Maggie's Dinner Dates

Twilight Party

2012-03-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

Here is my New Moon party invite that I just created on Oct. 23.

I know that a Twilight themed dinner is not typically themed as a couples dinner party... but nevertheless it's still a party and I wanted to share it with you. If any of you are even considering this party then read this post for some fun ideas. Some of which are my own thoughts, and others are ideas from other fans and blogs.

Invitation Ideas
These cards can be downloaded for free at http://www.ambrosiagirl.com/blog/twilight-valentines-free/
Twilight party invitations can be as simple as printing a bookmark from an online site and writing the information on the back...Who, What, When, Where...and not only will your guests have an invite, they will have a bookmark too.

You can't go wrong by presenting each invitee with a red apple tied around its stem with a red satin ribbon. Attach a tag on the ribbon with the formal invite and party information printed.
Another option is to make your own invites using black, white and read patterned paper and cardstock. These cards were taken from the twilightations website. If you would like her to make you some custom cards for your party go to her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5911460
Outside Decor
You might want to hang a sign on the door to alert party goers that they are now entering Forks: something like Welcome to Forks with one arrow labelled Werewolves pointing to the left and another arrow labelled Vampires pointing to the right would get a laugh. Since all guests were asked to bring a Twilight themed snack to share.... this welcome sign on the door only seems fitting. (from Alissa in Arkansas' party)
Wall and Ceiling DécorIf you can afford it, buy yards of the red satin ribbon and suspend it from the ceiling with thumbtacks. You can print out some pictures of the cast of Twilight and put them into picture frames and scatter them about the room. Get white Christmas lights, and get fake flowers, and when you pop them off the plastic stems, they have holes in them. So you can put them over some of the lights. In the main party room: Your job here as hostess is to create an appropriately Twilight atmosphere. Start off with more twinkly lights, both red and white, hung everywhere. To make a misty sort of Forks-y feel, tack white or gray tulle fabric from the ceiling and, for the ultimate Forks touch, have a fog machine going. Fake trees, especially Christmas trees, would make for a nice oh-no-we're-in-the-woods-now ambience as well.
Table Decor
Red, white, and black. Because this is not a dinner, but a movie viewing party with appetizers the places to decorate are slightly different. First set up a table or countertop for putting all the appetizers, dessert plates, napkins, and forks. Set up a table or area for a punch bowl . Some suggestions are black or red tablecloths, and centerpieces can be the icons from the book covers… make a large chess piece from a white Styrofoam block, have white red tipped tulips in a clear vase, some silky red ribbons strewn around the table randomly, your twilight book or books (of course) and a red apple prominently displayed around the base of the large chess piece. Fill jars with red, white and/or black candies. These can serve not only for decor but as treats and favors. Scan/print the covers of books and place in black frames around your home. You could also frame photos of characters from the movie. Make a bloody candle by dripping melted wax from a red candle around a white candle. Use these in a centerpiece as a subtle accent. Fill a clean lined bowl with bright red apples.

Everywhere around the room, put as many Twilight-themed decorations as possible: display the books prominently; hang Twilight movie posters hither and thither; placed framed photos of the characters and of the Cullen family crest on tables and shelves; set bowls of red apples, vases of red and white parrot tulips or fire and ice roses, and oversized chess pieces everywhere you look; fill jars with red, white, or black candy.

Use black netting over a red tablecloth for a nice textured effect.
A red satin ribbon would make a great napkin ring when tied on a black napkin.
Make a bloody glass by dipping the rim of a glass or goblet into a mixture of corn syrup and red food coloring. Let drip down glass. It will set up slightly so you can make these ahead of time.

Red tissue paper hung in arches all over wall

Books on display
Anything red and black
Quotes on posters (ex: and so lion fell in love with the lamb)
Silvery decorations
This is from breaking dawn but it would be so cute if you had a little "beachy" corner that can be labeled "Esme Island". Put a couple fold up beach chairs, palm trees, sand, buckets and it can be a fun place to sit around(most party stores have plenty of beach things)
Use a fog machine and umbrellas to give the effect of Forks, Washington - rainy and misty. (ideas from http://www.studio5ksl.com/)

Twilight DECORATIONS a la Alice Cullen
When thinking of decorations for a Twilight Halloween party, more is better. Think extravagant. Think expensive. The goal is to make the place look like it was decorated by Alice Cullen herself. However, considering the average Twilighter doesn't have access to unlimited amounts of cash as do the Cullens, getting the general feel of Alice's decorating is the most important thing. First of all, the party venue absolutely must be decorated with white twinkle lights, both inside and out, since this is Alice's favorite way to light up a party night. A budget-minded party planner might string up two or three sets of lights (as opposed to the thousands of lights Alice would use). Fresh flowers on every flat surface are a must as well, but if you have a tight budget, a single bouquet of brightly colored flowers as a centerpiece would work. Or, if you want to be clever, use fire and ice roses as a shout-out to the New Moon book cover. Red apples would be a great touch, placed on tables, on shelves, even in the restroom, to represent the Twilight book cover. White tablecloths, with contrasting red napkins and red table runners will create a striking look, reminiscent of the book covers. Red and white candles everywhere will evoke a Twilighty mood.

http://www.zazzle.com/vampire+stickers?pg=2
Dye white/vanilla chocolate coating red (you must use an oil based food coloring - Chefmaster makes a good one) and place it in a chocolate fountain. Serve with a variety of dippers including red apple slices.
Decorate with red/white and black edible glitter (or rainbow glitter - as Edwards skin sparkles in the sunlight). Check out http://www.fancyflours.com/for edible glitter and crystal sugars. Serve apple shaped cookies.
Cream Cheese Sheet Cake is a perfect medium for piping various Twilight themed words such as Edward, Vampire, Wolf, Bella, blood types, and OME. The cake was served on Forks.
To make the cupcakes below: with a white cakemix make 24 cupcakes. Frost with vanilla frosting, sprinkle with red candy's or edible glitter, stick a plastic fork into it with a quote placed in the prongs.

Create cupcakes with a red jam filled center (scoop out top and fill with jam after baking and replace top or insert piping tip and fill with jam). Frost with white icing. Poke two holes in the top and make a small crescent shape to look as thought it was bitten. Drizzle a tiny amount of red jam or red piping gel from the bite mark to look like the cupcake is bleeding.
If you are really talented create the Cullen crest on cookies or a cake.
Oriental Trading Company http://www.orientaltadingcompany.com/ sells candy that looks like medical blood bags.
Add red food coloring to any type of cake, pudding, drink, etc.
Check out the cupcakes below. You can make them by frosting cupcakes with vanilla frosting, then rolling them in green sprinkles (to be authentic roll in red sprinkles to make a red apple), stick in a pretzel with mint leaves for the stem and then take the "bite" out with a child sized fork and add a few chocolate sprinkles.(sprinkles can look like seeds, or just put two across from each other to look like dracula fangs) from www.karascupcakes.blogspot.com

Apple Beer comes in really cool black cans with red apples on them. It would fit well in a Twilight themed party.
Use red paste food coloring in butter and pour over popped popcorn. You could also drizzle popped corn with red candy melts.
Serve red hard candy or lollipops.
Serve baked apples.
This gorgeous white, black and red cake could be used for a Twilight or New Moon party as Bella's birthday cake. Even though it is not as the one described in the book, the colors are totally Twilight and it's a cake!

Music
Play Twilight soundtrack or these songs suggested by author Stephanie Meyer:
The Twilight Soundtrack (according to Ms. Meyer):
1. "Why Does it Always Rain on Me?" — Travis
2. "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" [video edit] — My Chemical Romance
3. "Creep" [radio edit] — Radiohead
4. "In My Place" — Coldplay
5. "By Myself" — Linkin Park
6. "Dreaming" — OMD
7. "Please Forgive Me" — David Gray
8. "Here With Me" — Dido
9. "With You" [reanimation remix] — Linkin Park
10. "Time is Running Out" — Muse
11. "Dreams" — The Cranberries
12. "Tremble for My Beloved" — Collective Soul
13. "Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel)" — Billy JoelCOSTUMESThere are many obvious choices here. The "Before Bella" costume could be as simple as a pair of sweatpants and simple t-shirt. The "After Bella" costume would be a sleek, silver dress and sparkly make-up all over any exposed skin, including the face. The easiest Jacob costume would be a wolf suit. Anyone dressing as Edward, or any of the other vampires, should brush their face with pale foundation. A really cool touch would be to wear golden colored contact lenses. There are many other possibilities, including the Volturi (black cloaks and cowls), bad vampires (red eyes!), "Prom Bella," "Wedding Bella," and even "Pregnant Bella." Any of the Cullens would be excellent costume choices. And any of the other vampires from Breaking Dawn would be great, since there are so many to choose from.
Activities
1.Twilight trivia Twilight bingo. Make bingo cards and use stickers or write character names in each of the boxes. Write down each word or sticker you use on small pieces of paper. Fold the paper up and put it in a bowl. These papers will serve as your bingo balls! Have the caller pick one and read it, while the players cross off their boards.
2.Fill fortune cookies with twilight quotes, or read off a quote and let's see if anyone knows who said it. Almost everything can be made into a game.
3.Play movie
4.Bobbing for apples
5.Treat guests to their own personal Alice by hiring a fortune teller to stop by for the evening:
Make red apple-shaped cutouts (one per guest) and number them from 1 to however many guests will attend your party.

When guests arrive, offer them a glass of red punch (with red ice cubes, natch) and ask them to pick an apple from the pile (flip the numbers so they face down and guests can't see the numerals).

Have guests see the fortune teller in the order of their apple numbers. Ask guests to find the next person to go after their turn is over. This will keep guests moving in and out of the fortune teller area efficiently and smoothly throughout the party.

Food
Serve red velvet cake
Potluck red, white or black appetizers
Serve red punch or soda.
Create bottle wraps around red soda bottles using vampire stickers from

Moroccan Party for kids, adults, ladies.....

2010-09-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

The blog 'By Little Hands' (http://bylittlehands.typepad.com/by_little_hands/2010/08/moroccan-party.html) has a grand Moroccan party that was for little girls but could work for any age group of people!
Setting the stage was most important. I hung strips of fabric all around our porch to create the feeling of a Bedouin tent. Then I removed all of the seating and replaced it with chaise lounge cushions wrapped in silky table clothes. A few throw pillows, Persian rugs, and some Moroccan lanterns and we were all set. The kids started out the evening by applying henna tattoos to each other.

This design on glasses could be created by using rub-ons from scrapbook stores or stencils.

For a dinner of Moroccan fare I served chicken kebabs, Moroccan meatballs (kefta), eggplant dip, humus, carrot dip, yogurt and flat bread. And don't forget the tea glasses for drinks.

Bachelorette Finale Party

2010-08-03T00:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the finale of the Bachelorette. Will ALI pick ROBERTO or CHRIS??

We were greeted by our host Brooks Gailey and a basket with "Will You Accept This Rose" was next to the door with a party favor for each guest (a rose hair clip)

The food was delicious and such a wonderful variety of appetizers. We all love Brooks cake balls. I think I ate way too many!

Brooks designed a Jeopardy game for us. The questions were tough!!

Just before she handed out the final rose... and just after sending Chris home (total shock and we were kinda freaking out!) Brooks poured the Martinelli's into wine glasses and we toasted to Ali.

What a wonderful evening. Some of us loved seeing Roberto and Ali together and others were disappointed. All in all we had a memorable hilarious evening with the girls!

Epic Eclipse Party by Tammy and Holly

2010-07-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

We had a Eclipse Slumber Party on June 29th. We try to make the dining area look like it was raining like in Forks, Washington. Each of the 11 guests got a gift bag full of Twilight themed gifts and each made a Twilight themed decoration. We watched Twilight and New Moon of course before going to the Eclipse midnight showing in a limo. We had Twilight themed games like Twilight bingo, trivia, win lose or draw, crossword, guess who said that, etc with loads of prizes. We got custom jones sodas, and cookies made. We are already planning the Breaking Dawn party.

New Moon Party by Amy Copley, Charlotte, North Carolina

2010-06-13T23:36:00.000-07:00

Here is an email that I recieved from Amy on Nov. 11, 2009

Hey Maggie, I wanted to thank you again for the invites you did for me for my party!! We just had it on Thursday night and we had a BLAST!!! I'll send you the pics in a separate email. I just had everyone bring a dish, I had sangria, too! I had the whole house decked out in Twilight colors. Red balloons, black streamers, red candles, black picture frames that contained quotes from 1st two movies, Twilight and New Moon movie posters, Wine labels, apples everywhere... it was awesome! Even outside, I had a Forks sign, Dr Cullen parking sign, and twinkle lights on the porch!! everyone loved it! We watched Twilight before heading out to the midnight showing! Everyone just had the best time!! Thanks again.

TWILIGHT 'ECLIPSE' PARTY IDEAS

2010-06-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

GO BACK THROUGH THE POSTS FOR ALL THINGS TWILIGHT RELATED FOR PARTY IDEAS!!!
http://maggiesdinnerdates.blogspot.com/search/label/Twilight%20Party

Sweet Potato Casserole

2010-06-11T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here was a favorite side dish from our Christmas in July party. It would also be great for a Thanksgiving/Fall meal.
Sweet Potato Casserole
4 cups mashed sweet potatoes, about 2 1/2 lbs (you can bake or boilthe potatoes, I normally boil but read some reviews that it is betterif you bake for an hour, I think I might try that this time)
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon (Increase, decrease, or omit the spices depending onpreference, I like to increase)
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup packed brown sugar (I normally double the topping, my favorite part)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk,salt, 1/3 cup butter, vanilla, and spices. Mix together and pour into a greased 13x9 inch baking dish.
2. To prepare the topping, combine in a separate bowl the brown sugar, flour, 1/3 cup melted butter and pecans. Mix together and crumble over sweet potato mixture. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F(175 degrees C) for 35 to 45 minutes.
submitted by Melissa Russell

Party Game- "Loaded Questions"

2010-03-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Many years ago I found a game that I purchased with the intent to gift to someone and ended up keeping for myself. It’s called “Loaded Questions” and it’s a blast.

The official game play says it’s suitable for 3 to 6 players and that would be true if you play the game as intended with the board and pieces. With over 500 questions in four different “fun” categories, Loaded Questions tests how well you know your fellow players or how well you can figure them out. There are no right or wrong questions. The object is to move along the board, correctly guessing who gave which answers to questions and being the first to answer the final question at the end of the board track. Fairly standard game fare. And definitely fun all by iself. But we have modified it for a bigger crowd that is so much fun and unintimidating to people who don’t often play board games.

First of all, we eliminate the board, using only the questions (and the answer sheets provided with the game). Each person puts their name on their answer sheet. Whoever’s turn it is to guess who gave which answers pulls a card, picks which of the four questions on the card they want to use and reads that question aloud. Everyone else writes down an answer and passes their sheet to someone generally away from the person reading the question (so the names on the sheets can’t be read). The one rule is your answers have to be truthful; you can’t out and out lie. But you should be clever or sly with your answers so that it’s not obvious the answer is yours. The person receiving the answer sheets shuffles them up somewhat and then reads off the answers. The person who read the question card then guesses who gave which answers. Score is not really kept so there is no real winner, just lots of laughter and conversation. It can be a real ice breaker for those who don’t know each other very well and some answers can really be thought provoking.

Here are some sample questions:
What is the grossest thing you have ever done in public?

How many times do you normally hit the snooze button after your alarm goes off?

What is the worst piece of clothing someone can wear?

If you were to wipe one country off the map, which would you choose?

What do you consider the worst household chore?

What is your favorite kind of candy?

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

What is one thing you always wanted as a kid but never got?

What do you consider to be the most dangerous creature on Earth?

What celebrity do you resemble most?

What is the saddest movie you’ve ever seen?

What is your favorite time of the day?

If you owned an enormous yacht, what would you name it?

If you were invisible, where would you go?

What one object in your home are you most embarrassed about owning?

As you can see, the questions really run the gamut of silly to serious. We have never had anyone not enjoy this game. Even the crabbiest person in the room gets pulled into it. Occasionally you'll get someone who doesn't want to actually play but they will enjoy listening to the questions and answers, and participating in the conversation.

Party Game- What's in My Purse?

2010-03-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

The purse game (or pocket game if including men)

Have everyone sit in a central location with an empty chair (or table, etc) located within the center of seating. It is a race to find whatever is called within the confines of your purse ( or pocket, diaperbag, whatever). Whoever can find the called item and place it on the center chair first is the winner. The list of things should be unusual. Here is a list of things that would work.

q-tip
Bobby pin
expired coupon
address book
movie stub
piece of jewelry
screw
child's toy
takeout menu
piece of disposable silverware

You can make the list whatever you want, try to make them so it is likely at least one person if not more would have the item. You can play where whoever comes up with the most items is the winner or declare a winner for each one. You could also play in team, especially if men are present. Try to put items on the list that the men may have in their wallets. You could gear the list toward whatever kind of party you are having.

We have played this game many times and I hope you also have fun playing it.

About Me

2010-01-08T23:46:00.000-08:00

I am a thirty something wife and mother of 4. My husband and I have lived in the Las Vegas, NV. area for 10 years. We met here, dated here, and have lived our married life here. We have enjoyed meeting so many people from all over the country through church and work associations. We love meeting new people and enjoying our friendships with new and old friends. I love digital scrapbooking, politics, party planning, and organizing!!

My husband and I have begun to host monthly themed dinner parties. We invite a few different couples each month from our church. As of December 2009 we have had 238 adults over for dinner. Typically we have 12-18 adults at each party and most are potluck with my husband and I providing dessert, drinks, and part of the main dish. This blog covers these parties and includes photos, decor tips, and meal suggestions and has also become my own personal notebook. It's a place that I collect ideas, pictures and sources for upcoming parties. NEW to this blog are my ideas for parties for women. After recently co-hosting a Twilight party for 29 girlfriends- I was sold on all girl parties.If you would like to learn more about any of my past parties... or if you have a party idea that you think I should do... email me at soyprincesa2athotmaildotcom and I will get back to you!

Themes we've done so far:

Italian Dinner Party

Asian Dinner Party

70's Fondue Party

Murder Mystery Night

Soup Social

Indoor Weinie Roast

Chinese New Year Party

Twilight Party

Candlelight Dinner

Mexican Fiesta

1950's BBQ

Hawaiian Luau

Christmas in July

New Moon Party

Jingle Mingle Christmas Cookie Exchange

Your Parties: Marta Tyler, Valentine Dinner

2010-01-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

Valentine Hosts: Marta and Chris Tyler

****Reposted from last February.... I thought it could help any of you planning Valentine parties this year****

Last night I hosted my very first Valentine’s Party. I have always loved Valentine’s day, mostly because I love the colors pink and red, fancy hearts, and food. I mean really….what NOT to love about those things?? So I invited some friends over to spend the evening at our home to play a few games and share some delicious food. I asked everyone to bring an item to display at the party that represents something that is special to them. Whether it be a photo, card, an item or pretty much anything that they have kept that means something to them. The girls had a fun time pouring over the stories and items that people brought, and of course the guys really could have cared less.

MENU
Glazed Ham (glaze was 1/2 c. orange juice, 2 c. pineapple juice, 1 c. honey, 2 c. brown sugar)

Roasted Chicken

Cheesy Potatoes

Potato Skins (potatoes with cheese, bacon bits and sour cream)

Spinach Salad

Sliced Fresh Fruit Bowl

Broccoli Salad

Homemade 'heart-shaped' rolls with raspberry butter

Dessert was individual chocolate bundt cakes
Then it was time to Eat!!!! Thanks to Everyone who brought food to help!! Jamie your roasted chicken was amazing!!! All of the wives thoughtfulness really helped make it easier for me!! Notice the floating ducks. They blinked!We set up the tables for 24 in the front formal living room. These cute take-out boxes were the favors. One for each couple to take home.

Doilies are only cute at Valentines.
Us girls hanging out around the kitchen island seeing everyone's relationship momentos.
7-up with floating pink punch ice cubes that turned the drink to slush as they melted. Yummy!
Finally everyone sat down for dinner. I was really happy that I was able to fit all 20 people at one table. Okay, lets be honest. It was KIND-OF a tight squeeze…..but we’re all friends, right?? Pretty soon, the laughs were rolling out, and the teasing had begun. I love sitting around a table and visiting with friends. It’s such a relaxing thing to do, and I love nothing more than hanging out, over a big plate of food!

While waiting for everyone to show up we hung out in the back room and got everything together.

After everyone had finished eating we started our first game. I had decided to host a Valentine’s Auction, and unfortunately, had to nominate myself as the auctioneer. I gave everyone a list of criteria, and if they met that criteria, than they were able to collect the amount of designated points for each question. (See the dollar auction game a few posts below). They added up their total, and I gave them monopoly money that matched the amount they totaled on their forms. Then….they were able to bid on the items with that money.
I had kind-of forgot to create rules before…..so by the end things were getting a little out of hand, but I’d have to say that there was some good bidding going on. Ryan Brunson had the standard bid of $199.00…no matter what the prize was. Some of the contestants were a little stingy with the money and acted like they had forgotten that it was indeed “fake” money….ahem….Kari….., Matt was cheating, I think, and I even think Matt stole Eleisha’s money. I’m not sure though, but she sure didn’t look happy with him.
The game was alot of fun, and I think everyone got a kick out of the random items they ended up with.
After the auction, we played the game, “2 Truths and A Lie”. We went around the table, and it was hilarious to hear and learn so much about everyone!! Kari once peed her pants on a date, Eleisha flashed everyone on a beach, Joe “helped” blind people…..the list goes on. Needless to say, it created conversation that will mostly likely last months for topics of discussion. I thought it was a really fun way to get to know the other couples, and I feel like every time we get together we learn a little more about each other. I find out I like everyone more and more!
Thanks everyone for a fantastic evening, and I’m so happy I was able to spend it with my closest friends! I hope a good time was had by all, because I know I enjoyed myself!!!

Blog Swap- Cocktail Night In by Cher at Love, Actually blog

2009-12-07T04:48:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to welcome back Cher to my blog for this blog swap. She has wonderful date ideas for you and that very special person in your life.
Hello, again! It's been a few weeks since I was here last...and I'm glad to be back! I hope you've taken the time to stop by my little blog, Love Actually. If not, come on over. You're welcome anytime! Okay, on to today's idea...

~~~

Did any of you happen to watch "Four Christmases"? If not, allow me to explain why it's pertinent to this post. The opening scene of the movie shows a guy and girl meeting at a bar for the first time. He's apparently hitting on her and she's not interested... Soon after, however, sparks begin to fly and a make-out session goes into high-gear! What's funny is that we later find out that these two strangers are actually a couple! They came to the bar that night with alternate personalities to "meet" again for the first time....what a way to spice things up! It was a hoot to watch...I'm sure it'd be even better in real life!

So, in lieu of this brilliant roleplay, I've created a late-night date idea that allows you and your spouse to kick back and enjoy a drink...notice that I said nothing about a bar!

Invite your spouse "in" for cocktails....or "mocktails" in my case. (alcohol-free).

-Have your kitchen cleaned up and use your table or countertop as your bar. (or if it's nice outside, use your patio or deck)

-Prepare some drinks (great recipes below..or Sparkling Cider is easier, faster, and probably cheaper!) (the drinks look really convincing with grapes or olives on a toothpick, or limes on the side of the glass)
-Get some cheap martini or wine glasses ($ store)
-Put some cut cheese and crackers on a little tray
-Dress up just a little...throw on some lipstick, ladies!
-
Get your act together... (pretend you don't know him/her, and they'll soon catch on and play along)
- "Do you come here often?"
- "Have I met you before? You look so familiar."
- Use some cheesy pickup lines (if it gets you both laughing, I'd be one happy blogger!)
- Make up interesting things about your "other" self (again, the movie provides excellent examples--I recommend watching it first!)

I designed these fun invites that you could give them that morning, when they get home from work/school, or just an hour before! Whatever works best.

Download Blue/White Invite HERE

Download Brown/Green Invite HERE

If you don't want to do the whole "alter ego" thing, then use this as a break from work, school, or the kids. Promise to only talk about each other, your love, but not all the stresses that have you down!

Here are some recipes (with my personal stamp of taste approval!) if you choose to make your own drinks:

Photos of Cookie Exchanges

2009-12-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

Here are photos of some FANTASTIC cookie exchanges. These ladies cookie exchange parties are full of appetizers, treats and games.

Find out what guests are bringing before hand so that you can make cards for each tray to identify the cookies and who brought them.

Some hostesses prefer to have all cookies prepackaged for the number of guests. If you are having an appetizer bar then have guests package all cookies into packs of 6. Six cookies should fit well in small cookie boxes, tins, ceramic containers, decorative bags or plates. Give an award for the most creative cookie packaging. (as well as an award for most attractive or festive cookie and best tasting cookie) With many who have allergies these days the prepackaged cookies can be a good option to prevent cookie from mixing.

If you are having appetizers for snacks make that table as attractive as the Cookie Exchange area. Include Christmas decor, some plate racks as towers for your finger foods and find a spot for a punch bowl or a bucket of cold sodas.

This is one awesome appetizer station!!!

Now... aren't you inspired to try it?

Your Parties: Christmas Cookie Exchange- Girls Night, Ms. Johnson

2009-12-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

***THIS POST COMES FROM MS. JOHNSON AT http://craftyfuntime.blogspot.com/ *****
Each year I host a cookie exchange party. This year will be my 7th year! I must admit there is a bit of selfishness behind the idea....get 10 dozen assorted cookies. It would take me days to accomplish that much variety on my own!

Over the years, my party has become a bit more elaborate then the first year. I have added things like a little party favor and a couple of prizes. I have also refined the "rules of the exchange". But rather than give you information overload, I am going to divide it up into a couple of different posts.

DATE:
Today, I set the date. (I will actually be hosting two this year. One for the craft group and one for my neighborhood friends.) So to save myself from having to clean my house twice, I am going to do them back to back. I selected December 19th. I selected this date for a reason. This is the last Saturday before Christmas. There for most people will be having get together and parties through the rest of the week and can serve the cookies at these functions or they can save them for Christmas and they will still be fairly fresh.
I know this is a busy day, but the party only usually lasts an hour, at the most. I host it early in the day so as not to conflict with any other evening parties and last minute shopping.
Once I set the date I sent an email to the ladies I plan to invite.

EMAIL:

I would like to have a Cookie Exchange party on Dec 19th that is a Saturday @ 1 (please be on time!) I know this is a busy day for most, but the cookie exchange usually goes really quick. If this does not work for the majority of the group I will rethink it.

Here is how it works. In addition to the craft group I am inviting my BFF and my moms BFF. That is 10 cookie makers.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU GET BACK TO ME ASAP IF YOU DON’T PLAN ON PARTICIPATING SO THAT I CAN FIND AN ALTERNATE FOR YOUR SPOT!

Each person makes 10 dozen Christmas cookie/candy/treat (I will define this in a moment) and brings them with them to my house. If you can’t make it that day but still want to participate, drop your cookies early and I will exchange them for you. But please let me know if this is what you will be doing. In addition you will need to bring a large tray, box, tin to place your cookies in as we exchange them. Planning on using the tray you bring the goodies on does not work as that one is full of cookies. (You will be getting back one dozen of your own.)

Cookies: All cookies/candy/treat MUST be homemade, no store bought allowed. Doctoring up a store bought item (IE: dipping pretzels/candy canes in chocolate) does not count. (Do not confuse this with Kiss cookies, M&M cookies and those awesome Reese Peanut cup cookie tart things) All cookies should be completely cooled before they come to the party.

Serving size: Take in to consideration a serving size. When you make that treat how many do you eat in one serving? A large cello bag full of white chocolate popcorn or muddy buddies does not equal one dozen. If you plan on doing an item like white chocolate popcorn or muddy buddies, then a small cello bag would be considered one item (so you would need 9 dozen small cell bags to equal nine dozen cookies) Also consider the size when cutting items into pieces (IE: Brownies, fudge, etc) If you have questions about what a serving size, please ask in advance. Making a dozen sugar cookies is a lot of work and then being handed 12 small chocolate turtles in exchange is very disappointing.

Quantity: I know that 10 dozen may seem like a lot. Please don’t let this be intimidating. It really is not that bad once you start working on it! And the reward is well worth it! In the past we have done 5 dozen and every one got a half dozen of each, but it you think about it that is only 6 cookies, which is only one per each person in most of our families.

Presentation: Arrange your goodie in a cute, unique and/or fun manner. A prize will be awarded for the best!
* No duplicates are allowed. So let me know early what you want to make.
* Please email me a copy of the recipe that you will be making by Dec 14th.
* Wear your Christmas attire, a prize will be awarded!
I know there is a lot to this, but This will be 7th year hosting a cookie exchange and I have learned as I have gone! Please email me your address so that I can get an invitation out to you.
Thanks! Shilo

I know it is alot of words to process, but the more clear and up front on the "rules" I am the better the swap goes.

So on the To Do list today:
* Set a date and Time
* Send an email or a quick phone call to give each potential attendee a heads up.

INVITATION:
The one consistent thing through each year is my theme, Gingerbread Men. I love the little guys! My kitchen is all deced out in Gingerbread Men any ways so the theme seemed to fit perfectly. I start introducing the theme in the invites. I wish I had saved one from each year, but I only have the past two years. Here is the one from 2007.
FRONT OF INVITE

BACK OF INVITE

An e-invite would be cute to do, but I like to have a paper copy too. Every invite I send, birthday party, BBQ, etc. I put a magnet on the back so it can go directly on the fridge of the invitee.

"Rules"
Like I said before, the "rules" have evolved a bit.
But basically they include:
* All cookies must be homemade.
* All cookies need to be completely cooled before the party.
* No husbands/kids
* No duplicates (Who wants to go home with 5 dozen pieces of fudge)
* RSVP, ASAP
I am a big stickler on the RSVP. The earlier I know the sooner I can start looking for a substitute if necessary.

I will never forget the year that one lady made 10 dozen beautiful divinity. They were beautiful and tasted heavenly! And knowing how difficult and fussy divinity is, I can only imagine her thoughts when seeing that one of the other swappers had brought a small stick pretzel, not a large rod, dipped in chocolate. Hence the reason I am a bit picky about what a goodie is.
A great sight for other ideas and "rule" suggestions is at cookie-exchange.com.
There are lots of variations out there, so look around and decide what works best for you and your friends. But most important have fun, that is what the holidays are all about!

MENU:
I unusually keep the menu to savory appetizers. I figure everyone just spent a lot of time making 10 dozen Sweet's I am sure the sampled them and are probably sick of sweet stuff.

This years menu will more than likely consist of Bacon Wrap Chestnuts, (A yummy recipe that is a tradition in my family)Stuffed mushrooms and probably a fruit dip. I know that leans to the sweet side but at least it is healthy.

I have seen other hostesses who have everyone bring an extra dozen of the goodies so that everyone can sample them at the party. Others have a contest for the best tasting so after everyone samples each goodie they vote secret ballot style.
I always ponder too long on the drinks. I know I don't serve anything sweet, but we all do nibble on some of the goodies. So I need milk, no cookie is complete without milk! For religious reasons, I don't serve alcohol or coffee, but have seen these suggested on other sites. I usually opt for hot chocolate, egg nog and Pepsi. The last one is for my mo, Rosy Cheeks cause if she does not have her Pepsi, watch out! (Love you, mom!)

PARTY FAVORS:
So I have also been pondering the party favors. This is something I added just a few years ago. Last year I had cute red serving spoons and tongs tied up with a cute ribbon. This year, I am leaning towards Scrabble tile pendants with a cute ginger bread man (cause of the whole theme) on them. I was also thinking about homemade bath fizzies in a cute paper crafted box. The third possibility is a tea towel apron. Not sure which one yet. I think I may try a sample of each one over the weekend to get an idea of which I like best.
The other thing on the To Do list this weekend is finish up the invites and get them mailed out.

Jingle Mingle- 3 parties in 1!!!

2009-12-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

What is a Jingle Mingle? Well… that could be up for interpretation. Usually it is a party hosted by one couple for a few other couples to celebrate the Holiday season. Sometimes it means a sit down dinner, but usually it is more of an after-dinner get-together with appetizers and drinks. As the wanna-be dinner party guru that I am, it has to be something fun and festive with lots of atmosphere! For my December blog swap with Cher at Love Actually blog I have created 3 variations on a Jingle Mingle (and included 3 different invites that you can download, print and send out!!!). Also included are printable accessories to make your table look great!
For this party you first need to decide which invitation to send out. (all links in red)
Invite #1- an invitation for a ‘Jingle Mingle- A dinner with friends’

Invite #2- an invitation for a ‘Jingle Mingle- Appetizer Bar, games and gift exchange’

Invite #3- an invitation for a ‘Jingle Mingle- Christmas Cookie Exchange… Please bring ____ dozen cookies to exchange’ (and if you want to be traditional you can do this as a girls night, but this blog is all about including our men so… try it with the husbands)

Now that you have decided which of these 3 fun parties to host the hard part is over! On to the fun part of planning…..

Invites:
Download the invite and print as a 5x7 photo (.39 at Costco). Use a Sharpie fine point permanent marker to write party information onto the invitation. If it is going to be a potluck dinner party make a note at the bottom asking each to ‘Please bring a __________ to share’ (main dish, appetizer, side dish, dessert)

Décor:
It’s Christmas time so you should have your house already decked out for the holidays. Very little extra is needed. For a dinner use linen tablecloths and napkins, or at least attractive holiday patterned paper (not plastic) tablecloths. On the buffet put some garlands or poinsettias or those extra decorations that you have in storage. Burn a Christmas candle and play some soft instrumental or easy listening Christmas music. For the Cookie Exchange go a little more casual and crank up the Christmas music!!!!

RSVP:
Make a quick call to those that you haven’t heard from to verify if they are coming. In our culture RSVP seems to be optional to many (Having a guest count is crucial to party planning.) Tell them that you are wanting to make sure to have enough of everything. Too many desserts and only one main dish could be very bad! I know because that happened to me at one of my first parties.

Gift Exchange:
Make sure that you write on the invite that each person (or couple) needs to bring a gift valued at $5 or $10. Have a couple extras on hand for the person that will forget.

Cookie Exchange: This can be a lot of fun with couples! I have had 12 couples attend with each bringing 5 dozen. We just did quick math to figure out that each couple’s plate would get 4 of each variety with one dozen left on the bar after the exchange for all couples to dig into and sample and drink yummy Wassail or Red Christmas punch. Because December is a busy month only 70-80% of those you invite to come may be able to come, so invite a few extra so that you get the number of couples you want to come. As the host you provide the drinks and the trays for the couples to take the cookies home on. One thought- Since most of the guests (the women) will have been baking that day they may be in the mood for appetizers, rather than more sweets. Instead of eating cookies at the party you could have an appetizer bar with drinks. Some inexpensive appetizers include- Bruschetta, Bacon wrapped waterchestnuts, chips and dip, veggie tray, pizza or bagel bites, and soup in a crockpot. If you don’t want to provide all of them be sure and make a note on the bottom of the invite that they need to also bring an appetizer to share.

Games: See below-

My Craziest/Worst Present Ever- Have guests write the craziest/worst present they ever received on a piece of paper. Don’t share with others what you are writing (not even your husband). Turn them in to the host who will then read them aloud and have all guests guess aloud who they think each present belonged to. This always ends up causing lots of laughs and some fun embarrassment. If there isn’t a lot of time have each person take a turn telling everyone what that gift was. (example- A magazine subscription to Weight Watchers from my mother-in-law)

Family Traditions Truth and Lies- Like the game 2 truths and a lie. Have everyone tell EITHER 2 real traditions and 1 fake tradition and have them guess which tradition is a phony….. or 2 fakes and 1 REAL tradition and have them guess the REAL one. Guests can either write them down on a paper putting their name on the paper to be read aloud… or go around in a circle and let each couple share them on their own trying to disguise the answer. This can be a riot and so tricky!!!

Example- If we were playing the 2 Real Traditions and 1 Fake Tradition version… I would write:

1. We wake up to open presents every year before the sun rises.
2. We give our kids a gift that starts with the first letter of their name to open on Christmas Eve.
3. We don’t have stockings, we set out shoes instead for Santa to fill. It’s a Mexican tradition.
The fake tradition is #2

If I Were A Christmas Cookie- Let each person take a turn telling everyone which type of Christmas cookie they would be and WHY! Or which cookie they think their spouse would be and why!(this would be especially fun at the Cookie Exchange party) Example- My husband would be a Mexican Wedding Cookie because he is the palest guy I know with a cute round gut, a little bit nutty…. But so sweet.

Christmas Memories- This isn’t really a game, but is a more organized way to encourage conversation. Each person takes a turn sharing a favorite funny Christmas memory.

Downloads:

For the menu download print it onto 5x7 photo paper (use a Sharpie to write menu on it as it is glossy) or print onto cardstock. Place it next to each placesetting for guests... or lay it across each plate.

For the placecard it works really well if you download the design here and then upload it to Costco or Walmart.com and have printed as wallets. The size is perfect as a wallet and the quality is exceptional. Use a Sharpie to write each guests name on it. You could stand it up next to their water glass, or using a pop dot you can attach to an ornament and have next to guests plates.

Party Favor Idea:
The recipe cards below can be used for the cookie exchange as a party favor. You can make a recipe book by downloading the recipe cards and printing on matte paper, punch two holes on the left side and make a booklet with ribbon or small metal rings. You could also use the recipe cards as a way to label the different appetizers or cookies. Print off the cards below as wallets. Attach them to kabob sticks, toothpicks, coffee stirrers or whatever you can find. Have guests write the name of their dish on the recipe card with a short description, if necessary and stick into the appetizer or dish. See below a sample. (to upload the recipe cards click on the red link for each)

Green Recipe with Red Ornament

Black Ornament Recipe Card

Black Gingham Recipe Card

Blue Snowflake Recipe Card

Colorful Snowflake Recipe Card

Candy Stripe Recipe Card

Blue Gingham Tree Recipe Card

Maggie's New Moon Party

2009-11-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

It was a great evening- OPENING night of New Moon from 6:30-8:30 and then a bunch of us headed off to the double feature at the theatre for Twilight and New Moon.
Decor
Red, White and Black everything- white linen tablecloths, red and black solid placemats, white ceramic plates, champagne flutes(for our cranberry/Sprite soda), white linen napkins with napkin rings and silverware.
Also used as decor on the table next to each place setting were cute red/black or white/black bags full of red, white and black candy, mints and gum.
Apples and pinecones and holly berries and evergreen branches in the middle of the tables with the Twilight books and framed quotes.

FOOD
Potluck Italian (green salads, breadsticks, angel hair lemon pasta, chicken fettuccini, fried ravioli, bacon wrapped waterchestnuts, stromboli and more!... dessert was a chocolate cake and cupcakes with chocolate frosting, red edible glitter sprinkles and the forks and quotes on top of each.
The drinks were delicious! I don't drink... but I sure got a buzz from that Cranberry Sprite bubbly drink! I drank like 8 glasses!

I didn't know what to do with these New Moon paper plates since I was going with nice plates for eating off of. So... I just glued them back to back and hung them from the ceiling.

These chocolates were the prizes for the New Moon Jeopardy game.

Your Parties: New Moon Party, Amy Copley

2009-11-22T23:53:00.000-08:00

Twilight New Moon DIY Napkin Rings

2009-11-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I am really happy with how my DIY napkin rings turned out. I have been saving toilet paper rolls for a month. Since the party is next week I got them made up this week.

Here is my tower of 24 napkin rings. See how each one is unique. I love them!

Close-up of a napkin ring

I have two variations of the napkin ring. Here is the first one (my favorite) showing it plain.

Here is the ring with a Bella pin attached.

INSTRUCTIONS:

you need:

TOILET PAPER ROLLS (EMPTY)

TWILIGHT INSPIRED SCRAPBOOK PAPER (RED, WHITE, BLACK- SCROLLS, MUSIC, DAMASK, GRUNGE)

MOD PODGE

FOAM BRUSH AND SCISSORS

Measure diameter and length of toilet paper roll. Cut paper to fit as close as possible. Mod Podge to roll and let dry. After it's dry Mod Podge top to give a nice look and make more sturdy. Let dry.

Cut each roll where the paper met in the middle. (you will be cutting vertically) Then carefully with out bending too much you cut each into rings of about 1/2 inch. (If you look really hard at the picture you will notice that every ring was a different diameter. I just guessed and didn't guess too well)

If any got out of the round shape just mold it back. You can embellish with some black ribbon, or buttons..... whatever you want! I really like the simplicity and formal look with the pattern of the paper being the complete design.

Twilight/ New Moon Inspired Inexpensive party favors or prizes

2009-11-13T07:50:00.000-08:00

While looking for items for prizes and party favors for last Spring's Twilight party I found these items at a Michael's craft store. They would work for any Twilight party (regardless of the book).
Shown in the picture is a red/black damask vinyl zippered bag. It's really cute and could actually hold quite a bit inside. Also the black/white bag. Just a few months ago I found the white/black notebook with red plastic spiral binding. Also... I found the black/white note memo cube. (If you want the blue ribbon is easily removable.). Each of these items were $1.00 a piece! You can't beat that. If I were giving them out the bags would be filled with black, red, and white candies. And I'd probably alter the notebook somehow and place in a basket on the tables for the ladies to take one on their way home. Both the notebook and memo cube actually fit into the bag... so that would be a $3. favor plus some candy.

Twilight and New Moon Notebooks:
I am in a boutique selling handcrafted items with other women in town. I bought a few random notebooks that have the red/white and black color scheme and then I embellished with cardstock, ribbon, photos from the movie, and fun quotes. I have made about 20 to sell.... they might be added work to make your own for a party to give out as favors or prizes... but I think your guests would love them.

New Moon Dessert - Cupcake Toppers

2009-11-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

Don't you love this great dessert idea?
I sure do! Tonight I stayed up late working on this download of quotes for you. I had a lot of fun picking out 8 of my favorite quotes. (Just wait till Eclipse! I'll have double or triple the amount of quotes for that one!)
I created cupcake topper quotes that only require printing (I recommend through Costco or Walmart on an 8x10 because of the amount of red ink!), cutting out and sticking into the prongs. The first two quotes are from Edward using the Edward font (Be Safe), the next two quotes are from Bella using her font from the books (Pablo), then two quotes from Jacob, his font is Almagro and the final two are from Alice her font is (joeHand2). I hope you enjoy them. Download them here. Please let me know if you like these downloads that I have created. The more encouraging comments that I recieve, the more I desire to create them.

Blog Swapping with Cher at Love, Actually

2009-11-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

This is so much fun to be swapping blogs today! It was a few weeks ago that I came across Cher's blog and knew that we were a perfect match for some swapping. I have asked her to do a monthly post about some kind of date that includes dinner. Her date ideas are 'Dinner Dates for Two'. I thought it would add a new dimension to this blog and I can't help but want to get to know her since she is such a creative girl!

Hello! How fun it is to be a guest blogger on Maggie's Dinner Dates today! My name is Cher and I run a little blog called Love, Actually: Creative Ideas for Romance on a Budget.

I'd love for all of you to come visit!

Maggie has a great thing going with her themed couples dinner dates... and on occasion, on my blog, I write about themed dinner dates as well...for two. Today, I have one of those to share with you.

Here is my rendition of "Wild West Night". Here are the elements that will make this night go off with a bang!

Wild West Saloon- Serve Sasparillas/IBC (bottled root beer) and greasy appetizers (we had grilled tortillas, mozzarella sticks, and chips and salsa with IBC rootbeer).

Wild West Shooting Range- What's the Wild West without a little gun action? {Rubberband gun action, that is.} I covered pop cans with scrapbook paper and labels I made, which you can download FREE on my blog! Using a rubberband gun or your fingers, shoot rubberbands at pop cans you've set up as targets. Establish how many shots/rubberbands each of you get and the reward for winning or losing (perhaps a back rub or dish-duty)

Wild West Poker- You can also download my WW Poker Chips for free on my blog! Write on the back of these "chips" certain wagers (each of you will have a set that is identical). So, there are 2 of each chip: (5 min. back rub, diaper duty for one weekend, etc.) Then, when you are betting your hand, you'll know what you could get…or what you could lose if you lose the hand!

Wild West Theatre- This is optional, if you wanted to watch an old classic western flick or maybe Will Smith's "Wild Wild West" (this doesn't mean I recommend this movie....just a suggestion).

Of course, on my blog, I'm always throwing out fun ways of "spicing up" the ordinary, so I suggest these two extras for Wild West Night.

1. Go to the bathroom while he's finishing his sasparilla and appetizers. Come out with a badge on acting as the town "sheriff". Place him in handcuffs (dollar store plastic cuffs work great!) and tell him he's going to jail for flirting with a married lady! You decide the punishment.

2. Get a cowboy hat, some boots, and something for in between that goes with the theme!

That's all I've got for ya... Thanks for letting me interrupt Maggie's fabulous posts! You can see my original post and lots of other fun and creative ideas for dating and romance on a budget over at Love, Actually! See you there!

New Moon printable quotes- 4 8x10 and 10 5x7 quotes

2009-11-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

New Moon Printables!!!! For your New Moon tables. Go Here. Thank you Hostess with the Mostess for creating these!!

New Moon Party Idea Cards

2009-11-04T22:42:00.000-08:00

I created these 4x6 cards for my recent blog swap. I wanted to share these New Moon cards with you before the movie comes out! They are a quick reference for the beginning party planner. I have been enjoying so much teaching myself to use photoshop elements that I have been creating some date idea cards and dinner date recipe cards to share with my readers.
You can download these cards at:

Download HERE first side of index card

Go HERE to download back side of index card.

Maggie's New Moon Party Idea Board

2009-11-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

This blog post is where I am gathering all my ideas for my upcoming party in a couple weeks.
Invites:
As shown in the posts from a couple days ago. They will be hand delivered with a personal note written on the back of each one. A few will ask the guest to bring an appetizer to share instead of a main dish.

Food:

Potluck Italian. Or not. I want the main dishes to be pastas.... and the appetizers can be anything. One friend in particular makes these delicious bacon wrapped water chestnuts. To die for. I think that I will provide the drinks and desserts. Here is a great dessert. I can bake red velvet cupcakes and frost. Then cupcake topper will be charactor names from the book.

Tablesetting:
I love the red ribbon tied around the stem of the glass.

Red linen tablecloths, black and white solid cloth placemats, white and red cloth napkins, silverware, white plates, glass goblets, and placecards made from

Centerpieces will be book quotes in black picture frames- Here are quotes from the Twilight book- http://www.hostessblog.com/2009/04/host-a-twilight-theme-party-at-home/#more-5565
Here are quotes from the New Moon book http://www.hostessblog.com/2009/11/free-printables-new-moon-twilight-saga/

Red soda sleeves http://www.hostessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/uploaded_images/HWTM_twilight_drinklabels.pdf

Room Decor:
Red paneled fabric draped along stairs and by windows, Posters- Rob Pattinson, New Moon Book Cover, Edward and Bella, play Twilight soundtrack in the background, and keep this sign on the door with some bandaids in an attached bag for ladies to use if necessary...

Activities:
Alphabet game, Trivia Quiz, Contest- Most like a New Moon charactor Costume Competition and Cutest T-shirt Competition (with prizes)

Party Favor:
Licorice in a bag to take to the movie!

Party Game- New Moon Alphabet Game

2009-11-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Have fun coming up with words for each letter of the alphabet. If the words have anything to do with New Moon they work! You could divide guests into teams or compete individually. For prizes buy some cans of alphabet soup. Print off the computer the caption "New Moon Alphabet Soup" and adhere to the front of the can.

Download Alphabet game here!

New Moon Party Quiz- New Moon Party Games

2009-11-02T22:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a quiz for your New Moon party. You can download it here Go to 4Share website to download and then print out this 29 question quiz (answers on the 3rd page).

Please share here any game ideas that you have for a New Moon Party. Just Keep Them Coming!

Favorite New Moon and Twilight Party Favors

2009-11-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

Here are my favorite party favors for any New Moon party. If you can dabble in photoshop elements then you can create stickers or pictures that can be decoupaged to any of these items. Send me photos of your New Moon parties!
Go to Wedding Favors.com to order any of these favor labels.

My New Moon party invites

2009-10-23T22:28:00.000-07:00

Well.. I stayed up tonight to get the party invites done up on Photoshop Elements for next month's New Moon party. They are very simple, and probably too wordy... but I love how they turned out. I will just get them printed onto 5x7 photo paper at Costco and buy envelopes and mail out the first of November. I will also include an RSVP card asking them to call and verify that they are coming.

Party Time Again!

2009-10-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

I took kind of a hiatus from party planning for a month, but I'm back. We hit our one year anniversary so we decided to take a break and re-energize for another round of parties. This time we will host a Tuesday night party sometime during this month. It will be our non-alcoholic Oktoberfest. I am gathering up some party ideas and looking around for some bells (fake cowbells).
This is gonna be fun!
Next month is our big NEW MOON debut dinner/movie night!

CAN you come to our party?

2009-10-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

I found this fun invitation from Somewhat Simple that would be great for inviting couples to a dinner party. She shows how she used the can for a little girl Princess party. But imagine the possibilities with an adult party!
For a Mexican themed party you could fill the can with squares colorful confetti and a little maraca.
For an Italian themed party you could fill it with colorful Italian pasta.
For an Asian dinner party you could put some fortune cookies.
I could go on and on. Not to mention what cute table decorations these would make and then send them home with each couple or guest as a party favor!

There are so many fun things you could do with this! Thanks Stephanie!
For instructions how to do this go to her blog at www.somewhatsimple.blogspot.com

New Moon Party Ware on sale!!!

2009-09-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

(these ticket invites on Ebay sold by greencastle designs. You pay $13. for them to create your personalized ticket/invites and you print them up)

I'm sure that most of you die-hard Twilight fans are getting ready for the release of New Moon on November 20th! I have already started making a guest list, picked the theme (Italian buffet potluck) and have someone to come up with a game and decor will be the Twilight standard- Red, Black and White.
As I plan this party I will include photos of things that I find for the party. If any of you have any ideas please comment and I'll include them in my post. And to any of you who actually throw a party please let me know and I'll feature your party on my blog.

I found some great New Moon items at Birthday Direct. See below.http://www.birthdaydirect.com/twilight-party-supplies-c-1076_3107.html?page=1&sort=products_sort_order

Here are some birthday invites that could be altered to make invites for the movie premiere. They are done on Ebay by: greencastledesigns

TO SEE MANY OTHER TWILIGHT PARTIES GO TO THIS LINK http://maggiesdinnerdates.blogspot.com/search/label/Twilight%20Party

Your Parties: Elegant Italian, Brooks Gailey

2009-09-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the details of Brooks dinner party:
The Menu:
1) Four Courses:
1. Zuppa Toscana Soup
2. Parisian Salad
3. Grilled Chicken with Fetticcine Alfredo
4. Frozen Lemon Custard

The recipes were really yummy, and I had a few requests for the soup.I really enjoyed the party. There was lots of talking during each course, and so conversation was never dry. I would definitely host again. Trouble is, I would be tempted to reuse everything and just do the same party over again, it turned out so well.

-We played "The Newlywed Game" after the meal which was fun... I think that it all depends on the group that you have. I got a "Lifetime Supply of Spam" (one can) for the winner of the game, to make it seem more "Gameshow-esque".

-The only snag was that some of our guests arrived a little early and we were running behind. Dinner was still cooking, I wasn't dressed, I hadn't nursed the baby or dropped him off at the sitter, and then my car battery died. The party started 20-30 minutes late, but they were all very understanding. I think that if I did it again, I would love to manage my time better in order to be a better hostess. I really did want to answer the door and usher in the guests, which didn't happen.
What I liked most about it: Slowing down time for a minute. I feel like I am always rushing, even when I go out to dinner, the waiter is always trying to hurry things along, to get the table back for more tips. I can't blame them, but I liked having it at my own pace and I liked the "Time Warp" feel of it all. After-all, how often do we, as Mormons, have actual dinner parties... and not potluck? Not often.

4) I also made Thank-You cards that coordinated with the original invites to send the guests after the party. I took a picture of each couple during the dinner, then edited it in Picasa and printed a 4 x 6 for each to put into the Thank-You card. I think that adds a nice touch to remind them of the fun for the evening, not to mention a nice memento for them for a scrapbook.

Jungle Safari Theme

2009-08-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

This party normally is a child's party theme.... but here are some ideas to make it for adults.

INVITATION IDEAS:"It's a jungle out there! Come join us for a swinging good time!"
Here is an invitation idea from www.enchantedexpectations.blogspot.com

Choose from Cheetah(white), Leopard (beige), Zebra or Tiger 11 inch latex balloons. Your guests will roar with delight! Packages of 12 or 100. $6.99 per package of 12 balloons or $34.99 for a mixed package of 100.

http://www.shindigz.com/catalog.cfm?pgp=P0393N

DECOR IDEAS:
Hang up blue tablecloths on the wall at the end of the room-hang from the ceiling to be the waterfall" and then connected a few more blue ones to run through the room as the "river". You can use fake house plants from friends and family to create a jungle feel. Put shredded green paper on the ground for "grass". If you have a wooden bridge in your backyard you could use it as a jungle bridge.Use stuffed animals to be your 'wild animals. Glue green paper tissue leaves on a light green raffia rope to look like vine all around the living room walls. Hang some stuffed animals from these and also from the chandelier etc. Sew a tablecloth from cheetah print for the buffet table.borrow some of her gorgeous artifacts like statues and drums. Decorate the house with a wall covering that looks like bamboo. You can find this at party stores typically in the Luau section. Make flowers and leaves out of colorful crepe paper. you can hang these all over the house and backyard along with strands of raffia. Decorate your canopy outside with the flowers and leaves. iF YOU CAN GET SOME KHAKI OR NATURAL NETTING OR A SHEET PAINTED IN CAMOFLAUGE. You can also hang a big paper parrot (Oriental Trading) in the middle of the canopy.
You can also play music of African drum music, or Rainforest sounds. If you're having the safari theme party in the evening, you can place tiki torches all around your yard and everyone will feel as if they're in Africa!

You can use this gossamer to cover the furniture, walls, ceiling, table, etc., instantly and easily transforming them into a wild safari scene.
This Zebra print or Cheetah print gossamer costs $19.95 for a 19x25 ft. roll. Description:
For decorating magic and makeover miracles, nothing beats gossamer's versatility and durability. Create the adventure of an African safari by covering walls and ceilings with this lightweight material. This unique material makes super backdrops. It's also a wonderful accent for columns, walls, windows, floors, and ceilings. All designs come in 19" or 60" widths and is available in 25 yd. 50 yd. and 100 yd. rolls. (Is not flame retardant.)

FUN ANIMAL SIGNS:
"Danger! Tiger Trap Ahead!" "Hippos in Hiding!" "Beware! Lion's Den!" "Watch out for Stampeding Zebras" and in one large tree we hung monkeys gorillas and orangutans of every shape and size and labeled this our "Monkey Hangout" followed by signs to "beward of falling banana peels".

ACTIVITIES:If you have a group of people who are easy going or adventurous this game should be a lot of fun. Before the party have one slip of paper for every guest. Guests will have the name of an animal (from the jungle, of course) written on their piece of paper. Write each animals name twice (but on different pieces of paper). Guests draw a paper from the pile and show it to no one. Then when everyone has seen their paper (making sure that every animal written on the paper has a match) the host shouts out "It's jungle dinner time" and everyone makes the sound of their named animal or acts it out. The goal is to find your mate. Monkey to Monkey, Snake to Snake, Tiger to Tiger, Crocodile to Crocodile, Hippo to Hippo, Bird to Bird, Lemur to Lemur, Elephant to Elephant, Zebra to Zebra, Butterfly to Butterfly (this insect would be a tough one to do). When they find their animal mate they must go take a seat at the dinner table. The last 'animals' standing are out and if you have a really laid back group you could make them wear an animal hat (something with ears on it). Or it could be a fun way to get everyone to the dinner table. Guests should have placecards designating their preassigned seat so that they may sit with their spouse/date.

MEAL IDEAS:
Snacks could be- "tree bark" for Chex Mix "Tiger Tails" for Cheetos and "Caviar" for golden fish crackers. The main menu could consist of "Grilled Boa" for hotdogs "Ananconda Delight" for grilled chicken breast and "Water Buffalo Burgers" for hamburgers. Also good would be a tropical drink menu that could include "Fresh water-buffalo milkshakes" "Bug Juice" for Red Hawaiian Punch and "Jungle Juice" for green Hawaiian punch. Make your own fruit centerpiece. Take an empty half watermelon and fill it with green grapes (vines) and banana coins (bananas sliced to look like coins). Here are instructions for making these crazy looking sandwiches:

(from Monique Williams the party girl who did this post originally)
"I did not make the sandwiches myself. I have a very talented friend that did this for me. She basically used the painted toast activity. So I put the directions all below. All is the same minus the butter. She also stated that you don't want to use too much on the bread because it will make it too soggy and really watch it while in the toaster oven or the oven because you don't want it to get too brown. I hope this helps! Enjoy"
Painted Toast
Materials
2 tablespoons milk
Food coloring
Clean paintbrush
White bread
Toaster

Directions
Mix the milk with a few drops of food coloring in a small container.
Use a paintbrush to paint designs or faces on the bread.
Then toast the bread, butter it, and eat it, or use it to make a sandwich.

Your Parties: Girlfriends Dinner Party, Mary Francks

2009-08-12T00:15:00.000-07:00

This insert was included in the invitation asking guests to bring 10 items of their favorite things (10 of the same, not different things) not totaling $25. Later in the party there will be a gift exchange and all guests will go home with a gift bag.

We invited 6 friends to the party so there were 8 of us total. We started off with appetizers and punch while we played a little "get to know you better game". Okay, okay, I'll tell the truth, we started off with Alisha using my blender without putting the bottom of it on and then having quite the mess when she tried to take the blender off of the stand, after that our guests started arriving and we enlisted there help in some last minute food prep. THEN we enjoyed Creamy Mushroom Phyllo Triangles, Veggie Pizza, Shrimp Dip and Frothy Pink Grapefruit Strawberry Drink while we played the "get to know you better game". Four of the girls won prizes which were either a bag filled with foot scrub, lotion, a pumice stone and pedicure kit, or a bag of chocolate covered pretzel rods rolled in toffee bits.

Then it was onto dinner. Alisha made the lime tower centerpiece and had extra berries left over that I used along with some ribbon and a tag to tie the napkins with. We served Christmas Salad, Barbequed London Broil with Vermont Cheddar Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes, Crunchy Green Beans, Orange Rolls, and the most delicious and beautiful Island Fruit Cups you have ever seen (Alisha has an amazing gift for food presentation).

After dinner we did our dessert exchange. Everyone brought a fun holiday dessert on a new serving tray to give away! Here is a picture of them, I took individuals but most of them were blurry. Alisha made the Black Forest Cake, I made the tall cupcakes, Tanya made the Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Torte, Tina made the cutest snowman cupcakes, Kelly made her famous Peppermint Fudge Truffle Cake on a pedestal that I REALLY wanted, Lori made her own recipe of Ooey Gooey bars in this super cute candy cane tray, Heidi brought her favorite wassail recipe in this cute teapot, and Celeste made her famous cathedral cookies. Everyone was so excited to take their treats home to their families.

For the dessert that we actually got to eat Alisha made Double Chocolate Souffles.with Warm Fudge Sauce. And OH. MY. GOODNESS. Heaven in a bowl. Seriously a must try!

A First Time for Everything at our Christmas in July dinner

2009-07-31T22:51:00.000-07:00

Krystal and Brian Slade

Melissa and Travis Russell

Kristi and Robert Collins

Tonight we had our 13th monthly dinner party. Since last winter we have talked about having a Christmas in July dinner. We thought it would be fun to have a small reprieve from the Vegas heat... so a few days in a 'Winter Wonderland' would be fun! And it has been fun! We got everything set up yesterday with a lot of meal preparations started early. We were a little concerned when two couples did not show up for the dinner. Both had RSVP'd so we waited until almost 7 for them and I attempted to call them, but when they were not reachable we went ahead and began.

The food we ate and who brought what:

The Goebel's- Breakfast Casserole and Potato Soup
The Collins- Broccoli Salad
The Russell's- Sweet Potato Casserole
The Slade's- Turkey with stuffing and Strawberry Cheesecake

There was plenty of food for everyone. I was a little nervous about us having enough dessert, but it worked out perfectly.
We all sat at one end of the table and enjoyed some great company. Everyone shared a Christmas tradition from their childhood. Some of them were:

Waking up at 2am to open presents because mom just couldn't wait(Travis Russell)

Unshelled peanuts filled her stocking every year as well as 'inappropriate' gifts under the tree. (Krystal Slade)

Being drug through the snow by dad driving a car while the kids were sitting on a car hood. (Brian Slade)

Wrapping up family member's old stuff, putting it under the tree for them for Christmas and seeing if they realize that it's the one they already owned. (Kristi Collins)

Decorating the tree with the same wooden painted German ornaments every year of his life at home. (Jeff Goebel)

The Mexican tradition to have Santa fill a shoe instead of a stocking. (Maggie Goebel)

And the get to know you game that we always play:
Guess who did what....

Took a road trip across the country and while one of them was sleeping the other one drove 2 states in the wrong direction

She called him on the phone while he was on a date with another girl, but he was acting so weird that she decided not to talk to him again. Since she never gave him her number luckily he had it on caller ID and was able to call her back... and now.. they are married!

They were homeless for the first 8 months of their marriage living in hotels.

The other one was ours.... and I'm not sharing it since we do the same one almost every month.

Christmas in July details

2009-07-31T00:59:00.000-07:00

Decor

I chose an aqua blue, silver and white for my party colors. Since it's so hot here in Nevada (and I didn't think green and red would really make it feel much cooler) I opted for an icy blue with silver look. It's also very elegant and gives a lot of richness to everything. We put up our prelit Christmas tree with glass balls, silver metalic garlands, hanging jewels, and my kids favorite- 'Carvan' the white dove.

Invitations
See previous post

Tablesetting

White tablecloths, light blue transperant plastic placemats (originally got at a grocery store in the dollar bin), I wrapped sky blue tulle on the left side from top to bottom, tied a knot and made a very nice looking placemat. Then I added white looking china (plate) a glass goblet, silverware and the white linen napkins in beautiful crystal/jeweled napkins rings (got on clearance at Bed, Bath and Beyond last year).

Table Centerpieces

We have many Department 56 Christmas Snow Village village pieces. So we decided to get out a few of them from the Christmas shelf in the garage and use them as the main centerpiece. I also took two pie platters made of wrought iron and got some glass plates for them. On each I put some of the extra Christmas balls and small wrapped presents and the silvery pinecones. They were placed at opposite ends of the table.

Christmas in July Invitation

2009-07-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

I bought a variety of Christmas frame cards at Michael's last year (8 for $1.)
The party colors are aqua, silver and white. (this blue isn't the right shade, but it fits the winter wonderland theme and the candy cane ones are totally the wrong color... but they still made a cute invitation).
So... in the middle of the frame... rather than a photo is this poem that I made up this afternoon, printed onto glossy photo paper and inserted into the frame. I used Adobe photoshop elements to change one of the pictures (both have a cactus with Christmas lights strung on it) to a black and white photo. The other I left in color. Both have ' Merry Christmas in July' in deep red script over the photo.

'Twas the night before Christmas in July, you know.
Down south in Nevada, without any snow.

Asleep in their bed were Jeff and Maggie,
Dreamin' of a dinner party that wasn’t gonna be tacky .

Not stockings, but flip flops, at the foot of their bed,
For this was July, what more need be said,

Straight to the point, you’ve waited long enough,
Here is the scoop without all the fluff….

The dinner is Friday, July 31st at half past six
At XXXX Ave. come get your holiday fix!

Please bring your family’s favorite Christmas side dish to share.
You’ll meet many couples, Hope to see you there!

A Pirate Party

2009-07-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

Pirate Parties aren't just for kids! They would be a great theme for Halloween time or a summer party with tropical decor. This invites can be made or purchased on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28339860
Printed on parchment style paper and burnt around the edges to give it that special pirate look. Due to each one being burnt separately, no two will be exactly alike. I will change the wording to your specifications. Please indicate your wording preferences/address information in the comment section of checkout.

Example in photo reads as follows:

Ahoy Matey!!

Captain Bill be requestin' ye join the crew of his ship the Harris Bounty for a swashbuckling good time.

The party will raise anchor at 12:00 on Saturday the 22nd of March, 2009

Our ship is docked at:(Address)(City, State, ZIP)

Let us know if ye will be attendin' by Friday the 13th of March(RSVP Phone #)

They can be folded and put into invitation sized envelopes or rolled and tied with ribbon if they are going to be hand-delivered.

Why Christmas in July

2009-07-16T00:28:00.001-07:00

( I found a fun explaination about why a July celebration for Christmas is so great!)
http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas_in_july/celebrations.htm

Did you know that most people have a love hate relationship with Christmas? Read on to know more... They love giving presents but hate the crowds; Love the true meaning but hate the commercialism that seems to engulf it; Love the music but hate having six weeks of it. They love the food but hate the weight gain. Is it not funny that, despite all of that, we still hope Christmas comes more than once a year?! And the best part is we have a way to do exactly that - Celebrate it in July and leave the rest behind.. Its not about asking you to give up the late December festivities but adding an extra zing to your holidays and celebrations in the Summer heat. So soak up the sun and celebrate Christmas in July. Surprise your friends, family or mates you really care for with a one night of bonus Christmas celebration in the middle of Summer. Drag out the artificial tree while your love is away for the day or weekend and decorate it. Go to a nursery and find a small potted evergreen to light up, if you get a real one. Bake a couple of your favorite holiday goodies. Put a few presents under the tree. Turn the air conditioner
on high and light a crackling fire in the fireplace while listening to your favorite Christmas tunes. And Folks! Its Christmas in July. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Christmas in July invitation ideas and wording suggestions

2009-07-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

Idea #1

1. Create instant invitations by digging out that old box of Christmas cards.

2. On the inside blank panel, neatly write your party details such as time-date-place for a no-stress Christmas invitation.

3. If you're handy with a computer printer, include party details on the blank side panel, or print the information on a blank sheet and fold it in with the card. Gather bored kids on summer break to help decorate with drawings, ribbon, or glue and glitter.

Idea #2
1. Find some small boxes that could be wrapped in Christmas gift wrap.

2. Attach the invitation to the present as a card.

3. In the card mention that you would like them to carefully open the present and insert a written family Christmas tradition on a piece of paper. Then reseal gift and have them bring to party.

4. As guests arrive with presents place them on the table as part of the centerpiece. Then during dessert have guests grab a gift to open and read the 'tradition' inside and guess which couple it belongs to.

Idea #3
1. If you were able to plan this party months in advance (like around the previous Christmas) then you may have gotten in on felt stockings at the dollar store or Walmart. Put some nuts or candies inside and pin the invite to the stocking. It could say something like this:

Santa Claus is trying to get a head start on his nice/naughty list.

You and your spouse are invited to a Christmas in July dinner party to show Santa what a good boy and girl you two are!

When: July 28th at 6:00 p.m.

Where: the Miller's home- 1600 NorthWoods Drive

Please bring your favorite Christmas holiday appetizer or side dish to share and

One small wrapped gift for a couple (valued at max $10.) for our gift exchange.

Idea #4

1. Buy or make a Christmas ornament for each couple invited to the party.

2. Find a box to place each ornament in then wrap in Christmas wrapping and include a small invited on the tag.

3. Guests will be excited to find a Christmas surprise in the present AND be invited to a dinner party to celebrate Christmas in July. You could have guests take out ornament and put a slip of paper with a family Christmas tradition written on it and rewrapped inside the box.

WORDING SUGGESTIONS

1)
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Whether you have been naughty or nice this year,
Come join us for a Christmas Celebration.
The Carver’s House
4456 Whistle Creek Lane
Saturday, December 18th
7:00 pm - Midnight
Light appetizers and setups provided
Casual dress

2)
Want to hear the ringing of sleigh bells?
Want to sniff the delicious Christmas feast smells?
Join Bill and Judy Smith for their
Annual Christmas Feast
7856 Miller Lane Parkway
Saturday, December 18th
6:00 pm
Dinner and drinks provided
Casual dress

3)
We wish Christmas came around more than once a year,
So we would have more reason to get tipsy on Christmas cheer! (subst. cheer for beer)
(That's why we celebrate Christmas in July!)
Come join the Miller Family for a Christmas party
Saturday, December 18th
3214 Janice Boulevard
7:30 pm - Midnight
Light appetizers and drinks provided
Casual dress

4)
Santa’s laugh sure is hearty,
If we invited him, he’d probably have a great time at our party!
Join the Douglas family for their Annual Christmas Potluck
7878 Peter Pan Street
Saturday, December 18th
7:00 pm
Bring a side dish or a dessert
The main course and drinks will be provided
Causal dress

If you want your invitations to be a little more traditional or fancy, try one of the following Christmas party invitations.

1)
Christmas is the season to be surrounded by family and friends.
We are truly blessed to count you and your family as friends.
Celebrate Christmas at the Parker’s home
7532 Ridge Lake Parkway
Saturday, December 18th
6 pm - Midnight
Dinner and drinks will be provided
Formal attire

2)
The lights have been strung and the tree has been trimmed.
All that is missing from our home is you.
You are invited to join the Smith family for their annual Christmas brunch
Sunday, December 19th
6456 Juniper Breeze Lane
Noon - 3:00 pm
Brunch and drinks will be provided.
Casual dress

3)
Christmas is not Christmas if there are no friends around.
This is why you are invited to our Annual Christmas Dinner
Saturday, December 18th
4511 Elm Street
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Dinner and setups will be provided
Formal attire

4)
‘Tis the season to honor both our family and friends.
You are invited to join the Carter family for their annual Christmas bash
Saturday, December 18th
3292 Jackson Boulevard
6:00 pm - Midnight
Dinner and drinks will be provided
Formal attire

THESE WERE CREATED FOR AN ACTUAL PARTY IN DECEMBER DONE IN SUMMER/JULY STYLE. THE INVITATIONS WOULD STILL BE CUTE FOR A PARTY IN JULY DONE IN CHRISTMAS STYLE. ALSO INCLUDED ARE LABELS FOR WATER BOTTLES AND A CANDY BAR WRAPPER.

Christmas in July activity ideas

2009-07-15T23:36:00.000-07:00

Trim the tree; sing carols; or organize a Christmas scavenger hunt with prizes to the winner(s).

Gift exchanges are fun, but cheap and informal are the way to go in July. Ideas can range from extravagant homemade gift-wrapped goodies to discount toys hidden in a Christmas stocking.

Watch a video copy of A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life. or another cool Christmas movie, Ask your guests to name every character in the film before the video starts. Award a prize to those with the correct answers.

Have a holiday sing-a-long with printable Christmas lyrics.

Or, play a game of,,, Name That Christmas Tune!

Elegant menu idea from Exquisite Invitation Shoppe

2009-07-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26599066

Here is an elegant printed MENU that you could order or make yourself.

Party Favors: Mints

2009-07-07T15:43:00.001-07:00

I
found these on Etsy and totally know that I could make them myself. It's patterned paper cut to almost matchbook size with a single packaged mint attached with a brad and tucked in.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27314852

Etsy: Great source for invitations and ideas

2009-07-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

Etsy is the coolest website for individuals who sell home crafted items. You can find stationary, soaps, clothing, bedding, jewlery, and most everything that can be created.
I have enjoyed looking at their differently designed party invites. Here are some nice ones with the name of the seller and a link to their page on Etsy. The descriptions were written by the creators:
This invite is my favorite design. Look at all the little details!!! This would make a great vacation or tropical themed party. If you change the paper and the dangling charm it could be any other theme.

Florida, Mexico, Jamaica, the Caymans...a local seaside??? This shimmered signature pocketfold (4x5) invitation is petite sophistication that will make a lasting impression to your invited guests.
The above pocketfold is shown landscape style but could also be customed to a portrait style invitation. This invitation is perfect for any destination wedding or seaside/beach event in sage green and creame shimmered cardstock with bunches of large printed leaves.
Your invitation wording is printed on diamond white cardstock with a brown matte underlay and a elegant palm motif adds charm. As an embellishment a hemp cord is wrapped twice and tied into a bow with a dangling silver starfish. Just SWEET!!!

Wouldn't this make a lovely invite for a Ladies luncheon or a dinner in the Spring?
A round edge crisp white cardstock is mounted on a round edge shimmer pink cardstock (5 x 7). A soft pink and floral band of paper wraps securely around the invitation while a crystal flutter bug rests. (Please note, the flutter bug is adhered to the invitation). If your interested in the matching matchbox favor please convo me through my other shop Sweetrayne{dot}etsy{dot}com

This invitation design would work for ANY event. I especially love the belly band closure.
This (5x7) booklet invitation was inspired by precious poppies. Papers used have a gold shimmered tone to provide lusciousness. With this booklet invitation you can customize to include additional pages if needed.
Your RSVP and RECEPTION enclosure cards are held in place under the front cover with a matching belly band as the whole ensemble is held together with a belly band that's address to your guest. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27139939

This invite would be great for a Chinese New Year party or any Asian inspired gathering.

Terra Cotta and Cream are the hues that inspired this invitation style. This is a three layered 5 x 7 invitation, a textured terra cotta, circular print, and smooth creme cardstock. To set the theme a Chinese character "Happiness" motif is printed flat while a natural hemp cord is double wrapped around the invitation and tied into a knot.

Matching elements such as programs, menu's and escort cards are also available.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23547930

Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25817571

A fun invitation for any real celebration... do it in reds and black to celebrate New Years or red and green for Christmas

How fun and playful is this save the date announcement. The colors just scream out vibrant sensations, and with the confetti your letting your guest know that they are going to have a good time.White linen cardstock is layered atop a shimmer tangerine cardstock. A vellum envelope is attached to the announcement holding circle and vellum flower confetti giving your guest the instructions to "Don't Celebrate Yet"!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26481922

Wouldn't these be cute Luggage tag invites for a Dream Destination dinner party... I'm doing this theme for August.
I really love this invite and could totally picture it for a retro 60's or 70's themed party. If the color's were more flourescent it would be great for an 80's party!

This handmade triple layer invitation is made from shimmer cardstock... lime and fuchsia. The top is lined with a fuchsia satin ribbon with dangling beads and shiny circles.
This invitation measures 5x7 and a white envelope is included.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21100172

July's dinner

2009-07-04T17:36:00.001-07:00

Since Jeff and I started planning out these dinners I have known that I wanted to do a Christmas in July dinner. Complete with a gorgeously decorated Christmas tree, Christmas music, favorite Christmas foods and a gift exchange. I'm still working on the logistics. I bought some aqua/silver colored tree decor at Target after Christmas for 75% off. I got some Christmas cards that would make cute invites at Michael's in their dollar bin, and a lot of candles. I am choosing the Aqua scheme versus the traditional red or green so .... It will be more of a challenge matching the tableware. I think that I will use my white tablecloths and make some Aqua colored runners to go down the center of the tables. I also get to use the crystal/silver beaded napkin ring holders that I got on clearance at Bed Bath and Beyond.
With the way people are so careful about how they spend money these days... I need to think of a gift exchange that won't hurt the pocketbook. Any ideas?

Hawaiian Luau

2009-06-26T22:03:00.000-07:00

The Goebel's

The Cleveland's

The Doty's

The Foremaster's

The Lauenstein's
The Cossman's

It's party time again this month. We thought that since it was summer, school just got out and the weather has been really nice... we would do a Luau Dinner Party. We had 5 couples from our ward attend. We have known the Lauenstein's and Foremasters for a few years, but the other 3 couples we just met in the last few months.
Celeste brought a veggie tray.
Juliett brought a Chow Mein.
I made Sweet and Sour Meatballs with rice and a Brocolli Salad
Kim brought Watergate Salad.
Bree and Brittany brought brownies (to eat with the vanilla icecream)

As always, we play the get to know you game where everyone writes down something that they did together or experienced as a couple. So here were the answers... you can guess who did what....
#1-They watched a Red Cross team do a "bone harvest" (organ donation) while they enjoyed a dinner from SONIC
#2-Almost lost engagement ring over the side of a dam
#3-Met while one of them were on a date with someone else
#4-First Kiss, Engaged, and First Date- All in one day!! (in that order!!!)
#5-They got into a car accident on their way to church two weeks before they got married. He blames it on her.
#6-Their first date was an overnight trip

Hawaiian Luau Party Details and Ideas to use for your party

2009-06-26T21:34:00.000-07:00

This party was really easy to plan and host. Luau decor can be found at most all party stores, and in the summertime the dollar store, Walmart and other stores carry Luau themed items.

MUSIC
For this party I actually began gathering items in mid January. I found the music at the dollar store. There were a number of CD's. I got the themes- Hawaiian Party, Hawaiian Luau, Tropical Breeze and 2 different CD's titled Tiki Music.

DECOR
At the dollar store I picked up a yard sign, some tissue paper garlands (pineapple and flamingos), lei's (for each lady to wear), drinking straw decor, foam fish to use as placecards, and grass skirts to cover edge of tables.
At Costco I got pineapples to use for centerpieces, and a blue and white tropical print paper plate and napkin set.
From a friend and her mom I borrowed- a little surfboard, seashells, and lava lava's (I'm wearing one)
I already had- bamboo placemats, bamboo coasters (from Beau-coop.com) that I recently won), nice elegant white paper napkins, ribbon and silk orchids to make the napkin holders.
At Target I got a metal door sign. I got 3 large palm fronds outside someone's home (after they did some trimming) and used them to cover my computer printed in the corner.
Placesettings
I used the bamboo placemats and coasters that I already had along with the white linen tablecloths and natural fish nets.

Napkins

I folded the plasticware into the white larger paper napkin.
Then I wrapped the designer paper napkin around that.

I cut a ribbon just larger than the width of the wrapped plasticware and wrapped it around the roll and stapled.
Then I tucked a cut orchid (flower) into the front of the napkin.

Etsy Invitations by tuccipaperco

2009-06-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5199110

As I stated in a previous post- I LOVE Etsy! And I love the homemade invitations and party favors available. Here are some from 'tuccipaperco' that I want to share with you.

SEAFOOD DINNER PARTY OR NIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO DINNER

Get ready for summertime fun and dig your claws in! These "see food" invitations feature crusty crustaceans - the lobster and crab with an open invitation to feast! Who can turn that down?
Great for summertime parties, 4th of July, Father's Day, or just an excuse to eat with your hands. The invitation measures 4.25" x 5.5", featuring matching lobster on the flap of this A2 Euro style envelope.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11753956

INDIAN DINNER PARTY
Inspired by the Indian body art of Mehndi, I created these fill in invitations in orange and red for those exciting life events that connect us. The invitation measures 4.25" x 5.5", corners are rounded and a matching Mehndi ornament decorates the flap of this A2 Euro style envelope.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11753186

SAFARI OR JUNGLE THEMED DINNER
Join us for a rumble in the jungle!
This invitation is perfect for Safari and Jungle themed birthdays, bachelorette parties, or just a girl's night out! The invitation measures 4.25" x 5.5", corners are rounded and a matching zebra print decorates the front of this A2 Euro style envelope.

Hawaiian Luau Invitation

2009-06-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

I debated about making the invitations from scratch or buying them... but when I came across a pack of 10 of this design at Walmart for $3.00 I couldn't pass it up. They came with pop dots to attach the beachball to give a 3-D effect.

Hawaiian Luau Party Ideas

2009-06-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

Often Luau's are held in the backyard under tents, with palm fronds woven together to make windbreak walls. The tent poles are decorated with ti leaves, ferns, heleconia and red ginger. Entertainment is usually provided by friends with guitars and ukuleles and impromptu hulas abound.

FLOWERS

When you throw your luau, be sure to decorate with plenty of silk flowers or you can even order tropical flowers, foliage and orchid sprays from lei vendors in Hawaii who will ship to the mainland (our name for the other 49 states).

To save money buy silk leaves and do one large centerpiece at the head table or near the buffet bar and smaller flower bouquets at the guest tables.

MUSIC

Hawaiian music is a must for your luau. You can buy a CD or tape by some of our great local musicians whose styles range from the traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar to Hawaiian-style reggae. Click for our music suggestions.

TABLES

To decorate your tables you can create a traditional center table runner of leaves, ferns and flowers or you can go with an ocean theme and spread an ornamental fish-net topped with shells, sand and glass balls.

Another great look is a Hawaiian print sarong used as a tablecloth. Raffia hula skirts look tropical edging the buffet table.

Reproductions of the old travel posters from the '30s and '40s would look great on the walls and also make great art for your invitations.

CENTERPIECES

Place a few real whole pineapples along the center of the table. You can also set out candles in real coconut shells or bamboo stalks.

For a Hawaiian themed party, wherein you plan for a candlelight dinner, you can very well fit in a pineapple centerpiece. Take a pineapple and carve out small, oval shapes on three sides of the fruit. Scoop out the excess of fruit and let it dry. You can place small light lamps in these openings and place them at the center of the table.

Another interesting pineapple centerpiece that can be easily made is Pineapple Appetizer Centerpiece. For this, take a pineapple and peel it off. Do not remove its crown. After this, chop other fruits into small cubes or take small fruit items such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, apricots, olives, chunk cheese etc. Now, take toothpicks and prick the fruits, tucking them onto the pineapple. Cover the whole pineapple with fruits and place it at the table. Your guests can pick different fruits with the help of the toothpicks and once they are finished, you can chop the pineapple for dessert.

You can even make Pineapple Fruit Boat as your centerpiece. Take a pineapple and remove the skin from one of the sides. After this place the pineapple on a table, with the flesh side facing upwards. Scoop out the pulp of the fruit by cutting it into cubes. After you have removed the pulp, it will look like a hollow bowl. You can fill this with other tropical fruits, cut into small cubes. Set it at the table and enjoy the fruit salad.

Fill up large shells with macadamia nuts, and use a child's beach pail to hold potato chips. Place the shells and buckets on the table.

With the Hawaiian party theme, you do not have to spend a lot on decorations. You can make the buffet table your Hawaiian centrepiece. Decorate this with a Hawaiian party table centre or table runner and hey presto you have your party theme almost covered.

FOOD WITH A FLAIR

Paper parasols and slices of pineapple on the edge of drinks will put your guests in a tropical mood.

Check out our Luau recipes.

Hawaiian's use a lot of chicken, pork, pineapple and rice in their traditional recipes.

SPECIAL TOUCHES AND FAVORS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Be sure to greet your guests with a shell or flower lei and a big "Aloha" and have them leave their shoes at the door! You can also have loose flowers on hand for your guests to tuck behind their ears. If you're available romantically, put the flower behind your right ear. If you're taken, put it closest to your heart, behind your left ear.

If you also ask your guests to come dressed up in a Hawaiian outfit. This also helps to carry the theme into other rooms, without much in the way of party decoration. This fancy dress approach adds color to the room with you having too.

You might want to contact a dance school or hula halau in your area to have professional hula lessons or professional hula performers at your luau.

Make Hawaii themed cookies to use as place cards. Make a batch of sugar cookies and shape them in the form of flowers. Use icing and write each guest's name on a cookie. Lay it in front of the plate corresponding to the seating chart.

You could pack little take out cartons of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts for party favors or check out Hawaiian Luau Party Supply for a variety of fun kitsch items (like our favorite - the wiggling hula girl sculpture shown here).

A Suggested Menu (for an authentic meal)
Kalua Pig
Poi
Sweet potatoes
Luau or laulau
Lomi salmon
Tropical fruit such as pineapple, mango and papaya
Haupia
Mai Tai Drinks

A Suggested Menu (for a more casual meal)
Skewered marinated meats
Grilled Veggies
Tropical Fruit
Smoothies

Background of the First Luau's

2009-06-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

A week from tonight my husband and I are hosting a small Hawaiian Luau for our June dinner party. I have been looking around the internet for some background of the traditional luau. From what I have read- the Luau that we will be hosting will not be an authentic luau with Poi, Taro Root and Roast Pig. But it will have a festive tropical atmosphere.

Where the first Luau originated:
A feast where the King Kamehameha II ate with women was the symbolic act which ended the Hawaiian religious tabus, and the luau was born.(it had previously been banned the eating of men and women together)
The favorite dish at these feasts is what gave the luau its name. Young and tender leaves of the taro plant were combined with chicken, baked in coconut milk and called luau.
Bowls filled with poi, a staple of the Hawaiian diet made from pounded taro root, and platters of meat were set out and dry foods like sweet potatoes, salt, dried fish or meat covered in leaves were laid directly on the clean ti leaves.
Much to the consternation of the proper Victorian visitors, utensils were never used at a luau, instead everything was eaten with the fingers. Poi of various consistencies got its name from the number of fingers needed to eat it… three finger, two finger, or the thickest, one finger poi.

How the Luau tables were decorated:
The traditional luau feast was eaten on the floor. Lauhala mats were rolled out and a beautiful centerpiece made of ti leaves, ferns and native flowers about three feet wide was laid the length of the mat. Tables were draped with white, but the entire tops were covered with ferns and leaves massed together so as almost to form a tablecloth of themselves; quantities of flowers were placed about mingling with the ferns… The natives had turned out in great numbers, and the scent of their leis of flowers and maile leaves was almost overpowering.

Baked Potstickers and Sweet and Sour Sauce

2009-06-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped
½ c. thinly sliced green onions with tops
¼ c. grated carrot
1 tsp. peeled and finely grated fresh gingerroot
1 can (10 oz) chunk white chicken, drained and flaked (I like Costco’s canned chicken)
1 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 egg white, lightly beaten
¼ c. mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
24 square wonton wrappers vegetable oil

1. Combine water chestnuts, green onions, carrot, gingerroot, chicken, soy sauce, egg white, mayonnaise, and garlic. Mix well.

2. Preheat oven to 400.

3. To assemble potstickers, place 12 wonton wrappers onto cutting board. Lightly brush edges of each wrapper with water. Place a half tablespoon of filling onto center of each wonton. Shape and seal wontons as desired. Place potstickers on lightly sprayed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining wontons. Bake 12-15 minutes or until edges of potstickers are golden brown.

Yields: 24 potstickers

Sweet and Sour Sauce

1 (15 oz) can pineapple tidbits (drain and reserve liquid)
½ c. chopped green pepper (optional)
½ c. sugar
½ tsp salt
2 Tbsp. cornstartch
¼ c. vinegar
1 c. reserved pinapple juice and water
2 tsp. beef bouillon granules
2 Tbsp. soy sauce

On stove combine cornstarch, bouillon, vinegar, sugar, salt, soy sauce and pinapple juice. Cook until bubbling and thickened. Add bell peppers (optional) and pineapple chunks.

Hawaiian Party Recipes

2009-06-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Traditional Hawaiian Pork

Another good Hawaiian party food idea is the extremely popular Adobo. This dish originated in the Philippines but has since been adopted by Hawaiians. To make Adobo you are going to need:

½ a yellow onion diced
1 Head of garlic (yes, the whole head of garlic) minced
2 pounds of pork of your choice cut into1 inch squares
1 cup of vinegar
2 cups of water
½ cup of Balsamic vinegar
¼ cup of soy sauce
1 teaspoon of paprika
olive oil
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of water
Add a little olive oil to a pot and brown the onions and garlic. Add the water and vinegar to the onions and garlic and bring to a simmer. Add the pork and Balsamic vinegar and continue to simmer for 10 minuets. Add the soy sauce and simmer for another 10 minuets. Remove the meat from the sauce and brown it in a separate pan with the paprika. Mix the 2 tablespoons of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a slurry and thicken the sauce with it. Adobo is usually served with rice.

1950's BBQ

2009-06-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Rogers

The Wilhites

The Millers

The Chubbs

The 'younger' Miller's

The Dabrowski's
The Goebel's

What an enjoyable evening it was having dinner with 6 more couples from our church. This group was a more serious bunch, but nonetheless it was wonderful to get to know them and hear some interesting stories from their lives. Many of them have lived through the 50's and shared some great stories about those days. We learned about their Chevy Bel Air's, the music, the dances, dating, and family trips from those times. The food was great!

The guests (with what they brought)

The Rogers- pumpkin cake (tasted like a pumpkin roll)

The Chubbs- Oriental Salad

The Wilhites- Potato salad

The Millers- Potato Salad

The Dabrowski's- Rootbeer floats and Orange Cream Bundt Cake

The 'young'Millers- Cheesecake

Us- Hamburgers, condiments, and the most delicious corn on the cob!

The company was great and as always it was an enjoyable game. Here are some of the things that I learned about people-

One couple's 2 year old daughter was kissed by Elder Spencer W. Kimball on the head (in the late 70's)

One couple sang in Carnegie Hall.

One couple had a luau wedding reception with a photo of themselves plastered ALL over the cake.

One husband planned a trip out of town on his 40th birthday since his wife had thrown him a huge 30th birthday party.

One wife got stood up the day before the Homecoming dance so her best friend's older brother took her instead (and that lead to 11 months of dating and a quick engagement).

One couple was asked by the temple recorder before they were married if they were related.

One couple saw Nat King Cole in concert and went on their honeymoon to Sun Valley, Idaho and were vacationing with his parents and her mother in law would announce them as the newlyweds EVERYTIME she saw them. It was very embarressing to them.

These parties never get old for us. We are always looking forward to the next one.

1950's BBQ- How it was put together

2009-05-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

This is the placesetting... each guest was seated near a different photo centerpiece

This was the FIRST party that I recieved only one RSVP for and didn't call to verify the others were coming... But everyone showed up... Ladies in their aprons and with a salad or dessert in hand.
I began planning this party about 2 weeks ago. I got the invitations (condiment bottles with the invite written in permenant marker on them) delivered just a week before the party.
I wanted to make some textured green reversible placemats for the party so together with my Young Women on Wednesday night we got them sewn. I had 1950's Diner plates, pint jars for drinking, retro coasters, and white woven fabric tablecloths and matching napkins. For centerpieces I had lots of flowers, metal tin buckets with party favors in them (rolled up BBQ mitts tied with ribbon), some teen novels from the 50's (Bobbsey Twins) and framed photos of actors and actresses from the 50's.
The food was fantastic. Three couples brought salads (two potato and one oriental salad) and three couples brought dessert (cheesecake, pumpkin cake, rootbeer floats, and orange cream bundt cake). We made the hamburgers.
We put together 3 tables and lined them up in the living room. From the ceiling I hung clear Christmas lights (350 lights)zigzagging them across the cieling. Then I hung paper globes from the strands so that they hung over the tables. It all looked so nice. They coordinated nicely with the table decor.
For party favors I bought BBQ oven mitts that coordinated with the colors in the tablecloth and flowers. I rolled them up tightly and tied with a thick ribbon. They were placed in the tin buckets on the table and were part of the centerpieces.

Your Parties: Tara's Twilight Party

2009-05-25T23:24:00.000-07:00

Tara at http://tarastwilightparty.blogspot.com/ has a blog dedicated to the planning of her 30th birthday party last spring. Here are some of the party highlights:

INVITATION

I wanted an invitation that was slightly elegant and not too frilly. I think I chose the perfect one. I love that it has the vellem wrap enclosed around it as well as the square sparkly jewel perfectly placed to keep it closed.I found these invitations in the wedding section at my local Wal-Mart. They are a Wilton product. The stock number is 1010-107. Wilton provides you with a website so you can easily personalize and print your own invitations. The directions were easy to follow and I had the invitations printed and assembled in less than 10 minutes!!!Invitation wording...

Tara is turning 30!

Please be her guest at a Dinner Party Celebration Saturday, May 30th at half past six in the evening

ADDRESSADDRESS

RSVP by May 20th

Dress: Goth Casual(red, black and white only!)

SAVE THE DATE

I sent out my save-the-dates! I am only having 10 guests (12 total when you count myself and my husband). It's a very small affair which allows me to be able to go all out for it! I decided to use the picture from my Polyvore creation as a little hint as to what my guests (most of whom have not read the books) will be experiencing at the party next month.

THE DECOR

You'll notice each of the Twilight Saga books with an apple lying on top. I used a candle carver to cut a perfect hole in each apple to fit a tealight...the effect was awesome!
what Twilight/Vampiresk dinner party would be complete without blood dripping candles?!? The candles were EASY to make. Basically use an old candlestick holder or a bucket filled with sand and place white taper candles inside. Light a RED pillar candle and let the wax drip down the top of the taper candles.

DRINK STATION

I had a lot of fun putting together the drink station. I used a 3 foot round table that we normally have on our patio and covered it with a red linen. I used a water pitcher that belonged to my grandmother so those that didn't like soft drinks could have another option. The 3-tier silver stand is actually one of six that I own and used to rent out for weddings. I had thought about selling them at one point, but just couldn't part with them!!! I took 3 wine buckets that I had from once again doing weddings and filled them with ice and popped in some bottled sodas. We had Jones' Blood, Root-of-all-Evil Beer and Vampire Cola. Around the base of the wine buckets I added some clear dazzlers (like I did on just about every surface!!!) to give that vampire shimmer effect and then a few apples with red glitter that are actually part of my Christmas decor.

TABLE SETTING

As I mentioned in my last post, the tablescape was pretty much my main focus for the party. It had to be creative and really set the mood for the entire party! I started with an 8 foot banquet table and covered it in a black floor length linen. I paired the linen with black chairs and red linen napkins. You'll also notice a little $2 feathered boa I purchased at Michael's to make my chair stand out from the others. I had close to thirty candles in glass and silver candlesticks in varying heights that I borrowed from my best friend's mom lining the center of the long table with red doilies underneath. Originally the doilies were there to catch any candle wax that dripped, but I made an executive design about an hour before the party and decided not to actually light the candles on the table due to everything being so tight in our living/dining room and that last thing I wanted to do was to start a fire. Several weeks ago I found a cheap chess game at Wal-Mart for $3. I decided to take the black pieces and spray paint them red and leave the white pieces as they were. I incorporated them into the table design. I also found inexpensive white tulips for $2 at Wal-Mart and spray painted them to look like blood was dripping off of them. My overall goal was to bring the covers of the books in the Twilight Saga to life. I had planned for the candelabra to go on the dining table, but it became apparent pretty early on that it was going to be to big so it was on my buffet instead. You'll notice the ribbon hanging down on it which was suppose to stand for Eclipse. Like with every other surface I used tons of little shiny pieces throughout to make everything sparkle like the Twilight vampires!

TWILIGHT MOVIE TRIVIA GAME
Here are the questions and answers...
1. What is the mascot for Forks High School? SPARTANS
2. How old was Bella when she spent her last Christmas in Forks, Washington?4
3. TRUE or FALSE: Author of Twilight, Stephanie Meyer, makes an appearance in the movie Twilight. TRUE
4. Before living in Forks, where do the Cullens say they lived? ALASKA
5. The Cullens do not consume human blood. Because of this, what do they call themselves? VEGETARIANS
6. Who does Bella borrow her prom dress from? ALICE
7. What is Bella's dad, Charlie's occupation? CHIEF OF POLICE
8. What instrument does Edward play? PIANO
9. TRUE or FALSE: Rosalie and Jasper are a couple. FALSE
10. What beach are the Cullens not allowed to set foot on? La Push
11. Who is Esme? MOTHER TO THE CULLEN CHILDREN
12. What is the color of Bella's bedding?
13. TRUE or FALSE: Edward was the first vampire that Carlisle made a part of his family. TRUE
14. What do vampires do when they are in the sun? SPARKLE/SHIMMER
15. What grade are Edward and Bella in? 11th
16. What is the Forks High School prom theme? MONTE CARLO
17. What is Bella's stepdad's name? PHIL
18. What dessert does Charlie order every Thursday? BERRY COBLER
19. Name the three nomadic vampires the Cullens and Bella encounter while playing baseball. LAURENT, VICTORIA AND JAMES
20. What city and state did Bella live in before moving to Forks, Washington? PHOENIX, ARIZONA
***What brand of beer does Charlie drink in the movie Twilight? RAINIER

THE MENU

It took me a while to come up with the place settings. I needed a way to incorporate the apple from the book Twilight, but also needed to find a way to incorporate Forks, Washington as well. As I was creating the menus it hit me that I could use the same card stock for the place cards and just have a fork stick right through it into an apple. It was kind of one of those things you do a double take just to make sure you're seeing what you're actually seeing. I really liked how it turned out. I purchased the forks at Wal-Mart for $3. You'll also notice the red stuff all over the menu and place cards. I actually used the same red candle wax I used to make the candles to pour over the card stock to make it look like blood. I LOVED how it turned out!What Twilight/Vamperisk-themed party would be complete without vampire teeth?!? I purchased these from Oriental Trading. I used them in a group photo later in the evening and also as my guest's take-home favors.

Etsy Placecards and other items by tuccipaperco...

2009-05-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Two placecard styles that work for formal or semi formal events.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17381062
Oh so retro and with just the right touches of hot pink, these placecards are the perfect accessory for your place settings! Whether you're hosting a bachelorette party, a sweet 16, or a cool and fun soiree, your guests would love to see their names on these little cuties!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9375394
Inspired by the Nametag label, these placecards will help your guests get acquainted with each other....fast!

Nametags come in a set of 6. Measure 3.5" x 2.12" folded, and come in teal, chartreuse and purple.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15950443
Oh yay! It's a puzzle! Your guests get all the fun trying to fit the pieces together of your surprise announcement. These save the dates are personalized and will include your names and event date.

Printed on high quality imported Italian cardstock with a beautiful shimmery finish, includes matching envelopes.

Save the dates measure approximately 3.5" x 5".

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26278053
How sweet indeed! Shower your guests with these cute and stylish candy bar favors. These personalized wrappers include your name, event date and a caption of your choosing.

Wrappers come pre-cut, and fit the full size Hershey's bars perfectly. Adhesive is necessary for application. We recommend double sided tape.

Picking a date for May

2009-05-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

I sent out a feeler email to 8 couples to see if they would be free on May 15th for dinner. For the first time ever NO ONE will be free. There is a ward father/son campout that night so half the families will be involved in that, 2 families have guests that weekend, one family is in the process of moving to Utah and will be gone by then, and the last family will be celebrating a family members birthday. We are getting down to the last couples who have not been to our home for dinner. So I really want those couples to be able to come. The following weekend is Memorial Day weekend and many will be out of town. I may have to bump it to the following weekend or the first weekend of June.
I can't believe that by mid summer we will be ready to start over reinviting couples who have already been here for dinner.

Sneak Peak at the BBQ decor

2009-04-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

This is a sneak peak at the decor for the 1950's BBQ coming up in a couple weeks. I'm having a heck of a time figuring out how to get the 'denim placemats' to fit into the whole scheme. It's still a work in progress... I'll keep you posted.
The condiment bottles I found at Michael's- all 3 for $2.00. And the galvanized bucket for $1.00 at Target
These flowers were from Michael's
A Retro BBQ melamine tray

The oven mitts will be party favors.

Napkin Rings -new and inexpensive

2009-04-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

One thing that I really love about the dinner parties is eating with cloth napkins. I love how they class up a meal and how they feel when you use them. Since I use them now I want to have pretty and interesting napkin rings to show them off. The other day I was at Bed Bath and Beyond with a gift card that I needed to use. In the store they have a display full of different styles of napkin rings. I went through them and was thrilled to find clear jeweled rings on clearance for 99cents a piece. They were normally $3.99 each. So I got enough for a dinner party. They would look great at my next candlelit dinner party or even the Christmas party that I plan to host in the near future. I may add a pretty trailing ribbon to it. They really are gorgeous and the jewels are EVERYWHERE all over it!

May Dinner Party 2 weeks away!

2009-04-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

this post was written late at night while I was brainstorming and tapping into the little bit of creativity that I have at this moment trying to pin down the theme and accompanying ideas....
Two weeks from this Friday will be our next dinner party. I'm planning a BBQ Dinner. I have invitations planned out and party favors. I don't always do favors, but since this party will be published on a few other blogs I want it to be really fun and creative. I was at Michael's Craft store and they had BBQ condiment plastic bottles. They'd be great as invitatations. I'd just attach the invite as a hanging tag to the bottle. I could also just fill the bottles with mayo, ketchup and mustard and have on the table as condiments as well as decor. Michael's also had really cute BBQ logo (100's of times over and over) OVEN MITTS. So.. they'll be favors. I am going to have to use my white tablecloths and am making denim placemats with frayed edges and a pocket for either a napkin or silverware.

So... as far as tableware. I will not do the typical plasticware, and paper products that you normally associate with a BBQ. This BBQ will be a step above a traditional one. The colors I'm going with are the colors in the mitt which are orange, lime green, brown, black and cream, with small red accents. At Michael's for just over $2.00 were flower arrangements that will make nice centerpieces. I'm not sure what plates I'll use. I may see if I can borrow 20 of them from my church house. No chargers at this meal that would make it too formal. It would look out of sorts with denim placemats. The cups that I want for this party are the glass pint jars for the lemonade. I'm almost wondering if BBQ isn't the right theme for this party. Yes.. we will be eating BBQ hotdogs and hamburgers... but it's a more formal affair. Maybe.... a 1940's County Fair picnic... or a BarnRaising. Earlier today I was instant messaging on Facebook with Fiola, a friend from church, and was bouncing ideas off her. I love being able to talk through parties with her. It seems to help me to talk through parties aloud. I also spoke with my mom about the theme. I may go with the 1950's BBQ... it evokes images of a simpler time .... plus I can dig out a really cute apron! Well... I'm going back and forth on all the details. I'll let you know more details as they unfold.

Your Parties: Ashli in Wisconsin, Twilight Party

2009-04-22T11:10:00.000-07:00

I had a bunch of friends over to watch Twilight new on DVD. I've been planning this party for quite a while and I had lots of fun planning all the details. There were quite a few people there that I didn't know very well, and it was fun to get to know some more people here in our new place. We ate lots of yummy food (everyone was very creative with their Twilight-themed snacks), watched the movie, and gabbed. Thanks everyone for coming!
(her blog is bartandashli.blogspot.com)

Here's the sign I made to hang on the front door.

I put different tags on the glasses so everyone would remember which glass was theirs after setting it down. I made strawberry flavored red heart ice cubes to put in soda for the drink. It was yummy and a cool effect.

I made red velvet cupcakes. My sister-in-law Charise made red velvet cupcakes too, and it wasn't planned at all. She put edible glitter on hers so they sparkled. I also made blood (red caramel) covered red apples. Very Twilightish, and yummy!
More blood...Strawberries and angel food cake
My friend Greta made this yummy red popcorn. We also had "blood" popsicles, apple crisp, Count Chocula bars, and cookies. At the end of the night, everyone went home with a box like this filled with goodies. What a fun, night!

I requested the recipe for the red bloody popcorn from Ashli's friend Gretta:

Greta's Popcorn

1 c corn syrup
1/2 c sugar
1 (3 oz.) package Jello gelatin (any flavor)
10 c popped corn

Mix all ingredients except popcorn in heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook just till sugar ad jello are dissolved. Pour over popcorn and mix well and fast. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 min, stirring every 15 minutes. Let sit and cool.

Store in air tight container.

(article posted with permission from Ashli)

Organizing your own Amazing Race Part 1

2009-04-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

To make this as a Dinner Date. (mine was done as a family night activity) you will probably need about 4 hours from beginning to end for the game and dinner so try for a Saturday.You could:
1. Start with dinner/lunch then after the meal have couples/teams do the race.
2. Do this on a Saturday and begin a couple hours before dinner. Have guests meet at your home at 4pm for instructions. Divide into teams. Then have dinner at the finish line.... a restaurant or at your home. Do a crockpot dinner that can cook unattended or sandwiches and salads that can be prepared beforehand.

The Family Handbook was created by printing text on bottom right side of letter size orange cardstock. Then document was folded in half lengthwise. Glued to top was the 'Amazing Race Family Edition' logo. Use image from previous Amazing Race post. Inside portfolio is a 'yield' card, locations of clues, rules, map, and riddle sheet.
Riddle sheet.
Inside handbook. Rules and Yield.
A few of the many friends who came tonight!!!! Notice they are all standing on the pitstop mat!

The group meeting at the park just minutes before the race began.

Amazing Race Part2- What we learned - Improvements for next time

2009-04-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

After getting home from the race our family went for a drive listening to the cassette tape with recordings of the families singing their favorite songs. It was great! My kids loved it! They were singing along. We listened to it almost 5 times!!! So while they listened to the music, Jeff and I discussed the race. So here are some of the problems/issues and how to solve it.

1.Many teams finished the race REALLY early!!! Much earlier than we thought they would!
To solve this we need to have someone at the pit stop within minutes after the beginning of the race to greet any who may solve it VERY QUICKLY!!!
Another option would be to have participants have to go to the same number of places and do the same number of challenges but in whatever order they choose so it's based on strategy, skill and how fast they can move!

2. The church parking lot was not a good place for kids to have to hang out since there wasn't a place to sit (no grass no chairs, no play equipment)
I chose that parking lot because the race ended at sundown and would be dark soon. Also because it was private. I knew no one else would be in that parking lot. There was only one park near us that was well lit, but it had no play equipment and no off street parking. In the future end it before sundown at a public park, if the group is small enough end at a home, if someone has a large backyard have participants gather at their backyard. If you have to do it at a place with no seating- take some folding chairs. If there is grass encourage participants to bring picnic blankets.

3. People got backed up at certain challenges
Encourage people not to go in order or move on to another home if they see a lot of cars in front. Tell people to be flexible.

4. People unexpectedly show up who you don't have room to accomodate (THIS LUCKILY DIDN'T HAPPEN WITH OUR RACE)
Either be honest with them and tell them that since they did not RSVP you didn't plan on them. Or if they are a small group see if another car can absorb them and take them with them. If they are a large group see if they are willing to split up. To keep this from happening make extra photocopies of all needed RACE documents. If you go all out, like I did, to make family portfolios you should make a couple extra and then photocopy all documents for an extra participants.

5. How can we make this race better?
Jeff and I next time want to do something else next time. Here's what we are thinking: We'll have like 12 homes next time with about half of them as challenges. I'll buy 12 ink pads at the dollar store and cheap rubber stamps if I need to. Then at each Letterbox I'll have an ink pad and a stamp. Each Team will be given a Passport book. They need to collect all 12 stamps in their book as proof they they went to EACH house. This will ensure that all teams are out for similiar times. Plus... it will be easier to gauge how long they will be out. I think kids or even couples only would have fun collecting stamps in their passports and doing challenges. If it were a 'Couples Only' race there are so many other fun challenges that could be done.
On option to the stamps would be to have the teams collect items from each location and have to bring them back to the pitstop. Like one home may have bouncy balls at their doorstep. Another team may have candy bars. Etc.... and the winner shows up at a predetermined spot with all 12 items!

How to organize your own Amazing Race

2009-04-19T23:57:00.000-07:00

Here are the steps to organizing your own amazing "Amazing Race".

1 month ahead:
Figure out how many you will invite
Design invitation (paper or Evite)
Decide on beginning location and end destination. If it is going to take place in the evening, make sure the front doors are well lit, and the destination is some place a group can congregate without being in the dark.

3 weeks ahead:
Make up end riddle (below is our riddle)
You’ve solved the riddle
Your Team did great!
Time for the reward
Don’t be late! Go to church behind Mojave High School
Determine how many homes are needed (use front doorsteps of participants)You may use homes of participants or arrange ahead of time other locations.

2 weeks ahead:
Deliver/Send invites
As RSVP come in set up game
Make up challenges. Ours were:
House #1- Detour- Our home was decorated like Mexico with 2 choices- A color by number picture of a Mexican home or a popcorn bowl full of rice with 5 beans in it to find. These can take long or not depending on who in the family has to do the detour.
House #2- Perform your families favorite song for the resident family (and any families that happen to show up during your musical number)
House #3- Frost 10 cupcakes- a Roadblock- only one person does this and they don't know ahead of time the challenge. (we ended up with some hastily decorated cupcakes... it was funny)
House #4- Put in order a phrase or something similiar

Day of
Cut med. sized banners from plastic tablecloth and tape to front doors and attach Amazing Race logo. Also cut up strips about 1 inch by 2 ft for car antennas.

At meeting place have a card table set up with Tri-folds for each team. In tri-fold is the rule sheet, a map (optional), MC’s cell number, and the checklist) For fun make the kids passports and tear of colored plastic tablecloths or sheets for car antennas.

As families arrive, have MC near card table handing them a tri-fold . After predetermined time explain to all the basic rules and send all on their way. Wait up to 15 minutes for latecomers (optional) then pack up table and head home to wait for players and get ready to leave for destination.

Arrive early at the final destination. Set up a card table and put refreshments on it. Have a mat (plastic tablecloth) taped to ground for families to check in at.

How to play the Amazing Race:
1. Tie colored banner to car antenna
2. All homes arranged by housing development.
3. Each number of the riddle represents a letter. Ex. (25=P)
4. You may call other teams for help with directions, and you are given permission to share ONE clue.
5. You do not have to visit the homes in any particular order (this helps prevent major backups at challenges)
6. Notice the Fast Forward at the bottom of the location sheet. Call or text that number for an entire word clue!
7. Included in each team's packet is a Yield ticket. You may use this ticket to halt the team that follows you or the team of your choice.
8. Leave your last home no later than 7:30pm
9. If you cannot solve the riddle at that point then call cell #999-9999. See you at the finish line!

TO ACCESS ALL MY AMAZING RACE PARTY INFO GO TO http://maggiesdinnerdates.blogspot.com/search/label/Amazing%20Race

AMAZING RACE TERMINOLOGY
A Roadblock is a task that only one team member may perform(Once a choice has been made, the teammates cannot switch roles. Other teammate cannot assist in the task though they may verbally offer advice and encouragement .)
The Fast Forward allows the team that receives it to skip all remaining tasks on that leg of the race and proceed directly to the Pit Stop (or on the final leg, the Finish Line). To receive the Fast Forward, the team must be the first team to perform and complete the task described on the Fast Forward clue. The clue is found along with a regular clue at one of the Route Markers.
A Detour presents the team with a decision between two tasks, "each with its own pros and cons"
The Yield, allows any one team to force another team to stop racing for a predetermined amount of time.
The Intersection requires each team to pair up with one other team and perform all tasks and make decisions together until further notice.
A Roadblock is a task that only one team member may perform(Once a choice has been made, the teammates cannot switch roles. Other teammate cannot assist in the task though they may verbally offer advice and encouragement .)
The Check-in Mat- When teams arrive at the Pit Stop, all members must all step on the check-in mat — the official finish line for that leg

Una Fiesta Buenisima!!!!

2009-04-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Maggie and Jeff Goebel

Laurie and Kelvin Gebbs

Julie and Jon Brown
Marlon and Jill Waite

Ryan and Tammara Leaver

Corrina Pallas

Kristi and Rob Collins
Brock and Sara Bingham
Candi and Mike Wilhite
The party decor (seating for 17) 3 hours before the party

The placesetting (silverware rolled up in napkin)
The 'condiment' Taco Cart
One of the small cactus' that I bought for centerpieces. They are very attractive.
Another cactus with paper mache food
The table just before adding chips and salsa to the tables.

We had our 10th party tonight. The theme was a Mexican Fiesta. We had all sorts of good food to eat and 17 good friends to visit with. These parties are always such fun! Above are the photographs of tonight's guests. Here's the MENU (and who brought what):

Sopa de Fideo (Goebel's)

Homemade Tomatillo Salsa (Goebel's)

Homemade Guacamole (Waites)

Taco Salad (Gebbs)

Refried Beans (?)

Spanish Rice (Wilhites and Waites)

Seven Layer Dip (Collins)

Carnitas (Browns)

Tamales (Goebels)

Quesadillas (Leavers)

Vanilla Icecream (Binghams)

Churros (Waites)

And thanks Jill and Marlon for the bouquet of flowers. So thoughtful!!!

Finally. The get to know you game that we always play....

Can you guess who...............

1. Three days after getting married, her husband went back to Germany and they were apart for 5 months until she could go join him!!!

2. Went on the Price is Right on their honeymoon?

3. While vacationing they visited a cemetary and photographed the inside of a grandma's grave?

4. She blew off her husband the first time they met?

5. They met in a grocery store and she finally went up to him and asked him if he wanted her phone number?

6. Was married on a Saturday and had to be back in school on Monday back in Provo?

7. They went on their honeymoon with a mother-in-law and two sister-in-laws?

8. On their wedding night the husband wanted to leave the curtain open in their hotel room?

(Answers: 1. Corinna, 2. Wilhites, 3. Goebel's, 4. Binghams, 5. Leavers, 6. Browns, 7. Collins, 8. Waites)

Mexican Fiesta- The night before checklist

2009-04-16T23:03:00.000-07:00

Here is my to-do list for tomorrow's Dinner Party:

Before Noon- Friday:
Wash chairs and place them around the table
Clean off all counters (make kitchen very clean!)
Line up on buffet bar: water pitchers, 15 glass goblets, soup bowls, plates, chip and salsa bowls
Front door welcome sign????
Make centerpieces
Tie up napkin/silverware with raffia
Find taco cart
Get game ready (tear paper strips and 7 pens)

During kids naptime:
Make Fideo (noodle soup)
Cut tomatillos, onion, press garlic, line up spices for salsa near stove, mince jalapeños, cans of diced red tomatoes
Set table
Mop kitchen floor
Clean bathroom

4pm:
Go get tamales from lady in 99cent store parking lot
Then go to Smith's buy vanilla icecream, tortilla chips

5pm:
Clean up front entry and back patio
Bring in empty garbage with clean liner

5:30pm:
Begin making salsa (with extra for Marta)
Load dishwasher so that countertops are clean

6pm:
Get dressed and put on some make-up
Reheat Fideo
Steam Tamales if needed and cut in half
Fill chip baskets and salsa bowls
Fill taco cart (sour cream, onion, lime, tortillas, chips, salsa)
Fill water goblets with ice and water
Put fideo into soup bowls and serve to guests at 6:30pm

Candy Sushi

2009-04-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way to enjoy sushi without having to eat raw fish? A great party favor!

You’ll need to brush off your Rice Krispie treats recipe and find plenty of fruit roll ups, Swedish fish, gummy worms or any other jelly candy you think might be fun to decorate the sushi with. Accents like candied orange or lemon slices are also really cute. The fruit rollups act as the seaweed wrap. The preparation is easy and the kids can do most of the work. (They’ll need a little adult supervision with the knife wielding portion of the project.) Enjoy this tasty treat!

Mexican Fiesta plans

2009-04-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

This party has creeped up on me. Yesterday I had to get working on decor. I first went into my party closet and looked at what I have.

Tablecloths:

2 black fabric ones
6 raspberry red fabric ones
3 white fabric ones
50 ft. black plastic on a roll
assorted patterned ones

I want BRIGHT fiesta colors so I decided that I will get some bright plastic ones at the store

Placemats:
25- red stitching with bamboo placemats
A couple neutral fabric ones
Christmas ones
16- Red polyester woven ones
22-Red, yellow, green, white, blue patterned plastic ones - Fiesta style

I'll use the last ones mentioned obviously!

Tableware:
Neutral ceramic plates (enough for 16) but they'd probably clash a little with the placemats.
Assorted bright solid paper plates, cups, and napkins
A few leftover patterns from past parties or from clearance racks
20 Red plastic (reusable) dinner and dessert plates

We have enough silverware and plastic ware. I've decided to go with the red paper plates and desert plates, patterned cups for the juice, solid napkins wrapped with raffia with silver ware tucked inside, and crystal goblets for water.

Wall and Ceiling Decorations:

Nothing for the Fiesta theme
I'm going to look for papel picado (see picture above) and some wall murals. I already have a large Mexican boy to put somewhere as well.

Other Details:

Small Cactus centerpieces tied with a ribbon and tissue paper

Mexican chip and salsa bowls (some borrowed from sister Marta and others of my own)

Chip baskets for the tables

Paper mache fruits and vegatables for centerpiece

6 small maracas

A bag with flowers hanging on the front door that says 'Viva la fiesta!'

Stay Tuned: Amazing Race on Monday Night brought to you by Maggie's Dinner Dates

2009-04-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday night Jeff and I will be hosting the Amazing Race here in the neighborhoods within a couple miles of my home. It will be complete with the pitstop, roadblocks, yields, fast forwards, and detours. I will post more details and how it was organized and how to organize your own! Stay tuned. You won't want to miss it!

Your Parties: Elissa and Lindsey, Northern California, Twilight DVD Release Party

2009-04-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

Party Hostesses: Elissa and Lindsey

Let me just start off by saying you will never see a Twilight Party better than this one. This was the Best Twilight Party EVER!!
My friend Lindsey and I being the true Twilight Fans that we are had an idea a couple of months ago of getting some girlfriends together and having a Twilight Movie Night. One thing led to another and this thing just ended up exploding into a full blown Twilight Party Extravaganza. We have literally worked on this party for weeks and weeks.
Our Entrance to the "Cullen House." We were really happy with the way this turned out. Its exactly how we had imagined it minus the carved out apples that we were going to put tea lights in. It was just too windy for that.
We made this a Black, White & Red semi-formal event to make the evening especially dazzling.

We had Raviolis that night with bread sticks inspired from Edward and Bellas first non official date.

Elissa and some party guests
I made a RED VELVET wedding cake for Edward and Bella.
Fondue Table

Lindsey made this AMAZING Twilight Jeopardy Game. We had 3 different Teams. The team names that our friends came up with were Pattinson Power, The Forkers & The Bloodsuckers .Lindsey was the game show host.

Our Prize Basket for the winning Team.
I filled the basket with items that represented things from the Twilight Saga books and then attached quotes to go with each item.

A few examples of the quotes
Eclipse Gum - “The clouds I can handle. But I can’t fight with an eclipse.” - Jacob
Dollar Store Eternity Perfume - "I promise to love you everyday of forever - Every single day of forever.” -Edward
A Baseball - “ Vampires like baseball?”- Bella
Hot & Cold Icepack - "Fire and ice, somehow existing together without destroying each other. More proof that I belonged with him.”- Bella
A doll - “Her tiny face was so absolutely perfect that it stunned me. She was even more beautiful than her father. Unbelievable. Impossible.” -Bella

Twilight Movie Viewing Area
Vampires play baseball. Right? Gotta have the baseball Salt and Pepper shakers!

We didn't end up getting a group photo but we did get this photo of everyones shoes.
Before everyone left they received a Twilight Favor. Which was especially made by Lindsey.
Didn't she make them look so cute. Each CD had the Twilight Soundtrack and also non other than the beautiful Rob Pattinson Songs.
I DID NOT INCLUDE ALL OF ELISSA'S PARTY PHOTOS OR INFO ABOUT THE PARTY. TO SEE AND READ MORE GO TO HER BLOG AT http://busymebusywiththree.blogspot.com/2009/04/best-twilight-party-ever.html
posted with permission from Elissa and Lindsey

Your Parties: Twilight DVD party, Hostess with the Mostess

2009-04-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

The Hostess with the Mostess created this party. She did a short post about it at her blog http://www.hostessblog.com/2009/04/host-a-twilight-theme-party-at-home/#more-5565

She created these drink labels and you can print them off yourself at http://www.hostessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/uploaded_images/HWTM_twilight_drinklabels.pdf (Remove the original labels from the bottles first. Soaking them in hot water for 10-15 minutes first will make this task easier.)

The main elements of this particular Twilight party were:
• mood lighting created with white twinkle lights & candles

• red (blood-themed) cocktails, favors, & drinks

• apples & Italian food

• framed quotes from the book & movie (pictured at top & below), which I dressed up a bit in photoshop, then printed out & framed.

Red candy in cellophane bags make for fun, super-easy “blood bag” party favors. These bags are filled with Red Vines (which Bella is also seen eating in the movie) and aptly named Twizzler “Bites“. Both the candy and the cellophane bags are from Target.
If you go to the Hostess with the Mostess's Twilight post you can download the framed art movie quotes http://www.hostessblog.com/2009/04/host-a-twilight-theme-party-at-home/#more-5565

Low Cost Mexican Fiesta Centerpiece

2009-04-06T22:17:00.000-07:00

They look nice by themselves, but it looks extra nice with the pot wrapped in brightly colored tissue paper and finished off with a ribbon, raffia or twine.
After the party consider letting guests take one home as a favor. The cactus's below have couples names and initials on a card. They are meant to be favors below. They could also be used as a placecard telling guests where to sit.
A Fun Centerpiece
Add punch to a Southwestern- or Mexican-themed dinner with a centerpiece of blooming cactus. Fill a clay pot with Spanish moss, and top it with a green cabbage. Use a toothpick to add a flower head. Or wrap Spanish moss around the end of a trio of zucchinis, stuff the moss-wrapped end in a clay pot, and insert a bloom.