{Recipes} Pumpkin Bread

{image via Flickr}

You will forever love me for this recipe! Seriously, this pumpkin bread is phenomenal and people will be asking you for the recipe. The recipe comes from a college friend whose family has baked the bread for years. Ever since I got my hands on the recipe, I have made it many times during the fall and winter holidays. I just made two loaves tonight to freeze and then serve on Thanksgiving morning!

Ingredients:

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

4 eggs

1 can Libby's pumpkin

2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees

* In a large bowl, mix the sugar and oil together

* Add the eggs and mix until yellow

* Add the canned pumpkin and mix

* In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon

* Then, add the bowl of dry ingredients to the egg/pumpkin mixture and mix.

* Add tsp of vanilla and stir again.

For Muffins:

Spray muffin tins or use liners and fill about 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes around 30 muffins.

For Bread:

Spray two loaf pans and divide batter evenly between the two pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes.

{Real Parties} Friar Tuck Cup

My good friend, Christine, recently hosted one of the best parties I have ever attended! That's because the length she went to, to entertain that evening, would compare with a wedding reception. But the occasion was intended just for a fun night out and to celebrate the completion of the tennis court on their property. I know...amazing, right??

{the fabulous Goodlight Photography studio captured the evening}

The party was called The Friar Tuck Cup which was named after their street. I wish I had an invitation picture to share with you! One morning, I awoke to a small box on my doorstep. It was a white box that contained a tennis ball packed in crinkle paper and the round, flip-book invitation was tucked inside. Amazing presentation and designed by Atelier du Papier!

All of the real tennis players were invited to play in a tournament that day and the rest of us, who just wanted to party, joined in the fun that evening. I knew it was going to be an unforgettable evening, but my jaw still managed to drop when I pulled into her gate. I could tell right away that the decor was phenomenal.

After the tournament was finished, Events in Bloom swooped in and turned the tennis court into a preppy lounge area and dance floor. The party colors consisted of yellow, green and navy and you saw touches of the palette all throughout the space...from the custom houndstooth pillows and tablecloths, to the ribbon chandeliers, napkins and drinks.

The decor was simply stunning, and for this event planning junkie (me!), I was in party heaven. Events in Bloom covered areas of the court with seagrass rugs and they brought in tables set with ghost chairs and different styles of banquettes to create lounge areas throughout the space.

Flip flops were available for the guests who wanted to get more comfortable or forgot that they could not wear heels on the court. I wore wedges...problem solved.

We were wined and dined by A Fare Extraordinaire which is one of the best catering companies in Houston. Then, The Spazmatics performed!!! If you are from Texas, you just might be familiar with this outstanding 80's cover band! I had a guess they were going to be the surprise entertainment and I was right! SO.MUCH.FUN.

Can you see the stage?! Those are tennis balls placed throughout the greenery on the facade! I love this picture. Everyone was asked to wear "tennis whites" and sweet Valerie, a current Belle (Belle of the Ball), said she came dressed as the tennis ball!! Love that story!

As we left, we were handed tennis ball cans which were filled with sweet potato chips dusted with powdered sugar...a signature dish of A Fare Extraordinaire. Delicious!

And to complete the evening, when my car was delivered to me by the valet, this small card was hanging on my rear view mirror. Seriously, Christine never leaves a detail out!

I just couldn't leave you without a few real party pics! Here I am hanging out with some of my best friends, guests dancing the night away to the 80's cover band and the hosts of the evening, Ty and Christine.

Thank you for an unforgettable evening! Can't wait until the Second Annual FTC!

A Gorgeous Thanksgiving Table & Giveaway

Amanda Parker of Shindig Parties styled the most gorgeous Thanksgiving table! What I love most about the table is how warm and welcoming it is. It is full of beautiful details, but it doesn't feel too fancy and untouchable. Below you will see a handful of pictures from the lovely table, but be sure to visit Amanda's blog to see many photos of the well styled dessert table.

ALSO...Amanda is offering P is for Party readers a chance to win the printables seen throughout the Thanksgiving tablescape as well as the personalization of up to 24 placecards or buffet cards!! Please read below on how to enter.

The ribbon chandelier makes such a big statement, but is easy to put together...no sewing involved! The ribbon is a garland and all you need to do is find the fabric of your choice and cut and tie!

The corn husk table runner is so inventive and can easily be made as well. Visit Amanda's blog for the step-by-step instructions.

I love the wine bottle labels which Amanda will customize for you with your family initial.

As is the tablescape, the dessert table is equally gorgeous! Be sure to visit Amanda's blog for lots of close up pictures of the beautiful desserts.

On to the Giveaway!

Thanksgiving is just over a week away and the Shindig Parties TO GO Thanksgiving printable collection would be perfect at your table. Here is how to enter...

* Are you a fan of Shindig Parties TO GO on Facebook? Amanda would love for you to join her. Let us know if you are already a fan or if you just became one. Earn an extra entry by doing any of the following. Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each of your comments. The contest ends this Thursday and all entries need to be in by 5:00 PM CST. Good luck!

* Are you an official follower of P is for Party?? If you are, please let me know. If not, I would be so happy if you became a follower!

* I would love for you to join me on Facebook as well! Please let me know if you already "like" P is for Party or if you just joined the party.

Good luck everyone!

WH Hostess Holiday Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who participated in this GREAT giveaway! I couldn't believe that the winner, generated by random.org, was entry #1! What are the odds?! Thank you Kelly for offering our readers such a nice gift! Cory, please contact Kelly at hostess@thepartydress.net to start the process!

{Real Parties} A Modern Aqua & Green Apple Shower

Katie of Katie Grace Designs has impeccable taste and I love every party she puts together! What I love the most about Katie's parties is that they are hand made and full of DIY details. I know you will be smitten with all of the special touches found throughout this modern aqua and green apple baby shower!

Katie made this door hanger using large letters from a craft store, fake green apples and paint. Visit Katie Grace Designs to read about the how-tos on all of the shower projects.

Here is a perfect example of Katie's attention to detail! The sign in pens are even wrapped in coordinating fabric and topped with a mini apple!

Lots of spray paint was used here and on many of the other decor items.

Another great DIY project! Katie recycled sparkling water bottles and spray painted them green to be used as vases.

To continue the apple theme, there was an apple cider station of course!

I love the look of the favor table! Guests took home apple cider encased in homemade packages along with a fabric wrapped apple.

Thank you Katie for sharing this perfectly styled party with us! You will find many more pictures and details at Katie Grace Designs.