I’ve gotten quite a few search referrals on decorating the stairs for the holidays so I’ve edited a post from last year that gives a great idea to make it easy for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Have you ever thought about how to simplify Christmas decorating when just coming off of the whirlwind of Thanksgiving entertaining? My normal routine after having hosted Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings the day before is to crash the morning after. My breakfast will… [Read More]
Mini chocolate cupcakes decorated with over-sized dragees and fall themed fondant cut-outs literally reached new heights in my kitchen for a fall open house party this past weekend. We’ll get ‘up close and personal’ so I can show how you how I made this. It’s not as complicated as it looks. Trust me. They’re just a bunch of little ol’ chocolate cupcakes dressed up all fancy like. The number of cupcakes needed depends on the size styrofoam cone that is… [Read More]
I’ve been catching up this week on house and work and stocking up for my next project for an open house in Pasadena this weekend. I was asked to bring chocolate cupcakes. If you’ve been reading my blog this summer you know we got quite a bit of mileage out of our OC and LA County Fair wins with the chocolate cake recipe but for this special get together I have an idea in mind for something more spectacular and… [Read More]
Our power was off all morning to mid afternoon so I’m a little late in posting to wish you a happy Halloween so “Happy Halloween” at last! Late, late, late last night after we returned home from a wonderful dinner with our lovely friends I began this project- Yep, sometimes I can be a little batty when it comes to making and decorating cookies. When I’ve got an idea I’ve got to see it through. The cookies were for a… [Read More]
As the wedding dinner in the vineyard was transitioning into evening, Adirondack chairs painted specially to complement the colors of the wedding were set up around the large fire ring. Plum colored pillows added coziness when the sun fell as did a basket full of purple and blush hued pashminas for the ladies. Such a thoughtful touch. One last push on the swing. A perfect dinner. With perfect company. Magic. Enchantment. Good conversation. Music. Dancing. And what kind of a… [Read More]
When making party favors for my dear friend Suzi’s birthday party hosted by her equally lovely sister, Kathi, last Saturday, I thought of what images I could capture in a cookie that reminded me of her. Specific images came to mind when thinking of her style – simple elegance, sparkle, mirrors, silver balls, purple and white. Suzi, I love having you be a sweet part of my life and the icing on my cake. (I know, corny). Wishing you many,… [Read More]
The ceremony and garden party. Scott’s 5 o’clock shadow was a bride’s request. Happy wife. Happy life. I love this photo. Lela’s veil floated to embrace Scott’s face at the moment of the kiss to give them just a hint of privacy. Soon it was time for the sunset dinner in the vineyard. Guests were seated at one long elegant table. Our wine charms pointed us towards the tables we were to sit at. Mirrors with our names at our… [Read More]
I had the honor of designing and creating decorated cookies for a beautiful vineyard wedding in Sedona this past weekend. My time in the kitchen was made even more special since it was my nephew’s wedding. I love making cookies for people I know (and love). I think of them the entire time from sketch to the tying of the ribbon. How lucky can a baker girl and auntie get? The destination wedding location was unique and lovely and not… [Read More]
I love tailgate parties and cake pops are a perfect treat to bring along. I guess it’s pretty obvious where my allegiance lies. There are so many recipes and instructions for cake pops on other blogs and websites and of course there is the Queen of all Cake Pops, Angie at Bakerella so I’ll just show you what I came up with for my decorations. I made my pops a little larger so I could have a… [Read More]
A few years ago we hosted a backyard movie night for the high school marching band. With over 80 teenagers the evening was a lot of fun and something I always wanted to do again for our family and friends. Not knowing what we needed back then we rented the equipment for the night which included an inflatable screen, speakers and a projector. The menu for the night was pure concession stand nostalgia: hotdogs in paper boats, boxed candy, soda… [Read More]
Make-Ahead Frozen Buttercream Cake Decorations
Bridal Shower Gifts and Wrapping Ideas
Carlo’s Bakery Cannolis and Lobster Tail Pastries
Colonial Williamsburg Sweet Potato Muffins
“The Best Ever – Blue Ribbon Winning – Chocolate Layer Cake – In All The Land”!
Gift Basket Ideas For A Silent Auction
“Lights! Camera! Decorate!”
Pretty Pink Petal Cake – A Wilton Cake Decorating Technique
