“She refused to be bored chiefly because she was not boring.” — Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of The Great Gatsby author, F. Scott Fitzgerald and the “first American flapper”.

With a much anticipated theater release of May 10th, Hollywood’s modern adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale is sure to excite all audiences. So, in preparation for the release of what is sure to be one of the year’s hottest and best movies, why not have a “Great Gatsby” themed viewing party! 

The theme of any “Great Gatsby” party is sure to reflect the period of time in which the novel took place; the Roaring Twenties and the Prohibition Era. In a time where gangs and the mafia reigned supreme and speakeasies were a mecca for lawless behavior, the best word to describe this crazy time period is: EXCESS. And, whoever has taken a peek through history by means of Fitzgerald’s book knows that Jay Gatsby and his famous parties were known to encourage and foster excess in all manners. 

So, where do you start in planning a “Great Gatsby” themed affair? Well, first and foremost, prepare a to-die-for cocktail list! And, because of Prohibition, add an element of fun with a secret password each guest needs to score a delicious beverage. 

Once you’ve nailed down the beverages and food (because the drinks were the main event at any of Gatsby’s soirees, tea sandwiches and other finger foods are perfect for this occasion), the decorations come next. When designing your centerpieces, remember to keep it FLASHY. Diamonds, lace, pearls, furs, big feathers, sparkle and other extravagant objects were totally characteristic of the time. Check out these AMAZING spreads!

Almost as important as the cocktail list and decorations, the music should be as “Great Gatsby” as the rest! The Grey Orchestra recently released a Roaring Twenties inspired album sure to get the flapper inside you twitching to boogie and move. Click the link to hear sample songs and put together your Gatsby party playlist; my favorites are Rumor Has It, Paparazzi and Let’s Misbehave! So fun!  

Click here for more song titles!

Now that the party is ready to hop, donning the perfect “Daisy Buchanan” outfit is an absolute must. The clear object of millionaire Jay Gatsby’s affection, Daisy is known as a fashion icon and, arguably, was the first “American flapper”. Whether you wear a short or long dress, make sure that the fabric will shimmy and shake along with you! Just want the dress? Need inspiration for a whole outfit? Check it out here! 

After the cocktails have been consumed, the music danced to, and the flapper dress retired for the evening, I am confident that yours will be an absolutely memorable gala to rival even the great Jay Gatsby’s parties!! Roar on!   

Photo credit: Pintrest

It is hot and miserable outside, but refreshing, fun summer cocktails are just what the doctor ordered. Whatever your reason of celebrating with a summer drink, whether it be a cocktail party, engagement party, girls night in or a wedding reception, you should always celebrate in style. And, these great drink recipes found on the Glitter Guide are exactly what you need to get the party started.

Summer is the season of peaches. And, what better way to celebrate than with a Peach Lemonade Cooler. Recipe can be found here.

Pimm’s cups is not only refreshing to sip on, but it is also pretty to look at. A recipe for this summer must-have drink can be found here.

Nothing says summer quite like a margarita. This strawberry margarita spritzer is a fun alternative to a classic marg. Recipe can be found here.

Images Via: About Organic, Taste of Home, The Nibble

Did you know that you could eat a Rose? And a Bea balm, Violet, Daylily, Lavender, Nasturtium, Pansy, Carnation, Hibiscus…..

Many people have tried eating flowers without even knowing it. For instance, dried daylily petals are a common ingredient in Chinese hot-and-sour soup. Also, a number of herbal teas are infused with chamomile, jasmine, or hibiscus flowers, and lavender, and rose flavors jams, marinades, and oils.

I will leave you with a couple of TIPS on cooking with flowers…

1. 1. Use them sparingly, especially if you are allergy prone.  If you aren’t accustomed to eating flowers, too much can lead to digestive problems.

1. 2. Make sure to grow organic, or go organic :-)

1. 3. Always check a trusted food reference source for toxicity before eating a flower

1. 4. Get creative. Freeze whole small flowers into ice cubes for a pretty addition to punches, or decorate cakes and desserts with candied flowers!

Have fun beautifying your next recipe!

Pictures via: Lovely Little Details, Favor Ribbons

Pashmina scarves and shawls have been in fashion for many years. Beautiful pashminas have kept you warm, accessorized your boring outfit, and spiced up your style…  But that is not the only thing that they should be used for!

Pashmina scarves are just as versatile when used as decoration, as they are when they are worn.  Worldwide, designers are using Pashmina’s as elegant décor and for a pop of color.

The look and feel of a silky pashmina scarf draped over a sofa or chair creates a sense of luxury, which might be lacking in your everyday throw blanket.  To add patterns and color, try using a pashmina as a runner across a long table or as a tablecloth on end tables.  You can even dress up and pull together a full room of dining tables by tying a pashmina around each chair… Create a bow, half slipcover, or draping tie (as shown).

The best part about a pashmina is that they come in a variety of colors, designs, fabrics, and shapes.  I am certain you will find one that fits your style!

Are you looking for unique party favor ideas that fit the spring season?  Look no further.

Today I feel like party favors are losing their popularity.  Maybe it is the additional cost or the extra work that goes into having party favors, but these gifts are relatively inexpensive, and definitely worth the effort!

Spring is all about blooming flowers, BBQ’s and sunny/rainy weather…  Pleasantly surprise your guests with these simple, yet thoughtful party favors!

Idea #1:

Make your own BBQ rub.  Real Simple shares several homemade BBQ rub recipes that will please an array of individuals.   Put a heaping amount of your personal favorite recipe into labeled glass jars, or you can choose to give your guests two or three options.

Idea #2:

Purchase flowerpot starter kits.  You can find flower and herb starter kits online, at The Home Depot, and Target.  Growing a plant is relatively easy and it’s a fun project for kids as well.

Idea #3:

Purchase small hummingbird ornament feeders.  I love how these mini feeders add a decorative touch to your outdoors.

Idea #4:

With a bunch of fake flowers, green tape and pens you can make cute flower pens in a pail.  This is a great homemade gift that guests can keep in their kitchen to write grocery lists, notes, etc.

Growing up cotton candy was one of my favorite treats, and it usually was served at fun festivals that made it seem like a special occasion.

Today more and more party throwers are renting cotton candy machines as a fun interactive piece for birthday parties, weddings, charity events, and all sorts of events.  Who knew adults loved cotton candy as much as their children!

Here are some great ideas for a cotton candy inspired party theme…

Whether the cotton candy machine is placed in the center of the room, has a runway directed towards it, or is on an elaborate display, make it the center of attention.  Continue the theme by decorating the event space with pink lace and ribbon, circle shaped paper lanterns, and carnation bouquets.  (Carnations are great inexpensive space fillers that come in a variety of colors to match your favorite cotton candy colors.)  Think pink, delicate, and sweet!

 With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I would love to share some fun party ideas. I love throwing Valentines Day parties, because it is a great excuse to go all out in pink, red, and white. Pink glazed sugar cookies with mini messages (like the notes on candy hearts), red velvet cupcakes, and fudge squares with pink sprinkles are great bite size desserts.

For beverages, use pink lemonade, cherry juice, and muddled watermelon to give the cocktails a vibrant Valentines Day color.  On the side, display pink straws, wine glass charms and garnishes like maraschino cherries and grapefruit slices!

If you wish  to do party favors, give your guests heart shaped cookie cutters in pink reusable bags, make personal heart shaped soaps, or place macaroons in small pink-laced boxes.  I love how macaroons are easy to make in advance and they are simple for your guests to take home.  Another unique Valentine’s Day themed gift is a gold dipped rose!  A single dipped rose looks great in a mini vase and will last year after year.

Images Via:

bedifferentactnormal    hlisted.blogspot      kitchendoughdough.blogspot

multiplydelicious             purpletrail            squidoo

suchprettythings             telegraph

Throwing a recipe exchange party is a great way to add new delicious recipes to your collection.  Send out cute recipe card invitations asking your guests to pick one of their favorite dishes to share with everyone at the party.  If you want to suggest a type of dish, such as baked goods, casseroles, or appetizers, it is a great way to open up opportunities for future recipe exchange parties as well. Make sure to let your guests know about how many people you will be expecting so they can make 4×6 recipe cards, including the ingredients and cooking instructions for the dish they decide to share. You can even have everyone bring a sample of his or her dish for everyone to try at the party.

As a host, I love the idea of making little recipe boxes for each of your guests to put their new recipe cards in.  It’s a great party favor and they are really fun and simple to make!

Photos via:

weddingbycolor.com

Do you have several upcoming parties to attend?  Or maybe you like to stock up on hostess gifts so you are always prepared.  For whatever reason you need to buy a couple of gifts, there is one store that makes shopping easy. I recently stopped into my nearest Williams- Sonoma store to find that is a great one-stop-shop for small and even big gifts that every hostess will love.

When shopping for hostess gifts, you want to make sure to purchase items that a variety of individuals will find useful.  While in Williams- Sonoma, I picked out a couple of items that I think are great hostess gifts. The first gift I found is for the host that loves to craft and make gifts personal.  In the store and online, you can order a personal embosser that will stamp their name, address, or any message you choose.  Another great present is a gift box that includes kitchen hand soap, hand lotion, and a candle, because these products are used almost every day.  Williams-Sonoma also sells several different recipe books.  As a personal owner of “The Williams-Sonoma Cookbook”, I believe that the recipes in this cookbook are delicious and suitable for all kinds of cooks.  And for the hostess that has everything, the Herbs of Provence jar is a great simple and unique gift.  Lastly, if you have a couple of days to spare for shipping, you can personalize your gift by ordering monogramed wine glasses, beer mugs, carafes, etc.

Williams-Sonoma.com

Wine glasses aren’t just for sipping your favorite wine.  The new trend is using wine glasses for decoration in your home and for events.  Whether you need extra decorations for the holidays or a unique centerpiece, wine glasses are an easy and affordable option.    I love this idea, because unless you are throwing a party, wine glasses just take up cabinet space.There are several different ways you can use and reuse wine glasses to brighten up any area for any occasion.  For instance, place white tea lights inside wine glasses that are different shapes, or add colored tea lights to complement your color scheme.  Another option is to flip the glasses upside down and place flowers or glass beads inside, and a candle on top of the base.  You even can create a unique candy table by filling wine glasses, cups, and bowls with your favorite candies.  Wine glasses signify elegance, so why not decorate with them?

(Images from Joyfulbrideonline.com)