Time Saving Tricks for the Everyday Hostess

If there's one thing I'm short on it's time.  My to do list is never ending; as soon as I scratch off one task, another is added to take its place.  With most events I host, it comes down to two things: time and money.  If I want to save money on a party, then I need time to create decorations, activities, and menu items.  If I don't have the time necessary, then I have to accept spending more money.  So it comes down to this question: how do I do both?  Well, that my friends is not an easy task but I do have a couple tricks I'll share with you. 

Trick #1: An Alternative to Tablecloths
I love using a fabric tablecloth, but they are expensive and I can rarely find exactly what I have envisioned.  The next option is to buy the material and hem the edges, but this takes time (although it's not too time intensive, it does take awhile to dig out the sewing machine, set it up, and get to work).  To save money and time, I simply purchase a twin sheet (you can find an array of colors at Wal-mart for $5).  I cut off the tag and bam. Done.  It's already hemmed, ready to go, and is a fourth of the cost of a brand new tablecloth.  If you find a great deal on material, but still don't have time to hem it, then use double sided tape to "hem" the edges.  No one will ever know the difference.  Just remember to remove it before washing (I've made that mistake a few times).

Under the natural fish net, this dessert table was covered with a navy twin bed sheet.

Trick #2: Use Paper as a Substitute for Painting
I love to paint.  And by "paint" I'm not implying that I'm Vincent van Gogh, I'm talking about the mindless painting of my latest craft project, that's relaxing and takes absolutely no effort or mind power.  However, this does in fact take time.  Not only do I have to set aside time to paint, but it also has to be while my boys are napping or after they've gone to bed.  Otherwise, they will insist on being included and my relaxing evening of mindless painting is quickly turned into a paint drumming club night straight out of Miss Congeniality.  My solution: cover it in paper.  This is not always applicable to every project, but it's been my go to for several decorations.  I simply use craft glue to adhere the paper to my project's surface.  My guests never noticed that I didn't hand paint each wooden letter or canvas.  The desired look is the same and it saves me time and money, depending on the price of paint and supplies. 

These paper covered letters were the center of a Pickles and Ice Cream baby shower buffet.

The red canvas above was covered with red wrapping paper, saving time and money.

Trick #3 - Dress Up Store Bought Food
I used to make all the menu items for a party myself.  I ended up spending most of my time in the kitchen instead of with my guests and knowing that I had so much on my plate (no pun intended) was a huge stress.  Now, I split my menu in half.  I make half the food myself, which allows for less time in the kitchen, saves on the total menu costs, and gives me the opportunity to showcase my favorite recipes.  The other half of the menu, I purchase.  However, I love to dress up store bought food.  This gives dishes a homemade feel and makes them more appealing.  I skewer cut up fruit from the market for an easy serving dish and divide bags of candy, popcorn, etc. among small baking cups, perfect for a single size serving.  

 

I hope some of these tricks will help you with your events.  Please feel free to share some of your own tips.  We'd love to hear your ideas!

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Fox Treats: What Does a Fox Say?

Here is my salute to pop culture.  Call it sleep deprivation, but I couldn't resist using this title.  A friend recently asked me when I sleep. "Sleep?" I responded. "What is this mystical word you speak of?"  I have a 10 month old that just recently started sleeping through the night and a two year old that drains me of energy daily.  I don't think a good night of restful sleep will be within my grasp for several more years.  I figure if I'm not going to sleep anytime soon, I might as well be productive.  Besides, after I tuck them into bed and kiss their sweet faces goodnight, it's my time to decompress and relax.  That's where this blog and the projects it contains come into play.  Although event planning can be a source of anxiety for many people, I truly enjoy all the planning, crafting, and decorating that make up this blog.  
     Tonight, I relaxed with some card stock and a glass of wine to create this little cutie.  The only anxiety I have is trying to decide if I want to use this precious fox juice box for a Valentine's Day party or a winter play date.  

Materials:
Card stock (orange, white, and black)  I used fuzzy white card stock for his stomach and tail.
Wiggly eyes 
Tape 
Glue 
Ruler 
Pencil 
Juice box 

Step 1:

Remove the attached drinking straw from the juice box. 

Cut out shapes for the fox's ears, tail, stomach (large heart), nose, and eye mask (teardrops).

Step 2: Place juice box on top of  card stock to make a template. Using a pencil, lightly mark the width of the juice box. Remove the box and use a ruler to draw straight lines to create a rectangular shape long enough to wrap around the entire outside of your juice box. 

Step 3:  Cut out rectangle.

Step 4: Tape one end of the rectangle to the juice box and wrap card stock around the outside of box. 

Step 5: Use your fingers to create a crease at each corner of the juice box. This will insure a close fit.

Step 6: Attach tape to secure the other end of the card stock to the juice box. 

Step 7:  On the front of the box, attach eye mask teardrops, nose, wiggly eyes, ears, and stomach.  Attach the tail to the back of the juice box, but be sure it's visible from the front.

Enjoy!

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Recipe: Reindeer Tracks

Don't let the name fool you; these treats are not just for the holidays.  The great thing about these little chocolate and caramel covered pretzel bites (besides the fact they're amazing and I'm completely addicted) is they're so basic that my two year old can easily help me prepare these treats for our friends and family (after we make a batch for ourselves, of course).

Ingredients:
Rolos
Mini pretzel twists
Pecan halves 

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 300 F

Step 2:
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to protect it from any dripping bits of caramel. Unwrap each of the Rolos.

Step 3:  
On the baking sheet, layout a single layer of mini pretzels.  Add one Rolos to the top of each pretzel.  

Step 4:
Place in the oven for 5-7 minutes, until chocolate and caramel have softened.  Remove from oven and firmly press a pecan half on each pretzel/Rolos.  

Step 5: 
Allow finished reindeer tracks to cool before eating.

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A Table Dress Rehearsal Can Save Time & Money

While planning for an event, you might ask yourself, "Do I have enough platters?  Is there enough room on my table for food AND drinks?  Will there be enough symmetry and height elements for the table to look appealing?"  Maybe you don't have any specific questions but you need to plan with a hands on approach or perhaps you aren't able to get a clear mental picture of how your table will look when it's "opening night". 
      I typically have a vision that I'm trying to accomplish, but there's always a few things I forget to include or I over plan and don't have enough room on the table.  So, here's my secret... before a big event, I like to do a "dress rehearsal".   I do my dress rehearsal well in advance so I'm not scrambling at the last minute.  
 Surprisingly, it only takes me about 10 minutes to pull out a few dishes and any decorative items that will take up space on the table.  I analyze the space and ensure that it achieves the desired look that I've been picturing in my mind for the last few weeks/months.  I arrange and rearrange until I'm satisfied with the flow of the table then I snap a picture with my phone (to reference when I set it up for the actual event).  
    This process may sound like extra work but, in reality, it saves me money (no more over buying food, drinks, and decorations) and it saves me time.  Instead of fiddling with the table arrangement and wasting precious time on the day of the event, I simply pull out my phone and scroll to the picture of my table dress rehearsal and put items in their place.  If I'm really in a bind, I can even hand the picture over to my husband, who can set up the table for me (imagine that!). 

View the complete tablescape here.

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Love Bug Juice Boxes for Valentines

Looking for something different to give the kids for Valentines this year?  How cute are these little love bug juice boxes?  They're a perfect addition for a classroom party, a healthy alternative to candy Valentines, or simply add them to your child's lunchbox for a fun (and refreshing) surprise.   
    To make these adorable boxes, I simply wrapped the juice box with navy card stock, added some decorative card stock circles to form a caterpillar, and used a paint pen to add tiny feet.  I attached a paper straw to the side with glue dots and topped it with a tag and pink paper flower.  I can't wait to give these to my two little love bugs. 

All rights reserved.

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How to Make Reindeer Juice Boxes

I adore these sweet little Rudolph juice boxes that I created for the reindeer tablescape.  These little juice box characters have become a regular thing in my house.  My son now ask for monster juice or reindeer juice when he is referring to a juice box.  They're such an easy addition to any party and a huge hit with the kiddos.

Materials:

Juice boxes

Card stock (light brown and dark brown)

Wiggly eyes
Red or black pom poms

Glue dots (optional)
Straws (optional)

Tape

Ruler

Pencil

Scissors

Step 1:

Remove the attached drinking straw from the juice box. 

Step 2: Place juice box on top of  card stock to make a template. Using a pencil, lightly mark the width of the juice box. Remove the box and use a ruler to draw straight lines to create a rectangular shape long enough to wrap around the entire outside of your juice box. 

Step 3:  Cut out rectangle.

Step 4: Tape one end of the rectangle to the juice box and wrap card stock around the outside of box. 

Step 5: Use your fingers to create a crease at each corner of the juice box. This will insure a close fit.

Step 6: Attach tape to secure the other end of the card stock to the juice box. 

Step 7:  On the front top portion of the box, attach wiggly eyes and a red or black pom pom.  Cut antler shapes from dark brown card stock and tape the bottoms to the backside of the juice boxes. 

Step 8 - optional:  Place two glue dots on the side of the juice box (top and bottom). 
Step 9 - optiFonal:  Attach a festive drinking straw to the glue dots. 

Enjoy! 

Find these juice boxes and more on this adorable reindeer tablescape that's perfect for the holidays.

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Easy Holiday Appetizer

This is my favorite appetizer for parties, office gatherings, and last minute visitors.  Its your basic cream cheese bar topped with spicy red pepper jelly.  The only thing I change for the holidays is its shape.  It doesn't get any easier than this folks.  

Ingredients: 
2 8oz cream cheese bars
Red pepper jelly 
Cling wrap 
Crackers 

Directions: 
1) Set out the cream cheese bars and let them soften at room temperature.  
2) Place softened bars on a large sheet of cling wrap with the short ends of the cheese touching, making one long bar.  
3) Fold the cling wrap over the top of the cream cheese.  This will allow you to roll and mold the cream cheese without it sticking to your hands.  Roll the cream cheese into one log and shape into a candy cane.  
4) Keep the cream cheese wrapped in cling wrap and place in the refrigerator until firm and ready to serve. 
5) When ready to serve, remove the cream cheese from the cling wrap and place on a platter.  
6) Using a spoon, spread the red pepper jelly over the cream cheese in diagonal stripes to mimic a candy cane.  
Serve with crackers and enjoy!

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