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Engagement Parties Made Easy

Traditionally, the bride's parents hold the first engagement party. If the bride's parents aren't able to, the groom's parents are next in line. These rules don't necessarily apply any longer. The bride and groom can host the party themselves or a close friend or family member. So, whoever would like to throw an engagement party for the happy couple can with these great party tips!

Engagement parties are a great way for families and friends to get to know each other. Typically, the engagement party will be held 1 -3 months after the engagement or about 1 year before the wedding. Some couples plan their party 6 months before the wedding. So, when you set a date, here is a guideline to follow to help you along the way.

Engagement Picture

10-8 weeks before the party:

  • Pick a date – Making sure that the VIP guests (parents, relatives and close friends) are all available.
  • Set a budget – List the elements of the party including party invitations, the engagement cake, party food, drinks, entertainment, and party decor. Make a realistic estimation and try your hardest to stick with it.
  • Find your site – Most engagement parties are held at a home or restaurant. Don't let that keep you from being creative! This party can be as formal or casual as you want – consider holding the party on a beach, boat, in a vineyard or at a resort.
  • Entertainment – Consider hiring a pianist, mariachi band, jazz singer or some other form of entertainment to keep the party interesting. Hire a photographer to capture candid shots or appoint a specific person to snap shots throughout the party.

4-6 weeks before the party

  • Send Out the Party Invitations – It is engagement party etiquette that guests who are invited to the engagement party should ultimately be invited to the wedding.

Party invitations for engagement parties are not as formal as they are for weddings. They can be low-key and as creative as you want. No registry is needed for this party; gifts should not be expected. If gifts are received, open them in private, and don't forget to send thank you notes.

1-2 Weeks before the party

  • Make sure your help is ready and still planning on the big event!
  • Make sure all the details are covered, including reservations, tickets, transportation, entertainment and anything else you have planned.
  • Begin preparations for centerpieces and decor. Flowers are a great addition to any party! You can create simple centerpieces or hire your local florist to create customized flowers for the happy couple.

The party

  • Arrive early and make sure things are ready to go.
  • Welcome each guest as they arrive and make the necessary introductions.
  • Toasts to the couple are traditionally done about 3 quarters into the party, the bride's father is the first to toast and then anyone else who wishes to follow.
  • Enjoy the party – and remember that this party is to honor the couple as their new journey begins!

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!

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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

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10 Great Hot Dog Recipes for Grilling Out

Grilling out is one of the best perks of a summer time party. The most common party foods served at an outdoor get-together are hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Even though they are tasty, the same foods being served party after party make them a little dull. Well, not any more! Here are 10 mouth-watering hot dog recipes to add to your menu! So, go get out that grill and start-up the fire!

Delicious Hotdogs
Greek Hot Dog

Toppings: Chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, spicy mustard and feta cheese. Get ready for a mouth full of happiness!

Frito Hot Dog

Toppings: Chilli, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeño and fritos. The crunch from the fritos make this one stand out!

BLT Hot Dog

Toppings: A  slice of bacon, lettuce and sliced tomatoes topped with a little mayo. A twist on an already great treat.

Surfs up! Hot Dog

Toppings: Sliced avocado, sliced cucumbers, sprouts, and shredded carrots. This light and refreshing hot dog is perfect for the beach!

Sautéed Hot Dog

Toppings: Slice the hot dog down the center and sauté with sliced peppers, onions and garlic. Top with Cayenne and fennel for spicy treat.

Traditional Chicago Dog

Boil your hot dog.
Toppings: Poppy-seed bun, dill pickle, sliced cucumber, sliced tomato, sweet relish, pickled peppers, chopped onion, celery salt and mustard.  This good ole' fashion recipe never gets old!

Laid back Sunday Hot Dog

Toppings: Sliced tomato, fresh basil leaves and thinly sliced garlic. Top with sour cream for a fresh crisp taste.

Sauerkraut Hot Dog

Toppings: Spicy mustard and sauerkraut. You can't beat simplicity!

Bacon Hot Dog

Wrap bacon around the hotdog while  it is grilling.
Toppings: Mustard, tomatoes and pickle. The savory bacon juices are absorbed by the hot dog! YUM!

Onion Ring Hot Dog

Toppings: Onion rings! Buttermilk battered onion rings go great on top of the hotdog, making a terrific fusion in every bite!

Use one or more of these delicious recipes for your next party or special event. Your guests are sure to be excited with the new flavors and combinations! A new twist to an old favorite!

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!

Special thanks to cyclonebill for the hotdog pic via Wikipedia.

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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

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July Newsletter "Outdoor Parties"

Volume 2 Issue 7

It's July! Summer is meant to be spent outdoors having great times with family and friends. You want to enjoy every minute of it and soak up those sun rays. However, what are some party ideas or activities that you can enjoy outside? Wedding And Party Network's July newsletter is all about getting outdoors and what you can do to enjoy it.

Get Your Yard Clean – Don't forget to make sure your yard is functional and clean. Guests should be able to mix and mingle in your yard easily.

Don't Forget The Inside – Even though your party is outside, guests will still come in. So, don't forget to clean up in the bathroom, entryway and kitchen.

Seating – Make sure you have plenty of seating. You may have only invited a few over, but you never know what may happen. So, it's better to have more seating than needed.

Menu – When planning your menu, keep your guests in mind. Not everyone enjoys the same food you like. Some may have certain allergies as well, therefore, offer a variety. A caterer will have great suggestions.

Atmosphere – The atmosphere is extremely important for your party. Strings lights, set out candles and place fresh flowers throughout your party.

Pesky Bugs –With summer and being outdoors, also comes bugs. So, make sure and prepare with citronella candles and bug repellent.

Along with party tips, be sure to pick out a great party theme for outdoors. You can come up with some really creative themes. Choose from a circus party, carnival party or even a baseball party. Just remember to get creative and have fun with it!

If you are planning a party for summer, let Wedding and Party Network help!


We're Social:

It's A Beach Party

It's summertime! So, get those bathing suits out, sunscreen applied and get into that water to celebrate. The kids are out of school, and it's time to plan those summer vacations. However, if staying at home is more your idea of a vacation, make sure to bring the beach party to your house.
Read more about A Beach Party

10 Simple Steps For A Great Summer Party

Summer parties call for the outdoors! Do you want a casual or formal event – upscale atmosphere? Chose a party theme that your guest will enjoy; a beach party, a Hawaiian tiki party, a pool party, block party or a back yard BBQ.
Read more about Steps for a Great Summer Party

4 Tips To Keep Your Yard Ready For Any Event

With summer upon us, everyone is ready to get outdoors and get those grills fired up. The great thing about the warm weather is you can host lots of great parties outdoors. They are a cinch to put together, but everyone will still have a great time. However, do you dread getting that yard ready in order for all your fabulous parties?
Read more about Keeping Your Yard Ready

Summer Pool Party Ideas

Summer is finally here! School's out and it's time for a vacation! You probably wont get to see your friends as much, so what better way to catch up on things and have a good time than by throwing a summer pool party! It's time to do some planning and make a few phone calls.
Read more about Summer Pool Party Ideas

Why YOU Should Throw A Block Party

As the end of summer quickly approaches and kids get ready to start back to school, this is a great time to re-connect with your neighbors by throwing a fall block party or back-to-school block party.
Read more about Throwing A Block Party

July – The Month Of Blueberries, Hot Dogs & Cows?!

Tis' the month of bright colors and hot summer days and nights. It's July! Being outdoors is a must during the summertime and hosting parties are at the top of your list. There are so many ideas and themes that you can use for these hot months.
Read more about July

Adcock & Associates, Inc.: Turning Dreams Into Reality

What creates color and sets the true tone of your event? Setting the tone, representing the season and showing off color comes from flowers. You want guests to walk into your wedding or event and immediately get the sense of what the night will bring. Flowers do just this. So, if you are in the Benton, Louisiana area, Adcock & Associates Inc. is the florist for you.
Read More about Adcock & Associates, Inc.

Receive A Helping Hand From My Loving Nanny, LLC.

When you are planning a wedding or event, you think of gorgeous wedding flowers, a beautiful location, exquisite food and amazing decor. Well, what about the little things? Do you think about timing of an event or about the children during the wedding or event? That is where My Loving Nanny, LLC. comes in if you're in the Spokane, WA area.
Read more about My Loving Nanny

Be The Belle Of The Ball With Jillian's

When you are planning your wedding day, your main concern is your wedding dress. You've dreamed about this day since you were little and you want everything perfect, especially your wedding dress. You've always imagined what your wedding dress would look like and you want to find "the one". So, find a formal wear shop that understands this and choose Jillian's Formal Wear.
Read more about Jillian's Formal Wear


For more vendors in your area, visit Wedding And Party Network for all of your wedding and party planning needs!

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5 Reasons to Celebrate!

The summer months are the best times to party with endless opportunities and countless holidays to celebrate! With June and July being the first warm months of the year, it is the perfect time the pull out the party supplies and GET YOUR PARTY ON!

5 Reasons to Party:

1.) June 14th: National Flag Day

Flag Day was first observed in 1877 on the 100th anniversary of the continental congress' adoption of the stars and stripes as the official flag. There are 3 major holidays that memorialize the red, white and blue flag; Memorial Day, National Flag Day and Independence Day. National Flag Day is a day to show respect to our Flag.

Party Essentials
Party Ideas : Throw a Flag Day Picnic!

  • Decorate everything in Red, White and Blue – Your party decorations should definitely be patriotic!
  • Display American Flags throughout the party area
  • Use cut out stars on tables, banners and decor
  • Serve fresh fruit, veggies and cold cut subs
  • Take the party to a park, beach or pool for fun in the sun!

2.) June 21st : Father's Day

Father's Day was first recognized as a holiday in 1972 by President Nixon. However, the first Father's Day was actually celebrated in 1910. It is a day to celebrate and honor your father or father figure and the contribution he has made to your life.

Party Ideas: A Father's Day Luncheon

  • Invite your family and friends to a casual luncheon
  • Cater your guests with your father's favorite party foods
  • Spend the afternoon playing or watching his favorite sports

3.) June 21st: Summer Solstice

People around the world celebrate summer solstice for spiritual and religious seasonal days of celebration. Summer solstice is an astronomical event that occurs 2 times a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most oriented toward the sun, causing the sun to reach its Northernmost or Southernmost extreme. The Northern hemisphere summer solstice and the Southern hemisphere winter solstice happen simultaneously.

Party Ideas: Celebrate with a Bonfire!

  • Create a Bonfire in your back yard or local campground
  • Serve marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolates for s'mores
  • Offer hot chocolate or chai tea

4.) July 4th: Independence Day

Celebrating America's Birthday! America was founded in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Party Ideas: Good Ole 4th of July BBQ

  • Invite friends and family to a great backyard or block party!
  • Decor should be red, white and blue
  • Cater your guests with grilled meats; chicken, burgers, hot dogs or brats
  • Guests bring side dishes or desserts
  • Set out coolers filled with ice and a variety of beverages
  • Incorporate sports and activities to keep the party up beat!
  • End the night with a display of fireworks!

4th Of July
5.) July 26th: Parent's Day

In 1994, Parent's Day was made a national observance to honor and increase awareness of parental responsibilities. Parent's Day is a day to celebrate the love between parents and their children. It takes place on the fourth Sunday of July.

Party Ideas: A Family Get Together

  • Plan your party around your parents and their likes
  • Inviting everyone over to a family dinner or picnic
  • Decorate with family photos, collages, banners, flowers and balloons
  • Take this time to really honor and celebrate your parents, creating delightful memories for the family

If these holidays aren't enough for you, here are some more strange and unique holidays in June and July to help get your creative juices running!

June 1st – National Doughnut and Flip a Coin Day
June 6th – National Yo-Yo Day
June 8th – Best Friend Day
June 26th – National Chocolate Pudding Day
July 10th – National Pina Colada Day
July 14th – Shark Awareness Day
July 16th – National Get Out Of The Dog House Day
July 26th – National Aunt and Uncle Day
July 30th – National Cheesecake Day

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!

Paper lanterns, s'mores photo provided by millerm217, Phil Hawksworth

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10 Simple Steps For A Great Summer Party!

Where to start?

Outdoor Party
Planning a great summer party takes time, strategy, creativity and imagination! You want your party fun, light and upbeat. So, first things first!

1.) Plan your Budget: The first step to planning a great party is to plan your budget. Set aside the maximum amount you want to spend and don't go over!

2.) Guest List: When creating your guest list, you have to decide how elaborate or simple your party will be. Is this an event for close friends and family only? Or one that will include extended friends and family?

  • Break your list into three groups : Those who should be invited, those who you would like to invite and those who might be invited.

3.) What's the Theme?: Summer parties call for the outdoors! Do you want a casual or formal event – upscale atmosphere? Chose a party theme that your guest will enjoy; a beach party, a Hawaiian tiki party, a pool party, block party or a back yard BBQ.

4.) Location: Party Location is key! It has to work well with your theme, and it plays a direct role in the size and budget of the party. Choose a place that suits you and your vision. A great park, beach, pool or your own back yard!

Summer Party Food
5.) Adequate Seating: You want your guests moving, mixing and having fun throughout the party, so make sure you have plenty of seating available.

  • Arranging chairs in small groups all around the party area will help to keep people mingling and socializing with each other.

6.) Menu: For fun in the sun, bring out your grill! BBQ is the traditional summer cuisine. However, you don't have to do the typical BBQ, you can have your party catered with Hawaiian themed foods, surf and turf or a great buffet of fresh finger foods.

  • Keep plenty of refreshments on hand, the warm weather always calls for a cold lemonade, iced tea or spritzer.
  • Desserts can be fresh carved fruit, light cupcakes or a sweet summer themed cake.
  • Remember to plan for success, too much food is better than not enough!

7.) Decorations: Depending on your theme, you will want to keep things bright and colorful. Citrus colors are always a hit for an outside party, with yellows, oranges and pinks. You don't want your table's visual appeal to fade once the food is gone – you need to have stunning summer centerpieces on your tables.

  • Flower arrangements with fresh fruits included will wow your guests!
  • Twinkle lights in the trees, paper lanterns and tea light candles placed strategically through out your party space will bring a warm ambiance to the atmosphere.
    Outdoor Decor
  • Umbrellas or canopies will help shade your guests from the sun.
  • Sturdy serving ware is important as well. As most guests will be walking or standing while they eat, you will need to offer a sturdy plate, cup and utensils.

8.) Entertainment/Activities: Keeping your party interesting can seem like a difficult task, but you need to make sure that you supply plenty of opportunity for your guests to mix, mingle and laugh.

  • Every party needs to have at least one event to bring people together, whether it be a game, contest, a toast or dancing.
  • Consider hiring a DJ to set the pace with fun summer music or a photographer to capture candid moments of your guests.

9.) Play Hostess: Keep the excitement up; linger through your party making sure that everyone is mingling and not being left out. Make sure all of your guests get a bite to eat as well.

10.) Enjoy your party! Being flexible is key; you can't make everyone happy, so do your best at enjoying yourself, it's contagious!

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!

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It's A Beach Party

It's summertime! So, get those bathing suits out, sunscreen applied and get out into that water to celebrate. The kids are out of school and it's time to plan those summer vacations. However, if staying at home is more your idea of a vacation, make sure and bring the beach party to your house. It's easy to bring the beach to your house! Therefore, you won't have to hassle with the crowd or traffic and you can enjoy it right in your own backyard.

Beach Themed Party
Beach Party Decorations

Finding summer party decorations will be easy! Just visit your local party store or use what you have around the house. Use beach towels as table linens and scatter seashells down the middle of the table.

Use sand pails and fill them up with sand for centerpieces. You can also place around sunglasses or sunscreen scattered around your party. Create sandcastle cutouts, turn sand pails into serving bowls and use tiki torches for party accents.

For other decor, hang beach balls around the party. Surfboards are fun too! You don't have to have the real thing, you can get crafty with it and make your own out of cardboard. Place sandboxes out everywhere for people to jump in and build sand castles.

Don't forget the water! If you don't have a pool, place multiple pools around, water slides and water sprinklers. Just get beach inspired. Your party decorations should definitely imitate the beach.

Beach Food

Again, it's summertime. Therefore, keep your party food light and refreshing. It won't be elaborate menu, it will be simple. Light appetizers and cool, refreshing food is all your party really needs. Everyone will be satisfied.

Take fruit and a cookie cutter and shape the fruit into sand boxes, starfish or fish. Place them on a wooden dowel in a sand bucket. Use Caribbean flavors for your shrimp, crab salad, shrimp cocktail or grilled salmon for your party menu.

Beach Party Decor
For dessert? Stick with the theme and create a sandcastle cake! You can even stick with lighter deserts as well. Popsicles are always yummy as well as angel food cake or a summer treat with whipped cream.

Also, don't forget about the refreshments! You and your guests definitely need something to cool off with. Come up with signature drinks, lemonades or even slushies to satisfy everyone's thirst.

Entertainment

There are lots of things you can do for some beach entertainment. If you are having sandboxes set up in your yard, have a sandcastle contest. Divide your guests into groups and supply them with all the essentials when making a sandcastle.

Let them work on it throughout the entire party, they can work or take breaks when they want. At the end, you will judge and decide who had the best sandcastle. You can also play limbo that everyone will enjoy or just hang out and relax by the pool.

The whole idea behind this party is to bring the beach to your own backyard. Sit back & relax if you'd like or entertain everyone with fun ideas and games, whatever goes with this party!

This post is brought to you by Miami Party Decorations.
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!

Beach party decorations provided by StreetFly JZ via flickr.

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Summer Solstice Party

Want to host a unique summer party? However, what theme could you use to make your party stand out? A Summer Solstice party!! Summer Solstice typically falls at the end of June and officially marks the last day of spring. Therefore, you should host a party to mark this special occasions with your friends. Well, Wedding And Party Network has some great party tips in making your Summer Solstice an exciting event.

A Fun Twist
Summer Solstice Party

Since it's like you're bringing in the start of summer, compare it to how you would do on New Year's Eve by counting down the minutes till midnight. Make sure and hold your party from 7 or 8 until midnight, that way you can count down till summertime. Celebrate it just the way you would New Year's.

Party Details

You should definitely convey summer throughout your party with a touch of elegance. So, here are a few party decorating tips to get you started.

Summer Tablescape –Place simple floral arrangements on all the tables and surround them with beautiful tealight candles to create an intimate, ambient feel.

Party Decor – Since it's outdoors and your party is later in the evening, be sure to string up lights throughout your yard. Hang beautiful white paper lanterns in the trees, mason jars with candles and create a wonderful light, airy feeling to your party.

Party Favors – Parties outdoors are wonderful, however, there are many factors that can affect your party. So, be ready. If you're preparing for a warm night ahead, let paper fans be your party favors.

Summer Treats
Maybe you're planning on dancing, well let them kick off their shoes with flip-flops that you will offer them. You can even be creative and give the essentials of summer in a goodie bag. Sunscreen, bug repellent, travel fan and flip-flops would be great!

Summer Food – Everything should be kept light and refreshing. Shrimp cocktail, veggie kabob, fresh fruit, light sandwiches, canapes or bruschetta all will make wonderful appetizers for your party. Light, cool and refreshing is the key, especially if the warm summer heat is already upon you.

Sweet Treats – S'mores, sundae bar, ice cream and popsicles are great items to help everyone cool off. S'mores are outdoor classics, while a sundae bar lets your guests get creative and eat the treat they they'll enjoy.

Now, it's time to kick-start summer with a fun countdown! Use fireworks or bells to ring in the start of summer. It'll be a great way to get all your friends together and have a wonderful night!

Olivier Engel

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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!

7 Tips: Hosting for the Holidays

The holiday season is all about joy, togetherness, and celebration. But let’s be honest—it can also be a little stressful, especially if you’re the one hosting. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner with family or a lively party with friends, these tips will make hosting for the holidays a breeze!

Hosting 101: Tips for a Seamless Event

Hosting an event can be a rewarding experience, but it requires detailed planning and execution. Whether you're organizing a party, shower, holiday dinner, or just a casual get-together, it's important to ensure everything goes according to plan so that your guests have a great time, and *bonus* you come across as a hosting pro! To make this easier, we've outlined some tips to help you host your next event with confidence.

Winter Wedding Tips

Breaking news… winter weddings are our latest love affair! The days are shorter and the nights are colder, but winter weddings are full of romance and have a uniquely magical essence.

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.