When hosting a party, it might be a little stressful to know how much food to serve to your guests. This week’s Party Tip provides a little help with just that. Just follow our helpful guide and you’ll have no problems figuring out how much to serve.
There is not much more that my son loves than Elmo and the “Letter of the Day” song. Most kids are enamored by Sesame Street, and parents love that they love it because it’s so educational. Why not make this the theme of a party? Sesame Street Birthday Parties are fun and very simple for parents to host. Here are a few ideas for a modest party that won’t break the bank.
Party Decorations
The great thing about Sesame Street is there is an endless supply of decorations. You can spend anywhere from $5 to $500. Shop at your local party store. They’ll have great ideas. Use street signs as party deocr but instead of “Sesame Street”, name it after your special birthday boy or girl. Include the bright colors of seasme street throughout the party, as well as incorporate the characters. Don’t forget to have Sesame Street playing in the background.
Sesame Street Party Food
Have you seen the adorable vegetable and fruit trays staged after the characters? For Elmo, use cherry tomatoes or sliced strawberries. Spread them out on a round platter evenly and then place 2 small round containers of white dip for eyes and place a blueberry in the middle. You can use broccoli for Oscar The Grouch, blueberries for Grover and pineapple for Big Bird. These are absolutely adorable and the kids will love them.
Party Games
The Letter of the Day and Number of the Day songs are so much fun for the little ones. To personalize these songs, choose the Letter of the Day to be the child’s name, and the Number of the Day the age he or she is turning. These are fun songs to sing with the littles while they clap and stomp along.
Instead of your traditional Pin the Tail on the Donkey, try Pin the Nose on Elmo. If you are artsy or have a friend that is, Elmo can easily be drawn on a roll of paper, and then making tiny tissue poms for his nose! Just use a little double sided tape to help the nose stick.
There you have it. Age appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers, and engaging enough for parents to participate with them. Enjoy planning!
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:
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:
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.
Planning a buffet for your next party? This seems like an easy route to take to serve your food. However, there are a few tips you must keep in mind when setting yours up.
We hope these tips help. Do you have your own buffet tips? Share them with us at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com.
Engagement parties, wedding showers, baby showers, all of these parties have one thing in common: food. Whether it is just a cake, or a full three course dinner, food is so central to all of our celebrations. Most parties feature the food all set up together on the bar or dining room table, placed neatly next to the punch and a gorgeous centerpiece. Insert your hungry guests standing in line to fill up their plate and you’ve quickly got a crowded dining room. But we’ve got a better idea: Tasting Stations.
They’re perfect for those summertime parties, especially on a cool, Saturday night. Here’s your how to on setting up tasting stations.
A sample menu would look like this:
Menu
Set Up
Start with getting a few extra tables to put around your garden or patio. Don’t be afraid to have a station set up inside on the dining room table as well. You may have to do some rearranging, but that’s usually always necessary when throwing these parties.
Any kind of tablecloth will do, and a little secret-they don’t all have to be the same. As long as they aren’t bright pink princesses mixed with your grandmother’s hand sewn lace, you’re good to go.
Space out your tables, and use the same serving pieces you normally would. Use the small plates, and as utensils, use toothpicks and plastic seafood forks. Do you see [Read more…]
Hosting a party? Have you ever thought about your hostess responsibilities? There’s a lot more to it than you think. This week’s Party Tip will focus on a few ways to make you a better hostess than you already are for future events.
There are are many ways to be a gracious host at your party. How are you one? Share us your tips at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com.
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!
Birthday cakes are such a huge part of any birthday party. It’s honestly one of the main highlights at a party. Guests walk in wondering what type of cake they’ll see, since there are some very detailed cakes designed today. The most important thing to remember when figuring out what type of cake the birthday recipient will have is that it reflects them. Still need ideas? This weeks Inspirational Friday is all about birthday cakes.
Don’t forget to talk with your bakery. They’ll have great ideas if you tell them what you have in mind and even if you don’t. Don’t forget to share your pictures with us at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com.
Your baby is 6 months old, and we know what you’re already thinking: first birthday party. Your mind starts to wander to blow up toys, goody bags, smash cake and decorations. All you see are dollar signs. Never fear, we’ve got your how to’s on doing a ONE-derful party that won’t break the bank.
Birthday Party Location
Do it at home! Why rent a big party space when you can open your home to friends and family for free? Homes make everyone feel more welcome and “part of the family.” Your house will be the perfect quaint atmosphere.
What Food To Serve
Also a DIY. Buying food at your local bulk store or cost saver grocery is the way to go. For this little girl’s first birthday, we commissioned grandmas to make a few sides to help bear the burden, because let’s face it, EVERYONE wants to come to this first birthday. The theme was Look Whooo’s Turning one, and momma made most of the food to look like owls.
A Party Isn’t Complete Without Decorations
This little girl in particular had her bedroom done in an owl theme, with bright pops of color. So to save money, Mom went ahead and carried that theme to the party and used decorations she already had. Tissue paper flowers (see our tutorial) made for cute table decorations, and the only money spent was on these glittered O-N-E letters. These were cardboard letters found at the local craft store. We dipped in Modge Podge and rolled in gold glitter. Easy!
Don’t Forget The Cake
The infamous smash cake. Baking a homemade cake seemed like the best idea for this budget-savvy mom. She bought a cake, and baked two layers in a small 6” round cake. Then we iced with a pink buttercream icing and rose tip. Total cost for the cake was about $4, which was much easier on the pocket book. For the rest of the family, she did a regular sheet cake.
Capture Those Special Moments
This could easily be the biggest bulk of the expense for your child’s first birthday. No doubt, we want to get photos of them smashing that cake, and quite often, photographers can do a separate shoot for that special event. For the party, get a friend to take photos throughout the day of your little one to document the occasion. Even a simple point and shoot camera will do the job.
There you have it. Simple and easy, and right on the money steps for planning a first birthday party. Decide your budget, and use these simple tips to help plan your child’s first birthday party. Also, don’t forget to talk with party vendors as well. They have such amazing ideas and a variety of packages that may work within your budget as well.
Have you ever thought about hosting a bonfire? These are truly ideal for those cooler nights. Even if the days are warm, the nights can still get a little cool depending on where you’re located. They’re laid back, yet fun. So, this week’s party tip focuses on hosting one with ease.
It’s truly very simple when planning a backyard bonfire. Just pay special attention to the details, like the personalization. Do you plan on hosting a bonfire? Don’t forget to send us your pictures at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com so we can share them on the blog.
Midnight magic looks different on everyone. Are you ringing in the new year with glam, chaos, or cozy intention? Let’s find out your perfect NYE energy!
Are you clean and modern, nostalgic and vintage, soft and cozy, or playful and whimsical? Let’s find out!
The holidays are stressful enough, so hosting a holiday party should feel fun and easy! To make it even easier, here are some Wedding and Party approved Christmas party themes that are certain to get you compliments, and might even become a new tradition!
Discover which legendary party is your true scene!
