Kite 1st Birthday Party

Shelly emailed in looking for some inspiration for her son's 1st birthday party in the park. She already had the invitations sent out (see top left) and just needed to take that theme through to the next step. Here are a few ideas:

- kite cupcakes for a matching and delicious dessert
- homemade kites actually fly and would make a nice favor - match the colors to your invitations or partyware
- homemade kite decorations are super cute and can be customized with words, letters, numbers, etc to fit the party; made with patterned scrapbook paper and various ribbon strings [via party perfect]
- bright and fun, this party tabletop sports a multi-colored umbrella to add to the decor
- celebrate the birthday boy by spelling out his name on pendants made to match the colors and patterns of your kite decor [via party perfect]

A Valentine's Dinner Party

With Valentine's Day less than a week away, why not gather your friends and celebrate together? Whether they're single or in relationships, everyone can join in on the fun of this heart-themed dinner party.

- Handmade heart invitations from Etsy seller SandyPhotoArt
- A red leather heart journal can serve as a guest book as well as a place for writing thoughts on love
- Pink passion martinis are the perfect cocktail for the occasion
- Dessert couldn't be sweeter then with these cupcakes adorably adorned with white frosting and 2 hearts [via flickr user Dimpleicious]
- Stunning red and white table setting made up of red chairs, white base linens, a red runner, multiple small red floral arrangements, white dinnerware and red napkins.

A Valentine's Day Wedding

Vanessa emailed in looking for inspiration for a Valentine's Day wedding. Not planning a wedding? Some of these ideas will work perfectly well for a Valentine's Day dinner party too.

- Modern and fun take on a cupcake wedding cake [via SocialDesign]
- Cute red flats by Stuart Weitzman [via snippet & ink]
- Calligraphy by Tara Jones
- Chilled tomato soup with white crème fraiche hearts
- This red drink entitled Aphrodisiac is perfect for a signature cocktail
- DIY jam is sweet favor
- A gorgeous bridal bouquet of red Gerber daisies
- Red table runners, rose petals and menu cards adorn this red and white tabletop
- kate spade dinnerware in red and white polka dots
- Fit the groom with a red tie and red floral boutonniere [via snippet & ink]

It's Inauguration Day!

Gather friends and family to watch this significant moment in history. Consider decking out your space with a patriotic theme. Click here to view all the patriotic posts on Tastefully Entertaining.

Images above from Tangarang and flickr user di0nne.

Orange & Brown Wedding

Fall weddings need not only include dark shades. Today's post features a contemporary wedding based on bright and light shades of orange paired with the dark fall hue of chocolate brown.

- Wedding party attire in bright orange (picture by uber photography)
- Stuart Weitzman brown peep-toe pumps from Zappos
- Brown, orange and white floral centerpiece also serves as a table number (via Social Design)
- Lovely cupcake display made out of terra cotta pots and trays (via Brides)
- Up close shot of the bridal bouquet (via Social Design)
- Paper lanterns for reception decor (via Social Design)

Oh Baby! Modern Animal 1st Birthday Party

As part of my Oh Baby feature I ask readers to submit baby shower or party themes they need help planning. If you have the general theme idea, I'm happy to put together an inspiration board to help get you started. Today's post is in response to an email from Danielle who wants to plan a 1st birthday based on these modern animal flash cards from MoMa. She mentioned they would be great as tabletop decor but they would also function as unique place cards or even as the invitations if you print the details on card stock and attach to the back. Other fun elements to these them could include animal print balloons and animal-themed cupcakes. These animal nose cups are realistic and provide a bit of whimsical humor- kids in attendance will definitely get a kick out of these! Lastly, give out animal adorned favor bags to serve as a great reminder of the event.

Fairy Birthday Party

I received an email from Lenadri who is planning a fairy-themed 1st birthday for her daughter. She asked for some help with party inspiration so today's board shows a magical trip to a fairyland for child's birthday.

- No fairy party is complete without dressing each child (and adult if they're willing) with fairy wings, floral headpieces and puffy tulle skirts [image via]
- Invite guests with a pink invitation that features fairies and a mushroom stool (from FineStationery.com)
- Fairy wands are a must for party fun and as a favor. These are handmade wands that have flowers at the top as opposed to stars. It takes on more of an enchanted forest theme with flowers growing on the tips of wands. [image via flickr user zooloonaturals]
- Bright and fun tabletop decoration from Social Couture- star and globe-shaped lanterns create a bright and textured look above, while a centerpiece of grass and colorful butterflies decorates the table. (see close ups of the centerpiece and place setting below the main image)
- These adorable cupcakes each portray the details of a fairyland. [via flickr user gracescakes]

I hope this helps Lenadri! I certainly enjoyed putting this together for you! :)

An Election Party

I don't know about you but I will be watching the news all evening on November 4th to find out if my candidate has received the majority of votes. If you enjoy politics or are just concerned whether or not your favorite official gets elected, consider throwing an election party. Invite your friends and family for an enjoyable weeknight gathering with plenty of patriotic pride.

- Red, white and blue folded invitation with a customized ballot rsvp card [via]
- Obama and McCain themed cupcakes [via HWTM]
- Red cocktail with red, white and blue patterned umbrellas [via Martha Stewart]
- White pillow box favors can be decorated with this VOTE stamp from Paper Source
- Red and white stripe square plates and blue and white star square plates
- Democrat donkey and Republican elephant cocktail napkins [via Plum Party]

- Patriotic paper bunting (so neat that it's made of paper!) [via Target]

Please encourage everyone you know to get out and vote this November 4th. We have no greater civic duty than casting our vote in public elections. Never forget the men and women who fought so we have this unalienable right. We are privileged to take part in the democratic process.

Wedding Wednesday - Pink & Brown Wedding

Hello and welcome to Wedding Wednesday! This week, Kati of The Finer Things and I have selected this pink and brown invitation from FineStationery.com as our inspiration for a wedding.

- Whoopie Pie Table Number Display

- Pink Floral Wreath with Brown Bow [via Snippet & Ink]

- Pink and Brown Reception Table

- Chocolate Cupcake Cake with Pink Ribbon adornment

- Ceremony Decor with Pink Floral Displays

- Brown Clutch

- Pink and Brown Krispie Kreme donut favors

- Strapless Knee-length pink bridesmaid dress

Be sure to head over to The Finer Things to see Kati's interpretation of this week's invitation. It was hard to pick only two favorites to show you but here they are below:

Blue and Green Striped Baby Shower

Today's post features a blue and green striped baby shower. Though the blue and green palette lends itself for a boy, simply switch out the blue for pink and you'll have a great theme for a girl.

- Blue and green striped invitation from FineStationery.com
- Table setting featuring blue dupioni-silk linens and blue, green and white grosgrain ribbon woven runners
- A close-up of a place setting shows a green menu card and vases of cream calla lilies
- Multiple hues of blue, green and white candies make for great and fun favors
- Pre-package a candy assortment in these light green dotted packets tied with vibrant blue ribbon [via flickr user Northern Transplant]
- For dessert, bake and decorate adoable cucpakes such as these by flickr user birdahoy

August Birthday Dinner in Purple

Each month I select a new color and plan a birthday dinner around said color. August's color is purple! My first inspiration came from this purple place setting. With white uniquely shaped plates, lilac napkins, a lavender tablecloth, purple beaded garland, lilac pouch favor and purple striped votives this place setting has purple down to every detail yet the inclusion of multiple hues does make it an overdose of purple. For a centerpiece, combine clear square vases of varying heights and fill with water dyed purple. Place a white floating candle in each vase. Arrange vases space out and place river rocks in between (as shown) or place next to each other in a neat pattern. Invite guests with this ecru fold over card from FineStationery.com adorned with a deep purple ribbon. For a sweet ending, make a batch of these champagne cupcakes with white chocolate and cream cheese frosting topped with an edible flower, pearl and glitter [via Cupcakes Take the Cake].

Pink & Navy Pool Party

The weather has been so delightful here lately - what I'd consider the perfect summer. So I felt it was time (and certainly not too late) for a pool party! My inspiration came from this cute navy and white swim ring with pink anchor design [via At Home with Kim Vallee]. To invite guests, consider this fun pink, navy and white stripe invitation from FineStationery.com. As this party is aimed for adults I had to include a summer drink and this Strawberry Watermelon Mojito fits the bill perfectly. It's pink, fruit-filled and just right for a warm summer day. For an incredibly useful (and important) favor, hand out customized bottles of sunscreen. Create a matching poolside by making use of these navy and white lounge chairs [via Domino magazine]. Lastly, offer your guests a cupcake with cute themed adornments - a navy and white sailboat and a pink and white life ring [via flickr user cupcakenouuveau].

Healthy Delicious Desserts

Today's post features some delicious yet healthy desserts!

- Apple-Pecan Upside-Down Cake (Diabetic friendly)

- Strawberry-Lime Stuffed Cupcake

- Chocolate-Cherry Banana Bread (Diabetic friendly)

- Mango Strawberry Snow Cones

- Strawberry Cream Pie (Diabetic friendly)

Blue & Red Casual Dinner Party

Today's blue and red casual dinner party was inspired by this beautiful table setting photo by Rebecca Thuss. I love the multiple glass vases decorated with the red and blue floral design. And these vases really pop against the khaki table runner. For some added elements consider using simple red and blue striped tableware.

For the invitation, consider a classic and lovely red and blue invitation. For dessert, how about a cupcake topped with a strawberry slice and a blueberry - simple, adorable and color coordinated! [image via flickr user vegan ducky] Lastly, for a favor, these blue and red designed favor boxes fit our theme just perfectly.

4th of July Menu

With July 4th only 3 days away, it's time to plan out your holiday menu. For those of you who have yet to select your dishes, my suggestion for an informal, low-key holiday meal is below:

- Creamy Red Potato Salad
- Grilled Marinated Vegetables with Fresh Mozzarella
- North Carolina Pulled-Pork Barbeque Sandwich
- Watermelonade
- Blueberry Hill Cupcakes
- Watermelon, Lemonade and Blueberry Ice Pops

Click through the links for the recipes and instructions for each menu item. Enjoy and Happy July 4th!

Initial Sip and See

Today's post is brought to you by the letter ___. (haha) But seriously, today's post is all about letters or initials, rather. What better time to throw an initial or monogram themed party than when there's a newborn to be oohed and ahhed over. Here are some ideas for an initial themed sip and see:

- Initial decor, cupcakes, soda bottle labels and customized tablecloth - all DIY ideas from Martha Stewart
- Initial favors- again a DIY project that can be altered to fit any color scheme or party idea
- Pearl monogram decoration- Made with wire and pearl beads; use any style of bead to fit your aesthetics
- Monogrammed lollipops
- Initial invitations- there are so many options I couldn't pick just one- brown & blue; green & pink; tangerine & white; and green & blue (all from FineStationery.com)

Pet Party

Pets are members of the family so why not throw a party to celebrate their birthday or throw a sip and see when you adopt a new one into your family? I've been to several such events and they have always been a ton of fun!

My inspiration for doing a pet party today in particular came because the beginning of May means cat birthdays in my house! Happy birthday to Darcy, who will be 4, and Bingley, who will be 1! (Bonus point to those who know what the names come from!)

So for those of you who want to celebrate your cat or dog look below for some inspiration. I found a few images that can help you create the perfect pet party:

- Personalized pet photo invitation or announcement from FineStationery.com

- Dog cupcakes (could do cat faces instead)

- Autograph dog - Another option would be to get a dog/cat toy to have guests sign, just make sure your pet doesn't get his paws on it!

- Gourmet dog treats as favors (could substitute cat treats)

Cinco de Mayo Dinner

[Margarita invitation from FineStationery.com]

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by staying in and hosting a dinner for friends and family. Here are some great recipes for your menu!

Drinks:
- Sake Margarita
- Pink Margarita
- Frozen Margarita

Appetizer:
- Chorizo, Bean & Cheese Nachos

Entrees:
- Chipotle Shrimp Taco with Avocado Salsa Verde
- Chicken Enchiladas

Desserts:
- Mojito Cupcakes
- Kahlua Flan

Cupcake Extravaganza! (Part II)

Welcome to Part II of my Cupcake Extravaganza! I hope you enjoyed Part I and are ready for more cupcake fun! And now, without further ado, cupcake presentation...

Food presentation can be as simple or complex as you want. I try to always remember the fact that people eat with their eyes first so presentation really does matter! One of the first things I bookmarked for this post were these laser cut cupcake wrappers. ShopBakersNook offers 16 different varieties including baby, graduation, wedding, floral and many generic pretty designs. This week, I noticed that Hostess with the Mostess also featured cupcake wrappers on her post, Gorgeous Cupcake Wrappers.

Who can resist a cupcake on a cupcake plate? Here are two adorable options: Shaped Cupcake Set and Hand-drawn Scalloped Edge Cupcake Plate Set.

Giving your cupcakes as favors? Try these perfectly sized boxes by Sprinkles Cupcakes. Easily take your cupcake for lunch with these Cup-a-cakes from Williams-Sonoma.

Serve cupcakes at your next party with a lovely cupcake stand. This simple, white 4 tier stand will work for any event theme. Or try making your own to acheive the exact look you want. This cute pink polka dot cupcake stand was handmade by Louise at CakeJournal. She even includes a supply list and full instructions (with pictures!) If you're looking for a more horizontal presentation, use this bright blue cupcake tray. I love how it has little cutouts for each cupcake.

My last tip for food presentation is about cupcake flags. There are literally tons of decorated flag options. To personalize your cupcake try these baby shower flags from Notepolish.

Who says all cupcakes have to be edible? If you love cupcakes, accessorize your life with these cupcake-themed items:

- Cupcake notecards from FineStationery.com
- Pink bordered cupcake note pad from FineStationery.com (you can never have enough note pads, especially if they're this sweet!)
- Lime green cupcake gift tags from FineStationery.com (with the adhesive back these could also be used as party favor labels)
- Cupcake pincushions
- White cupcake apron
- Cupcake bowls (the icing is the lid- how cute!)
- Pink vintage-styled cupcake apron
- Cupcake spatulas
- Cupcake timer (unfortunately this is sold out, but they have many other food-shaped timers)
- Pink cupcake themed rain boots (currently out of stock -they're that popular)
- Cupcake coin purse (only $1.98!)

I hope you've enjoyed reading Cupcake Extravaganza as much as I have enjoyed creating it! I encourage you to go and bake some cupcakes or better yet gather some friends for a cupcake party. Send invitations asking your guests to bring one dozen of their favorite cupcakes undecorated and any decorating tools they own. As the host, you will supply the frostings and adornments. You each will have 12 trial runs to learn new decorating techniques. Share tips and tricks with each other and above all enjoy some good times with your friends. Oh, and don't forget to take pictures of all your creations! If you host a cupcake party, send me pictures of your groups' cupcakes and they may be featured in a future post!

Cupcake Extravaganza! (Part I)

Today's post begins a special feature on Tastefully Entertaining entitled Cupcake Extravaganza! You'll see the first part of this cupcake celebration below and the second part tomorrow (that's right- on a Saturday!) And now...on to the cupcakes!We'll start with the beginning of a cupcake- inspiration. There are so many resources available with recipes and design ideas for cupcakes. I've gathered a few of my favorites:

Books-
Hello Cupcake!
Bake Me I'm Yours Cupcake
Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World
Tempt: Cupcakes to Excite
Betty Crocker Decorating Cakes and Cupcakes

Blogs-
Cupcakes Take the Cake
Bakerella
Cupcake Blog
Cake Journal
All Things Cupcake

Every baker needs to have a good set of supplies to make and decorate cupcakes (and any desserts). To start, acquire a full set of mixing bowls. I'm a fan of these multi-color melamine mixing bowls by Martha Stewart- they're fun, durable and useful for all your cooking/baking needs. Next, select your baking essentials. The baking set shown above includes a 12 cup cupcake tray, a 24 cup mini cupcake tray, a cooling rack and 12 silicone baking cups (can stand alone or be used in the pan.)

There are tons of baking cup options in many different styles and shapes. I've shown pink stripes baking cups and springtime floral baking cups (with matching toppers) above. For both simple and sophisticated designs, cupcake aficionados should have a decorating set. The 52-piece set pictured above is by Martha Stewart and is a great combination of a little of everything. You can learn to use many different tips and colorings all from one kit. Plus it comes with instructions!

A quick and easy decorating option is stenciling. This collection of spring shape stencils is very sweet but don't feel limited to specific cupcake stencils. Really, any craft store stencil could be used as long as it's small enough to fit the top of a cupcake.

Lastly, for those who want to bake one cupcake on a larger scale, try the giant cupcake pan. Put your batter in both parts of the pan and join together with a thin layer of icing.

I hope you enjoyed part one of Cupcake Extravaganza! I have to say that part 2 is my favorite half so be sure to stop by on Saturday to see the grand finale to this delicious feature.