Movie Week: Alice Inspire

With the Oscars last night, this week is dedicated to movie inspired events. Alice in Wonderland is the perfect way to start it off! The bright colors, imaginative decor and overall craziness creates the most fantastic party atmosphere!

I found this photograph on imdb.com and thought it would make for a fantastic invitation to the party. Papery and Cakery could create something custom, using this as inspiration, to help you fall down the rabbit hole!

I absolutely love this Alice in Wonderland themed party from Lollipop Events. This would make for the most fun and creative bridal tea party, shower, birthday party... or any old reason to celebrate! Be sure to invite the Cheshire cat and the Queen of Hearts!

I adore this fantastic photoshoot for an Alice and Wonderland themed party, featured on the Amy Atlas Events blog. The photos were shared with Amy by the South African store, In Good Company. The images are so whimsical and breathtaking!

Hopefully this will give you a little inspiration for your next {Mad Hatter tea} party!

xoxo,

Ali

Oscar Mania!

I was thinking today how much fun I could have throwing an Oscar viewing party. It's almost like the girl's version of a Super Bowl party! I can go over-the-top with decorations, games and of course, food! Here are a few of my favorite ideas I would totally include.

A signature cocktail is always appreciated... like this Sidecar from Martha Stewart. It seems like pure Hollywood glamor.

No movie or television watching experience is complete without popcorn, and what's better then flavored popcorn? Or chocolate caramel?

Although it would be a huge undertaking, serving a meal made famous from a nominated movie is such a fun idea! I like this Beef Bourguignoune from Julie and Julia.

Or you could choose to create an entire meal around a movie. What about an Avatar themed meal, based on the color blue.... bleu cheese salad, blueberry muffins? The possibilities are endless!

Bakerella had two of the cutest ideas I have ever seen! I adore the "Award Night" sugar cookies as well as the "popcorn box" brownies! So creative!!!!!!

Ask your guests to pick who they think will win and play a game. Most correct answers wins a prize!

What are your favorite Oscar party ideas?

Happy Watching! {Fingers crossed for Meryl Streep in Julie and Julia!}

xoxo,

Ali

First and Goal Cupcakes

Snooping around last week on the Hostess Blog site, I ran into these awesome Super Bowl cupcake ideas. I'm pretty much salivating over the laced football wrappers. There's an entire DIY tutorial on creating all of these yourself. Honestly, they don't look super complicated and I'm considering giving them a chance.

Once I'm feeling inspired, I'm going to attempt these Super Bowl oreo truffles via Bakerella.

Also found these Guinness Super Bowl cupcakes made with Guinness Buttercream Frosting on celebrations.com from the executive chef of Vanilla Bakeshop. Beer + cupcakes? Think Cole would be in heaven!

Total male decadence? How about these beer cheese cupcakes with bacon cheddar cream cheese frosting via cupcake project. Wouldn't exactly call these low cholesterol...

xoxo,

Niki

Outstanding in the Field

Sometimes I come across something so outstanding, so unbelievably fabulous that I just cannot wait to share it with you. That's how I feel about Outstanding in the Field, a company I stumbled upon in this months Vogue.

The concept is simple: Outstanding stages al fresco meals in exotic locations such as fields, beaches, mountaintops, caves and gardens. The company calls itself "a restaurant without walls." The "restaurant," however, consists of one long beautiful table, set with a simple elegant chicness. The ingredients for the meal are always local, and I mean incredibly local--within inches, feet or miles of where the table is set. Generally, they are prepared by a celebrated chef of the region.

The mission is to re-connect diners to the origins of their food, as well as to honor local farmers and chefs.

Jim Denevan, the chef founder, began the concept in 1999, bringing diners to the actual source of their meal, in the company of farmers who cultivated the food itself. The initial dinners started in California but bloomed into a full-scale tour around the country. Check out this interactive map for the past few years of tours.

Private events are also available. Can you say ridiculously cool wedding? All at one stunning, long table!

To attend a future meal, be sure to add on to the mailing list now. Reservations are required and events sell out very quickly.

Gourmet food? Dinner in a beautiful setting? Tres romantic! A uniquely stunning concept

xoxo,

Niki