An 85th Birthday Dinner...Sissy's Style

Milestones. Riding your bike without training wheels. Reading your first Judy Blume book without help. Finishing the 1000 piece puzzle. Turning 85.

This weekend, we celebrated my sweet grandmothers 85th birthday. Thinking about all she's seen in her life, from riding horses to school, to driving a car. The Pony Express to a full service USPS, FedEx and UPS. Presidents elected into office, then impeached. The right to vote. Cell phones and computers. She's been through 10 decades full of changes and we absolutely had to celebrate her.

I designed sweet invitations and sent them off to the family. (I added an envelope liner for a small pop of detail.) I asked my "cookie girl" to make 8's and 5's so each guest would have a party favor. I decided upon a simple, yet fun and very Southern venue for dinner- Sissy's Southern Kitchen. Delicious!!!

The intimate party went off without a hitch and this spry woman was on top of the world. (After she had her key lime pie, of course!) Happy Day, Gran!


The Best Ever Bacon and Spinach Quiche

Bacon. When did it become so popular? I mean, it's being used to make ice cream, candy, beer, even vegetables wrapped in it. My mom Patty, has been making quiche for years and guess what? It's ALWAYS had bacon in it. She is so ahead of her time. These mini bits are not only delicious, but pretty easy to make. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:
1/2 lb. of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1-2C fresh chopped spinach
2T dried minced onion
1 tube (8oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
2C shredded Swiss cheese
1/3C grated Parmesan cheese
2T minced chived
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1C 4% cottage cheese
paprika

Directions: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside. On a lightly floured surface, unroll crescent dough into one long rectangle; seal seams and perforations. Cut into pieces small enought to fit your mini muffin pan. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased mini muffin cups. Fill each cup with about 2 teaspoons of the bacon and spinach. In a large bowl, combine the eggs and cheese. Spoon over the bacon and chive mixture. Sprinkle with paprika.
Bake at 375 for about 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Serve warm. Yield: about 30-40 mini quiche.

Party Recap- Boy Book Club: Mercy Watson Fights Crime

Ya'll. I hosted a seriously fun book club at my house last week with a bunch of Kindergarten and First grade boys...The goal: to make reading fun!

If you know me at all, you know that I can turn any event into a party. And that's exactly what I did! I put out a little snack spread, had a few fun decorations and voila- it was a party! Check out the pics below!

The boys came over at 7:00 in the evening, and I figured they had all eaten, so I had a few snacks set out. I made pigs in a blanket using Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and their easy recipe, cut up a few bunches of green grapes, offered up potato chips, and of course something sweet- red jelly beans! I sprinkled red coins (they were chocolate!) on the table and used my red and white pottery to serve the food in.

I had these adorable custom pig cookies made by a local gal and wow- they were delish! The boys really enjoyed them!

For decoration, I propped the book on a plate stand, used my son's stuffed piggy and brought in my red toaster. Did you know that Mercy's favorite food is toast?

Here's the group posing for a picture after the discussion. Their belly's were full and smiles were plastered on each kiddos face. It was so much fun!

A Book Club for Boys

A few months back, I was watching an vlog (blog but in video form) about the differences in behavior of boys and girls in elementary school. The article hit home for me, as my house is full of boys. (Like, I'm the only chick...Bless my heart, I know.) I'd love to hear your thoughts on the video- feel free to leave me a comment below or email me.

Anyway, while watching, there were a few staggering statistics that resonated with me and actually made me take action to make sure my boys got both the education they deserved, but also the treatment they should receive by teachers and other parents. I started a neighborhood boys only book club.

This week, I hosted the first book club "party" for interested boys going into Kindergarten and First Grade at the local elementary school. I say "party" and not "meeting," because, well...It was a party. There was not an agenda, assigned seats, homework, or even a mandate to answer any questions or get involved in the discussion. It was simply to get our kids reading.

The book we chose as our first read was, Mercy Watson Fights Crime. This book is a super cute book about a pig named Mercy and you guessed it- she fights some crime. There are other books in this series, but we wanted to start out with something that would get the boys excited about reading.

The last kiddo just left my house and I am so thrilled with the turnout. Here's a sneak peak at the mini party table I set for our first book club "party." Be on the lookout next week for the party pics!


Party Recap- An Elegant Baby Shower

Hostessing a baby shower is no small feat. And when it's your British sister-in-laws shower...well, let's just say that no detail should be left unturned. You see, my brother, native Texan, married a British gal. In Britain, baby showers are not really a "thing." So when they told us they were coming to visit this summer, I knew a fabulous party was in order to celebrate Caroline.

The parents-to-be don't know the sex of the little one, so instead of flooding my home with blue and pink, I chose to go the classy, elegant route by using metallic golds, with accents of white and black. And wow...it was gorgeous!

Between the Sheets Co. custom designed all the paper goods, which included the invitations, party banner, food signs, baby wish cards, beverage napkins, and favor tags. We had a large wreath custom designed using metallic white and gold netting. Tied to the wreath were small items such as baby lotion, teething toys, and baby spoons.

The food we served was a mixture of sweet and savory, the hit being the mini quiche made by one of our hostesses. We wanted to bring a little bit of British tea time food to the shower and did so by making finger sandwiches and scones, two of Caroline's favorite bits. Also served were caprese skewers, fruit salad, and vegetable crudites, served in short glasses with a spoonful of dressing.

The food was displayed on gorgeous gold, glass and white serving pieces, all of which sat on a crisp white tablecloth and gold sequin table runner. Each food sign was enclosed in an elegant white frame.


Inside a custom made baby cradle, painted white and sprinkled with gold glitter sat the centerpiece of the table...an extravagant floral arrangement of hydrangeas, lilies, roses and daisies.

We really wanted to 'wow' the guests with the dessert, and I think we did just that! The cake was a two tier, vanilla flavored cake, iced to perfection with delicious white and gold butter cream icing. Adorning the top of the cake was a baby rattle made from gold fondant and a sweet banner reading, Congratulations Caroline & Scott.

As the gifts were opened, each guest received a 5 x 7" card to fill in their wishes for Baby. Caroline loved this idea and had a blast reading through the special notes each guest penned.

As the celebration came to a close, each guest left with a small golden box which held two square bath fizzies from Fresh. Each box was tied with white stain ribbon and custom designed favor tag.

Caroline had an amazing time and we loved spoiling her with a traditional baby shower.

(© 2014 Between the Sheets Co.)


Party Recap- Ben's British Birthday

Party pals. We had the most ah-mazing party for my sweet Ben. As with every party I plan, I started VERY early on with the theme, invites and guest list. I knew I wanted to do a British themed party as a homage to my brother and sis-in-law living in London, but also, Ben's nursery is styled using lots of British elements. (I have a fab chest of drawers...you must see it!)

I wanted to make the party 'boyish' instead of super grown up, I mean we are celebrating a one year old! The invitations were designed with bold red stripes and soldier. I also added Ben's monogram to the back of the card- it's the added touch of detail that really shows the thought that went into creating the perfect card. I printed the invites on a lush, double thick, bright white stock. The envelopes were printed with our return address on the flap, and addressed to His or Her Majesty. Simply adorable.

My talented mom, made the most adorable door decoration for the party. She used a styrofoam base, grosgrain ribbon, foam core, and a vinyl machine for the letters. (This now hangs in Ben's room- so cute!)

When I plan parties, I first have to think about who is going to be eating...Which then gives me my plan for the food table. I wanted to have a mix of breakfast type food and snacks. I prepared everything from french toast sticks in legit Financial Times papers straight from London, to bacon, a fruit pizza, mini quiche, short bread cookies, and my personal fav, "fish and chips" aka gold fish and potato chips. So fun! I of course had to fill my table with custom food signs...and no table would be complete without M&M's in dishes that spell out Ben!

I have a pal in the neighborhood who is super talented and made and decorated the birthday cake, cookies and smash cake. I put the cake on a fun blue cake plate, giving it a lift over the food and becoming the star of the table. (Love cake stands!) And OMG, the cookies were delish. (I think there was a certain someone who ate his weight in them, in fact. Not naming names though!)

It's hard to come up with something fun to drink at eleven o'clock in the morning, but I think I hit the nail on the head with my choices! I made a Pimm's punch, served water (which of course had custom labels), and English tea. I put the punch in a cute drink dispenser next to the water bottles, and near the food table, set up a little tea area with a personalized mug for each guest to sip tea from (and take home!)

During the party, guests were invited to take pics with the birthday boy. I purchased props and set up a backdrop using PVC pipe and a piece of polka dotted fabric. When planning for this party, I knew I wanted to incorporate stripes and polka dots. Fun, right? When I couldn't find the party hats I wanted, I simply made them. We'll have a tutorial on the blog soon so you can make your own, too! Ben got a special hat! See the pics below- his is personalized!

You can see that everyone was into the props! Even my mom and aunts!

What would a British themed party be without some authentic poppers? This truly was such a sweet celebration of my baby boy. I had so much fun planning!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Ben!

 

Photography from Stefanie Marcus.

Party Recap- Custom Designed Geeky Science Party

In true fashion, when my son told me he wanted a "science" themed party, my brain started spinning with all the fun stuff I could do. I immediately booked The Perot Museum and began sketching out designs and ideas for the invitation. Here's what we ended up mailing to our pals. It was so fun and unexpected!

Once the invites were done, we moved right into the food and favors portion of the planning. This party was nice because we were going 'off-site' and the museum was providing the activities for us, the space, the chairs, tables, etc. I wanted to do an extra special table of food and goodies for Luke and his pals, so the search for colorful popcorn, fabric, a few rubber mice commenced and I was all set.

birthday food table
custom food sign birthday

Since we were doing science experiments at the museum, I wanted the food to represent science-type items. "Jelly synthesis" was simply green Jello with gummy worms. "Atomic muffins" were a delicious assortment of homemade mini muffins, perfect for a 10:00 a.m. party. I also served "fruit particles" aka fruit salad. I filled glass flasks and beakers with m&m's, popcorn, jelly beans, and sixlets. The cotton candy was a hit- especially since it had a rubber mouse pretending to munch away.

I set a table for the kiddos using paper plates and a goody bag filled with a paper straw, napkin and fork. At each seat, there was an orange soda with our very own custom label.

custom bottle labels birthday

We also created these fun water labels.

custom labels water bottle birthday

The favors for each kiddo included a lab coat, lab goggles, a name tag and a test tube of bubble gum. I always love a fun favor that you can take home and play 'dress up' in. The coats and glasses were perfect for this. The name tags kept the "professor" at the museum in check with the kids names.

custom favor birthday science

The professor did a variety of experiments during the party, and the birthday boy was her special assistant. Such a fun day for Luke and his pals. After the party, the guests were able to wander the museum, play and learn at the well displayed exhibits.

teacher.jpg

Sneak Peek...Ben's 1st Birthday

Oh my dear readers. What a fantastic party I have to share with you! I am waiting on the photographs, then I'll be sharing away. Ben had the most fabulous birthday party. Ever. Everything went off without a hitch and wow. We really nailed this one. (photo credit: Stefani Marcus Photography)

custom birthday party

Party Recap- We're Camo for Cuddles

A friend of mine from high school reached out to us a few weeks back with a request that threw us for a loop. She was hostessing a baby shower for twins. A boy and girl set. She had the cutest idea to use camo and pink for all the details. The invite read, "Son of a gun, there's more than one!" Talk about sassy.

In true personalization fashion, we came up with all the party goods she needed to celebrate the sweet couple and their twins. We loved customizing the banner, favor stickers, melamine bowls, and water bottle labels.

 

custom designed bowls
custom designed personalized banner
custom designed personalized water bottle labels
custom designed favor labels

Party Recap: Baby Marco Baby Sprinkle

In true fashion, when one of my close pals shared her exciting news of the upcoming arrival of baby #3, the wheels started turning for designs and decor for a 'sprinkle.' For those of you who are scratching your head...a sprinkle is not a full blown baby shower, but more of a celebration to show the mama to be love and give her the necessities she'll need for the baby. (Typically second, third, fourth children don't get a huge shower...)

Anyway- the hostesses and I planned an absolutely fabulous morning brunch complete with mini candy and popcorn bar, mimosas, muffins, fruit, mini quiche, veggie's, cheese and a wonderfully custom decorated cookie for dessert (or favor if you wanted it for the road!).

Between the Sheets Co did all of the decor including customized napkins, paper cups, invitations and printed envelopes, favor stickers, banner, food signs and paper straws. The sprinkle was so fun and mama was celebrated with love and gifts!