When planning a birthday party or just wanting something unique that everyone will have fun with, a carnival themed party is the way to go. This party brings on the kid in everyone. Who doesn't enjoy attending a carnival? A carnival is filled with yummy foods, bright colors and games that everyone can enjoy. It's a great time to be had by all. So, this is the ideal party for anyone and Wedding and Party Network is here to give you some party tips to host this great carnival themed party.

Carnival Decor – First off, think bright and colorful for this party. Colorful balloons and banners are the key to the party decor, it's that simple. Just place them throughout the party to get the feel of a carnival. Also, if you're wanting a floral arrangement, stick with bright colors. Tell your florist the party theme and they'll know just where to start.

Party Set up -For this setup, it's great to have it outdoors. That way, you can have the big tent out back, which you may can find at a party rental store. Plus, this gives you more room to set up different areas for the kids. However, you can also do this indoors if the weather isn't fitting into your plans. Create booths from cardboard or set up different tables for face painting, games, ticket booths, rides, foods and prizes.

Party Games -Of course, this party wouldn't be complete without party activities! Bean bag toss, balloon popping, duck pond, balloon animals, prize booth, guess how many, face painting, bounce house are all great ideas for a carnival themed party. Just think about what you see when you go to a carnival. Have banners hanging up or signs displaying what each booth is for that particular game. You can find all your party supplies at your local party store, as well as the prizes.

Party Food -Ask yourself, what do you see and smell when you attend a carnival? You see candy apples, funnel cakes, corn dogs, popcorn, caramel corn and candy. Therefore, that's what your guests need to see at this party. However, display them in great ways. Get corn dog and popcorn sacks and add great touches to them, cellophane wrap with adorable ribbon for the candy apples and serve cotton candy on miniature sticks and mini funnel cakes. Don't forget about serving cupcakes or a party cake for the guests as well.

All these party ideas combined makes for a wonderful carnival themed party. The main key is to think about what you would find at a carnival. Think of the sights, smells and activities that you do. You can easily find these items at your local party store and even talk with your caterer to find some unique ways to display the food. This party is a great way to let the inner child come out of everyone.

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Who doesn't love Charlie Brown, especially the Christmas movie? It's a holiday classic that comes on television everyday holiday season and a movie that everyone must watch at least once during it. Since this movie is an absolute must, why not incorporate this into your holiday party. It can be the main theme of the night. How great is that? There are great details to this party and everyone will have a great time. So, Wedding and Party Network has got all the party details to make this party a true success.

Party Decor

Decorating for this party is a breeze and budget friendly. Here are a few tips that will make your party Charlie Brown themed for sure.

Popcorn String – Create popcorn strings to hang from fireplaces, doorways, windows, Christmas tree or anywhere you like. All you need is clear string, needle, popped popcorn and cranberries. Then, start stringing everything together. Extremely simple party decor to create.

Banners – Another 60 party decoration are pennant banners. Use red and green felt and cut triangles from them. From there, write "It's Christmas, Charlie Brown" on the pennants, which is a well-known quote from the movie.

Tree – What Charlie Brown Christmas would be complete without the famous Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

Ideas For Party Food

Since this party is really minimalist you can cut down on your costs by having your guests bring their favorite appetizers or create a potluck. It makes it easier for your as the hostess and your guests may enjoy sharing their favorite recipes with you. Even have them bring a recipe card along with their dish that way they can share it.

Don't forget the drinks which include egg nog, hot apple cider and hot chocolate. Your food should represent memories from your past.

This Christmas themed party is really simple to pull together. However, it brings everyone back to their childhood and lets them remissness on the past.

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Are you in the process of planning an engagement party? If yes, engagement parties are something that should represent the couple. It's a great time to get together to share this special occasion with friends and family. Engagement parties are focused on the couple getting married, representing them through the party and the joining of everyone together to celebrate. So, since it's all about the couple, everything should represent them. However, if you don't have a clue and want a party theme that is truly unique and can represent them, Wedding and Party Network has a few of our favorite engagement party themes.

A Night In ____ – The theme originates from A Night In Paris, which is ideal for any couple that loves Paris. However, if there's a certain place that they love or have always wanted to travel to, make that the theme of the engagement party. Make sure that the party decorations, party food and everything else represents the place they love.

Movie Inspired – There are some couples out there that share the love of movies together. Therefore, a movie inspired themed engagement party is ideal. Maybe they have certain movie genres, like comedy or horror, that they enjoy or maybe they have just one movie in particular that they love. Whatever movies they enjoy, go with that theme. For a certain movie, make the party represent that movie. Show that favorite movie, serve popcorn and even make a step and repeat for when guests arrive.

Art Inspired – Again, maybe the couple shares a love of art together. If there's a certain type or era they enjoy, make the engagement party centered around that. Create the cupcakes different shades of colors to represent an art pallet, use a rainbow of colors and even create a canvas where guests can sign their names, which will make a unique piece of art in the couple's home.

Lumberjacks & Jill – Do you know a couple who enjoys being outdoors? This shower is for them. Plaid decor, outdoor food, mason jars and all around rustic feel is what this engagement party is all about.

Destination Inspired – Is this couple having a destination wedding? Well, the theme of the engagement party can be the place where they're going to get married at. If it's an island get away, make sure to put leis everywhere and serve tropical food & drinks.

What Do They Like? – Combine everything that they enjoy into this party. If they share a favorite sport's team, food, colors or anything that they enjoy, make sure and include it in their engagement party. The couple will love it and guests will immediately get the sense that they are at this couple's engagement party.

The main key when planning an engagement party is to make sure it's suited towards the newly engaged couple. If it's suited towards their personalities and what they enjoy, the party will be a success!

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When you think of camping, you immediately think of it being a boy party. Most girls don't enjoy being outside in the dirt, mud and bugs. So, a camping party never crosses your mind when planning a birthday party for girls. However, you can and it doesn't have to be dirty. Wedding and Party Network has some party ideas and a great party theme for this camping party in style.

Setup & Location

First things first, you need to focus on where you will be having the party. Since most girls may not enjoy being outside, take the party inside your home. Next, choose a place for the tents and where everyone will "camp out" at.

If you don't have space for several tents, make one big one. You can easily create a tent out of some pvc pipe and a white sheet for a glamorous tent. Use draping techniques and tie up each corner with ribbons. From there, you can place the sleeping bags inside.

Along with any party, there needs to be designated locations for each activity. Have the kitchen setup for snacks, let outside be designated for the campfire, party favors and other activities that you have planned should all be set up in different locations.

Party Details

With every party, paying attention to the smallest details are important. These little details are what makes any party stand out, so they should be focused on.

• Party Invitations – A few ideas for this party invitation would be a cute s'more, tent or a pink sleeping bag. Just make sure they're glamorous and show off the theme of the party.
• Camping Decorations – Incorporate the outdoors into this party scheme. Twigs, twine, tree stumps, branches, moss and anything natural are all great party accents. Twigs & branches are great to use in party centerpieces while tree stumps make varying levels on your party food display. Don't forget to choose a color, like a deep plum or aqua color would look great paired with these natural elements. Also, include lanterns that hang from the ceiling for a fun accent.
  

  S'mores On A Stick
• Party Food - Just keep in mind what you would normally eat when you go camping when creating your party menu. Hot dogs, hamburgers and sandwiches are great for this party, except with a twist. Create sliders with a condiment bar and create miniature pigs in a blanket. Also, a fun little side is fruit on kabobs. Your caterer will also have lots of ideas for this type of party as well.
• Campfire Desserts -The first thing you think of when planning for a camping trip are marshmallows and chocolate. Let the girls create their own s'mores for desserts, but also serve up outdoor themed cookies, chocolate dipped marshmallows, cupcakes with orange-colored marshmallow fondant, candy apples and don't forget to serve up a midnight snack for them.
• Party Favors – Fill up a paper lantern or a small lantern with candy or create a gift box that features all the makings for s'mores at home. Even a branch with a bag attached to it with s'mores ingredients would be adorable.

This party is not only great for girls who enjoy staying inside, but can be catered towards the guys as well during the hot summer months and the cold winter months when it's a bit unbearable to go outside. Let the kids run wild with this camping party!

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When planning a birthday party for your little boy, you may have a hard time coming up with unique themes. Some people just think of the generic party themes. However, you just need to think outside the box when it comes to amazing boy party themes. They're out there, you just have to think. Well, Wedding and Party Network wants to give you some great ideas for your boys next party.

Man Tea Party – Tea parties aren't just for girls. Plus, this is suitable for both boys and the girls. With this party comes a huge trend, mustaches. Everywhere you turn, you find mustaches now in party decorations. Have your little boy dress casual or even more formal and add a colorful bow tie first.

Next, for party decorations, draw faces on paper plates and decorate them with chocolate mustaches. Also, have the paper cups feature mustaches on them so when they drink out of the cup, it'll look like they have a mustache. You don't have to go overboard, just keep your focus on mustaches. Such an adorable party theme!

Mud Birthday Party – Yes, we said it, a mud birthday party. That doesn't sound good. It sounds messy, right? Boys love to get dirty and enjoy a little competition. This party is all about the obstacle course.

Cardboard boxes, rope, tires, haystacks and caution tape are everything you'll need to create an obstacle course that can be made right in your own backyard. Divide them up in teams or let them compete individual and they can run through the obstacle.

Gamer Party – Of course, boys love video games. So, why not host a gamer party? This is great for the ones who enjoy sitting in front of the television and enjoying some games. Basically, this party needs to focus on all things video games. Incorporate your child's favorite video games into the decor and into the party cake. Create a Playstation or Xbox cake or even a replica of their favorite video game character. There are lots of ideas for this, just keep your focus on video games.

Camping Fun -Boys love being outside. So, why not throw a camping party outdoors? Tents, campfire, wooden logs, marshmallows, graham crackers, ghost stories and the wilderness are all the makings of a great birthday party.

Science Themed Party -This is a party where everyone can have fun and learn too! Think of all things science when planning this party. Test tubes filled with gooey treats, lab coats, clipboards, name badges and lab glasses are great for this party. You can use them for decorations and send them home as party favors as well. Don't forget to come up with creative science experiments throughout the food and for the little ones to try out on their own, like the old vinegar and baking soda. Little guys love experimenting with new things!

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Want a party that truly stands out from any other? Do you have little ones that enjoy painting and crafting? This party is definitely for them then! Throw an art themed party for your next birthday party or even a themed party for yourself. So, Wedding and Party Network has party tips for throwing this great party! Your guests and you will enjoy getting crafty!

Party Invitations – Of course, your party invitation should show the party theme. When your guests see that you're hosting an art party, they may not know what to think. Therefore, the invitations should give them a little clue so they'll know what they're in for. A great invitation is an art pallet and have the party details in the paint spots.

Party Decorations – The party decorations should feature all the colors of the rainbow. Also, incorporate art supplies into your party decorations. Create a flower arrangement and incorporate paint brushes, pencils or other art supplies into it and place it on each table. You can even visit a local paint tore and get paint samples and create a banner out of those and hang them from above the food table. Even hang crayons from the ceiling or colored pencils. Think of all the accessories that go along with art and think of ways you can combine them into your party decor.

Party Setup -The party setup should include different stations for the crafts that you and your guests will be doing and a place for the party food. Print off adorable paint pallets and write on them to show which station is which, such as, canvas painting, modeling clay, painting their own shirts or making their own crayons. There are many activities that you can do at this party, just think of anything crafty that you enjoy doing and want to share with your guests.

Artsy Party Food – Of course, your party wouldn't be complete without the delicious food. Again, incorporate the arts into your party food. Use various colors throughout your food. Colorful candy, suckers, hard candy, cookies with colorful icing, vegetable trays and fruit trays are ideal for this party. Desserts are big at this party since you can do so much with them. Create a themed cake that is a replica of an art pallet or even buy one and place cupcakes on them that show off different colors of "paint".

This party is great for a young girl's birthday party or even for adults if they enjoy creating art. Have stations setup with examples and let everyone get creative. So, get artsy!

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A Halloween party is a great excuse for the inner-child in all of us that loves to dress up and act goofy or spooky to come out. It's way for us to escape reality for a few hours and pretend to be someone or something else. The typical Halloween party is decorated in black, orange and red, with blood splattered serving trays and black widow spiders hanging from above, and there is nothing wrong with that! However, this year we should take it up a notch and create an elegant upscale, but still fun and spooky Halloween extravaganza!

Think white, silver and a touch of bronze. Creating a fun and beautiful Halloween party is simple, especially if you have the creativity and patience to plan it out. Here are some party tips for White Halloween Decor.

• Put Ghost Peeps on lollipop sticks and display on a cake-pop tray.
• Display white jordan almonds, white dutch mints and white champagne bubble candies in white serving bowls.
• White pumpkins spread around the room look dazzling paired with silver sparkling skulls.
• White table clothes, sparkling white bat cut outs and spider webs are great for added party decor.
• Bones are white! Decorate with plastic bones,  mummies, ghosts and white chocolate covered fruit.
• White frosted cupcakes, white sparkling cookies, and sparkling white grape-juice are just right for your frightful night.
• Don't forget white spiders, white serving trays, and silver touches through out the party.

Have fun and get creative – thinking  outside the box will pay off when you see the final outcome of this fabulously frightening Halloween Treat!

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Special thanks to Sweet.Eventide for her fantastic photo via Flickr.

Fall is knocking at our front door. So, do you know what means? It's time to start planning all of your fall parties! The weather is gorgeous outside and the pretty colors are upon us. During fall, there are oodles of party ideas. One that comes to mind that is great for the family is an apple pickin' party theme! Wedding and Party Network is here to give you a few party ideas and tips.

Party Location – Of course, the idea place for this party is an apple orchard. Find the closest one to you and call for information. Don't forget to pack the right supplies, such as towels, paper bags, trash bags, blanket and wipes. Have everyone dress so and always plan. However, if you're not close to an apple orchard, bring it to your own backyard.

Party Invitations – Definitely the only way to go with your party invitations is with an apple. Make sure and give out all the details, site and require an RSVP so you know how many people to plan for.

Party Decorations -Of course, stick with your theme and go with apples as part of your party decorations. Use red and white for your party colors with a touch of green. Find checkered table cloths, paper plates and paper chains to use as party decorations.

Don't forget about the centerpieces. Find a rustic bucket that you would actually use to pick apples with and fill them up with apples for a centerpiece. However, you could also use red flowers and maybe incorporate an apple into the design, just ask your local florist. This party is all about simplicity and incorporating rustic and vintage finds into the party decoration to make it feel like a true fall apple pickin' party.

Apple Party Food – Don't think that you have to serve apple in every one of your party dishes. You can serve different food in the shape of apples though. Think apple rice krispy treats, apple cake, miniature apple pie, apple sugar cookies and apple cupcakes. There are many ideas out there. Don't forget the candy apple bar and the spiced apple cider to go with everything. Make sure you display your food properly to make it an eye-catching presentation.

Party Activities – This is an easy one. The first thing that comes to mind is bobbing for apples. Who doesn't love this childhood game that's ideal for fall? Everyone will try it. You can even make a relay game out of it between two teams. That way, everyone gets involved, even the adults. There are also a variety of crafts for the children to do and the adults can even get in a little competition by seeing who makes the best apple pie.

This party theme is idea for the fall weather. It's a great time to get friends and family together to share in fall festivities. However, don't limit this party just to the fall. You could also use this theme for back-to-school parties or even a first birthrate party. So, get out and enjoy this apple party theme!

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Bobbing for apple & candy apple photos provided by Caitlinator & Edmondson Photography via flickr.

Sad to say, the baseball season is almost over. Tentatively, Oct 19th is the beginning of the World Series. After that we'll begin 6 months of down time until the next season starts. So, come on all you baseball fans – let's end this season with a HOME RUN!

Here at Wedding and Party Network we have some MAJOR fans of baseball, and they just can't wait for the Series to begin – a big baseball bash is the only logical way to end the season, right!?!?

Hosting a World Series Party is as easy as 1 2 3. So, batter up!

Decorate your party space featuring the team of your choice. If you have fans of both teams, you'll have to divide the party decor to be fair. Use the colors of the preferred team. You can create an elaborate atmosphere or a simple, kick-back kind of party space with your party decorations. Choose what fits your party best!

• Memorabilia is always a great way to decorate for a sport's party, and don't forget the big foam hands! If you want to add  a touch of elegance to the decor, incorporate some fresh flower arrangements sporting the colors of choice with miniature team flags inside!

Hot Dogs – Get Your Hot Dogs Here!

As far as the party food goes, think concession stand. Hot dogs, nachos, chips and dip, over sized pretzels, candy and popcorn are all staple food for any baseball stadium. Therefore, this is your party menu. Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over your popcorn for added flair. Sodas, punch, sports drinks and a signature drink (Yankee Doodle Spritzers) are perfect for this World Series party! Don't forget about the desert! You can special order cupcakes with your team's logo on it or a personalized team cake that will pull everything together!

Mixing and Mingling

Make sure to have adequate seating, since most of your party will take place in front of the television. You will want to set your food tables away from the seating area – as to give your guests a reason to get up and mingle a little. Snack bowls arranged close by seating will help when the munchies kick in! You can have fun activities for commercial breaks – something like baseball trivia is always fun.

Send guests home with a token to remember the party – anything from a key chain, flag, t-shirt or personalized candies with the team logos will hit the mark!

Who doesn't love a good party???

Between, great food, friends, family, entertainment, great music and lots of laughs, there isn't a better way to reconnect with the people you care about! Yes, parties can be stressful if you're the one planning them, but here at Wedding and Party Network we want to help relieve that stress by bringing you the best tips, trends, and inspiration for your top-notch party!

What's your party theme?

So, do you really need an occasion to throw a party? NO! Not really. If you can't think of a good enough excuse to throw a party, you should know that everyday of every month is actually a holiday! Somewhere in the world, someone is celebrating something fantastic! Do a little research for the day you're planning your party to get inspiration for your little shindig. (Sept. 12 is National Chocolate Milkshake Day – throw a 50's style ice cream parlor party)

Now that you have your theme or excuse to party – What do you think about decorations? Do you really need to spend the majority of your budget on party decorations? I wouldn't suggest it. Play off of the holiday or theme you have chosen and find a basic color scheme. Say your colors are coral and turquoise, use these colors in your balloons, streamers, table clothes and paper-ware. A few lanterns, banners and floral centerpieces will tie everything together. Simplicity is key! Don't go over board, your guests are there to mingle and have fun. Just keep your focus on the food and entertainment.

A good menu – equals a good party! So, once again, play off of your theme. You can reflect the color scheme in your food menu as well. Brightly colored fruits and veggies are always a hit – appetizers and finger-foods are a great choice too. It makes it easier for people to mingle and walk around with their plates and not be stuck at a table. When it comes to party food - variety is key! Not all of your guests have the same taste in food – so make sure you have different options for everyone to try. Cater to those of your guests who might be vegetarian or have food allergies by having the proper foods available.

As for desserts, you can stick with mini desserts by having small pastries, cupcakes, a candy buffet or ice cream bar. However, the party cake is what ties everything together! Your cake should incorporate the atmosphere and theme of your party all in one. After all, who doesn't love to cut into one of those big tasty, over-the-top cakes?!? Be ready for some "oooing and aaahing'!

Entertainment – Don't stress, it might seem impossible to find the PERFECT entertainment to keep everyone happy. It's really not as hard as it seems. Fun activities and games are always a good idea – it keeps people mingling and moving which keeps things entertaining. The key to good entertainment is good music! Finding the perfect music will set the tone for the entire event. A great jazz band or steel-drum band will get  people on their feet. Go over the list of guests in your head and think about what the majority of your guest list enjoys to do – then mix it with your theme and Voila!

The keys to a good PARTY are:

P. Is for Plan. Planning your party ahead of time is Key. With a good plan – you can't go wrong!

A. Is for Action. Put your party plans into action – send invitations, send reservations and shop for supplies.

R. Is for Rest. Make sure you don't over do yourself – ask for help.

T. Is for Telling. Tell everyone about your party! Your friends and family might have creative ideas perfect for your event.

Y. Is for YOU! Remember that the party is planned by you, decorated by you, and hosted by YOU. So, you need to enjoy it too!

Relax and have fun – YOU deserve it!

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