Party Lighting - High and Low Light

Just like with music, lighting is a vital part of a party’s atmosphere.  Bright stage lights would be weird during an intimate date night dinner at home…. and low lights would be just as awkward during a large birthday party. 

Major lighting changes are hard to make with out buying new lamps, or re-wiring light switches to dimmer switchs (although dimmer switches are REALLY COOL!).  However, you can certainly alter the mood of the room with a few minor changes….

To create low light:

• Put a thin scarf over lamps to darken the light (Possible fire hazard, so please only do this with CFLs or LEDs, they do not get hot!)
• Use candles, or flameless candles around your event’s area to give light, but not bright bold light.
• Use side lamps, rather than over head lights, this way lighting is coming from the side, and not from over head.
• Keep colors of décor darker.

To create “high” light:

• If it’s a sunny day, open up all the blinds, curtains, and window treatments that you can! Its FREE light!!
• Use White Light bulbs, it creates a “brighter” feel
• Use bright colors or white for décor colors, they won’t take away from the “bright light”

Note:  I tried SO HARD to get pictures of lighting for this post, however I totally failed!  Here is what happened:

Cheese Cake Truffles

A while back, I shared an idea of how to turn left over cake (if you had that problem) into cake pops.  I used that same idea with a different type of dessert:  Cheese Cake!  

Look how they turned out:

I mashed up the cheese cake (crust and everything!) into a bowl and then scooped it into truffle sized balls.  Once they were frozen, I melted some chocolate and then dipped & decorated.  

If you are a Cheese Cake fan, these are DELICIOUS!

This just goes to show that, with a bit of creativity and some chocolate, left overs can be turned into decadant party treats!

Party Planning - Refrigerator Space

I don’t have a huge refrigerator… in fact, I think my fridge is smaller than most "normal" sized refrigerators (that's usually what happens in an apartment).  Soooo sometimes I run out of room in the fridge while making food for a party.  (I really hope I’m not the only one with this problem!!) 

{Note:  This is NOT my refridgerator, oh but how I would love this much space!!}

While trying to work on a solution to this problem, I have figured out a few tips on how to utilize all the space in your fridge and perhaps some tips on how to keep your party essentials “cool”.

1.       Clean out your fridge before you start making food, or buying beverages, this way you can use all the free room, rather than taking up valuable space with old and half empty food containers

2.       Think about what types of food and drinks you are going to be putting in your fridge/freezer.  It is possible by thinking prior to putting all the items in the fridge and playing tetris, you could save space by being smart!

3.       Put it in ICE…  Put your beverages on ice just a few hours before the party, this way they are chilled, but haven’t taken valuable space in the fridge.

4.       Do you have a chilly basement or garage?  Put stuff in these places if possible…

Note:  Be mindful of ALL food safety tips!  Some food may be harmful to your health if not stored at the appropriate temperature.

Fourth of July Treats!

Think of all the awesome treats you could make with this Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Cake mix.

{And only $0.99 at Aldi!!}

Cake Pops

Cake Mix Brownies

Cake Mix Cookies

Cup Cakes


Can you think of anything else to do with some awesome cake mix?

How To: Drink Holder Re-Do

Do you ever buy beer?  Or perhaps bottled or canned coffee drinks?  Sometimes they come in those awesome cardboard carriers.  

Being the frugle and crafty hostess that I am, I decided that I could certainly do something with these things: 

Bill of Materials:

Empty Drink Carrier

Paper/Fabric

Glue

Scirrors

A bit of creativity!

First, I wanted to make sure that the whole top section of the drink holder was covered (including the thick edges).  I took a piece of construction paper and wrapped it around the top of the carrier to first cover the edges.  

Then,  I took another peice of construction paper and wrapped it over the top of the top section of the carrier.  This made certain that all the edges of the top section where covered and the same color (no brown cardboard peeking out!)

Next, I wrapped the drink holder all the way around (like a burrito).    

Make sure that the paper was wide enough to cover the "widest" part of the holder.  Then, fold the bottom like the side of a present and glue down. 

Finally,  cut small slices where ever necessary to fold the excess paper down. 

Then fill it up!!!  

What can you use this for?  Lots of things!  Here are a few ideas:

• Utensil holder
• Gift bag
• Overnight guest “organizer”
• Office supply holder