Sweet 16 Party- Part 2

February was a busy month for us so we had to plan a brunch for my daughter's family party.  We had it the morning after her friends party.
Our color scheme was orange with punches of blue.  We were inspired by this winter themed party. She made these juicy citrus invitations herself.  She didn't like anything I had come up with. :)

 Here's our dining room decorated with clementines, orange tulips and tissue paper pom poms  strung from the chandelier.

We made these wine charms for the champagne glasses.

We served two different hashbrown egg bakes (one with bacon and one without), fresh fruit salad from here with a fluffy, creamy dressing, bagels and assorted muffins and pastries. Sorry I don't have any pictures of the food!  I think it was all good though (judging from the small amount of leftovers).

I wanted to try out this photo booth idea that I saw here.  Since it was snowy outside we had to set up an indoor one. I bought a shower curtain at Kohls' and used 3M Command Hooks to hang it up.  We asked every family to write a message to the birthday girl. Here are a few.

For dessert we served her favorite flourless chocolate cake*, cake pops from Bakerella, chocolate covered cream puffs, and cupcakes.

We gave out this cinnamon honey butter as the favor. I found the recipe at this great site.

Phew! Glad they are all over (even though it's a bit of a letdown). Happy Birthday Again Honey!!!

-heather(mom)

*The Best Flourless Chocolate Cake (if you like fudgy, dense, rich chocolate cake, this is for you!)

16 ounce semi-sweet chocolate                      1 c. sugar

1 c. unsalted butter                                        unsweetened cocoa or flour, for dusting

9 eggs, separated

Preheat oven to 350. Butter a springform pan; line the bottom with buttered wax paper; dust pan with cocoa or flour.  Slowly melt chocolate & butter together in a heavy saucepan over low heat; cool.  Meanwhile separate eggs into tow large bowls.  Beat the yolks for about a minute; slowly add sugar & continue beating till thick & lemon-colored.  Beat egg white until they just begin to peak.  Add cooled chocolate mixture to egg yolks & blend thoroughly.  Pour the chocolate & yolk mixture into egg whites and fold gently until completely blended.  Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50-55 minutes.  Cool 1/2 hour before turning out onto serving plate.   Garnish with powdered sugar or whipped cream.