A tale of win and fail

Finally, the Pink Party recap. I know should have posted the PP update on Monday, and I probably would have if a) things had gone exactly as I'd wanted and b) I wasn't aware of the fact that I'm being totally superficial about it.


The fact is, we had a great turnout and raised over $500 for breast cancer research. Our photo booth was a hit, we had more food than anyone could eat, and a good time was had by many. 


So what's my problem? We went with an expanded cocktail party theme, which had everything freshly cooked and individually plated, with the help of two, count them two ladies in the kitchen (and by help, I mean it was just mommy and me). It was a busy, busy day in the kitchen. Unfortunately, my pasta didn't turn out, and I messed up the mix ratio in one of my mocktails, I also didn't have time to make my soup… or frost my cupcakes L. Why didn't I have more things done ahead of time? No room in my refrigerator. Part of my thinks I need a second refrigerator…that would be the crazy part. The sane part of me likes keeping the hydro bill nice and low. 


Of course, another part of the problem is that I spend far too much time reading about perfectly designed and DIY'd parties online. Couple that with a guilty TV pleasure that is Party Mammas, which makes me want to constantly raise my hostess' bar.


Of course, this was only the first big party I've thrown in my new house, so I'm trying to forgive myself a little. And in the end, the Pink Party wasn't about me anyway. It was about spreading awareness and helping to fund a cure for breast cancer, and I'm proud to say we did both of those things.

Dollarstore diva:Get great serveware pieces on the cheap

The days are ticking away! The pink party is nearly here, so before I reveal any major details I want to take a moment to share some of my fantastic, affordable party gear finds. I'm going with chic yet cheap for my upcoming mocktail party, which means some creativity with the serveware and food is definitely required.

First down the runway in this frugal home entertaining fashion show is this lovely number:

Will I be trying my hand at Asian cuisine? Wonton soup anyone? No, not at all. What I will be doing however, is serving mouthfuls of one of my appies meticulously mounded in the bowl of these darling wonton spoon, which will be nestled in a bowl o crushed ice. Presentation perfection! And the cost? A mere $.59 a piece. Forget any store that specializes in home decor, and departments stores or the like. You can find cheap wonton spoons in Toronto or probably any ethnically diverse city at an Asian grocery store for pennies.

Mocktail Bar: Keep an eye on the curveballs

Sometimes plans just don't go the way you want them to, and sometimes, that can be really good thing.

I went into Ikea last Friday to purchase the bottles and straws I'd mentioned in my previous post about the mocktail bar set up, and guess what? They were out of the bottles for my mocktail bar juices and the straws didn't come in the colors I wanted. 

BOO! Needless to say I was greatly displeased. As I trudged out of the store, through the insidious Ikea marketplace maze (clearly intended to entice one into purchasing frames, candle holders and other bits not previously required) I happened upon the vase section and inspiration caught my eye in the form of this:

 

 
While this is a rather iconic Ikea vase, in that moment I couldn't help thinking that it would make an absolutely fantastic bottle for my mocktail bar. So, rather than driving a few cities over to another Ikea, I changed plans and purchased 5 of these vases(three pink and two clear) for $2.99 a piece. We did a mock up of the mocktail bar last night and I couldn't be happier with my choice. The vases look fantastic. And as for the straws, I was lucky enough to find a pack a gorgeous, hot pink straws at my local Dollarama, which saved $1.99.


 
I wonder how many people have had thwarted plans turn into a blessing in disguise.

Mocktail Maddness

Long time no see! Bad blogger, I know; but it's summertime and life has been busy. However, we now have only one week till the Pink Party! Can you believe it?! Seems like just the other day it was just a thought. So now I'm in power planning mode. Also known as the result of far too much summer fun induced procrastinating. Hey, we can't all be Martha, you know what I mean.

So now here I am with this grand vision in mind and a massive to-do, to-buy and to-make list. First on today's post-day job check list: Get the Mocktial Bar gear together! I'll be making a bee-line to my nearest Ikea for some fantastic essentials.

Have mercy, I’m in love with a pillow!

As the pink party draws ever nearer, I've been on the lookout for a new pink tablecloth. Not just any tablecloth (of course), but the most divine, squee-worthy table cloth imaginable (at a reasonable price). In my searching I stumbled up a site called Tonic Living …and just about fainted dead out of my chair!

Tonic living specializes in retro fabrics, pillows, upholstery, outdoor fabrics etc, and even better (for me anyway), they're located right here in Toronto! Double, triple and even quadruple squee! They have the most fabtastic patterns reminiscent of prints popularized in the 50's, 60's and 70's. But wait, there's more. They also have organic fabrics!
So of course, I'm no longer visiting Tonic Living in search of tablecloth fabric, I'm shopping for my in progress living room redesign. I've totally fallen in love with this pillow:

This other pillow

And this fabric

Right now, somewhere our mother's are collectively gagging and wondering why the heck we want old lady pillows in our houses. It's funny how retro adoration seems to skip a generation.

Check out Tonic Living

Click to cure

I was all set to make the first post following my slightly lengthy-ish hiatus about the magnificence that is the Jessie Steele apron collection; however, at the last minute I recalled a site that my MIL sent my way not long ago. It's called TheBreastCancerSite.com. You can also find them on Facebook.

This is a great site that's doing its part for the cause, providing information support and helping to fund mammograms. There is also a great, little store filled with things such as pink ribbon home decor, kitchen bits, clothing and more. Check it out!

Party in pink! How to host a Cook for the Cure cocktail party - Entertaining - Food - Canadian Living

Party in pink! How to host a Cook for the Cure cocktail party - Entertaining - Food - Canadian Living

Our cook for the Cure cocktail party/slash housewarming party will be here before too long. While searching i found a great article from Canadian Living about that very topic. I don't know about that whole silent auction thing, but of course the food ideas are exactly what I'm searching for.

Virgin Bevvies or Vintage Sammies?

That is the big question.

So it's finally confirmed, we will be hosting a pink party in order to participate in Cooking for the Cure.

What we do know is:
The party will be sometime in August and feature the color pink (possibly along with a tangy splash of lemon and tangerine). There will be lots of tasty homemade food. There will be sweets. Guests will be asked to bring a small donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. I will most likely go overboardy.


What we don't know is:

Do with go with a mocktail party or a tea party?

The Mocktail Party would have a bit more splash, with great appies and interesting non-boozy drinks. I would have to consider music and some really great swag. It would be later at night and guys would likely be invited along.

The Tea Party would be more of an afternoon gathering, with a selection of ices and hot teas, vintage tea sandwich recipes, tiny baked treats and other such nibbles. Music would be less important, there would be the possibility of great looking hats, and it would likely be more of a ladies gathering.

At the moment I'm still undecided. Both options sound like fun. Should I go for the mocktail party or the tea party?