Looking for something special for a Valentine's Day party? I found these sweet lace chargers at Michael's this week and just had to share them with you...
Aren't they pretty! I especially love them as a backdrop to pretty vintage china plates and Valentine's Day treats!
Quite a bargain, too, at only $2.99 each!
XOXO
Jessica
A New Year's Eve party just wouldn't be complete without a fabulous bar cart, now would it? They are all the rage these days and you can find them everywhere - from true vintage ones sourced at the local flea market to great reproductions found at shops like West Elm. I just adore mine - it has two tiers for maximum storage and antique mirrored shelves!
Once you have procured the cart, the fun part begins - stocking and styling the bar! It probably won't surprise you to know that I often choose my selections based on how pretty the bottles are. :-) Of course, quality counts, too! In addition to the requisite wines, champagnes and alcohol, make sure to include some pretty bottles of water or lemonade. I like to incorporate vintage decanters and a chic shaker adds a glam touch. Don't forget fresh flowers, such as these lavender roses...
Pretty drinking straws (like these gold chevron ones) and colorful glassware are a must!
These gorgeous glittered coasters from Kate Spade are a new addition this year!
Not shown, but should be put out right before your guests arrive - fresh juice in pretty pitchers, bitters, mixers, olives, citrus garnish (lemon, lime & orange slices), and my personal favorite - Maraschino Cherries! Because who doesn't love a Shirley Temple???
XOXO
Jessica
When I found these pretty foil-covered chocolate balls, I just knew I had to do something fun with them.
They reminded me of my vintage mercury glass Christmas ornaments, so I thought - why not turn them into mini ornaments!
These are so easy to make - you gotta try them! Here's what you'll need:
-Small foil-covered chocolate balls (similar ones here)
-Inexpensive mini ornaments (16 for $1 at the Target Dollar Spot)
-Glue gun/sticks
-Narrow Ribbon
To make my chocolate ornaments, I began by carefully removing the hangers from the mini ornaments that I bought at Target...
They came off very easily.
Next, I used a bit of hot glue to secure one to each chocolate ball. Hint: try to put the glue inside the hanger opening to minimize any glue from showing on the outside of the ball. Allow to dry and add a bow or loop of narrow ribbon to the hanger!
These would look so pretty scattered on your holiday table, hanging from a mini tree, or even adorning a holiday package. ***Please note that these are tiny (i.e., a choking hazard), so keep them away from the little ones!
:-)
Jessica
If you are celebrating Chanukah this week, then you may be in need of some "gelt" (chocolate coins). You can usually find it in the traditional gold or silver foil wrappers, but I found the prettiest, most beautifully colored gelt at World Market! Pink, aqua, purple, red, blue, mint green, etc...
LOVE it! And it makes a gorgeous (and yummy) centerpiece when paired with this chic gold tray from West Elm!
Just fill with the coins and you have a pretty and delicious centerpiece for your Chaunukah table!
OK, now I am off to get started on Thanksgiving! Back soon...
:-)
Jessica
Well, Autumn is officially here. I can see the leaves are starting to change color and apples abound at the local farmer's markets. I decided it was time to make some caramel apples...or better yet, chocolate caramel apples!
These are delicious and so fun to make with the kiddies. I could get all fancy and make my own caramel, but honestly, Kraft does a pretty darn good job. So, grab a bag or two of caramels (the sticks are usually included), some good quality chocolate, some of your favorite apples (I like to use a nice, firm variety with a hint of tartness to offset all that sweetness), and some sprinkles.
Your apples should be at room temperature. Wash and dry your apples very well. Remove the stems and Insert the sticks firmly into the apples. Dip your apples in the caramel according to the directions of the package (the microwave makes this super easy) and set aside to dry on some parchment paper. When the caramel has set up, dip or drizzle the apples with the melted chocolate....and quickly add some sprinkles before it hardens. Allow to set up completely.
A few tips: Try to use organic apples or those from the farmer's market. The ones in the supermarket often have wax on them that will interfere with the adhesion of the caramel. Also, after dipping in the chocolate, you can put the apples in the fridge for a few minutes to help the chocolate set up quicker.
For fun, I like to put mine in cello bags and tie them with come ribbons made from vintage fabric!
Bon appetit!
:-)
Jessica
"Mini-me" needed to come up with some candles for a friend's birthday cake this past weekend.
Luckily, she picked the right mother for that. :-) I love birthday candles and always keep a sizable stash on hand...
Birthday candles are just one of those happy, little items, aren't they? They make for a fun and practical collection, too. You can certainly find them at party and craft shops, but I have actually found many of mine at bakeries (i.e., Peggy Porchen) and supermarkets! Whenever we travel out of the country, I also always make it a point to check out the local party supplies in the grocery shops. I've found some really pretty and usual ones this way. Here in the States, I have purchased some of my very favorites online at Shop Sweet Lulu and Caspari.
And remember, if you have not yet entered to win a copy of Rachel Ashwell's newest book, Prairie Couture and Flea Market Treasures, you still have until Midnight tonight EST! Just follow @cicobooks on Twitter and let me know by leaving a comment. The winner will be announced tomorrow!
Happy Monday!
:-)
Jessica
Who doesn't love the delicious combination of cake and ice cream? As a little girl, I was always delighted when a Carvel or Baskin Robbins ice cream cake was served at a birthday party. Those are some pretty yummy memories. So, with some family birthdays coming up this summer, I thought I would experiment with making something evocative of those old-fashioned ice cream cakes - birthday cake ice cream!
And it was so easy to make. You only need a few ingredients: cake (pound cake holds up especially well), ice cream (I like vanilla for this because it looks pretty, but any flavor will work), some butter-cream icing in your favorite colors, and SPRINKLES (confetti or jimmies are best, as the colors don't bleed as much as the non-pareils).
Now, if you are in the mood, by all means - break out the ice cream maker and bake up your favorite cake recipe. But I was feeling lazy, so I just bought some really good quality ice cream and called upon my good, old friend, Sara Lee. :-) I did make my own butter-cream icing though - it's easy and so much better than the canned stuff. And sprinkles are never on short supply around here. To begin, take your ice cream out of the freezer and allow it to soften up a bit. Cut your pound cake into small, bite-size pieces...
Prepare your buttercream and tint it to your color(s) of choice. I chose pink and a minty green...
Now, in a large bowl, mix dollups of icing in with your ice cream - being careful to not over-mix. It should look something like this...
Carefully add in your cake cubes...
And your sprinkles...
It will look like this...
Place the mixture back in the freezer to harden-up again. See how pretty it looks when it's all done...
All those bits of cake, ice cream, and icing! Of course, you can vary the flavors and mix-ins, so the possibilities are infinite!
:-)
Jessica
Have you all heard about Martha Stewart's newest line of party supplies for J.C. Penny??? When I found out about it, I was so excited that I immediately made a bee-line to the nearest store. So glad I did! The pretty and colorful new collection is called "Martha Celebrations"...
And it's really much more than just a collection - it's actually an entire mini-shop within the department store!
The items are all thoughtfully organized by party type - weddings, birthdays, 4th of July, etc... There is everything one might need to put on a truly fabulous fete - and every current party trend is represented - from fringe-y streamers to striped paper straws and giant balloons!
There is also an extensive line of gift wrapping and greeting cards. And the candy! Did I mention the candy?
Pretty, pretty candy in an array of beautiful colors!
Now, if you don't have a J.C. Penny near you, fear not - you can buy everything on-line right here!
Happy Shopping!
:-)
Jessica
Mother's Day is this coming Sunday and I have been busy planning a very special brunch for my very deserving Mommy (yes, I actually still call her that!). I've been having lots of fun with all the little details. Like this pretty, floral ribbon (Celebrate It brand) that I found at Michaels...
The minute I saw it, I knew it would be just perfect for wrapping Mother's Day gifts.
The flowery, pastel prints remind me of some of my favorite vintage fabrics (like that one in the background). I decided to use plain, white gift wrap, as I love how it makes colors and patterns "pop"!
I spent some time making my own bows - which is really very easy to do - all you need is a stapler and the ability to form a loop!
Now I am off to finish planning my brunch menu...
Happy Thursday!
XOXO
Jessica
If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, then you already know how excited I was to find Target's new collection of pretty pastel party supplies this past weekend.
There are a bunch of super cute garlands, lanterns, confetti, and honeycomb decorations, but my most favorite find was the tulle pom pom picks!
Aren't they pretty!
I just LOVE them! Perfect as cupcake toppers, cocktail picks, or even as a little bouquet!
Happy Tuesday!
:-)
Jessica
