Party in "Las Vegas" 6.27.12

Giveaways that are still open: Runnur mini "backpack" | $100 in Paypal cash

If you asked anyone what my two obsessions are (not including my family, which is a given), they will tell you travel and costumes. Yes, I do love to dress up, but more specifically, my costume obsession revolves around my love of theme parties and I think costumes just help make them that much more convincing. Often, I will ask folks to dress up for a birthday party that is in December or even June. Just because we are adults and no longer trick-or-treat, doesn’t mean that we can’t still have some childish fun.

Anyway, a couple weekends ago, I teased a Vegas party that I threw for my husband. I meshed my two (THREE!) loves together and since we couldn’t fly everyone to Sin City for the weekend, I threw a Vegas Buffet theme party for our family instead. As promised, I took some candids after decorating and setting out food. Unfortunately, none of us dressed as cocktail waitresses or dealers, but maybe next time!

Here’s what was on the menu:

Hot buffet

Seasoned grilled chicken breast

Spicy meatballs (special request of the birthday boy)

Beef tips

Black & White bowtie pasta

Parmesan asparagus

Buttered green beans

Garlic carrots

Red-skinned mashed potatoes

Herb and cheese biscuits

Sauces: marinara, lemon piccata & mushroom

Cold buffet

Coleslaw

Green salad with veggies

Assorted fruit

Bruschetta with two cheese spreads

Dessert Station

Piña colada cupcakes

Strawberry daiquiri cupcakes

Rhubarb pie (special request of the birthday boy)

“Money” wrapped butter mints

Bar/Beverage Station

Ice water

Mojito ice tea

Mango pineapple ice tea

Wine (white and sparkling)

Beer

Soda

Eric partaking in the cold buffet 

Yes, I do go all out when it comes to food that matches a theme. I find it’s one of the most important parts, after the décor. Generally, I can spend a few days just decorating the house, but I didn’t do as much as I could have, as we were only having about a dozen people over and also between work and other commitments, I didn’t have the time to do more. You can see how I turned the house into a mini Vegas casino and buffet. The food was plentiful, but mostly nutritious (not usually what you would expect at a traditional casino buffet) and we didn’t lose all our money at the tables. Everyone’s a winner! (If you really want to go to Las Vegas on a budget, don't forget to check out this awesome infographic.)

Craps gift table 

My next post will be the first in a new series called 48 Fun Hours on a budget in... This one will focus on Las Vegas. I hope you like it!

Do you go all out when it comes to birthdays and special occasions? Or do you create a vacation destination in your home/yard to feel like you're getting away?