Today I’d like to share some of the simple DIY projects that I used for my pink party last week. It makes entertaining so much easier if you have some little things done ahead of time…leaving you with less prep work so that you can relax once your guests arrive and enjoy the company! I love to pass along helpful hints and ideas that I use to make entertaining so much easier! I hate to think that a party might never happen due to the stress of planning it…and let’s face it, there’s always a little stress! But the end result far outweighs the apprehension…friends and family spending time together is why we have gatherings, not to show our party planning skills! And though I love the planning part too, it comes secondary to the people I plan it for! Creating a party theme can also be done with very little money, time, and artistic talent–and will still make your guests feel special! The simple projects I did ahead of time were obviously geared toward my pink flamingo theme, but you can take the general ideas and cater them to any event…whether it has a specific theme or not! I’m also sharing some of my other time & money saving tips that make it possible for me to entertain often! I hope you find some inspiration for your next celebration!
pre-party preparations!
whether it’s a DIY project or a party decor hack…whatever you can do to ease the stress of planning a celebration is a wonderful thing! since my party was inspired by the flamingo straws i decided that would be a fun summertime theme. you can find just about anything on the internet these days but if you don’t have the time to order online, it’s still likely that you’ll find plenty of local supplies to work some party wonder…if you keep your eyes and mind open! i found these pink flamingo tissues…
and decided to decoupage a votive holder from the dollar store! the great thing about decoupaging with tissues is how easy it can be, in this case…no cutting patterns! i just separated the tissue layers…
cut a rectangle big enough to wrap around the cylinder…
sprayed the glass with stencil adhesive and wrapped the tissue around it…and that’s all folks!! no coating of spray or glue over the top of the tissue necessary! if you don’t have stencil or spray adhesive you can use clear-drying glue…but the spray makes for a quick project and is one of my favorite crafting supplies to have on hand!
i only made one for my party…but there’s enough in the package of tissues to make a bunch. they’d be cute on tables at a dinner party…or you could even try it out on a larger container to hold candles, flowers, or food! total cost for my votive holder…$2!
without shopping online, i did have some difficulty finding a topper for the pink angel food cake that i couldn’t pass up. so the cute straws from Michael’s did double duty as a sipper…
and a topper! i simply removed the flamingos by carefully cutting the paper wrap holding it to the straw, folded the bird together, and inserted a wooden stir stick with dollop of glue on the tip…
easy, cute…and cheap!
i also used some leftover DIY cupcake picks from an earlier project at the base. you can make these by simply sticking a silk flower on the top of a toothpick!
together they make this grocery store cake look like it came from a fancy bakery!
and the fact that this was a purchased cake from my local grocer brings up another great point…never shy away from using grocery items when you entertain! local bakeries and grocers have such wonderful selections…and they taste great too. you can typically get a 12 pack of iced cookies or mini cupcakes for under $4…or bake a box mix which is even cheaper! seriously, the taste is pretty comparable and in many cases desserts are rarely all eaten no matter where they come from…so what would you rather throw away later? not that i don’t splurge on sweets once in a while, but being economical makes it possible to entertain more often! you can always embellish a box mix or grocer cupcake to make them look adorable…and an un-frosted cake will keep in the freezer too so you can make it ahead saving yourself more time! plop a goodie on top and they’re ready for their close-up!
i also stock up on packages of crackers, chips, or mixed nuts…especially when they go on sale. these are great go-to items and will keep well in the pantry. if you’ve got ’em on hand, it’s super easy to have a spur-of-the-moment gathering! i’ll share some new staples that i’m going to try to always try to keep on hand…the makings of a delicious fruit dip that will wow your guests! dips for fruit or crackers & chips are always easy and everyone loves them! this coconut cream dip that i served with berries and grapes was so easy and delicious…AND will store well in the fridge so it’s another make ahead snack!
this light & fluffy dip is made with just 3 ingredients…and makes more than double what you’d buy in the store! i used the leftover cream to top some Father’s Day fruity pancakes…and wow were they delicious! check out the easy recipe…
- 1 8 oz box cream cheese
- 1 15 oz can coconut cream not coconut milk. coconut cream can be found in the baking isle or where cocktail mixers are found.
- 1 8 oz container cool whip
- In a mixer blend the cream cheese and coconut cream until it is smooth and the lumps are gone. Remove from mixer and fold in the container of cool whip until blended. Chill until ready to serve. Serve with fruit, cake cubes or graham crackers. Also delicious as a topping on pancakes or waffles.
i hope some of these projects and tips will help you when planning your next gathering! big or small, when you make it easier on yourself it’s more fun for everyone! you can personalize your celebrations but if you keep it simple & fun you can focus on the most important part…
your guests!
Tammy
June 22
Looks yummy! I can’t wait to try the dip recipe!
Lori
June 27
It’s really good and easy!!