Easy Party Ideas "Bar" style to help you Keep Calm while Waiting for Spring

With winter winds (alliteration intended!) swirling about today, and after chasing my trash cans for the ump-teenth time, I started thinking about spring, and what follows that is even better-- summer! There's Easter in April, Memorial Day in May, and there is sure to be a few warm days in March. This May Paxton turns 1, I can hardly believe it. I've been wracking my brain with party ideas-- I've gotten a little neurotic over it (I can hear him fighting the nap he so desperately needs...). So I've come up with a few party ideas to get you through the last stretch of winter.

Remember! Keep Calm, spring IS coming!

Easy Party Ideas

Pancake/Waffle Bar

I love this idea because whenever I have a "bar" of any sort, it lets me make use of any leftover things I may have laying around, as well as a few new ones. You can do this whole party for $25.00. You can spend more or less depending on how many toppings and how many people. Or make it an easy potluck and ask your guests to bring a topping.

Topping ideas:

Syrup & Butter                                                        Whip Cream

Fruit                                                                         Sprinkles

-Strawberries (Fresh or Frozen)                              Powdered Sugar

-Bananas                                                                  Scrambled Eggs & Bacon

-Kiwi                                                                        Sausage Patties (McGriddle style!)

-Toasted Coconut                                                     Butterscotch Chip                                                    

Marshmallows                                                          Granola

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Syrup

Cream Cheese

Chopped Nuts

-Walnuts

-Pecans

-Toasted Almonds

Here are some set-up and decorating ideas from Pinterest (isn't it the best? I mean, seriously...)

   

Ice Cream Bar

They're probably the first thing that comes to mind when people ask for ideas about a "bar" topic, but here's a few new ideas to give this traditional party a face lift. 

Party Ideas:

• Instead of different toppings have different vessels for the ice cream! Let guests be traditional with a good ol' cake or sugar cone, or mix it up and sandwich it between waffles or a fresh donut! 
• Have different ice cream desserts-- ice cream cones, shaved ice, ice cream cake, ice cream cone cupcakes. And check out these neat ideas from Pinterest...

    

Potato Chip Bar

If you are like me at all those three words up there strung together is music to your ears! 

Using this idea:

Playdates-- you can dress it down for kids, or up for Mommy! Try having an assortment of chips for when you have a few extra kiddos running around, or be a little more over-the-top with some friends while watching the rugrats.

Sports Parties: Having people over to watch the game can be a big job. Simplify with just offering some light snacks. Providing some variety goes a long way.

Partner to...: Have a Potato Chip bar to compliment a dessert bar at other parties so your guests can get balanced flavors and don't get "sweeted"-out.

Additional Ideas: Switch out the Potato Chips and have a French Fry bar-- a little more filling, and even better possibilities!

The possibilities are endless when you are looking to find ideas to keep your parties easy going. Here are some more "bar" ideas to plan on...

Cocktail Bar-- have some kid friendly options if you're inviting a younger crowd

Carnival Foods-- everyone loves the ballgame! Bring some classics indoors with soft-pretzel bites, and peanuts in the shell.

Macaroni & Cheese-- need I say more? 

Wine Bar-- with Cheese plates, breads, and fruit bites

Salad Bar

Raw bar-- keep things fresher and brighter think sushi, fruits & veggies, oysters in the shell

Brunch

Sushi Stations-- Order it from your favorite place, or teach everyone how to make it at your place

Baked Potato Bar

Nacho/Taco Bar

Popcorn bar-- I feel a movie night coming on.

Build-Your-Own-Burger

Picnic Style-- finger foods only

Donut Bar-- iced, frosted, filled, sugar raised, there's so many possibilities!

Mashed Potato Bar-- the baked potato bar's evil twin.

Pasta Bar-- who says you can't please everyone?

Candy Bar

Coffee Bar

Hot Chocolate Bar

Loaded S'More Station-- a few sternos, or a gas range and you're in business.

Cupcake Bar-- Let everyone pick their own flavor, frosting and other goodies.

Pie Bar-- Don't be limited by the stereotypes! Think sweet AND savory pies! I almost did this for my wedding. 

Biscuit Bar-- Load 'em up-- Jam, butter, you name it.

Bar Food-- chips, pretzels, peanut butter something, mini sliders.

Pizza Bar

Phew! You get the idea. If you can dream it, you can do it. Thanks, Walt Disney.

-Kate