{Real Party} Inspired by the LA LAKERS

With the LA Lakers in the playoffs, what better time to start thinking about a VICTORY

party?!! and what better place to get your inspiration than this incredible LA Lakers themed 40th Birthday Party planned by Carolyn Chen of The Special Day. The party was hosted at

The Resort at Pelican Hill, and featured on Hostess with the Mostess!

The entire color scheme was purple and gold. No details were overlooked; including suspended ornaments over the dining table, purple & gold flowers and linens, a basketball cake, digital scoreboard looking menus, etc.

Appetizers were served in cute little spoons and dinner was a 5 course tasting menu that included a beautiful presentation of quail breast on puff pastry.

Stunning!

Be sure to check out the original post on Hostess with the Mostess where you will find credit and links to all of the talented vendors and designers that were involved in putting together this amazing party!

{Real Party} Princess Party by Amy Atlas

I am such a big fan of Amy Atlas! When she had the opportunity to plan a princess party for Brooke Shield's daughter for her 4th birthday, I love how she swapped out the traditional purple and pink princess color palette for sparkly light pink, rose, and gold.

You can see all the event photos, and a link to the article in People Magazine on

Amy Atlas' Blog. Be sure to check out both posts, Princess Dessert Table Part 1 and 2

for behind the scenes designing and decorating photos.

Photography by Allen Zepeda

Marie Antoinette Inspired Vintage Photoshoot

I love this Marie Antionette inspired vintage photoshoot featured on www.weddingchicks.com. It was originally featured by Jubilee Events on My Kate Parker Weddings, which is where you will find more of the inspiration behind the shoot, the beautiful photography and a list of all talented designers who collaborated.

The color scheme of purple and blues and green are constant throughout the design and are complemented by the mismatched place settings with such beautiful patterns. The vintage accessories are so perfect...the bride's bird cage veil is a great way to get a vintage look and the groom's boutonniere is done with a peacock feather!

Inspired by Neopolitan Ice Cream

What is a perfect color palette for summer?

Neopolitan.

What would be more darling than hues of soft pink, chocolate brown and

warm french vanilla to center your theme decor around neopolitan ice cream?

Here is some inspiration for you - the possibilities are just endless!

photo via Snippet and Ink

images via Brenda's Wedding Blog

Girly & Delicious Dessert Table

This incredible gorgeous Eat Drink Pretty dessert table was featured on Style Me Pretty and it's so refreshing, sweet, girly, and delicious. There are so many amazing details to this styled shoot - you can read all about them and get links to all the talented vendors who participated as well as recipes, etc. on Eat Drink Pretty.

Photography credit: Sewell Photography

DIY Paper Cones

Ahh, DIY paper cones! I love the endless creative ways these can be used; and

the fact that they add such an inexpensive and personal element to your special event.

You can use color coordinated paper from any local craft store, and embellish them with ribbons, feathers, or even have them printed or monogramed. They have traditionally

been used to hang flowers on door knobs, on the ends of church aisles, chair backs, and

tree branches...but I'm loving the new trend to use them for treat cups!

Which treat you present inside your paper cone opens up a whole new world of

possibilities. I've put together some images and a DIY tutorial so you can incorporate

these into your next event, either for added decor at a themed food station!

Directions for the Paper Cones

1. For 5" cones - download the template HERE

2. Trace the cone template onto the paper, then trim out. Repeat as many times as you need.

3. Roll the trimmed paper into a cone shape, making sure there's enough of a hole left in the bottom of the cone for the lollipop stick. Secure the cone shape with a piece of tape on the inside, and use the glue stick to make the outer edge lie flat.

Directions for a Party Display (as seen in the zebra striped cone photo above)

1. Cut a piece of the styrofoam sheet to fit securely within your tray or vase/container.

2. Place the styrofoam in the container, then insert the lollipop sticks into the foam, leaving a few inches in between the sticks to make room for the cones. (You can insert the sticks in neat rows or in a random configuration - whichever you prefer).

3. Pour candy or popcorn on top of the styrofoam until it is completely covered.

4. Fill each paper cone with candy, popcorn, or another treat, then slide them onto the lollipop sticks.

Credits:

Image (1) via Martha Stewart

Image (2) via kmr photography

Image (3) via Intimate Weddings.com

Image (4) via Ashley's Bride Guide

Image (5) via My Sweet & Saucy

Image (6) via 8Events

Image (7) via Hostess with the Mostess

Image (8) via Amy Atlas

Image (9) via Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Ice Cream Cupcakes

Anyone who licked the frosting off a cupcake as a child knows the topping is often

the best part. These miniature desserts are dressed up with a scoop of gelato instead -

and this time, you get to choose the flavor!

Ingredients:

Buttermilk-Vanilla Cupcakes (see recipe below)

4 pints ice cream and gelato, slightly softened.

Directions:

1. Using a 1 1/2 inch ice cream scoop, press a scoop of ice cream or gelato on top of 1 cupcake. Repeat with remaining cupcakes and ice cream or gelato.

****

Recipe for Buttermilk-Vanilla Cupcakes:

Ingredients:

Makes 4 dozen mini cupcakes

1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups sugar

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Line mini-muffin tins with paper liners.

2. Sift flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a mixer bowl. Transfer bowl to mixer, and add egg, yolk, water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on low speed until mixture is well combined and smooth, about 3 minutes.

3. Divide batter among liners, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until golden brown and a tester inserted into centers comes out clean, about 17 minutes. Let cool in tins on wire racks for 30 minutes. Invert cupcakes onto racks, and let cool completely (cupcakes can be store for up to 3 days).

Source: Martha Stewart