Turning 21: The Party

After months of preparation, the party had finally come to fruition. We decorated Kitty's house with as much bunting as we could lay our paws on, birthday banners, balloons, glitter and confetti. It was a little stressful since we also had to get ready to look our best for the evening whilst setting up the buffet table and drinks and without our friends to help us out, I'm not sure it would have all looked as good as it turned out!

For the party, we wanted a mix of childish memories crossed with a more elegant twist so whilst we had sensible Northern stodge like sausage rolls, bombay mix, scotch eggs and crudites, we also delectable little ramekins filled with Haribo sweeties, strawberry laces, party rings. As a formal nod to our teenage preferences, we even had lambrini punch (which actually tasted pretty good, honestly!).

Continuing the theme of childhood with adulthood, we made vodka jelly and even had vodka gummi bears (which were a smash hit and went pretty quickly). If only you could buy the latter before a night out, yum! The above photo features a glimpse of the beautiful gifts Kitty had bought me, including a handmade fox and a very funny Geordie birthday card (made by Bykerlass)! She's my best friend for a reason.

After much mingling and drinking cocktails out of teapots, everybody sang happy birthday to us over the most beautiful cake I have ever encountered. On the left of the cake is the original piata made from tissue paper roses (Original guide here) that I slaved over for a good week before realising it was far too beautiful to destroy. So, in the space of a few days I threw together a lesser pinata, in the form of a teapot which was happily smashed up!

Once we were all fed and watered, we ventured to Jukebox at The Other Rooms and had a right good boogie. Definitely a memorable birthday filled with love and fun. Kitty and I may even have to plan for our 30th birthday party together, it was such a success!

Party Crafts: Recycled Bunting

I have a love/hate relationship with magazines. I'm like a magpie, attracted to their shiny, colourful offers of beautiful, mostly unaffordable clothes. I like reading the problem pages and checking out new cosmetics or beauty products because pampering oneself is FUN. However, I really, really dislike a few things about them: the pressures of perfection, the concept of paying hundreds of pounds for any item of clothing, and of course, the disposal of these magazines which seems a complete waste.

I go through magazines in the space of an hour (either I'm a speedy reader or the content isn't too thrilling) and to throw away a £2-£4 product makes my purse cry a little. Of course, you can recycle them the traditional way via paper recycling wheelie bins - OR you can turn them into fantastic decorations, like so:

 

Party Crafts: Recycled Sweet Ramekins

In three weeks time, I'm throwing a party with Kitty to celebrate our joint 21st birthday. I love parties to begin with but even more than that, I adore planning the decorations and food and everything to keep it running smoothly.
So, over the next few weeks, I shall post the various ideas I've come across!

I have a ridiculously overpowering sweet tooth and this is evident by the pile of Gü pudding ramekins lying in my cupboard, both at my flat and my mum's house. I've hoarded them away, determined to find another use for them some how.

Finally, a brainwave! They make the perfect bowls to decorate the house with at the party, filled with sweets and treats for my beloved guests. Then, to make them a little bit more exciting, I've mustered up a bow to add a more personal touch:

The pattern was simple, following the pattern on this website: http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-pretty-pretty-bow/

To attach the bow on to the ramekins, before wrapping the centre, ch40, fasten off. Attach the bow in the centre of the chain then wrap around as you would normally. Then, tie either end around the ramekin. Easy!