Halloween will be here before we know it!! 

Every year, I look for fun treats for my kids to pass out to their friends or to have at Halloween gatherings as take-away-treats. One of my favorite designs this year is this simple lollipop wrapper. 

Simply print, trim, then wrap around lollipops (the larger Tootsie Pops are best) and secure with tape, glue or glue dots. The tags are reversible with a cute space to write who the treat is TO: and FROM:.

Be sure to download your FREE printable this year! And, be sure to peak at our entire collection of Halloween designs, including personalized gift tags, cupcake toppers, and signage.

Happy Halloween everyone!

One of my favorite Halloween play on words phrases for treats is "Bugs & Kisses". My now 3 year old gave this treat to his classmates last year and it was a huge hit, with the little boys and girls. 

So, we had a little fun this year and came up with 2 different tag concepts and color combinations for "Bugs & Kisses".

To make your treats, simply choose your favorite clear container or bag, fill with Hershey's kisses and your choice of bugs (our favorite is the plastic spider ring), then add your personalized tag and you are all set!

One of our favorite treat containers is the 2" clear, square box. They hold just the right amount of candy for a small treat, are easy to assemble and beautifully display treats through their clear exterior. You can also use clear treat bags, available at craft stores such as Michael's or online. Or, to add a bit of color to your packaging, choose treat bags with black or orange stripes to fill with kisses and your child's favorite bugs.

So, have fun with this Halloween treat concept and give our "Bugs and Kisses" this Halloween to friends, neighbors and your child's classmates. To see our entire collection of "Bugs and Kisses" favor tags, be sure to visit our etsy store www.etsy.com/shop/crowningdetails. 

A superhero birthday party is just about every little boy’s dream!! We had a blast creating this colorful backyard birthday party for our friend Rowan who was turning 4.

Some details to look for include:

-Super Rowan’s custom super cape

-Custom created supercapes for each guest waiting at their seats

-3 tier birthday cake

-Flawless superhero sugar cookie favors

Main Dessert Table

The tiered snack stand and 3 tiered super hero cake were the centerpieces of this colorful dessert and snack table. Guests also had their choice of snacks; popcorn in individual snack cups or bulk snacks served in building inspired containers.

Children’s Tables

Black linens, superhero gift wrap runners and paper centerpieces created a fun setting for party guests. Waiting for each guest at their chair were multi-colored superhero capes for dress up during the party.

Party Activities

Spiderman making his appearance was certainly the hit of Rowan’s party! Guests were also entertained by balloon artist Michelle with Bugga Bugga Balloons.

Party Favors

In addition to the custom silk super capes, each guest was encouraged to take home superhero sugar cookies created just for Rowan’s birthday party by Whoo’s Bakery.


Vendor Credits:
Party Design & Printables: Crowning Details
Cake: Marla Grace
Cookies: Whoo's Bakery
Gift Wrap Backdrop & Table Coverings: Zazzle
Snack Cone Display: Oriental Trading

Be sure to Like Us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/crowningdetails), Follow Us on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/crowningdetails) and to subscribe to our blog for FREE printables and fun party ideas (crowningdetails.com).

As I prepare to celebrate the long Labor Day weekend with my family, one of the first things that comes to mind is the backyard bar-b-que.  Hamburgers, chicken, pork tenderloin and more....YUM! I know in our household, bar-b-que is the standard weekend fare for our family! And, I can't wait to try some new recipes and techniques this weekend; well, my husband grills and I help with the sides.....

To decorate your home just in time for Labor Day, print and assemble our country inspired star banner using scissors, a hole punch and satin ribbon,

This country inspired star banner is part of our patriotic collection which includes the star banner, an apple pie banner, paper fan templates, sparkler tags/cupcake toppers and snack cone patterns. All of these items are a great way to personalize and dress up your Labor Day meals!

Happy Labor Day!

Julie

Labor Day weekend is just around the corner, and for most, that means a long weekend spent with family, friends and neighbors. Whether you are preparing a dinner at home for your family or tasked with bringing an item to a pot-luck event, this apple pie and FREE printable "USA" bunting banner is sure to be a hit!

To recreate your own "mile-high apple pie", follow the recipe outlined below:


Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour , plus extra for rolling
• 1/2 cup finely ground blanched almonds or almond flour
• 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter , very cold, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons brown sugar
• 3 to 6 tablespoons nonfat milk , very cold
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 large egg yolk

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 pounds mixed apples , peeled, cored and cut into 1/3-inch slices
• 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into small pieces

Directions
To make crust: In a food processor, combine flour, almonds, butter, salt and brown sugar. Pulse 6 to 8 times, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time, pulsing until mixture solidifies into a ball. Remove dough from machine and shape into 2 discs; one disc should be about 1/3 larger (for the top crust). Wrap both in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 425°. Place dough on a floured board and allow dough to stand, unwrapped, until just pliable, about 10 minutes. With a floured rolling pin, roll out the smaller disc into a 13-inch circle. Move dough a quarter turn with every roll, making sure it is not sticking to the board underneath. The dough should be 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick. Line a 9-inch pie dish with dough. Lightly dust board with more flour and roll out larger disc into a 15-inch circle; set aside.

To make filling: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Add apples and lemon juice; gently toss to combine. Place filling in crust-lined pie dish and dot with butter. Cover with large dough circle and cut a large X into the top; gently pull back the corners of X to allow steam to escape.

In a small bowl, combine heavy cream and egg yolk; brush crust with mixture. Place pie on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 375° and continue baking until filling bubbles in the center and crust turns golden brown, about 1 hour. (Tenting with foil for the last 45 to 50 minutes may be necessary to prevent over-browning.) Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour; serve with vanilla ice cream.

Even though my oldest child is only in pre-k (and has no idea that his sandwiches are cut into fun shapes), I still get a kick out of trying to do sweet things for him in the morning before I send him off to school! I know that one day, he will realize what mommy is trying to do and will smile and appreciate the efforts.

As you start to prepare for back to school time, download and save these FREE mommy notes of encouragement. Whenever your child needs a pick-me-up, a word of encouragement before a big day, or you just want to tell them how special they are, put one in their backpack or lunchbox. Your children will always remember the small things that you do for them!

Be sure to download all of our FREE back to school printables!

Enjoy!

It is hard to believe that the 1st day of school is right around the corner! Our 2 1/2 year old will start his 2nd year of pre-pre school 2 days per week and our 17 month old daughter will start her first year the same number of days. We are both excited and anxious about how they will adapt to new classrooms, new teachers, new schedules and new friends!

As a room mom last year for my son, I know how important the teachers are to a child's school year. 

Show your appreciation for your child's teacher on the first day of school with these simple "Happy First Day!" cards. For a simple, affordable treat, tie them onto homemade cookies or breads. They can be personalized with your child's name for a nominal fee in our etsy store.

Enjoy!

It is hard to believe that it is nearly time to take the kiddos back to school!! Our almost 3 year old son is starting his 2nd year of preschool and our daughter (17 mos) is starting school for the very first time; both 2 days per week.

I am hoping that Nora loves school as much as Harrison!

While so many components make for a great school year, one of the most important are our teachers. Tell yours how much you appreciate and look forward to partnering with them this year by sharing a small treat on your child's 1st day back to school.

Here are some popular back to school treat ideas:
-Starbuck's or local coffee shop gift cards ($5-10 denominations)
-Gift cards to local donut or breakfast shops
-Gift cards to local school supply stores
-Handmade treats (i.e. muffins, cookies, breads)

Be sure to print our FREE Teacher Treat cards to give your back to school gift an added touch. 

Enjoy!