Real Party: Surfs Up Summer!

I'm a big fan of unique parties {I'm pretty sure I've used that line as an opener for a blog before... but it's just so true}, which is exactly why I simply adore this uber cute Surf's Up! Summer Party designed by Holly of Paisley Petal Events.  The bright colors, the unique theme, the desserts and all the little details make this party so very swoon-worthy!

Holly designed this party with her 8-year old son in mind.  Living in Utah, they don't have any beaches near them, so Holly was determined to bring the beach to her son and his friends to celebrate the end of the school year.  With the help of her husband, she used four pieces of 8-foot plywood to create the surfboards that served as the background for the dessert table {this is my favorite part of the whole party}.  To continue with the beachy theme, she used a simple white table cloth with blue netting laid on top - too cute!  And the desserts - oh my! - they were too cute!  I'm definitely loving the cupcakes with the fondant surfboards and others with the fondant shark fins, as well as the cookies shaped like sharks and surfboards.

So, now I'll stop my rambling about how awesome this party is and let you see for yourself...

The invite that kind of started it all by Chachke Designs

seriously - how cool are these?!  They'd be awesome to reuse in a bedroom, too!!

How awesome are these cupcakes with the fondant surfboards by Spinklebelle Cakes

More cute cupcakes with fondant toppers by Sprinklebelle Cakes

OMG - how creative are these Nutter Butter flip flop cookies?!?! In love!

Interested in seeing more from this adorable party?  Then make sure you head over to Paisley Petal Events web site and check them out... stick around and check out how incredibly talented she is with the rest of the parties she's designed - she definitely has talent!

I'll have S'more of those Dessert Bars, Please

Growing up, I always LOVED roasting some marshmallows over the fire and enjoy a nice, gooey chocolately, graham crackery S'MORE!  Still, to this day, I love the taste of a nice s'mores treat, which is why I decided to make this delicious Peanut Butter S'mores Bar recipe from Betty Crocker for my family's BBQ this past weekend.

The recipe is SUPER easy and can easily be made as a last minute treat for your family's BBQ or picnic.  There's only a handful ingredients, too.

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) of Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie mix
   (water, oil and egg as called for on cookie mix directions)
- 1 container Betty Crocker Rich and Creamy chocolate frosting
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Make cookie mix as directed on pouch. Once dough forms, press into a 13x9-inch ungreased pan.
2. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
3. Scoop frosting into a microwavable bowl.  Microwave from 15 to 20 seconds and stir until smooth.  Reserve 1/4 cup.  Spread remaining frosting over cookie mix.  Sprinkle marshmallows and Golden Grahams over frosting.
4. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed.  Let cool for 15 minutes.  Drizzle remaining frosting over bars.  Cool for another 30 minutes.


See - super easy, right?  Here are some more fun s'mores recipes we want to test out this summer -

S'mores Cookies from Grin and Bake It

S'mores Brownies from Lovin from the Oven

Chocolate Covered S'mores Pops from Love From the Oven

S'mores Cake in a Jar from How Sweet It Is

What S'mores recipes have you tried that are just killer good?  What are your favorites desserts to bring to picnics or barbecues?

Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes

We hope everyone had a great weekend!  I spent my time away from the computer, outdoors watching the boy play some ing a softball tourney.  Saturday's weather was a bit disappointing, with overcast skies and some rain, but Sunday was 1000% better and I walked away with a minor sunburn {I haven't been sunburnt in 3 years, so as annoying, and a little bit painful as it is, I'll take it!  Oh how I've missed you summer sun!}

Sunday's sunny day got me thinking about quenching my thirst, thus today's post on summer beverages.  During these hot summer months, it's always a good idea to keep some ice cold drinks around to keep your family {and/or guests} hydrated.  It's also a good idea to make sure these drinks are delicious, as nobody wants to drink a bad beverage! Check out some of my favorite fruity summer drink recipes from Better Homes and Gardens!

Lemon Drop Shakes - Recipe

Strawberry Lemonade - Recipe

Sparkling Margarita** - Recipe

June Bug - Recipe

Watermelon Martini** - Recipe

Electric Lemonade** - Recipe

Fresh Melon Quenchers - Recipe

Watermelon Cooler - Recipe

Sparkling Peach Punch - Recipe

Sunset Sangria** - Recipe

Ginger Pineapple Punch - Recipe

Mulled Raspberry Tea - Recipe

{** indicates alcohol is used in recipe}

What summer drink recipes are your favorite?  Do you choose to have a signature drink at the summer parties you host?

Party Inspiration: Vintage WWII Inspired 4th of July Dessert Table

This past Monday we featured some 4th of July party inspiration, which included a red, white, cream and copper color scheme for an adult and {adorable} kids table.  Well, because 4th of July is one of my absolute favorite holidays, I wanted to share with you some more party inspiration for your holiday gathering.  Today's feature comes from the Celebrating the Moments blog and has a super creative theme for the dessert table - vintage WWII.  The color scheme consisted of muted red and blue and tan.  The decor included vintage suitcases, pinwheels, stripe straws, old photographs and an old typewriter. Desserts included cupcakes, sugar cookies, blueberry pie, and dessert shooters.













This has to be one of the most unique design concept for a 4th of July party.  I love all the little details that were added to this to keep with the vintage WWII theme.  If you're interested in finding out more about the styling of this party, and where the idea came from, be sure to head over to the Celebrating the Moments blog and show some love!

Strawberry Short{SNAKE}

I just loved this cute alternative to your traditional birthday cake or cupcake found on Disney's Family Fun web site (man, I just love that site for creative party ideas!).  I LOVE strawberry shortcake, and this idea makes it ideal for a child's party!



Interested in how to make this little cutie?  Click here to head over to the Family Fun web site - while you're there, check out there other summer recipe ideas!

Summer Cocktails

Are you looking for a delicious and fun-looking cocktail to feature at your next summer get-together? I came across this yummy looker on Marie Claire's Chic Summer Cocktail recipes. If you're looking for some good recipes, be sure to check it out!

This drink is called Swamp Water.

What you'll need:

- 1 1/2 cups of vodka

- 1 cup Midori

- 2 cups sour mix (Lemon-X)

- 2 cups pineapple juice

- 1 cup Sprite

Mix all ingredients together. Drizzle some grenadine over the top. Add some cute little alligators (or other sea creatures!). ENJOY!

Summer Party Tips

It's official - it's been a BEAUTIFUL weekend and although it's not technically summer, it's sure starting to feel like! Here are a few summer ideas that I found that could helpful when planning your next summer get-together - whether it's a small barbecue with the family or a large party with a bunch of friends.

{Source: Country Living}

Hand stamp menu items so guests know what they're about to indulge in!

{Source: Country Living}

Fill a small tin with fresh flowers and use them as a tablecloth weight! (PS - Target has some cute tins right now in their dollar section!)

{Source: Country Living}

Keep those pesky bugs out with closable food jars at your next picnic or barbecue.

{Source: Country Living}

Having an outdoor ice cream social? Premake these amazing-looking ice cream cones! It's sure to be a hit with your guests (young and old!)

{Source: Martha Stewart}

Make these cute butterflies for your straws to dress up your guests drinks!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

How cute are these holders for the ice cream social party!? I just love it!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

Make a name in bottle for the place cards at your next event!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

How cute are these leaves as coasters? What an awesome idea!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

Do you have a bunch of left-over napkins from other events? Use them as shown above! What a great way to recycle!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

Use moss as a centerpiece at your next event!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

I just loved how this looks! What a great centerpiece idea!

{Source: Martha Stewart}

If you're having a bonfire, or going camping, dress up your smore's sticks with cute shapes!

{Source: Martha Stewart}
Dress up your summer votives (or citronella candles) with cute scrapbook paper that coordinates with the color scheme or theme of your party! Little extra details like this will really stand out to your guests!

What tips and ideas do you have for hosting a summer get together?