Appreciating Volunteers

Each year our church's Family Life Ministry sets aside an evening to celebrate the many volunteers who minister to babies, children and students.  It's an evening to get away from all things "kiddie" in order to enjoy visiting with one another and to celebrate the many wonderful things happening in these areas of ministry.  I (Maria) was invited to lead the team in planning and hosting this special event.  Our Family Life staff decided on the theme of "World Experience," which was a lot of fun to work with!

The event was held in the church "dining room/gym."  I'm pretty sure every old Baptist church has one of these lovely rooms.  In the South they're better known as the "Family Life Center."  It's not the most beautiful setting, but it works.  We set out to, in a small way, transform the room into a warm, welcoming and beautiful party venue.  With the help of many hands, we were able to set a nice tone for the evening.

Each round table, which sat eight, was set with a white table cloth.  Centerpiece vignettes consisted of a world map, small European style luggage, small globe, flags from around the world and a vintage looking postcard displayed on mini easels.

Each attendee received a small gift of a leather luggage tag, which first served as their napkin ring.

The event was catered by Doug Cook of DCCatering.  He served fabulous appetizers in a cocktail setting followed by a delicious buffet style meal.  A coffee bar and dessert bar were opened up to guests to round out the evening.  No one left hungry!

The dessert bar was simple, yet held visual impact, and set in the middle of the room.  Root Beer float shooters were served in small 3 oz glasses which displayed perfectly on the tiered metal tray stands. The Texas Sheet cake, Tiramisu with strawberries and chocolate, and Tres Leches Cake were served in chaffing dishes and platters.  It was beautiful and even more delicious!

It was a wonderful evening of fun, food and fellowship.  I found it a great privilege to serve my church by doing something I love very much....styling events!

These beautiful pictures were taken by Agung Fauzi of Seize The Day Photography.  Agung also provided a fabulous self automated photo booth for guests to enjoy.

Hooray for Big Brothers!

This weekend was a special one for my son Carter, in just one short week he will become a big brother to a little sister so we honored his new role with a party.  As we practice the word baby and pat mommy's tummy, we thought we should also celebrate our little guy's new family position.

My wonderful business partner Maria has four children and as three boys became new big brothers they received a special dinner, "big brother" t-shirt, and little gift to mark the occasion.  With this special idea in mind, Maria and I put together a "Big Brother" party for Carter to build a new family tradition for my growing home.

Complete with free rides in the radio flyer and pizza, the party consisted of a dessert table, children's table, and an activity table.  The kids had a wonderful time and Carter received a few tips from his friends on his new position as brother.  I think he'll be a pro!

A few party details:

The theme incorporated red wagons and black and white polka dots.

These delicious Marshmallow Lollipops were made with love by Treats By Erica.

The Dessert Table carried out the theme with a little red wagon on top of the cake
matching the invitations (pictured above), red rock candy, a wagon with Marshmallow Lollipops,
chocolate covered popcorn and trail mix. 

The Children's table included candy bar gifts from Carter, personalized straws and Big Brother cupcake holders.

The children enjoyed coloring wagons and balloons at the Activity Table.

Carter celebrated with family and friends
(including Anna Pae, Maria's daughter) and had a wonderful time!

Check back soon for this special printable party package on our website, www.delightfulcelebrations.com.