Quinceaneras date back to ancient times in the Aztec societies. It's an old Hispanic tradition that symbolizes the beginning of womanhood in the Latin community. Quinceaneras are an exciting moment that young girls often plan and dream about for years as they approach their 15th birthday.

Although there are several deeply rooted and meaningful traditions, there is still plenty of room for creative planning. Combine old traditions with new ones to add your own personal touch!

Quinceaneras Traditions

• A Quinceanera Ceremony is preformed by the family priest during Mass. A candle is lit during the ceremony signifying reaffirmation of the baptismal vows made by her parents. By participating, the birthday girl is accepted by the Church, by God and the congregation (including her friends and family) as woman.
• The First Dance Tradition is the sweetest of all. The father of the birthday girl changes her shoes from flats to high heels and then dances the first dance with his daughter. This represents him accepting the birthday girl becoming a woman.
• The Quinceanera Court is a mixture of seven girls and seven boys that play a prominent role in the party. This equals 14, plus the birthday girl equals 15 which represents her age. Typically the court includes siblings, cousins and other family members. The Court will do a big dance after the father and daughter dance.
• The Doll Tradition is where the birthday girl will give a porcelain doll to her younger sister, meaning that she is now leaving her childhood to her sister. It is the last toy she will have and will pass it on.
• The Last Pinata is similar to the last doll tradition. Pinatas are often used at children's parties, and this being the birthday girl's last party as a child will get one last swing at a pinata.
• Cutting of the cake is a fun tradition where the birthday girl will make the first cut and take the first bite of her special cake.
• A toast is made by the guests at the party in honor of the special birthday girl.

Gifts will be given from family members that have symbolic meanings behind them such as,

• A tiara is given to the birthday girl by her parents or god-parents.
• The mother will often give a Bible, prayer-book, rosary and cross as a sign of faith to her daughter.
• A ring and bracelet are given representing the circle of life.
• Earings are also given to affirm that the birthday girl always listens to God.

Adding some flair!

So, now that we have gone over the traditions of the past, let's think of ways to incorporate a modern twist to show off your personality!
You party can have a distinct theme reflecting your personality without taking away from the traditional quinceanera feeling.

Here are some fun themes to consider

• A Black Tie Event
• A Retro Party
• A Hollywood Party
• A Garden Party
• A Princess Party
• A City Chic Party
• A Beach Party
• A Paris Themed Party

Between picking out your dress, cake, food and decor, this special party is a huge one and one to be excited about! Your community will have a wonderful time celebrating and experiencing a once in a life time event catered special just for you! So, remember to keep the traditions that are rooted deep in the Hispanic culture but add your own personal flair to make your party shine!

Special thank you to SariDennise and Justplainhope for the great pictures via Wikipedia and Flickr.

With summer coming to an end and the school year starting up, everyone has been busy. Whether they have vacationed on the beach or getting their kids ready for school, everyone has been busy. Therefore, you haven't been able to see friends or family too much. So, what better time to throw a party and get everyone together? However, put a fun twist on a girl's night in with a cupcake and cocktails themed party. Wedding and Party Network has a few party tips to make this party theme and success!

Cupcake Table

Mixing & Matching

The most important part about this party is making sure you have a variety of cupcakes with the right cocktails to match. The best suggestion is to visit your local bakery or caterer and ask them what's the best pairings. Or, if you have free time, try it out for yourself.

First, sit down and create a cupcake menu. Decide on vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, carrot, Oreo cupcake, German chocolate, or other flavors of cupcakes. There are a ton of variations out there. So, choose your favorite.

Next, choose the cocktails to match. You can do beer, cocktails, wine, or all three. You can even incorporate some of that into cupcakes. Your local bakery will know exactly the right combination. Don't forget that the flavors should compliment each other. They counteract off each other and that is why pairings work well with the palette.

Party Details

This party doesn't have to be extravagant. It's just a great time for girlfriends to get together and catch up on the summer and to get in a bit of relaxation time before the new school year. Your focus is the cupcake and drink table. Select a beautiful patterned table-cloth and find the right platters to match.

The finishing touch are cute, printed napkins and a gorgeous floral centerpiece. Don't forget to choose a color scheme to work off as well. That way, you have an idea of what colors to buy for the table-cloth, napkins, platters, floral arrangement and even the cupcakes. You can mix and match the color of the cake and icing to work off each other.

So, get your girlfriends together and have a great girl's night in with some delicious cupcakes and cocktails. Everyone will enjoy catching up at this fun twist of a party!

This post is brought to you by Washington Cupcake Providers.
Not in Washington, D.C.? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a wedding planner near you!

cupcake photo provided by jaundicedferret

It's not an easy task to surprise your main man with a party. However, men like to be pampered too! We aren't talking spa pampered, we are talking about throwing him the great party! Featuring whatever it is he likes.

What is he all about?

Is he a big BBQ guy? Why not throw the biggest back yard BBQ with him as the guest of honor instead of the cook!

Football fan? Decorate the place with his favorite team's memorabilia. Using the team colors as your party theme, you can create a football fantasy of a party!

Basketball? Same as with the football, find the team colors and run with it! (This works with any sport including Baseball, Hockey and Rugby)

If golf is his hobby of choice? Arrange for a miniature gold party in the backyard.

Vegas Baby! He loves to play poker – so arrange a Vegas night in your home!

Are electronics his passion? Throw a strobe light dance party with lots of fancy lights and smoke machines.

Does he love to go out and hang out with the guys? Rent a limousine to pick him and all the guys up for a night on the town!

Is he more of a kick back and relax kind of guy? Try throwing a lazy Sunday party where everyone can kick back and watch a game or movie.

Does he have the travel bug? Surprise him with a vacation, even if it is somewhere close, arrange for sight-seeing and exciting new adventures!

Whatever you chose to do, make it all about HIM

Party Limousine

• Create or buy a party cake designed to make him smile.
• Create or hire caterers to WOW him with all of his favorite foods.
• Make sure to invite his closest friends and family – even if they are not your favorites!

Trust us, if you can pull off a fun party theme for your special guy, he will be MORE than grateful!

This post is brought to you by Washington, D.C. Party Planners.
Not in Washington, D.C.?  No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

With August drawing closer, the kiddos are getting ready to go back to school and you are wanting to help end the summer with a bang. However, are you burnt out of party themes? Do you need a little inspiration? Well, find that party inspiration through color. Basing your party around color gives you a lot of options for your party. To celebrate the end of summer, host a party that will end it with a bang.

First, pick your colors. You can choose one main color and then accent it with complimentary ones, choose your school colors or create a rainbow of colors. Once you have chosen your color palette, run with it. From there choose party invitations that represent the color scheme and share important details with your guests. Everything else will fall into place.

Colorful Party Invitations -When it comes to the party invitations, make sure to represent the color scheme. Get creative and think outside-the-box. Paint your own party invitations, make a VIP invite attached to lanyard, get ribbon and attach colorful paper to the end of it or create a pop up invitation to make these unique. Go all out with this party, especially with the invites since they are the first impression.

Tabletop Decor – Decorate your tables in full color. First, pick out a table-cloth and then add a table runner with some print on it. The print on top of the solid creates something fun on the table. For centerpieces, you could take a glass vase and fill it up with small paper lanterns or even fruit. However, if you want something a little more elegant, create a floral centerpiece. You can also buy melamine plates in different colors and patterns. Be sure to mix and match them along with your napkins.

Party Decorations -Keep it simple, yet in the color. Have your florist create small floral arrangements to set throughout the party. Place them on each tables, throughout your house and even in the center of food platters. You can also use candles and string lights too. A fun party accent is frames. Frame the party menu, but make sure it features the colors of your party.

Colorful Party Menu - Keep the party food light. Do appetizers and finger foods for the guests. Get your color palette in mind. Now, start thinking of foods that may feature that color. If your color scheme is red, choose strawberries, watermelon, red velvet cupcakes, salsa, tomatoes, raspberries, bruschetta or red pepper strips. However, if you're stumped on what foods to use, you can always use food coloring.When displaying your food, display them in varying heights. Use 3 tiered servers or stack your platter on a pretty vase.

What Are You Pouring? – The weather is still warm outside. So, serving refreshing drinks are a must! Serve what every type of drinks you like. Tea, lemonade, pina coladas, daiquiris or set up a bar where your guests can create their own favorite cocktail.

Picking a color and running with it is a great idea for any party. Don't worry about finding a party theme and all the party accents to go along with that theme. Choosing a color is easier and looks great! Colors are great and make for a fabulous party!

This post is brought to you by Houston Party Invitation Suppliers.
Not in Houston, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find party invitation suppliers near you!

Welcoming home a loved one is an exciting and joyful experience. Why not make it even more special by throwing a welcome home party for that special somebody who has been go so long?

A welcome home party is not much different from a birthday party. You will want to the theme to reflect where ever it is that your special guest has been.

Where will your party be?

If your home is big enough, it's the perfect place for a welcome home party! It brings a warm sense of home to the guest of honor. If holding the party in your home isn't an option, you can use a friend's house or backyard, rent a party hall, or plan on a picnic or park party.

Decorating the party

Is your loved one returning from the military, a mission trip or from a semester abroad? Are they moving closer after a long time apart, coming back from college, boot camp or returning from a long hospital stay? Focusing on the theme will allow you to decorate the party with your special guest as the focal point!

Inviting your guests

Set a side a time and send out party invitations 2-3 weeks before the party if possible. If time is not on your side, a simple phone call, text or email will be fine. If you are keeping this party a surprise, make sure you tell everyone coming to keep their lips sealed!

What to serve

Let your menu feature your guest of honor's favorite foods! Serve foods inspired by their journey. Or you play up the home-coming theme and make all the good ol'e comfort food you know they have missed! Hiring a caterer will help if you are short on time, or ask your guests to bring along a dish to pass around.

Desserts!

No party is complete with out a cake! You can't go wrong with a  cake personalized for your special guest! Not a cake fan? Try a dessert bar with several small desserts!

Fruit dipped in chocolate, home-made cookies, brownies, cupcakes, pies, fruit salads, or anything that fits in with the theme.

Refreshments

A specialized drink made in honor for your guest of honor will top the party off!

Presents?

Gifts are not required at a welcome home party. But if you feel the urge to splurge, by all means, buy away! Shower your guest of honor with gifts reminding them of where they have been and where they are now. Having a guest book or poster board for friends and family to write a message for the guest of honor is a great way to make the party last a lifetime.

This welcome home party is a fun way to show your loved one how much you have missed them. The warm smiles and friendly faces will make your special guest glow. Remember to keep the party short, your special someone will probably be in need of some rest!

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Caterers.
Not in Philadelphia, PA No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

A special thank you to the United States Navy for the great picture via Wikipedia

Traditionally, the bride's parents hold the first engagement party. If the bride's parents aren't able to, the groom's parents are next in line. These rules don't necessarily apply any longer. The bride and groom can host the party themselves or a close friend or family member. So, whoever would like to throw an engagement party for the happy couple can with these great party tips!

Engagement parties are a great way for families and friends to get to know each other. Typically, the engagement party will be held 1 -3 months after the engagement or about 1 year before the wedding. Some couples plan their party 6 months before the wedding. So, when you set a date, here is a guideline to follow to help you along the way.

10-8 weeks before the party:

• Pick a date – Making sure that the VIP guests (parents, relatives and close friends) are all available.
• Set a budget – List the elements of the party including party invitations, the engagement cake, party food, drinks, entertainment, and party decor. Make a realistic estimation and try your hardest to stick with it.
• Find your site – Most engagement parties are held at a home or restaurant. Don't let that keep you from being creative! This party can be as formal or casual as you want – consider holding the party on a beach, boat, in a vineyard or at a resort.
• Entertainment – Consider hiring a pianist, mariachi band, jazz singer or some other form of entertainment to keep the party interesting. Hire a photographer to capture candid shots or appoint a specific person to snap shots throughout the party.

4-6 weeks before the party

• Send Out the Party Invitations – It is engagement party etiquette that guests who are invited to the engagement party should ultimately be invited to the wedding.

Party invitations for engagement parties are not as formal as they are for weddings. They can be low-key and as creative as you want. No registry is needed for this party; gifts should not be expected. If gifts are received, open them in private, and don't forget to send thank you notes.

1-2 Weeks before the party

• Make sure your help is ready and still planning on the big event!
• Make sure all the details are covered, including reservations, tickets, transportation, entertainment and anything else you have planned.
• Begin preparations for centerpieces and decor. Flowers are a great addition to any party! You can create simple centerpieces or hire your local florist to create customized flowers for the happy couple.

The party

• Arrive early and make sure things are ready to go.
• Welcome each guest as they arrive and make the necessary introductions.
• Toasts to the couple are traditionally done about 3 quarters into the party, the bride's father is the first to toast and then anyone else who wishes to follow.
• Enjoy the party – and remember that this party is to honor the couple as their new journey begins!

This post is brought to you by Houston Party Invitation Suppliers.
Not in Houston, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party invitations near you!

You can't take your party to Australia, but you can bring Australia to your party! With some fun party decorations and authentic Australian food, you can create an outback party in your own backyard.

Sydney Montage

Scuba diving on the reef is a huge attraction in Sydney – so decorate the party as if you are underwater.

Reef-erific!

• Aqua blues, corals and sandy colors are perfect for your Australian Party!
• Hang streamers!
• Cluster coral color balloons to represent the coral underwater
• Use aqua table clothes and paper products to represent the color of the ocean
• Spread sand, sea shells, and starfish on the tables for a great touch of Aussie
• Incorporate kangaroos, turtles, koalas, dolphins and whales into the party decor
• Fish nets, boat rope, scuba gear and life preservers can be used as decorations too
• Fresh Flower arrangements using Australian flowers will work great as center pieces

Australian Flowers

• Daffodil
• Sweat Pea
• Black Eyed Susan
• Eucalyptus
• Angular Pigface (yes, they are prettier than their name!)

Grub "On the Barbie"

• Steaks, snags (sausage) and shrimp are perfect for grilling on the "Barbie"
• Aussie burgers with grilled zucchini
• Oysters, lobster and fish n' chips are good combos too
• Steamed veggies and chunky spiced french fries on the side
• Fresh fruit salad including pineapple and kiwi or fresh fruit kabob
• Fosters lager or yellow tail wine for the adults
  

  Aussie Burger
• Lemonade or fruit punch for the little Aussies
• Hire a caterer to create an authentic Australian menu!
• Order or create a Crocodile or Kangaroo cake to top it all off!

Entertainment

• Cricket is a sport well-known in Australia
• Go down under with a game of rugby
• Create a Crocodile Hunter Scavenger Hunt

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Caterers.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party caterers near you!

Special thanks to cyclonebill for the grilled burger photo and dolphin jedi for the Sydney Montage via Wikipedia

Grilling out is one of the best perks of a summer time party. The most common party foods served at an outdoor get-together are hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Even though they are tasty, the same foods being served party after party make them a little dull. Well, not any more! Here are 10 mouth-watering hot dog recipes to add to your menu! So, go get out that grill and start-up the fire!

Greek Hot Dog

Toppings: Chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, spicy mustard and feta cheese. Get ready for a mouth full of happiness!

Frito Hot Dog

Toppings: Chilli, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeño and fritos. The crunch from the fritos make this one stand out!

BLT Hot Dog

Toppings: A  slice of bacon, lettuce and sliced tomatoes topped with a little mayo. A twist on an already great treat.

Surfs up! Hot Dog

Toppings: Sliced avocado, sliced cucumbers, sprouts, and shredded carrots. This light and refreshing hot dog is perfect for the beach!

Sautéed Hot Dog

Toppings: Slice the hot dog down the center and sauté with sliced peppers, onions and garlic. Top with Cayenne and fennel for spicy treat.

Traditional Chicago Dog

Boil your hot dog.
Toppings: Poppy-seed bun, dill pickle, sliced cucumber, sliced tomato, sweet relish, pickled peppers, chopped onion, celery salt and mustard.  This good ole' fashion recipe never gets old!

Laid back Sunday Hot Dog

Toppings: Sliced tomato, fresh basil leaves and thinly sliced garlic. Top with sour cream for a fresh crisp taste.

Sauerkraut Hot Dog

Toppings: Spicy mustard and sauerkraut. You can't beat simplicity!

Bacon Hot Dog

Wrap bacon around the hotdog while  it is grilling.
Toppings: Mustard, tomatoes and pickle. The savory bacon juices are absorbed by the hot dog! YUM!

Onion Ring Hot Dog

Toppings: Onion rings! Buttermilk battered onion rings go great on top of the hotdog, making a terrific fusion in every bite!

Use one or more of these delicious recipes for your next party or special event. Your guests are sure to be excited with the new flavors and combinations! A new twist to an old favorite!

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Caterers.
Not in Philadelphia, PA No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

Special thanks to cyclonebill for the hotdog pic via Wikipedia.

Summer is a great time for a Nautical Themed Party!

Imagine a day at the beach or out on a yacht, with the waves crashing and the wind blowing. Now picture your party, the tables and centerpieces decorated with sand and seashells, your friends and family complimenting your beautiful centerpieces and creative decor. Here is how to pull it off!

Hosting your nautical party outdoors is ideal, however, indoors is fine too. A Large deck or backyard is great, but a beach or yacht is even better!

Party Decor

• Blue and white everything!
  

  Nautical Decor'
• Drape tables with fish netting
• Scatter sand and seashells along the table tops
• Use a life-preserver with flowers in the middle as a centerpiece
• Display miniature lighthouses and nautical flags
• Fill clear jars with sand, shells and rocks
• Use palm trees to shade your beach chairs
• Hang paper lanterns or twinkle lights for when the sun goes down
• Incorporate anchors, either miniature or cardboard cut outs
• Coconuts and driftwood make interesting table toppers
• Party centerpieces featuring small flower arrangements in blues and whites wrapped and placed in small clear jars are ideal. Each arrangement will have a name card on it for each guest to take home as a party favors!

A Surf and Turf Menu – A sea food buffet to include

• Shrimp and veggie shish-kabobs
• Shrimp cocktail
• Lobster, cod, salmon or any fish fillet
• Crab cakes
• Angel hair pasta topped with basil, scallops, and shrimp
• Fish and chips!

Check with your local caterers to see what Seafood options are available in your area.

Sea Worthy Drinks

Tropical Desserts

• Tropical fruit parfait served in martini glasses
• Chocolate mouse
• Fresh fruit kabob fondue
• Tropical flavored cupcakes topped with sea blue icing
• Nautical themed cake

Sea Worthy Drinks

Having spritzers and wine available are always a nice treat. Punch, iced tea and lemonade go well with the theme as well. Captain Morgan and beer also adds a nice touch.

Setting the Mood with Entertainment

If you can't afford a live band, you can buy "Beachy" or a tropical music on CD and play it in the background. A few great choices are:

• Steel Drum Band
• Bob Marley
• Jimmy Buffett
• Navy songs

Your themed party will come together easily once you have put everything together. As hostess, you can dress up as captain or even a mermaid! Now sit back and enjoy your party!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Planners.
Not in Miami, FL No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party planner near you!

"Ship A Hoy!" & Punch picture taken by formatted_dad, Angela via Flickr & Wikipedia

It's July! Summer is meant to be spent outdoors having great times with family and friends. You want to enjoy every minute of it and soak up those sun rays. However, what are some party ideas or activities that you can enjoy outside? Wedding And Party Network's July newsletter is all about getting outdoors and what you can do to enjoy it.

Get Your Yard Clean – Don't forget to make sure your yard is functional and clean. Guests should be able to mix and mingle in your yard easily.

Don't Forget The Inside – Even though your party is outside, guests will still come in. So, don't forget to clean up in the bathroom, entryway and kitchen.

Seating – Make sure you have plenty of seating. You may have only invited a few over, but you never know what may happen. So, it's better to have more seating than needed.

Menu – When planning your menu, keep your guests in mind. Not everyone enjoys the same food you like. Some may have certain allergies as well, therefore, offer a variety. A caterer will have great suggestions.

Atmosphere – The atmosphere is extremely important for your party. Strings lights, set out candles and place fresh flowers throughout your party.

Pesky Bugs -With summer and being outdoors, also comes bugs. So, make sure and prepare with citronella candles and bug repellent.

Along with party tips, be sure to pick out a great party theme for outdoors. You can come up with some really creative themes. Choose from a circus party, carnival party or even a baseball party. Just remember to get creative and have fun with it!

If you are planning a party for summer, let Wedding and Party Network help!

Summer parties call for the outdoors! Do you want a casual or formal event – upscale atmosphere? Chose a party theme that your guest will enjoy; a beach party, a Hawaiian tiki party, a pool party, block party or a back yard BBQ.
Read more about Steps for a Great Summer Party

4 Tips To Keep Your Yard Ready For Any Event

With summer upon us, everyone is ready to get outdoors and get those grills fired up. The great thing about the warm weather is you can host lots of great parties outdoors. They are a cinch to put together, but everyone will still have a great time. However, do you dread getting that yard ready in order for all your fabulous parties?
Read more about Keeping Your Yard Ready

Summer Pool Party Ideas

Summer is finally here! School's out and it's time for a vacation! You probably wont get to see your friends as much, so what better way to catch up on things and have a good time than by throwing a summer pool party! It's time to do some planning and make a few phone calls.
Read more about Summer Pool Party Ideas

Why YOU Should Throw A Block Party

As the end of summer quickly approaches and kids get ready to start back to school, this is a great time to re-connect with your neighbors by throwing a fall block party or back-to-school block party.
Read more about Throwing A Block Party

Tis' the month of bright colors and hot summer days and nights. It's July! Being outdoors is a must during the summertime and hosting parties are at the top of your list. There are so many ideas and themes that you can use for these hot months.
Read more about July

What creates color and sets the true tone of your event? Setting the tone, representing the season and showing off color comes from flowers. You want guests to walk into your wedding or event and immediately get the sense of what the night will bring. Flowers do just this. So, if you are in the Benton, Louisiana area, Adcock & Associates Inc. is the florist for you.
Read More about Adcock & Associates, Inc.

For more vendors in your area, visit Wedding And Party Network for all of your wedding and party planning needs!