Alice in Wonderland inspiration

Check out pictures from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. I've been so inspired by these photos. I would love to throw a party with this as the theme/inspiration! It's got sort of a whimsical yet goth tea party kind of thing going on. I saw some amazing black teacups and saucers at an antique shop the other day that only furthered my inspiration. Who knows...maybe this Halloween....

Coffee and Donut Cupcakes from Just Jenn!

Just Jenn is so darn creative! Just look at the coffee and donut cupcakes she created! How cute would these be at a festive brunch, or as desert at a breakfast-for-dinner party?!

Look HERE for the recipe!

When would YOU make these adorable cupcakes?

Champagne Thursday Week 2 Wrap-Up

Sorry to post so late about last weeks Champagne Thursday! Bad blogger! Bad blogger! Here are all the pictures from the setup , as well as my favorite dances from last week. This week I went with a Fiesta theme, probably inspired by Modern Marie's recent Fiesta!

On the Menu:

- jarred salsa spiced up with diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro

-homemade guacamole

-veggies and dip

-orange slices and strawberries

-sugar cookies

-a variety of non-alcoholic choices

-margaritas

-peach margaritas

-beer

-and of course.... champagne!

Does this wrought iron stand look familiar? That's because it's a yard-sale find that I got for only three dollars and then shared with you! 

An over-sized margarita glass filled with key limes and a candle becomes instant decor.

I rimmed cups with green sugar, and salt to go with the tasty margaritas! ( salt for traditional margaritas, and sugar for the peach)

Now let's talk about some dancing! This week I had two hands down favorite routines! 

I loved Kayla and Max's pop/jazz routine by Brian Friedman, a unique number that was in my opinion, danced to perfection.

But I also loved Melissa and Ade's Jazz dance choreographed by Sonya

( I guess that I may just love anything that Sonya does) , Melissa really showed her talents this week,

and her diversity, it was really nice to see her out of her style still dancing beautifully and nailing it.

Sadly, two must go home. tis week it was Max ( who in the world saw that coming?!?) and Ashley.

It's been a jazzy week for me. We'll see what I like next week.

This week's garage sale finds

Every now and then ( I wish every week) I go hunting for treasures at garage sales. I look for all kinds of things, mismatched tea cups, interesting serving pieces, or other vases and candleholders to enhance any gathering. This week I managed to spend only $6.00 and got three fantastic pieces! Check em' out!

Three items for only $6.00 can you believe it?!

I got this piece for .50! I have already used it too! I served dip from it just the other night, but it could also be used to float candle in or serve appetizers from!

This green and brown striped table runner was $2.50!

I'm not sure what this is supposed to be but I plan to serve food from it, display candles on it.....and more!!

Maybe this weekend YOU should go garage-saling and see what you find!

Champagne Thursday Week 1 Wrap-up

So, Champagne Thursday is basically an evening filled with yummy appetizers, cocktails, and watching So You Think You Can Dance! This past Thursday was the official first champagne Thursday, and it was lots of fun! Here's pictures of the food setup.

I wanted to go with a pretty simple setup, I overlapped linen napkins to create a sort of argyle pattern, filled a giant margarita glass with green food-colored water and floating candles, and then it was time for the food!

On the menu this week:

-fruit (watermelon, green apples, and grapes)

-veggies and dip

-pork/asparagus rolls (more to come on that)

-champagne (of course!)

-beer (for the boys)

-shrimp dip ( recipe below picture) with wheat thins

I got this recipe out of the Kraft Food and Family Magazine, and let me tell you it is a crowd pleaser! Doesn't it look yummy in the picture? Here's the recipe:

Philly Shrimp Cocktail Dip

ingredients:

1 package (8 oz.) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

3/4 lb. cooked shrimp, chopped

3/4 cup Kraft cocktail sauce

1/4 cup Kraft shredded parmesan cheese

2 green onions sliced

directions:

1. Spread cream cheese onto the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate or shallow bowl. Toss shrimp with cocktail sauce; spread over cream cheese.

2. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and onions.

3. Serve with wheat crackers.

4. Enjoy! 

Serve this at your next gathering and your guests WILL NOT be disappointed!

THIS was my favorite dance of the evening. Kayla and Max partner up  for a Samba! I am a Kayla fan all the way! Enjoy the video! I can't wait to see the dances next week!

Introducing....Champagne Thursdays!

Some of my favorite gathering to host are the ones that could be considered more "casual" . On Thursdays I am inviting people over to view So You Think You Can Dance, and to drink cocktails. I am calling it "Champagne Thursday" (ala Zooey Deschanel in Failure to Launch). 

Every week I will try out some yummy appetizer recipes, and different cocktail recipes too!  So let me know if you've got any good ones! This week, I need some good champagne cocktail recipes so let me know what you 've  got! Perhaps I will play my dance playlist this week!!

By golly! She's done it again!

Zooey Deschanel has been named the new face for the Oliver Peoples 2009 eyewear campaign. Is is any wonder? Adorable, chic, and just over-all like-ability make her a natural choice for the campagin. Here is a commercial that will air that showcases her comedic talent. Enjoy the lovely Zooey Deschanel !