Adult Parties | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

September 11, 2014 by Celebration Advisor

Throwing a Star Wars Party

Whether it's a 10th birthday or a 21st birthday, you are never too old for a Star Wars themed party. Wedding and Party Network has your top tips for throwing a fun galactic bash!

Food and Drinks
Get creative with fun Star Wars puns. With Hans Rolos, Pincess Lays, and Vaderade, you can create a fun snack table that will crack lots of smiles. For the main course, make burgers with Leia's Buns or Jabba Hutt Dogs.

Here is a simple recipe for Yoda Soda:

Green Hawaiian Punch
Lime Soda
Lime Sorbet

Games
For the little ones, create a Jedi training camp in your back yard. Put together an obstacle course and make each Padawan a Jedi certificate. For the older crowd, play Star Wars Bingo with any (or all) of the Star Wars movies. Really put your knowledege to the test with some Star Wars trivia.

Are your friends hardcore fans? Act out the movie instead of watching and record it. Your rendition of Star Wars Episode III could go viral!

For Adults
Have your guests choose their allegiance (Jedi or Sith) and make themed drinks for each team. Turn Star Wars bingo into a drinking game and spike the Yoda Soda.

Don't forget the cake! You can make two different flavors–chocolate for the Sith and vanilla for the Jedi.

No need to hide your love for this Sci-Fi favorite. Let your geekiness show through this fun themed party and prove to your friends that you are the ultimate Jedi master!

For more party themes, check out the Wedding and Party Network Celebrations Blog.

July 14, 2014 by Celebration Advisor

21st Birthday Party Top Tips

The big two-one is a celebration that marks the true beginning of adulthood. Naturally, the party has to be huge. Wedding and Party Network has your top tips on throwing a fun, yet safe 21st birthday bash.

Hangover Kit
Whether you are going to a party or hosting your own, a hangover kit is great to give as a gift or to have on hand. Fill a basket or bag with water bottles, ibuprofen, crackers and mints.

Designated Driver
If you are going out or your guests don't plan to stay the night at your party, make sure to decide on a designated driver who will abstain from drinking and will take everyone home safely.

Games
It's common for the party to take some time to amp up, so have some board games or drinking games planned out throughout the night. Twister is a good ice-breaker and card games can easily turn into drinking games.

Food
Always plan to have food available for you and your guests. Either plan to eat before you start your night or order a pizza when your party begins. Cookies, chips and, crackers are great to nibble on, especially if someone gets a bit peckish later in the night.

The goal of this party is to celebrate a new stage in life–the beginning of adulthood. Follow these simple tips, have fun, and be safe.

March 10, 2014 by Juli Jackson

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" »

February 27, 2014 by Juli Jackson

Great Memories with Action Photos Photo Booth Rental

So you are working hard to plan the very best event whether it is a special birthday party, retirement celebration or your own wedding day. Besides awesome decor and delicious food, what can you offer to your guests that will have the biggest impact?

That's easy. Action Photos Photo Booth Rental in New Braunfels, TX is the perfect way to have a fun and creative outlet for your special occasion. We'll tell you why.

A Photo Booth Will Be The Life Of The Party!

A photo booth from Action Photos comes equipped with everything you need to have a hassle-free and fun time with your guests. This is where the memories are really made and where guests can let loose and be themselves. Whether you want to get goofy with props or give a sweet smile with the love of your life, the easy charm of instant photos will delight you and everyone at the party.

A friendly attendant is ready to help everything run smoothly with simple directions and organizing each picture-taker. As soon as photos start getting passed around the room, there is always a rush for guests to try it for themselves. You'll be amazed by the excitement and impressed with the seamless customer service. Best of all, each image comes saved to a DVD after your event – perfect for documenting your incredible night.

Great Wedding Memories

Weddings are big life events and often family members and close friends make every effort to be present, look their best and wish you well in your new life.

Taking a moment during such a special event (that always goes by way too fast, by the way) to pull your aunt or your best friend from college into the photobooth for just a quick minute is a fantastic and personal way to thank them for coming, share a smile together and send them home with a memento that will always be treasured.

Photo Booth Rentals

Life is made up of these brief happy moments together with those we love. Sharing the flash of a photobooth is the best way to freeze those moments in time to be remembered and enjoyed for a lifetime.

Wedding, birthday, graduation, anniversary, retirement, any special event at all – Let Action Photos Photo Booth Rental give you and all of your guests the great memories you deserve on your special night.

September 18, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Wedding Wednesday – How Can I Request Adults-Only At My Wedding?

Your Wedding Wednesday Question:

I want my wedding to be an adults-only affair. How can I make sure that people don't bring their kids?

Answer:

If you want to enjoy a child-free wedding, you need to be upfront and say as much. The easiest approach is to be direct and put it right on your invitations.

Proper etiquette would dictate that if a child's name or "family" wasn't included on the invitation, then the children were not invited. But this is bound to bring a great deal of phone calls. Better to cover all your bases and add "Adults Only, Please" to the bottom of the card that way there are no misunderstandings.

Depending on your guests this stipulation could be a joy or a pain for them. Some might love the chance for a night without the kids. Other might have problems finding a babysitter, especially if many friends and family are attending your wedding or they have newborns.

Some suggestions:

Consider providing childcare at the venue.

"Children will be welcomed at -Hotel Name- during
the wedding and reception with -Service Name- child care services.
Wedding and reception are adult only."
State whether you will allow children at the reception, the ceremony or not at all.

"While we adore children, our intimate wedding and reception is for parents only"
"Our ceremony is open for adults only. The reception welcomes children."
Stand your ground with pushy friends and family. Explain why you felt an adult-only event was proper or that you simply were not able to accommodate all the children. If they say they won't be able to attend if they can't bring their children, respond politely but firmly.

"I'm sorry that's your decision. We'll miss you."
Be consistent. Don't make exceptions for the bridal party children, a ring bearer or a flower girl. No children means no children. Otherwise you could cause hard feelings.

We hope this answered your question!
If you have more wedding questions, send them to: social@weddingandpartynetwork.com
Every Wednesday we will post answers to your biggest wedding questions.

September 10, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Fall Into An Autumn Party

Sorry summer and spring. Move it, winter. My favorite season, by far, is autumn. Turning leaves, snuggle-inducing sweaters, warm drinks and Halloween are just a few of my favorite things to do and celebrate. There is no doubt that being outside, wrapped in a scarf and watching the leaves blow in the wind makes for a perfect day in my mind.

The first official day of Fall (also called the Autumn Equinox if you want to get technical) is coming up on September 22nd. Share all the warmth and happiness of this lovely season with your friends by hosting an Autumn Party this month!

Warm & Cozy Party Ideas

Backyard Bonfire

Gather around the fire pit with good music and stories to share. Enjoy the crisp night air and the smell of burning wood as you take in the stars with your guests.

What To Do
If you or a friend has any musical ability, play a few sing-a-long songs to add a traditional camp feel to your evening. Of course, there are plenty of group songs that can be sung with no musical accompaniment but I think that depends on how brave you are in leading your guests.

Scary stories are also a staple, even if you just decide to laugh about urban legends you can recall.

If you think this sounds sorta cheesy, embrace it! You'll be surprised at how everyone will enjoy a classic campfire night. It will be a totally new experience for some and others will be transported back to camp memories of their youth.

How To Decorate

Your bonfire will be the focus of your party, that's for sure. Surround the area with lawn chairs and set up a snack and drink table nearby. Set the tone with a checkered tablecloth. Place tea lights in mason jars to provide warm points of flickering light after the sun goes down.

Use any enamelware camping gear you have to offer up your party food. If you don't have enough tin mugs to go around, use them to hold your napkins or cutlery. Pick up a camping lantern to add charm and help light the path from your house to the gathering.

What To Serve

Nothing could be better than crunching into warm freshly toasted s'more around a fire! Hand out roasting forks or wooden skewers to your guests and offer up big stacks of graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate for the best of bonfire traditions.

For an easy and memorable drink, try our delicious Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate! Just mix it up before you start decorating and by the time your guests arrive it will be creamy and perfect. Serve with marshmallows and happy sipping!

Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate

6 cups milk – Skim or 2%
1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
(1) 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups of chocolate chips – milk chocolate or semi-sweet

Place all ingredients into a 5 quart slow cooker set on low. Heat for 2 hours. Whisk every half hour to blend melted chocolate. Serves 6 to 10

Optional Add-ins

Baileys Irish Cream
mint liqueur
ground chipotle chile pepper
brewed coffee or espresso

Sunset Watching Party

Pick a place with a good view of the horizon – your backyard, a hillside or park – and have a picnic! You and guests can toast the colorful setting sun as it brings ever shorter fall days.

What To Do

Start this gathering an hour or so before the actual time the sun is scheduled to set. Listen to music, watch colored leaves fall and take photos in the glorious afternoon light. Then to wrap it up, sit back and relax on blankets as the sky slowly starts to change from blue to purple to pink.

This is a great way to catch up with friends you haven't seen in awhile or reconnect to those you see often but only get to scratch the surface with.

How To Decorate

Part of the appeal of this party is the easy no-fuss aspect. Consider the magic hour with the setting sun your party backdrop. Bring bright blankets for relaxing on the grass. A nearby picnic table, with a tablecloth in your favorite color, will be a good place to arrange snacks and drinks.

Don't forget to bring a trash bag to keep things clean and a flashlight in case you stay a little later because you are enjoying yourself so much.

What To Serve

Picnics are typically cold cut affairs. So surprise guests with some hot appetizers! Make meatballs or dip in a travel-ready slowcooker or a covered casserole dish. Even chili is easy to serve at a picnic and compliments the cooler weather. Offer crackers, chips and fresh veggies for dipping. Serve craft beer or wine to stay warm on the inside while kicking back and taking in the brisk evening air.

Pumpkin Decorating Party

What says Fall more than pumpkins? Host a get-together for the craft-lover in all.

What To Do
Have guests bring their own pumpkins to decorate and provide brushes, tape, glue, paints and glitter to make awesome fall decor that gets noticed. Painted pumpkins, glittery pumpkins, pumpkin with designs like monograms and stripes – there are endless ways to make something unique your guests will love having on display the whole season.

How To Decorate
Great for showing off your personal style, create a few pumpkin creations ahead of time to decorate your home for the gathering. Big and bumpy, small and squat – there are so many ways to create a unique display. Pumpkins come in fantastic colors and varieties.

Paint the front of a large pumpkin with some chalkboard paint and write "Welcome" for your porch. Use this technique on several pumpkins to help designate space like "Snacks" or "Decorating Supplies." You can include "Pumpkin Party!" for a cool centerpiece. After the gathering, you can change the messages to fit your decor.

What To Serve

Everyone will have their hands full while making their pumpkin masterpiece, so serve something easy to grab. Lots of hot coffee gives some energy to the group while homemade muffins like banana nut (or pumpkin!) are sweet, savory and filling all at once.

Short on time? Or want something extra special? Buy breads and muffins at your local bakery then pop them back in the oven to give them a warm bite and send intoxicating scents through your house. Serve with real butter for a cozy treat. There won't be a crumb left!

Start planning your parties now!

August 22, 2013 by Juli Jackson

Atlanta's Best Limo – The Name Says It All!

So you know those scenes in movies that always show people living it up in a limo? You know the ones. The driver picks up the main characters at the exclusive club. There's drinking, laughing and grooving to great music. And of course, everyone looks fabulous. Things are happening so fast that sometimes there are slo-mo shots just so you can catch the laugh or the sideways glance that happens in the middle of all that excitement. Those scenes exist for a good reason. Riding around in a limo is so much fun!

Limousine Service

If you are in the Atlanta area, you really need to look into Atlanta's Best Limo. Their slogan is "The Name Says It All" and guess what? This is totally your chance to be the glamorous lead in your own movie-worthy story! No slo-mo necessary. Just take lots of pictures so you can share such an amazing night.

Go Anywhere In Style With This Limousine Service

Getting married? Organizing a bachelor or bachelorette party? What about graduation or prom? All perfect chances to make getting there the most fun you can ever remember having.

What is the point of getting all dressed up then climbing into your friend's boring car with the sticky cup holders and busted back speaker? Limousine service means you have a stylish ride to and from your location where you can kick back and enjoy your fame for the night.

Make sure the music is bumping and heads will turn asking "Who is that? A Hollywood actress in town? A rockstar?" Everyone will want to be right there where the party is getting started.

Beautiful Limo Bar

Live It Up In a Super Stretch Limo

What could top you and 9 of your friends relaxing on cushy leather seats while cruising around town? You have drinks on the house, flat screen TV, CD and DVD player. You can really rock out with the Dolby Sound System. Neon lights in cool colors adds to the atmosphere. You will be clubbin' it up on wheels!

And if loud music isn't your thing, turn it all off and enjoy the smooth quiet ride while looking up at the bright skyline through the stargazer roof. Whatever your style, this ride will be unforgettable.

Less Worries. More Fun!

Don't worry about where to park the car or getting lost and surrounded by one-way streets. Or worse trying to bribe someone into volunteering as designated driver. It is all taken care of with Atlanta's Best Limo.

Not only are the drivers experienced and familiar with the city, they know you want to have a good time and they will make it happen.

Customer service? Experience? Reputation? With this company, try 17 years and counting. Ride with Atlanta's Best Limo and be a star while having the night of your life!

August 22, 2013 by Shelbi Raysor

Some May Say White is the Absence of Color, but it's Not the Absence of Fun

The Reason is the Season:

Labor Day, one of fashion's most recognized calendar days, is quickly approaching. Closets everywhere are slowly changing their colors from pink, pale blues and white to dark browns, navy blues and blacks. Don’t let this fashion rule be a bummer; it’s a great reason to celebrate. It’s time for an all white Labor Day party! Round up the girls for one last summer fling before the weather turns chilly. An all white Labor Day party can be for celebrating the “White Labor Day,” rule or just your chance to rebel. Either way, this party is going to be a blast.

all white reception

First, let’s start by walking into your closet. Since, Labor Day is the “last” day for white, it is the perfect time to clean your color palatte. Wear white shoes, pants and tops. Don’t be afraid to be funny or out of the box. After carefully picking out your outfit, all that is left color coordination.

Color Coordinating at its Finest:

Have a problem color coordinating? An all white party will make that difficult task non-existent. After planning your outfit, your room of choice will be a clean crisp paradise. To transform your living room or outdoor space, invest in couch covers. These actually don’t have to be much of an investment. They won’t stay white for long with party guests, but they will make a world of difference.

To add a touch of bling, add sparkly silver pillows. This look will add depth, glitter and creativity to your party location. Nothing starts a party more than comfortable guests.

Don’t stop at just the seating. For centerpieces, use lilies to send a sleek and classic look around the room, but don’t stop there. Grab several clear cylinder vases and fill them ¼ of the way with pearls. Then allow water to reach all the way to a third of the glass. Simply apply a floating white candle and you’ve created ambience an night lighting.

Don’t Stop There:

After the guests have admired the ambience of the All White Labor Day Party, it may be time to introduce them to another form of comfort: Champagne and White Wine. Conversations won’t dull with the favorites of your guests, and succulent desserts offered such as coconut cake, vanilla ice cream, and the white chocolate fondue station. The dessert table, white wine and seating will allow everyone to slip into one last relaxing oasis before the season slowly changes.

Don’t let this Labor Day pass you by; it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate.

August 15, 2013 by Celebration Advisor

Get Back to School with Bueller's Day Off

It’s the sad truth that sometimes we’re ready to ditch school before it even begins. That’s why Wedding and Party Network knows the perfect back to school party theme to kick off the fall semester. Who knows more about being carefree and facing school with effortless style better than Ferris Bueller from the classic 80s film, Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Host a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off party and be ready to start college in high spirits.

Getting Started

The details are easy to handle for this party theme. Every detail you pick simply must relate to the classic film. For the party invitation, use Bueller’s line, “If you’re not over here in 15 minutes, you can find a new best friend,” to grab your invites’ attention.

The party decorations could match your favorite scene in the movie or you could just check out your local party store and see what they have in the 80s party theme section.

For the food, bring some class into the chaos. Have everyone pick a fake name and title. Bueller had “Abe Froman, sausage king of Chicago.”

Present everyone with an ironically formal meal. Tablecloths, vases of flowers, and wine glasses will be a lot of fun. Your local caterer should have everything you need to pull off this classic scene.

For party favors, provide guests with dark sunglasses which they should wear throughout the event. Suggest they wear their favorite 80s inspired outfit, especially leopard print vests. Disposable cameras are great party favors too because your guests will want to remember every moment.

Entertainment

The entertainment is the most important part of this event. Ferris Bueller is all about Carpe Diem so your guest should feel caught up in the moment. You don’t have to plan every second, but have a lot of options so that your guests are constantly entertained. Try these themed party games which are perfect for the Ferris Bueller party.

Watch the movie: This classic film cannot be forgotten, but to make it more interactive add something new. Every time Bueller lies, Jeanie complains, people talk about Bueller’s “illness” or Cameron worries about something, have your guests do something funny like attempt a handstand, hug a neighbor or start singing “Danke Schoen.”
Twist and Shout: This song has to at least be played. Better yet, have all of your guests join in a flash mob somewhere on campus, singing and dancing just like Bueller.
Obstacle Course: Maybe your guests can’t scale fences and outrun dogs, but an obstacle course is totally doable. Mini trampolines and kiddy pools are perfect small-scale salutes to Bueller’s race back home.
Best Excuse Contest: Hold a “Best Excuse” contest in honor of Bueller’s priceless “illness.” These can be made up on the spot or you can ask that everyone say one they've actually used. That could get interesting!

As your decorations, food and party favors give your Ferris Bueller party a fun vibe, your entertainment will give your guests something to smile about. The Ferris Bueller party theme is simple, playful and exactly what you need to start the semester off right. Depending on the activities you choose, this could be perfect for greek organizations to get to know freshmen or for an entire campus to relax before hitting the books. Either way, guests will love having a Ferris Bueller day off before getting back to school and you will be grateful for how easily this party theme can be pulled off.

August 14, 2013 by Ed Belly

Backyards, Buddies, and Beer

When the temperature rises and the sun decides to come out for a nice long visit, I head for the outdoors. Winter is the time of year reserved for huddling in the house, snuggled up in a blanket or nursing a hot cocoa, but summer is my opportunity to get excited about the big three: backyards, buddies, and beer. You read that right, beer, brewski, barley soda, liquid bread, delicious bottle of suds. Whatever you call it, there's no beating a cold one on a hot day.

I've found that there are two different kinds of beer drinkers in this world. There are the Loyalists, who have one beer that they enjoy, and that's all they drink. Then you have the Experimenters. These guys enjoy a variety of brews and are always on the lookout for something different. For that second group, nothing is more enjoyable than a good old-fashioned beer-tasting party!

Beer-Tasting Party?

If you're unfamiliar, a beer-tasting party is an opportunity to get together with friends and try out everyone's favorite beer. The basic concept is to ask your friends to bring their favorite beer for a blind taste test. A scoring system is set up, and everyone will get to choose which beer they enjoyed the most. This could even have some of those Loyalists out there finding themselves with a new favorite brew. And for the more adventurous among us, you can ask your friends to bring the most obscure beer they know, rather than their favorite, and really get some wild options.

Putting Your Beer-Tasting Party Together

As the host, it will be your job to provide the location, scoring system of your choice, and some salty snacks. Your friends should be providing the beer. You can turn the event into a full-on cookout, and, if you want to continue the beer theme, you can create dishes that either contain or were marinated in beer. It's your party, so feel free to go wild.

To ensure you don't get multiples of the same beer, have each of your friends tell you what they're bringing ahead of time. It will also let you know how many beers are coming your way, and the supplies you'll need. For example, you want to have enough cups so that everyone will have a fresh one to try each beer. Preferably, the cups will be clear so that the color of the beer is visible. You can go as elaborate or simple as you want here, there are no bad ideas.

If using plastic cups, you can simply use a marker to number them, but if you choose glasses or mugs, you'll need to create some labels. Next you'll create numbers for each type of beer. This doesn't have to be complex, you can simply tape a pre-made number onto the six-pack. If you want to do something more fancy, knock yourself out, whatever your budget can support. Just remember, the numbering system on the bottles is for you, no one else should have access to the beer until you bring it out in the numbered cups.

You may consider purchasing some items to award as prizes for the most popular beer, least popular beer, or whatever other category strikes your fancy. The options are limitless, and so is the fun!

Let's Party!

When everyone arrives, collect the beer and sort it according to number. Then pour a mouthful of each beer into the properly numbered cup for each person. If you have a lot of beers, you might separate into categories such as lights, darks, etc to break things up. You can pick a winner for each category and then an overall winner at the end. The pace of consumption is up to you, but you want to make sure that everyone is still able to taste their drinks by the end.

This is also where snacks or the beer-themed food, if you prepared any, will come into play. Having a little something for everyone to eat between tastings will both cleanse their pallets and keep anyone from getting too tipsy to participate. Besides, what's a party without a little something to munch on?

Summer is the prime time for outdoor parties, and a beer-tasting party perfectly fits the bill. Imagine late afternoon shafts of sunlight falling around a big oak tree in the backyard, friends gathered in the shade, talking and laughing as they take a pull of some unknown brew. Enjoying quality time with your friends is always a good idea, and Wedding and Party Network will be here all summer to help you find new and exciting ways and excuses to do it!

Throwing a Star Wars Party

21st Birthday Party Top Tips

5 Great Spring Party Ideas

Great Memories with Action Photos Photo Booth Rental