Are you planning a quiet evening in with the family for New Years? When you think of a quiet evening in, don't think about being stuck in front of the television all night waiting for the New Year's ball to drop. It doesn't even have to be like that. Yes, you want to not fight the crowds out on a night like this, yet you don't want to be stuck inside doing nothing. Don't make your night be boring in with these exciting activities from Wedding and Party Network.

Time Charades – Since New Year's Eve is all about counting down the time, why not make a game out of it. In fact, if you have games you enjoy, base those on time as well. Play games that are timed, like Boggle, Cranium or Speed. Also, make that the theme of your game like time inspired charades. Act out the television show Lost or Time is on My Side. These great games will have everyone enjoying their time in.

Resolution – Another great game is to guess everyone's New Year's resolution. This night will include close friends and family, so it's fun to see what they have planned for the new year. Plus, it may even help them stay on track to keep it. Have everyone fill out a piece of paper with their resolutions and then later in the evening have everyone pick which resolution belongs to the guests.

Kid's New Year's Resolutions – If you're in with the children, help them create their own. Sit down with them and explain exactly what a resolution means. Once they understand, ask them what they would like to achieve in the new year. Starting out young may help them keep their resolutions once they are older.

Time Capsule -This is great for friends, family or children to share in. Place items from the past year into a time capsule. On the following New Year's Eve, invite over the same people and take out the time capsule. How much fun will it be to reminisce on the previous year and share great memories with some good laughs.

Year In Review – Before the party, plan out a game that covers major events that happened. Quiz your guests on the past events, even split up into teams and make a friendly competition out of it.

There are many activities out there that make your New Year's Eve in absolutely fun! Being indoors doesn't have to be about sitting in front of the television waiting for midnight. Enjoy these activities and your night will be truly memorable.

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Are you running around last-minute trying to search for the perfect gift? It's a little late, however, there is still hope that you can find a great gift even when everything seems to be picked over. Are you thinking, what is possibly left out there that will still make a great gift? Well, Wedding and Party Network has some gift giving tips and ideas for the holiday season. Don't forget that New Years is just around the corner, and these gift ideas will make wonderful hostess gifts too!

In The Kitchen – If the recipient enjoys spending time in the kitchen, there are a lot of neat little gadgets out there. Adorable printed pie, cake & casserole holders for the ones that enjoy bringing treats to parties or an adorable apron. You can also do a little DIY (do-it-yourself) gifts. Create a cookie in a jar that features all the ingredients for your favorite cookies with the recipe attached with a cute bow or create a little gift with a whisk filled with candy in the middle and add the saying, "We whisk you a happy holiday." Just get creative.

Tech Savvy - For the girl/guy who loves being up-to-date on all the latest technology, you'll find fun flash drives that are suitable for everyone's personality. A digital photo frame, laser pointer, flash drive & pen all-in-one, customizable jewelry that feature their favorite "tweets" or one of the latest phones or tablets.

For The Home – Candles are always a great way to go, especially since there are a ton of scents, styles, types and designs of candles. Find one that matches their personality with fun sayings, colors, designs or how the candle smells. Don't forget to go with the traditional picture frame, those never get old.

Fashion Forward – Find beautiful jewelry for the hostess or fashion accessories. Friendship bracelets and necklaces have gotten an updated look, so those are really fun to give as gifts. Find scarves, preferably in a neutral color so the recipient can match it with just about anything in their closet. However, don't be afraid to go crazy with the print. They might not have been brave enough to buy it.

These are just a few ideas that you will definitely find at your favorite place to shop. There are still items out there that make wonderful gifts, and if you think you won't find anything or just don't want to brave the crowd, DIY your gifts. So, get out there and start finding the perfect last-minute gifts!

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It's time to start planning your New Year's Eve party. So, do you have any idea on what you want to do? Sure, you can go out, however, every place will be extremely crowded. Maybe you enjoy that or maybe you don't, whatever you enjoy, you definitely want to have plans for New Year's Eve. If you want to enjoy the evening in, then why not host a party of your own with a timely dinner party? This party theme fits the holiday perfectly and you can share it with your closest friends for a great night in for New Year's Eve.

Sparkly Decorations

 

Sparklers

When you think of this big event, you may always think of glitter and sparkle everywhere. It's definitely the time to bring those elements out. Therefore, incorporate them into your decor is an absolute must.Think glitter, sequins and metallic. Don't forget to incorporate a few clocks in there as well. Use glittery ornaments, spell out "2012" using Styrofoam and coat with glitter, set up metallic streamers in your choice of color for the party decor.

Use various sized vases, champagne, wine and martini glasses to create unique centerpieces for your party. Fill each one with metallic streamers, glitter, confetti or talk to your florist about coming up with a sparkly centerpiece that will grab everyone's attention.

You want this party to be elegant, yet fun. You can do this by choosing the right color combinations, like jewel tones, black and silver, black and gold or even a jewel tone pink and aqua. All these colors will create a great setting for the night.
Party Tip – Don't forget to create signs for your food table to let guests know what's what. Use elegant typography on color schemed paper that matches your party and attach them to sparklers. Place it in the middle of each dish.

Elegant Dinner

Along with this party, delicious food is a must. If you have some great dishes you would love to share with your guests, create it. However, since this is such a special occasion, you may think about having the dinner catered. Having an experienced caterer that has many options for dinner, along with a wait staff will definitely make the night much more special. A full course meal along with a spectacular dessert will truly make the night special.

When The Clock Strikes Twelve

When the clock strikes twelve it's time to start ringing in the new year. How? You can do the normal party blowers or have a little firework show of your own. Gather everyone up outside and light sparklers up. It's a fun way to ring in the new year and can also add to the decor of your party. Remember those martini glasses, stick the sparklers in one of those that is filled with glitter and it's an added special touch.

When planning your New Year's Eve party, think about having an elegant, low-key party inside your home. This beats the crowds that you'll face out on the town and you can share it with your closest family and friends. Who could think of a better way to spend this holiday?

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December is in full force since the holidays are upon us. There are holiday parties, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and a great time for family get together. The holiday decor, snow, sparkling lights and the time for giving is here. So, it's time to celebrate and get those holiday parties ready! Wedding and Party Network has some great party ideas and tips for the month of December to make your party stand out.

Holly

Fun December Facts

December is the 12th month of the year and one of the seven months with 31 days in it. It also starts on the same day as September every year and ends on the same day that April does. In Latin, it means 10, which it was the 10th month in the Roman calendar.

Birthstone & Flower

The birthstones for this month are turquoise, lapis lazuli, zircon, topaz or tanzanite. Gorgeous blues and to a reddish-brown; all are simply beautiful. You can definitely incorporate these colors into your holiday party. The flowers are narcissus or holly, which are both perfect for this time of year. The narcissus is a daffodil, which comes in beautiful whites and yellows.

The holly on the other hand is green with red berries, which you see a lot this time of year. The best way to incorporate these flowers into your party is by adding them to centerpieces for your tables and scatter them throughout your home.

December's Astrology

December's astrology signs include Sagittarius and Capricorn. Sagittarius is the ninth astrological sign and are outwardly expressive and extrovert. However, they are blindly optimistic and careless. Capricorns are practical and prudent, yet pessimistic and grudging. Hosting an astrology party is a fun theme that you may want to have during the month of December since it's a great indoor party.

Special Events & Holidays

Hi Neighbor Month
National Stress Free Family Holiday Month
Safe Toy and Gift Month
Read A New Book Month

December 1st – Eat A Red Apple Day, National Pie Day
December 4th – National Cookie Day & Wear Brown Shoes Day
December 6th – Mitten Tree Day & St. Nicholas Day
December 7th – National Cotton Candy Day & Pearl Harbor Day
December 8th – National Brownie Day
December 11th – National Noodle Ring Day
December 12th – Poinsettia Day
December 13th – National Cocoa Day
December 16th – National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
December 20th – Games Day
December 22nd – First Day of Winter
December 24th – Christmas Eve & National Egg Nog Day
December 25th – Christmas
December 26th – Kwanzaa Begins
December 28th – Card Playing Day
December 31st – New Year's Eve

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Soon after Thanksgiving is over, it's time to start thinking about Christmas. Are you ready to get your tree out and start decorating it? Do you dread getting everything out? Or are you in need of a fresh new take on your holiday decorations? Decorating for the holidays is a joyous time! Plus, Wedding and Party Network has great Christmas tree tips for you this holiday season.

Choosing A Tree

Finding The Right One -When looking for a tree, the key is to look for good symmetry, needle retention, attractive foliage and fragrance. Don't forget to check the tree's freshness by testing how firmly the needles are attached to the tree. Don't forget to shake the tree once it's cut to get all the loose needles out to make less of a mess in your home.

Set Up -Before you bring the tree inside, make a fresh-cut on the bottom to remove the dry sap. Also, remember to wrap the tree in an old sheet or large trash bag to keep the needles from make a huge mess in your home. Get it to the stand quickly and to the water. Don't forget to check the stand and make sure it has plenty of water.

Decorating

Lighting - Stringing lights on a Christmas tree can be a nightmare. They get all tangled and when you take a step back it can look ridiculous. So, before you place them on the tree, plug-in the light strands to make sure all the bulbs are working. If not, replace them right there. It makes it easier than having them on the tree and trying to change them.

Instead of wrapping around the tree, you may want to individually wrap the branches. This cuts down on exposed cords. You start at the bottom and string the lights along the underside of the branches.Wind it around tightly on the topmost shoot, down the nearest branch and back around the same branch. Start a new branch the same away. Another tip is to run the extension cord from the outlet to the tree and to run it to the top.

Ornaments  & Garland – Don't forget to choose ribbon, mesh, garland or whatever else you may like to strand on three. Of course, you'll need ornaments!

Decorating Trends

A Vintage Christmas – Of course, everyone loves bringing up the past in decorating trends. Everything comes back into style at one time or another and trends in decorating your tree are no different. Think vintage items, cottage-esque, gingerbreads, nature and bright reds & greens for your tree.

Hobbies, Icons & Colors – Take what you love and incorporate it into your tree. If you enjoy a certain color, favorite television show or have a hobby; make that the theme of your tree. Show off what you love.

Colored & Metallic – Colored trees, as well as metallic trees are great statement pieces in your home. From pink trees, white trees to metallic Christmas trees; they all make a great statement piece for the holiday.

Over sized Everything -The bigger the better with this trend. Over sized ornaments, mesh and ribbon woven throughout the tree fits this theme perfectly.

There are various holiday tree trends out there, however, decorate your tree the way you would like to. Make sure it fits the theme of your home and your style so that it represents you and your family.

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With planning your holiday party, food is an absolute must. Now is the time to break out those recipes that you normally don't get to use throughout the rest of the year. So, go all out! Food is definitely a party accent that can take your party to the next level. Everyone remembers the food and that's what they look forward too. It's also a great time to try new holiday recipes and get creative with your food. So, Wedding and Party Network has some great ideas for your holiday menu.

Cheeseball – Yes, these are nothing new. They are seen at a lot of parties. However, they come in many flavors, so switch it up and try out a new one. The main key to make it stand out is how it's shaped. So, shape it into a Christmas tree, snowman or even a present! Use bell peppers or other vegetables for the ornaments on the tree and even the tree topper and use strands of celery to make a bow on top of the present. Surround with your favorite crackers and enjoy!

Fruit Tree – Another staple piece at any party is a fruit tray. However, take a different spin on it. Take a foam cone that you would find at your local craft store, toothpicks and fruit. Place grapes, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple cantaloupe or grapes onto the cone with the toothpicks to create a festive tree. Even use a star cookie cutter to cut out a star out of fruit for the top of the fruit tree.

Pinwheel Tree – Again, pinwheels are seen at a lot of parties. You can switch it up by trying out a new recipe with different ingredients. However, make sure your tortilla shell is green. You can then strategically place them on top of each other to represent a tree. Place cherry tomatoes around for ornaments and a star on top.

Gingerbread Sandwiches – This is a great treat for the little ones. Create a sandwich, such as peanut butter and jelly or even a turkey sandwich. Then take a holiday shaped cookie cutter and cut out the sandwiches. Just a different take on your regular sandwiches.

Christmas Tree Brownies – These are extremely fun! First off, prepare brownies in a cupcake pan. While they are baking, prepare strawberries and cut off the tops. Make sure there is an even surface to place on the brownie. Also, prepare green icing, yellow icing and whatever other colors you may want to use on your tree for ornaments. Use a star icing tip to pipe on the green icing around the strawberry, which will end up in the shape of a tree. Next up, use the different colored icings to decorate the tree. In the end, you'll have a Christmas tree brownie.

Reindeer Marshmallows – Lets not forget about the kids. This dessert will definitely win them over and it's extremely simple! Take a marshmallow, dip it in chocolate, place it on a lollipop stick, use M&M's for the nose, white icing for the eyes and a pretzel broken in half for the antlers. Simple as that and simply adorable!

Snowman Treats – A cute treat for anyone. Doughnut holes, black icing and carrots are all that you need for this little treat. Take the black icing and frost it on the white doughnut hole for the eyes and mouth and place the carrot in the center for the nose. The kids will love it!

Cookies – Everyone may have cookies at their party, and there are many ways that you can decorate them. What's important is how you display them. For example, if you have snowflake themed cookies, place them in a platter that is layered with blue sprinkles or if you are doing snowball cookies or even cupcakes, place shredded coconut onto the platter for a snow effect.

These are just a few ideas on party food for your holiday party. However, there are many ideas out there. A bread wreath, bread shaped into a candy cane, cheese and vegetable tray in the shape of a tree, black olive stuffed penguins or even a snowball cake. Don't forget to visit your local caterer for more great ideas, they're filled with them. If you have fabulous food, your party will absolutely be amazing!

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The holiday season is upon us, so it's time to start planning your holiday party. However, are you tired of doing the same holiday party themes each and every year? Are you wanting to freshen it up and put a fun twist on your party this year? Wedding and Party Network has some great holiday party ideas that will truly put a great twist on any party to live it up. From the decorations, food and activities, this years party will be absolutely amazing.

For your party, the first thing you must do is pick out a theme. It can be elegant, fun or traditional. Whatever you choose, that's the first thing you must decide to make sure your decorations and everything else match the theme. Once you have picked your theme, it's time to start picking out invitations, decorations and the food.

Holiday Decorations

Ornaments – Holiday ornaments are great decor ideas for your party and just great accents to have around the house during the holidays. Use vases of different sizes and shapes and fill them up with different colored ornaments. Even turn the vases upside down so the ornaments are enclosed for something unique. Also, hang ornaments from chandeliers, light fixtures, curtain rods or anywhere else you may think of. Pair the different colored ornaments with different colored ribbon to contrast each other. Next up, take candlesticks of different sizes and place ornaments on them instead of candles. This makes for a fun centerpiece.

Another fun approach is to actually hang ornaments from the ceiling with fishing line to make a floating tree. It may be a tedious task to align the ornaments up just right in the shape of a tree, but the result is a show stopper. Of course, you can always use ornaments on your holiday wreath, that never gets old and makes a beautiful accent to any door.

Holiday Candy – You just don't eat the holiday candy, you can also incorporate it into your holiday decor. You can fill vases up with candy and then place your arrangement in it or glue candy to cones to make for a candy Christmas tree. Don't forget stringing candy together or hanging it from your tree is always a great idea as well.

Vases – Another simple decoration that can be transformed into an elegant staple piece is a vase. There are so many things you can do with vases. You can create frosted glasses, paint the vases, fill them up with candy, fill them up with ornaments or create a beautiful arrangement using flowers or even holiday picks that you find throughout many stores. Even make a visit to your local florist to have them create a beautiful arrangement for your party. Also, don't settle on just one vase. Scatter them throughout your home in various sizes to add to the decor.

Lettering – Spell out the holidays at your next party by using lettering. You can either cut out letters from cardboard, construction paper or even find chip board at your local craft store. Add an extra touch by painting the letters, adding rhinestone or glitter and tying it off with a ribbon and hanging the letters from light fixtures, windows or from wreaths.

Lighting – This feature is extremely important for your party. Decide what kind of mood and setting you're wanting for your party? Do you want an elegant setting or a more vibrant and cheerful setting? Use candles throughout the party and white holiday lights for an elegant setting. If you're wanting a more festive decor, use colorful lights. Lighting truly sets the mood and helps convey the theme of your party.

These are just 5 tips on holiday party decor ideas. However, there are tons more like, using felt or scrap ribbon and fabric for wreaths, garland to strand on staircases or around doors, plants, feathers, ornaments as place settings or mini floral vases or even large wrapped presents to put out as a topiary as guests enter your holiday party.

The main thing is to get creative, figure out what direction you want to go in and just go with it. Your holiday party will be picture perfect!

Stay tuned for more tips on holiday party food & activities later this week!

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Are you in the process of planning out your Thanksgiving dinner? It can be stressful, especially if you're hosting your whole family at your house. You want this day to be about family and sharing ever lasting memories together. Therefore, in your mind, everything should be perfect. Along with trying to make it perfect, comes stress. However, don't stress over it. There's no reason to, everything will still be fabulous, especially spending this time with family. Wedding and Party Network has some stress free planning tips for hosting your Thanksgiving dinner.

Plan Ahead – This is a MAJOR part when hosting a Thanksgiving feast. Sit down and write out who's coming. That way, you know how much food to prepare and how many place settings you need at the table.

Once you know how many people you have coming, plan out the menu. It's all close family and maybe even friends, therefore, you can plan out their dislikes, likes and even allergies. Plan out vegetarian dishes, the turkey, side dishes and desserts. If you have a set plan, it makes grocery shopping easier and planning out a cooking time line. You can even grocery shop a few days in advance and start putting meals together the day beforehand. Knowing who's coming & what you're cooking is half the task. Once you figure that out, everything else is a breeze.

Decorate – Decorate your home in festive Thanksgiving accents. Use fall colored leaves, pumpkins, acorns, candles and floral arrangements for centerpieces. Also, plan this out at the beginning of Thanksgiving. This decor fits this month and even October. Therefore, you'll have everything already out, except maybe the centerpieces. However, plan a visit with your florist about a week or so in advance and discuss the design and what you're wanting. That way, you have already picked something out and all you have to do is take a quick trip up there, maybe even when you plan on going grocery shopping.

All The Extras – If you get the main components planned out ahead, then you can go the extra mile and come up with Thanksgiving Day crafts for the children, football snacks for the guys and even family traditions that you can start now and share throughout the years.

Planning your Thanksgiving dinner is a breeze. It's simple if planned out ahead, It makes the day stress free and more enjoyable to spend time with your loved ones. So, don't forget to plan and you'll have an unforgettable Thanksgiving with your family.

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Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and it's the time to pay it forward and give thanks for everything. What are you thankful for? Have you shown that you are thankful for what you have lately? If not, Thanksgiving is the time to do so. So, Wedding and Party Network has a few ideas on how you can give thanks.

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  Fall Centerpieces
  Donate to a local charity – A great way to get numerous donations is to host a charity event at your house. Your guests will love having a get together at your house, especially since it will be for a charitable cause.
• At your party, on your place cards, write words of thanks to your guests. You may not show it throughout the year that you're glad that they're in your life. So, writing it on their place card will show exactly how you feel.
• Donate your time – You can volunteer at a local soup kitchen or even the humane society, just to give back.
• If you're not planning a party for family or friends, call them. Give them well wishes and tell them that you're glad that they're in your life.
• Give back to the earth – Start recycling, host a recycling party or even plant a tree. Show the earth you are thankful for the environment.
• If you're being invited to another party during this season, don't forget to say thank you. Show your appreciation and even offer to help out.
• Read the Thanksgiving story – Sit down and share with your children the story of Thanksgiving
• Thanksgiving Poem – For your children, have them write a poem on Thanksgiving and what it means to them. This is a great time to spend time together.
• Memories – Share Thanksgiving memories with each other.
• Parade – Of course, there's a Thanksgiving Day parade. However, think about creating one for your neighborhood. How fun would that be?

Thanksgiving is an important holiday to give back, so share that with your family. It creates for making new memories and a great tradition that can be shared together every year.

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Thanksgiving is an important holiday that people celebrate. It's a time for family, quality time and learning about traditions. Everyone gathers around the table to share in a great feast and spend quality time together. After that, it's time for football for some. However, how do you get the kids involved? It's an important day for them to understand the meaning behind the holiday. Wedding and Party Network has some great activities to get everyone involved in this holiday!

Design Your Hats – Of course, along with Thanksgiving, comes the story of the Pilgrims and Indians. This is a must tell story for your kids. Therefore, make this craft a must. Let the family design their own hats. Whether it be a turkey hat or a Pilgrim hat, everyone will have fun decorating their own hat. Maybe even reenacting the story of Thanksgiving Day between the two.

Turkey Luminaries – This is a great craft for the kids to do before the Thanksgiving dinner. Along with any table setup, people like to put out centerpieces and create a fall tablescape. Therefore, let the kids help. By letting them create these luminaries, they can make a great statement piece on the table. Let the kids draw on paper sacks and put led lights in the. A great centerpiece and the kids will feel like they had an important part in this day.

Place Settings – With some families, a kid's table isn't unusual for holiday feasts. Therefore, let them design their own kids' table. For the tablecloth, find long enough construction paper that they can draw on, turkey napkin holders, turkey place cards, utensil holders and even fun place mats. These are great activities for the kids while everyone is cooking or visiting.

Felt Food -An easy project for you and your child to do the night before or even a few days is to create felt Thanksgiving food. Which all you need to do is find different colored felt, fluff for the inside and scissors to cut out the designs. This is great for the kids to play with during the day on Thanksgiving and make their own feast.

Volunteering – This is a great tradition that the family can share in, which is spend time volunteering at your local soup kitchen or food bank. It's a great time to appreciate what you have in your life and this holiday.

This holiday is a great time to spend time with family and be thankful for all you have in your life. While you're cooking and maybe the guys are watching football, the kids can have some fun activities to do during the day and some with the whole family.

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