HALLOWEEN PARTY WEEKEND

Did you go to any Halloween parties this past weekend? Private or public parties were going on all over. What did you dress up as? My husband and I went to a house party as Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. Lots of fun. It was the first time we got dressed up for Halloween before the kids!

I did a better job getting photos of the costumes than the party decor.

How cute are these cake pops??

Yup, even adults play the mummy game!

Enjoy these last few Halloween days!

"FASHIONABLE" PARTIES

In addition to following party blogs, I follow quite a few fashion blogs. I love keeping up with style trends and seeing how different people wear them. So, I thought it might be fun to feature parties that reflect a few of this fall's style trends!

ANIMAL PRINT
Whether it's leopard, cheetah, zebra, giraffe or snakeskin – animal print is big this fall! I personally feel comfortable wearing it in small doses. I have a cheetah scarf and am looking for some booties (I don't think I could wear a full cheetah print dress). We've been seeing animal prints in parties for a while, but it's probably a great theme to do these days if you're planning a girls get together this coming holiday season! Keep in mind, animal print in excess can quickly look tacky. This party does a great job in balancing a busy animal print with bursts of solid color.

Cheetah Print Party at Catch My Party

PLAID

This is perfect for the holiday season. Keep in mind plaid does not have to be in the traditional red and black. I actually love green and blue plaid. And have any of you seen the yellow plaid Clueless-inspired clothing at Target??

Plaid Party at Apartment Therapy

WESTERN

Slide on those trendy cowboy boots for a fun hoedown! This is a fun theme for kids and adults. Best thing about putting together this theme, is you might already have a lot of the decor items. (Think rope, hay bales, crates, tin serving buckets and trays, etc.)

Western Party at Catch My Party

5 WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR PARTY

A common theme, probably with any spending these days, is that people want to get the most bang for their buck. They don't want to spend a huge amount of money for a 2-hour party. There are a few things you can do that will help upgrade the look and tone of your party without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas for you to consider for your next event.

GET RID OF THE GOODIE BAGS: In my opinion this is where money literally gets thrown away! Instead of buying random plastic items that parents are going to throw away or will get lost, use the money to buy one substantial party favor, that doesn't have to cost a lot. Take advantage of your dollar store or use those DIY skills to spruce up a candle, water bottle, or wine glass (for an adult party!) It'll make a much better lasting impression on your party guests.

PLAY WITH HEIGHT: I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a barbecue or party and everything is just put out flat on a table. By simply using wrapped boxes or cake plates (or a plate on a sturdy cup!) displaying food dishes and desserts on varying heights immediately gives your food table a much more attractive and more pleasing appearance.

Photo Source

MULTIPLY YOUR DECOR: You're thinking "if I do that, that means more money." Not if you're using inexpensive items, like crepe paper. Ever walk in to a party and there's literally one strand of crepe paper going from one corner to another, and then another strand in between the other two corners, and that's it? I always think, "Why did they stop there?" Keep going, it makes a serious impact and a wow factor when people walk into a room, as exemplified by the above from The Celebration Society. This can also be achieved with multiple paper fans or paper plates on a backdrop.

Photo Source

USE YOUR DIY SKILLS: Have some inexpensive, solid color balloons? Upgrade the balloons by adhering tissue paper flowers on them (as done above by HGTV.com) or turn them into fruit!

Photo Source

PLAY WITH ICE: For a kids party, freeze ice cubes with something fun (and edible) like gummy bears in them. It'll be fun for the kids to spot the gummy bears in their drinks! Try creating an ice ring for your punch bowl or how about using edible glitter to add sparkle to drinks, as done above by Bespoke Bride?

What other ideas do you have?

4TH OF JULY OUTFITS WITH ITEMS YOU PROBABLY ALREADY HAVE

I usually post some fun red, white and blue food items to make for the 4th, but instead let's address what you might want to wear tomorrow night! Since it's so last minute I'm giving you really easy ideas. I'm thinking you might already have items similar to these in your closet.

Have a safe and fun 4th!

PULL OUT THE DENIM
Nothing says USA like blue denim. Just adding a denim vest to a cute dress like this immediately gives off the 4th vibes. Photo source.

VINTAGE TEE
Bring on the feeling of good ol' fashioned American nostalgia to celebrate America's birthday. Coincidentally my daughter is planning on wearing her Coca Cola tee tomorrow night. Photo source.

STYLISH RED
I bet you have something red in your closet! Better than just a T-shirt, this adorable off the shoulder top looks great with a pair of denim shorts. It's easy and fits right in. Photo source.

STRIPES
They're reminiscent of the flag and they certainly don't have to be red. This dress below is only $19 and makes such a statement! Photo source.

MY GIRLS' BIRTHDAY

I can not believe how fast the days are going by! I just assumed with school out our days would be working on a slower pace, but that has not been the case. One big thing that happened was that my twin girls turned 12 last week. Officially tweens–and maybe the calm before the storm?! It's sad my girls no longer want the themed home parties. So, we let them each invite two friends for a day at Waterworld. Their friends slept over the night before and of course I needed to get some party decor into the night. The adorable party plates and table cover came from Walmart and I used Waterworld's sun logo as the cupcake toppers.

The top of the pineapple made a cute adornment for the cupcake display.

 The popcorn was covered with yellow candy melt, and was delicious!

By the way, swedish fish DO NOT float. Not sure how people are getting those shots on Pinterest. LOL

IS YOUR HOME READY FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING?

Memorial Day is this Monday–the official start of summer! I feel like it really snuck up on me this year. We are so behind on home projects that I feel like that's all we're going to be doing this weekend. Are you--or better yet--is your backyard ready for summer entertainaing? Here are 5 tips to get your home ready for those summer nights!

REPLACE WORN CUSHIONS: If you've pulled out seat cushions from storage and some are really faded or worn out, go ahead and replace them. Cushions are usually what add pops of color to your outdoor decor and they just won't serve their purpose if they're faded.

FIX BIG LAWN PROBLEMS: If there are any big, glaring dead spots in your lawn or dozens of weeds around, try to get those issues fixed before hosting guests.

AMPLE LIGHTING: Most summer parties start and end well into the night so make sure you have some form of lighting prepared. That could mean lights attached to your patio umbrella, mason jars with tea lights around the deck, candles or even Christmas lights hung up around the perimeter of your yard.

REVIEW YOUR TOOLS/SUPPLIES: Make sure your grill scrub cleaners and other tools are still in good condition and that you even know where they all are. If you have a propane grill, make sure the tank is full. This is also a good time to make sure you have bug spray, sunblock and paper goods, such as plates and cups, stocked.

BUY A NEW GAME: No doubt relaxing and sipping a refreshing drink on the patio is enjoyable, but it's always fun to get a little competitive in the backyard with a game. One of our neighbors set up a badminton set in their backyard last year and it was a blast!

So are you ready to host a summer soiree? What other tips do you have?

Photo Source: Pixabay

SUMMER BUCKET LIST FOR THE PARTY ENTHUSIAST

With summer around the corner I'm seeing a lot of bucket lists filled with activities to do over the next few months - most of them with kids. I decided to put together a bucket list for the summer hostess! Here are a few goals and skills to accomplish over the next few months. Let me know if you have any good ones to add.

PERFECT A NEW COCKTAIL: Learn a new cocktail using a summery flavor like peach and make it your signature drink for the season.

LEARN A NEW FROSTING TECHNIQUE: Pick up a frosting bag and look up a YouTube video to liven up your desserts. Truth be told, I have yet to perfect a ruffle cake. I do not have a steady hand!

GIVE BACK: If you're a professional party planner, look for an opportunity to give back to your community. For instance, host a party at a local hospital for children that have a summer birthday or look to see if Operation Shower will be in your area..

MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM: You can't get any easier than this recipe here! Make sure to have a large choice of toppings to make it complete.

THROW AN OUTDOOR MOVIE PARTY: There's nothing like watching a movie on a big screen, under the stars. Prepare a popcorn bar and have plenty of blankets and mosquito spray on hand.

HOST A UNIQUE THEME: Come up with an unexpected theme for a summer soiree... maybe something like a Heathers croquet theme party! Great excuse to get the girls together.

PICK YOUR OWN BERRIES: I am so grateful when summer hits because I feel like we eat much healthier in the summer. Find a farm near you where you can pick your own berries and fruit. It's a lot of fun and your taste buds will thank you. Plus, your desserts will burst with flavor.

MAKE A KICKASS PLAYLIST OR UPDATE AN OLD ONE: Music is a great way to set the tone for a party, and there's always that one song that becomes the summer anthem. Put together a playlist to have ready when guests come over.

PICNIC IN THE PARK OR BEACH: If you're like me you collect a lot of cute items that you hope to use one day, like a picnic basket, cool wine holders, etc. Make use of them by enjoying a picnic at the park, beach or even the backyard. My girls love to picnic under the tree in our backyard. That way if we forget something, we don't have to go very far!

VISIT A FLEA MARKET: Take a stroll through a flea market to find new party items or home decor. There are many treasures to be found at flea markets, and most of the time you can negotiate the price for something you really like!

Photo Source: Pixabay

BEAT THE POST-PARTY BLUES

Do you ever feel sad when a party you've hosted is over? I know I do. All that work, and it's done in a snap! Even if it's not a party as huge as a wedding, once it's over, you're faced with the regular day to day--all that exciting anticipation is gone--and welcome the post-party blues. So what should you do?

TAKE A MOMENT. I feel like I never get to eat or enjoy the work I've put into a party until it's over. Really. Once it's over, I'm not one of those people that starts trashing everything. I sit down (rest my feet and back!) and enjoy a piece of cake, or whatever might be left over, and I savor every piece!

DON'T DWELL ON WHAT WENT WRONG. There are always things that are out of your control--the weather, a spill, someone not playing fair... Don't dwell on that. Think about everything that went right and how much fun everyone had.

DECIDE ON HOW YOU'RE GOING TO PRESERVE THE MEMORY. I always make a photo book for each of my girls' birthday parties. They're almost 12 now and they still love looking through all of them. You might want to journal the day, including funny little details that may have happened or been said.

REWARD YOURSELF. Especially when it's a birthday party, all the work you're doing when throwing a party seems to be for someone else, or the guests. I'm always thinking about how to make things easier, more accommodating, more fun for the guests. Once it's all over, treat yourself to a new lipstick, or if budget allows a massage or facial!

GET PLANNING AGAIN! If nothing else works, start planning the next soiree!

Photo: Ryan McGuire/Pixabay

CHRISTMAS COOKING BAKING FUN

If you're like the Haggards, one fun tradition for the holidays is baking cookies. If you can get the kids involved, then it's even better. This family decided to turn their cookie baking tradition into a souvenir photo shoot. Donned with matching aprons and smiles, their two little ones made the perfect helpers. Photographed by Arizona's Anna Marisol, the shoot featured Christmas decor, special baking items like the recipe book and rolling pin, and of course plenty of icing and cookie dough! I think this would also make for a wonderful accordion-fold Christmas card. Enjoy!

Photographer:   Anna Marisol Photography // Bakery: Sweet Little Celebrations // Apparel: Hobby Lobby // Apparel: Target//

Submitted via Two Bright Lights

LET THE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES BEGIN

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a pretty low-key Thanksgiving - which was fine by me! However, since we didn't go anywhere we rallied a few of my daughters' friends who were actually in town for a little craft party.

We started with making and decorating cookies. They did such a great job!

I didn't let them eat their cookies until after we had lunch - reindeer roll sandwiches. :)

And then we made snow slime! If you have a slime-obsessed child, you add Instant Snow and a little warm water to your slime mix and you get this powdery looking slime that looks like snow.

We had a couple of other crafts planned, but I think after the snow slime they were done and just played some games on their own. My girls are getting older and I realize these holiday party games and crafts are on a deadline... sniff... so making the most of it while I can!

'FUTURE'S SO BRIGHT' ELEMENTARY GRADUATION PARTY

Last week was a bittersweet one for me. My twin girls had their 5th grade promotion ceremony. It's exciting to see them become little ladies, but hard to see them grow up so fast.

To celebrate though a few families got together for a joint party and of course I volunteered to do the decorations. We had it at a neighbor's clubhouse, so the walls and such were a bit nitty gritty, but it was fine.

Since this was an elementary school "graduation" I wanted the decor to be fun, bright and look to the future. Inspired by this post I found on Pinterest, I went with the "Future's So Bright, Gotta Wear Shades" theme. I made the above sign with adhesive letters purchased at Target. Don't think those pieces of tape didn't bug me the whole night! But when you're putting up decor with 5 other people to get it done in 45 minutes that's what happens. (Plus, I was trying to hold back from being too nit picky!)

I had each parent provide a photo of the kids with shades on, that I created frames for and printed out. 

The other major piece of decor was the photo booth. Tissue paper made this really inexpensive, plus it was bright and played off the Mexican food we served.

The banner was made by just running AstroBright color paper through my printer and cutting each page out in a pennant shape.

The above paper lantern table centerpieces were great because they were light-up, so provided a soft glow when it got dark.

Each 5th grader got a Skittles-filled party favor.

Great fun was had by all - and that's all that really matters in the end, right?!

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THANK YOU CARD

This week is going to be a hard week for me. My twin girls will graduate from elementary school on Friday. I only have the twins so it's like boom, it's done! I feel very fortunate though that they each had such a great experience at their elementary school--especially since they each have such different personalities and needs. So, I really wanted to be able to express our thank you to the staff.

I have seen a lot of cute thank yous to teachers like this one on Pinterest. I decided to take the idea one step further. We made cards for each girl. You see the cover above. Inside, on the first panel the card is addressed to every teacher (including principals and specials teachers) that the girls have had since kindergarten. On the other side we outlined the many lessons each girl learned during her six years there. (Our elementary school is K-5.)

We'll be passing them out tomorrow and I know each teacher will really appreciate the note.

How do you thank your kids' teachers at the end of the year? Would love to hear!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS / OUR HOLIDAY CARD

Every year it's a bit of a creative challenge on what we're going to do for our holiday card. (Not doing one is NOT an option! ha ha) With photo booths being such a party craze this past year, this seemed like the idea to go with. One of my daughters wasn't too happy that she was cut out in most of the photos, but I tried to explain to her that's just part of the photo booth fun, and besides I post enough photos of her on Facebook, people know what she looks like!

I hope your holidays are filled with laughter and fun.

Best,
Rose Marie

PINTEREST WIN: "GIVE THANKS" BLOCKS

I wasn't planning on sharing this project on the blog, but I received so many questions and engagement when I posted it on my personal Facebook page, I thought I better!

A few weeks ago I hosted a craft night with some new gal pals. I needed to do something fairly easy but have it also be something we could actually use. I had pinned this project from Crystal and Co. quite a while ago. You can find the full directions here. She makes the project super easy because she provides the printables for free! There were no stencils to use or vinyl to cut. The most work was actually done by my husband who helped me cut the wood into blocks and I sanded down the edges.

The one thing I will warn you about is make sure not to use too much Mod Podge underneath the printables, otherwise you'll get bad bubbles. You just need a thin coat underneath and on top to adhere them onto the blocks.

I have my blocks on the mantle and love it! Another one of the ladies has them on a side table in her entryway and it looks great. Such a nice greeting for guests!

There is still time to give it a try. Happy Thanksgiving!

OUR HARRY POTTER PARTY: QUIDDITCH GAME

My husband gave me a hard time about getting this game set up for the party - he thought I was going a bit overboard - but it ended up literally costing less than $20 to make and took no longer than 30 minutes to set up. It ended up being a favorite activity at the party so it was totally worth it!

How we made our Quidditch game:

We compromised a bit. Instead of putting hoops at both ends of our field, we only put hoops in the middle of our backyard. We were afraid that if we put hoops near the fence, balls would constantly be going into our neighbors' yards, so we concentrated the game in the middle.

My husband purchased 3 long pieces of pine wood from Lowe's at $1 each. He shaved points at the end of each one to make it easier to get them into the ground. I purchased kid size (smaller than the usual size) hula hoops ($1 each) at Dollar Tree. My husband then drilled the hoops into each wood stake. We enforced it a bit with some clear packing tape. You can't really tell from this photo, but the middle one was higher/taller than the other two hoops.

Additionally, each girl got a broom to play with. I purchased $1 dowels from Hobby Lobby. I collected sticks from our neighborhood and hot glued them onto each dowel. I finished them off with a piece of ribbon I had.

We used a foam ball we found at Walmart as the "quaffle" and we happen to have a yellow golf ball that we used as the "snitch."

To play we used Flax & Twine's set of rules for the game here.

The girls really enjoyed it--even getting a bit competitive!

Make sure to check out the other posts about our Harry Potter party here, here and here.