Kris's 40th Birthday Party

I've gotten back on a little party roll lately, and with my bestie having a big milestone birthday this year, I knew I had to do something for her. So along with her husband, Eddie, we decided to throw Kris a big 40th party.

We decided it'd be easiest to make the party happen at Kris and Eddie's house. This way the kids could stay and play, as the adults chatted and had fun. I totally got inspired by some black and white stripes I saw online paired with bright peonies, so the theme was done. Finding the striped plates and napkins wasn't easy, but I finally found them online. Then I called in to a local florist and he was able to set aside some peonies and garden roses for me. Eddie got a few balloons and the decor was done.

Eddie had a great idea for a taco bar, since Kris loves Mexican food. It was so easy to set up. Just some crock-pot taco chicken and all the fixings. Add some chips and we were set.

Since we were having the taco bar, we had to have margaritas. I made regular and strawberry margaritas. I used a mix they recommended at Total Wine, and they were great. Plus, they looked super cute in Mom's drink dispensers.

For the strawberry margaritas, I just added some fresh strawberry puree to the mix. They were perfect and not too sweet.

I couldn't throw my bestie a party without making some cupcakes. Since we were already making strawberry margaritas, strawberry margarita cupcakes were a no brainer. I also made chocolate and vanilla cupcakes for the kids, I didn't think they'd like the strawberry tequila filling.

I also made a little cake to add to the top of the cupcake tower. I decorated it with some of the fresh flowers and it looked amazing.

The birthday girl just loved it!

This girl is one of the best friends anyone could ever have, and I was so happy to be able to throw this party for her. We all had such a great time at the party. And this girl makes 40 look good!

Lego superhero party

My nephew, Xander, turned 7 last week, and he wanted a birthday party at home, so that's what he got. He's still all about superheroes, but we had to change it up a little (since he ALWAYS wants a superhero party). He loves his Lego video games, so Lego superheroes was a great twist on the superhero theme.

The color palette for the party was easy, red, yellow, and blue.

And then, we just added a few Lego details, and Lego superheroes, to round it all out.

I also made some cute (and super easy) Lego inspired goodie bags for the kids to take home with them.

We had a twist on pin the tail on the donkey too, we played "pin the spider on Lego Spiderman." I can't take credit for this though, that drawing was all Eddie!

 Spidey ended up with spiders in very interesting places at the end of the day.

And no birthday would be complete without cupcakes. We decorated them with cutouts of Lego superheroes.

X had a great time at his party, and the Lego superhero theme was a total hit.

Are you in on the Lego craze?

Cowboy dessert table

I was asked to handle some decorations and the dessert table for a cowboy themed 50th birthday celebration. I was more than excited to do it, and was super psyched to make the desserts that they ordered from me.

They ordered some brand new flavors. First the rocky road cupcake. It's chocolate cake, stuffed with marshmallows and walnuts, and topped with a roasted marshmallow.

Then, for a vanilla based cupcake, we had the strawberry shortcake cupcake. It's vanilla cake, with strawberry filling and topped with a whipped buttercream and a fresh strawberry.

I also made brownies, both with and without nuts. (I make my brownies chewy!)

They also ordered s'mores on a stick. It's just like a s'more, but without the mess. It's a marshmallow dipped in Hershey's chocolate (gotta keep it authentic!) and then rolled in graham cracker crumbs.

I set up my desserts along with some other desserts brought by the hostess. Then I put out all the dessert labels. I just think the labels really bring a dessert table together. Plus it makes it easier for everyone, since they can see what they are having.

I also helped set up the rest of the part including making flower arrangements and setting the tables with the favors and bandana napkins. The party had a real cowboy/country feel.

I was so excited to help out with this party and dessert table it gave me the chance to delevop a few new recipes and set up a fabulous table full of yummy goodness.

What do you usually grab at the dessert table?