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Oscar Party Ideas

posted by cindylouh on March 4th, 2010 | party decorations, party favors, party ideas |

I would love to host an Oscar Party. It isn't going to happen this year, but if I did have an Oscar Party I would...

send these cool invitations that can be printed for free at Twig & Thistle.

A table decorated with photo cylinders like Hostess with the Mostess would be lovely.

I would print these ballots and popcorn bags also from Twig & Thistle---- isn't she amazing!

It would be fun to play How About Orange's Oscar Bingo during the awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has an Oscar Night Essentials Party Kit including recipes, party ideas, printable ballots, bingo cards and cross word puzzles.

I am always looking for appetizer inspiration! Delish and Woman's Day serve up some yummy ideas. Food TV shares some best supporting snacks. Food and Wine Magazine doesn't disappoint with their 10 Oscar Appetizers. Food and Wine Magazine also has a Make Ahead Cocktail Party!

Movie themed food would be a must! Epicurious and Allrecipes have themed dinners for each of the nominated movies.

Gourmet and that's the spirit share the perfect cocktails to pay tribute to the nominated movies and actors.

We could also dine on tuxedo strawberries.

These Oscar Award Cookies from Bakerella would make a spectacular statement.

How about these Oscar statutes that were made from white chocolate and then painted with edible gold made by My Little Cottage in the Making. Served with a slice of cheesecake and a chocolate "Hollywood." Simply pipe melted chocolate onto parchment paper, allow to cool. Once hard, peel away from parchment paper and embellish the dessert.

My Little Cottage in the Making sent her guests home with some swag --bag full of candy, a bag of popcorn, a movie gift certificate, a Hollywood clap sign key chain and a pin in the shape of the pink stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame. I would want to do this also!

I would also borrow some of Cathy Filian's great ideas for Oscar party decor, food and fun!

Thanks for taking the time to visit me today!

Superbowl XLIV Panini Party

posted by cindylouh on February 5th, 2010 | party ideas, recipes |

The girls from from You've Got Supper are back with a simple party idea for the Superbowl.

Susan and Michell write...

Superbowl XLIV Panini Party

If you’ve already had enough chili during the play-offs, change it up with a selection of “no fuss” paninis for your Super Bowl party. Arrange platters with the ingredients for each panini and let your guests put together their own crispy, grilled sandwiches to watch in front of the game. They may even be inspired to make their own creations. Serve them up with salt and pepper kettle chips, fruit salad, or your favorite side soup.

Beef and Horseradish Panini

Mozzarella and Proiscuitto Panini

Turkey and Brie Panini

BBQ Chicken Panini

Cuban Panini
Don’t fumble dessert! For a Halftime Sweet Fix, we recommend keeping the panini press fired up. Put out a platter of white bread, thinly sliced pound cake, and croissants. Let your guests mix and match the fillings. Here are a few of our favorite combinations:

Nutella and bananas
Apples, cinnamon, and sugar
Brie and dark chocolate
Dark chocolate and strawberries

Note from Cindy - I use an indoor grill like thiswhen making paninis.

You might also be interested in You've Got Supper's Superbowl Fiesta Menu, with Saints Rajun Cajun Shrimp Quesadillas and Colts Corn Quesadillas. You can even print off the shopping list! It doesn't get easier than that!

If you need some snacks you might try these Superbowl snacks -- Spicy Buffalo Dip and Honey Mustard Glazed Pretzels.

How to make a pinata

posted by cindylouh on December 28th, 2009 | kids, party decorations, party ideas |

A snowman pinata that is...

Blow up balloons and tape together in desired shape.

Mix up a thick soupy mixture of flour and water.

Cut or tear pieces of newspaper and begin covering balloons. The balloons will need 2-3 layers depending on the strength of the party attendees. Older children might need more layers.

Before final layer add a strong string for hanging the pinata. The string went all the way around the snowman to keep the head from being knocked off. Pieces of tape kept the string in place around the snowman until final layer was put on and dry. When paper is completely dry, cut a hole somewhere on the pinata (we cut the hole in the top of the head). Fill with goodies.

Fold strips of crepe paper in half. Make a slits on the folded sided 1/4" - 1/2" apart.

Glue uncut edges of the strips of crepe paper. spiraling around entire pinata, cutting more strips as needed. Slightly pull crepe paper as gluing to allow the cut edges to pop out.

Allow pinata to dry and then add details. Hot glue construction paper buttons, eyes and a cone shape for the nose to the pinata. The scarf is made of felt (one piece cut in thirds lengthwise, sewn end to end, with slits cut on the outside ends to make fringe).

See the pinata in action at Bella's breakfast with Santa birthday party.

Bella’s Breakfast With Santa Birthday Party

posted by cindylouh on December 16th, 2009 | Christmas, party favors, party ideas |

Santa came to our home along with 9 little girls in their jammies. They each sat on his lap for a picture. Isn't he just the best Santa?

My husband painted wooden frames with chalkboard paint and drilled holes to make holders for two pieces of chalk.

This chalkboard frame gave them an activity to keep busy while all the girls were arriving and also served as a holder for their picture with Santa. We took the pictures at the beginning and then during the party my son and husband printed them and placed them in the decorated frames for each girl to take home.