Posts by Hannah Jackson | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

July 29, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Batter Up – Baseball Themed First Birthday

Recently I got to celebrate my son's first birthday. Being just one-year-old, he's not quite able to voice preferred theme ideas for his party, so we went with something pretty universal and characteristic for a warmer-weather birthday bash. We picked baseball, and I'm so glad that we did. More specifically, we stayed in the red and white category and utilized everything from borrowed baseballs to old Coca-Cola glass bottles. It was fun, and I want to share how we pulled it off!

Make it a Joint Affair

Probably the best decision I made when planning this party was to combine it with some friends of ours whose little boy was born three days after ours. To share all the details that come with trying to pull off a halfway decent party is so nice. It was my friend's idea, and as soon as she suggested it I was sold. We were able to split costs on food and decorations, PLUS we could use both of our connections to borrow a lot of things that ended up being staples at the party–like our tables, centerpieces, and most importantly our venue!

Be Flexible

When rain pulled the plug on our initial plans of having it on a baseball field, we used a local high school field house (for free!) that ended up being the most ideal location possible. It was indoor, but still roomy enough for kids to run around and be crazy for a little while. My favorite thing about it, other than the intense sporty feel of the place, was that it was a perfect indoor playing ground for the kids. Having it indoors brought to mind how chaotic the party may have been on a huge baseball field. The kids were more contained, yet were in a location where they didn't feel contained. When I was dreaming up this party I envisioned a baseball diamond, but having to re-think it provided us with more insight on how to improve the flow of the party.

Choose Two Colors

We decided to stick with red and white for almost everything we contributed to the party's visual. Even the food was mostly red and white. It made it pop and actually made it easier to shop for essentials. I had a few clear vases that I filled with red candies to add a little flair to the food table. We borrowed baseballs from friends that we sat around as decoration. We had only a few long tables that we placed around benches for seating and they had red (disposable!!!) tablecloths on them.

The Coca-Cola bottles I mentioned were borrowed as well and were clear with red and white writing on them. We used them as one of the table centerpieces filled with white daisies. Not EVERYTHING was red or white, but for the most part we tried to stick with those colors so that the baseball theme would really stand out. You can choose the colors of your favorite baseball team, as well!

The Food

Our party was right after lunch, so we just provided snacks. Like I mentioned, we scattered clear vases with red candy in them around the food table. That was easy decoration, plus, it was another food option for our guests.

Any party's biggest food contribution is always the cake. We decided on cupcakes after looking online and finding a cute and easy way to ice cupcakes so that they looked like baseballs. We iced the top layer with white and then used red icing for the baseball stitches. It was super easy, just a little time-consuming.

We devoted an entire afternoon to our cupcakes. Our party was fairly small, so we ended up making about 50 cupcakes and we probably could have used more. I recommend coming up with a rough estimate of people you are expecting and doubling that number when you're deciding how many cupcakes to prepare. You can always let people take some home.

Instead of making individual cakes for the birthday boys to eat, we made two oversized cupcakes iced like baseballs. Neither one of us owned an oversized cupcake pan (I don't know anyone who does) so we improvised Continue reading "Batter Up – Baseball Themed First Birthday" »

July 2, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Kid-Friendly Fourth of July

It is definitely possible to think of the Fourth of July and come up with tons of ways to involve kids, but it's also one of those holidays where you have to be a little more creative so that your kids feel really included and have a great time. Being a sucker for taking something that us bigger kids enjoy and making a kid-friendly version, I've compiled a short list of ways to help the little ones in your life love this summer-staple holiday!

PARADES!

Fireworks over the lake

The idea that pops out to me the most is taking your kids to a Fourth of July parade. They have them all around it seems, and while it may be hot and loud to you, it's a trade-off to watching kids be awestruck at all the elements! There are animals, candy, fire trucks, more candy–basically a child's dream! If you're up for it, venture out and visit a parade nearby. Some small towns even have a small carnival afterwards with rides and yummy food.

Safe Sparklers

When I think of being kid-friendly on the Fourth, I definitely don't think of fireworks. But I've found an innovative way for small children to get to (with supervision!) experience sparklers. They are perhaps the simplest of all fireworks, but never cease to still be quite entertaining– even for adults. Take a disposable, plastic cup and cut a small hole in the bottom big enough for the end of the Sparkler to stick through. The kids can stick their hand into the cup and hold on to the end of the Sparkler without the chance of stray sparks hitting them.

Fireworks Show

Still going along the firework route, visit the local fireworks display. For older kids this is usually really fun because they tend to sit still and actually watch more than a small child would. If you have a baby or a toddler with you, they will be interested for a little while but will soon get antsy. Bring along some Fourth of July coloring pages or some fun holiday themed snacks that you and your kids helped prepare earlier in the day. I know a lot of us with kids don't have tons of free time lying around for extra preparations, but if you wake up that day planning on that being your accomplishment for the day, then it makes it a little more doable. You can make cookies with red and blue icing or some easy party mix with red, white, and blue candies mixed in. Or for a healthier snack, put some sliced up strawberries and blueberries in the diaper bag before you head out.

Built in Helpers for Your Adult Party

If you're hosting or helping out at a party for you and your adult friends, let your kids be your helpers for the day. Kids absolutely love getting involved in anything you're working on, so give a task or two to them that you were going to have to do anyway and let them shine. Whether it's helping make a dessert, DIY-ing a party decoration, or going out and buying supplies–make it a mission for you both. It'll be a sweet memory and will make them less bummed about you having a party without them!

It's easy to prepare for a kid-friendly Fourth of July, just make a few plans ahead.

June 2, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Benefits of a Fall Wedding

If you're getting married this fall, you're probably already aware of all the wonderful things that come along with a fall wedding. But in case you need a boost during all the tedious planning, let me reassure you of all the ways that your timing for the big day is perfect.

Great Pictures

Possibly the greatest gift that autumn gives to us is its beauty. Wedding pictures in the fall are absolutely stunning. You really won’t have to get too creative with your bridal portraits if you’re having them made because up against the natural setting, you and your dress will be gorgeous. The trees will be full and adorned in yellow, red, and orange. If you love all the beauty that fall offers, then you will be in awe of your wedding photographs.

Predictable Weather

After September, the weather is fairly predictable. You probably will not have to spend time worrying if it will rain on your big day or if it will be too warm. If you’re being brave and throwing an outdoor wedding, fall is the perfect time. You will more than likely be able to fully enjoy your day without the threat of bad weather and your guests will be able to celebrate you getting married with a comforting crisp breeze. We all know how nerve-racking getting ready for your ceremony can be, so not having to worry about heat or freezing cold air will bring you some comfort. You don’t want to have to be concerned with things like uncontrollable sweating on the day of your wedding!

Flexibility

You have more range in the fall than possibly any other season when it comes to your color choice and your theme. You can do bright colors if you want to, do a subtle wintery vibe since it is right around the corner, or settle into the autumn color scheme. It’s really up to you and either way it will be appropriate because that’s just how amazing fall is!

You Can Take Your Time

It may just be me, but as far as weddings go time seems to slow down in the fall. Spring and summer are intense wedding seasons, and the fall tends to not be as fast-paced, wedding wise. Take this opportunity and relish in that! You can have all summer to observe other ceremonies and get inspiration if you’d like. By the time your wedding comes around it will be like a breath of post-wedding-season fresh air.

Planning for a fall wedding is absolutely the best, especially since there are so many benefits that come along with it.

May 30, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Feed Your Party with Catering Delites

Planning a party can be stressful, so don't let picking your caterer be an added stress! Catering Delites in Kernersville, NC can take care of a long list of your party needs. Whether you are hosting a corporate event, a wedding, or even a holiday party, this caterer can make your time together delicious and special.

Menu Options

If you aren't exactly sure what kind of food you are wanting to go with for your specific function, that's not a problem! Their menu ranges from lasagna to pork barbeque to sloppy joes. They serve a variety of yummy chicken dishes as well, such as, chicken pie and chicken stir-fry. You can also decide from a long list of vegetables that are sure to round out your meal perfectly. Catering Delites can satisfy your sweet tooth with cakes like chocolate, strawberry, coconut, and carrot. They offer many other dessert options, too.

A Caterer That Does It All

Does someone special have a birthday, business event or wedding coming up? This caterer will cater it all!

Whatever type of party you're planning, whether it's small or large, they'll provide the food. Whether you are wanting hor d'houvres, a sit down dinner, buffet style, or a themed dinner, your party food will be a hit with fresh ingredients and tasty options.

For corporate events, They will create an ideal event setting for you and give your meeting a friendly staff to provide you with creative presentations and flavor. Just choose from their variety of corporate menus that are designed for business lunches, seminars, a corporate party, or client meetings. You and your business partners will have no need to worry while you are taking care of business because they will take care of the rest.

They also have finest wedding catering. Every bride and groom wants their big day to include great food and service while they are celebrating this once in a lifetime moment. Your catering staff will be accomplished and ready to take care of all your needs.

Presentation is a big deal at any wedding, and you can be sure that the food your guests enjoy will be exquisitely presented and irresistible.

Possibly the most important wedding service they provide is an experience that reflects your tastes. Every bride has a vision of what her day will look like, and Catering Delites boasts in doing everything they can to make sure your food completes that vision. They aren't going to provide you with stiff service. They are flexible and want their time with you to be all about you.

When you choose Catering Delites, you are choosing delicious food with unique presentation, supreme service, and a meal experience that will leave your bellies full and a smile on your face! They thrive on their fresh-cooked food, variety, and most importantly, your satisfaction.

May 13, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

How To Make Your Dad Feel Special

It's a given that we should acknowledge our dads on Father's Day with a gift of some sort, whether homemade or store-bought. But what about getting down to what really tugs at a dad's heartstrings? Most dads (whether they admit it or not) are extremely sensitive when it comes to their kids. So let's take advantage of that this Father's Day (and many other days throughout the year!) and tailor this holiday specifically to what makes them feel most loved.

Memory Lane

If your dad is the sentimental type like mine is, creatively taking them back to special memories you two share can be a home run on Father's Day. It isn't always necessary to buy them the next up-and-coming technology or popular gadget (although, those can be fun gifts to give). To some dads, it means more to sit back and reflect a little bit on ways that their role as your dad positively impacted your life and made you the person you are today. Our lives are shaped so much by our dads, so we should make sure to periodically encourage their hearts. Dads don't always think that they've done a good job raising us, so by bringing up sappy/funny/or serious memories from your life together can really go a long way.

What does this look like practically? For the little kids, they're still making memories, so a craft made especially for their dad or grandparent is a memory they can hold on to. For a grandparent, it may bring them back to when their own kids were bringing them pictures and mementos home from school or church. It will allow them to relive that precious time. Crafts from kids are so honest and a tangible reflection of their personality. Dads thrive on seeing this in their kids. If you're older, you can rummage through old photo albums and recreate an old picture of yourself or with your siblings. I've seen this idea online recently and it's pretty neat and could get a good laugh. Find an old picture of you, either as a baby, toddler, or kid, and try to take the same picture as an adult. If you can find one of you with your dad that would be special as well. This could be something you and your siblings could go together on if you're all in the picture. Frame the old picture beside the new picture and each write a little memory from that year of your life with him. He will possibly smile, laugh, AND cry this Father's Day!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Everyone knows the popular song, but did you know that this is arguably the best gift any dad could get from his children? I did a little research with my own dad, and he verified that from us older kids nothing makes him feel more loved than knowing that he has our respect. As good as our intentions are, we probably aren't consistent all year with showing our dads the respect they deserve. Life gets busy and we forget to reflect on how our dads have poured into us all our lives with their love and wisdom and just plain awesomeness. All of this doesn't end just because we grow up and move out of the house. But respect doesn't have to stop with mushy feelings about how great your dad is. You can still take those emotions and thoughtfully translate them into a present to give him on June 15th.

Homemade Coupons

This is a very well-known gift alternative, but it's frugal and really effective. Just make sure you take a little bit of time to be creative with what you put on your coupons. Continue reading "How To Make Your Dad Feel Special" »

May 5, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Summer Ice Cream Social

It's common knowledge that we all eat ice cream year-round, but it's a little more fun to consume in the summer when it can serve two purposes: satisfying a craving AND cooling you off. So why not plan an entire party around it? The time is drawing near to ponder about your favorite flavors and toppings so you can share them with others by hosting a party!

Gathering Your Supplies:

If you live for practicality (like me) in just about every area of your life, then this party should be no exception. While there seem to be loads and loads of options to choose from, look for cute serving bowls that are both reusable and affordable. You definitely want them to be affordable if your affair will be a large one. If it will be more intimate, then you can splurge a tad more if you want since you won't be buying as many.

Plenty of popular stores sell ramekins that are the perfect size for sampling ice cream. You may already have some you can use! You can get different colors, or stick with all one color, depending on if you have a theme going on. Depending on where you shop, you can find ramekins for as cheap as a dollar a piece. Like I said, if you are going big you may want to go half and half–buy as many ramekins as you can afford, but then also find some colorful disposable cups to use as back-up. If you really want to do all disposable, use a handful of ramekins to serve your toppings out of. They will add a pop of style to your table and will make it look put-together.

If you have enough, try using the silverware you already have for your guests to eat with. It will cut down (even just a little bit) on your cost and you can just throw them in the dishwasher when everyone is done. Getting to use real silverware will also make your friends feel more at home at your party! I have found that it is much less stressful to utilize things I already have around the house than to have to keep adding items to a shopping list.

Flavors and Toppings:

To cut down on some chaos, go ahead and have all of your options prepared. What I mean is, if you are going to make smoothies go ahead and make them and have them set out in pitchers for your friends to directly sample. It could be fun to take the time to let everybody actually make their own concoctions, but only if it's a very small get-together. It usually seems like the more off-the-cuff aspects you incorporate, the more money you will end up spending to ensure that there are plenty of desirable choices.

A unique way to decide what flavors of ice cream to serve is when you send out your invites to the party have five or six (or however many you think you can manage) flavor options on there and let them check their favorite. They can send them back to you and this can be their RSVP. That way, you will know that you are going to make the right choices. And it will keep you from stressing when you stare down the endless aisle of frozen goodies.
For your build-your-own sundae bar, just think out of the box.

You can display the usual; various candies, sprinkles, hot fudge; OR you can have a theme. A theme might be more cost-effective. For an example, you can pick a color as your theme. If you choose red, have all red toppings on your bar. It's as simple as that. That will allow you to get more creative since you will have to be more narrowed in your choices.

There are tons of ways to make an ice cream party a huge success! Hopefully this will help you out as you take the journey of planning a perfectly practical ice cream party to cool you and your friends down this summer!

May 1, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

The Kentucky Derby: The Fashion and The Food

The Kentucky Derby is just days away! It is a well-known fact that the guests of the Kentucky Derby like to go for drama when choosing their attire for the event. It is one of its charms that although it is a sporting event, it is used as a display for spring fashion. If you get the chance to actually attend, you can bet you will find many people who are, to put it lightly, dressed to impress. If you are a big fan of the derby, throw a party and have your own fashion show with food and beverages true to the event.

The Hats

Possibly what sets The Kentucky Derby apart the most from other sporting events is the abundance of hats that are worn there. Ladies use this time to be a spectacle, designing or having designed hats of all shapes, colors, and sizes. There really are no limits. You can make them as individualized as you want. Those who are seated typically go with more elegant and traditional styles while women on the infield tend to get more eccentric. The hats are a southern tradition and give ladies the opportunity to utilize this very classic fashion accessory.

Come on, when else can you devote so much time to a hat?! Even men have recently gotten into this tradition. If you are having a Kentucky Derby party, make the hats a major focus! Make sure your friends get as obnoxious as they want with them so that it will be as fun as possible. They can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, or whatever else you can think of! At the end of the night, trade hats with someone and bring it home as an impressive party favor.

The Southern Belle
Your party can be the time for all your girlfriends to express their inner southern belle. You can wear a dress, pantsuit, or even shorts, although a dress is more common. Women definitely coordinate their Derby outfits carefully, making sure that each accessory has its place. Pastels are a very southern option. Also reds and blues for a more bold approach. Take this opportunity to go through your mom or grandmother's closets and find some unique pieces!

The Men

Oddly enough, it's all about the pants. Men can get away with wearing pink, key lime, and even yellow on their lower half. The key is to be able to be seen from afar and with pants like that your man sure won't be missed. He may even stand out more than you, and at the Derby, that's perfectly acceptable! Let it be acceptable at your party too. The men (and women!) will love it. Men are also challenged to mix it up by choosing a dress shirt with stripes or another pattern, then finish it off with a blazer and a funky bow tie.

The Food

The menu at the Kentucky Derby is filled with southern flavor. Your party should be no different! For an easy interpretation, you can do a backyard barbecue with all your favorite southern comfort foods. You can do appetizers such as chicken wings, shrimp dips, and cheese platters. Beside your main dish you can have friends help you make grits, fruit salad, sweet potato hash, or other foods of the like. One really yummy, and pretty easy, main dish is Andouille Sausage and Black Eyed Peas. If you're grilling you can do steaks or fajita chicken. For dessert, get really southern with apple crepes, various puddings, or devils food cake.

Now that my mouth is watering, let's all go to the store and take full advantage of this excuse to indulge in not only fashion, but food, this weekend!

April 21, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Personal Gifts for Your Mom on Mother's Day

We all want to find just the right way to show our mom how much she means to us. After all, who else would spend five hours on a miniature birthday cake just to have it destroyed within five minutes? She has given us life, and gone without so many times just to see us smile. While there may not be a perfect gift out there that can fully describe our gratitude, here are a few ideas for gifts with a personal touch that will definitely put a smile on her face.

An Old Fashioned Letter: This is an oldie-but-goodie. For a mom, nothing is sweeter than hearing encouragement from her kids. Take the opportunity to sit down and flood some paper with your favorite qualities that she possesses or your favorite moments with her. Encourage her with ways that you appreciate her selflessness as your caregiver or how you noticed when she made you your favorite dessert as a kid when you had a bad day. She needs to hear those things and a letter is possibly the best way to reflect on the woman who has given you so much. It will be a gift that keeps on giving because you can be certain she will read it over and over, even when Mother's Day has long passed.

Your Time: Obviously, this gift also entails how you spend your time, but start with blocking off some time for her that you know she will look forward to. Meet her for lunch at her favorite place, just you and her, and give her an uninterrupted hour. She will leave with a full and happy heart, I promise. She knows you're busy, so it will mean a lot that you wanted to spend some quality time with her.

Jewelry: Now, we all know that jewelry can be the most over-done and impersonal present there is, but it doesn't have to be! Notice if she wears a certain piece of jewelry a lot–whether it's a necklace, bracelet, or earrings–and give her a new piece that has meaning. Put the birthstones of her kids on bracelet, or pick out a ring that symbolizes how much she means to you. As long as you take the time to make it personal, it can be something that will brighten her day when she wears it because she will think of the story behind it.

Pictures: You can go with pictures you already have, or you can plan ahead a little bit to capture some particularly special moments you want her to have. Keep your eyes open for opportunities such as when she's reading to her grandchildren or holding your dad's hand. You can also set up photo-ops with certain people that she loves so you can frame them later without her ever knowing the secret reason behind the picture.

A Party: We can't forget this option! Try to round up a handful of her favorite people. Keep it small so as to keep the personal feel. Get together for a couple of hours to celebrate her with her favorite meal, dessert, and conversation. You don't have to make it extravagant and spend tons of money; just make her feel special. You can even go to her favorite restaurant so you don't have to cook. Shower her with praise around the dinner table by taking turns sharing why you love her. After all, that's what Mother's Day is all about–bringing to light all of the love that she has spent so much time giving to you.

Mother's Day is the time to show your mother how much you really do appreciate her. So get creative with a gift that says it all.

April 17, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Steps to Throwing a Graduation Party

Graduation is quickly approaching and it's time to start planning those graduation parties. However, need some tips on throwing your graduation party? Wedding and Party Network has a few that will help ensure a memorable night. Continue reading "Steps to Throwing a Graduation Party" »

March 31, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Tips for Hosting an Outdoor Spring Dinner Party

Celebrate the warmer weather by throwing a party outdoors! You've been couped up this winter, so treat yourself and those close to you with some fresh air and good food. Here is how to throw a dinner party outside in this refreshing new season.

Setting the Scene

If you're in the mood for something a little fancy, break out your cutest napkins and some mason jars and host a dinner party outside. Find a favorite spot in your backyard–under a certain tree or even just somewhere where the dog doesn't visit when you let him out. If you don't have a picnic table, no worries! Haul your kitchen table outside! Obviously, that may not be possible for everyone, so you can also just have dinner picnic-style with a big blanket. It all depends on how fancy you want to get.

If you use a table, go simple with centerpieces since the scenery outside will offer as a pretty big backdrop. Grab some candlesticks and candles in your favorite color and line the middle of the table with them. You don't even have to light them. Have a couple of friends or family members be the servers and let everyone sit around the table and be served their food. This way you don't have to worry about a line at a food table taking up quality conversation time. Everyone can relax around the table and be waited on!

The Menu

For the menu, start with a simple and refreshing salad. Fresh romaine and spinach topped with fresh sliced strawberries, carrots, cucumbers, and a poppy seed vinaigrette will have your guests so thankful that spring has finally arrived.
Grilled chicken breasts are easy, and there are so many ways you can make them your own. You can also cook them outside, which will get you in the mood for your outdoor gathering later. If you have time, you can marinade them beforehand to give them an even more intense flavor. Lemon offers a tangy flavor that compliments the spring season really well.

Keep the grilled theme going for your sides with corn on the cob, asparagus, fresh green beans, or all three if you want! Season them simply, wrap in foil, and slowly cook them alongside your chicken. It's easy, healthy, and delicious!

Don't stress over your drinks. Just offer a pitcher of ice-cold water (with lime slices if you want), and either a pitcher of sweet tea or a fruity drink like berry lemonade. There's no need to go crazy with the beverages, unless of course you have a specialty drink that you know will be a big hit!

Spring-Themed Dessert

Go with a themed dessert to finish off your evening. A cute idea is to buy however many small, clay flowerpots you need–these are usually extremely budget friendly, and base your dessert around that. Whatever you decide to make, serve it in these (washed and dried!) little flower pots for a very springtime effect.

An easy recipe I've seen online is to get store-bought pound cake or make your own, cut each piece with a circle-shaped cookie cutter, place one circular piece in the bottom of each pot, and layer with a few different flavors of ice cream. Stop between each layer and throw in a few gummy worms. Put them in the freezer after this step and let them get really firm. Then, top them off with some crushed or blended Oreo cookies to resemble dirt. If you want, you can go an extra step and stick a fake flower in the middle of each dessert. They'll almost be too cute to eat. Only almost, though!

You're outside, the wind is blowing slightly, and it's spring. Enjoy!

Batter Up – Baseball Themed First Birthday

Kid-Friendly Fourth of July

Benefits of a Fall Wedding

Feed Your Party with Catering Delites