Let’s start things off with one of my favorite designers – Design Editor – her free printables always rock my world and for this year’s Oscars, she didn’t disappoint! There is a Cheers! Oscars Drinking Game + a Red Carpet Report Card. So sip on a few cocktails (recipes below) and watch the movie stars hit the red carpet.

THE HELP
Food has a starring role in The Help, set in the South in the 1960s. These ’60-style dishes are similar to some served in the film: Grandma’s Lemon Meringue Pie, Dollie’s Tomato Aspic, Mama’s Ambrosia. And, for a soul food classic that never goes out of style, try Tasty Collard Greens.

THE DESCENDANTS
To honor a movie set in Hawaii, filmed in Hawaii, and with a soundtrack of beautiful Hawaiian music, what could be better than authentic Hawaiian dishes like Ahi Poke Salad, Kalua Pig, or Ono Butter Mochi. Note: Ono isn’t a type of fish your supermarket doesn’t carry; it’s simply a Hawaiian word that translates roughly to “tasty.”

MONEYBALL & THE TREE OF LIFE 
Brad Pitt stars in these two nominated movies–Moneyball, about an underdog baseball team, and The Tree of Life, set in West Texas. Allrecipes’ recommendation? Combine Brad’s movies and try hot dogs with this Texas Hotdog Sauce. Or pay homage to Brad himself with the Better Than Brad Pitt Cake!

Cocktails are a must at any Oscar party! Here are a few fitting ones for this year’s award show…(and ladies, they’re made with low calorie vodka)!

Crystal Cosmo (an ode to this year’s host Billy Crystal)

1 1⁄2 oz Voli Lyte
1 oz fresh lemon juice
2 oz Cranberry Juice
1⁄2 oz Agave Nectar
Top with Prosecco (OPTIONAL)
Garnish: Lemon twist In a mixing tin, add ice, Voli Lyte, lemon juice, agave and shake. Stain into a martini glass and top with Prosecco 

APPROX CALORIES: 150 Calories WITHOUT PROSECCO: 140 CALORIES

Golden Drop 

2 oz Voli Lemon
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1⁄2 packet sweetener
Shake and strain 

APPROX CALORIES: 110

Sweet Revenge (inspired by “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”)

2 oz Raspberry Cocoa
2 Raspberries
2 Blackberries
1 oz apple cider
1⁄4 oz maple syrup
Martini Garnish: Raspberries 

Muddle berries and maple syrup. Add all ingredients then shake and strain Glass!

APPROX CALORIES: 150

The Golden Era (inspired by “Midnight in Paris”)

1 1⁄2 oz Voli Orange Vanilla
2 oz Lemonade
1⁄2 oz agave nectar
1⁄2 pineapple juice
Garnish: Orange Wheel

In a mixing tin, add ice, Voli Orange Vanilla, lemonade, agave nectar, pineapple juice and shake. Strain into a martini glass 

APPROX CALORIES: 144

I’ll be headed to NEW YORK CITY and signing at Posman Books in Chelsea Market on Thursday, April 5th at 6:30pm. This will be a SUPER fun stop as Chelsea Market is one of my favorite places in NYC. Of course we will have free push-up pops for all to enjoy as well as lots of freebies (think adorable red + pink kitchen tools), and it gets better – samples, coupons, and prize packs from ConAgra Foods!

RSVP + invite friends on Facebook!

• Prize Baskets from ConAgra Foods (lots of yummies!)
• Push-Up Pop containers, cute bookmarks, cute kitchen tools, and other freebies for all!
• Meet & Greet, signings, pictures, etc!
• MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Twitter Party with @ConAgraFoods - March 1st – time TBA! {win signed copies of the book}

So, I hope to see you in your hometown. I’ll be there with a smile & a hug! And of course… a PUSH-UP POP!

Thanks to sweet Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event for not only being a new contributing writer to The Bakery Spot but also telling me that Mardi Gras’ parties go on beyond Fat Tuesday – the celebrations go on all week! Well, goodness, (a) that’s awesome and I wish I lived in New Orleans and (b) I clearly need to read up on Mardi Gras celebrations.. good thing she threw an amazing one and now we get to share the pictures!

It gets better…below are the recipes for these amazing treats. You better believe the Pizzazzerie household will be enjoying some jambalaya ASAP.

And… even more! Debi has provided the printables for FREE. Print off these cupcake toppers + flags to decorate your table! They are at the bottom of the post…

BOURBON SLUSH

 Hurricane

GUMBO

NASHVILLE, TN – March 10, 2012 @ 3:00pm – Barnes & Noble Cool Springs
Come enjoy lots of freebies + lots of sweet push-up pop treats! | RSVP & Invite Friends

PHOENIX, AZ – March 17, 2012 @ 1:00pm – Barnes & Noble Tempe Marketplace
Celebrate St. Patrick’s day with me! Enjoy Push-Up Pops, lots of freebies, ConAgra coupons + win a yummy ConAgra gift basket! | RSVP & Invite Friends

DALLAS, TX – April 1, 2012 @ 4:00pm – Barnes & Noble Lincoln Park
Happy April Fool’s Day! Enjoy Push-Up Pops, lots of freebies, ConAgra coupons + win a yummy ConAgra gift basket! | RSVP & Invite Friends

• Prize Baskets from ConAgra Foods (lots of yummies!)
• Push-Up Pop containers, cute bookmarks, cute kitchen tools, and other freebies for all!
• Meet & Greet, signings, pictures, etc!
• MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Twitter Party with @ConAgraFoods - March 1st – time TBA! {win signed copies of the book}

So, I hope to see you in your hometown. I’ll be there with a smile & a hug! And of course… a PUSH-UP POP!

Amy Croushorn from Amy’s Party Ideas sent over this beautiful creation and we love every last detail!  Since the birthday girl requested the “ballerina tea party” theme, Amy went to work creating her very own ballet studio– complete with mirror-lined walls, twinkling lights, a flower garland spelling out “TWIRL” and LOTS of pink + purple tulle! Amy used this tutorial to make all of the ADORABLE tissue paper flowers. For added ballerina flair, Amy adorned the cake plate and welcome sign with tulle to resemble a tutu!

The treats served for the tea party were totally adorable (and yummy) too! The table was set with pink embossed paper chargers, a desert tower filled with mini pink cupcakes, thumbprint cookies with pink and yellow icing and super-cute little ruffled cups filled with fresh fruit. Tea sandwiches and pink strawberry milk rounded out the lunch. Each party-goer was given their own purple tutu and headband bow to wear for the special day!

After all the little ladies put on their tutus and headbands and enjoyed their tea, a real ballerina arrived to the surprise of all of the guests! All of the ballerinas were thrilled to say the least– she danced with them and led them around the studio, painted their faces and capped of her visit with some special magic– thanks to the assistance of the birthday girl and her magic wand! How fun!

Each guest was sent home with their own ballerina slipper cookie as a favor! What a magical day!

Credits & Resources:

Styling & Event Design:  Amy Croushorn, Amy’s Party Ideas www.amypartyideas.com

Cake & Thumbprint Cookies: McEntyre’s Bakery www.mcentyresbakery.com

Ballet Slipper Cookie Favors: Sugar Plum Visions www.sugarplum-visions.com

Printables: Party Invites www.etsy.com/shop/partyinvites

Tutus: Halo Heaven  http://www.haloheaven.com/

I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful place to work every day and even more blessed to have an assistant and friend who shares my love for designing parties and entertaining as much as I do.  Kate’s creative talents have also led her to be the newest part-time associate of H Three Events in Nashville, so it gives us lots of party stuff to talk about at work and outside of work.  When it came time to put a shower together for our co-worker Brittany’s soon to arrive Baby Kinsley, Kate and I leaped at the opportunity to create a sticky sweet party for the newest addition to our work family.

We started with a palette of burlap and lace, but wanted to bring in the always appropriate touch of baby pink.  Being the mommy of a wild little boy I forgot how fun it is to be girly!  We hit the jackpot in the dollar bins at Michael’s for our “Kinsley” banner and wishing tree keys along with other fun items for our decor.  Hobby Lobby helped us out with the rest.

“Kinsley Cookies” Favors

Ingredients:

• 1 1/3  cup call purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cooking oats
• ¾ cup M&Ms
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup white sugar

Directions:

Layer each ingredient in a large glass jar.  Print baking directions on cardstock and tie onto jar with coordinating ribbon.

Additional ingredients to make cookies:

• 1 slightly beaten egg
• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Combine wet & dry ingredients in a bowl and stir
2. Roll out cookie dough into 1 1/2 inch balls
3. Place on parchment paper or baking sheet and bake on 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.

 Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 pint strawberries chopped
• 1 ripe mango peeled and chopped
• 3 kiwi peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp confectioner’s sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Vanilla bean fruit dip (found in the produce section of Walmart)

Directions:

Combine fruit, sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice in a bowl and toss to coat.  Spoon onto desired serving spoons and top with fruit dip.

Rainbow Fan Backdrop + Table | Birthday Rainbow Cake | Rainbow Party Straws | Soda Bar | Wrapped Rainbow Gifts | Crayon Wreath | Art Cupcakes

PARTY FIND: We are in love with these colorful appetizer forks. Match them to your party decor and serve up some tasty little appetizers at your next party. Any type of mini appetizer or party treat would be kicked up a notch with these cute little colorful forks, don’t ya think? Other fun uses: picnics + lunchboxes!

20 for $2.95 via Mademoiselle Chipotte

Speaking of cute utensils, we just had to mention Shop Sweet Lulu’s adorable spoons and forks!

Hi Friends! Any popcorn lovers? I’m definitely a popcorn lover. Popcorn is a delicious and easy party food (you don’t even have to turn on the oven). I’ve seen a few different flavored popcorn ideas floating around Pinterest so it had my wheels turning this weekend as I watched college basketball with the fiance and puppy. Feeling rather girly, I decided to create PINK PARTY POPCORN! I’m telling you, it’s addictive + delish! Just the right amount of sweetness!

WHAT YOU NEED
- 1 package popcorn (I used Orville Redenbacher Smart Pop)
- 1 package pink candy melts (Wilton makes these, you can find them at Michaels as well as other craft stores)
- sprinkles (I used multi-colored confetti sprinkles I found at TJ Maxx)

DIRECTIONS
1. Pop your popcorn per instructions and place in a large bowl.
2. Pour roughly 1/2 the package of candy melts into a microwave safe bowl.
3. Microwave the candy melts at 30 second intervals (stirring between intervals) until fully melted. I usually add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the melted candy to give it a shine as well as make it a bit looser. This is optional, however.
4. Fold over the sides of a Ziploc bag. Use a spoon to fill the bag with the melted candy. Fold back up the sides and use scissors to cut a small hole in the corner.
5. Drizzle the pink candy over the popcorn. Add as much or little as you like!
6. Sprinkle with yep.. you got it.. sprinkles!
7. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the candy melts to harden so you don’t have any mess hands while eating.

FUN IDEAS FOR PARTY POPCORN

• Candy melts come in all sorts of colors, try pastel pink or blue for baby showers, red for Valentine’s Day, pastels for Easter, etc!
• Spice things up with sprinkles! From hearts to disco dust, there are countless ways to jazz up party popcorn!
• Make popcorn balls and then drizzle with candy melts + sprinkles for individual treats.
• Fill small cellophane favor bags with party popcorn, tie with a cute bow, and give as favors at parties!

Us party-lovin’ gals know that the best type of party is a budget-friendly one. That’s why I was so excited to see this precious little gem pop up in my inbox. Do Driver over at Piggy Bank Parties and her crew at Oink! put together the most darling vintage valentine party! Not only is this party jam-packed with fun and easy DIYs– all told the supplies and decor came in at under $150! Lynlee’s Petite Cakes and Sweet Temptations graciously provided some of the sweet treats, valued around $50, but you could easily pick up some goodies from the grocery store bakery and keep your party on-budget too!

Do tells us all about the cutest vintage valentine party you ever did see:

Our collaboration was inspired by our Vintage Valentine’s Collection available in our Etsy shop and designed for an afternoon with the sweetest girls you know!

Instead of placecards, a mini heart banner with each guest’s name graced the back of a chair. The banners were accented with doily inspired flowers and doily cones filled with conversation hearts. The tablescape’s foundation was a white tablecloth layered with a lace trimmed burlap runner. Mason, Ball and Kerr jars filled with buttons, cinnamon candies and candles were embellished with mini valentines, twine, hearts, paper flowers, ribbon and striped paper. Jars filled with handmade “Heart Felt Pencils” were used in place of flowers.

The other jars included in the centerpiece performed double duty as the party activity. “Heart Bingo Jars” decorated with party tags, ribbon, twine and doily flowers are filled with a game board and Conversation Hearts to use as markers.

Each placesetting included a Vintage Valentine Paper placemat with a decorative edge made by using a scalloped blade on a paper cutter. An envelope made from a red heart doily and sealed with a personalized party tag graced a white plate. The envelopes contained a valentine from the hostess and a handmade card. The placesetting was finished off with a glass jar for water, a doily wrapped napkin with silverware and a Heart Favor Box.

The favor boxes included a doughnut eraser and a lovely Chocolate Covered Oreo from Sweet Temptations. Guests can use their pencil and handmade card to write a love note to someone special and use the eraser if they make any mistakes!

Another lacy burlap table runner graced the Sweet Treats Table. The white paper plate backdrop was embellished with a burlap pennant banner, paper chains and lace balloons. Our soirée included sweet treats inspired by the Vintage Valentines. Fondant lollipops topped coconut cupcakes and acai and blackberry pears were served in mini cups with taster spoons.

Lynlee’s Petite Cakes created adorable fondant toppers for the simple sugar cookies and vanilla cupcakes. The toppers were inspired by each of our Vintage Valentines. Treats were displayed on a wooden box accented with a heart, twine and striped paper and a two-tiered serving piece that was embellished with a doily inspired flower and sprinkles. Conversation cakes were made by attaching a conversation heart inspired fondant topper to a Little Debbie Snack Cake. Rustic cherry heart-shaped galettes and mini pies were inspired by the “Sweetie Pie” Valentine. Sweet Temptation’s beautiful lace Oreos were served on a family heirloom.

The “Doughnuts and Coffee…and Cocoa Bar” was set up on our dining room hutch. Burlap pennant banners and lace coffee cups—inspired by the sign’s artwork—accented the hutch. Hot cocoa with marshmallow hearts is a great option for non-coffee drinkers to enjoy with doughnuts. A doily and doughnut inspired strawberry cake and mini doughnuts were displayed next to the hutch.

The party space was adorned with handmade decorations including Valentine paper medallions, paper chains and sweet party signs. You can read all about The Piggy Bank Parties Crew’s projects by clicking on the links below. The Vintage Valentines Collection is currently on sale for $9.00 (25% savings) and available in The Market.

BUDGET BREAKDOWN:

Food*: $39.58
Décor: $70.19
Servingware: $5.82
Activities: $11.32
Favors: $15.41

GRAND TOTAL: $142.32 ($7.68 under the $150.00 budget)

*Total doesn’t include food provided by sponsors–Lynlee’s Petite Cakes and Sweet Temptations.

RESOURCES + CREDITS:
Concept: The Piggy Bank Parties Crew
Styling and Food: Do Driver {Piggy Bank Parties}
Photography: J Driver {Piggy Bank Parties}
Printables: Piggy Bank Parties
Vintage Valentines Fondant Toppers: Lynlee’s Petite Cakes
Lace Chocolate Covered Oreos: Sweet Temptations
Lacy Burlap Table Runners: Aimee Broussard {Project: Aimee and Aimee Broussard Handmade}
Burlap Pennant Banner and Donuts: Cineca Newburn {Dreamin’ N Details}
Heart Banners, Paper Medallions and Paper Chains: Dorothy Tarolli {Life is Sweet in Michigan}
Doily Balloons, Heart Felt Pencils and Lace and Burlap Coffee Cups: Jenny Dixon {Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line}
Fondant Lollipops and Conversation Cakes: Maria Lopez Davis {Love & Sugar Kisses}
Heart Bingo and Doily Napkins: Mariah Leeson {Giggles Galore}
Handmade Cards and Envelopes, Paper Chains and Conversation Cakes Concept: Mayra Rivera {In Flight}
Marshmallow Hearts, Doily Candy Cones and Heart Banners: Tara Odebrecht {Shindig Diva}

Incorporate color! Children love color so even if it’s pastels, adding a variety of colors creates a whimsical, festive atmosphere. Love brighter colors and patterns? Check out these cute “fleamarket chic” plates that are perfect for a little girl’s tea party or just simply to serve cake on!

A trend that is returning to children’s parties is serving cake instead of the popular cupcake. We are tickled pink about the return of the traditional birthday cake and think these dessert cake plates with scalloped edging and cute polka dots are just the right plate for a piece of chocolate cake with pink icing.

Cake stands, pedestals, and platters are not to be reserved for only adult parties. Little girls especially love tea parties so incorporating real dishes and china will pass on your love of entertaining. I especially love solid colored stands as they can be used for numerous themes and celebrations. These are part of the Decor Bon Bon collection.

For more children’s party tips, view Rosanna’s Inc. Blog!

I have a special treat for you today from our friend Ashley of Ashley Daniell Photography from Tallahassee, Florida.  If you are looking for a fun theme for your little man, this sock monkey theme is for you!  Ashley has created some really fun details that are doable for anyone to incorporate into their birthday party preparations.  What I adore is the AMAZING red, white and brown pom-pom backdrop behind the drink and sweets table.  You can find these pom-pom’s from Paper White Designs, and then secure them to a cardboard/foam backer to re-create this look that Ashley and her husband created.  And one of our favorite designer friends (you’ve seen her DIY videos here on Pizzazzerie), Ashley Brooke Designs, created this custom designed invitation featuring cutie pie Knox himself with his sock monkey!

There were so many details for the guests to enjoy, including the super cute Thank You Mason Jars filled with “Sock Monkey” Cookie ingredients!  Ashley got her idea from Bakerella, and transformed the design of them to fit her Sock Monkey Theme with some Brown M&M’s and cute Thank You tags tied to each Mason Jar!  They look super tasty and each guest got to take one home, along with the instructions on how to bake the cookies.  My second favorite use of the mason jars was the refreshments in the metal tins!  For the adults, there was a Sangria with fruit pieces in it, and also cucumber water for everyone else.  Perfect refreshments for an outside party!

The center of attention at this party was definitely Knox, and I just had to share this darling sequence of photos from Ashley Daniell Photography.  The giant cupcake was made by Knox’s “Granny”, and I just love seeing these photos of him enjoying every moment of this cupcake!

Photographer and Designer – Ashley Daniell Photography
Invitation: Ashley Brooke Designs
Pom Pom’s: Paper White Designs
Mini Cupcakes: Lucy and Leo’s Cupcakery
Mason Jars: Walmart

The cities, dates, and location details will be announced as we have them scheduled. They will fall between March 5th-April 13th. Check the book website for latest tour dates + locations.

The first half of our book tour cities include… (more to come!)…

• Prize Baskets from ConAgra Foods (lots of yummies!)
• Push-Up Pop containers, cute bookmarks, and other freebies for all!
• Meet & Greet, signings, pictures, etc!
• STAY TUNED: Twitter Party with @ConAgraFoods coming soon!

So, I hope to see you in your hometown. I’ll be there with a smile & a hug! And of course… a PUSH-UP POP!

Southern Living Wedding Planner & Keepsake: The talented team at Southern Living collaborated with the gals at DC-based Ritzy Bee Events to create the magazine’s first wedding book. As a bride-to-be, I couldn’t have been more pleased to receive a copy of this gorgeous keepsake book. Covering everything from tying in signature details like monograms and family keepsakes to budget checklists, this book is a must-have for engaged gals and wedding planners. {Southern Living Wedding Planner & Keepsake}

Sugarlicious: Author Meaghan Mountford is a blogger at Craft Gossip and The Decorated Cookie. This book is a sweet-lovers dream. Everyone who loves creating in the kitchen whether it’s cake pops, cupcakes, or candy will LOVE this book. It’s full of easy-to-follow guides and instructions along with gorgeous full-color images. A total must-have! {Sugarlicious}

Sweet Designs: Bake It, Craft It, Style It: Dessert designer extraordinaire Amy Atlas has created the bible of sweets styling. Though I haven’t gotten my hands on this gorgeous book (it doesn’t release until April), you better believe mine is pre-ordered! She’s releasing a few little peeks here and there so be sure to follow her blog for more. {Sweet Designs: Bake It, Craft It, Style It}

The Cookie Dough Lover’s Cookbook: Fellow Nashville blogger Lindsay Landis of Love and Olive Oil is the author behind this sweet book for all cookie dough lovers. From the sneak peeks I have seen, the styling in this book is reason enough to have it on your shelf! Gorgeous photography and recipes all about cookie dough? HECK YES! {The Cookie Dough Lover’s Cookbook}

CelebraTORI: Actress and Mom Tori Spelling is sharing all her party-planning secrets in her latest book. “Filled with lots and lots of great advice, handy blueprints, and hilarious anecdotes, celebraTORI will be the most important guest at your next party. It’s the perfect foundation for taking life’s special occasions up a notch . . . or five.” {CelebraTORI}

Desserts In A Jar: 50 Sweet Treats That Shine: We’ve highlighted the sweet trend of desserts in a jar here on this blog many times, and if you want to stay on top of what’s hot in parties & weddings, then this book is a must-have! Perfect for birthday parties, gifts for friends, or simply a new way to eat your after-dinner treat, author Shaina Olmanson of Food For My Family has written a hit with this cookbook! {Desserts In A Jar}

SprinkleBakes: Dessert Recipes to Inspire Your Inner Artist: Some of the sweet treats created by author Heather Baird literally have my jaw on the floor. A blogger since 2009 over on SprinkleBakes, it’s easy to see why she now has a book out of her sweet creations. And she’s also in TN! Woohoo! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book. {SprinkleBakes}

Joy The Baker: Popular blogger Joy Wilson of Joy The Baker is releasing her self-titled cookbook. Just like her blog, I have no doubt that this book will be full of must-try recipes for baking deliciousness. If you love butter and sugar, this book is for you! {Joy The Baker}

Push-Up Pops: Yes, this is my book. I had to add it to the list, right?! I truly put my heart and soul into this book. I hope you love it too! “Push-Up Pops are the perfect treat for any occasion. This is a must-have book for all party lovers!” – Tori Spelling {Push-Up Pops}

I am, as most of us are these days, Pinterest obsessed and found this DELICIOUS recipe for Baked Brie Bites originally posted on Plain Chicken, that are not only extremely tasty, but easy to make and have quickly become my go-to snack for my unannounced guests.  The combination of sweet ingredients with the creamy brie make this a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of mini fillo shells
• 4 oz President Camembert (or Brie) (The other half can be set out on your cheese plate at room temperature)
• Chopped pecans
• Brown Sugar
• Local Honey

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place a small piece of cheese in each cup.  Add a dollop of honey, a sprinkle of pecans (about 1/4-1/2 tsp), and a sprinkle of brown sugar (about 1/4 tsp).

Place on a cookie sheet and bake for approximately 10 minutes.

Move bites to a platter, serve and enjoy.

Sometimes last minute get togethers can be the best and with a good list of go-tos it can be thrown together quickly and still appear planned and effortless.  Other useful items to pick up and keep on hand for a “party in a pinch”:

• Small plates (These can be found at most stores like TJ Maxx or Kohl’s.  For Christmas one year my sister gave me a set of 8 plain white appetizer plates that she personalized with an “H” using her Cricket machine.)
• Fun cocktail napkins.  Mik Wright is my personal favorite with the throwback photos and gut busting captions.  Here is one of my all-time favorites and oh so appropriate for my gal pals.
• A good stash of wine glasses, big and small.
• Simple white platters in several shapes and sizes.  A footed platter is always nice to add dimension to your cheese and cracker display.
• Several cheese cutters and spreaders.