Canadian Hostess Blog

Retro Circus Birthday Party

Well, this was FUN- putting together a circus themed party for my son's second birthday. This event planning experience brought me back to time when the "Circus was in Town". I grew up is a small town in Eastern Europe, and I still remember the excitement of hearing the circus trucks honking their horns and letting us know that the greatest show on Earth is coming to our little town. Cotton candy and candy apples were the best treat for me and my friends!
As a kid, this was a very special time for me, so I wanted to create a dessert table that is fun and playful and captures the nostalgic look and feel of that era.
I bought a really cute printable birthday package from Dimple Prints via Etsy that I used throughout the party. For the invitation, I filled ziploc bags with coloured gumballs and placed the invitation details on the wrapping. Amanda from Bluebird Cakes designed this incredible circus cake and the elephant cookies to match the printables. The details on the cake and the cookies were unbelievable. I also served: popcorn, candy apples, oreo pops, candy and white chocolate covered strawberries. I found the inflatable Bozo (The World's most famous clown from 1960s) and the matching money banks in Winners. They matched my colours so well. We played different carnival games and I think everyone had a great time, especially me!

Here are some photos from the party.

Retro Circus Dessert Table

The birthday boy and the amazing cake

Sugar cookies by Bluebird Cakes

Party favors and chair's decorations

Photo time!

The invitation and the printable package

Proud sister of the birthday boy. I love the top hat:)

Love is in the Air: My Valentine's Day Muse

The most romantic holiday is coming up , so I wanted to share some fabulous Valentine's day ideas for those who love beautiful, sweet and romantic things. If you are planning a special dinner for your sweetheart, you can never go wrong with desserts and sweets. I came across this gorgeous dessert table by LMG Events on the Pizzazzerie blog. It is so elegant and glamorous. " I am Baker" posted a tutorial on how to make this super cute cake with a red velvet heart inside. It is actually quite easy. If you love baking and want to try it, check out the tutorial here.

I have never thought of freezing mini roses into ice cubes. I think this will add a romantic twist to the traditional champagne. If you are interested in decorating your home for Valentine's day, check out this super creative idea of using cupcake liners to design a wreath for your front door. And that super cute little valentine in the end is my muse - my sweet daughter Julia.

Happy Planning! And don't forget that the most important aspect of all things for Valentine's Day is not price but thoughtfulness and creativity.

Glamorous dessert table via Pizzazzerie blog

Valentines Day wedding via Pizzazzerie blog

Valentines Day Cake via I am Baker

Table centerpiece via Martha Stewart

Rose cubes via Jonathan Fong

Cupcake Liner Wreath via Tatertots and Jello

Source unknown

Valentines breakfast via House to Home

Dessert table via Amy Atlas

Mexico-inspired Bridal Shower

It was a fun night of margaritas, salsa dancing and dessert...in Sherwood Park.

Back in November, I created a dessert table for the bridal shower of a friend.The lovely couple was getting married on the sunny and beautiful Mayan Riviera, so the event theme was Mexico. I wanted to create a table that not only works with the Mexican theme, but also captures the bride's personality and style. She is lively, joyful and energetic. Inspired by the vibrant colours of the Mexican architecture, the joy of the sun and the calming beauty of water, I came up with the blue and yellow combination. I really think that the lace added some glamour and pizazz to the overall look. We served: lemon bars, mini tiramisu, chocolate cupcakes, and truffles.

The bridesmaids putted together the appetizers table which had a traditional Mexican look. I just love the idea of using sombreros as party plates for the tortilla chips.

The bride, who is by the way, a super talented photographer, captured the night in all its beauty. She keeps on amazing me with her work. Check out Joyful Emotion to view her portfolio.

Photobooth FUN

Aaaaah... the photo booth photos - constantly reminding us of being young and fun, capturing candid moments of silliness and affection. They are so popular these days that now you can see them not only in malls, but bars, night clubs and even at weddings. Photo booths create excitement, they allow guests to connect and have fun, and most importantly, leave a lasting impression.

Check out some of these simple and cute ideas. I hope they will inspire you to craft your own photo booth for your big day!

A backdrop can add a lot of fun and personality to your wedding and; therefore, it's an important decision. Select a backdrop that works with your color scheme or theme and reflect the look and feel of your wedding.

1. The Fabric Backdrop
I think using fabric as a background is a great idea for an outdoor photo booth. I love the simplicity and the organic feel of the photo booth below. Fabric in bold colours and with interesting textures can also look great.

{ photos by Walter Pieringer, found via Green Wedding Shoes }

{ photos by Jose Villa via Green Wedding Shoes }

2. Freestanding Photo Booth Wall

The vintage photo booth wall takes more time to plan and construct, but it is definitely worth it - it is such a creative and unique idea. The Ruffled Blog posted a tutorial, so check it our if you are interested.

{Images via Wedding Bee & Swanky Tables}

Freestanding photo booth wall via Ruffled Blog

3. The Chalkboard Frames

Of course, I saved the best for last. Instead of props, you could use framed chalkboard and have your guests write a short message! I love, love, love this idea. It actually inspired me to do this blog post. This is so much better than a guest book. The pictures below are from Becky and Jeff's wedding in Edmonton. Becky's Dad created the erasable signs. Each photo was printed at the event with a bottom boarder design that matched their stationery and decor and had the wedding date on it. Plus the last picture of the bride and the groom could be used for their thank you cards. Fabulous idea. The guy behind the lenses was Michael Warf.

(Photo credits: Michael Warf Photography)

Happy New Year!

No matter how good 2010 has been to you, 2011 will be even better! Happy New Year to all my blogging friends, visitors and followers around the world. I wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2011! You inspire me in so many different ways and I am so grateful for your support. I am back in the saddle after one week of joy and relaxation with friends and family. I had so many plans and so much time to make it happen - reorganize closets, renovate and redecorate the kids rooms, do some writing, etc and unfortunately, I did absolutely nothing from my " to do" list. I guess that is why we have the new year resolutions. My new blog resolution is to try to post at least twice a week. With two little kids on the go and a full time job, it's been a bit hard, but I am committed to make it happen in 2011. I am looking forward to another exciting and productive year! Thanks for taking this ride with me.

With lots of love,

Your Canadian Hostess - Vania

Deck the Halls in Style!

Christmas is just around the corner, so I wanted to share some wonderful and really simple ideas that you can incorporate into your holiday decor.

Wondering what to do for your foyer or the dinner table? Simply display some extra Christmas ornaments in glass bowls or cake stands.

Photo via The Sensational Girl

Photo via Country Living

Manzanita trees can make beautiful Holiday centerpieces. You can really get creative by adding your personal touch. You can decorate them with pearls, crystals, flowers, gift boxes, holiday ornaments, shortbread cookies...you name it.

Christmas Manzanita tree via The Sensational Girl

Displaying gift boxes on a cake stand is another simple and beautiful idea that will add some pizzazz to your Holiday decor.

Here are some stunning table decor ideas for your inspiration. I love each of these ideas - the colourful and joyful modern holiday table, the classic and traditional feel of red and white, the modern rustic charm, the Parisian urban chic decor, even the organic green look.

Image via Home Klondike

Image via Design Interior Ideas

Image via Archirez design