party time.

Last Friday, hubs and I threw a house warming party to welcome some of our closest friends and family into the new place. This was the first "larger scale" party we've ever really had so I wasn't exactly sure how to prepare, but I'm happy to report that it was a success!

We ended up having about 50 people throughout the night and the party lasted until the wee hours of the morning. I'm kicking myself now for not taking more pictures during the shindig, but I was too busy playing hostess and giving tours :)

Here are a few I took as I was setting up and getting the house ready.

This table ended up filled with food. Because we were unsure of the number of people we would have, I decided to have some food catered by our local market. We had fruit & veggie trays, assorted cheeses, shrimp, cocktail meatballs, chicken wings, and an array of dips and desserts. More than enough deliciousness.

Breakfast nook

The living room. Still furniture-less, but we did decorate a little bit. A couch to go along that back wall will be our next big purchase.

The beginnings of our gallery wall...a mix of photos & paintings. I am on the hunt for a round mirror to go in the mix and I'm sure we'll add more over time.

Kind of in love with those light up twigs!

Entry table & more tulips.

Our guests were so thoughtful! I certainly wasn't expecting it, but pretty much everyone brought us a gift. Flowers, plants, books, wine & liquor among other things.


We were pretty proud of how everything turned out. Planning a party gave us the little boost we needed to get some things on the walls and make the house feel more like home, and I think we are well on our way!

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Oscar Worthy Affair

I hope you've been enjoying the blog crawl! Are you excited for the upcoming awards show tomorrow night?
*Edited...err, next Sunday! whoops!

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I've done a little fun research and compiled some inspiration for hosting an Oscar party, in true Academy fashion. 

First up, the Decor

I envision lots of red, black, and gold. Sparkle and shine...think Hollywood glam! When I saw this inspiration board put together on Twig & Thistle, I thought it pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Dessert

How fun are these Oscar statue sugar cookies? Click on the link below for the recipe.

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An Oreo cake? Um, yes please! And this gold buttercream is simply amazing.

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Champagne flutes filled with chocolate moose & assorted chocolate truffles.

Cocktails

In addition to the usual variety of wine and champagne, consider offering a signature cocktail. Here are a couple recipes that are sure to be Oscar worthy.

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Black Swan Cocktail

1 1/2 oz Black Raspberry liqueur
1 ounce tequila
1/2 oz amaretto liqueur

Shake tequila and amaretto with ice. Strain into chocolate rimmed martini glass. Shake black raspberry liqueur with ice and layer into martini glass. 

Red Carpet Fizz

3 oz champagne
1/2 oz Grand Marnier orange liqueur
1/2 oz lime juice
2 oz orange juice

Pour champagne, liqueur, and juices into champagne glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry or orange slice. Add some pizzazz and consider rimming the champagne glasses in red sanding sugar. 

Hope this gives you a little inspiration to host your own Oscar party! I know I'm looking forward to planning something really good for next year.

Stop by Bun & Borough tomorrow for the grand finale of the blog crawl!