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5 Great Spring Party Ideas

Face it. You are ready for spring. Winter has totally outstayed its welcome and you want to usher in mild weather, the joys of nature and lighter clothing as soon as possible. There is no better way to send winter packing than by hosting a Spring Party!

Pick a day, invite your friends and enjoy a few hours together reveling in the beauty and magic of a new season. Here are a few ideas that will make for warmer brighter days ahead:

English Garden

Perfect for all those avid Downton Abbey watchers as well as anyone loving classic themes and the tradition of an English tea time. Beg your grandmother to borrow her old tea service or go thrifting for a few key pieces like a tea pot, cream and sugar dishes and small tea cups with saucers.  Don't forget lace tablecloths and doilies to dress up your table.

One piece of decor that will set off this theme better than any other is fresh-cut garden flowers. A mix of lovely and fragrant varieties like roses, lavender and peonies will transform your party into a slice of the English countryside.

What's on the Menu?
Hot tea and tea cakes of course! Coffee for those wanting a bit more of a perk. And all the trappings for both like sugar cubes, honey, lemon and cream. If you want to serve something a little more filling, we love these cute pressed sandwiches which would be easy to make ahead of time.

Nothing Like Paris in the Spring

They say there is nothing like springtime in Paris. So bring a little Parisian magic and elegance to your party!

Black, pink, white make for a classic French feel. Use black poster board to create eye-catching cutouts for wall decor. A simple Eiffel Tower silhouette will be a perfect focal point for your room. Trace a computer printout onto poster board and snip out these great add-ons for tables tops and walls.

Fun French phrases like C'est bien! (That's good!) and Bon appétit! (Enjoy!) can make for great cutout decor too.

Turn on some music like the wonderful Amelie soundtrack for some instant mood-setting tunes. A couple tracks in and everyone will feel like they are walking in Paris.

What's on the Menu?
Try simple baguette sandwiches with fancy cheese and wine pairings for a no-fuss meal that still excellently sticks with the theme.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Love it or hate it, springtime typically means more rain than any other time of year. Hark back to the joy rain could bring as a kid with bright yellow galoshes, raincoats and big umbrellas. The decor for this party can be quite crafty with puffy cotton clouds and paper raindrops on strings. Balloons in white, blue or silver will add an Continue reading "5 Great Spring Party Ideas" »

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Host a Back to School Party

It's that time of year again. Yes, school is starting back up. However, children may not be looking forward to this time of year at all. How do you get children in the mood for going back to school? Of course, host a a back to school party for the children! This is a great time for everyone to get together and get excited about spending time together during the school year. So, Wedding and Party Network has a few party ideas and tips to host a back to school party.

Colorful Back to School Party
Supply Your Party – When decorating for this party, use school supplies for your party decorations. Think about apples, pencils, markers, books, notebooks, planners, chalk and all the essentials you need to start school. Get a chalkboard and hang it above the food table and have some fun doodles on it. Also, fill vases with pencils, rulers, apples, chalk, scissors and markers to create fun party centerpieces. Even add some event flowers to add a bit of pizzazz. Also, create fun little placemats for the table to replicate their school desks that includes their name and a fun notebook paper napkin fold.

You can also use banners with fun school prints to hang around the party or even hang maps around the party. This will get the children in the mood for school, especially if you put a fun twist on the supplies they find in school.

After School Snacks – To get in the theme of things, serve food that replicates what you normally serve for after school snacks. Think about fun appetizers that the children will enjoy. Go with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but let them create their own and feature various types of jelly. Also, feature grilled cheese sandwiches, yet switch up the cheeses and go with something a bit more gourmet. Also, go with the normal vegetables and fruit trays, cookies, candy apples, apple cupcakes, apple cake pops and don't forget about their glass of milk. Keep everything light and simple. You want something easy enough for the kids to eat on their own, yet tasty enough for everyone to enjoy.

School Activities – So, what are you going to plan for the children? You can have different stations set up where they can decorate their notebooks, planners, lunch boxes or backpacks for the new year. Also, have another station set up where children can prepare a scrapbook for the upcoming year. They'll really enjoy that and will look forward to taking pictures during the upcoming year. Just plan activities that will get them excited for the new school year.

So, when planning a party for the new school year, include all things school related. This will get the kids excited to learn and see their friends!

This post is brought to you by Houston Party Caterers.
Not in Houston, TX? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find party caterers near you!

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An Elegant Halloween Treat

A Halloween party is a great excuse for the inner-child in all of us that loves to dress up and act goofy or spooky to come out. It's way for us to escape reality for a few hours and pretend to be someone or something else. The typical Halloween party is decorated in black, orange and red, with blood splattered serving trays and black widow spiders hanging from above, and there is nothing wrong with that! However, this year we should take it up a notch and create an elegant upscale, but still fun and spooky Halloween extravaganza!

Think white, silver and a touch of bronze. Creating a fun and beautiful Halloween party is simple, especially if you have the creativity and patience to plan it out. Here are some party tips for White Halloween Decor.

    • Put Ghost Peeps on lollipop sticks and display on a cake-pop tray.
    • Display white jordan almonds, white dutch mints and white champagne bubble candies in white serving bowls.
    • White pumpkins spread around the room look dazzling paired with silver sparkling skulls.
    • White table clothes, sparkling white bat cut outs and spider webs are great for added party decor.
    • Bones are white! Decorate with plastic bones,  mummies, ghosts and white chocolate covered fruit.
    • White frosted cupcakes, white sparkling cookies, and sparkling white grape-juice are just right for your frightful night.
    • Don't forget white spiders, white serving trays, and silver touches through out the party.

Have fun and get creative – thinking  outside the box will pay off when you see the final outcome of this fabulously frightening Halloween Treat!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Decoration Suppliers.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party decoration supplier near you!

Special thanks to Sweet.Eventide for her fantastic photo via Flickr.

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P.A.R.T.Y!!! No Stress, No Worries, Just FUN!

Who doesn't love a good party???

Between, great food, friends, family, entertainment, great music and lots of laughs, there isn't a better way to reconnect with the people you care about! Yes, parties can be stressful if you're the one planning them, but here at Wedding and Party Network we want to help relieve that stress by bringing you the best tips, trends, and inspiration for your top-notch party!

What's your party theme?

A Fabulous Candy Buffet

So, do you really need an occasion to throw a party? NO! Not really. If you can't think of a good enough excuse to throw a party, you should know that everyday of every month is actually a holiday! Somewhere in the world, someone is celebrating something fantastic! Do a little research for the day you're planning your party to get inspiration for your little shindig. (Sept. 12 is National Chocolate Milkshake Day – throw a 50's style ice cream parlor party)

Now that you have your theme or excuse to party – What do you think about decorations? Do you really need to spend the majority of your budget on party decorations? I wouldn't suggest it. Play off of the holiday or theme you have chosen and find a basic color scheme. Say your colors are coral and turquoise, use these colors in your balloons, streamers, table clothes and paper-ware. A few lanterns, banners and floral centerpieces will tie everything together. Simplicity is key! Don't go over board, your guests are there to mingle and have fun. Just keep your focus on the food and entertainment.

A good menu – equals a good party! So, once again, play off of your theme. You can reflect the color scheme in your food menu as well. Brightly colored fruits and veggies are always a hit – appetizers and finger-foods are a great choice too. It makes it easier for people to mingle and walk around with their plates and not be stuck at a table. When it comes to party food – variety is key! Not all of your guests have the same taste in food – so make sure you have different options for everyone to try. Cater to those of your guests who might be vegetarian or have food allergies by having the proper foods available.

As for desserts, you can stick with mini desserts by having small pastries, cupcakes, a candy buffet or ice cream bar. However, the party cake is what ties everything together! Your cake should incorporate the atmosphere and theme of your party all in one. After all, who doesn't love to cut into one of those big tasty, over-the-top cakes?!? Be ready for some "oooing and aaahing'!

Entertainment – Don't stress, it might seem impossible to find the PERFECT entertainment to keep everyone happy. It's really not as hard as it seems. Fun activities and games are always a good idea – it keeps people mingling and moving which keeps things entertaining. The key to good entertainment is good music! Finding the perfect music will set the tone for the entire event. A great jazz band or steel-drum band will get  people on their feet. Go over the list of guests in your head and think about what the majority of your guest list enjoys to do – then mix it with your theme and Voila!

The keys to a good PARTY are:

P. Is for Plan. Planning your party ahead of time is Key. With a good plan – you can't go wrong!

A. Is for Action. Put your party plans into action – send invitations, send reservations and shop for supplies.

R. Is for Rest. Make sure you don't over do yourself – ask for help.

T. Is for Telling. Tell everyone about your party! Your friends and family might have creative ideas perfect for your event.

Y. Is for YOU! Remember that the party is planned by you, decorated by you, and hosted by YOU. So, you need to enjoy it too!

Relax and have fun – YOU deserve it!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Caterers.
Not in Miami, FL? No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find party caterers near you!

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A Back to School Party!

Having a back to school party is a great way to re-connect with friends and to end the summer with a BANG! Your party will help kids ease their anxiety for the new school year and have a great time doing it! Invite friends, family and some of the children from your school. This is also a great way to make new friends! Here are some creative ideas for a great School themed party.

School Is In!

Creative Party Invitations

  • Apple Invites: Using red card stock, cut it into the shape of an apple. With black marker, write U+R Invited! include date, time, place and RSVP.
  • Report Cards: Find an outline of a report card online and fill each one out with the information for the party. It's an A+ Party!
  • Crayon Notes: Using different colored card stock, cut it into the shape of a large crayon. With several different colors, write out the party information and include RSVP.
  • Blackboard: Write out the invitation on a black board and snap a digital picture of it. Print them off or email them to your guests as their party  invitation.

Party Decorations

Red, blue and yellow are the colors of school! You can use your school's colors for added flair too. The main party decoration at your party is to decorate your party space with school supplies!

  • Decorate your entry way with a message to your guests with sidewalk chalk!
  • Cluster balloons and streamers and hang them from above
  • Fill vases or buckets full of pencils
  • Place a row of apples down the center of your table
  • Use rulers and glue and arrange them into a "school supply bouquets"
  • Bunch together crayons and markers for added decoration
  • Scatter letter magnets along each table
  • Display letter and number cut outs
  • Use a globe as your centerpiece
  • Laminate pictures of maps to use as place mats
  • Fill vases with crayons or letter magnets and then add fresh flowers in basic colors to top it off!

Back to School Food

Inspirational Cupcakes!
Keeping your party menu child friendly will make for happy children and easy cleanup!

  • Serve small meals in a paper sacks! Sandwiches, chips and fresh fruit with a juice box or lemonade.
  • Make your own pizza bar. Set out already made cheese pizza and let the kids add their own toppings!
  • Alphabet or crayon cookies will make great desserts
  • Build your own Sundae bar
  • School Bus Cake
  • Create brightly colored cupcakes and place apples, books or pencils on top as cupcake toppers
  • Jello squares

School Inspired Activities

Every party needs entertainment, but when it comes to a school themed party, you can create fun activities that will keep the kids happy in no time!

Incorporate school ground games such as hopscotch, red rover, dodgeball, simon says and hide and go seek.

  • Bobbing for apples is a fun game for kids of all ages. Just make sure to offer supervision.
  • Water balloons –  Warn your guests before the party to bring extra clothes and towels!
  • Finger painting – Provide smocks or plastic covering to protect clothing.
  • Three legged race
  • Musical chairs
  • Hot potato
  • Bookmarks – Lay out pre-cut card stock, glitter pens, stickers, markers and glue. Let each child create their own bookmark.

Goody Bags

School Inspired

Send guests home with school supplies! Use a paper sack with each guest's name written on the front to hold the supplies.

  • Brightly colored notebooks
  • Pencils
  • Crayons
  • Stickers
  • Backpack charms
  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Glitter pens or rulers

A great way to give back to your community is to ask each guest to bring a few school supplies to donate to local children who are less fortunate. Set up backpacks near the door for the guests to drop their items in. Call your school to get information on what supplies are needed and where to take them.

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Planners.
Not in Miami, FL No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a party planner near you!

Special thank you to Lluisbres, Clevercupcakes, Sagolla, Dmdizine's, and Manon.paradise for the school inspired pictures via Flickr.

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Tips for Hosting a Successful Party

Everyone loves parties!

Whether your party is for a birthday, graduation or celebration you can turn your fantasy party into a reality with these helpful tips.

Set A Budget!

Make a list of what you will need for the party and then list realistic prices for each item. Create a limit for yourself and stick with it!

Great parties don't have to be expensive:
You can throw an impressive party without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for keeping your party affordable.

  • Host the party in your home or a friend's home
    Party Entertainment
  • Limit your guest list:  Only invite a few people – great friends make for a great party!
  • Make your own party invitations or call or email your guests ahead of time.
  • Use fresh flowers to decorate with, either from your garden or your local florist.
  • Make your own cake or cupcakes, or ask a creative friend to help.
  • Buy paper products at discount or dollar stores. Try not to use the character party decorations (Dora, Disney, Handy Manny), they are often priced higher. Go for a more creative and personalized theme.
  • Purchase party favors from discount, dollar stores or create your own.
  • Keep your party menu simple.
  • Purchase a "party package":  Check at your local roller skating rink, bowling alley, amusement park, zoo or community pool for party packages. These can sometimes cut costs by including, party favors, food, the cake and the entertainment!

Fabulously Creative Party Themes

For Kids

  1. Ice Cream Sunday Party
  2. Wild Animal Party
  3. Circus Party
  4. Pirate Party
  5. Botanical Explosion –  Garden Party
  6. Butterfly Party
  7. Super Mario Party
  8. Lego World Party
  9. Hello Kitty Party
  10. Tie Dye Party

When throwing a party for kids, not having enough activities can be disastrous! Be creative and ready, planning at least five or six different games or activities will be enough entertainment for the party. Even if it is just hide and go seek with a twist of pirate style or hopscotch! Just be ready to entertain!

You want your party to be as stress free as possible. Make sure you have help; Ask other parents to help supervise the party, especially if you have several children attending.

For Adults

  1. Cocktail Party
  2. Fiesta Time!
  3. Murder Mystery
  4. Christmas in July
  5. Tea Party
  6. Wine Tasting Party – Yum!
  7. Retro Party
  8. Beach Party
  9. Jacuzzi Party
  10. Vintage Hawaiian Luau
  11. Rolling 1920's

Parties are for having fun, don't forget that even though you are the host, you are still a guest at your fabulous party and you deserve to enjoy it too!

This post is brought to you by Washington, D.C. Party Planners.
Not in Washington, D.C.?  No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

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Celebrate Summer with an Ice Cream Sundae Social

Remember the days of childhood when summertime brought catching fireflies in a Mason jar, playing outside 'til it was dark and eating homemade ice cream? I sure do and I think it's time we bring back the old ice cream sundae social.

Homemade Ice Cream Cone With Fruit

There are several wonderful summer events in which an ice-cream sundae social would be perfect: family reunions, after a church picnic, at a friend's pool party and even summer birthday bashes.

Nothing says "summer" like ice cream, and nothing tends to bring smiles to people's faces and brings on the laughter like ice cream. So, for your next summer get-together, consider these ideas:

The Ice Cream Sundae Buffet – Set up a "buffet" of different flavored ice creams – both store bought and homemade – with fresh, summer fruits like strawberries, peaches, blueberries and raspberries.

Serve with homemade chocolate, caramel and strawberry sauces, or the bottled ones are just fine too. Provide other favorite toppings, such as jimmies, sprinkles, chopped peanuts and pecans, marachino cherries and whipped cream.

BYOT (Bring Your Own Toppings) Party –  You provide the ice cream, your guests provide the toppings. This is a cost-effective way to have an ice cream sundae social and your guests feel like they did something  to help.

Build-Your-Own Banana Split Party – Just a variation on the buffet, but make sure you have the yummy toppings for the classic banana split, including freshly-whipped cream.

Soda Fountain Social – Serve a variety of soda fountain classics. Recipes are readily available, as are the ingredients for root beer floats, Coke floats, old-fashioned sodas and lime rickeys. Let your guests "order" their favorite and you whip them up like a pro.

So cool down your next party with a ice cream and be the soical event of the year.

Wedding and Party Network is your online resource for all your party planning needs.

Publish Date: 9-22-10

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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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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.


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Choose A Decade, Any Decade For A Groovy Party Theme

Everyone knows that a party is more fun if there is a theme involved. That’s why whenever hosting a party, I  try to have some kind of central idea to focus around whether it be Hawaiian themed, Mexican themed, or holiday themed. Here lately, I have been in a rut with my party theme ideas. I really needed some fresh ideas.  So, I started exploring possibilities outside of my norm. I considered weird wacky themes, outlandish themes and even considered recycling some old themes.  Then in the midst of my brainstorming, I thought of a new and exciting idea for any kind of party: Decade Themes.

With a decade as a theme, you can incorporate many aspects of entertainment into your party planning including: popular foods, clothes, games, and music. To make sure the theme really takes off, be sure and send out party theme invitations ahead of time incorporating elements of the decade. Let guests know that decade attire is required for the party. Guests decked out in decade party attire will add to another element to your party decorations, not to mention some good laughs. Think of how much fun guests will have putting together outfits for the event. You can even have a contest for the best decade outfit.

Choosing what to serve at your party is completely up to the host. Regular party food is always fine. However if you want to get creative, find or make some foods that were popular during that time. Entertainment is a must. Games are optional of course, but games such as Twister and Super Nintendo sure do bring some laughs to a room full of MC Hammer pants. Of course pumping it up with a little music, is probably the best way to immerse your guests in the decade, as well as, entertain them.  To add that special musical ambiance to the party hire a band that plays a variety of songs from the decade. If you can’t find the right live entertainment for your party, a good decade music list from your Ipod will work just fine.

A decade theme party is a fun and unique way to throw a fabloulous shin-dig.  So pick a decade and let the good times rock and roll.

2024 Bid Day Themes

In recent years, these trendy Bid Day themes have made waves on campuses nationwide, combining nostalgia, elegance, and fun into celebrations that are unforgettable and awe-inspiring! This year is no exception, and it's safe to say that we've got a few rush crushes of our own. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite 2024 Bid Day themes that you can take inspo from for your next event.

10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Florist

Planning a wedding calls for making decision after decision! A crucial decision that can truly elevate your big day is your choice of florist. Flowers have a unique ability to transform a space and reflect your personal style. To ensure you find the perfect florist who understands your vision and can bring it to life, here are ten essential questions to ask during your consultation:

Unveiling the Latest Bridal Jewelry Trends

As you embark on the journey towards forever, let's talk about one of the most exciting and symbolic aspects of your wedding journey—the engagement ring! We've curated a list of engagement ring trends we’re loving for all the lovebirds out there.