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Denim & Diamonds With a Pop of Sunflowers

Greetings friends!  Well, I had this complete  blog post designed and posted and went back to update it with a picture of the soup we enjoyed and clicked "Control Z" and lost the entire post!  Not even my genius computer whiz son could help me restore it.  So.... I am reconstructing it again.  I understand if you don't want to read it twice, but you might want to check out the  soup that initiated the problem.  Additionally, I've added a few more very unique pictures.  Check out the ice, and, the cake!

My neighbor, Anita, and her best friend, Becky, along with a few other women wanted to bless their pastor's wife with a special evening.  They asked me if I would host a party for her as a way to do that.  I love parties, so I agreed to do it.  It was an incredible evening.  Come along and you can attend the after party and not consume any of the calories! ;-)



A duo of denim and diamond wreaths welcome my guests. 
 

A sparkling group of decorated tin cans, candles and a glowing mirror beckon my guests into the family room. A "SPARKLE" banner formally greets them with the theme of their party.
 

A close up of the mantle.  I bought this mirror a few years ago and absolutely LOVE how it highlights decor of every season.


The tablescape states, "You are going to have a really good time tonight!"

This table was set before my guests arrived to entertain me, and before the champagne goblets were removed for serving "Slushy Strawberry Punch". Additionally, the faux diamonds had not been added yet for that unique bit of whimsy.

 

Here's the sprinkling of diamonds to add sparkle to the table along with a variety of bling on candles, name cards, and dinner ware jewelry under the soup bowl. A vintage coffee can sits atop a mirrored tray adorned with bling. I hosted a Denim & Diamonds party last summer with different flowers.  I really like how the sunflowers, although artificial, add a pop of color and excitement to the table.



Another angle shows off the Spode Delamere blue plates, the silver crested milk glass, and the Ralph Lauren looking dishes.

 

 Above is the handmade invitation exterior.


The interior of the custom printed invitation


 Decorated with bling, it is time to fill the champagne flutes with
 "Slushy Strawberry Punch".
It is a delightful punch made with Jell-O.


Added to the punch was an always popular Bacon Bouquet. 
 It never disappoints to bless and impress. I see a few roses are missing!




Place setting at-the-ready for chilled peach soup.





Everyone has diamond shaped ice, right?!



I tried to think of every detail that would delight my guests. ;-)



My dear friend and treasured assistant, Kathy, place the garnish with precise perfection to make this  soup so inviting.  It's such a perfect choice for a hot summer evening.



Summer evenings always call for cool offerings. This summer chilled watermelon salad was an excellent choice, and tasty too with a balsamic dressing.



Always a favorite were Barbecued Country Short Ribs, accompanied by a festive pineapple rice, lemon asparagus, rosemary carrots and a version of the world famous Smoke House Cheese Bread.



This old-fashioned chocolate cake never fails to delight my guests.   It is made from scratch and worth every calorie!  It is placed upon a vintage diamond designed cake plate.

 

The chocolate cake was served with strawberry ice cream and garnished with strawberries and course sugar crystals that added sparkle.  I'm getting hungry just looking at it!


A variety of crafts were constructed in the cooled down summer air in the back yard.


My guests each made a wreath to take home.
They made sunflower pens, decorated tin cans and water bottles, and a coffee cup. 

 
Each lady left with a pouch securing a  cut in half rock exposing the sparkle within. I typed up a message of remembrance about how they must always remember how precious they are and that they sparkle inside and need to share their sparkle with the whole world. 

Here was the message within:

Everyday you'll find people who are like denim on the outside and diamonds on the inside. Some people can possess a rough hardness or unattractiveness to their exterior.  Even they have sparkle within.
                
As Christians, we are to let our lights shine so that other see Jesus in us, i.e. "sparkle".  As with a rock, we take a few hard knocks in life. These are the places and times where we have experienced and overcome trials.

These hard times serve to enhance and expose the sparkle within us because we have the Holy Spirit within.  

As with a carefully cut diamond, there are many facets that reveal its beauty and they aren't all the same.  People are that way too. We can all sparkle in ways that are attractive and give glory to God from within.
I pray that God will help you reveal the sparkle He has placed within you so that others will benefit by knowing you as you glorify Him.

Always remember, you sparkle inside!



I'm pretty sure they had a delightful time.

I'd love to hear about your summer parties.  
Until next time, remember:
What every you do, Make It Delightful!