The Party Planning Mommy: Monkey Jack-in-the-Box Centerpiece

The Monkey Jack-in-the-Boxes were one of the first items I purchased for JD's 1st birthday party; I had the idea of using them as centerpieces after coming across a picture that featured a clown jack-in-the box centerpiece that looked like a present. I had a chance to work on a prototype today while my boys napped and I have a few more details to add to the centerpieces, but so far they've come out exactly as I pictured. I'm amazed at how much I can get done with a few minutes to myself! 

The Melting Pot

On Thursday for our anniversary, the hubby and I went to The Melting Pot in Torrance. He made reservations in advance and requested a private table (which I highly recommend). I don't know where to begin, with the food or the service; this place was just amazing all around. We had the Big Night Out four course dinner which included cheese fondue, salad, the main course and a chocolate fondue dessert. The manager arrived at our table with complimentary champagne and wished us a happy anniversary, our waiter was wonderful and took time to explain everything in detail. It took us almost 3 hours to go through three fondues and a salad and we were impressed the whole way through. We even received a phone call the next day to thank us for coming in and to ask about our experience. I highly recommend this restaurant, the fondue was delicious and the experience is unforgettable. The Melting Pot is a fabulous special occasion or date night restaurant, but also a great place to hang out with friend, they even serve fondue at the bar!

Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Fondue

Fondue Fusion

(lobster tail, kiwi lime shrimp, dumplings, ahi tuna, steak, chicken and pork)

White Chocolate and Baileys Fondue

Desserts for dipping!

The Party Planning Mommy: Wilton Cupcake Wraps' n Pix

Just as I finished posting about cotton candy and snow cones, the mailman arrived with three more packages (all for JD) and one of those was the cupcake wrappers we ordered for JD's party! I found these a couple of weeks ago while looking for baking supplies and after the Party Planning Committee voted, these won over the rest, they were just too cute to pass up. You can find them on Wilton.com for $3.49, you get 12 wrappers and 24 pix in each package.

 

Big Top Cupcake Wraps' n Pix

The Party Planning Mommy: Cotton Candy & Snow Cones

One of my fondest memories of carnivals, fairs and circuses are the yummy sweet treats, especially cotton candy. I’m 31 years old and I never miss an opportunity to enjoy cotton candy. When we began planning JD’s Monkey Carnival Party my first thoughts were cotton candy and snow cones; JD has already had the pleasure of tasting both of these treats (shhh… don’t tell grandpa) and he really loved them, so since it is his party we’re having both!

Papa Johns Cotton Candy

Check with your local party
rental store for snow cone machine rentals.