Woodland Fairy Party

I saw this party theme idea in the May edition of Paren'ts magazine. In fact, there were lots more of great ideas, all under $100. But this particular one struck a cord with me. I actually saw faux wood grain wrapping paper at the AGO giftshop for 99 cents, but wasn't sure what I would use it for. Now I know!

Isn't the cupcake stand fantastic? Love it.

 Image source: http://www.parents.com

Toadstool cupcakes? Easy and so cute.  I like the use of two different sizes.

 Image source: http://www.parents.com

Image source: http://www.parents.com

I found wings online for $4-$5 a pair.Oriental Trading Company has some monarch butterfly wings, they look pretty awesome. Link is here

I'm sure party packagers and some dollarstores also have them.
The headband and hat are made from paper. 


This theme reminds me of a Midsummer's Night Dream.Older children could dress up and act out scenes from the play. This is a blue sheet with white clouds attached to serve as a photobooth, but could also be the backdrop for the stage.

 Image source: http://www.parents.com

I have the photo printer already to print out the pics, kids can make the frame to take home as a favour.

See the website here for more details and instructions. Lots more themes for both girls and boys of all ages and price ranges.

Green Parties & Weddings

Image source: http://www.greenlivingonline.com

Here's a great source for tips to green up your next party or weddding: Green Living Online
Sign up for newsletters sent to your email inbox for great tips.

Some great suggestions to help make events more ecofriendly:

• use biodegradable plates and utensils (usually made from corn)
• look for 100% recycled paper products and make sure to recycle/compost them
• green up your lootbags/guest favours-use a re-usable, biodegradable bag or container

The site also lists suggestions for loot bag filler such as organic lollipops or candy, smencils (smelly pencil crayons made from recycled newspaper), small toys from Plan Toys. For the container itself, here are some ideas I like-a cloth lunch bag, a pencil case, a sand bucket, a photo box/keepsake box. Try to find something that can be re-purposed.

I find ecofriendly toys to be a bit expensive, so pick one or two really great items.

For weddings: there are tips on every category from the ring to the honeymoon. You can find the wedding article here 
My suggestions:

• serve organic, free range or local menu items
• use items for centerpieces that can be re-used or re purposed
• use flowers that are in season
• buy a second hand dress, one from a charity shop or at least re-sell yours when you are done
• consider renting dresses (brides or bridesmaids)
• look for guest favours that are practical, organic or donate to a charity in your guest's name
• consider paring down your guest list-reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time

Hope you find these tips helpful, check out Green Living for more great suggestions.

Re-post: Paperbag Butterfly Wreath

 

Image source:  http://www.bumpsmitten.com/2011/04/diy-tutorial-butterfly-wreath.html

Isn't this wreath fantastic? It's made from brown paper bags, old book pages and coloured paper. I love it .I love the upcycling of paper bags and old books. For extra credit, select literary quotes and cut the butterfly shapes around the words,so you'll still be able to read them.

For instructions on how to make this wreath, check out the tutorial on Bump Smitten here

I just discovered Bump Smitten-a site dedicated to baby showers. But even if you are not planning a baby shower, there are tons of ideas you can use for any other kind of party. For example-an old fashioned ice cream social. Great theme for birthdays, wedding showers, baby showers, family get togethers, etc.
I'll be adding this site to my list of must read blogs.

Easter Birthday

This year my husband's birthday falls on Easter weekend. My challenge is to organize a family party for 10 people, to celebrate both Easter and his birthday without Easter taking over. Here's what I am thinking so far.

http://www.pingg.com/gallery/design/easter-egg-chickens

 Martha Stewart and Pingg have joined forces for a collection of free Easter E-cards and E-vites. I found this image-egg chickens celebrating a birthday! Perfect. So this led to the general idea of Easter characters-chicks, bunnies etc wearing party hats. I think it is a perfect way to combine the two themes.

I am designing a "Hoppy Birthday" banner with bunnies, and am going to make paper bag easter basket "lootbags".  Something like this:

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/basket-bouquet

Quite easy to make, and inexpensive. Haven't decided exactly what will go in them yet, but I have a few ideas.....

Birthday Boy wants to go to Swiss Chalet for dinner, and I am happy to oblige. With a small dining room and no dishwasher I do not mind at all. I'll serve up some appetizers, and of course birthday cake.

I'll post more about the party later, once everything comes together.

Easter Pussy Willow Arrangement

Today's idea comes from my Swedish-Canadian friend who sent me this image of a pussy willow arrangment she made. In Sweden it is traditional to decorate branches-typically willow, birch or pussy willow with easter eggs, brightly coloured feathers and fuzzy yellow chicks to celebrate spring.
She also told me a funny story about tramping through her neighbour's field searching for pussy willows in the recent spring snow storm we had on the weekend. The snow was actually blowing horizontally.

This image is so Swedish to me-with the all white background, the brightly coloured decorations and table runner. I hope you find this image inspirational. For another take on the same theme, check out my version with willow branches, a bird and nest and butterflies.

Party Ideas and Recipes Source

A friend of mine forwarded me a link to this site this morning: Life Made Delcious. What a wealth of tips, ideas, recipes and free downloadable printables.

http://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/

Just some examples:

• Easter recipes and crafts
• Free invtations, cupcake wrappers and toppers
• Party ideas-pirate, disco, beach etc.

I really love the polka dot cupcake wrappers (found with the Royal Wedding Party Kit).

Re-post: Ladder Tablescape

Isn't this fabulous? I love it for several reasons:

• re-using an older ladder, eco-friendly and maybe even free
• love the use of photographs
• the graphic punch of the hits of red in the black/grey/cream colour scheme
• love the x's and o's 

This table setting is for a wedding reception, I think it's in an art gallery-love!  I can think of so many other events this could apply to-an engagement party, anniversary, milestone birthday.

 source: http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/green-style/green-style-a-ladder-as-a-dining-table-overhead-hanging-141529

Countdown to Christmas!

Six weeks to go! I've started an inspiration board on pinterest.com.
Check it out here

Enjoy!

P.S Time to start collecting pine cones and greenery now, before it gets too cold.

Autumn Inspiration

The fall leaves were impossible to miss this morning. The reds and oranges have arrived! Joining up with the yellows to create the most fabulous palette.

In honour of those leaves, check out my new board over at pinterest.com. Click here.

The best things about fall: taking sweaters and scarves out of storage, apple cider, hot chocolate, crisp air and walking through fallen leaves.

Digital Bulletin Board

I recently discovered pinterest.com, a site that functions as a digital bulletin board. Instead of adding websites to your bookmarks toolbar, you can "pin" things you like to your "pinboard".

You can create pinboards about anything. Several templates are pre-loaded with titles such as "books to read", "for the home", "my style pinboard" etc, but can delete or edit these, as well as create your own category.

The site is very easy to use, just drag the "pin it" widget into your browser toolbar. When you come across something you like, click on the widget. A new window pops up- you can select exactly what you want to pin, and to which category.

Next add a description and tags. The site will automatically add the source, no need to keep track yourself!

Pinterest is also linked to facebook and twitter. You can "follow" other users, and "repin" items you like to your own pinboards.

To create an account, you have to sign up for the waitlist but I found it was very quick. Once you are signed in, you can invite up to five friends to join as well.

To see more, follow my pinboards here