What's New...

I just added a new recipe section to the recipe page...  Crock Pot Favorites!  I listed two great soup recipes that I love to make for parties.  Soup is a fantastic party food that is often overlooked.  Three Pepper Sausage Soup and Simple Italian Wedding are super yummy!   More recipes to come!

Recipe of the Day...

Three Pepper Sausage Soup

Ingredients:
1 large box chicken broth
1 large can tomato sauce
1 onion-chopped
3 celery stalks-chopped and some celery leaves as well
1/2 of a green, red and yellow pepper-chopped
1/3 of a regular can of spinach
5 Italian sausage links-Mild, hot or sweet(which ever you prefer)
Noodles-egg or shells - cooked separate
Salt and pepper

Chop vegetables and cook in a skillet with a few tablespoons butter and salt and pepper.
Add all ingredients into a crock pot.  Cook on low in crock pot for about 6 hours, at least.  Cut up sausage into bite size pieces.  Add cooked noodles with soup when serving and garnish with some cheese (Mozzarella or Parmesan)  Enjoy!  Very flavorful!  No other seasonings needed!

Woodland Christmas tree w/ white lights, berries, pine cones, ice, a rusty star and pheasant feather.

Woodland Christmas decorations are among my favorite kind.  Any natural elements can make great decorations for a woodland style tree. 

Country Christmas tree with handmade ornaments and garland

I hand painted these ornaments for a home spun look. 

How-to for Country Garland:  Take different plaid materials in various colors and styles.  Cut into strips about 1in x 5in long, depending on the look you want for your garland.  Begin tying together in simple knots, attaching another strip, then another and so forth, until you reach the desired length.  Alternate ribbon styles and colors.  It is time consuming, but so super, country cute!  I have had this garland for years.  Spray it with a little country fresh fragrance for an extra touch.  I also made the star from the material I used in the garland.  Have a Merry Country Christmas!

Sports Banners - Pittsburgh -Pens, Steelers, Black & Yellow, etc.

Camp Adventures Birthday Banner

Birthday Girl Banner

Princess Banner

Sweet 16 / Diva Banner

Zebra and Hot Pink 18th Birthday Banner

Great Baby Shower Idea!

The cake inside is dyed pink or blue, to revile the sex of the baby, when the mom-to-be cuts the cake!!!  What a great idea and surprise for all of the guests!  I know what color it is, but I'm not telling.  ; )

Ladybug Themed 1st Birthday Party

Ladybug 1st Birthday Party

Next week, I will post pictures from a wonderful Ladybug party.  I will be doing the sweet treats, custom banners and cupcake tree toppers.   The sweet treats include an amazing cake (design by Pink Cake Box-- www.pinkcakebox.com ) ladybug cake pops and cupcakes with fondant ladybugs on leaves.  It's going to be very special! 

Ladybug party supplies available on http://www.1stbirthdayparty.com/ .

So check back next weekend to see all the goodies.  If you would like to order ladybug banners, treats bags or sweets, email me:  samanthaeyth@vzw.blackberry.net 

Custom Birthday Banners - Ladybug 1st Birthday

Custom Birthday Banners

Ladybug 1st Birthday - Cupcake Tree Topper - custom made by S S Party Theme

Recipe of the Day---Snowball Cookies!

Snowball Cookies---Light and delicate and oh so easy!

 1 cup softened butter
 1/2 cup powdered sugar
 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
 1/4 cup cornstarch
 1/2 tsp. vanilla
 more powdered sugar for coating. 

Heat oven to 350, cream butter, add other ingredients and mix well.  Add more flour until dough may be formed into balls.  Roll into balls, bake about 9 minutes or until set and just golden brown on bottom.  Watch they don't burn.  Roll in powdered sugar gently.  So light and delicate!  Can add different flavorings or nuts, etc.  Yum!

Christmas Snowball Cookies!

Make them Cooler Cookies!

Key Lime Coolers, Lemon Coolers

~Just add 1 tsp. of real juice and 1 tsp. zest, flatten cookies after rolling into balls. 

Snowman Cupcakes!

These snowman cupcakes are cute addition to any Christmas party!

1.  Make two chocolate covered pretzel sticks for each cupcake.
2.  Make one marshmallow snowman face for each cupcake, with chocolate dots for eyes and mouth.  Use orange frosting for the nose.  Let dry.
3.  Frost cupcakes with white butter cream.
4.  Place marshmallow head and pretzel sticks.
5.  Sprinkle with edible glitter and other decorations, if desired.

So cute, so easy!  Perfect for a snowy themed Christmas party!

Christmas Party!!!

     Soon I will be posting pictures of a wonderful Christmas party!  The theme is... "The Key to Christmas is Love!"  *Including a super sweet dessert table by Samantha's Sweets.  The party, thrown by my sweet sister-in-law Rachel, will have an elegant color scheme of red, white and silver. 
    Rachel will be providing fun games for the kids and adults.  We are having an "Ugly Christmas Sweater" contest, which should produce lots of laughs!
     Remember my party tip, B.Y.O.C.D., bring your own covered dish?  That is an important tip when throwing a party around the holidays, when money is tight.  Everyone is glad to bring something great to eat for the party!  Guests will be bringing lots of yummy food and I, of course, will handle the desserts, including...  gingerbread cupcakes with spiced butter cream, snowball cookies, chocolate fudge brownies, chocolate turtle cake (caramel and pecans), peppermint cookie pops and various Christmas candies.  I know it will be a hit!
     Rachel will be decorating with lots of lights, white table clothes, silver candle sticks with red candles. 
     I will post pictures and how-to information soon.  I hope and pray that YOU have a lot to celebrate this Christmas!!!

For brownie and snowball cookie recipes, go to my recipe page on this site.  And as always, feel free to post or email questions anytime.  : )

Transform old tutus into fun Christmas tutus, for your special little elf.

Simply tie bells to ribbon strains and hot glue the tops of each ribbon to the elastic top of the tutu.  Jiggle Bell Rock!

Recipe Time

Recipe of the day:
Roasted Sweet Yams... Wash you fresh yams thoroughly, dry, pierce with a fork all over. Place in microwave for about 5 minutes (for each yam) until soft like a baked potato (time will vary by microwave watts.) Preheat oven to 350, cut yams in half, longways. Top with thin slices of butter, then sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon and sugar (4 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg if you like) over the butter and bake until hot. Take out of the oven and top with mini marshmallows. Place bake in oven until marshmallow are toasty. These are really some SWEET YAMS!

My custom banners make a great added touch for party gifts!

This was for my sweet cousin, who had a "Future Steelers Fan" baby shower.
  Such a cute theme!  So I added a banner that read, "Black & Yellow!", for an extra decoration and she may use it in the babies room if she likes. 

Black & White 21st Bday Banner with Polka Dots!

Custom Banners!  You tell me your theme, colors, message and style... and I will create a banner and treats bags for your special event!  Get what you REALLY want for your party decorations!  Don't forget to stop over to www.samanthasweets.blogspot.com, for all your sweet treat party needs!  I can help you create an AWESOME Sweet Treats Table!

Cheetah & Pink Birthday Banner! Order custom banners or treat bags today!

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Now taking orders for custom banners & treat bags!!!

Two ways to order...

My Etsy --- etsy.com  (coming soon!)

Email your order to     samanthaeyth@vzw.blackberry.net

Customize it!

Tell me your party theme, and I will design the banners & treat bags to match!

Email information to samanthaeyth@vzw.blackberry.net  , along with your phone number if I need to contact you for specific details.  Please allow 7-10 business days for shipping.  I will contact you with a price total and confirmation of your order.  Shipping will be through the USPS.  Thank you!

All items are handmade and custom.  Ribbon colors and types may vary. 

Banners & Some Treat Bags available...

• Multi-Colored Polka Dot & Gingham Birthday Banners ---"Happy Birthday"  "Cake"   "Gifts"   "Celebrate"   "Party"
• The Scoop--Ice Cream Birthday
• Campfire Birthday
• Mickey & Friends
• Sweet Shoppe
• Princess
• Birthday Girl
• Sweet 16 & Diva
• Cheetah & Pink
• Black & Yellow
• Go Steelers
• Let's Go Pens

Remember---You can customize it!  I will make your event memorable with awesome party banners & treat bags!

Don't forget Samantha's Sweets for the cake!!! (Local customers only!) Free S S Party Pirate coloring sheet with every order!

Campfire Birthday Banners & Treat Bags

Different styles of Campfire Birthday banners are available.

Email me!

Campfire Birthday Treat Bags - "Moose Treats!"

"Moose Treats"  These adorable treat bags are perfect
for your little campers at a special camping or hunting
birthday party.  They are made with real sticks!  The
shimmering fire and white pom pom marshmallows are
a super cool effect!  Fill them with a smores kit, (Hershey
bar, marshmallows and graham crackers,) and you're
ready for a camp out!  Include some camping stickers and
other treats if you like.   I just love these!!!

S S Party Theme's Multi-Colored Polka Dot & Gingham Birthday Banners

Also available---"Cake"   "Gifts"   "Celebrate"  "Party"

Super Cute Trick or Treat Bags!

DIY...  These brown paper sacks can be found at your local

craft store.  Using stencils and multicolored paints, stamp on

your lettering.  Using a template for the candy corns, trace

several candies in different directions, using a pencil. 

Fill in with paint; then a little glitter paint.  Tie on some cool ribbon and you will have a neat Trick or Treat bag for your little monster!  Happy crafting from S S Party Theme!  These will be available at the Craft & Vendor Show Oct. 8th.  Info on my Facebook page--S S Party Theme!

Lightning McQueen Cake Pop Display

This is a creative way to display cake pops!
Display by Becky Bulebosh, tire cake pops by
Samantha's Sweets.
Lightning McQueen Birthday Party

Beach Inspired Picnic



Ocean Waves Wedding Cake by Samantha's Sweets















Beach Inspired Picnic...
    Celebrating Erick & Ellen's new life together!
    This Ocean Waves cake was a design the bride found on weddingandcakes.com.  We added the fresh flowers and edible sea shells to complete the look. 

Ocean Waves Sweet Treats Table

This sweet treats table was a little slice of the beach.  

Elements included...

• Ocean Waves Wedding Cake
• Ocean Wave cupcakes
• Chocolate cupcakes
• White chocolate sea shells
• Edible pearls
• A turquoise beaded candle, a few real shells and plates to match finish the look 

The menu was amazing, including whole roasted pigs, salads, stuffed cabbages and yummy dips and chips.
The punch bowl was filled with a beautiful and delicious sangria. 

Sangria Recipe  (coming soon)

Congratulations Erick & Ellen!!!

Baby Shower by Janetta Smith

Baby Shower by Janetta Smith

     These pictures are from a baby shower for a very dear friend of mine. This was her third child and I'm a firm believer that every baby, whether it be the 1st or 5th, deserves to be celebrated by the mommies closest friends :)
      I have thrown several baby showers and I love them!!!! The shower was at my house so that really set the decor tone.  Since my house has more of a country cottage feel, that's what I went with.
     I honestly didn't know exactly what I wanted to do until I went shopping. I was just hoping something would catch my attention and that's when I found the plates. I never intended to do pink but I fell in love and the color scheme just kind of fell into place.
     From the plates came the napkins.  I prefer plain napkins because if you get solid colors and don't use them all there will almost always be an opportunity to use them again or offer them to someone else you know who is planning a party of some sort.   I used chocolate brown and hot pink napkins.
     I decided to skip the big elaborate cake. Who really wanted to stand there to cut and serve it? Not me, so I decided to do cupcakes on different heights of cake stands. I had this awesomely huge glass plate I found at a flea market and a tall sherbet glass, whose mate broke in the dishwasher a long time ago. I had seen on a DIY show where they had taken a plate, a glass turned upside down & some E6000 glue (found it at Hobby Lobby) and made their own cake stand.  So, of course, I had to give it a try! :) It turned out really good! The bigger cake stand in the picture is the one I made. I loved the effect the different levels of cupcakes gave when I used that one,  (a small square one that was shorter and a tiered plate holder.)  I made cupcake wrappers out of coordinating scrapbook paper.
Here's a link to the template I used...
http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/CupcakeWrapper.pdf

   The green and pink stands and dishes, were things I already had, or borrowed from my mom.  I also had some small galvanized peanut buckets from a previous get together. I decided to paint pale green to match the plate stand, which had been previously painted by my mom for a different party of some sort. When I decided to use them for the silverware, I used craft paint to paint the words "Forks" & "Spoons" on them. The great thing is, next time I need them I can use a scrub brush to knock the loose paint off and paint them what ever color I need. I already had the green bowl, so I filled it with M&M's I bought at a party store that carried the packages of individual colors. I used the pink square bowls in the caddy, to fill with dipping sauces.       
     To keep things calmer for myself, I ran to Chick-Fil-A for a nugget tray.  It was so worth the money to keep from having to cook all that chicken and it was a huge hit!
     The only other decorations I brought in were the flowers. I went to the flower shop earlier that week and picked out some lilies and green hydrangeas to accent the tables. The day of the party I put them in vases with matching ribbon and on the middle tier between the cupcakes. A vase of flowers and an antique lap quilt, was all that decorated the gift table since it was soon to be filled with gifts. :)
     Friends who helped throw the shower, brought fruit for the rectangle stand and a veggie tray. Nothing was fancy, pretty simple actually, and the day was a nice relaxing time for everyone. I think the mommy-to-be had a very enjoyable day just hanging with the girls. :) 

Pictures and writing by Janetta Smith of Janetta's Cakery
     "If you celebrate lifes events you will have a life worth celebrating."


"Thanks so much for this wonderful party planning contribution Janetta!  It's a beautiful creation and super sweet!"  -Samantha

I SPY Birthday Party!

This is the start of the sweet treats, I SPY table.

I SPY a Birthday Party...

Gotta have a cake with an I SPY riddle to solve.  By Samantha's Sweets

I SPY displays through out the house.  The birthday boy constructed all the I SPY displays, from his
own collection, with riddles to solve.  Interactive decorations are a fantastic element to any party!
The birthday boy was thrilled to be in charge of his party table decorations!  It's so I SPY!

Handmade I SPY birthday banner. 

Sweet treats table scape!  The popcorn machine is a wonderful
addition to any party.  The kids LOVE to watch the popcorn
pop!  If you don't have one, borrow or rent one.  They are
easy to use and so much fun!

I SPY riddle for the table scape.

So many fun elements!  I SPY display includes birthday boys name,
age and favorite things!  Cookie pops to match the color scheme.
I SPY gummies.  Candy bags to fill & take!

Sweet treats!

Food area with utensils, napkins, straws, etc.  Handmade sign
to match colors and theme.

More I SPY riddles!

Handmade napkin rings. "I SPY Joe's Birthday!"

Lots of I SPY activities, books and games.

Happy Birthday Joe!

Set the Scene...
The I SPY books are written by Jean Marzollo and photos are by Walter Wick.
I SPY displays with riddles, make the best decorations for this party.  Everyone really enjoyed all the wonderful little things to spy. 

Games & Activities...
    The main game for this party was an I SPY Scavenger Hunt!
Tips for the scavenger hunt...

• If weather permits, outside is the best location.
• Collect outside toys and items to hide around the yard.  For example---Frisbee, balls, bat, water toys, pieces to outside games, horseshoes, etc.  Outside items---leaves, flowers, water can, rocks, etc.
• Write riddles for each guest matching the items you have collected.
• Have a specific riddle for each guest to suite his or her skill level. Have parents help if needed.
• Pass out the riddles saying, "I spy Joe, I spy Jake... and so on."
• Have the guests collect the items and bring them to a helper with a pen to check off each item.
• Place all items in a large outdoor bin for easy clean up. 
• When each guest completes his or her riddle, they receive their treat bag and may also fill up a candy bag at the sweet treats table.

This is such a fun activity!
Sample riddles I wrote...
*  I SPY a baseball, a glove, a bat,
    A pirate, a rock painted blue and a saber tooth cat.
*  I SPY a racket, an umbrella, a pink glitter ball,
    A bowling pin, a canoe and 3 orange cones in all.
*  I SPY a bowling pin, Mickey's ball, a swing set,
    A pink flamingo, a shell and a butterfly net.
*  I SPY a yellow ring, an orange cone, a shell,
    A bowling pin, a red horse shoe and a pencil.


Decorations:  
The color scheme was muted reds, blues and yellows.  We wanted the I SPY party to have an old fashioned carnival theme because that is one of the elements of the I SPY riddles and photographs.  I constructed the banner from red cord, card stock paper, craft stickers and cut outs.  Scrap booking elements are perfect for making banners.  I found old fashion carnival stickers and constructed  the decorations around their design. 

Sometimes when party planning, you will find an item that really sets off the theme.  Generate ideas from that element.  Match colors and designs for the banners, favors, treat bags, food and table elements.  Finding that one great item can be really important for pulling the main idea of the party together; especially if there are not standard items available for your party theme. 

Favors and Treat Bags
Since I SPY is not a typical party theme, you can't really find treat bags and decorations to match.  We made our own.
Favors...
*Cookie pops with swirls of red, blue and yellow.
*Rock candy lollipops, (which have been featured in the I SPY books.)  My daughter calls them I SPY lolly pops. :)
*Candy sticks, (for an old fashion candy store feel.)
*I SPY fruit snacks, or gummies, from Kellogg's.

Treat Bags...
*We used white paper bags and stamped, with rubber stampers that looked like blocks, "I SPY Joe's Birthday!"
*We smeared the ink around with paper towel to give an antique effect.  This was not something that was planned, lol.  The ink would not dry well on the glossy bags, so we improvised.  Luckily it worked well and fit the theme.
*The kids placed the old fashioned stickers on the bags along with name tags.
*We filled them with a pack of I SPY fruit snacks, bag of chips and a paddle ball decorated with more of the carnival stickers.

Other ideas to fill treat bags...
*I SPY look and find tubes, books or activities.  Party City has a neat I SPY magnifying glass riddle activity available.
*Magnifying glass.
*A riddle with misc. items and tinker toys.
*Marble, blocks or magnetic alphabet letters.

Cake...
The cake, from me, Samantha's Sweets, was a two tier fondant cake.  All the elements, with the exemption of the 8 candle, where made with edible gumpaste.  There was a riddle stamped on the side of the cake, matching a few of the items.  Seymour was on the side of the cake, (Walter Wick's character in his Can You See What I See book series.)

Sweet Treats Table...
I had so much fun creating this sweet treats table.  I used candy and colors to fit the theme.  The I SPY display was a fun addition. 

Websites...
http://jeanmarzollo.com/
http://www.scholastic.com/
http://www.walterwick.com/




I SPY a great birthday party!

What's New

I SPY birthday party coming soon!  Check back!

Also, adding links to awesome websites, for sharing with party guests.  Links are included with individual party posts.  : )

What's New...

Welcome to the S S Party Theme!  I have just updated my recipe page.  I added my "brownie making secrets!"  As a cake artist, there are some recipes that I WILL share and some I WON'T.  If you would like a recipe or have a question, drop me an email or comment.  But like I said, there are a few recipes that I won't share.  Sorry.

On the recipe page, I will be featuring...

• Punch & beverage recipes
• How-to (cake decorating) recipes
• Brownies
• Cookies
• Party treats and favors
• and more!

So be sure to check back for more fun party recipes.  Drop me a comment or email anytime!  : )  Have sweet day!

Also, if you would like to contribute YOUR favorite recipe(s), email me and I will publish your recipes, under your name.  You can even email me pictures as well.  My hope is to have this become an interactive, sharing blog. 

Fireman Birthday Party!

It's An Emergency!!!

Fireman Party!

Fire Truck & Burning Building Cake  by Samantha's Sweets

Stop, Drop & Roll...

Firemen training!

Firemen training course!

-more firemen training.



Rescue the cat from the tree!



-through the tunnel!



Cool water balloon shots!

 

-end of the training course!

-Water balloons to throw at the fire target!

If you are able to set up a tour of the local fire department, that would be the perfect way to kick off the party.  Fire departments are great for giving tours to kids and they usually will give out hats, coloring books, erasers, key chains and more.  Try to set up a tour for party day.  Have the kids meet at the fire station first, for the tour, then proceed to your place for the party!  Have a back up plan just in case they get a call at the station. 
Or, if you know someone who is a fireman, ask them to come to the party and give a little demonstration.
Be sure to offer a donation to the fire station as a thank you and also in support of your community.

Set the Scene...
For this party, it's all about the fire!  I made tons of fire cut outs from construction paper.  I used red, orange and yellow, made a template of flames and started cutting.  I used red first, orange on top, then the yellow.  I placed them all around the baseboards, chair rail and windows in the house.  I also used them out on the back porch, fence and obstacle course. It looked like everything was on fire!  
I purchased paper cut outs of fire trucks at the craft store.  The kids and I painted them with sponges, using red, orange and yellow.  I attached fishing line, and hung them in several places. 

Games:

*Firemen Training Obstacle Course!

       Refer to pictures up top.  Use your back yard items and toys to create a training course.  Have signs up with simple directions.  Use emergency cones and caution tape to lead the way.  Have the kids take turns and time each one with a stop watch.  Award all kids a badge and treat bag upon completion of the course.  You may have a special certificate for the fire person with the fastest time, but remember a party is supposed to be fun!  It's not the time to teach lessons and learn about competition. 
      There are all sorts of options for activities through the course.  Use what you have! 

Here are some ideas...

*Swing set with slide-makes a good start.

*Gotta have a cat-in-the-tree

*Ladders

*Tires

*Play tunnels

*Running zig zags through cones
*Use water balloons at the end of the course, to put out the fire!  Use a cardboard or wood, painted cut out of a fire; not a real fire of course. 
-A hose is just too much mess, water balloons are fun and easy.  A large squirt gun will work also. 
*Be sure to award each guest their fireman's badge and treat bag upon completion of the training course.

Decorations:
Fire, fire and more fire!  I described the fire decorations in the above section, "Set the Scene."
There are a variety of party plates, napkins, table clothes and favors for firemen parties available.  I used an assortment that I purchased online. 
Emergency cones and caution tape are great for decorations. 

Favors & Treat Bags:
I used bags I purchased online and filled them with an extra badge, fireman noise maker, fire ball candy and fire truck stickers. 
Every guest needs a fireman hat!

Cake:
A fire truck cake with a burning building is the ideal cake! 

Sweet Treats Table:
Candy:  Fire Balls, Cinnamon Swirls and Red Hots.
Food:  Pizza, Hot Wings or Tacos.
Snacks:  Red Hot chips, Salsa & chips

Decorate the table with fire trucks, cones, fire ball candies, fire hydrants and fire hats.

Websites...
    Try these great websites with your kids.  Share them with party guests by printing them on the invites.  Post links on the online invites for easy access. 

http://www.firefacts.org/
http://www.kidsfirefighter.com/
http://www.firesafety.gov/kids/flash.shtm
http://www.scholastic.com/fire/safety/

 http://www.sparky.org/