Old Fashioned St Patrick's Day Party Ideas: Decorations, Menu, Games and More

St. Patrick's Day Party Inspiration

Erin Go Bragh, St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and it's time to celebrate! Whether or not you have any Irish roots, celebrating St. Patrick's Day is always fun for kids and adults. Below are plenty of ideas to throw an old fashioned St. Patrick's Day Party.

Decoration Ideas
Green, White and Orange - Taken straight from Ireland's flag, green, white and orange are the colors for this party (the orange can be close to gold). From table cloths, table runners, napkins and more, keep in the scheme. Hang an Irish flag on the front door, and/or small flags as cupcake toppers or other decorations.

Vintage St. Patrick's Day Imagery - Old St. Patrick's Day imagery is abound on the internet. Do a quick search for "Vintage St. Patrick's Day Imagery" and find some great images to put in small frames on the buffet or around your party space.

Pots of Shamrock's - Every year, my mom would give us a small pot of shamrocks to grow in our room in March. Even as an adult, she shows up at my door with my annual shamrock plant! I just love it. It's colorful, alive, and a great way to ring in the coming of Spring. It is especially nice on St. Patrick's Day too! Put a couple small pots as in the center of the table, and put some irish flags in them for festive fun. The best part about this decoration is it will last will into April, and is great on your kitchen window sill after the party!

Gold Coins - Your decorations aren't complete with out a pot of gold, or gold coins abound. Buy chocolate gold coins and scatter on the buffet table, or down the center of the dining table. The shimmery coins look great and taste good too!

Irish Music - A St. Patrick's Day Party isn't complete without Irish music! Head over to iTunes and download an Irish compilation or one of my favorites is Bing Crosby's Top O'the Morning: Irish Collection. I just love MacNamara's Band!

Menu Ideas
A traditional Irish meal is perfect for your St. Patrick's Day. Fortunately, many stores make it easy to put together an authentic meal. Below is the perfect St. Patrick's Day dinner menu to serve.
Dinner
Corned Beef and Cabbage - Head to the internet to find your favorite Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe. For those who want to make it easy, many grocery stores this time of year have prepackaged corned beef that just needs heating in a microwave. Steam some cabbage, and add butter... and there you are!
Red Potatoes - Steam some red potatoes and add some butter, salt and parsley to taste for a nice side dish.
Irish Soda Bread - One of my favorite breads to make, and especially fun to make with kids because it is so easy. No yeast or rising needed... just baking soda to do the trick. Here is a simple Irish Soda Bread recipe.

Drinks
Green Beer - A little green food coloring can go along way in this traditional St. Patrick's Day drink!
Guiness and/or Harps Lager - Head to your favorite store to find some Irish beers to make this night authentic.
Irish Coffee - A bar close to where I lived in San Francisco is famous for this drink! Here's the Buena Vista's recipe for Irish Coffee.
Green Milk for Young Ones - They may balk at the color... but once they try it, and realize it tastes just the same as regular milk, they'll want you to color the milk every night!
Mint Ice Cream Shakes - Bring back your childhood memories of McDonald's Shamrock Shake by making a mint ice cream shake. Yum.

Game Ideas
Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt
Those sneaky Leprechaun's have been up to it again... hiding your favorite things around the house so you can't find it. Now it's time to go on a hunt and find them! Good luck. (Note: make a list of all the things that were hidden so you the hunter knows what to look for!)

Pot of Gold
Just like an Easter egg hunt, but this time scatter chocolate gold coins about and have kids go on a Pot o'Gold hunt, collecting as many coins as they can!

Last Minute Oscar Party Ideas

and the Oscar goes to... Treasury on Etsy

Sunday night is the big night! If you aren't heading to a party, why not have one yourself. I know, it's last minute to be planning an Oscar Party-- but that's no problem! Below are a whole bunch of great links to Oscar Party madness for a simple, yet award winning affair!

Twig and Thistle's Free Printable Oscar Party Goods

Free Printable Oscar Decor
Check out these great printable Oscar invitations from Twig and Thistle! Just accessorize with more red, white and black and your set!

Hollywood Star Tag from B.Nute productions

Free Printable Hollywood Star Tags
Want to put together a quick goodie bag for your guests? Fill a bag with a ballot, a pencil, a bag of microwave popcorn and perhaps a candy or two, then tie with this Hollywood Star tag from yours truly!

Oscar Ballot
Don't forget to print out your Oscar Ballots for your guests!

Oscar Menu
I love creating an Oscar menu to match the Best Films. This year, there's seemingly a large number of nominated films, 10 to be exact... and since unfortunately haven't seen over 1/2 the films, this task of creating a menu seemed quite daunting. Thank goodness for the internet! I did a quick search and found a great article full of menu ideas on Epicurious.com: Best Picture Inspired Menu Ideas. I love their descriptions. For True Grit, they provide a "Feast Fit for Cowboys." For 127 Hours, "Food as Fuel", and Toy Story 3, "A Day-Care Finger Food Menu for Kids of All Ages". Very fun.

Enjoy the show!

Toy Party Game Ideas

You have a bunch of kids coming over for a Toy Party... here are some great games to play for loads of toy fun!

Toy Scavenger Hunt
Hide recognizable toys around the house, and provide clues to getting to each. At the last toy, have a small toy prize for each player. Here are some clue ideas:
1. Hide a teddy bear in the kitchen. Then provide the clue, "This toys loves his honey... you'll find him somewhere near the cereal and his favorite sticky sweet treat."
2. Hide a ball in a bathroom. Provide the clue, "This toy loves to bounce. If you don't find it quickly, it may just bounce it's way into the bathtub.
3. Hide a doll in a bed of a room. Provide the clue, "This sweet girl loves to take long naps. You can find her under a pink blanket sound asleep."

Toy Pick Up Race
Here's a race that would be fun to have not only at a party, but everyday your house is a mess! Scatter loads of toys in a room, and close the door. Hand a team of players a large bag. Set a timer and open the door to have the kids pick up all the toys on the floor. When done record the time. Now rescatter the toys and set another team out to beat the time!

Stack the Blocks
Whether it's wood blocks or empty cardboard shoe boxes... have kids build the tallest stack, then knock it down when done!

Toy Relay Race
Split the guests into 2 teams. Set up a course around your yard, and scatter one toy per guest along the way. Each team is given a wagon. Each team member now must pull a wagon through the course and pick up 1 toy along the way. The last person needs to pick up the last toy, and pull the wagon to the end. The key is not to have the toys fall out of the wagon while they are racing to the end!

Guess the Number of Toys
Set out a couple jars full of small toys, for instance one filled with small Army men, one filled with rubber balls, etc. Have each guest guess how many toys are in each jar. The closest guess wins the jar of toys.

Free Printable Toy Treat Bag Label

Free Printable Toy Treat Bag Label by B.Nute productions

Having a toy party soon? Be sure to print this free toy shop printable treat bag label for your goodie bags. Fill a bag with small toys and treats that all kids will love!

Free Printable Toy Shoppe Treats Bag Label by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Toy Treats Bag Labels
1. Select link above, and print out label from your browser. I suggest using a heavier card stock to give the label some weight.
2. Trim the edges/extra paper.
3. Fill a standard sized sandwich bag with goodies.
4. Fold label in half, and staple to 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.

Toy Party: Decoration, Menu Ideas and More

Toy Shoppe Fun Party Inspiration Board

A party full of toys-- what could be better? Below are some ideas for your vintage inspired Toy Shoppe Fun Party filled with your favorite toys from the past and present!

Decoration Ideas
Inspiration from Famous Toy Shops
Head over to FAO.com to check out one of the world famous toy shops or rent some great toy inspired movies such as Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium or Big (to see shots of FAO Schwartz in New York City.) With those colorful images in mind, now fill your party space with the same amount of fun! Red, yellow and blue crepe paper, balloons galore, and lots and lots of toys!

Vintage Toys Galore
Head to the attic and pull out those old toys. Arrange them on the buffet table, or down the center of the dining table as a runner. A jack-in-the box, a doll, some tin cards, and more... the more colorful, the better!

Jars of Toys
Jars can be a great way to display tiny toys. Fill some glass jars of army men, jacks, rubber balls, dominoes, and other small toys. The jars will look great on the buffet next to plates of treats.

Board Games
Hang board games on the walls above the serving area, or other areas of the party for colorful fun. Candyland, Sorry, or vintage board games will look great.

Invitation and Matching Paper Goods

Toy Shoppe Fun Party Goods Collection by B.Nute productions

Head over to B.Nute productions etsy shop for a full collection of printable Toy Shop Party goods - invitations, thank you postcards, cupcake toppers, menu cards, goodie bag tags and more!

Menu Ideas
What fun kids will have if you pack small box lunches full of yummy treats - Here are some toy inspired menu ideas:
ChooChoo Cheese Sandwiches - Make cheese or meat and cheese sandwiches and cut them with a train cookie cutter for a train shaped sandwich.
Bouncy Fruit Balls - ball up some melon, watermelon, apples and more to create a bouncy ball inspired fruit salad.
Dollies Favorite Chips and Dips - Pick out some fun flavored chips and dips and call them dollies favorite!

Bowl of Teddy Bears - Fill some bowls full of different flavored Teddy Grahams for easy munching.

Happy President's Day!

George Washington Portraits

My daughter and I enjoyed a little art time today to celebrate President's Day by creating portraits of George Washington. Although the George I painted is a little bit like the Quaker Oat man, I had a great time relaxing and doing something I never seem to do-- a little impromptu painting project, and a portrait at that!!

I hope you are enjoying your President's Day!

Have You Seen bnute.com Lately?

Lots of Updates at http://www.bnute.com - B.Nute productions website

I've been a busy bee updating www.bnute.com. Have you been over their lately to see the latest updates? Definitely check it out for loads of:

• Party Ideas
• Holiday Party Ideas
• Free Printables
• Party Resources
• and more...

Tea Party Art Activity Ideas

A Tea Party full of Activities!

A tea party isn't complete without some fun tea-inspired art activities for the guests to do. Below are some art activity ideas for your next tea party.

Create Your Own China Pattern
Have your party become their own tea set designers with this fun art project:

1. Find magazine pictures of tea cups and plates.
2. Gather some real teacups and plates as well!
3. Pick out some sample patterns from art books to provide more examples.
4. Hand out white paper plates, and set out a variety of art supplies; pens, crayons, pencils, glitter, gems, stamps, stickers and more.
5. Have your guests design a pattern worthy of any fancy tea party!

Design Your Own Tea Set
Set out an art table and print out a several free Design Your Own Tea Set Coloring Pages, and you have instant coloring fun!

Free Design Your Own Tea Set Coloring Page by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Tea Set Coloring Pages
1. Select each link above, and print out the coloring page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper (print in landscape mode).
2. Place on a table with crayons, pens and other art supplies.
3. Watch the future designers create!

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.

Ma Petite French Party: A Sweet Little Affair - Decoration and Menu Ideas

Ma Petite French Party Inspiration Board by B.Nute productions

Soft pinks, lavenders, and toile are the perfect complement for this frilly French affair-- whether it's a little girl's tea party, a baby shower or just a Parisian inspired afternoon of gathered friends, below are some decoration and menu ideas perfect for your Ma Petite French Party.

Ma Petite Papiere

Ma Petite Party Collection by B.Nute productions

Be sure to head to B.Nute productions' etsy shop for all your Ma Petite paper goods... the invitations, a banner, cupcake toppers, stickers, menu cards, tented cards and more can all be found in my shop!

Decoration Ideas
Toile
Toile fabric is a must in your party space - a table cloth, a table runner, accent on the buffet, napkins, place mats... where ever you can fit some toile in, the better!

Toile Covered Bulletin Board
How about using that same toile fabric to cover a plain cork board. Add some ribbon accents and make a french inspiration board with your little party girl (or mother to be) as the star. Add old postcards, baby pictures, and anything French, and prop up near the buffet table. Everyone will love to see the vintage, French charm, and of course pictures of the party girl!

Mismatched China
Whether your having a sit down meal or just lots of nibble food, a buffet filled with mismatched vintage china will be perfect for this party. Use plates as serving trays and fill tea cups with goodies. All the different patterns will add color and oo la la to your space!

Little White Lights
You can never have too many little white lights! Hang little white lights like a canopy about your party space. It will look reminiscent of a Parisian cafe.

Decorative Glass Bottles
A row of Limonade bottles or Perrier no only will quench guests' thirst, but will also look great. Line up on one side of the buffet for easy access.

French Signage and Old Ephemera
Create a cafe sign or scatter old French postcards about for that extra je ne sais quoi!

Ma Petite French Party Menu
Savory

• Tea Sandwiches (made with egg salad, cucumber and mint, cream cheese and berry jam)
• Croissants with Ham and Cheese
• Croque Monsieur
• Savory Crepes (filled with ham and cheese, mushrooms and onions, ratatouille)

Sweet

• Fruit Skewers
• Sweet Crepes (filled with Nutella, chocolate and powdered sugar, berry purée)
• A Mini Patissiere with: Eclairs, Petit Fours, Madeline Cookies, other French delights
• Eiffel Tower Cake

List of Hostess Gift Ideas

A Hostess Gift is Always Loved!

We know the drill... it's time to head off to a friend's house for a gathering, you grab a bottle of wine, and there you go-- instant hostess gift. Don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a bottle of wine, but in my desperation to be more creative in hostess gifts, I've decided to come up with a list of easy ideas that may add just that little extra touch, to let your friend know how much she means to you!

Jazzed Up Bottle of Wine - Yes, I've already mentioned the wine, but how about jazzing it up? What about a bottle of wine with a cute set of wine charms attached. Or a wine bottle with a very personal or elegant tag attached. Perhaps even a wine bottle with a small "wine notebook" for taking notes when wine tasting. Another creative accent to the wine bottle gift are some cute decorated cocktail napkins. There are so many to choose from these days, with great patterns, one is sure to please!

Cocktail Party in a Bag - Find some fun swizzle sticks, umbrellas, cocktail napkins and perhaps a small book of festive party drink recipes... wrap these up for the perfect little cocktail party in a bag!

Wake Up Basket - How about pick up 2 cute mugs, a little bag of strong coffee for a morning time drink your hostess may definitely need after her big party!

Early Bird Basket - Perhaps your friend isn't a big coffee drinker, but one of those types who gets up and heads out for a jog, even after a big night! There are many cute vintage-style juice glasses on the market. Pick up a quick set of 4, a little juice, and perhaps some organic granola mix to help start her day.

The After Party Gift Bag - No, this isn't a gift meant for the folks who stay late... it's a gift perfect for when everyone has left, but there's still much to clean up! How about a small bottle of aspirin, some cute cleaning gloves, an apron and a little fancy chocolate. Cleaning up can be quick when you have chocolate on hand!

Guest Bathroom Goodies - How about a few small bottles of lotions or soaps, a candle and perhaps some "guest towel" napkins printed in a fun design. Everyone loves a little something to jazz up the bathroom.

Fancy Hors d'Oeuvres (for the Next Party) - Pick up a small wooden bowl or two and a couple jars of fancy nuts and olives. Every hostess loves a quick hors d'oeuvres in a pinch.

A Mini Garden - Flowers are always appreciated, but instead of making her hunt for a vase just as the party is starting, give her a potted plant instead. It looks great, where ever she sets it, and no need for a vase!

1/2 Hour Spa Break Bag - How we all would love to take the day off and go to a spa... perhaps after all her party preparations, and actually hosting the party, she'll be in need of some spa time. Give here a little spa bag-- bath salts, soaps, a new nail polish, a cold eye compress, a few lavender sprigs will be greatly appreciated!

Quick Getaway Gift - A little tropical get away is so fun-- instead of a plane ticket, how about a few items to remind her of a getaway-- a trashy magazine, a margarita glass, a bag of chips and fancy salsa can bring her mind right back to possibly her trip to Mexico years ago!

Free Printable Skier Coloring Page

Free Printable Skier Coloring Page by B.Nute productions

Winter is upon us! Are you heading out skiing this weekend? Here's a great free printable coloring page you can print out for the car ride to the slopes, or to have handy at the restaurant after a day skiing! Would love to see your wildest skier outfit!

Free Printable Skier Coloring Page by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Skier Coloring Pages
1. Select each link above, and print out the coloring page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper.
2. Place on a table with crayons, pens and other art supplies.
3. Let kids have fun!

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.

Free Printable French Eiffel Tower Tags

Free Printable La Tour Eiffel Tags by B.Nute productions

Oo, la, la... wouldn't a trip to Paris be nice right about now! Since I can't hop on a plane at this moment, I thought I'd bring a little bit of Paris to you-- with some free printable La Tour Eiffel tags. These are perfect for goodie bags for the little french tea party, for your favorite Francophile friend, or just on a bottle of wine when heading over to a friend's house for dinner.

Free Printable La Tour Eiffel 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.

Tie on a bottle of (French) wine as a hostess gift, a goodie bag full of bonbons for your party or where ever you'd like! 

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.

The Party Girl's Library: Party Book Review- "Tea Party" by Tracy Stern

Tea Party by Tracy Stern on Amazon

I just love books! I have so many my studio is overflowing with inspiration! As an occasional post, I thought I'd review some of these books I own so you can decide whether or not it's a must have in your Party Girl's library!

The Book
Tea Party: 20 Themed Tea Parties with Recipes for Every Occasion from Fabulous Showers to Intimate Gatherings by Tracy Stern with Christie Matheson

The Review
Being more of a coffee person than tea lover, this book intrigued me not only to learn something about tea but also be inspired by so many different themed tea parties. In her introduction, Tracy outlines the many details of tea: tea rituals, tea around the world, a tea primer about various kinds, brewing tips, tea etiquette and must more. A great amount of background about tea! She also gives high level advice on the "how to's" of throwing a tea party, and tidbits about tea sandwiches (with many recipes in the book) and petit fours. After reading this, you will be well versed in the art of tea and tea parties!

The main portion of the book is broken up into tea party themes, where she provides some high level party tips, then loads of food and drink recipes. Many look delicious. Here are some of my favorite themes:
Moroccan Valentine's Day Dinner
I've been wanting to create a Moroccan themed party for some time. The reds and golds of this party give it a romantic twist on a traditional Valentines Day party.
Mad Hatter Tea Party
The one picture in the book of this party is almost worth the entire price of the book. A great Mad Hatter table scape filled with flying cards, real grass centerpieces and much more.
Mother's Day Tea
A vintage style tea set and lots of lavender fill this party-- lavender colors and lavender food recipes. A nice traditional tea party with a strong lavender theme.
Fashionable French
Black and White with a touch of hot pink! Tres chic!! Think of elegant women walking up the Champs Élysées with their designer shopping bags filled to the brim. This party is perfectly suited for them. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of pictures with this theme, but you get the idea!
Summer Picnic with an Asian Twist
There is a great photo of firecracker red items and some chinese accents all wrapped up in a picnic basket. A great twist to a summer picnic.
Russian Tea
Although there are not many pictures to inspire, the theme alone conjures up much imagery!

Overall, I think this book offers many unique ides for different style tea parties. It has lots of delicious recipes and plenty of party ideas to get you started on your own tea party. A great addition to a party girl's library!

List of Traditional Party Games for Kids and the Young at Heart

Image from "When Life Seemed Simpler" by Welleran Poltarnees

Remember when you were growing up what a big deal going to a birthday party was? You got to wear your fancy party dress (for a girl), wrap a wonderful present and have fun with friends! I particularly remember the party games. Although some of our modern day party accoutrements (jumpy houses, on location parties) are great, nothing says, "Good Ol'Fashioned Party" like a game! Whether your just beginning to plan your child's party, or it's days away, below is a list of traditional party games sure to please all ages!

Pin the Tail on the Donkey
Musical Chairs
Charades
Red Light, Green Light
Tag (and all variants)
Relay Races (obstacle course, potato sack, suitcase relay, spoon relay, etc)
Scavenger Hunts
Treasure Hunts
Costume Contest
Singing (Karoke) Contest
Skits
Telephone Game
Parachute Play
Dress Ups
Bean Bag Toss
Duck, Duck Goose
Hopscotch
Simon Says
Hot and Cold
Mini/PuttPutt Golf
Ring Toss
Hot Potato
Present Unwrap
Twenty Questions
Tug of War
Marco Polo
Bingo
Truth or Dare
Straw Hunt
Categories
Spoons

Retro Party Props- Tin Toys and More

Tin Toy Arcade Toys and Party Props with Invitations by B.Nute productions

I'm a huge vintage toy fan! I just love the look. There's one online spot I can't seem to get enough of... a great place for toys for gifts, goodie bags, and party props. Have you seen Tin Toy Arcade? I'm sure you'll love it too. Here's just a few prop ideas and/or gift ideas for your themed party.

1. Circus Party

Circus Billboard Invitation by B.Nute productions

Tin Ferris Wheel

Bozo Big Bop Bag

News Boy with Circus Paper and Bell

2. Retro Robot Party
Retro Robot Invitation by B.Nute productions

Mr D All Silver Robot

Space Surveyors

3. Grand Prix Race Car Party
Grand Prix Race Car Invitation by B.Nute productions

Touring England Race Game

Silver Racer Number 7 Classic Tin Car

Red Racer Number 2 Paya

4. Old MacDonald Had a Farm Party
Old MacDonald Had a Farm by B.Nute productions

Old MacDonald's Farm Tin Musical Box

Betsy the Spotted Cow Plastic Windup Toy

Extra, Extra... Read All About It!

Newsflash Everyone!

I'm so excited to announce a new gig! 

I've just joined the team of reporters 

over at vintageallies.com 

to share Entertainment (and Crafting) news 

with a vintage flair, of course! 

Vintage Allies Variety Broadcasting Website

I love this site-- it has all sorts of vintage-style inspiration, on almost any topic you can think of-- home, lifestyle, beauty, children, weddings, etc. Make sure to check it out to get a little dose of nostalgia you can add to your modern life!

Free Printable Valentine Craft or Scrapbook Paper

Free Printable Valentine Craft Papers by B.Nute productions

It's that time of year when we get out the scissors, glue, doilies, glitter and loads of paper and make Valentines! Here are some free printable Valentine craft or scrapbooking papers perfect for that task! Make cards, tags, a valentine banner, or use these patterns and cut out heart shapes to glue on to other cards or papers. Be creative, and have fun!

Free Printable Polka Dot Valentine Craft Paper by B.Nute productions

Free Printable Hearts 'n Flowers Valentines Craft Paper by B.Nute productions

Free Printable Hearts 'n Dots Valentine Craft Paper by B.Nute productions

Instructions to Use Print These Valentines Craft Papers
1. Select one of the above images and print out on card stock or paper, depending on your craft project.
2. Cut, glue, glitter and use however you'd like on your Valentine projects!

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.