Buckets of Show and Tell

This week, my gal Betsy is hosting a Show and Tell on her blog, Belly Feathers.  When I saw her post, I couldn't wait to participate.  She's looking for everyone to show and tell about their favorite entertaining and serving pieces.  What a great idea Betsy!  Even better, Betsy stole my idea!  She featured her Pampered Chef Trifle Bowl.  I have the same dish and LOVE it!  I have used it from everything from Trifles (it's intended use) to Christmas decorations using an array of ornaments to displaying candy for candy tables.  It is definitely a go-to piece.

So, seeing as I would hate to arrive to Show and Tell with the same thing as Betsy, I'm featuring my next favorite item - the Southern Living at Home Astoria Flatware Caddy.  Much to my surprise, Southern Living was sold and is now Willow House and it looks like this has been discontinued.  But, if you are swayed by my post, there are some available on eBay.  I'm guessing you could try Craig's List as well.

I've used my caddy for everything from displaying fresh flower arrangements, to using it for silverware.  But my latest favorite thing for this item is to use it for candy tables.  I used it at Ethan's Cars Birthday Party:

For my upcoming Halloween party, I'm using it to display orange and black rock candy.

Here are some other uses for the Caddy:

How cute is this for Christmas?

Or Valentine's Day?

Having a wine and cheese party?

Source

If I had to pick a second item, it would be my new Pottery Barn three-tiered stand. 

I used this also for Ethan's Car's party.

I've seen this used on other party blogs as well:

Source

I've probably broken the Show and Tell rules by bringing two items, but I couldn't resist.  Thanks Betsy for the great idea and letting me share!  Can't wait to see everyone's ideas!

Buckets of Table Ideas

A huge craze in party planning land is candy or sweets tables.  In fact, there are blogs dedicated just to these ideas.  Check out Save the Date for Cupcakes for awesome inspiration.

Party planners are now taking the idea of the sweets table and inventing other ways to use this concept.  One of the neatest ideas I've come across is this Trail Mix Bar from Cari at Socially Circled.  When I was younger, my mom was famous for making what we called "Chex Mix."  She always had it on hand and when my friends came over, they always had to have her Chex Mix.  So, this particular table struck a special place in my heart.  Cari designed this table for a camping themed party.  But you could use it for so many other things - a party for your child's sports team; a back to school party; end of the school year party; Fall celebration - the ideas are endless!

Love these Mason Jars to put your trail mix concoction in :)

Here are some other spins on the "sweets table:"

Favor Tables:

Courtesy of Send In the Clowns

Ice Cream Buffets

 

Courtesy of Kara's Party Ideas

Cereal Buffet Bars

Wouldn't this idea be great for a pajama party or a brunch!

Courtesy of the Purple Pug



Check out the Fruit Loop Garland!

I hope I've inspired your creativity!  I may need to have more kids just to use up all these ideas!  Now my husband is supportive of my party planning fetish, but not so sure he's that supportive!