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March 24, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

“Mad Hatter” Tea Party

A group of women I know who love to plan parties is having a Mad Hatter Tea Party. They are basing the theme loosely on “Alice in Wonderland” and asking all the participants to wear a fun, crazy, whimsical hat. Ladies invited are also being asked to bring a teacup from home to use at the event. (This group runs on a tight budget, so this is a really creative way to get around buying china cups or resorting to Styrofoam.)

The event will take place in a small room with cozy round tables, like you would expect at a tea party. Each table will be decorated with a white linen tablecloth and colorful embellishments. Because 30-40 women are expected at this event, to make it easy for tea to be served, each table’s centerpiece will be a unique china teapot already filled with hot water.

A selection of tea bags will be at the tables for the ladies to choose, pour and begin enjoying. All the tea trimmings–sugar cubes, thin lemon slices and milk–will be at each table.

Food for the tea party will consist of homemade scones, flavored butters, jams and clotted cream. Cucumber and chicken salad tea sandwiches, mini pastries, tea biscuits and lemon tarts will also be on-hand.

There will also be a contest to choose the most original hat, the craziest hat, the prettiest hat and best of show, with prizes for each. Each lady will be given a party favor at the end: a glassine bag filled with assorted tea bags and tied with a ribbon.

The thing I like most about this idea is that it is adaptable to many different groups: book clubs, churches, sororities, civic organizations and charity fund raisers. It’s a fun, creative way to get together, have a few laughs and enjoy the company of others, all while serving delicious food and drinks.

March 18, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

MARCH MADNESS 2010: Get Your Party On!

MARCH MADNESS 2010 HAS TAKEN OVER!

Your brackets are filled out, your pools have started to gather and your team is going ALL THE WAY! It is now time to start planning that March Madness Party! Whether you invite the entire neighborhood, or you just have your closest friends over for the basketball game, you are sure to throw the best party on the block with a few of these great ideas!

A March Madness Party would not be a party without some really good hot dogs! You can use the usual ketchup and mustard, but adding some spicy mustard is sure to put a kick to your dog! Cheese dogs with chili and jalapenos are a sure hit, too!

Don’t forget the snacks–chips, cheese dip, popcorn, salsa and all the beer and soda you can stomach! Make sure to put the cooler and the snacks next to the TV so that no one has to miss a moment of the game! March Madness is packed full of seconds that change EVERYTHING! Don’t be the “bad guy” for making your guests walk to the kitchen just as your team makes the winning shot!

So we have your salty, where is the sweet?

Find a local bakery that can make you some tasty March Madness Theme Cupcakes! Personalize the cupcakes with your college basketball team colors, favorite jerseys, or an assortment of great cupcakes that make your event just right! These will for sure satisfy any fans hunger needs while inspiring support for the game!

Don’t forget to decorate! Cover the walls with pendants, posters, and streamers of the college basketball team of your choice! Provide whistles to your guests to blow when the fouls are made, and when you are screaming at the referee for that intolerable call! Foam fingers are great fun, too! Make sure to let your guests know they need to wear their team colors, and of course bring the March Madness brackets!

Find a local party supply store with theme plates, napkins, decorations, and anything you could ever need to make the atmosphere perfect for heated March Madness watch parties!

If you want to make the party last after the game, hook up your gaming system to play some basket ball of your own! Rent a few games for your playing pleasure, and give your fingers a work out as you score big playing basketball in the comfort of your home!

DON’T WAIT: FIND ALL YOUR PARTY NEEDS!

We hope YOUR team can take the March Madness, maybe we’ll see you cheering for your team on the big screen in Indianapolis, IN for the FINAL FOUR– April 3-5, 2010!!

MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN!

February 26, 2010 by Leigh Morrisett

Roller Skating Birthday Party

Roller skating is making a comeback, and so are skate parties. I have fond memories of going to a skate party way back in the day. Why not make some great memories for your child’s birthday party by throwing them a Roller Skating Party. I find roller skating parties work well for pre-teens.

Skating Rink: The Host Or Just The Facility

Call your local skating rink and to see if they host children’s parties. Often skating rinks have set prices for parties, and they also take care of many of the parties needs for you. Some skate rinks will provide food, drinks and even a cake. Some even have the party favors and birthday decorations. Be sure to ask them what they will provide and the cost per child for these services before you book the party.

If the rink does not “host” the party for you, ask if you can decorate and bring in food and drinks (and this includes the cake). If they say no outside food, don’t be discouraged. You can have the cake and ice cream before going to the rink. Keep in mind that children will want something to drink as they skate around, so you will need to purchase the drinks and snacks for them at the skating rink. Some skating rinks also have video games kids can play. You will want parents to know this as well, so they can decide if they want to send extra money for their child play games. Be sure to include all of this information on the party invitation.

Party Transportation Service Or Just The Planner

You need to decide if you’re going to transport all the kids to the skating rink or have the kids meet you there. If you’re going to transport them, I suggest inviting only a small amount of your child’s friends. Choose a number you can easily transport.

Home Skating Rink

If you don’t have access to a roller rink, you can create one. Decorate your basement or your drive-way to look like a roller rink. Maybe you have a community building that you can rent. Hire a disc jockey, rent a mirrored ball (disco ball) and some lighting to make it sparkle.

Whether hosting a birthday party at home or somewhere else, your pre-teen will love a roller skating party theme. Remember, creating a great roller skating party is as easy as skating itself!

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February 18, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell

With All This Bad Weather — Have A Snow Cream Party!

I know by now everyone is ready for all this snow to melt away, but if Punxsutawney Phil has his way there will be even more winter to come. Instead of dreading the upcoming snows, make it into a party — a Snow Cream Party! Snow cream is so simple to make and it’s a great way to introduce your little ones to the kitchen. If you have no little ones, don’t worry I’ve got a great “adult” snow cream recipe too!

Snow Cream

I don’t know about you, but snow cream always brings back wonderful childhood memories of working with my great-grandmother in her kitchen. I can still vividly remember sitting on her countertop mixing this little treat. Making snow cream is an easy family tradition to start with your children.

Your Snow Cream Party should be a spontaneous event, just a winter celebration with friends. You don’t really need any decorations or other extravagance. However — since it is so cold — put extra fleece blankets and throws out, so your guests can snuggle up and keep warm while enjoying their snowy dessert.

Clean snow is key to snow cream: scoop only the top layers of snow just to be sure. If possible, the best thing to do is place your bowl outside at the first sign of snow and let it fill itself.

The recipe for snow cream could not be easier:

Snow Cream Recipe

1/2 cup of milk or half & half
1/4 cup of sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
4 cups of clean snow

Mix your milk or half & half, sugar and vanilla together in a large bowl until sugar has dissolved. Add snow a scoop at a time then fold it onto itself until completely covered by your mixture — that’s it! If you have multiple kids or are having a kids snow cream party, let each kid add their own ingredient and have a turn to fold. They will love eating something they made themselves.

Try adding other ingredients to make your own unique flavors!

cocoa powder
coffee
caramel
chocolate chips
fruit (Mmm, blueberry-vanilla snow cream sounds sooo good!)

Pretty much anything! It’s up to you.

For a more adult party, add in a shot (or two!) of Irish cream liqueur. This is also a perfect dessert for a romantic night in for two. Ask your favorite local caterer or florist to deliver a Dinner For Two gift basket. These normally include everything you need to make your own delicious, gourmet meal for two. After dinner share your delicious, snow cream treat snuggling by the fire and , just not too close — it is snow!

Check out our other party ideas on WeddingAndPartyNetwork.com

January 25, 2010 by Celebration Advisor

“Let It Rain” Party

My little girl was singing “Rain, rain, go away…” the other day and it got me thinking. The next rainy day we have, we’re having a “Let It Rain” party. Here’s how: We will call several of her close friends and tell them to dress in their best rainy day gear–raincoats, hats, umbrellas, boots, etc.

Of course, I will arrange it with their moms in advance so they won’t be surprised. Then we’ll go pick them up, bring them to the park and see just how many mud puddles we can find. Remember how fun it was to splash in mud puddles? I do, and a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to get wet. They’re dressed for it so let them have all the fun they want splashing, jumping, dancing and playing.

When all are sufficiently tired, we pile back in the car and head home, where warm bubble baths and a fun spa time takes place. After baths, they can put on robes or comfy clothes and have a spa lunch. This could consist of a festive punch or hot cocoa, tea sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly, pimento cheese, etc.), petite cookies–anything ladylike that you can tailor for little girls.

After lunch it’s “salon” time drying and styling hair. Then we’re on to pedicures and manicures. Line the girls up on the sofa and do an assembly line with foot baths, massages, and polish. They can talk, laugh and enjoy the process together.

When “spa day” is over, they can re-dress and mom’s taxi can deliver them home. I think my daughter and her friends will look forward to rainy days–and have a great memory–after this rainy day party.

Need some help with this party theme?
Hire a limo to transport guests.
Have a bakery make special “rainy day” cookies.
Give the girls a professional manicure and pedicure from a manicurist.

January 15, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell

Get Artsy With A Pollock Party!

Got the cold weather blues? Stuck in the house with nothing to do? Spontaneous parties are some of the best, most memorable times you’ll ever have and have I got a theme for you – Jackson Pollock!

Gather up all your artsy, creative friends and have fun making your own Pollock-style painting.

Getting Started

First off, you need space to paint. Pollock’s paintings are massive! Yours probably won’t be anywhere near that size. I suggest the kitchen floor or some other open area in your house. Line the floor, as well as anything else you might not want paint on, with inexpensive painters plastic. (This project is a little messy!) Jackson preferred to paint on the floor or wall instead of an easel to feel more like part of the painting. He liked to walk around and paint from each and every angle.

Supplies

Buying canvas in bulk is the best idea for this project. You can find packs of canvases at your local craft supply store. (Check on their website first for printable coupons!) The size is up to you. You might even encourage your friends to bring their own, ensuring you will have a variety of sizes and styles.

(Note- you can paint on anything! Look around for recyclable items to use instead – those extra wooden shelves your bookcase came with, maybe left over cork board from another project. The possibilities are endless)

As for paints … Get your friends to bring their own and have everyone share. Pollock used layer upon layer of liquid paints for his masterpieces, but also anything he was around. Experts have even spotted things like cigarette butts, broken glass and even sand! This is a great way to clear through all your leftover paint!! Even old house paint, spray paint, or inks will work. It’s all about variety. (Note- I would stay away from things that take a long time to dry like oil based products.)

Pollock moved away from traditional methods and preferred to paint with sticks, trowels, knives, etc. You can use brushes but do not limit yourself to that. It’s all about expression. Use that old rusty spatula from the kitchen or the tooth brush your kid used on the dog.

Party Food

Themed food is always a hit. This one’s simple – marbled cupcakes with white icing. Have a collection of icing tubes in an array of colors and let your friends ‘Pollock’ their cupcakes. Throw in some sprinkles for good measure! Keep the drizzled/splatter theme in mind by drizzling chocolate over fruit of pretzels for a great mid-painting snack break. Roll a cheese ball in chives and nuts to create a two-tone splatter look.

Delicious coffee with white chocolate drizzled on top will make any coffee lover weak at the knees! A great way to make your adult drinks more ‘Pollock’ is to drizzle dark chocolate on the inside of a clear martini glass and serve delicious white chocolate martinis. Last but not least, if your not a martini person, the art lovers quintessential drink of choice – a good bottle of wine. (Start your splatter painting off right!)

Techniques

There is no real technique for these styles of paintings – just expression. Stand over the painting and let the paint tell you what it wants to be. Drip paint from your sticks and spatulas onto the canvas then pick another of your favorite colors. Pick a color you hate just to see what comes out.

Try using some other medium like salt or old makeup. Go crazy! Tell your friends beforehand to bring all of their unusual painting supplies then pick from a plethora of styles, colors, and textures.

Remember to walk around your painting; see it from every angle, use the colors in the way you feel they look best. Clear your head of everything but your masterpiece. Once you have a thick layer of paint on the canvas, embed charms and other small special objects.

“When I am in my painting, I’m not aware of what I’m doing. It is only after a sort of ‘get acquainted’ period that I see what I have been about. I have no fear of making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through. It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well.” – Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock was known for his spontaneous action paintings – the perfect theme for a spontaneous party! You don’t have to be artistic to pull off Pollock’s style. Try it yourself! Be sure to post pictures of your masterpieces to our Facebook Wall!

Want more advice on where to find party and wedding vendors? Find vendors and other party and wedding planning tips at www.WeddingAndPartyNetwork.com.

December 10, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Party Theme: Bring Your Own Plate

Need a theme for a housewarming party? Take a cue from the old saying “Bring Your Own Bottle” and throw a Bring Your Own Plate Party. This is a prefect party for a someone moving out for the first time or someone newly divorced who needs dinnerware.

Each guest is asked to bring a plate for the new home owner. You can vary it by asking guests to each bring a plate, glass, and coffee cup. Be sure to specify this on the party invitations you send. To add a little extra fun, have the guest bring food on the plates with recipes attached to the back. They can bring items like home-made brochette, cheese and crackers, mini sandwiches, cupcakes, pies, or even a whole meatloaf. Leaving the food choices up to the guests and their culinary specialties makes for a fun surprise.

For decorations, create a table centerpiece by purchasing flatware, some ribbon and some flowers. Group the knives in a bundle leaving an open center and tie them tightly with the ribbon. In the center place a few items of the flower of your choice. Buy a short vase to hold the spoons and forks. Place flowers inside or around the vases. Since the flowers will be without water during the party, wait until the last moment to add them to the centerpieces.

You can vary this party idea in so many ways. Maybe they need furniture. Ask guest to give a piece of furniture they no longer use. The party would then change to “Bring Your Own Chair“, or a “Bring Your Own Wall Art“.

It all depends on the needs of the honoree. The concept is to help set up a new home, have some fun and make memories. I love the idea of an eclectic mix of plates and cups. Each individual item represents the friends and family of the honoree. After all, memories of family and friends help make a house your home.

Wedding and Party Network is happy to bring you this party planning idea. Also, a special thanks to PittyPat’s Porch, an Atlanta GA Caterer for the use of their southern Georgia Gumbo picture.

December 3, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

And The Winner Is: A Country Music Awards Party!

Planning a party for your tween or teen? Is a country music an everyday necessity for them? Well then it looks like you need a to throw a Country Music Awards party.

Setting The Party Stage

Set up the front walk way of your party event location with a red carpet. Do this by buying inexpensive red craft paper in rolls. This will help you create the “red carpet” for an awesome kid’s party.

Every awards event has a red carpet photo op including paparazzi. You can hire a photographer or play the part of the paparazzi yourself. As kids arrive at the party make sure they walk the red carpet. If you hire a professional photographer make sure the teens shot for the country music star interview and photo experience.

This country music bash doesn’t end with the red carpet. Tweens and teens will need the whole country music award atmosphere. Party decorations must include glitter stars, balloons, fan banners and a glitzy food table with floral sheeting. Add a country music band or DJ emcee with country music karaoke and you have the makings of a fine country music hall. Take it to the next level by renting a dance floor. A the band plays or even during karaoke the kids will want to dance. So, checking into renting dance flooring.

Award Them With A Country Feast

This party is more about dressing up and walking the red carpet. A fun night partying requires a fair amount of fuel. Grab and run is the food of choice – chips and dips, granola bars, sodas and bottled water. To add a little WOW factor to the party get a country music theme cake and it the focal point of the food table.

Since the food and beverages are simple and relatively inexpensive, you’ll have more money and time to invest in the party decorations. Be sure to make this party just as glitzy and great as the awards show.

And The Winner IS

All who attend this party! Give every person who attends an award – their own party favor or favors. Create a goody bag for each tween or teen with an inexpensive cowboy hat, sunglasses and tiny chocolate cowboy boots. To really make it memorable have some party glasses engraved with the date ad theme of the party.

With a little planning your tweens/teens next party will be a winner!

This party theme planning idea was brought to you by www.weddingandpartynetwork.com.

November 12, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

What You Need “Reel” In A Great Theme Party

In my post Reeling in a Great Bachelor Party, I suggest a fun-filled bachelor party can revolve around a fishing theme. A few suggestions may have been cast here and there, but a real “how to” was not offered. Here are implementable tips for decorating, food and entertainment to create a fishing theme party.

Decorations Are Like Bait

Fishing Lure Just like a fisherman knows which lure will attract which fish, you need to know what will put your guests in a fishing mood. A tackle box is a good place to get ideas. Lures, bobbers, nets, and hooks are all things that dangle and so must your decorations.

So this party must incorporate streamers into the decor. Here is how to make fantastic party streamers using fishing line and bobbers:

Items you will need:

50-100 plastic fishing bobbers. These bobbers come in various colors — red and white are the most common. Should you need a variety of colors, you can always spray paint them a different color to match your theme.
1 spool of fishing line (you can buy this at the same place as the bobbers)

To make the streamers, begin by determining how much line is needed to space the bobbers apart so they dangle but with enough extra line to attach to the walls or tables. To create a table streamer for a 6 foot table, you will need 7 feet of fishing line. If you want a swag effect with this streamer add another foot or two. Same principal applies if you are hanging these streamers from wall to wall or around a pole.

After you decide line length, take the bobbers and hook them to the line spacing them every 6-8” apart. When finished attach the streamer to the table using heavy duty tape or clear packing tape. Hint: Fishing lures come in many shapes, styles and colors making them a great items to decorate with. So you can do the same thing with fishing lures as the bobbers. However, you need to remove the hooks and barbs from the lures before using them in this fashion.

Party lights are another way to decorate. You can buy fishing theme lights at party supply stores. Attach these lights to some fishing nets and hang them on the walls. Use your imagination, don’t be afraid to jump right in and tackle the decorating with any and all fishing related items.

If your having the party outside or if room allows, you can always use a small boat as a table. Place a sheet of painted or decorated (use stencil to decorate) ply board over the boat.

Rig Up Some Great Food And Beverages

Use a “live well” to hold your beverages. A live well is a tank they hold the bait or the fish after you catch them.

Make a “live well” by painting fish stencils on new Styrofoam “minnow” buckets. Then place ice and beverages in these cleverly decorate buckets. Shazam! You now have a beverage “live well” for you fishermen. Don’t forget to purchase fish themed drink koozies. You know the ones that look like bass, trout or catfish. These koozies are great as decorations, as well as drink holders and party favors.

I suggest a menu of catfish, smoked salmon or trout which can be catered by a local company. For “fingerling” food serve shrimp dip and use oyster or goldfish crackers for the dippers. Shrimp cocktail or peel and eat shrimp are great appetizers for a fishing theme. Your caterer may have some party platters in fish shapes. A party store is another fantastic place to find themed serving platters.

Don’t forget the sweets. Have a local bakery create a theme cake in the shape of a fish. This will give them a tasty treat and add to your decor at the same time.

Entertainment – GO Fish

Rent a Playstation or a Wii game console with the fishing game. This game is great for kids and adults. In fact, adults love this game – all the fun and no mess.

Don’t want to rent a console. Create your own fishing game. Grab some fishing rods and hook the bait (candy bars tied on with fishing line.) Now have players stand on the opposite side facing the people who are holding the rods. Cast out your bait – just far enough for your teammate to be able to eat the candy bar (no hands can be used). Whoever eats their candy bar first wins. Or can always play a rousing game of go fish!

Using a bit of creativity along with some real fishing tackle will ensure you and your party will defiantly not be up a creek with out a paddle.

***A little side note for those in the Port Coquitlam, BC – Luscious Creations created the awesome fish face theme cake in the picture above. ***

November 3, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Reeling In A Great Bachelor Party

So the groom isn’t into the standard bachelor party of going to a bar with the guys. But, the groom is all about fishing. Make fishing your theme for your bachelor party.

Pick The Right “Fishing” Location

If you’re lucky enough to live in area where fishing is prevalent, rent a cabin and decorate it to the rafters with all types of fishing theme items. If you can’t rent a cabin or a lodge, you can always use your home. Wherever you choose to hold this bachelor party, it can be transformed into a honey-hole.

Lure Them With Party Decorations

Colored bobblers found at any tackle store are the foundation for this bachelor party decor. With a little fishing line you can use the bobblers to make awesome streamers. To create the ultimate fishing atmosphere, beg, borrow and buy any type of fishing theme item you can find and deck the place out completely. Don’t forget to buy a few inexpensive tackle boxes to decorate with or use as serving pieces. You can hang lures and lights from fishing nets to create a fantastic back-drop for the party. As a final decoration pick up some fishing theme napkins, maybe ones that have fishing lingo on them for fun.

Food and Drinks: Serving The Catch Of The Day

“Fingerling” foods will make this a record book party. Catfish fillets, fries, hushpuppies and all the “fixins” make an tasty treat for this bachelor party. If the frying pan isn’t your thing have a local caterer prepare the meal for you.

Want a more casual bachelor food atmosphere? Clean out those tackle boxes and fill them with chip and dip. Serve your own version of a jig-n-pigs (fishing lures) sandwich – a little fried bologna, ham, or other cold cuts with a variety of cheeses. Add in a little beer, wine, soda or mixed drinks and you won’t need a lure to get them to the buffet table. For a fun twist to the evening, everytime someone gets a drink make them sing a song that uses the word “live well” (a fishing term).

A bachelor party should be all about having fun. Theme parties are all about creating fun around a theme. So playing up a theme based on the groom’s fishing passion it will net you a great bachelor party.

This bachelor party planning idea was brought to you by weddingandpartynetwork.com.