Image via Amanda Wilens

Theme Ideas

Rainbow Halloween

Images via Jessica Lynn Photography

Keep things fun and upbeat with a colorful pumpkin theme! There are so many different directions you can go with this theme by adding in classic Halloween touches.

Color Coded or Family/Couple Theme

This is a fun one! Request that your guests wear a specific color (as a couple or family), or come as an entire theme. If you’re hosting, you can choose to stay neutral with your decor, or something unique like a black & white theme. The options are endless!

Classic Orange & Black Party

Keep things classic with this orange and black Halloween theme. We love the addition of black and white polka dots and orange confetti balloons in this party! The spider webs, bats, mummies and pumpkins create an ‘original’ theme, while keeping it fun for all ages.

Food Ideas

Cookies ‘n Cream Spider Parfaits

Image & Recipe Via Pizzazzerie

The perfect dessert for any party! Using a mini glass or cup, layer crushed oreos with vanilla mousse/pudding for a delicious dessert that looks great with any color scheme. Top with a little spider & enjoy!

Halloween Charcuterie Board

Is it really a party without a charcuterie board? They have a wide variety of savory/sweet items, each one is unique and, truly, who doesn’t love a charcuterie board? We love this festive Halloween/Day of the Dead themed grazing platter.

Spider Taco Ring

Image & Recipe Via Delish

Parties are filled with appetizers and snack foods. Sometimes, it’s hard to decide what to make for a ‘main dish’. This easy spider taco ring is the perfect main dish for your Halloween party!

Decoration/Accessory/Game Ideas

Marshmallow Ghost Stack Competition

Image via Chasing 50 Toes

This is a fun one for adults and kids! See who can build the tallest ghostly tower & in the most creative way.

Painting Pumpkins

Image via Jessica Lynn Photography

Let kids get creative by painting their own pumpkins. Not only is this a great activity, but it’s also super affordable! A little hack from us – buy them from Trader Joes (where they’re under $1), or buy a bag in bulk (grocery stores or home depot). You can also purchase paint brushes, googly eyes, glitter and other accessories from the dollar store or Michael’s.

Pumpkin Bocce Ball

This backyard game is just like traditional bocce ball except the jack (the small ball thrown at the beginning to serve as the target) is replaced with a jack-o-lantern (which, of course, must be placed instead of thrown). Instead of tossing bocce balls, players roll small sugar pumpkins (stems removed), or similarly sized gourds (the rounder, the better), with the objective of landing closest to the jack-o-lantern.

If you’re still in need of some (family) costume ideas, you need to check these out!

The post 2023 Halloween Party Inspiration first appeared on Inspired By This.

Make a Budget

The first step with party planning is to figure out your budget and also who will be paying for it. Think about each element for the event: personalized boxes, shipping, and special gifts for the parents to be.   

Make the Guest List

Talk to the parents to be about how many people, get their mailing addresses, and email addresses. This can affect your budget, so you might need to alter the items for each person to make it work. 

Find a Date and Time

Find a date that works for the parents to be and their most important loved ones to have on the video call. And how long the call should be 1-2 hours should be enough time. 

Make and Send Invitations

Invitations for events should be sent 6-8 weeks in advance. You can go earlier, but 6 weeks should be the latest you send out invites, then make sure you send out reminders closer to the event date. Since this event is online, I suggest going virtual for the invitations as well. A site like Evite is great because you can customize it, add in details like a registry, and even has a system for video calls now. 

Pick a Theme

Everyone loves to come up with a theme that ties all your pieces together. It also really makes your baskets look 10 times better having them color and/or theme coordinating. With this lemon theme, it was to make it nice to be gender-neutral. Such a fun theme and perfect for so many seasons.

Schedule Special Items for the Parents to Be

It’s nice to be able to send something special specifically for them to make the day even better. Find local businesses that are able to make and deliver an on-theme small cake and a flower arrangement.

Purchase and Assemble Baskets

Come up with a few pieces that you can fit into your budget and theme that will be safe for shipping and hold up until the date of the event. A few fun things included:
Eco-friendly shipping stuffing from Etsy.
Fun digital pages and games with the lemon theme also from Etsy. 
Buttons for “mama to be”, “grandma to be”, etc. from Etsy. 
Super cute “Oh Baby” cocktail stirrers from Creative Amme are just perfect. 
Printout of the recipe for the Lemon Mocktail recipe.
Custom lemon-themed cookies from The Cookie Meister in Orange County.
Custom candles from Terra. 

Shipping the Baskets

You want to time this out so the boxes get there a few days before the event. You will need to think about shipping, boxes, tape, etc. And plan out some time to assemble baskets, package the boxes, and ship. 

Make an Agenda

Keep a loose agenda for the video call and check in with the parents to be to see what they would like to do and what not like to do. You can do a few of the printable games, open gifts, and chat.

For more details, and resources like this virtual baby shower check out the information below!

Want to view some more of our collaborations with Amanda? Check out our work here!

The post Guide to Planning a Virtual Baby Shower first appeared on Inspired By This.

The following content was written and provided by Amanda Wilens, 

How to Dry Edible Flowers

I really love any project that has flowers. And pressed flowers are just so fun to work with. I have a few different methods that I use on pressing flowers, but my favorite is to use a thick book and parchment paper. You can use wax paper or printer paper if you prefer. But truly getting a good thick book and something to weight it under, like other books, is a great option.

Now, the time you spend on pressing is completely up to you. For this project you really can just press the flowers 24 in advance. But if you want them even more dry, you can do a few days. I wouldn’t say you need 2-4 weeks for this project since they are small edible flowers. But you can go longer. Just know that usually the longer you go the drier and more brittle they can become and often times if you are painting them onto something they can fall apart.

Where do you buy Edible Flowers?

Edible flowers are very specific, you want to make sure that 1) the flower type is truly edible and 2) that they haven’t been grown or processed with any harmful chemicals. That’s why I suggest buying food grade only. You can get these a few ways.

1. Purchase online from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals, my number one place to shop edible flowers, herb flowers, and more. Just so many beautiful products they have available and they have a great turnaround time. I believe some other shops have also started to sell online, just be sure to check the source and that they are truly edible.
2. Purchase from the grocery store occasionally or depending on your store. Some larger gourmet type grocery stores sell them next to the herbs in the produce section.
3. Grow your own! This way you can make sure you aren’t using pesticides and have processed/handled them yourself. Buy the plant or seeds online or at a nursery.

Edible Glue Recipe

I decided to use edible glue for this since I didn’t want the glue getting onto the eggs. If you do this with the wooden eggs, there is no need and you can use mod podge or something like it. For this I went super simple: Powdered sugar and water (could also use milk). I did 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar and 2 Tbsp of water. I mixed with a fork until combined. You might need just a few tsp more of water to get it runny enough.

I will say that because the eggs were cold, they did sweat a bit with being worked on and this is definitely a messy project I wouldn’t recommend for young kids, but maybe teens or adults. The glue I just painted onto the egg then stuck on the flowers, no painting over them as it seemed to not really have any effect on the flowers and didn’t seep into the petals. Then, I placed them onto a piece of parchment on a baking sheet and stuck them into the fridge for a few hours. To help them dry, I turned on my oven to 170° F until preheated, and turned it off. Then I moved the eggs to a muffin pan, each in their own tin. Afterwards, I placed them in the oven for about 20 minutes. The glue dried but left a bit of water in the pan, so just dab off the egg with a paper towel. Then I plated so they would stay dry. Putting them back in the fridge will most likely make them runny again. This is a messy project, I told you! Haha.

How to Decorate Brown Eggs for Easter

This is a great way to decorate brown eggs as well or blue. We used white ones since that’s what our Instacart shopper brought us this week, but these would also be lovely with brown Easter eggs.

Another great idea for brown eggs would be to dye them with food color like Studio DIY! did with their brown eggs: How to Dye Easter Eggs with Food Coloring. They turned out to be so lovely and have an almost jewel-toned look to them. Or get a white non-toxic pen, like Live Well, Travel Often’s: Natural Brown Easter Eggs.

Check out the step-by-step tutorial over on Amanda Wilen’s home Blog!

The post DIY Pressed Flower Easter Eggs first appeared on Inspired By This.

Amanda Wilens shares her tips,

Choose a color scheme

Easter really speaks to pastels and lots of bright colors to bring in spring. Don’t be afraid to add in color with glasses, linens, and flowers. I like to use Canva to make a little color scheme or mood board. It helps me pick out pieces to use and keep to the scheme. 

The Flowers

Make the flowers be the unique piece on your table. Don’t go out of your way to purchase all new pieces for your tablescape. Instead, focus on purchasing a gorgeous centerpiece from a local florist or make your own. 

The Dishware

Use dishware and glassware that you already have at home. If you want to add more color to the table, adding in a colorful drink, like this Lavender Lemonade Cocktail, can add in some nice color to the table and add to the tablescape. 

The Focal Point

Make your beautiful food or dessert a focal point on the table. Adding in your dessert on a beautiful cake stand can change the whole vibe of the table and add a lot of depth. I added my favorite Small Batch Carrot Cupcakes on the table. They are so cute and scream Easter. 

Don’t Overdo It

Use just one or two simple pieces that are very Easter, no need to overdo it. I liked adding these little bunny napkin rings from Michaels. A few other ideas would be adding decorated fake or real eggs or flocked bunnies. 

For more specifics, you can check out Amanda’s posts to get this exact look and recipes: 

Easter Tablescape
Carrot Cupcake
Cocktail

Now that we have layed the groundwork for everything you need for the perfect Easter celebration, let us know how your Easter celebration turns out!

The post Everything You Need for the Perfect Easter Celebration first appeared on Inspired By This.

.01

Pick a color scheme. For Valentine’s Day, the basics are usually pink and/or red. But don’t be afraid to add in another color like yellow, orange, or purple! Pick something that you might also have pieces for already, like linens or décor. Keep your styling simple. Find a few fun pieces of décor that you can find easily online, you can DIY, or that you maybe already have at home.

.02

Purchase or make your own flower arrangement. I went with a beautiful red, pink, and white arrangement and used it as the centerpiece of my table. If you don’t want to spend too much on a custom arrangement, head to the grocery store and pick up a few bunches and make a simple arrangement. I always save a few extra heads of my flowers to place around the table.

.03

Set the table with your favorite dishes and glassware. I personally wanted something neutral that wouldn’t take away from the décor but add to it. Simple white dishware or your favorite fine pieces. Stacking plates or using charges always makes things a bit more elevated and fun!

.04

Pick pretty linen! Whether it’s a table runner or just your napkin, add in a linen that’s on theme and adds some color and texture. I chose a muted pink that went with the color scheme. You can fold these to the side of your plate, tie them on top of your plate, or tie-up with a pretty ribbon.

.05

Decorate with food. I love adding to the look of a tablescape with food! Decorating with food is always a good idea. Add a few of your favorite platters or cake stands and add in the food. I love to fill in my charcuterie boards with little candies to fill in empty space. Or add sprinkles to my cake stand for more flair. If you have trouble styling your food easily, I came out with this simple guide to help!

.06

Set the table with drinks already filled! It really adds in another element of color and texture. And to up your drink game, add a little garnish like edible flowers!

.07

Add a little card or gift to the table for your sweetheart! It’s a sweet addition to the table and again, adds another element. And even more, fun if the wrapping colors match the theme! Use table fillers if you are thinking your table is too empty. I like using loose flowers, themed confetti, or tiny décor pieces.

The post How to Style an at-home Valentine’s Day That Will Wow first appeared on Inspired By This.

Disclaimer: Santa has tried these cookies, and approves, so don’t worry about waking up Christmas morning with left overs at the fireplace. We know he will devour them! ?

Tips for the best possible cookies: 

Chilling Dough: Make the dough in advance so you have plenty of chill time for the dough in your refrigerator. This chilling time will help the dough become incorporated, but also helps to make a fluffier/chewier cookie. If you are making these for Christmas eve, I would suggest starting on the 23rd or the morning of the 24th. Give yourself a few hours, at least, of chilling dough in the fridge. Or you can do an hour in the fridge, ball the dough, then freeze for a few extra hours before baking. 

Creaming butter and sugar: Creaming the butter and sugar is an essential part of making cookies and baked goods. I always say do this for like 4-6 minutes. It’s the difference between something having a granular and dense bake or a light and fluffy, clean bake. So take your time when creaming your butter.

Room temperature eggs: I would suggest leaving them on the counter for 1-2 hours to get room temp. However, if you forget or run out of time, another option is to place the eggs into a bowl of warm water (not hot) for about 10-15 minutes.

Room temperature butter: I usually leave mine on a plate on the counter for a couple hours. Or maybe on the oven if it’s being used for something else. If you are in a hurry you can zap in the microwave in very short increments. Just don’t melt it.

Salting: I always recommend topping off these cookies with a bit of flakey salt.

Reheating: To reheat cookies, pop in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. They will instantly get more gooey and delicious. 

Perfect Circle: Use a round cookie/biscuit cutter that’s just a bit bigger than your cookie. Right when the cookies come out of the oven, place the cutter around cookies and quickly move the cutter in a circle motion to create a perfect cookie shape while still warm and moldable. This makes for a perfectly circle cookie.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs large, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
2 cups dark chocolate chunks

Extra flakey salt for topping cookies, optional

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl from your stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, add butter and sugars into the bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined and fluffy. This can take up to 5-6 minutes.

2. Add eggs, one at a time. Then add in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

3. In a second medium to large bowl whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

4. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with the mixer turned onto low/medium speed.

5. Once well mixed, fold in chocolate chips.

6. Cover and chill dough in the fridge for 1-24 hours. I recommend chilling the dough for longer for a fluffier cookie. I personally put mine in the fridge for 1 hour minimum, scoop onto a baking sheet, cover, and then place in the freezer for 3-4 hours. 

7. When you’re ready to make cookies, preheat the oven to 350° F and prepare 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.

8. Scoop about 2 Tablespoon sized balls. Place dough onto baking sheets and a few inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes (1-3 extra minutes if frozen through). 

9. Remove from the oven, scooch into perfect circles (optional), and top with flakey salt. Let sit for about 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack.

Other Cookies to Try: 

1. Egg Yolk Only Chocolate Chip Cookies
2. Gooey Butter Cookies
3. Molasses Crinkle Cookies

Did you love this Christmas chocolate chip cookie recipe as much as we did? Tag us on instagram @inspiredbythis to show us how you styled them!

The post The Ultimate Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe first appeared on Inspired By This.

All tips are shared and written by Amanda Wilens

.01 – Pick a fun theme color that can also be replicated easily. Think metallics like gold or
silver that most people have at home. Then add in pops of color like yellows, oranges,
pinks, and black.

.02 – Place your dinnerware, glassware, flatware, and any large items first. Such as your food
trays, big décor pieces (like these golden pumpkins). Be sure to space out the larger
items to create an even tablescape.

.03 – Don’t be afraid to style your table with pretty food. Get a nice tray or platter that fits the
team, fill it with your favorite treat, and decorate the food and tray together by adding
sprinkles, edible flowers, or even just topping with something like powdered sugar.

.04 – Keep to multiple smaller vases for arrangements. This helps to spread florals and is
much easier for people to replicate.

.05 – Try to make floral arrangements and table décor that is easily repeatable. Something
that’s not too complicated so all participants can dress their tables similarly.

.06 – Mix fresh and dried flowers for a fun and textural combination.

.07 – Don’t have napkin rings? Pick a black or fun Halloween print ribbon to tie up your napkin
in a pretty bow and add a little flower inside the fold.

.08 – A great tip for styling any table is to always have a filler flower that you can snip little
pieces of and tuck it into the nooks and crannies on the table for a more filled out look.
Good examples would be babies breathe, eucalyptus, or stardust gypsophila.

.09 – Lots of little pumpkins! One of the easiest ways to style your Halloween table is to grab
lots of little pumpkins from the store and fill out the table placing them in somewhat of
a zigzag along the tablescape. This creates a very full affect and is fairly inexpensive…oh
and cute!

.10 –  Another way to fill in the gaps along your tablescape line is to fill it with full flowers cut
off at the head. You will want something full like these spray roses or daisies or dahlias.
Save this for last so they don’t wilt. Snip at the head and fill in the empty spots.

The post How to Style a Last Minute Virtual Halloween Party first appeared on Inspired By This.