Real Parties: A Walk on the Wild Side

This wild baby shower was hosted by my friend, Paige (see her Cupcakes & Cocktails party!) for a close friend. I love the color combination she chose...leaf green, orange & white mixed with different animal prints.

Hayley Hardastle designed the invitation and other great paper products.

Guests signed their names on this keepsake paper as they walked into Paige's home. A similar sheet was used to record gifts as the mom-to-be opened presents.

The "beverage bar" which included 3 drinks with creative names.

Guests dined on chicken satays, mozzarella penne pasta salad, spinach artichoke dip, hummus & fruit salad.

Are these petit fours not the cutest?!

Paige got crafty and created the "BABY" sign that hung on the mantle.

The colors of the candy in this candy station really pop! This is a great example of how a small and simple candy table can still make a nice impact.

To see more pictures of this perfectly executed party, visit Paige's blog, HERE.

A few party details you might be interested in...

* Invitations & paper products were designed by Hayley Hardcastle.

* The plush giraffe is by Melissa and Doug via Amazon.

* The flowers and catering came from Central Market in Southlake.

* The Cakery in Southlake made the adorable monogrammed petit fours.

* The animal print ribbon and cardstock to make the "BABY" sign was purchased at Hobby Lobby.

Party Box Design

I was so glad when Jessica from Party Box Design got in touch with me! Browsing through her products, I can see how talented she is and that she has an eye for design. I think great boy parties are hard to come by, so I was so excited to find her take on the construction theme. I'm a sucker for houndstooth!

You may have already seen the next few pictures floating around the blogosphere. They are from a cupcake inspired baby shower that Jessica helped plan for a grandmother-to-be (love that idea!).

Be sure to check out Jessica's website and blog for more party inspiration and to learn more about her products and event planning services!

Real Parties: A Fancy Nancy Party

This GREAT Fancy Nancy party was sent to me and I knew I had to share it with you! Kristi went all out for her twin daughter's 6th birthday celebration. The party guests played dress up, made posh puppies, played games and had Fancy Nancy read to them with a twist.

The yummy parfait table (ice cream sundaes!) included rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, Oreos, cherries, marshmallows & pink M&M's.

You can see more party pictures HERE.

A few party details you might be interested in:

* The cupcake wrappers, hot pink frame and pink Eiffel Towers all came from Hobby Lobby.

* Rose Petals Bakery made the cupcakes and edible butterfly toppers.

* Chicago based, Unique Balloon Decorating, created the large "6".

* Kristi made all of the tags, labels, straws and tablecloths!

Recipes: Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

A friend gave me a recipe to a chocolate chip bundt cake that is DIVINE. It is super moist and what's even better is that is so easy to make!

{image via Food Network}

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix (no pudding added)

1 small box of vanilla instant pudding

1 small box of chocolate instant pudding

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup oil

4 eggs

semi sweet chocolate chips - I added about 8 oz

Directions:

* preheat oven to 350

* grease and flour bundt pan

* combine cake and pudding mixes in a bowl

* add oil and water and mix with a beater

* add eggs and mix

* stir in chocolate chips

* pour into bundt pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your oven

ENJOY!

Late Night Party Snack

{image via Keely Thorne Events}

There are NO WORDS to describe how excited I would be to find this waiting for me at the door as I left a late night wedding!! We have all seen sweets, such as cookies or a candy station, set up for guests to indulge in as they make their exit, but how great would it be to find a hamburger or chicken fingers with fries waiting for you!!

This would not only work after a wedding reception, but would be a nice touch after any late celebration!