Trivia
Trivia is always great fun, grab some facts from some Super Bowl Trivia and put together some simple questions. Don't forget prizes!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Index Cards
- Markers
- Play trivia either before the game or after.
- Read off each of the trivia questions. The person who gets the right answer wins a prize.
- Turn this into a drinking game by making all of the losers drink up.
The Football Pool
This is standard. Add prop bets for how long the game will last, who will be the MVP, who wins the coin flip, who scores first touchdown, who has first turnover, score at the end of each quarter, etc. and give out gag gifts instead of money for these extra-added guesstimates.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Paper
- Pens
- Write out all of the possible wins or bets on sheets of paper for all of your guests.
- Hand them out at game time with some pens.
- At the end of each quarter tally up who won and give out gifts.
Pumpkin Carving
Cutting the Lid
Before you start carving, cover your working surface with newspaper and put on your apron. Then:
1. Use the pencil or marker to draw a circle around the pumpkin's stem. This will be the jack-o'-lantern's lid. The circle should be about two-thirds the diameter of the pumpkin. It's a good idea to include a small notch in the circle to help you align the lid correctly when you replace it. You can also use another shape for your lid, like a star or a hexagon. Some people prefer to cut a lid from the bottom rather than the top, since this can make it easier to replace and light candles.
2. Cut along the line using the boning knife. Point the knife inward (toward the center of the pumpkin) at about a 45-degree angle. This will keep the lid from falling down into the pumpkin.
3. Remove the lid from the pumpkin and cut or scrape away any pulp that is hanging from it.
Cleaning the Pumpkin
4. Remove the pulp from the pumpkin using a spoon or your hands. Place the pulp in the bowl if you plan to roast the pumpkin seeds later. Otherwise, throw the pulp away.
5. Scrape the inside of the pumpkin clean with the spoon or ice cream scoop. The more of the pumpkin you scrape away, the more light will shine through the surface. Make sure you scrape the bottom until it is flat so your light source won't fall over inside the pumpkin.
Carving Design
6. Sketch the jack-o'-lantern's face on the surface of the pumpkin. If you make a mistake, use a damp cloth to wipe it away -- marks from dry-erase markers or grease pencils should come off easily.
7. Use a paring knife to cut along each line. Use your finger to push the cut-out pieces out of the pumpkin.
Using these steps and a little creativity, you can make a unique pumpkin easily. Here are some ideas for customizing your pumpkin:
Instead of cutting a lid, cut off the entire top of your pumpkin in a zigzag line that resembles spiky hair.
Hold your knife at a slight inward angle as you cut out your design rather than cutting straight through the pumpkin. This will leave a thin rim of visible pumpkin flesh around each hole. When you light your jack-o'-lantern, this will create an orange glow around your design. You can use different cutting angles to create patterns of light and shadow on your pumpkin's surface.
Use leftover pieces of pumpkin to make ears, eyes or a nose. Attach these pieces using toothpicks.
Rather than cutting a face into your pumpkin, cut another design, like a cat, a bat or a message to trick-or-treaters.
You can also make memorable pumpkins by using stencils or carving your design as a relief instead of a cut-out.
Before you start carving, cover your working surface with newspaper and put on your apron. Then:
1. Use the pencil or marker to draw a circle around the pumpkin's stem. This will be the jack-o'-lantern's lid. The circle should be about two-thirds the diameter of the pumpkin. It's a good idea to include a small notch in the circle to help you align the lid correctly when you replace it. You can also use another shape for your lid, like a star or a hexagon. Some people prefer to cut a lid from the bottom rather than the top, since this can make it easier to replace and light candles.
2. Cut along the line using the boning knife. Point the knife inward (toward the center of the pumpkin) at about a 45-degree angle. This will keep the lid from falling down into the pumpkin.
3. Remove the lid from the pumpkin and cut or scrape away any pulp that is hanging from it.
Cleaning the Pumpkin
4. Remove the pulp from the pumpkin using a spoon or your hands. Place the pulp in the bowl if you plan to roast the pumpkin seeds later. Otherwise, throw the pulp away.
5. Scrape the inside of the pumpkin clean with the spoon or ice cream scoop. The more of the pumpkin you scrape away, the more light will shine through the surface. Make sure you scrape the bottom until it is flat so your light source won't fall over inside the pumpkin.
Carving Design
6. Sketch the jack-o'-lantern's face on the surface of the pumpkin. If you make a mistake, use a damp cloth to wipe it away -- marks from dry-erase markers or grease pencils should come off easily.
7. Use a paring knife to cut along each line. Use your finger to push the cut-out pieces out of the pumpkin.
Using these steps and a little creativity, you can make a unique pumpkin easily. Here are some ideas for customizing your pumpkin:
Instead of cutting a lid, cut off the entire top of your pumpkin in a zigzag line that resembles spiky hair.
Hold your knife at a slight inward angle as you cut out your design rather than cutting straight through the pumpkin. This will leave a thin rim of visible pumpkin flesh around each hole. When you light your jack-o'-lantern, this will create an orange glow around your design. You can use different cutting angles to create patterns of light and shadow on your pumpkin's surface.
Use leftover pieces of pumpkin to make ears, eyes or a nose. Attach these pieces using toothpicks.
Rather than cutting a face into your pumpkin, cut another design, like a cat, a bat or a message to trick-or-treaters.
You can also make memorable pumpkins by using stencils or carving your design as a relief instead of a cut-out.
BBQ Party Ideas
Decorating & Food Ideas
BBQ Party Decorations Set the mood for your barbecue party with these ideas: Hang a banner above the entrance to the party area that reads “Welcome to [child’s name]’s Birthday BBQ!” Cover tables with red and white checkered cloth. Use red bandanas as napkins. Use a pot of flowers as the table centerpiece. Hang small clear twinkle lights in trees or on deck railings. Fill red and white balloons with helium and tie them together in groups of five. Anchor the groups around the party space with balloon weights, and tie one group to the back of the birthday child’s chair. On really hot days, set up a canopy or beach umbrellas to provide some shade. Provide insect repellent. Place separate recycle bins for paper and plastic (to include glass/plastic/aluminum items) near the food tables. Clearly label the bins and point them out to guests. Hang a Summer themed pinata in the party area that can be used as a decoration before the activity begins. Remember, you can transform any pinata into a pull-string with these easy instructions. BBQ Party Food Ideas Choose from these suggestions to create your barbecue party menu: Grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken drumsticks Grilled vegetable slices Cole slaw, potato salad, sliced fruit, deviled eggs, baked beans and small pieces of corn on the cob Have lots of water, lemonade and other drinks available to keep the kids hydrated in the warm weather. Use silly straws or stadium cups for some added cookout party fun! Provide the ingredients for s’mores and let the kids roast their own marshmallows. For sweet treats, either popsicles or an ice cream sundae bar are a sure hit with kids. Set up a table with ice cream and a variety of toppings in serving bowls. Let the guests choose their own toppings and then add whipped cream! Party Favor Ideas BBQ Party Favors Choose fun party favors like kites, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, and sunglasses. You can also include some of our personalized BBQ Party favors. Choose from bag tags, zipper pulls, magnets, and more, all personalized with your guests’ names or a personal message from you. |
|
Cheesecake Lollipops
These are the easiest things to do. Just take a cheesecake and a melon baller. Dig into the cake to make and place the cheesecake balls on a tray with parchment paper. Put a stick into each of them and put into the freezer. When frozen dip them into melted chocolate and any topping your wish. Refrigerate to harden the chocolate and until ready to eat.
There are so many different variations of toppings. Try some dulce de leche and crushed walnuts.
There are so many different variations of toppings. Try some dulce de leche and crushed walnuts.
Stocking Utensil Holders
this is a quick easy idea to decorate your table. you can easily find a small stockings at any local dollar store or drug store.
or how about just buy one and make the rest out of felt in any color to match the rest of your table decor.
this you can do by tracing the stocking onto a piece of paper. extend the top part of the stocking by at least a half inch. cut it out and place the traced paper on your felt material. with a piece of chalk, trace the pattern onto the material. Now turn the pattern over and trace again onto the felt material to make the back side of your stocking.
place glue on the felt material where the chalk tracing is still, but not on the top half inch of the stocking. place one on top of the other. glue facing inside of the stocking and let dry. now fold out that extra half inch and glue it down. let dry.
feel free to decorate the stocking with whatever your hearts desire. anything from small bells, ribbons, names, patches etc...
or how about just buy one and make the rest out of felt in any color to match the rest of your table decor.
this you can do by tracing the stocking onto a piece of paper. extend the top part of the stocking by at least a half inch. cut it out and place the traced paper on your felt material. with a piece of chalk, trace the pattern onto the material. Now turn the pattern over and trace again onto the felt material to make the back side of your stocking.
place glue on the felt material where the chalk tracing is still, but not on the top half inch of the stocking. place one on top of the other. glue facing inside of the stocking and let dry. now fold out that extra half inch and glue it down. let dry.
feel free to decorate the stocking with whatever your hearts desire. anything from small bells, ribbons, names, patches etc...
Ginger Cookies
1. Put sugar, syrup, water, ginger, cinnamon and cloves into a large saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Add butter. Stir until butter is melted and mixture is no longer very hot.
2. Mix flour and baking soda. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture and stir to blend thoroughly. Dough will have a soft texture. Place dough in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight or at least 12 hours or as long as 1 week. 3. Heat oven to 375℉. Remove about one-sixth of the dough and knead it until it is slightly softened. Roll dough directly onto ungreased cookie sheets until it is about ¼-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to stamp shapes in dough, allowing a 1-inch margin between each cookie. Remove excess dough by lifting it and peeling it away. Scraps of dough can be kneaded together and re-rolled. 4. Bake until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Allow cookies to cool slightly and become crisp before removing them from the cookie sheet. Cool thoroughly on wire racks. If desired, you may "paint" the cooled cookies using a clean, small paintbrush and food coloring that has been watered down slightly. Store cookies in airtight containers. |
What a great idea for gifting to someone, or to just have at the door when your guests arrive.
NOTE: After the 12-hour resting period, this cookie dough can be hand-molded like clay — rolled, pinched, poked and pressed — and it will keep its shape, expanding slightly while baking. Thin cookies will become brown and bake quickly, large and thick shapes will require longer baking. Can be cut into any shape desired but make the cookies uniformly thick. The microwave oven can be used to cook the sugar mixture in step 1. Decorate with frosting, gum drops, licorice etc... |
Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Bell Peppers
- 6 bell peppers, any color
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 4 slices whole wheat bread, cubed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Lightly mix together the ground beef, egg, bread cubes, onion, tomato, garlic, chili sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Wash the peppers, and cut jack-o'-lantern faces into the peppers with a sharp paring knife, making triangle eyes and noses, and pointy-teeth smiles. Slice off the tops of the peppers, and scoop out the seeds and cores. Stuff the peppers lightly with the beef stuffing, and place them into the prepared baking dish so they lean against each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the peppers are tender and the stuffing is cooked through and juicy, about 1 hour.
Moon and Star Photo Booth
moon and star designs shone during the 1920s and '30s; channel that era's easy glamour with this photo backdrop. To make, cut foam board into a crescent shape, spray with glue, blanket with glitter, then hang with fishing wire
Butterfly Cookies
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 (17-ounce) bag sugar cookie mix (recommended: Betty Crocker)
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 1 (12-ounce) bag mini candy covered chocolates (recommended: M and M's)
Sprinkle a flat rolling surface with 1 tablespoon flour. Divide dough in half and roll out onto lightly floured surface using a rolling pin. Roll the rolling pin back and forth, turning the dough as needed so it does not stick. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
Take cookie cutter and dip cutting edge into a shallow bowl of flour. Then press cookie cutter into rolled out dough. Begin cutting out shapes at the center of the dough and work your way towards the edge, cutting shapes as close together as possible. Once the entire slab of dough is cut, use a small spatula to remove cookies from rolling surface and place on un-greased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining half of dough.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Decorate each cookie by pressing mini candies into dough. Refrigerate cookies for 15 minutes to prevent spreading while baking.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. let cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute before moving them to cooling rack.
Bear Cake
Bake and cool about an 8 inch heart shaped cake. Place on cooling grid positioned over waxed paper. Cover cake with pink cookie icing and let dry overnight.
Position cake on waxed paper covered surface.
Tint fondant dark and light brown. Roll a 1 in. ball of dark brown fondant for head, flatten slightly and attach to cookie. Roll 5/8 in. dark brown fondant circles for ears and ¼ in. light brown fondant circles for inner ears. Attach with damp brush. Roll ¾ in. x 1 in. light brown fondant oval for muzzle; attach with damp brush. Roll 2 dark brown fondant logs ½ in. wide x 1 ½ in. long for paws.
Flatten one end and cut slits for paws.
Roll 2 dark brown fondant ovals 1 in. x 1 ½ in. for feet. Roll 2 light brown fondant ovals ¾ in. x 1 in. for pads of feet; attach pieces with damp brush.
Use tip 2 and black royal icing to pipe facial features. Use tip 2 and red royal icing to make dots and print message.
Position cake on waxed paper covered surface.
Tint fondant dark and light brown. Roll a 1 in. ball of dark brown fondant for head, flatten slightly and attach to cookie. Roll 5/8 in. dark brown fondant circles for ears and ¼ in. light brown fondant circles for inner ears. Attach with damp brush. Roll ¾ in. x 1 in. light brown fondant oval for muzzle; attach with damp brush. Roll 2 dark brown fondant logs ½ in. wide x 1 ½ in. long for paws.
Flatten one end and cut slits for paws.
Roll 2 dark brown fondant ovals 1 in. x 1 ½ in. for feet. Roll 2 light brown fondant ovals ¾ in. x 1 in. for pads of feet; attach pieces with damp brush.
Use tip 2 and black royal icing to pipe facial features. Use tip 2 and red royal icing to make dots and print message.
Star Studded Smores
You'll need several 2 1/4-inch wooden stars, craft glue, birch bark, a craft knife, a hot-glue gun, long twigs or sticks, and a pocketknife.
1. Coat one side of each star with craft glue, top with a piece of birch bark, and press to adhere. Turn upside down, top with a heavy weight, and let dry for at least several hours (or overnight).
2. Use the craft knife to cut around each star. Using plenty of glue, hot-glue each star to the end of a twig or stick. Let dry. Use the pocketknife to whittle a point on the opposite end of each twig.
Smores:
1. Coat one side of each star with craft glue, top with a piece of birch bark, and press to adhere. Turn upside down, top with a heavy weight, and let dry for at least several hours (or overnight).
2. Use the craft knife to cut around each star. Using plenty of glue, hot-glue each star to the end of a twig or stick. Let dry. Use the pocketknife to whittle a point on the opposite end of each twig.
Smores:
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 40 graham crackers
- 40 large marshmallows
- Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, and let cool until slightly thickened. Holding graham cracker by the edges, dip 1 side of each cracker in chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip back into bowl. Put dry side down on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
- Press each marshmallow onto the tip of a skewer or a clean whittled stick. Roast marshmallows, turning occasionally, until toasted to desired doneness. Place 1 or 2 marshmallows on a cracker, and top with another one.
Floral Straws
- Assorted baking pastel baking cups and mini pastel baking cups
- Grease-proof baking cups
- Hand-drawn circle template
- screw punch
- Bendable straws
- Green glassine sheets
- Double-sided tape
2. Thread baking cup over 1 straw, then add candy cup.
3. Fold glassine in half. Cut out a leaf shape along folded edge. Secure to straw with tape.
To make the red and orange flowers, flatten baking cups so they're circles. Pinch the centers, and gather the borders. Tape to straw.
Wine Bottle Floral Arrangements
What you need:
5 Green Wine Bottles
Adhesive Remover
Floral Pick
1″ Sheer Green Ribbon
Scissors
Floral Knife or Floral Shears
1. First of all, enjoy that wine! Once those bottles are emptied soak them in hot water and scrub off the labels. You may need to use adhesive remover to get the more stubborn labels completely off.
2. Fill the wine bottles 3/4 of the way full with room temperature water. Mix in a little “flower food” to each bottle. This usually comes in a powder form in little packets with each bundle of flowers you purchase.
3. Choose your flowers. I chose to use a mixture of white and green flowers to match the bottles. Make sure you have a variety of heights, textures, and bloom sizes to create interest within the arrangement. Keep in mind that the openings of the wine bottles are small so make sure the stems of the flowers you choose are not too big. There will be about 5 stems in each bottle.
4. As soon as you get your flowers, cut the stems at a deep angle with either your floral shears or floral knife to allow maximum hydration once they are inserted in the water.
5. Make your floral arrangements. The flowers are intended to look like they are spraying out of the wine bottles as if you just corked a bottle of champagne and flowers started shooting out instead. Achieve this by staggering the heights of the stems, leaving enough space between each bloom, and angling the stems slightly outward.
5 Green Wine Bottles
Adhesive Remover
Floral Pick
1″ Sheer Green Ribbon
Scissors
Floral Knife or Floral Shears
1. First of all, enjoy that wine! Once those bottles are emptied soak them in hot water and scrub off the labels. You may need to use adhesive remover to get the more stubborn labels completely off.
2. Fill the wine bottles 3/4 of the way full with room temperature water. Mix in a little “flower food” to each bottle. This usually comes in a powder form in little packets with each bundle of flowers you purchase.
3. Choose your flowers. I chose to use a mixture of white and green flowers to match the bottles. Make sure you have a variety of heights, textures, and bloom sizes to create interest within the arrangement. Keep in mind that the openings of the wine bottles are small so make sure the stems of the flowers you choose are not too big. There will be about 5 stems in each bottle.
4. As soon as you get your flowers, cut the stems at a deep angle with either your floral shears or floral knife to allow maximum hydration once they are inserted in the water.
5. Make your floral arrangements. The flowers are intended to look like they are spraying out of the wine bottles as if you just corked a bottle of champagne and flowers started shooting out instead. Achieve this by staggering the heights of the stems, leaving enough space between each bloom, and angling the stems slightly outward.
Fathers Day Party Themes
Theme parties are very popular these days. On this Father's Day, if you want to do something different for your dad, then arrange a theme party for him. What you have to do is, come up with a unique and exciting theme idea that will make the celebration of Father's day more happening. Make sure that you inform the guests a few days prior to the party, so that they may arrange for the required outfits. Don't let your father know about your party plans. Let it be a surprise for him. If you are looking for some ideas for a Father's Day theme party, check out the list of themes below.
Men In Black & Ladies In Red
This theme is very famous among the partygoers these days. In this, the males will dress in black and the ladies will look gorgeous in red outfits. Ask your male guests to wear formal trousers, shirts and jackets, instead of tees and sportswear. On the other side, ladies should be told to wear red cocktail dresses and other elegant attires such as sarees. Decorate this party with dim lightening. Slow, romantic music and lots of fine liquors and cocktails will create the mood of the party.
Western Party Theme
For setting Western Party theme, prepare the invitation cards that resemble a Wanted poster, with a photograph of your dad. Send them to your guests at least a week before the party. Ask the guests to dress as cowboys and saloon girls. Secretly arrange a pair of boots, faded denims, a cowboy hat and a bandanna handy for dad.
Bollywood Party Theme
This is the most famous party theme where each guest dresses up like a famous Bollywood actor and actress. Some become Don and some become Devdas by wearing outfit related to the particular character in a popular movie. One may even come as the superheroes in movies. While conducting a Bollywood party theme, make sure that the decoration should be very colorful. You can place posters of famous bollywood films and actors.
Victorian Theme Party
If you are choosing Victorian theme, then make sure that you have a large space for this theme. Try to decorate the room to make it look like a ballroom. If you don't have a large hall, then you can even organize a garden party, with a Victorian theme. Ask your guests to dress like Victorian ladies and lords. Decorate your party with lots of flowers, hearts, cherubs and elaborate laces. Play soothing classical music in the background, to go with the theme.
Hawaiian Party Theme
Along with the invitation, send a request to your guests to dress up in colorful floral printed shirts, surfer shorts and sarongs. Tell them to use ornaments made of flowers, such as, earrings, necklace, bracelet, anklets, etc (all should be made of flowers). The decorations for Hawaiian Party should also be done with flowers. Do not forget to play loud Hawaiian music in the background to highlight the theme.
Men In Black & Ladies In Red
This theme is very famous among the partygoers these days. In this, the males will dress in black and the ladies will look gorgeous in red outfits. Ask your male guests to wear formal trousers, shirts and jackets, instead of tees and sportswear. On the other side, ladies should be told to wear red cocktail dresses and other elegant attires such as sarees. Decorate this party with dim lightening. Slow, romantic music and lots of fine liquors and cocktails will create the mood of the party.
Western Party Theme
For setting Western Party theme, prepare the invitation cards that resemble a Wanted poster, with a photograph of your dad. Send them to your guests at least a week before the party. Ask the guests to dress as cowboys and saloon girls. Secretly arrange a pair of boots, faded denims, a cowboy hat and a bandanna handy for dad.
Bollywood Party Theme
This is the most famous party theme where each guest dresses up like a famous Bollywood actor and actress. Some become Don and some become Devdas by wearing outfit related to the particular character in a popular movie. One may even come as the superheroes in movies. While conducting a Bollywood party theme, make sure that the decoration should be very colorful. You can place posters of famous bollywood films and actors.
Victorian Theme Party
If you are choosing Victorian theme, then make sure that you have a large space for this theme. Try to decorate the room to make it look like a ballroom. If you don't have a large hall, then you can even organize a garden party, with a Victorian theme. Ask your guests to dress like Victorian ladies and lords. Decorate your party with lots of flowers, hearts, cherubs and elaborate laces. Play soothing classical music in the background, to go with the theme.
Hawaiian Party Theme
Along with the invitation, send a request to your guests to dress up in colorful floral printed shirts, surfer shorts and sarongs. Tell them to use ornaments made of flowers, such as, earrings, necklace, bracelet, anklets, etc (all should be made of flowers). The decorations for Hawaiian Party should also be done with flowers. Do not forget to play loud Hawaiian music in the background to highlight the theme.
Envelope Gift Wrapping
This is another way to gift wrap your next present. You can do this with either a piece of material or some decorative wrapping paper.
Cut the material or the paper in a rectangle and have some glue available. If you are using material it is best to use material glue or a hot glue gun. Fold the paper or material enough to make a pocket that will fit your present and still leave enough to fold down and close as a top flap of an envelope would do. Glue the sides together.
You can seal it with a double stick tape or punch a a hole on the top flap and the part of the envelope that will connect to the top flap and use a ribbon, string of pearls or yarn to tie it closed (there are many different choices you can use to seal your envelope). Hang a tassel or decorative piece if you'd like.
This is a great idea when you want to give someone a gift certificate, tickets to an event, a CD or DVD etc.....
Cut the material or the paper in a rectangle and have some glue available. If you are using material it is best to use material glue or a hot glue gun. Fold the paper or material enough to make a pocket that will fit your present and still leave enough to fold down and close as a top flap of an envelope would do. Glue the sides together.
You can seal it with a double stick tape or punch a a hole on the top flap and the part of the envelope that will connect to the top flap and use a ribbon, string of pearls or yarn to tie it closed (there are many different choices you can use to seal your envelope). Hang a tassel or decorative piece if you'd like.
This is a great idea when you want to give someone a gift certificate, tickets to an event, a CD or DVD etc.....
Food Gift - Sugar Cookies
- Only use the dry ingredients for the jar ad make a label with the directions. This is perfect to give as a mother's day gift to a teacher or for someone you just want to make a nice gesture. These are also great for favors after a nice afternoon brunch.
- ½ cup Unsalted softened butter
- ¾ cups Confectioners' sugar
- ½ Egg
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon Almond extract
- 1 ¼ cups Flour
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon Cream of tartar
- FROSTING
- 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Confectioners' sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon Vanilla
- Milk
- Food coloring as desired
2. Heat oven to 350℉. Have lightly greased baking sheets ready.
3. Roll out half of dough on lightly floured surface to almost ¼ ~inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake until light brown on edges, 7 to 8 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
4. For frosting, beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in small bowl until smooth. Beat in milk until spreading consistency. Add food coloring as desired.
5. Use frosting to decorate cookies. Let stand until frosting sets.
Sand Centerpieces
Its not always necessary to use flowers to have some color. Bring other forms of nature into your event! Grab those vases you have in the closet and fill it with different color sand. Mix it up with some pearls, rocks, or shells. There are so many different designs you can create. These look great on your back yard table, as they do on a mantle. Kids aren't the only ones that can play with sand.
Edible Flower Pots
- 18 4 inch high clay planter pot, (make sure there is no hole on the bottom)
- 18 cupcake liners
- 1 box cake mix
- ½ bag chocolate cookies
- chocolate flower lollipops
Stick through the cupcake the amount of chocolate flowers you want in each of the pots. You can use 1 flower, but make sure that its not too small, or a few to make an entire bouquet. If you are making the chocolates yourself try to get the lollipop sticks in green or use florist green tape to cover the sticks before you make the chocolates and set them.
Now take the cookies and place them in a zip plastic bag and crush them really well. Use this to fill the rest of the pot like as if it were dirt.
Note: Once the cupcakes are made you can paint the pots to theme your party. This is done before you place the lollipop sticks.
Silk Flowers can also look great.
Fairy Berries
These are great for a Princes Birthday Party Take some strawberries and cover them with pink white chocolate and if you'd like you can also use shimmer dust for desserts and brush it on as fairy dust.
How To Tie A Bow
What You Will Need
1 piece of ribbon about 60 inches long
Thin Wire
Fabric Scissors
- start in the middle of the ribbon. Make a loop over your thumb, pinching the crisscross between your thumb and index finger.
- Make a loop using about 6 inches of the ribbon. and pinch like in the last step. Alternate sides and make a total of 8 loops. (4 lops from each end of the ribbon)
- Slip a piece of the thin wire through the loop you made over your thumb. Secure teh bow loops you are holding by twisting the wire tightly around them. Adjust the loops evenly.
-Trim the ends of the ribbon. Cut in an angle or fold each end in half and cut in a 45 degree angle.
1 piece of ribbon about 60 inches long
Thin Wire
Fabric Scissors
- start in the middle of the ribbon. Make a loop over your thumb, pinching the crisscross between your thumb and index finger.
- Make a loop using about 6 inches of the ribbon. and pinch like in the last step. Alternate sides and make a total of 8 loops. (4 lops from each end of the ribbon)
- Slip a piece of the thin wire through the loop you made over your thumb. Secure teh bow loops you are holding by twisting the wire tightly around them. Adjust the loops evenly.
-Trim the ends of the ribbon. Cut in an angle or fold each end in half and cut in a 45 degree angle.
Artichoke Place Cards
This is always a favorite of mine for an outdoor table. Just cut the bottom stem so it stands flat and trim the points off the top of the They can be placed on the center of the plate or on the table in front of the chair desired.
Make Your Own Labels
When it comes to a party I enjoy theming a few items that I will be using anyway. This can easily be done by making labels on your wine or water bottles. Just remove the ones on the bottles and buy blank stickers, ready to print, in the size and shape that you like. I suggest not to use hot water to remove the glue from the bottle. This temperature change can damage the quality of your drink. Try some olive oil or cooking oil.
Menus
Be daring, print out and embellish some menus. It can definitely add that finishing touch that will tie everything on your table together. It can be something as simple as silk flowers, rhinestones, a piece of lace or ribbon. Just print a few and place it on the table on a stand, if you don't want to do an individual menu for everyone.
