Garden Parties and Flower Cupcakes

This weekend it is the birthday of my son and one of my best friends.  Over the years I have thrown them parties and made them special treats.  There are no big parties planned this year, but I do have a few treats in the works.  In honor of their big day, I thought I would re-share some party ideas I have done in the past starting with my friends big birthday.

When my friend hit a milestone birthday a few years ago, I planned the party.  I did not want to make fun of her age, because I am a couple of years younger than her. I knew that if I was nice to her, she would be nice to me when the time came. (which will be this year!)   We kind of had a duel theme, which was a Garden Party and Spring Chick.  (she was not old, but still a spring chicken!) 

On the main table we had a pretty vase filed with flower and mini Flower Pot Favors filled with candy.  I had found these mini pots at the dollar store in packages of 3 for $1. 

We also made several Flower Topiaries to decorate the party area.  They were a perfect fit for our Garden Party theme.  Notice there is also a little chick in the picture.  

I had made a Cupcake Stand using candlesticks and plates from the dollar store to hold the Spring Chick cupcakes. 

The following year for her birthday I made her these Flower Cupcakes.  They turned out so pretty and would also make a great gift for Mother's Day coming up in a few days.  

This year she would like me to make something with chocolate and cherry.  I am not sure exactly what I am making yet, but look for it very soon!  

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How to Make a Flower Topiary

You can get the look of an expensive flower topiary by making it yourself using items from the dollar and craft store. The craft store sells styrofoam balls in various sizes.  You can also buy pre-cut dowel rods for very little money.  Push a dowel into the styrofoam ball a few inches deep. 

I found circle floral forms at the dollar store.  While I was happy that it was only a dollar, it was a bit soft and the dowel rod did move around a little.   As long as the topiary is not moved around too much, the cheaper form should be fine. I also found a spring flower pot at the dollar store. 

Push the dowel in the center of the form. 

When I started to glue  on the flowers, I did find it was easier to remove the dowel rod.   So you could glue on the flowers BEFORE pushing the dowel into the form.   Using hot glue, I glued on the flowers one at a time in a circular motion. 

This what the topiary looked like before the final touches were added.  Since I was transporting these topiaries to another location,  I waited until they were at the party site to finish them. 

The night before the party,  I added dollar store moss and a purple ribbon around the base of the flower ball.   When one of the party guests asked me if was a real hydrangea, I knew I had acheived the look that I had been hoping for.     The flowers and pot can be easily changed to acheive the color and look.  

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