Everyday Celebrating

Wordless Wednesday: Paint chip garland

via Grace and Light Studio

DIY: Umbrella wreath

Happy Cinco de Mayo! 

Looking for an easy colorful way to decorate warm weather patio celebrations?

All you need is a wreath form and a bag of drink parasols (found at party supply stores).

Family Chic shows additional photos. While she didn't use glue, I do recommend that if you're using this outdoors, I would definitely hot glue in the umbrellas.  Those umbrellas wouldn't last long in a thunderstorm.

You can coordinate the colors of parasols used for any celebrations... red, white and blue for July 4th, etc.

Also, this would make a great centerpiece lying flat on a table.  Fill the center with a floral arrangement or if your wreath is large enough, place a pitcher of margaritas in the middle.

Cheers!

 

DIY: Unique easy outdoor chargers

I happened upon this great table at Shanty 2 Chic and was intrigued.  Notice the chargers?  

They are pieces of wood!

A great idea!  Have pieces of wood cut to your desired size, then stain to match your decor and then finish with a water based protective finish.   If they get left outside, no big deal!  

Visit Shanty 2 Chic for the full tutorial and more photos!

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What are YOUR favorite things about summer?  What are you looking forward to?
Come chat with us over at Blog Frog's Memories in Motion community!   

April Fools Cupcakes

If you love baking amazing treats and even if you don't, but can appreciate them, you NEED to know Liz at Hoosier Homemade.  

She whips up some of the coolest food I've ever seen.  True fun food that are some serious conversation starters over at our Blog Frog community Memories in Motion.

I thought I'd share some of her April Fools Day cupcakes.  

Nuggets and Fries!

Corn on the cob and hamburgers!

Here are one of my faves.. snowcone cupcakes

Aren't those fun????

And look at THESE.. just in time for the Final Four!  She even has a video showing how to make them. Add Hoosier Homemade to your reader, even if it's just to admire her works of edible art!

DIY: How to make Chocolate BUTTER

Chocolate BUTTER?

YUMMY! 

Would make a great gift, even!

Find out how to whip up some over on one of my fave blogs, Giver's Log.

FREE for my readers! Paperless Post invitations!

Ok. I'll admit.  I love invitations.  Well, who am I kidding, anything paper really.  And while I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking at, choosing and putting together the perfect paper invitation, I realize there are plenty that love to use electronic invitations.  And for quick, beautiful electronic invitations, I fell in love with the products of Paperless Post.

What is it?  It's an electronic card store!  They feature everything from wedding save the dates to party invitations to birth announcements to formal invitations and even thank you cards.

What makes them different?  Here are the top two and MOST important reasons:

1.  Their designs.  Hands down gorgeous.  They have something for everyone!  And each piece can be customized from the texture of the "paper" to the color of the "ink".  

2.  Their presentation and delivery.  When you receive a Paperless Post card, it comes to you in a virtual envelope with your name on the outside.  You click the envelope to open and the invitation unfolds beautifully.  It's my favorite feature!  The drama of the opening!

With Paperless Post... you're not sacrificing style!  The designs are sharp and modern and the color schemes are gorgeous.  

Just in time for your fall gatherings, Paperless Post is offering readers of Everyday Celebrating the gift of 35 free "stamps". Use them for your next gathering - whatever that may be.. Halloween, baby shower, dinner party, bunco or try them out for thank you notes.

Just click on this link exclusively for Everyday Celebrating readers and enjoy 35 free stamps! 

Also, don't forget to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter to see more designs and updates.

 

Easy and beautiful day into night centerpiece

A simple large glass fishbowl filled with coffee beans and several large white flowers...

add in an LED tea light ...

and it turns into this at night.  Beautiful.

photo credit: life in the thrifty lane

Margarita Ice Cream

I'd love to introduce you to Wendy of The Weekend Gourmet.  Wendy and I met on a v bulletin site when we were both planning our weddings over 10 years ago.   She lives in San Antonio, TX, which I hold dear because my husband and I had our first date on the River Walk.  

Wendy is a foodie.  I've been watching her talk about food and restaurants and cooking for years and finally she's taking up blogging to share her love with the world!  

Today, I'm sending you over to check out her adapted Nigella Lawson recipe for Margarita Ice Cream. If you love food, bookmark her blog!  

So call the girls over for some chips, cheese and chatter!  And margarita ice cream for dessert!   Try serving it in a margarita glass with a lime garnish!

Follow Wendy also on Facebook and Twitter.

Adding a balloon drop

Let's face it, children LOVE balloons! And a balloon drop is easy to do and creates a large impact with children.

The drop above was part of a first birthday party over at Dukes and Duchesses.  The how to is easy!

Simply tape up yards of tulle to a wall.  This can be from a ledge or a door jam or from a ceiling fan or light fixture. (Use putty or command hooks or some types of painters tape to ensure no damage is done to the walls.  Use ornament hooks to hang the tulle from light fixtures.)

Fill it with balloons you've blown up yourself.  Remember that no helium is used in a balloon drop. Balloons can be blown up a couple days ahead of time.

Release one or both sides and let the balloons rain down on the little ones!  Smiles all around!

 
Visit Dukes and Duchesses to see the rest of this cute party include these pinwheel centerpieces!

 

 

Cupcake in a jar!

I love this cute presentation!  Want to cheer up a friend?  Want a fun favor?   Want to send someone home with a smile?

Ta DA!

Cupcake in a jar!  Add a nice label and a fork and it's a party in a jar!  A nice addition to this would be a wooden fork from Garnish.  Isn't it cute?

Perfect for any occasion!  Change the color of sprinkles, labels and forks to match the occasion.
How cute would these be for tailgating?

  
Thanks to Brandy at Gluesticks for the great idea!