With Thanksgiving and Christmas, quickly approaching party that involve gifts are pushed to the forefront of party planning.

In the south, we have a gift giving party called Dirty Santa. In other parts of the country it is called White Elephant party.  Whatever name you want call your party, it has the same rules and played basically the same. The only thing that changes is the name since Dirty Santa seems more appropriate during December and November than July and August. Dirty Santa is a popular party during Christmas because it gives everyone a chance to share a gift without having to take out a loan to pay for them. It is especially popular with large extended families who get together for the holidays.

Sound like something you want to do? Here's how you do it.

Dirty Santa Party Rules

• Ask everyone to bring a gift, preferably one that either sex might like. The gifts should be wrapped without identification. Half the fun is not knowing who brought the gift.
• Set a price limit on the gift.  Most of the parties I have been to set a price of 30 bucks, but you can go as low as  5 or 10 dollars.  Include the rules and price limit with the party invitations.
• As guests arrive, pile all the gifts in a stack and have each guest pick a number out of a hat or box. (Make sure you have equal guest to presents – you might want to stash one or two extra presents in case someone forgets.)
• After everyone arrives and your ready to play, the person with the number 1 goes  first. They chooses a present from the pile and open it.
• Now the fun part, the number 2 person selects a present from the stack. After they open it, Dirty Santa can be declared and anyone who has open a gift can steal an opened gift and replace it with the gift they have in their possession. As the game goes on, any one can declare Dirty Santa and steal a present from any other guest and leave them with the gift they chose. Once you declare dirty Santa you can’t declare it again.  But someone can declare dirty Santa on you, and take the present you wanted. Each person has once chance to declare dirty Santa, after every present has be picked and each person has declared dirty Santa, the game is over.

Gag gifts are great for this Dirty Santa game.  I remember playing one year,  one of the male guest end up with tiger print teddy.  Novelty or gag gifts add some fun and laughs to this crazy party.  With Dirty Santa or a White Elephant party, you can add to the rules or mix them up and make the party idea yours. It's a great idea for adult birthday parties, anniversary parties, family reunions, office parties and (of course) Christmas parties.

So – Merry Christmas!  Go out and plan a Dirty Santa party this year!

Back in the day … I know everyone cringes when they hear those four words. But, back in the day block parties were big things.  Why did they fall to the waste side?  I suspect people got busy with kids and extra activities that drove us away from our neighborhoods.

It is time to bring the neighborhood party back.  First step to a great block party is to go met your neighbors. See if any are interested in helping you plan the party.  In most cases, we all have at least one neighbor we know well and can count on to help us out.  That neighbor probably knows some of the other neighbors who would be excited to join a block party.

The day of the block party you will need a designated party area. This could be your drive way, the end of a cul-d-sac or part of the street and a couple yards. You'll need a way to block-off or mark the designated neighborhood block party area. Use paper streamers and balloons to designate where the party is.

The best way to let everyone know about the block party is by sending invitations. Send out invites that read: Join us in a get to know your neighbor party. Bring your own drinks and chairs, food will be provided along with fun.  Don't for get to put the time and the address on the invitation. You'll need to have an alternate date in case of bad weather.

I suggest getting a few huge sub sandwiches, potato salad, chips, cookies and cupcakes.  You can make all these things or your can buy them from a deli, or bakery. If several neighbors are involved in the planning , you can make it a pot luck celebration.  Don't forget to buy some inexpensive party plates, napkins and utensils.

You know back in that day, they did have some good ideas. A block party is a great old-time get-together. We all need to block out a bit of time to get to know our neighbors, after all we might gain a few friends from this party … you can never have to many friends.

When someone retires, it is a great time for an office party.  However as with all parties, it requires organization and planning. Of course, the focus of the party should be on the life and work of the retiree which can be tricky. So how do you throw a great retirement party for some one you only know as a co-worker?

Simple get their family involved.  Ask their family to share the hobbies, favorite color, food, and drink of the retiree. Get those questions answered then run with it. If you’re having the parties at work, decorate the party area with balloons, streamers and table cloths in their favorite color or colors.  It also a nice touches to have a "Happy Retirement" banner made.  If you’re having a quick retirement party, you can serve cake and ice cream with water, soda, and juice for the drinks and food. If you found out the retiree's hobby is golfing then purchase napkins with a golf theme.

To do a more formal dinner party, you can book a room at restaurant. For larger parties with entertainment,  rent a party hall and hire caterers. as for decorations, skip the streamers and balloons instead use candles and flower arrangements. Keep table cloths in basic black or white and use flowers in the favorite color of the retiree. If this party is for multiple retirees, go with company colors in the table flower arrangements. That way you'll offend no one by leaving out their favorite color.

Being in charge of the office retirement parties isn’t really a difficult task when you ask the right questions and follow key party principles.

You’ve decided to throw a party, but not sure how to make it a success. All you need for a fabulous party is a strategic plan of attack. My eight step party guide is the foundation for a can't miss strategic party plan. Below you will find a quick check list with hints that will help you in quest for the perfect party.

______1. Decide what type or style of party you’re going to have. Are you going to have an elaborate or simple party, adult or kids party, birthday party, anniversary party or a just for fun party. Although all party types follow the same party planning principles, some parties will require a little more involved planning. Depending on how elaborate or special your party is going to be you may need to hire people or arrange for special services as well as rent space or equipment. When deciding the type of party keep in mind how much you want to spend. The more elaborate or larger the guest list is the more your party will cost. The answer to these questions will help you to determine your budget in the next step.

______2. Decide on a Budget. Budget is the key to all parties. You do not want buyers regret the night of the party. Fun should be the only thing on your mind, not what you spent on the party. Set a realistic budget and add about 20% more. Inevitably, you will decided something is must have. Make a list of all the things you will need for the party and assign a budget amount to each one. Be sure to include these items in your budget: party facility, food, drinks (caterers, bar staff), entertainment, rentals (chairs, tables, linens), invitations, decorations, party favors, flowers, photographer and any other items you may have to buy or make for your party.

______3. Set a date and pick a place. When considering a date keep in mind any other events that might coincide with your date. Remember nothing is worse than planning a party and setting a date, only to later find out it is the same date as some other important function. Choose a location that is easy for guests to find or provide a map. If guests can find the party it can't be a success.

_____4. Food- Drink-Rentals-Entertainment. Decided how much time you want to invest in food, drink, and entertainment. You don't want to spend all of your party time preparing the food and serving it to your guests. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to mingle. This means you may need to hire a caterer to prepare the food and you serve it. However, you might want to hire a caterer and their bar & wait staff so you don't have to do anything but mingle. If your going to hire a cater and bar service, you will need advanced planning to interview the caterer and discuss the food and drinks you’ll want. It is crucial that you make sure to allow enough time for you to get all this done well before the party date. You will also want to book entertainment and arrange for all your rental needs.

_____5. Send out invitations. You can phone friends or email invites for informal parties and get-togethers that will be held within a two weeks or less. For more formal or in the case of children’s parties it is recommend to send printed invitations. Allow plenty of time between mailing the invitation and the date of the party.

_____6. Gather your party supplies. Go shopping for you decorations and party favors, as well as any other items that you may have missed several days before the party. Depending on your party date and the type of food and drinks you will serve, you may want shop for these items as well.

_____7. Check your list. It is easy to forget an item. Do you have food, drinks, tableware, music, or other entertainment, party favors, ect.? Make follow up calls to those you’ve hired, check on rentals, and follow up on the location make sure everything is set.

_____8. Party Day. Put up your decorations and set up table and chairs. Pick up last minute items that you may need. Prepare or pick up the food, cake, and beverages. pick and secure any items that need to be fresh and are ready prepared on the day your party (flowers). Make sure any one you’ve hired is aware of where they are to set up and how you want things done.

_____9.  Enjoy your party! Mingle, laugh and have a good time. Your strategic plan has taken care of everything.

You've decided to host the party at your house and bravely prepare the food yourself.  Although I prefer to use a caterer, I have occasionally prepared the food myself for one of my informal shin-digs. These are some helpful tips that will keep things running smoothly around the table while still allowing you to enjoy the party.

• Keep things simple. Purchase snacks like chips, dips, salsa, nuts, cold cuts, bread, and prepared salads. This cuts down on prep time in the kitchen. All you’ll have to do is open and serve.  Tip: serve gourmet chips or specialty nuts like wasabi nuts or pita chips to give your snacks an upscale attitude.
• Incorporate healthy dishes based on fruits, vegetables, and grains for those friends of yours that might be on a diet.  This is another easy way to make your food table look fancy.
• Serve buffet-style.  Spread selections of vegetables, dips, finger-foods and pre-sliced meats around the table on small platters.  This will help keep people moving around the food without forming a long line.
• Make it a BYOB and ask your guests to bring wine, beer or soda. This is not considered rude at all if the party is for more than 8 people and an informal drop in get-together.
• Don’t try to manage all of the trash with that tiny container under the sink. Create well placed and clearly marked areas for trash throughout the house. This way you won’t have to change trash bags every five minutes and guests won't have to hunt for a place to discard their trash.
• Be sure to have plenty of ice on hand. There is nothing worse than running out of ice at a party.
• Set and dress your table before your guests arrive.
• Wrap utensils in napkins and place them  for your guests to easily grab and hold.
• Designated an area in your kitchen for storing "refill" food until it is needed.  You will need a shelf in your refrigerator for the cold items, a warm oven for the hot items, and a place on the counter for chips and the like.  This way you can easily refill the buffet table.

The most important tip is to be prepared.  Prepare and store everything that you can the day or at least several hours before the party.  Following these tips will help you throw a successful party that you can enjoy.

Planning a wedding or party in Texas

"Everything is bigger is Texas!" is the first thing that comes to mind when referring to this massive southern state.  Sure, it's cliché, and in many ways tacky, but it's true—especially with party planning.  Bigger state, bigger populations, bigger lists of options for weddings and parties.  Texas can deliver just about whatever a wedding planner, party planner, bride, or grooms desires.

Location, location, location!  Planning a party in Texas begins with choosing from a wide-range of options

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Party planning in the great state of Illinois is easier than you think!

Illinois has venues for planning a party or wedding.  Despite is "Middle America" reputation, Illinois has deep roots in the fine arts, as well as many beautiful locations for your wedding or party.  Party planning in this beautiful state can be a success no matter what tone you choose.  Black tie or backyard, you can throw the perfect event in Illinois!

Go upscale!  Fantasy wedding planning is an effortless undertaking in Illinois!

Do you envision yourself getting married on a yacht? In a mansion?  Have your dream wedding take place in one of Illinois’ fantasy locations.  Charter a yacht in Chicago for a whimsical ceremony on the water surrounded by one of America’s most famous skylines.  Upon your return, you and guests can enjoy one of Chicago’s many fine dining Read the rest of Ideas For Illinois Party And Wedding Planning »

Going wild in Pennsylvania with wedding planning in the Poconos!

With its colonial charm, major cities, and universities, one of the best and most surprising places to have a wedding in Pennsylvania is in the Pocono Mountain Range in the northeastern portion of the state, which is home to 80 percent of the state’s resorts.

Imagine a wedding rehearsal dinner with a fire crackling in the background, local wine being passed around, and snow falling outside the window. Then, the next morning, the bride’s white dress hanging in a window dusted with fresh snow as she readies herself for the ceremony.  Who wouldn’t feel the romance with candles burning, snow falling, and vows being said in this a magical setting?

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California is unparalleled in its offerings for wedding and party planners!

California is one of the most beautiful, most versatile states in the US, making it ideal for every kind of wedding and party imaginable! Spanning an enormous 770 miles along the Pacific Ocean, this sunny state boasts an array of climates, scenic geography, and a diverse population, which can make party planning a relative vacation! Getting everyone to your event is also easier in California.  Densely populated areas, such as Los Angeles, are host to major airports, as well as in many smaller locations Read the rest of Ideas for Parties and Weddings in California »

New York! New York!  Anything is possible when planning a wedding the "city that never sleeps!"

If you are lucky enough to be wedding planning in New York City, you may find your options overwhelming, but the good news is there is something for everyone!  You can have whatever kind of party or wedding you envision, and you can Read the rest of New York Wedding Planning And Parties Ideas »