...weekly roundup...

I just love this picture above! That's me in the tiger costume. How I LOVED that tiger costume! I think I was a tiger for 3 years in a row. I thought is was so exciting to get the face makeup too-- the 3 lines for whiskers. The thing I like the best out of this picture are my best friends. I am still close with almost all of them to this day! How great is that?

Well, Halloween is upon us! I'm sure your weekend is action packed like mine. Although my house decorations fell a little short this Halloween (I'll make up for it at the holidays, I swear), I'm still ready to go for the big spooky night. If you have a spare moment, between costumes and candy, check out these weekly round up links...

• This week I went Hollywood on my blog. I know, seems like a strange time of year to be featuring a Hollywood party, but I had a secret motivation... my daughters Halloween costume this year-- a Glamorous Movie Star and her upcoming birthday! I think we'll be getting glamorous pretty soon around here. I hope you enjoy the features and free printable "Hollywood Star" tags.

• Any moment now, I'll be heading to my kids classrooms for their Halloween parties. Did you see this post the other day at Kara's Party Ideas about a classroom Halloween Party submitted by One Charming Party? Wow! That room mom is the best, that's all I can say! 

• The last little Halloween party nugget-- did you see the Mad Hatter themed Halloween Party on Celebrations at Home. Love taking a year round theme and making it specific to a holiday...

• Here's a great decoration idea for any type of year... a Ribbon Canopy. Just change the ribbon color for your theme. How festive!

• Now that Halloween is almost past, it's HOLIDAY PARTY time!! Check out my List of Holiday Theme Parties post for a whole bunch of ideas for your gathering this year!

Have fun trick or treating!

Hollywood Glamour Party: Art Activity and Game Ideas

Treat your guests like stars at your Glamourous Hollywood Party with these fancy, glittery and exciting art activities and game ideas!

Game Ideas

Red Carpet/Paparazzi Entrance
Although some stars are not too excited about the Paparazzi... for a new star, this attention can be very exciting! The best is to catch the guest star off guard. As they pull up to your house for the party, run out and star snapping pictures. Make sure to act very excited and say, "She's here... she's here... Look here, look here..." etc.! Once all the stars have arrived you can have another round of Paparazzi group shots. Having some type of red carpet, and/or roping off an area that the Paparazzi must stay behind will add to the effect.

After the party, be sure to download the pictures and send them to the star for their portfolio!

The Star Treatment: Pampering by the Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe Department
Hollywood stars like to be pampered, so give them the treatment they expect with a visit to the wardrobe/costume department, as well as the Makeup and Hair Department.

Wardrobe/Costume Department
Scour the house, the attic or garage and thrift stores for those perfect Hollywood costumes.. it's amazing what you can find. Now set all the items out in a room to be picked through and tried on. Perhaps a few full length mirrors will help the Stars see how they look. Also, be sure to label the room with a "WARDROBE DEPARTMENT" sign! Here's a list of ideas to look for:

• sunglasses
• purses
• hats (with feathers and/or netting even better!)
• anything that sparkles (gold lamée, sequins, beadwork, and more)
• shalls or wraps
• boas
• high heel slip on shoes
• slips (women's slips make elegant evening wear!)
• bow ties, and fancy ties (for the actors)

Hair and Makeup Department
Set up another room or space as the Hair and Makeup Department. (Again, a sign is perfect for denoting the space.) If you have a director style chair the star can sit in, great! Set up next to a table with a mirror on it. Now, get out all your eyeshadow, and makeup, hair spray and hair accessories and have fun making your star guests shine!

Worried there's too many guests, and not enough makeup artists and hair stylists? This is a perfect thing to hire a babysitter or preteen to help out with! They'll love giving kids makeovers!


Who Am I: Guess the Movie Star Game
This is a great game to star the party out! Before the party, write down a bunch of actor and actresses names on a piece of paper. Cut each out. Once all the guests are settled, tape a name to each persons back. The guests need to ask only yes/no questions to try to find out who is taped to their back. For a younger group of guests, pick out names of characters from children's movies that they would most likely know. For instance, Woody or Buzz from Toy Story, Flick from Bugs Life, Beethoven (the dog), etc.


Movie Trivia
There are plenty of Movie Trivia games on the market that you can buy and use the questions to host a game show for your stars! Break your party into teams, and ask a trivia question to the team. Each team that gets the question correct, gets a point. The first team to get 10 points, say, wins. Here are some helpful links:
Movie Trivia Questions for Kids
Movie Trivia Questions for Adults
Movie Trivia Games

Make a Movie
With a little prep work, this could be a lot of fun for all your star guests! Depending on the age and size of the crowd, it may be best to pick out a script for a skit before the party, print it out, and pick which guest will be which character.

For instance, here's an online script to Toy Story. Pick a specific scene that guests may already know, and have them act it out!

Provide costumes or accessories if possible to have the stars, "get into the role". Help them practice as well. Be sure to have your megaphone, and directors chair to make it official!

When it's show time, get out the video camera, your clapboard, and -- "Ready, Set, Action!"

After the skit is through, show the kids the performance so they can all get a laugh!

Art Activity Ideas
A Glamorous Glitter Frame Perfect for you Paparazzi Shot
What star wouldn't like a glittery frame to show off his or her paparazzi shot! Head to the local craft store, and pick up some inexpensive frames. Buy lots of gems, glitter glue, metallic pens, paint and more.

Set up a table at the party with the supplies lined up and frame and have the stars decorate them! After the party, be sure to send them a picture so they can put it in their frame!

Decorate or Create an Autograph Book
Although most stars are GIVING autographs to people, they may also like to get autographs too! A great art project is to have the stars create their own autograph books, then have all the other stars sign them!

This project can be either simple or more complex depending on the guests' age and time allowed for the activity. A simple version is to buy some plain notebooks at the local craft store or drugstore, and have the guests decorate the cover.

A more complex version would be to have kids make the book by hand. Cut sheets of plain white paper in half to be sized 8.5"x5.5". Fold the paper in 1/2 to become a booklet where the new size is 4.25" x 5.5".  Now, with a piece of white cardstock, do the same. This will be the cover of the book.

After the pages and the cover are cut, have kids staple the "spine" or the book together in the center fold. Now they can decorate as they see fit!

Make Some Glittery Jewelry (a.k.a. Bling!)
All stars want to have some bling! Either purchase some Jewelry Kits, or buy jewelry making supplies at your craft store and set up a table for the guests to make one-of-a-kind items... perfect for the red carpet!

Printable Hollywood Glamour Party - Hollywood Star Tags

Free Printable Hollywood Star Tags by B.Nute productions

Hollywood parties are known for their terrific "swag" bags! So when gathering all those goodies to give to guests at your Hollywood Glamour Party, make sure to print out these free printable tags for the true Hollywood star treatment!

Free Printable Hollywood Star Tags by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Tags
1. Select link above, and print tag image from your browser. I suggest using a heavier card stock to give the tag some weight.
2. Cut out tags from paper.
3. Punch hole where the circle is. Add glitter if you'd like!
4. String with a black ribbon.

These tags are perfect to tie onto that fabulous star goodie bag, or glamorous gift box. All stars love their little treats!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Hollywood Glamour Party: Decoration Ideas

Hollywood Glamour Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Etsy

It's a big Hollywood production, and your the set designer, script writer, producer, director and caterer! Can you do it? Of course you can! Below are some stunning, sparkling and truly old style Hollywood ideas for your Hollywood Glamour Party!

Hollywood Glamour Inspiration Board

Picture this--
It's 1942. You're in Hollywood, California and you've just landed our first starring role in a major motion picture! You put on your white driving gloves, a silk scarf to tie back your hair, your iconic Hollywood sunglasses, and your mink wrap and head to the studio lot to meet the director and your dreamy leading man.


Paparazzi and fans greet you for pictures and autographs as you are whisked to your private dressing room to freshen up. You open the door and are stunned-- you know you've made it big when you look around. Here is what you see-- the perfect decorations for your Hollywood Glamour Party!

Chandeliers, Spot Lighting and Mood Lighting
The look is all about lighting... no fine actress or actor looks good in harsh light... make sure your guests have the same treatment. If you have a chandelier hanging in your house, great, if not, try to pick one up at a thrift store or inexpensive place... it will add so much to the decoration. Check out this inexpensive chandelier from Ikea for example.

Next, turn off the overhead lights, and only have lamps and possibly a spot light or two shining in places. You could use an clamp spot lights (from a hardware store) to light up the space for less, just try to disguise them behind furniture so they are not scene.

Red Velvet and Faux Fur
A red carpet of some sort is a must for this party... If you can pick up some inexpensive fabric and run it up to your front door, that would be perfect. Some other ideas would be a red sheet (folded or cut to size) or a red tablecloth could work too! Also add some red velvet decorations and accents throughout the space. Pick up some velvet fabric and drape as a table runner or on the coffee table.

Faux Fur by the Fireplace

Faux fur is also key to the look. There are many faux fur throw blankets on the market that once draped over a chair or couch will look luxurious. A faux fur rug by the fireplace will look great too!

Crystal and Mirrors
Crystal vases, candle holders, glasses, or just sparkling clear glass items will be great on the buffet table, or bar. If this Hollywood party has young ones, perhaps keep the crystal out of reach, or substitute for clear plastic items, and plastic champagne glasses, etc.

A large mirror hanging on the wall is very elegant. Also, add mirrors on the buffet table. You can take a framed mirror that might hang on the wall, but use it as a serving tray. Make sure it is clean and sparkling when you put the food on it. It will also look great if you put the empty glasses on the mirror... lots of great reflection!

Hollywood Starlet and Movie Star Pictures in Frames
Make sure the space looks like a Hollywood star lives there too! Add some old vintage photographs of Hollywood stars in picture frames throughout the space. Head to Target or Homegoods to find some mirrored, or elegant frames to put them in. A touch of gold and silver will look great. Head to the internet to find vintage Hollywood photos.

Clark Gable and Constance Bennett in After Office Hours (1935)

A Sparkling Bar
This party, regardless of guests age, definitely needs a fancy bar set up. Pull out the silver ice bucket and matching tongs, set out the martini glasses, champagne glasses, mixer and more. Here are some recipes for some popular cocktails from the 1930's and 1940's. For underage guests, this can still be a hit with plenty of non alcoholic "fancy" drinks. Don't forget the swizzle sticks too! Make sure to set out a menu card (in a fancy frame, preferably) with the drink options!

Luxurious Seating
A chaise would be ideal, but if that's not available, just make sure there's plenty of comfortable seating for mingling and hanging out!

Gold, Black and Silver Accents
Other accents can be scattered around the space, but try to remain pretty clean and sparse with items. A cluttered space is not glamorous Hollywood!

Movie Set Accessories
Again, only a few of these will do the trick. Not too much clutter... but perhaps when the director was visiting your dressing room, he left his megaphone, or clapboard. Possibly there's a film reel or two stacked in the corner... or perhaps even a movie script!

See you in the pictures!

Note: For more ideas, just do a search on the internet for Regency Style or Hollywood Regency Style. This decoration style is definitely what this party is all about!

Making a List... and Checking it Twice: List of Holiday Theme Parties

You know what's going to happen this Sunday night after trick or treating? The instant Halloween is over, Christmas will be everywhere... music in the grocery stores, ads on TV, the works! As much as you may want to ignore it... it will be here sooner than we think! So, no procrastinating this year. Here's a list of Holiday Theme Party Ideas.... I'm sure one of these ideas will be a perfect way to ring in the Holiday season with friends and family!

12 Days of Christmas Party - Partridge in a Pear Tree, Lords a Leaping, Maids a Milking, 5 Golden Rings and more... think of all the great imagery and decorations that could be used for this party! Also, it could be a lot of fun to have a scavenger hunt too!

Jingle Bells Party - Bells, bells and more bells will make this a festive party.

Oh Christmas Tree (O Tannembaum) Party - This could be a party specifically for decorating the tree, or a party just centered around the gorgeous holiday tree, either way, the tree gets to take center stage.

Deck the Halls - House Decorating or Tree Trimming Party - All will love to join in the festive spirit and deck the halls with merriment. You can have most of the decorations complete, and have folks help out with the final touches, or have guests make their own ornaments to bring home.

Caroling Party - When was the last time people came by your house to sing carols? Start the tradition this year, and your whole neighborhood will remember. After caroling, head back inside for warm treats and hot cocoa.

Frosty the Snowman Party - Decorate a snow man, watch the old holiday show, or make snow man as part of craft activity.

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer Party - Who wouldn't want to come to a party and play reindeer games?! All will love this party based on the nostalgic TV show!

Angelic "Rejoice" Party - "Angels we have heard on high" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" are just a few of the Christmas carols that come to mind that speak of angels. Deck your holiday house with silvers, light blues and etherial fabrics and accessories for this angelic affair!

Better Not Pout- Santa Claus is Coming to Town Party - The star of this party is definitely Santa and his arrival! A good old fashioned party with Santa Claus will bring smiles to all ages.

Naughty and Nice List Party - All will have fun sharing their nice list, and possibly their naughty list at a party filled with revelry and silliness.

Joy to the World/Peace on Earth Party - Peace symbols abound, this holiday party will celebrate peace on earth and good will towards men. It could even be a party where gifts are brought, then donated to a charity!

Presents, Packages & Bows Gift Exchange Party - Everyone loves getting a little gift... and a Holiday Gift Exchange is the perfect venue. Fill the space with packages and bows, and it will feel just like Christmas morning!

Hot Cocoa Bar and Dessert Party - Fill a bar of delicious morsels perfect for putting in a nice mug of hot cocoa, and layer your tiered plates full of delicious deserts. This will be a party that will warm up anyone!

Holiday Cocktail Party - Egg Nog, Spiced Rum and a Hot Toddy too... Get out the martini glasses and cocktail recipe book and have an 50's style Holiday Cocktail party with all the traditional standbys, and new concoctions too!

Let it Snow Snowflake Party - Decorate your space with snowflakes galore... falling from the ceiling, scattered on the table and floor with twinkle lights in abound... If you're lucky enough, it may even snow on the day of your party! This glittery, snowy party will put all in the mood for the Holiday season.

Nutcracker Party - Get out all your holiday Nutcrackers, put on the music from the ballet, and have yourself a Nutcracker party-- just like the party in the performance!

Messiah/Classical Holiday Music Party - Set an elegant buffet, play the beautiful classical music and enjoy the holiday season with friends and family!

Holiday Cookie and Dessert Party - Cake stands filled with delicious offerings, tiered platters with holiday morsels! This party will be perfect for all your sweet tooth friends and family.

Cookie Exchange Party - Who wouldn't want to come to a dessert or cookie exchange party. You bring a dozen cookies and leave with much more! A delicious holiday tradition.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Party - Hand make the gingerbread, or buy them undecorated, set out the decorations and frosting and have friends and family join in the fun of decorating the cookies! The best part of this party is you get to leave with lots of new friends-- your gingerbread cookies.

Gingerbread House Making Party - A holiday tradition for many, instead of just decorating a gingerbread house with your family, make it a party by inviting friends and family to come a decorate their gingerbread house too! After they are complete, set them up and take a picture of your Christmas village!

Holiday Baking Party - Get out the aprons and mixing bowls and invite friends over for a fun holiday baking party. Each person can bring their favorite recipe and ingredients and make them all together as a group. At the end, share the recipes and the tasty treats with everyone!

Old Fashioned Dickens' Christmas Party - A Victorian affair, filled with vintage charm is a great way to celebrate the season!

A North Pole Party with Santa, Mrs. Clause and the Elves - Transform your party space into the North Pole for a whimsical, festive affair all ages will have fun at!

Santa's Toy Workshop Party - Scatter vintage style toys around, and set up tinker workstations-- your holiday party setting is Santa's toy workshop, what a fun sight it will be!

Star of Bethlehem/Creche Party - This party is perfect for after the children's Christmas pageant at school or church. Set out your creche scene at the center of your serving table, play some traditional holiday music and enjoy the season with friends and family.

Popcorn and Cranberry Garland Making Party - Set out bowls of popcorn, cranberries and string and have guests make garland for your tree or for them to take home and put on theirs. You can offer different items to make other types of garland, like a bead garland or a candy garland.

Tartan Christmas Party - Tartan red and black is definitely the fabric for the Holidays. Have folks dress in their best Tartan and set you space up in reds and black. All will love the look and the fun!

Letter to Santa Party - Throw your holiday party early this year and have guests write their letters to Santa all together. Provide stationery, envelopes and stamps, as well as delicious treats and share your holiday wishes together!

Stockings by the Fire Party - Nothing says the holidays like a stockings hung carefully by a warm fire. Have guests bring their stocking, make a stocking or just come and get a treat from one of your stockings at your holiday party!

Mittens Party - Pin woolen mittens on strings throughout the space at this mitten party... when guests leave, have them take a pair home to keep warm!

Candy Cane or Ribbon Candy Party - Red and white and full of delight-- ribbon candy and candy canes are traditional symbols of the holiday season. Decorate your space filled with these candies, serve peppermint cocoa, and other treats and ring in the holiday season.

Sugarplum Candy Dessert Party - Jars and jars of candies should fill your space for this sugary sweet dessert party, no one will want to miss!

Twas the Night Before Christmas Party - Take cue for the old story for decorating and activity ideas! Wear a stocking or cap, hang sugarplums and candies, and definitely have Santa show up... a fun party for all to remember.

Sledding Party - If you live in snow country, gather friends and family at the local hill, set up some hot cocoa and treats and have a fun sledding party to celebrate the holiday season!

Christmas Ornament Making Party - Set up tables and have guests come and decorate ornaments to take home. Make sure to date the ornaments so you remember the party for years to come.

Elegant Damask Holiday Party - Get out the china and crystal, light the candles, and throw an elegant holiday party for your friends and family. We don't get dressed up nearly enough these days, so make sure folks know to wear their holiday best!

Holiday Craft or Card Making Party - Set out the craft tables, put out the art fixings and have friends come over for an afternoon or evening of crafting fun. You can create small gifts for friends and family or make cards. Have guests bring their favorite art supply to share.

Holidays Around the World Party: Celebration of Holiday Traditions Around the World - Spend some time researching holiday traditions around the world, and throw a party where you celebrate these great festivities. Not only will you educate your guests, but all will have fun in the process!

Tacky Christmas Outfit Party - Pull out that tacky holiday sweater and tie, and head over for some retro 1950's hors d'oeurves and laughs at this Tacky Christmas party. Make sure to bring the poloroid for some classic party shots!

Ornament Exchange Party - Wrap up a festive ornament and bring it to this party for an ornament exchange. All will have fun celebrating with friends and family, then leave with a treat for their tree at home.

Christmas Train/Polar Express Party - Set up the train under the tree, and invite all to a Polar Express, holiday train party. Old fashioned train tickets will be the perfect invite for this holiday affair.

Holiday Lights Party - Set out the strings of lights, and have friends and family decorate away. Or, if you live in an area that has a decorated street, after some time eating at home, head out on a walk with your party and enjoy the night and Christmas lights in your neighborhood.

Now, time to start planning... Happy Holidays!

Mad Hatter Tea Party - Printable Tea Party Doodle Page Art Activity

Free Printable Mad Hatter Tea Party Doodle Page
by B.Nute productions

Here's a perfect art activity for your Mad Hatter Tea Party or any day- a doodle page that kids can decorate however they like! Just print this page below, set out crayons and let guests be creative!

Mad Hatter Tea Party Doodle Page by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Printing Doodle Page
1. Select image or link above.
2. Print in landscape mode on your home printer.
3. Color and decorate!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

...weekly roundup...

Well, they've started to arrive... in droves... the Holiday catalog brigade is on!! My kids just love this. They get their pens out and circle everything they want. It's a little crazy, I must admit... but it keeps them entertained for a while! Here is my weekly round up of links that I hope will keep you entertained!

• This week has been a lot of Mad Hatter fun! I have a great time create writing up Mad Hatter Party ideas, as well as creating some free printables-- "Eat Me/Drink Me" tags, and a Queen of Hearts Crown. Be sure to check it out on my blog.

• Back to the catalogs-- I must admit, I did receive some new ones, and I really loved the items. Lots of things that would be perfect for a Woodland Fairy party. Isn't this felt Woodland Fairy House from Magic Cabin adorable?

• After our heat wave last week, we are finally having some truly Fall-like weather in Northern California-- a little rain and definitely cool. It's definitely putting me in the mood for some warm food, namely chili! Here are some Chili Recipes from BHG that may just get me in the mood to make some this wet weekend. 

Have a great weekend!

Mad Hatter Tea Party - Printable Queen of Hearts Crown and Art Activity

Queen of Hearts Crown
by B.Nute productions

Who doesn't want to be queen for the day! Kids and adults will love this printable Queen of Hearts crown to wear at the Mad Hatter Tea Party or any day they want to be queen. Add some glitter or other embellishments to make it sparkle.

Free Printable Queen of Hearts Crown by B.Nute productions

Instructions to Make Your Queen of Hearts Crown
1. Select the above image and print out on card stock.
2. Cut out crown.
3. Add glitter or embellishments as desired.
4. Punch holes in either end, and string with fancy ribbon.
5. Tie crown to your head, and have a royal time!

Free Printable Queen of Hearts Crown Template - Party Art Activity
Looking for an art activity for your Mad Hatter Party? Have guests decorate their own crown. Below is the printable crown template. Just set out pens, crayons, glitter glue and gems, and have fun. (To assemble, follow the same instructions above.)

Free Printable Queen of Hearts Crown Template

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Mad Hatter Tea Party - Pocket Watch Art Activity

The White Rabbit and his Pocket Watch from Alice in Wonderland

Don't be late for this important date... kids will love this craft of designing their own pocket watch, a perfect art activity for your Mad Hatter Tea Party. Here's some step by step instructions to make your own watch.

1. Fold a third of a white piece of card stock over, and draw a circle with a knob on top. Make sure one side of the circle is on the fold.

2. Cut out the shape. Now you should have a pocket watch that is like a card.
3. Get out the crayons, pens, and colored pencils and have kids decorate! You can print out pictures of pocket watched from the internet to give kids examples if you'd like.

4. Here's the outside of a decorated pocket watch.

5. Here's the inside!

6. Punch a hole in the top and string a ribbon through it so kids can put the watch around their necks like a necklace.

Now it's time for tea! This activity will be loads of fun for kids, and, hey, it may even help them with telling time.

Printable Mad Hatter Eat Me, Drink Me Tags

Free Printable Mad Hatter Tea Party
"Drink Me" & "Eat Me" Tags
by B.Nute productions

A Mad Hatter Tea Party is not complete with out "Eat Me" and "Drink Me" tags! Use on goodie bags, gifts, or even as part of a creative Mad Hatter game at your party! Below are free printable Mad Hatter tags perfect for your party.

Free Printable Mad Hatter Tea Party "Eat Me" & "Drink Me" Tags by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Tags
1. Select link above, and print tag image from your browser. I suggest using a heavier card stock to give the tag some weight.
2. Cut out tags from paper.
3. Punch hole at top of tags where circle is.
4. String with a colorful ribbon.

Now fill a vintage tea cup with goodies (for "Drink Me" it could be tea bags, instant coffee packets, or lemondade/juice packets; for "Eat Me" little candies are always tasty), tie on the tag and you've got a memorable goodie bag!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

Mad Hatter Tea Party Decoration and Menu Ideas

Mad Hatter Tea Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Etsy

What's a zany, colorful, whimsical delight? A Mad Hatter Tea Party, of course! This theme is great for guests young and old -- a birthday party, a baby shower, a bridal shower, a hens party, a moms night out... everyone is always ready for some silly tea party fun! Below are some decorating ideas and menu suggestions for your Mad Hatter Party.

A Little Inspiration!

Mixed Up, Mismatched Tea Cups and Pots
Head to your closets and find all those teacups given to you by our long lost aunt. Don't have any? Ask neighbors and friends if you can borrow a few, or head to the thrift store to find some. The more the better, and the more mismatched is ideal!

Whimsical Butterfly Design Teapot on Amazon

Now fill your Mad Hatter space with all your goodies, on the serving table, on the dining table, on the mantle! Use cake pedestals to raise some higher than others, the uneven display is great on the eye.

Polka Dot Teapot on Amazon

Don't forget to fill the pots with flowers and butterflies! (See below for details.)

Colorful Flowers and Butterflies

Paper Flowers with Pop!

Now it's time for some real color! Fill all those pots with bold flowers. Use artificial flower, real flowers, or paper flowers, take your pick, all will look great! (Check out another post of mine about tissue paper flowers)

Butterfly Bouquet from Martha Stewart

Once the flowers are in the pots, purchase some faux butterflies and stick them in the arrangement. The more the better. Again, this party is all about color, excess and whimsy! The above butterfly bouquet example from Martha Stewart shows how festive a bunch of butterflies look together! Many different types of artificial butterflies can be found at your local craft store or online.

Art Print from Alexander Ross Gallery
Mad Hatter Tea Party from Disney's Alice in Wonderland

Twinkle Lights and Paper Lanterns
Now it's time to look up! Fill the sky with twinkle lights and paper lanterns. If your indoors, hang lights all around the room and dangle paper lanterns from the light strings. If you are outdoors, hang lights in trees and paper lanterns above the table. If you haven't seen the original Disney version of Alice in Wonderland... now's the time. The scene for the Mad Hatter Party is filled with lanterns and lights!

If you're searching for paper lanterns, you must check out Luna Bazaar. It's a great resource for all types of paper lanterns-- different colors, shapes, prints, and more!

Casino Danglers from Amazon

Deck of Cards
It's time to put those decks of cards that are missing a card or 2 to use! You can either hand make a garland with hand cut paper hearts, and cards, or head to your party store and look in the casino party aisle for inspiration and ideas!

Also, scatter the cards on the top of the serving table and dining table. This will be a great addition to the look.

Fresh Fruit Tart Recipe on Life123 Website

Mad Hatter Party Menu Ideas
Little finger foods are great for a tea party! Below are a few ideas for your Mad Hatter party:

• Tea Sandwiches - From simple cucumber tea sandwiches to elaborate smoked salmon sandwiches, you can find all types of tea sandwich recipes online sure to please all tastes!
• Meat Pies - How about a little meat pie in a pastry shell. Easy finger food, and hearty to fill your guests tummies!
• Salty & Sweet Mixed Up Treats - There are recipes galore online for cereal snack mixes. For your Mad Hatter party, create these same mixes, but add some color and whimsy-- use colored cereals (i.e., Fruit Loops or something similar), and/or mini marshmallows for color and the sweet taste!
• Fruit Tarts - How great would a bunch of mini fruit tarts look on cake pedestal stands! Head to a local bakery to save time, unless you are inclined to make them yourself!

...weekly roundup...

Halloween is approaching fast, and before we know it the holidays will be upon us! Hard to believe. This week has been another busy one for me! So many great customers and projects, I'm having a blast. Here's a recap:

• This week on my blog I featured ideas for an Old Fashioned Halloween Party- decorations, game ideas, a printable candy label, and even a printable art activity. I hope you enjoy them!
• Speaking of printables, I found a great site, ishareprintables where talented folks love to share their free printables (I've signed up as well.) Check it out, you may find that perfect decoration item for your next party.

Elegant Merry Cheer Holiday Photo Card by B.Nute productions on Etsy

• Although we're not yet in full Holiday swing, I've just started posting all my Holiday Card designs on my Etsy shop. Be sure to check them out, and find the right one for you this year! I promise to have many themes and designs to suit all styles!

Harvest Moon Lollipop Recipe from Delish

• Oh my, a Moon Pie! Don't these lollipop Moon Pies look delicious! 

Creative Halloween Pumpkin Ideas from BHG

• Are you carving pumpkins this weekend? Check out these creative pumpkin carvings for ideas!

Have a great weekend!

Old Fashioned Halloween Party - Printable Halloween Mask Art Activity

Printable Halloween Masks by B.Nute productions

Remember the craft activities you did at your school Halloween party in elementary school? You may still even have some of them tucked away in an old memory box. Below is an art activity suggestion that may be reminiscent of those projects, perfect for your Old Fashioned Halloween Party.

Decorate a Mask
Set up a table with crayons, markers and glitter glue; print out the free printable mask templates below; and have kids decorate away. Once finished punch a hole on either end, tie a string to the hole, and put the mask on the kids! Now they are ready for some costume party fun. Be sure to include some blank paper for kids who may want to make their own masks.

Printable Pumpkin Mask from B.Nute productions

Printable Cat Mask from B.Nute productions

Printable Owl Mask from B.Nute productions

Printable Ghost Mask from B.Nute productions

Have fun, and be sure to email me with pictures of your decorated mask!