Create My Event

Dinner and a Movie

Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend! Here's to relaxing evenings this summer!

After a day of playing in the sun, sometimes it's nice to spend an evening in air conditioning. Watching a movie with friends is a great way to relax and escape, while your skin cools down from the heat of the day (or is that just my British skin?).

But a casual night at home can still be themed! Take look at some of these movie and dinner combinations.

Haven't seen the award winning Hurt Locker yet? Why not invite friends over to watch and share Middle Eastern inspired Lemon Grilled Chicken with Dried Fruit CousCous, homemade Pita & Hummus.

This meal would be great for a hot evening-- and it looks so good! Find the full recipe here.

Or how about a french movie? Amelie paired with french mussels.

This is my new favorite meal. I love mussels! Find the full recipe here.

Or how about looking at a cute guy for 2 hours? The Assassination of Jesse James paired with Meatloaf Brasciole, Country Corn, Mashed Potatoes.

Corn on the cob is so  good and sweet in the summer! Yum! Find the full recipe here.

Do you have any favorite movie and meal combinations?

See you next week! xoxo EventLucky

Shower Season

EventLucky back this week to share baby shower ideas with you. Hope you enjoy and would love to hear from you! 

With the warmer weather upon us, it is sprinkling outdoors and in!  Friends are having babies left and right, and announcing babies on the way.  I bet more than a few of you are planning showers, so I have gathered some cute baby shower ideas to share with you!

Invites

I found these cute invites on etsy, but there are tons out there. These can work the "shower" theme--

Or these invites would be cute for a clothing theme.

Decor

I love the clothesline as decor-- too cute, and can be added to the guests of honor's gift!

If you don't want to do a literal clothesline, cut pieces of paper with warm sentiments make for a nice wish book.

And this hanging message is so sweet.

I  love these natural centerpieces, with potted plants and fruits.

I also love the use of letter blocks, whether the name of the baby or not.

Seating cards are also a fun way to decorate. If using the clothesline, the pins are cute napkin holders.

Or these little fabric sachets with safety pins.

Or, if you choose a tea party style shower, tea bags can tell people where to sit.

Activities

Not everyone wants to plays games, but you also don't want your guests to get bored.

Asking everyone to bring photos of themselves is always fun. Have people guess which baby picture matches which guests. Or, try this game with celebrity baby photos.

Or have some scrap fabric around to encourage guests to personalize clothes for the baby on the way.

Favors

A friend of mine loves these cookies in cellophane wrappers-- they are beautiful and thoghtful. Also, sachets could fit the bill.

Also, even though the lollipops are rings, you could steal the idea to make pacifiers.

I hope this has given you some inspiration for your next shower! Please send me pictures from your best shower ideas!

xoxo EventLucky

Amazing Race Adventure Party Ideas

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Kentucky Derby Party 2010

Hi!  Artsy Fartsy Shopaholic here...ready to bring you the incredible details of another fabulous fete!  Last week, my uber-talented friend, Elizabeth, of the little harvilles, threw a fantastic Kentucky Derby Party! 

While we Memphians battled tornadoes, we also got to watch Super Saver "Run for the Roses" in style!

Elizabeth really outdid herself with the fabulous decorations, food, and games.  Read on and be inspired by her incredible Kentucky Derby party!

Her front door set the stage for the afternoon soirée...

Go here for a quick tutorial on how to make that awesome wreath.  Would you believe it is made out of coffee filters?!? 

Her food and drink was delightfully displayed, and played right along with the Derby theme.

The appetizers in the plastic cups were phenomenal.  Watermelon, carrots, mango, celery, zucchini and cantaloupe spritzed with lime juice and sprinkled with chili powder.  So refreshing!

Mint juleps were waiting for thirsty guests at the Watering Hole.

Guests were asked to dress in their finest Derby attire, and, boy, did they deliver!  Here are a few of the lovely Derby damsels...

Gentlemen guests also joined in on the fun!

Guests were invited to vote for their favorite hat (for the ladies) and for the best-dressed gent.  Here are the winners!

As for the Derby decor, the theme was red, black, tan, and vintage.  Everything was beautifully adorned with red roses, polished silver, and bright red signs with white lettering to guide you to each food/drink/activity station.  Also, when guests entered the door, they were immediately invited to place their bets for the winning horse and vote on their favorite Derby ensembles of the day.

Elizabeth, thanks for a great party and allowing Create My Event to have a peek at your perfect party!  You outdid yourself as a hostess and party planner - it is clear from the pictures that everyone had a fantastic time!

Mint juleps and miniature jockeys,

 

 

DIY Baby Gender Reveal Party!

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Top 5 Party Themes

Hello!

I am so excited to be writing for createmyevent.com! I am new to the blogging world, but not events. I started my blog, eventlucky, about 3 months ago, but I have stage managed theatre, opera and dance, managed over 1,000 events for a major entertainment company, and organized non-profit events and balls. I hope you will find my posts full of style, useful and beautiful.

Finding a theme not only streamlines the event planning process, it can also make it more fun. Whether planning a birthday party, a shower, or a wedding a theme can be a daunting task. There are so many choices and people creating new ones everyday!

I've put together the top 5 here to narrow the list. I hope this will help make this task more manageable.

Without further ado.... the top 5 party themes!

1. Movies and Characters

Depending on what is in the theater this category can vary. Right now Where the Wild Things Are and Alice in Wonderland/ Mad Hatter Tea Parties are both crazy popular. Lost and Glee weekly viewing parties might also fit in this category. 

For the full details on a great Where the Wild Things Are party for kids, check out armelle. Too cute.

 

And for a fantastic Alice in Wonderland/ Mad Hatter Party, start with these awesome invites.

 

2. Style 

I lend toward a clean, white modern look. One of my friends love shabby chic-- and I could throw a great party for her. I have even seen a preppy wedding. Is this fashionable choice right for your event?

Well, how about a Miami style pool party?

 

Or this rustic, elegant wedding? Any of these would be a beautiful party!

 

3. Time of Year

Seasonal parties give tons of options-- from a summer BBQ to an Oscar event. Take a look at a calendar to give you an excuse to plan a gathering!

I loved this Kentucky Derby party put together by a fellow createmyevent blogger. 

 

And Cinco de Mayo is right behind it! 

 

4. Color 

I love color. Nothing ties a party together better or easier than coordinating the color of the napkins, plates, drinks and tablecloths. Varying the shade can keep it from being too matchy. To take it to the next level, pick a color then chose a style (#2). Too chic.

This place setting from Martha uses preppy style and green. So eye catching.

 

5. Activity 

In addition to sporting events (Super Bowl, play offs), the activity category can dictate the decor for the event. From a fishing themed party, a murder game party, or simply loving to bike ride and using a penny-fathering on your invites, this choice can be cute way to reflect an active person. 

This homemade fishing game is cute. (or check out my inspiration board for a full fishing party!)

 

And these bike themed invites are too cute.
 

I hope this list is helpful in picking the theme for your next party! What's your favorite-- on this list or not?

 

Budget-Friendly & Time-Savvy: A Whodunit Mystery Party

I took a bit of a leave of absence these past few weeks, but I'm back and ready to share another awesome party idea that is both budget and time friendly!

A child's birthday party completely planned and written out for you step-by-step and emailed straight to your in-box is pretty time friendly.  But who wants to plan your entire party on a budget you can afford?

Dramatic Fanatic, that's who!

Dramatic Fanatic puts your child and her friends in the starring roles of whodunit mysteries. 

And the best part for you?  You don't have to plan a thing.

Dramatic Fanatic provides you with an already written script and easy to follow instruction, so your party and mystery run smoothly.  Simply mail out the invitations along with each guest's role description.  On the day of the party follow the script by having the guests act out their provided scenes, play the mystery-related games, follow the clues, view the evidence and solve the mystery!  

It's really that simple and you'll have plenty of time to shop for food.

Even better, it's really budget-friendly too because each kit costs less than $40.

There are seven whodunit kits to choose from, including Mystery at the Mall, A Movie Star Mystery, and A Slumber Party Mystery. 

Dramatic Fanatic also sells invitations for their mysteries! If I've said it once, I've said it at least 2 times before (here and here) already designed digital file invitations that you can just print and send out are a great way to go!  They're the perfect invitation for the party host that wants a little bit custom and little bit money saver and just a little bit DIY all rolled into one.

So they next time your little star is in need of a celebration, head on over to Dramatic Fanatics for a fun-filled, budget-friendly and time-savvy party experience!

 

"The game is afoot,"

Nikki

 A Yummy Mummy on a Pink Park Bench

Kickin' Kentucky Derby Party Ideas!

In the South, the Kentucky Derby is a big deal.  Whether you party with the infielders or sass with the high class, the Derby provides the perfect excuse to don those summer frocks and throw a great spring bash! 

  

This year, the Derby is Saturday, May 1st.  If a Derby party is your thing, you still have time to plan!

Derby Invites:  These darling invites can be ordered and shipped within 2-3 business days!  ($30 for 20 invites - itsy bitsy paper shop on etsy.com

 

Derby Decor:  Anything with wide-brimmed hats, red roses, mint julep cups and horses is a winner!  At your local garden center, grab a flat of mint.  Using mint julep cups, plant the mint in the cups, and add these adorable sterling herb markers to let guests know that they can add an extra mint sprig (or two) to their own cocktail.

 

(Set of 4 herb markers - $22 - Monkeys Always Look on etsy.com)

Roses can be expensive, but even just enough for one focal point will make a statement.  

(photo courtesy of here)

Scour eBay, yard sales, and thrift stores for horse figurines or even horse bookends.  It's amazing what a coat of glossy white spray paint can do!

 

(photo courtesy of here) 

Finally, don't be afraid to take the party outside!  Cover folding tables with white linens, hang chandeliers or the ever-popular Martha Stewart poms from the trees, and bring a little drama to your backyard! 

 

(photo courtesy of here) 

 

(photo courtesy of here) 

Derby Dining: Your guests will thank you for a proper Derby dinner.  Whether you prefer fine fare or down-home delectables is up to you.  Either way, the only proper dessert is the Kentucky Derby Pie.  Go here for a fantastic, tried and true recipe! 
 

Derby Drinks:  The Mint Julep is a must:

 

Mint Julep
From the Kentucky Derby

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Whiskey
Silver Julep Cups

Directions
Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight.

Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of whiskey. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Derby Digs:  Don't forget that hat!  Make sure your guests know that appropriate Derby attire is a must.  Offer prizes for the best and/or most creative hat.  

(photo courtesy of here)

Girls should wear summer frocks, and gentlemen should don classic seersucker or khaki suits.  Bow ties get bonus points!

Fabulous Extras:  Provide all of your guests with current Daily Racing Forms and set up your own betting pool to add to the excitement of the day. 

And check out these great photo props!  Smitten Sticks - le papier studio on etsy.com ($35 for 8 sticks)

  

Want some more inspiration and tips?  Check out the Kentucky Derby's official party site! It is chock full of ideas, recipes, fashion suggestions, and decor designs!  

Whatever your Derby plans are for the day, the most important thing is to have fun!  Happy Friday!

Horseshoes and Derby Divots,

 

the Rad Mad Hatter Tea Party- birthday party for my 4 year old daughter!

my little sweet baby girl is turning 4 {actually, i'm quite convinced she is 15, but that's another story}. i have never made a big deal for her birthday parties as i felt she was too young to really remember them. but, this year, she will remember this party. and, since i am completely head over heals in love with my scoots {have no clue where the nickname came from, but it stuck!}, this party has to be great.

she loves tea and she loves to throw tea parties. yesterday, we had 12 tea parties in 2 hours. we both had a great time, and my daughter was the perfect hostess. always refilling my tea cup and "brewing" fresh teas {water} for me to try.

so, when she asked me for a tea party birthday, i thought, of course! but wait, all of her friends are boys. hmmm.

i was working on another event for a client who loves bright colors, and i stumbled upon this cake.

this cake {if you made this cake, please let me know. i found a picture online with no credit. it's amazing!} sparked the inspiration for the "Rad Mad Hatter Tea Party" the perfect compromise. it's still a tea party, but it's not completely girly. i mean, who hasn't read/seen Alice in Wonderland? {if you haven't read the Lewis Carroll books, you simply must stop whatever you're doing and read them immediately!}

i googled "Alice in Wonderland Party" and you wouldn't believe what I found!!! instructions, ideas, menus, recipes, games, crafts, and so much more!!!!!

the birlliant Meghann at Urbanity Studios is creating a custom design for our invitation. Meghann is another guest blogger here. If you haven't checked out her site, do so immediately! her stuff is simply amazing and lovely!

we will be using as many elements from the story/movie as possible. everything will be topsy-turvy, bright, colorful, delirious, and as the nature of children's parties, a bit chaotic. i can't wait!!!

as i get further into the planning and design phases of this party, i will be posting more information.

now, i just have to decide if i want to hire a petting zoo, a bounce house, a face painter, or all three! {ok- probably not all three}

as always, i love your ideas and suggestions!

thanks!
allison@occasions&style

Mix up your next Barbeque Event

 

Make your barbeque stand out with a fun and crowd-engaging activity. Our idea centers around a drink “mixology” contest (the art or skill of preparing mixed drinks), but you can easily adapt this for a cook-off contest consisting of the best BBQ or a bake-off contest for the best dessert. These activities are fun, interactive, and engage the whole group.

How to orchestrate the contest:

Tell guests ahead of time that you are holding a contest, in this case a drink mixology contest, and ask them to bring the ingredients of the drink they are going to enter (inform them to bring enough for all your guests to taste).  During your barbeque, provide your contestants with a pitcher identified with a number taped to it. Give your contestants a place to secretly create their concoction and then have them place their entry next to the others. Provide your “tasters” (aka all your guests) tasting cups, a slip of paper and a pencil to write down which drink they deem the best. Allow guests to taste test the concoctions, write down their choice and deposit the slips into a bowl or other container. When the votes are tallied, award the winner with a fun prize. Inexpensive prizes can consist of a chef’s apron with an iron-on decal declaring the title such as, “Mixologist of the Year.” Other prizes may include some fun unbreakable cocktail glasses or clever cocktail napkins.

Have fun! From your friends at Urbanity.