Thursday, February 12, 2009

Spa Birthday Party Idea & Ribbon Sandwich Recipe

I wanted to do a little showing & telling about Alyssa's spa birthday party. With my hectic schedule we had to do it a week and a half after her birthday, but better late than never!

We had a lot of fun putting together the goody bags. I love having a February birthday child! I get to hit up the after-Christmas clearances.


Here's Alyssa posing with the spa swag for her guests.


I've never been to a spa and have no idea what spa food is, but I figured it would be somewhat like tea party food, so that's what I went with. And check out those flowers... still alive and happy and purple more than a week later! They were totally worth the $4 I paid at the grocery store.


Mmmmm.....
I used vintage plates and trays and teacups for serving dishes. Even the plastic appetizer forks (don't know what they're really called) are vintage.

They ate their food on crystal snack trays and the snobby spa girls (they played the part well...) had fun ordering Caleb around. He was the server and got called everything from Javier to Cecilio to Juan Paco to whatever other random name we could come up with.


Each girl got an appointment card so we could keep track of who did what when.


Who wouldn't love a day at the spa? They had so much fun and all the girls want their own spa party now! The cost was minimal and we had a blast!




I thought I'd also share my recipe for ribbon sandwiches. Last time I made them I layered both wheat and white bread, which makes them look really nice. This time I just used what I had on had, which was wheat. These are really old fashioned and fun. The first time I ate a ribbon sandwich was at a DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers) meeting, which is mostly older women. They couldn't believe I had never had these, but as much as I wish we were, we aren't really a ladies luncheon type society anymore. I got the recipe from one of ladies there and made them for a baby shower a month later. They were a hit! Plus you make them the day ahead which is really nice when you're entertaining.

You can use whatever fillings you like, fill free to mix and match. Alyssa wanted cucumber sandwiches, so that's what I made. You can also do ham, chicken, egg, etc.

Cucumber Filling:
1 pkg fat free cream cheese
1 cucumber, peeled, finely chopped and drained well
dill seasoning

Cheese Filling:
1 pkg fat free cream cheese
shredded cheese

Cut the crusts off a loaf (or two) of bread. I find it easiest to freeze the bread and let it semi-thaw. Each sandwich will take three slices of bread. Layer them with a bread, a filling, a bread, the other filling and a bread. It works well with two colors of bread. Once you're done with the sandwiches, wrap them in wax paper and then put them back in the plastic bag the bread came in. Refrigerate overnight or at least four hours. A couple of hours before serving you can slice them into thirds and cover in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until serving time. These are so great anytime you want a fancy sandwich and they taste so good!

29 comments:

Crazy Mom of 6 said...

What a wonderful idea. I am going to have to steal it for one of my daughters birthday I hope that is ok. Love it all it is amazing you are very creative

Stephanie said...

I'm so glad the party went well. When you were describing it at girls' night it sounded so fun.

I've had sandwiches similar to those at a "tea party" in college, except they were just one layer - cream cheese and cucumber. They really are yummy. I think I'll try this slighly fancier version sometimes, it sounds delicious with the cheese.

Julie Michael said...

Very awesome idea! :0)

Thanks for the comment on my blog! :) I've added you to my "Follow" list. :)

Kathy said...

What a great party, Angie! My daughter just hosted a ladies night out spa party for her MOPS group. She asked me to join them and it was just lovely and so much fun! I think it would be a wonderful birthday party.

Happy Valentine's Day!
xo...Kathy

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

How precious is that...Memory making day! Happy Valentine's Day!

FRENCH LAUNDRY said...

That is totally cute. I wish I had a little girl to do it for. I'm guessing my boys would be less than enthusiastic!

Smiles,
Judy

mysteryhistorymom said...

WOW! What a fabulous party!! You are a fabulous and very creative Mom! It would be fun to get together with all our bloggy buddies and do something like that! Can we meet at your house??:)

I love that you are getting birdie goodies already! I have your partner picked out and will be sending the info. very soon! Yippee! Lori

Hootin Anni said...

Fabulous party...thanks for inviting us in to share the spa party too. [I love the vintage plates settings]

My SnT is the 2nd of 3 installments of troll doll collection. Hope you can stop by. Have a glorious, wonderful Valentine's Day!!!

Missy Wertz said...

What an adorable idea! I love it. DD will be 11 in July.... I like this idea....

Sherry said...

What a neat party idea and everything looks so nice! You did a great job with the table. It's so pretty! I bet your daughter had a great time!

Sherry

Nikki said...

That is a fantastic idea for a party, I totally love it! (Especially Juan Paco/Javier/whoever as a runner - hilarious!)

Lora @ my blessed life said...

A great party theme!! I'll have to remember this for when my daughter is a little older:)

Anonymous said...

What a neat and awesome idea. I love it. You did a great job putting it together. It looks so neat!

Woman Interrupted said...

will you do my next birthday party? I waaant a spa party!

Kristen said...

What an adorable party. Everything looked so fun. I bet the girls had a great time.

SmilingSally said...

Looks like everyone had a blast. Thanks for sharing. Happy Show and Tell Friday!

JudyBug said...

What a neat idea! Your daughter is adorable and she will treasure these memories forever!

Anonymous said...

Um....ADORABLE!!!!!

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Looks like fun!

A Hint of Home said...

Looks like you all had a great time of fun and good food. Cute idea!

Heather said...

thanks for sharing your recipe! i eat sandwiches like these at my local tea room and i love them!

Susie Homemaker said...

We have been trying to think of a theme for my #1 Grand's 12th birthday...this would be so much fun! Thanks for that recipe too...I have a girls night out with the neighborhood girls and this will be perfect!

Blessings,
Susie

Anonymous said...

What a GREAT party - thanks for the recipe (yay) and the pics! It gave me some ideas for my girly girls - they are younger now, but I can modify some of your ideas for them. AWESOME post!!!

Jennifer @ Her Southern Charm said...

What a ridiculously cute party idea!!! I love it!!!! I'll have to tell my sister about for my nieces birthday for next year!

Anonymous said...

That is such a sweet birthday party! :)

Brooke said...

What a great party idea! Looks like everyone had a fun time!

Cass @ That Old House said...

This is brilliant! The picture with the girl with the cucumber slices over her eyes -- oh wow that made me laugh, and miss my daughters being home. I think we hosted pajama parties thousands of times; they are such fun! Lucky, lucky Alyssa, to have such a creative Mom.

Cass

Kelly @ The Barefoot Mama said...

What a terrific party idea! I love the cards to keep track of the spa treatments, the menu, everything! How special. :0)

akawest said...

What a fun party idea! Your daughter is lucky to have such a creative mom.

I am 45 and have never eaten a ribbon sandwich. Now I need an excuse to have a tea party.