This year, I co-chaired the Acquisitions Committee for the lovebug's school auction. It was a great experience and as you can imagine, an Acquisitions leader feels compelled to "bring home the bacon" so to speak. So, along with some of my fellow committee chairs, we offered to host what we fondly deem a "Buy-a-Share". Those of you in the auction biz know this term; those of you just entering this intricate web of fundraising jargon, a BAS is simply a party or activity that people can pledge $$ to attend. We exercised the greatest form of flattery - stole an idea from another auction: the Flip Flop and Lemondrops party for gals!
So, what do you get for the $25 donation to attend? "Get", I say. "Well, you GET unlimited lemondrops made by the only man in attendance (my loving hubby), yummy hor d'oeuvres, the chance to don your fun flip flops and best of all, an opportunity to gossip with your fellow Mommies about everything from the latest rumor to what you need to survive the next grade. How can you say "no"?
Luckily, for us, 30+ women said "yes" and we enjoyed a fabulous evening. And, we pulled together some fun little DIYs to add that extra flair. But, as always with me, it is DIY on a Dime and here is a preview of those special extra touches that highlighted our theme while saving us some $$$$:
One of my friends found a cute flip flop wreath on Pinterest. So, I called upon one of my best talents: embellishing someone's else's ideas. I added the daisies and wire-edged ribbon bow. It was simple to make: use a glue gun to glue all of the flip flops together. The original idea called for using all left or right foot FFs but I think it turned out great using both and saved $3! Total cost for all purchased at the Dollar Tree: $4.10
It was only appropriate to provide guests with a small favor for their support and what better than something to help get their tootsies ready for flip flop weather. We found these cute manicure sets at Daisy Days. These cute little kits came in at $2.50 a piece and everyone loved them!
The Decor
Lemondrop Martinis by the Pitcher: 12 oz Vodka, 1 can of frozen lemonade, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (original recipe called for a lot more but we found it was too sweet), 2 cups of water, 2 lemons, lemon gummy candy and ice. Combine everything (juice from only one lemon; other can be used for garnish). Store in pitcher and then shake with ice in a martini shaker and pour in a martini glass rimmed with sugar and the candy.
Pear Slices with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
Grilled Lemon Chicken Bites with Cilantro Yoghurt Dip
Lemon Feta Dip (I cut way back on olive oil and eliminated the garlic) with olive-oil brushed grilled sourdough bread by Udi's
Mini Caprese Bites
Black Bean Dip
Meatballs
Antipasti Platter
Lemon Bites by Costco
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Homemade Sopapilla Squares
The ladies had a fabulous time and all of them donned their toes in their sandals and flip flops. We all agreed that this must be an annual tradition!
Do you have a great idea for a Lemondrops and Flip Flop Party? We would love to hear from you! Simply click on the "comments" link below.
