Tag Archives: party tips

Have a Kickin’ Kindergarten Graduation Party

They may be little, but graduation day is still a big deal for kindergarteners.  Young kids love to celebrate and while mastering the ABCs and 123s may not compare to earning a college degree, it warrants some type of ceremony. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank honoring your little graduate.  Rather, keep the shindig simple by selecting a theme that yields itself to inexpensive fun.  For example: Books:  Ask your child’s teacher what books the kids read in class during the course of the academic year.  Then, select a few titles and incorporate them into the theme.  You … Continue reading →

Budget Graduation Parties

In 1996, the late, great American novelist Nora Ephron shared the following pearl of wisdom with Wellesley College’s graduating class:  “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” Ten years into the future, not every student will be able to remember the commencement speech given on graduation day, but he will likely recall the party celebrating his academic achievements.  Fortunately, you don’t have to go bankrupt hosting a summer shindig for your graduating student. By incorporating these affordable elements, you can give your grad a rad party he will remember for years to come: Open House:  … Continue reading →

Cheap But Classy

Sunday marks Hollywood’s biggest night of the year.  The Academy Awards will be handed out to the best of the best amongst pomp, circumstance and a ton of glitz and glam.  All while the rest of us watch from our unswanky living rooms. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t have to rake in the income of Ben Affleck, Sandra Bullock, or Kristen Stewart in order to make Oscar night a class act.  Frugalistas can have fun celebrating Oscar as well with the following party tips: Décor:  Raid the Dollar Store or your closets for red, plastic … Continue reading →

Hosting a Girls-Only Super Bowl Party

If you don’t want to be ignored by your hubby for five hours tomorrow evening you might consider sending him to a friend’s house to watch the Super Bowl. While he’s gone invite your gal pals over for a football fiesta of your very own. Otherwise, if your better half has commandeered the TV remote, then meet up with your girlfriends at a local bowling alley or favorite restaurant. While there order some of your favorite drinks and toast the end of the football season. If your guest list is stunted because your BFFs can’t find a sitter to watch … Continue reading →

Last Minute Holiday Party

So, suddenly people are dropping hints about how it might be nice to get together over the weekend, before Christmas. All eyes seem to be staring at you. Or, maybe the kids have decided that they’d like to have a little party, since they won’t see some of their school friends during Christmas break. With all that you have to do, you may be thinking you can’t pull it off. Sure you can! Just keep it simple. Start calling people right away to invite them. Let them know it’s going to be casual. Have a “white elephant” gift exchange, so … Continue reading →

How to Take an Outdoor Party Indoors in a Hurry

If the weather simply won’t cooperate with your outdoor party plans, there’s no reason to reschedule. You can bring the party indoors without a problem, if you’re prepared. This time of year, the weather is still quite nice in my area (85 degrees yesterday) so I usually have outdoor parties for our October birthdays. Unfortunately, you just can’t be sure of the weather as it may quickly become chilly or begin to rain or even storm. So, it pays to be prepared. I use plastic storage baskets and bins to carry everything outside. If necessary, I can throw everything back … Continue reading →

After Party Clean Up Tips

Outdoor parties such as Fourth of July celebrations tend to offer fairly easy clean up options. Put the food away, toss all the disposable items in the trash, bag up the trash, and put away extra seating. If you use a disposable tablecloth, you can simply remove the items that need to be kept, and then just roll it up, plates, napkins, and all, and deposit it in the trashcan. This step is certainly easy but there is a little more effort involved in other areas. It is a good idea to clean things up as you go to avoid … Continue reading →

Ten Stupid Things That Guests Do: Count Them!

Some of the following tips may seem as obvious and unnecessary as one I found in old driver’s manual about not sleeping on the railroad tracks, but you would be surprised how many people forget their manners. Such action can knock the best of us a few rungs off the social ladder not to mention the “invite again list” of the harried host or hostess. Consider the following and then…don’t! 1. Do not neglect to show up. A host or hostess will always remember that you didn’t care enough to come through. 2. Always dress appropriately. Low-cut latex at church … Continue reading →