Party Ideas: Red and White

Last week, I mentioned that I was going to host a Turkish theme party in my backyard. Here are some of the red and white party food and decorations I prepared.

  
Turkish flag cupcake toppers are made of red velvet textured paper glued on toothpicks. I made the flags double-sided. Cutting the tiny moon and stars took a bit of time; but, I really liked how they came out.
The coconut covered carrot bon bons were a bit hit.
Aren't they cute?


I also printed turkish flags and made a banner that my husband hung on the plum tree in front of our house. The paty menu consisted of selection of traditional Turkish cuisine; lentil koftes, kebabs, Meditterean salads.. The main dessert was my strawberry-banana vanilla cake. The fresh, seasonal strawberries really helped the theme. Most of all, Seattle had a great sunny day for our BBQ party.  I really enjoy eating outdoors.

I hope my red and white party ideas will give you some inspiration in your upcoming parties or gatherings.
Happy Tuesday to all of you!!!

Handmade Glass Charm Tutorial

Many people have parties and festivities to celebrate the 4th of July. Are you having people over or going to a party for the independence day holiday?

My husband and I am inviting a big group of people on the July 1st, just before the holidays. We are doing something non-USA-traditional though. To make this bbq party memorable for our guests, we thought of a unique theme: Turkey. That includes Turkish food and Turkish decorations. The party colors will be red and white, which is the Turkish flag colors. Lately, I have been working on different party favors. (Stay tuned...this week!)

   Here is my first project; glass charms with famous evil eyes. You can make your own glass charms with this simple tutorial.

Materials: artistic wire (I used 20 gauge), variety of beads, wire cutter, round nose pliers, a round shaped object - I used a nail polish cap

 

Step 1: Curve your wire in between 1- 2 inches in diameter. I used one of my favorite nail polish caps to create even circles. Then, slide the wrapped wire from the circular object you used. 

Step 2: Cut the circles by keeping around 1/8" overlap in both ends to leave space to curve the ends. 

Step 3: Using your round nose pliers, curve one end of your circle peace inwards so that the ends are not sharp. 

Step 4: Slide the bead from the other end through the wire.

Step 5: Repeat the step #3 for the other end of the wire. Make sure there is no sharp edges on the charm.

Step 6: Place the glass charm to a glass and squeeze the ends slightly with your hand. That way the charms will not fall. 

Step 7: Repeat the steps with the number of glass charms you wish to make.

Step 8: Now, enjoy your cup of drink from your charmed glasses with extra protection with the evil eyes.