Mini Oktoberfest Celebration

So this post is completely inspired by my sister-in-law's trip to Oktoberfest! Yes, that lucky duck went on a trip to Europe for two weeks complete with a trip to Munich right in the middle of Oktoberfest celebrations. Why oh why did I not sneak myself into her suitcase - ha! I can't wait to hear details of her trip and see pictures. While she was off celebrating the real deal, we decided to have a mini celebration of our own over the weekend. Sunday marked the last official day of the 16 day festival that is held in Munich every year. We had our little celebration on Saturday complete with soft pretzels, Bavarian hats, dirndl skirts, German food and beer for us adults ;)

The kids had a great time eating their pretzels and running around in their Bavarian hats. I found a tutorial at eHow on how to make the hats out of felt. We headed to A.C. Moore to get some green felt, feathers and trim. I pretty much followed the tutorial except that I hand sewed the sides and edges down instead of using just glue. I thought they would hold up better that way. I also let the kids choose a button to add to their hats to make it their own. 

 

 

 

I also made Erin a dirndl skirt. I had purchased a pattern from Anneliese of Aesthetic Nest well over a year ago. I used the pattern to make Erin a skirt last year but really wanted to make another one with the apron this time. It is an easy skirt to sew. There are no real pattern pieces involved, you use the measurements of your child to plug into a formula to get the measurements of the skirt pieces. It is very easy, I promise, and it gives a great custom fit.

 

The pockets on the apron were perfect for gathering some wild flowers

 

 

The Details:

Pattern: Dirndl Skirt by Aesthetic Nest omitted apron ties

Fabric: both from the Fairgrounds line by DS Quilts for Joann - sadly no longer available

Notions/Trims: elastic for back waistband purchased at Joann

 

 

For food, I found some really great recipes for an Oktoberfest like feast just by searching around the interwebs and picking out something I thought would taste good. The recipes I found did not disappoint! The German Potato salad recipe is so delicious, I don't think I want to eat regular potato salad ever again!

Recipes:
Dinner: Bratwurst with Apples, Onion and Sauerkraut  substituted regular all purpose flour for Wondra flour and apple cider vinegar for dry vermouth. German Potato Salad - more like mashed potatoes than potato salad but seriously delicious!
Dessert: Apple Strudel

The bratwurst came from a local deli called The Smoke Haus. They specialize in German fare and smoke and process all of their own meats. My husband takes his venison there to be processed as well. This deli is amazing! If you are ever in the area I highly recommend you try it. I also picked up some German biscuit cookies that were so good they almost didn't last the car ride home and its only two miles from our house!

So we had a great mini Oktoberfest celebration this weekend! I am sure the festivities in Munich were much more interesting and I can't wait to hear from my SIL all about it!

Don't forget to leave a trail of breadcrumbs ;)

Thanks for stopping by!