themed entertaining Archives - Page 2 of 3

Christmas Cookies: Host a Cookie Baking Day

December 7, 2016 by Susan 12 Comments

Tips, tricks, ideas and recipes to help you 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

Easy ideas for your Harry Potter themed party, including a recipe for Butterbeer!

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.

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!

Kids Farm Party

September 28, 2016 by Susan Leave a Comment

I told you a few weeks ago I’d be sharing some of the themed kids parties we did for our boys over the years. We started with a Pirate themed party and next I’d like to give you some ideas if you’re planning a Farm Party.

Let me remind you, and ask for your grace, regarding the quality of the pictures. My kids are in 10th and 12th grades right now. These pictures were taken many years ago, and scanned from scrapbooks. Funny thing…when I look at my teenagers today, I still see the little boys in these pictures. (Pause for sentimental mom moment)

Kids Pirate Party

September 12, 2016 by Susan Leave a Comment

I have learned about myself that I need a creative outlet in my life. When I was teaching 2nd grade, I had lots of opportunities to be creative, now one thing I do is host regular, themed, girls movie nights. In between those times, a large part of my creative outlet was my kids’ birthday parties.

I’d like to share a few of them with you, in no particular order, starting with a Pirate Themed Party we had for my eldest when he turned 6. (Six! Excuse me while I have a short mom reflection…my little pirate is now 17.)

Because the party was so long ago, the pictures weren’t digital, so there wasn’t a lot of touching up I could do. And, did I mention that another creative outlet I had was scrapbooking? These pics were glued in scrapbooks, so you’ll notice my attempt at clever editing, I’m sure. Regardless, I hope you get some ideas for your next Pirate Soiree.

Ice Cream, Right Ahead! … A Titanic Kind of Movie Night

August 22, 2016 by Susan 4 Comments

Trying to think of a Titanic themed snack wasn’t the easiest, let me tell you.

I do love a party with a theme. We started our Girls Movie Nights with musicals, and have branched out into other “must see” movies. I try to always theme the menu to the movie in some way. We’ve done full dinners, but usually just snacks.

Then I thought of floats. Ice cream icebergs bobbing in your choice of soda.

It’s the Perfect Titanic Themed Snack

Star Wars Party

July 7, 2016 by Susan Leave a Comment

I was four when the first Star Wars came out. We must’ve gone to see it, because in a pre-school memory book, I named it as my favorite movie. (Something I’m sure I mentioned when dating my Star Wars loving husband). We have two Star Wars loving sons, and many Star Wars loving friends. So pair that with my enjoyment of themed entertaining, (more here) and you can imagine the fun we had last December when The Force Awakens opened.

I will apologize right up front loud and clear for the quality (the lack of quality) of the pictures. These were taken with a cell phone just for fun, before blogging was even on my radar. I hope even with the grainy quality of many of them, you still enjoy them. And I hope maybe you get some ideas for your Star Wars party!