June was a really busy month in our neck of the woods. We had both sets of grandparents for an early Father's Day luncheon, and I hosted two parties - one for Miss Manners, and something new - one for Mr. Manners!
I'm not sure why I haven't hosted a party for boys before - well, I did once. You can check out my "Let's Hear It for the Boys" Mother/son Valentine's luncheon I held for some of our friends a couple of years ago. But I've never done a Mr. Manners party. I should have. I have a son, after all! Anyway - now I can check it off the list. I hosted one the last Saturday in June, along with Brack's help. Check it out below.
I should have dug out my lighting, because I set my table about 10:30 the night before. Gerald took Brack to his black belt class, and Jewell had a fundraiser at Pieology for cheerleading. I had a stamping class, then scooted over to stay the last hour or so of the fundraiser. We got home about 10:00! The party was scheduled for 11:00 am, so I knew my tables needed to be done that night.
I began with my white linen tablecloth. I had planned on using a black gingham check runner, but the day before the party, I found the zig-zag print you see above. We are lucky to still have a fabric department at our local Walmart, and I always look at the clearance stack as I walk past. This cut little print was marked down to $1 a yard! There were two remnants on the bolt - 1.5 yards and 1.75 yards. Perfect! For less than $5 I had the perfect runners. I just folded them in half and trimmed the ends with pinking shears. I wanted to keep the pieces whole so I could use them again for something else one day.
The gray placemats came from Dollar Tree. I found them less than an hour before I set my table! I had stopped on the way home for balloons and look what I found! Again - I had intended to use just a woven natural placemat with black trim that I already had, but these were perfect! They're vinyl for easy clean up.
I used the gold chargers I already had to pick up the yellowy gold in the runner.
I had already bought the orange cones at Dollar Tree. (Two for $1!) I used caution tape to wrap a simple glass vase from Dollar Tree.
I bought a $5 bouquet of sunflowers at Walmart, and I split them between the two tables. Greenery came from my yard. I love the way the green pops against the other colors and how the yellow sunflowers pop against the green!
I keep black and orange napkins on hand for our big annual Halloween party. I used the black napkins with the orange plates I already had. They also came from Dollar Tree a few years ago.
Flatware is "Margate" by Pfaltzgraff.
The black straws were purchased at Walmart after Halloween one year when everything had gone 90% off. I literally paid .20 cents for a box of 18 straws.
I found the miniature construction vehicles and race cars on Amazon. The boys each got to take home a few after the party.
The boys sat in the dining room.
Brack helped me blow up and hang balloons the night before. Balloons are always festive!
We moms ate in the kitchen. I used black plates with orange napkins and straws here.
I reserved one sunflower for a little bouquet on the buffet.
I served lemonade and ice water.
I try to use different levels when presenting food.
I bought a smoked Boston butt the day before and shredded it. I served the sliders on Hawaiian rolls.
Pineapple slaw was perfect on the pork sliders. It added sweetness and crunch.
Ranch-style pasta salad was a yummy side.
Chips and dip are always popular with boys!
Before we ate, we had a quick lesson on how to approach a buffet. They did great! They waited their turn and were very neat.
One little boy had to cancel the morning of the party, so including Brack, we had five. It was good to start small.
For dessert, we decorated cookies.
I used Pillsbury dough rolls to make the cookies. I cut them a little thick (I got 18 out of a roll and not 24) and baked them a little longer to make sure they were crisp and would hold up. I made cream cheese icing for both. We had mini chocolate chips, crushed Heath bars, and sprinkles on one tray.
Fresh strawberries and blueberries, along with crushed peanuts were on the other tray. Speaking of trays, I decided to serve them on two of my cookie sheets! I just added parchment paper and "Voila"! I thought it was cute.
The boys were so careful not to make a mess. In a lot of ways, they were more reserved than the girls of Miss Manners! Maybe it was just because it was their first party.
They were very meticulous. I used tiny spoons to help control portions.
Brack has grown so much lately! He's about 5'6" already. He did such a good job mentoring the young boys! He made me so proud!
Cutter enjoyed his cookie!
They chit-chatted and behaved like little men!
My cookie - sweet icing, tangy fruit and salty nuts. Yumm!
After we ate, they all went to play in Brack's playroom.
Creed playing a little golf. He looked like he was ready for the Country Club in his sports coat!
I enjoyed having these sweet boys and their mamas in my home. They can consider themselves charter members of Mr. Manners!
I have taught all of these boys in church. I love to teach the three year old class so I can get to know them when they're young. Creed and Cutter wanted a hug and picture with me before they left. They said they had fun. I know I did! I think the first Mr. Manners party was a huge success!
I'm so glad you stopped by my neck of the woods!
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I wouldn't want you to miss one crazy thing!
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