Emma’s graduation from college called for an open house! Her fiance’ Tim also graduated from college this year! We’re so proud of them!!! We decided to decorate with an edgy tone because of her graduation pictures.
I posted one of the grad. pics with my step by step instructions to the banner here!)
And the step by step of the lantern re-do here!
I used fabric that I already had for the table cloth and taped the hem! I also had the mosaic candle holders from Stephie and Jon’s wedding.
When it was time to get pictures of the table…
The Husband wouldn’t stop doing his taste test! (But who’s gonna complain? Look at him, he’s so cute!)
I copied (highest form of flattery right?!) this idea from Sharon and Paige! They threw a couples shower and served loads of Mexican food including these great dips. I loved them so much I planned my whole Open House menu with various dips! (Menu at the bottom of the post!) Thanks S & P!
The dessert table~ Yumalicious!
I’m blogging these Surprise Cookies very soon…they were a HUGE hit!
Have you noticed the little flag foodie name cards? They’re stuck in taffy for a reason…
For the party favors…my most favorite thing to do, I skewered salt water taffy with little flag signs…to carry on the theme from the flag banner of course! Hence the taffy!
Tim and Em…Congrats! 2009 is going to go down in history as a banner year for the two of you! (Their wedding is in September!)
The Menu for the Open House…
Paige’s Mexican Spinach Dip(thank you Paige-recipe to come soon)
Paige’s Chicken Enchilada Dip (thank you Paige-recipe to come soon)
Ruthie’s 7 Layer Dip (Thanks to Ruthie for making ALL the dips!!!)
Emma’s Hot Sausage Mexican Dip
Bethany’s Texas Caviar (recipe here)
Chips & Salsa
Fruit! (the token health food)
Dessert Menu…
Coca Cola Cake (I posted this on Tuesday of this week!)
Strawberry Cake (Recipe here)
Mini Monster Cookies (Not nearly as good when you make them minis! Original Monster Cookies: here)
Ruthie’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
Surprise Cookies (these were the big hit…I’ll blog them really soon!)
Love to you Peeps! I hope there’s an idea or two you can use on your next get together!
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
you are so inspiring! i don’t know where you store all those dishes you use when you entertain. i’m hosting a cookout this weekend…any suggestions for a good marinade for chicken?
jenn nahrstadt’s last blog post..You Know You’re a Hoosier When…
How lovely everything looked! I would be oohing and ahhing at everything if I were there
I’ll bet everything tasted as good as it looked. The taffy on the flag skewers, not that is truly an inspired goody!! So clever.
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What a great party you must have had! The taffy idea is awesome!
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Congratulations to the grads on both happy occasions! The menu sounds wonderful and your presentation is fabulous!
Jewel
Jewel’s last blog post..Tablescape Thursday 5/20/09
Great Job ! Love the banner and the lamps ! The food looks great (my hubby does thes same thing – has to taste it…., lol) I bet the party is a hit ! Love the taffy place cards and treats too !
Hugs ~ Kammy
Kammy’s last blog post..Tablescape Thursday – Seaside in the Countryside
What a great open house. I really like the dip idea and the glass jars for desserts are a great idea. The party favors are so much fun!! Oh and the foodie labels are fabulous, too!!!
ellen b’s last blog post..Tablescape Thursday ~
Robin, you planned a perfect celebration for Tim and Emma. It was fun to work together with you, baby Ellie and Steph. Parties are so fun and easy when you have it all planned like you did.
Great party! Those surprise cookies are the best thing ever!!
Ruthie’s last blog post..My body was telling me
Beautiful….wonderful party ideas…and cute kids…
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Everything looks wonderful! Congrats to the graduate! Happy Tablescape Thursday ~ Susan
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What a cute taffy inspiration! Everything looks very appetizing! Yum!
What a lot of fun! I love the taffy favors! Great TT!
So cute Robin!!! I love the taffy favors!!!!!
Wow, what a celebration!!! It all looks fabulous!
suzannne
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Congratulations to your daughter. What a lovely couple, and the open house table looks just fabulous. I love the menu, so many wonderful dips. Desserts look wonderful too. I know you all had a great time. Hugs, Marty
Marty’s last blog post..Tablescape & Thrifty Thursday – Chinese Anyone
Wow…I love this open house! It has given me some new ideas! Liz
Liz@casabella-west’s last blog post..Tablescape Thursday
Oh, what a wonderfully festive table! I love it all!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia
Shelia’s last blog post..Tablescape Thursday
ummm…all of this looks absolutely fantastic…I know a great time was had by all…
and yep…your honey IS a cutie…
bj’s last blog post..TABLESCAPE THURSDAY AND FOODIE FRIDAY…DOUBLE FEATURE
Oh my gosh… those taffy favors are absolutely delightful!! So cute!! Congratulations to your daughter and her fiance for graduating! And a wedding coming up! So many big events for you guys this year!! God bless.
Melissa
Melissa’s last blog post..Tablescape Thursday: Cherries and Polka Dots
*** Such a FUN n’ CREATIVE n’ UNIQUE n’ P*R*I*C*E*L*E*S*S event!!! *** DEEEEEELIGHTFUL!!!! Kudos!!!
What a beautiful spread! I love the taffy favors. So cute…..what a clever idea! How do you come up with all of these great ideas?
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It all was so stinkin’ cute [yes, Mike included].
Just let him know it’s not nice to eat and not offer it to the guests. And by guests I mean your blog readers. Which, in truth, I just mean me.
Those strawberries were calling my name.
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OOOH looks like FUN!
Fifi Flowers’s last blog post..Ooh la la Madeleines…
Great party!!! Everything including the food looks fabulous. I love the flag with the taffy.
Kim’s last blog post..It’s Thursday! Let’s do a thrifty tea party
VERY cute! Love those lanterns. Congrats to the graduates.
wowza what a party you put on
love the candle lanterns they set it all off beautifully
happy tablescaping
Sarah
A Beach Cottage
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The whole feel to your kitchen was transformed! I can’t believe how you can do that. Looks like I could have eaten a few things on your menu.
So happy for Tim and Em for all the joys to follow.
WOW! Everything looks fabulous. You are clearly living your legacy. Blessings, SusanD
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It all looks great and sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!
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I’ll be right over to grab a bite to eat. Love Mexican! I must say they make a gorgeous couple. Stop by and see my table setting, if you like what you see, be sure to subscribe to my blog by clicking on “Follow” in the right hand column. This way we can inspire one another frequently! Be sure to stay a while when you’re there and enjoy the experience!
Wow, you have some awesome ideas! Everything looks great and yummy. Congratulations to your daughter and her fiance!
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Congrats… great tablescape, and I love your salt water taffy favors!
ButterYum’s last blog post..La Petite Wedding Cake – a rush job with a really long story
Oh your food is making me hungry! I found you through a friend’s blog! You are very creative, love the banner!
Hugs, Lisa
Lisa’s last blog post..Bedroom makeover…
What a fun idea for an open house! I love your dip buffet and all the little cute flag decorations! Loads of fun!
LdyDy’s last blog post..Festive Tablescape ..Festive Meal
I have come away with so many idea, but I’m coming back for those recipes!! What a great plan for a party! The flags and taffy on the dessert table and then for party favors was just such an awesome idea!! And the banner is fabulous. You also made it all sound so easy to put together!!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and congratulations to your daughter and her fiance!
xoxo
Jane
Jane’s last blog post..TABLESCAPE THURSDAY: A MOTHER’S GIFT
Everything looks fabulous. Love the taffy on the sticks.
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I love everything – so detailed! You are such an amazing party planner.
GREAT ideas! and congrats to them both!!
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Love the taffy idea and all the cookies in the jars. Such an exciting time for all of your family and next the wedding will be here before you know it!
Joyce