HOT DOG! The Bachelorette is back! And what a better way to celebrate than a party appropriately themed to reflect our new bachelorette’s philosophy on men and hot dog condiments?!

As many of my readers already know, my girlfriends and I are huge fans of the Bachelor. For those non-bachelor fans out there, last season Jillian immediately caught the attention of Bachelor Jason when she explained her theory regarding men and hot dog toppings:

“Ketchup guy is a good, strong, loyal, loving guy. He loves his mom and talks to her several times a week. Sauerkraut guy is the bad boy who they all go for. The onion guy – they all love him, but he’s never going to get married. And the mustard guy, that’s the guy who they all want to settle down with, because he’s part ketchup, part sauerkraut.”

While Jason claimed to be a mustard he acted like a kraut, leaving us with a brand new Bachelorette, and even more important, a reason to party!

Decorations

Since the theme was based on hot dogs, the food ended up becoming the central décor element of the party. In fact, I’m doing an entire post on the menu! Instead of plates, guests used ballpark-like hot dog boats. (24 for $2.99 at Hobby Lobby) I used larger ramekins to serve chili and cheese and set out relish, ketchup and mustard on a white platter.

I found some great striped scrapbook paper and choose coordinating solids to create detail elements like cupcake picks, napkin rings, beverage signs, drink markers and more.

My favorite part of the décor was the cupcake toppers with pictures of all 30 of Jillian’s potential suitors. Not only did they add to the decoration, but the girls had a great time hovering around to decide who was the cutest before the show began!

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I held my Fat Tuesday party on Saturday! I hope these pictures and ideas can help you in putting together your own Mardi gras celebration! Lots more after the jump!

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My first guest blogger is none other than my favorite hostess with the mostess, my mom, D.Ann! Here are some pictures from her latest dinner party, a Valentines dinner for fourteen! Enjoy!

At my house, any occasion can be a special occasion, especially when it comes to getting our friends together. Recently, our informal “dinner group” of friends has been running crazy, each of us stressed with job, health, family and other issues — moreso than the norm. So right after the first of the year, we all decided we wanted to do a big deal on Valentines Day.

To prevent the dinner party from being a huge problem and alot of work for just one couple, all seven couples pitched in. We started for appetizers and a specialty champagne drink at one house in the neighborhood. Three of the couples helped with this portion of the evening, bringing potluck appetizers and sharing red and white dishes, centerpieces and decor.

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After a fun-filled Saturday night I was looking forward to a low key Superbowl Sunday. Just me and a date with some burgers and beer. But Lord knows I can’t pass up a good opportunity to decorate! An hour before kickoff I pulled out my football box and unfolded the trusty football field tablecloth. A few candles, seven layer dip and a couple of football plates later I had created a Super spread!

To add a little personalization to the table I printed out each team’s logos and taped them to our wine and beer glasses. I added ribbons with each teams colors and finished them off with football brads that I bought at Hobby Lobby. I used larger team cutouts to decorate the little chalkboard in my kitchen.

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The centerpiece is the inspiration for this tablescape. The traditional red and gold give this table a traditional feel while the glitzy accessories give it a modern touch.

I am entering this on behalf of my Grandma who created this beautiful centerpiece for my Aunt. We didn’t intend to shoot a table like this but once I saw the centerpiece I couldn’t resist! Just goes to show you that inspiration can come from anywhere!!!

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This theme is a variation of the New Years Reflections theme. This time the table takes on a green and purple color pallet for a striking display! A lot more simplified, this shows you how to change a few elements and make a completely new table!

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