SPRING PARTY PALETTE: LEMON & GOLD

The combination of gold and yellow is simply refreshing and in our opinion, sums up springtime elegance to the T. We love the balance and the touch of gold that takes the color scheme to a whole new glamorous dimension. Use this color combo for everyday occasions, bridal shower or an elegant brunch!

Oatmeal Lemon Crème Bars- Add a little oatmeal to everyone’s favorite lemon bar for a delicious dessert.

1/2 cup cold butter


1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix


1 egg
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)


2 teaspoons lemon zest


1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square pan with non-stick spray.

In a large bowl cut the cold butter into the cookie mix with a fork or pastry blender.

Stir in the egg until the mixture is crumbly.

Press half of the dough into the bottom of the greased pan and bake it in the oven for 15 minutes.

In a small bowl mix the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice until thick and combined.

Spread lemon mixture over baked crust and evenly crumble remaining dough on the top.

Bake another 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. 

Let cool and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. 

Cut into bars and store in the refrigerator.

We are loving this DIY gold table runner- use a round paper punch + run the gold dots on a sewing machine.

SPRING PARTY PALETTE: PEACH & MINT

Together these colors are soft and feminine making them ideal for a spring celebration. These charming hues of peach and mint green go so perfectly together.

DIY pinwheels or fans are great for an outdoor spring party.

Peach Mojito by Cookie and Kate

An interesting twist on a classic cocktail - try this refreshing recipe with fresh mint and sweet peaches.

SPRING PARTY PALETTE: LILAC & LIME

Who doesn't love the perkiness of lime with the zen balance of lilac? This lovely, elegant and ultra feminine color scheme is ideal for an evening wedding – especially when replacing the soft lilac with a deeper shade – though it’s even more perfect for a light and summery morning affair when using lighter shades of lilac.

Black Raspberry-Brie Bites

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed and rolled to 1/8-inch thick
1/2 cup raspberry or black raspberry preserves
32 frozen raspberries or black raspberries, thawed and drained
Wedge brie cheese, cut into 32 bite-size squares
sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Working with one pastry sheet at a time, slice into 16 squares. I start by slicing into four equal quarters, then slice each of those into four quarters to make each square the same size. In the center of each square, place 1 piece of brie, 1 raspberry and a dallop of jam. to make bundles: Wet your fingers, and run them along all four edges of a square. Bring the four corners together, pinch at the center, and pinch along the edges to seal. When all turnovers/bundles are created, place them 1/2-inch apart on baking sheets. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden. let cool 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Taste of Home shares a bunny fold for your Easter table. How to Fold a Bunny Napkin

For a "hare-raising" reaction at your Easter brunch, fashion these festive napkin folds in the shape of bunnies!

All you need are well-starched square napkins in the color of your choice. (We used green polka dot napkins.) Then just follow the folding instructions below.

For a brunch buffet, you may want to create a "warren" of rabbits by placing the folded napkins on a nest of shredded scrapbook papers. We selected a variety of papers, then shredded them with a paper cutter. But a 1/4-inch straight-edge paper shredder could also be used.

To make these festive napkin folds, start with well-starched square napkins. Fold the bottom third of the napkin up and the top third down, making a rectangle.

Get step-by-step instructions here.

SPRING PARTY PALETTE: STRAWBERRY & APRICOT

These soft shades of pink and orange go together so beautifully. They are no doubt on our mind this spring; whether it be for events, fashion, or just everyday occasions.

Martha Stewart shares the recipe for a delicious Pink Gin Fizz.

Ingredients:
2 ounces orange juice
1 1/4 ounces gin
1 tablespoon simple syrup
4 ounces fresh pink grapefruit juice
Seltzer

Directions:

In a glass, pour orange juice over ice. Combine gin, simple syrup, and pink grapefruit juice; slowly pour over orange juice. Top with seltzer.

Another great idea from Martha Stewart- DIY tutorial for colorful full bloom invitations for a spring wedding or even a party.    

There are two sizes. Print clip art onto letter-weight 11-by-17-inch (outer envelope) or 8 1/2-by-11-inch (reply card and save-the-date envelopes) paper. See link for full directions and printables.

SPRING PARTY PALETTE

Welcome sunshine, blue skies and soft hues!

This week we are celebrating all things spring. And nothing says spring is here more than ultra feminine pretty pastels in full bloom. Whether you are planning a bridal shower, Easter brunch, tea party, casual outdoor picnic or an over-the-top party - we'll share pastel infused color inpirations, recipes and DIY tips. 

And why do we love pastels? Well because spring means pastels and 2013 trends are all about them. Our party inspirations this week will feature our color blocking favorites: Strawberry & Apricot, Lilac & Lime, Peach & Mint and Lemon & Gold. 

What are you doing to incorporate pastels into your event decor and design?