It was like a giant family reunion, especially for my dad’s side of my family. His cousins made the trip and I hadn’t seen most of them in decades! We also got to spend time with two of my cousins and their beautiful babies, who we hadn’t gotten a chance to meet  yet. It was wonderful to catch up and see how happy my parents were surrounded by their amazing family and friends. The afternoon was laid-back and fun, just like Ben and Lana.

My mom was the mastermind behind the entire event and she did a beautiful job making everything come together. In addition to making several homemade sweets, she had Kelly’s Bakery and Cafe cater and everyone raved about the delicious spread. My favorite dishes were the bacon-wrapped dates and ham, cheese and apple butter croissants. I plan to recreate them both soon for the blog!

My dad, of course, was in charge of the beer. He made an amazing dry-hopped Saison for the occasion. It was fantastic. Having a dad that brews beer seriously ups his coolness factor — my friends are always asking when he’s coming to Indiana next because they love sampling his creations. Once we move later this summer I think I’ll have to have him come over and teach me how to brew!

After a month of nonstop travel, I’m definitely ready for a relaxing weekend in Bloomington. I need to get back into my cooking/workout routine, which has been seriously thrown off the past two weeks. My body has had way too much sugar and is in need of lots of fruit and veggies. Looking forward to getting back on the meal prep train this weekend!

The post A Wedding Luncheon For Ben + Lana appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.

Everyone dresses up in 1960s-inspired attire, which is the best part. James picked up a blazer from a local vintage store and I finally got to wear this gorgeous ball skirt I ordered from Shabby Apple. I’m obsessed with how feminine and classy it looks.

To go along with the theme, we incorporated some popular ’60s foods into the menu. I made healthier deviled eggs from A Kitchen Addiction, Camembert fondue, banana cookies, and chocolate peanut butter Peeps s’mores from How Sweet It Is (not from the ’60s, but fun and festive since we also celebrated Easter Sunday).

I also set out shrimp cocktail, pecan pie, sugar cream pie, fruits, veggies and a cheese plate. My trick for making parties easy is incorporating some semi-homemade, store-bought foods.

Keeping with the theme, we had the bar appropriately stocked so people could make what we dubbed “Don’s California Tequila Sunrise” and “Roger’s Daily Rum and Coke.”

No one left hungry.

James took care of the music and made a playlist of songs that came out in 1969, which is the year the last episodes of the show are set in. We had it playing in the background throughout the evening until the premiere started.

The party was an absolute blast. Sadly, there are only a few episodes of the show left. But, that’s all the more reason to throw a Mad Men party!

When you do, make sure you print off these free masks to use as photo props or decorations. People loved seeing them featured in our makeshift photo booth.

The post How To Host A Groovy ‘Mad Men’ Party appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.