Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Party Girl's Library: Party Book Review- Betty Crocker's "Party Book"

Betty Crocker's Party Book on Amazon
This book is so retro and fun, I just wanted to eat it up! The illustrations, the party ideas, and the recipes remind me of how my mom entertained when I was young.

You may want to get this book for the sole purpose of collecting, but if you look closely, many of the down to earth ideas are great for today's busy lifestyle -- simple and easy going entertaining!

Recipes
At what point did our children's birthday parties require 5-star menus? Although some of the recipes in this book I may pass up (i.e., Little Ham Loaves with Cherry Sauce or Mystery Fruitcake), many of the recipes are tried and true -- deviled eggs, fruit cups, brownies and of course, mini-hot dogs on a stick. Sometimes for food at a party of young ones, the simpler, the better!

Party Ideas
This book has several birthday party theme ideas as well as a section for year round holiday parties. For most of the parties, there are menu ideas (with some recipes) and ideas for things to do. I love some of the old fashioned themes:

  • Faraway Places Party
  • My Pet Party
  • Space Age Adventure Party


So, if you're looking for the latest and greatest in party ideas, this isn't the best book, but for nostalgic charm, it's right on the money!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Free Printable Spring is Here Easter Invitations

Free Printable Easter and Spring Party Invitations by B.Nute productions
Spring is here, and it's time to celebrate! Here are some free printable Easter Party invitations and Spring Party invitations, just right for the beautiful season. Filled with pastels and folk charm, these are the perfect way to welcome the season and guests for a festive celebration. Be sure to also see B.Nute productions free printable matching Spring Banner!

Free Printable Easter Party Invitations from B.Nute productions
Free Printable Spring Party Invitations by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Printing Your Easter or Spring Invitations
1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. Use card stock to give invitations some weight.
2. Trim the invitations out of the paper. Each invitation is 5"x7".
3. Fill out your party details.
4. Place in A7 sized envelope or bigger.
5. Prepare for your Easter or Spring Party!

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.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Decorate a Butterfly or Cheery Cherry Journal: Party Craft Idea

Decorate a Journal Craft Project
Here is a great craft idea, perfect for a Butterfly Party or Cherry Party, or any day you feel like crafting. The end result will make a great diary, journal or summer writing book during those months without school!

1. Buy some inexpensive Composition Books.
2. Buy some fun, colorful scrapbook papers.
3. Trace the outside edge of the book on the back of the scrapbook paper, to get the correct size to cover the front. Repeat this for a back cover as well.
4. Use a glue stick and glue the decorative paper to the front cover (and back cover) of your book.
5. To decorate with cherries, buy some red and pink buttons at the local craft store. These will be the cherries. Cut out leaf shapes with more scrapbook paper.
6. Glue the buttons and leafs to the cover. Add green glitter as the stem.
7. Your finished Cherry Journal!
8. For a butterfly journal, follow steps 1-4 for covering the front and back of your book. Then, using scrapbook paper, cut out butterfly wing shapes.
9. Glue butterfly wings to the front of the journal.
10. Add glitter accents for antennae and edging. Your Butterfly Journal is complete!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Butterfly Party Decoration Ideas

Butterfly Party Inspiration Board by B.Nute productions
Butterfly Party Invitation and Party Goods by B.Nute on Etsy
Butterflies are a flutter - your Butterfly Party should be filled with butterflies and garden delights! Below are some decoration ideas for your Butterfly Party.

Hanging Butterflies - Find large butterflies to hang from the ceiling or amongst the tree branches. Use clear fishing line to give the illusion they are floating.

Cottage Fabrics - Mix and match cottage and floral fabrics for a vintage garden feel. Fabrics can be used as a table cloth, table runner, fabric napkins or even "curtains" as a backdrop behind your serving table.

A Picnic Quilt - Set up a picnic quilt on the lawn with a basket of toys or snacks as desired. the blanket can be a great area for kids to sit and take a rest from the festivities or between party games.

Butterfly Catching Gear - For accents on the table, prop a butterfly net or 2. You could also have a couple "bug" houses read to put your butterflies in once they've been caught.

Wire and Antique Props - Another prop that will look great in the space are wire props like a wire egg basket or even a wire bird cage. These will add to your vintage garden look. Find a salvaged window frame to prop up or hang from a tree branch if the party is outdoors.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Free Printable Spring Banner

Free Printable Spring Banner by B.Nute productions

Spring is here! Hang a pastel filled Spring banner and bring ring in the season and warmer weather. This banner is perfect for a mantle, kitchen window, or where ever you'd like... Once hung, it'll be time to watch the blossoms bloom!

Printable Spring Banner by B.Nute productions
Free Printable Spring Banner by B.Nute productions (S & P, 1 of 3 files)
Free Printable Spring Banner by B.Nute productions (R & I,  2 of 3 files)
Free Printable Spring Banner by B.Nute productions (N & G, 3 of 3 files)
Instructions for Making Spring Banner
1. Select link above, and print out the pennants on 8.5" x 11" card stock from your browser. I suggest using a heavier card stock to give the cards some weight.
2. Cut out pennants.
3. Punch holes in the upper corners of the pennants and string together to make a banner!

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.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Sushi Party Printable Invitation - All Proceeds Donated to the Japan Relief Effort

Sushi Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Etsy
All proceeds of the sale of this digital invitation will be donated to the American Red Cross
for the Japanese Relief Effort
The recent tragic earthquake in Japan has made quite an impact on me. Being a native Californian, I have lived through many earthquakes. Fortunately, they have never amounted for me or my family to such a catastrophe as what happened in Japan a little over a week ago. It has been quite eye opening, and frightening.

I've been racking my brain on how B.Nute productions could play apart in the relief effort. I decided to create a Sushi Party invitation, and donate all proceeds of the sale of this digital invitation to the American Red Cross. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with all who have suffered and are suffering during this trying time. I hope my effort, although small in comparison to the magnitude of the problem, will provide just one bit of hope.

Head over to my shop, and purchase your Sushi Party invitation. Whether you are just gathering a few friends for a night out at your favorite sushi restaurant, or organizing your own relief effort, use this invitation to announce the gathering.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day

The Irish Flag Flying Proudly on St. Patrick's Day
Happy St. Patrick's Day! If you're planning some last minute festivities, don't miss some of my free printable St. Patrick's day goodies:

Enjoy, and have a great day!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

The Party Girl's Library: Party Book Review- "Great Parties for Kids" by Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer

Great Parties for Kids by Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer on Amazon
"Great Parties for Kids: Fabulous and Creative Ideas for Children Aged 0-10" by Rose Hammick and Charlotte Packer is without a doubt a must have for all party girls' libraries! Although many of the party themes are tried and true, the ideas surrounding these themes are incredibly creative. Also, the photos are stunning. Just looking at them without reading any text will get your mind flowing with many ideas.

Besides the great photos and creative ideas, the one thing that is most attractive to me about this book is that the parties have an element of "home made" that make them realistic and doable. They don't appear so high-end, or expensive, that when you look at it, you can't fathom how you'd ever put that party together, let alone be able to afford it! These parties are creative and achievable.

The book is broken down by age-- parties for 1-2 year olds, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-10 year olds. Here is a quick summary of the parties that stand out in this book:

Under the Sea Party - Ooo, the turquoises and greens and the little ones dressed as mermaids and sea creatures, perfect! The "coral" Queen of the Sea crown just adds to the touch.

Pirate Party - The jungle gym in the backyard decorated as the pirate ship is brilliant. Looks like an afternoon of fun!

Wild West Party - There's nothing like a Wild West party filled with red and white checks, teepees, saloon doors, a sheriff's hut, cowboys and squaws! Everyone will have a blast at this western gathering.

Gangsters and Molls - A Flapper filled, 1920's gangster party- filled with urban art deco appeal, and kid flair. The sundae bar looks messy and delicious, just how it should be!

There are several more outstanding party ideas in this book, as well as plenty of recipes. Your Party Girl library just won't be complete without this book, so head out and get it now.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Free Printable Lil'Pirate Loot Bag Label

Free Printable Pirate Party Treat Bag by B.Nute productions
Aaarrrgh! All yer fine mateys will love a sack full of loot after yer Pirate Party! Here's is free printable Pirate Loot (Treat) Bag Label just for you. It's also a perfect match to B.Nute productions free printable Pirate Party invitation. Well, shiver me timbers, isn't that great!

Free Printable Pirate Party Treat Bag Label by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Printing Your Pirate Party Treat Bag Label
1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. Use card stock to give labels some weight.
2. Trim the label out of the paper.
3. Fold in half.
4. Fill a sandwich or snack baggie with treats, and staple the folded label to the top of the bag.
5. Pass out treats at your Pirate Party!

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.

Monday, March 14, 2011

What's New in the Shop?

Early Spring 2011 New Invitations at B.Nute productions
It's been a busy couple of weeks! Several new invitations have been added to my Etsy Shop that I wanted to share.

Paris Party - A Paris Party, oo la la! This whimsical Paris Party invitation is filled swirls, festivities and French monuments-- L'Arc de Triomphe, Tour d'Eiffel, Notre Dame, and more... Just add some crepes and eclairs and you're party is set to go!

Little Red Riding Hood Party - Once upon a time, there was a little girl who wanted a Little Red Riding Hood Party. Here's the invitation perfect for her! Nestled in the forest, filled with flowers and butterfly is a beautiful girl off to visit grandma. This vintage-style invitation is the perfect look for your Little Red Riding Hood.

Old Fashioned Doll Party - What better way to celebrate her special day than with a Doll party filled with her friends and their favorite dolls! This old fashioned Doll Party invitation is filled with sweet girl charm. A playful handmade pattern, elegant text, and an old children's illustration are the perfect way to announce your child's celebration.

Bicycle Party - Ride on over to a vintage-style Bicycle Party... whether you're having a birthday, bridal shower, baby shower, or any occasion, this versatile, whimsical invitation is the perfect announcement for fun! An old bicycle illustration, festive text and a bike horn too will let all know a party is about to begin!

Bug Hunt - It's time to go exploring and get dirty, it's a Bug Hunt Party and you're invited! This invitation is perfect for the kid that loves bugs-- loves digging for them, crawling after them and especially looking at them through a magnifying glass. A perfect way to invite friends for a insect filled party!

I look forward to adding many party items to match these fun themes-- personalized banners, tags, cupcake toppers, thank you postcards and more. Stay tuned!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Free Printable Pirate Party Invitations

Free Printable Lil'Pirate Party Invitations by B.Nute productions
Time to get those lil'pirates outside and running around on a treasure hunt at your Pirate Party! Here is a free printable Pirate Party invitation perfect for this occasion. All guests will find their way to your party and be excited for the fun.

Free Printable Pirate Party Invitations by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Printing Your Pirate Party Invitations
1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. Use card stock to give invitations some weight.
2. Trim the invitations out of the paper. Each invitation is 5"x7".
3. Fill out your party details.
4. Place in A7 sized envelope or bigger.
5. Prepare for your Pirate Party!

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.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Free Printable Fleur de Lys Tags

Free Printable Fleur de Lys Tags by B.Nute productions

There is something so regal about the fleur de lys symbol. Simple, yet elegant. Here are some free printable Fleur de Lys tags perfect to tie onto that present, hostess gift, bottle of wine or almost anything! Enjoy.
Free Printable Fleur de Lys Tags by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Fleur de Lys Tags
1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. Use card stock to give tags some weight.
2. Trim the edges/extra paper and punch out eye holes.
3. Embellish tags with glitter, etc., as desired.
4. String with ribbon.
5. Sign the back, and put on your gift!

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.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Our Mardi Gras at home party, several years ago!

Mardi Gras is here! Are you ready for the fun? Even if you're not in N'Orleans right now in the midst of the revelry... and/or if you're not heading to a Mardi Gras Party.... why not have a little celebration at home? Here's a simple recipe for an at-home Mardi Gras Party:

The Big Easy Soundtrack on Amazon

Tunes - A Mardi Gras Party isn't complete without some great zydeco tunes! I'm sure there are many, many incredible cajun/zydeco albums available, but one of my favorites I've had for some time is the "Big Easy Movie Soundtrack." There's "Iko Iko" on it, as well as cajun greats, Buckwheat Zydeco, BeauSoleil and the Neville Brothers. Hey even Dennis Quaid has a tune on it!

Pat O'Brien's famous Hurricane Cocktail

Food and Drinks - Fortunately, for those of us who aren't from the South, and can't whip up étouffée to save our souls, we are so fortunate to have brands like Zatarian's with all sorts of easy, and I must say good New Orelans Style dishes-- including Jambalya, Dirty Rice, Gumbo and more. Yum.

As for drinks, it is imperative that you mix up some Hurricanes. Using the recipe from Pat O'Brien's will make folks think you are even more of an expert! Here is the recipe from What's Cooking America:


Hurricane Cocktail Recipe
1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
4 ounces dark rum
4 ounces passion fruit syrup
Crushed ice
Orange and/or lime slice
1
Maraschino Cherry

In a cocktail shaker, add lemon juice, rum, passion fruit syrup, and crushed ice; shake vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes.
Strain into a tall glass or hurricane cocktail glass.
Garnish with an orange and/or lime slices and a maraschino cherry.
Makes 1 serving.


Make Masks - Mardi Gras is not complete without some masks and beads! Head to the local party store and pick up some beads to toss around the dinner table. Make a game of it... the funniest joke gets beads, the best smile, the silliest face, etc. Also, don't forget to make some masks. See B.Nute productions Free Printable Masquerade Masks-- the perfect template to print out, decorate and wear!

Let the good times roll! Happy Mardi Gras!

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Free Printable Masquerade Masks

Free Printable Masquerade Masks by B.Nute production
Any Masquerade Ball will require you to have an appropriate mask as a costume. Here are some free printable masks just for that occasion. Print out, embellish, add a ribbon and you'll have an elegant, vintage-style disguise perfect for any Masquerade Party!

Free Printable Masquerade Masks by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Making Masquerade Masks
1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. Use card stock to give masks some weight.
2. Trim the edges/extra paper and cut out eye holes.
3. Embellish masks as desired with glitter, feather, ribbon trim, etc.
4. Punch a hole on either side of the eye holes. String a ribbon through each side.
5. Put on and head to the ball!

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.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Masquerade Ball: Party Ideas, Games and More

Masquerade Party Inspiration Board by B.Nute productions
A Masquerade ball has a rich and long history of a party filled with merriment, mystery and even murder (in one case!) Dating back as far as the 15th century, many different cultures have embraced the masquerade party theme. Some more famous balls are the Venetian Ball, the Masquerades in Burgundy France, and Masquerade Balls put on by the Royal English court.

Today Masquerade Balls are celebrated all over New Orleans during Mardi Gras time. It is also very popular with the teen crowd, and as a Prom theme. But any age guest, young and old will love a traditional Masquerade Party any time of year.

Although many of the historical Masquerade Balls were thrown by royalty with money well beyond our imagination, below are ideas to throw your own ball with the same intrigue, but keeping a more manageable budget!

Decoration Ideas
Opulence is the key to any Masquerade Ball. Here are some decoations ideas to help create a rich looking party.

Rich Fabrics - Velvets, brocades, damasks, gold lamé; richly embroidered or decorated fabrics should fill the space. Drape on chairs, over tables, and buffets, or even as swags fro temporary curtains. The fabrics will add instant elegance to your space.

Gossamer or Tulle - Sheer fabrics will look fabulous if draped on the ceiling to form a tent feeling, or use as curtains in the doorways for a mysterious entrance into each room.

Jewels - Gems not only make a mask sparkle but also scattered on a buffet they can look quite elegant.

Harlequins and Jesters - Of course you could hire some actors to be jesters and harlequins at your party, but that may be a little too much for your budget. Instead, use the look of these 2 performers as inspiration. Diamond patterned fabrics or papers like a Harlequin, and a jester at or two can be great in your space.

Gothic Victorian: Ironwork, Stone Statues, Candles and a Hint of Vampire - Take cues from art direction of some great gothic-inspired movies such as Interview with a Vampire, Marie Antoinette (with Kirsten Dunst), Amadeus, Van Helsing, and Phantom of the Opera to name a few. Look at the details. Perhaps there's some ironwork, a candelabra, or other props you could imitate at your party.

Game Ideas
Dress to Guess - Throw a traditional masquerade and instruct guest to come in costume. Tell the there will be a contest to guess who's who, so come incognito! Tell everyone to take their masks off at midnight (or a specific time during the party) to real their identity. A prize should be given to the best costume, and/or hardest person to guess!

Who Am I - Perhaps elaborate costumes are too much to ask guests, but folks will love a good game of "Who am I?" Tape a name of a famous person (and a picture too if desired) to each guests back. Now everyone needs to ask yes and no questions to figure out who is on their back. To keep with the theme, and depending on the audience age you could have only historical people.

Dancing - A Masquerade Ball is not complete without dancing! Make sure to have some period music and modern music to mix up the scene. Perhaps even try to teach a few historic dance steps, for instance some Renaissance Dance Steps, to the crowd to have fun. In the movie, Amadeus, there was an elaborate dance scene at their ball for more inspiration.

Decorate a Mask - Depending on the age and nature of the party, set up a table on the side full of mask templates. Put out gems, glitter, feathers, ribbon and more, and allow guests to decorate a mask to take home.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Cootie Catcher/Fortune Teller

St. Patrick's Day Cootie Catcher/Fortune Teller by B.Nute productions
You remember "cootie catchers" when you were growing up, don't you? Those origami fortune tellers that you'd play endlessly until all the fortunes were discovered! Well, here's the perfect good luck fortune teller/cootie catcher for St. Patrick's Day! Just print out, cut and fold like you did when you were younger (or get your daughter to do it, I'm sure she knows how!) Now, head out and tell everyone their St. Patty's Day fortune. Luck o'the Irish to ya!

Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Cootie Catcher/Fortune Teller by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Making St. Patrick's Day Cootie Catcher or Fortune Teller
1. Select link above, and print out from your browser. 
2. Trim the edges/extra paper.
3. Now begin to fold. For detailed folding instructions, see Cootie Catcher Folding Instructions from the Daring Book for Girls.
4. Now read your friend's St. Patty's Day fortunes!

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.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Treat Bag Label

Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Treat Bag from B.Nute productions
Luck o'the Irish to ya... here's a free printable treat bag to fill with gold coins and goodies for your wee ones this St. Patrick's Day. Enjoy!
Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Treat Bag Label by B.Nute productions
Instructions for Making St. Patrick's Day 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 or snack 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.