guest post: strawberry fields forever

I'm so happy to be your guest blogger today, and I have some fun party ideas for you! Here in the South, the time is just right for strawberry picking. I decided it would be fun to put together some inspiration for a Strawberry-inspired Party perfect for adults and kids alike. This would be great for a backyard get-together with friends, a family reunion, and of course, a child's birthday party!

Begin with red and white fabric for the table, and create festive, edible, centerpieces. Create the edible topiaries using basic items from the craft or home improvement store. Use toothpicks to attach whole strawberries to a foam craft ball, and utilize wheat grass to fill the pot. Longer trays of wheat grass create interest between the topiaries and provide another place to insert skewered chocolate-dipped strawberries.

I think it would be so fun to begin the anticipation for your party by hand delivering a small basket of fresh strawberries & scones, biscuits, or muffins, with the party information tied on.

Decorate the party space with red and white polka dot bunting, and "flower arrangements/strawberry plants" set inside a Blume Box.

What says "strawberries" more than jam? Send your guests home with a small jar of Strawberry jam that's tied with pretty ribbon or fabric.

What to Serve:

This strawberry and chicken salad looks amazing served in a bread basket. The adults will love it! For the kids, something more traditional like peanut butter and 'strawberry' jelly sandwiches.

Serve strawberry smoothies with a pretty skewered garnish, and of course, strawberry shortcake! Once again have some cupcakes topped with these cute printables, available for the kids. Next up...sit back and enjoy the party!

- by Chris Nease of Celebrations at Home



Photo Credits:

table http://tarastips.blogspot.com/2010/03/savvy-sarah-berry.html

small baskets http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/favors

bunting http://www.dotsandspots.biz/fabric_bunting.html

blume box http://www.ideasinblume.com/tag/garden-party-centerpiece-idea/

jam jars http://wohnidee.wunderweib.de/dekoundgastlichkeit/bildergalerie-1001714-dekoundgastlichkeit/Lauter-suesse-Sachen.html

strawberry salad http://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/test-kitchens-recipe-box--spectacular-summer-salads-00400000010915/

smoothie http://wohnidee.wunderweib.de/bildergalerie/1154304/Erdbeer-Dessert-bitte-sehr.html

shortcake http://whatscookingamerica.net/Cake/strawshortcake.htm

cupcake toppers http://birdcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/04/party-link-party-and-sneaky-peek.html