The Kentucky derby is not just a horse race, it’s a party!  You can throw a derby party, just as exciting and fun as the race itself.  The actually Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday in May, but you can have a derby party any time.

A derby party should follow the traditions of the real derby after all those traditions have been going on since 1875.  So what are the traditions?

A Mint Julep drink (iced bourbon, sugar syrup and mint ) is one of the traditions. So, be sure to include that as one of your cocktails.

Ladies, get out your favorite hats and wear them in high-style as this is a huge tradition.

Good food is the best tradition. However, it isn't stringent as to the kind of food. An easy way to feed your derby party guests is with finger foods: such as, shrimp cocktail, bacon wrapped prosciutto, finger sandwiches and crudities.

Since the derby is know as the running of the roses, you must have roses! Use a few real or paper derby hats (these are felt hats that men wear) lined with water proof paper or another container and fill with water and  roses as decorations.  Not good at arranging flowers? Have your florist create a rose centerpiece for your food table or a few arrangements with roses that you can use for decorations.  Don't forget to decorate your tables. You can use white, black or pastel green colors for your table linens and napkins. if you’re having the party on the day of the derby, pastel green colors are great. It gives everyone a feeling of the green grass area around the race track.

Every party needs a little fun.  For entertainment, you can place "bets" on who will win the real race and use party favors as the prizes.  On non-race days create your own Kentucky Derby race. Make the track from brown felt and include horses that you have cut out from some horse theme party decorations. Place numbers on the cut-outs and have guests make up horse names.  Give guests a scorecard with each horse name and odds.  Then have them place "bets".  Use dice to move the horses around the track.  Roll the dice and see who wins.

The Kentucky Derby is a fantastic event to watch.  Having a party that revolves around the race is even better. So if you are looking for a reason to host a party, have a Kentucky Derby party.

Remember you can have a Kentucky Derby anytime.  It makes a great theme for birthday parties, anniversary parties and even retirement parties.

Celebrating A Life Changing Event not the 4th of July

Puzzled by the invitation I received inviting me to an independence day party, I call the host. “This is April aren’t you a little early for an Independence Day party?” The host (my cousin KJ) replies, "No, it is perfect timing." He explains the party is a way to celebrate a life changing event. In fact, it was the perfect way to celebrate his new found independence (his divorce is now final). Knowing my cousin as I do this isn’t strange at all; he is a true huckster, always joking and having fun. He takes the good and the bad in stride and believes you should make the most out of every situation. I tell him, "yes I’ll be there."

It's the night of the party and I'm not exactly sure what to expect. After all, it’s a celebration for something that I’m sure has not been easy for him. As I walk into the house, a room full of colorful balloons and crepe paper streamers greet me. It reminds me of a high school prom. Over-the-top yes, but also festive and fun.

KJ hands me a drink, it looks like cherry kool-aid, but as I sip it I can taste the rum. KJ calls this drink 1776 punch. I asked why? Laughingly KJ tells me, that is what his lawyer cost him. As I move in to the kitchen area, I find a massive spread of finger foods. Tiny sandwiches with peanut butter and jelly (KJ likes bp&j), sweet and sour meatballs, chips, dips and an array of other finger foods. In the middle of the food table is a huge party cake that says “Till Death Do Us Part” written in black with a judge and gavel on it. Kind of looked like the grim reaper with out the scythe.

I hear loud singing going on in the back yard. So, I make my way outside only to find a group of adults getting their rock star on with a karaoke machine. KJ rented the ultimate karaoke experience complete with a stage, lights, and a fog machine.

This type of party may seem a bit odd; however it covers the basic aspects of any party; fun, entertainment, food, and drinks. Whilst a divorce is a huge life changing event, it is good to recognize that one can still have fun, even in a moment of sadness, as their life enters a new phase. An Independence Day party is a fantastic theme for any life-changing experience from a divorce to the end of chemotherapy treatments; from retirement to your last child leaving for college. The main objective is to have fun and celebrate those life changing events.

Medieval themed parties are great for adult birthdays and children parties.  However, I attend the most awesome medieval themed bachelorette party.  A friend of mine wanted the bachelorette party she was hosting to be fun and unique.  By throwing a renaissance party, complete with minstrels and castle motif, she came up with a fantastic way to celebrate the bride's impending marriage to her price charming.  I didn't realize how much fun you could have at a bachelorette party.

How To Host A Medieval Bachelorette Party

Begin with renting event facilities that have themed rooms, this is a good way to go medieval without to much trouble.  Then hire caterers, rent costumes and hire musicians to play Renaissance music during the party. This type of bachelorette party can go to the extreme and be a full blown medieval experience or you can just do a bit by using castle cutouts and decorating with medieval themed items. The party I attend was full blown medieval, right down to the names we all had to call the bride "Lady Kathrine".

Mail out party invitations with a medieval design that say this party is for Lady {insert the brides name}.  Be sure to tell guests that it will have a medieval themed and where costumes can be rented, along with the usual invitation information (time and place).  If your doing this as the bachelorette party (which tend to be smaller groups), you can for-go the formal invitations.  Instead call the party guests and tell them what time the limousine will pick them up to go to the costume shop.  This way everyone can go to the costume shop together right before the party to pick out their outfits.  That is what our party of six did and it was just as much fun as the party itself!

Getting Your Medieval Bachelorette Party Started

I enjoyed the full-blown medieval festivities and it's defiantly not as hard as you think.  Just start by finding a costumes shops that will have the the appropriate attire for all party guests or at least the host and bachelorette.  Food is easy when you have the caterer prepare turkey legs, crusty breads, fruits  and cheeses along with other medieval table fare.  Of course you will need drinks wine and ale are a must. You stop there or really go all out with the theme. It is really up to you.  I loved the really elaborate party I attended but even a simple medieval bacherolette party would be fun.

Every bachelorette should have a medieval party. After all,  she has her prince charming why not a party fit for a princess.   In fact, I think everyone should go medieval and have a renaissance party, even if it just a kids party with toy swords and kids playing knight of the round table.

If you have a relative celebrating their 60^th birthday this year, consider throwing a Party with a "Sock Hop" theme. Those born in 1949 will remember the 50’s and will appreciate a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

What You Need For A "Sock Hop" 60th Birthday Party

1) A Classic Car. Have the honoree picked up and driven to the party site in a classic car from that era. This will set the stage for what’s to come.

2) Sounds From The 50's. Don't forget the music which was a huge part of the 50’s. Hire a DJ to spin 50's tunes or turn in to the fifties channel on your stereo.

3) A 50's Atmosphere. Decorate your walls with pictures of the honoree from the 50’s that have been enlarged. Decorate with retro items. Create a 50's atmosphere by setting up a "Malt Shop" bar with 50's memorabilia including glasses containing hand-dipped milkshakes and malts.

4) The Taste of the 50's. If you’re serving a meal, consider classics like meatloaf and mashed potatoes or drive-in favorites like burgers and fries.

5) Party like they did back when. Hula hoops came of age in the 50’s, so why not have a hula hoop contest?

6) A trip down memory lane. Most of all, give the guests an opportunity to pay tribute to the guest of honor. A 60^th birthday is a special milestone and it’s a great time to tell humorous stories and anecdotes about the honoree. With a trip down memory lane the stories should be abundant and a great way to share how important the guests and birthday boy/girl are to each other.

So stroll down to the party store and pick up some 50’s theme party supplies and in no time your 60 year old birthday boy/girl will be rocking and rolling their way to fabulous birthday.

Ok, we know that Valentine’s Day is the worst day of the year if you are single right? Well this year, why not do something to make it fun for all of us single people. Everywhere you go its couples, couples, couples so, I decided this year I would throw a party for Valentine’s Day. Yes… a social mixer. Not only for single people, because that might be awkward, but just a fun party for everyone to meet new people and make acquaintances.

Here are a few party ideas that will help you throw your own V-Day Celebration.

Invitations are great for this type of party because it symbolizes formality and event importance. Continue reading "Valentine's Day Mixers… Singles can have fun too!" »

I’m always looking for an excuse to throw a party. For 2009, I decided that the Golden Globe Awards was a great adult party theme to kick off the New Year. I’ve put together some great ideas to make your Golden Globes Party fun and creative without breaking the bank.

First, you can’t have a Golden Globes party without a red carpet. Run down to you’re local store in search for an inexpensive red carpet. If you can’t find one there, you can certainly make your own. A few yards of inexpensive red fabric will do the trick.

Games are always a great idea for any kind of party. Before guests arrive, prepare a list of the Golden Globe nominations on elegant paper in a fancy font. The guests can use this list to select who they think will win each category. Before the awards ceremony starts have everyone turn in their ballot and who ever has the most correct after the show receives their very own golden globe. You can pick up a fake Golden Globe at a local party supplies store or order online. If your budget allows, you could send everyone home with a mini Golden Globe as party favors.

Planning a dinner?