Party Themes | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

August 23, 2011 by Celebration Advisor

Boy or Girl? Host a Gender Reveal Party to Find Out!

Gender Revealing Parties are a growing trend amidst expecting parents. Let's face it, half the excitement of pregnancy is finding out if it is a boy or girl. So, it makes sense to celebrate the surprising news with friends and family and this party theme is a great way to let them know.

Here's how to do it:

Expecting parents typically have their gender revealing ultrasound around 20 weeks gestation. However, instead of finding out the gender during the ultrasound, ask the technician or doctor to keep it a secret, and write it down in a sealed envelope.

The second step is to have a family member or close friend take the envelope to your local baker. The cake is dyed on the inside either pink or blue (depending on the sex of the baby). A neutral icing is used to hide the secret inside. No one will know the surprise until the parents-to-be slice into the baby shower cake!

Party Decor

Decorate your party space with pinks and blues, greens and yellows. Rubber ducks, diapers, pacifiers and bottles work great scattered around the food tables. Don't forget about the diaper cake!

The Food

Serve all the expecting mom's favorite cravings – pizza, ice cream, popcorn, chips, whatever it is, include it in the menu. It's a fun way to mesh everything together. Have your party menu represent the mom-to-be.

Party Activities

Ask your guests ahead of time to wear pink if they think you are having a girl or blue if they feel it's a boy. Those who get it right will win a door prize. Blue and pink cigars are always a hit!
Have your guests write down their names suggestions on a poster board – each guest will rate the other names as well.
Baby shower games will work at this party too – anything from "Guess Mommy's Cravings" to "Guess the Baby" where each guests brings their own baby picture. During the party, each guest will try to guess who each baby picture belongs to. This is always one of the funnest games at a baby shower!

Diaper Cake

The Big Moment

When it comes time to unveil the cake – the surprise will be out and you can all celebrate together! It will be a nail-biting moment for everyone there…

Popping of champagne and clapping of hands will surely arise when the color of the cake is revealed! Door prizes and games will begin once the sex of the baby is revealed. Your party gives friends and family great opportunity to celebrate and share in your happiness. Now that you know what you're having – it's off to the nearest shopping mall!

Special thank you to treyevan for the beautiful picture via Flickr.

August 10, 2011 by Celebration Advisor

Quinceanera Ideas and Traditions

Quinceaneras date back to ancient times in the Aztec societies. It's an old Hispan

buy kamagra

ic tradition that symbolizes the beginning of womanhood in the Latin community. Quinceaneras are an exciting moment that young girls often plan and dream about for years as they approach their 15th birthday.

Although there are several deeply rooted and meaningful traditions, there is still plenty of room for creative planning. Combine old traditions with new ones to add your own personal touch!

Quinceaneras Traditions

A Quinceanera Ceremony is preformed by the family priest during Mass. A candle is lit during the ceremony signifying reaffirmation of the baptismal vows made by her parents. By participating, the birthday girl is accepted by the Church, by God and the congregation (including her friends and family) as woman.
The First Dance Tradition is the sweetest of all. The father of the birthday girl changes her shoes from flats to high heels and then dances the first dance with his daughter. This represents him accepting the birthday girl becoming a woman.
The Quinceanera Court is a mixture of seven girls and seven boys that play a prominent role in the party. This equals 14, plus the birthday girl equals 15 which represents her age. Typically the court includes siblings, cousins and other family members. The Court will do a big dance after the father and daughter dance.
The Doll Tradition is where the birthday girl will give a porcelain doll to her younger sister, meaning that she is now leaving her childhood to her sister. It is the last toy she will have and will pass it on.
The Last Pinata is similar to the last doll tradition. Pinatas are often used at children's parties, and this being the birthday girl's last party as a child will get one last swing at a pinata.
Cutting of the cake is a fun tradition where the birthday girl will make the first cut and take the first bite of her special cake.
A toast is made by the guests at the party in honor of the special birthday girl.

Gifts will be given from family members that have symbolic meanings behind them such as,

A tiara is given to the birthday girl by her parents or god-parents.
The mother will often give a Bible, prayer-book, rosary and cross as a sign of faith to her daughter.
A ring and bracelet are given representing the circle of life.
Earings are also given to affirm that the birthday girl always listens to God.

Adding some flair!

So, now that we have gone over the traditions of the past, let's think of ways to incorporate a modern twist to show off your personality!
You party can have a distinct theme reflecting your personality without taking away from the traditional quinceanera feeling.

Here are some fun themes to consider

A Black Tie Event
A Retro Party
A Hollywood Party
A Garden Party
A Princess Party
A City Chic Party
A Beach Party
A Paris Themed Party

Between picking out your dress, cake, food and decor, this special party is a huge one and one to be excited about! Your community will have a wonderful time celebrating and experiencing a once in a life time event catered special just for you! So, remember to keep the traditions that are rooted deep in the Hispanic culture but add your own personal flair to make your party shine!

Special thank you to SariDennise and Justplainhope for the great pictures via Wikipedia and Flickr.

August 1, 2011 by Celebration Advisor

16 Party Ideas for A Sweet 16

Every child is different and unique and wants their special day to be just as unique and special as them. Playing off your teenager's likes and characteristics will really help when planning their fabulous sweet 16 birthday party.

It takes a lot of time and organization when throwing a party. Communicate with your teen about what party theme will work best for them (and your budget!). Decide on colors, styles, music, party food and place. Working together (unless this is a surprise) will make things a lot easier!

Once you have decided on the party theme and the budget, choose a site and menu. Do you want to offer the food yourself or have the event catered? Do you want the party at your house, a local park or event hall? There are a lot of things to consider when hosting a party at your house, no matter what kind of event. Along with all the little details, focus on the party theme.

Sweet 16 Birthday Party

It is the most important detail and is the first step in planning a party. You choose the theme and then everything else falls into place after that.

Here are some ideas for your party!

16 Party Themes for A Super Sweet 16 Birthday Party

Pool Party
Bonfire Party
Murder Mystery Party
Beach Party
Surprise Party
Bowling Party
Dance Party
Hollywood Theme Party
Spa Party
Slumber Party
Winter Wonderland
Glow In The Dark Party
Scavenger Hunt Party
Go Green Party
Totally 80's Party
Movie Night Party

What ever theme you decide on, the party will be a sure hit! You can use balloons, flowers, banners, pictures and ribbons to decorate any location to make your party stand out from the others. Just remember to have fun!

July 27, 2011 by Celebration Advisor

Planning the Perfect Party for Your Man

It's not an easy task to surprise your main man with a party. However, men like to be pampered too! We aren't talking spa pampered, we are talking about throwing him the great party! Featuring whatever it is he likes.

What is he all about?

Great Guy Cakes

Is he a big BBQ guy? Why not throw the biggest back yard BBQ with him as the guest of honor instead of the cook!

Football fan? Decorate the place with his favorite team's memorabilia. Using the team colors as your party theme, you can create a football fantasy of a party!

Basketball? Same as with the football, find the team colors and run with it! (This works with any sport including Baseball, Hockey and Rugby)

If golf is his hobby of choice? Arrange for a miniature gold party in the backyard.

Vegas Baby! He loves to play poker – so arrange a Vegas night in your home!

Are electronics his passion? Throw a strobe light dance party with lots of fancy lights and smoke machines.

Does he love to go out and hang out with the guys? Rent a limousine to pick him and all the guys up for a night on the town!

Is he more of a kick back and relax kind of guy? Try throwing a lazy Sunday party where everyone can kick back and watch a game or movie.

Does he have the travel bug? Surprise him with a vacation, even if it is somewhere close, arrange for sight-seeing and exciting new adventures!

Whatever you chose to do, make it all about HIM

Party Limousine

Create or buy a party cake designed to make him smile.
Create or hire caterers to WOW him with all of his favorite foods.
Make sure to invite his closest friends and family – even if they are not your favorites!

Trust us, if you can pull off a fun party theme for your special guy, he will be MORE than grateful!

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!

July 26, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

It's a Slumber Party!

With school starting back up, your kids will want to spend quality time with their friends since they've missed them all summer. So, a great way to do this is host a slumber party at your house. Slumber parties can get a little drab and over done. However, there are lots of party ideas and tips to make your slumber party truly stand out and Wedding and Party Network has them here.

Slumber Party Decor

First things first, choose a sleepover theme. A "night owl" theme, haunted sleepover, princess themed sleepover, movie theme or you can even go the route with a traditional sleepover and choose no theme at all. However, it's more fun with a theme. Once you have chosen a theme, you can start preparing for the party.

Sleepover Invitations

Whatever your sleepover theme, make sure it shows with the party invitation. You can create an adorable owl for your night owl slumber party or a sleep bag with all the details. Also, don't forget to check out your local stationery store, they have a wide variety of adorable party invitations.

Party Setup

The best idea is to set up different stations for the kids. It helps you stay better organized and the kids will know exactly where to go for things.

Of course, everyone gets hungry at some point. A great place to eat their food is on the bed! However, it doesn't have to a bed where crumbs can be left, you can create one out of a table. Take a table and make it as you would a bed with bed sheets, blankets and pillows. You can then take a piece of wood, plywood or an actual headboard and place it at the end of the table to create the bed look. Place a pillow, stuffed animal and book on the bed. Once you have it setup, start setting out your plates, glasses and napkins. You can even do adorable place settings to match you theme. Bring color to life with your table set up.

Another great station that is a must is a station for them to get ready for bed. If you are having a few over, buy everyone matching pajamas. Set out toothbrushes, floss, wash cloths and whatever else they may need to get ready for bed. Decorate this area with colorful table cloths, books and stuffed animals.

Overnight Food

Sleepover Food

What do you serve at a sleepover? Whatever the kids like. Create sandwiches, burgers, macaroni and cheese and chicken strips for their dinner. You can also keep it healthy with vegetables and fruits. For dessert, create an adorable party cake to match the slumber party theme. You can also contact your local cake bakery and have them design a themed cake with kids tucked into sleeping bags. Create an ice cream bar as well and even a candy bar if you can handle their sugar rush.

Don't forget to set out a snack bowl for the kids when they get hungry during the late night. Get matching bowls and fill them with popcorn and candy.

Games & Activities

Mainly, you should let the kids do what they want and not have set activities for them. You can give them some craft ideas, like making their own pillow, scrapbook or a picture frame to remember the sleepover from. Also, don't forget the movies.

It's not hard to put together a sleepover. Don't worry about keeping the kids entertained, they'll entertain themselves. Focus on the decorations. The theme of the slumber party should stand out. So, celebrate the start of a brand new school year with a sleepover!

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

Sleeping bag & tent photo provided by cubist castle, ohsohappytogether via flickr.

July 18, 2011 by Celebration Advisor

Celebrate With A Welcome Home Party!

Welcoming home a loved one is an exciting and joyful experience. Why not make it even more special by throwing a welcome home party for that special somebody who has been go so long?

A warm welcome home

A welcome home party is not much different from a birthday party. You will want to the theme to reflect where ever it is that your special guest has been.

Where will your party be?

If your home is big enough, it's the perfect place for a welcome home party! It brings a warm sense of home to the guest of honor. If holding the party in your home isn't an option, you can use a friend's house or backyard, rent a party hall, or plan on a picnic or park party.

Decorating the party

Is your loved one returning from the military, a mission trip or from a semester abroad? Are they moving closer after a long time apart, coming back from college, boot camp or returning from a long hospital stay? Focusing on the theme will allow you to decorate the party with your special guest as the focal point!

Inviting your guests

Set a side a time and send out party invitations 2-3 weeks before the party if possible. If time is not on your side, a simple phone call, text or email will be fine. If you are keeping this party a surprise, make sure you tell everyone coming to keep their lips sealed!

What to serve

Let your menu feature your guest of honor's favorite foods! Serve foods inspired by their journey. Or you play up the home-coming theme and make all the good ol'e comfort food you know they have missed! Hiring a caterer will help if you are short on time, or ask your guests to bring along a dish to pass around.

Desserts!

No party is complete with out a cake! You can't go wrong with a cake personalized for your special guest! Not a cake fan? Try a dessert bar with several small desserts!

Fruit dipped in chocolate, home-made cookies, brownies, cupcakes, pies, fruit salads, or anything that fits in with the theme.

Welcome Home Party Food

Refreshments

A specialized drink made in honor for your guest of honor will top the party off!

Presents?

Gifts are not required at a welcome home party. But if you feel the urge to splurge, by all means, buy away! Shower your guest of honor with gifts reminding them of where they have been and where they are now. Having a guest book or poster board for friends and family to write a message for the guest of honor is a great way to make the party last a lifetime.

This welcome home party is a fun way to show your loved one how much you have missed them. The warm smiles and friendly faces will make your special guest glow. Remember to keep the party short, your special someone will probably be in need of some rest!

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Caterers.
Not in Philadelphia, PA No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

A special thank you to the United States Navy for the great picture via Wikipedia

July 12, 2011 by Celebration Advisor

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.

July 11, 2011 by Celebration Advisor

G'Day Mate! It's Time For An Outback Party!

You can't take your party to Australia, but you can bring Australia to your party! With some fun party decorations and authentic Australian food, you can create an outback party in your own backyard.

Sydney Montage

Scuba diving on the reef is a huge attraction in Sydney – so decorate the party as if you are underwater.

Reef-erific!

Aqua blues, corals and sandy colors are perfect for your Australian Party!
Hang streamers!
Cluster coral color balloons to represent the coral underwater
Use aqua table clothes and paper products to represent the color of the ocean
Spread sand, sea shells, and starfish on the tables for a great touch of Aussie
Incorporate kangaroos, turtles, koalas, dolphins and whales into the party decor
Fish nets, boat rope, scuba gear and life preservers can be used as decorations too
Fresh Flower arrangements using Australian flowers will work great as center pieces

Australian Flowers

Daffodil
Sweat Pea
Black Eyed Susan
Eucalyptus
Angular Pigface (yes, they are prettier than their name!)

Grub "On the Barbie"

Steaks, snags (sausage) and shrimp are perfect for grilling on the "Barbie"
Aussie burgers with grilled zucchini
Oysters, lobster and fish n' chips are good combos too
Steamed veggies and chunky spiced french fries on the side
Fresh fruit salad including pineapple and kiwi or fresh fruit kabob
Fosters lager or yellow tail wine for the adults

Aussie Burger
Lemonade or fruit punch for the little Aussies
Hire a caterer to create an authentic Australian menu!
Order or create a Crocodile or Kangaroo cake to top it all off!

Entertainment

Cricket is a sport well-known in Australia
Go down under with a game of rugby
Create a Crocodile Hunter Scavenger Hunt

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 a party caterers near you!

Special thanks to cyclonebill for the grilled burger photo and dolphin jedi for the Sydney Montage via Wikipedia

July 7, 2011 by Celebration Advisor

Ahoy Mates! A Nautical Party Awaits

Summer is a great time for a Nautical Themed Party!

Imagine a day at the beach or out on a yacht, with the waves crashing and the wind blowing. Now picture your party, the tables and centerpieces decorated with sand and seashells, your friends and family complimenting your beautiful centerpieces and creative decor. Here is how to pull it off!

Hosting your nautical party outdoors is ideal, however, indoors is fine too. A Large deck or backyard is great, but a beach or yacht is even better!

Party Decor

Blue and white everything!

Nautical Decor'
Drape tables with fish netting
Scatter sand and seashells along the table tops
Use a life-preserver with flowers in the middle as a centerpiece
Display miniature lighthouses and nautical flags
Fill clear jars with sand, shells and rocks
Use palm trees to shade your beach chairs
Hang paper lanterns or twinkle lights for when the sun goes down
Incorporate anchors, either miniature or cardboard cut outs
Coconuts and driftwood make interesting table toppers
Party centerpieces featuring small flower arrangements in blues and whites wrapped and placed in small clear jars are ideal. Each arrangement will have a name card on it for each guest to take home as a party favors!

A Surf and Turf Menu – A sea food buffet to include

Shrimp and veggie shish-kabobs
Shrimp cocktail
Lobster, cod, salmon or any fish fillet
Crab cakes
Angel hair pasta topped with basil, scallops, and shrimp
Fish and chips!

Check with your local caterers to see what Seafood options are available in your area.

Sea Worthy Drinks

Tropical Desserts

Tropical fruit parfait served in martini glasses
Chocolate mouse
Fresh fruit kabob fondue
Tropical flavored cupcakes topped with sea blue icing
Nautical themed cake

Sea Worthy Drinks

Having spritzers and wine available are always a nice treat. Punch, iced tea and lemonade go well with the theme as well. Captain Morgan and beer also adds a nice touch.

Setting the Mood with Entertainment

If you can't afford a live band, you can buy "Beachy" or a tropical music on CD and play it in the background. A few great choices are:

Steel Drum Band
Bob Marley
Jimmy Buffett
Navy songs

Your themed party will come together easily once you have put everything together. As hostess, you can dress up as captain or even a mermaid! Now sit back and enjoy your party!

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!

"Ship A Hoy!" & Punch picture taken by formatted_dad, Angela via Flickr & Wikipedia

July 1, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

Inspirational Friday – Red, White & Blue

Every Friday, Wedding and Party Network will be choosing a theme or color and give you inspirational photos. We want to help give you inspiration for your next event, wedding or party. So, take a look and we hope to give you a bit of inspiration when planning your wedding or party. Our inspirational board will give everyone inspiration for red, white and blue. This holiday is a great time to get together with friends and family. When planning for a party at your house, keep in mind red, white and blue!

Your 4th of July party should be filled with red, white and blue. They are the colors of the holiday, therefore, they should always be incorporated into your party. Create red, white and blue party food and make sure your centerpieces include those colors in them. Create something truly unique by mixing and matching different shades of red, white and blue in them. The most important thing about this holiday is to remember what it stands for and to spend it with close family and friends.

Boy or Girl? Host a Gender Reveal Party to Find Out!