themed entertaining Archives | The Sparrow's Home

Movie ideas for your next girls movie night

April 30, 2018 by Susan Leave a Comment

Do you prioritize girl time, or are you lucky to squeeze some in on rare occasions? Maybe you’re like me and you try be good at scheduling time, but most often end up falling into the latter category.

One thing I try to do sorta semi-regularly is schedule girls movie nights with some of the younger ladies I know. Maybe I see it as my job to introduce them to films they might not check out on their own. Maybe it makes me feel younger. Mostly, I like the chance to watch some of my favorites again.

And it only breaks my heart a little when they don’t love a movie as much as I do. (Gone With the Wind, I’ll always love you).

Graduation Party Ideas: Hits & Misses

June 12, 2017 by Susan 8 Comments

I made a huge mistake with my son’s graduation party. I forgot to take pictures! This shames me, not only as a mother, but as a blogger. Before the party started, I took a few. The weirdest thing is, that at one point during the party, I looked out the back window and thought, “I love seeing all of these people enjoying each other’s company.” And I actually went out and took a few pictures.

But did it cross my mind at that point to take other pics? Noooooo. No standard picture of my son with his cake (doughnuts, in this case). No pictures of my son at all.

Here’s what I attribute it to: I lost my mind temporarily due to outlets.

But the party was great! Let me tell you about it.

Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes

May 8, 2017 by Susan 2 Comments

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day? We used to go out to a brunch buffet after church. But as our families grew, it started getting pretty expensive. We also realized that we didn’t spend much time enjoying each other’s company in the busy restaurant. So several years ago we began having brunch back at our home. (My sisters and I decided that my parent’s house wasn’t an option, as my mom would stress about things getting done).

Sausage Bites: And a Lord of the Rings Marathon

April 19, 2017 by Susan 6 Comments

These sausage squares are savory and meaty and hearty….and ridiculously easy! They are equally delicious as an appetizer, or for a brunch menu.

Are you a Lord of the Rings fan? I’ll admit, I haven’t read the books. But I love the movie trilogy. They are so rich and full of wisdom and heart. I know, I know, I need to read the books. Right now I’m working my way through the Harry Potter series, and not very quickly, at that.

We love a party with a theme around here, so when my niece finished the book series, we had to get one on the calendar. What better way to spend a Saturday, than going on an epic adventure with tasty treats to fill your belly!

Christmas Cookies: Host a Cookie Baking Day

December 7, 2016 by Susan 10 Comments

Host a Christmas cookie party this holiday season!

Everyone has their family favorites when it comes to Christmas cookies. I am an avid baker, but even I get overwhelmed at the idea of making all the varieties of cookies that my family has come to expect at Christmas. And that’s not even mentioning the things that I make for gifts!

Years ago, when we moved back to Minnesota, I was blessed to be invited to join a group of ladies for a day of cookie baking. Everyone brought ingredients to make one or two kinds. We made them all together, then we divided them up. So we each went home with a huge variety. Genius!

Over the years, the group of ladies has changed somewhat, as has the location. I’m the current host (you must know how much I love hosting gatherings).

Harry Potter Party & A Recipe for Butterbeer

October 31, 2016 by Susan 14 Comments

We enjoy Harry Potter. A lot.

The boys have a friend who just finished the book series for the first time and hadn’t seen any of the films. Loving a themed party as we do, of course we made it into a full fledged 2-day movie marathon. All the kids in Minnesota have a couple of days off of school in October, so our date was set.

I did a lot of searching online, and found some pretty incredible parties. Ones where you actually felt you were in Hogwarts.

Our Harry Potter party was nothing like them.

I wish.

But with work, school, and college visits, we shot for a much more do-able party. Authentic, no. Loads of fun, and something anyone can do…you bet!