Party Decorations | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

June 15, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Planning An Office Retirement Party

When someone retires, it is a great time for an office party. However as with all parties, it requires organization and planning. Of course, the focus of the party should be on the life and work of the retiree which can be tricky. So how do you throw a great retirement party for some one you only know as a co-worker?

Simple get their family involved. Ask their family to share the hobbies, favorite color, food, and drink of the retiree. Get those questions answered then run with it. If you’re having the parties at work, decorate the party area with balloons, streamers and table cloths in their favorite color or colors. It also a nice touches to have a "Happy Retirement" banner made. If you’re having a quick retirement party, you can serve cake and ice cream with water, soda, and juice for the drinks and food. If you found out the retiree's hobby is golfing then purchase napkins with a golf theme.

To do a more formal dinner party, you can book a room at restaurant. For larger parties with entertainment, rent a party hall and hire caterers. as for decorations, skip the streamers and balloons instead use candles and flower arrangements. Keep table cloths in basic black or white and use flowers in the favorite color of the retiree. If this party is for multiple retirees, go with company colors in the table flower arrangements. That way you'll offend no one by leaving out their favorite color.

Being in charge of the office retirement parties isn’t really a difficult task when you ask the right questions and follow key party principles.

June 1, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

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 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.

When it comes to summer, the main thing most teens focus on is going to shop for that perfect swimsuit. With that in mind, what better reason to throw the ultimate summer pool party? Who doesn't think about going to the tropics for a summer vacation getaway? How about creating your own tropical paradise at home!

Decorations– Here comes the most fun part to throwing any party. Being a tropical paradise theme you want to think outside of the box to make this a very memorable summer party. Let's begin with the back yard, since it is a major part of this party. Putting up a couple of inflatable palm trees around the pool area would definitely give the party a more tropical feel. Setting up 2 or 3 picnic tables around the yard could be used for eating, or even to set some exotic tropical centerpieces on top. This party is more than likely to last through the night. A creative, inexpensive idea would be to buy a few mini beach bucket tea light holders. Setting these throughout the pool area or the backyard would definitely lighten up the place. Now for the pool, just throwing in a few beach balls and a few pool rings would do the trick.

Entertainment– To help your guests work up an appetite for delicious tropical party foods, the right party games and activities are necessary. Here are some ideas that might interest you and be fun for your friends too.

Music- Playing reggae music, beach songs, or the songs you know your friends like would be perfect for this tropical party.
Limbo Contest- Who doesn't love to limbo? Having a limbo contest would keep the fun times going.
Beach Games- Some beach games to include could be volleyball or even water fights.

These are all activities your friends are sure to enjoy.

Food– Of course, no party is complete with out a delicious food menu. This being a tropical paradise party, exotic foods is what comes to mind.You could start off by giving an appetizer, some sizzling chicken skewers, this would only get them ready for whats coming next. A very exotic main dish idea would be to cook a pan-grilled salmon with pineapple salsa. How much more exotic can it get! Finally, for dessert cooking up a key lime pie will leave your friends full, but satisfied.

Voila! You have thrown an unforgettable pool party. Your friends had a blast and are sure to be waiting for another one. Be thinking on how to throw your next summer party, and by the looks of it, it's sure to come soon!

May 18, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Graduation Party Time Hawaiian Style

Graduation Party

It's finally your senior year of high school, the year every student waits for. Of course its obvious to know why, after 12 years of being in school, this is finally the last year! How exiting! Preparing for graduation can be a long yet exciting process. What better way to top of this moment, than by throwing your graduating friend a graduation party. It's time for party planning!

Theme- Having a themed party always makes the atmosphere a lot more fun. A very popular theme used for many parties is a Hawaiian theme! Hawaiian colors are bright and tend to make people think of either the beach or a Hawaiian shirt. It's your decision whether you want the party indoors or outdoors. Personally, I d prefer an outdoors party. Having a party outdoors gives you a lot more space. Meaning more room to PARTY!

Decorations- Decorating is one of the best parts when it comes to planning and throwing a party. The decorations are one of the first things your guests will notice. Think about making them really stand out! Try using different outstanding bright colors (neon orange, baby blue, lime green, etc.). One idea that is easy and fun to set-up up would be some colorful beach chairs and even a few lit-up tiki torches. Another decorative idea would be to go to your local party store and shop for a few party supplies. You could include Hawaiian-colored plates, cups, napkins, etc.

Hawaiian Style Food

Food- Yummy, here comes the best part! An easy cooking idea that everyone is sure to enjoy would be to have a grill-out. Grilling out some buttered shrimp, Hawaiian flank stake, or Hawaiian grilled chicken and having a fresh Hawaiian salad as a side dish would be a delicious idea. To drink making a homemade Hawaiian fruit punch would be very fruity and delicious. A tasty suggestion for dessert would be to have a large platter of mixed mouthwatering fruits like strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, etc. After all, the pineapple is one of the most common fruits found on the island. But if you really want to sweeten things up a bit, a coconut cake would definitely be the icing on the cake for your overall meal.

Music- Since this is a graduation party, you're more likely to have many people there with different tastes in music. What better way to please everyone than to get a DJ to entertain the party. A DJ is definitely a great choice, since they usually have a wide variety of music choices to play. This way everyone gets to dance out to their favorite music thought the party. The fun will never stop.

This graduation party is to celebrate for a couple of reasons. One, to throw them a party and congratulate them for getting this far. And two, to celebrate for this chapter they have completed in their life, and the start of a new chapter that's about to begin. Not only will they appreciate the party you threw for them, but this is sure to be a memory they will never forget!

May 2, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Cinco De Mayo- Fiesta Ideas!

Everyone looks for a good reason to celebrate. Cinco De Mayo is just such a reason. After all, commemorating independence is a wonderful reason to celebrate. Although Cinco De Mayo is the celebration of Mexico's Independence from Spain, it has great significance to those in the United States as well. Mexico and the United States have fought shoulder to shoulder to protect the freedom and liberty of their citizens. This wonderful celebration can be enjoyed by anyone from anywhere. It all begins with an authentic Mexican fiesta!

Planning Your Cinco De Mayo Fiesta

Cinco De Mayo Candy Table

Invitations – Make them festive. You can buy invitations or create your own. Creating your own invitations can be fun and inexpensive. Whether you buy party invitations or create your own, make sure they are colorful and festive. Get creative with your designs. Use maracas, Mexican flags and the colors red, green and white as your part of your invitation theme since these are the national colors of Mexico.
Decorations – Make them come alive. If you want to make this fiesta memorable, go over-the-top with your decorations! Include sombreros, Mexican colors (red, white, and green), colorful streamers and a lot of party balloons in your decoration scheme. The more bright and festive colors used the better.
Food – Make it tasty & spicy. Food is the main attraction and the one thing everyone looks forward to at a party. Don't limit yourself. Any type of Mexican food will be a star at this festive party. Think spicy, think flavorful when you plan the food selections. Chicken molé, tamales, tacos along with chips and salsas are pretty standard fare for a Cinco De Mayo celebration. Don't forget the sweets. Cream cheese flan or sopapillas dipped in honey are great items for the dessert table.
Entertainment – Make it active. Every celebration needs entertainment. Add excitement to the fiesta by incorporating activities as part of the entertainment. Teach your guests to do the macarena or have a piñata for the children. At any fiesta music is a MUST! Add a little musical spice by playing cumbia, salsa, or any latin music that you would enjoy.
The Finale – Light up the Sky. In many countries, fireworks are a traditional way to end the celebration. Plan a firework demonstration for the end of the party.

Regardless of the decorations you choose, the food you cook, or music you play, a well planned fiesta is sure to be a great success!

March 17, 2009 by Jordon Robinson

The Secret To The Ultimate 2009 Prom

Prom Night. This eventful evening is quite possibly the most anticipated night of the year for high school teenagers across the nation. From the prom dress to the prom limo, every detail of the evening must be perfect to fulfill those high expectations. Of course there is the actual dance, but the prom experience is so much more than a few slow dances with your high school sweetheart. Prom night is about dressing up in glamorous prom dresses and handsome suits and cramming all of the activities that you can into the most memorable night of your life. This exciting night starts by taking thousands of pictures of you and your date before you leave.

More than just "Taking Prom Pictures"

Prom pictures are a very important part of the prom experience. They are what makes those wonderful prom night memories last forever.

Prom 2009 Here We Come

It is best to take these pictures before the festivities begin so prom hair has not gone flat and prom corsages are still vibrant with color. However, everyone meeting just to take 100 pictures in the same pose is somewhat boring. Why not turn the boring "picture taking" into a "hors d’oeuveres and cocktails" hour? Remember, pictures can be taken as friends and family arrive.

Prom pictures should include more than just photos of couples. This night is about friendship and fun, so have pictures taken with friends as well. While waiting for their turn in front of the camera, prom-goers can enjoy fancy snacks and fruity drinks before the crew heads out for dinner. A table filled with delicious food and a fancy floral centerpiece will set the elegant mood for the night. Starting the night with this type of party and atmosphere allows for nerves to settle and uptight dates to loosen up before the big night.

Prom Dining – Go Big or Go Home

Now some prom-goers choose to skip out on the dinner plans on prom night. However, sitting down for a nice meal before a long night of fun is advised. A pre-prom meal helps to calm jittery nerves and allows you and your date to relax before the actual prom dance. Dinner is also a fantastic experience to share with other friends that will be attending the prom. To add an exceptional touch to the night, you and a few of your friends could take a stretch limo from the hors d’oeuveres party to dinner and then to the prom. A stretch limo will add to the red carpet feel of all your prom night activities.

If you choose to go to dinner, be sure and choose a restaurant appropriate for prom attire. For example, it would be quite odd to see a guy in a tux and a gal in an evening gown eating at McDonald's. The point is that you want to fit in with the atmosphere of the restaurant. Low lighting, tablecloths, and fancy tableware are good indications that the restaurant is appropriate for prom apparel. Last but not least – Enjoy Dinner! It's not everyday that you get to wear an evening gown and tuxedo out to a fancy dinner in a limo!

Grand March – Prom On Display

Not all schools have a "Grand March." However, they have recently become a popular trend. During the Grand March individuals and couples are announced by name as they parade down a carpet.

Prom Grand March

This allows all of the other attendees and parents to see each and every person that has come to the prom. It is basically your "10 seconds of fame". Everyone's eyes are on you, ooo-ing and aww-ing as you walk down the carpet.

If your school does not have a Grand March prom tradition, it might be a good idea to suggest adding it to the itinerary this year!

Prom – "At Last"

It seems as though it is never going to arrive, and once it is here it's gone in a flash. Prom is a fun filled night of dancing, laughing, and for some, falling in love. Not a dancer? You can still enjoy the band at prom. Who knows? Your feet might start tapping to the beat. Whether you are with a date or by yourself, remember that the prom experience is what you make it. Good attitudes make good memories and fun times, so be sure to leave the house with a smile!

After-Prom Breakfast

The party is not over just because the DJ is packing up and going home. One final destination is in store to make the perfect prom night: The After Prom Breakfast.

After Prom Breakfast Buffet

A parent or group of parents usually hosts these parties at their home or at an event hall. Either way, this is a very important part of the night. It is where all of the students get to gather together, take off those uncomfortable tuxedos and dresses, eat some good food, and reminisce about the fun times they have had over the past few hours.

This after prom breakfast can be as elaborate or as casual as you like. Prom party decorations such as streamers, balloons, and fun centerpieces are a nice added touch to the atmosphere and help create more of a "party" environment. Food for the after-prom breakfast can be catered to help save the host time and stress. Of course you will need to find a caterer who will agree to work at an odd hour or one who will provide the food at a normal hour that will only need to be reheated.

Remember that you only have one senior prom, and the memories made that prom night will last you a lifetime. So, go all out in 2009 and make it a prom that any high school student would envy. Caterers, limo services, and restaurants are booked up pretty fast. Therefore, be sure and make reservations for services well ahead of time to be sure you have everything you need to make your 2009 prom a memorable one!

Share your prom story with Wedding and Party Network. Go to https://www.weddingandpartynetwork.com/blog/ask-share/ and tell us all about your prom.

Got prom pictures? Send your prom pictures to Wedding and Party Network and we'll post them on our photo gallery for all your friends to see. Go to http://www.weddingandpartynetwork.com/gallery/send and upload your favorite pics.

January 19, 2009 by Jordon Robinson

25th Wedding Anniversary Party Decoration Ideas

Silver Wedding Anniversary parties are a monumental occasion! I have found some great ideas for an anniversary party and especially for this particular occasion. Wedding Anniversary parties are typically held at the 25 and 50 year marks. But you can throw a party for any anniversary. However, the 25^th Anniversary is the first traditionally highlighted anniversary celebration; so, it only seems right to do it big.

Sentimental decorations, such as pictures and videos should be used if possible. I found where a family decorated the tables with all different kinds of picture frames filled with pictures of the couple Continue reading "25th Wedding Anniversary Party Decoration Ideas" »

January 9, 2009 by Jordon Robinson

Hollywood Party Theme: Golden Globe Awards

I’m always looking for an excuse to throw a party. For 2009, I decided that the Golden Globe Awards was a great adult party theme to kick off the New Year. I’ve put together some great ideas to make your Golden Globes Party fun and creative without breaking the bank.

First, you can’t have a Golden Globes party without a red carpet. Run down to you’re local store in search for an inexpensive red carpet. If you can’t find one there, you can certainly make your own. A few yards of inexpensive red fabric will do the trick.

Games are always a great idea for any kind of party. Before guests arrive, prepare a list of the Golden Globe nominations on elegant paper in a fancy font. The guests can use this list to select who they think will win each category. Before the awards ceremony starts have everyone turn in their ballot and who ever has the most correct after the show receives their very own golden globe. You can pick up a fake Golden Globe at a local party supplies store or order online. If your budget allows, you could send everyone home with a mini Golden Globe as party favors.

Planning a dinner?

December 29, 2008 by Celebration Advisor

2009 Party Planning Guide

2009 Entertaining Calendar

Just as clothes, cars, and music change, so does the art of entertaining guests. Over the years, styles and fashions of many different types of parties may have changed, but the desire to host a fashionable and memorable event certainly has not. Guests will look forward to your seeing old and new friends in a comfortable yet exciting atmosphere.

Hosting monthly parties yourself or rotating hosting responsibilities through a group of friends is a great way to get together and have a great time. For 2009, the entertainers guide to hosting great parties is all about creativity. Below we have gathered some ideas to assist you in making a year of entertaining not only memorable for guests, but also effortless for the host.

New Years Disco Party

New Years Day

New Years Day party ideas are usually quite standard, but because there is no real theme to the New Year you can let your creativity and your imagination really flow. Decade theme parties are always a blast. This New Years Day party, host a 70's or 80's themed party fully embracing the theme through music and clothing. Guests dressed up in themed clothing help set the mood and provide much of the decoration for the event. Also, disc jockeys have a tremendous library of music to keep your decade-dressed guests dancing all night long.

Valentines Day

Romantic Music

Romance is in the air for the month of February. Entertaining for Valentines Day calls for a romantic dinner party for couples to come and enjoy good company and great food. Dinner parties are low key social get-togethers that allow all guests to really socialize over a gourmet meal and maybe enjoy some subtle entertainment such as a professional pianist resounding soothing romantic music. To assist the host in planning for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, a professional chef may be of service in presenting a fabulous meal to guests, which allows the host to entertain guests as they arrive.

St. Patrick's Day

Green leprechauns, though always appropriate, are a little bit cliché for St. Patrick's Day parties this year. 2009 calls for creative floral arrangements and imaginative food creations. With the help of a professional florist and caterer, a St. Patrick's Day party will be as easy as 1, 2, and 3.

First, arrange for a florist to create "all green" floral arrangements for the tables of the party venue. Whether a dinner party or cocktail party, these great St. Patrick’s Day arrangements will be the center of attention. Second, great food is the key to a great party. A professional caterer or chef can assist the party host in creating unique "green" dishes from appetizers to desserts. Each course will bring a new exciting layer to the St. Patrick's Day party.

Easter

Easter is the time of year when spring is in the air and new life is brought about by the new season. Easter parties such as teas or luncheons are very appropriate for the spiritual holiday. Delicious desserts paired with tasty teas suit the season as well as the theme of the party. Easter decorations are most exemplified by fresh flowers. Creative, edgy designs using pastel colors can bring a modern twist to an otherwise traditional arrangement. Simple table arrangements with modern tableware will add to the contemporary Easter theme of the party.

Cinco de Mayo

Nothing says "summer" like a sizzling Cinco de Mayo party. The yearly Cinco de Mayo party seems to be the unofficial release of summer. Fresh grilled pineapple shrimp and chicken paired with an assortment of mixed drinks will be sure to keep your guests entertained all night long. Spice things up at your Cinco de Mayo party with a professional mariachi band to entertain guests with festive music. With great grilled food and sensational live music, your Cinco de Mayo party will surely be a hit.

Independence Day

Catering Concepts Grilling For Parties

July 4th is the ultimate time for a backyard barbeque for family and friends. Get creative this year for Independence Day by hosting a barbeque contest. Invite guests over, grills in tote, to face off in the ultimate Independence Day cook off. Not only does the competition give purpose to the party, but also provides other guests with delicious food to munch on all day long.

Labor Day

Also a big grilling holiday, Labor Day parties signify the end of the summer season. Step up your classic outdoor party this year with a professional band to play live music as guests enjoy great food and good company. Create great memories for guests by hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of guests enjoying themselves. Combine the action shots with a fun photo album and you’ve got yourself a creative souvenir for all of your guests.

Halloween

Costume parties are always appropriate for this spooky holiday. However, 2009 brings a new spirit to the ghostly affair. This year, create a creepy haunted house atmosphere for your Halloween party with dim lighting, fake spider webs, antique décor, and several candles of all shapes and sizes. Candles filling a room with just enough light create such a spooky ambiance and a great setting for a Halloween party. Don’t have enough candles to create the look? Several party or wedding vendors carry candles to buy or even rent for one time use.

Thanksgiving

Tradition is tradition for the Thanksgiving holiday. Nothing beats a Thanksgiving celebration like some good food and great company. Invite friends and family over to celebrate the fall season over a fabulous meal. To simplify the hosting duties, hire a caterer or a professional chef to do all the work. Utilizing professionals while hosting a party can relieve stress and allow the host to visit with guests instead of messing with hosting duties.

Christmas

Catered Christmas Party

Holiday parties can be as serious or as carefree as the host desires. Sit-down Christmas meals are always appropriate for a traditional get-together. However, with so many families having traditional sit-down dinners, friendly gatherings usually try to embrace a more relaxed side of Christmas. This year try hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, where all guests are required to wear a Christmas sweater that even their tacky great aunt would be ashamed to wear. Your guests will be laughing all night long.

As the years pass, so do the trends of entertaining. Just remember that classy and creative is always in style when it comes to entertaining guests. As a host, let your personality shine through in the atmosphere of the party and don't forget to use the professionals every now and then to ease the workload!

Contributor: Jordon Robinson

December 4, 2008 by Jordon Robinson

How to throw a party without breaking the bank

On A Budget? Check Out These Cost Saving Party Tips

Not everyone has an expendable budget for elaborate party décor and fancy party favors, I included. So, the social butterfly and single college student that I am, I must make my dollar go a long way when it comes to party supplies. Through the years I have come up with some money saving tips that will surely help you stay on budget when preparing for your next event.

If you’re able … make it yourself. Do it yourself projects may take time, but to some, Continue reading "How to throw a party without breaking the bank" »

October 24, 2008 by Celebration Advisor

Top 5 Tips For Throwing A Pumpkin Decorating Party

Looking for an interesting way to throw a fall party? Try a pumpkin decorating party! Gather your friends and family together for this festive event and watch their eyes (and a few jack-o-lanterns) light up! To throw the best autumn party possible, here are a few tips for your pumpkin decorating event!

1—Make it a contest! Healthy competition is fun for everyone. Make sure that everyone is a winner though. Fun festive party favors are available for all ages. A new pumpkin carving tool or a sweet treat of pumpkin rolls are great ideas. Even a "well done!" as guests make their way to the cups of hot apple cider will keep the spirits high.

2—Keep the food and drinks festive! Hot apple cider is the perfect drink for fall parties. Bobbing for apples is another fun party idea that leaves each guest with a sweet treat to enjoy later! Continue reading "Top 5 Tips For Throwing A Pumpkin Decorating Party" »