Party Frosting

Party Appetizers - Add a toothpick!

2012-02-01T20:16:00.000-05:00

I always preach, it's not really what you serve.... it's how you serve it! Every food looks better on a toothpick!!!

Prosciutto sandwiched between Grilled brussels sprouts! Hello? YUM! You might even get the kids (or my husband!) to eat them! Source and recipe

Can never go wrong with sausage! Stack sausage, herbs, cheese and olives - and make a secret plate for yourself ;o) ok, confession, I totally do that with 7 layer dip ;o) Source

I have seen a lot of grilled cheese and soup shooters... but this one is extra cute with the cubes of sandwich balancing with a toothpick! you could do pb&j for the kids over milk! Source and recipe

Don't just put fruit out for dipping! Cut off the tops of strawberries, add a piece of pineapple (or any fruit) and put the topper back on! and add a few pieces of cheese - very pretty! Source

More Valentine's Day inspiration - more hearts!

2012-01-30T20:19:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else having a warm winter week?! I am so excited! I keep thinking of all the money I'll save on my gas bill lol! More money for parties! WOOT!

If you haven't finished your Valentine plans, maybe one of these ideas will inspire you!

Dove hearts in the center of your favorite recipe - YUM! super sweet (and easy!) idea for any sweetie on your list! Source and recipe

Marbled red velvet cheesecake brownies - a mouthful of goodness! These are so beautiful by themselves, but add a lolli stick and paper to create arrows for an extra dab of Frosting! Source and recipe

Here's a fancy pants idea - bake a quick box mix of brownies or chocolate cake (shoot, make it yellow cake, add red food coloring!) then cool, cut out with heart cutter. Melt some chocolates from the craft store, dip edges and then dip into crushed nuts! So cute no one will care you did a box mix ;o) Source unknown :o(

Make a sweet breakfast to go box! Heart shaped muffins (I'm feeling another box mix, how about you guys?!), tea bags with cut out heart and some butter in a cute container - lovely! Source and recipe (heart shaped bakeware here)

Shopping Saturday!

2012-01-28T19:49:00.000-05:00

How is your weekend doing? Ours feels like an early Spring day! WOOT! Love when winter isn't showing ;o) Got a lot of shopping in today and got my hair done!

Here are my local finds (at National stores) that might help you stash away for your next event!

Make sure you look close at seasonal items - these sets have stickers to apply - so you could use the pins on cupcakes or as favors at your Bowling party & noone would know they were from Easter!

Found: Big Lots
Section: Seasonal
Price: $3

Easter baskets are a great time to snag serving bowls for your parties - these are perfect for Sports themes - Basketball, Baseball and Football!

Found: Big Lots
Section: Seasonal
Price: $7

Love art activities for parties! These ceramic cars would be perfect for your Cars theme - and super inexpensive!

Found: Christmas Tree Shops
Section: Toys
Price: $1.29/6

Look in unexpected places... these shower curtains are perfect for buffet or photo op backdrops! Hello Kitty and Cars among others available.

Found: Target
Section: Bath
Price: $19.99

These craft projects would make perfect cake pop holders for a Princess or Construction theme! Just add styrofoam!

Found: Target
Section: Valentines
Price: $5

How sweet are these felt baskets?! Tons of uses - serving ware, lunch kits, favors, etc...

Found: Target
Section: $1 bins
Price: $1

Check Easter treats for your party - stash these candy favors for your Stars Wars party!

Found: Target
Section: Easter

Price: $3.99

Stash these "bases" away for decorations, placemats or games for your Baseball party!

Found: Dollar Tree
Section: Seasonal
Price: $1

These are jumbo sized (17"x12") coloring activities for Cars, Toy Story and Princess themes.

Found: Dollar Tree
Section: Toys
Price: $1

National Chocolate Cake Day! and Recipe!

2012-01-27T21:12:00.000-05:00

I am serious people! and how did I not realize that until now?!? I would have taken the day off! Those that know me know I am not a big sweet eater but my one vice is chocolate cake! OMG I need a chocolate cake party STAT! ;o)

So in honor of what I will consider the most bestest holiday eva'! I will come out of secrecy and share with you the most amazing chocolate cake I have ever made! p.s. this combination is what I made for our wedding cake! I can't take credit for the recipes, but just for putting them together ;o) p.s. sorry for the crappy pic from long time ago!

Chocolate Cake with coffee and vanilla filling

My go to chocolate cake: Recipe
(most moist EVA' - I use dutch cocoa even though they say not to - maverick, baby)

Coffee filling: Recipe
(kinda like a thick pudding consistency)

White icing: Recipe
(fluffy, way lighter and less sweet than buttercream)

p.s. make it with red food coloring in the icing for Valentine's Day!!!

Candy party ideas/inspiration

2012-01-26T19:26:00.000-05:00

If you don't mind the grumbles from the parents... a candy theme is always a great gender neutral party theme! You can pick a few colors to focus on or make it a rainbow of sugar!

Some ideas to add a little Frosting to a Candy theme...

Is your sweet tooth drooling yet? Love the fun colors and the multi-height banners! Source

Use over-sized lollipops to create a delicious centerpiece - add candy to a vase as filler and even string into garland! Source

Add fun candy details like these candy napkin rings - just glue candies onto a cut toilet tissue roll or wooden rings. Source and tutorial

Make paper candy toppers for your cupcakes. Source and tutorial

Valentine ideas/inspiration: All hearts!

2012-01-25T19:57:00.000-05:00

It's been a wild week so far! how about you guys! I need a personal assistant (don't we all?!) I have barely thought about Valentine's Day - and it's my first married one, I better step up!

Here's some more ideas for your day

Have you seen these yet? Super clever! Lollipop sticks turn these plain cupcakes into Valentine specials! (even if you make them from a box mix ;o) Source and tutorial

Use edible markers (buy here) to draw hearts on sugar cubes! (to make sugar cubes: 1 cup of sugar to 1 tablespoon of water) then form into square cookie cutter or molds. Source unknown :o(

Use heart silicone molds (you can usually find at dollar store this time of year) to make colored ice - freeze fruit juices or just add food coloring. Source unknown :o(

Super cute Valentine's gift - yarn hearts! You could even make them into a toss game. Source and tutorial

Tea Bag Cookie Love!

2012-01-23T19:15:00.004-05:00

Thank you everyone that has been showing such great love for my tea bag cookies on Pinterest!!! In case you are having a hard time finding the instructions.... You could make them with heart tags for Valentine's Day!

INSTRUCTIONS - click HERE and turn to page 55 & 56

p.s. the shortbread yummy recipe I use is from: here

Sponsor Showcase!!!

2012-01-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

Now that the wedding is behind me, I have opened my blog back up for sponsorship! I wanted to take a minute and thank the lovely ladies below and welcome them as new Frosted Sponsors!

If you are interested in sponsoring, drop me an email here - spots are affordable to even the smallest start-up!

Remember those cute Valentine chair back bags (here)? Yep, this is the creative chick! She's got tons of patterns for all sorts of bags... hurry to check out Easter and tons of women's handbags too! Link

We in the party world hang together - Check out Fizzy Party (link) to add even more party inspiration to your day! She's a total sweetheart and has party in her veins like us! So go add her to your bookmarks!

Crafty runs in my family - check out my sister's etsy sites - creative mamma like you guys!She sells tons of paper crafts - everything from coupon holders to bracelets ...and her prices are like shopping Target's bargin bins! Stop over and see what's she's whippin up! Link

Shopping Saturday!

2012-01-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

brrrr!!!! It's super cold and rainy so my Shopping Saturday was QUICK! I wanted to get home to a quilt and a cup of coffee! Hope everyone is staying safe as the country has severe weather in some places!

Here are my Shopping Saturday finds... finds from local stores (but national chains) that might help you stash away for your next event!

Having a Garden or Dora the Explorer party this Spring? Pick up these gloves and garden tools!

Found: Lowes
Section: Clearance
Price: $1!!

Having a Princess, Alice in Wonderland or Spa party soon? Snag up these incense bottles - dump them out and enjoy a great container for restuffing for just a buck!

Found: AC Moore
Section: Clearance
Price: $1!!!

Make sure you carefully sniff out the Holiday clearance... Like this candle holder you could snag for an Angel themed Baby shower!

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: Clearance
Price: $1.09

Speaking of Holiday clearance... don't overlook just because it's Holiday printed! Like these wine tags... just bring them home, paint with chalkboard paint or cover with contact paper! You won't have worry about free-form cutting them!

Found: Michael's
Section: Clearance
Price: $0.44

Doing a Bicycle theme? This cute piece would look adorable with fresh flowers in the baskets!

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: Spring
Price: $16.99
definitely use a coupon!

Camping party ideas/inspiration

2012-01-20T19:09:00.001-05:00

We are all preparing for a bit of snow here! Hoping for not too much- can't shovel with the accident injuries! I am definitely saying TGIF though - been a long week at my (day) job! Since it's so cold, you'd have to do an indoor camping party... here is some inspiration

Cute camp tabletop setup - look closely, I am sure you own a lot of things you can use in your setup around the house already! Source

How awesome are these s'more kits?! ingredients in plastic bag, pop of color with a tag and all tied to a stick - adorable and inexpensive! Source

I've seen a lot of push pop ideas this year... but this might be my fav! Don't you love the marshmallows in the box as the display?! Source and tutorial (buy push pops here)

Another great treat would be s'more candy apples! Also love burlap and wood accents in this pic! Source

Valentine's Day - more inspiration!

2012-01-18T18:24:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or does it seem the stores are way behind this year on Valentine's merchandise?! Don't they know we all need to plan and stash?!? lol...

Here's some more inspiration for your Valentine's day...

How clever is this idea?!?! A little Karo syrup and sprinkles turns marshmallows into a sweet edible message! (p.s. did anyone else dip white bread in Karo as a kid? serious. that was my mom's snack idea, often!) Source and tutorial

This is a scraf but this would make THE perfect valentine garland (or change up the colors for any party!) Source and tutorial

Make heart shaped cookies, cut alittle slit and bake... perfect little addition to a hot cup of coffee (or chocolate milk for the kiddies!) Source

Perfect little Valentine snack... use a cookie cutter to cut out a heart and fill with frosting (try for any theme!) Source and tutorial

Cupcake party theme ideas/inspiration

2012-01-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I ventured into my craft room and came out alive! lol - definitely trying to get reorganized after the holiday whirlwind!

If you are struggling with a theme - go with a cupcake theme - who doesn't love cupcakes?!? You can play it towards a boy or girl just by switching up the color scheme.

Cupcake theme lets you explore whatever color scheme you want! Super cute tabletop - I love the cupcake fabric! Source (fabric)

Set up the party like a bakery! Chalkboard, kraft boxes and glass jars set the scene! Source

Find different types of food/desserts to make into cupcake shapes... these cupcake mints are adorable! Source and recipe

How clever are these?!? Marshmallows that are done up like cupcakes!!! Cute for any party. Source

Shopping Saturday!

2012-01-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

Ugh - not going out much the past two weeks - still recovering from car accident - hopefully be back to my old self soon! Meanwhile... Here are some local finds (at National chains) that might help you stash for your next event!

Parisian seems like such a hot theme this year! Go steal up these charms on clearance! Add them to napkins, edges of tablecloth (weight will help with wind!) or make necklaces for a favor!

Found: AC Moore Crafts
Section: Clearance
Price: $1

I think these are doll house floors... but I see Racing/Car theme use! Add to glasses, trays, boxes, make mini flags with toothpicks - whatever!

Found: AC Moore Crafts
Section: Clearance
Price: $1

Having a Clifford or Charlotte's Web theme? Snatch up these beanie babies!

Found: AC Moore Crafts
Section: Main aisle
Price: $3.99

The perfect favor for a Tea Party or Cooking theme - these mini teapot timers!

Found: Jo Ann Fabric
Section: Aisle bins
Price: $2.50

I don't often post from discount stores because inventory varies so much - but hope you can find these chili pepper ice cubes for your Cinco de Mayo, Cooking, Garden theme!

Found: TJMaxx
Section: Food
Price: $3.99
found here too, but for more $

These chalkboard style planter labels can be used for any theme, especially Garden, Easter, School themes!

Found: Michael's Craft
Section:$1 bins
Price: $1
(go on Mon - they have a 25% total purchase coupon!!!)

For a Sports themed party -grab these kitchen timers for favors!

Found: Michael's Craft
Section:$1 bin section Price: $3
(go on Mon - they have a 25% total purchase coupon!!!)

Valentine's Day ideas/inspiration

2012-01-12T20:14:00.001-05:00

Aren't we all glad that once one holiday ends another's planning begins?! Sometimes I really love summer - pressure is only on at least one good BBQ and 4th of July and you can even combine the 2 and call it a day!

So if you are prepping for Valentine's Day, below are some ways to add a little extra Frosting! For the peep on last years older, but still fresh!, Frosting for Valentine's - check out my pin board: here.

Love advents! A "kiss" for each countdown day! Source and Tutorial

Get started now and create these fun "love monsters"! Who is thinking these would be great fun as toppers to a cake pop base?! Source unknown :o( similar tutorial here

These are THE cutest valentine card bags! If you get started now, you might finish in time ;o) Source and tutorial

SUPER simple (and inexpensive!) Valentine treat... dipped marshmallows with Valentine flags! Source

Mr. Man baby shower theme ideas/inspiration

2012-01-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

A popular theme for little boys is "Mr./Little Man"... I am just picturing a ton of toddlers in ties - how cute! Here are some ideas/inspiration for this theme:

How cute are these mustache and bowtie vertical banners?! A great way to use up the visual space above your table! Source

Create a fun banner with ties, photos and age - great way to bring color and fun! Source

Add mustaches in fun places - like these cups of soup! Source unknown :o(

Use bowtie pasta to create a crunchy snack! Source and recipe

Turn plain white bags into fun Mr. Man favor bags! Source and tutorial

Party appetizers!

2012-01-08T20:58:00.000-05:00

You guys all must be foodies like me because appetizer posts get so much buzz! We all have to agree that a party is only as good as it's food, right?! To look back at older, but still fresh!, Frosting for appetizers, check out my pin board here

Here are a few appetizers/serving ideas to wow your guests...

Won't help with your New Year's resolutions but these mini monte criscos are looking pretty worth it!!! Source and recipe

Mini BLTs rock... but a scallop BLT?! Total genius! and it's beautiful! Source and recipe

Sweet potatoes are so in right now... serve them up on kabobs with dipping sauce! Source and recipe

ok, ok... I had to give you at least one really healthy one! How beautiful do these slivers of red pepper look with a dollop of hummus?! LOVE! Source and recipe

Advertise on Party Frosting!

2012-01-08T17:56:00.000-05:00

Grow your business or blog... Advertise on Party Frosting!

With 6000-7000 page views a day, your advertisement will get plenty of exposure!

I stopped tasking advertising last year to focus on wedding planning - so hurry up and snag a spot while it's open again! Very low costs will appeal to the smallest of blogs/businesses! I can even help create an ad button if you don't have one! .... If you are interested, please send an email to kim.partyfrosting@gmail.com

Accident Update and Shopping Saturday

2012-01-07T21:07:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the light blogging this week - car accident on Tuesday has left me more sore (and muscle spasms) than I had anticipated! UGH! But taking it easy and lots of love and care from my hubby is helping! ... So I know it's been a while! But let's get Shopping Saturday back on track!!! For our new Frosted Family members (welcome!) this is where I post local finds (at national chains) that might help you stash for your next events...

Having a Zoo theme? These animal bookends would be perfect for creating a fun base for a plate (to make a cake plate), add to the top of wood of different heights for drama, put names on the front with white paint pen for placecards!

Found: Dollar Tree
Section: Knicknacks
Price: $1

Planning a Bug or Garden party this spring/summer? Stash away these cute kits!

Found: Dollar Tree
Section: Toys
Price: $1

Bubbles make a great favor... pick these up for a Jungle, Toy Story, Cars or Disney/Princess themed party...

Found: Dollar Tree
Section: Toys
Price: $1

Shark theme planned for the summer? Stash away these Shark lollipops! You could even cut off the stem and decorate a homemade cake!

Found: Dollar Tree
Section: Seasonal
Price: $1

Super cute bobble head candies for your Robot themed party! Pop off the tops and put as toppers on cupcakes!

Found: Dollar Tree
Section: Seasonal
Price: $1

...speaking of Robots, Michael's has all kinds of options out...

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: Dollar bins
Price: $1

Planning a Woodland, Owl or Frog Prince party... take a peek at their stash...

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: Dollar bins
Price: $2

Dig through the clearance from the holidays and think outside the box! These would be perfect Disco balls for a funky party! Super easy to hot glue a folded string to hang in different configurations...

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: Clearance
Price: $1.25

Always stop at the local fabric store to incorporate fabric in your event - table runners, basket liners, favor bags, backdrop

Found: JoAnn Fabrics
Section: Licensed Fabric
Price: $5.99/yd?

Cute as a button baby shower or party theme

2012-01-04T17:18:00.000-05:00

Ugh - what they say about car accidents is true! You always feel worse the next day! ewwww... I have a brunch to throw on Sat, I need to feel better dang it! Parties take priority!!

Now that the holidays are over... time to start planning all the parties of the year! "Cute as a button" is a great theme for baby showers or 1st bdays! Peek at older, but still fresh!, Frosting for this theme here.

This would be a cute invite! Or write different sayings on them or put pictures on each to create a banner - the mini clothespins (buy here) are the perfect dab of Frosting too! Source

Use inexpensive styrofoam forms (can get from dollar store) and glue and or pin buttons of different sizes and colors to create adorable centerpieces! Looks great on round forms too! Source

Use different shape forms to glue buttons together for serving bowls... even create flat serving trays too! Source

How fun are these cake pops? And no messy dipping ;o) Just mini cupcakes, dollop of frosting, and cut buttons out of fondant! Source

Minor car accident...

2012-01-03T20:19:00.001-05:00

Ugh! got rear-ended at stop light leaving work :o( banged my head pretty bad, but otherwise, still intact - gonna chill out tonight... party's back on tomorrow! hugs!

Happy New Year! ...Year in review

2012-01-01T20:16:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!! Whew what a year 2011 was! I think the theme for me was "struggle and let down"! lol but there were A LOT of great moments too! Here is a quick year in recap... I launched my first online magazine (here) - I had no idea what I was doing but I just jumped in with 2 feet! I am taking my lessons learned and plan to re-event this effort this year (stay tuned!... let me know if you want in early for sponsorship)...

I got married!!! WOOT! What a wild ride a DIY at home wedding is! Definitely took a lot of my attention this summer/fall. (wedding blog here)

Though many things have distracted me from doing a lot with Party Frosting! this past year, you all have been so supportive and encouraging! The Frosted Family has grown to 3k subscribers! And 1.5 million page views! OMG! I plan on trying to devote more time to growing/modifying the site this year... stay tuned!

...going to try to put a bit more attention to Facebook this year with more extras... Join here

Are you on Pinterest?! Omg, I have an addiction! I think I need to initiate a Pinterest time limit each day as part of my resolutions! You can follow my boards here

Last year, I went away from most advertising/sponsor spots because it was too hard to manage with the wedding planning... if you are interested in short/long term advertising options please contact me: kim.partyfrosting.gmail.com

Let me know if you have any thoughts on how to make Party Frosting! better for you this year!

Happy (almost!) New Year!

2011-12-29T19:12:00.000-05:00

Hope you all have been having a great holiday season! We just got back from a quick trip to Outer banks, NC! So relaxing!

Here are a few quick, fantastic New Year's ideas if you are still putting things together for the weekend! confession... we totally go to bed usually before midnight lol - total losers, huh?! lol

How genius are these ice cream cone "party blowers"?!? I say fill with candy and wrap in plastic for a fun, edible favor! Source and tutorial

Use a dollar store platter, add some "hands" of a clock and cupcakes for a great count down! Source

Use paper wheels to create fun hanging clocks! Cut out numbers and punch holes to create a fun centerpiece! Source and downloadable file

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-24T10:29:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is having a great Holiday!

Gonna take a few days to enjoy company... see you before the new year! Merry Christmas!

pic source

More Holiday Prep!

2011-12-22T19:54:00.000-05:00

One more work day for me and I get a few days to enjoy the time of year! WOOT! Here's wishing for an early let out tomorrow ;o)

Rock candy trees! How fun are these?! And if you do in these snowy colors, you can justify leaving them out until Spring ;o) Source and tutorial

"Glue" or tie candy canes together to make buffet cards or for a whimsical picture holder. Source

Dress up your cakepops into reindeer! Source

...how clever! Melted candies into a serving platter! Think of the possibilities!!! Source and tutorial

Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-20T19:38:00.000-05:00

To all my friends celebrating the first day of Hanukkah - hope you have a great Hanukkah celebration!

Pencils and spools make a fun Menorah craft! Source and tutorial

These are the most adorable dreidels (though I am partial to nature things ;o) Acorn tops and modeling clay! Source and tutorial

Super easy 8 nights of lights cupcakes! Source and tutorial

Yummy simple marshmallow dreidels! Source and tutorial