Pretty as a Peacock Party Cake!

 

Our friend Joel is celebrating a super special milestone this month - marking one year of sobriety. He is a die-hard NHL Vancouver Canucks fan (even though he is from Montana) and has never been to a hockey game - so it seemed like the coolest and most special gift ever to give him two tickets to a Canucks game! We celebrated his one-year with a blue and green party!

I'm kind of into the idea of minimalist parties these days - maybe I have dessert table fatigue? Of course I love design and matchy matchiness and craft and the love and care that goes into a mega- coordinated party... but sometimes it's nice to just throw something together on the casual. I feel inspired by Jordan at Oh Happy Day for that. Her parties always feel like just enough party-time-ness - there's a modern simplicity to it - but never overdone.

Or, maybe I've just become party-lazy!!! Ha...

For party decor, I purchased two rolls of crepe paper streamers in blue and green at my local party supply shop for $2 each, and used them to make minimal decorations around the house. The good thing about minimal decor is it's not going to cost you an arm and a leg. I twisted the two together to make a loose easy garland around the window, then cut strips of streamers in alternating colours and taped them up to the doorway! I "finished" the edges by cutting a little "V" shape into them - nerd alert!

Testing out frosting styles with my two-toned buttercream!

And a close-up of the finished cake ... Isn't this, in TLC's words, crazy sexy cool!? Ha. Head on over to CRAFTSY for the full peacock coloured buttercream cake tutorial! Yes, I'm writing for the awesome Do It Yourself blog Craftsy now and I'm very excited about it!

And there ya go. Perfect for a simple birthday party, or a bridal shower, or a peacock themed party... or a one year sobriety party! Hooray Joel! We are so happy for you.

What are some of your favourite "throw a party on the fly" tricks? Would love to hear. 

xo Lyndsay

Cute + Easy Cupcake Party

Sometimes all you want is to pull off a simple little party with not too many frills - just enough cuteness without going overboard matchy-matchy. Keep your next party simple with a casual times approach: afternoon party anyone? For the menu - sandwiches and juice, fresh fruit, potato chips and cute and easy cupcakes in colorful liners with just a few sprinkles for crunch and colour! Plus, one little cupcake flag that can't help but scream out "party!"

You can find so many cute cupcake liners these days online - the choices are endless! I'm always a fan of these red and white stripey guys. Colorful liners also means you needn't overdose on much food colouring. Of course, a red or blue frosting mouth once in a while isn't going to hurt anyone... and kids in particular love sticking their tongue out in the mirror and marveling at the crazy colour... :)

Decor? A teensy vase with one bloom can go a long way, too! I snipped this pansy from a potted flower plant in my backyard. Or, arrange a collection of mini vases with single blooms for even more party cheer! I have a collection of inherited vintage plates, along with a decent collection of cake stands - but really, all you need is one cake pedestal. Different heights can add interest to a party table.  

What are your go-to tricks for throwing together a little party? Or can you not resist going nutso and working on every little detail, from the cake to the favours to the decor? (I've done both!) Do tell!

xo Lyndsay :)

Lemon Frill Buttercream Cake For Peti!

 

The amazing Erin's super cool mom celebrated her 60th birthday this past Sunday.. and she got an incredible present indeed... her first grandson, River! Eeks! 

I had a visit with the little mini man himself, he was ten days old, and he looked like a handsome rascal already with his golden blond (accidental) pompadour and "California tan" skin. Erin was beaming and looked so happy and relaxed with her sweet new little babe. 

Man. Life is wild, isn't it. Pretty, pretty great. 

Erin requested a lemon cake for her mama - and of course I happily obliged - lemon with lemon creamcheese frosting. I also made a cute little cake bunting and matching flag - I love how such simple accoutrements can say "celebrate!" Simple and sweet. 

Happy 60th birthday Peti! It's going to be such a fun year with River! And congratulations dear Erin and Dave!

xo Lyndsay 

t.y.p.o.g.r.a.p.h.y. cupcakes!

Cupcakes I made for my friend Lori's design class! Dark chocolate with vanilla buttercream swirls and my favourite round rainbow sprinkles. Did you know this type of sprinkles has a specific name - nonpareils, or hundreds and thousands, or "jimmies"...! Sprinkles are kind of like the cutest invention ever. They really do add a party-time vibe to cakes and cupcakes... is it because it's similar to confetti? Or do I imagine a wizard throwing a magic dash of tiny rainbow bits and casting a party animal spell... ?

^__^