from DIAPERS to COCKTAILS... what????

Every Host or Hostess knows that an essential item in your home is a delegated beverage center. Why not make yours moveable? Guests can help themselves while they mingle and you put finishing touches on last minute appetizers.

I just HAD to share this idea because I'm all about DIY and repurposing items and giving them new life with a totally different use. I found this on BHG.com . Save that baby changing table or dig it out from your attic and give it a paint job and a new purpose.

Oggi Pro Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cocktail Shaker and Bar Tool Set

This end result photo shows a rather modern version, but use your imagination and get as creative as you want. A simple coat of black or white paint and you can keep it modern or distress it for a country cottage look. Line the shelves with a unique paper (protect with clear Contact paper) or a beautiful linen bar cloth. Glasses assembled, an ice bucket, wedges of lemons and limes and martini olives.
The Ultimate Party Drink Book: Over 750 Recipes for Cocktails, Smoothies, Blender Drinks, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, and More

Complete with flowers or decor that compliment your theme. What a fantastic recycle idea. You'll get kudos from your guests for sure, and watch all the baby changing tables disappear from yard sales in your neighborhood.

Happy Hosting!!

Making your life a little sweeter,

Liz
The Party Hostess Diva on Facebook
Elizabeth Corbett on Pinterest

my latest project:
http://youtu.be/pC2nePyCcl4

Seashell Bra and green fins on your cake?

Have you got a birthday party coming up and need an idea for a fun cake? Why not go with an Under the Sea or Mermaid theme? Get the Coolest Mom Ever award by creating a super simple Mermaid cake.

If you have a "skirt" pan already, like the one Wilton makes ,great! But the same effect can be made with a deep bowl. An excellent one to use is the large handled glass mix bowl by Pampered Chef. Be SURE your bowl is oven proof!

Bake cake in pan or bowl as directed. Level the top to make it flat, then flip upside down to cool (narrow part is at top now) You can also find doll picks at Wilton.com. And possibly at your local craft store, like Michael's.

Once cake is completely cooled, mix a batch of vanilla butter cream icing. Home made is SO much better than the usual "tub-o-plastic". Click here for recipe.
Portion out the icing so a small amount will be tinted green, most will be tinted light blue and a tiny portion will be tinted white. Using photo as a guide, freehand the mermaid's lower body and fin and fill in with green, and of course, the "shell" bra! (you could even do tiny real shells and secure with icing "glue".)The rest of the cake becomes ocean when you do swipes and dollups with a rounded spatula or back of a spoon. Pipe the bottom with a large scroll tip or just the back of a spoon if you are a newbie to decorating bags and tips. This photo shows tiny sea creatures borrowed from a Kelly doll set, but use your imagination. If nothing else, some tiny fish crackers will do. (oooh, they come in rainbow colors!)

If you need more cake for a larger crowd, add a batch of cupcakes also and ice them blue. Sprinkle or dip half of the top with crushed graham crackers for "sand",and place a fish cracker in the blue. FUN!!

Making your life a little sweeter,

Liz
The Party Hostess Diva on Facebook
Elizabeth Corbett on Pinterest

my latest project:
http://youtu.be/pC2nePyCcl4