Ugly Wins!

As I was browsing ideas for our Christmas party, I came across a blogger who stated that ugly sweater parties were "so last year."  I don't know about you, but I'd enjoy one every year! ;)  Maybe next year we'll have a pretty sweater contest and encourage our guests to don their best duds.  And then again, maybe not! :)  Anyhoo, we had a blast at the Christmas party we hosted for our couples Sunday school class.  Food, games, laughter, tacky sweaters...yep, doesn't get much better than that!

I put together a simple, easy, and inexpensive dessert table for under $20.  I used leftover wrapping paper and ribbon to transform my Ikea picture frames into oversize gifts. :)  The rest of the Christmas decor was purchased at Target and Walmart.

We had gingerbread men, Oreo cookie balls, and turtles. :)

We also had vanilla flavored cotton candy...I'm a child at heart! ;)

Candy canes and coal for all the men...I mean, the naughty guests. ;)

Thankfully, we didn't have too many leftovers since I have absolutely no self control when it comes to sweets! :)

Here are some of the sweet ladies from our class!  I'm so thankful for each and every one of them. :)

 

And, finally, here's a pic of the hubby and me!  I had to get one of Josh in this shirt because I'm pretty sure it's a sight I will never see again. ;)  I still think he looks handsome.  It must be love! :)  We had a great time and are looking forward to our next get together!  Super Bowl XLVII!  Maybe we'll have an ugly jersey contest.  I'm not naming any names! ;)

Now it's on to New Year's Eve!  Ours will most likely consist of watching the ball drop from the sofa and throwing homemade confetti. :)  What about you guys?  Anyone have any plans that are more classy and fabulous than mine?  Doubtful, I know! ;)

Something Blue

 I'm sure you've all heard of the sweets stylist, Amy Atlas, but if you haven't, be sure to check her out!  Her work is absolutely amazing and her dessert tables are incredibly inspiring!  As I was brainstorming ideas for my sister's bridal shower, I came across a gorgeous dessert table she designed for the Wedding Library that gave me an idea for the theme.

In other words,

 

 

We decided on a color scheme and theme that was perfect for a bridal shower:

  

 

 

The invitations were designed by Amber from Announcing You.  She always does such a wonderful job! :)

 

 

I used leftover wood I had from another DIY project and fabric from Hancocks to create the backdrop.  I was so excited when I found the silhouette mirror for $14.99 at Ross!

 

 

The pearl Sixlets and candy scoops were from Party City and everything else was purchased at Sam's or Walmart.

 

 

I found the frame at T.J. Maxx and painted and distressed it to give it a more vintage feel.

 

 

 

I ended up spending just under $75 for all of the decor, desserts, candy, etc. :)

 

 

I love drooling over Amy's work and using it as inspiration for my own budget-friendly, much less perfect dessert tables!  Her "Perfectly Preppy" dessert buffet already has me brainstorming for Cole's first birthday party! :) 

 

 

 

Easy Peasy Dessert Table

This past weekend we hosted a couples get together at our community clubhouse.  We grilled out, played games, and had a great time of fellowship!  We played a hilarious round of charades and a game called Mad Gab that I absolutely love! :)  We wanted to have a theme for the event that played off the 'Battle of the Sexes' idea.  With it being football season, I started brainstorming football terms and girly words that started with the same letter.  I ended up deciding on Pigskins and Pearls and thought brown and pink would be perfect colors for the decorations.  I knew I wanted to do a dessert table, but was limited on time and money.

I made the backdrop using foam presentation boards I already had covered with wrapping paper from the dollar section in Target.  I used posterboard and a printer to make the sign.  The four square serving trays are actually china dinner plates I found at Target on sale for $2 a piece.  I added pink scrapbooking paper to them for a pop of color.

 

To save on time, I bought everything pre-made except for the sugar cookies.  Although I made these, they were super simple and easy.  Pillsbury pre-made sugar cookie dough, Betty Crocker cookie icing, and pearl sprinkles.  The hubby said they were the best cookies he's ever had!  And they end up coming out to under $.50 a cookie versus $3 or more a piece for specialty cookies.

 

I lined the cake stand with a piece of pink and white chevron scrapbooking paper and bought ready to serve mini cupcakes.

 

The apothecary jars held Whoppers and strawberry milkshake Whoppers.  We also had chocolate covered oreos, strawberry wafer cookies, and football shaped brownies.

 

It took less than two hours to make and set everything up, and best of all, the total cost for this dessert table came in at just under $25! :)

 

Do you guys have any budget-friendly tips for dessert tables?  Do share! :)