Thanksgiving Tips

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If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, here are a few tips to make your day more organized, stress free and a lot more enjoyable.

I love this decor idea by Martha Stwart

                              

1. Write out your menu and make a shopping list now. 

2.  Put together a time line that starts one week before and ends with taking the Turkey out of the oven. 

3.  Decide on what china, tablecloths, napkins, table décor, home décor and anything else you will use and take it out now.  There is nothing worse than finding a big stain on your tablecloth hours before your guests arrive or searching frantically that morning for those perfect decorations you bought last year just this occasion.  This will also give you the chance to iron, wash, clean and shop for any additional pieces needed.  

4.  Do as much as possible before Thursday.  For example, set the table the day before, make cranberry sauce and desserts ahead of time, put together any activities you’ll do, clear your walkways… Use your time line to decide what you can do early.

5.  Don’t feel you need to do it all yourself.  Buy or have others bring their favorite dish.  Dessert is a good course for this since it stands alone and doesn’t have to “go” with other food being served.  

Mini pies are a fun and unique way to make your Thanksgiving stand out.

 6.  My biggest Thanksgiving pet peeve is spending all day in the kitchen and then have dinner be over in 20 minutes.  To encourage a more leisurely atmosphere at the table, provide fun conversations starters or games.  This is especially great to engage kids.  And engaged kids equals well behaved kids and who doesn’t appreciate that? 

These trivia turkeys featured on Martha Stewart are great for kids and adults. You can tailor the questions based on child's age and also include questions like: "what are you most thankful for?" For question ideas visit Martha Stewart.

You can also provide each child with an activity bag filled with coloring sheets, crayons stickers, little books or other activities to keep the little ones happy at the table or to fill in the gaps in time throughout the day.   

Cute activity download for kids.  Download here.

I hope these are helpful and help you enjoy your Thanksgiving a little bit more.  If you have specific questions, need more tips or would like some decor suggestions with the items you already own, please visit my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/abfabaffairs) and write your question on my page.  I'll get back to you ASAP.  

GOAL! The Perfect Soccer Party for an 8 Year Old

I have memories of sitting with my Grandfather in his living room watching the World Cup, at the edge of my seat as the final game was decided on penalty kicks.  Don’t ask what year -  I can safely tell you it was a looooong time ago, yet I will never forget that special time with him. 

Now many years later, I had the same kind of excitement planning this very special soccer party for an amazing kid.  I know all kids are amazing, but this young man is well, amazingly exceptional.  He is kind, gentle, generous and beyond smart and definitely a kid that makes the most of life. 

You can’t stump this kid on anything soccer, national flags or geography related.  Trust me I’ve tried.  I would put my money on him for any geography bee against any world leader or scholar – any day. Soccer is no different, so his birthday party had to incorporate both.  The challenge was how do you ensure that Christopher will love his party and that his 8 year old guests will also have a thrilling experience?  The Answer:  A real soccer match between two nations: Germany vs. England.  One of the greatest soccer rivalries in history.  As it turned out, this was perhaps also the greatest Soccer Party ever.

As the kids arrived at the Boston Sports Club in Wellesley, they each received a t-shirt with the flag of the country they would represent in this great soccer match and after suiting up, it was clear that the rivalry would continue here.  With the sound of the whistle a very fun, yet intense game began. 

These kids played their heart out.  At the end of the first half, Germany lead 2 – 0. 

All that playing made for very hungry little players, so it was pizza time and to show just how serious these kids were about the game, they chose to sit on opposite sides of the table.  Each kid also chose a flag from all over the world that decorated the table.  

The second half saw equally intense and fun soccer play.  England made a come back by scoring a goal, but at the end it was Germany 5 – 1! 

No one was upset though because they knew the end of the game meant that the Sweet Table was now open!  Now before the kids get to it, let me just tell you about THIS Sweet Table. 

This has been one of my favorite sweet tables. Ever. To go along with the Germany vs. England soccer match, Absolutely Fabulous Affairs designed an amazing spread that took the rivalry one step further.  The table was split down the middle with opposing sides represented by sweets in the colors of the team flags.  The center of the table showcased this amazing soccer ball cake!   

OK – Back to the kids.  When they arrived at the now opened table that they had been looking at throughout the party, it was complete devastation!   They all filled their treat bags to the rim within seconds.  Proof that to an 8 year old, a sweet table IS perhaps one of the greatest joys.  

I know it was a success by many measures, but mostly by Christopher telling me so.  It was also nice to hear from one of the referees from the Boston Sports Club that “This was the best party I have seen and I have been doing this for 6 years.”  I was honored to hear that! 

A Royal Ball Fit for A Special Princess

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I think that one of the greatest benefits of what I do for a living is getting to live a tiny slice of my life through the eyes of my young clients.  They each have incredible imaginations and each provide a different idea of what makes childhood so magical.  With every kids birthday I do, I get a little younger, a bit more innocent and a whole lot wiser. 

Today I’m specifically thinking about a Royal Princess Party for a sweet, sassy and adorable little 5 year old.  To be a Princess… a little girls dream, right?  This birthday girl dreamed of a Royal Princess Party and she herself would be Cinderella for the day.  So with that, Absolutely Fabulous Affairs arranged for a Sweet Table and cake worthy of the most prestigious royal celebrations.

I’ll let the pictures do the taking.   

A Royal Sweet Table - Featured Castle Clouds (chocolate covered marshmallows), Ariel's Sea Foam Cookies (colorful meringue cookies,) Tiana's Frog Kisses, Sleeping Beauty's Pillows (mini marshmallows), Snow White's Dwarf Snacks (assorted candy,) Cinderella's Jewels (assorted candy) Fairy Mother's Wands (Lollipop wands,)  Belle's Tea Party Cakes (Chocolate Cupcakes) and of course a magical Cinderella's Slipper Cake!

Royal Manicures for all Princesses!

Look at that sweet, happy Princess!

And She Lived Happily Ever After...

It Has Been A While

It has been a long time, blogger friends.  I must apologize for the blogging neglect, it isn't that I haven't had anything to say, it's that I'm working on a balance between creating amazing events and doing all the blogging, Facebooking, marketing...  As a matter of fact, I've got so much to share that I can't possibly fit it all in one blog so I hope you'll take the journey through the creation of some amazing events with me via a few installments of blogs.  If you just can't wait to see pictures of all the events, head on over to our Facebook page - www.facebook.com/abfabaffairs


It has been a busy and very rewarding month at Absolutely Fabulous Affairs.  A Launch Party, a Princess Party, a Soccer Party, a Silpada Party and many lovely creations to add something special to many other special occasions.  It seems like each project only makes me more excited about the next and of course about sharing all the details.

First thing is first! - The Absolutely Fabulous Affairs Launch Party!

I couldn't have asked for a better evening.  I loved every minute of it, getting to meet new people, entertain good friends and show off a smidgen of what Absolutely Fabulous Affairs has to offer. 

The party was held at my home.  Each room down stairs was transformed into a unique party, making use of themes, colors, foods and drinks to achieve an ambiance that took guests on a journey through Absolutely Fabulous Affairs.

Guests were greeted with a magical display of sparkling fairy berry lights scattered on the front lawn.  The pictures of this did not do them justice, so just imagine this...  as you approached the house you notice something different, magical perhaps, dozens of fairies? lights? fire flys?  The lawn is literally sparkling as little lights alternate shining off and on, together they look like an enchanted land straight out of a fairytale and one that has now certainly put you in a great mood ready for a fantastical evening.

As  you entered the home, it was hard to decide which way to go first.  In this journey I'll take you to the Halloween Den first.  The office was turned upside down and out crept an eerie, dark and foggy den that reminds you that Halloween doesn’t have to be just for kids.  This grown up, elegant, yet fun area allows you to escape to an alternate world even if for just a little while.   This room was the main appetizer center and also added a hint of the childhood candy taste with grown up Tootsie Roll and Bit o' Honey cocktail shooters. YUM! The creepy music and noises also added to the atmosphere.

Halloween Appetizer Table

Next is the Absolutely Fabulous Affairs Sweet Room -

Here you are treated both by the sweets and the delicate, elegant and fanciful set up.  Watching my guests in this room elicited memories of being a kid in a candy shop, yet it was still an elegant and grown up soiree.  I can't tell you how many times I heard "Oh My Gosh" as each delicious sweet bite was consumed.  I think someone actually used the term "Shut The Front Door."  Evidence enough that even grown ups deserve and love a sweet table done right at a party.

Nutella and Salted Caramel Mini Cupcakes

Sugared Caramel Pears

Sweet Table Featured a variety of fanciful treats such as mini cupcakes, lemon vanilla cake pops, brownie dip with pretzel rods, apple pie trifle to name a few. 

The Cocktail Lounge was perhaps my favorite.  What is NOT to love about a cocktail lounge?  In addition to cocktails and wine, this room also featured a Giving Tree.  A beautiful center piece that allows guests to pick an Absolutely Fabulous Affairs gift off the tree.  As a side note:  I love this tree idea because it can be very versatile to fit the needs of the specific event.  For this event it worked as a Giving Tree, at an graduation party, bridal or baby shower it could be a Memory or Wise Tree where guests LEAVE a note on the tree for the honoree.  It even works at a Fundraiser as a Wishing Tree where guests leave a small donation to write a wish and leave it upon the Wishing Tree.

The last station was the Hot Chocolate Bar in the Kitchen.  A rustic yet inviting bar allowed guests to create their own chocolatey goodness.  

As guests left they each got an Absolutely Fabulous Affairs tree seedling with a note that said, "Thank you for your coming and helping us grow.  Please take a tree and watch it grow with us."  

A SUPER shout out to my amazing husband for putting up with me always, your support and especially for all his help to put this event together.  And to my super star neighbor and friend Gayle Ward for her help an encouragement not only with this event, but the business as a whole.  I know I've said it before, but Gayle YOU ARE THE BEST! 

  

First Up!

What do two parties, three cakes, two piñatas, one candy table, ten headbands , two balloon popping darts and 30 happy party going kids make?  A VERY SUCCESSFUL OFFICIAL OPENING WEEKEND FOR ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS AFFAIRS!!!

I can now ascertain that without a doubt I found what I love to do.  I had so much fun leading up to this weekend that now that it is over I can hardly wait to get to the next party.  But first I think I’ll bring you along as I revel in the details of the weekend.  

First up was Maddie’s 3^rd and Brendan’s 5^th birthday party.  Two of the cutest and energetic sibling you’ll meet.  They each had very specific and awesome ideas of what their cakes should look like.   

Going along for Brendan's love for race cars, he wanted a Hot Wheels cake, but not just a plain one because that would be, well… just OK, he imagined an action cake with real car action.  So that is what he got!

I loved Brendan’s reaction to his cake.  It was one of those moments that make childhood so magical.  It was one of those that I know, as a parent to my own 5 and 2 year old, I have come to cherish.  I don’t recall his exact words, but I know there was some squealing and an “It’s a real car!” and an “LOOK, LOOK! That is my cake with a real loop track!”  It warmed my heart.  

Maddie’s idea of the perfect cake was what else, but a Dora cake.  It had to be pink one of course to match her tutu and stars and flowers to match her incredibly sweet and shiny disposition.  I think her favorite part was licking the frosting off of Dora.   

That was Saturday.  

Sunday was Abby’s 10^th Birthday Party.  The best part about this party was that sitting down with Abby and planning the party together.  She had very clear ideas as to what she wanted, and what Abby wanted, Abby got – a Hello Kitty party with all the trimmings.  

Where do I begin.  Abby asked for a Hello Kitty piñata, but not just any piñata, it had to be just the face and not a flat face, but a 3-D replica.  So I put two of the best piñata artists to work.  They produced not one, but TWO amazing 3-D Hello Kitty replica piñatas.  One would be for breaking and the other for decoration and as a keepsake for Abby.    

Abby asked for a Hello Kitty cake, but you guessed it, not just any cake, it had to be an ice cream cake and again, just the face.  None of that flat rectangle cake with a face on it…  So again, that’s what Abby got.  You don’t know how rewarding it is to have ten 10 year olds say “Oh my gosh, that is the most awesome cake”, followed of course by “I want the bow,” and “I want the eye”…  

Next the fun and games, hair band making, playing darts for prizes, beating the piñata and as girls tend to do, chatting and dancing to music.  I’ll let the pictures do the talking here.   

So now on to the next one.