Are you in the process of planning out your Thanksgiving dinner? It can be stressful, especially if you're hosting the whole family at your house. You want this day to be about family and sharing everlasting memories together. Therefore, in your mind, everything should be perfect. However, don't stress over this day. Wedding and Party Network has some stress free planning tips for hosting your Thanksgiving dinner.

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

• Planning The Grocery List – Once you know how many people are attending, you will know exactly what to cook and how much. You can stay away from certain dishes if someone doesn't like a particular item or if they're allergic, and be sure to prepare all their favorites. Once you have a menu, you can plan your grocery list.
• Cooking – Once you have the menu planned out, you can create a timeline of cooking. Not all dishes have to be prepared that same day, some can be prepared the day before. So, plan it out so you're not trying to cook everything at once with limited space and hands.
• Decorating – Of course, you have to have decorations during this time of year. However, plan a few weeks in advance and start decorating your home then. Your fall decorations will carry over into this holiday too. Don't forget to visit your local florist to discuss what type of centerpiece you would like as well.

Planning Thanksgiving dinner at your house doesn't have to be stressful. Just keep the main component in mind, which is PLAN AHEAD.

If you are planning a Thanksgiving dinner, let Wedding and Party Network help!

We Are Thankful For…You!
With Thanksgiving approaching, take time out to show your close friends how truly thankful you are for them. What is the best way to show them? Why a dinner party, of course! Sitting around, sharing memorable laughs with each other will remind you how truly thankful you are for each other. There are a variety of ideas when throwing a dinner party, especially one near Thanksgiving. Read more about Thankful For You

Yummy Fall Treats
With fall here, it's time to start planning all your fall parties. You have the perfect backdrop for beautiful outdoor parties now with the gorgeous colors and the amazing weather. So, what is the perfect pairing to your fall party?
Read more about Yummy Fall Treats

Sunflower Wedding Bouquet (College Park Flowers) Reception setting (Kings Creek Flowers) Autumn cake (Dimensions In Cake) Fall bouquet (Inspired Floral Design) Balloon Arch (CR Flowers & Gifts – A Bracebridge Florist) Wedding Aisle (Design House of Flowers) Outdoor Reception (Flowers Etc. Of York)

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

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!

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

Wow, November is already upon us. This year has flown by. However, who isn't excited for this month? It's the time to give thanks and we're getting closer to the holiday season. The cooler air, delicious apple cider and beautiful autumn colors are here and it's time to celebrate. So, need some party tips or some inspiration this month? Well, Wedding and Party Network has just that for this month of November.

Fun November Facts

November is the 11th month of the year and is one of the 4 months that has the length of 30 days in it. So, where did it get its name? It originated from the Latin word, novem, which means nine. It's the month of spring in the Northern hemisphere and autumn in the Northern hemisphere. November starts on the same day of the week as February in common years, and March every year.

Birthstone & Flower

The birthstone for this month is the topaz and citrine. The topaz features a yellowish color, but can feature wine, pale gray, yellowish-orange or blue-brown. While the citrine features is a variety of quartz whose color ranges from pale pink to a rose-red hue. Both are beautiful colors.

November's flower is the chrysanthemum, which is native to Asia and northeastern Europe. This flower is colorful and fun, plus it would be great in a centerpiece for your party.

November's Astrology

Scorpio & Sagittarius are the astrology signs for November. Scorpios are determined, forceful, powerful and exciting, while they can be jealous, resentful and secretive. Sagittarius are optimistic, honest and intellectual, while irresponsible, superficial and restless. Incorporate their personality into the party.

Special Events & Holidays

Aviation Month
Child Safety & Protection Month
Good Nutrition Month
Peanut Butter's Lover Month

2nd Week – National Children's Book Week – Host a book party!

November 3rd – Sandwich Day – Make gourmet sandwiches for your next party.
November 4th – National Candy Day – Create a candy bar.
November 6th – Basketball Day – Host a basketball themed party.
November 7th – Hug-A-Bear Day, Magazine Day
November 8th – Election Day – Vote!
November 9th – Parade Day – Host a parade in your neighborhood.
November 11th – Veteran's Day
November 15th – America Recycle's Day & Pack Your Mom Lunch Day – Teach the lessons of recycling.
November 16th – Button Day
November 17th – Homemade Bread Day, National Young Reader's Day & Take A Hike Day
November 18th – Mickey Mouse's Birthday
November 24th – Thanksgiving Day
November 25th – Black Friday
November 26th – National Cake Day
November 30th – Stay At Home Because You're Well Day

November is a great month to host a party. There are great party themes out there that you can truly get creative with. Throw buttons in as party decoration in honor of Button Day, host a Black Friday shopping day or make cakes front and center at your next party. With so many ideas out there during this month, your party will be a true success!

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

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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Does your little girl enjoy baking up a storm in the kitchen with you? Does she love learning from you and watching your baking techniques? Well, does she have a birthday coming up? Why not combine the two things and celebrate her birthday with a cake party! This is a fun way to celebrate with a few of her close friends and let them spend the afternoon learning cake decorating techniques. Wedding and Party Network has a few party ideas and tips to make this party a success!

Party Invitations – Of course, when picking out your party invitations, focus on having a cake invitation with all the details and let the girls know what type of party they are in for so they can dress accordingly. However, you could even create an adorable whisk or a bowl with cake batter in it.

"Cake" Decorations -When planning this party, think about what you would find in a bake shop. Create a store sign that says "Happy Birthday", create a display case to hold cakes and pastries. You can also add a few tissue pom poms, balloons and create different stations where they whisk, bake, assemble and decorate.

Don't forget to offer the girls with their own baking hat and apron too that has their names on it. This can serve as their party favor too!

Party Activities - Well, what are you going to do at this cake party? Teach the kids how to bake a cake and other pastries if you wish and let them have fun learning and decorating.

The first activity they can do is decorate their own apron and hat. Let them use pens, glitter and even cupcake liners to show off their personal style in their pastry chef attire.

Next, set up different stations to explain how you make cakes and pastries. The first station should be the ingredient station. Show the girls what's in a cake and explain what you combine together and the order in which you do so. Next up is mixing it altogether. So, show the girls to the bowls and whisks and get them ready to whisk. Station 3 will have all the baking pans out and show the girls the different sizes and shapes. The last step before putting the oven is pouring it into the pan and sticking it in the oven. Don't forget to pre-heat!

You could pre-heat several cakes before hand and have them already iced or have other activities planned while they wait for their cakes to bake and cool. You could even take different pan sizes and teach them about stacking cakes together to make a tiered cake. Let them roll out play dough and create cookies or have pretend cakes made of styrofoam and let them decorate those.

The funnest part of the day will be when they decorate their cake. Make sure you have a variety of supplies like, icing in various colors, sprinkles and piping bags. Let them go wild and start decorating!

The focus on this party is the cake decorating activity. The girls will absolutely love it and enjoy taking it home with them to show off their skills to their parents. Plus, your little girl will be so excited with this party theme.

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

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!

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!

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!

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

Do you love hosting parties? However, do you shy away from it because you think your home is a bit too small to do so? Well, that definitely shouldn't stop you from hosting parties in your own home. Cozy spaces can be great for parties. So, Wedding and Party Network has some great ideas and tips for your next party in a cozy space.

Spacing

• 

  Drink Station

  Rearrange – Remove bulky furniture from your living room. It's easier for guests to maneuver around the room when there isn't a over-sized coffee table or end table in their way. You can place these in the garage or laundry room. It's easier and looks cleaner, especially with a lot of people in your home, when it's clutter free.

• Spare Room – Don't forget to designate this area for the coats, jackets and purses. This frees up their hands and removes clutter from the living room or kitchen.
• More Than One – Use all the rooms you have and expect for overflow into these rooms. So, don't think that no one will see them. Prepare to remove the clutter from those rooms and straighten them up as well.

Cooking & Your Party Food

• Prepare – This goes for any party if you want to enjoy more of it, cook beforehand. Sit down and plan out your menu. Lean more towards food that can be prepared earlier, even the night before. Once you have your menu figured out, create a grocery list, go shopping and create a timeline for your food. If you have party food that can be ready the night before, put that on the timeline first. Think about what needs to go in the oven and how you can keep your it warm while you prepare the next item. 
• Buffet Style – Since you don't have a lot of room to possibly seat all your guests, serving your food buffet style is the way to go. Your guests can pick what they want, while mingling around with everyone else.
• Setup -This doesn't have to be in one designated spot or in the kitchen. Mix it up a bit. Clear out a bookcase and place your appetizers there or set them up throughout the party on end tables. This helps get the guests flowing and not bunched up at one table. They can truly mix and mingle at your party. This goes for the drinks too!

Decorating Your Space

• Overhead – Since decorations can take up room, think about hanging your party decorations overhead. Use banners, balloons or streamers for your party decorations. However, if it's more low-key, no decorations are required.

No matter what size home you're entertaining in, your party can be a success. There's no need to stress over if you'll have enough space or not, you just have to think outside the box.

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 caterer near you!

Treat or Treating Tips

We all love trick or treating and loading up on yummy candy. However, now you must always be cautious during this time, yet still make it an enjoyable for everyone. So, Wedding and Party Network has some safety tips for this Halloween to make it fun and safe.

Route – Make sure to plan your route out in advance. Plan out who you will visit, like family members or friends and route out familiar neighborhoods. It's best to know whose door you're knocking on.

Rules of the Road - First off, always go with your children, but remind them the rules of the road. Always enforce traffic rules, like look both ways before crossing, obey traffic laws and use cross walks.

Stranger Danger – Even though you have your eyes on them, it only takes a second for a stranger to come up and take them. That is why you need to always remind them of stranger danger safety tips.

Costume Safety -Don't forget to focus on making sure your child's costume isn't a safety hazard. Keep costumes from dragging on the ground so they're not tripped,

When In Doubt - Throw it away. We are all aware of the dangers that candy can contain. So, if you're nervous about how something looks or you're not sure what's in it; throw it away.

Now, it's time to celebrate Halloween with a ghoulish themed party that will be one to remember.

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

Yes, Halloween is right around the corner and it's time to start preparing for Halloween parties. Everyone loves getting dressed up and going out in their best costumes. Therefore, you need to start planning early for your Halloween party.
Read more about Top Halloween Party Themes

Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is coming up and now is the time to start preparing your costume. This is the time of year when you can go all out and dress up for the night. It's a big deal to some, however, coming up with the right costume allows some thought process.
Read more about Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween Ideas For A Frightfully Fun Night

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.
Read more about Halloween Ideas

Halloween theme parties are one of my favorites. When throwing a Halloween party, you’ll need to invest in few scary surprises for your party guest.
Read more about Scaring Up A Halloween Party

October is knocking on our door and is ready to appear in the next couple of days. This is a great month to host parties due to the beautiful weather, gorgeous fall colors and limitless party ideas. There are tons of great holidays to celebrate and use inspiration for your party.
Read more about October

Flowers are one of the most important things at your wedding or event. Why? They add a statement to your event and your style shines through in each design. Flowers convey the theme, they are the most important accents of your event that ties everything together.
Read More about Floral Design

Hocus Pocus arrangement (Flower Shop Network), Pirate Halloween decor (Bloomers Inc.), Pumpkin cake (Icing Illusions), Pumpkin arrangement (Alma Blooms), Calla bridal bouquet (Flower Jazz), Candy bar(The Chocolate Chick Company)

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

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!

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

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