Cereal Bar Ideas for a Fun and Easy Party Setup

April 25, 2016

A cereal bar is one of the easiest and most fun food ideas for a party, brunch, or shower. With just a few cereals, toppings, and simple setup ideas, you can create a colorful, interactive food bar your guests will love.

Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, birthday, or weekend brunch, these cereal bar ideas will help you keep things simple and stress-free.

See my other food bars and to host!

Cereal Bar Ideas: Brunch shower, bridal shower, mother's day, baby shower breakfast

What Do You Need for a Cereal Bar?

Assorted cereals (sweet + classic)
Milk options (regular, chocolate, almond)
Toppings (fruit, nuts, chocolate chips)
Bowls + spoons
Serving jars or containers
Beverage station (optional)

Best Cereal Bar Toppings

Provide additional fun and tasty cereal “toppings,” for your guests to add to their individual bowls, such as fresh fruits like those pictured here, or I even like to add chopped nuts for an added crunch. It’s a cereal buffet! Let them mix it up, and have fun with a few different creations!

Fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, blueberries)
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Nuts or granola
Coconut flakes
Sprinkles (for fun parties)

Cereal Bar Ideas: Brunch shower, bridal shower, mother's day, baby shower breakfast party

Cereals To Use:

If you’re looking for a natural color palette (which is my all-time favorite color scheme), choose cereals such as I did, like:

Golden Grahams
Reese’s Puffs
Frosted Cheerios
Chocolate Cheerios

If you love food bars like this one, you’ll also love these:

Canisters Used

For this cereal bar, I wanted a canister or jar big enough to hold quite a bit of cereal, with a big enough opening for a scoop, so I used these 1.5 gallon jars and they worked perfect!

Quick Party Decor Tip: If your table needs a little “pep,” just tie a ribbon around the wooden spoons! It adds the perfect touch to a simple must-have item.

Don’t just display a big store-bought gallon of milk for drinking. Make it festive and let your guests drink out of special occasion glasses! A simple beverage, all of a sudden…is darling. To find out exactly how I made this pink drink idea, you can see it here, along with a lot of other pink drink ideas, for any occasion!

A beverage dispenser adds SO much flair to a table, no matter what party theme. Classy, clean, and easy to use.

Remember to make your guest of honor feel special… display a sweet message on a sign as a beautiful way to make their heart go pitter-pat.

Party Secret Weapon: Fresh flowers! They decorate for themselves. Absolutely beautiful, fresh, and the guest of honor can take them home with them!

How amazing would it look to have these pink strawberries next to the drinks/cereal on this food bar, too?

Fun To-Go Container Idea

Have guests on the run? Provide to-go containers like paper bowls with lids and disposable spoons.

If you’re not much on cooking or if time is tight, a DIY cereal bar or buffet may just be what you’re looking for to make a splash at your next party!

“Clink Clink” Pink Drink Ideas

April 18, 2016

Pink Drink Ideas: A non-alcoholic drink, that’s perfect for a pink themed brunch!

When planning a Spring Mother’s Day Cereal Bar Party the other day, I decided that the table needed a pink drink, but wanted to keep it simple, and non-alcoholic for my non-drinking mother.

Quickly after snapping the photos of this gorgeous little pink drink, my mind started swarming with fun ideas of ways to use it, for future parties!

Pink Drink Idea for Brunch:

Clink Clink Pink Drink Ideas - Strawberry Milk for a pretty in pink brunch!

Since this party was hosted in the morning, and was centered around “cereal,” then I knew the signature drink needed to include milk. After a few seconds of brainstorming how I could turn the milk pink, (instead of just using food coloring) I knew that Hershey’s made a strawberry syrup, and I actually already had it in the refrigerator!`Bonus! So I made the typical Strawberry Milk that some of you have probably been making for YEARS. Pour it in a fun, stylish glass, and you’ve given a lot of “umph,” to a simple, every day drink, for your party.

See more pink drink ideas at the bottom of this post!

Style Up Your Strawberry Milk for Pink Drink Ideas

If you’re looking to put a twist on simple strawberry milk, I’ve brainstormed over some ideas for you:

• Pour strawberry milk in to mason jars, wine glasses, or milk bottles
• Add whipped cream to the top of the strawberry milk & top with sprinkles
• Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the whipped cream topping
• Add Rumchata to the strawberry milk for an alcoholic version of a pink drink
• Insert a cute paper straw to accent the drink
• Blend the strawberry milk with ice, to create an “Iced Strawberry Milk,” drink

Quick Tip:

Instead of pouring milk in to a large container and stirring the syrup in, I put it in a mason jar, and shook the milk, and added more syrup until it reached the desired color of pink. After a couple of splashes, I had the pink color down to a perfect match of my party’s color scheme!

Or… you could get all crazy-like, and make your own strawberry milk by pureeing real strawberries, and adding it to the milk? What do you think?

Either way, pour it in to a fancy-schmancy glass, and you’ve added a ton of charm to a simple drink, for your party table.

I had been eyeing the new IKEA mini champagne glasses that I snagged during my recent Ikea shopping extravaganza, and I knew the pink drink would look FABULOUS in them, for the party. Right!?

Additional Pink Drink Ideas

If milk isn’t a “fitting,” party drink for your theme, here are a few other pink drink ideas you may be able to incorporate, either store-bought, or go all out and make your own for your party:

• Strawberry Lemonade
• Pink Lemonade
• Grenadine (very little) & Sprite
• Sangria
• Raspberry Sherbert Party Punch – By Natasha’s Kitchen
• Faux Pink Champagne – By An Alli Event
• Barefoot Pink Moscato
• Strawberry Cream Mimosa – By Swanky Recipes

Taco Party and Taco Bar Ideas

March 25, 2025

Taco Party and Taco Bar Ideas: A great and easy way to feed your guests for any event! Get the free printable list of taco bar items below!

Hi! My name is Bethany from Southern Couture and I’m so glad to be here on Fantabulosity today! It is my pleasure to throw this fiesta for you!

These simple taco bar party ideas are not just for Cinco de Mayo but a perfect food bar idea for any family game night, birthday parties or a fun in-home dinner to change things up a bit.

Plus, if you have a lot of leftover taco meat… that’s not such a bad thing. There’s a great list of ways to use leftover taco meat if you make too much!

Combine a Taco Bar with a Nacho Bar Party as Jessica styled below, and you’ll be the hit of the town with your guests:

See the Nacho Bar Party HERE!

Taco Bar Topping Ideas

Note from Jessica: “I’ve actually created a free printable that you can print off, in case it would be easier for you to take it with you to the store while you’re shopping for ingredients! You can download the Taco Bar Topping Ideas list or you can just check out the list of topping ideas below!”

Here’s the list in case you would rather copy & paste them into your grocery shopping list! 🙂

But First, Tacos!

UPDATE: I found “But First, Tacos!” balloons while browsing online and I HAD to share them with you in case you want to spiff up your taco bar with these…

Standard Toppings for your Taco Bar:

Meat of choice (ground beef, chicken for chicken street tacos, fish, shrimp, crock-pot pulled pork)
Tortilla shells (Soft or Hard) – or even something like these fried tacos!
Taco Salad Bowls
Cheese, shredded
Lettuce, shredded
Tomatoes or Pico (get the best pico de gallo recipe!)
Black Olives
White or Green Onions
Jalapenos
Refried Beans
Mexican Rice
Salsa
Taco Sauce
Guacamole (easy and our favorite guacamole recipe!)
Avocados
Sour cream
Limes, sliced
Cilantro
Tortilla Chips

Fun – Out of the Box Taco Topping Ideas:

Romaine lettuce for wraps
Ranch Dressing
Black Beans
Chili Beans
Pinto Beans
Cole Slaw Mix
Roasted Corn
Nacho Cheese
Cilantro Lime Rice
Feta Cheese
Blue Cheese Crumbles
Hot Sauce
Red/Green Peppers
Tofu
Bacon
Barbecue Sauce
Pineapple
Serve a hot taco dip to go along with the tacos!

Taco Bar Decorating and Styling Ideas

I usually just start with an empty table and start building from there with a tablecloth or no tablecloth depending on how I feel. For this party, I decided on no tablecloth and to keep it simple. With the temps warming up, I moved it outdoors on our back porch for a little more fun.

Simple Taco Bar Set-Up

Move It & Label It

I start placing all of my ingredients into different serving dishes and then place them on the table moving things around until I'm happy with the results.

To label each item (even though we know what everything is, it's just more fun), you could also place chalkboard stickers on the table beside each dish and then write with a chalk marker what each one is.

Different Heights:

Be sure to add different heights on your table as well for not only looks but also to make it easier when guests are trying to reach for all the deliciousness.

Pops of Color:

To really add a pop of color, try making sombrero decorations made from terra cotta pots and pom-poms or even some tissue paper banners that are perfect for a fiesta.

You can find them on my blog where I shared my Cinco de Mayo Party: Decorations and Recipes. I hung some of the tissue paper banners around the table for some extra color.

Premade = Easy

And if that isn't enough goodness, the great news about a taco bar is that you can usually just buy everything you already need premade to make your life so much simpler and just place it in serving trays if you are pressed for time. You could even make this walking taco casserole to add to the table so they can scoop a big helping in to their plates!

A Couple “Must-Know” Taco Recipes

If you’re looking for something else that’s easy to serve next to a taco bar, we love these easy crock pot enchiladas!

Salsa Recipe:

For my salsa, I love a good, easy, homemade salsa recipe.

Guacamole Recipe:

I recommend Jessica’s best guacamole recipe. It is delicious and so easy to make. I highly recommend it!

3 Bean Salad – Mexican Style

Serve on the side, or serve on the taco bar so guests can pile this Mexican 3 Bean Salad on as a topping!

3 bean salad recipe - cilantro lime, black beans, dark red kidney beans, pinto

Then just for fun…

If you’re hosting friends, I think it would be super fun to wear this shirt that I found.

Thanks so much for having me over for this fiesta and I hope you enjoy your Cinco de Mayo! Be sure to eat an extra taco for me too.

Want More Party Ideas?

Then you won’t want to miss my favorite party posts, especially my easy party appetizers post where I share my favorites!

Originally published: April 2016

Updated photso and republished: March 2025

Snack Ideas for Toddlers

April 29, 2016

Snack Ideas for Toddlers: Quick and easy snacks to kill the craving between meals for the kiddos, plus a free printable to keep handy for the store list!

Snack ideas for toddlers, image collage.

In this busy house with two little boys, I’m always on the hunt for quick and easy snack ideas for toddlers and lunch ideas for toddlers. (Especially in the summer because we’re usually on the “go,” so this summer snack ideas list, comes in handy too!)

So to keep things quick and easy, I always make sure to have the staple items in our refrigerator and pantry, to create a snack that I can whip up in no time for the kiddos. Over time, I’ve compiled a list of ingredients and snack foods that work together really well, that can be used to create a lot of different snack recipes.

Snack Ideas for Toddlers

Although not perfect, and FAR from getting parenting 100% “down,”… my husband and I try to incorporate healthier choices in to our kids food & drink rotation. So if you’ve found yourself in a “rut,” and need a few new snack ideas for your toddlers, you may want to save my free printable, and take it with you, the next time that you head to the grocery store.

Save my free Toddler Snack List.

Toddler Snack Ideas

I couldn’t resist sharing some of our favorite toddler snack ideas with you below…

No Bake Cereal Cookies by Fresh Water Peaches

Toddlers are going to love these cookies! They need no baking and can be made with their favorite healthy cereal.

Fruit popsicles laying on cutting board.

3 Ingredient Yogurt Popsicles by Mae's Menu

These popsicles are so easy to make, and they are packed full of tasty and healthy ingredients to keep your toddler snacking on something good.

4th of July Rice Krispie Treats by Fantabulosity

These little treats are so much fun! Make them for the 4th of July or anytime this summer that snack time needs to be extra special.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Snack by Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons

This fruity snack pairs perfectly with story time. Kids will love to munch on this easy and healthy treat.

A bowl of powdered sugar puppy chow with M&M’s.

4th of July Puppy Chow by Fantabulosity

This snack is sweet! But, it is made with cereal for added vitamins and minerals. It is also so much fun to share with a little friend with a big appetite!

Pear Fruit Roll Ups by Sustain My Cooking Habit

Skip the pre packaged fruit roll ups and make your own healthy and fruity ones at home. This recipe is loaded with juicy pear flavors for a fast favorite for little ones.

Honey Lime Fruit Salad by Fantabulosity

This fruit salad has the best honey lime dressing. Serve this to your toddlers for a healthy snack that they are sure to enjoy.

Homemade Goldfish Crackers by Strength and Sunshine

These goldfish crackers are allergy friendly and so tasty. Make these for a fresh twist on a classic kid snack.

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs by Fantabulosity

You can't go wrong with a hard boiled egg for a healthy snack! These cook in the instant pot for perfect results and easy snacking every time.

Frozen Berry Breakfast Bark by Freezer Foodie

This easy breakfast bark starts with greek yogurt and fresh berries. Sprinkle a favorite cereal or granola over top for a perfect summer breakfast.

A platter of peanut butter banana brownies.

Peanut Butter Banana Brownies by Fantabulosity

Make a brownie for the kids that has plenty of goodies in the mix. With so much peanut butter and bananas, these are a snack you can feel good about offering, and kids will love these!

Blueberry Peach Popsicles by Delicious on a Dime

These fruity popsicles have the flavor of summer in every lick! Make them with peaches and blueberries for an alternative to store bought popsicles that you can feel good about.

Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies by Fantabulosity

Toddlers can't resist cookies, and this recipe is loaded with good for you ingredients like oatmeal and raisins to make a really good treat for kids. Bake a batch for wholesome eating.

Mango Popsicles by Maple and Mango

These easy homemade popsicles have the best flavor! Toddlers will love the flavor and color of these, and parents will love knowing exactly what their kids are eating, ingredient wise.

Banana chocolate chip cookies stacked on top of one another.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies by Fantabulosity

These cookies have enough chocolate chips to keep kids intrigued, but these are made with bananas to give them a healthy addition.

Yogurt Melts by The High Chair Chronicles

These yogurt drops are so easy to make! You won't even think about grabbing those handy little bags to offer your toddler as a snack after trying these.

Fruit Board by Fantabulosity

Offer your toddlers a healthy spread with this easy to assemble fruit board. It has a delicious dip that makes this fruit snack extra tasty!

3 Ingredient Apple Pops by Flavours Treat

These homemade freezer pops are so easy. You are going to want to keep them in the freezer all summer long for a wholesome snack that kids are crazy about.

A fruit pizza that looks like an American flag.

American Flag Fruit Pizza by Fantabulosity

Take a bite out of snack time with this appealing option. It is loaded with fresh fruit and has soft sugar cookie crust that is perfect for a summertime snack.

Homemade Healthy Jello by Food Meanderings

Skip the box mix and make homemade jello for the kids. This recipe hides spinach in the mix for an ultra healthy treat option.

Homemade apple sauce with cinnamon sticks.

Homemade Applesauce by The Forked Spoon

Who knew making homemade applesauce was so easy? This recipe is perfect for toddlers to munch on without the preservatives.

A platter of muffins sprinkled with oatmeal.

Banana Applesauce Muffins by The Dizzy Cook

These muffins are loaded with healthy ingredients like applesauce and bananas. Toddlers are going to love these as a snack or a breakfast.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars by Greedy Eats

This recipe makes the best oatmeal bars. They have plenty of summer strawberry flavor to grab a toddler’s interest for a healthy snack.

Monster Bites by Crayons and Cravings

These bites are made of apples, strawberries and peanut butter for a fun snack that kids are going to love munching on!

Apple Nachos by I Heart Nap Time

This recipe uses apple slices, peanut butter and chocolate chips for a healthy treat that kids are sure to enjoy.

Strawberry chocolate muffin on cooling rack.

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Muffins by Fantabulosity

These tasty little muffins use strawberries and chocolate chips for a fresh and flavorful snack option the whole family will love.

Instant Pot Banana Chips

Pop some banana slices into the instant pot for a really flavorful and healthy snack that kids of all ages will love.

Healthy Granola Bars by The Foodess

This recipe is loaded with healthy ingredients and a tasty secret ingredient. Make a batch of these to offer the kids a super healthy snack that can be customized to your preferences.

Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip by Fantabulosity

Make this tasty dip to make fruit even more appealing! It has peanut butter and yogurt for the best flavor.

Healthy Fruit Pizza with Cream Cheese by Plant Based With Amy

This fruit pizza has a tasty cream cheese sauce and the best summer fruits. Make this for a fresh and easy snack that even toddlers are going to love.

Baked breakfast cookies on wire baking sheet.

Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies by Fantabulosity

Cookies for breakfast? Yes! This recipe is so healthy for a grab and go option the kids are going to love. You can also offer these for a healthy snack.

Sesame Potato Puffs by Plant Based on a Budget

This recipe is perfect for a snack. It is so delicious that toddlers will even want to grab a second. These are vegan and so tasty.

Baked Zucchini Sticks by Zucchini Zone

This recipe makes an ultra healthy snack that everyone will love. Save this recipe for zucchini season so you can make them for a side or a snack.

Air Fryer Dino Nuggets by Air Fryer Everything

Make dino nuggets the healthy way; in the air fryer! Toddlers won't be able to resist this for a snack.

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Bites by Made in a Pinch

These bites have baked oatmeal and so many juicy blueberries. Make them for an easy snack or grab and go breakfast.

If you’re struggling to find new toddler lunch ideas, I’ve recently shared our favorite toddler lunch ideas. Traveling soon? Here are my favorite tips for traveling with toddlers.

I’d love to hear if you have a favorite snack ideas for your toddlers! Let me know what they are below in the comments!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

DIY Patio Curtain Tie-Backs for $5.00!

May 29, 2016

DIY Patio Curtain Tie Backs: How to make patio curtain ties for your patio, affordably and easily!

If you’ve been following along on my Facebook page or Instagram, you’ve probably noticed the talk about my new DIY Patio Curtain Tie-Backs that I’ve hinted around about. You know me, and when I find a good thing, I can’t keep it to myself. So this time it was no different, and I have been keeping you updated on the whereabouts of this project. Some of you have asked for me to share a tutorial, so you can do it too! So here we are:

DIY Patio Curtain Tie Backs

Like with anything else, I headed to Etsy, the minute I needed something. I found EXACTLY the look that I was going for. A natural rope, (with a modern touch). Friends, I almost paid $50 for a pair of curtain tie-backs. I was trying to prepare myself to spend that much, when I realized that I may be able to make them myself.

I started “Pinteresting” and found that someone had already tackled the DIY brainstorming part, for me! (Call that COMPLETE luck.) Crazy Wonderful had created a tutorial on curtain tie-backs that looked very similar to what I wanted, so I was able to play around with it, and make a trip to Home Depot to score the exact goods that I wanted. You all, I was able to make these for $5.00 a piece! That’s a HUGE savings, compared to what I was preparing to pay!

DIY Patio Curtain Tie Backs - Nautical - Rope, & metal couplings

How to make your own patio curtain tie-backs https://fantabulosity.com

White Patio Curtains!!! Looks like the beach! DIY Patio Curtain Tie Backs - Nautical

DIY Tutorial Curtain Patio Curtain Tie-Backs

I called my momma when I had the supplies, and told her what my plan was. Thankfully, she invited us down for dinner and to have a little “craft session,” so she could help me assemble them. I thought it was going to be so much harder than it looked. Turns out, it was super easy… but the helping hand was nice, to get them finished sooner than I would have by myself!

DIY Patio Curtain Tie Back How-to and supplies

Type of String: The tutorial that I found, used twine to create the hooks. However I found this Twisted Mason Line, and thought that it may work better for my white curtains. Plus… I was hoping that this would hold up better outside in the rain, than twine would.

Type of Rope: I almost used manilla rope like she had used in her tutorial as well, but decided to go with a coated rope. I was a little nervous using regular rope, afraid that it could stain my white curtains. Plus, I’m hoping the coated rope and line will hold up better outside in the rain. She used a ¾ rope, but the coated type that I used was a bit different (close) in size, but not much. It still worked! I also had the super nice man from Home Depot, cut the rope in to 2 ft. sections. He then “burned,” the edges for me, to keep them from shredding.

P.S. My friend told me about a product called “Neverwet,” that I should use on my patio furniture and curtains. It keeps it from getting wet, and literally shoves the water right off of it. So I sprayed this on my patio curtains, hoping it would keep them from getting soaked and staining. Not sure if it will work with the “staining,” aspect, but it’s worth a chance!

White Rope to make Hook for patio curtain tie backs, from home depot

Metal Couplings: I needed 9 curtain tie-backs, so I grabbed 18 ½″ Rigid Threaded Couplings, to use for the ends of the ties. (2 on each one.)

Threaded Coupling to make diy patio curtain tie backs

Start with cutting 3 strands of Twisted Mason Line, about 6 inches long. (The size can depend on how big you want your “hook,” to be.)

braid three strings of twisted mason line, to create the "hook," for the patio curtain tie backs https://fantabulosity.com

Using electrical tape, tape one end of the strings to one side, & one end of the rope.

Braid the three strands together, and tape the other end, (making a loop) to the other side of the rope with electrical tape.

Use electrical tape to tape the twisted mason line, to create a hook for the curtain tie back

Slide a coupling over the end of the rope, covering the tape and the extra stings, if any. Note: Since the couplings are rigid, it secures it on the rope a bit more! If you have trouble slipping the coupling on the rope, try “twisting,” it on. That seemed to work best for us.

Slide a ½ in rigid metal coupling over the end (over the electrical tape and line) for the patio curtain tie backs

The DIY patio curtain tie backs are done!

Then they were all ready to tie my new curtains back! Plus… I saved a TON of money doing it! It cost me $48 to make all 9, when I was going to have to pay $50 to receive two. That’s around $5 a piece! Woot! Success!!!

Pin this DIY Patio Curtain Tie Backs tutorial on Pinterest so you don’t forget!

Wine Dinner Ideas for Hosting a Simple, Rustic Dinner Party

June 7, 2016

Planning a wine dinner at home doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple food pairings, a relaxed setup, and easy menu ideas, you can create a beautiful wine dinner your guests will remember.

Whether you're hosting a casual night with friends or a more styled dinner party, these wine dinner ideas will help you keep it simple, cozy, and delicious.

Easy Wine Dinner Menu Ideas

Cheese board (brie, cheddar, goat cheese)
Cured meats (salami, prosciutto)
Crackers, toasted bread
Fresh fruit (grapes, apples)
Nuts and olives
Baked brie
See more of my easy appetizer recipes, comforting dinner recipes, and easy dessert recipes to round out your menu.

What Food Goes With Wine at a Dinner Party?

Red wine → cheese, beef, chocolate
White wine → chicken, seafood, fruit
Sweet wine → desserts

Rustic Wine Dinner Party Setup Ideas

kraft paper bags
simple table
styling outdoor setup

Serving all of those options on a cheese board, you can’t forget the accompaniments! Crackers, toasts, and breadsticks are the perfect bite-size crunch you need. Get creative, and display them in something other than the bags that they come in, or a bowl… and you’ve just made a fabulous display!
(I simply used brown paper bags, folded/rolled down) to give the table the “rustic,” feel that I was going for!)

Bread Crackers Toasts for wine dinner party

Oh the place setting… I was ecstatic to see the looks on our guest’s faces as they walked on to our deck. They each had their own little personal “treat,” awaiting them. Simple little touches like this can make your guests instantly feel welcome in your home!

Place setting idea for dinner party: rosemary, favor bag, ribbon, bread

If you’re new around here, then you may not know that I have quite the “sweet-tooth,” so anytime that I can incorporate a little chocolate, you can count on it. For an added “touch,” I created a party favor box for each guest, that contained dark chocolate-covered blueberries, that paired amazingly well with the 2014 Crowdsourced Cabernet! Red wine + Dark Chocolate = Happy, Happy Guests.

Wine Dinner Party Dessert Favor Box, dark chocolate covered blueberries

The overall place setting, and a glass of wine with dinner made this party a special one for the books!

One of our guests JUST had a baby, (only 3 sweet weeks ago), so she wouldn’t let me get a full photo of her, but she did agree to a “cheers,” to celebrate all of the amazing recent blessings, and to the release of the new wine. (Any reason to have a “cheers,” right!?)

Once dinner concluded, we moved to the front lawn and ended the evening with small chatter. My husband loves nothing more than relaxing with friends on the front porch, with a glass of wine and a cigar.

Me… well I like to visit on the front porch with a glass of wine too. There’s really no other way to end a busy day.

Basketball Party Ideas (Food, Decorations & Easy Setup)

February 9, 2021

Basketball party ideas don't have to be complicated to be fun. Whether you're hosting a watch party, a birthday, or just getting friends together for the game, a few simple food ideas and easy setup touches can make it feel special without a lot of work.

From crowd-pleasing snacks to themed treats and simple decorations, these basketball party ideas will help you pull everything together so you can actually enjoy the party too.

Basketball Party Ideas https://fantabulosity.com

Easy Basketball Party Ideas That Everyone Will Love

Whether you’re hosting a basketball “viewing,” party in your home, or you’re wanting to host a basketball birthday party, you can easily throw in a few fun basketball party-themed goodies, and celebrate in style. I’ve styled a few basketball party ideas in this “Basketball Watch Party,” that may help you along your party planning journey!

More Party Ideas You’ll Love:

Basketball Party Ideas

Have a favorite team? Use their team colors to design your own party, incorporate matching party printables, themed colored fabric (for a table runner), and try to think of foods that match the color scheme you’re going for! In no time, you’ll have a well-style party set-up, you can’t WAIT to show off to your guests.

I COMPLETELY fell in love with this “Swish,” banner that I found by Yummy Paper, on Etsy. Although the banner caught my eye, there was a WHOLE set of paper printables that they offered, that turned out perfect for the “look,” I was going for.

What Food to Serve at a Basketball Party

When it comes to a basketball party, the food is what everyone remembers. You want things that are easy to grab, easy to eat, and don't require a lot of fuss so you can actually enjoy the game too.

Think simple, crowd-pleasing foods that you can set out and let guests help themselves.

Feeling a bit creative, I thought that I would try to see if I could turn donut holes in to little “basketballs,” and somehow turn regular glazed donuts, in to a “net.” It may or may not look like it… but hey, it was fun. 😉

Using rock candy is always an easy way to incorporate your party themed colors, to your table. Even more… use them as drink stirrers, and you’ve just added a bit of flair to a normal drinking class, mason jar, bottle, etc.

Oh yes… one of my favorite party snacks EVER. A trail mix. The ingredients for a simple snack mix, can be switched out to what you have on hand, or what colors that you want to match your theme. Believe it or not, it’s always one of my guests favorites too. They always rave at how much they love a simple snack like this.

Who wouldn’t love soft pretzels at a party snacking station? Serve them with a fun cheese dip, or honey mustard, and your guests may just fall in love with you!

Oh pulled pork sliders. If I’m hosting a party, that’s heavy on the “man,” side… I always try to make sure to incorporate a type of “slider.” They’re easy to handle, filled with meat, and the guys love them. Well… ok… I do too. 😉

Getting a little creative in the kitchen the other day, I thought I would try to find a way to use a pound of sausage that I had on hand. Knowing that I wanted one more dish for my party table, I thought I would see if I could easily create a “bite size,” finger-food. Turns out… it’s now one of my FAVORITE appetizer recipes.

Zesty Sausage Bites

Recipe below…

Instead of using plain ole breadcrumbs for the zesty sausage bites, I thought I’d add a little “kick,” and use Cheez-It Hot & Spicy Grooves. Why not add a little flavor fun to these? I may or may not have also snacked on the Cheez-It Srirarcha Snack Mix, while doing a little party-prep too. 😉

Zesty Sausage Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb ground sausage, uncooked
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup crushed Cheez-It Hot & Spicy Grooves

Directions:

Combine all ingredients, and stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Roll sausage mixture, in to 1-in balls, and place (about 1-2 inches apart) on a cookie sheet, covered with parchment paper.

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Serve!

I put my Cheez-It Hot & Spicy crackers in a ziptop back, and crushed them in to a fine consistency.

After rolling, before baking…

Baked, and juices running clear and cheese is melted nicely.

To better serve your guests, adding a toothpick to each zesty sausage bite, makes it easier to pick up and handle. I like grabbing fun toothpicks or food picks, to add a touch of “fancy,” if I’m able.

Easy Basketball Party Food Ideas

Finger foods are always the way to go for a basketball-themed party. They're quick to make, easy to serve, and perfect for snacking during the game.

Some favorites that always work:

Sliders (these are always the first thing gone) – these easy cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls are always a hit. Or, ham and cheese sliders are a kid favorite.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings or boneless bites
Nachos (like Sheetpan Nachos) or a simple nacho bar (or pick a theme from these food bar ideas)
Chips with Rotel Dip, Rotel salsa, or the best guacamole recipe
Air fryer pigs in a blanket
Homemade Microwave Popcorn for a fun game-day feel

If you want to keep things really easy, you can mix homemade recipes with a few store-bought options, and no one will know the difference.

Snacks Everyone Can Grab and Go

Having a few quick snacks out makes it easy for guests to munch throughout the party without needing a full plate.

Things like:

Snack mix (This easy Nuts and Bolts recipe) or Chex mix
Pretzels and chips
Fresh fruit trays
Veggie trays with dip

These are great to set out right away so guests have something to snack on as soon as they arrive.

Desserts That Fit the Theme

Dessert doesn't have to be complicated. Simple treats that can be picked up and eaten without utensils are perfect.

A few easy ideas:

Brownies or dessert bars
Cookies
Cupcakes (you can even decorate them with orange frosting for a basketball look)

If you already have a favorite easy dessert recipe, this is the perfect time to use it.

Keep It Simple (and Fun)

You don't need an over-the-top menu to make a basketball party feel special. A few easy, familiar foods laid out buffet-style will keep everyone happy and let you spend more time enjoying the game instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Basketball Party Favor Idea

Found at almost any party supply store around, are little soft basketballs. These work perfect to giveaway for fun party favors at your basketball party.

Yummy Paper offered so many fun party printable options, and even had a sign that I could edit and write in whatever I wanted. I decided that I would make one of the signs read, “Thanks for coming, we had a …” and it had a little image of a basketball underneath.

I placed a container full of small basketballs, and placed it by the sign, so guests would know to take one home with them, as they left!

Of course if you’re not hosting a basketball party, you could always incorporate these fun ideas in whatever basketball plans that you have. When I shared a sneak peek of this party on my Facebook and Instagram the other day, I had a mom say that she couldn’t WAIT to make these basketball donuts for her sons basketball team. What a FUN treat that would be for the kiddos!

Having a sleepover? Then make sure to check out these slumber party ideas for boys, too!

Camping Party

August 23, 2019

Camping Party: A camping party theme for kids of any age! This party theme is so much fun with easy DIY decor and your little campers will love it!

I am THRILLED to share with you, one of my latest party themes…a Camping Birthday Party for indoors.

Camping Birthday Party Ideas for indoors, camping party! Living room campout for kids.

If you love kids party ideas, then you’ll love the Nautical Birthday, Milk & Cookies Playdate, Woodland Friends and the ice creamy party that I’ve styled!

This is one of my favorite party themes for an afternoon of fun or for a slumber party for boys or girls!

Don’t forget these slumber party ideas if you’re nailing down the perfect one for your kiddo!

Camping Party Ideas

This camping party theme is ideal for any age boy or girl! You can really turn it into a sleepover, or you can just “pretend,” it’s a sleepover, with the younger little guys and gals.

Plus, you can have fun making your own invitations for the party using Canva!

Can you imagine how excited the kiddos would be if they were able to wear their pajamas to a birthday party!?

Camp-In Sleepover! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Shopping online the other day, I fell in LOVE with Pottery Barn Kids, and the tents and sleeping bags that they had. I knew a camp-in sleepover HAD to be my next party theme.

A camping-themed party is such a fun way to entertain your party guests! Plus, what kid doesn’t enjoy sleeping in a sleeping bag?!

Camping Birthday Cake

My creative ideas started flowing, and I knew I wanted to create a “fire,” as a cake topper, to carry on with the camping theme.

Various candies and sweets made a yummy, perfect topper.

I used:

Nutty Buddy
SweeTarts Ropes

and just layered them on top of a pre-made cake! You could easily use any flavor of cake that you want, but I used a white cake with coconut frosting to match the theme of the table!

You could also make a s’mores-themed cake or s’mores dip with marshmallows, a chocolate bar, and graham crackers! What’s a camping trip without s’mores!?

A Camp-In Sleepover! "CAMP," mini painted easels. Camping birthday cake. How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

I found these mini easels and set them up to inspire the kids when it was time for them to paint!

A Camp-In Sleepover! Camping birthday cake with fire. How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

The kids loved (and maybe fought over) the yummy logs and fire.

Camping Party Foods

Camping party food ideas can be so fun to plan, and there are a lot of ideas to choose from. Here’s what I used for this kid’s party!

Carrot Cake Cookies, stuffed with vanilla icing perfectly complimented the sugar rush that I was going for. You could also make one of my favorite easy cookie recipes for your camping party, like these Rocky Road Cookies!

A Camp-In Sleepover! Cookie Sandwiches for a camping party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

S’Mores Trail Mix

I brought out these trail mix s’ mores cups with teddy grahams, chocolate, and mini marshmallows., and served them in cute little kraft bowls!

Trail mix is a classic camping party food and making a trail mix bar is another great idea! Including chocolate chips, graham crackers, pretzels, nuts, marshmallows, etc. would be a great way for older kids to get creative.

A Camp-In Sleepover! Smores trail mix for a camping party! Teddy Grahams, marshmallows and Hershey Bars! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Easy Hot Chocolate

And see this deliciousness? The kids had a blast mixing chocolate milk, which I quickly zapped in the microwave and turned in to hot chocolate, perfect telling (and reading) stories around the campfire!

To add to the fun, I filled adorable glass jars with the hot chocolate! You can use cute mugs with mini marshmallows if that’s easier!

A Camp-In Sleepover! Chocolate Milk in fun glass bottles for a Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Camping Birthday Party Activity + Party Favors

Every party needs a little hands-on activity, right?

But turning a hands-on activity into perfect party favors works even better!

Allowing the party guests to paint their own birdhouses, and take home, is the perfect all-around party idea!

Friendship bracelets, finger paints, tie-dye shirts, etc would all be great DIY camping party favors. That way, the kids are entertained during the party and not sent home with junk!

Supplies Needed for Birdhouse Party Favors:

Wood Birdhouses
Paint for Kids
Paintbrushes for kids

A Camp-In Sleepover! Birdhouse painting activity for a Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Camping Party Games & Fun

A room FULL of tents can lead to a crazy amount of fun for the kids.

But so can hours and hours of games like Hide and Seek, and getting cozy in the sleeping bags…. cuddling up around the “fire,” for storytime, is something the kiddos also love!

A Camp-In Sleepover! A Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

How do you host a camping party?

There are a couple of different types of camping parties you could host. You can host an indoor camping party for younger kids or a backyard camping party for older kids!

Tents, sleeping bags, and decorations can be set up indoors or outdoors! Camping party food can be easy snacks for indoors or you can roast hot dogs and marshmallows for an outdoor party!

Activities for Camping in a Tent

There are tons of things the happy campers can do inside the tents! Reading books, telling stories, watching movies, card games, board games, etc.

Tents are an easy way to keep the kids entertained because it’s something fun and different for them! A great idea to keep them busy for longer is to have them put together the tent as well!

Camping Decorations

Camping theme decor can be so fun, and most of them can be used for other items later! I love a good everyday party item that can be used over and over.

We get SOOO many compliments on this fun tent. It doubled as decorations for the camping party and the kids love playing with it long after the party is over. But little decorations mattered too. They were:

Blankets
Pillows
Wooden logs (for a fake fire)
Birthday banner
Kaleidoscope

A Camp-In Sleepover! Bear Snores On for a Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

The bear. I couldn’t resist, THE BEAR. The kids went NUTS over how big he was, and loved wrestling him! Still to this day, he’s a favorite wrestling partner in our house!

A Camp-In Sleepover! This HUGE bear!!! How fun for a Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Need gift ideas? This is a great list of toddler boy gift ideas!

Who knew a camp-in sleepover, would make it so easy for the kiddos to get ready for bed?!

A Camping Sleepover Birthday Party! How fun is this! It's all so cute!!! Camping Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas! Pottery Barn Kids, fake fire, tents, sleeping bags, fire birthday cake, kaleidoscope, birthday banner.

Add some fun by encouraging guests to wear their favorite pajamas, even if it’s not an overnight party!

Love Party Ideas?

Me too. You can see all of the fun parties I’ve styled and hosted to get more ideas!

Cookie Decorating for Beginners with Royal Icing

December 7, 2023

Cookie Decorating for Beginners with Royal Icing: Sharing tips and tricks on how to make cooking decorating easier.

I’ve always been a fan of sugar cookies, but I only became intrigued with actually decorating them with royal icing when I saw all of the super fun cookie decorating videos on my Facebook feed. Now it’s our favorite cookie recipe to make every Christmas season and all year long!

Decorated Christmas cookies on wooden cutting board.

Fill up your cookie recipe box with some of my favorite cookie recipes like my no-bake cookies, sugar cookies with Nutella, ice cream cone sugar cookie cut-outs and if you’re on the hunt for Christmas cookies, then don’t miss the 20 Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes!

I had made the decision in the beginning that I was going to attempt decorating cookies, and I knew going into it, that my cookies wouldn’t look near as good as the pros but I didn’t mind.

I just wanted the satisfaction that I could decorate a cookie with royal icing.

Come to find out, there are a lot of you out there, just like me, who are dying to attempt this, but aren’t sure where to start! This is where I hope I can come in to help, and you can laugh at my mistakes and “first attempts,” along the way.

Cookie Decorating for Beginners: Royal Icing How To fantabulosity.com

A full list of products that I use to decorate cookies is at the end of this post…

The pink & green cookies that you see here in this post, are actually my second attempt in decorating cookies. The first time I gave it a “go,” was on the Christmas cookies below… and all that did was begin my cookie decorating obsession.

Although they are SO far from perfect, they were so fun to make, addicting, and super therapeutic!

You can see in the above photo, that my little snowman is cracking, and my royal icing on the stocking isn’t a smooth flat surface like I’d like. This will iron out in the future cookie decorating attempts, I hope!

For the sake of this post to help you see that a beginner like myself can do it (not perfect, but do it at least!), I wanted to use the new elephant, dog and cupcake cookie cutters that I found and had to have!

This little guy would be fun for a baby shower, zoo birthday party, or I even squeezed him in for a Valentine’s Day treat. ESPECIALLY if you’re throwing a baking-themed birthday party like I helped style for my niece!

The dog cracks me up, to be honest. After I finished decorating him, I realized he looked just like the “Pink,” Victoria Secret dog.

Hmm… I wonder if they’ll hire me to make little cookies for all of their store? Haha…doubt it.

✅ What is Needed to Start Decorating Cookies?

First, you’ll need a cut-out sugar cookie recipe that will hold it’s shape after baking, and one that tastes good too is a bonus.

Baked cut out sugar cookies on wooden cutting board.

Royal Icing for Cookies

Soooo many of you have asked what royal icing recipe I use. THIS my friends is the “secret weapon,” I have been talking about.

If you’re like me, royal icing seemed SO intimidating. I thought there was NO way I’d be able to make an icing that slid so perfect across a cookie. The only icing I knew of, and was semi-comfortable with, was frosting in a little plastic tub from the store.

Until now…

Royal Icing Mix:

All of you professional cookie decorator’s out there… I can hear you laughing at me hysterically. Why?

1. Because I had no idea there was even a “Royal Icing Mix,” that existed.

2. Because I use a “mix,” instead of making my own.

Buy the Royal Icing Mix here: Wilton Royal Icing

Well, I’m here to say, that I’m PLEASANTLY surprised with how easy this has made my cookie decorating hobby.

Not only is it easy, but delicious!!!

I am blown away, that all I have to do is throw the mix in my Kitchenaid Mixer, and add WATER. Yes, WATER!

The Wilton icing mix, is a favorite of mine, as I’ve tried a couple of other brands. It’s easy to work with, and the taste is hard to beat.

Icing Colors

I also use Wilton Icing Colors, to mix into the royal icing mix. There are an abundant supply of colors to choose from, and that gets me ALL excited, thinking about the different colors of cookies that I can make.

Tip Set

Wilton Master Decorating Set from Walmart

A basic starter kit of tips, like my Wilton Master Decorating Tip Set, is what I started with, and are so handy to have. I’m able to play around with a ton of different tips and get to experiment with which ones do what. I currently use Wilton Tip #2, or similar, to make a lot of my cookies. It’s a fine point, that allows me to trace around the outside edges of the cookies.

Wilton Piping Bags

The disposable Wilton Disposable Piping Bags are my fave. I’m not a fan of cleanup, so when I’m able to just toss the bags in the trash when I’m done… it makes clean-up a lot easier.

But then some of the cookie decorating supplies below are FUN to use, but of course not required for all cookies. It depends on what you want, and how you want to decorate them. But these are a few ideas to get you started!

Cookie Cutters
Cookie Scribes (or I’ve used a toothpick, but these are nice to have!)
or you can get a set of other tools with one too!
Edible Glitter
Sprinkles
Baking Boxes to gift them in

⏲ Favorite Baking Tools for Cookies

Silpat Mat – This is a GAME CHANGER when it comes to baking cookies. Trust me! The bottoms never burn and all of my cookies turn out lovely with this!
Kitchenaid Mixer – Definitely not necessary, but if you’re getting in to baking, you’d love to have a stand mixer if you don’t already!
GOOD baking sheets for cookies!
Mini Serving Spatula – I love being able to lift the cookies off of the baking sheets after they’re finished, without rubbing up against the others on the sheet, damaging them. That’s why a “mini” is handy!
Cooling Rack – Any should do, but I can barely pass up a gorgeous rose or champagne gold cooling rack.

Even as an experienced baker, sometimes questions come up. For instance, how many ounces are in a gallon? I have to remind myself of this often, and there’s no shame in that!

So here are some of the frequently asked questions about cookie decorating are:

How long will decorated sugar cookies last?

Your decorated sugar cookies should last a few days in a sealed, air-tight container.

How do you store decorated sugar cookies?

In an air-tight container, but place a piece of wax paper between each layer for best results.

How do you host a cookie decorating party?

Bake the cut-out cookies a day in advance (or a few days in advance and freeze them!) so guests can have fun decorating, rather than wait on the cookies to bake!
OR… have each guest bring their own cookies to decorate!

Supply decorating items such as royal icing, frosting, sprinkles, edible glitter, piping bags, scribers, parchment paper to decorate on, and cute to-go baking boxes for their creations! See my other parties for more inspiration!

How to Decorate Cookies Video Tutorial

I’ve compiled a super QUICK video, to show you how I decorate cookies, as a beginner. One minute and 45 seconds, sums up little quick tips and tricks that I use, to make the cookies I’ve always dreamed of making.

As you’ll see in the video, I outline the cookies first, and then fill the centers and spread out any bubbles or space as needed. Then if you want to decorate will multiple colors on the same cookie, make sure you let the first color dry before adding the next or it will leak in to the other color(s).

Don’t Be Intimidated:

I SO hope this helped you tackle your “cookie decorating,” desire. Mostly, if you were intimidated by all of those professionals, decorating cookies… I hope this has given you the confidence to give it a whirl!

We all have to start somewhere. The best part??? You don’t have to share photos of your first and second attempts like I decided to, if you don’t want to. But I would LOVE to see your creations!

Share them on the Fantabulosity Facebook book page!

Remember, if you need a good sugar cookie recipe that holds it’s shape and tastes delish too… you should try the BEST Sugar Cookie recipe I’ve used for a few years now!

Best Sugar Cookies for Decorating AND eating!

Or want to decorate your sugar cookies without royal icing? Maybe a mix of both? We LOVE these sugar cookie sandwiches that are filled with strawberry buttercream frosting!

Baking for the Holidays?

If you’re baking and love easy dessert recipes, then you’ll LOVE:

Easy Football Party Food Ideas for Game Day

January 26, 2016

If you’re hosting a football party, the food is what everyone remembers most. From easy appetizers to bite-size snacks, having simple, crowd-pleasing options makes game day feel effortless.

These football party food ideas are easy to prepare, fun to serve, and perfect for keeping guests happy from kickoff to the final play.

Easy Football Party Appetizers Everyone Loves

cheeseburger sliders (you’ll see a fun, mini, open-face style below too!)
Rotel Dip
Slow Cooker Meatballs
Crockpot Grape and Jelly Little Smokies
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Cream Cheese Corn Dip

Best Food for a Football Party

Cheese boards – See how to style a cheese board
Finger foods like pinwheel sandwiches, Italian sliders, or these weiner winks
Popcorn – See how to make homemade microwave popcorn
Cookies – like these No Bake Cookies or these strawberry cheesecake cookies

Easy DIY Football Party Ideas

Throwing a football party for your friends and family, doesn’t have to be super expensive, or complicated! With a few DIY football ideas, you can turn an afternoon or evening of football, in to a celebration.

First… “Take it to the House,” and score with your biggest friends, by hosting a football viewing party in your own home, instead of footin’ the bill at a public place. Turn a small corner or space in to the center of the party.

Use a table that you already have on hand, (or a dresser, bookshelf, anything that would hold the party snacks!)

A piece of white foam board, can go a LONG way when it comes to creating a DIY backdrop for your party station. Grab inexpensive card stock, a chalk marker, glue dots, and one or two of those super affordable green “grass,” mats at a local store, like I used to cut out the football at the top of the backdrop!
I found my grass mats, for only a couple of dollars, when I was at Walmart buying the ingredients for my “Open Faced Cheeseburger Sliders.”

DIY “Score” Football Banner

With the card stock, you can easily cut a 12×12 piece of card stock, in to 4… and create a banner to say whatever you like! I chose to keep mine small and simple. “Score,” for the green, and I found a sheet of brown that made the perfect little square football “ends,” to the banner. With a chalk marker, I was able to easily & quickly draw the “laces,” on the football. For the letters, I used my Silhouette machine, but you could easily draw those on with a chalk marker as well!

Oh how cute!!! "Play" books for football party decorations! fantabulosity.com

Keeping on with the cardstock theme, my sweet friend Kate, from 300 Ninth, introduced me to how easy it was to create “play book,” signs out of black card stock and a white chalk marker. Talk about easy, and affordable decor! I absolutely love her easy DIY crafts and recipes!

Bottled Soda for party drinks, on "football turf," coasters. LOVE!Football Party Ideas fantabulosity.com

DIY “Astroturf,” Coasters

I couldn’t help myself when I saw the green “grass,” rugs in the store, thinking about how FABULOUS they’d look under each bottle of Coke Zero. This tied in the “astroturf,” look, and gave it a “pop,” of color on the table.
Cutting small squares out of the rug, for the coasters, was as easy as it sounds. Just “cut,” in to squares, and you’re done.

DIY Paper Snack Cones

You won’t BELIEVE how I ended up making these DIY paper snack cones! I had small, square, brown envelopes laying around, that needed put to good use. I simply rolled one bottom corner of the envelope, all the way to the opposite top corner of the envelope, and sealed with glue dots. Then, I grabbed my white chalk marker, drew “laces,” on them, and they were ready for popcorn!

Football paper snack cones for a football party! So cute and easy!!! fantabulosity.com

If you’ve been following me on Facebook lately, it’s no surprise to you, that I’ve been a bit obsessed with learning how to decorate cookies with royal icing. The professionals just make it look so easy, and I was determined to give it a try the other day. A football party seemed like the BEST excuse to practice on yet, another batch of cookies, so little football sugar cookies were a MUST.

Football cookies DIY! So cute, and doable!!! Perfect for a football party. Football party ideas fantabulosity.com

Now for the MAIN EVENT….

Mini Open Faced Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

The cutest and easiest, impressive appetizer for the party, were my Mini Open Faced Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders! These little bite size burgers are stacked with the toppings of your choice! Although, “mini,” the little burgers, leave a BIG impression!

Video Tutorial & Recipe Below…

Open faced cheeseburger on Ritz crackers, appetizers! So cute & easy! Football Party Ideas fantabulosity.com

Mini Open Bacon Faced Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

(Quantities of ingredients, depend on burger size you choose, and your topping selections.)

• 1 “sleeve,” of RITZ® Crackers
• 1 lb. of Ground Beef
• 5 Slices American Cheese, but in to fourths
• Toppings of your choice. {I used my Smoked Candied Bacon, recipe, and leaf lettuce}

Directions:

Roll out ground beef, like you would to cut sugar cookies. Using a small round circle “cut-out” (I used the opening of a small parfait glass, but a small bowl may work. Just make sure it’s about the size of a Ritz® Cracker), cut out small round burgers.

Cook the burgers in an electric skillet on 350, for 5 minutes, until the juices ran clear. (You could easily cook these mini burgers in a skillet on the stove top too! Cook until browned on one side, flip, and then remove when juices run “clear.”)

When the burgers have finished cooking, place a square of cheese on top, allowing it to melt.

Top a Ritz® Cracker, with mini cheeseburger, and begin layering on the desired toppings.

Insert a toothpick (or party pick, like I used to be a little more festive), in to the top of the toppings, securing the toppings to the burgers.

Mini Open Faced Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders Tutorial:

Photo Guide to Building the Mini Sliders

Mini Open faced bacon cheeseburger sliders on a Ritz crackers, appetizers! So cute & easy! Football Party Ideas fantabulosity.com

Adding the Cheese…

Add your desired toppings & serve!

This football party was incredibly fun to put together. I’m actually thinking a Football Viewing Party, will need to become a habit in our home, so I can put together all kinds of cuteness, more often. 😉

Teriyaki Chicken

November 18, 2024

Teriyaki Chicken made at home can be easy and ready in about 30 minutes! Love the chicken you can get in the food court at the mall?

This recipe is similar to my favorite dish there, and it’s now an easy dinner recipe that the kids love too.

When I made this teriyaki sauce recipe without ginger, to go on these air fryer teriyaki chicken wings, I knew it needed to go on other chicken recipes because it was so good. It’s also delicious on beef recipes like these Ahola burgers and even non-meat dishes like these mixed vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Quick Recipe – This chicken is so quick and easy, even if you make the homemade teriyaki sauce to go with it. Even faster? Use a store-bought teriyaki sauce.
Type of Chicken – Using chicken thighs in this recipe makes such a difference and makes it similar to the restaurant-style teriyaki chicken recipes.
Sweet and Salty – The combination of sweet and salty flavors here is delicious. I’ve even carried the sweet and salty flavors in to this teriyaki sloppy joe recipe for a fun spin.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple teriyaki chicken:

Full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Ingredients for teriyaki chicken recipe.

Chicken Thighs – I use boneless, skinless, chicken thighs for best results. Chicken breasts can be used but the result will have a different texture.
Teriyaki Sauce – I prefer using my own homemade teriyaki sauce but I’m not against a storebought brand and actually like the Sweet Baby Ray’s teriyaki brand.
Corn Starch – This is used to thicken the sauce and help it cling to the chicken.
Garlic – I like using garlic powder because this is what I usually have on hand but minced garlic is just fine to use instead!
Brown Sugar – Feel free to use light or dark brown sugar. I use light, and this is used to make the sweet portion of the “sweet and salty” flavors of the sauce.
Soy Sauce – Low sodium soy sauce is typically recommended in recipes so over-salting doesn’t take place. However I’ve found that regular soy sauce works in this recipe great, and it’s the perfect balance of “salty” for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Oil – I like to keep sesame oil on hand and feel it’s the absolute best for this recipe. However, I don’t expect anyone to go out and buy a whole bottle just for this, so using olive oil or avocado oil will work too.

How to Make This Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki sauce mixture in a glass bowl with whisk, before cooking it. — 1. First, mix together the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce.

Chicken thigh pieces covered in cornstarch, garlic powder and pepper. — 2. Coat chicken in black pepper, garlic powder and 1 tablespoon corn starch.

Chicken thigh pieces cooked in oil on stovetop in skillet. — 3. Brown chicken in oil over medium-high heat.

Cooked chicken thigh pieces cooked in teriyaki sauce. — 4. Cook chicken until done and add in sauce mixture.

5. Allow chicken and sauce to cook until thickened and serve over rice if desired.

Teriyaki Chicken Tips

Versatile Recipe – This chicken recipe is great with so many dishes. Serve it alone, with rice, pasta, quinoa, Instant Pot polenta, on a side salad recipe, or even as a pizza topping or in street tacos.
Browning the Chicken – When cooking the chicken, spread the raw meat out so it doesn’t overlap, and then turn the heat on. Do not move or turn the chicken until the underside is golden brown.
I’ve found that if constantly moving the chicken often while trying to cook, it will take longer to get that golden brown color that’s desired, and it’s easily overcooked. Brown on one side, flip, and then brown on the other side until fully cooked.

Storing Tips

Leftovers: Allow the teriyaki chicken to cool before storing in an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator and enjoy within 4-5 days.
Freeze: You can freeze teriyaki chicken, once it has cooled off. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken

This chicken and sauce recipe is delicious served with steamed rice, homemade fried rice and a roasted broccoli.

Recipe FAQs

Why do you add teriyaki sauce to chicken after it is cooked?

Some prefer to cook the chicken in the teriyaki sauce so the flavor gets in to the chicken. However cooking chicken without the sauce allows the chicken to brown, instead of “steam,” giving the teriyaki chicken more flavor.

How do you thicken teriyaki sauce?

If the teriyaki sauce is too thin, (water content from chicken can cause this) you can thicken your sauce with a mixture of the corn starch and sauce. (1 teaspoon of sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon of corn starch and then added to the sauce over heat, will thicken.)
Do note: Teriyaki sauce will thicken a bit more when removed from the heat.

Does this recipe make enough sauce to drizzle over rice?

If you love a lot of teriyaki sauce with your chicken and rice, it’s best to double the sauce ingredients in this recipe.

Do you love easy chicken recipes like this teriyaki chicken? You’ll also love these favorites:

I have a feeling this recipe will end up on your weekly meal plan like it is on ours! Make sure to pin this recipe for later!

Recipe

Teriyaki chicken on white steamed rice next to broccoli.

Print Pin

5 from 2 votes

Teriyaki Chicken

This teriyaki chicken recipe is so easy to make and is so good, just like take-out from your favorite restaurant, and it uses simple ingredients!

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 372kcal

Author Jessica Burgess

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken thighs 1-3 pounds should work as well.
2 tablespoons oil I prefer sesame oil but olive oil will work.
1 teaspoon garlic powder divided (½ teaspoon + ½ teaspoon)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons corn starch divided (1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons)
1 cup water
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
5 tablespoons brown sugar
green onions, sesame seeds or crushed red pepper optional as garnishes

Instructions

Make Teriyaki Sauce

Mix teriyaki sauce together in a mixing bowl. Mix together the ¼ cup soy sauce, 1 cup water, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon honey, tablespoons brown sugar and 2 tablespoons corn starch. Set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

Cut chicken thighs (and trim any fat) in to one-inch pieces.
In a bowl, sprinkle the ¼ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the raw chicken pieces, and stir to coat.
Pour the 2 tablespoons of oil in to a skillet, and add in the seasoned chicken pieces, spreading it out so each piece is touching the skillet, and isn't on top of other pieces.
Turn the burner to medium-high heat and fry the chicken pieces for about 3-5 minutes or until the bottoms of the chicken pieces are a golden brown, and then flip to cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked all the way through. (It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.)
Tip: It can be tempting to stir the chicken a lot while it's cooking but leaving the chicken in one spot for a few minutes, can help get the "browning" you're looking for.
When the chicken is fully cooked, pour in the teriyaki sauce and cook over medium-high heat until warmed/thickened.
Add red pepper flakes if desired, or add ginger to the teriyaki sauce, and sprinkle with green onion or sesame seeds for a garnish, if desired. Serve over rice for a delicous meal.

Video

Notes

If the teriyaki sauce isn't as thick as you'd like, spoon a teaspoon of sauce in to a small bowl with a teaspoon of corn starch, and stir to combine. Pour in to the teriyaki chicken and stir to combine, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Do note that the sauce will continue to thicken after it cools down so be cautious that you don’t over-thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies

January 6, 2023

Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating: Easy heart-shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day – perfect for the beginner.

You’ve followed along on my cookie decorating journey, from my first attempt at decorating sugar cookies. You’ve been so encouraging, and I so appreciate it. I’m just a regular gal who wanted to decorate some cookies, knowing I’d probably never be as good as the professionals out there.

But with my admittance of not being the best at this… I’m hoping you can find the courage to decorate your own cookies too!

Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating for Beginners fantabulosity.com

It’s possible that I’m going backwards, in my cookie decorating skills. I’m not going to lie. I watched SweetAmbs on Facebook lately, and when she posted her Valentine’s Day Heart Cookies, I thought,

Oh I can SO do that.

I even had people share the video on Fantabulosity’s Facebook page, saying,

Jessica! Look! You should try these next!

For heaven’s sake… others even had faith in me.

But just so you can see… not all of my cookies turned out great. So practice is still necessary for me. HOWEVER…

PINTEREST FAIL: Valentine's Day Cookies Decorating Fail fantabulosity.com

Although they’re FAR from perfect, I did have some luck with the way most of them turned out. So… that told me that heart-shaped cookies, with a few simple designs, would be a good Valentine’s Day Cookie idea, for a beginner.

Free Valentine's Day Printable - I Heart You-5

Don’t look too close, or you’ll potentially find more “Pinterest fails,” and let me just bask in the “accomplishment,” for a moment. 🙂

Notes about what you’ll need:

Sugar Cookies: I know that you may have your own favorite sugar cookie recipe, or you may even buy sugar cookies already in the shape of hearts. But I still want to share that the sugar cookie recipe I use for these and all of my sugar cookie decorating adventures, is this easy sugar cookie recipe. I also used that sugar cookie recipe, leaving them round sugar cookies with Nutella on top!
Royal Icing: When I decorate, I love buying the royal icing that I can just add water to, and then whatever colors I’m looking for, to keep things super easy. This is my favorite royal icing mix. However, you can use your favorite recipe if you have one!
Food Coloring: When it comes to coloring the royal icing, I like to use gel food coloring.

Heart shaped sugar cookies decorated for Valentine's Day — Valentine’s Day Cookies

I’ll never be as good at SweetAmbs, but she sure is fun to follow to get ideas from.

Here’s a quick video on how I decorated these heart cookies with royal icing! I hope it’s helpful and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below!

Plus, see the recipe card below with more details and how-to!

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Now, if you’re still a little intimidated at decorating cookies with royal icing, you may want to consider using fondant for your cookies, like we used in these ice cream sugar cookies!

More Valentine’s Day Ideas

Recipe

Heart shaped cookies for Valentine's Day

Print Pin

5 from 1 vote

How to Decorate Heart Sugar Cookies

Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating: Easy heart-shaped cookies for Valentine's Day – perfect for the beginner.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30

Total Time 30

Servings cookies

Calories 51kcal

Author Jessica Burgess