKWPLMlf6bJ3RCRq_dbea2OsXWz8Fu4woinmgfK5pkwS4QYUxd0xfuWbKdCf0D6hdhDONiu0j3Pi-uXhP1mQ9bfZ23ml-hRL6L0EEy/s3864/1-IMG_2462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3755" data-original-width="3864" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M1A5NzE0QgPMV_DnSC0NajXW1zw9QJk8eWCi7DIqBCigr0GK51bYNFqg-JUp-pEuXyfLShE9ltzLHmE4OfIKWPLMlf6bJ3RCRq_dbea2OsXWz8Fu4woinmgfK5pkwS4QYUxd0xfuWbKdCf0D6hdhDONiu0j3Pi-uXhP1mQ9bfZ23ml-hRL6L0EEy/w640-h622/1-IMG_2462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Since my family will be going to Alaska to visit the last of our 50 states this summer, I wanted to do something to celebrate that. I decided to make a <a href="https://dinnerthendessert.com/baked-alaska/">Baked Alaska</a> for dessert. I had never made one before, but it was pretty straight forward. It was a big hit with the guests.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84BKNlO1p4e0Ay8gSc67YQIaIHsRLsnEE094A9Q6f5b3O2MtiiyI_g1k016i3gsPjwGJt-TXEWNcFp5ifuDAIhUOzxyRbgSx9BFAj_5CNyi87bp5ww1LAHcRBwMh_E2q5vN3WWRvO3E49qQ1jm4SCujSrJ73sQOuXntlyRnVJ-OFzOeV6oWhKnXJi/s6000/1-IMG_2332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84BKNlO1p4e0Ay8gSc67YQIaIHsRLsnEE094A9Q6f5b3O2MtiiyI_g1k016i3gsPjwGJt-TXEWNcFp5ifuDAIhUOzxyRbgSx9BFAj_5CNyi87bp5ww1LAHcRBwMh_E2q5vN3WWRvO3E49qQ1jm4SCujSrJ73sQOuXntlyRnVJ-OFzOeV6oWhKnXJi/w640-h426/1-IMG_2332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As an English teacher, something I hope is on EVERYONE'S summer bucket list is to read a book! I love reading by the pool or at the beach. It is so relaxing. As a party favor, I decided to give a book to each guest. I went to GoodWill to purchase from their shelves trying to pick good books that were in good shape. I paid .99 cents for softcover books, and $1.99 for the hardbacks. I tried to pick a variety of genres for guests to chose from.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZnL--Avduj0aqGrY5HkwTjda6TZPqqIbTJmeO3TPWXaXVDJbvyLiBNEKGPdsHIDMT5Lz1AJu5SaghNE2KTnZAVZmyQn_hXvihplF4oPhoBp7FrnV_ABHiYXmLMtA9lWBB2O1ZbkcaxOR2q5siQ2zoq7eL7Hz1nkZmR3DYXxpGwZ_rWepLg-pBKHr/s4636/1-IMG_2344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4636" data-original-width="3429" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZnL--Avduj0aqGrY5HkwTjda6TZPqqIbTJmeO3TPWXaXVDJbvyLiBNEKGPdsHIDMT5Lz1AJu5SaghNE2KTnZAVZmyQn_hXvihplF4oPhoBp7FrnV_ABHiYXmLMtA9lWBB2O1ZbkcaxOR2q5siQ2zoq7eL7Hz1nkZmR3DYXxpGwZ_rWepLg-pBKHr/w474-h640/1-IMG_2344.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><br />I designed a summer reading book mark and placed one in each book.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a super easy dinner theme, and one I totally recommend. It was great to kick off summer, but it would also be fun for a retirement party or for any decade birthday party (Bucket Lists to Complete in your 40's, etc.).</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for checking out my blog. I hope you cross some items off YOUR Bucket List this Summer!</div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-13732959553060102882023-05-25T17:12:00.005-07:002023-05-25T17:12:55.112-07:00Trader Joe's Party - 5 Items or Less<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuuYvwcId-81w7MJ2OvMNVNBQUxMb5ZULoQn-78-4oikcPiVrIDY2f0-ono6PzvZvfSCgFqzxSz6E_9v40IXzIjyE_NBmqDZe3f-RGPF4gNVoJHYiqj1gCmcTKA8bwKuesLHqf5k5226cqhstI_gOfgZtaOzkst0zfsMiMbDG7JOEE_4cIyHPeLUQ/s3945/1-Trader%20Joes%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2287" data-original-width="3945" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuuYvwcId-81w7MJ2OvMNVNBQUxMb5ZULoQn-78-4oikcPiVrIDY2f0-ono6PzvZvfSCgFqzxSz6E_9v40IXzIjyE_NBmqDZe3f-RGPF4gNVoJHYiqj1gCmcTKA8bwKuesLHqf5k5226cqhstI_gOfgZtaOzkst0zfsMiMbDG7JOEE_4cIyHPeLUQ/w640-h372/1-Trader%20Joes%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">F</span></b>or this month's dinner, I decided to host a Trader Joe's themed party. Trader Joe's is a neat store with delicious food and cool signs inside, so I thought it might be fun to replicate it. I recently ran across a Instagram account that posts recipes with 5 Trader Joe's items or less, so I decided to go with that idea as well.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdhAcnEkQKg2nM-LtD1jyAIIaNLtMz3fTdRSPn5oMNrhCzb-SO9D8fSJEmi0xx66kAjw3Y-PiwUGcmbqLoMPAZL9h03flMQ1E6iQpSkxEzA6Dk2YQCcAeSO5XgMA5UX3p54214HbQ0E7bMXPT2-fmfzwYEPz6Ib6iFz12GXxTz4Rk6qjxCp8SVrGh/s3500/Trader%20Joe's%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdhAcnEkQKg2nM-LtD1jyAIIaNLtMz3fTdRSPn5oMNrhCzb-SO9D8fSJEmi0xx66kAjw3Y-PiwUGcmbqLoMPAZL9h03flMQ1E6iQpSkxEzA6Dk2YQCcAeSO5XgMA5UX3p54214HbQ0E7bMXPT2-fmfzwYEPz6Ib6iFz12GXxTz4Rk6qjxCp8SVrGh/w458-h640/Trader%20Joe's%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invite: </u></b> I love the Hawaiian shirt vibe of Trader Joe's so I wanted to incorporate that into the background of my invitation. I also love the recylable bags, so I added that idea to the invitation. I used a Trader Joe's logo and crafted the party details around that. For added fun at the party, I asked guests to come dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and to bring their favorite product from Trader Joe's for a fun exchange. <br /><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAHjFLGwsOJPfXbDE5Mqo6QBsIHeQUnWDFanA_CCV2F2vsIyrzCmClg3kRhCxIYkSX52DWF22PE6MNASYVhlou1c9S7DLlc1v55PGrYC4aqaHjj0smOGrRiWfGEcRLqNUc1D63CKNI5xXZLtYh53CDtBP5ZVmXsyFXa2WQAGxP52hJiwJaFcI-GgL/s5943/1-IMG_2260.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3499" data-original-width="5943" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAHjFLGwsOJPfXbDE5Mqo6QBsIHeQUnWDFanA_CCV2F2vsIyrzCmClg3kRhCxIYkSX52DWF22PE6MNASYVhlou1c9S7DLlc1v55PGrYC4aqaHjj0smOGrRiWfGEcRLqNUc1D63CKNI5xXZLtYh53CDtBP5ZVmXsyFXa2WQAGxP52hJiwJaFcI-GgL/w640-h376/1-IMG_2260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Decorations:</u></b> Sticking with red, brown, and white for my party colors, I used a red tablecloth and white plates on the table. I added a table runner created using cut up Trader Joe's bags. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5P2MTGem3oIzaHghfIi4HP3xtf282Si6a1FoF7DTnFvJdUsAkDpWZMssIhzlQLrfZUc6Wn4u1p83xAPM5kZ-LtSziunhMv9RytJ773n41eWV-9Z65uxhG5pOwDkeN1t8hK9iTH8_zE6osA7WvrZDiPSl9lG56Nk8uf8MZDxzmLHwqEdWm4iopoYd/s6000/1-IMG_2257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5P2MTGem3oIzaHghfIi4HP3xtf282Si6a1FoF7DTnFvJdUsAkDpWZMssIhzlQLrfZUc6Wn4u1p83xAPM5kZ-LtSziunhMv9RytJ773n41eWV-9Z65uxhG5pOwDkeN1t8hK9iTH8_zE6osA7WvrZDiPSl9lG56Nk8uf8MZDxzmLHwqEdWm4iopoYd/w640-h426/1-IMG_2257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For a centerpiece, I filled a mini shopping cart with Trader Joe's products. A friend of mine who works as a sign artist for Trader Joe's let me borrow a Trader Joe's shirt that I used in the centerpiece. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx7D8-xq2Xe-FR6Nq1UFtaclwD9ZJ3l9RoJiZCUMH1ZDqCKr_t-wk0joifsvso1a_HrmkPTsRSdny-OBDuHUOgUkwnBmmlt8nW0IGHa7iN-9NK7RTMRN-BYvI9_Z5yOQN6yvag1-FFJAYKNnFE5bX6Fui-uZYdNq6RjwolQvJjMlB7hSrfk2hGXpF/s4032/plant%20TJ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx7D8-xq2Xe-FR6Nq1UFtaclwD9ZJ3l9RoJiZCUMH1ZDqCKr_t-wk0joifsvso1a_HrmkPTsRSdny-OBDuHUOgUkwnBmmlt8nW0IGHa7iN-9NK7RTMRN-BYvI9_Z5yOQN6yvag1-FFJAYKNnFE5bX6Fui-uZYdNq6RjwolQvJjMlB7hSrfk2hGXpF/w480-h640/plant%20TJ.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />To complete the centerpiece, my friend also designed the fun "Enjoy Dinner with Joe" sign with a plant from Trader Joe's.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66VlRnHimc1txgCZD7ctEI2GNvFWexuSQneSC8Org3Ez1zFlI1d_KxGBMr5pt_RJ6a2SrEzXNZHVm0G67MjqACSS-HZRqq472YX6Lap5PSP5PEhXr5hnbAg8l3rc3b2uzqcHAt7N8G0X8gkWzlMVPyXChDq9xLDzoHDp96-LVd6cyg6ioqfw30Uk5/s3830/1-IMG_2265.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3677" data-original-width="3830" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66VlRnHimc1txgCZD7ctEI2GNvFWexuSQneSC8Org3Ez1zFlI1d_KxGBMr5pt_RJ6a2SrEzXNZHVm0G67MjqACSS-HZRqq472YX6Lap5PSP5PEhXr5hnbAg8l3rc3b2uzqcHAt7N8G0X8gkWzlMVPyXChDq9xLDzoHDp96-LVd6cyg6ioqfw30Uk5/w640-h614/1-IMG_2265.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For place cards, we each had a Trader Joe's name tag similar to what the employees wear at work. I placed them on the plate initially, but the guests added them to their Hawaiian shirts to wear for the evening once they arrived.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjN_B_jAka17vgyk1ljyBDSZ8aG8SXyzdxXxwfTG9tFUlqRP_Q6w-dm06eK80lPmSGN7qhP15AoXHHNyGKfcJKNLWzYbveH9VuFutFtB32ekrA8QRk2BHZbsodEnEHZxZpWLTXkL_2aM5lT8-DKOYUs54ztu6bGZIys3ImrJ5_5azjbUzU2Iy7kGs/s4187/1-IMG_2268.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4187" data-original-width="3480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjN_B_jAka17vgyk1ljyBDSZ8aG8SXyzdxXxwfTG9tFUlqRP_Q6w-dm06eK80lPmSGN7qhP15AoXHHNyGKfcJKNLWzYbveH9VuFutFtB32ekrA8QRk2BHZbsodEnEHZxZpWLTXkL_2aM5lT8-DKOYUs54ztu6bGZIys3ImrJ5_5azjbUzU2Iy7kGs/w532-h640/1-IMG_2268.JPG" width="532" /></a></div><br />Around the napkins, I made a sleeve with cut up Trader Joe's bags and added a Trader Joe's sticker that the store typically gives to kids when they visit the store.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M9FbrxurVKKjECF4epCF_Y2yETOI8DzxNzzUMhlNDt7AkvFVrsBi4YxtLWdA75-horc8-Cd6bb4W9dfH5_pBQYcHZYOjNX5aAt8Q2rtO1asBIKh98v1WJazYk0kfOF2rgAMB0cLyNLMIkHsXTRSmzjNnDBIVBHvj35t4EoLwBqUYNmb-wQLf-38Y/s4032/spoon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M9FbrxurVKKjECF4epCF_Y2yETOI8DzxNzzUMhlNDt7AkvFVrsBi4YxtLWdA75-horc8-Cd6bb4W9dfH5_pBQYcHZYOjNX5aAt8Q2rtO1asBIKh98v1WJazYk0kfOF2rgAMB0cLyNLMIkHsXTRSmzjNnDBIVBHvj35t4EoLwBqUYNmb-wQLf-38Y/w480-h640/spoon.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Did you know Trader Joe's has these cute packets of spoons and also ones forks for customers to use? I added just the spoons to the table for added decor.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4SQAwpIrgP_-tN0-dICQlXZVQGC3dA34h4Myai4J5ykrO5Befph2wkhygSdT9letBYSf5twBg6wE8ciGpp-GpPqluA4gWD35WE1llxnxo2UR7-C4jPUUSEAd_IldSqsMqx9ksbnLRRN2N2-ofw7_xbM6eXIqtJEpVZV_Nb4RVNjaudvWP7VOTAdD/s5038/1-IMG_2279.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2412" data-original-width="5038" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4SQAwpIrgP_-tN0-dICQlXZVQGC3dA34h4Myai4J5ykrO5Befph2wkhygSdT9letBYSf5twBg6wE8ciGpp-GpPqluA4gWD35WE1llxnxo2UR7-C4jPUUSEAd_IldSqsMqx9ksbnLRRN2N2-ofw7_xbM6eXIqtJEpVZV_Nb4RVNjaudvWP7VOTAdD/w640-h306/1-IMG_2279.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxf13gzPDTmQOGVYhgLDqoYbNczmECE38XQ59M_TCgFce7ys3Fe67Lg5bWIL46oXy8V7JSVOgahiiGOK3g2tKyTbJ1yJdphTDpEgmfm0MuSoP-BULfR7dDDcAtArybzfRxaVHWL9wmeZ5P51Tbpqkqp5KWTdkLoYZARWXEEskNkjyYV4AojYkJXrc/s6000/1-IMG_2280.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxf13gzPDTmQOGVYhgLDqoYbNczmECE38XQ59M_TCgFce7ys3Fe67Lg5bWIL46oXy8V7JSVOgahiiGOK3g2tKyTbJ1yJdphTDpEgmfm0MuSoP-BULfR7dDDcAtArybzfRxaVHWL9wmeZ5P51Tbpqkqp5KWTdkLoYZARWXEEskNkjyYV4AojYkJXrc/w640-h426/1-IMG_2280.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />To spice up the beverage table, I again made a table runner out of bags. I used Trader Joe's insulated bags as background decor and also made a logo sign to cover the O in my Home sign.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXa2Zfy3NXva38tx3iDjujljVbdHI6C4BD4vP1qc20gDuLcdEmg74ieW3f1T8Z5Y0ih3Ob9fpUiLUn4myA5-iVfbvS18sn4j1ERNMqBNhrqtWnpANvpYivfxePFib14O3p5laYW5UHKHhPntPzV0ailKlTZpc1lw1UEmX88kLf42YgIB7Hl4LQNvl/s4032/wine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXa2Zfy3NXva38tx3iDjujljVbdHI6C4BD4vP1qc20gDuLcdEmg74ieW3f1T8Z5Y0ih3Ob9fpUiLUn4myA5-iVfbvS18sn4j1ERNMqBNhrqtWnpANvpYivfxePFib14O3p5laYW5UHKHhPntPzV0ailKlTZpc1lw1UEmX88kLf42YgIB7Hl4LQNvl/w480-h640/wine.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I designed my wine labels to match the invitation and had a chalkboard as part of the label. On the chardonnay, I played off the cup of Joe coffee idea and changed it to a cup of "Joe" as in Trader Joe. Since Two Buck Chuck wine was so popular at Trader Joe's, the red wine label played off that idea.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFsERG43C_df3plFvExiSYCB5rVT5vOUnY16l5jHoYlQbC3yrZSSrLM6R4r4S_SVSAW7_DLNkRBX29cxaS4zVJ_VZuEeFsN79HsBZZfR-jVND172oXyYpP48olUSxNFnPVTMSsj2Aj8aUcqflAQjC0Xth5GUeHJo_91akWHEKLjuhdmVLg4iFIvUQ/s3555/1-IMG_2293.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="3555" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFsERG43C_df3plFvExiSYCB5rVT5vOUnY16l5jHoYlQbC3yrZSSrLM6R4r4S_SVSAW7_DLNkRBX29cxaS4zVJ_VZuEeFsN79HsBZZfR-jVND172oXyYpP48olUSxNFnPVTMSsj2Aj8aUcqflAQjC0Xth5GUeHJo_91akWHEKLjuhdmVLg4iFIvUQ/w640-h614/1-IMG_2293.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I used more of the Trader Joe's stickers to use for my wine charms. I backed them with black cardstock and then attached them to the wine glass stems.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuZO0NqJZTjqo2oygRgagSILd6wq3GC_9YpMNlnuFdiFlLe0v_eY_CH6t9ZeAQOsyxqa-Kvbek3ZiffPCWIcho_ROsE1p7ZEhuxantAWy_oAv7g2lY7jSVKo7vQRuFbbr_uNmoLaMeYy9V83ndyej0sPgtYmQBTCRFsL4-os32tdmNXTbvQYQrIWa/s6000/1-IMG_2305.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuZO0NqJZTjqo2oygRgagSILd6wq3GC_9YpMNlnuFdiFlLe0v_eY_CH6t9ZeAQOsyxqa-Kvbek3ZiffPCWIcho_ROsE1p7ZEhuxantAWy_oAv7g2lY7jSVKo7vQRuFbbr_uNmoLaMeYy9V83ndyej0sPgtYmQBTCRFsL4-os32tdmNXTbvQYQrIWa/w640-h426/1-IMG_2305.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu:</u></b> For an appetizer, I decided to make a Caprese Flatbread Pizza with 5 Trader Joe's ingredients. This was super easy to make and delicious. All I did was assemble the ingredients, and bake the pizza in a 400 degree oven for 7-9 minutes. Here are the 5 ingredients used...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGzl97HkaYUOow8wG2hhNKx54aOaNwPeXiTczxm4Wjsaab8G4yx4BbFocehhwK-aaGmI49lIi1ZIU_uzji40mlvzxv6kgzCpXVpj_WPnuPzf9nyQReWeDCZP1cm0hBtjOszQ1oGV6rNnQ5BNcCtXusMwitBSv4tw_JxkcE8J-UYokJseS2zgihqT6/s4080/1-IMG_2304.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3971" data-original-width="4080" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGzl97HkaYUOow8wG2hhNKx54aOaNwPeXiTczxm4Wjsaab8G4yx4BbFocehhwK-aaGmI49lIi1ZIU_uzji40mlvzxv6kgzCpXVpj_WPnuPzf9nyQReWeDCZP1cm0hBtjOszQ1oGV6rNnQ5BNcCtXusMwitBSv4tw_JxkcE8J-UYokJseS2zgihqT6/w640-h622/1-IMG_2304.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuM3WRFp_ZTurWGKsVeAOs86q2Ax2vsu1EoT6ni4K8flsSykfyBl2eP3IXaf2NKTivTNg2qgEjMqTeJ2_plID4WpsBYJdzyZEcZUAZRXOJ97kSLuBddTfMCjyt7PyPK5noAIvuPWQuDH3fZDW1oiA5wS2GoY7XYEcy4VeKTEv6TQT3S3A3O30sxUAI/s4765/1-IMG_2310.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4765" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuM3WRFp_ZTurWGKsVeAOs86q2Ax2vsu1EoT6ni4K8flsSykfyBl2eP3IXaf2NKTivTNg2qgEjMqTeJ2_plID4WpsBYJdzyZEcZUAZRXOJ97kSLuBddTfMCjyt7PyPK5noAIvuPWQuDH3fZDW1oiA5wS2GoY7XYEcy4VeKTEv6TQT3S3A3O30sxUAI/w538-h640/1-IMG_2310.JPG" width="538" /></a></div><br />I used Trader Joe's pizza crust which I brushed with oil. Then I topped it with fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil. I drizzled it with Trader Joe's Balsamic Glaze after baking. Yummy! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYDQBgfx0k9LrJI3CWhQbCSHlM_IULLzf0R1SPp25P2JUc3SvL5IyQ03NyTEaBoe1xkildYcID_F3gbs8ibT23vI5nCe01__XBatW0ID8Mdlj0K4rkWZTBm1TsVyc-tnGVjkz7yKzrSqDVXYdZBM_si08F0U3zQe922V04Ls8SHLcaJOogzsRmTt4/s3899/1-IMG_2314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3899" data-original-width="3054" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYDQBgfx0k9LrJI3CWhQbCSHlM_IULLzf0R1SPp25P2JUc3SvL5IyQ03NyTEaBoe1xkildYcID_F3gbs8ibT23vI5nCe01__XBatW0ID8Mdlj0K4rkWZTBm1TsVyc-tnGVjkz7yKzrSqDVXYdZBM_si08F0U3zQe922V04Ls8SHLcaJOogzsRmTt4/w502-h640/1-IMG_2314.JPG" width="502" /></a></div><br />For the main dish I served Carne Asada Stuffed Peppers over Cilantro Lime Rice. These again were very easy to make and were a big hit with the guests. I will definitely plan on making them again for my family. The ingredients I used:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCA7kNA5yzjg8JldC5OorBh0ROUcH5QEF6l6ScS6n0IsPg3qQ_RXa-M5CsAuro2VyOi_mZFRH-p03tyAGf5yA1qnae2wcsddwsoTacM0Zajd2YtCEbyUTOt9psP5TS68cRnKaaWZ07NibHdAd0G6UC06F5rvN1FgBPzoJjC202RpuNG1lBjHbIXyu/s6000/1-IMG_2302.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCA7kNA5yzjg8JldC5OorBh0ROUcH5QEF6l6ScS6n0IsPg3qQ_RXa-M5CsAuro2VyOi_mZFRH-p03tyAGf5yA1qnae2wcsddwsoTacM0Zajd2YtCEbyUTOt9psP5TS68cRnKaaWZ07NibHdAd0G6UC06F5rvN1FgBPzoJjC202RpuNG1lBjHbIXyu/w640-h426/1-IMG_2302.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_quZ0N2rvac8Xc1RnMqyGSrmLnk6x47IEo2jaiBdskGuxlU221odP6FJYIVHJ86yGw9eTPltImbs9RjPTMIZ93j2YeyurILnRXebWBAoRGCQNK0qkYR5IxyxiRPD9y5sbmdVtIy7VKLziDJ_hVyYOxCEhNtNd8COzxV_XHcq3TU6_ivk4gto364a3/s3668/1-IMG_2315.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3047" data-original-width="3668" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_quZ0N2rvac8Xc1RnMqyGSrmLnk6x47IEo2jaiBdskGuxlU221odP6FJYIVHJ86yGw9eTPltImbs9RjPTMIZ93j2YeyurILnRXebWBAoRGCQNK0qkYR5IxyxiRPD9y5sbmdVtIy7VKLziDJ_hVyYOxCEhNtNd8COzxV_XHcq3TU6_ivk4gto364a3/w640-h532/1-IMG_2315.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Trader Joe's carne asada, tri color bell peppers, organic jasmine rice, avocados, and fresh cilantro. I grilled the carne asada on my Traeger grill. Sliced and cored the peppers to grill briefly before filling them with the sliced carne asada, avocado, and cilantro to taste. The rice is cooked in the microwave, and then the cilantro and lime juice were added for flavor. I did serve cut limes and Trader Joe's salsa on the side for guests to add if they wanted.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YN22Uv6QKvKpe36_lobkRyQskqDHVBKgKBWMe8q0XhmqLaUK3dVIrPjy-z1P9I6xiTt6fs4gooo0nvuFEbxvFgGE5TPLQfLR0NkjCz5RPgBu7Ius7F3tgwq9CBUstmd79KUjMNvXX9MHdEUDgDYP7qEehRWv94rfnNB9zWCry9juUb2sNpkrWG2W/s4032/TJdessert.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YN22Uv6QKvKpe36_lobkRyQskqDHVBKgKBWMe8q0XhmqLaUK3dVIrPjy-z1P9I6xiTt6fs4gooo0nvuFEbxvFgGE5TPLQfLR0NkjCz5RPgBu7Ius7F3tgwq9CBUstmd79KUjMNvXX9MHdEUDgDYP7qEehRWv94rfnNB9zWCry9juUb2sNpkrWG2W/w480-h640/TJdessert.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I kept things easy with a 3 item dessert. The main item was premade apple blossoms from Trader Joe's. I warmed them in the oven according to the package directions, drizzled some heated up Trader Joe's caramel sauce on them, and served it with a scoop of French Vanilla ice cream. Easy and delicious.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyunficaeA-WLfs9TfofND6YxbZ6yhxUBu4j-WwcWHYluQ-esyKa7PV78n995wBo_1oZUM-VK-t2ftBpEP7Bwi5zn4MQbwFMTytx0RF7AlmiNcyU4Awga7nGPhJR1-IkxeEfdpv-LIVGRI3RvXbDn_Sspgvbp7FF8nj34tIQIi_1MLRgDpufX_Eyn/s4032/game.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyunficaeA-WLfs9TfofND6YxbZ6yhxUBu4j-WwcWHYluQ-esyKa7PV78n995wBo_1oZUM-VK-t2ftBpEP7Bwi5zn4MQbwFMTytx0RF7AlmiNcyU4Awga7nGPhJR1-IkxeEfdpv-LIVGRI3RvXbDn_Sspgvbp7FF8nj34tIQIi_1MLRgDpufX_Eyn/w480-h640/game.jpg" width="480" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Party Activities:</u></b> We played a fun game after dinner and before dessert I called 5 Words of Less. It was adapted from the Poetic Injustice game. I basically gave the guests a sentence they needed to finish in 5 words of less. For example, one of the questions asked guests to "leave a negative review of a dive bar," and they had to come up with a review that was 5 words of less. This game had us laughing so hard, it was really fun.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd0zJ7W7rZwQmw0_2K5N7QKxb1wewJIOkOI7MFc6wjdaWrVlhSpZMF3OwXZwr0uXBiS7Bivw9QAiMNPc11OmdKtlxn-c3SEUV5W0wULuA59DLSOA75TMahz41nPGiMYyr46xaVjVhQ2sNQfiUczTCpzF5An73P_FVvWewDs3QIlnV0Tu1EPX2WnEg/s6000/1-IMG_2328.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd0zJ7W7rZwQmw0_2K5N7QKxb1wewJIOkOI7MFc6wjdaWrVlhSpZMF3OwXZwr0uXBiS7Bivw9QAiMNPc11OmdKtlxn-c3SEUV5W0wULuA59DLSOA75TMahz41nPGiMYyr46xaVjVhQ2sNQfiUczTCpzF5An73P_FVvWewDs3QIlnV0Tu1EPX2WnEg/w426-h640/1-IMG_2328.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />With each round of the game, we awarded points to the best 5 word phrases. We tallied those and used them for who picked first from our Trader Joe's favorites basket. On the invitation, I asked each guest to bring 1 item from Trader Joe's that is one of their favorites. These items were placed inside the Trader Joe's basket I borrowed for the party. This was really fun as we all went home with an item/product to try. We actually went home with more than one since most of us couldn't decide on just one and brought more than one to the exchange!<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLcoFMZvCZ_BSr8GWG2FYvqI4JcRAfcSh08v9d-rke3UoE0WM3EW8BrwjCRCH3hAlcNpq22YElxLu_5mmnEZWL8wXCX1I522FnqmgTe29YZ4K884zatfd_csZAk39Hh2ZD41pTrWJbHq5zKe9TktdpHvB01nRTanoN4lx7Ih4fh3PQuE_52Tuar-2/s5163/1-IMG_2281.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3750" data-original-width="5163" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLcoFMZvCZ_BSr8GWG2FYvqI4JcRAfcSh08v9d-rke3UoE0WM3EW8BrwjCRCH3hAlcNpq22YElxLu_5mmnEZWL8wXCX1I522FnqmgTe29YZ4K884zatfd_csZAk39Hh2ZD41pTrWJbHq5zKe9TktdpHvB01nRTanoN4lx7Ih4fh3PQuE_52Tuar-2/w640-h464/1-IMG_2281.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuW3KM8uBEpLNq7j-umni_uipEd8ATPpkJoqndQC3n9H9aUa1GYV6M_Xar9F2Js5TYXbXpOrK7N41rB7vzlC8IXnYC12XUIvsue73iYUzppsp9G5TofOOsYl9T6uWy46IG3DgQUDK0MKGVHkLak-ljqZtdwkObo1I1Tc698_DhC2oln9YwCURVnA7/s5075/1-IMG_2283.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5075" data-original-width="3971" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuW3KM8uBEpLNq7j-umni_uipEd8ATPpkJoqndQC3n9H9aUa1GYV6M_Xar9F2Js5TYXbXpOrK7N41rB7vzlC8IXnYC12XUIvsue73iYUzppsp9G5TofOOsYl9T6uWy46IG3DgQUDK0MKGVHkLak-ljqZtdwkObo1I1Tc698_DhC2oln9YwCURVnA7/w500-h640/1-IMG_2283.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><br />Favor: </u></b> One of my favorite items from Trader Joe's is the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups....heavenly! I used these as my party favor. I cut up the Trader Joe's recyclable bags again and folded them into small pockets. I added the same Trader Joe's logo from my invitation to the front, and then filled the pocket with some of the peanut butter cups.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq57KQ_58uCiLOqcFbG_cAQckCfCqW_x0jK2G-y6YLaCiTpL8drhzHBMKb_bJsH-s_t7yYVkI66Adih6kJ9tqfjFVT9SLQnE3dFumjgG9yAIcb2O1Upo7OVA-tczl8WcyQeVnsWT5i4mLamXePaLrDvj91580cvvsmPcSU1ioAbIfpfYYYGNqDiEFU/s5620/1-IMG_2318.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2898" data-original-width="5620" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq57KQ_58uCiLOqcFbG_cAQckCfCqW_x0jK2G-y6YLaCiTpL8drhzHBMKb_bJsH-s_t7yYVkI66Adih6kJ9tqfjFVT9SLQnE3dFumjgG9yAIcb2O1Upo7OVA-tczl8WcyQeVnsWT5i4mLamXePaLrDvj91580cvvsmPcSU1ioAbIfpfYYYGNqDiEFU/w640-h330/1-IMG_2318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This was a really fun and easy dinner. The food prep was easy, the games were super fun, and with my friend's help with the decor, the party all came together nicely.<p></p></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-42770901821244795512023-04-13T19:28:00.000-07:002023-04-13T19:28:52.328-07:00Boysenberry Festival Fun<p><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu4yx-3bPURsdjKWtpHiMQJ6MJf-mU604NJWfUrbFgDxo8r8qoxN0DenuwgObcQVyJA1zKgU-MfFe35OS0wywCJzqObhY2tQ8A3xfZh9pNXtVugMddpSFvOuFBHtac0oXd8cyDdQwHmoanm9HWgMdU8nO1aJMhzK_8twbxdWB3kBS2wVOZ3_dtuQQ/s2972/1-Boysenberry%20Festival%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2158" data-original-width="2972" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu4yx-3bPURsdjKWtpHiMQJ6MJf-mU604NJWfUrbFgDxo8r8qoxN0DenuwgObcQVyJA1zKgU-MfFe35OS0wywCJzqObhY2tQ8A3xfZh9pNXtVugMddpSFvOuFBHtac0oXd8cyDdQwHmoanm9HWgMdU8nO1aJMhzK_8twbxdWB3kBS2wVOZ3_dtuQQ/w640-h464/1-Boysenberry%20Festival%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">H</span>ave you ever been to Knott's Berry Farm's Boysenberry Festival? Even though I live and work close to Knott's, I have never been to their festival, but after seeing some friends' posts on Instagram, I thought it would be a fun theme to have for our April monthly dinner. Only challenge....grocery stores do not sell boysenberries! This meant I had to purchase from Knott's directly which was quite expensive, but definitely tasty.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TG9j-z4lAAoBW4v9AfGfYXoUvingSQTqAYPVbwQfLXBzoxgKfKc0z0fxuQSZT5jUVrSfp9hQKQMm_LpDDvQ6aNwDzJ2Kmx-6A6HYO6UpyabEo-6CXCj6oA9aiEohRauDd_OfXdOh2A8BsR7gxY65TjgXts6qh3jrVqpWzQqAZGYgcl30BR4yepQY/s2800/Boysenberry%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TG9j-z4lAAoBW4v9AfGfYXoUvingSQTqAYPVbwQfLXBzoxgKfKc0z0fxuQSZT5jUVrSfp9hQKQMm_LpDDvQ6aNwDzJ2Kmx-6A6HYO6UpyabEo-6CXCj6oA9aiEohRauDd_OfXdOh2A8BsR7gxY65TjgXts6qh3jrVqpWzQqAZGYgcl30BR4yepQY/w458-h640/Boysenberry%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invitation:</u></b> I designed the invitation to match Knott's posters advertising the festival and kept it simple.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiResSgmy4AwsAY-n1vJDAYZYyK842wVOlelLaPkBOcBf0FQ75NoLALY2c6Pk0XvBF_RqOv1Um9YBx14SBV4V-nCwBrxBRHMHK3zYaOtVzGpG_yikGpFANQRbjyIDGpwwxWnD1MlQPyOlxjo8rne-zHgw75Hcg0gfOonseJt5FQkptwYuHofIgu1hxB/s6000/065-IMG_2187.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiResSgmy4AwsAY-n1vJDAYZYyK842wVOlelLaPkBOcBf0FQ75NoLALY2c6Pk0XvBF_RqOv1Um9YBx14SBV4V-nCwBrxBRHMHK3zYaOtVzGpG_yikGpFANQRbjyIDGpwwxWnD1MlQPyOlxjo8rne-zHgw75Hcg0gfOonseJt5FQkptwYuHofIgu1hxB/w640-h426/065-IMG_2187.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decorations: </u></b> Knott's is a very country feel, so I wanted to replicate that in my table setting. I used a white tablecloth with purple accents throughout. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXA5nkvfBgEJjkXek_3S9TXte1XF6f2ldPck_EiRXOnzytij6bBJJmkClNMnJSKpyqix6dg-A6pRd3zQLGSP2jKmUGXNWmbKj6LVyLRpxulw724DVUVST9W_PJxqcEQuitPWY0Ivo7h6nnAqmKL5pLXgn1oOos9EU-Z2ajGdIFOP4y5QQKdWayYcfQ/s6000/063-IMG_2185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXA5nkvfBgEJjkXek_3S9TXte1XF6f2ldPck_EiRXOnzytij6bBJJmkClNMnJSKpyqix6dg-A6pRd3zQLGSP2jKmUGXNWmbKj6LVyLRpxulw724DVUVST9W_PJxqcEQuitPWY0Ivo7h6nnAqmKL5pLXgn1oOos9EU-Z2ajGdIFOP4y5QQKdWayYcfQ/w640-h426/063-IMG_2185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the centerpiece, I used a wooden box I found 50% off at Michaels. Inside the box, I placed jars, cans, and bottles of Knott's boysenberry products I was using for my menu. The cans of boysenberries were emptied and used as vases; the cobbler mix was taken out to use and replaced with tissue paper. A friend of mine had 2 bottles of boysenberry win that she let me borrow to place in the centerpiece. I bought baby's breath instead of flowers to fill the vases as well as some boysenberry looking fake flowers I found at Michaels. I borrowed a friend's lanyard from her trip to the festival to lay across the front of the box.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjHsxV1GLVbRnTwbGK6hsaPjcje7V_Gy7aHcLi0HXfDcS-QmPujHP9CBfwxhB7sHbkJm7Oma1fJs5KVXcFP0V2BAz1nJU_Ev-wBuKKz7ylBF2Q8b467lu-onJNVZSGrMmQY6If-b09cgwYXyM-qRVduJ2FOfp4hVDED4rgn9XD4GS8fKj5Db_BokE/s4101/021-IMG_2141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4101" data-original-width="3234" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjHsxV1GLVbRnTwbGK6hsaPjcje7V_Gy7aHcLi0HXfDcS-QmPujHP9CBfwxhB7sHbkJm7Oma1fJs5KVXcFP0V2BAz1nJU_Ev-wBuKKz7ylBF2Q8b467lu-onJNVZSGrMmQY6If-b09cgwYXyM-qRVduJ2FOfp4hVDED4rgn9XD4GS8fKj5Db_BokE/w504-h640/021-IMG_2141.JPG" width="504" /></a></div><br />On each side of the box I placed greenery in white vases that I already owned. I wrapped a Knott's Boysenberry Festival lanyard around the vase and secured it in the back for added decor.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxU3Q1E2vjAGCGyVvQ-aZ9E8helVKtTAKgos1y9xNmt1nZV3eV8Xnbcs-1fCZVkDr3fvHwnMGhCOro0Igv_cGcfBpNzayr3QHGya1MwCj11BGLmD3dbJp6t4UZJXermkORZ139bB5AbCHcU6rZ8LKNYri7epZ2enLp10jRSO24LkoTos3G7jJ6T5KE/s4744/032-IMG_2152.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4744" data-original-width="3942" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxU3Q1E2vjAGCGyVvQ-aZ9E8helVKtTAKgos1y9xNmt1nZV3eV8Xnbcs-1fCZVkDr3fvHwnMGhCOro0Igv_cGcfBpNzayr3QHGya1MwCj11BGLmD3dbJp6t4UZJXermkORZ139bB5AbCHcU6rZ8LKNYri7epZ2enLp10jRSO24LkoTos3G7jJ6T5KE/w532-h640/032-IMG_2152.JPG" width="532" /></a></div><br />I had some fun with the placecard. I modeled it after the lanyard card Knott's gives festival goers, and just added each guest's name. I altered the text at the bottom with my party date as that valid date. Since my guests and I are all well over 21, I changed the text to let guests know they did not have to show ID since "we know we're old already." The QR code on my placecard was a working QR code that brought guests to an image of my menu when scanned. The guest got a kick out of this.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfrlISyjHqSo4rVbPk8ielJZ-YLZQ2AGLDYz_4DuhthEQub0eR0zqgpLGzpX2oL16zgI-BnFjanofsY4Cgt2In_EK3ddBNzLFXqRg6-HDRIaDL9t2wOkjS-lUOqiBLl3WNFGRjUfmLfYrEiR7dGEx-G6Zi6Nhh-Jig3EPcCiSMu0MSbS3wPyHHm-z/s4446/023-IMG_2143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3514" data-original-width="4446" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfrlISyjHqSo4rVbPk8ielJZ-YLZQ2AGLDYz_4DuhthEQub0eR0zqgpLGzpX2oL16zgI-BnFjanofsY4Cgt2In_EK3ddBNzLFXqRg6-HDRIaDL9t2wOkjS-lUOqiBLl3WNFGRjUfmLfYrEiR7dGEx-G6Zi6Nhh-Jig3EPcCiSMu0MSbS3wPyHHm-z/w640-h506/023-IMG_2143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I designed a simple napkin wrap for my purple napkins with the logo/theme that matched the invitation.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR00U2qNkQcxfNtV6V_TyiJ7bLR5nQv_3bo3UmxDfDkzqk3k5nhs-4gDYCrLD2biRUOfc3AMcvtVWxSB1W3N4uLl8Jcp-xKNjaNxHhdE4KyKLfGic3HkHF3_B63J8rv5kiOd1oZVoy8kihYqHxZ0A7j5TMytebmZEwgziOz6zllQzN3Q61kmPDZKJ4/s4592/044-IMG_2166.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4592" data-original-width="3971" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR00U2qNkQcxfNtV6V_TyiJ7bLR5nQv_3bo3UmxDfDkzqk3k5nhs-4gDYCrLD2biRUOfc3AMcvtVWxSB1W3N4uLl8Jcp-xKNjaNxHhdE4KyKLfGic3HkHF3_B63J8rv5kiOd1oZVoy8kihYqHxZ0A7j5TMytebmZEwgziOz6zllQzN3Q61kmPDZKJ4/w554-h640/044-IMG_2166.JPG" width="554" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV0C9vrYyhIOZVt0TjYd-j842uSLC2q07HeoFswwtAc6a9j6YHpzewKrtpZMCCha0UDtVQnr2lpWv6vPJV-l412_ZrsyMRWZZrcwGR4O7UMBoVEFXfslBBgUg2TTNuFeolt3a1AxehDSg9HapEJcwcbUljvEATq0oCKnEcAYlHsJbNqHeRwqa_0HO/s6000/042-IMG_2164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV0C9vrYyhIOZVt0TjYd-j842uSLC2q07HeoFswwtAc6a9j6YHpzewKrtpZMCCha0UDtVQnr2lpWv6vPJV-l412_ZrsyMRWZZrcwGR4O7UMBoVEFXfslBBgUg2TTNuFeolt3a1AxehDSg9HapEJcwcbUljvEATq0oCKnEcAYlHsJbNqHeRwqa_0HO/w640-h426/042-IMG_2164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Another friend loaned me her Knott's cups and bag from the festival, so I used these for decor above my beverage table. I printed a large boysenberry to place over the O on my HOME sign.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_DI4EIV26knthimuszVuJ6TIkxCwsgDo-KqiLaR3rwkOE3jb0ESDhFbOwyLVF-Hr44O023z4-sWIV5VNxjmGOeO6VzPCEpTWJPBIhy5OmN9yl7d4s9Sf3Xw6i7fXTsU1Bv9-v6hwv0zvtk8Q3h0rLiN6z67O6Nq7gNt4IwrQGi_p6FEMKc07Oowz/s6000/1-IMG_2177.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_DI4EIV26knthimuszVuJ6TIkxCwsgDo-KqiLaR3rwkOE3jb0ESDhFbOwyLVF-Hr44O023z4-sWIV5VNxjmGOeO6VzPCEpTWJPBIhy5OmN9yl7d4s9Sf3Xw6i7fXTsU1Bv9-v6hwv0zvtk8Q3h0rLiN6z67O6Nq7gNt4IwrQGi_p6FEMKc07Oowz/w426-h640/1-IMG_2177.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Although I served a tasting of Boysenberry Wine, I also had chardonnay and a red blend for guests to enjoy. I designed wine labels to match the colors of the party with some berry sayings. The "Berry Best Blend" Wine & Friends for my red wine and **** for the chardonnay.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPprx7FM91L8lqTXzSRghfXIcwbqMuEjPlXAMpjUlYi3_HmoGEZR5OP-7mgoaNnq_6DpQqhbViDHJDD51B6ISmj0aRnlYAh03XyhtPn6kpYEhX0bfX4BNnw5sM9qVUISs1a6HXeceWKf0hsAECKUkcMunUu4BA8qaNv59JpdtrLeFU2AnNaXx_hgG/s4881/038-IMG_2160.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4881" data-original-width="3986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPprx7FM91L8lqTXzSRghfXIcwbqMuEjPlXAMpjUlYi3_HmoGEZR5OP-7mgoaNnq_6DpQqhbViDHJDD51B6ISmj0aRnlYAh03XyhtPn6kpYEhX0bfX4BNnw5sM9qVUISs1a6HXeceWKf0hsAECKUkcMunUu4BA8qaNv59JpdtrLeFU2AnNaXx_hgG/w522-h640/038-IMG_2160.JPG" width="522" /></a></div><br />I kept the wine charms simple and just used the same boysenberry clipart as the invitation. I added the first initial of each guest attending the party, printed them out, and added them to the glasses.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2jhHdAYl47zLbEKqElVOTjScpKIcSwCkBS-MsH8yEXnW0d9f9RGA5g-g5B-8nw9yPleV2L-n8782yWN2EZiA_vRzV9cdDoyKrIgcxnqI8Cm2DwSjLez2iC8ZtF2QgeqBf5xO3l6P8b8ZScV9NseY_w_Njnd97OO_OJ_XAsO2XE9DRVRmzk5lhFyo/s2100/Menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2jhHdAYl47zLbEKqElVOTjScpKIcSwCkBS-MsH8yEXnW0d9f9RGA5g-g5B-8nw9yPleV2L-n8782yWN2EZiA_vRzV9cdDoyKrIgcxnqI8Cm2DwSjLez2iC8ZtF2QgeqBf5xO3l6P8b8ZScV9NseY_w_Njnd97OO_OJ_XAsO2XE9DRVRmzk5lhFyo/w458-h640/Menu.jpg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu:</u></b> The QR code on my placecard brought guests to the above image of my menu when they scanned it. For this evening, I served 7 tastings including beverages.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7LIGrNwJiD1RMbLdCo1n-GYI2Q0BaQUeG6x0KDbpEH0QwMy2l8KpoQtL7z_n4dpmKKvUlLe26a_CsREMqVEAvywXNX3QJsvUv9RfS8-Sb2CUh5z-pFwJdVhutkhHWRLx5xTpdDIDa_VsnQ5FAiMMgNGo4MuPgGNLKO5sGpoXmEVGYmE4QfNjfDIq/s4576/1-IMG_2204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3581" data-original-width="4576" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7LIGrNwJiD1RMbLdCo1n-GYI2Q0BaQUeG6x0KDbpEH0QwMy2l8KpoQtL7z_n4dpmKKvUlLe26a_CsREMqVEAvywXNX3QJsvUv9RfS8-Sb2CUh5z-pFwJdVhutkhHWRLx5xTpdDIDa_VsnQ5FAiMMgNGo4MuPgGNLKO5sGpoXmEVGYmE4QfNjfDIq/w640-h500/1-IMG_2204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Tasting #1 - The first tasting was champagne with a small skewer or boysenberry cotton candy. When the cotton candy is dropped into the champagne it adds even more flavor to the champagne. Some guests ate the cotton candy separately (it was delicious!).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5Mp3K5NQSaGHkj_w44wAcyey3y7o8UPAEPOVnOnYqeBgjMHGZfXaHlho6Eq0sPR1CEitXtUaYSr3BYsCFMwPBRDsJVZLxYnv1HNJmafuRyddgTcfDToWumaerTH0zr_RZ2DsdxsHnnFFeZr1zGk-TeMrMcFUzN-5JVZ0M3QJ5g-HGJ7StUXrVTN4/s6000/080-IMG_2202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5Mp3K5NQSaGHkj_w44wAcyey3y7o8UPAEPOVnOnYqeBgjMHGZfXaHlho6Eq0sPR1CEitXtUaYSr3BYsCFMwPBRDsJVZLxYnv1HNJmafuRyddgTcfDToWumaerTH0zr_RZ2DsdxsHnnFFeZr1zGk-TeMrMcFUzN-5JVZ0M3QJ5g-HGJ7StUXrVTN4/w640-h426/080-IMG_2202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Tasting #2 - Cream cheese with Knott's Boysenberry Salsa was the appetizer. I served this with black and white tortilla chips. The salsa is super tasty and has a nice kick to it. The guests gobbled this appetizer up as it was so popular.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2fHxDkr3nFUNblDEr5bcq7XiKj0tmnV1wYaTW1YBWESFf66p_soYk_YBlYheltziYro9C5Xymas_waGMJLbE2k0E5S4mUcGuOo9G61c3DAHecjsgqLZHkcIyLY23VZ_A-KPk1tLECmNF-6aIblUf50dQQGREGWjrfW9yZnh7wUXnqtB7fKXmYVh6/s6000/061-IMG_2183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2fHxDkr3nFUNblDEr5bcq7XiKj0tmnV1wYaTW1YBWESFf66p_soYk_YBlYheltziYro9C5Xymas_waGMJLbE2k0E5S4mUcGuOo9G61c3DAHecjsgqLZHkcIyLY23VZ_A-KPk1tLECmNF-6aIblUf50dQQGREGWjrfW9yZnh7wUXnqtB7fKXmYVh6/w426-h640/061-IMG_2183.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Tasting #3 - Boysenberry wine. This Boysenberry wine is very tasty, but it is 11 percent alcohol. We had just a small tasting because of this.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvvqhW-aNkcUvPUIEQzVGy3nKTcWPmNckKCQf2mhsAXbDYMr5SWD9VjraGCRGWTt0OFthFNe4Fx37jAR8WZgHn_fMCkDXyVVHlpsGVl9ITq2xr_66UmIou_v1IOwzK5tfDm6SnPbU013PjJLRk3taaEXcequHErkcbb0U74fZjfQmpBEjX1vNUzR6/s4513/1-IMG_2219.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4513" data-original-width="3458" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvvqhW-aNkcUvPUIEQzVGy3nKTcWPmNckKCQf2mhsAXbDYMr5SWD9VjraGCRGWTt0OFthFNe4Fx37jAR8WZgHn_fMCkDXyVVHlpsGVl9ITq2xr_66UmIou_v1IOwzK5tfDm6SnPbU013PjJLRk3taaEXcequHErkcbb0U74fZjfQmpBEjX1vNUzR6/w490-h640/1-IMG_2219.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><br />Tasting #4 - Market Salad with Knott's Boysenberry Vinaigrette Dressing. For this salad, I used spinach, Feta cheese, candied pecans, and whole blackberries. Blackberries because they were all I could find at the grocery, and they look close enough to boysenberries.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8Cr0kRVZ8YfOT96TcaG48Xt7LdwdUf04powmZoTYojwmvyzjJ8K_3hjLdtxN_Jqyv7KUZUpqs5SuT4VvIR9qXVHbLB2_NSisnINmyk_iFFgV4uomU18EJ_wp1heZN2846yX5M335p_-w64hQCnUH7QnNaOEIRIREUFCbJYJVdwCcp4Cb16ZfcV-i/s6000/1-IMG_2227.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8Cr0kRVZ8YfOT96TcaG48Xt7LdwdUf04powmZoTYojwmvyzjJ8K_3hjLdtxN_Jqyv7KUZUpqs5SuT4VvIR9qXVHbLB2_NSisnINmyk_iFFgV4uomU18EJ_wp1heZN2846yX5M335p_-w64hQCnUH7QnNaOEIRIREUFCbJYJVdwCcp4Cb16ZfcV-i/w640-h426/1-IMG_2227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Tasting #5 - Boysenberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Mashed Potatoes. I used the Knott's Boysenberry Balsamic Grilling Glaze to brush over chicken thighs before baking them. Normally I would have grilled them, but I wanted to be inside with the guests rather than stuck outside and thighs are so easy to cook in an oven. I made mashed potatoes to serve along with the thighs. This glaze was delicious and a big hit with the guests.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu2iN3wtpqaXOT9Dlq8Zcz2rxaoatmG9uSzh6JFmPblkGkS04sDcLdnWbRrecLDYEitq_VkM3zAE6kUgZoKR97No9UbijstnXw0UrRBI3bUNT7USoakWcYb79_I1VSr0q35Zext5DZwkGKVY1OJsgLQ2xQBe_EQg3arTSrViOx-jR7mBanjNYT6gU/s3484/1-IMG_2228.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3484" data-original-width="2584" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMu2iN3wtpqaXOT9Dlq8Zcz2rxaoatmG9uSzh6JFmPblkGkS04sDcLdnWbRrecLDYEitq_VkM3zAE6kUgZoKR97No9UbijstnXw0UrRBI3bUNT7USoakWcYb79_I1VSr0q35Zext5DZwkGKVY1OJsgLQ2xQBe_EQg3arTSrViOx-jR7mBanjNYT6gU/w474-h640/1-IMG_2228.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><br />Tasting #6 - Elote with Boysenberry Butter and Cotija Cheese. I made small ears of corn for my sixth tasting. I mixed some softened butter with the juice and some smaller berries from the can of Knott's Boysenberries I was using for dessert. The corn was cooked briefly on the grill, brushed with this boysenberry butter, and sprinkled with cotija cheese. Quite of few of my guests are not mayonnaise fans, so I left that out of a normal elote recipe.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXM9QsRByzffLi0EKZ_FUuKMk6K37Z0Oh4fZ-tRcqdlvEaW14gs8VKSArIzefRJ7BdPUu0wn2D-cdFBCboFqmyF09OjqDuAGSVt2Oa4RvEykND5uKaBS8EHZM5ciFklMSFr9mTycMlMrFYXIyAHVqJgC8ymsZnLZ-DQt6BaL4WcyKSPUiYIRPqfHN/s4557/1-IMG_2238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3615" data-original-width="4557" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXM9QsRByzffLi0EKZ_FUuKMk6K37Z0Oh4fZ-tRcqdlvEaW14gs8VKSArIzefRJ7BdPUu0wn2D-cdFBCboFqmyF09OjqDuAGSVt2Oa4RvEykND5uKaBS8EHZM5ciFklMSFr9mTycMlMrFYXIyAHVqJgC8ymsZnLZ-DQt6BaL4WcyKSPUiYIRPqfHN/w640-h508/1-IMG_2238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Tasting #7 - For dessert, I served boysenberry cobbler made with Knott's boysenberry cobbler mix and a can of boysenberries. It is super easy to make and tastes delicious. Along with the warm cobbler, guests received a scoop of boysenberry ice cream. I bought a half gallon of plain vanilla ice cream, let it soften a little, then added some of the boysenberry juice and berries from the can I opened for the elote. and mixed these together. Once it tasted like it had enough boysenberries in it, I put the ice cream back in the freezer to harden up until time to serve.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0J6xNMJLCU20Q8bq9U3hFonXHgpAAt8lprb0Zli3VRRwTytg2RnUYL8JzAVsMzgGugbPHQC6qbkztLx5UL_SRsb3m-7Bk_2HUjiQ5QSx8mvtSDwlr96jmN4C6uqZf-IS896N-cArnyccooOuEWZC64qUXoPYGC2L3zMzdAXVz0Pg50ReLp0vImwI/s5197/046-IMG_2168.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3495" data-original-width="5197" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0J6xNMJLCU20Q8bq9U3hFonXHgpAAt8lprb0Zli3VRRwTytg2RnUYL8JzAVsMzgGugbPHQC6qbkztLx5UL_SRsb3m-7Bk_2HUjiQ5QSx8mvtSDwlr96jmN4C6uqZf-IS896N-cArnyccooOuEWZC64qUXoPYGC2L3zMzdAXVz0Pg50ReLp0vImwI/w640-h430/046-IMG_2168.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor: </u></b>I purchased some bags of Knott's Boysenberry Shortbread cookies to use as my party favor. Made a quick little thank you "berry much" tag and attached it. Super simple.<p></p><p>I really enjoyed hosting a party with this theme. From the decor to the yummy food, we all had a great time creating our own Knott's Boysenberry Festival in house!</p><p>*Knott's did not sponsor this post nor provide any free or discounted projects. All opinions are my own.</p></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-3818906715381612342023-03-30T16:45:00.003-07:002023-03-30T16:45:42.909-07:00Mean Girls Dinner Party<p><span style="color: #fd0aa4; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #fd0aa4; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh361QNl-Mp1WMztvLkanUaofz3JGw4cmDzBzg4EqQRnJMSQ1SP8SGikM0l0743P_NN3Ui6OibwRB5VvzsaefnXRwhqbTD3gyUmuBtiOQ0IvzhJ4bMF2V6MNjxAGjcHd_yI1jhu8kDUKS56LOq_Z0Jdv4vGPK3rPIzb7Y4o8dHQ1KFlEow_FVuK2ZT4/s3444/1-Means%20Girls%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2356" data-original-width="3444" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh361QNl-Mp1WMztvLkanUaofz3JGw4cmDzBzg4EqQRnJMSQ1SP8SGikM0l0743P_NN3Ui6OibwRB5VvzsaefnXRwhqbTD3gyUmuBtiOQ0IvzhJ4bMF2V6MNjxAGjcHd_yI1jhu8kDUKS56LOq_Z0Jdv4vGPK3rPIzb7Y4o8dHQ1KFlEow_FVuK2ZT4/w640-h438/1-Means%20Girls%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #fd0aa4; font-size: x-large;">W</span>ith Mean Girls the musical playing in Orange County, I decided to organize my girlfriends for a fun Girls Night Out to see the show. This month's monthly dinner was a few days before our tickets to the theater, so I decided to keep in theme and host a Mean Girls dinner. It was so fun (and the musical was amazing too!). Check out the details.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbmzSfVRtJJxK44Q3QK35RqMAvnLhMoiEu7xImdMNVmTogHXEtvePhe8u1JB0AgsVGaJZjIq2bDQU01DJCJG61pqaKMoCPjMVyH9uBrexjwe6N5wx-ohNEjQgvImzIFx5IV2SWtHOyZq5HUNAbGT4mDssSmgZekgQ9bclqpugBHhhAVtMMEBhK4Nv/s3500/Invite%20Mean%20Girls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbmzSfVRtJJxK44Q3QK35RqMAvnLhMoiEu7xImdMNVmTogHXEtvePhe8u1JB0AgsVGaJZjIq2bDQU01DJCJG61pqaKMoCPjMVyH9uBrexjwe6N5wx-ohNEjQgvImzIFx5IV2SWtHOyZq5HUNAbGT4mDssSmgZekgQ9bclqpugBHhhAVtMMEBhK4Nv/w458-h640/Invite%20Mean%20Girls.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite:</u></b> I modeled the invitation off the iconic Burn Book from the movie downloading a free font that was similar to the actual book. I then added the party details using as many references to Mean Girls quotes as possible. All of us wore pink which added another fun element to the theme.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh02e3xOMa-aR1XZoTfpHzlUQ7oxvYkmRbEheJD5CLa0-S-Nz5VjsOEmijqKZT_j1IUAzhOZkSKTAqa6eqGBbGexLlyurlls7Cag0nKI7DZ8jBzmuT-qFQu45ujDMFIycrvu2OuHHjM-yB3edVvGLWn7fzP-yJ1cG2_Ti-IY5zZiN0cG2n7ACL2bV/s5846/1-IMG_2050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3138" data-original-width="5846" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDh02e3xOMa-aR1XZoTfpHzlUQ7oxvYkmRbEheJD5CLa0-S-Nz5VjsOEmijqKZT_j1IUAzhOZkSKTAqa6eqGBbGexLlyurlls7Cag0nKI7DZ8jBzmuT-qFQu45ujDMFIycrvu2OuHHjM-yB3edVvGLWn7fzP-yJ1cG2_Ti-IY5zZiN0cG2n7ACL2bV/w640-h344/1-IMG_2050.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decorations:</u></b> Of course I went with pink, black, and white as the main colors for the party. I set the table with a bright pink tablecloth and white plates. The centerpiece was iconic items from the movie/musical.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm21hyyar0jhRb1YAYmI5yOQ_YbuNiJVtSxA_VXxbPTw7aCB3cnZOoFpKLfkOKaHDlvi2XSNXuXj3ZBVuv0PhgNMLq3Tt-uZP0EEh9dq8phaItg8pl6BAoQPt0n3nyxX0c9-cQs0egpVsY_ng6TQYnDN6o8O_Gr2gnuwHOmRXUmebCiuPN3uKOy4Y/s4744/1-IMG_2067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4744" data-original-width="3913" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm21hyyar0jhRb1YAYmI5yOQ_YbuNiJVtSxA_VXxbPTw7aCB3cnZOoFpKLfkOKaHDlvi2XSNXuXj3ZBVuv0PhgNMLq3Tt-uZP0EEh9dq8phaItg8pl6BAoQPt0n3nyxX0c9-cQs0egpVsY_ng6TQYnDN6o8O_Gr2gnuwHOmRXUmebCiuPN3uKOy4Y/w528-h640/1-IMG_2067.JPG" width="528" /></a></div><br />The Burn Book centerpiece was made with a rectangular vase and cardstock that I then drew designs and cut out letters to paste on it. I purchased bright and light pink flowers from a local florist to fill the vase.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4Wv1VLPAiKJCUEPgG--jT5vpj0mHValDBV9QALp-apxNmpITJUc-cdLd2niEZWfB_0H9AigOVWLbZsqBrUwglCaRAa3D5KwXkfIUaTRThuZdcW9WbFJuhl_rUiMd9lpkPEwDlasJ4skJ80BcnSgzKdujdbnC2Eyec_s77kJxsPqbesqPk3N6iybZ/s4570/1-IMG_2063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4570" data-original-width="3762" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4Wv1VLPAiKJCUEPgG--jT5vpj0mHValDBV9QALp-apxNmpITJUc-cdLd2niEZWfB_0H9AigOVWLbZsqBrUwglCaRAa3D5KwXkfIUaTRThuZdcW9WbFJuhl_rUiMd9lpkPEwDlasJ4skJ80BcnSgzKdujdbnC2Eyec_s77kJxsPqbesqPk3N6iybZ/w526-h640/1-IMG_2063.JPG" width="526" /></a></div><br />Also on the table was a Santa hat to represent the routine the girls did for the Winter Talent Show.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO0T7WxH0JrpIQW6RAVy9daKg3AR4AAp2e5UQCDZLCknrF1ByGqGmRn2OQpNPeWPsB1rRUSXzfzG0olTAAvmHJ5WQ4EwAk-mvfE8Vi69eJIT50_Io_q1-8-Jxbm9PToOVpEKQ3hE-qPhwtPkqm2Yw-8gIzjtvqtZWjA30Y3fVPDEGBIV5PSO1WXxb/s6000/1-IMG_2064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTO0T7WxH0JrpIQW6RAVy9daKg3AR4AAp2e5UQCDZLCknrF1ByGqGmRn2OQpNPeWPsB1rRUSXzfzG0olTAAvmHJ5WQ4EwAk-mvfE8Vi69eJIT50_Io_q1-8-Jxbm9PToOVpEKQ3hE-qPhwtPkqm2Yw-8gIzjtvqtZWjA30Y3fVPDEGBIV5PSO1WXxb/w640-h426/1-IMG_2064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A cube of butter represented Regina George's question at the cafeteria table asking if butter was a carb as she was trying to perfect her figure for Prom.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaghb90gVZHM4yZbZBoRt1WakrF9F-0uJ9DwMo1S6sRpZC5s1Lb_A2O1samD7Cyo0Ans66cMVjTR0XddbeOh2abfjYFkjTGahUAeUEXiDnX9WBj502AmYa8QfOVyUvuBTa4wQ6k2bdnllVdz7V8MOHHPKGINQY3T6EA5mQlFfI4YLGXn3u32I-iljj/s4821/1-IMG_2080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3244" data-original-width="4821" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaghb90gVZHM4yZbZBoRt1WakrF9F-0uJ9DwMo1S6sRpZC5s1Lb_A2O1samD7Cyo0Ans66cMVjTR0XddbeOh2abfjYFkjTGahUAeUEXiDnX9WBj502AmYa8QfOVyUvuBTa4wQ6k2bdnllVdz7V8MOHHPKGINQY3T6EA5mQlFfI4YLGXn3u32I-iljj/w640-h430/1-IMG_2080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The tiara symbolized the Prom Queen tiara that Cady won that she then breaks into pieces in the movie. The DumDum lollipops represent Karen and her constant stupid questions in the musical and movie. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wpAu9f2HnwSWgkDW8B7DKtZoREv2rBwOfTozjyNYF7pHy03Zf16-cbIVDRCIL0rX_6Qzz_WNCka4ss-Z8MKgkiPMQ_lmtPrY4a1sZ5rwbhDFJIcRZm47bFeyG3SobOlivUA1_v91r0Kv2p3VBmbwd7CbqVELZW0ZI0q8O3KU0dhSBlLGSBguASEI/s5793/1-IMG_2076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3110" data-original-width="5793" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wpAu9f2HnwSWgkDW8B7DKtZoREv2rBwOfTozjyNYF7pHy03Zf16-cbIVDRCIL0rX_6Qzz_WNCka4ss-Z8MKgkiPMQ_lmtPrY4a1sZ5rwbhDFJIcRZm47bFeyG3SobOlivUA1_v91r0Kv2p3VBmbwd7CbqVELZW0ZI0q8O3KU0dhSBlLGSBguASEI/w640-h344/1-IMG_2076.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXroTSB9ScPEYdAsDbK1ZdxLIuQMRdyGgw18VgRxi7u4ob6HoTp9UMzgvY5pXIcFhq3Abf-PIhJXhw5Rkk72zh2H7CAchEyls2TpYnSa_KtpmddphmdbLGHivRqIgRFb6qCmnSNxd8RHdJxnKyTaKun6VUiDHn5c_N2ewIlCYrbri76Tkr3WiesWVs/s3341/1-IMG_2061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3341" data-original-width="3204" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXroTSB9ScPEYdAsDbK1ZdxLIuQMRdyGgw18VgRxi7u4ob6HoTp9UMzgvY5pXIcFhq3Abf-PIhJXhw5Rkk72zh2H7CAchEyls2TpYnSa_KtpmddphmdbLGHivRqIgRFb6qCmnSNxd8RHdJxnKyTaKun6VUiDHn5c_N2ewIlCYrbri76Tkr3WiesWVs/w614-h640/1-IMG_2061.JPG" width="614" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I always find the cut out white tank top scene of the movie and it's corresponding "trend" at the high school hilarious, so I wanted to incorporate it somehow into my dinner. I decide to cut white paper napkins into tank tops with cut outs over the breasts just like the tank top in the movie. I placed a small piece of purple cardstock in between the napkin like Regina's shirt underneath in the movie.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOAIlrpj0TmK63j_rncSNB08m1qcXAt759VPrwjBsHQ9WX3XboxX7ZGK8fqscHtOq7CivENaxlhh-XCz0c0cqgjkX7xBvD3TmLqFkdFv5dQHsBNl0b6-0qUJNf8ynHFQr5OyhtlIBtzTxK4AOfuBPraYg1PJ5XiKdPvQj9ey8CozY2KFusi5QKIrN/s1700/Place%20Card6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="1700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOAIlrpj0TmK63j_rncSNB08m1qcXAt759VPrwjBsHQ9WX3XboxX7ZGK8fqscHtOq7CivENaxlhh-XCz0c0cqgjkX7xBvD3TmLqFkdFv5dQHsBNl0b6-0qUJNf8ynHFQr5OyhtlIBtzTxK4AOfuBPraYg1PJ5XiKdPvQj9ey8CozY2KFusi5QKIrN/s320/Place%20Card6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM45vYdblokMTxlPtv6HK2EGkJHixEXii9xoZ6SqRQXTIXEam8I090oJuDD3RT9Xr65MFZjUD0VsshPJYKB6u4iRb1bXfGoIyO-RyhLden9U9GrDuoZfEllelaDcj0ycrHeNkFTbDGn4pzrGxhnayzTAEiearOfb3wzPPq80HbCuZ_wyvthRaD-Lb/s1700/Place%20Card3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="1700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrM45vYdblokMTxlPtv6HK2EGkJHixEXii9xoZ6SqRQXTIXEam8I090oJuDD3RT9Xr65MFZjUD0VsshPJYKB6u4iRb1bXfGoIyO-RyhLden9U9GrDuoZfEllelaDcj0ycrHeNkFTbDGn4pzrGxhnayzTAEiearOfb3wzPPq80HbCuZ_wyvthRaD-Lb/s320/Place%20Card3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As place cards, I printed the guest's in the same Mean Girls font that I used on the invitation, and paired each name with a popular saying in the movie. I printed these and placed them on the center of each plate. Besides the above examples, some other guests were "So Grool," "So Fetch," or "She's REALLY pretty." </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeIna0srt94pKobuPGHGfmph7rxVpDEtvr4bTPNLutHL_RcukLg5HT3DT7fM0ZcFk2bRlQQFI95BJ4NdFdmMp-CU2nTWLV8hpF2vKGASjK3JaWoUDtg4tmWJxvhwBRYukZiu-KRGPOXVYaN6X3XckqMeZatdqM61tmMArXn_tHschOXtJj7Z9zJMk/s4542/1-IMG_2049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4542" data-original-width="3076" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeIna0srt94pKobuPGHGfmph7rxVpDEtvr4bTPNLutHL_RcukLg5HT3DT7fM0ZcFk2bRlQQFI95BJ4NdFdmMp-CU2nTWLV8hpF2vKGASjK3JaWoUDtg4tmWJxvhwBRYukZiu-KRGPOXVYaN6X3XckqMeZatdqM61tmMArXn_tHschOXtJj7Z9zJMk/w434-h640/1-IMG_2049.JPG" width="434" /></a></div><br />In the movie/musical, the three main girls are called The Plastics because of their fake nature. I decided to use plastic utensils instead of silverware to tie in this piece. I created a sleeve for the utensils and designed a "Beware of the Plastics" image to glue to the front.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJbMlMY0FReCk3Fw94ik6S392lmwrF5vxvsXKT4NBuz-cxOipe-SezKU_0y0TfpglbjDR12BuEamJk6xkQwK1khRw9UgpC_NCaQvLJNOWhLFsMq-EVcq5NnoUs_3DHifxa6lKSf1rcUJ6BSsEGiepT_XfYPUkp4MJaOfMu1XZNZFqXSEkyt7CiPIz/s5630/1-IMG_2055.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3119" data-original-width="5630" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJbMlMY0FReCk3Fw94ik6S392lmwrF5vxvsXKT4NBuz-cxOipe-SezKU_0y0TfpglbjDR12BuEamJk6xkQwK1khRw9UgpC_NCaQvLJNOWhLFsMq-EVcq5NnoUs_3DHifxa6lKSf1rcUJ6BSsEGiepT_XfYPUkp4MJaOfMu1XZNZFqXSEkyt7CiPIz/w640-h354/1-IMG_2055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ThUdjVKKlB1L3gveNlY2tM4vkF3CZWY-zKKvzluzfQUBNSzwssgRFnLdy0r-MLUj4MXKn0ceL2-1Ut49ll13_gT2p1pUWA9bZP5eXmfAyAGtrpC7Si3Xh7ANqaQIQ9grjvjPrSmozbhztQQ_41jXTkeNalbs5BLm3f0VXIiKv4tX9eHON9Lf84f7/s5721/1-IMG_2119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2585" data-original-width="5721" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ThUdjVKKlB1L3gveNlY2tM4vkF3CZWY-zKKvzluzfQUBNSzwssgRFnLdy0r-MLUj4MXKn0ceL2-1Ut49ll13_gT2p1pUWA9bZP5eXmfAyAGtrpC7Si3Xh7ANqaQIQ9grjvjPrSmozbhztQQ_41jXTkeNalbs5BLm3f0VXIiKv4tX9eHON9Lf84f7/w640-h290/1-IMG_2119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I created a simple banner out of cardstock and fishing line to read "That's So Fetch" with lips in between words.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2jqCXQTGBRw-xkbsuFdA27PWGTgRiafpJGJ81Z4-4afobuRkS16whlYyQEmWxfPzsolf-bjeJAs74_GgOThWCBCc4V4-SQPLSloIESvS5G9IlFSqMgM7k7QXjCbQlEMGqzqs_7vL2k2WUyqHpFBt7Gt01DklVTil82pq1rH1LnkZY_DHG-VgMuOz/s6000/1-IMG_2025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2jqCXQTGBRw-xkbsuFdA27PWGTgRiafpJGJ81Z4-4afobuRkS16whlYyQEmWxfPzsolf-bjeJAs74_GgOThWCBCc4V4-SQPLSloIESvS5G9IlFSqMgM7k7QXjCbQlEMGqzqs_7vL2k2WUyqHpFBt7Gt01DklVTil82pq1rH1LnkZY_DHG-VgMuOz/w426-h640/1-IMG_2025.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I designed wine labels to match common sayings in the movie as well. On one bottle I tweaked the "You Can't Sit with Us" phrase from the movie into "You Can't SIP with us". For another bottle, I played off the Halloween scene where Karen says, "I'm a mouse, duh" when she has mouse ears on. Just switched mouse to wine bottle.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvqRsY3u76MD8o6ezBF-ZuWhD2gyP1BzEvdh7iswLjzKD-SkQB9gjitQzqWFlBx7IWc2u0WsFTz0AIURc3tEqy1GvsfwApGkJyHccucTk5sOCFR7i_uF9eUPfD2ELfVatFLoplVJ8nS_pKAWuAIH8Uqa6SJHuGKKk7y6qMD1on30wcygKVOQ8ejFi/s1023/1-image000002.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1023" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvqRsY3u76MD8o6ezBF-ZuWhD2gyP1BzEvdh7iswLjzKD-SkQB9gjitQzqWFlBx7IWc2u0WsFTz0AIURc3tEqy1GvsfwApGkJyHccucTk5sOCFR7i_uF9eUPfD2ELfVatFLoplVJ8nS_pKAWuAIH8Uqa6SJHuGKKk7y6qMD1on30wcygKVOQ8ejFi/w640-h480/1-image000002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>For wine charms, I designed small circles will various iconic items from the movie/play. The iconic pieces were pretty easy to find online and create into charms. Some of the items I used: The Burn Book, Boo You Whore, You Go Glen Coco, etc.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX7ZzeyYVjXV4jgcLQyoVRnOO9aD9UqE-RQTC3_nnZ31t9-rVx7SVTWsiBh2wmL_-hvSIG2yqZ2GOI9h9Q9xXr60FvqO8eMn1rOGn5szyD0D7zcnyxgl5E17ovhm5irS5GlbpihSPh4S--cST_WvSYLiu5tEbXCLNDnNVjis09rfjGrKKne-gREHr/s4665/1-IMG_2089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4665" data-original-width="3848" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX7ZzeyYVjXV4jgcLQyoVRnOO9aD9UqE-RQTC3_nnZ31t9-rVx7SVTWsiBh2wmL_-hvSIG2yqZ2GOI9h9Q9xXr60FvqO8eMn1rOGn5szyD0D7zcnyxgl5E17ovhm5irS5GlbpihSPh4S--cST_WvSYLiu5tEbXCLNDnNVjis09rfjGrKKne-gREHr/w528-h640/1-IMG_2089.JPG" width="528" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu:</u></b> There are a ton of food references in Mean Girls, so it wasn't too difficult to come up with a menu. We started with a Caesar Salad to represent when Gretchen gives her speech about Julius Caesar and let's her class know "We should totally just stab Caesar".<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVOHOeBFeG4V-nLQTetBqidHoaGz5bsWz1P5CLu6MnDxMO-4JRJFQZ29QNAu7LaN-zVYQNNpJBYYh7LUQX_OvOiTcQ7xXL5ouwSAMi487knFUAowUGozjM_ciiFyf9DICOaEl0Y_W5GUgJARCRcbBll-SDtaVol25MvqqCsawRQFfVfNNsnDBxt1u/s5846/1-IMG_2102.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3562" data-original-width="5846" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVOHOeBFeG4V-nLQTetBqidHoaGz5bsWz1P5CLu6MnDxMO-4JRJFQZ29QNAu7LaN-zVYQNNpJBYYh7LUQX_OvOiTcQ7xXL5ouwSAMi487knFUAowUGozjM_ciiFyf9DICOaEl0Y_W5GUgJARCRcbBll-SDtaVol25MvqqCsawRQFfVfNNsnDBxt1u/w640-h390/1-IMG_2102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the main dish, I served delicious hot dogs. I didn't want just plain hot dogs, so I purchased Roasted Red Pepper and Garlic Chicken Sausages, and they were tasty. This dish went with Janis Ian's response to her note in the Burn Book, "Made Out with a Hot Dog? Oh my God, that was one time!"<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuvZ2nDLQb5eiGS2fsIAfLWqRLiavLtUX7kD3DLzMOhTDuAS-vh-0dMTlWCLwYG8XXcGi225ZNv7wUsr2dPahPEJO7a2oka1niQnVaURcyJ49ioLFvM8m7fuKVcVDuu4HLfD9uytM8GeaC-UttEbyewbUMI8vlMFl7XUcValTpyxts_Od2Cqy5nQe/s5047/1-IMG_2104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3471" data-original-width="5047" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEuvZ2nDLQb5eiGS2fsIAfLWqRLiavLtUX7kD3DLzMOhTDuAS-vh-0dMTlWCLwYG8XXcGi225ZNv7wUsr2dPahPEJO7a2oka1niQnVaURcyJ49ioLFvM8m7fuKVcVDuu4HLfD9uytM8GeaC-UttEbyewbUMI8vlMFl7XUcValTpyxts_Od2Cqy5nQe/w640-h440/1-IMG_2104.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>Along with this, I served cheese fries to with with Regina George's comment, "Whatever, I'm Getting Cheese Fries." Frozen french fries and shredded cheese...easy.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2tlhCAE6QSU4WyQIR-SOZPXCyGBi5G8ujFPSIg1vNrnbtDeWEI_iPmynY-zIdsiPVwL7YOIsvxWZIgvvW-3r7uxEp2dIjyRofOfl9fHLktW93fn1PK1jSTl2NO7xQHyGiE2ClgUpBS8AfRtX6ETXmUG4BskIhVcUr1Y92cR8uClRdjtJiyT6IM3G/s1936/1-image000000%20(3).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1452" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2tlhCAE6QSU4WyQIR-SOZPXCyGBi5G8ujFPSIg1vNrnbtDeWEI_iPmynY-zIdsiPVwL7YOIsvxWZIgvvW-3r7uxEp2dIjyRofOfl9fHLktW93fn1PK1jSTl2NO7xQHyGiE2ClgUpBS8AfRtX6ETXmUG4BskIhVcUr1Y92cR8uClRdjtJiyT6IM3G/w480-h640/1-image000000%20(3).JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I made strawberry shortcake out of Toaster Strudel. I baked the strawberry toaster strudel, cut each in half, and layered the halves with sliced strawberries and whip cream. This went with Gretchen Weiner's comment about her father.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYCtlqp4cHBbAdIIe67pbDfnzjuzbR-Hxj1MdAj_kFFyh0jAGlXPh-rXSv33enCfyHtLRhltG24cLh82SYQy-Gz_VywmGEFyuAMtFvDY5uPjlwJV7YYpbT0N2oRHhpaHeWDd92hdCP2l0hol4HBL_cm-pKX4K0vgDElgwjRBeKLNK7mVojYBE1Yle/s4879/1-IMG_2033.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3966" data-original-width="4879" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYCtlqp4cHBbAdIIe67pbDfnzjuzbR-Hxj1MdAj_kFFyh0jAGlXPh-rXSv33enCfyHtLRhltG24cLh82SYQy-Gz_VywmGEFyuAMtFvDY5uPjlwJV7YYpbT0N2oRHhpaHeWDd92hdCP2l0hol4HBL_cm-pKX4K0vgDElgwjRBeKLNK7mVojYBE1Yle/w640-h520/1-IMG_2033.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocuG-yD6EdMWWqvT_Li055wSO-pmwkTEWZznFs2gNR-yYv7TFZ9XI71cEQzw-7-ggioiumyG8TugHJxt_urD-_1P9pZHC2tufkaYji8xw0EcYxo3qdDpVrareXHaAruC_CKZjFj9iMCMg5qA3SSI-_4nhj5BOjHdrgwG7x0cyTxhGSB_U4z1ZUaHi/s6000/1-IMG_2036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocuG-yD6EdMWWqvT_Li055wSO-pmwkTEWZznFs2gNR-yYv7TFZ9XI71cEQzw-7-ggioiumyG8TugHJxt_urD-_1P9pZHC2tufkaYji8xw0EcYxo3qdDpVrareXHaAruC_CKZjFj9iMCMg5qA3SSI-_4nhj5BOjHdrgwG7x0cyTxhGSB_U4z1ZUaHi/w640-h426/1-IMG_2036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Favor:</u></b> For a party favor, I had a Kalteen bar for each guest. I bought Hershey bars from the grocery, and then wrapped a new wrapper around them to look like the Kalteen bar in the movie. <p></p><p>This was a super fun and easy theme for a girls night. It would be great for a birthday party or movie showing night with the ladies.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-2722903802345228332023-02-13T11:42:00.001-08:002023-02-13T11:42:34.902-08:00National Chopsticks Day - February 6th<p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3Qc5tfur8oZ0ID_y4pKukXGJg36eqj66cm6A9GqbCHwkRwxqaXU442hwWwmPlCj1BgM8N-UQm5uEyMzNRb6f-aAeu2CNzcY-WRxbk7v4YMbKSH-HntVwG5ijVspRkCYI_ohcKNnCVgMoxh-qZIClLjL8FF1Ge2SEkEz0kQZogzuaVwZNktuwH-tq/s3030/1-Chopsticks%20MD%2020231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2607" data-original-width="3030" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3Qc5tfur8oZ0ID_y4pKukXGJg36eqj66cm6A9GqbCHwkRwxqaXU442hwWwmPlCj1BgM8N-UQm5uEyMzNRb6f-aAeu2CNzcY-WRxbk7v4YMbKSH-HntVwG5ijVspRkCYI_ohcKNnCVgMoxh-qZIClLjL8FF1Ge2SEkEz0kQZogzuaVwZNktuwH-tq/w640-h550/1-Chopsticks%20MD%2020231.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;">D</span></b>id you know that February 6th is National Chopsticks Day? Neither did I until I was looking for a theme for my monthly dinner and a friend told me some February 6th holidays. So, this very random day became my theme as we celebrated all things having to do with chopsticks.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsitNTZW4sgZVBIgj-ZtC2zqpwpEwrpUesUvBIRbasITHIOAuN6qxWWIit_3cErN6OQVkTdmoklT6rCZUYVpX14JZ-pNz94pnsd5Y44vyAY_6eaNZBEMHBZjOB3nubAGTu315-Ws3uy3xOI5FBcDD462IxjMCMLqQH26MI5TiT88T6cfpSvndLXZTn/s3500/Chopstick%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsitNTZW4sgZVBIgj-ZtC2zqpwpEwrpUesUvBIRbasITHIOAuN6qxWWIit_3cErN6OQVkTdmoklT6rCZUYVpX14JZ-pNz94pnsd5Y44vyAY_6eaNZBEMHBZjOB3nubAGTu315-Ws3uy3xOI5FBcDD462IxjMCMLqQH26MI5TiT88T6cfpSvndLXZTn/w458-h640/Chopstick%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite: </u></b>I found the image in the circle online and decided to design my invitation around that color scheme. I found an image of chopsticks that matched this color to place in the background and then just added the dinner party details.<br /><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwk8iUWW2Xa_7YogoFT8eUtwulJJhAeQ932liY6VRnB2Ft_jaEUgHKR2ZTPfu_2OP7gHove8yK9pMkmi16_EX7bmeXJ2YPbIKf1i4ienfv4eUJK-fFekTWZxS3rj1SW2lk1s5ARAq1Gzv16gBNxpdUqXEQckOmZcsFAwecfQ0_0IqIsgremErluMl/s5822/1-IMG_1957.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3360" data-original-width="5822" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwk8iUWW2Xa_7YogoFT8eUtwulJJhAeQ932liY6VRnB2Ft_jaEUgHKR2ZTPfu_2OP7gHove8yK9pMkmi16_EX7bmeXJ2YPbIKf1i4ienfv4eUJK-fFekTWZxS3rj1SW2lk1s5ARAq1Gzv16gBNxpdUqXEQckOmZcsFAwecfQ0_0IqIsgremErluMl/w640-h370/1-IMG_1957.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Decorations:</u></b> I kept the decor cheap and easy for this dinner. For the centerpiece, I purchase plain white Chinese to-go boxes from Michaels and a bouquet of bright flowers. I printed out the National Chopsticks Day circle to glue to the front of each. I placed a small drinking glass inside each box and divided the bouquet between the three vases. To top it off, I added a pair of chopsticks into each mini bouquet. These to-go boxes were placed on top of scrapbook paper in colors that matched the party invitation.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguils839D1EbLbj6P9KiF8YphwE8kPr3zFkc5muaDmgwgWj9IU_1PVNEZ-TuuQGEKZe7WTC7xp6xhwWnPn1tzxXJANQSpSyG6HXqcRelQqksAdO7wwPOXzgY9_2HJ-7h0Oi-DYCHluxDmoxqW9f7M-KRtFxETIbTNiQ_8FS-6nmPF8zZcN0zwUzbUL/s4368/1-IMG_1955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4368" data-original-width="3726" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguils839D1EbLbj6P9KiF8YphwE8kPr3zFkc5muaDmgwgWj9IU_1PVNEZ-TuuQGEKZe7WTC7xp6xhwWnPn1tzxXJANQSpSyG6HXqcRelQqksAdO7wwPOXzgY9_2HJ-7h0Oi-DYCHluxDmoxqW9f7M-KRtFxETIbTNiQ_8FS-6nmPF8zZcN0zwUzbUL/w546-h640/1-IMG_1955.JPG" width="546" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepfrM0rg4s-xmInRpvQ7gDY-W1oSmea8dFecFsK26pnCPJd_p7YRf5S38JHvM7oebIP2FM11Xg_qkiZl71RmhMV8fHph1Up_FggkabRdsnaTSv9yyDppVg7QY-8i0631R7SyDR_iREKtgcDMrOLMhyuxeOcdr3oaLnKPbjOovEfaJGiG42rzMTMHL/s5586/1-IMG_1968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3437" data-original-width="5586" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepfrM0rg4s-xmInRpvQ7gDY-W1oSmea8dFecFsK26pnCPJd_p7YRf5S38JHvM7oebIP2FM11Xg_qkiZl71RmhMV8fHph1Up_FggkabRdsnaTSv9yyDppVg7QY-8i0631R7SyDR_iREKtgcDMrOLMhyuxeOcdr3oaLnKPbjOovEfaJGiG42rzMTMHL/w640-h394/1-IMG_1968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For placecards, I made chopstick holders and added each guest's name to the front. To spice them up a bit, I followed a Youtube video on folding paper into a Japanese crane which looked neat. To save money, I just used scrapbook paper I already owned for this, but since my paper was thick, it was challenging to fold into perfect cranes. It probably would have been better to purchase origami paper, if you really want these to be easy to fold and have a tighter look. I bought chopsticks off Amazon that matched the theme, and slid a pair into each crane.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zec6wSoaEB2baK3CjSO_yUxxw8PWdPUh-lnuqbOrUHJ07DKMBT_qF2wuJTF--7FJmHvkCKXZX0PKawac3Snci43Iymp6S1TAUFyk-4VUfb2c362mRnv5gx_cj_FVivN_46Tsa70dItk_OPSaD-7SNbjTtsygr6_N_C5zhkYJY2IFWqVvDG5ccvAg/s2657/1-Chopsticks%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="2657" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zec6wSoaEB2baK3CjSO_yUxxw8PWdPUh-lnuqbOrUHJ07DKMBT_qF2wuJTF--7FJmHvkCKXZX0PKawac3Snci43Iymp6S1TAUFyk-4VUfb2c362mRnv5gx_cj_FVivN_46Tsa70dItk_OPSaD-7SNbjTtsygr6_N_C5zhkYJY2IFWqVvDG5ccvAg/w640-h384/1-Chopsticks%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />On top of each napkin I created a tag with a fact about chopsticks. Each napkin had a different fact. The girls and I had fun reading each fact aloud during the evening. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTTnwsfNocKXbZNSN7O7nPlMRwvqeWEWH7TnTMfm3lS3ZoFvtm5N5Jsvj8omJyKkNpQRfIa4PSM2c-H6UcCES4RK86PvF_IH86GPelppdaHZjGgPhJoL_XU_2KSHNYFVefElmfpNjQ6O8RjlecIqM-GzN6Ga1h5fTvdvIEedb4Ni1JeOlBpp5pdGQ/s6000/1-IMG_1983.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTTnwsfNocKXbZNSN7O7nPlMRwvqeWEWH7TnTMfm3lS3ZoFvtm5N5Jsvj8omJyKkNpQRfIa4PSM2c-H6UcCES4RK86PvF_IH86GPelppdaHZjGgPhJoL_XU_2KSHNYFVefElmfpNjQ6O8RjlecIqM-GzN6Ga1h5fTvdvIEedb4Ni1JeOlBpp5pdGQ/w426-h640/1-IMG_1983.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I designed wine labels that to match out theme and meal. For the white wine, I designed a fortune cookie with "Wine is in your future" as the fortune. For the red wine, it was "let the good times ROLL and the wine flow" which sushi rolls and chopsticks.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_B1nM9trdh5nB6b4Jo_L-t9FICts2cD1iXxMzlICM55z4JTSeguPdS1oeU8pP_Hts0K-jRMnqsXGSmyxX930K7C28RVAlGiUXx2Xix9Qd74PLBBnBeH7F8l32IuH6n1uAesVDlu72c2DbwxvGsMF2nAiEavrTFAElzDi550_J0-5MAvUKdp5lFjO/s640/1-wine%20group.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_B1nM9trdh5nB6b4Jo_L-t9FICts2cD1iXxMzlICM55z4JTSeguPdS1oeU8pP_Hts0K-jRMnqsXGSmyxX930K7C28RVAlGiUXx2Xix9Qd74PLBBnBeH7F8l32IuH6n1uAesVDlu72c2DbwxvGsMF2nAiEavrTFAElzDi550_J0-5MAvUKdp5lFjO/w480-h640/1-wine%20group.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBNCruTcjn1zudcezxh2gTQnfPmuvmOnapaS2LF6Ab_HbNskA7I58_CZjiS9hmwE5xWeIrD8v-jmFiD_30TI8Ly43hE8Dr77e3wKNJYSDFGOXyd7kVnjrkr06_wK40pbuWGe8RNoD9xCorIvaB21mXtkgi0giJtAjYKx_UNNM5Lj5eLvuj-c83ht2/s4032/wine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBNCruTcjn1zudcezxh2gTQnfPmuvmOnapaS2LF6Ab_HbNskA7I58_CZjiS9hmwE5xWeIrD8v-jmFiD_30TI8Ly43hE8Dr77e3wKNJYSDFGOXyd7kVnjrkr06_wK40pbuWGe8RNoD9xCorIvaB21mXtkgi0giJtAjYKx_UNNM5Lj5eLvuj-c83ht2/w480-h640/wine.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I painted toothpicks in various colors and attached a pair to each wine glass with fishing line to look like mini chopsticks.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraPoESO2Pm6zlJr5txRwj5a6oZjg04Uk2O3LwDDbnQvcdj3V2iY9eu3MIuIS2fmj5XDkmG6HdoEPOHrT6RYuQBjI4F7yymncy-Z0pDQLXpwMq_KUeSEtfx2tY2MdhFIaRjdAZp-SPBRyItXgSnM3tNU-XAivfuWDUAAqS3as2x7GFEwsV1nBvPRdZ/s6000/1-IMG_1992.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjraPoESO2Pm6zlJr5txRwj5a6oZjg04Uk2O3LwDDbnQvcdj3V2iY9eu3MIuIS2fmj5XDkmG6HdoEPOHrT6RYuQBjI4F7yymncy-Z0pDQLXpwMq_KUeSEtfx2tY2MdhFIaRjdAZp-SPBRyItXgSnM3tNU-XAivfuWDUAAqS3as2x7GFEwsV1nBvPRdZ/w640-h426/1-IMG_1992.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Party Games: </u></b> I used two Minute to Win It games that involved chopsticks to add to the evening fun. The first was the Marshmallow Chopstick Challenge. A bowl of marshmallows is placed in the middle and each guest is given a small bowl and a pair of chopsticks. Blindfolds are usually used, but I didn't have enough of them, so we just closed our eyes. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-anweG87cwRx38-k9XRFDK4CxvUKgXyO1oa2ZhOB0P3TtEPuY_an5OAUArUXcI2l5Kf4f0-PtE9bb1w-YRjmsRgsPae9ZIa55X17B87XTuyOrXdwZzwuGcUdEO9W29-WtRrJbbjPbOBRoxH6pFORJMOjTG2f8RUXDjvdBJmEp2fdePNE-XWOSIYC4/s6000/1-IMG_1995.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-anweG87cwRx38-k9XRFDK4CxvUKgXyO1oa2ZhOB0P3TtEPuY_an5OAUArUXcI2l5Kf4f0-PtE9bb1w-YRjmsRgsPae9ZIa55X17B87XTuyOrXdwZzwuGcUdEO9W29-WtRrJbbjPbOBRoxH6pFORJMOjTG2f8RUXDjvdBJmEp2fdePNE-XWOSIYC4/w426-h640/1-IMG_1995.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />The participants have one minute to see how many marshmallows they can transfer from the large bowl to their own little bowl. It is definitely harder than it looks!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6loFXSYVnLg4ninYkd25k1JZb7Gvulb52zz774p6dB8TGFYHTr4HXbsGiKUtxwzzJYhok20byHNuSfFHaIOAEn8OVfL9GO2MkCpyfFsHj3ATL1eQGyh04gGHl7hkE-D18o9lp0TNX_Fq1gKy_bTI8C5x2WMTvmFZrb0X8jlgQwY9V4sPhcCTmYuX/s6000/1-IMG_1989.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6loFXSYVnLg4ninYkd25k1JZb7Gvulb52zz774p6dB8TGFYHTr4HXbsGiKUtxwzzJYhok20byHNuSfFHaIOAEn8OVfL9GO2MkCpyfFsHj3ATL1eQGyh04gGHl7hkE-D18o9lp0TNX_Fq1gKy_bTI8C5x2WMTvmFZrb0X8jlgQwY9V4sPhcCTmYuX/w426-h640/1-IMG_1989.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />The second game was the Chopstick Chapstick Challenge. For this game, guests have to stack 3 chapsticks on top of each other using only chopsticks. This is timed, so the winner is the guest that can do it the fastest.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJkXr4WmNwo_TX6D6RjRv4581-EJ7UWwRCaLwUVmjRT7-tRr2fJiMVnzTQyHgg67rEU_YEiiWKIh_IlI1PQbV59TRNgNvXRlW1iyff5ukIQWWj6EuNyleW-9Bo3l2QcdVqcfOyC3aBqBfFMSLeufb73b-l2WDt3qlpqk1cPyjU1PsQtcuOiqazxYt/s5639/1-IMG_2021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5639" data-original-width="3769" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJkXr4WmNwo_TX6D6RjRv4581-EJ7UWwRCaLwUVmjRT7-tRr2fJiMVnzTQyHgg67rEU_YEiiWKIh_IlI1PQbV59TRNgNvXRlW1iyff5ukIQWWj6EuNyleW-9Bo3l2QcdVqcfOyC3aBqBfFMSLeufb73b-l2WDt3qlpqk1cPyjU1PsQtcuOiqazxYt/w428-h640/1-IMG_2021.JPG" width="428" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRF8KuDm0Ztl6Jy1EA17jAKyxuyMFwRWwlm8fEgr1MZsiYcNP00MknTI_sxmMXMMmkgrA1DYmFFzjGy6sme6oLNEyEwqDufZCi_7OLS6bmvzQAD5-PoWokZFW532Oq76kvnVzoC67RwIHE9xKQuB8K6odS1GuoHFyRnSOsgQY05noi9FZBkKWLpsr/s1570/eggroll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1452" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRF8KuDm0Ztl6Jy1EA17jAKyxuyMFwRWwlm8fEgr1MZsiYcNP00MknTI_sxmMXMMmkgrA1DYmFFzjGy6sme6oLNEyEwqDufZCi_7OLS6bmvzQAD5-PoWokZFW532Oq76kvnVzoC67RwIHE9xKQuB8K6odS1GuoHFyRnSOsgQY05noi9FZBkKWLpsr/w592-h640/eggroll.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><br />Menu: </u></b> We started the evening with vegetarian egg rolls as an appetizer. I purchased these at Costco rather than making them myself. Cheating a bit, but as a working mom, I have to make some concessions.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwFDZikUYat9Aiyh4tdO5e1lidOD5Pggv0PwIl02YljOBIZRAeGnP1IwMEYkzYUIcAVOGEzITvQHjVZJxk1X1IOfWUGAH3fO7OwhXJoAFWPrOAMlNC2RSBhoGE8XY0IjByyhnRrEEwF1cM0sbrSfcabZhzPD9KmyAW8R7ye9Wz1-oxGXa6jXtHSNA/s6000/1-IMG_2008.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwFDZikUYat9Aiyh4tdO5e1lidOD5Pggv0PwIl02YljOBIZRAeGnP1IwMEYkzYUIcAVOGEzITvQHjVZJxk1X1IOfWUGAH3fO7OwhXJoAFWPrOAMlNC2RSBhoGE8XY0IjByyhnRrEEwF1cM0sbrSfcabZhzPD9KmyAW8R7ye9Wz1-oxGXa6jXtHSNA/w640-h426/1-IMG_2008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the main dish, I made <a href="https://www.eatingonadime.com/chicken-on-a-stick-recipe/">Grilled Chicken Teriyaki</a>. I put them on skewers so they would look a little bit like chopsticks, but decided against using actual chopsticks since they are so much thicker than a skewer. This recipe called for several ingredients I don't usually use, so it was a bit more expensive to make, but they were easy to make, cooked quickly on the grill, and were delicious.<p></p><p>I also made Chow Mein which was tasty. I followed this <a href="https://natashaskitchen.com/chicken-chow-mein/">recipe</a>, but left out the chicken since I was having the skewers already.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirubM1P8169-9yrzwhVJNnZyoJ5bgEvwnnqMY3iu-qG4DPI6YzORiPGyk9w5mTpk3D_cdCe0CBfpsHTRPadsi6WzOPNEJv8l_RD9kZCJMTkO2aw0OtfvvXCLedxc06qO2bktmHm3oogSuCjQ801TIu5KdKNy9mnknJiaPd5CnMOPQPyDiIy_U19xXs/s5947/1-IMG_2013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3316" data-original-width="5947" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirubM1P8169-9yrzwhVJNnZyoJ5bgEvwnnqMY3iu-qG4DPI6YzORiPGyk9w5mTpk3D_cdCe0CBfpsHTRPadsi6WzOPNEJv8l_RD9kZCJMTkO2aw0OtfvvXCLedxc06qO2bktmHm3oogSuCjQ801TIu5KdKNy9mnknJiaPd5CnMOPQPyDiIy_U19xXs/w640-h356/1-IMG_2013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For dessert, we had <a href="https://www.tastemade.com/recipes/sushi-smores">s'more sushi</a>. This was really popular and liked by all the guests. The recipe makes it look easy, but it is a bit of a challenge to get and keep it in a tight roll. I had to keep it in the refrigerator until serving so the marshmallow didn't melt and alter the shape of the roll. We also found that the recipe didn't call for enough marshmallows in the bottom layer. Discovered this with the first attempt, so we added more marshmallows for the next two rolls, and it worked much better.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj_P9rphtS-z_kYRJtBPGrHsB4n_EK9i39qcuuSQRBBAb8FhmbWDF3EQ5fxg7VITfXslRhz3rFvicbQOOL4DR7P0g12K7EWgvpRpZc3vpnEi6tf5JB9KCE4Yw3hQny7h_67FNQ-n4LsJk4rZ419Oi9DS5ojirXguNFmK9sffF6buyJ5wY5gY_5HUN/s4032/favor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj_P9rphtS-z_kYRJtBPGrHsB4n_EK9i39qcuuSQRBBAb8FhmbWDF3EQ5fxg7VITfXslRhz3rFvicbQOOL4DR7P0g12K7EWgvpRpZc3vpnEi6tf5JB9KCE4Yw3hQny7h_67FNQ-n4LsJk4rZ419Oi9DS5ojirXguNFmK9sffF6buyJ5wY5gY_5HUN/w480-h640/favor.jpg" width="480" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn-_oocOWVxz_c3d4yVq-t2lrlK10JrLcl5Kqfowp_mZazb8WVTxqwKUO1uKoYhBFwifMkfZQAF95I2RVTbqp8bs6mFZn_pN-u3uXqLFlRTklcAUNYILdaNOAjcypQb2YIHAgcPWiUNAqDS9kq9xJyTAadtuS8XrijXgVneN6x0yBFx0scbL5NT3Q/s4167/1-IMG_1948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4167" data-original-width="3949" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkn-_oocOWVxz_c3d4yVq-t2lrlK10JrLcl5Kqfowp_mZazb8WVTxqwKUO1uKoYhBFwifMkfZQAF95I2RVTbqp8bs6mFZn_pN-u3uXqLFlRTklcAUNYILdaNOAjcypQb2YIHAgcPWiUNAqDS9kq9xJyTAadtuS8XrijXgVneN6x0yBFx0scbL5NT3Q/w606-h640/1-IMG_1948.JPG" width="606" /></a></div><br />Favor: </u></b>Trying to come up with a parting gift that centered around chopsticks was a challenge because I didn't want to just give the a pair of chopsticks. Instead, I decided to buy Pocky to simulate chopsticks. I bought small Chinese to-go boxes from Michaels and placed a fortune cookie inside each one before adding the Pocky to the top.<p></p><div>This was a fun chopstick filled evening. Might have to repeat it next February 6th!</div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-13548407713590869762023-01-05T21:19:00.000-08:002023-01-05T21:19:09.693-08:00Hats Off to a New Year<p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWiuT__-ss59KQhDpaTEDVDy_sDldWPJD8scNOvfC3HaJ-x825yct6YF9GK39frxakOON10soDFZpslUu6hS8pYELF7IXpMfDSWwYt1fl9A4_dmyW9fX5ZBvtF_FITfXyjyfglkk1_ZMF84ls7I1FuycWorri4ci_MNgrE47CCtM6svmhySWjOnjE/s3979/1-Hat%20MD%202023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2253" data-original-width="3979" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWiuT__-ss59KQhDpaTEDVDy_sDldWPJD8scNOvfC3HaJ-x825yct6YF9GK39frxakOON10soDFZpslUu6hS8pYELF7IXpMfDSWwYt1fl9A4_dmyW9fX5ZBvtF_FITfXyjyfglkk1_ZMF84ls7I1FuycWorri4ci_MNgrE47CCtM6svmhySWjOnjE/w640-h362/1-Hat%20MD%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>t's 2023! I am looking forward to the new adventures and happenings of this year for sure. This first monthly dinner of 2023 we had some simple fun with a hat themed dinner party. Hats as decor, hat shaped/themed food, and hats on each guest. It was an easy theme to incorporate into a birthday party, new year party, or just a gathering with friends. <p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKhudj9XdcKqfnTi1HhSqqP2-uUcIYERSOWRZgXiwU6ab72NEP1Iq56auYiwgHnLVh8xgK_E5kJ3wKJAh-qZJRBZWU0llGlkuHGeX5Wcwo2U2EgVkvlply-3ZhhOhEPyb10IoCFlRIhJEeaos8XmW0zo6BTvcOJXLXesFfuKbxgulNxSYgn-Ges8t/s2100/Hats%20off%20to%202023%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKhudj9XdcKqfnTi1HhSqqP2-uUcIYERSOWRZgXiwU6ab72NEP1Iq56auYiwgHnLVh8xgK_E5kJ3wKJAh-qZJRBZWU0llGlkuHGeX5Wcwo2U2EgVkvlply-3ZhhOhEPyb10IoCFlRIhJEeaos8XmW0zo6BTvcOJXLXesFfuKbxgulNxSYgn-Ges8t/w640-h458/Hats%20off%20to%202023%20Invitation.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p><b><u>Invite: </u></b>Of course the invitation had to have lots of hats. I decided to use red as my main color because I already had a tablecloth in that color. I designed the invitation to have various hats on it - simple and cute to wild and fun. Other than that I kept it simple.</p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfenz_hJQ_oqCKfiwbwufWs9FyBC3jTzKdEVRFVgAtjJ2BzJqPRbNTP3Gv8fghYoKmG4Yw7R-wBqkzAw-ICtzI1MmJduPe8c4IyXxov8PsH743eLicO3elDag86rDn7mUdcjjo02XYDF8pnk05IDL0My_BnXTtRqglEQsVJuMqZWjD9zTwg5xZAgTV/s6000/1-IMG_1862.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfenz_hJQ_oqCKfiwbwufWs9FyBC3jTzKdEVRFVgAtjJ2BzJqPRbNTP3Gv8fghYoKmG4Yw7R-wBqkzAw-ICtzI1MmJduPe8c4IyXxov8PsH743eLicO3elDag86rDn7mUdcjjo02XYDF8pnk05IDL0My_BnXTtRqglEQsVJuMqZWjD9zTwg5xZAgTV/w640-h426/1-IMG_1862.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-PMVl5_phJuQWUzvWvz9xL-aedZrd_O1BmauJQWE_O5c0GTxkjkBls7xTROXIO5s5RaQQA3NTOG30oHjA9TQg42Dosx1ECJvK3MiTadTpbv8BWLCg7cZtJ3I7gLIyMpWRK6bzDxeGaraFUpkZNnzv2w9pufNeLL7wuB8rWTd2RifZka5pKndvWZh/s6000/1-IMG_1878.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-PMVl5_phJuQWUzvWvz9xL-aedZrd_O1BmauJQWE_O5c0GTxkjkBls7xTROXIO5s5RaQQA3NTOG30oHjA9TQg42Dosx1ECJvK3MiTadTpbv8BWLCg7cZtJ3I7gLIyMpWRK6bzDxeGaraFUpkZNnzv2w9pufNeLL7wuB8rWTd2RifZka5pKndvWZh/w640-h426/1-IMG_1878.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Decorations:</u></b> Hats, hats, and more hats made for easy decor. I borrowed hats from friends as well as used hats of my own to decorate. I used mostly my kids' dress-up hats for the centerpiece since they are small and more can fit on the table. I just lined them up along the table like a table runner and used some candles/cups to elevate some of them.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDEyLCLMzWMnO8k9keoTJhKpbdyHIz5RuqZXTUA_xVmiV6hCZDHHIYHvmxzXU9P2T7CceCKxecqhjGXuUNZ8dXWbzrA3XPo0e-zzmgZhRHsNUgcE2oTEkYV9ARWNKKbIKm2Mys9ZM6SDYDCbASChwqf6Q7xHCTywRfCKydhzSUzrtEoegossCIeeC/s4606/1-IMG_1871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4606" data-original-width="3530" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDEyLCLMzWMnO8k9keoTJhKpbdyHIz5RuqZXTUA_xVmiV6hCZDHHIYHvmxzXU9P2T7CceCKxecqhjGXuUNZ8dXWbzrA3XPo0e-zzmgZhRHsNUgcE2oTEkYV9ARWNKKbIKm2Mys9ZM6SDYDCbASChwqf6Q7xHCTywRfCKydhzSUzrtEoegossCIeeC/w490-h640/1-IMG_1871.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><br />For the place cards, I made top hats out of cardstock. I cut black cardstock into a 5.5" x 2" strip to use for the top hat, cut two slices for the name card to slide in, and then secured the cylinder with glue from a glue stick. The bottom circle was 3" in diameter. I used hot glue to adhere the white ribbon and then printed a name card to slide into the top. Super simple and quick to make.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB86KTVlLJbE4rKZajgp6gEsbEsqKbTYAuN2xldYH-Folqx8nhV9O4t_nnjEm8eGma8ZcsMnqgkihW9gKxeybGxsv2Ub1MZzkc-jq7qPU-oFL6CecCDBg0_4nVr4kOA9-RFioHrGDbYrkHaR9c_W5qtd1X3Fkmvy9T9ibHYCS0hjAYkwWRJY0Bcyb/s6000/1-IMG_1859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOB86KTVlLJbE4rKZajgp6gEsbEsqKbTYAuN2xldYH-Folqx8nhV9O4t_nnjEm8eGma8ZcsMnqgkihW9gKxeybGxsv2Ub1MZzkc-jq7qPU-oFL6CecCDBg0_4nVr4kOA9-RFioHrGDbYrkHaR9c_W5qtd1X3Fkmvy9T9ibHYCS0hjAYkwWRJY0Bcyb/w640-h426/1-IMG_1859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the napkins, I created a simple origami hat using napkins from the dollar store. I wanted the rim to have a different color, so I just used two napkins in the fold. I stapled the ends of the hat since it was so thick and I didn't want them to come apart. They were still easily broken apart for guests to use during the meal.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyNFm5GL1AybTgFw_JwYuWSi2a6YEJCFxuUNGb5FCC_-4uhfRLawcoFe0COIRkZdmyaDjQs1EsscjHwdPShgDENUx26Z6l1RmkdfgyqhUW14LK83oeGDkJthWa74qe7t15xipNk_nu7f0Z_aMF-CtF3FscHBFzByUnOBgdKDiMpShPfHplV3NeuZK/s5524/1-IMG_1831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5524" data-original-width="3776" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyNFm5GL1AybTgFw_JwYuWSi2a6YEJCFxuUNGb5FCC_-4uhfRLawcoFe0COIRkZdmyaDjQs1EsscjHwdPShgDENUx26Z6l1RmkdfgyqhUW14LK83oeGDkJthWa74qe7t15xipNk_nu7f0Z_aMF-CtF3FscHBFzByUnOBgdKDiMpShPfHplV3NeuZK/w438-h640/1-IMG_1831.JPG" width="438" /></a></div><br />For my wine, I designed labels that matched with the theme. For the chardonnay, I changed it to Char-beret and added an image of a French beret. "J'aime le vin blanc" was also added to tie in the French vibe. For the red wine, I used the image of the joker's hat from the invitation letting guests know that it was no joke that the wine was good.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9PQ_kICscaqc5YVSM9HXbQAEDl8DTnbzRzNJT-zMAPfyUSqSFTRmkheoBn9wY8rToJV-7lI0b0Oqp0w-UcJfcxe9BFIQnpczNdcKtvojbLPOlynZIZh0scfu6EbURy4TSoz2D1n2UGHRD6WTOl1YByWZoaltKzr2XUAX5oGwQ9GBxJnES2V5Cd-S/s4735/1-IMG_1838.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3668" data-original-width="4735" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9PQ_kICscaqc5YVSM9HXbQAEDl8DTnbzRzNJT-zMAPfyUSqSFTRmkheoBn9wY8rToJV-7lI0b0Oqp0w-UcJfcxe9BFIQnpczNdcKtvojbLPOlynZIZh0scfu6EbURy4TSoz2D1n2UGHRD6WTOl1YByWZoaltKzr2XUAX5oGwQ9GBxJnES2V5Cd-S/w640-h496/1-IMG_1838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I found clipart images of various fun hats. Printed them, cut them out, and tied them to the glass stems with ribbon.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoRtVX3JAXuJMUjdTvglZN3XIveE6ho2RT4VVTz2472nEIwb7e49I4JsFDkiVfMQSh4hRPjLTPc5VWrbB_NtButOOLhViHua0RnOC14gy0xSRgeOFb6hfGhNqf3Koh5Xopzh11gntUVVoRpjy60UUOQAF0hMNEIMOJXK62hyuJz5VupKHsZHBf1p2/s5621/1-IMG_1821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3027" data-original-width="5621" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoRtVX3JAXuJMUjdTvglZN3XIveE6ho2RT4VVTz2472nEIwb7e49I4JsFDkiVfMQSh4hRPjLTPc5VWrbB_NtButOOLhViHua0RnOC14gy0xSRgeOFb6hfGhNqf3Koh5Xopzh11gntUVVoRpjy60UUOQAF0hMNEIMOJXK62hyuJz5VupKHsZHBf1p2/w640-h344/1-IMG_1821.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu: </u></b> I had to get a bit creative to match my hat theme to my menu items. I started with a Kentucky Derby cheese hat appetizer. If you do this theme for a party, create this appetizer because it is super easy to put together and the guests gobbled it up. I bought a brie round for the bottom of the hat and a Boursin garlic and fine herb cheese round for the top. I loosely tied a ribbon around the Boursin, added some parsley for a flower garnish, and spread Wheat Thins around the hat.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1qwg9peK1xBDUct-GQpuMtg3y2hJsmiJ-6OYdy2yOl9ZS-PTKsF2L9Gvvv_HWpurLqk5G7z-IOqEEM8TyJPtDyaRk9fAZFcmVJWfmiF3n-DcCaIQUMrpQCjMgB7lYNfzQm-THVNGD9bE4ohXo7dbucbBRH55Ru-gxSTe7StYdBpknmdf7LpHsceQ/s4078/1-IMG_1915.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4078" data-original-width="3933" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1qwg9peK1xBDUct-GQpuMtg3y2hJsmiJ-6OYdy2yOl9ZS-PTKsF2L9Gvvv_HWpurLqk5G7z-IOqEEM8TyJPtDyaRk9fAZFcmVJWfmiF3n-DcCaIQUMrpQCjMgB7lYNfzQm-THVNGD9bE4ohXo7dbucbBRH55Ru-gxSTe7StYdBpknmdf7LpHsceQ/w618-h640/1-IMG_1915.JPG" width="618" /></a></div><br />The main dish was a Cowboy Hat Stew. Loved this recipe because it was a one pot dish, very filling, and tasty for sure. I used the recipe from <a href="https://www.gonnawantseconds.com/cowboy-stew/">Gonna Want Seconds</a>. It was a hit at the party and with 2/3 of my picky children, so I think I will definitely make it again.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQtyq4jLjBcuacJ_vFNzzZ09yKxQp-09VZYF2fT73LqFxLRe3uE-yq4kYm0vlHjwxzFWSTCUHcWUf2LFeZ5sgJBPzL7HQxyYryHy63o7Qx9vrqyccNvOE_bHsMMrjn4XPC47VYx-jTSCXEC_HL2H0oISBAeUXygJE1RP-rdMTQSpPa1-cGKwn-SCK/s4781/1-IMG_1903.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4781" data-original-width="3993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQtyq4jLjBcuacJ_vFNzzZ09yKxQp-09VZYF2fT73LqFxLRe3uE-yq4kYm0vlHjwxzFWSTCUHcWUf2LFeZ5sgJBPzL7HQxyYryHy63o7Qx9vrqyccNvOE_bHsMMrjn4XPC47VYx-jTSCXEC_HL2H0oISBAeUXygJE1RP-rdMTQSpPa1-cGKwn-SCK/w534-h640/1-IMG_1903.JPG" width="534" /></a></div><br />Along with the stew, I served a Chef Hat Salad. This is a hearty salad, so after this and the stew we were pretty full. This chef salad was a bed of romaine and iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, hardboiled egg, cucumber, bacon, turkey, and cheddar cheese.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Fnb-nN7JUMAYdrOeMhe8WjCQiqwEszphHchu2WoTBp1t-Zql4WIlDpPlJJ-zdccKXtMFPKgzS72JQmAvc4M6GaHy8l7xzN9GKUtZcc0PL8XnWRCjfjn64kEguHnQm1HMa4U-f2Xj0YHFDWy06AQw1tvUFxXqIe1DtZE6TitL2xvv-aWAXf6tAvy/s6000/1-IMG_1923.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Fnb-nN7JUMAYdrOeMhe8WjCQiqwEszphHchu2WoTBp1t-Zql4WIlDpPlJJ-zdccKXtMFPKgzS72JQmAvc4M6GaHy8l7xzN9GKUtZcc0PL8XnWRCjfjn64kEguHnQm1HMa4U-f2Xj0YHFDWy06AQw1tvUFxXqIe1DtZE6TitL2xvv-aWAXf6tAvy/w426-h640/1-IMG_1923.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />For one more hat, I made garlic bread witch hats out of crescent rolls. Just folded up the bottom of the triangle and curved the top, brushed each with melted butter, seasoned them with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, and then baked them for 10 minutes.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8cA3oNS8MyF4stHRBuu6mRjQ5EyhWPPHIr4ylkyrDI9M3iUmTopMxsitfEpbJBg83-6sQPuUJL23lOzTWKPiynxZqrHu9n9gEOpfZ8KCtrkhE5tpWBAxAYd3-fPg839vHdCs4NeaelK50R5ptv7_8LhyGIOw0c7AAyrY34HEBan2rr3tEcdc9ID7/s5292/1-IMG_1927.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="5292" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8cA3oNS8MyF4stHRBuu6mRjQ5EyhWPPHIr4ylkyrDI9M3iUmTopMxsitfEpbJBg83-6sQPuUJL23lOzTWKPiynxZqrHu9n9gEOpfZ8KCtrkhE5tpWBAxAYd3-fPg839vHdCs4NeaelK50R5ptv7_8LhyGIOw0c7AAyrY34HEBan2rr3tEcdc9ID7/w640-h484/1-IMG_1927.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For dessert, we had make your own ice cream sundaes served in mini baseball caps. Many of us were very full after the meal, but there's always room for ice cream, right?<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QhOqQdEIw6VmYuJllHrBwRJuMECY252GIQsAJDd7me9nDUc3BYN3BtiIG5LDigKgMmo96tPLOszwhVcufVjjBiz6UuoK78YAuaLARpktcNdcjSno22qcQAuyIP-LYjJRCQo4zG7Er2eUHLbSXBLhEu6uJhqkZh6rl6woQELcEhCmZqJi0E4-bWTM/s5815/1-IMG_1826.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3661" data-original-width="5815" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QhOqQdEIw6VmYuJllHrBwRJuMECY252GIQsAJDd7me9nDUc3BYN3BtiIG5LDigKgMmo96tPLOszwhVcufVjjBiz6UuoK78YAuaLARpktcNdcjSno22qcQAuyIP-LYjJRCQo4zG7Er2eUHLbSXBLhEu6uJhqkZh6rl6woQELcEhCmZqJi0E4-bWTM/w640-h402/1-IMG_1826.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57_secPi3x8nes9YFXU9iPkjn1LZ_HoTnGtaqdzPOKRO3t7-BwA1yoW6mDRl70hPOSj1dh3vmz3zfCqmfK6i0babUSKDABOiW49WeS_WwoLXIxz-WQccr1gpwVXaQjJecfox5lqmV0sIj0mpyzN_-k6uGYBjgTfAq13gygWJ3ZpcZjbLq1QUQC9Sw/s5229/1-IMG_1828.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5229" data-original-width="3955" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57_secPi3x8nes9YFXU9iPkjn1LZ_HoTnGtaqdzPOKRO3t7-BwA1yoW6mDRl70hPOSj1dh3vmz3zfCqmfK6i0babUSKDABOiW49WeS_WwoLXIxz-WQccr1gpwVXaQjJecfox5lqmV0sIj0mpyzN_-k6uGYBjgTfAq13gygWJ3ZpcZjbLq1QUQC9Sw/w484-h640/1-IMG_1828.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><br />Favor:</u></b> I decided to make homemade salsa for each guest as a party favor. I put the salsa in small mason jars and added yellow ribbon and a mini sombrero to the top. I purchased the straw hats at Hobby Lobby along with some mini pompoms and used a glue gun to space the pompoms out along the rim.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFakq2Hg7axrL3wvnDSbu2Q8mhW5odokrjYik_aHkTgQLZWXN5aJCGnlUmaDRvp03FxA-dXaH5-IO1rq5INZq0akjy3d6aao9eAM62KcLc_O3VIXuc0n83t0Kq-3inWDIlIqI6nehOUWqkR8cVfy8Vtwo1URPxKk5xUetM35WH_QNVVY0be7BJKjfw/s5731/1-IMG_1937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3516" data-original-width="5731" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFakq2Hg7axrL3wvnDSbu2Q8mhW5odokrjYik_aHkTgQLZWXN5aJCGnlUmaDRvp03FxA-dXaH5-IO1rq5INZq0akjy3d6aao9eAM62KcLc_O3VIXuc0n83t0Kq-3inWDIlIqI6nehOUWqkR8cVfy8Vtwo1URPxKk5xUetM35WH_QNVVY0be7BJKjfw/w640-h392/1-IMG_1937.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I didn't give out prizes for the hats, but it was fun to see the ladies wearing their various hats. Hats off to you in 2023. I hope you have an amazing year!<p></p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-48565658993872627842022-12-11T09:08:00.004-08:002022-12-11T09:08:40.669-08:00Chillin' with my Gnomies<p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwGA-Kgu6bkloJ1uZt8RRpzYQnmcXGbBqSsEdyjawtE7UnCyTsVRKgMH6Ta120Qwkbp_wMJRNW0t1r9QssciD82L6r7JJ_Brh4Omo9NoTtSNBXJiJ4u4b8T_SkqI30sSPMRwYquBbef7_NMhA7vHjVAStbRUb7ItZQ509FHpYs87YOJ6W-kV0bVni/s3607/1-Gnome%20MD%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2018" data-original-width="3607" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwGA-Kgu6bkloJ1uZt8RRpzYQnmcXGbBqSsEdyjawtE7UnCyTsVRKgMH6Ta120Qwkbp_wMJRNW0t1r9QssciD82L6r7JJ_Brh4Omo9NoTtSNBXJiJ4u4b8T_SkqI30sSPMRwYquBbef7_NMhA7vHjVAStbRUb7ItZQ509FHpYs87YOJ6W-kV0bVni/w640-h358/1-Gnome%20MD%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">G</span>nomes are all the rage right now, and why not? They are so cute! I decided to theme our December monthly dinner around gnomes with a <span style="color: red;"><b>Chillin' with my Gnomies</b> </span>party! This was super fun to create & we had a blast eating our gnome-themed food, painting our gnome craft, and of course hanging with our gnomies to catch up.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXaX_P769PIxKy9K83pzhAiYWGejgU6bww4ngRtPTRiWEZJ_7zQd06rh-Q-04oaVJZhXAKJkuV5iiXQMoeK9L18wDBeQlyB5FAyrfUsOjWE8SARYOqGPGKUaRInpQJjq1-uBFBcG7X0Yr8VFPF8pDDCDASuATNSQzWsK3HlE8GkBJhHdhizQNQFCa/s3500/Gnome%20MD%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXaX_P769PIxKy9K83pzhAiYWGejgU6bww4ngRtPTRiWEZJ_7zQd06rh-Q-04oaVJZhXAKJkuV5iiXQMoeK9L18wDBeQlyB5FAyrfUsOjWE8SARYOqGPGKUaRInpQJjq1-uBFBcG7X0Yr8VFPF8pDDCDASuATNSQzWsK3HlE8GkBJhHdhizQNQFCa/w458-h640/Gnome%20MD%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invite: </u></b> Since this was a holiday party, I designed the invitations with red, green, and white as the accent colors. I purchased a design of a gnome on Etsy, and after getting permission from the designer, I used this same gnome on much of my party decorations including the invitation.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OQf7LxCbeYyoHCXa1Eb97LzUIiYfUlv3juoERTm5mqiSZT0bU9DtFG7lGG4bMlmhZyl25x97rSq3IX3svmIDu8X3M_GqrBY9pt_wRQCnfjBGTFELr-u3usjdm4qQwd0qPw0KCYI7Cc1bOaNFkf788w0R6q2AYnAlHWJz3It2TsHR8WudFpJQUn4M/s6000/1-IMG_1773.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3084" data-original-width="6000" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OQf7LxCbeYyoHCXa1Eb97LzUIiYfUlv3juoERTm5mqiSZT0bU9DtFG7lGG4bMlmhZyl25x97rSq3IX3svmIDu8X3M_GqrBY9pt_wRQCnfjBGTFELr-u3usjdm4qQwd0qPw0KCYI7Cc1bOaNFkf788w0R6q2AYnAlHWJz3It2TsHR8WudFpJQUn4M/w640-h328/1-IMG_1773.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decor: </u></b> I purchased a few items for this party, but most of the amazing gnomes I borrowed from friends. For the dining table, I used two snowflake decorations I already owned as the centerpiece along with lots of gnomes. The cute MERRY gnomes were borrowed. The two gnomes on the each end of the centerpiece were wine bottle covers that I purchased from Amazon in a 4-pack and just placed these two on pint glasses.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SSVGR-OcuBcLRy8D6rgxveAIPR6zFOd-9LNcEA4-cbLj7xB3L5j8IRonJrdqlcbx2KvY3V17c5MvhE7-Uawffzh6F9-6dzu1Pmpysmf31gCtsXRqIyvbTtC5jnmJ8W2LKHJbHbCrT-TitMyFPOPk78QDdLzDFclttygDYpD0AzzjGp8yw_X70H0D/s6000/1-IMG_1771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SSVGR-OcuBcLRy8D6rgxveAIPR6zFOd-9LNcEA4-cbLj7xB3L5j8IRonJrdqlcbx2KvY3V17c5MvhE7-Uawffzh6F9-6dzu1Pmpysmf31gCtsXRqIyvbTtC5jnmJ8W2LKHJbHbCrT-TitMyFPOPk78QDdLzDFclttygDYpD0AzzjGp8yw_X70H0D/w640-h426/1-IMG_1771.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqgeaolGvMPtMVBvBgAWTIREgvHIY4ge7f4NlsdeS3mJsZQ3_kjm9Zt41Fwzkv0WX5N54Riik8GvnONp9JpOUOEpQ4fEgPGrlP1_8zvzVNBYFggB_DXTf8Rzoh9qmAJebU0-Q8ijwV38gFRDfJkHD2P2o09L86snb4_I4_GwkMZp_8NqtVQF6A6FY/s4809/1-IMG_1758.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4809" data-original-width="3068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqgeaolGvMPtMVBvBgAWTIREgvHIY4ge7f4NlsdeS3mJsZQ3_kjm9Zt41Fwzkv0WX5N54Riik8GvnONp9JpOUOEpQ4fEgPGrlP1_8zvzVNBYFggB_DXTf8Rzoh9qmAJebU0-Q8ijwV38gFRDfJkHD2P2o09L86snb4_I4_GwkMZp_8NqtVQF6A6FY/w408-h640/1-IMG_1758.JPG" width="408" /></a></div><br />For a place card, I used the gnome from my invitation, and just added each guest's name to the beard. Instead of napkin rings, I folded a green paper napkin into a hat to add to the place card. Easy and cute.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy8TrMJOiMMbv2nawEf_Vc9fWlO-97mUigMEIsRrlnbFYqqLIM7n5tBykd2W50jRtkJ87Ahn5G6folyaVToBCOba9khBp7bo89EncBtlHRIQTvuIKwTEyr0qaFBvWiy4SvsNzAUg0bNGq_zBbiN50CU4veb00MyYbELEOeH3RD-cJVoc4zHRxeMxZ/s6000/1-IMG_1746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy8TrMJOiMMbv2nawEf_Vc9fWlO-97mUigMEIsRrlnbFYqqLIM7n5tBykd2W50jRtkJ87Ahn5G6folyaVToBCOba9khBp7bo89EncBtlHRIQTvuIKwTEyr0qaFBvWiy4SvsNzAUg0bNGq_zBbiN50CU4veb00MyYbELEOeH3RD-cJVoc4zHRxeMxZ/w426-h640/1-IMG_1746.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />For my beverage and favor table, I borrowed these amazing gnomes for the table and the mantle. I love them so much, and they really added to the decorations.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-I6FGmRriIydlL8Nr6zlOWUnPPm9-k7iZX2k3-zXdkcHsTRQ17b1Y0Ie2ygGAFRzOB7_7ny3LHwlgUr7Z24yujfZ5-1DZEwMSCSS8PbVFPtTv0_tFn-XFI9UyGeT5_KOH9U6Z_smFXJjkpKGOlP5hyP2TgQf3alg6a3aUIf41clbTIB0JNiUOeKc/s4375/1-IMG_1716.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4375" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-I6FGmRriIydlL8Nr6zlOWUnPPm9-k7iZX2k3-zXdkcHsTRQ17b1Y0Ie2ygGAFRzOB7_7ny3LHwlgUr7Z24yujfZ5-1DZEwMSCSS8PbVFPtTv0_tFn-XFI9UyGeT5_KOH9U6Z_smFXJjkpKGOlP5hyP2TgQf3alg6a3aUIf41clbTIB0JNiUOeKc/w586-h640/1-IMG_1716.JPG" width="586" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The beverage and favor table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFCP0F17Qo8iTw2olpAawqXu1vlUZdmeFtupJM1cHRMW5CUdsQ9-Zyo7wVHGubSXkr4od17AyTzmaTCKcstiO3xy162VUEnet4HPmaAeurnPud7CKP0jiJAiK8W5Bs0qA2ZJ_zF4M_MWDy0SOQVW_iNTPdSparAwLAP7otlRtRvTyuTtUfceTjlEX/s6000/1-IMG_1730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFCP0F17Qo8iTw2olpAawqXu1vlUZdmeFtupJM1cHRMW5CUdsQ9-Zyo7wVHGubSXkr4od17AyTzmaTCKcstiO3xy162VUEnet4HPmaAeurnPud7CKP0jiJAiK8W5Bs0qA2ZJ_zF4M_MWDy0SOQVW_iNTPdSparAwLAP7otlRtRvTyuTtUfceTjlEX/w426-h640/1-IMG_1730.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Instead of designing wine bottle labels, I purchased these gnome bottle covers from Amazon to use. As stated above, they were a 4 pack and I only needed two for wine, so the other two created gnomes for my centerpiece.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh3WIWwQkGRVrzg4A5OdqNqjlAfWDhTM0vt3ky8vbFch8f_5ZmZ1Uhyjeg3hnxZZrJl-fl3hUcDVC2MwZfCNoLs-nHnYBom1hsswjIRMmXWUjgYDtLzNkR5BrawvSwmU21Ya8d30BMyvkGzguyav-v6ZcilT2Iys1EC4ncjQwrZL08qmA5Lw-N4tp/s4552/1-IMG_1740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3653" data-original-width="4552" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzh3WIWwQkGRVrzg4A5OdqNqjlAfWDhTM0vt3ky8vbFch8f_5ZmZ1Uhyjeg3hnxZZrJl-fl3hUcDVC2MwZfCNoLs-nHnYBom1hsswjIRMmXWUjgYDtLzNkR5BrawvSwmU21Ya8d30BMyvkGzguyav-v6ZcilT2Iys1EC4ncjQwrZL08qmA5Lw-N4tp/w640-h514/1-IMG_1740.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I purchased these small wooden gnomes from Amazon. I was originally planning to use them as place cards, but when they arrived and were smaller than I anticipated. I decided to use them for wine charms instead. I used my Cricut to put the first initial of each guest on the beard.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwx0G_bjT5pK0zIXQ7Poz51mxxnBxrHMh0Dh2lCR8IRd6uUsnkCERPzTLI_zk1u4Ds6EBivDUCVp4J7q-1nlEqQp1tn12dMgbtMCtiPI6BKtEFzy7rqfTYcdQnlqfUmRsn2HHnq9E-r0hBwCzGw8w8BeCPpbC0VYeesvmR8NUhktCg1Eo6wupiM6a/s4032/IMG-0735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwx0G_bjT5pK0zIXQ7Poz51mxxnBxrHMh0Dh2lCR8IRd6uUsnkCERPzTLI_zk1u4Ds6EBivDUCVp4J7q-1nlEqQp1tn12dMgbtMCtiPI6BKtEFzy7rqfTYcdQnlqfUmRsn2HHnq9E-r0hBwCzGw8w8BeCPpbC0VYeesvmR8NUhktCg1Eo6wupiM6a/w480-h640/IMG-0735.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Outside, I borrowed this blow-up gnome for my front yard to welcome guests to the party. <p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDFSwRvr6_o_XhKJtIT98r47M7Me55ym7YuUYl4jEDdcYG6Tw6fRsWFI-smqqpq8I2Sa-_Osd37zrO_Rpp1QdypRlgw4AtMZTv_YQGY6uIDwAnqur4OE3PkJVBPH5xTvEtR_7dzomBpya5w9DEUtaAN6wijZxeVMWGCkMDcKbzs8sMYwuZXWCHqA8/s3777/1-IMG_1783.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3777" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDFSwRvr6_o_XhKJtIT98r47M7Me55ym7YuUYl4jEDdcYG6Tw6fRsWFI-smqqpq8I2Sa-_Osd37zrO_Rpp1QdypRlgw4AtMZTv_YQGY6uIDwAnqur4OE3PkJVBPH5xTvEtR_7dzomBpya5w9DEUtaAN6wijZxeVMWGCkMDcKbzs8sMYwuZXWCHqA8/w640-h610/1-IMG_1783.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu:</u></b> Turns out, the only gnome food ideas I found online were desserts, so I had to invent my own meal. We started with a Gnome Garden (Salad). I cut radishes to look like mushrooms. On top of the green spinach, I added garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and pecans. Guests could choose either an Italian dressing or a Balsamic Vinaigrette.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO5VDadrtKXRw4hlisoBRbogyN4jtv8mcYaH6iukAXuCnaPWcVlApNxNHQMpvbLkygdLAk4kSnRkJxC7KvTLg_UAit2LRTCT1zxfaWAzvCB7PE8C2lN85dL7ag_q6Jw0ZAvIlxWaCIGzff1P7IIFELo5-ow90mcbhGkxU-tdNTyGMCco8LKd3q7w3/s4144/1-IMG_1800.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4144" data-original-width="3978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbO5VDadrtKXRw4hlisoBRbogyN4jtv8mcYaH6iukAXuCnaPWcVlApNxNHQMpvbLkygdLAk4kSnRkJxC7KvTLg_UAit2LRTCT1zxfaWAzvCB7PE8C2lN85dL7ag_q6Jw0ZAvIlxWaCIGzff1P7IIFELo5-ow90mcbhGkxU-tdNTyGMCco8LKd3q7w3/w614-h640/1-IMG_1800.JPG" width="614" /></a></div><br />I decided to make Gnome-made giant meatballs wrapped in bacon along with mashed potatoes for the main meal. Although they don't look amazing, my attempt was to have each one look like a gnome head and beard. I made mini party hats with holiday cardstock to place on top. For this dinner, I used ground turkey instead of ground beef. I think the balls would have stayed a bit more round with beef, as the turkey was harder to shape into a ball and flattened a bit in the oven. For the nose, we just used garbanzo beans.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvt1GYliwCouy6PvGM2LjhLFJ09xS4_NL38DoZSA38Z_GKscXgb3yBbTeikKzBwacnq3xRYJBZ8r-DisqXrs7LdzA56DvEcNrlyUb78tX6M-KfpS-tFrDj3tGPwqVdgAR9iHkAj3gE5Z_VIlrwmr-Iv_AQtbD-9KLan2qUEBE5Nc-LeEKITeMAGgBW/s5086/1-IMG_1804.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3846" data-original-width="5086" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvt1GYliwCouy6PvGM2LjhLFJ09xS4_NL38DoZSA38Z_GKscXgb3yBbTeikKzBwacnq3xRYJBZ8r-DisqXrs7LdzA56DvEcNrlyUb78tX6M-KfpS-tFrDj3tGPwqVdgAR9iHkAj3gE5Z_VIlrwmr-Iv_AQtbD-9KLan2qUEBE5Nc-LeEKITeMAGgBW/w640-h484/1-IMG_1804.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I made these holiday gnome cupcakes for dessert. I dipped the waffle cones in red candy melts to give it a little something. The beard, nose, and green body is gnome-made frosting.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNyaNC4iooob2DScZnM6YMHnHa6pNYWdQmk7Jo65JWH2J0nmJALgZ4pFFO2HKk3pVc-TLaJLj22Ui4bv8yVhMWX81w87ON54pv_V4N-VMKNU0ZcCEKQjsPu4m_n7h11Z6wtjEfTqwhs1KR5-31EIUwptDe_UoqAu38ys_Rov1itineBSu2zHtwmoT/s4975/1-IMG_1817.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3769" data-original-width="4975" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNyaNC4iooob2DScZnM6YMHnHa6pNYWdQmk7Jo65JWH2J0nmJALgZ4pFFO2HKk3pVc-TLaJLj22Ui4bv8yVhMWX81w87ON54pv_V4N-VMKNU0ZcCEKQjsPu4m_n7h11Z6wtjEfTqwhs1KR5-31EIUwptDe_UoqAu38ys_Rov1itineBSu2zHtwmoT/w640-h484/1-IMG_1817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Party Activity:</u></b> At our December monthly dinners, I always like to have some sort of craft for us to do. I wanted to make it a simple one that could be done in a short amount of time, so I opted for painted wooden gnomes. Love how they came out.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Gg_uNw4LHR4a6oNKP--SC12yK4gtNn9l_gCNWvtSWOE1NWHfJO7KCSmhkOBxCiCDvjnrqK3RMA2FK31lPPUJtf9fXEf3zd_XUZQqxl6OpbHHmLwK3tIlNDvQFrga7hvZpDiH_eRFcR6im_2ugBv_J9h31J98vZUaoWcKvbfEZgQGPxNfdSGFC0T/s5380/1-IMG_1751.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3788" data-original-width="5380" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Gg_uNw4LHR4a6oNKP--SC12yK4gtNn9l_gCNWvtSWOE1NWHfJO7KCSmhkOBxCiCDvjnrqK3RMA2FK31lPPUJtf9fXEf3zd_XUZQqxl6OpbHHmLwK3tIlNDvQFrga7hvZpDiH_eRFcR6im_2ugBv_J9h31J98vZUaoWcKvbfEZgQGPxNfdSGFC0T/w640-h450/1-IMG_1751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />My husband cut all the 2x4 pieces of wood before the event. They were around 10" tall and sanded. I couldn't find wooden circles at the craft store, so I bought brown/tan pom poms to use for the noses. For the beard, guests could choose from craft fur or a white mop. The mops are from the dollar store and each mop can make a ton of these gnomes. The craft fir can make a few gnomes, but is more expensive. Some guests made eyebrows for their gnome, some did not.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWfSjL5Pafuz6IVSr0eFwQ3Ja79O9HHhSVUiMdvQq8eARXHuYtNrSnUP-R9y6vTpwqZf0sP6M-K5MOiIvArpTLukEPMo7V1IUN74WKCXqxY_JT5nj3cuwQbaTQqrrtoIjUGCs8dQG-x59SzzfM1bXki6jV1v6orv2dg63rNeOgg6cogrQ-EdYbL86/s4715/1-IMG_1808.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4715" data-original-width="3444" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWfSjL5Pafuz6IVSr0eFwQ3Ja79O9HHhSVUiMdvQq8eARXHuYtNrSnUP-R9y6vTpwqZf0sP6M-K5MOiIvArpTLukEPMo7V1IUN74WKCXqxY_JT5nj3cuwQbaTQqrrtoIjUGCs8dQG-x59SzzfM1bXki6jV1v6orv2dg63rNeOgg6cogrQ-EdYbL86/w468-h640/1-IMG_1808.JPG" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first finished gnome of the evening.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgV1lpPziFIgf2xEX1R5dY4XrA8_godgVAD0rDz_VNi08AJSyII04ywZdR-Y2GLGD_I-jSky0VPSlZo6Emya80YGqhKpm5EbinrYogKXiHOno1pqVgSIbESTUTQcW2k03jUTWnlzzpV6DAcokIpTSfiQMf2eTjRBxPuKLY33iNZJX_GuzBxZwHaAV/s4426/1-IMG_1812.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4426" data-original-width="3509" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgV1lpPziFIgf2xEX1R5dY4XrA8_godgVAD0rDz_VNi08AJSyII04ywZdR-Y2GLGD_I-jSky0VPSlZo6Emya80YGqhKpm5EbinrYogKXiHOno1pqVgSIbESTUTQcW2k03jUTWnlzzpV6DAcokIpTSfiQMf2eTjRBxPuKLY33iNZJX_GuzBxZwHaAV/w508-h640/1-IMG_1812.JPG" width="508" /></a></div><br />Love this spirited gnome my friend painted for her young daughter. She even painted the mop strands of the beard slightly.<div><br /></div><div>Forgot to get a group photo at this dinner, but we had a great time together to close out our last monthly dinner for 2022.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-10180036785131869412022-11-19T11:22:00.001-08:002022-11-19T11:22:40.086-08:00Sweater Weather<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0croXxEyaa_YeSiKuVe1mhQJs5iU_RDy6KpHFTgXRZvvFFQZkHkCUBGwUr2_eaqAVtwwni5qkfF6uJzp_6BAHIA8-R3NYUKZygAQ7L0ABh8nJgsKztGWc5lkh85JZs5StLVgd0NxKnU9JhXkA_bO0Rl1Q3_EhSSCNPxWYjfe8FftCkaE0cvaNHH_z/s3880/1-Sweater%20Weather%20MD%2020221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="3880" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0croXxEyaa_YeSiKuVe1mhQJs5iU_RDy6KpHFTgXRZvvFFQZkHkCUBGwUr2_eaqAVtwwni5qkfF6uJzp_6BAHIA8-R3NYUKZygAQ7L0ABh8nJgsKztGWc5lkh85JZs5StLVgd0NxKnU9JhXkA_bO0Rl1Q3_EhSSCNPxWYjfe8FftCkaE0cvaNHH_z/w640-h360/1-Sweater%20Weather%20MD%2020221.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span>t is starting to get a little cold outside, and the air is crisping up as we near the holidays. For this reason, I decided to host my November monthly dinner with a <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sweater Weather</span></b> theme. It has been a busy few weeks, so I kept things simple for this dinner.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0J48WoksxFWWTcjHcXc5t9Vxw55bilW8x0SY2XiZYIeC9L55dKFy5R57gK0aU1Wuflz-MvuCPYdFFLiFjjNS_UKMohyoW2BJRKkv5i_DyGaFyp6wEJ7B7O2st7OR-eBD9uE7NaH0ehftF-WON7954JJGMMckpwO6r2hRcdmM9oOlFBR_Toj438WSG/s3500/Sweater%20Weather.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="3500" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0J48WoksxFWWTcjHcXc5t9Vxw55bilW8x0SY2XiZYIeC9L55dKFy5R57gK0aU1Wuflz-MvuCPYdFFLiFjjNS_UKMohyoW2BJRKkv5i_DyGaFyp6wEJ7B7O2st7OR-eBD9uE7NaH0ehftF-WON7954JJGMMckpwO6r2hRcdmM9oOlFBR_Toj438WSG/w640-h458/Sweater%20Weather.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite: </u></b>So many sweater invitations are geared toward Ugly Christmas sweaters, but this party was in November, so I wanted to stay away from Christmas vibes. I found a sweater background, and added pink to it by switching some of the hearts to pink. I chose pink only because it matched the doll clothes I was using for other decorations. Besides a little PhotoShop editing, I stayed pretty simple with the invitation.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMXCZtVn7WOXExUn-_BpQNUn_9612F9Lf3mK99NLgoIJP1K1S3r5JIICoDL4Kw4eIIm2YkF-q8MLCwPJr1_xqxD5-Zp9iluE_CaC345b2vYZwDwcHBNTa3XyGg3YrYr65TW4TzWcKU04_Tf8TXLGkiajqdKVblN_VWhTNjrq1MeCa84wcnPPhTuYK/s5928/1-IMG_1627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3422" data-original-width="5928" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMXCZtVn7WOXExUn-_BpQNUn_9612F9Lf3mK99NLgoIJP1K1S3r5JIICoDL4Kw4eIIm2YkF-q8MLCwPJr1_xqxD5-Zp9iluE_CaC345b2vYZwDwcHBNTa3XyGg3YrYr65TW4TzWcKU04_Tf8TXLGkiajqdKVblN_VWhTNjrq1MeCa84wcnPPhTuYK/w640-h370/1-IMG_1627.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Decorations: </u></b>I used a deep blue tablecloth that matched the invitation to cover the table and added some snowflake decorations I found 60% off at Hobby Lobby. By the way....60% off in the middle of November? The shelves were almost empty of Christmas decorations and it isn't even close to Christmas! Yikes! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvgQHJ0JdoCPu2WQSIz8u5mq4PimUW-ZUeaoELmfyTFQIJhgDfmR2s3WvgSrFGZdZW3b9mFav1Pxhrt7qAvd58q1WBZnOK6YhbMhjI2Rjr1ctA7bZ-HFjEtRBa1-iUdtrYOJv3PGxsMpaM90i292ebviXW0Ul8q-1Y8vgs13NHYSRIhzXRlZTOOsj/s6000/1-IMG_1628.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvgQHJ0JdoCPu2WQSIz8u5mq4PimUW-ZUeaoELmfyTFQIJhgDfmR2s3WvgSrFGZdZW3b9mFav1Pxhrt7qAvd58q1WBZnOK6YhbMhjI2Rjr1ctA7bZ-HFjEtRBa1-iUdtrYOJv3PGxsMpaM90i292ebviXW0Ul8q-1Y8vgs13NHYSRIhzXRlZTOOsj/w640-h426/1-IMG_1628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I borrowed my younger daughter's American Girl doll sweaters and winter head gear to wrap around wine glasses to add some sweater decor. I also added a mini braided scarf that my older daughter made to weave throughout the centerpiece.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CKrADG7GlkOrNfiFBeAlDm3m4coKnkDCXq_r-k4Imwki07BmEJmNSlWf-jBAi2EATRwv09KZnEEBzLNy4-cywV5uS_jx27iXGBgafoqI1BKN8flq9r-b7N8qvSNJI-XO9J9Q07tE8PMr_aWZ1t0OZDeXuEhh-TlMHbU_HMh3h18k4ugCalkU5aOl/s6000/1-IMG_1630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CKrADG7GlkOrNfiFBeAlDm3m4coKnkDCXq_r-k4Imwki07BmEJmNSlWf-jBAi2EATRwv09KZnEEBzLNy4-cywV5uS_jx27iXGBgafoqI1BKN8flq9r-b7N8qvSNJI-XO9J9Q07tE8PMr_aWZ1t0OZDeXuEhh-TlMHbU_HMh3h18k4ugCalkU5aOl/w426-h640/1-IMG_1630.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEvTSMCkPPkILtUCsPTLd_3RheynG55eqpzSWbj_SzL30G3WtrI9wm-8G4WWKiqpsxz9MVj8M7t4J0gpccZcW7I7wVfnPnDP3oDF574ES0F2bafyibjwNTVY2exqTt-vA8N5ufoh3Qj4Mn_zOKUODcgDk9jxYQ3b3ovqxJAoH2pP8yFV6fxYqMFPd/s6000/1-IMG_1634.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEvTSMCkPPkILtUCsPTLd_3RheynG55eqpzSWbj_SzL30G3WtrI9wm-8G4WWKiqpsxz9MVj8M7t4J0gpccZcW7I7wVfnPnDP3oDF574ES0F2bafyibjwNTVY2exqTt-vA8N5ufoh3Qj4Mn_zOKUODcgDk9jxYQ3b3ovqxJAoH2pP8yFV6fxYqMFPd/w640-h426/1-IMG_1634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgSAn9DOfWntISoZSgcBCKFvyESa_RB85STmkziJw4wt93VmjECi2OW7DoSTBSFCiL3vrz0r4SMUczhbUhRP171UiBcqepd7PeOaP9Rh9NtClrJPamr5NbglH4DzApktTSxr3mL-aLV4FIg-GpIoyF6mttr6UYW68Mn2BC0cQwKIvkPPxJPfAO7LA/s4606/1-IMG_1644.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4606" data-original-width="3913" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgSAn9DOfWntISoZSgcBCKFvyESa_RB85STmkziJw4wt93VmjECi2OW7DoSTBSFCiL3vrz0r4SMUczhbUhRP171UiBcqepd7PeOaP9Rh9NtClrJPamr5NbglH4DzApktTSxr3mL-aLV4FIg-GpIoyF6mttr6UYW68Mn2BC0cQwKIvkPPxJPfAO7LA/w544-h640/1-IMG_1644.JPG" width="544" /></a></div><br />I folded pink paper napkins to look like sweaters. This was pretty easy. I found a tutorial on the Internet and it was easy to follow. It would have looked better with cloth instead of paper, but I didn't have cloth in any wintery colors.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDovlghLX5s55dCGY9ba2o5VGhwOLHpNO3ExKS3pwl0--bzH3NEuWIsLsY4RNuVZCCaINThiSeU3eEha4Mx7mQ3fOSclOXCV0G9t1CR1ztNq7hvBZERe0y6jwR7wlNkqYs492WzlXJrxZ4LkFzMgT32qIb5L_VhRxG8ERuDsihdQXOFdnEzIWTWx4L/s4961/1-IMG_1622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3682" data-original-width="4961" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDovlghLX5s55dCGY9ba2o5VGhwOLHpNO3ExKS3pwl0--bzH3NEuWIsLsY4RNuVZCCaINThiSeU3eEha4Mx7mQ3fOSclOXCV0G9t1CR1ztNq7hvBZERe0y6jwR7wlNkqYs492WzlXJrxZ4LkFzMgT32qIb5L_VhRxG8ERuDsihdQXOFdnEzIWTWx4L/w640-h476/1-IMG_1622.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR12ktx9VY9G8eA5aC3yR6m4G9628hmvs_lZkdA3sDS9WJU6p3_2yMvptLZWT9DyacDr60o4_6PzjvgcHATvf3yQTVwBsYWoBRLpjhkWt18lfUPJMeMYYc0h0N_MMB1-I44WZtWJp1Dqb3zdTZiiZhA0QpvtNJQJsUQtj17RJe30KMBXxfRCo-NE9u/s4171/1-IMG_1649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3033" data-original-width="4171" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR12ktx9VY9G8eA5aC3yR6m4G9628hmvs_lZkdA3sDS9WJU6p3_2yMvptLZWT9DyacDr60o4_6PzjvgcHATvf3yQTVwBsYWoBRLpjhkWt18lfUPJMeMYYc0h0N_MMB1-I44WZtWJp1Dqb3zdTZiiZhA0QpvtNJQJsUQtj17RJe30KMBXxfRCo-NE9u/w640-h466/1-IMG_1649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For place cards, I made these sweater cap ornaments in various colors. They are really easy to make with just yarn and a piece cut from an empty toilet paper roll. I stuffed the inside with a tissue to make it poof a little. The names were next to each hat made to match the invitation.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja76emE7BRayoFLH9jmqJFTPKbXf2i3555613kYlLTF4Cwmn0A-oTPssvhd29w-GitQR-Lk3jV3owGxqLpyiavqYnV84ueKRUHmTCOsgvDi5VpPyCZ3ONUhXeYAJGWikVb2Wo5Lk63DaC8P7MmZ1SpM2JJIBNOyu2ecX6pw3UzGR4lPtopTQU5sDq3/s4249/1-IMG_1680.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3663" data-original-width="4249" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja76emE7BRayoFLH9jmqJFTPKbXf2i3555613kYlLTF4Cwmn0A-oTPssvhd29w-GitQR-Lk3jV3owGxqLpyiavqYnV84ueKRUHmTCOsgvDi5VpPyCZ3ONUhXeYAJGWikVb2Wo5Lk63DaC8P7MmZ1SpM2JJIBNOyu2ecX6pw3UzGR4lPtopTQU5sDq3/w640-h552/1-IMG_1680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I found a garland at Michaels that was made of bright colored yarns. It had all the colors of the party. I added it above the beverage table along with more snowflakes and lit candles.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7VtjlKJINyBuDFnJaI1mccuXHEqf4JGpwjnvTHDq5FlQqXnZzJpfDuIaVW0oj2P-oo27b7p-87K9PAb-KLQRgd0Eji1dBJEcFfDA5Dv3PTQzor8_tA-84xn0hn9VC6aChZpJ0GrALBmo1CSSGdpUnclSX3sckJjAPKMXRntfifnMi-BGqT7HHXys/s6000/1-IMG_1658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7VtjlKJINyBuDFnJaI1mccuXHEqf4JGpwjnvTHDq5FlQqXnZzJpfDuIaVW0oj2P-oo27b7p-87K9PAb-KLQRgd0Eji1dBJEcFfDA5Dv3PTQzor8_tA-84xn0hn9VC6aChZpJ0GrALBmo1CSSGdpUnclSX3sckJjAPKMXRntfifnMi-BGqT7HHXys/w640-h426/1-IMG_1658.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I usually make my own creative wine labels for these dinners, but I decided to keep it easy and just use more of my daughter's doll sweaters. I added a yarn scarf to one. If you are doing an ugly Christmas sweater party, there are quite a few cute wine sweaters on Amazon.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gosYQJepH-7s-NiPVPsPk_bbjlgH6hrESsbCwkOYgcDt7m1R0Ddh8AelmI-XV7v-WodgRI475XKZBXFdi8sLtUxYPQskwyyBr9iy3Q6aeeEjmls-u9pgE-HNnA0_ZDxouna6620f3zHLeDNgOQCIWAlexicfIuxU9zxEe2zYTLfoiZoyHBiC0rB9/s5302/1-IMG_1662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3947" data-original-width="5302" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gosYQJepH-7s-NiPVPsPk_bbjlgH6hrESsbCwkOYgcDt7m1R0Ddh8AelmI-XV7v-WodgRI475XKZBXFdi8sLtUxYPQskwyyBr9iy3Q6aeeEjmls-u9pgE-HNnA0_ZDxouna6620f3zHLeDNgOQCIWAlexicfIuxU9zxEe2zYTLfoiZoyHBiC0rB9/w640-h476/1-IMG_1662.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I printed mini sweaters that I found from images online. Super easy. I just had to hand cut them and tape them to the wine stem.<div><br /></div><div><b><u>Menu:</u></b> Sweater Weather to me means warm comfort food, so that's what I made. <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3P5Sd4NQx43-SOsVwXVwbmeacwBiiRQaUooJsJcfrN-pc8KLAADH7aHXNKKmZCA6JsdCcjoC99eW0wDSPMJZTkx5W7z14nLz8ONPo0NipYbgoXvkSfqMPESvZoL76aTuQGXiMh3FZBuwlGFank2vsZXfH5bvpDUqHiivr0Va_FR3s5Z3iOiyaUJ3/s2234/1-Sweater%20Weather%20MD%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2234" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3P5Sd4NQx43-SOsVwXVwbmeacwBiiRQaUooJsJcfrN-pc8KLAADH7aHXNKKmZCA6JsdCcjoC99eW0wDSPMJZTkx5W7z14nLz8ONPo0NipYbgoXvkSfqMPESvZoL76aTuQGXiMh3FZBuwlGFank2vsZXfH5bvpDUqHiivr0Va_FR3s5Z3iOiyaUJ3/w458-h640/1-Sweater%20Weather%20MD%202022.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br />I started with a woven bread bowl to tie in the knitted sweater idea. I bought pre-made french bread dough and just used that to make it easy. The dough was sliced and then woven around a bowl that could go in the oven with aluminum foil wrapped around it and sprayed with cooking spray. It was brushed with egg wash, and then baked for about 30 minutes, rotating it regularly.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQDQltnlZeblXplAHzjvXdgu_fpHCJHfdQzHK-cJtRkRIJsvpb6kpHyYYn3Aw1FgZoYH3Mn7vESOIAQL1lZbyEVtkY9CmQ6mpDIGnOOLMpnkBgpQBt15A7mcdVZx0yenjGhDtPTevfBjtQQgxdYsCvD168fV4KTW7toVTkBoqH6R6iPOlvCY7Joii/s4397/1-IMG_1690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4397" data-original-width="3978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQDQltnlZeblXplAHzjvXdgu_fpHCJHfdQzHK-cJtRkRIJsvpb6kpHyYYn3Aw1FgZoYH3Mn7vESOIAQL1lZbyEVtkY9CmQ6mpDIGnOOLMpnkBgpQBt15A7mcdVZx0yenjGhDtPTevfBjtQQgxdYsCvD168fV4KTW7toVTkBoqH6R6iPOlvCY7Joii/w580-h640/1-IMG_1690.JPG" width="580" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">There was some space between the woven bread because we thought it would expand a little, but it didn't very much. For this reason, I decided to use the glass bowl it had baked around to place inside to hold the salad. The salad was an Autumn Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette. I found the recipe at Thriving Home <a href="https://thrivinghomeblog.com/autumn-chopped-salad-with-apple-cider-vinaigrette/?epik=dj0yJnU9eTVHTGswc1lmNmRpRWZfVWpmbFJSRm44bGhURDZFTHMmcD0wJm49N1VnWFhfYVoxUno2MXFKU3RGUkRRQSZ0PUFBQUFBR041SG1J">here</a>. It had greens, Feta cheese, bacon, Honey Crisp apples, dried cranberries, and walnuts.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamuZO2DfuxHKZ0G1Z8orUQSTTj6_I1WS-a97F7xpdzjhROzpRiUQgzrSSkAB-tV484zyeIE74S3f34OqNaSYkLigU0F2omcrob462x4uuLUZPbffnKiL6pkVp0ywDi1KqgJRFpdxfztqQry6OPze9wnaKqr6SbUe-5o7eKGpByrlboAdklZa6jpnH/s5215/1-IMG_1700.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3673" data-original-width="5215" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamuZO2DfuxHKZ0G1Z8orUQSTTj6_I1WS-a97F7xpdzjhROzpRiUQgzrSSkAB-tV484zyeIE74S3f34OqNaSYkLigU0F2omcrob462x4uuLUZPbffnKiL6pkVp0ywDi1KqgJRFpdxfztqQry6OPze9wnaKqr6SbUe-5o7eKGpByrlboAdklZa6jpnH/w640-h450/1-IMG_1700.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the main mean, I made a Red Wine Beef Stew in the crockpot. I got the recipe from The Bewitchin' Kitchen <a href="https://www.thebewitchinkitchen.com/slow-cooker-beef-stew/">here</a>. I served it over parmesan cheese and garlic mashed potatoes. It was tasty and easy. I made it in the morning before I left for work, and then didn't have to do anything but make the mashed potatoes when I got home from work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne3zcKHpqn9zlQJ24rmo2n9Df9m56R2XMhzFs5f1YhFa87pvD8s147Arp5UE0GQjkX6XNXMK3Z9P7_-1hGd4yTXWzd0PbGiE0sJA-RkNrqfRAKU7WF-qUGhYjb9YACa9xwXCYeShLTg6qbr1Zw5tnkKxHF0JXtW0bf62XyNwFycGTffmeEhNxiDs7/s5880/1-IMG_1709.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3957" data-original-width="5880" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne3zcKHpqn9zlQJ24rmo2n9Df9m56R2XMhzFs5f1YhFa87pvD8s147Arp5UE0GQjkX6XNXMK3Z9P7_-1hGd4yTXWzd0PbGiE0sJA-RkNrqfRAKU7WF-qUGhYjb9YACa9xwXCYeShLTg6qbr1Zw5tnkKxHF0JXtW0bf62XyNwFycGTffmeEhNxiDs7/w640-h430/1-IMG_1709.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For dessert I made S'Mores Pies which were super easy. I bought individual graham cracker crusts, put half of a broken up Hershey bar in the bottom, and added marshmallows to the top. I baked them in the oven and just a quick broil to brown them. They were tasty, but not my favorite dessert. I don't think I would make them again. Just a regular roasting of s'mores over the fire would have been fun.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTxfluK2Ftn37-FOV-I2qO6YEXEbiVO8Gzj0rCbH7YK8otG62aMG0KAO7fTkVypLJIp7SS3nPKlwXZR68fHL-GyeVRRsaup98czI38ppOptxKMDzNJVM-sLTEPCCnXjfb-i8Z-KETpjWilUZhaTl-EoNj6fIz5dy3lhSTQM3sPnI7NMclC4wQj4kl/s4773/1-IMG_1671.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4773" data-original-width="3451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTxfluK2Ftn37-FOV-I2qO6YEXEbiVO8Gzj0rCbH7YK8otG62aMG0KAO7fTkVypLJIp7SS3nPKlwXZR68fHL-GyeVRRsaup98czI38ppOptxKMDzNJVM-sLTEPCCnXjfb-i8Z-KETpjWilUZhaTl-EoNj6fIz5dy3lhSTQM3sPnI7NMclC4wQj4kl/w462-h640/1-IMG_1671.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXzqNluo0ns0F-e2YOIgXFQib4g3uLsU1_YkmzbtLSxhcFgzbPcQDP10cbZvrgNDblRovsEc8uspGwi2KhPqBJgfqiNIXm2NVT8t5WXPBqIUALi_39Si78VlnY7BRnoEbPT3LAxYHiUBKn_r-vrX0nsqWIvmioKVRnZvyH7AKC0kVDQlJYt3xhwq0/s5004/1-IMG_1676.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3913" data-original-width="5004" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXzqNluo0ns0F-e2YOIgXFQib4g3uLsU1_YkmzbtLSxhcFgzbPcQDP10cbZvrgNDblRovsEc8uspGwi2KhPqBJgfqiNIXm2NVT8t5WXPBqIUALi_39Si78VlnY7BRnoEbPT3LAxYHiUBKn_r-vrX0nsqWIvmioKVRnZvyH7AKC0kVDQlJYt3xhwq0/w640-h500/1-IMG_1676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Favor:</u> </b> For a parting favor, I made my guests these travel mugs with a sweater and "It's all about Sweater Weather" on the front to match the image on the party invitation. I bought the travel coffee mugs from Michaels ($2 each). I already had scraps of the vinyl. These were time consuming to make since the letters were small, but they turned out cute.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlF3jlQxDP48Gk9_p0gI7rUHcyoBYF5qN_alHFDYoaoS7n3vPstyQjgDXCGlc8yo8kC8GaO0Gsh8nY8WPvfErz6zU4mr1CT4wST9Z2jz5pq7MAD3Xil86rDd62pFjSMzPfFJoV0fOg1zrIWpekTkSW9q8Cq4cFcU4lT2ZCK2tPTnW79oKcMq0uYpk/s5805/1-IMG_1677.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5805" data-original-width="3697" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlF3jlQxDP48Gk9_p0gI7rUHcyoBYF5qN_alHFDYoaoS7n3vPstyQjgDXCGlc8yo8kC8GaO0Gsh8nY8WPvfErz6zU4mr1CT4wST9Z2jz5pq7MAD3Xil86rDd62pFjSMzPfFJoV0fOg1zrIWpekTkSW9q8Cq4cFcU4lT2ZCK2tPTnW79oKcMq0uYpk/w408-h640/1-IMG_1677.JPG" width="408" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I used the giant flower pot mug I made way back when I did a Friends theme to hold the hot chocolate packets that guests also took home with their party favor.</div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, the girls and I had a great time catching up with each other. We had a few that had to cancel last minute due to the winter sickness that is going around lately, but those of us that were healthy enough to come enjoyed our time together.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-68896337077729890212022-10-09T21:08:00.000-07:002022-10-09T21:08:08.945-07:00License to Drive - Sweet 16<p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsETrFepyQ6AG7gWiX4mzWyanXIXBd0dHTAPjP_pAxBLXMkiVM1zVZejVZDGoaREhj2bQvm4pZe5A6t8UV-_2G6RfC-z750u-lHFoJBlVleKhF9jPimMHIcQIAx0q6l1xBwcVJqhgWCQwCSQv2DB95yC9ZQGQSAXKUHnJJ71AdJJec9NkLa5Q6nOM/s3626/1-Sweet%2016%20License%20MD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2511" data-original-width="3626" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsETrFepyQ6AG7gWiX4mzWyanXIXBd0dHTAPjP_pAxBLXMkiVM1zVZejVZDGoaREhj2bQvm4pZe5A6t8UV-_2G6RfC-z750u-lHFoJBlVleKhF9jPimMHIcQIAx0q6l1xBwcVJqhgWCQwCSQv2DB95yC9ZQGQSAXKUHnJJ71AdJJec9NkLa5Q6nOM/w640-h444/1-Sweet%2016%20License%20MD.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">E</span></b>very month for sixteen years, the girls and I have been getting together for Monthly Dinners. It is hard to believe that much time as passed by and that many dinner party themes have been created! We've created some amazing friendships over the years. To celebrate this 16 year milestone, I decided to theme my last monthly dinner License to Drive with decor and menu focused on getting that coveted driver's license.<p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0VyYNI6N2Asm6ZZu1tdrlz4K3c2FYmfA8ManXFP0X1Gb8GPLsg0RpN3shjUhgoEAgrXZCzY6lOmBFUm5JetiOA7K2ZonK9OddBGtd7FA-S_q54Gv7kDMHaSJZnU3ArojFlio_8U0AuzFPqNGZRyJo5gs-q0Ne0R5fQg76OWN9N9PkzcSExj-xU9c/s3000/Drivers%20License%20Invite2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0VyYNI6N2Asm6ZZu1tdrlz4K3c2FYmfA8ManXFP0X1Gb8GPLsg0RpN3shjUhgoEAgrXZCzY6lOmBFUm5JetiOA7K2ZonK9OddBGtd7FA-S_q54Gv7kDMHaSJZnU3ArojFlio_8U0AuzFPqNGZRyJo5gs-q0Ne0R5fQg76OWN9N9PkzcSExj-xU9c/w640-h426/Drivers%20License%20Invite2.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><u>Invite: </u></b>For the invitation, I designed a large driver's license. Although I was hoping to design it like the old school license we all received at age 16, I couldn't find a free background of it, so I just made a license that looked similar. For the headshot, I photoshopped photos from our 16 years of monthly dinners making sure each guest who could attend was in at least two photos. I shaped them into the outline of a headshot. This took a bit of time, but it was really fun to look and remember the themed dinners they were from. The rest of the invite had the party details, but was modeled after the order and look of a true license.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zNGhR2qfSkFy_j2A9HsfXAZbukXRooU-5mVH90ElA38kAQyYCmY2UNLUuRvckUPpC3Of7TW7kIfwzjLoyDqc1AnFVFZYC1aH_nZwNKXemwtHGFVLIylnoZT1nYiOID5QfdunLKNcqyLYMrHAXBN8PB3zaO0iqvV3fvXhIkrzbLdYQheotM2VJZhk/s4961/1-IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4961" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zNGhR2qfSkFy_j2A9HsfXAZbukXRooU-5mVH90ElA38kAQyYCmY2UNLUuRvckUPpC3Of7TW7kIfwzjLoyDqc1AnFVFZYC1aH_nZwNKXemwtHGFVLIylnoZT1nYiOID5QfdunLKNcqyLYMrHAXBN8PB3zaO0iqvV3fvXhIkrzbLdYQheotM2VJZhk/w516-h640/1-IMG_1533.JPG" width="516" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxTfue1I5PJFRYqlXZeyG90FvEAOmIvsyVtO7b1aSTDf8vulR7CBMDSpQ3R323K3PYmoEv0PbKIftL4cL-6zQOs6KEAsXuRiiV7_WUynPhgKHAVxBWG3hVfCNMe2KENZTq6NifsPZKaQeafbD6oy-uHeyGe8qMAwqvwATwRw8LXygTsMGIfj66ZTD/s6000/1-IMG_1515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxTfue1I5PJFRYqlXZeyG90FvEAOmIvsyVtO7b1aSTDf8vulR7CBMDSpQ3R323K3PYmoEv0PbKIftL4cL-6zQOs6KEAsXuRiiV7_WUynPhgKHAVxBWG3hVfCNMe2KENZTq6NifsPZKaQeafbD6oy-uHeyGe8qMAwqvwATwRw8LXygTsMGIfj66ZTD/w640-h426/1-IMG_1515.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Decor: </u></b>I used a plain black tablecloth and make two yellow road lines down the center with card stock. I bought a small black tire to use as a centerpiece. I printed the invitation out to set on top and made some car related signs to place on skewers stuck into the holes in the tire center. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBtYhgLA7r5Fp29UqWot5AZq711rus7D5guQAt4XfZR9A37S27pbRWk5mMiU80yMg4a0o-DWm8KbrKXxPoaYW7Mdn6BO9XUcFyqtqe1n4PlGYHth7g3NXd9cm2U_c3KgagKIhOAgXG3b5pd_GpQHkz0g9ykV8fIV22Hbzieh9n74Aa4cBHDoLKaiz/s4961/1-IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4961" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBtYhgLA7r5Fp29UqWot5AZq711rus7D5guQAt4XfZR9A37S27pbRWk5mMiU80yMg4a0o-DWm8KbrKXxPoaYW7Mdn6BO9XUcFyqtqe1n4PlGYHth7g3NXd9cm2U_c3KgagKIhOAgXG3b5pd_GpQHkz0g9ykV8fIV22Hbzieh9n74Aa4cBHDoLKaiz/w516-h640/1-IMG_1533.JPG" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1ehc8iQh4Q7CrBc2IYHJTBi-tzTSsrodW3v1GGaYF4lH5ObP0FBDQ7UFLThK2J0JalD802ex6bdzVU6DtwifrpHRNoLrNt9Hj0hJE4MN87c6oxSXKy7F66ZCcG5lK2I-T-aRn4vvH2_U9Jx3Bli2QtvCR2O7h-PL8QsKxUtH-3VXECF_ByE8jIjR/s4393/1-IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2344" data-original-width="4393" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1ehc8iQh4Q7CrBc2IYHJTBi-tzTSsrodW3v1GGaYF4lH5ObP0FBDQ7UFLThK2J0JalD802ex6bdzVU6DtwifrpHRNoLrNt9Hj0hJE4MN87c6oxSXKy7F66ZCcG5lK2I-T-aRn4vvH2_U9Jx3Bli2QtvCR2O7h-PL8QsKxUtH-3VXECF_ByE8jIjR/w640-h342/1-IMG_1545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Along the table, I also printed out various road signs you need to know during the driver's test.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tT23_gdS4AHp-RY53lkg0EjE5Aq6NgdwbXaQcGJKL-m-vMuABwhb15RTHQE6Y2r-CBiriG2NT5qMdOLOei7Wg5HP9CFUUktxhQgrxKCDFjQA7-G8xzCEeQGkGypJEwnZmBJyGgkSnYS4jb0PbUx3F7KIcutuukMHyKuBMbRm5X-uZg3EccuX8rcC/s6000/1-IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tT23_gdS4AHp-RY53lkg0EjE5Aq6NgdwbXaQcGJKL-m-vMuABwhb15RTHQE6Y2r-CBiriG2NT5qMdOLOei7Wg5HP9CFUUktxhQgrxKCDFjQA7-G8xzCEeQGkGypJEwnZmBJyGgkSnYS4jb0PbUx3F7KIcutuukMHyKuBMbRm5X-uZg3EccuX8rcC/w640-h426/1-IMG_1552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>For each place card, I designed a driver's license to match each guest. Some of the girls I have known since sophomore year, so I was able to use their yearbook photos from that year. For others, I messaged their parents, husbands, anyone that I could think of that might have access to a 16 year old photo of them. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvXYWL3qxpQgJmIgJYhhGNxzgzxY_ijYdK67VAEL9CAyGd5BBXh3X8pbkZWE1O1OCBZFDWj4WIp8UbpNOH36EqpJD22gWhYiqWVJ_a8cXysjS9hXqKPf_vw42ZG8IonpFcTKh74-NNNpFjKNE0iKLKeyyBEYH1VzOQE1ERk9vWhiL5eOuvBKRl2Cd/s6000/1-IMG_1569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvXYWL3qxpQgJmIgJYhhGNxzgzxY_ijYdK67VAEL9CAyGd5BBXh3X8pbkZWE1O1OCBZFDWj4WIp8UbpNOH36EqpJD22gWhYiqWVJ_a8cXysjS9hXqKPf_vw42ZG8IonpFcTKh74-NNNpFjKNE0iKLKeyyBEYH1VzOQE1ERk9vWhiL5eOuvBKRl2Cd/w640-h426/1-IMG_1569.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>For those guests that I could remember where they lived when they were 16, I used that address on the license. For those I had no idea, I just invited a fun/silly address that matched their interests or something about them. It was super fun to see these old photos of all of us.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFL-6_ZIb4VEmPQnbYuJfiw-rEL8FmuE5Q9Pcr0Xo5JOKAGRq2NFzaqNzofkZxcQt5zvVk-ZfZmVWqV2FUb8xwghekAR2dQjByqrC991SyLg0ls0pTVYuT6FwBOfL4o1KXSGfMEp2Bh4I7jFOrWCdiLCZPKsHRE_PJz8RPl3u7P6DfbBPZBIMxe7M/s6000/1-IMG_1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFL-6_ZIb4VEmPQnbYuJfiw-rEL8FmuE5Q9Pcr0Xo5JOKAGRq2NFzaqNzofkZxcQt5zvVk-ZfZmVWqV2FUb8xwghekAR2dQjByqrC991SyLg0ls0pTVYuT6FwBOfL4o1KXSGfMEp2Bh4I7jFOrWCdiLCZPKsHRE_PJz8RPl3u7P6DfbBPZBIMxe7M/w640-h426/1-IMG_1538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsqwn4EJ5kMwwMbQXYdMSPEIj1QlAVui93kEmx481Gx-5h8S3pXYqSvUeWfw2oaJq5SArFbsm9iYqQJFYg-9R9pdWPKODOyFl-ApIsJBCYfm8o0zr4F-HCBITR7qysDVEDVcD_RToQI36FNR4U7kM2XkPYoD8SzPMFe62Gj4XC8luYIVJBgxOY1A2/s6000/1-IMG_1540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsqwn4EJ5kMwwMbQXYdMSPEIj1QlAVui93kEmx481Gx-5h8S3pXYqSvUeWfw2oaJq5SArFbsm9iYqQJFYg-9R9pdWPKODOyFl-ApIsJBCYfm8o0zr4F-HCBITR7qysDVEDVcD_RToQI36FNR4U7kM2XkPYoD8SzPMFe62Gj4XC8luYIVJBgxOY1A2/w640-h426/1-IMG_1540.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the place setting, I used the colors of a stoplight. Red plate, yellow bowl, and a green napkin. For each napkin, I printed out a question on the driver's license exam as a kind of napkin ring.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yct2z3bPAV8BCFQ5BkwbQ7te8vks_DImyX8w8azo1iNiVD5uevBR5ul7vLEPWOM-G0aSAveljr7p1KRy2U_ILbP_7cCo2KIM8npOWXKWmEPb0Jo-XkB9dhy_IGmYE2HS6IJ6iqtAz7dTisObmgVHJlFvIB7Tr-7rWSDMP0tEjavvBkQ74eZ6tTsw/s4058/1-IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4058" data-original-width="3494" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yct2z3bPAV8BCFQ5BkwbQ7te8vks_DImyX8w8azo1iNiVD5uevBR5ul7vLEPWOM-G0aSAveljr7p1KRy2U_ILbP_7cCo2KIM8npOWXKWmEPb0Jo-XkB9dhy_IGmYE2HS6IJ6iqtAz7dTisObmgVHJlFvIB7Tr-7rWSDMP0tEjavvBkQ74eZ6tTsw/w552-h640/1-IMG_1525.JPG" width="552" /></a></div><br />The place setting also included a DMV Road Sign bingo card. In between the meal and dessert, we played a few rounds of bingo using M&Ms as our markers.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimC32ZwTteQssfvFMFXsTJg1vy4cN0FiN5R27mjmuwFx3igUPYC5YmU5OPiRFSQrd7vqcZh33d7zDFeF5qXj7or_LlDZ_I-jrJuUBlK3GYSzeR-2VDjXLIKFukLQ30zS-aY3JBaUoCCOsKjuMQKfiDXgzp05aaOUtTg-7DLKtmehc_6yhA52eb5KY6/s5603/1-IMG_1582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5603" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimC32ZwTteQssfvFMFXsTJg1vy4cN0FiN5R27mjmuwFx3igUPYC5YmU5OPiRFSQrd7vqcZh33d7zDFeF5qXj7or_LlDZ_I-jrJuUBlK3GYSzeR-2VDjXLIKFukLQ30zS-aY3JBaUoCCOsKjuMQKfiDXgzp05aaOUtTg-7DLKtmehc_6yhA52eb5KY6/w452-h640/1-IMG_1582.JPG" width="452" /></a></div><br />Coming up with creative wine labels was a bit of a challenge for me with this theme, but I settled on playing up more road sign and driver related items. For the white wine, I created a label with a side mirror. In the mirror I had glasses of white wine, and the text read "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" with a "thank goodness" underneath. For the red wine, I used a stop sign with "red wine ahead" added. Above the stop sign, it reminded guests to "obey all traffic signs."<p></p><p>For wine charms, I printed out the same road signs used on the bingo cards to place on each glass.</p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK8dNfeiogP_Rbrq0T5owOV2jqPJgwxCYq7RCbGnaF8p-38-XL0oENgCLD-CkdsD1clILBllCAp8p1NnKa_K8L1lJz9NyY-qAmCeOA93B1iEDSqP-OBqat_OGsBQ9pcISt19ArMz0Ko2P9nSGCHNbdbQaCVJusOUIm98r72-u3HVe9BZAWEq1YnmU/s5126/1-IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5126" data-original-width="3935" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK8dNfeiogP_Rbrq0T5owOV2jqPJgwxCYq7RCbGnaF8p-38-XL0oENgCLD-CkdsD1clILBllCAp8p1NnKa_K8L1lJz9NyY-qAmCeOA93B1iEDSqP-OBqat_OGsBQ9pcISt19ArMz0Ko2P9nSGCHNbdbQaCVJusOUIm98r72-u3HVe9BZAWEq1YnmU/w492-h640/1-IMG_1600.JPG" width="492" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu: </u></b> Coming up with a menu that went with a driver's license theme was challenging as well. I decided to go with a car theme of cars that a young driver might be driving. I had a Toyota Corolla as my first car, so that was my inspiration and what started me on this thinking. We started with a delicious salad I called the Ford "Fiesta" Salad after the Fiesta model of car. This was a bed of greens with roasted corn, sliced red peppers, queso fresco, and Ford "Pinto" beans. I made a dressing with Corona beer calling it Toyota "Corona" Dressing. My menu card included these 3 cars.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMj_mHinVwTPtpt3HM1Jy3i_q63IncSJ77IBoAGp0P2hK6W_y3ENT8GdIIrPrMoPSikWRTGPc8NmodaTogAvnATn62Gal0RbK-7SRbTFDZqw6s3311gRq3wRYcvBpvDGhciV6oh3fCdNjPgcQIZhaiy8nT6shjswA2HSJUC0GbzHd8TCmQ2MA7tn5/s4593/1-IMG_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4593" data-original-width="3928" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMj_mHinVwTPtpt3HM1Jy3i_q63IncSJ77IBoAGp0P2hK6W_y3ENT8GdIIrPrMoPSikWRTGPc8NmodaTogAvnATn62Gal0RbK-7SRbTFDZqw6s3311gRq3wRYcvBpvDGhciV6oh3fCdNjPgcQIZhaiy8nT6shjswA2HSJUC0GbzHd8TCmQ2MA7tn5/w548-h640/1-IMG_1602.JPG" width="548" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzay73mH9ZX78p2FILyC-zirbxWeFoVrah3CDrko9O6-PhZKil0ROXI1i53xQXIaxXYKATI8zCyHfYY-sFeknG22STOe7tU-OAX5IFaboOoaFF3jBcCFIhNR_NmCdimHuME0aCPn9YpXPnEI_2hJGdbJWN0xIoKe-cSHB88R3jYmU8rvAMPHn0blrQ/s4744/1-IMG_1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4744" data-original-width="3950" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzay73mH9ZX78p2FILyC-zirbxWeFoVrah3CDrko9O6-PhZKil0ROXI1i53xQXIaxXYKATI8zCyHfYY-sFeknG22STOe7tU-OAX5IFaboOoaFF3jBcCFIhNR_NmCdimHuME0aCPn9YpXPnEI_2hJGdbJWN0xIoKe-cSHB88R3jYmU8rvAMPHn0blrQ/w532-h640/1-IMG_1605.JPG" width="532" /></a></div><br />Along with the salad, I made a chicken tortilla soup. I called this Toyota "Supra": Creamy Chicken "Tesla"-tilla. Tesla cars were definitely not around when I was a teen, but I am sure there are some spoiled teens out there driving one!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUkE8tFArcob5xHVNIG0X5QJC7SkpulUSxhuCMPZ2pYatUsVX2X-faS-2UlbvTAOJPUVEFhy0q3czyloBAWULqYwiWj6-ZpCf4ryoYPnVuSYJzduNPW4S11w6bg40R2vaUmnNYMxhSMS1CkA6T0713XlRK49k2xfKJc8aNDLoTu6oBZBbSy98vSVN/s4725/1-IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3976" data-original-width="4725" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUkE8tFArcob5xHVNIG0X5QJC7SkpulUSxhuCMPZ2pYatUsVX2X-faS-2UlbvTAOJPUVEFhy0q3czyloBAWULqYwiWj6-ZpCf4ryoYPnVuSYJzduNPW4S11w6bg40R2vaUmnNYMxhSMS1CkA6T0713XlRK49k2xfKJc8aNDLoTu6oBZBbSy98vSVN/w640-h538/1-IMG_1609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I wanted to make something that went with the Volkswagen Bug as that was a really popular car when I was 16. I decided to make mug cakes. My daughter has been making them lately for herself, so I decided to try it for the dinner. This recipe was a chocolate chip mug cake that you microwave for a few minutes and then serve. I whipped them up while the ladies played bingo and talked. I added a dollop of whip cream and a Volkswagen bug cupcake topper I made before serving.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLptbqc3sbYr21v01qu9RV33JeIaFJsI3JEnqAaPth7omOaIo2MtES3GDoFWyocOMdFuPYlERmbRWBRcX91FcZ425SVQFB3Emt20cCHU05jHqVpZRKJW8790QkgoFfwVwgaU5qidKd1fT_LaRQm4Uz_e2vKtDTPFgxRkvDZu_oLeqSZbvsJ6erVXCJ/s6000/1-IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLptbqc3sbYr21v01qu9RV33JeIaFJsI3JEnqAaPth7omOaIo2MtES3GDoFWyocOMdFuPYlERmbRWBRcX91FcZ425SVQFB3Emt20cCHU05jHqVpZRKJW8790QkgoFfwVwgaU5qidKd1fT_LaRQm4Uz_e2vKtDTPFgxRkvDZu_oLeqSZbvsJ6erVXCJ/w640-h426/1-IMG_1585.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor: </u></b>What 16 year old, doesn't love getting handed keys to a new or used car when they get their driver's license? I remember driving my parents huge Buick when I got my license, and even though it wasn't my car, it was nice to have keys to a car to drive when I needed to. Making chocolate keys seems like a perfect favor for this theme. I made two giant keys for each guest tying them together like a key ring at the top. I made a tag I was originally going to attach to the keys like a keyring, but it covered too much of the key, that I decided to just attach it to the top of the bag. The tag was a license plate with SWEET16 as the number. The month and tag year matched those of the party.<p></p><p>This is such a great group of friends and although all 11 of us couldn't make it to tonight's dinner, it was wonderful that so many could. Although my last minute planning on these dinners and details is always last minute and stressful, I do really enjoy this creative outlet and the time with these ladies once a month. I am blessed.</p><p><br /></p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-12601962151287674872022-09-19T20:58:00.002-07:002022-09-19T20:58:42.331-07:00The Beatles Tribute<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWuJOf9ronZ_VW1fKoTJsJjbZtn-hqlexGk02doX6z3KrU-SigvPa9jrfTaNuMvfwp9YmAqIlF-liHGniO3YenNSJUUNpSOzQoPK7hyCQT82WCJqi5FJ8oL7hr327yn1ij_CQdg7j1EycuXHfcx9_7S6cv90_sUsAUhfAFt9kgLViL-sKZ1StL_W8/s3421/1-Beatles%20MD%2020221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="3421" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWuJOf9ronZ_VW1fKoTJsJjbZtn-hqlexGk02doX6z3KrU-SigvPa9jrfTaNuMvfwp9YmAqIlF-liHGniO3YenNSJUUNpSOzQoPK7hyCQT82WCJqi5FJ8oL7hr327yn1ij_CQdg7j1EycuXHfcx9_7S6cv90_sUsAUhfAFt9kgLViL-sKZ1StL_W8/w640-h408/1-Beatles%20MD%2020221.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />"<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>A</b></span>ll You Need is Love"...and friends, and wine, and a yummy dinner to make a great evening. That's what we had at our last Monthly Dinner as I chose a theme centered around The Beatles. They have have so many great songs, that it was fun to use them to come up with the party menu and other aspects.</p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedSPv0Kvh4VFcAoz-A2AW8GMGiQLjfM_QPufKVrGZkk7T2KhdPUrCdE5EMV1K4L4sbciLGuOEJoKUuvLHbor44knC6jk04gMBFBVOCMiBAzaQKN-_QG5xNYMK80A2QyDmZTttwqH5Rm21_vbWpyjU2Z3d0tT3v4rrkmWf84IW0N3ATUJVvbDOkZp8/s3500/Beatles%20Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedSPv0Kvh4VFcAoz-A2AW8GMGiQLjfM_QPufKVrGZkk7T2KhdPUrCdE5EMV1K4L4sbciLGuOEJoKUuvLHbor44knC6jk04gMBFBVOCMiBAzaQKN-_QG5xNYMK80A2QyDmZTttwqH5Rm21_vbWpyjU2Z3d0tT3v4rrkmWf84IW0N3ATUJVvbDOkZp8/w458-h640/Beatles%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invite: </u></b>I tried to incorporate a ton of songs from The Beatles into the text of my invite. I used many of their most iconic and well-known songs.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNi8XiwD5o3MIlj0hL5oik2abKufsm1XFu88BKwtPaLUY0g_lgUYwKu47d0aw1VZczHWK-_EU7dmqS54SndFVAecxQFIRqUxU5R-QuZNJ-8I4VMeIpfMsGkpJIUtE0t8Em7YUsGsgLhShogEIkwwpfKm8xC3tPxEMDXN0A7JMVJiDDwuPY-RU4fco/s5937/1-IMG_1437.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3172" data-original-width="5937" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNi8XiwD5o3MIlj0hL5oik2abKufsm1XFu88BKwtPaLUY0g_lgUYwKu47d0aw1VZczHWK-_EU7dmqS54SndFVAecxQFIRqUxU5R-QuZNJ-8I4VMeIpfMsGkpJIUtE0t8Em7YUsGsgLhShogEIkwwpfKm8xC3tPxEMDXN0A7JMVJiDDwuPY-RU4fco/w640-h342/1-IMG_1437.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decor: </u></b>I set my table with a red tablecloth and created a centerpiece out of borrowed records & handmade items.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWg3CbGKli273T_ljwhQ1zFsf8iMn4tf6jF7Lm_cffcl9MPcGBdsC53069yxI-OlX6vCdE-HMlc0g0It3tbnwP5YFUMFZPqOmX_iDllow9PZP2sKMtP5oWbQ9M7MtJR5igc8IKORtnjakxWfxYTTBf6jAwdHIdPRVNfgIYTh3AU3S9_K_VM2Wbvgi/s5962/1-IMG_1450.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="5962" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWg3CbGKli273T_ljwhQ1zFsf8iMn4tf6jF7Lm_cffcl9MPcGBdsC53069yxI-OlX6vCdE-HMlc0g0It3tbnwP5YFUMFZPqOmX_iDllow9PZP2sKMtP5oWbQ9M7MtJR5igc8IKORtnjakxWfxYTTBf6jAwdHIdPRVNfgIYTh3AU3S9_K_VM2Wbvgi/w640-h298/1-IMG_1450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the Abbey Road figures, I just found an image online and cut them out the size I wanted using my Cricut machine. I created a wedge to make them stand up. The sign I purchased from Amazon and propped it up on the center. The large records I borrowed from my dad and just created The Beatles album centers using PhotoShop.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxshJXrrUFi_cxqy6Zq5YLPWdMmrBfLhrsxHQXR1PolTeeYaNXBWdqqpPsaYslDmThYClzuZztp7SUVGRMJB_LPvmf3Da7EXvAslqT64xoc8nQNSqZ28yu7NNrSJVwQc7B1HuCQ9W-SSLFjoNcYkQZZw9RPZXvMENhZiXeETeIHkbpxOqWgq6hIvt/s4316/1-IMG_1442.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3764" data-original-width="4316" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxshJXrrUFi_cxqy6Zq5YLPWdMmrBfLhrsxHQXR1PolTeeYaNXBWdqqpPsaYslDmThYClzuZztp7SUVGRMJB_LPvmf3Da7EXvAslqT64xoc8nQNSqZ28yu7NNrSJVwQc7B1HuCQ9W-SSLFjoNcYkQZZw9RPZXvMENhZiXeETeIHkbpxOqWgq6hIvt/w640-h558/1-IMG_1442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZj6TOa7fhb8MgVlrbujCCyI7bMilfmNHBPQRDVbesk-6p-brXP1t23XYOBys2mIC-7qkw64MwP9yaN-J6OelZkOZHZIZJFO0iTs5SnSs0wD-NuQ_AnJlwzAgDyb4v4Dj3iMib9a_eSqkDSHszca_52q67U29CMHtDuVWf1uZw8gORirTjMEW7aYG/s3936/1-IMG_1446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2999" data-original-width="3936" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZj6TOa7fhb8MgVlrbujCCyI7bMilfmNHBPQRDVbesk-6p-brXP1t23XYOBys2mIC-7qkw64MwP9yaN-J6OelZkOZHZIZJFO0iTs5SnSs0wD-NuQ_AnJlwzAgDyb4v4Dj3iMib9a_eSqkDSHszca_52q67U29CMHtDuVWf1uZw8gORirTjMEW7aYG/w640-h488/1-IMG_1446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou_EsivV3E8EJ2x8MK9U1nruUU9an32-YxdQo71JgOqrRvIPy0DXm7WcRKX4o5yc0iWEe2M0dXf4Wa6Wf-LbEp9PsNnlGKdj8hM_Rf81gL_1ygS33TDLW-isqs5hE-9jxvAIBuNACxtyFiD_oljRwidqNrsiPZgGWXB6sSFxpATKh5UXI5b_Jvbed/s3920/1-IMG_1418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3920" data-original-width="2910" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou_EsivV3E8EJ2x8MK9U1nruUU9an32-YxdQo71JgOqrRvIPy0DXm7WcRKX4o5yc0iWEe2M0dXf4Wa6Wf-LbEp9PsNnlGKdj8hM_Rf81gL_1ygS33TDLW-isqs5hE-9jxvAIBuNACxtyFiD_oljRwidqNrsiPZgGWXB6sSFxpATKh5UXI5b_Jvbed/w476-h640/1-IMG_1418.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><br />For each place setting, I borrowed my dad's 45 records and designed a label for the middle. The labels had various Beatles songs, but I also used these as place cards. Each label had the last name of one of my guest as the production company.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI2mmloLjxAkyWz8G3kwYIQN0DNsFPljB9QmzM9588B-mvNviw6DZ-QPhvQU74FRHdx5Si11bOilvCeJZSN5NJYWVgSpJpUhCPOXfYP4L90C0mUPPFcrH4hpYc2yRH6f1wApH8LaIJRbDAv86O9wY9ryDRaSy1JIMPv-wrW_SIt1YTkzfWDdTAzUn/s4852/1-IMG_1422.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4852" data-original-width="3430" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI2mmloLjxAkyWz8G3kwYIQN0DNsFPljB9QmzM9588B-mvNviw6DZ-QPhvQU74FRHdx5Si11bOilvCeJZSN5NJYWVgSpJpUhCPOXfYP4L90C0mUPPFcrH4hpYc2yRH6f1wApH8LaIJRbDAv86O9wY9ryDRaSy1JIMPv-wrW_SIt1YTkzfWDdTAzUn/w452-h640/1-IMG_1422.JPG" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz4UhPviPEAsYBoKUSjDzUxyzH1X48MXZzS5E2Ux_SUDWmMh7wj5TC0r0o8BX-oaU-zBBPuwdzky4lLnpUTv7ZV7vPS8FmYLsc2FEv8U2cyrclGDxnMP6Up4xCmvy0OXVdPsOuYlcGO-D22npHmJpouCYJvuowcKK5JfAOBMUVXyb2PW1YjUk00Kr/s4260/1-IMG_1424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4260" data-original-width="3119" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz4UhPviPEAsYBoKUSjDzUxyzH1X48MXZzS5E2Ux_SUDWmMh7wj5TC0r0o8BX-oaU-zBBPuwdzky4lLnpUTv7ZV7vPS8FmYLsc2FEv8U2cyrclGDxnMP6Up4xCmvy0OXVdPsOuYlcGO-D22npHmJpouCYJvuowcKK5JfAOBMUVXyb2PW1YjUk00Kr/w468-h640/1-IMG_1424.JPG" width="468" /></a></div><br />For the napkin, I played with the "All You Need is Love" song title and added..."and a Napkin" just for fun.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRspPEoWn2t7BMHYcVN1jmZVQnDJmPilTcq9pVMEmewOYwWUwO-IxrD0tUhONMpVudTAKeDtJqTccgGWx8LT3W9q-quIz2t8zMrRCAN6UBTudM4_43sTFNcjHHISYh0u0iX4aAHF00G_WAM-wk5qFIcfK63l4TJBY9poXJ_j42vvUVurQBZiWBl_N/s4932/1-IMG_1454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4932" data-original-width="3589" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRspPEoWn2t7BMHYcVN1jmZVQnDJmPilTcq9pVMEmewOYwWUwO-IxrD0tUhONMpVudTAKeDtJqTccgGWx8LT3W9q-quIz2t8zMrRCAN6UBTudM4_43sTFNcjHHISYh0u0iX4aAHF00G_WAM-wk5qFIcfK63l4TJBY9poXJ_j42vvUVurQBZiWBl_N/w466-h640/1-IMG_1454.JPG" width="466" /></a></div><br />Making the wine labels was fun as I love to be creative. For the white wine, I took a photo of The Beatles cover for "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and added white wine glasses in their hands using PhotoShop. I then changed the text of the album cover to read "I Want to Hold Your Wine." The background to the label that wraps around the bottle was the British flag. For the red wine, I used the song "A Hard Day's Night" and added "...I need Red Wine" after it. I added iconic photos of The Beatles on the part of the label that wrapped around the bottle.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlYiNfsme_07n3fPJ9oIhWjuyyv9rDsdOHYPsh2z-0RFv_IeVk8tSQNZF_pfykjjI7TCVoTDH6NVQ6oPJseLIHE3hMxsqVpVUpzhqYf5NTNbBgikOA5Ej_xwwr7zIw4kwjGqkSio8RoIZ0mjO654w3C-bCSLKHNovedIwtT6n6oNLAf2nlTwZmpCF/s4316/1-IMG_1409.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3687" data-original-width="4316" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlYiNfsme_07n3fPJ9oIhWjuyyv9rDsdOHYPsh2z-0RFv_IeVk8tSQNZF_pfykjjI7TCVoTDH6NVQ6oPJseLIHE3hMxsqVpVUpzhqYf5NTNbBgikOA5Ej_xwwr7zIw4kwjGqkSio8RoIZ0mjO654w3C-bCSLKHNovedIwtT6n6oNLAf2nlTwZmpCF/w640-h546/1-IMG_1409.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I printed mini album covers to attach to each stem of the wine glass.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCl1wjfql_H2xLsqNZ6pUv3VdN4fgSQiZL6Q3DPn1I5j6WYjH94uh0bo8R7XR-GGSl3p8rnPgfjMn1XMnhjRCwRmOm580YXqisZxcwtGQ0gM93v_OjvZBufiQuhKYY8hMvM90qpwmZmpluciouYwS3F5orUXsU-2eRBg2UL7ENTcATWnsSNqDxs_8/s5702/1-IMG_1459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3413" data-original-width="5702" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCl1wjfql_H2xLsqNZ6pUv3VdN4fgSQiZL6Q3DPn1I5j6WYjH94uh0bo8R7XR-GGSl3p8rnPgfjMn1XMnhjRCwRmOm580YXqisZxcwtGQ0gM93v_OjvZBufiQuhKYY8hMvM90qpwmZmpluciouYwS3F5orUXsU-2eRBg2UL7ENTcATWnsSNqDxs_8/w640-h384/1-IMG_1459.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu:</u></b> Luckily The Beatles have gillions of songs, so I played with different ones to come up with my menu for the evening. For the first appetizer, we started with Veggies and "Dip-La-Di, Dip-La, Da." I designed the menu labels to match the invitation with the British flag in the background and the Abbey Road walk on the front.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLNUnnBJzywceL3z38b39uDvDjg95duHI9oF9j94OtV7LlBRrvTECXJM_cu7lCfd6rVV7YAsqXVNwdCI56J2vHsIkDslYd5hedAFBEKPn7fc20xE-QToK0QsCHzQWne4R9cLYCPmmCHmM1gJPGihrB5yuLgxyL_2PB0ZhFOsSQXluu0AU7QlbA7bn/s5639/1-IMG_1468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3634" data-original-width="5639" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLNUnnBJzywceL3z38b39uDvDjg95duHI9oF9j94OtV7LlBRrvTECXJM_cu7lCfd6rVV7YAsqXVNwdCI56J2vHsIkDslYd5hedAFBEKPn7fc20xE-QToK0QsCHzQWne4R9cLYCPmmCHmM1gJPGihrB5yuLgxyL_2PB0ZhFOsSQXluu0AU7QlbA7bn/w640-h412/1-IMG_1468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For a second appetizer, I served brie cheese with crackers. I titled this "Let It Brie" after The Beatles song "Let it Be."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JbGnFK7CI1i4NWZ2lMImqU-_HOzBhZiXxi3qh72d5Ifr1DcQ1bpyv9VWUhNCliiY6-jRSNT4ipZmNkJjgzLNzdjNzsYr8rN6wEBuarxtZDGlNgzVOMihE0B2PaUnRLEqgvN8JzTzBh324M9w3defRnW4nL4FcFTf6APQZXjROfl6kqjkV72ArtxV/s4403/1-IMG_1492.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3610" data-original-width="4403" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JbGnFK7CI1i4NWZ2lMImqU-_HOzBhZiXxi3qh72d5Ifr1DcQ1bpyv9VWUhNCliiY6-jRSNT4ipZmNkJjgzLNzdjNzsYr8rN6wEBuarxtZDGlNgzVOMihE0B2PaUnRLEqgvN8JzTzBh324M9w3defRnW4nL4FcFTf6APQZXjROfl6kqjkV72ArtxV/w640-h524/1-IMG_1492.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the main dish, I served "Penne (Penny) Lane" pasta, and I made a spaghetti sauce with Dr. Pepper soda in it. This was to represent the "Sergeant Pepper" song. The sauce was easy to make and tasty. I found the recipe <a href="https://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/23/Dr_Pepper_Spaghetti13576.shtml">here</a>.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkxhRzP_YrhnUthGEXudq1huXffLOfno_WGfBj4A-UjVV0CqiNHQT-e-WYZIvsOlKcrB8TQ8QyOxdg4SlZHkZLl2pE588311kN_Y8mB-GVLO5n6JFLpygM3xeHljY4tR36QX6DwVnoKjBtHBcYEs8-BCD1fgmviIU7ZTnLn7wO4ofmtH26nIqR5nC/s1676/1-Beatles%20MD%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="1676" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkxhRzP_YrhnUthGEXudq1huXffLOfno_WGfBj4A-UjVV0CqiNHQT-e-WYZIvsOlKcrB8TQ8QyOxdg4SlZHkZLl2pE588311kN_Y8mB-GVLO5n6JFLpygM3xeHljY4tR36QX6DwVnoKjBtHBcYEs8-BCD1fgmviIU7ZTnLn7wO4ofmtH26nIqR5nC/w640-h532/1-Beatles%20MD%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Along with the pasta I served breadsticks that I twisted before baking to go with the song "Twist and Shout." I used already prepared pizza dough, added Italian seasoning, and sliced and twisted each before baking. Super simple.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_XTTjZdXuLLJVI5-10NwDG9KBcxwQ53BJzvQvUJWz1-lzW-AbmI8g_NYUifwW3hzYcDimOQ6UeTA1VSzUqABI-5q6mT4uJxNjaUpnwVh7r8YHPF_AsIwGZhXSItthWED0KUuVZdugt_ljPH9SPytAuIZ-jiS8CpZbW-rfg8pM0rzxL8TNS_9ToJP/s3868/1-IMG_1486.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3336" data-original-width="3868" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_XTTjZdXuLLJVI5-10NwDG9KBcxwQ53BJzvQvUJWz1-lzW-AbmI8g_NYUifwW3hzYcDimOQ6UeTA1VSzUqABI-5q6mT4uJxNjaUpnwVh7r8YHPF_AsIwGZhXSItthWED0KUuVZdugt_ljPH9SPytAuIZ-jiS8CpZbW-rfg8pM0rzxL8TNS_9ToJP/w640-h552/1-IMG_1486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The green salad I served represented "Strawberry Fields (and Spinach) Forever." It was a spinach salad with Feta cheese, sliced pecans, sliced strawberries, and a homemade balsamic vinegar/maple syrup/dijon mustard dressing.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvZ0Si96qBTCP2RsqK6aeyur9kEOeHnFPYW1VnHCaA-A5R4mvx2TSrQWRMADZitVLrEEM0GqOMi7KsSa02FYyAWrKYVrE8ul1eL--WAHeTjrJwn9hwvWlLsGEQrX2D_uFwKpnIwvdobKhU38dGtOtLjcCn7ks2HAnRnj4Y2s7fRQkC34wr5f0-UMY/s4908/1-IMG_1510.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3769" data-original-width="4908" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvZ0Si96qBTCP2RsqK6aeyur9kEOeHnFPYW1VnHCaA-A5R4mvx2TSrQWRMADZitVLrEEM0GqOMi7KsSa02FYyAWrKYVrE8ul1eL--WAHeTjrJwn9hwvWlLsGEQrX2D_uFwKpnIwvdobKhU38dGtOtLjcCn7ks2HAnRnj4Y2s7fRQkC34wr5f0-UMY/w640-h492/1-IMG_1510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I had an ice cream sundae bar with various toppings. This went with the song "Here Comes the Sun"(dae.)<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWk09FkFRF5NmCp8aQ7ew0xKMsoVr1fx644BUmfMhqKwdRk1tbX_QavM1gtYUXpdc_6e8g9Ax-HYKqN_f6k_8jFnC0AikRO0spDRz5exjJiT_jXJlnC1TxsRrJr7YVKIFu3WgqO0zsaotHGlPL76bfDZWcEtCUcsjACl6iW6I2bDpGQa0inTE3jhp/s1936/1-image000000%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="1452" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWk09FkFRF5NmCp8aQ7ew0xKMsoVr1fx644BUmfMhqKwdRk1tbX_QavM1gtYUXpdc_6e8g9Ax-HYKqN_f6k_8jFnC0AikRO0spDRz5exjJiT_jXJlnC1TxsRrJr7YVKIFu3WgqO0zsaotHGlPL76bfDZWcEtCUcsjACl6iW6I2bDpGQa0inTE3jhp/w480-h640/1-image000000%20(1).JPG" width="480" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpy2oBT8ajzTjVegmUgs8WIjlHYooMmaLQWCbzpNG71TUvsfKZqrAnS4Co6WLSrljo_JxED7hI6_rJVmVW2ULe38W_GbXQ8B6Geqme0aDvPZlQRauInEUv-QtHYFCCHxgdSIagPkiKns5zXJ-e7JgnBO6E68H7aqlHtbxK34fppVRQyq4NGg44ECYx/s1745/1-image000001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1745" data-original-width="1431" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpy2oBT8ajzTjVegmUgs8WIjlHYooMmaLQWCbzpNG71TUvsfKZqrAnS4Co6WLSrljo_JxED7hI6_rJVmVW2ULe38W_GbXQ8B6Geqme0aDvPZlQRauInEUv-QtHYFCCHxgdSIagPkiKns5zXJ-e7JgnBO6E68H7aqlHtbxK34fppVRQyq4NGg44ECYx/w524-h640/1-image000001.JPG" width="524" /></a></div><br />Favor: </u></b>I decided to make "Yellow Submarines" as my favor. I found eyeglass cases at the Dollar Tree and spray painted them yellow. I also spray painted straws black and cut them to be the periscope. I added mints to the side. Inside each submarine, I put some starburst and some lemonheads. These represented Ringo Starr and John Lemmon(Lennon)head.<p></p><p>We were a small, but fun group at this monthly dinner. Always a good time to chat up with my friends while listening to fun music in the background.</p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-60467292008479028462022-08-14T14:52:00.000-07:002022-08-14T14:52:36.683-07:00Friends & Floaties<p><b><span style="color: #fd128b; font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #fd128b; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lEZ_1YuJD791UTVurtfaHDpDHXI2O0uOJmNUzRaKVtriA9j88yw2kgb4W3-O9pWXWVRM5E50YwrdyVHjFxjYmJb8eIVIBN9F6wfcMx_d_Pkf46gTTUsM9HT4bZBQDovz6Xy1kWVIhRSyy5pseDkmKJY9-FwNVKr0EAEPw5vJASHZ9CHeWOuzHnG-/s3718/1-Floaties%20MD%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2302" data-original-width="3718" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lEZ_1YuJD791UTVurtfaHDpDHXI2O0uOJmNUzRaKVtriA9j88yw2kgb4W3-O9pWXWVRM5E50YwrdyVHjFxjYmJb8eIVIBN9F6wfcMx_d_Pkf46gTTUsM9HT4bZBQDovz6Xy1kWVIhRSyy5pseDkmKJY9-FwNVKr0EAEPw5vJASHZ9CHeWOuzHnG-/w640-h396/1-Floaties%20MD%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #fd128b; font-size: large;">S</span></b>ummer has officially ended, and I am back to work/kids are back to school. I know I am spoiled as a teacher, but I am always sad to see the summer end. I decided to have one last hurrah of summer with a <b><span style="color: #fa0cb7;">Friends & Floaties</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;"> </span></b>themed monthly dinner. Ended up to be a cute summer party.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxk8pRBAnNO8PfD0knfUe6t7ZR7kySCojMlKV29M1YI4CrE2eHEHU0WDRXho2-Q5J-nIYMWDtVgoU4uuGFIxwM44En-9tH-yx6-cbEmhmTh2XBNXD2p4j98GNea8jrS96d39ZkBKvIT0s11JPwKlCwAH5yTDRD6DVmpaDuLGRgrQnM2TDy2e4DYyY/s3500/MD%20Invitation%20Floatie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxk8pRBAnNO8PfD0knfUe6t7ZR7kySCojMlKV29M1YI4CrE2eHEHU0WDRXho2-Q5J-nIYMWDtVgoU4uuGFIxwM44En-9tH-yx6-cbEmhmTh2XBNXD2p4j98GNea8jrS96d39ZkBKvIT0s11JPwKlCwAH5yTDRD6DVmpaDuLGRgrQnM2TDy2e4DYyY/w438-h640/MD%20Invitation%20Floatie.jpg" width="438" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite:</u></b> For the invite, I used a beachy/pool background image and added the text in bright, bold colors. I kept it simple and easy to read. When I sent it, I also asked guests to bring a fun floatie with them to the our dinner party.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A_H9uqpGYyswX1Qw0gorOErGC867k28gG-lSsKGPRlbrtlH0rPD0MqtaQHgkYgoa5GCNrtpeAuQUMpdxHWxhkZC-wETtzAo3hdbS2VL9B9erLlrU_6Ht5l7X3NuFwdUWQ0cxO2a-ylQiDIaea6xI4CZlLdJNM0bNX1QeXrDynHiCGNoau0wofJMX/s3430/IMG-9756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3430" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8A_H9uqpGYyswX1Qw0gorOErGC867k28gG-lSsKGPRlbrtlH0rPD0MqtaQHgkYgoa5GCNrtpeAuQUMpdxHWxhkZC-wETtzAo3hdbS2VL9B9erLlrU_6Ht5l7X3NuFwdUWQ0cxO2a-ylQiDIaea6xI4CZlLdJNM0bNX1QeXrDynHiCGNoau0wofJMX/w564-h640/IMG-9756.jpg" width="564" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decor: </u></b>There are a ton of floaties and other summer items in stores (and in my house) right now, so it was simple to put together the decorations for the party. For the table, I used a bright pink tablecloth and used one of our big bright beach towels to place on top of it. I bought drink floaties to place on each plate.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImsMiAaniOafqfCtaCaZWqSAg0b-CYxU3bdrTRw91ZfkD3cm2uP0tu7szf0oIgJ9TI2v-sQVfShxp8f90uNTJTFmG-AbeTOBbnC4HfiKwt_UvJ2FoD0foMiSrY80kKsQxgktaOsl5_geaNkS6a5G-Hj_M5oOqpMCnNp68umJ1gawv9j88pwli36K2/s6000/1-IMG_1248.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImsMiAaniOafqfCtaCaZWqSAg0b-CYxU3bdrTRw91ZfkD3cm2uP0tu7szf0oIgJ9TI2v-sQVfShxp8f90uNTJTFmG-AbeTOBbnC4HfiKwt_UvJ2FoD0foMiSrY80kKsQxgktaOsl5_geaNkS6a5G-Hj_M5oOqpMCnNp68umJ1gawv9j88pwli36K2/w640-h426/1-IMG_1248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For the centerpiece, I bought a bright teal tray, purple goggles, and a green pool noodle from the dollar store. I cut the pool noodle into small pieces about 4 inches tall and set them up on the tray as vases. The goggles wrapped around 6 of the noodles. I then bought a small bouquet of bright colored flowers from Trader Joes and cut them up to place inside each noodle. I kept the flowers in water until right before the party so they wouldn't wilt, and then transferred them to the pool noodles (without water) a few minutes before guests arrived.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YSEz7V8HdwpQE-yma3K5J6y_7hYoFtYynGcoJyQELF2-4S1cPLOwq4o8oFulqZYQTsbf3XwB4ZANZzlCNBPFi4qOVUBFfLQNQvUUcfskmkAfO5QKdmi3KPVmbVuV7vZVdlYcDep_F0bm8-vrz4uOKMUkiPTvBWjF7MnF8DwJ8S7WyNsFIuRoSllx/s6000/1-IMG_1266.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YSEz7V8HdwpQE-yma3K5J6y_7hYoFtYynGcoJyQELF2-4S1cPLOwq4o8oFulqZYQTsbf3XwB4ZANZzlCNBPFi4qOVUBFfLQNQvUUcfskmkAfO5QKdmi3KPVmbVuV7vZVdlYcDep_F0bm8-vrz4uOKMUkiPTvBWjF7MnF8DwJ8S7WyNsFIuRoSllx/w640-h426/1-IMG_1266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIxewlX9tlwUV-Fx62MjBxxRx_3jNg51wY-6ol0ORViOD27cp0F9niAUvZDwICOp75wNUs0n19k7hLM6xuAao9jWhC9383_N-y0T7X7XfWAe3p_rQDboSIs9yBJQlxPcDa04p2c0QALlP9Jdl2eevVrG25jrOGMfqec90sLw2CS_qxAwYj9_L3Wd_/s5394/1-IMG_1281.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5394" data-original-width="3322" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIxewlX9tlwUV-Fx62MjBxxRx_3jNg51wY-6ol0ORViOD27cp0F9niAUvZDwICOp75wNUs0n19k7hLM6xuAao9jWhC9383_N-y0T7X7XfWAe3p_rQDboSIs9yBJQlxPcDa04p2c0QALlP9Jdl2eevVrG25jrOGMfqec90sLw2CS_qxAwYj9_L3Wd_/w394-h640/1-IMG_1281.JPG" width="394" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VI_Rr7XI0ovIEXXgkcJU4OliFoQWKrKPmrxWpUGHjZX1YaekZChAvm-MW8yD8_Yzxjvj8vcUWLPRa8y8O8JvtVhCX3jvLFcbiO4i_hOC_9U1qLNydIuCOELBPvcRJvlTQFUa79gjuebrm3VZslfYPmgpZGffOh2Nq8fAP6hgytzMB2v4jYI1aH9w/s3825/1-IMG_1287.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3644" data-original-width="3825" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VI_Rr7XI0ovIEXXgkcJU4OliFoQWKrKPmrxWpUGHjZX1YaekZChAvm-MW8yD8_Yzxjvj8vcUWLPRa8y8O8JvtVhCX3jvLFcbiO4i_hOC_9U1qLNydIuCOELBPvcRJvlTQFUa79gjuebrm3VZslfYPmgpZGffOh2Nq8fAP6hgytzMB2v4jYI1aH9w/w640-h610/1-IMG_1287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I bought small drink floaties to place at each place setting. I found them on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D69F2WR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">here</a>. Since I serve wine at these monthly dinners, I used a clear plastic glass and placed it inside the floatie with the guest's name on it in vinyl letters I cut out with my Cricut cutting machine. These cups served as both place cards & wine charms.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hSC1nvFIqzp3fVNUwboALx1ES1u0fTR2nxJXYYPrEzOAKgcCrqbrVkJjamqb_4vOQdVXamfpFjf4U2BUY5nuo-s6YyrciAmU3cTU6mZXQnMr6ncuv14x156NmQvkNFvTIS6EBDABqAmR-subW1VOBdS27uAq9ll9sj9YIhHp6V_0LXMVjYQDnQpF/s4340/1-IMG_1289.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3080" data-original-width="4340" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hSC1nvFIqzp3fVNUwboALx1ES1u0fTR2nxJXYYPrEzOAKgcCrqbrVkJjamqb_4vOQdVXamfpFjf4U2BUY5nuo-s6YyrciAmU3cTU6mZXQnMr6ncuv14x156NmQvkNFvTIS6EBDABqAmR-subW1VOBdS27uAq9ll9sj9YIhHp6V_0LXMVjYQDnQpF/w640-h454/1-IMG_1289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I cut up different color pool noodles to use as napkin rings and added bright colored napkins.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXmS7iKe3X-lPQeIv385ZYr3uup9km4XgBqTnNZ_zfWGdEixWubo1LxGflTqJSI6FYZJQ7H_gthCuyL1Mkkg6pY6k6CkWC0uvGbbbSyJYu5GgifuB85_YnrOS4pWS1BXyv19faEcpswfA3BxgIKX4Xi2PW1rjSbbXAvTyB7eLrwF_pYtWorGvfEFE/s6000/1-IMG_1389.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXmS7iKe3X-lPQeIv385ZYr3uup9km4XgBqTnNZ_zfWGdEixWubo1LxGflTqJSI6FYZJQ7H_gthCuyL1Mkkg6pY6k6CkWC0uvGbbbSyJYu5GgifuB85_YnrOS4pWS1BXyv19faEcpswfA3BxgIKX4Xi2PW1rjSbbXAvTyB7eLrwF_pYtWorGvfEFE/w640-h426/1-IMG_1389.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For my side table, I also used a bright colored towel I already owned as the tablecloth and then created a banner with cut up pool noodle rings to hang above it. The HOME sign I already had with the flip flops up for summer.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby8CShva3QhnYBOHFMICaGKFQl-_hhl2QAPivyZTwungc5jFxKrly_s-LnbL3I0qig-6fudEvrVOK8FhW2_ubeJFCrbYB4xFEHc2RHBIXO-OnO3ZZJAxm2EQCEAJMga6CJRSx0DNLfSfK0ES2xZaJk-lYsGCsTHpDRthT1OOlxr-PIBFuKwL7IfXn/s5199/1-IMG_1328.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5199" data-original-width="3487" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgby8CShva3QhnYBOHFMICaGKFQl-_hhl2QAPivyZTwungc5jFxKrly_s-LnbL3I0qig-6fudEvrVOK8FhW2_ubeJFCrbYB4xFEHc2RHBIXO-OnO3ZZJAxm2EQCEAJMga6CJRSx0DNLfSfK0ES2xZaJk-lYsGCsTHpDRthT1OOlxr-PIBFuKwL7IfXn/w430-h640/1-IMG_1328.JPG" width="430" /></a></div><br />I created my wine labels to match the summer floatie theme as well. For the white wine, I used the same image as my invitation, but added more floaties to it. I also added wine glasses inside some of the floaties. The text read, "Wine. Pairs well with Floaties." For the red wine, I found a floatie of a red wine bottle you can purchase online and used that. It read "Let's Go Wine Tasting In The Pool." I added an image of a wine glass floatie to the sides of the label as well.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b></div><b><u><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIYtltmLBHuQt_rsQMqCZE4F2P02tadMvj02hHcjlH-wbmGPzxGZuSrkTR-usFxrCLpd8nLu-QW0xuH5pNy0guQ-8zSLOor7ejWUaRTGgHxKVBqic1JlW9bBHCKTr1RdQOYuseXcPhSFHhx5KvU8gSjmWkEfrstbVyeHftN_DBKrgMN5-vjuuuwYz/s3719/1-IMG_1360.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3653" data-original-width="3719" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIYtltmLBHuQt_rsQMqCZE4F2P02tadMvj02hHcjlH-wbmGPzxGZuSrkTR-usFxrCLpd8nLu-QW0xuH5pNy0guQ-8zSLOor7ejWUaRTGgHxKVBqic1JlW9bBHCKTr1RdQOYuseXcPhSFHhx5KvU8gSjmWkEfrstbVyeHftN_DBKrgMN5-vjuuuwYz/w640-h628/1-IMG_1360.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Menu: </u></b> There are ton of food-related floaties in stores to purchase, so you could easily do pizza or pretzels or popsicles as these are great snacks at birthday parties, etc. Instead, I tried to base some of my menu more on the floatie idea rather than matching it to a specific floatie I would need to purchase. We started with homemade pasta and a recipe that my grandmother use to make. I served this on Italian Ziti noodles because they look like pool noodles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf120V_wgVByQxa2akfN-rtvsD8zbg58w1xb11ypls64sEUdhzk8JMaGg0d-eSiNfAo3U6ftQT5LXNy_4ZYJpSbAMV0_0sNj2NdtA8W7zGajoW4bE98zOXCdf3khUVDER5Fu2hrHmd3__2ewpfiztY_Mq88-kKHpwEiJuh-B5AJ0RhZDUtEiMBYFH/s3894/1-IMG_1362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3894" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXf120V_wgVByQxa2akfN-rtvsD8zbg58w1xb11ypls64sEUdhzk8JMaGg0d-eSiNfAo3U6ftQT5LXNy_4ZYJpSbAMV0_0sNj2NdtA8W7zGajoW4bE98zOXCdf3khUVDER5Fu2hrHmd3__2ewpfiztY_Mq88-kKHpwEiJuh-B5AJ0RhZDUtEiMBYFH/w570-h640/1-IMG_1362.JPG" width="570" /></a></div><br />Alongside the pool noodle pasta, I served Inner Tube Garlic Bread. I purchased rolls of pizza dough, spread them out, spread butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning on the dough, and then rolled the dough up. I wrapped the dough along the sides of a springform pan with an empty can I had used for the spaghetti sauce in the middle so I could make sure it was shaped like an inner tube. It took 3 rolls of pizza dough to make it around pan and all the way to the center to reach the empty sauce can. However, this was the perfect amount of bread for our party of 10.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g2wksNPlkLiL4XvOsHl_uVG15GXLA8UmP-CgfT5xMkp0lFE5qMh--JSrJ8xmhQx5aPaBWorvIfnZHmsFGxMfGOhA5i8kAWvbZmUEEOmnEGqGGdH1n3IuCi93o416uyhJFOqb03HYhYAyo3jegnUeBFNmNlH3-r2yZPsz93woEUhg0I5Jmw4zqUaY/s6000/1-IMG_1344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g2wksNPlkLiL4XvOsHl_uVG15GXLA8UmP-CgfT5xMkp0lFE5qMh--JSrJ8xmhQx5aPaBWorvIfnZHmsFGxMfGOhA5i8kAWvbZmUEEOmnEGqGGdH1n3IuCi93o416uyhJFOqb03HYhYAyo3jegnUeBFNmNlH3-r2yZPsz93woEUhg0I5Jmw4zqUaY/w640-h426/1-IMG_1344.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As another side, I cut up watermelon. I used a small watermelon floatie and placed the bowl of watermelon inside when serving.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0LsPXlEhagYWCToRDsndLajITFJHILS4h53Nitwp-gL6alktqK5gAWpZxfbNH9ALC-iRBKp3N5u_FNtjwNTOqz46wOBU-JT51uRM1-Lv6xLmX6elGxXZW7GX2m8ZEhrJ0LtZt1_bVjHEhu-A1uJ9nCyFtO_pYdD5Fw_MS5qSIxHF1gaXpOqTaRqf/s4032/IMG-9770.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0LsPXlEhagYWCToRDsndLajITFJHILS4h53Nitwp-gL6alktqK5gAWpZxfbNH9ALC-iRBKp3N5u_FNtjwNTOqz46wOBU-JT51uRM1-Lv6xLmX6elGxXZW7GX2m8ZEhrJ0LtZt1_bVjHEhu-A1uJ9nCyFtO_pYdD5Fw_MS5qSIxHF1gaXpOqTaRqf/w480-h640/IMG-9770.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I made root beer "floats" to keep with the float theme. Yummy and a perfect summertime treat.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcFJa7X7Fxdc6TuP2zf_ihi3iQteo1OYV9SecwLwG44PqdzEhV5L8DjDvMpPVYS-h14X7RAAAudKJ6jDcf1ALsJcmxmmxHIUAJUhzbg_rx_ICihhlQTGS213J6FPv2xRLushoaXQuqewaxbWVfT1By5lLwU054SP3S1koAvSiasDdowuiGBSE9cQY/s4965/1-IMG_1327.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3206" data-original-width="4965" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcFJa7X7Fxdc6TuP2zf_ihi3iQteo1OYV9SecwLwG44PqdzEhV5L8DjDvMpPVYS-h14X7RAAAudKJ6jDcf1ALsJcmxmmxHIUAJUhzbg_rx_ICihhlQTGS213J6FPv2xRLushoaXQuqewaxbWVfT1By5lLwU054SP3S1koAvSiasDdowuiGBSE9cQY/w640-h414/1-IMG_1327.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor: </u></b>Guests took home the beverage floatie on their plate, but I also sent them home with these flamingos filled with gumballs. I bought the pattern for these on Etsy, printed them out, and then folded them. They took time to cut/fold, but they were cute.<p></p><p>I'm sad to see summer "float" away, but excited to end summer with this fun party theme.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-3118166966282766632022-07-15T10:37:00.001-07:002022-07-15T10:37:36.017-07:00The Magical World of Epcot<p><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGO0c8EI1lq2peV_wUgRl2qUDBeEkgVIdwjU-50fQAwcIj7n63aDtDnTxoKpKJd7J1KUQH9Eq6RJInVJdIPnPG70hPJZhjvN0XMhiCGCwy5kWAA4Y4hXt9gJCA5yoNgSiyd4q6d-eu1JIa5sI51UZ5cOxnhtmrZH0-xx-_sgaeJj7AL6luP1dTAMbY/s3683/1-Disney%20Epcot%20MD%2020223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2279" data-original-width="3683" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGO0c8EI1lq2peV_wUgRl2qUDBeEkgVIdwjU-50fQAwcIj7n63aDtDnTxoKpKJd7J1KUQH9Eq6RJInVJdIPnPG70hPJZhjvN0XMhiCGCwy5kWAA4Y4hXt9gJCA5yoNgSiyd4q6d-eu1JIa5sI51UZ5cOxnhtmrZH0-xx-_sgaeJj7AL6luP1dTAMbY/w640-h396/1-Disney%20Epcot%20MD%2020223.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">M</span>y family just returned from a month-long vacation where we drove from California to Florida and back stopping along the way to visit so many places. Of the many highlights of the trip, visiting Disney World as well as Epcot was a favorite of my kids. For this reason, I decided to theme our July monthly dinner based on Epcot Center.<p></p><p><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lKysr9RBz5ps_kdkeN0Db_1KZhryOTD2ThryAWow7eQMrM0oWdbx2vfanD4MXVpl0pojbDG-zCJWXLpNLaWqTux77ciymhDfWDuRk-3iNod1PTqPLJVfBGwm_mAs1lwfTyZ96TtDD1oZeb1BRy8z2jNSe2V5odYNKwbTPpbMcZdglPBmLGetc08z/s3500/Epcot%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lKysr9RBz5ps_kdkeN0Db_1KZhryOTD2ThryAWow7eQMrM0oWdbx2vfanD4MXVpl0pojbDG-zCJWXLpNLaWqTux77ciymhDfWDuRk-3iNod1PTqPLJVfBGwm_mAs1lwfTyZ96TtDD1oZeb1BRy8z2jNSe2V5odYNKwbTPpbMcZdglPBmLGetc08z/w458-h640/Epcot%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></b></div><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><br />Invite:</b> There are a ton of Mickey Mouse invitations on the internet, but very few for Epcot. I wanted my invitation to include the Epcot ball, but I also wanted to include landmarks from around the world. For this reason, I decided to use a "traveling around the world" clipart I found online and just replace the world of the image with the Epcot ball. I downloaded a free Minnie font and Mickey font to use as well.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP0kSL7k3TYWzK8zMQfPHaeEHyXCp8YJNiRMmXHz92j0ydo2Yai3IB28Dh8s93K0-rSEP2_Q_n0UeHj_g094mgJN84KnzcbPl3tRqWihAeQ4yCXHbOMTxscJmY7mPslMZ_RJVydDHzJAnqncUdfs_FExI_-cKh-nwyQBf5bVim1fgsmsfLIddyJeY/s6000/1-IMG_1107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP0kSL7k3TYWzK8zMQfPHaeEHyXCp8YJNiRMmXHz92j0ydo2Yai3IB28Dh8s93K0-rSEP2_Q_n0UeHj_g094mgJN84KnzcbPl3tRqWihAeQ4yCXHbOMTxscJmY7mPslMZ_RJVydDHzJAnqncUdfs_FExI_-cKh-nwyQBf5bVim1fgsmsfLIddyJeY/w640-h426/1-IMG_1107.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decor: </u></b> I went with the standard Mickey and Minnie Mouse colors of black, white, red, and yellow for the party colors. I had a red tablecloth with white dishes. I borrowed a Mickey and a Minnie Mouse stuffed toy from a friend to set on the center.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xfvfZV8cRW2N5LDxGHeceZonh_uaQ3-E0NNf_KAhZ_STQwOVi64Y4nAHEZ4pg0mrOG12CVlDwHbLGvIZ3hbs4t7rD6jGp5-QG0kuRVB5Ut0hWXzVrJWk9fsz51scvybS3AR-TGNqAdAJTCWjlMKT5uSA9nefoj8vVTQZSVVTiRcZidaZ_EqX8l0C/s6000/1-IMG_1103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xfvfZV8cRW2N5LDxGHeceZonh_uaQ3-E0NNf_KAhZ_STQwOVi64Y4nAHEZ4pg0mrOG12CVlDwHbLGvIZ3hbs4t7rD6jGp5-QG0kuRVB5Ut0hWXzVrJWk9fsz51scvybS3AR-TGNqAdAJTCWjlMKT5uSA9nefoj8vVTQZSVVTiRcZidaZ_EqX8l0C/w426-h640/1-IMG_1103.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I made this Epcot ball using a $2.99 playground ball I picked up at GoodWill. Any ball would work, but I liked this one because the lines on it seemed to match the mirrors of the true Epcot ball. I spray painted it with metallic silver paint, and then hand cut grey cardstock to make the "legs" that stand the ball up. I used the spray paint can lid under it, as the legs were just card stock so they could not have truly carried the weight.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomp654Zywj8-x-mCDfT5KSdbKYqcuukRT8DX7oH04C8rVi3w3GVLHOQ8Jd9LpkWGF1neYBwMrB6Nxxvr0wVeFItg0037Fw-wyiKZNgohL27kzbk-zzbnQtd9N6Ac3aG_H-IDPwx1aR6-br6O7_7hVJr6HmgrY7vNM-Hv7sbW4unYwy8yXQ0DP96dO/s6000/1-IMG_1141.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomp654Zywj8-x-mCDfT5KSdbKYqcuukRT8DX7oH04C8rVi3w3GVLHOQ8Jd9LpkWGF1neYBwMrB6Nxxvr0wVeFItg0037Fw-wyiKZNgohL27kzbk-zzbnQtd9N6Ac3aG_H-IDPwx1aR6-br6O7_7hVJr6HmgrY7vNM-Hv7sbW4unYwy8yXQ0DP96dO/w640-h426/1-IMG_1141.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Since Epcot is all about the World Showcase, I decided to make each guest a Minnie ears headband representing the countries in the showcase. I set these on the plates and let guests choose which country they wanted to wear. I purchased the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Headband-Birthday-Accessories-Halloween-Decorations/dp/B078THGPMF/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1OVY4UYXSBABA&keywords=niuzaiz+set+of+12+mouse+ears+headbands&qid=1657663848&sprefix=NiuZaiz+Set+of+12%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-2">Mickey ears </a>on Amazon. I then used PhotoShop to design each bow with the country's flag centered in the middle. This was challenging for sure, but I think they came out cute.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8qCPL5UGvr_A1h7BZ2xjD_Y8yx3yfCkEUKbZQkbYcfL7Mnfnr3yw67o-0t3dwP3Ku4r-J5cIyjXinIvZk30TUzqp95f9siyusFecjx58lcg9JaG-m_eIl4IJIclTfvkXC1EublfqwoHImRiQa4zTQUo6HfyOsOMYzVvyPsaM9NnJVEoMA6cR0_EW/s5487/1-IMG_1149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5487" data-original-width="3949" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8qCPL5UGvr_A1h7BZ2xjD_Y8yx3yfCkEUKbZQkbYcfL7Mnfnr3yw67o-0t3dwP3Ku4r-J5cIyjXinIvZk30TUzqp95f9siyusFecjx58lcg9JaG-m_eIl4IJIclTfvkXC1EublfqwoHImRiQa4zTQUo6HfyOsOMYzVvyPsaM9NnJVEoMA6cR0_EW/w460-h640/1-IMG_1149.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepe12fEC3SKCQsTB31EoCRXufpoay-1VW2lP5oNSvc5e86Ri-qMmn1V997FML7IGaWK8btU9koLOtYchyInVbrumWUzx7LeYexwEqJe9ExoKEbvy8NmI-qtGZw5nenc95Pv2xi2YkSi03syJJmrHY9tuPtZMB9VRi1zv6zrJ4eEw9yhADo2K2DDLp/s5707/1-IMG_1142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3557" data-original-width="5707" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepe12fEC3SKCQsTB31EoCRXufpoay-1VW2lP5oNSvc5e86Ri-qMmn1V997FML7IGaWK8btU9koLOtYchyInVbrumWUzx7LeYexwEqJe9ExoKEbvy8NmI-qtGZw5nenc95Pv2xi2YkSi03syJJmrHY9tuPtZMB9VRi1zv6zrJ4eEw9yhADo2K2DDLp/w640-h398/1-IMG_1142.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxomTHt9XqSeK7SoPaPFidt01vM1UXbJChZfVR44K06BdElZ9rxOeVslFn87ruxaLQdg4wGMknPR_rGQvJPdVTRl7CuN5sAb8Wo9DPFWodtEN6oDw7RxjuyxnMQ2zpDXTlr40wuCWEdlkDTFYgReQ-Ymyfi8uOWL2mKvNXthFMF4a_Cq_eaawu_sOx/s5524/1-IMG_1185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5524" data-original-width="3971" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxomTHt9XqSeK7SoPaPFidt01vM1UXbJChZfVR44K06BdElZ9rxOeVslFn87ruxaLQdg4wGMknPR_rGQvJPdVTRl7CuN5sAb8Wo9DPFWodtEN6oDw7RxjuyxnMQ2zpDXTlr40wuCWEdlkDTFYgReQ-Ymyfi8uOWL2mKvNXthFMF4a_Cq_eaawu_sOx/w460-h640/1-IMG_1185.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><br />Instead of traditional napkin rings, I incorporated one of the 11 countries of the World Showcase into my table, and wove each yellow napkin through a pretzel to represent Germany.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IItHpP8vT3Pi8IbJQLRX-rK6ZGH-QMDdgYcReqbPe2oEBg5RaBgTElNgm6RkdcjImssNyIv724bYwcQR8fg_G8emWl0b8_3t4g1M3ZvRhDCxUV7Zo9cHN-JHbLsZBFYuXeSxcxLQbkLZluR63q8CrmE0Tnr4O2ztzC0bhqMDZ9S7nDSQh1-Vk-wz/s4700/1-IMG_1102.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4700" data-original-width="3986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IItHpP8vT3Pi8IbJQLRX-rK6ZGH-QMDdgYcReqbPe2oEBg5RaBgTElNgm6RkdcjImssNyIv724bYwcQR8fg_G8emWl0b8_3t4g1M3ZvRhDCxUV7Zo9cHN-JHbLsZBFYuXeSxcxLQbkLZluR63q8CrmE0Tnr4O2ztzC0bhqMDZ9S7nDSQh1-Vk-wz/w542-h640/1-IMG_1102.JPG" width="542" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I created Mickey heads with a flag for each country. Guests matched their headband to the wine charm, so they could easily remember which glass was theirs. Guests used these wine glasses for either wine or a margarita.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-nAb5AWGGsUT4Re9G2TJNwVLrE--e24bS8d9caQ1_stRhU2H3HhJw2g8bChWc2l3rfMMzQcuKvZU_t7kmEl6zpo0GQCSkEnMxXQZS1Z79tv6GkbIVXws30iv0njfsCN6tlEBegFo1HlkSTKEsOO77_SaIm22P45O2Ky-SJlLtoUDK0Ti_T91NiQO/s5290/1-IMG_1124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5290" data-original-width="3982" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-nAb5AWGGsUT4Re9G2TJNwVLrE--e24bS8d9caQ1_stRhU2H3HhJw2g8bChWc2l3rfMMzQcuKvZU_t7kmEl6zpo0GQCSkEnMxXQZS1Z79tv6GkbIVXws30iv0njfsCN6tlEBegFo1HlkSTKEsOO77_SaIm22P45O2Ky-SJlLtoUDK0Ti_T91NiQO/w482-h640/1-IMG_1124.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><br />To represent Italy, I served Italian wines and designed labels to play up the theme. For the white wine, I found an image of Mickey rowing a gondola. I add a wine glass to the image and "Once Upon a Wine." I also added "I love white wine" in Italian. For the red wine I designed a Minnie Mouse glass with red wine inside. I then added "Enjoy Some Red Wine from the Minnie Bar" purposely spelling mini as "Minnie."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed2ul193yZ78KSb8Q7uhnlq0TvsbY8Z3n6afCLrpNtecaPJ355PcVuQqAAKVVT5DxXL-935d3pRCawwnDD5d0GJJQ-Tupvi2berNsk5iPkuQnyOjYT-_K7QuUKad7GeB_gVq9H0DvlV0PY_9jBkKTrbw0mMWxhQXQxsNYwAteoU18hQOO-Mt_uMMD/s6000/1-IMG_1116.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed2ul193yZ78KSb8Q7uhnlq0TvsbY8Z3n6afCLrpNtecaPJ355PcVuQqAAKVVT5DxXL-935d3pRCawwnDD5d0GJJQ-Tupvi2berNsk5iPkuQnyOjYT-_K7QuUKad7GeB_gVq9H0DvlV0PY_9jBkKTrbw0mMWxhQXQxsNYwAteoU18hQOO-Mt_uMMD/w426-h640/1-IMG_1116.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />To represent Mexico, I served margaritas with salt.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCYJ0eHhJ14X-FRbalH2bGIlId1fU44gwEuI4NDFZwx7qc2tOTHmuFIj6NAm_E_cPtt11oxNjDOOgVQqHTeodGYFnZuDu8ok42rrGB8od5uEta9PTL7Sbl5RqMw6I-F5kqScCD-rbS2Y5zwu927r_L9P6RVIDkUpy092CYMhkjtVhtD6SETHet46r/s5673/1-IMG_1177.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3644" data-original-width="5673" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCYJ0eHhJ14X-FRbalH2bGIlId1fU44gwEuI4NDFZwx7qc2tOTHmuFIj6NAm_E_cPtt11oxNjDOOgVQqHTeodGYFnZuDu8ok42rrGB8od5uEta9PTL7Sbl5RqMw6I-F5kqScCD-rbS2Y5zwu927r_L9P6RVIDkUpy092CYMhkjtVhtD6SETHet46r/w640-h412/1-IMG_1177.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu: </u> </b>The other 8 countries of the World Showcase were covered throughout the meal. I tried to choose some of the more popular menu dishes from Epcot, but had to pick and choose so as not to have all desserts, etc. For one appetizer, we had a sushi to represent Japan. I only got a couple of rolls since it was just an appetizer. The second appetizer was one of my kids' favorite -- mini corndogs! This was to represent the United States and "The American Experience" at Epcot.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL-3Fu-0Tbil4_2iCYWWoMgPaMvumpYkJZiNqnT3udRzquxzDrJek0Nr1kl7UQ1fO8IhPwDOzO7j15roj6abLEAPHQxJpkMnBw7sqB2AMk74DbJjNmNugiEdluI46Y5_qYfFBht-o0kyhvgwnloOJvVCwvNpNGQz6olo7ZtHR6gX2dbq1PCdyvFA4/s1591/1-Disney%20Epcot%20MD%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="1391" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL-3Fu-0Tbil4_2iCYWWoMgPaMvumpYkJZiNqnT3udRzquxzDrJek0Nr1kl7UQ1fO8IhPwDOzO7j15roj6abLEAPHQxJpkMnBw7sqB2AMk74DbJjNmNugiEdluI46Y5_qYfFBht-o0kyhvgwnloOJvVCwvNpNGQz6olo7ZtHR6gX2dbq1PCdyvFA4/w560-h640/1-Disney%20Epcot%20MD%202022.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><br />As part of the main meal at the table, we had Chinese Spring Rolls. These spring rolls were from Trader Joes, and they are tasty. I cooked them in the air fryer because my double oven was being used for other things.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS_HO5VzozQ4A3UAR1GvW98pLJp6NtNzK-1itBLhimggVlZ9-UY7h6Mt9NRudifgumTcv-FHsX1N8odDh1UwhKXeYX2efXoaOsnELWrb-AMLGToDDIOwz7qxxfq2seMvx-mDyA48sl9Rke4Pu89nUtzXi47smG4Ic2vQn2_rNS33HfQHmtpukP7rT/s4924/1-IMG_1215.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4924" data-original-width="3993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS_HO5VzozQ4A3UAR1GvW98pLJp6NtNzK-1itBLhimggVlZ9-UY7h6Mt9NRudifgumTcv-FHsX1N8odDh1UwhKXeYX2efXoaOsnELWrb-AMLGToDDIOwz7qxxfq2seMvx-mDyA48sl9Rke4Pu89nUtzXi47smG4Ic2vQn2_rNS33HfQHmtpukP7rT/w518-h640/1-IMG_1215.JPG" width="518" /></a></div><br />I also made a <a href="https://totallythebomb.com/disney-just-released-the-recipe-for-their-canadian-cheddar-cheese-soup-from-epcot">Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup</a><a href="https://totallythebomb.com/disney-just-released-the-recipe-for-their-canadian-cheddar-cheese-soup-from-epcot"> </a>using the recipe that Disney released for this soup from Epcot. It was good, but also very filling. I only gave guests a small amount, but all that cheese definitely fills your stomach!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac5ihrmtH3kWw3cbuX4cF3XCIQWGW9UtsJAE1CM4ADhv4bX-Z-07Nck4HmWNFJkoLpTKQSh4bhYgliV7DuG1goDJZEDmTiBXZpJzj2zXyLup-retGbhcm_cb3kabTa4Y1Thdv40pbEH2AeJI-pBU1pentZuvMthQpPCF6-90_WpKoINfgjPL5yAwM/s4794/1-IMG_1191.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4794" data-original-width="3920" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhac5ihrmtH3kWw3cbuX4cF3XCIQWGW9UtsJAE1CM4ADhv4bX-Z-07Nck4HmWNFJkoLpTKQSh4bhYgliV7DuG1goDJZEDmTiBXZpJzj2zXyLup-retGbhcm_cb3kabTa4Y1Thdv40pbEH2AeJI-pBU1pentZuvMthQpPCF6-90_WpKoINfgjPL5yAwM/w524-h640/1-IMG_1191.JPG" width="524" /></a></div><br />Alongside the soup and the spring rolls, I served Fish and Chips to represent Great Britain.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcyu9ISnsw99Kc7yNRZZC97Yh9LtYLXQMIM7HilvIASpn244DSJk7p7Kb99yo1EjtTi582cy4mr92kY5TaZV-J24q8Dj1dLN7MtSkUJyaV9ffxixVcVn5M1yW3VmDJe1uqvSQw90_NM5ngtS205nU6soK6gYTApBl_YR9i-R4oKkuESxZMW4-r1vL/s1684/1-Disney%20Epcot%20MD%2020222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="1475" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcyu9ISnsw99Kc7yNRZZC97Yh9LtYLXQMIM7HilvIASpn244DSJk7p7Kb99yo1EjtTi582cy4mr92kY5TaZV-J24q8Dj1dLN7MtSkUJyaV9ffxixVcVn5M1yW3VmDJe1uqvSQw90_NM5ngtS205nU6soK6gYTApBl_YR9i-R4oKkuESxZMW4-r1vL/w560-h640/1-Disney%20Epcot%20MD%2020222.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><br />All of this food so far, and I still had 3 countries to account for! I covered two with my desserts. I purchased baklava from a local bakery to represent Morocco which was delicious.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17ocG_J1PqDbHw5BS0j204Zu3jbuWvGDaFhXDuE4TNFpnvtDGxRiDuj2Y-EsTRkwGH_Hb8uZklRy4SY0Uu37e6HwDN7mc0MTAqKvF1S5OLlh3rleqo9Bn_TbuT7AD6RPqN08We91i3SLETuZa9QNuEibHuWZIapkEda27Ad1XgJu7cRaVBGH0W1FQ/s6000/1-IMG_1220.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17ocG_J1PqDbHw5BS0j204Zu3jbuWvGDaFhXDuE4TNFpnvtDGxRiDuj2Y-EsTRkwGH_Hb8uZklRy4SY0Uu37e6HwDN7mc0MTAqKvF1S5OLlh3rleqo9Bn_TbuT7AD6RPqN08We91i3SLETuZa9QNuEibHuWZIapkEda27Ad1XgJu7cRaVBGH0W1FQ/w640-h426/1-IMG_1220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I also made the Frozen Bundt Cakes that they make in Epcot to represent Norway. Instead of toy rings at the top, we had edible Frozen themed toppers.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRu6I_xtTEVx7YKHv-D1SKF1qQ0QzLcpFFb1KmbwvZTFfk-Nq8J11RoMiKW4CBjRRGNUzR6aIZ-20KdHE7KT_J9Z_zPPd_J1YrdFIpy_dQsXwiG3eeyAnX4JIPMZxDZO_IedkBqvbxR-d37WPSHfkixRE1PFRgtBZ-uJ8bdILrGY3QhsKVqrQB0EP/s1641/1-Disney%20Epcot%20MD%2020221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="1083" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRu6I_xtTEVx7YKHv-D1SKF1qQ0QzLcpFFb1KmbwvZTFfk-Nq8J11RoMiKW4CBjRRGNUzR6aIZ-20KdHE7KT_J9Z_zPPd_J1YrdFIpy_dQsXwiG3eeyAnX4JIPMZxDZO_IedkBqvbxR-d37WPSHfkixRE1PFRgtBZ-uJ8bdILrGY3QhsKVqrQB0EP/w422-h640/1-Disney%20Epcot%20MD%2020221.jpg" width="422" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor: </u></b> The final country in the World Showcase was covered in the party favor. I purchased French macaroons from Trader Joes. My guests picked a few flavors they liked and put them in a favor bag to go. We were all too stuffed from our meal to add another bite!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NdQF_yWbHkNtsLfYP_scJkOe-ninKf4UO2Ye29WVxSIkdJdbMOcxCCXEqWld1uUdbQ1Qzt98acFDYcaWVvpo_kNGPpoiBYMEXdoQ7N4oYV49L2qYaT3cp_HALgYu-bV1uRGwfKqxyyO3rr2V2RqxW0Xed-3_hFV0QROvcfNcBKmfO5ZPTWrnd_uz/s4340/1-IMG_1238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3567" data-original-width="4340" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NdQF_yWbHkNtsLfYP_scJkOe-ninKf4UO2Ye29WVxSIkdJdbMOcxCCXEqWld1uUdbQ1Qzt98acFDYcaWVvpo_kNGPpoiBYMEXdoQ7N4oYV49L2qYaT3cp_HALgYu-bV1uRGwfKqxyyO3rr2V2RqxW0Xed-3_hFV0QROvcfNcBKmfO5ZPTWrnd_uz/w640-h526/1-IMG_1238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We had a great night sampling so many foods, and of course, the company was amazing. Definitely recommend a true trip to Epcot to taste and experience the real thing if you can swing it someday. I would love to go back.<br /><p></p><p><br /></p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-56615263825326089932022-06-08T21:09:00.002-07:002022-06-08T21:09:41.449-07:00Top Gun Dinner Party<p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvr8Z5wAKe44kJsmcMbSGdcjaWHQwbehzwhiNfp4wBsFbjncV6Sib9_hufSPud1e9Pk_l4jZd-6ltm8Yrhv6_KStne8QoqJlJhvFxARuFLRPrJAZCsmH5uzxCcdPn6xLy2f9ps4NbTJrqRJgdgE0LP_OYUCQU9JDsUXTk-0d4HQFpgp9NGGFtuK4W/s2859/1-Top%20Gun%20MD%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2363" data-original-width="2859" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvr8Z5wAKe44kJsmcMbSGdcjaWHQwbehzwhiNfp4wBsFbjncV6Sib9_hufSPud1e9Pk_l4jZd-6ltm8Yrhv6_KStne8QoqJlJhvFxARuFLRPrJAZCsmH5uzxCcdPn6xLy2f9ps4NbTJrqRJgdgE0LP_OYUCQU9JDsUXTk-0d4HQFpgp9NGGFtuK4W/w640-h528/1-Top%20Gun%20MD%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">W</span></b>ith the movie <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i> released in theaters to huge popularity, I thought it would make a fun theme for our June monthly dinner party. We decided to enter The Danger Zone with Maverick, Goose, and all the 1986 fun that goes along with this movie. Check out all the details...<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTk_DbnJwhbh6qevIqmseC8Qh34kuEUneanj2Cosh15xx2pEsXGtwhpkIwhenN_7MppxwUZsyTepvZkeN-T0B6Ni9EkfDbF5ro6y-AAYJcapCL_-xSJagakJibeFp3Jc3vH9EWROoD42M1QUgcWzqHq8Z8GFed9RJWlVbxkDWWkH-YWZFpCQdTL7aH/s3500/Top%20Gun%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTk_DbnJwhbh6qevIqmseC8Qh34kuEUneanj2Cosh15xx2pEsXGtwhpkIwhenN_7MppxwUZsyTepvZkeN-T0B6Ni9EkfDbF5ro6y-AAYJcapCL_-xSJagakJibeFp3Jc3vH9EWROoD42M1QUgcWzqHq8Z8GFed9RJWlVbxkDWWkH-YWZFpCQdTL7aH/w458-h640/Top%20Gun%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><br /><b><u>Invite:</u></b> I designed the invitation to include the movie logo and phrases/lines from the movie. Kept with a red, white, and blue theme to match the logo. The plan was to have our usual dinner and then head out together to see the new Top Gun movie.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FmyGCCYWI_2CEQUdKDa0QfLFjgkr8cEt0Z1Djct8OERJKP8TkijAJrRUHneWx2ekEWpmOUnb7ZF4aOOX1bR9Tcr3cZmEcgEgLXMzEiUPVoYaqR9-q3UChlk7oKn7WLZeh3onwhFwLZzPV8PyU32sMcr-YOrPIfWstUnidWCoc2qqAEL4Y8z-jBSv/s6000/1-IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FmyGCCYWI_2CEQUdKDa0QfLFjgkr8cEt0Z1Djct8OERJKP8TkijAJrRUHneWx2ekEWpmOUnb7ZF4aOOX1bR9Tcr3cZmEcgEgLXMzEiUPVoYaqR9-q3UChlk7oKn7WLZeh3onwhFwLZzPV8PyU32sMcr-YOrPIfWstUnidWCoc2qqAEL4Y8z-jBSv/w640-h426/1-IMG_0977.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Party Details: </u></b>The table was set with a red tablecloth and some patriotic decor I already owned. I added a "Now Featuring" movie box filled with popcorn and designed a movie poster for Top Gun. I borrowed a toy airplane my friend's son made to add to the decor.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVnXyGvhHZSnKh-gyyIgr7e_C-bLmAYJZEKIOxgPII6Yb6uAjxrukg2acGuOD5TWElh-54O3z07oPLBV2Q2QDw_mw9rQpxfZXQVrtYAacczJHPV8f-E3N-14xVy2-CF00VOHGSvGbu_nSEgPBQTUgo7dQkmlKCrRAjpAN0tc61kXpjtRy1RR85LNc/s6000/1-IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVnXyGvhHZSnKh-gyyIgr7e_C-bLmAYJZEKIOxgPII6Yb6uAjxrukg2acGuOD5TWElh-54O3z07oPLBV2Q2QDw_mw9rQpxfZXQVrtYAacczJHPV8f-E3N-14xVy2-CF00VOHGSvGbu_nSEgPBQTUgo7dQkmlKCrRAjpAN0tc61kXpjtRy1RR85LNc/w426-h640/1-IMG_0972.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgnxwum9umsp9yp3UUl6wSJu24IzDNHu12GMj6HKaKNCJPUeRefLiKePYlXml-rBtVrNbHSpK2Kb8N03Nm2WpKyFR-8ow4jaLQ-9KLHYCa1A1onjxMca-I6PA9_FDy9zK0vKjYw52ciIGrGU0mRZtVlrjahmuZ0qU2iQZhKA1ZFnE3ks-DLFAYaNs/s5437/1-IMG_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5437" data-original-width="3949" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgnxwum9umsp9yp3UUl6wSJu24IzDNHu12GMj6HKaKNCJPUeRefLiKePYlXml-rBtVrNbHSpK2Kb8N03Nm2WpKyFR-8ow4jaLQ-9KLHYCa1A1onjxMca-I6PA9_FDy9zK0vKjYw52ciIGrGU0mRZtVlrjahmuZ0qU2iQZhKA1ZFnE3ks-DLFAYaNs/w464-h640/1-IMG_0973.JPG" width="464" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZUY5_bX43Z5o87weoqUcXgQpYKIQYGMAr7Nu068Hi3pJfZLHDI67_Z91su4aPbfizIIIJN2x9uUnI5mrd9SGcTerSWf6axe4C5sgNhU7LFj07jdzbaFOOoI0T3n9a6GeqxWHRQ9DbrZBezFGoMi9AKJ1D66Sef9AwgzMwjfMEv2Zz7ziSsjClVPV/s5177/1-IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5177" data-original-width="3963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZUY5_bX43Z5o87weoqUcXgQpYKIQYGMAr7Nu068Hi3pJfZLHDI67_Z91su4aPbfizIIIJN2x9uUnI5mrd9SGcTerSWf6axe4C5sgNhU7LFj07jdzbaFOOoI0T3n9a6GeqxWHRQ9DbrZBezFGoMi9AKJ1D66Sef9AwgzMwjfMEv2Zz7ziSsjClVPV/w490-h640/1-IMG_0957.JPG" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On each plate, I placed a toy fighter jet I purchased at Five Below.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Er4Ox61MK6cU9cjims04H7hBNp0CkpJvbOi_2dvTRz61Wz4JfaV9DYRcXZUaQ4sBwVWPqnEfMC7kuwxwB6e-Hb2Y2Fen3PO9nQ5Nw7ceSpXgYxtipFO3Xu8AxxXIHDWyU1VZVvQGdac4L2whAA8fzISIUmSpmkzhuobyRn-cOFqJk2LxLiPRUHWP/s4132/1-IMG_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3411" data-original-width="4132" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Er4Ox61MK6cU9cjims04H7hBNp0CkpJvbOi_2dvTRz61Wz4JfaV9DYRcXZUaQ4sBwVWPqnEfMC7kuwxwB6e-Hb2Y2Fen3PO9nQ5Nw7ceSpXgYxtipFO3Xu8AxxXIHDWyU1VZVvQGdac4L2whAA8fzISIUmSpmkzhuobyRn-cOFqJk2LxLiPRUHWP/w640-h528/1-IMG_0959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As a place card, I made military dog tags out of card stock and attached a chain. The dog tag had the last name, first name, a random number as the social security number, and a random blood type. I left off the religious preference.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFKguR0o4JrWjkGU0NMvB_rcnWwZy3jI2Q87R5QwP6t1-TKjx-QmC7lovps90ltNAZpho6TZscw5FwdjFsNh5vltCdqAofxFPKMYGObrS508vomVWLET6cYD3T_8eeK9P768g8h0gV4TR-KndZOz6R2R49iTh3UjpLxMZhXOy1DjPeZ-bYYWbbaw1/s4542/1-IMG_0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4542" data-original-width="3285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFKguR0o4JrWjkGU0NMvB_rcnWwZy3jI2Q87R5QwP6t1-TKjx-QmC7lovps90ltNAZpho6TZscw5FwdjFsNh5vltCdqAofxFPKMYGObrS508vomVWLET6cYD3T_8eeK9P768g8h0gV4TR-KndZOz6R2R49iTh3UjpLxMZhXOy1DjPeZ-bYYWbbaw1/w462-h640/1-IMG_0989.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><br />I bought aviator glasses from the Dollar Tree for each guest for added fun. I placed them sort of like a napkin ring around a royal blue napkin at each place setting. They doubled as a fun photo prop.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvQJwKZ3AKjW46Z363k7fBVO0NRtv3pxnrcSQL77OzrNLaysEth0AG_dfMrCcKUh-GNNfzRcD9p-CCGIZtpaEmRX-qPJInq0C4plty-5r8N7nBdi9dUTMOxIUgE5nykAIOMdy548JQv5NNbodEj1A9HNUZh_qf5F4j6Y-7cxBn0NbUIeEk-A0nGzz/s5289/1-IMG_1033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5289" data-original-width="3328" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvQJwKZ3AKjW46Z363k7fBVO0NRtv3pxnrcSQL77OzrNLaysEth0AG_dfMrCcKUh-GNNfzRcD9p-CCGIZtpaEmRX-qPJInq0C4plty-5r8N7nBdi9dUTMOxIUgE5nykAIOMdy548JQv5NNbodEj1A9HNUZh_qf5F4j6Y-7cxBn0NbUIeEk-A0nGzz/w402-h640/1-IMG_1033.JPG" width="402" /></a></div><br />The wine labels I designed playoff off various quotes from the movie. "I feel the need. The need for speed" with a little addition of "and red wine." For the white wine, it was "Tower. This is Ghost Rider Requesting" and instead of flyby, I changed it to wine.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nexNTsVFuPdMT469t0cnszWD7lj2n7J_VXaMZytWtemM4I17bk9JwJXgnTlW6Co7UgLcbRdaWyKepNZ8STw70r3X_y4I-bpHr5oALBt13PXmK1qJzoN3Wmb3OJ8e8X5zwv7I0v8WINtorIYfQ5TdjwjLavH7pRf-gyNaZJYTBJDalPCslq1QPAY9/s5115/1-IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3798" data-original-width="5115" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nexNTsVFuPdMT469t0cnszWD7lj2n7J_VXaMZytWtemM4I17bk9JwJXgnTlW6Co7UgLcbRdaWyKepNZ8STw70r3X_y4I-bpHr5oALBt13PXmK1qJzoN3Wmb3OJ8e8X5zwv7I0v8WINtorIYfQ5TdjwjLavH7pRf-gyNaZJYTBJDalPCslq1QPAY9/w640-h476/1-IMG_0947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I created flags with various character's names inside the Top Gun logo. These were easy to create and then just glue around the wine stem.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS9BMrgZYpXBXK6UIlYkVUegmf6nrXFXacJ99M_FQYTLaAWH1o31gwljNQG7MbMsO690byDE_sF2gesK9OD_RNq2dFHBeqYHlWmG_NRkXhOfWiVbupn9FfxctPjfkvaY3Vdgq1i8u9Z8nOnEDQ6Fte6ZGmnU1_f6QLbtIBFWKkWyODCaX-oxiwsIp/s5586/1-IMG_1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3177" data-original-width="5586" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS9BMrgZYpXBXK6UIlYkVUegmf6nrXFXacJ99M_FQYTLaAWH1o31gwljNQG7MbMsO690byDE_sF2gesK9OD_RNq2dFHBeqYHlWmG_NRkXhOfWiVbupn9FfxctPjfkvaY3Vdgq1i8u9Z8nOnEDQ6Fte6ZGmnU1_f6QLbtIBFWKkWyODCaX-oxiwsIp/w640-h364/1-IMG_1016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Above the drink table, my son folded some red and blue paper airplanes that I put together into a decorative banner. I also added the folded flag from my family.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9AFlhbDVjzdY8evQfP9Wid66RWzreQZqbtvX9DiVhf_oCPkaj5DVp4I6866t0S_iE1ppKKncFw5OuUBGwlOIiCcfrpMxgzcct-B_AmL5ekTsDfBTnUVoiyM8_nkl-EU6aHfl8IeWKK6JDFEEJXq7ET2triASi2M1D9xcf12ZzEh6k9hVXUsgPGq8/s6000/1-IMG_1015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9AFlhbDVjzdY8evQfP9Wid66RWzreQZqbtvX9DiVhf_oCPkaj5DVp4I6866t0S_iE1ppKKncFw5OuUBGwlOIiCcfrpMxgzcct-B_AmL5ekTsDfBTnUVoiyM8_nkl-EU6aHfl8IeWKK6JDFEEJXq7ET2triASi2M1D9xcf12ZzEh6k9hVXUsgPGq8/w640-h426/1-IMG_1015.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu:</u> </b>It was challenging, but fun to come up with a menu for this theme. I created labels for each item.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2mgXPsvXx4VpnLyd0o26CX0oEhhlvD98Sa2U-ZYMAPdapyJgWwf18anXDmvpVtJM6NAF0-EO0CKKcgKPJYZiJmFLsWH_InMqBBxYC1EFT7KRlAAh4Y9PYByUbKDHe4gNy6pt17uJX5SqkoJDQvlU_SvQ2Vu70vRAa0n_QwTpdmc_ER8Gtb-bcBMs/s4202/1-IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4202" data-original-width="3971" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2mgXPsvXx4VpnLyd0o26CX0oEhhlvD98Sa2U-ZYMAPdapyJgWwf18anXDmvpVtJM6NAF0-EO0CKKcgKPJYZiJmFLsWH_InMqBBxYC1EFT7KRlAAh4Y9PYByUbKDHe4gNy6pt17uJX5SqkoJDQvlU_SvQ2Vu70vRAa0n_QwTpdmc_ER8Gtb-bcBMs/w604-h640/1-IMG_1050.JPG" width="604" /></a></div><br />The starter was chicken wings I titled "Be My Wingman Wings." I served them with a bit of ranch.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8osXo5cGJeF10yenGqwQAeIICvA8jBheiA2-MTklmsQahxBiohl83PqvAfjE8pBt_5Yud0rNVOKPRGZMeJ0GdrLakmHSguKcPYNL_Aw3e1_9o0ywp4fxDAsKMU51h3-J72nbEbbkK2gB2-CWjRJ2Vxq9qOVSGvJxfbfKIdcRJ0XgG8nnHEUquKKem/s3942/1-IMG_1069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3942" data-original-width="2883" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8osXo5cGJeF10yenGqwQAeIICvA8jBheiA2-MTklmsQahxBiohl83PqvAfjE8pBt_5Yud0rNVOKPRGZMeJ0GdrLakmHSguKcPYNL_Aw3e1_9o0ywp4fxDAsKMU51h3-J72nbEbbkK2gB2-CWjRJ2Vxq9qOVSGvJxfbfKIdcRJ0XgG8nnHEUquKKem/w468-h640/1-IMG_1069.JPG" width="468" /></a></div><br />For the main dish we had calzones and called them "The Danger (cal)Zone." We made them with "Mav-ricotta" cheese! They were very good. The filling was rotisserie chicken, mushrooms, diced green peppers, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZiZbnZX6zEPduLzw_1hwSwYdQ0Mz0PbDMITlcrYklC1OZMuvxDF0Iy6_yhSei99aLLn0mBK0qtM0mKaJiAn286Lh1GUtDZQDj1WBPrl6Btz3BVtN8Dgi-9-5h9DpV-J4--Q8sIJGfIgckK2bP1o_Bgm15LUbtQL6eBtbZwrjmvvz-Bml4kS6Ylu2/s6000/1-IMG_1053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZiZbnZX6zEPduLzw_1hwSwYdQ0Mz0PbDMITlcrYklC1OZMuvxDF0Iy6_yhSei99aLLn0mBK0qtM0mKaJiAn286Lh1GUtDZQDj1WBPrl6Btz3BVtN8Dgi-9-5h9DpV-J4--Q8sIJGfIgckK2bP1o_Bgm15LUbtQL6eBtbZwrjmvvz-Bml4kS6Ylu2/w426-h640/1-IMG_1053.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I also served a salad I love to order at Northwoods Inn. It is a mixture of Caesar salad and red cabbage salad mixed together. I named this dish "Goose Brad-Slaw." Yum.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYKxIpJMBke57VruxzSkq_32z-KRmsLR8DT-KDTjzL8rSm4eqaDSMQd8QhzIpruIAyQieT-n90FwapcBWu7gSOBPrsb1YYdTzRq2WbQSF5a8ck4DLzFiF_5k-47UMv2XcG2lvlx2PuauAlCvtMzKrZRlShfEzCIhQvnok61EncSM39VOXs8VvubWt/s5184/1-IMG_1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3257" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYKxIpJMBke57VruxzSkq_32z-KRmsLR8DT-KDTjzL8rSm4eqaDSMQd8QhzIpruIAyQieT-n90FwapcBWu7gSOBPrsb1YYdTzRq2WbQSF5a8ck4DLzFiF_5k-47UMv2XcG2lvlx2PuauAlCvtMzKrZRlShfEzCIhQvnok61EncSM39VOXs8VvubWt/w402-h640/1-IMG_1080.JPG" width="402" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I made a mint chip and oreo cookie crust ice cream bars. I tied them in with the character Iceman.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21Ijy7M2wkMqrFlXyFoxK5mvuF2NjyCKfOOfZid-DtXcWPlqFgOklJdR9V5CWK0QOkoNG4DbIiJTYisP-V01d1ocBxzLXq0gWpPt-YvlDdNSiK2-4OUTk0byAavm_fkNiG34piWAc8B4rqo9KMdWqkxyucYlMkEMAdXzI31y9S0ZQp9Xi_oYFN3W4/s4418/1-IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4418" data-original-width="3978" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21Ijy7M2wkMqrFlXyFoxK5mvuF2NjyCKfOOfZid-DtXcWPlqFgOklJdR9V5CWK0QOkoNG4DbIiJTYisP-V01d1ocBxzLXq0gWpPt-YvlDdNSiK2-4OUTk0byAavm_fkNiG34piWAc8B4rqo9KMdWqkxyucYlMkEMAdXzI31y9S0ZQp9Xi_oYFN3W4/w576-h640/1-IMG_0953.JPG" width="576" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor: </u></b>Since we were hoping to go to the movies to see the new <i>Top Gun: Maverick</i> movie, my party favor was candy for the theater and microwave popcorn just because. I designed a tag to match the invitation. The tag included one of the famous ending lines of the movie, "You can be my wingman anytime."<p></p><p>All in all, it was a really fun night!</p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-30335078131055917252022-05-15T15:07:00.000-07:002022-05-15T15:07:17.672-07:00Running on Fumes Monthly Dinner<p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvusF-zR-vaEKY7aH6uhu1qgRvEJCfqCwsQeje60KdClcVWyECzbRv6eOKmF-HwDPzMYiWAVbcHI4BlZGezSAiP_Pq0qHBbHiI8cwnTR_uUOdIaup3UHznl5asvy1TpW2mIFgK21APBmwrTsGrZJM-QZcrORuyPFSRS4KINILV2MqZUlFV6kQmlac/s3615/1-Gasoline%20MD%2020221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2067" data-original-width="3615" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvusF-zR-vaEKY7aH6uhu1qgRvEJCfqCwsQeje60KdClcVWyECzbRv6eOKmF-HwDPzMYiWAVbcHI4BlZGezSAiP_Pq0qHBbHiI8cwnTR_uUOdIaup3UHznl5asvy1TpW2mIFgK21APBmwrTsGrZJM-QZcrORuyPFSRS4KINILV2MqZUlFV6kQmlac/w640-h366/1-Gasoline%20MD%2020221.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></div><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">T</span></b>his school year is killing me. The student behaviors and apathy after a year of distance learning combined with the challenge with administrative support have just worn me out. At this point in the year, I am just running on fumes. The finish line can not come soon enough. With so many of my friends in a similar state, I thought this would be a fun theme for a monthly dinner....and it was!</p><p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xQERkRZdwNcHW80c5EPYucbhRi8FE-4QhK2RvYS0YfwM0CDMnJB41dwUs40Yc1P3-08eAbenjLyjf2peEMCp4RmtQpYAfvhJpBWpIYNt1gJ6VQGsn3i7waWBVfAnvdjbnqHN8yYIF3MT9Aj8kXQ8BjW1IiEFts-5zZln3ajAQWZmLHbZmUkxlbYd/s3500/Running%20on%20Fumes%20Invitation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xQERkRZdwNcHW80c5EPYucbhRi8FE-4QhK2RvYS0YfwM0CDMnJB41dwUs40Yc1P3-08eAbenjLyjf2peEMCp4RmtQpYAfvhJpBWpIYNt1gJ6VQGsn3i7waWBVfAnvdjbnqHN8yYIF3MT9Aj8kXQ8BjW1IiEFts-5zZln3ajAQWZmLHbZmUkxlbYd/w458-h640/Running%20on%20Fumes%20Invitation.jpg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invite: </u></b> I designed my invitation on Photoshop. My goal was to focus on a vintage-like feel and gasoline "fuel" rather than a simple car theme. I found an image of an old school gas pump online and decided to run with that as the main design for the invitation and all my decor. My color scheme was black, white, red, and yellow to match a street and the gasoline pump.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vwcqA20D4C9j2t9LIHp4rSgWnkW4HvTv5E5_V-V1t8jdNtzME8M88nOoKUDepJTFBNJFFoCq62JxsbG9MnNFJy-bdwwW63zVULHMpYKpaMtVG2A1qD9QiFwhBeab5TXtFcXa-fehjNy77q_MWtt2H28wASJhL4EuMZc4Pe8fBO_mYQRCaupROZVC/s6000/1-IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vwcqA20D4C9j2t9LIHp4rSgWnkW4HvTv5E5_V-V1t8jdNtzME8M88nOoKUDepJTFBNJFFoCq62JxsbG9MnNFJy-bdwwW63zVULHMpYKpaMtVG2A1qD9QiFwhBeab5TXtFcXa-fehjNy77q_MWtt2H28wASJhL4EuMZc4Pe8fBO_mYQRCaupROZVC/w640-h426/1-IMG_0836.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decor:</u></b> I set my table with a bright red tablecloth and created a street with black and yellow card stock as a table runner. Borrowed an empty gasoline can from our garage for the centerpiece along with a car and gasoline related decor I found at Hobby Lobby.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNcLXEpNw-oypzUPeAGYiOiJgI1D7cxcLasnjM2tsJJdOhesaH3OaEY7_L4RG6Ij09DB8uPJAVHkRZHSCrDm1cST0kz43MP9qQkevMgDqhImsDHgFQnVRKu4iMZk2B1Ddb5jIp_qNFT927TDAtfPWhvp35QGrSeAn166-2xDYv4kSSR0L8w8eehWS/s6000/1-IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNcLXEpNw-oypzUPeAGYiOiJgI1D7cxcLasnjM2tsJJdOhesaH3OaEY7_L4RG6Ij09DB8uPJAVHkRZHSCrDm1cST0kz43MP9qQkevMgDqhImsDHgFQnVRKu4iMZk2B1Ddb5jIp_qNFT927TDAtfPWhvp35QGrSeAn166-2xDYv4kSSR0L8w8eehWS/w640-h426/1-IMG_0837.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYiIiv2U8l2NA6tN7JUFj7Lm_zP7SBHpBIGhTiSsbihkxIAcpzGmfYIixRcRyomUFCz5e42KktzAt3zCDxd3R2Hdixb8QEeR8U5jH79dpJFJ9Cb0XDGEP0DPhnXwo6EqOiib-gNI3fDyVdTGHWgXrQu2FaE0WtloXgLVPsmMDDkTdvKL43zR4YRn6/s6000/1-IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYiIiv2U8l2NA6tN7JUFj7Lm_zP7SBHpBIGhTiSsbihkxIAcpzGmfYIixRcRyomUFCz5e42KktzAt3zCDxd3R2Hdixb8QEeR8U5jH79dpJFJ9Cb0XDGEP0DPhnXwo6EqOiib-gNI3fDyVdTGHWgXrQu2FaE0WtloXgLVPsmMDDkTdvKL43zR4YRn6/w426-h640/1-IMG_0839.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdPakjbtczTUAaBFY9KHrxVLwv8nzjdRHLbwC9-mXM6fuev8wot0nMUql1cijLptzjmIY-nb684h8pN_zk5CsGFOvifqm8f-e37onHizJVSfCOsUwI9Yyn0xmFNzBlCVXdj6eJauGYxNKHBrWk7dWhyg-FJ58MyXlidXpY0b-7z6Qv5JYRSlA_jNf/s6000/1-IMG_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdPakjbtczTUAaBFY9KHrxVLwv8nzjdRHLbwC9-mXM6fuev8wot0nMUql1cijLptzjmIY-nb684h8pN_zk5CsGFOvifqm8f-e37onHizJVSfCOsUwI9Yyn0xmFNzBlCVXdj6eJauGYxNKHBrWk7dWhyg-FJ58MyXlidXpY0b-7z6Qv5JYRSlA_jNf/w640-h426/1-IMG_0846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaOFmjObyi-dGG96mfdwz7DaKHBbAAhnUboEo2-Y3qAgPaUVef61bsphYk4OFHDhhBQvspxBrO5aw1eelrfeDLVnxTBZVO3IUDGw8dv54bGvDlxcqGg8B48DBxNYNuYMMHZB-vS8YW4pBsLg6oP-0JKMZ66OiBkPlPa0X5NU1XS8MBVY_C5i2RdJx/s6000/1-IMG_0824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaOFmjObyi-dGG96mfdwz7DaKHBbAAhnUboEo2-Y3qAgPaUVef61bsphYk4OFHDhhBQvspxBrO5aw1eelrfeDLVnxTBZVO3IUDGw8dv54bGvDlxcqGg8B48DBxNYNuYMMHZB-vS8YW4pBsLg6oP-0JKMZ66OiBkPlPa0X5NU1XS8MBVY_C5i2RdJx/w426-h640/1-IMG_0824.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />At each place setting, I folded a black napkin and made a street out of it with yellow card stock. I placed a Hot Wheel on one side of the road. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qW04-FVXwwL5RFKhK-zUJxxcfzXSGH5hJrVPDItaQk8m4WkArsVI9IV-0lOKEJydPo59xtSQIy5zuS4iPNGScInewF60rPEtQ06OZAo9BVzLIvHv2xd2eD_nTeMAxtq8LmWNltRATlT4vqKIolBBgT7jyqVIwVif9QVh9B9ogPQPflWo-87cK8-e/s3748/1-IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2907" data-original-width="3748" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qW04-FVXwwL5RFKhK-zUJxxcfzXSGH5hJrVPDItaQk8m4WkArsVI9IV-0lOKEJydPo59xtSQIy5zuS4iPNGScInewF60rPEtQ06OZAo9BVzLIvHv2xd2eD_nTeMAxtq8LmWNltRATlT4vqKIolBBgT7jyqVIwVif9QVh9B9ogPQPflWo-87cK8-e/w640-h496/1-IMG_0834.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For place cards, I designed California license plates for each guest. I added a 2022 registration sticker in the right corner and a MAY registration month in the left to match the party date.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqFY7fRL6_LgWzO7pSMpIYI4GVOYaXpimy6OVAWUG21lt67EQ4LWs9NGPHPkkhXbE-46uCkfcCa3-9NA8OGGGhPgdthb7GTvtFspOV8HVyIVwJUXzEkq8Z3ul2L59eBn3Il1m06tp_Ei4jEL0wpenRc4tod6Zzd4YVgc4h0dFDxouI3-bSFA9aDaa/s5898/1-IMG_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3184" data-original-width="5898" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqFY7fRL6_LgWzO7pSMpIYI4GVOYaXpimy6OVAWUG21lt67EQ4LWs9NGPHPkkhXbE-46uCkfcCa3-9NA8OGGGhPgdthb7GTvtFspOV8HVyIVwJUXzEkq8Z3ul2L59eBn3Il1m06tp_Ei4jEL0wpenRc4tod6Zzd4YVgc4h0dFDxouI3-bSFA9aDaa/w640-h346/1-IMG_0813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Above my beverage/appetizer table I hung these gasoline signs I purchased at Hobby Lobby.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvyPDP27Yidep3-W6Rz6nY9ikaz-N3u0NOj_UdRxLMMTe3G1dbhUypjrF0dH62_QzeLsry53WvIxpjbhofFs28KRyFRkLhkLE282sNceE9pn2vA4TNXVJFVRP9qlGjR9w1HCF3QWjWwZDcnLKdBHLlM-QnEzrCzY8z90xbJeD2ZiP8bs1bYz54PpU/s3191/1-IMG_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3191" data-original-width="1867" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvyPDP27Yidep3-W6Rz6nY9ikaz-N3u0NOj_UdRxLMMTe3G1dbhUypjrF0dH62_QzeLsry53WvIxpjbhofFs28KRyFRkLhkLE282sNceE9pn2vA4TNXVJFVRP9qlGjR9w1HCF3QWjWwZDcnLKdBHLlM-QnEzrCzY8z90xbJeD2ZiP8bs1bYz54PpU/w374-h640/1-IMG_0942.JPG" width="374" /></a></div><br />I designed this fun Mobil sign to put next to my wine. Instead of a Food Mart, this was a Self Serve Wine Mart. I found a font that looked like the digital numbers used on gas station signs, and had fun creating "prices" aka levels. Regular gas = SOME, Extra gas = HALF, Supreme gas = RIM with an image of a full wine glass. Guests were encouraged to "Fill 'Er Up!" To stand it up, I used silver straws and chocolate donuts to look like tires.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7Qhq7nTHgbnniNopBKHfL9U8NV3W0lmhxnARMAZGa-VvnjoqSOsCxUPkVsi19o_zaFARjoLeO9jsJRAMar7A0xstZ-rA4QZG_MezBOmGOG5xlT2ykKHsqTM6J5RFtbBN7V2xnab-Q09VZvo83vkWeBAh5KkIL-B_s_YxDaSMnMFkcjQATNHAmTSV/s5473/1-IMG_0874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5473" data-original-width="3949" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL7Qhq7nTHgbnniNopBKHfL9U8NV3W0lmhxnARMAZGa-VvnjoqSOsCxUPkVsi19o_zaFARjoLeO9jsJRAMar7A0xstZ-rA4QZG_MezBOmGOG5xlT2ykKHsqTM6J5RFtbBN7V2xnab-Q09VZvo83vkWeBAh5KkIL-B_s_YxDaSMnMFkcjQATNHAmTSV/w462-h640/1-IMG_0874.JPG" width="462" /></a></div><br />I designed my wine labels to also match the theme. For the white wine, I found an image of a yellow gas pump and then designed the label to look like the gas was being poured into a wine glass with the note "Top 'er Off!" For the red wine, I used an image of a girl pulling on a gas lever and just changed the gas sign to a wine glass. Then I added Running on Fumes and "Please Refill Glass."<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42Pe51LSH0CXzCvTovjnvShUTQ7NFHZo6uEXfGuzA6jqqf_Nkk_AxIi3UDmS1yC6_J4iKOioV8gFicMhiBS1Adl50ipB9xs_-iCIH7yazc80tk_ktB4f1fF_TTRIUOpSYCdOsRak6KeHy18MvArPebx2fa_7Li6xcf7Z-5IgIrEsuHJsVRC3Udmo4/s5199/1-IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5199" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42Pe51LSH0CXzCvTovjnvShUTQ7NFHZo6uEXfGuzA6jqqf_Nkk_AxIi3UDmS1yC6_J4iKOioV8gFicMhiBS1Adl50ipB9xs_-iCIH7yazc80tk_ktB4f1fF_TTRIUOpSYCdOsRak6KeHy18MvArPebx2fa_7Li6xcf7Z-5IgIrEsuHJsVRC3Udmo4/w492-h640/1-IMG_0794.JPG" width="492" /></a></div><br />For wine charms, I kept it simple. I used popular gas station logos.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4jHaRZzCzXt5ak6uO9PeKxvLqaQe2vWcg_tyt3-ewOe27ARDeixEF7BR6rzXe-V-hEFnYALf7sjyR6fYNb9lqCiAVFe46vM0tPl7iCYgSqPZFA7ALu--TBqyIcf5UezSXXpeexHCxJX0UWxmyeBNEkPdho8YN5nfjG0EQW2VBKGkQ0_nZcyjAZRo/s6000/1-IMG_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4jHaRZzCzXt5ak6uO9PeKxvLqaQe2vWcg_tyt3-ewOe27ARDeixEF7BR6rzXe-V-hEFnYALf7sjyR6fYNb9lqCiAVFe46vM0tPl7iCYgSqPZFA7ALu--TBqyIcf5UezSXXpeexHCxJX0UWxmyeBNEkPdho8YN5nfjG0EQW2VBKGkQ0_nZcyjAZRo/w640-h426/1-IMG_0859.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu:</u></b> I must admit, I really struggled with coming up with a menu that fit my gasoline theme. I almost gave up on this Running on Fumes theme because I was struggling so much, but I eventually came up with some things and I think it turned out nice. We started with a cheddar cheese ball appetizer. The recipe called for the green onion, bacon, and cheddar cheese to be both on the inside and the outside, but I kept the bacon and green onion only on the inside because I wanted my ball to be orange like the 76 gas station ball. Don't worry...all that yumminess just went inside instead of out! I made the 76 numbers out of card stock, attached them to a push pin, and stuck it in the center. This appetizer was delicious and cute!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy-fjflIyhwwzbp4ydT4JqKJQB2YLho6WHM6l4ynJ3PEQlwHhWdoKzXoYp-nQ8QET2ohnvVOLlgP9WOYuSNwMOr5BZRh596MBwjSRrtk5Z1-YWHqjfGGZN9xpePlEj_lYN9uu-S4UY84heg_ZLi28cMZ7mw4QHo7teqmOM5uIKNTnl_v1k2Z_HwAu/s6000/1-IMG_0917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy-fjflIyhwwzbp4ydT4JqKJQB2YLho6WHM6l4ynJ3PEQlwHhWdoKzXoYp-nQ8QET2ohnvVOLlgP9WOYuSNwMOr5BZRh596MBwjSRrtk5Z1-YWHqjfGGZN9xpePlEj_lYN9uu-S4UY84heg_ZLi28cMZ7mw4QHo7teqmOM5uIKNTnl_v1k2Z_HwAu/w426-h640/1-IMG_0917.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />For the main dish, I served Cheesy Stuffed SHELLs to represent Shell gasoline. This recipe was good and fairly easy. All the menu cards I designed to match the invitation. I simply swapped out the generic gas pump topper with the Shell logo, and then added a vintage Shell sign to the bottom of the pump. I did this same thing with the appetizer 76 menu card as well as the other dishes.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEye8jc8-2rv8oW0VFGbPvYicPyHq1qNWXIc-kN3d8tnTw7RD6jaz4e3jYP3thLJyT0p4hm_lo_kZNVCOGq0KFCSeDcRylVXKETlPRNAqfUuAQZpfmKOUnazAHfSddEJqp7M-fXpviHmri_4Ex07gGM3V0XjB9fPParBpMnz6YjKFcQ5ljGh6umt6a/s4379/1-IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3937" data-original-width="4379" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEye8jc8-2rv8oW0VFGbPvYicPyHq1qNWXIc-kN3d8tnTw7RD6jaz4e3jYP3thLJyT0p4hm_lo_kZNVCOGq0KFCSeDcRylVXKETlPRNAqfUuAQZpfmKOUnazAHfSddEJqp7M-fXpviHmri_4Ex07gGM3V0XjB9fPParBpMnz6YjKFcQ5ljGh6umt6a/w640-h576/1-IMG_0926.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />With the pasta, I served Texas Toast which I renamed TEXACO toast.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhYA8eeap-qmx0sLIYwBlST9At2zhz9cgczNxC6boUROdXxbBP1hQbLNLAwLWGm7vBTPXkwfyZBEdrnK2l3YpPPlpGHoEvzivum0TuALgLBrV3Lh9keeocX3tdv1nHdvpMP5vWLIL4RreWcEEe4w8jlJKrDWtEph3jGmSWW43L6UlPFXE3uAF0QTg/s4014/1-IMG_0908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4014" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhYA8eeap-qmx0sLIYwBlST9At2zhz9cgczNxC6boUROdXxbBP1hQbLNLAwLWGm7vBTPXkwfyZBEdrnK2l3YpPPlpGHoEvzivum0TuALgLBrV3Lh9keeocX3tdv1nHdvpMP5vWLIL4RreWcEEe4w8jlJKrDWtEph3jGmSWW43L6UlPFXE3uAF0QTg/w638-h640/1-IMG_0908.JPG" width="638" /></a></div><br />We also had a Go Green Caesar salad. For this menu card, I used a green gas pump with logos of "green" gas stations.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vUU0xszs2u-KWvnpWvgiHt8PO-m2gea6t58-R2tPuA8X054xmT0RF_jDztiknJIirn1lcH9RYpiabaApE6ZGyXIidZTAb7aKHlqsWLG8df3Ldjp7KrvGKfGUMzF0s1va8FuOxaMS07kAmqMkYePMKFiz_ZC1D4D9zXwXYYcifWxukhwSIcy08_IS/s6000/1-IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vUU0xszs2u-KWvnpWvgiHt8PO-m2gea6t58-R2tPuA8X054xmT0RF_jDztiknJIirn1lcH9RYpiabaApE6ZGyXIidZTAb7aKHlqsWLG8df3Ldjp7KrvGKfGUMzF0s1va8FuOxaMS07kAmqMkYePMKFiz_ZC1D4D9zXwXYYcifWxukhwSIcy08_IS/w640-h426/1-IMG_0928.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I made jello cups. I originally wanted to make the jello into chevrons to match the Chevron gas station logo, but that was too time consuming. Instead, I just went with the colors and the order of Chevron's logo. Topped the jello cup off with a dollop of whipped cream and some red sprinkles.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvoWG4a4Yljxm-Xg6AtiDdxHk2LY3m_hDTG9KDeBTbtGgQjYClHH8hB3Diq9t0MgoBP_B0bfzLgNsxtvvylsPK2wk2VNFJyH4StyvoIgafQtbB87rXZA0rzULson43qusYFWms49LcEjnJ0N2TRb8K3Qds2lHYJE9aoG7HqjuLpic7jKgYVVv9BY8/s6000/1-IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvoWG4a4Yljxm-Xg6AtiDdxHk2LY3m_hDTG9KDeBTbtGgQjYClHH8hB3Diq9t0MgoBP_B0bfzLgNsxtvvylsPK2wk2VNFJyH4StyvoIgafQtbB87rXZA0rzULson43qusYFWms49LcEjnJ0N2TRb8K3Qds2lHYJE9aoG7HqjuLpic7jKgYVVv9BY8/w640-h426/1-IMG_0811.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor: </u></b> I wanted to make gasoline pumps as my favors. I bought mini boxes about the size I wanted my favors and filled them with candy. I then designed a wrap to cover the outside and top of the box using the gasoline pump from my invitation and other items. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJVws9VCo2_ADVhP5v73S5YgH2yVvRkgmlsoJbQ3XaDAGeaTjVz2LrQ3224PK90BKPOPGyQma-1ghUmUUbtkJv23Bq2esXW36FD6ZKb1RGGkogMrX23HRjAWDR1omlmX7yVsdH5rdAc6VQyq6POVbmN_tufa2BhfExW4OUtliYR9a5dFtcufXl6t-/s4238/1-IMG_0806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4238" data-original-width="3119" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJVws9VCo2_ADVhP5v73S5YgH2yVvRkgmlsoJbQ3XaDAGeaTjVz2LrQ3224PK90BKPOPGyQma-1ghUmUUbtkJv23Bq2esXW36FD6ZKb1RGGkogMrX23HRjAWDR1omlmX7yVsdH5rdAc6VQyq6POVbmN_tufa2BhfExW4OUtliYR9a5dFtcufXl6t-/w472-h640/1-IMG_0806.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><br />For the actual pump, I cut red bendy straws for the pump, and hot glued a mini binder clip to the side of the box to hold it. I glued one side of a piece of black string to the inside of the straw and the other near the bottom of the side. Then covered the bottom string with a black button. Time consuming to cut these out and assemble them, but super happy with how they came out.<p></p><p>Another fun party in the books. I think this would be a fun theme for Teacher Appreciation Week too! The friendship and laughter from the evening definitely gave us a chance to Refuel and Recharge for the remainder of the school year.</p></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-69867510347835727532022-05-02T21:15:00.005-07:002022-05-02T21:15:51.483-07:00Target Monthly Dinner<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnol3wAsslVz6n_ykmnLs6IUpS6vY-y9JXZ0R2Z5xTvfqvebdtoqTp-KNI3qTePIxDs0ZiA7Dgbr7c84_MMP3fXIOv7dAJsUMLz35nOqBLszVKlVhZHB4vYB5IdvYGLtoO1Cj831-G60gYSGqXN-A1Z5yZIl1ROqBxi-2LSHHIeuCbOUHQjbrjB2E4/s3025/1-Target%20MD%2020221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2317" data-original-width="3025" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnol3wAsslVz6n_ykmnLs6IUpS6vY-y9JXZ0R2Z5xTvfqvebdtoqTp-KNI3qTePIxDs0ZiA7Dgbr7c84_MMP3fXIOv7dAJsUMLz35nOqBLszVKlVhZHB4vYB5IdvYGLtoO1Cj831-G60gYSGqXN-A1Z5yZIl1ROqBxi-2LSHHIeuCbOUHQjbrjB2E4/w640-h490/1-Target%20MD%2020221.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>A</b></span> random theme...yes, but a totally fun one. April's monthly dinner theme was all centered around Target, my family's favorite place to shop for almost anything. I had fun creating this monthly dinner, as it was easy to keep it simple with a little creativity and a sense of fun.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM5Eui3NT9gjoOq5yhHVJwV5LYgiWGUj0_nna9pQeqbe5ApIxXtRnKCvIKuqUbahQ6tvbSYFPkAju9ZAB_DpNpkwNlNH9cTUhluTlxtUzMxnj85nS81z_A8OSJwiiUJU-h1aDuRuTWNfoqNmYselstVj-gtIQvCNVegMED3V6Hsd5KdDPe-X1Jrkp/s3500/Target%20MD%20Invite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM5Eui3NT9gjoOq5yhHVJwV5LYgiWGUj0_nna9pQeqbe5ApIxXtRnKCvIKuqUbahQ6tvbSYFPkAju9ZAB_DpNpkwNlNH9cTUhluTlxtUzMxnj85nS81z_A8OSJwiiUJU-h1aDuRuTWNfoqNmYselstVj-gtIQvCNVegMED3V6Hsd5KdDPe-X1Jrkp/w458-h640/Target%20MD%20Invite.jpg" width="458" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Invite: </u></b>I designed a simple invitation using target logos and bold fonts. I played with the wording of Target's tag line "Expect More. Pay Less" adding "Expect More Fun. Pay Less Mind." I asked guests to wear red shirts if possible and khaki pants if they had them.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wxfNrH2KLe1KXEEmhIvJDUKLEG-VKdmPaMj2ojVqILRFzr-VjjOZ7KMAk5dON6oA_YaDnzpsPidvsY9ord1SWY9nIchn0klwTUP5zSsTJ1pwy0uUsqx1MyoNVzHOp6P1utjMwJ25MwneDT9p5cFFH-2fnbZBJ5cqezVWolEuO52CYLje2De3BM4g/s5364/1-IMG_0783.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5364" data-original-width="3848" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wxfNrH2KLe1KXEEmhIvJDUKLEG-VKdmPaMj2ojVqILRFzr-VjjOZ7KMAk5dON6oA_YaDnzpsPidvsY9ord1SWY9nIchn0klwTUP5zSsTJ1pwy0uUsqx1MyoNVzHOp6P1utjMwJ25MwneDT9p5cFFH-2fnbZBJ5cqezVWolEuO52CYLje2De3BM4g/w460-h640/1-IMG_0783.JPG" width="460" /></a></div><br />On my front door, I created Entrance/Entrada sign and the green automatic arrow like you see on the front doors of most Target stores.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgX3PsH9RMARh4yBdvPZ8BdgXD7cANQqUPnFMYmhi0suAo1YRuiVLPbY3ZanVjP13GvxUIX9Ey1WwJKUKe9tI9_q4Ns6WiEBoCfO2HbvRF_UzVwtw567HoYG1bnesC_q1SHp86_eKiwOnYYglGj3m6ToTE4tjhEFL00rw2UO2vHQjPSgWB6TW1CTY/s6000/1-IMG_0746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgX3PsH9RMARh4yBdvPZ8BdgXD7cANQqUPnFMYmhi0suAo1YRuiVLPbY3ZanVjP13GvxUIX9Ey1WwJKUKe9tI9_q4Ns6WiEBoCfO2HbvRF_UzVwtw567HoYG1bnesC_q1SHp86_eKiwOnYYglGj3m6ToTE4tjhEFL00rw2UO2vHQjPSgWB6TW1CTY/w640-h426/1-IMG_0746.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Decor: </u></b> I set my table with a bright red tablecloth and white plates. I cut up Target plastic bags to place next to each other for a table runner. For the centerpiece, I used a small shopping cart I have had for years, and tall cups from the Target snack bar. The manager at my local Target was kind enough to give me these. I filled the cups with tissue paper and sliced the top of red straws to hold Target gift cards. I used mostly old gift cards I had from Target and some I bought new. The gift cards on this centerpiece would make great party game prizes if you were doing a Target theme birthday party and playing games.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsn2Oc8NsFbmA6Eu24z-c36B6Gobc-MXeo8XsZW6LmRS0DAvBJZZ7MVTG5LZr_QDyRjAA0UWyU1ncEsAcWrJNVpSrxaile1Cz67HlzsjQ9CnO-5wElq-mSHkVztAsr5-gPJW4pBep0SazMj4mJgQz3Y2TkMdJz5S2090g70xlxL-5XSy2qupHsi7X/s3357/1-IMG_0748.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3357" data-original-width="2397" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsn2Oc8NsFbmA6Eu24z-c36B6Gobc-MXeo8XsZW6LmRS0DAvBJZZ7MVTG5LZr_QDyRjAA0UWyU1ncEsAcWrJNVpSrxaile1Cz67HlzsjQ9CnO-5wElq-mSHkVztAsr5-gPJW4pBep0SazMj4mJgQz3Y2TkMdJz5S2090g70xlxL-5XSy2qupHsi7X/w456-h640/1-IMG_0748.JPG" width="456" /></a></div><br />Instead of napkin rings, I simply printed out a Target logo and placed it on top of a folded napkin.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNWywPSzXxQqXvKo--cK7Vk4XyOrJnc7p6yLkm4g7T2YKK4fFy6y4z_sEMMmEWs1bM0qORfzRD3IJSy_yF5zpeAEWH683DkdEYiMrd5FKZh4oLpiWALZuG5tJujTI41nd9jrAsB2yAik9E7Vy-iIvVjopVyFJIffl1x-iB7NIWvBhy6TlLQD3oQ3S/s3278/1-IMG_0699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3278" data-original-width="2343" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNWywPSzXxQqXvKo--cK7Vk4XyOrJnc7p6yLkm4g7T2YKK4fFy6y4z_sEMMmEWs1bM0qORfzRD3IJSy_yF5zpeAEWH683DkdEYiMrd5FKZh4oLpiWALZuG5tJujTI41nd9jrAsB2yAik9E7Vy-iIvVjopVyFJIffl1x-iB7NIWvBhy6TlLQD3oQ3S/w458-h640/1-IMG_0699.JPG" width="458" /></a></div><br />For place cards, I made Target employee name badges which we all wore throughout the night. I made these out of cardstock and just taped a safety pin to the back. I was going to paint wooden circles, but couldn't find the right shape of circle at my local craft supply store, so I just went with normal paper. They were quick, easy to make, and worked fine.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgyym0V1B6Y8niR0lw_gieWeJrsypbrr3wTtz0rdAp6dLziJ9_DJ5AnEeRRZeGAvTA0bT6xt2Esc_dyvW34d_HwbJpwsC3WNJGa49sqRWyolKBn1d41NVl9u0m8PTVKKYyySIko5-FHez6AKzJjGeTLPw9RBLKVCLwNXRlj6bfZlSoI-_8leb1sxY/s4460/1-IMG_0719.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3981" data-original-width="4460" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgyym0V1B6Y8niR0lw_gieWeJrsypbrr3wTtz0rdAp6dLziJ9_DJ5AnEeRRZeGAvTA0bT6xt2Esc_dyvW34d_HwbJpwsC3WNJGa49sqRWyolKBn1d41NVl9u0m8PTVKKYyySIko5-FHez6AKzJjGeTLPw9RBLKVCLwNXRlj6bfZlSoI-_8leb1sxY/w640-h572/1-IMG_0719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I had a fun with my side table. The Target manager let me borrow a shopping basket, so I used that as well as created my own dollar bin. More details on this later. The H-O-M-E mantle piece is always up in my home and the "O" just changes by holiday. I covered up the Easter bunny "O" with the Target logo for this dinner.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmesR-ZGK38grpMZWSmYBU1wUxL8o-VcEcicREFie61RisZKCI2zw4oGdk7iTiFNLt2lfcQLimBzG8ZBlVXs5wOEseQ1bMA4d1QBCcWGoDkyA0f7G-d1bcMJUj6-aeESLJc5iDxCIS3zRMjrOCscDoZNvo-nrN9cOH448Ly3FAH0o_xtpfhMLSSb0/s5451/1-IMG_0753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5451" data-original-width="3748" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmesR-ZGK38grpMZWSmYBU1wUxL8o-VcEcicREFie61RisZKCI2zw4oGdk7iTiFNLt2lfcQLimBzG8ZBlVXs5wOEseQ1bMA4d1QBCcWGoDkyA0f7G-d1bcMJUj6-aeESLJc5iDxCIS3zRMjrOCscDoZNvo-nrN9cOH448Ly3FAH0o_xtpfhMLSSb0/w440-h640/1-IMG_0753.JPG" width="440" /></a></div><br />Designing wine labels is one of the many fun details I love to create for my monthly dinners. It took me quite a while to come up with something clever and to design the labels, but they got a laugh from the guests. For the red wine, I went with "Target & Red Wine Make me feel fine!" I designed a bunch of red wines filling a target basket for the label. For the white wine, it read "A Perfect Night: A little Chardonnay and a trip to Tarjay."<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6GtzhsiOoK2mHElB6qRapr-0aJGxtGtV8a78oQekKcnuBv8vev8ONGNpCpnDZRxUDEKs0TF4qPfOde0J78ftMJeUl7I7w8CRrWhY-M5F7TNUcaPphUVX1Hzd9g94Kd0_bB9bG1rl8uXm0ICI5ESl31sNuVl7qtEZ1D5fPDcdrVXvBLsTjWkSo7y-/s5678/1-IMG_0761.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3518" data-original-width="5678" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6GtzhsiOoK2mHElB6qRapr-0aJGxtGtV8a78oQekKcnuBv8vev8ONGNpCpnDZRxUDEKs0TF4qPfOde0J78ftMJeUl7I7w8CRrWhY-M5F7TNUcaPphUVX1Hzd9g94Kd0_bB9bG1rl8uXm0ICI5ESl31sNuVl7qtEZ1D5fPDcdrVXvBLsTjWkSo7y-/w640-h396/1-IMG_0761.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Instead of wine glass, I used smaller plastic cups from Target. The wine charm was a Target Red Card which each guest's name on it.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb3XFfdRUS7fTrpr20-6FHTTh7eiQ4L5DdstQ-qK76Zc9Evo4kNXnQvJy0ZQ6HM2NRcQDfis9LbFw0UNXjs7trHK9FaWjZcenMagAib3wzCYtCG_UIWcyoVsprIxyw5u8NvIJKWiXFAeSlKLenq2x3AKuPsqBTvj8IVTwGlWz708AGPdCjlTL0ElO/s4917/1-IMG_0713.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4917" data-original-width="3986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb3XFfdRUS7fTrpr20-6FHTTh7eiQ4L5DdstQ-qK76Zc9Evo4kNXnQvJy0ZQ6HM2NRcQDfis9LbFw0UNXjs7trHK9FaWjZcenMagAib3wzCYtCG_UIWcyoVsprIxyw5u8NvIJKWiXFAeSlKLenq2x3AKuPsqBTvj8IVTwGlWz708AGPdCjlTL0ElO/w518-h640/1-IMG_0713.JPG" width="518" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Menu:</u></b> To make the menu cards a little more theme-oriented and fun, and made them price tags to match the ones that Target uses in it's stores. We started with a Target Salad. On the bed of greens I organized the toppings into red and white circles to make a Target bullseye. The outer circle was a combination of diced red peppers and sliced tomatoes. The white layer was hard boiled egg and Feta cheese, and the bullseye was sliced tomatoes.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBpv1y5IAqmEjLmJbQsvaL8XHCEmLjG1kNK3SlS3rBnYDJPI1VXENwW5Z9VMwERDkbu93lBmuPdIt0j7ywIJBvLEe2rQKVfekl6AepOdskwKiUhwDTTzb2bAGoY2RNcfur7-IMYCGYkdVzX4TSZtUdA5L2C2YlkMkHlnyxiLUFkfyJl56wZ4zaak2/s4114/1-IMG_0774.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3942" data-original-width="4114" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBpv1y5IAqmEjLmJbQsvaL8XHCEmLjG1kNK3SlS3rBnYDJPI1VXENwW5Z9VMwERDkbu93lBmuPdIt0j7ywIJBvLEe2rQKVfekl6AepOdskwKiUhwDTTzb2bAGoY2RNcfur7-IMYCGYkdVzX4TSZtUdA5L2C2YlkMkHlnyxiLUFkfyJl56wZ4zaak2/w640-h614/1-IMG_0774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I also served pepperoni pizza. The original plan was to shape the pizzas into individual circles and then use the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni to make the red and white Target logo. Our circles were rather odd shaped, but the Target was still evident with the cheese and pepperoni.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyoQSyP1s_WK170XwMSCS-rX6mKghjbf1OTBeVkRvujo5sMsQb0tBZGbFOIwDy_TM_nHn1Lig6LMvZfnHvYWBl-c673BEF_Zf3pEc6_rs5vS9Ur0rr-QfL8XpVccJaZ2JGObV6Z42wsx7Cdw23ueAQShAR9vVB0Q7S7ABFovVjJKfvhozwatrwbL4/s5299/1-IMG_0779.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5299" data-original-width="3957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyoQSyP1s_WK170XwMSCS-rX6mKghjbf1OTBeVkRvujo5sMsQb0tBZGbFOIwDy_TM_nHn1Lig6LMvZfnHvYWBl-c673BEF_Zf3pEc6_rs5vS9Ur0rr-QfL8XpVccJaZ2JGObV6Z42wsx7Cdw23ueAQShAR9vVB0Q7S7ABFovVjJKfvhozwatrwbL4/w478-h640/1-IMG_0779.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />For dessert, I made Bullseye Pupcakes. These were vanilla cupcakes with a white frosting. I made mini bones with peanut butter chocolate melts to place on top alongside the Target Bullseye dog I printed to make a cupcake topper.<p></p><p><b><u></u></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BgqE5dbkN9b2IhCrVL3QTqb5NrEzr-eBpc0GRy7AzsvFztfHPqmnjstdnRTru55oogIxlFOfibWpzF1M-k4YFQTCGl6PMDpcOLAhjH67WsQg4Qe33NnvmmK8sYDs-uL_uhEfY3T9jD0NfKY5uHLsTgfEtKE4bJyhx8VRnSJ8wqFlxMbMf-9FfvDU/s5904/1-IMG_0759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3890" data-original-width="5904" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BgqE5dbkN9b2IhCrVL3QTqb5NrEzr-eBpc0GRy7AzsvFztfHPqmnjstdnRTru55oogIxlFOfibWpzF1M-k4YFQTCGl6PMDpcOLAhjH67WsQg4Qe33NnvmmK8sYDs-uL_uhEfY3T9jD0NfKY5uHLsTgfEtKE4bJyhx8VRnSJ8wqFlxMbMf-9FfvDU/w640-h422/1-IMG_0759.JPG" width="640" /></a></u></b></div><b><u><br />Favor:</u> </b>I got a bit excited with my party favors and did a few different ones instead of just one. I started with a Dollar Store bin where guests could pick from the items and take what they want. I found these items in the Target dollar bin all for under $1.50. Guest could choose candles, a ceramic letter, a crafty project, or other small items.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4StCYMhYD2UjXnuMx3I05jTZiWyCLb0rktAofGVtTZ_X7gnW0pQDgGYOuFspphwbYjUYmRsTGkHeQCJMypeQdb1RzbbRXhlciAkV7CgiebCD0ZGclbMQx-apoIfXLI2ez9zqf8f8KO2SOo1HS4H_0F_bI_pxgpSEs0yfBBy0UbMVVx19d6ZhlU0Pb/s2295/1-Target%20MD%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1668" data-original-width="2295" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4StCYMhYD2UjXnuMx3I05jTZiWyCLb0rktAofGVtTZ_X7gnW0pQDgGYOuFspphwbYjUYmRsTGkHeQCJMypeQdb1RzbbRXhlciAkV7CgiebCD0ZGclbMQx-apoIfXLI2ez9zqf8f8KO2SOo1HS4H_0F_bI_pxgpSEs0yfBBy0UbMVVx19d6ZhlU0Pb/w640-h466/1-Target%20MD%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Target manager gave me popcorn bags, so I filled them with popcorn for guests and placed them in the Target basket. I created a funny Target receipt to attach to the bag.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt8LyB6_cJsx5qJ7EpVWPrFRRO0456W_FqJox-t4jwxjvYEgqA2nCyCKUE8dWiyCMTaZh7W0ovdWN0xdeRoATyhQxAenhvY2jPAcnZYDnwmC7NH0pj0RFgA1By864fn1yf9v83Cd76FxWwjXDXto6FsoVZARMjlm311ms_RSm3jWSchVI4ZD43G1O/s6000/1-IMG_0723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt8LyB6_cJsx5qJ7EpVWPrFRRO0456W_FqJox-t4jwxjvYEgqA2nCyCKUE8dWiyCMTaZh7W0ovdWN0xdeRoATyhQxAenhvY2jPAcnZYDnwmC7NH0pj0RFgA1By864fn1yf9v83Cd76FxWwjXDXto6FsoVZARMjlm311ms_RSm3jWSchVI4ZD43G1O/w640-h426/1-IMG_0723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I also bought Bullseye cookies from Target as a favor. They are just too cute to resist, and already individually wrapped which makes it easy.<p></p><p>This was a fun theme and fairly easy to put together with a little help from my local Target!</p><p><br /></p>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3694785642051468123.post-79303977408946628822022-04-09T19:03:00.000-07:002022-04-09T19:03:04.430-07:00Girls Gone Wild - African Safari<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkUghx-e9t4OYZyo24WqwxDZTDNdV9oISAVC2X1nGnbsIepKT7Dl2ba2mjdsfynmsPKT7gy2aIsfMEz7jUY3Hk6XF_qQI43SC2tFRik9FBFbWe4VtPMgGpEHtH8xMynl3XO85Qi2gdkiGebjHOQ2gj91CJRuAALD5xFIAL2I6IsuNQpexkQecxqO7/s3411/1-African%20Safari%20MD%2020221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2638" data-original-width="3411" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkUghx-e9t4OYZyo24WqwxDZTDNdV9oISAVC2X1nGnbsIepKT7Dl2ba2mjdsfynmsPKT7gy2aIsfMEz7jUY3Hk6XF_qQI43SC2tFRik9FBFbWe4VtPMgGpEHtH8xMynl3XO85Qi2gdkiGebjHOQ2gj91CJRuAALD5xFIAL2I6IsuNQpexkQecxqO7/w640-h494/1-African%20Safari%20MD%2020221.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></b></span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">I </span></b>have been hosting Monthly Dinners for over 15 years now, and sometimes it is a bit of a challenge to come up with a new theme.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was the Friday before my Monday dinner when my friend and colleague asked me what my theme was.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>When I said, I wasn’t sure and asked if she had any ideas, she started naming a few great ideas, but they happen to be themes I had already done.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Then, she mentioned an African Safari which got my mind thinking of all the fun things I could do with that.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>On top of my ideas, my friend had African decor from her trips to Africa and from gifts from her daughter who lived there for ten years that she offered to loan me.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Perfect!</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LHaOUTuLwvffGyZciONsSH6YnNemrS5cq9vY1g_aSbzEF2pwrYNeVjFXjlAz_MCGBVbj5GvR44ySkwUTjxlYGfg3nPIASqiVzG8Fi6aY6beHTVezdTZFa7P94Y0wk_FdAn65cmD-YaigY8TQuLXslN6Bg_TIFSBEu7e4c_6p_YFyudTBwlzMhyTh/s3500/Safari%20Invite%20Red.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="2500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LHaOUTuLwvffGyZciONsSH6YnNemrS5cq9vY1g_aSbzEF2pwrYNeVjFXjlAz_MCGBVbj5GvR44ySkwUTjxlYGfg3nPIASqiVzG8Fi6aY6beHTVezdTZFa7P94Y0wk_FdAn65cmD-YaigY8TQuLXslN6Bg_TIFSBEu7e4c_6p_YFyudTBwlzMhyTh/w458-h640/Safari%20Invite%20Red.jpg" width="458" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><u>Invite:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></u></b>The decor from my friend was very authentic and beautiful, so I wanted my invitation to be classy as well.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>There are a lot of safari invitations that are cutesy and made for baby’s 1st birthdays.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>That is not what I wanted.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I found a background design online that was more sophisticated and added my party details.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I downloaded safari-related fonts, Cute Animal & Animal House, to use for my text.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK_2cMrSgfNpP_PCYE_4oGrnGW2wIwzOWLNOutY_6ERUcO7km1-SJPHiaBbAMt_lkoIGQvoPSyBpIBIqLUrOUpHD_KHhd75d0QIKUDmTR_DNpDC_BLh6baB9rLKPYB-ZhoM3FJzl1CGeVo-glA96yBQmQhoD3xns5b8ROHzSnzB6jysq8aDayWtbO/s6000/1-IMG_0617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3693" data-original-width="6000" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDK_2cMrSgfNpP_PCYE_4oGrnGW2wIwzOWLNOutY_6ERUcO7km1-SJPHiaBbAMt_lkoIGQvoPSyBpIBIqLUrOUpHD_KHhd75d0QIKUDmTR_DNpDC_BLh6baB9rLKPYB-ZhoM3FJzl1CGeVo-glA96yBQmQhoD3xns5b8ROHzSnzB6jysq8aDayWtbO/w640-h394/1-IMG_0617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><u>Party Decor:</u></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"><b><u> </u></b> </span>Isn’t this table decor beautiful!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My friend won first place for this setting at the fair, and you can definitely see why!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I love the pattern of the tablecloth with the safari animals along the edges.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even more amazing, is that it was hand painted! </p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqkO_d2mPw6Dlq2B7Vwo52998wHSfVJn7vJ-d8wPT0zsdapGRtII4oZxWJEc5uxgKTCrfkdEJ8YXeBTflyIzgCAm4NuZ1aGasburedaG0bzGceOZQ6LaLGT6JjZJ_8A9jTrqcvO9m0OLOf5x2vjppqbZUiB8KEJvpbhc1zp754fCYXfAWl6Hhe5Yr/s6000/1-IMG_0583.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqkO_d2mPw6Dlq2B7Vwo52998wHSfVJn7vJ-d8wPT0zsdapGRtII4oZxWJEc5uxgKTCrfkdEJ8YXeBTflyIzgCAm4NuZ1aGasburedaG0bzGceOZQ6LaLGT6JjZJ_8A9jTrqcvO9m0OLOf5x2vjppqbZUiB8KEJvpbhc1zp754fCYXfAWl6Hhe5Yr/w640-h426/1-IMG_0583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">For the centerpiece, I placed the loaned zebra and giraffe masks on unlit candles to keep them standing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At the center, was a African continent wall piece that I set down.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-8HncpOsk0JzSBybWMg3DcUq1LyH_D3WdmwDfy4C7izGjqTJHFVh-flsxHLDqF2OpAPYA9EhjRm3dPpbTlcJlycYz4PtU7cDG8OO99kjB-gyyBIP_6Y_NhUx9uzq9FeEo_h5FbM8BDfm4F2PH5nVHZ2Jm5XOKmftJFUvaiYgLPA4hGazOGv7-MKR/s4623/1-IMG_0584.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3952" data-original-width="4623" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-8HncpOsk0JzSBybWMg3DcUq1LyH_D3WdmwDfy4C7izGjqTJHFVh-flsxHLDqF2OpAPYA9EhjRm3dPpbTlcJlycYz4PtU7cDG8OO99kjB-gyyBIP_6Y_NhUx9uzq9FeEo_h5FbM8BDfm4F2PH5nVHZ2Jm5XOKmftJFUvaiYgLPA4hGazOGv7-MKR/w640-h548/1-IMG_0584.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ti2m9Uxmre5fCv1vecKSDagqyhPsm-3YnG9klrkKt-3At3eBj-wHhYFdFT75achKIwDYG4aQSAyD1lPu8BguqzLBeBlEQXsd12p0ICF19n5dEcXvSqqyGwj3cmq2ogrQGYwT3Iga4E4NFX8GupE56dGhgC7E6y2TrM6xNlrmhG7USQiuT_GlG3qC/s6000/1-IMG_0591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ti2m9Uxmre5fCv1vecKSDagqyhPsm-3YnG9klrkKt-3At3eBj-wHhYFdFT75achKIwDYG4aQSAyD1lPu8BguqzLBeBlEQXsd12p0ICF19n5dEcXvSqqyGwj3cmq2ogrQGYwT3Iga4E4NFX8GupE56dGhgC7E6y2TrM6xNlrmhG7USQiuT_GlG3qC/w640-h426/1-IMG_0591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVxyb_mj3BnvEBdTp17ogYppWXr1b2upmMEeuYCRtby6SzVq_vKbn5KGkUz495HYZLKe6vbnyqltpHrREKO3NIMQxhv3EQes0_330W6Y9MYBbRSjeFRX-9RD2b5ui8hySQB3zCHquP0QAjV5LaRC4KlkPEqW1HcuUa8bSqAZYu45kv7118-SztaLD/s6000/1-IMG_0596.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVxyb_mj3BnvEBdTp17ogYppWXr1b2upmMEeuYCRtby6SzVq_vKbn5KGkUz495HYZLKe6vbnyqltpHrREKO3NIMQxhv3EQes0_330W6Y9MYBbRSjeFRX-9RD2b5ui8hySQB3zCHquP0QAjV5LaRC4KlkPEqW1HcuUa8bSqAZYu45kv7118-SztaLD/w640-h426/1-IMG_0596.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The animals and gorgeous candles also added to the centerpiece to really make the theme come alive.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2brYeca8luEXUXvmzyCLWxnv6BiuizPKf90K4GKqC5yrC7KndeM1mN9VNVh_geLWV6B9xxXf9Hrz3PANkogY6UtSQtbo3ada7ix8sxGy4nNT7TACIYY4pYma2kkdYC04ToDE6EqdFB7Qs5Lq-GCG6-lT3XImtJPbgRTQkbH1mDJcxefoS7tdxvJkF/s6000/1-IMG_0604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2brYeca8luEXUXvmzyCLWxnv6BiuizPKf90K4GKqC5yrC7KndeM1mN9VNVh_geLWV6B9xxXf9Hrz3PANkogY6UtSQtbo3ada7ix8sxGy4nNT7TACIYY4pYma2kkdYC04ToDE6EqdFB7Qs5Lq-GCG6-lT3XImtJPbgRTQkbH1mDJcxefoS7tdxvJkF/w640-h426/1-IMG_0604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">For the place setting, my friend loaned me these amazing chargers and plates.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNolajghNYNiUHa6-kftYDuWLW9xi67EZOkWy5_I0llcPWtMM8LtdVILhdAvRWiJdQLZwzQ1URn1cowqmFd9uYMYg9RSayCblMklRuoBU0OjZ-Ym0DoNhXBZ80TN4h3W0XsO8rPEwZGTVZJpVPoma_fBMFsTqOrirR48RWT5Hyf2NSgpRc5qgbrXX1/s5657/1-IMG_0605.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5657" data-original-width="3441" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNolajghNYNiUHa6-kftYDuWLW9xi67EZOkWy5_I0llcPWtMM8LtdVILhdAvRWiJdQLZwzQ1URn1cowqmFd9uYMYg9RSayCblMklRuoBU0OjZ-Ym0DoNhXBZ80TN4h3W0XsO8rPEwZGTVZJpVPoma_fBMFsTqOrirR48RWT5Hyf2NSgpRc5qgbrXX1/w390-h640/1-IMG_0605.JPG" width="390" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">Cloth napkins and carved wood napkin rings with African animals on them were another beautiful touch to the table scape (you see why she won first place now, huh?). She even had silverware to tie into the theme.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMseXi9giijrTDdC5z9TWg2h0KU6tQT7iyv3VEeV_AvofNOLuBFXaBvyGE2Ygfs6iHKA1c3HFzwh_EX1LdTAQsBpCWUUQNsLdYCMeYhKJiNNFQ8Xb7bkvfM6cNLtPZBhWYdmoX3FtPLtlMjgjrpXs3mc198K91-G1cMoYM6MqG4elQ_Sf93zCW6YHA/s3038/1-African%20Safari%20MD%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1352" data-original-width="3038" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMseXi9giijrTDdC5z9TWg2h0KU6tQT7iyv3VEeV_AvofNOLuBFXaBvyGE2Ygfs6iHKA1c3HFzwh_EX1LdTAQsBpCWUUQNsLdYCMeYhKJiNNFQ8Xb7bkvfM6cNLtPZBhWYdmoX3FtPLtlMjgjrpXs3mc198K91-G1cMoYM6MqG4elQ_Sf93zCW6YHA/w640-h284/1-African%20Safari%20MD%202022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For place cards, I bought some fake leaves from Michaels Craft Store and used a Posca pen to write each guest’s name on a leaf.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I bought a container of African Safari animals from Five Below, and pulled out the larger ones to set next to each leaf.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFep01TQZDCWEcv0qqWxvo736nxDVzXny-FNSA-MGbNZaFIrDqdOc6j9b2yseTLS-U2Sax4WRwVFc2xEXJf3mGqoyeElYXt7Y2SXQkI9-BrQJ8OcqWTO-3n7ucCFxo8SMw2mirCbP7oBfRM9ubQcWWn9kuxCDDALbgUM86i7iP8LMpaNH5-8PJnAdc/s6000/1-IMG_0615.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFep01TQZDCWEcv0qqWxvo736nxDVzXny-FNSA-MGbNZaFIrDqdOc6j9b2yseTLS-U2Sax4WRwVFc2xEXJf3mGqoyeElYXt7Y2SXQkI9-BrQJ8OcqWTO-3n7ucCFxo8SMw2mirCbP7oBfRM9ubQcWWn9kuxCDDALbgUM86i7iP8LMpaNH5-8PJnAdc/w426-h640/1-IMG_0615.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On my drink/appetizer table, I used another amazing mask and African statue from my friend.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnld1GfzINYdGsSj1hIu-ilQAIJru9wyplxGSfyDo9qjuqC6stbsuMz5r8p_fci-JGYQobfZpNc7rmBncvrHLSldIFwhiaCkxsJStgEkhHEFM634R9ZxEl0Kc1YEb4pcpJ_VsE6ykRVhmzI6LEib9t6x26XD1frsdzd2HjtUJrO8l4HV_OhlKxSnH1/s4032/Safari%20-%20wine%20glass.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnld1GfzINYdGsSj1hIu-ilQAIJru9wyplxGSfyDo9qjuqC6stbsuMz5r8p_fci-JGYQobfZpNc7rmBncvrHLSldIFwhiaCkxsJStgEkhHEFM634R9ZxEl0Kc1YEb4pcpJ_VsE6ykRVhmzI6LEib9t6x26XD1frsdzd2HjtUJrO8l4HV_OhlKxSnH1/w640-h480/Safari%20-%20wine%20glass.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">The container of safari animals I bought for the placecards also came with small red and yellow safari animals that I used as wine charms.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I used thin fishing line to attach an animal to each glass.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The beautiful glasses were another loan from my friend, and they were perfect for this theme.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ4klmZ80f2lKGWcBfRTH_L7Gls4WLu52Q5h_BVIsJedyNuFMoVEXppYGhZ2Q2lLMXwZpoLrwvF_93Udy2SLKg8TG7pUwh6GspJkHeOhRhr5SLJp6EVJcXeHkTEEHeyGEvGG9-N5MT3bR5gkA64bKtGvF9Q0103E1-41mJGL_0CgO6Q_tGzpJhtau/s6000/1-IMG_0641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ4klmZ80f2lKGWcBfRTH_L7Gls4WLu52Q5h_BVIsJedyNuFMoVEXppYGhZ2Q2lLMXwZpoLrwvF_93Udy2SLKg8TG7pUwh6GspJkHeOhRhr5SLJp6EVJcXeHkTEEHeyGEvGG9-N5MT3bR5gkA64bKtGvF9Q0103E1-41mJGL_0CgO6Q_tGzpJhtau/w426-h640/1-IMG_0641.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><b><u>Menu:</u></b><span class="Apple-converted-space"><b><u> </u></b> </span>Africa is best known for the “Big 5” referring to the water buffalo, rhino, lion, elephant, and the leopard.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I wanted to incorporate as many of these into my menu as possible.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I decided to create a Safari Map to showcase my menu and fit with the theme.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZksizYJEbf9MTV66YMJDRoArAP6MzdZXlC9SyPNyxF-FvszW5Dg_BjKAJHMTcfYBcyOEUyug-xwUDC8LvElLAFdiDQNU0MFzEvfL4Fa5kq5tYkBk5Wtr-Q602wIhYWK4TuiW7v78WrBCtNvCe0IIyjCNFRFbBCpBKwVHvMqxZ5w_SN_jBhiX6c7h/s6000/1-IMG_0626.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZksizYJEbf9MTV66YMJDRoArAP6MzdZXlC9SyPNyxF-FvszW5Dg_BjKAJHMTcfYBcyOEUyug-xwUDC8LvElLAFdiDQNU0MFzEvfL4Fa5kq5tYkBk5Wtr-Q602wIhYWK4TuiW7v78WrBCtNvCe0IIyjCNFRFbBCpBKwVHvMqxZ5w_SN_jBhiX6c7h/w426-h640/1-IMG_0626.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />Our first “stop” on the Safari Menu Map was the “watering hole.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At this stop I highlighted the rhino.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>One of my wine labels read, "You're Such a <strike>Rhino </strike>Wino" with a photo of a rhino drinking from a bottle of wine. The white wine bottle read, "Wanna Wine about it? I'm all ears" with a photo of an elephant, the glass of wine in his trunk.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuUyc1OLkEVAor4AdScOlnLzHpEf6G6hkKetQy-j4C-q_0UckBcVciWdSjH8FTu7gGDAEwI3-FH0gDa3x_YqIJjRuS7NX19TGu01JUb1ENo7VY73lHJ7kJXYKhBVlal3IfF_J4y72dnYh0I3sIEprojEfPgaWHOO_qDvam0IdA4SmSgMviaXQa6nw/s5459/1-IMG_0632.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3723" data-original-width="5459" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuUyc1OLkEVAor4AdScOlnLzHpEf6G6hkKetQy-j4C-q_0UckBcVciWdSjH8FTu7gGDAEwI3-FH0gDa3x_YqIJjRuS7NX19TGu01JUb1ENo7VY73lHJ7kJXYKhBVlal3IfF_J4y72dnYh0I3sIEprojEfPgaWHOO_qDvam0IdA4SmSgMviaXQa6nw/w640-h436/1-IMG_0632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The second stop of our menu safari was the Cheese-tah Lowlands. I cut a block of mid cheddar cheese into cubes and put them on a toothpick. I made a cheetah print flag to add to the top.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjovDAr95QBy_eYPGuquq9H6cFrFfDUOzGpitDsXHAj7nIbHyL2Mat4FRUjC7CsuLWpUhVbpS-wSwACugrZ_F8A4T5fsB7Kvosssh7V0-6uyRTmQVE6_znDfGqiqx8EaxANLRl4C1OJiI8gBWy-Ljp7xZD80-Yh0nWFKuHpcM8Q4UaVuWMVlaESsa/s5386/1-IMG_0663.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5386" data-original-width="3991" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjovDAr95QBy_eYPGuquq9H6cFrFfDUOzGpitDsXHAj7nIbHyL2Mat4FRUjC7CsuLWpUhVbpS-wSwACugrZ_F8A4T5fsB7Kvosssh7V0-6uyRTmQVE6_znDfGqiqx8EaxANLRl4C1OJiI8gBWy-Ljp7xZD80-Yh0nWFKuHpcM8Q4UaVuWMVlaESsa/w474-h640/1-IMG_0663.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><br /><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Next was the main dish in the Water Buffalo Chicken & Potato plains. When trying to come up with a menu item to go with the water buffalo, all I could think of was something with buffalo chicken. I looked up recipes, and I found this interesting <a href="https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/buffalo-chicken-potato-casserole/">recipe</a> for a buffalo chicken and potato casserole. It was really good. We all really liked it, and it is something I will definitely make again.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR90qonFCWzoIy36wMwRp_tq8zTcqmiAigpi_fwu4kkbhqn7Pu35knrGIVV1mwMxjhfyud8964lY_1_9ceVOqDgIdAfOPTLsYFED7xc1VxOSqvjvCmn85g-j7yhoXAicxHMcccB4ZVZ78_YcLT1QNKrmrcgIHIjU8xva4X-TwMMQdIyBzItutq4iYH/s4538/1-IMG_0660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4538" data-original-width="3973" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR90qonFCWzoIy36wMwRp_tq8zTcqmiAigpi_fwu4kkbhqn7Pu35knrGIVV1mwMxjhfyud8964lY_1_9ceVOqDgIdAfOPTLsYFED7xc1VxOSqvjvCmn85g-j7yhoXAicxHMcccB4ZVZ78_YcLT1QNKrmrcgIHIjU8xva4X-TwMMQdIyBzItutq4iYH/w560-h640/1-IMG_0660.JPG" width="560" /></a></div><br /><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The fourth stop on the safari menu was the Elephant Valley. Here I served watermelon chucks and cut a watermelon to look like an elephant head. Didn't have blueberries to use for eyes, but cutting bits of watermelon from the rind worked perfectly.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIFgiPv9Imn79GLFz9V3l7GqKpDm5wLWAFTbXEjMQNk_Wou0DmWOt6XgO8fqq6Q1bF3O3_PaC_JeLswT0lFKFTvNjiiIgvZr4II4IHt_g8_soR88krWJjr8ECulU7kFa7BGe2T2CXg5Fpg1PtMURlRVPoScDd1LgQnwliLcQQWr5TMxckR7vrabif/s5459/1-IMG_0650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5459" data-original-width="3973" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIFgiPv9Imn79GLFz9V3l7GqKpDm5wLWAFTbXEjMQNk_Wou0DmWOt6XgO8fqq6Q1bF3O3_PaC_JeLswT0lFKFTvNjiiIgvZr4II4IHt_g8_soR88krWJjr8ECulU7kFa7BGe2T2CXg5Fpg1PtMURlRVPoScDd1LgQnwliLcQQWr5TMxckR7vrabif/w466-h640/1-IMG_0650.JPG" width="466" /></a></div><br /><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The fifth stop I called the Grazing Greens which was a simple green salad. I served a mixture of spinach and romaine lettuce with hard boiled egg, tomatoes, and sunflower seeds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xRKrX-_dVfRzMh8UwKxs_5zBYRMPgY3IuuxXhZ7nEYm8nT3hU7qk82lvkuk3EOmxbi0nSHlV2kOwk6OHxMqLaKE2Ket2EJcYdKbibEcmSsvRmgrMEHhXMhDbYe5lAzs7YXyYSbiarO71zpq24s0eYfKVcAO4FBAhP6kfyQB5tokEs-UoNckO-UC4/s4032/Safari%20-%20cake.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xRKrX-_dVfRzMh8UwKxs_5zBYRMPgY3IuuxXhZ7nEYm8nT3hU7qk82lvkuk3EOmxbi0nSHlV2kOwk6OHxMqLaKE2Ket2EJcYdKbibEcmSsvRmgrMEHhXMhDbYe5lAzs7YXyYSbiarO71zpq24s0eYfKVcAO4FBAhP6kfyQB5tokEs-UoNckO-UC4/w480-h640/Safari%20-%20cake.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The final stop of our safari was at the Zebra Grasslands - a sweet Savannah. One of my best friends works for Small Cakes, and she offered to make this zebra cake for me. She made white and chocolate cake mix, poured them alternatively into the pans, swirled them, and then baked them. It turned out exactly like a zebra coat! It was tasty too. </p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CxcZOJhIVWxPt013QQ9GvwisuyhCtFZLXTGebvg5sP-XFIS4iEmLxotuZ167aE2icu5f6aT5BEPC79v2eRdMrDpsBZv5B1qbvnoQ0jNzSRv0Phr5c_OOB5qe6OhbSAmTkTNBaEoD15WT7xIfsUvpUAIlZnjv5J2-QSrN9aHqkcmADDKoF5FfwJWi/s4032/Safari%20-%20cake1.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CxcZOJhIVWxPt013QQ9GvwisuyhCtFZLXTGebvg5sP-XFIS4iEmLxotuZ167aE2icu5f6aT5BEPC79v2eRdMrDpsBZv5B1qbvnoQ0jNzSRv0Phr5c_OOB5qe6OhbSAmTkTNBaEoD15WT7xIfsUvpUAIlZnjv5J2-QSrN9aHqkcmADDKoF5FfwJWi/w480-h640/Safari%20-%20cake1.heic" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She put vanilla buttercream frosting on the outside of the cake, and we made some chocolate shavings from a Hershey bar to adorn the top.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3msRS45wk1_cSCChGAo-61aSGcAV2v-EmO44TYqt8SKW9un89H7ok2PMqpkIJbTYfO7PRBfe5UudvGpuu1sNK3Klwwq2A1ZG07d4C9SfcU4NYiGh3OgO_RdJu1ys_Jsu49jLb9AC5P_RrJ6MBMgaYIMOpBRYn90Q_aZZNnWIUVoRA-yYOZcJlfclR/s5558/1-IMG_0622.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5558" data-original-width="3460" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3msRS45wk1_cSCChGAo-61aSGcAV2v-EmO44TYqt8SKW9un89H7ok2PMqpkIJbTYfO7PRBfe5UudvGpuu1sNK3Klwwq2A1ZG07d4C9SfcU4NYiGh3OgO_RdJu1ys_Jsu49jLb9AC5P_RrJ6MBMgaYIMOpBRYn90Q_aZZNnWIUVoRA-yYOZcJlfclR/w398-h640/1-IMG_0622.JPG" width="398" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><u>Favor: </u></b>As a parting favor, I made tiger and leopard pretzel sticks. Super simple to make as I dipped half the sticks in orange candy melts and the other half in yellow. Once that layer was dry, I melted dark chocolate candy melts which I used to drizzle on the orange sticks and piped spots on the yellow ones.</p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Special thanks to my friend Joan for making this dinner theme possible with all her amazing decorations & table settings. This was probably one of the best tablescapes I have ever had.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>InviteandDelighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03510387913283310874noreply@blogger.com0