It’s one thing to have a party where loved ones gather for some food and fun, but it’s quite another for your shindig to make such a huge impact on your guests that its talked about for weeks, or even months down the road. Maybe you hire a guy to teach your guests how to weave baskets underwater at your next pool party or you rent out an entire petting zoo for your kid’s fourth birthday. Regardless, the object is to make your get-together as memorable as possible. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank in order to create … Continue reading →

My friend’s son graduates from high school next week. Two days later, her home will be filled with no less than 175 of her son’s nearest and dearest pals, thanks in large part to the fact that he created a Facebook page dedicated solely to informing his peeps about his grad party. The ingenious teen is having a blast planning his commencement shindig, including constantly updating his online party page. His mom, not so much. While she is thrilled to commemorate her son’s milestone, trying to figure out how she is going to keep 175 teens and their parents entertained—outside, … Continue reading →

It’s a milestone that screams, “PARTY!” Graduating from high school, college, or even kindergarten is a huge deal for students and their families. So how do you commemorate such an auspicious occasion? Typically, commencement celebrations take place at the graduate’s favorite restaurant or at home with an informal gathering. However, if you are looking to spice up your once-in-a-lifetime shindig, consider the following themes: Reunions: Reunited and it feels so good. This theme works especially well for a college graduation party. Reunite your grad with a bunch of his old high school friends who may have moved to various parts … Continue reading →

The countdown to my daughter’s birthday party is on. However, unlike in years past when she decided on a theme for her shindig two weeks after Christmas, this time around the jury is still out. With time ticking I came up with a list of potential themes that I could probably pull off without enlisting Martha Stewart or Colin Cowie’s help. Here are just some of the fun, fun, fun suggestions my daughter will be choosing from: Bugs: My mom is a ladybug fanatic and has all kinds of decorations we could use for the party. Granted, my daughter is … Continue reading →

Afternoon tea is a way of life in England; however, there’s no reason the tradition can’t be emulated in your neck of the woods. Or even better—your garden. With spring in the air and temperatures on the rise, why not throw caution to the wind and host a tea party of your own? Whether you are sipping with your sisters, friends, neighbors, or you are looking for a kid-friendly activity to keep your children busy in the great outdoors, some of these ideas may come in handy: Etiquette: While you don’t have to adhere to the strict formality of a … Continue reading →

For Easter, my 7-year-old daughter received a small terra cotta pot filled with plastic grass, seed packets, a hand rake, some gloves and a bunch of chocolate flowers. The candy is gone, but we’re now anxiously waiting for peppers to sprout from the pot. The cute gift came courtesy of my sister-in-law, and was nice change from the traditional Easter baskets. However, I think it would be equally appropriate to hand out as a favor at a spring garden party. In fact, you could go one better and have young guests decorate the pots with glitter glue, paint, markers, sequins, … Continue reading →

Score big with family and friends by hosting a Super Bowl party to remember. For most people, the annual pigskin-themed party marks the kick-off to a new year of spectacular soirees. Fortunately, it doesn’t take too much planning to create a winning environment for your game day party. For starters, you’ll need invitations. Since Super Bowl parties are very informal, you wouldn’t fumble by simply asking guests over by phone, email or text. However, make it mandatory that they RSVP so you know how much food you will need on Sunday. Whether they are attending your big bash because they … Continue reading →

Despite the fact that the Green Bay Packers blew their chance to square off against the New England Patriots in Indianapolis next Sunday, I still scored an invitation to a Super Bowl party that I know will make for a winning evening. If you are planning to host your own pigskin party, expect the unexpected. The entire state of Wisconsin had booked hotel reservations in Indiana long before the Giants dashed the Packers’ dreams of returning to the Super Bowl for a second consecutive year. You just never know which team will play to win come Sunday. As such, it’s … Continue reading →