Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween, or All Hallow’s Eve, can be traced back to an ancient Celtic pagan festival called “Samhain,” which was celebrated over 2,000 years ago. The Celtic calendar began on November 1, and the Celts believed that as the old year faded and the new year emerged, the boundaries between the living and the dead became unstable. On the night of October 31, the spirits of the deceased could walk the earth and provoke sickness or damage crops. To combat these evil spirits and ward off wandering ghosts, the Celts built huge bonfires, left bowls of food outside their homes, and wore costumes and masks.

Although there are still plenty of ghosts and ghouls, Halloween has evolved into a secular, family-friendly event. One quarter of all the candy sold in the United States is purchased for Halloween,

and over 40 million children trick-or-treat in their neighborhood each year.

Happy National Candy Corn Day

 

             

National Candy Corn Day

It’s National Candy Corn Day! Did you know that candy corn has been around for more than 100 years and has never changed its look, taste, or design?

George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company created candy corn in the 1880s. It was made to mimic a kernel of corn and became instantly popular because of its innovative design. It was one of the first candies to feature three different colors!

Today, candy corn is a favorite American treat to enjoy during the Halloween season. The National Confectioners Association estimates that 20 million pounds of candy corn are sold annually. Grab a handful to celebrate National Candy Corn Day!

National Chocolate Day

 

October 28th, just before Halloween, is National Chocolate Day. This is the day that all chocolate lovers near and far can indulge in their addiction out on the open, without shame or ridicule. For me, this could be celebrated any day of the year!

A Disney Halloween

 

 

Before Halloween is over I wanted to make sure I shared with you my pictures of some of the really

cool things I found in Disney. 

Of course the park is decorated with

Mickey Pumpkins all over! 

I just love when it's a special time of year. 

Disney goes all out.  Not only do they go all out with the decorations but the cookies, the apples, cupcakes and candy are all done in the same theme. 

 After November 3 its  Christmas time.  New decorations go up, and the rest is history..

It amazes me how fast they turn it all around. 

You can go to the park one day and see Halloween and the next day its Christmas.

 I am so lucky that I live in Florida.

 I can take advantage of it all year long!!

If you have never been to the parks during the holidays. You must really try to visit. 

 It would take your breathe away!   

 

Halloween Check List

Everyone is getting ready for Halloween.  I found a Halloween check list from Birds Party. You can find it right here.  It really a great download to keep for your Halloween party events. http://www.birdsparty.com 

 

You can download the check list from this link.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-uWkM1h8ugGYWhaRGhYMU5rbTg/edit?pli=1

 

Enjoy it, Thank you Birds Party.com

 

 

Beach Theme Wedding

I had the pleasure to help another wonderful bride with her wedding Candy table. 

Her wedding was on the beach and of course she wanted a beach themed candy table.

She loves star fish so I tried to get as many as I could, without over doing it.

I lined the table with blue fish net.

 The props for this was easy and fun. 

The beach chair I picked up from a local store

and put it on a TV tray.

Finishing touches were sand, shells and little blue and clear rocks. 

My Candy tags all had small little star fish on them. 

All the colors were blue and white and silver. 

I topped off some marshmallows

with crystal blue and silver sprinkles. 

 It was perfect!!

 

Her centerpieces were so pretty just filled with shells.

And her seat chart was filled with sand.

Each card was placed inside.

So simple, So pretty! 

 

   

 

 

Fall Plate Charger

Fall Plate Charger

 

Well I did it. 

 I have been looking at everyone's blogs and loving all the great charger decor that everyone has been making.  So I ran to Michael's and bought a few different colors to try this myself.. 

It was easy to do. It came out perfect.  

I am in the process of making one for a candy table I am putting together for a bride.  Its in a beach theme. 

Its going to be one of a kind and I know the bride is going to love it.

 

Directions:

Mod Podge your rim of the Charger then glue glitter to it.  Try to match the glitter to the plate.  It looks so much better when its matching.  Add your decor to the plate. I bought these flowers from the Dollar Store and added some saying I had from my scrapbook room.  Its that easy! 

 

How To Throw A Balloon Themed Party

I wanted to share this great article with everyone. 

Its from Molly from http://www.liveinnanny.com

She always has such great party information.  I invite you to check out her site!

Enjoy!!!

 

How to Throw a Balloon-Themed Party

      

 

 

 

 

One staple of nearly every party is balloons. Whether they’re tied to the chair of the guest of honor, given to each attendee as they leave the party, or play a role in the party decorations, balloons are usually everywhere at parties. They add a fun touch to the environment, putting everyone in a festive mood, and can be used a variety of different ways. For instance, how fun would it be to have your guests walk through a balloon archway on their way into your house? There are even balloon games you can play and food you can make that looks like balloons. The sky is the limit when throwing a balloon party.

Invitations

To use balloons in your invitations, you can hand-deliver a helium balloon to each of your guests with the invitation tied to the balloon. Another option would be to print out the details for the party onto colorful printer paper and cut it out. You should be able to get 4 invitations per 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. Roll up the invitation and put it inside the balloon. Now, blow up the balloon with helium or air. With a permanent marker write, “You’re Invited” or “Come Float Away with Me” on the balloon and deliver it to the guests. They will have to pop the balloon to get the party information out.

Decorations

There are several ways you can incorporate balloons into your party decorations. Start by creating an archway of balloons for your guests to walk through on their way into the party. Tie a string that is 12 feet long between two chairs. Take one balloon and fill it with helium and tie it off. Fill a second balloon and do the same thing. Tie the two balloons together using the necks of the balloons. Make another pair of balloons and then twist the four balloons together to form a cluster. Twist the cluster onto the center of the string. Continue making clusters and tying them onto the string until the entire string is full. It will take about 78 balloons. When you are twisting the balloons onto the string, try to attach them as close together as you can without sliding them on the string. Now that your string is full you can take the ends of the archway off of the chairs and move it into place over your walkway. Tie the ends of the archway to some balloon weights to make sure they don’t blow away.

You can also scatter helium balloons and non-helium balloons all around the party area to lend a festive touch. If the party is to be held outside, you can use golf tees to hold down helium balloons all over the yard.

Refreshments

To continue with the balloon theme, serve anything that is shaped like a balloon. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be cut out with a balloon shaped cookie cutter and served on a colorful tray. Sandwich roll ups can also be shaped to look like a balloon. Spread some whipped cream cheese onto a tortilla and lay thin slices of ham or turkey on it, leaving a border. Roll up the tortillas into a pinwheel shape and slice. Push the slices into the shape of a balloon and you’re done.

Balloon kabobs are simple to make with grapes and a skewer. (Be sure to blunt the end of the skewer if the kids are helping make these) Balloon shaped cheese and cherry tomatoes on a pretzel stick can also work for balloon shaped food.

Another idea is to order balloon shaped cake pops and sugar cookies, or to create your own ice cream bowls by using balloons. To make balloon shaped ice cream bowls, blow up as many water balloons as you need bowls. Next, in a microwave-safe bowl melt a bag of chocolate candy melts (don’t use chocolate chips because they won’t work). Melt the candy melts according to package directions. Lay out waxed paper on your table. Dip each balloon into the chocolate until you get what looks like a good sized bowl and then lift up. Let some of the chocolate drip off and then set on the waxed paper. You will have to hold it there until the chocolate sets up just enough to keep it standing. Continue dipping the remaining balloons in the same manner. Once the chocolate has set up you can pop the balloons and gently remove them from the chocolate. Your bowls are ready to use or they can be stored in a single layer in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Games

• Balloon Pop- Blow up 9” balloons for each of the kids that are playing the game. Give each child a balloon and when you say, “Go!” they have to try to sit on the balloon to pop it. The first one to pop their balloon wins. Warning: Popped balloons can be a choking hazard so make sure that the popped balloons are picked up immediately if there are little ones around.
• Water balloon toss- Fill a 5 gallon bucket full of filled water balloons. Pair the kids up and give each pair a water balloon. Let them play catch with the balloon. Have the kids start close together and then on your command have them take one step backwards. The last pair to still have their balloon wins.
• Break a Piñata- Purchase or make a balloon shaped piñata and let the kids take turns trying to break it. Hang the piñata outside in a tree. Blindfold the child and give them a stick to break the piñata. Spin the child around and point them toward the piñata. When the piñata breaks everyone scrambles to pick up the candy that falls out of the piñata. It’s a good idea to provide bags or sacks for the kids to put their candy in. This can be part of their party favor.

Party Favors

Hand out helium balloons to the kids when they leave. Between the candy from the piñata and the balloon you have a simple and inexpensive party favor for everyone.

Balloon parties are appropriate for children of any age and can be a lot of fun. These are just a few ideas, and there are many more things that you can do with balloons, so be creative and involve the kids in planning their balloon party.

My Fall Mantel

If you know me then you know how much I love Fall.

  I love when we get to turn the clocks back and

it gets darker earlier.

I love all the great fall colors, food and decor. 

I only wish we lived some place north where I can enjoy the change of the leaves. I love all the colors!

When fall begins here in Florida.  I get the whole house ready for the upcoming holidays. I love when I smell the fire wood burning outside.

Inside I have my candles burning too. 

The smell of Oatmeal Raisin and Pumpkin fills my home.

I love all the great and creative ideas everyone is doing with their mantels.  This year I thought I should give it a try. It's my first time doing the mantel ever.  

It was easy and I hardly spent any money.

I hope you like it as much I as do!

 

The little leaves I hung on wire and the leaves are felt bought at the Dollar Store.

I had this little chest of draws that I found at Goodwill it went perfect with my mantel design.  I filled it with flowers and small pumpkins from the Dollar Store.

I have had these items for years and usually just put them around the house.  My pumpkins tea light candles holder and my little Pilgrims.  I had this white pitcher and bought these fall flowers from target on sale.

This is my Charger Plate that I bought from Michael's.  It was on sale for 1.00.  I glued the rim of it and then sprinkled brown glitter on it.  Glued down flowers bought from the Dollar Store.  Added the sayings and embellishments that I had from my scrapbook room.  It really came out nice!   

Mingle Magazine

 

I just LOVE this magazine.  

 

I found this when I was on line at Michael's

the other day. 

I can't believe no one has told me about it before?  Where am I living? How could I have missed this?  I picked it up and never thought twice about the price!  Then I realized there are even back issues! I am making sure I get every single one of them!

It's beautiful the whole thing.

Filled with so much information.

The Autumn issue is packed with beautiful ideas for gatherings, weddings and Halloween.  

If you are in the party business you must pick this up.  Take your time reading it, enjoy all the beautiful ideas, and pictures..

I promise you will love it.     

 

PUMPKIN DECOR

Well I must say there are very talented people out there.   Pumpkin art is at a new level.  Everyone is creating a new look for their pumpkins this year. 

I have seen some with pearls, sequence, and beautiful stones. I guess the basic decorating days of a pumpkin where you just cut out a eye, nose and mouth

is a thing of the past. 

Some of these ideas below I would never even think of.

I found these in Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine  

It has me trying to create a one of a kind pumpkin.  

I thought I would post my little Boo Pumpkin

 I made out of tissue paper.  I started now to make a pretty pink one and will post once its finished. 

 I also bought a white pumpkin (my favorite) and all I did was tie a pretty fall bow around it.  It gave it so much character. But that one I am saving to show you once I finish my front door entrance way....

 

So when creating your Halloween party this year, Take your pumpkin to the next level..   

 

 

 

 

Where Should I have My Event Part 2

Where Should I Have My Event Part 2

 

Here are more options for your event.  Again each one is different and each one

gives your event a personality.  

 

Mansions- These are usually homes or estates that rent their property out for events.  A lot of these places are historic and are so beautiful because the grounds are taken care of with only the best flowers and decorations around.  It's a beautiful setting for any event.  Usually an outside event , but they do offer

seating for large groups inside too.

 

Hotels- Hotels are the most popular of all venues.  Allowing guests on site accommodations as well as spas, exercise rooms, room service, shuttles and someone always there to help you.

 

Country Clubs- Are listed in the top 3 places to have an event.  Allowing guests to use their activities such as tennis, spas, and golf.  Since so many weddings and events are at Country Clubs there is always a party planner to work with you and help you with your special day.   They are the ones that take care of everything for you, from the moment you sign your contact with them.  They are used to dealing with large groups and always go out of their way to make you happy!

 

Banquet Halls - This is the most cost efficient way to have your event.  Allowing you to create the party you want.  You will most likely bring in the food, drinks, chair, tables etc.. A lot of places have a few rules but more or less you can be

in charge of your affair.

 

Restaurants- If you are having a smaller event, and just inviting close friends, then this is the perfect place for you.  It allows you to have more of an intimate party.  There is always plenty of staff to help you, and they

almost always work with you on the times. 

 

I hope you now have an easier time when it comes to decide where to host your event!!

 

 

 

Where Should I have My Event Part 1

Where should I have my event Part 1 

 

With all the new options now to have an event.  It can become quite confusing where to have your party at.  Of course the first thing is to see what you can afford before you start planning.  Once you have your budget its time to pick you venue. With so many out there  I have decided to help explain the different ones your can choose to host your event.

 

 

The Ballroom-Ideal for an elegant sit down event. They hold a large crowd and are designed for groups of 300 or more.  Ballrooms can become quite costly as a lot of them you are just renting the room only!

 

Outdoors- Events at parks, gardens and beaches give you the openness that you need with out having to pay extra.  But be careful of the time of year.  Rain could be a problem. Having an event outdoors gives your quests a relaxed feeling.

 

The Arts- Museums are up and coming now. If you watch 4 weddings you will see many brides planning their events at old museums.  Depending on the type of museum you can make your event one o a kind giving it a special look.

 

Urban- Another big trend.  Having your event on the top floor of a building over looking the city lights.  With windows all over the room will allow guests to enjoy the lights beaming in as they are dancing the night away!.      

I have something really special to share with you!. 

This party was created by Modernfrills.  The detail of her party was done so beautiful!  I invite you to visit her and check out her amazing work!

 

Party Details …

My daughter, Ava Kate, has one love … Peter Pan.  She loves to read the book, watch the movie and dress the part.  I knew before asking her that a Neverland party was in our future.  In planning the party, I wanted Ava Kate to participate.  She helped me make the watercolor painted lace crowns.  She painted and glittered them for each of her guests.  She also helped glitter the mini cakes used on the DIY invitations.  Another simple DIY from the party was the neon pink striped tablecloth.  Taking an inexpensive curtain sheer, Ava and I painted neon pink diagonal stripes using painters tape to set the lines creating a custom tablecloth for under $5.

As guests arrived to the party, they were fancied up with a crown and bubblegum necklace.  We transformed a TV room into Neverland.  Lights sparkled from the ceiling.  Quilts and oversized pillows were thrown about to create a cozy movie watching environment.  The girls got to snack on a rainbow of candied popcorn while watching the movie. 

After the movie, the guests sang Happy Birthday and were treated to a sweets table.  The cookies by Callye of Sugarbelle’s were stunning.  The birthday girl’s initial was the design on one, while the other cookie featured a cake on a cake stand.  Additional sweets included a simple white cake strung with a neon pink tissue fringe cake topper as well as perfectly pink cake pops from Cake Pop Fusion. 

Vendors …

Fairy Garden Vintage Cake Stand Birthday Tee by Modern Frills … www.modernfrills.etsy.com

Initial and Cake Cookies by Callye of Sugarbelle’s … http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/

Cake Pops by Cake Pop Fusion … http://www.cakepopfusion.net/

Gumballs … http://www.shoptomkat.com/

My info …

shop: www.modernfrills.etsy.com

blog: www.modernfrills.com

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modern-Frills-Clothing/289917786115

pinterest: http://pinterest.com/Modern_Frills/

 

Halloween Chocolate Covered Pretzels

 

Don't you just love Chocolate covered Pretzels?  I do!! I love making them too. I have tons of orders for Halloween..  This year instead of doing different styles I decided to stick with a few for people to select. The Ghost pretzels are my favorite.  I think that they are adorable. All come wrapped with ribbon. If you are wanting to place an order don't wait too long. 

 

    

Bridal Show

I hope everyone add a nice weekend.  The weekend went so fast!  I hurt my back and stayed in my P.J's all weekend long. Even to sit at the computer hurts my back.  Now its time to get back to work tomorrow.  If I just had one more day for the weekend to rest my back, I might feel a little better.

 

I wanted to share with you all the great work at the last bridal show I was at. 

It was at the Embassy Suites in Palm Beach. 

 

The flowers and the settings were wonderful.  Loved the yellow roses.  The ice sculpture was perfect. I always forget how pretty they come out.  The Pineapple tree was perfect, and so easy to do. I watched them put the whole thing tree together.  I was thinking I can do that too.

It was a really nice room to have an event.  They were really easy to work with also.