It's {not} my party, but I'll find favors if I want to

There is nothing that I love more than a good party. Seeing friends and family, whipping up delicious dishes and just kicking back...it's a wonderful way to spend a Saturday, don't you think?

Next week we will celebrate my cousin's engagement at my parent's house. When my mom mentioned that they were brainstorming some food-themed party favors, I couldn't wait to push my way into get in on the fun. You may recall the truffle extravaganza that I helped Lindsey with for her engagement party...so fun!

I think food-themed favors are such a wonderful idea. Guests can enjoy them post-party and also eliminate trinket clutter. While looking around the web, I stumbled upon some truly fabulous and adorable party favor ideas that could easily be DIY'd and adapted for any party.

Red & Blue Taffy via Kara's Party Ideas

So chic and lovely. I adore the playful taffy and the color combo is so bold and different.

Red Velvet Cupcake Jars via cakies

Such a fun twist on the traditional cupcakes, and a lot easier to tote along for the ride home. I heart.

M&M-filled Glass Bottles via Haute Apple Pie

These ladies think of every detail for a party. A sweet label on the front adds the perfect touch to these adorable favors.

Butterscotch Moustache Pops via VintageConfections (Etsy)

I mean...could these be any more fun? Or cute? Not to mention the great photo ops.

S'mores Boxes via Parenting.com

I adore everything about this. I love the idea of DIY s'mores and there is something so pretty and sophisticated about a basic brown takeaway box with twine.

Mini Limoncello Bottles via My DIY Wedding

Such a fun and different idea. But, the real beauty here is the contrasting blue label tied with grass ribbon. Bellissimo.

 

Homemade Truffles (from Lindsey's Engagement Party!)

These were a bit of work, but came out oh-so-fun and special. I love.

Cookie Mix in Glass Jars via Bakerella

Everything she does is beautiful and chic, and these are no exception. How adorable?! Isn't everything prettier in a glass jar?

 

So there you have it. Some favors that I would love to receive at any party (so please invite me). I cannot wait to try DIY'ing some of these for parties over the next year!

Questions of the Day:

What's your favorite kind of party favor?

Have you ever DIY'd something fantastic to give out at a party?

psst...Kimberly is blogging all about finding that post-vaca motivation on The Peach & The Pit! Head over to share your tips!

Create a True Blood Theme Party

I'm so beyond excited this week. After almost a year-long wait, one of my favorite shows returns this coming Sunday. It's True Blood! Vamps and werewolves and fairies, oh my!

It's no secret that I have a TV/pop culture addiction. I'd think it was a problem if I didn't love it all so darn much. So instead, I'll call my obsession a hobby. And it's not too shabby to have a hobby with some eye candy either. Blood, sex, campiness...True Blood never ceases to go way beyond over the top and I love every moment. It's nothing short of sexy fun.

Since I'm counting down until the premiere, I thought it would be so fun to pull together all you need to vamp it up this coming Sunday with a True Blood theme party!

It all starts with the decor. I'm not suggesting over-the-top Halloween-style, but have some fun. Black and red will be the theme colors - bring it into the table linens and partyware. Fun glasses for your Tru Blood drinks are a must. Oh, and don't forget to play Jace Everett's Bad Things on loop (it's also just one of my favorite opening credits of all time). You can see the extended board on Pinterest (where you can follow me too!)

Clockwise from top left: Fangy napkins/plates, Essie Fishnet Stockings, Black paper lanterns, Border Collie

And of course, the food will be just as important.

Your party just won't be complete without some Authentic Tru Blood. I prefer O Negative. Mix sparkling wine or Sprite with cranberry juice and a couple of drops of red food coloring. Garnish with fresh cherries.

For the main course, I like Sookie's Baked Shrimp Po'Boys. We are channeling Louisiana after all, so Creole fare is necessary! I'm pretty sure Sam would serve these at Merlotte's in a heartbeat. Not to mention that these are super easy and destined to be a crowd pleaser.

 

 

 

To sweeten things up, bake up some Bon Temps Beignets. Douse with powdered sugar. Devour faster than Russell would a lady of the night. Hot out of the oven is best.

How about some Blood Orange Cake? I imagine this would satisfy just about any vampire, including a one Mr. Eric Northman (yowzah). Garnish with fresh slices of the gorgeous reddened fruit.

 

To top things off, a Compton Chocolate Covered Cherry Shake. This is actually perfect anytime...vamps or not.

So there you have it. All you need for a True Blood party that would make Lafayette proud. All we need are some headdresses and glittery eye shadow. So what do you think?

Will you be watching on Sunday? Do you have any ideas to add to my list? And if you don't watch True Blood (which you should), have you ever thrown a theme party?

It Could Be Worse

I love starting my week on a Tuesday, don't you?

Especially after a nice, long weekend of home improvement projects, barbecuing with friends and family and lounging in the hot Jersey sun. Things could be worse.

My waistline that was on the cusp of trimming down could now revolt.

At least I used a sandwich thin. Though my palette seriously missed out on the good, old-fashioned potato roll.

I could have found a delicious and refreshing new homemade poppy seed salad dressing that my sister Christine whipped up, possibly knocking out my favorite balsamic-honey-mustard dressing. The balsamic dressing simply won't be happy to hear about this.

I could have lamented that though I'm jumping for joy over corn season, Jersey corn hasn't quite hit yet, leaving all other corns inferior. But it's still fairly wonderful.

Especially when it's cut off the cob, leaving no pieces stuck in my teeth. Smart, right?

This little girl could have eaten her own doggie food, rather than hide out under the kids' chairs in hopes of finding lots of 'crumbs'.

I could have spent the day indoors or out on my sweltering terrace instead of lounging at my parents' pool with them, my sister Christine and my cousins.

Things could be worse.

How did you spend your long weekend? Any parties or picnics? And please weigh in...Do you eat your corn on or off the cob?