Creating The Tropical Indoors

Everyone loves the beach.  Everyone loves a party.  Sometimes you want both and that is where a beach party theme comes in handy. Unfortunately depending where you live or the time of year, an outside beach party isn’t always possible. So what do you do – throw a beach party indoors!

Decorating For The Beach Experience

Throwing a party with a tropical theme indoors isn’t as hard as it would seem. In fact, an indoor beach or tropical party theme works very well for back to school parties or birthday parties for kids and adult. Teens will love this party theme and the tropical drinks that go along with it.

As far as decorations go, you’ll want to have as many tropical items as you can possible fit in your indoor area.

To go all out rent some palms from local florist. If palms are not available for rent try a party supply store. They often have inflatable palms or even card board cut out palms or other tropical items. Add a little pizazz to table centerpieces by cutting holes in pineapples (like you do with pumpkins) and place votive candles inside.

If you’re an especially daring party thrower, set up a kiddy pool inside filled with sand. If your not that daring then buy an awesome party cake decorated like a  beach party and use it as your room’s focal point.

Beach Grub Is A Must

Beach food is all hands on – literally.  So finger foods need to fill out the beach party menu. You can pick these items up at a deli or make them yourself.

If your planning this party for your teenager, you’ll want to serve hot dogs and hamburgers. Of course you’ll need a signature drink. Make tropical drinks such as (non-alcoholic) blue Hawaiians by using blending ice cubes, a lemon-lime type soda and a few drops of blue food coloring. Serve the drink in an inexpensive margarita style glass. You can find plastic ones at party supply stores. Ta da, you’ve got great tropical drink. For a super fun fruity idea get some ice trays and add small pieces of fruits such as pineapple chucks, cherries, raspberries, blueberries and freeze them in ice trays covered with water. Pop them out of the ice tray and put them in an ice bucket for the kids to add to their fruit punch or other tropical drink.

With just a bit of creative decorating, you’ll find that a inside beach party is easy to do. This party theme is  great fun for teens, kids or even adults. So get started now planning your beach party right under your own roof. Oh, don’t for get to tell the invites to dress in their best swim and beachwear.

A special thanks goes to The Party Place & Bakery, a Herber Springs bakery for letting me use the picture of their beach cake.

Though it’s more than a month away, now is the perfect time to plan your Halloween party. This is one time when it’s ok to have cobwebs on the brain because you’re going to throw a spooky, delightfully fun Halloween party. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Plan Your Halloween Party Invitations And Music With Theme In Mind

You’ll want to find Halloween party invitations with a unique design on them. Depending on the expectations of your Fright Night, your party may want a more subtle, fall oriented invitation or may require something more thematic and spooky. Choose the one that’s right for you and being filling out the information necessary to send them to each guest.

Another thing to think about is the music at your party. Of course, there are bound to be classic hits like “Monster Mash” if you’re throwing a jovial party, but consider going outside of the box a bit and selecting slightly more eerie music. Visit your local music store and ask for help selecting music for your Halloween party. Don’t be surprised to find a range of creepy music and silly tunes to fit the theme of your party.

Planning Your Party Decorations

For a Halloween party to really go smoothly, you’ll also want to make sure that you have unique decorations. Again, the level of intrigue in your party theme is very crucial to planning your party.

If you’re going for a very scary evening, plan decorations that excite feelings of uneasiness, creepiness, dark and dreary evenings. If your Halloween party is just an excuse to hang out and have fun, go with more traditional Halloween party decorations.

Traditional Halloween party decorations usually include party supplies that feature pumpkins, cartoonish witches, ghosts, vampires and other creatures of the night. Think orange and brown with a spice of black when picking out your streamers, napkins, plates, cups, and even the color of your lightbulbs. Hey, ambiance is everything at a Halloween party.

Scare The Dickens Out Of Your Halloween Guests — Or Not

More scary Halloween party decorations usually include a bit more planning. These are the same party supplies but with a more adult and dark theme. More blacks, blood reds, some whites, and a mix of other dark and light colors with a theme.

Black, red, white and silver go splendidly together though black and red would be the dominant colors at a scary Halloween party.

Use creativity when picking out these decorations. A fake eyeball in the punch is funny, but you’re going to have to up your game here. Try ideas like these.

• Any frightening creature that can be remote controlled to act robotic and sound scary is great. Think of fake spiders that actually move, creatures with motion sensors so that they make a scary sound when guests walk by, and other almost-alive decorations.
• Keep the colors dark if you want a scary party. Though it doesn’t have to be pitch black, a little fear of what looms in the darkness sets up the night perfectly.
• Arrange a scary moment like the lights flickering or going off. Your guests will think it’s normal or part of the prank if you do it once. The second time it happens–not so much. This is a wonderful time to play a game of “Mystery Killer” but make sure that guests are in on it by putting it on the invitation. If you skip this part, just let them know during the game that it’s all for fun.
• Have a scary movie playing in one room or sit guests down to watch the movie. For adults, this is a fun time to play a little creative drinking game. Have guests swig a drink of a bloody mary, a blood-red punch, or the beverage of their choice every time a character casually forgets to “see it coming”. I’m sure your guests can think of other fun twists on the game.
• The sound of chainsaws is instantly grating and frightening if you’re in the dark. Work one in and watch a few guests shiver.

Your Halloween party is sure to be a thrilling evening. You know your guests well so tap into what drives them and what frightens them. If your aim is to thrill and chill them, tread lightly but be slightly terrifying. After all, it’s expected of a Halloween party.

If your aim is to razzle and dazzle them but not to send anyone home scared to sleep, perk up your decorations and think of fall colors. Either way, your Halloween party will be a smash thanks to your clever party planning!

Re-Connecting With Neighbors

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.

Vacations, family reunions, sports camps, games and all the other activities of summer keep many people on the go with not a lot of time for interaction with neighbors. But once school starts, families seem to slow down a bit and stay home a little more. Families play together in their yards and take evening walks to catch up on the day’s events.

Fall is a great time to chat with neighbors, and even if you’re new to the neighborhood and don’t know many people, a block party is a great way to introduce yourself to your neighbors. So, why not get together with a few willing neighbors and plan a block party to bring everyone back together?

Block Party How To:

Survey The Neighbors

Approach a few neighbors to see if they would be willing to help you organize the block party. Print a simple flyer inviting all your neighbors to help plan the party and distributor around the neighborhood. This way no one can say, they “didn’t know” or were “left out.” You can deliver one to each home with the date, time and location of the planning meeting.

Encourage Help – Lure Them With Food

Host a planning meeting at your home with light refreshments. Make sure introductions are made so that those planning the party know each other.

Set a date and time for the block party according to school schedules and holidays.

Assign people various responsibilities related to the party such as advertisement, food, recreation, set-up and clean-up.

Determine how much money you are willing to invest and if the group will divide costs evenly or if certain people will pay for certain expenses. It is important to be very clear about the financial part of the party so that there is no opportunity for misunderstanding and awkward situations that can affect people for years to come.

Pick Your Location

Decide where in the neighborhood the block party will be. Are there certain homes children gravitate to? Is there a house with a large yard and a pool? Is there a clubhouse available? Would a cul-de-sac be the best for safety reasons?

Pick A Party Theme

Determine what kind of block party you’ll have – essentially a theme. Are all your neighbors elderly people? Singles? Families with small children? Consider the tone you want to set—family friendly? An adult only cocktail party? A get-to-know-you relaxing atmosphere? The answer to these question will determine your party’s theme.

Plan The Menu – A Party Must Have Food

Cocktails and appetizers? Potluck? Burgers and hot dogs? Grilled steaks and chicken?

Will everyone be asked to bring a dish to share or will food be purchased in bulk and provided so that no one has to bring anything? Do you need a caterer to take care of the food?

Remember, the purpose of the party is to bring neighbors together and bringing something to share gives people a sense of belonging. Don’t assume it will be a burden to have a potluck meal—many conversations get started over a great dish.

Decorating, Mingling and Entertaining

Decide how you’ll decorate. Block parties were a big part of the 50’s era, so why not decorate retro-style with galvanized tubs filled with iced-down beverages, red and white checkered tablecloths, patio furniture, and 50’s music?

Consider the ages of your neighbors and use decorations and music that would bring smiles to their faces. Choose one or two ice-breaker games to play. While sometimes a little silly, ice-breakers really do help to get to know new people or ones you haven’t interacted with much. Use stick-on name tags to help people remember names.

Provide games and activities for children (if needed). Entertaining the children gives adults more time to interact and it helps the children get to know one another, too. For small children consider a moon bounce, inflatable slide or pony rides.

If you have older children and teens, a pool is a great place for them to hang out and play. If you do choose activities such as these, adult supervision is a must so that parents feel confident their children are safe.

Create A Neighborhood Directory

Give your neighbors a Neighborhood Directory. Have someone take digital photos of each family on the block. Have the family fill out a card with address, phone numbers, email addresses, names and birth dates of each family member and compile all information in a Neighborhood Directory complete with family photos. Once compiled, hand deliver copies to each neighbor and thank them for participating in the block party.

This is a great time to get feedback from the party, as well as make another contact with your neighbors. The photo directory helps to cement who people are so that when you see them on the street you can call them by name.

In this day and time of high technology, busy lives, and people living more independently from each other, making the effort to have a block party is a great way to show your neighbors you care. You might be surprised to find that everyone appreciates knowing their neighbors, especially those who may be going through a serious illness, a family problem or are just lonely. An invitation to a block party might be just the opportunity someone needs to slow down and strike up friendships with those who live close by—our neighbors.

A special thanks goes to:

To the Montgomery, AL caterer who let us use the photo of fruit & cheese.  Thanks A Social Event Caterers!

To the Tampa, Fl caterer who let us use the photo of brightly colored chairs.  Thanks G Elliot Catering!

Sometimes you want to throw a party, but you also want to do something to help out a good cause. So by all means do both!. Throw a Charity Party! It will be a fun event for friends and a big help for a good cause.

How does a charity party work? Choose your charity and go from there. For example, my pet charities are PAWS (our local animal rescue group) and The Children’s Home (a home for neglected & troubled children). Once you decide which charity, comply a guest list, a party theme and what you want to contribute to the charity. Your contribution could be items from a food or clothing drive or to raise money.

The Children’s home is in constant need of clothes, toys and household supplies. The goal of the Children’s Home party would be to collect these items. At this charity party, everything would revolve around the party theme kids. All the decorations would reflect children. For decorations, I would choose bright primary colors for my streamers and tableware. The focal point of the party would be a kid’s theme cake like Sesame Street™. On the invitations, I would ask that guests to bring a donation of clothing, toys or household supply for The Children’s Home.

The same basic principles will apply to a charity party for PAWS. An animal rescue charity party can easily be decorated using dog biscuits that are strung together on fish line. Serve the food like dips for vegetables and chips in new clean dog and cat bowls. Serve dog bone theme cookies made by a local bakery as the sweets for the party. Send out invitations that tell why and what the name of charity is and ask guests to contribute by bringing items the charity needs: dog food, cat food, cat liter, ect. The bowls used for the dips can be given to the animal rescue as well.

Charity parties can be extravagant or causal, for large groups or small. They can help celebrate birthdays or just for the fun of it. But, one thing to keep in mind is to have a good time while you help a good cause.

Savannah, Georgia is a city steeped in rich southern history. Everything about Savannah exudes incredible southern pride and a sense of tradition. Finding a unique date idea that celebrates this heritage can be difficult. However, the night starts off right when you begin it in the back of a horse drawn carriage.

During the time Savannah came into its glory days, horse drawn carriages were the only expedient way to travel. These were not recreational villages but were instead reserved only for those who could afford to purchase one or the fee to hire one. Therefore, the mentality associated with horse drawn carriages in Savannah was that the people riding inside these were the elite, the powerful. Why not draw on a little tradition this year for your next big occasion?

Imagine celebrating your anniversary with a true, southern date for your southern belle. Begin the night with a horse and buggy ride to a historical themed restaurant. You could also host a ball in honor of your love where you ask guests to come in traditional southern attire. What a fun and unique party! It’s certainly one that true southerners from good ole’ Savannah G-A will enjoy.

Weddings are also perfect occasions for celebrating the rich tradition of the south. Arriving to your wedding in a horse drawn carriage is something unique, sweet and special that no one will forget. It is also the perfect way to pay homage to the southern pride that flows through the veins of people in Savannah. Georgia is the pride of the south. Live up it’s rich tradition for a night starting with a horse drawn carraige ride through Savannah.

Can you say “it’s party time” with a straight face? If you can, you’ve never ridden through Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the back of a limousine. Otherwise, that phrase alone is enough to conjure up memories of happy-go-lucky nights spent cruising the streets headed to some fun event. If you know of anyone celebrating these occasions, put some pep in their party by suggesting a limousine service in Bethlehem PA.

Prom Night — What’s prom without a limo? A limo is accoutrement as traditional as a corsage. It’s almost expected of a young man to hire a limo and driver for his date. After all, what would her prom be without some over-the-top gesture of free will and enthusiasm? Limousine services are definitely on the “must call” list for prom night in Bethlehem!

Wedding Day — You’ve dreamed of a huge wedding with all of your closest family and friends. Soon the day will arrive and so will you – to the church that is – but in what? If your wedding requires a touch of fantasy, glamour, and affords you a chance to be the center of attention for a while, you need a limo. What a way to celebrate your wedding!

Major Anniversary – She’s stuck with you for a while. He’s been by your side for ages. Now it’s your chance to remind each other what it was like to fall in love. After a few years, time takes a toll and responsibilities set in. Push all of that aside for a night and have a fun evening to yourselves that begins and ends with a limousine ride through the merry streets of Bethlehem. At least, the streets will be merry once you’ve had a chance to tread on them!

Whatever your occasion, Bethlehem PA limousine services will show you why rockstars and big name celebrities choose no other way to travel. Let your hair down and enjoy a special night in a limousine!

What does it take to throw Phoenix, Arizona’s most remarkable party? If you’ve ever been to a party in Phoenix you can easily declare the things that made or broke the party. As sure as the Diamondbacks are the best team in professional baseball, there are a few things you MUST have for your party to be a hit. For instance:

Unique Entertainment: You don’t want a bunch of people standing around looking bored. There are certain party rentals that keep attitudes on a high such as sound system rentals. A rockin’ sound system will beat out a 1990s style boombox any day. Depending on the type of party, you may also consider video game rentals and inflatable game rentals (like bounce houses) for a more enthusiastic and quite competitive party.

Comfy Seating: Sit on the floor? Never! Well, not if it’s a party with dancing and mingling. Either way, your guests will eventually get tired from the grooving and need to sit down. They’ll need somewhere to place their drink. Don’t sacrifice Grandma’s antique coffee table to the party gods. Rent chairs and tables instead.

Luxury Stylings: Where are you going to host your party? Is it an outdoor party or the best scene your living room has ever seen? If you’re more in the mood for something roomy and inviting, try renting a tent for your party. Tent rentals make sure that your guests have a place to party and room to move happily.

Dazzling Attitude: Most importantly, put your game face on! It’s party time! Set your mood for entertaining and show your guests what a good party host does. They may not know that it was party rentals that saved your party but they’ll be sure to mention your name first when they’re asked about the best place to attend a party.

Planning a birthday party for your son in those awkward years between 8-12? He’s too old for those sweet little kids parties you used to throw. Yet, he still willing to have you plan his party. So, how do you create a party that he will love?

Skating Your Way To A Party That Is Off The Hook

Ask yourself “what do tween boys want or like?”  Think of what your tween’s interests. I know several tweens who are in to skateboarding. Using the party theme like skateboarding is a fantastic place to start.  Seek out some skate boarding teens that can show the tweens some cool tricks (keeping in mind safety). Ideally it would be wonderful to rent a skate board facility.  Don’t fret if a skateboards facility is not available. Create a skateboard paradise at your house. Decorate your party area with mini skate boards, posters with skate board heroes such as Tony Hawk or Andy MacDonald and graffiti boards. Buy some thin ply board and spray paint and write graffiti on it.

Entertainment That Will Have Them Stoked

Keep a few ply boards and spray cans for your party goers to graffit up. Use teenage skateboarders as another form of entertainment. Have them give the young kids a demonstration. If your party area allows let the kids show off the skateboard skills learned for the older teens. Remember safety comes first. All kids should wear protective gear before they skateboard. You can also have them play a game of follow the skate board leader. Have one of the teens do age appropriate tricks for them to follow and when each tween fails to complete the leaders action, they leave the game to go drink a soda or power drink such as Gatorade. Listen to your tween and he will give you plenty of idea to make this party a success. Savor the memories of this party, hire a videographer to document the skateboard fun.

Party Favors They’ll Be Down With

Party favors STICKERS … that is all you have to give to 8-12 year old boys to make them happy. This age group loves stickers. Need to fill your gift bags with more? Granola or power bars and skateboard key chains will excite these tweens. When looking for skate board theme items try a skateboard. You can even find great skateboard items online.

Grindage Must Haves

These tween will build up quite the appetite after all that skateboarding. Pizza is a good choice for the food, as well as hamburgers/hot dogs and soda. The big wow of this party is the cake with graffiti air brushed skate board and your tween’s name.

A skateboarding party is a great way to have fun and allow boys to be boys. By the end of the day, your tween will think your the best bro a boy could have.

Ask The Celebration Advisor: PLEASE HELP! My husband and I married in September, 2008 in Jamaica after quick planning. Mainly due to the fact of illnesses in the family. (I took my father-in-law to chemotherapy 3 times per week for 2 years; which turned into taking my mother-in-law to her various appointments. She has been hospitalized 8 times in a year and half. My brother had prostate cancer and had surgery in January. My uncle broke his neck. My husband spent a week in the hospital with blood clots. My mother had open heart valve replacement in May. All six different hospitals, WHEW. Three years went really fast and have no idea where the time went. Now everyone is holding their own and I’m not running as much, leaving time to try to plan for family and friends who long awaited to watch our wedding video. What would I call this celebration? It will be more like an anniversary.Thank you for your advise. Deb

The Celebration Advisor: Deb, good question! This party theme is of particular importance because you all will FINALLY be able to watch the much ballyhooed wedding video. (Yes, I said “ballyhooed”.) Is it safe to assume that you need this title for party invitations? If so, you’re in luck! I just so happen to have a few. Since you said this is more of an anniversary, consider these suggestions:

• “Celebrate The Day” Party
• “My Favorite Romantic Movie Night”
• “Watch The Wedding Video” Party (Simple but effective)
• “Reliving The Wedding (With You There!)” Party
• “Our Just-Like-A-Second Wedding Party” (Because now your guests will be there)
• “Our Fairytale Wedding Video Watching Party” (Have the front of the invitations say “once upon a time you were invited to…” and then they will open it to this party theme)
• “Second Time Around” Party

Now, you can always go with some of the more simple and obvious theme like “anniversary party” or “wedding video watching party” but spicing it up a little is always fun. Two suggestions for whatever you choose are (1) to make sure that they know you are throwing the party so that everyone could feel included and (2) use a little imagination.

If you feel a little more explanation is in order, put a little description on the inside of the invitation. A few words will actually make the invitations more sentimental because you can personalize these and include your thoughts on desiring your family’s presence at this party because unfortunately they couldn’t be at the wedding.

Oh yeah, and have fun!!!

Most people do not associate Chicago Illinois with horses of any kind, especially horse drawn carriage rides. However, Chicago is a very progressive city that is constantly looking for new forms of entertainment and new twists on old favorites. That’s where horse drawn carriage rides come in. They’re a new twist on a classic favorite that many will love and many more will envy.

Chicago Weddings Without Horse Drawn Carriages? Unthinkable!

Poppycock! Hooey! Who would ever think to put down the fine tradition of hiring a horse and buggy as their wedding transportation? Horse drawn carriage rides are part of most Chicago brides’ romantic fantasies. When it comes time for the wedding, go all out with a horse and carriage!

Put Pep In The Party With Horse Drawn Carriage Rides!

Laugh it up about the thought of arriving at a club-type Chicago party in a horse drawn carriage, but that’s not the type of party that needs pep. They have plenty! If you are attending a formal gala, a wedding, a private dinner party or some similar affair, consider Chicago’s horse drawn carriage rentals. They may not be as “fancy” as limousines but they have all of the appeal plus the added perks of freshness, originality, and individuality.

You wouldn’t want to wear the same outfit as someone else so why use the same party transportation or wedding transportation? Live it up for a night with a horse and carriage ride through Chicago!