A Lucky Life kind of Party

I have thrown many parties, but I must say that my husbands party was the least stressful one that I have had in a long time. What made the difference...for this party I used a Lucky Life Parties Kit! Danielle from Lucky Life creates download-able party kits for all kinds of occasions. It was so nice to have "someone else" do all the prep work for me.

For Al's birthday I used the Dinner Party for Eight kit which included:

• menu
• bar menu with signature drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• shopping lists
• party timeline and checklist 
• step by step guidelines
• playlist suggestions
• recipes
• fun tips and advice
• decor ideas
• basic printable invitations

What I loved about this kit first of all is that I felt like Danielle was right there giving me instructions with her fabulous sense of humor.  I could really make everything in this guide suite our needs, tweek it here and there...perfecto! The dinner recipes were delicious and I am sure the dessert recipes were as well, but since this was a birthday party I baked Al's favorite cake instead. I can't even begin to explain how wonderful this kit made my life.

Al is fond of Asian inspired decor, so instead of a flower arrangement I used pots of bamboo along with candles

Homemade 3 layered carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

 Instead of decorating the cake with piped frosting I purchased these great custom cake flags from Go Against The Grain in Al's favorite color scheme, yellow and gray. I am totally crushing on these flags now!

The next time you are getting ready to plan a party whether it is for 8 people or 25 I strongly suggest checking out Lucky Life Party Kits. As for the favors...well Party Starters of course!

Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs,
Pam

Planning a Party {Gray & Yellow}

My husband's birthday party is this weekend and I am still trying to nail down how I want to decorate. YES, very last minute, luckily it is a small dinner party for 6 adults. I am thrilled to be using the  Dinner Party for 8  kit from Lucky Life Parties, so all of the really hard work is taken care as far as the party part goes. The menu & grocery list right down to the music play list, all taken care of in this kit...thank goodness!! Seriously I would use one of these kits for every event. Danielle the creator has thought of everything!! Plus I love her  sense of humor, which comes through when reading the how to's! LOVE it!!

Anyway, I know my color scheme, which is my husbands favorite, gray and yellow. I have been looking online for some inspiration, found a ton for weddings, but not a whole lot for just parties especially ones that are a bit more masculine. I guess no one throws dinner parties for men??? I did however find these photos on a cute little blog called The Babs Blog. This was actually a baby shower, but it really inspired me with its clean lines and the gorgeous fabric. Finally,  I have an idea of how I will decorate the dinner table now, of course now I need to go shopping...DARN!

How do you decorate for dinner parties? Fancy floral arrangements, bring out all of the china?? Do you incorporate the guest of honors favorite food, colors, music??? I would love to hear from you!

Speaking of planning parties, have you read about my latest contest?? "Create My Party?? Check HERE for all of the details!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hugs,
Pam

Potluck Anyone?

I think potluck parties are the best! First of all you don't have to spend all day making tons of food. The best part, you can spend more time "preparing the stage" with fun decorations and favors. These invitations are a great way to tell each guest what they are responsible for bringing. Typically I always make the main dish, that way if someone ends up being sick last minute you are without a salad or dessert, not the most important part of the meal. When you are asking guests to bring something be specific. Most people will appreciate you saying "could you please bring a fruit salad" OR " would you mind bringing a chocolate dessert". If you simply tell three guest to bring a side dish, chances are you will end up with three dishes full of leafy salads.

So prepare the main dish, the beverage center, and of course a favor for your guests to take home. It doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive. HGTV suggested filling cellophane bags with sweets then decorating them to match the party invitation, like they have done in these photos. Too cute!

What kind of dishes do you like to bring to potlucks? I of course love to bring a dessert and one of my favorites especially in the summer is Bishops Pie. I got this recipe from my Mom who said it was from the Bishops restaurant in Iowa where she grew up. It is super easy, cool and refreshing.

Bishops Pie
2 C milk
2 small boxes of instant pudding (1 chocolate 1 vanilla)
2 C vanilla ice cream (thawed just a bit so its easy to mix)

Make a simple graham cracker crust in a 9x13 pan. My Mom says to use enough graham crackers crumbs to fill the bottom of the pan about half an inch high and use enough melted butter to make the crumbs moist. Its homemade...nothing is really measured out. LOL!! You can also buy two pre-made round graham cracker pie crusts and continue with recipe.
Put milk & pudding in a mixer then blend in ice cream. Pour over crust and chill. Before serving top pudding mixture with a layer of cool whip and sprinkle with chocolate curls.  Cut and serve like pie!
*I use a vegetable peeler and a chocolate candy bar to make my curls. Any left over pie must be kept refrigerated.

If you make this, please stop by and leave me a note telling me what you think. I would love to hear from you!

Tomorrow starts BLOGMANIA!! I am part of the "Save the Date for a Party" team. 2 days of prizes galore over at Save the Date for Cupcakes! 

Speaking of prizes don't forget to check out yesterday's post and leave a comment for your chance to win a LUCKY LIFE Parties hostess kit!! Danielle has another prize on her blog today, so go check that out!!

Have a great day!!
Hugs,
Pam