I’m so excited to share today’s guest post with you! The ultra-crafty & talented Meaghan Mountford – author of The Decorated Cookie and Cookie Sensations: Creative Designs for Every Occasion – is here with a fun DIY cookie project.

Since Mother’s Day is right around the corner, Megan has personalized the downloadable envelope template in this project for Mom, but these cookies would also be great party favor ideas for bridal showers, baby showers & birthday parties! Get all the “how to” info below, as told by Meaghan…

*****

Flower Cookie Pops and Matching Envelope:  A Sweet Addition to Any Gift

If you’re like me, you struggle to come up with gift ideas for the mom who has everything and needs no more clutter. Gift cards to her favorite shops, spa gift certificates, coupons for sharing a special day… all lovely ideas. And conventional.  But gift cards, spa gift certificates and coupons for sharing a special day accompanied by flower cookie pops…labors of love that will make your gift infinitely more unique.

*****

for the cookies, you will need:*
sugar cookie dough (recipe below)
frosting (any, even store-bought)
lollipop sticks
food coloring (Americolor soft gel pastes: Electric Pink, Orange & Electric Green used here)
white rolled fondant
wax paper
parchment paper
rolling pin
light corn syrup
cellophane bags and matching ribbon
cookie or fondant cutters (2 ½ inch circle, ½ inch circle, mini flower)

*All of the above can be found at any major craft store and supermarket. Craft stores offer concentrated food colorings, but Americolor soft gel pastes are available at specialty cake decorating stores or on the internet. Find more information at www.americolorcorp.com.

STEP ONE: bake your cookies
Roll out your dough thick enough to accommodate the lollipop sticks, about ¼ inch. Cut out a 2 ½ inch circle and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Insert lollipop stick half way into cookie. Bake cookies according to recipe and let cool.

STEP TWO: make your flowers
Take a handful fondant (about 1/3 cup) and add a few drops of Electric Pink coloring. Knead very well until fully blended. Add more drops until desired color is achieved. Repeat with two separate handfuls of fondant using Electric Green coloring and Orange coloring.

Roll pink fondant thinly between two pieces of wax paper. Cut out a 2 ½ inch circle and set aside to stiffen. Repeat with green and orange fondant, cutting out flower shapes and small circles, respectively. Let stiffen about 2 hours.

TIPS: If fondant gets too sticky from over-handling, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. If preferred, vary your colors: For example, cut out large orange circles, pink flowers and green small circles.

STEP THREE: assemble your cookies
Dip your finger in light corn syrup and dab on the back of a small fondant circle. Press circle gently on center of flower fondant shape to adhere. Dab corn syrup on back of flower shape and press on center of large circle fondant shape. Spread a thin layer of frosting on cookie, and press fondant flower onto cookie. Let dry overnight and wrap, if desired. Place cellophane bag over cookie and tie at base with ribbon.

TIP: The frosting isn’t necessary. You can adhere the fondant flower to the cookie with corn syrup. But I find frosting to be much yummier.

*****

for the envelopes, you will need:
color printer
8 ½ by 11 inch card stock or photo paper
scissors, craft knife, craft glue
hole punch
gift cards or card stock cut to 2 ¼ by 3 ½ inches

Find the pdf template for your envelopes [here]. Each page will make two envelopes. Cut envelope along outer lines. Carefully and lightly score inside lines using craft knife. Fold along inside lines. Apply craft glue along tabs and hold envelope closed until glue sets. Punch hole through front and back of envelope. When glue is dry, insert gift card or message, and attach envelope to cookies with ribbon.

Ideas: Insert gift cards for a day spa or your mom’s favorite store, or write a message on cardstock and insert in envelope.

*****

cookie dough recipe

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

With the paddle of a standing mixer or with a hand mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium speed. Add egg and blend well. Add extract and blend. Stir together flour and salt and gradually add to wet mixture. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one to two hours until chilled. Pat 1/3 of dough into a ball and roll about 3/8 to ¼ inch thick on a floured surface with a floured rolling pin. Cut out shapes and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 12-14 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Yields: about 25 to 30 cookies.

*****

Thanks for the inspiration, Meaghan!

In continuing with the color themed gifts today (see earlier post below) – check out today’s post over at Simply Stated: Loving Red… Stylish Gift Ideas for Mom (or your best friend…or your sister…or yourself!).

I came across this adorable Spring Bouquet craft idea on the American Crafts blog recently and thought it would be such a cute homemade gift idea for Mother’s Day – or an adorable addition to girlie birthday parties, baby showers, or bridal showers! Get the full tutorial here.

P.S. The “flowers” would make super cute toppers/embellishments for party favors too!

Easter brunch, Mother’s Day brunch, wedding brunches… they’re even better with a cocktail, right?!

Check out today’s post over at Simply Stated for 5 great brunch cocktail recipes. Have a favorite daytime drink that’s not on the list? Share it!

I’m so excited to share this latest “Real Party” feature with you… it’s a gorgeous ‘Under the Tuscan Sun” bridal shower featuring vibrant sunflowers and the rich colors of Tuscany. The hostess behind the party – Lina Wallace from A Stunning Affair - created this for shower for her sister-in-law and she did such a fantastic job…here are all the details on how she pulled everything together, as told by Lina herself:

*****

Laura’s Bridal Shower
When my sister-in-law, Laura got engaged, I immediately started thinking about ideas for her bridal shower. I felt so honored when her bridesmaids asked me to create something that would be not only unique, but also a reflection of the bride. When compiling ideas for a theme I thought of all of Laura’s favorite things:

• Favorite Color: Yellow
• Favorite Food: Pizza or anything Italian
• Favorite Flowers: sunflowers
• Favorite Dessert: Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
• Favorite drink: Anything with champagne =)

After much thought, I ended up with an “Under the Tuscan Sun” theme for the Bridal Shower. The color scheme was based on patterned ribbon, which was purchased from The Floral Supply Syndicate. Decorative candles and containers were all bought from Moskatels in Los Angeles.

The Bridal Shower was held at the Jerzy Residence (the home of her maid of honor). Upon arrival, guests walked down a pathway of sunflowers leading them to her backyard. Each place setting was topped with a sunflower that doubled as a bridal favor. All centerpieces had a Tuscan flare and also included lemons from the maid of honor’s garden.

The children sat at a separate table decorated with a centerpiece of flowers and lollipops, which they took home as party favors.

Guests’ first stop was at a table where they wrote “Words of Wisdom” for the bride to be. Laura is still talking about some of the comments written by her family and friends.

Invitees were then greeted by hosts, (Laura’s bridesmaids) and sipped on Peach Bellinis while listening to music by Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney and Louis Prima.

To continue with the Tuscan theme, lunch included some of the bride’s favorites: pizza, antipasto salad and garlic rolls. Yum, yum!

After lunch guests participated in a “Bridal Shower Jeopardy”. To familiarize themselves with the trivia, information cards were provided for anyone to review. Cards were discretely removed just before the game.

Laura then opened oodles of presents. My favorite was a “lady” given by the bride’s Aunt. The lady was made up of an iron for the body, a mop for the hair and an apron for her dress: practical items to be used for the home. Too cute!

The delightful afternoon ended with the bride’s favorite dessert: red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting topped with a sunflower design created by Joeleen of A Sweet Design.

The bride’s mother also brought strawberries dipped in a yummy cream dip, which everyone loved!

Vendor Info:

• Photography: Christine Haws Photography
• Flowers, Planning and Décor: A Stunning Affair
• Linens and Rentals: AAA Rents and Events
• Cupcakes: A Sweet Design
• Invitations: Cards and Pockets

*****

Thanks for the inspiration, Lina! The shower truly was “a stunning affair”!

This pink suede jewelry/keepsake box from Godiva is a fun twist on your typical box of chocolates! I received one of these keepsake boxes as a gift recently and loved it (Thanks, Lisa!). The quality of the box is great, and the truffles are, well…already gone! If that’s any indication of how they tasted! Great gift idea for Mother’s Day or a loved one’s birthday. ($65 at Godiva )

Today at Simply Stated: Celebrations – check out my "Fresh Fête" post for some spring entertaining ideas & inspiration!

Looking for a fresh new palette for your Mother’s Day brunch or other upcoming soirée? Sunny yellow is a perfect fit for entertaining in the warmer months, and this naturally showy color looks especially chic and sophisticated when complimented with more subdued elements like earthy wood-browns and natural patterns. Sound interesting? Check out my post – Fresh Spring Palette: Yellow & Woodgrain – over at Simply Stated: Celebrations for more ideas!

When it comes to entertaining, eco-friendly + easy = good for the environment AND for your stress level! Here are some ridiculously simple ideas that make for attractive, eco-chic tablescapes…

Centerpiece Ideas:
Stack interesting veggies and colorful fruits in pretty bowls that you already own.
Pictured above: Artichokes make for a unique & surprisingly elegant centerpiece, and vibrant oranges stacked in an earth-friendly bamboo bowl deliver a big splash of color.

Choose potted plants over cut flowers for a sustainable centerpiece that will last long after the party is over!
Pictured below: 3 mini house plants look chic when displayed in simple white flower pots ($1 each at IKEA) embellished with natural raffia.

Tableware & Party Decor
Use real or biodegradable dishes, utensils, and linens.
Pictured above: Veneerware Plates from Bambu™ are made from 100% organically grown bamboo and will biodegrade within 4-6 months of disposal! Sprigs of fresh thyme and raffia make for a pretty napkin presentation.

Decorate with potted plants instead of large cut-flower bouquets.
Potted flowers and herbs are an earth-friendly alternative to large cut flower bouquets and great choices for dressing up food & drink tables.

What are some of the ways that you like to party green?

10% OFF at givesimple.com

15% OFF at Delight.com

20% off at funkyoysters.com

25% off at rockscissorpaper.com