party – Page 30

07/04

patriotic playlist

We all know music can really make or break a party. Today and tonight, we plan to gather around the grill, golf course, pool, campfire and watch fireworks as we celebrate our nation’s freedom. Call me a sap, but when I hear God Bless the USA, my eyes well up with tears! I really have ‘a moment’ as I watch fireworks and hear that song. So, we’ve put together a list of our favorites so you can have your own ‘moments.’ It will take no time at all with iTunes or Spotify!

Ray Charles with Alicia Keys, America The Beautiful or
Ray Charles, America the Beautiful

Dierks Bentley, Home

Whitney Houston, The Star Spangled Banner

Toby Keith, Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)
Lee Greenwood, God Bless The U.S.A.Tim McGraw, If You’re Reading This
LeAnn Rimes, God Bless America
Crosby & Nash, My Country Tis Of Thee
Don McLean, American Pie
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, American Girl
Katy Perry, Firework
Sugarland, Everyday America
Miley Cyrus, Party In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen, Born In The U.S.A.
Toby Keith, American Soldier
John Mellencamp, Our Country – Rock Version
Neil Diamond, America
John Mellencamp, Jack & Diane
Brooks & Dunn, Only In America
Martina McBride, Independence Day

{videos via YouTube}

posted by jessica 2 Comments
Filed Under: adult, holiday, lifestyle, party Tagged: 4th of july, america, music, party, playlist, summer, usa

06/25

building hope around the world

My husband is a builder and an Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties. Every year Habitat for Humanity hosts a Carpenter’s Ball in celebration of their mission of bringing people together to build homes communities and hope. It’s their signature fundraising event, and after attending 3 prior Ball’s, this year was my absolute favorite. They mixed things up from their standard cocktails/silent auction and ceremony/sit-down dinner…and it was a fabulous time!

This year’s annual ball, “Building Hope Around the World,” brought people together in a festive way – each guests received a Passport to experience food and drink from regions around the globe where Habitat is making a difference offering housing solutions. Here’s why I think this international wine and food tasting worked and was a success:

It allowed everyone to mingle and not be stuck at one table.

Guests really learned about Habitat and the places they make a difference around the world, not just by reading it in a program or hearing it from the President of Habitat during a speech in a ballroom, but by ‘visiting’ stations inspired by the locations, along with interesting facts about the specific location.

We were able to try all kinds of new and delicious foods inspired by cultures from around the world, along with paired beverages. The talented Chef Richard Hinojosa of Larkspur Restaurant designed six, three course tasting menus paired with great wine and other beverages. From Braised Fennel Citrus Sea Scallops to Little Larkburgers at the USA station. Shrimp Pad Thai to Steamed Pork Bao in Asia & Pacific. Crème Fraiche Pierogi {my personal fave} and a Hungarian Risotto with Spring Pea Pancetta created the European flavors with Veuve Clicquot to compliment the cuisine at that station.

Opportunity to bid on unique auction items.

Great, live music.

Being a DIYer, I was impressed with the construction-themed DIY details Elyse Howard, Development Director at Habitat Humanity, and her team executed beautifully. Some of my fave DIYs were the nuts and bolts in mason and hob nail jars, real ladders that we use at the job site and wood for auction shelving, burlap runners and habitat hard hats with mints and labeled lotion and soap in the bathrooms. They also used biodegradable bamboo “vessels” for the food which you can find here.

Lighting, which I’ve come to believe really sets the tone for a party, was warm with amber up lighting around the room, and custom gobos added a personalized touch. And a wow factor was the exposed lightbulb chandelier, which exuded an elegant work site feeling.

Can’t wait for next years party, Elyse. Thanks for sharing this year’s photos with us.

{this was my favorite display – food and wine lined up along wood planks {anchored at each end with different sized wood blocks} at different heights to appear ‘stepped.’}

Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat builds simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with local families in need. Founded in 1995, Habitat for Humanity of Eagle and Lake Counties has served 42 families to date housing over 120 children. To learn more about Habitat, or how to become involved, visit http://www.habitatvailvalley.org/.

VENDOR LOVE

Photography: Joe Kania from Axel Media Solutions
Annual Event Operations/Production and Planning: Highline Sports & Entertainment {special thanks for Katie at Highline for her help in planning and DIY projects}
Decor: Pink Monkey Solutions {chandelier, gobo light, lounge areas, burlap pipe and drape, burlap runners, hob nail and mason jar centerpieces, food station decor and overall look and feel}
Venue and Food: Larkspur Restaurant
Photo Booth: Patrick at Go Photo Booth
Invitation: Bahan Design
Entertainment: My Brother’s Keeper Band
Alcohol: Veuve Clicquot, Grand Marnier, Milbrant Vinyards, Crazy Mountain Brewery
Auction tablet software/smart phone bidding: AES Solutions

Sponsors:
ANB Bank
Amanda Precourt
Hermes Resort Properties
Alpine Bank
Beck Building
Bob and Sue Baker
First Bank
Gallegos
George Schaeffer Construction Company
Land Title
Laureen Hopkins Interior Designs
Remonov & CO
Ron Byrne & Associates Real Estate
Ruggs Benedict
Slifer Smith and Frampton
VAg, inc Architects and Planners
Vail Board of Realtors
Vail Daily
Vail Resorts
Veuve Clicquot

posted by jessica Leave a Comment
Filed Under: adult, diy, party Tagged: building party, diy, food display, habitat for humanity, ladder, party, wine, wood

06/24

10 ways to host a fabulous backyard par-tay

It’s summertime, and there’s nothing like hosting a lovely party outside. I know the summer in the mountains only lasts 3 months, so I better get my party on. Here’s 10 ways to help you host the perfect summer night out…in your backyard!

1. CREATE A BAR
Most people cannot build a permanent outside bar, and when you live somewhere like we do, where its cold all winter and winter lasts forever, it doesn’t make sense to have an outdoor bar. The good news is bars can come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be versatile. From a trendy bar cart on wheels, to a small tray like this beautiful rustic one from Pottery Barn, a DIY cooler or even a bucket – as long as there is liquor, and all the accessories – IT WORKS! This kitchen cart from Ikea could be a rocking bar cart. And, this is an affordable option from CB2 and I just LOVE this one from Pottery Barn. If you just want to add a shelf to your wall you can flip down when there is a party, then flip back up when it’s over, this one is perfect inspiration.

2. STOCK THE BAR
Now, you must stock the bar. Make sure you have an ice bucket and tongs, a cocktail shaker, bottle opener and limes. Essentials are vodka, rum, tequila and gin. Don’t forget the mixers, seltzer’s and juices. Try mixing a signature cocktail for the evening, and place it in a cute container so it can be self-serve. You should 6 or 8 of each of the following: short glasses, tall glasses and stemware. I love melamine for the summer. Mix and match glasses if you need to – makes for an eclectic look, which I love. I’m obsessed with these glasses from Sur La Table.

3. CREATE A LIVING ROOM OUTSIDE
A comfortable environment will make people feel at-home. You should provide comfortable seating for friends. That can be folding chairs stored in your garage, wicker furniture or a comfy love seat. Pillows add a pop of color and personality, and also add that extra level of comfort. Like a living room, only outside. I love the collection of outdoor pillows at Pier1.

4. LIGHT THE NIGHT SKY
Create an ambiance with lighting. You can create an intimate setting, a colorful setting or a soft glow. You can opt for candles like this. Or, for more of a rustic look, we love these. For an industrial look, we love these caged lights from Target.

5. SET THE MOOD
Create a playlist for the evening. Oldies. Pop Hits. Soft rock. Country. Have a little something for everyone.

6. ENTERTAINMENT
Play traditional games like Bocce or Horseshoe, or bring another fun game into the mix.

7. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH BLOOMS OR GARDEN HERBS
For a nice touch, decorate with flowers from garden beds or herbs in pots. Depending on the flowers you choose, it can create a sweet aroma, and it makes for a pretty setting. It doesn’t have to be large bouquets – even single bloom flowers and bud vases would do the job.

8. SERVE YUMMY APPS
With these family favorites, your guests will be ‘wowed.’ The Avocado and Corn dish will be devoured.

9. FIRE UP THE GRILL
Slice meat and veggies and make a variety of kabobs pre-party, or get everyone involved and they can make their own kabob with an array of chicken, steak and veggie options. This recipe from Two Peas and their Pod looks delish.

10. SATISFY THOSE SWEET TEETH
Serve a yummy dessert, like this Fruit Pizza. Check out the recipe from The Pioneer Woman.

{images via A Curated Lifestyle, Style Me Pretty, One Kings Lane, Style at Home, Sunset, The Pioneer Woman}

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Filed Under: adult, party Tagged: backyard party, bar, bbq, cocktail, dessert, flowers, fruit, lavendar, lighting, party, pier1, pottery barn, recipe, summer, table

06/19

breakfast at tiffany bridal shower

Audrey Hepburn. Her famous quotes. Her style. Her beauty. Her grace. Her movies. When it comes to Audrey Hepburn, we love everything about her. Jenna has loved her forever, and my love affair is more recent. Seriously, we love her so much, I dressed my daughter like her for Halloween. She loved it, and still asks to wear her “Audrey Hepburn shoes and dress.”

So, when we saw pics of this shower, we were happy. Not only because it’s based on Audrey Hepburn and her fabulous Breakfast at Tiffany’s film and the precious teal-colored Tiffany box women swoon over, but because it had special touches throughout that made the day special for the lovely bride, Cori. And…I happen to know the pretty bride and her soon to be mother-in-law, and just love them!

Oh, and we also loved Cori’s dress, so if you want to know where to buy {like we did}, she found it at Urban Outfitters.

For all you future shower hostesses, take note of why this shower was so special, and how you can make your future shower unique. The party tip is in bold, and the details of this shower follows.
Create a party theme, and carry the theme throughout the shower: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Ask guests to participate in the theme of the shower: Guests wore their best little black dresses and pearls like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Guests also bought gifts related to the couple’s honeymoon, which were creatively placed in new Tumi luggage {a nice new gift from Cori’s mom and mother-in-law}.
Infuse touches of family mementoes throughout the shower and incorporate your mom, mother-in-law and other family members/traditions throughout the shower: A friend’s wedding gown was draped from the ceiling for decor and the delicious Quiche, fruit skewers and mandarin green salad was served on special china, crystal and silver serving pieces.
Incorporate the brides food preference/diet restrictions into the menu: Dessert was a gorgeous gluten-free dark chocolate cake filled with strawberries, covered with fondant in the shape of a Tiffany box. And, for those non-gluten-free gals, the hostesses served lemon-filled cupcakes with white icing and chocolate polka dots {provided by Shamane’s Bake Shoppe in Boulder.
Add a customized touch: Favors given to guests were cellophane bags filled with personalized M&Ms, Cori+Alex, R&R 08-24-13, and LOVE, in blue, white and silver. And, a photo of the bride and groom 7+ years ago when they first began dating was on display.
Don’t forget the small details: Breakfast at Tiffany was scrolling silently on the tv. And, a large canvas painted in Tiffany blue and tied with a white satin ribbon, with a tag saying, “Here comes the bride, darling” was displayed in the gathering room.
And for all you brides/mother of the bride/mother of the groom, remember to thank the hostess/hostesses: Andy, mother of the groom, gave the hostesses a small porcelain box from Tiffany for their rings.

There’s a really cute Breakfast at Tiffany invite at Fleur de Lis, a paperie on Etsy available now. Check it out here.

{images via Andy, mother of the groom}

posted by jessica 2 Comments
Filed Under: adult, party Tagged: audrey hepburn, breakfast at tiffany, bridal shower, dessert, etsy, favors, party, shower

05/21

little slugger baby shower

When you are a baby boy about to be born into a family like this, you’re probably going to be a baseball player… like it or not 🙂

The soon-to-be daddy and his brother both played in the minor leagues. Together with their dad {who has his own hitting cage facility at his house I might add}, they now coach a very successful Lightning baseball program. I think it’s safe to say that Jackson Tucker or Carson James {they haven’t decided which name they will pick!} will be quite the baseball fanatic!

Fleur de Lis designed the adorable, baseball-themed labels for the shower {you can purchase it here}. Red, white and blue decor throughout the shower, and homemade baseball cake pops with crackerjacks filled the popcorn containers. How adorable!