Room With A Delightful View

When my son, Chris, moved out a couple of years ago, I had this mural painted in what is now the guest room. I wanted this painting to resemble a French tapestry. I love it! You really feel like you are peering through a window and can even see it in the dark. An antique French bed, armoire and desk team up to make this a room Marie Antoinette would feel comfortable in. Simply delightful!

Parties...Who, What, When, Where, Why & How?

Parties are such great fun, full of festivity, and they affect every one of our five senses. I LOVE parties! Have you noticed that not too many people have parties or special events in their homes anymore? Many people have chosen other venues for parties these days. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. These are some important questions and considerations a hostess must ponder before a celebration.

• How much will it cost? Will the cost be shared?
• Will it be a pot-luck or will we prepare everything ourselves?
• How much work is involved?
• Vacuuming, dusting, general cleaning, window cleaning, grocery shopping, chopping, baking, cooking, refrigerating, invitations, music, scents or no-scents, candles, lighting, flowers, decorations, party favors, washing or polishing rarely used serving items, yard work, etc.
• How many people will attend?
• How long will the event last?
• Will it be catered, or will we do the serving ourselves?
• If served, what happens if someone drinks too much alcohol?
• What if someone ruins a carpet, piece of furniture, or treasured antique?
• What if the guests way overstay their allotted time frame for the party?
• How comfortable am I with people moving about in my kitchen when I am performing last minute preparations?
• How much time am I willing to invest in planning, preparing my home, orchestrating special touches, and final clean-up?
• Will there be children attending that I will need to keep entertained?
• Will this be a complimentary mix of people?
• What do I need to plan so that everyone will feel important and have a delightful time?
  

As you can see, so many components are a part of planning a party of any kind. I say it is worth the time, effort and risks! I have so many happy memories of time spent with family and friends in my home.

Something worth knowing: When hosts have singled you out to be a specially invited guest at an event, no matter what it is, it means they may have left others off of their list because they really want YOU to be there. So your invitation is special!

In order to plan well, hostesses need to know if you will be attending as soon as possible. This not only builds excitement into the anticipation of the event for them, but it also insures excellent planning on their part and that there will be enough food, beverages, favors, tables, chairs, linens and dinnerware for each person.

See Blog Post: The Ten Commandments of Being a Delightful Party "Guest" listing ten ways to insure guests and hosts both have a great time. While you can’t include these in your invitations, you can refer to them for when you or a family member is invited to a special event. These are common sense, but sometimes people need to be reminded of proper manners, which are always treating other people as you would want to be treated.

HowTo Be A Delightful Party "Guest"

1. Thou shalt RSVP ASAP! (Respond please, as soon as possible).

The hosts have graciously given you the special consideration of an invitation; it is imperative and courteous to give them the reciprocal consideration of responding promptly, affirmatively OR negatively. Your hostess needs to know in order to plan and the general rule is, “If you do not respond, you are not included in the count”. It’s not polite to show up if you have not responded.2. Thou shalt keep your word, even if it HURTS!

Don’t wait for, or, accept a better offer if one emerges; or even worse, simply not show up when you have responded that you will attend an event. Hosts have spent money to include you and may not have invited others due to space limits. Your host is truly disappointed if you can’t make it.3. Thou shalt not inquire from others if they have been invited prior to an event or asseverate being invited after the event.

In the event that they were not invited, you have spared hurting anyone’s feelings.4. Thou shalt inform your host as soon as possible If it is “absolutely unavoidable” that you cannot attend after giving a positive response to your hosts invitation.

Inform your host as soon as possible with a personal call. This is the kind thing to do. Your host will appreciate this and may still be able to invite other guests to take your place.5. Thou shalt arrive as close to the starting time as possible.

Fashionably late is not considerate of your hosts planning and serving. It is a real challenge to time everything right to serve multiple dishes to many people and serve the hot dishes hot and the cold dishes cold. Having to wait for someone while trying to orchestrate a well-thought-out plan causes frustration, disappointment, disarray and over-cooked food.6. Thou shalt not DISPLAY or USE your cell phone during the event unless you are a professional who is on-call during the event.

Almost nothing is more annoying or rude to your hostess or other party guests. “Love the one(s) your with”. By spending time conversing, checking email or texting while you are at a party, you are basically saying with your actions you’d rather be with someone else, or be somewhere else. Not nice! In fact, it is really rude. This goes for restaurant meetings too!7. Thou shalt be a fun guest!

You have been invited because your company is enjoyed, this is one time to ask yourself, “What can “I” contribute to making this party a success?”

Every hostess loves people who:

• Have appropriate senses of humor, either creating it or enjoying it. Crudeness is not appreciated, appropriate, or welcome.

• People who engage with other people, who ask friendly questions, share, but not dominate the discussions.

• People who are good sports when games are played, questions are asked of them, or help is needed.

• Participating in the menu is a nice gesture, but be sure your hostess would welcome such a gesture. Sometimes they prefer to have complete control over what is served. Sometimes, your help is really welcome.

• Stay long enough to demonstrate they had a great time, but not so long as to overstay their welcome. Subtle signals are usually given when a host is ready to end the event.

• Do not drink too much alcohol. No one thinks this behavior is funny. It places your hosts and the other guests in an uncomfortable position. The event should not be about you--excellently or disappointingly, unless the party has been given in your honor.

• Do not bring up, describe, or elaborate in great detail about health issues. This is a time to have fun! Leave yours and other people's problems at home for a few hours.

• Offer to help clean up and do dishes. Many hosts would never allow it. It depends on the event. If you can see that there is a massive amount of cleaning ahead, offer to help if you are able. Your host can always say, “No, thank you”. If that is the response, honor that, as that is how they really feel.

• If you have a special talent or gift, you might offer your service to your host. Singing, playing an instrument, making special beverages, preparing a special dish, planning activities for the children, bar-tending, or assisting with the serving of food items, etc. Don’t continually ask if you can do something for the host. Once you have asked, they will know that you are someone they can ask, and they will if your assistance is needed.

• Be cordial to everyone, and try to have a conversation with each guest at the party, unless this is an extraordinarily large event.

• Be sure to take with you any items you arrived with. It is considerate to do this so that your host doesn’t have to track you down to give you your dish, coat, or whatever items you left behind.

• If you must leave earlier than the allotted parting time, search out your host and thank them and compliment something that made the event special to you. It is best to inform your host before you arrive that you need to depart early. This way, it isn't a surprise and they don't think you weren't having fun.

8. Thou shalt not complain about any aspect of the party or argue with spouse or another guest.

This makes everyone feel uncomfortable and puts a big damper on the evening! Agree to disagree agreeably.9. Thou shalt express thanks when leaving “and” send a “Thank You” note within days of the party.

Express your appreciation for being invited, what specific fun you had or thing that impressed you and another thing that will make your host remember the event positively. If something went wrong, encourage them for the next time. Guess who will be invited back in the future!10. Thou shalt reciprocate.

It is kind to invite people into your home whom have invited you into theirs. It makes people feel like you value their friendship and enjoy their company. “Relationships are like a tennis game. It’s a back and forth process. Don’t let the ball stay in your court. Return it with gusto!”

Follow these simple guidelines and you will always be considered a delightful party guest.

© Debbie Bolduc, MakeItDelightful.com 2011
Guest Etiquette Party Etiquette

Chabby Chic Flower Arrangement

Beautiful Red Peony

Amazing Pink Peony

Stunning in my kitchen

Right after I made it!

My floral decorating classes are getting better and better! On Tuesday, we created Chabby Chic arrangements with Peonies (AWESOME!), Arabicas (flower that looks like the antenna), Queen Anne's Lace, Maple leaves and one other flower I can't remember the name of. :- /

At any rate, I obtained permission from my instructor that I could invite friends! This week we will be doing a Summer Beach Ball arrangement. I'm not sure if it is too late to attend this one or not as Pam has to purchase the materials ahead of time, but here is Pam's email address if you wish to inquire:minniesmama06@aol.com. The classes are $25 weekly, which includes a unique container and the flowers! The class starts at 6:30 pm sharp, and it is held at 300 N. Rampart St, Orange, just off Chapman across the freeway from UCI Med Center. It is in the community center of a mobile home park. The room is huge, lots of room to move about and talk! Hope to see some of you there!

Do It Anyway

The "High"way or the "Fair"way?

I am ashamed to say that when a friend was telling me a story of how she had been wronged, I immediately took her side, empathized, and advised her to take action toward the one who had wronged her, which would have been fair. She explained to me how she felt. Even if she has been and continues to be wronged, she feels she has been called to remain a positive influence in the life of the one who has wronged her, no matter what. I await to see the final outcome of her stand.

In the meantime, I want to share some words I recall saving in my archives that came to my mind after our conversation. Words that I should reflect on more often. I am now so "conscious" that I need to think long and hard before opining, and consult the Lord in prayer before I spew life-altering advice. After I knew the "beauty" in her heart, God confirmed in so many ways that she was right. The Lord's way is usually not the easy way. I suggested she should deal with this person "fairly" and move on--take the easy way. She continues to endure pain from this one. But we both came to the conclusion that "Love never fails", and it is worth the cost. I don't imagine I would be so happy if God dealt with me "fairly" every time I messed up! He has so much mercy, and so does my friend.

The words below came to my mind that I had heard at a business meeting many years ago about how virtuous living is accomplished in this world by "maintaining" a difficult position and "being" a positive role model. I desire to be a positive role model in the lives of my family and friends and this inspires me. I hope it will inspire you as well.

The following words appear to be based on a composition originally penned by Dr. Kent M. Keith, but much of the second half has been re-written in a more spiritual way. Both versions are shown below.

This version was said to be found posted on the wall in Mother Teresa's home for children in Calcutta:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.

Forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.

Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.

Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

____________________________

The Original Version:

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

© 1968, 2001 Kent M. Keith

I think if I and others could better LIVE these words, not only my world, but also the world of others would be so much more delightful.

Fourth of July Fun

I love America and I love decorating for and celebrating the Fourth of July with friends each year. It really launches summer for me. For this table, a table topper square was constructed from a sparkling fireworks fabric to highlight a Fourth of July theme.

Easy-To-Make Fourth of July Cherry Pie: Fill a prepared pie shell with Comstock Cherry Pie Filling. With a second pie shell, cut out star shapes in varying sizes. Place them all over the top leaving room for the red cherries to show. Sprinkle the stars with red colored sugar and bake the pie according to directions. A decorative fireworks pick was inserted to add the finishing touch.

A luncheon table was set for family members utilizing royal blue bandanas purchased at Michael's for under $2.00 each. Melamine star plates were purchased from Target. American flags can be purchased at any party supply store or Michael's. The rattan stars and Margarita glasses used for ice cream and cooked peaches were purchased from Pier 1. Patriotic napkins can be purchased at your grocery store, party store, or department stores like Target. Colored votives were purchased at Michael's. Azalea plant was purchased very inexpensively.

Decorative glass vases are very popular now and these added the perfect touch I wanted for drama. American flags and fireworks sprays were added to show some pizazz.

Vanilla ice cream and baked peaches topped with cinnamon were served in Margarita glasses and adorned with an American flag pick.

For this party, along with the dessert, barbecue ribs were served with Best Foods Mayonnaise's recipe of Classic Potato Salad. My mom's barbecue baked beans, (yum!), baked corn on the cob, (so great because it doesn't get soggy!) Bake in a casserole dish for 30 minutes at 325 degrees. Add whatever spices you like. Everyone always comments about how good it tastes this way. Additionally, watermelon slices were served with blueberries and ice. A simple three ingredient Cole slaw was served. Purchase two bags of green and purple cabbage mixed with shredded carrots; add a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup sugar. Chill and serve. Sooooooo good!

Here's my mom's recipe for barbecue beans:

Jeannette's Baked Beans

Place 2 large cans of B & M Baked beans in a bowl.
Add 1/2 chopped onion
1 Teaspoon Mustard
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 1/2 Cups Hot & Spicy Ketchup
2 to 3 handfuls of brown sugar.

Place the mixed ingredients in a buttered 13 X 9 inch casserole dish and cover with foil.
Bake at 275 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 45 minutes.

I'd love to hear your comments on how you celebrate the Fourth of July.

Make Your Own Napkin Rings & Place Card Holders

These napkin rings and place card holders are easy to make but do take time. I watched a video on Michael's.com of what you can do with your used candy molds. One hundred dollars later, I had a drawer full of paper clay, sandpaper, molds, paints, paintbrushes, sequins, glue and wire! The upside is I can make these for free for the next two years!! I found the best molds at a cake decorating store. The biggest benefit to these is you can customize things to your table decor or table toppers. (See previous blog: What you can do with a square.)

Cut the paper clay within the black package into eighths. Press the clay into the molds being careful to press it in real hard to avoid cracks or holes. I pressed it in so it didn't go into the lollipop stick portion of the mold. You can take it out of the mold in about an hour. Be careful not to bend it or it will dry that way. They should pop right out if you tap it on the counter a few times.

If you are making place card holders, cut a piece of 20 gauge wire about six inches long, Bend it as you wish and insert into the moist clay. I used jewelry tools to bend my wire. I ended up super gluing mine at the entry point because they wiggled around. After they are dry, you can sand any rough edges.

Now it's time to paint. Acrylic paints work well. Apply the first coat, let dry. If you wish to paint a second coat, repeat. After the paint was dry a sealer was applied. Sequins were then affixed with Elmer's glue on top. The napkin rings took an extra step of sewing the gingham fabric together and attaching them crosswise with wire. Hot glue the components together as you see it above. I will save you a great deal of time by telling you after looking all over that I finally found the wooden napkin rings at Jo-Ann's.

I have a party planned for a dear friend in which a Kelly green napkin will be inserted and placed on top of an orange polka-dotted table topper I made just for the event. I am ecstatic for you to see the whole event which will take place in September. Stay tuned for coming attractions!

.

Tables Transformed By Squares

Click on photo to enlarge

In November, I acquired a new granddaughter by marriage. As a new member of the family, I wanted to express love to her and my grandson by communicating with them in some way every month. It was my desire to include my other granddaughter, Morgan too. She's in college, so I set out to start a "Hope Chest" for her. I chose to make each of them a table topper a month so they would know I was thinking about them often. I tried to find fabric designs that highlighted an event that was traditionally celebrated in each month.

   A "Happy Birthday" design was given for the month of January.Symbolizing the birth of a new year, and a fabric that could be used year around for dinners in or out. I made one for myself and took it to a Tea we had for my good friend Janice. The table perked up when we added the topper and I think Janice appreciated the special gesture. Don't forget to pick it up when you leave! Or, you could give it as a birthday gift so your friend can use it year around. You can display them like the "You Are Special Today" plates so many of us have. I chose a print that had lots of colors so they could choose what color of napkins, balloons, or other embellishments they desired. In February, I used a "Glittery Hearts" theme. March I was so happy to find a beautiful "Glittery Shamrocks"   print. April  was elebrated with a bright yellow fabric with wonderfully decorated "Easter Eggs". Then came "Flowers and Bees" in May and in June I gave them a "Hot Chili Peppers" design. I am getting ready to sew their "4th of July Fireworks" print, and have the rest of the year planned. I can hardly wait to give them to them.

This method can be used for ANY and EVERY event you wish, even picnics. (I saw a red gingham print with ants on it at Jo Ann's Fabrics). For about $10 or less, you can purchase the length of the width of the fabric and sew a hem all the way around the fabric. Beware! One can get carried away thinking of additional things to add to the table toppers, like napkin rings, place card holders, napkins, etc.

I purchased black background tablecloths and napkins for my granddaughters so that they can have a basic, dramatic tablecloth in which to host these other prints. Unfortunately I purchased a round table cloth for Carly, whose table is square. :- /

Morgan displayed her table topper on the buffet table at Easter and it really livened up the table. Made me purr inside to see her use it too. :-)

Most of the toppers I've made so far have black in the background or somewhere within the fabric, with the exception of Easter. I have read in decorating books that BLACK ADDS DRAMA to a room, so why not a table?!

In my Bible study, we have a themed potluck dinner once a month. These are a great, inexpensive way to highlight a theme and have something to use for years to come as they don't always get a lot of use, but add so much to making your table delightful when they are.

Tropical Flower Lesson

Last night, I learned how to make this beautiful tropical flower arrangement. The lady who has made the arrangements for Citrus City Grill and other fine restaurants for years taught the class. My sister had an "in" because it is her son's girlfriend's mom who leads the class. :-)

These are so EASY to make! You just need to know where to buy the flowers, and leaves, etc. Next time I have a Luau, I'm making my own flowers and I bet I'll save a lot of money!

I know I have Hawaiian music somewhere. Maybe I'll play it tomorrow night and make Pina Coladas, Mai Tais, or Lava Flows to go with that. If I can't go to Hawaii, I can feel like I'm there, right? Oh yes, I have a great recipe for Coconut Cake too. Then there's that tropical rice recipe I like, not to mention how I love barbecued ribs! I feel a dinner party about to happen. See how these things get started!

Multiplication Table

"Its amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit."
Harry S. Truman (Often quoted by Ronald Reagan)

I love this quote, but better yet LIVING IT! I think so much is NOT accomplished in our lives because someone fears they won't get their credit, or accolades, or favor, or promotion! I think the better trait is found in the one who gets things done with others and sincerely praises them for their efforts. Even more, I admire the one who sets another person up to look great in the eyes of others. The ZENITH (highest point or state) is when we make the effort to make the OTHER person look good! BTW, if one consistently lives this way, they won't have to worry about their accolades and admiration, or promotions; they will freely flow.

On recent trip to Utah, my older son, Chad, who I was re-united with in 2005, (Yea!) took us out jeep riding (I'll explain the exhilaration of that another time). He has three jeeps, (yep, three!). When we set out for our adventure, he arranged it so his newly acquired brother would look elevated in John's and my eyes by letting him drive his dad in one of those jeeps. That is a GREAT heart! My son, Chris, looked, and I'm sure felt, so proud to be showing us his new skill, acquired without any input from us! He's flying outside the nest and loving it. I love how these two love each other. :-) My point is, Chad could have enjoyed all the glory, but it was MULTIPLIED because he SHARED it. Events like that make life delightful!

BTW, this compels me to PRAISE Dona Brian, one INCREDIBLE MOTHER, who raised not only Chad, but three other sons and a daughter. And, she loves me too! Love is better MULTIPLIED rather than DIVIDED or DESTROYED.

Do you know of an inspiring story in your own experiences? I'd love to hear about it!

Can you share one of the funnest dinner parties you attended?

I'd love to hear: What made it special? What food was served? What was the entertainment like? Did you create your own party? The music? What did someone do that made you feel extra special or dearly loved?

One of the funnest dinners I attended was at my friend Patty's house (pattybivens.blogspot.com). It was the year our nine month Bible study theme was "Wisdom". She decorated her table in bright colors and had little tiny multi-colored Chinese take-out boxes. Printed on the outside of these boxes, in a print that was an oriental style, was: "The Honorable (person's name)". These uniquely served as name tags. Within, she had a humorous fortune for each of us. All 28 of us took a turn at reading what our individual fortunes were. We had a LOT of laughs. I don't even remember what she served, but I remember how she made us feel, DELIGHTFUL!

Patty, if you read this and can send me pictures of that event, I'll post them here.

Fiesta Mexicana...Ole!

Everyone I know loves Mexican food! That's what I wanted to serve this evening, so I set out to plan a Fiesta Mexicana. Additionally, I wanted to decorate in a Mexican theme to add to the enjoyment of the evening. I REALLY wanted to find a pinata for my dinner party and had success at Party City for under $15.00. I found one that coordinated with my theme which had the perfect colors for my Fiesta Ware dishes and hand-made tissue flowers. For more pizazz, I added streams of red ribbon adorned with silk flowers and leaves affixed with heavy duty glue dots. (One of my very favorite finds!) Oh yes, don't forget the Mexican Mariachi music!

I has so much fun anticipating my friend coming over! I couldn't wait demonstrate how much I enjoy getting together with them. I'd tell you who they are, but I want to protect their identities! ;-)

Color just injects such a great element to the visual enjoyment of any event. Coordinating, crazy, multi-color, monochrome, jewel tones, metallic, white and black (actually white and any color), or, whatever you come up with in ANY combination you choose makes your event unique. Sometimes the inspiration comes from your dishes or napkins, or the season or reason for the event. (Baby shower, wedding shower, birthday party, anniversary party, graduation party or whatever you are celebrating). Complimenting my Fiesta Ware dishes, I created tissue flowers like you can find south of the border. They were easy to make, added so much delight to the table, and were VERY cost effective!

For $3.00 at Party City, Maracas added a colorful and festive touch. Inexpensive, bright colored bandanas, used for napkins, came from Micheal's. (They have LOTS of colors). Floral dishes and glassware were purchased from Pier 1 Imports. I LOVE that place!! The finishing touches to my preparations were the wonderful salad Cindy brought, the 7-10 layer dip Peggy brought, and the Margarita Cake Anita brought. They fabulously enhanced my Vegetarian Enchiladas, home made tacos, and Spanish rice. My Ole Margaritas were another thing we girls enjoyed. I have a really great recipe given to me by my dear friend Trisha.

Here's the Ole Margarita Recipe:

Place equal portions of Tequila, Frozen Limeade concentrate and ice in a blender along with a shot of Grand Marnier. Pulse on "liquify", pour into salt rimmed Margarita glasses, embellish with a lime and ENJOY!

Vegetarian Enchilada recipe from Sunset Magazine years ago, Google: Sunset Magazine Vegetarian Enchiladas. They are AWESOME!

Happy "Bird" Day Tea Delights

Use your Easter wreaths year around when you feature "bird" themed events!

"Light as a Feather" Cucumber Mint Sandwiches, "Golden Egg" Salad Sandwiches, "Bird's Delight" Crab-Stuffed Avocados, and "Chirp, Chirp" Bacon, Basil and Tomato Sandwiches.

The happy attendees:Trina, Debbie, Janny, Patty & Mary (Janice took photo)
We often like to dress to coordinate with our parties ;-)

Mary's "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" Raspberry Soup

"You'll Be Humming, Birds" Lemon Bars

My recipes for scones are the best on earth! Baked by Janice, here you see "Chocolate Chirp" Scones and "Over The Rainbow" Apricot Pecan Scones. These are accompanied by "Floating on a Cloud" clotted cream and "Hidden Seed" Raspberry Preserves.

Here is a picture of me holding the white chocolate covered strawberries adorned with hungry gummy worms. ;-)

Trina's Happy "Bird" Day Tea

Funnest Tea Ever!

 

In September, we celebrated a dear friend, Trina's, birthday. It was so much fun to plan this Tea for her! She loves everything you do. :-)

I purchased wooden bird houses for $1.00, (yes, that was $1.00!) at Micheal's. I also purchased dowels and small flat wooden circles and hot-glued them together to make elevated bird houses for name tags. I varied the heights. Tearing around the edges of the paper, name tags were fashioned with computer generated name printouts. The edges were dipped in brown rubber stamp ink so it looked antique, or worn. Some may want to paint the birdhouses, but I desired a natural look for mine. Next, I attached little silk flowers, also purchased at Micheal's and adorned them with sequins and hot-glued them to the bird houses, twig chargers, and menu cards. They were adorable!! (If I do say so myself). ;-)

To make the menu cards, start with a sheet of 8.5 X 11 white card stock paper. Cut them in half to form 5.5 X 4.25" cards. Mounted a smaller piece of a cloud paper design (purchased at an office supply store) on top of that presenting about a 1/2 inch white border on all sides under the cloud paper. Print in coordinating pink ink a special themed menu for your Tea. Embellish with a bird and nature theme. (Words printed below). I used Martha Stewart stickers of birds, flowers, and branches, that came in one package. You can cut them apart and affixed them to the menu cards and finish the cards by attaching a pink gingham bow and more of the coordinating pink silk and sequined flowers. I don't even think Martha and her team could have done better on this! (I'm not bragging, I am just saying...) ;-)

Here is the wording used for the Menu:

Trina’s Happy “Bird” Day Tea

“Light as a Feather” Cucumber Mint Sandwiches

“Golden Egg” Salad Sandwiches

“Bird's Delight” Crab-Stuffed Avocados

“Chirp Chirp” Bacon, Basil and Tomato Sandwiches

Tweet Sweets

“Over The Rainbow” Apricot Pecan Scones

“Chocolate Chirp” Scones

“Floating on a Cloud” Clotted Cream

Hidden Seed Raspberry Jam

"Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" Raspberry Soup

“Feather Your Nest” Chinese Chicken Salad

Sweet Tweets

“You’ll Be Humming, Birds” Lemon Bars

“Flying High” Chocolate Cupcakes

“A Berry Nice Berry” White Chocolate Covered Strawberries

“Bird in the Hand” Tea Cookies

"Bon-Appa-Tweet"