Party Envy: Kentucky Derby

I know, it's one month later but since I finally posted my Derby party pics, I might as well share this divine Derby Dessert Table from Save the Date for Cupcakes. So, so cute and and creative! Check out the full post here.

This table is SPECTACULAR. A little astroturf and...brown sugar?! That's right, she used brown sugar for the sand - brilliant! I love the custom cupcake toppers as well. Perfect color coordination.

One look at this Mint Julep display with the adorable mason jars and beautiful baby's breath and you can feel yourself sitting on a porch swing on a southern plantation.

Again, perfectly coordinated sugar cookies (they match the horseshoe cupcake topper!)

And a brownie for the road. What more could you ask for?

The best part? At the end of the post Miss Save the Date for Cupcakes writes "This was totally out of my comfort zone in designing, but I think I pulled it off?!" No question mark needed - you did! I'm definitely putting these ideas into action for next year's Derby party!

Talk Derby to Me!

I am so sorry! I have been a bad bad blogger. It's been a busy month (or so) personally and professionally. I've been bursting with ideas to share the whole time but have also been too exhausted to sit down at night and write. That's no excuse though - I promise will try to get my head back in the game!

So let's kick things back off with a bang! May 1st was one of my favorite days of the year; the Kentucky Derby! Last year I held my first Derby party and decided to make it an annual event. 

For the 2010 race, my inspiration was a mix of Millionaire's row and garden party with a few Derby touches. The paper I found for the invites sealed the deal: 

Disclaimer: excuse the poor photography. I'm using a simple Canon SD1100 - so you won't see anything fancy from me. I also need to make better choices on WHAT I photograph. 

A little bit of folding, Cricut-ing and double-sided-taping later; the invites were ready to send:

When guests entered (or left), they could take their official Kentucky Derby 136 plastic cup. Everyone was encouraged to pull out their best Derby hats and gear so throughout the party, they had an opportunity to vote for the best hat and the best overall outfit. If you squint, (just one photo oversight!) you can see the Derby-branded julep glasses at the back of the table that the winners got to take home as a prize.

The appetizer buffet included Derby favorites like Kentucky Hot Browns (mini-size) and Benedictine Dip along with grilled asparagus, cheesy garlic biscuits, fruit salad and cocktail weenies (my husband's request).

My new Cricut was a huge time-saver! Last year, my sister and I traced and cut out horseshoes by hand to make a garland. Pushing a few buttons makes paper-crafting so much easier! I used the horse, from the My World cartridge, and flower, from Home Decor Solutions, shapes for garlands and tags.

We moved our dining room table out from the center of the room to open things up. The chandelier that usually hangs over the table at right about forehead level (ouch!) so I wanted to be sure people didn't miss it!

At the Mint Julep station, pre-mixed Mint Juleps were in a pitcher and extra Early Times whiskey and mint syrup on hand for guests to make adjustments.

One more thing that I didn't photograph very well was the betting window. Some friendly, $2 wagers were allowed before the race. A photo booth was also set up for some post-race fun. However, by the time those pictures started, a few too many mint juleps had been consumed - so I won't subject you to our "silliness."

Everyone had a blast and I had far too much fun planning it.

If you're thinking about holding a bash for the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby, check out  http://www.kentuckyderby.com/party for guidance and Caufields Novelty for supplies and super-fast shipping.

In Case of an Event Emergency...

I am a personal attendant in my good friend's wedding this weekend. And well, I just won't feel right if I'm not prepared to help her. She has a wedding coordinator who I'm sure is fabulous and has everything Krystal will possibly need but when I saw this adorable drawstring bag at Von Maur, I had to buy it and get it stocked!

I put an emergency kit together for my own wedding. Most of it didn't get used but it was good to know it was there. Bonus - the leftovers are now in my guest room for visitors to use! Here is what I'm bringing along this weekend (mostly in travel sizes):

Shout wipes/Tide stick

Ibuprofen

Tissues

Safety pins

Mints

Band aids (more for uncomfortable shoes than actual injury)
Tampons

Bobby pins

Ponytail holders

Lint roller

Cough drops

Small brush/comb

Hairspray

Spray deodorant (I could NOT find this in travel size anywhere!)
Blotting papers

Contact solution
Ziploc baggies
Tums
2 Power bars
Hand lotion
Hand sanitizer

There are some other responsibilities and problems that come with the territory in my job as a corporate event planner. I carry a tool box that has some of the items above and try to put the rest in bathroom baskets for the attendees. My tool box stocks:

Various battery sizes

Zip ties (I LOVE zip ties)

Measuring tape

Bungee cords

Trash bags

Scissors

At least one extension cord

A long lighter (I've had a caterer forget to bring one to light the sternos)Scotch tape

Packaging tape

Ribbon or string

Velcro

Pens

Sharpies

Tylenol or acetaminophen (pregnant women are advised not to use ibuprofen)

I think that, by nature, event planners are horrified with themselves when a need arises and they are caught empty-handed. Although it's probably next to impossible to be prepared for any

situation, the basics will probably get you through most pinches. What else would you stock in your bride bag or tool box?

Spring Table Inspiration

Spring is here! Finally! Trees are budding, shoots of green are sprouting up and the sun is shining again.
After enduring some recording breaking snowfall and cold temps, it's understandable that we Iowans are itching to celebrate the arrival of some warmer, sunnier weather.
This table from A Beautiful Mess (I found via A Perfect Palette) is the perfect setting for a fabulous springtime brunch - even if it still has to be indoors:



Using rentals and a little DIY magic, this table would be fairly inexpensive to pull together. Gold rimmed plates are rental company staples.




Beaded glass chargers are becoming more standard as rental staples. You may not be able to find rentals with the gold accent, but clear will work just as well.



But what about that extra large charger underneath it all? Well, I don't think it's a charger at all. Take a closer look:



I think it is material wrapped around a cardboard circle (or some variation of that). Easy enough, right? Round up a few gold vases or spray paint some tealight holders throw in a few roses and your spring brunch is ready to be served!