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 →

The Giants take on the Patriots a week from Sunday during Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. This weekend the Pro Bowl kicks off in Honolulu, but since that’s not a real game, you can focus your attention on getting ready for your annual NFL Championship pigskin party. Fortunately, you don’t have to put a major dent in your budget to host a Super Bowl shindig. Rather, with a little strategic planning you can have fun rooting for your favorite team and score points with your family members and friends, all while preserving your bottom line. Here’s how: Keep it Casual: … Continue reading →

Watching the Packers and Giants, Saints and 49ers, Texans and Ravens or the Broncos and Patriots go head-to-head in the NFL playoffs this weekend may sound like an incredibly fun time for you, but what about the littlest players in your life? Whether you are hosting a football-viewing party or attending one, if you want to be assured of a good time, then it would behoove you to have a plan in place to keep the kiddos entertained. Fortunately, there are a slew of simple and affordable kid-friendly activities you can have on hand during a football-themed party, so that … Continue reading →

The NFL Playoffs continue this Sunday as the road to the Super Bowl heats up. Of course, no place is hotter right now than Green Bay, Wisconsin, where the Packers are looking to win back-to-back Super Bowls. I happen to live near legendary Lambeau Field–a.k.a. Party Central–and while I don’t have tickets to the big game versus the New York Giants, I will be partying it up along with the rest of the state’s residents. Only our pre-Super Bowl shindigs will be taking place in the comfort of our homes. If you are planning to host a NFL Playoff party … Continue reading →

Our local YMCA always hosts a huge family-friendly New Year’s Eve party on the afternoon of December 31st. This year they’re going with a Hawaiian luau theme and are encouraging guests to don flower-print shirts, hula skirts and other island-inspired getups. Activities include make paper leis, swimming in the pool, participating in coconut relays and dining on mango/pineapple skewers, as well as other tropical treats. You may not have an indoor pool to entertain your guests, but hosting a Hawaiian-themed party on New Year’s Eve is not a bad idea. Luaus are a change from the standard winter-themed bashes that … Continue reading →

Who says you have to rely on your church or civic organization to host a family-friendly fall festival? If you are looking for a way to gather your closest friends and relatives to celebrate the change of seasons, then consider throwing your own autumnal fling. The seasonal shindig can be as intimate or elaborate as you wish. If you are working on a tight budget, then you might need to streamline your decorations. Start by adding a few touches to the front area of your home to make it appear as festive as possible. You could make an inexpensive fall … Continue reading →