Setting the Table

I had heard at one point that using one color on a table can create a nice impression. For this occasion, I used white. From the tablecloth to the table runner to the flowers, everything was white. We used tea light candle holders of different heights to give visual interest.

One of the first things I did when planning the table was to look up formal table settings. With multiple courses I wanted to make sure the table was set perfectly. I found a helpful guide here. I also knew that I wanted to fold the napkins, but I didn't know how I wanted to do it. I found a site that has plenty of options...here.

One of the final touches was to put the menu under the napkin. Speaking of the menu, the food was fabulous and I can't wait to share it with you! 

Formal Attire Requested

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I am going to show an example of a formal dinner party. Throughout the week we will look at menu planning, table decor, and putting it all together.

I look forward to sharing this fabulous dinner party with you.

Everyday Items

Setting a table can be a lot of fun! Using everyday items that are non-traditional can be even more fun. For example, imagine that you are having a spring luncheon. What comes to my mind are flowers, birds, and gardening. Why not combine those items and incorporate them into your luncheon decor?

For this luncheon, a dear friend and I took elements of spring and put them into the place settings. The napkins were wrapped in burlap and a bag of seeds was tied on top. The place cards were put into a small potted flower. Instead of traditional chargers, we used the base to a terracotta pot. We used china for the plates and bowls.

Here is the table all together...

Money Savers: Party Favors

It is easy to get carried away in all aspects of party planning. One of the easiest ways to save money is in the party favor department. Often at $5-10 per child, they can add up quickly...

Edible party favors are fun, enjoyable, and relatively inexpensive. How about baking a few dozen cookies and icing them with the color theme from the party? They are delicious and they don't brake the bank.

Another fun idea is a cupcake assembly line where the guests decorate their own cupcake. Some cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles and there you have it! You can even have different cupcake liners available to allow for more personalization. If you haven't already, check me out on Pinterest and look for my board: Party Ideas - Cupcake Party.

Have fun putting the favors together, but remember that less can be much more in this department.

And He was STILL Hungry

As I said in my previous post, I kept the decorations low key because I wanted the focus to be on the food. For each item, I had a little place card that said, "On ______ he ate through _____ ."

The books starts out on Sunday and a little egg was on a leaf... I decided to start the food off with some very hungry caterpillars...

Monday he ate through an apple, Tuesday some pears, Wednesday a few plums, Thursday four strawberries, and on Friday even more oranges.

What I did was make sugar cookies, and then iced them with a powdered sugar icing.

Saturday was when he was REALLY hungry.

He ate through...

One piece of chocolate cake....

...An ice cream cone... We set out the cones and had the ice cream pre-scooped and waiting in the freezer until it was time to eat. 

...A pickle, Swiss cheese, and salami...

...A lollipop...

...A piece of cherry pie {instead of baking a whole cherry pie, we made mini cherry pie bites}...

...Sausage... {which I don't have a picture of, but we cooked Italian sausages on the grill}

...A cupcake...

...And finally, a slice of watermelon.

The spread...

The food was fantastic and everyone seemed to enjoy it...especially the birthday girl. The ironic part of the party? The birthday girl spent about half of the party, sitting in her chair eating! What a fun party!

Decorations and other fun things...

 

One of the things that I love most are the colors. They are fun, bright, and perfect for summer. I found some awesome plates and napkins that had the colors and the dots...a great match!

 

 

I hung a "caterpillar" from the porch with Chinese lanterns. A little construction paper and POOF! a caterpillar! The thing that I loved about this was when the breeze picked up, the lanterns swayed just enough that it looked like it was inching along...very cool.

 

Those were the main decorations. Much of the detailed work came with the food...which you will have to wait to see!

On Monday he ate through...

One of my all time favorite books for children is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It is just fun and the illustrations are great.

So, when my two year old {who is no stranger to eating enormous amounts of food} turned two, I couldn't think of a better theme.

Below is her invitation. Throughout this week will look at food, decor, and games. Enjoy!