Monday, September 26, 2011

SUNFLOWERS

Saturday was a gorgeous day for a graduation party. It rained a bit in the morning and then it was sunny and hazy...that perfect sort of fall day. Emily {the graduate} had specific ideas for her party, a sunflower theme. We had three large tables under a tent and 2 big vases on each table along with assorted squash and gourds. I made the candle holders with empty salsa jars filled with beans and a tea light candle {as shown in my last post}. We had a lot of salsa left so that is what we munched on with plenty of chips.
The Husband hung up white lights under the tent and everything looked magical.
A small table was set up to hold refreshments. The Husband made his specialty, Sweet Tea with lemonade and vodka.
We kept the color scheme in brown and golds.
The night before the party Emily made red velvet cupcakes, {recipe from the Food Network}. These were honestly the best cupcakes I have ever had. She made forty, and they disappeared in 10 minutes. The cupcake stands are from Marshall's.
Aren't they pretty?

It really was a pretty evening. I wanted to scatter some of those faux fall leaves on the tables, but we didn't have to bother, leaves floated gently down and landed softly {in the food}. And the walnut trees serenaded us with the plonk!!! of falling tennis ball sized nuts. No one was hurt, thankfully. Most importantly, my girl had fun and everyone joined in!

This is a crazy week in Blondieville. I have a cold and I'm trying to get ready for Vegas on Friday. Since it's affecting my asthma, I have to go to the doctor tomorrow, but better safe than sorry. We have people working on the kitchen {that is a whole other post} and I was having problems with the Internet, which is now fixed. I'll be back later in the week with more on the kitchen and to say goodbye before we take off for Sin City. :-)

I'm joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday!

62 comments:

Linda said...

I love the way you wrote about the falling leaves and walnuts!! That is THE sound of Fall! We have two huge pecan trees and it sounds like some giant is thumping the roof as they fall to the ground. My neighbor says she is lulled to sleep (?) by the sound!
Hope you are feeling MUCH better by Friday!

Debby said...

I'm glad that the graduation party went well. You have other big parties in the making, hah. Love the sunflowers and the votives you made. Glad no one was hurting with the walnuts, hah.
Have fun in Vegas, remember what happens there stays there.
Not really, don't hold out on us, tell us the truth.

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful party,, those cupcakes do you good!

Theresa said...

I love Fall and you all sure had a wonderful Fall party! Congratulations to the Graduate! I know that she enjoyed the party and all of your hard work:) Have a blessed day, hope you feel better! Wish I were going to Vegas with you! I can't believe it has been 11 months since we were out there! HUGS!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
Happy that the party was a ton of fun for all and I hope you start feeling better before your trip to sin city.

Blessings,
Linda

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

The tables looked great, Jane. Sorry about your cold, but I hope you have great fun in Vegas. Can't wait to see what is going on in your kitchen!

Lynn said...

Sounds like the party was wonderful Jane! I hope the cold passes soon, I know you're looking forward to Vegas:@)

Olive said...

Red Velvet Cupcakes-Be Still My Everything as I love them. The party sounds wonderful. That construction dust in combination with the humidity from rain cannot help your asthma. Do take care. ♥O

Sue said...

I'm so glad it was fun. Saturday was beautiful here too, we had a brief shower late afternoon, but other than that it was the perfect fall day. I love the saying on the napkins!

I hope you feel better quickly. It just isn't fun to be sick on vacation!

d e l i g h t said...

Lovely setting for the graduate! I'm from Kansas and the Sunflower is our state flower so I love them! And, I love red velvet cake. Make it every year for Christmas. You made your daughters grad party very special and beautiful. Hope you get to feeling better before the trip!

Debbiedoos said...

How wonderful Jane! I love the sunflower centerpieces. Looked like a fabulous day.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a lovely setting for a party! We don't have fall quite yet, but it feels like it will be here soon!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I haven't had a cupcake in ages. Those look terrific!
Brenda

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

I love the sunflower theme for a graduation party... everything looks so perfect for fall! Sorry to hear about your cold... I hope you recover quickly so that you can enjoy your Vegas trip. The amber glasses look so pretty against the white tablecloth and the red velvet cakes look soooo tempting! Thanks for visiting and for your sweet words.It was a pleasure to have you over. Feel better!Hugs~Poppy

http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

NanaDiana said...

I hope you get well in time for sinning!!!! Your party looks like it was lovely. There is nothing better than a Fall party- espeically when the weather cooperates! Love all your sweet Fall decorations-especially the sunflowers!

Get well soon- xo Diana

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Blondie, thanks so much for stopping by my site and leaving such lovely comments! I had to come over and visit you, as well. You are so sweet! I'm a newbie at blogging and your newest follower. I hope you will follow back!!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Wow, You are turning into a regular party planner. Congrats on the graduation.

Fondly,
Glenda

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Jane, it looks like it was a great party! I'd be there for those fantastic red velvet cupcakes, and that lemonade recipe sounds mighty thirst-quenchin'!!
Always Love me some sunflowers! xoxo Debra

Pondside said...

Isn't it wonderful to be happy for one's child and to be able to put on a great party? It sounds like it was fun and a big success!
Have a great time in Vegas! This will be the first October since 2000 that we won't take a trip down there - I'll miss it!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Looked like a fun and successful party! The cupcakes looked yummy and that special sweet tea sounded good too! Didn't you get sick last year when you went to Vegas??? It seemed you got sick the last time...I could be wrong. Feel better and have a fabulous time!~Hugs, Patti

Charlene said...

CONGRATULATIONS to all... The graduate & MOM & DAD! One more down!!!! Looks like the party was a lot of fun. LOVE the cupcakes. HUGS!
Charlene

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, looks like the celebration was a success... love the sunflowers and the Autumn feel to everything... those cupcakes look delish! So happy it turned out so lovely and a big Congratulations to your beautiful daughter!... xoxo Julie Marie

Marigene said...

I am so happy the weather was nice for the graduation party...sunflowers are a good choice, they always make people smile!
Hope you get over your cold before you leave for Vegas.

~Country Lady~ said...

I love the real feeling from your posts. Family time and celebrations are the best. Congrats to your daughter, and it sounds as if a good time was had by all. The red velvet cupcakes sound yummy. I do hope you feel better real soon and have a GREAT time in Sin City!!

Unknown said...

I'd say that is one top-notch party -- sunflowers AND red velvet cupcakes -- doesn't get better than that :)

Blessings!
Gail

Mary said...

I just know it was a wonderful time! Everything looked so lovely, and I can see how the cupcakes only lasted 10 mins.

Be well for your trip and have a great time dear.
Hugs -Mary

www.raemissigman.com said...

this looks lovely!

Kori said...

Everything looks lovely and I love your playlist! Have a fabulous night doll!

Don't forget to enter my 2 year blogoversary giveaway!

http://www.blondeepisodes.com/2011/09/its-giveaway-happy-blogoversary-blonde.html

Kori xoxo

Sue @ Not the Good Scissors! said...

I love planning parties like this one. Everything turned out wonderful. Your husband's specialty drink sounds yummy. There isn't much you can't mix with Vodka though.

I watched the new Martha Stewart today and thought about you and your kitchen. They redid the kitchen in the studio and it is of course beautiful and 110% functional. I was intrigued though with the countertops. They were a corian that looked like marble. GORGEOUS!!! But I am partial to marble countertops.
Hugs, Sue
P.S. Have fun in Vegas!!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Looks like a wonderful party! I love the sunflowers and the browns and golds were so pretty!

All That Glitters said...

How cute! Congrats to your daughter!

koralee said...

Everything is so pretty...the colours are so fallish! Joy.
Sent your magazine today! xoxoxo

Courtney ~ French Country Cottage said...

Your cupcake stands are so charming! What a beautiful party- it sounds like it was a fun day! Hope you are feeling better soon!

Marianne said...

That looks like a wonderful party. Congratulations on the graduation. And good luck with your crazy week.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a wonderful graduation party Jane. I love the sunflower/gourd table decorations.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
You and Emily did a wonderful job decorating for the party!
And what yummy looking cupcakes too!
Hope your feeling better soon my dear! Off to Vegas you go! I hope you have a great time!
Hugs dear,
Cindy

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, Doesn't it make you feel good when your children accomplish what they have wanted to do and get the diploma? I officially have three thru college. It gives you a sense of pride. I really like the decorations on the table. Simple but pretty. I hope you get to feeling better. It isn't fun to fly with a cold. I have done that.Our trees are starting to turn and you can tell fall has officially arrived with the cool mornings and warm afternoons. Have a good time on your trip. Your Missouri Friend.

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Woah girl, you are busy right now. Hope you are feeling better soon. I really must take the summer wreaths off the doors and put the fall ones up. Lots to do too.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Courtney {a thoughtful place} said...

So sweet. I just love sunflowers. All of the special touches make it so pretty. I love the fall look!

Knitty said...

I love sunflower bouquets. The party sounded perfect.

Good luck with your cold and allergies. I hope you are better before you leave.

If you find yourself on Las Vegas Blvd between the Stardust and the Riviera, try The Peppermill. http://www.peppermilllasvegas.com/ I've never been there at night in the lounge, but the food is great and very plentiful in the restaurant.

Ricki Treleaven said...

What a lovely setting for the party. Everything looks so nice! Red velvet cupcakes are our favorites :D I know you are a proud mama. Thanks for sharing your happy day with us!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I love to read about things like this..graduations, the birth of a baby...but..do NOT forget to tell us all about your trip to Las Vegas! I have not been there in years but one of my dearest friends lives there and wants me to visit. I might just have to do that!
Everything looked beautiful. She will always remember the trouble you went to and how beautiful everything looked.

Daniella said...

Oh no Janie! I must have the same cold you have. I got it 2 days after getting my flu shot. Coincidence? Hummmm.
Your party looked like it was a big hit! How wonderful!
Have fun in vegas!
xxDaniella

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Emily on her graduation! Sounds like you had a lovely day. The cool weather and pretty leaves make a wonderful backdrop for a party. The vistual of those leaves falling in the food and the fallen nuts gave me a giggle.

I hope you'll be feeling better in time for your trip!

Denise said...

I love sunflowers. Glad you all had a great time. Hope you feel better soon and can enjoy your trip to Vegas.

Sonny G said...

Sunflowers help make the occasion happy..
Congrats to your graduate too..
twinkle lights and a lil wine:) who wouldnt love that..

xoxoxo
Sonny

Barb said...

So lovely, Janie. I love the sunflowers, the little pumpkins and the cupcakes, too. Everything looks wonderful.

What a special time I know this was. Congratulation to the sweet graduate.

Hugs, Barb

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

You had me at the photo of the sunflowers. I love them! So glad you had a great time. Hope you feel better and have fun in Vegas!

Low Tide High Style said...

What a beautiful party, and congratulations to Emily! I will have to try those cupcakes, they look delicious. And I hope you feel better so that you have a good flight and enjoy Vegas.

Kat :)

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

What a pretty party...lovely details! Feel better soon :) Laurel

Tricia said...

Sounds like the party was a big success. Sunflowers are so pretty and eye-catching, I think they were an excellent selection. Have fun on vacation, and remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...unless, maybe, you're a blogger and need something to post about ;)

Gypsy Heart said...

It all looks so beautiful! I know she loved it and I can imagine that they all had a great time. You've really had the celebrations haven't you? All good!

I have 2 high school friends that live in Vegas. Stay safe, ok? Hope you win big!

xo
Pat

Gypsy Heart said...

It all looks so beautiful! I know she loved it and I can imagine that they all had a great time. You've really had the celebrations haven't you? All good!

I have 2 high school friends that live in Vegas. Stay safe, ok? Hope you win big!

xo
Pat

Babs said...

It looks like you had a great party. How pretty you fixed everything!
We used to have black walnut trees in our yard when I was growing up and it wasn't a good thing to get hit on the head with one.
The red velvet cup cakes look awesome. Red velvet cake is one of my all time favorites. Yum. Hope you feel better soon. Take care.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

I'm glad you had a great party! I could use one or two of those cupcakes! ha! Hope you get all fixed up for your trip!

Nancy's Notes said...

What a fabulous graduation party and goodness, those sunflowers are awesome! You do know how to throw a bash Miss Jane! Those cupcakes look divine, my favorite kind of cake!

Rozmeen said...

Lovethe sunflowers and nice to read that the gradutaion party went well. Yes we are welcome autumn but this week in Holland its very sunny.. feels like summer :-)

xoxo Rozmeen

Silver Strands said...

Wow - you really know how to throw a party! It's gorgeous and inviting.

Ashley said...

Oh everything looked beautiful for the party! Love the sunflowers! I hope you feel better soon. My kiddos allergies have really been bothering them here lately. It is no fun for sure! Have fun in Vegas!

xinex said...

I hope you get better in time for your Vegas trip, Janie. What a beautiful graduation party you had for Emily. Everything looked so pretty. I can imagine everybody having a good time. Those sound like humongous walnuts, lol..Christine

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Blondie, the party tables look beautiful. Sunflowers are my favorite! I really love the look of the grass with the fallen leaves. It just speaks fall! I certainly hope your cold and asthma don't get you down before your trip. I can't wait to see the kitchen! Be safe and have fun.

Unknown said...

this looks great! i love the colors.