Tracy Brengard

May 2, 2016 by Tracy Brengard

Graduation Party Ideas

Graduation is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Whether it is kindergarten, high school or the college level, honor your special grad and try a few of these party ideas!

Memorable Menu
Appetizers or pick-up foods are usually a great option for a graduation party. A cake, cupcakes or cookies can be decorated complete with mortarboard and even school colors. Many recipes can be altered or created with graduation in mind. Make sandwiches that look like a diploma by rolling turkey or ham inside and tying it with a chive. Use individual pepperonis and write out the graduation year on top of baked cheese dip. Sit out ring pop “graduation rings” for party favors. Consider the age and interests of your guests when you plan your menu.

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April 11, 2016 by Tracy Brengard

Engagement Parties 101

Hosting an engagement party can be a rewarding experience. Most happy couples are thrilled and ready to celebrate! This is not simply a bridal shower, but a party that announces their future life together. Invitations, decorations, food, the venue, and entertainment must be considered in your planning.

The Details
The couple of honor needs to first provide a guest list. Find out what type of party would they enjoy. Use them as a springboard for ideas when considering the theme, size, and formality of the event. Food may be casual or formal, dictated by the theme and the budget. Flowers add beauty and depth to any room, and depending on a color scheme or particular season, will help accentuate any area.

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February 22, 2016 by Tracy Brengard

Three Dinner Parties for 2016

The holidays are over and 2016 is here! While you may not think of hosting a party during the winter months, many people are looking for something entertaining to do when the weather outside may be frightful. Plan a dinner party using one of these themes.

Winter Wonderland

Celebrate winter with a Winter White theme. Invitations, decorations and tableware can all be white. Encourage guests to wear white and serve white food! Whether it’s popcorn, white chocolate, pasta or cheese, there are many different options, which can be served formally, or in a more casual style. If white isn’t your color, chose another and have a color themed party!

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February 10, 2016 by Tracy Brengard

Anniversary Party Planning

Celebrating an anniversary is a milestone event for any couple. If you find yourself in charge of making plans for this type of party, consider these tips and ideas.

Type, Size and Budget
First, determine the type of party appropriate for the couple. A casual party or a more formal affair can be held depending on the preferences of the guests of honor. A budget needs to be considered and may help in making those types of decisions. You need to determine how large the party will be, as this will affect your location and cost. Let the couple make a guest list, including children, family and friends of their choice.

Date, Time and Place
Next, a date, time, and place must be selected for the party. It is a bonus if the party can be held on the actual anniversary date, but this must be coordinated with the couple. The place may be an outdoor location, a local venue, a church, or even your own home.

Invitations, Theme and Decorations
Once the details are nailed down, send out the invitations at least two weeks in advance. These can be store bought, handmade or printed professionally. Wherever you choose to host the party, you might select a theme relating to where the couple was married or where they went on their honeymoon. Identify a hobby or activity that connects them and use that as a springboard for ideas. If you want to keep it simple, look up the traditional anniversary gift for that particular year. For example, the 25^thyear anniversary gift is silver, and the flower is the Iris. Use those elements to decorate and accessorize. Flowers, balloons, confetti or other decor is up to you, depending on the time, budget and the space. It is always nice to display wedding photos along with other pictures of the couple through the years.

Food
The party food served at your anniversary celebration will depend on your location and budget. Hire a caterer, cook a special meal yourself, or perhaps have family members help with the preparations. Consider your theme or a favorite meal of the couple when deciding on your menu. Usually a cake is served at anniversary gatherings. In recent years, bakeries have become creative with cake designs, and this could be a signature item on your food table. Of course a favorite family recipe would also be appropriate in this instance. Think about your guests, your venue, and the time that your party takes place when you make your food plans.

Entertainment and Activities
When you are planning the party events, there are many options to consider. For music, you can hire a band or musician, or simply play music of your choice in the background. Pictures are a must, and a professional photographer may be hired, or a family member can be enlisted to serve as photographer. Another option would be to have disposable cameras on tables to allow guests to capture candid photos. Speak to the guests of honor about their interest in renewing their wedding vows or providing pictures for a slide show. If their wedding video is available, it could be set up for viewing. As a special memento of the party, have a framed picture, memory book or other item that guests can sign as a tribute to the guests of honor.

Special Considerations
If your couple of honor and many of your guests are older, consider that in your planning. A party during the day might be a better choice. Think about a location that is not difficult to access with many stairs or other obstacles. Make sure plenty of seating is available for guests. Younger couples may enjoy an evening party with dancing or games. Talk to them and determine what type of party they would enjoy before making your plans.

With a little creative planning, you can host an anniversary party that will be memorable and fun! With your focus on the couple of honor, it will be the perfect way to celebrate their special day.

December 14, 2015 by Tracy Brengard

Party Tip of the Week: 3 New Year’s Eve Parties

One of the most festive events of the holiday season can be spending New Year’s Eve with friends or family. Save all those resolutions of January 1st and host a spectacular party to bid farewell to 2015!

Time for a Party!
Use clocks as your theme for this time-centered party. Declare “Time to Celebrate” on invitations for guests. Use all types of clocks as decorations. For example, some digital clocks will display time on walls or ceilings. Use numbers 1-12 along with streamers or balloons to set up a festive backdrop. Cookies or a cake can be decorated to look like a clock. Use toy watches as napkin rings or decorations on tables. Counting down the time is what this night is about, so plan to ring a bell on each hour and play a game or plan an activity. An hour before midnight, this could be as simple as distributing hats or party favors to prepare for the New Year’s celebration. Have a countdown and confetti to throw as the clock strikes twelve!

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody!
The glitz and glamour of the roaring 20’s is the perfect backdrop for your very own Great Gatsby themed party. Art Deco invitations and decorations are a must and are readily available online or in craft stores. Guests may come dressed in their very best flapper girl or gangster costumes. Set the mood with a signature drink, such as a mint julep or gin fizz. Use solid classic colors such as gold and silver or black and white, and have food tables set with tiered trays. Choose flowers such as red roses or white gardenias. Incorporate large feathers and pearls in your decorating. Helium balloons in solid colors will fill the space and make a statement. Hang stringed lights to add the right touch and don’t forget to keep the jazz music playing. Toast to the New Year by passing out trays of champagne or sparkling water as the countdown to 2016 begins.

Start Spreading the News!
Nothing says New Year’s Eve more than Times Square in New York City. Bring the party to your own home by hosting a Ball Drop party. Decorate with disco balls and silhouettes of the New York City skyline. Incorporate apples or other iconic New York symbols. This can be a casual night with party hats and noisemakers or a more formal black-tie affair. Serve a signature drink, such as a Manhattan. Create a playlist of music including artists such as Frank Sinatra, along with other famous New York songs. Provide real-time coverage of the actual Times Square festivities on a centrally located television screen. Have your own “ball drop” with a large disco ball or balloons and count down to midnight with your guests.

Organize a unique New Year’s Celebration this year! Whether you hire a caterer for a formal affair or decide on a casual potluck dinner, planning ahead will make your party an unforgettable one. Remember to provide safe ways for your guests to head home as the party ends. Consider your budget, choose a theme, and then welcome 2016 in style!

November 30, 2015 by Tracy Brengard

Party Tip of the Week: Christmas Party Themes

Holiday movies and music, lists for Santa, and a shimmering tree–these are some of the things that make Christmas the most magical time of the year! Why not throw a party to remember this holiday season? Try a new theme or put a spin on your tradition holiday celebration with one these party ideas.

Polar Express Pajama Party
Ugly Christmas sweaters have been the go-to dress code for many recent holiday parties. Try something different this year with a pajama party for kids! Host a Polar Express pajama party with train tickets as invitations. Have someone, maybe Santa himself, read the story “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg or watch the movie. As a party favor, provide a bell for each guest, which fits in perfectly with the ending of the story.

Progressive Dinner Party
A progressive dinner party is another option for celebrating with friends and neighbors. Choose three host homes to visit–one for appetizers, then main course, and finally, dessert. Plan to stay an hour at each stop. Each guest may be assigned a menu item to bring to the host. One option is to do an around the world theme and have different foods from different countries with matching decorations and games.

Santa’s Workshop Party
The holidays are a time for giving, and it would be great to encourage the generosity of others in your holiday planning. Host a Santa’s workshop party. Everyone that attends receives a Santa hat as they arrive. Guests bring a toy or other donation for needy families in the community. Then put on some music, bring out the hot cocoa, and wrap your gifts to give to a local charity.

Whether you decide to have a large event or simply go Christmas caroling around your neighborhood, plan a wonderful celebration to share with friends and family!

September 3, 2015 by Tracy Brengard

Hosting A BBQ Barn Party

When my husband and I purchased some property a couple of years ago, the old barn that stood off to the side was admittedly an afterthought. While we had admired it, we had not honestly considered whether it would be worthwhile to save. Weathered and worn, it had seen better days. As we made improvements to the property, we decided to save the barn and reinforced the foundation, replaced missing boards on the exterior, and ran a line for electricity. We also decided to add a small bathroom inside, which was the beginning of my thoughts towards using the barn for entertaining.

Since its reinvention, the barn has been host to several gatherings. A fire pit was added for cookouts, marshmallow roasts, and a ghost story or two. It has set the scene for prom photos and family portraits, and served as storage for duck decoys and a fishing boat during the off seasons. Perhaps the biggest event at the barn has been our barn barbeque. I will confess that I am just a normal wife and mom, not a major party planner! I needed help from a few experts to help me get the job done. With a little time and effort, the old barn had a new life.

My task was to give a barbeque party for 50 people at the barn. Having an outdoor event of any kind requires special attention to detail. My first task was walking the property. From this I could decide what was going to be provided for our guests and where things were to be set up. I won’t deny this might have taken more than one trek around that barn! I had to consider food, music, decorations, and seating. I made a list of what I would need and whom I should contact for help and advice.

After a DJ was hired for the music and a caterer for food, I had to set my sights on decorating. With the help of a friend, I planned where to place tables, a food line, and a dance area, along with a set up for a homemade photo booth.

We decided where drinks, set in wheelbarrows and large washtubs would be placed. Along with burlap tablecloths, bandanna napkins tied with twine and cowboy themed dinnerware, we had plans for candles in mason jars tied with gingham ribbons. String lights were purchased to hang around the barn. And no party is complete without flowers!

Our party was in the fall, and with the help of my florist, we settled on mums of all colors, which were the perfect complement. Large outdoor areas are sometimes difficult to fill, and I was thankful to be directed to the local nursery, where they provided me with hay and pumpkins to use all around the barn. A good florist can recommend flowers that are in season for your particular party theme. They may also offer advice on decorating.

An old barn is the perfect setting for a barbeque, a cowboy birthday bash, or even a simple wedding. Letting the expert add the finishing touches minimizes stress and creates a charm and warmth that can make any good party a simply fabulous one!

August 1, 2015 by Tracy Brengard

Preparing For Back To School

Vacations, swimming pools, lemonade stand, all of these things remind us of sweet summertime! While it still may be hot outside, school days are just around the corner. Soon there will be no more sleeping in, so ease into that back to school routine with some fun activities for the family.

Here are a few ideas to get the entire family ready.

Host A Party

Host a cookout or picnic at a pool or in your backyard. Keep the food simple and kid-friendly, as well as the decorations. For example, cover tables with white paper and fill mason jars with crayons for centerpieces. Use a large chalkboard to welcome guests and let them sign in as they arrive. Apples and flash cards or any other school related item as décor for tables or wall hangings is a great idea as well.

For an educational twist, set up a map with some push pins and allow guests to plot where they have traveled for summer vacations. A door prize can be given to those traveling the longest distance. Involve the kids by having them bring items for school that can be donated to a local school or charity that accepts supplies to distribute to those in need.

Family Activities

If a party isn’t in your plans, there are some things you can do at home with your family. Start a new tradition that will make memories for years to come. Here are a list of ideas:

Create a countdown calendar to mark off the final days of summer.
Cook a special breakfast on the first day.
Buy a growth chart or even find a space on a hidden wall to mark your child’s growth each year.
Host a family fashion show and have each child model their first day of school clothes.

The entire family will look forward to their beloved tradition each and every year.

Think About The Teacher

Another person to consider on the first day of school is your child’s teacher. Here are a few ways to show your excitement that you have them as a teacher:

An apple for the teacher is a fun, inexpensive way to start the year.
A handwritten note from you or your child, thanking the teacher and expressing your excitement about the school year might be a thoughtful idea.
A basket with supplies any educator would appreciate might include paper clips, sticky notes, or copier paper.
A small container with quarters for the soft drink or snack machine would definitely come in handy.
Flowers are always an option! A cheery bouquet of sunflowers, daisies, chrysanthemums, or summer wildflowers will brighten any teacher’s desk.

Going back to school each fall is a milestone event for any family. Make that transition smoother by finding a way to celebrate while making memories that will last a lifetime.

June 27, 2015 by Tracy Brengard

Make Your 4th Of July Festive

4th of July is a treasured national holiday. Many families celebrate in the traditional fashion with a neighborhood cookout or family gathering and end the night with fireworks. Keeping such traditions in tact is important, but sometimes it is fun to try something new!

Mix It Up With Your Food

Whatever type of food you plan to serve on the 4th this year, mix it up and prepare a different menu item. Traditional recipes combined with a new appetizer or desert can liven up any table. Keep with the theme and find a fun recipe using red, white and blue ingredients. For example, strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream are utilized in many holiday desserts.

Don’t forget to liven up your table as well. Most craft stores have fun decorations you can use to set the table or picnic area. Purchase or create place cards and name your foods like Liberty Burgers or Freedom Fries. This would be a good way to involve the children or grandchildren in helping name all the food. Also, you can easily find themed plates, napkins, cups and serving pieces. Many flowers, such as tulips, roses, gerbera daisies, phlox or hydrangeas come in red, white or blue varieties and would make a festive holiday arrangement. Your table is one of the main focal points, so spend a little time on your table.

4th of July Activities

If you live in a neighborhood with children or grandchildren, try having a Patriotic Parade. Kids can decorate wagons, bicycles or even golf carts in red white and blue and parade around the neighborhood. Someone might be selected as Uncle Sam and judge the vehicles, awarding a prize to the most patriotic entry. The event could end with Uncle Sam reading a book to the younger ones about the founding of our country. The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh or The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner by Patricia A. Pingry are two examples of books that help explain the history of the holiday. This would be a great activity shared by all.

All About The Fireworks

The culmination of any 4th of July involves fireworks. Some may prefer to go inside to watch New York or Boston light up the sky on television. Still others attend events and watch a local fireworks show. While these are the least risky options, many enjoy lighting fireworks with family and friends. Most are aware of the dangers of fireworks, and adults should always be present. One or two adults could be in charge of a neighborhood show, which is a safer way for the kids to enjoy the holiday.

However you choose to celebrate the 4th of July, make it festive with decorations, flowers and food. Remember to appreciate the history of the day and enjoy celebrating with family and friends!

June 6, 2015 by Tracy Brengard

Finding The Perfect Gift For Father’s Day

In my mind, Father’s Day always conjures up a list such as this: a neck tie, a set of tools, golf balls, fishing tackle, a coffee mug & any item proclaiming “World’s Greatest Dad!” In reality, if we asked dads what they actually wanted for Father’s Day, it would probably be alone time doing something they enjoy.

Celebrate Dad

I don’t remember Father’s Day being a big production when I was a girl. My dad was probably lucky to get a homemade card! While my sister and I love and appreciate our dad to this day, the celebrating of Father’s Day was not the commercialized event it is now. Certainly fathers deserve a special day. Today’s dads are more involved than ever when it comes to actively participating in parenting their children. A neck tie or coffee mug would certainly bring a smile to any dad’s face, but choosing a more meaningful gift should be a goal for kids, possibly with a little guidance from mom!

Be Creative

The web is full of traditional Father’s Day gift ideas, and whether your dad is into hiking, golf, horses, or books, focusing on his particular interest should provide a starting point. You can never go wrong with homemade cards, gift certificates or pictures created by the kids. These are priceless treasures to any parent. Unlike moms, dads will generally go buy what they want or need when they want it or need it. They tend not to wait for a holiday hoping someone will remember they need a new fishing pole. For this reason, a little creativity is in order.

Start A New Tradition

It may be time to turn Father’s Day upside down and start a new tradition in your family. Making a donation to a charity in your father’s name is one example. Another idea might be to plant a tree in honor or in memory of dad.

Your special gift could be as simple as spending time with your dad doing something that he enjoys. Plant a garden together, go on a bike ride, or spend the day watching his favorite movies. Let your dad’s interests be your guide! Whether you rely on past traditions or plan on starting a new one, make dad the center of HIS day!