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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.

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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.

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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!

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School is Back in Session!

Volume 4 Issue 8
In This Issue
– How to Host a Gelato Tasting Party
– Back to School Party – A Party All Kids Will Enjoy
– Hosting a Meet-and-Greet
– 5 Greek Recruitment Theme Mistakes




How to Host a Gelato Tasting Party
Have you ever had gelato? As in the real kind that is full of inspiring flavor and freshness? Gelato is Italian and translates literally to "frozen." Read More »


Back to School Party – A Party All Kids Will Enjoy
It is difficult to believe, but summer is coming to an end and most schools will be back in session in less than a month. Read More »

Hosting a Meet-and-Greet
Plan a meet-and-greet to recruit new members to your school organization.  Read More »


5 Greek Recruitment Theme Mistakes
Your recruitment theme will shape every aspect of your chapter's recruitment events. Are you sure you're choosing the right one? Read More »

Host a Back to School Party

Follow These Tips for a Successful Party

It's that time of year again. Yes, school is starting. So, how do you get children excited for going back to school? Of course, host a back to school party! And we've got a few tips on how you can host a great bash.

  • Supply Your Party – When deciding on party decorations, use school supplies. Think about apples, pencils, markers, books, notebooks, planners, chalk and all the essentials you need to start school. You can create some really fun centerpieces out of these items.
  • After School Snacks – To get in the theme of things, serve food that replicates what is normally served for after school snacks. Peanut butter & jelly, grilled cheese, veggies and maybe caramel apples are all great. Just create a fun presentation. Also, don't forget about the milk & cookies!
  • School Activities – You definitely need to plan some exciting activities. Create various stations for the children where they can decorate their lunch boxes, planners, notebooks and even backpacks. This will definitely get them excited for school!

So, when planning a party for the new school year, include all things school related. This will get the kids excited to learn and they'll for sure be back to school ready.

We want to hear about your weddings and parties!
Share them with us!

3 Wedding Cake Alternatives

Are you a bride looking for a spin on the traditional wedding cake? Look no further, we've got three alternatives that are sure to fit your fancy. Throw tradition out the window and take a look at what we've got for you!

  • Put the Cup in Cake – The colors are endless, the design, unlimited and the price is right! Cupcakes are a great alternative.
  • Put the Ball in Cake – Cake ball. Two words, one love. If you have never had a cake ball, get to your closest bakery and find one!
  • Can't Pick Just One? – Who says you just have to serve cake? Think a whole dessert table for your wedding.

So are you feeling better now about your non-traditional ways? It doesn't always have to be cake, there are plenty of alternatives. Happy eating!

Conquest Entertainment: Let Us Mix It Up for You
We've all been to that reception where the music was lackluster and the DJ was way over the top relying on "personality" to make up for an obvious lack of talent. Read more about Conquest Entertainment
The Hamilton Center: Providing Intimate Elegance
When the celebration is of utmost importance there is only one choice, turn to a professional. Read More about The Hamilton Center
Tell Your Wedding Story with Floral Dimensions
Telling the story of you and your partner as a bride and groom is crafted though hundreds of tiny details. From your color choice to your flowers, you get to decide what speaks to you and, in turn, those choices say volumes about you. Read More about Floral Dimensions At Academy Court
The Cupboard: Stocked Full of Goodness
Regardless of the type of event you are planning, there is one thing your guests expect to be present, plentiful and phenomenal. What is this magical item? Why, the food of course! Read More about The Cupboard


Edible Butterfly, Chase'N Butterflies
Balloon Decor, Crossroads Florist
Summer Centerpiece, Floral Designs by Dana

Ice Cream Social, The BASH! Part Rentals and Sales
Baseball Cake, Cakes By Kemi
Krispy Kreme Favors


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

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Heavenly Spoonfuls – How To Host A Gelato Tasting Party

Gelato Served in Italy
Have you ever had gelato? As in the real kind that is full of inspiring flavor and freshness? Gelato is Italian and translates literally to "frozen." So nothing could be more perfect to share on a hot day.

If you are familiar with this amazing frozen dessert you know that calling it "heaven on a spoon" barely covers it!

This summer, you can host a memorable and (so very) sweet gelato tasting party for your friends!

Why Gelato?

Gelato is very different than ice cream, custard, or frozen yogurt. It is made with mostly milk instead of cream so it contains less fat than traditional ice creams and carries a more concentrated flavor.

Paired with fresh fruit and a sweet wine this party theme can provide a sophisticated indulgence you and your guests won't soon forget.

Brighten Up Your Gelato Tasting Party

Put together a fun and functional tablescape for your party. Bright colors will make your party pop! So pick your favorite hues for a tablecloth, plates, napkins, etc. We suggest some small dessert dishes and tiny spoons that make it easy to taste each flavor. Sugar cones are great for serving up smiles too.

 

This updated version of an ice cream social delights and refreshes everyone on your guest list.

Have a plan for keeping your frozen dessert cold before serving. If your freezer is nearby – great! But if you are outside, grab a cooler and fill it with ice. Or line your cooler with reusable freezer packs to insulate the containers from all sides. This will insure your gelato makes it to dish and mouth intact!

Pick Perfect Flavors

There are so many different flavors of gelato, you might have trouble deciding. Fresh fruit and nut purees are traditions in Italy. Look carefully in the specialty ice cream section for ideas. Even Haagen-Dazs has released a line of Italian delights that are all very tempting to try.

If you happen to have an ice cream maker, creating your very own fresh gelato is definitely the way to go. We created 3 batches in one night and had wonderful results: chocolate-hazelnut, watermelon, and lemon. Here is a simplified version of our chocolate-hazelnut gelato if you are ready to whip up some heavenly spoonfuls in your kitchen.

Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup sugar, divided
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread like Nutella
  • 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped and toasted for garnish

– Heat milk, cream, and ½ cup sugar in saucepan. Stir and cook until sugar dissolves Continue reading "Heavenly Spoonfuls – How To Host A Gelato Tasting Party" »

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Your Easy Livin' Summer Cocktail Party

Mason Jar Lemonade
It's summertime and the living is easy! This is a season for relaxing and enjoying the simple things in life. Hosting a summer party is no exception. Follow us as we show you the best way to throw a summery cocktail party where you can sit back, relax, and have fun with everyone else.

Cocktail parties are such a great adult theme choice because everyone likes to try new drinks. And by making the event a drop-in, there are no worries about guests arriving late and missing out. So get your Mad Men on and break out the barware.

Chill Time Party Prep

Send your invites at least a week ahead of time. Because this is a no-fuss party that doesn't require special attire or gifts, now is the perfect chance to lure out all those friends you haven't seen in awhile. And you'll hear few excuses because who doesn't want to chill out on a summer night?

Whether hosting inside or out, make sure you have plenty of seating so everyone has a chance to relax. If you are outdoors, this is the perfect time to hang your hammock and light some tiki torches. For decorations, keep it simple. Choose your favorite bright colors and show them off with some coordinated party supplies. An eye-catching tablecloth becomes the backdrop to your bar set-up. Create some balloon bunches to hang for some added whimsy. If you want a more natural look, try a beautiful fresh flower centerpiece from your local florist.

Warm Weather Appetizers and Snacks

It's hot out so keeping the food simple and the drinks cold is a great plan. Fresh fruit displayed in a fun way is both refreshing and decorative. We love all these examples that mix summer favorites like watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi and cantaloupe. Using mini terracotta pots for veggies and dip are as cute as can be. Plus, it frees up your guests to grab and go mingle. Opting for some healthy salsa and festive blue corn tortilla chips help keep things on the light side. Don't forget that a pickle and olive tray works great for snacking and garnishing drinks.

Relax With Easy Cocktails

These make-ahead drinks are incredibly refreshing and look so pretty chilling in a tub of ice.  You will enjoy compliment after compliment without ever having to play bartender during the party! Place colorful straws and a bowl next to the ice bucket so guests have a place to put the metal lids after opening their own individual serving of spiked lemonade. Might want to make more than one batch. They will go fast!

Mason Jar Spiked Lemonade
(serves 10)

You Will Need:

  • 10 pint mason jars with lids
  • 2 cups water / 6 cups water
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 2 cup fresh lemon juice (12-16) lemons
  • 15oz rum (or your choice of liquor)
  • lemon or lime slices for garish

— Make simple syrup by boiling 2 cups of water and adding 1.5 cups of sugar.
— Stir to dissolve completely. Steep herbs or berries at this stage for different flavors
— Chill syrup in fridge
— Mix together:  rum, lemon juice syrup, 6 cups water
— Divide the lemonade into the 10 jars, leaving space for garnish and extra ice
— Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime
— Screw lids on tightly and keep chilled

Mix it up! Try these variations:
Strawberries
Blueberries
Mint Leaves and Fresh Ginger
Fresh Herbs (steep in simple syrup)
Cake-Flavored Vodka
Pink Lemonade
Limeade
Orangeade

Easy Livin' Summer Playlist

Throw together some old favorites with a few new highlights to make the night's perfect soundtrack. Whether you just want to lay back and groove or enjoy a dance or two, this mix has you covered.

  • Summertime – Billie Holiday
  • Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince
  • Wouldn't It Be Nice – Beach Boys
  • Hot In The City – Billy Idol
  • Bar-B-Q – Wendy Rene
  • Got My Mojo Working – Muddy Waters
  • Roosevelt Island – Eleanor Friedberger
  • Under The Boardwalk – The Drifters
  • Pipeline – The Ventures
  • Got To Give It Up – Aaliyah
  • In The Sun – Blondie
  • Little Latin Lupe Lu – Don Norviel and The Visions
  • Heat Wave – Martha and the Vandellas
  • Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves
  • Rockaway Beach – The Ramones
  • King Of The Beach – Wavves
  • Summer In The City – Lovin' Spoonful
  • Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks

This summer will pass by faster than you think. So there is no time to waste.
Break out the flip-flops and dress summers so you can chill out with good friends.

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Fuss Free Fiesta

Ole! Ole! Are you stuck at home this summer daydreaming of a cruise to Mexico? Well, I’m here to help. It’s time to bring Mexico’s fun, fresh and vibrant elements to your next backyard party.

Fiestas are the perfect party theme for the time crunched host. It is also perfect for picky eaters, veggie lovers and party animals. The fiesta is all about your atmosphere. Create an illusion that people are in another country and you’ve won them over for an unforgettable evening.

Decoraciones

Fiesta colors should be fun and vibrant. Red, green and gold are perfect rich colors that automatically catch the eye. To start the theme, let’s start with the first thing you lay on a table, a table cloth. Table cloths are perfect for transforming an ordinary table to your summer escape. The table cloth can range from any color in the theme, but for today the perfect table cloth would be a white linen with an embroidered design in your theme’s colors. The embroidered design gives the table cloth a look of tradition and heritage without taking away from your centerpieces.

Floras

My Oh My! These flower arrangements can be too much fun. Centerpieces should have a mix of red and green flowers and succulents. The mix will create different heights and a wild flower look. The succulents are a must for breaking up the red. For the main statement centerpiece, look for a small piñata to throw in the middle, allowing the flowers to form around it. If that doesn’t say fiesta, I don’t know what will! For smaller arrangements, use old “El Pato” bean cans to hold several red carnations. The colors in the can will set off the red for the rustic look.

We’re not done with the cans. El Pato’s cans are your new mason jars. They are useful for everything. Try using a can to hold red and white striped straws. These will pump up the look of your lemonade without bringing out your fine china.

Last but not least, transform your seating area in a matter of minutes. Bright colored pillows can turn your outside furniture to a comfy mingling area that will be too hard to leave after you serve dinner.

“Jefe”

Appetizers are great for allowing set up time for the main dish. To keep your guests occupied, try a few of these favorites:

  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Cheese Dip
  • Pico de Gallo

For the fresh veggie lovers, slice up fresh red bell peppers, onions, cucumbers and pickles for a crunchy snack.

The main dish will of course be tacos, but we have a new way to present them. Try making a taco bar! This is the easiest way to serve your guests. The taco bar allows your guests to prepare their own meals, by selecting their choice of meat, veggies and condiments at one bar. All you have to do is fill the bowls and check for refills! Easy, huh? Side items that are a breeze are Spanish rice and beans. They’re the best for picky eaters. If that doesn’t please them, try dessert.

Dessert during the summer heat leads to one for sure dessert item, popsicles. Popsicles are easy yes, but if you stick to pineapple or lime flavors its sticking to your theme while cooling off your guests. For those with a severe sweet tooth, impress your guests with mini key lime pies. Your guests will leave with their tummies full and happy making your party a success!

Make your summer escape start today!

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Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower

Bachelorette parties are a breeze to plan, but a bridal shower for just your female relatives and close friends can be more difficult. Here is a fun theme for a bridal shower that is not only classy, but a theme that everyone can enjoy!

Tiffany Blue & White

It may feel like yesterday when you received that tiny blue box, with a not so tiny surprise! Now, it’s time to celebrate your next step with Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed bridal shower. If you’re obsessed with Tiffany & Co, pearls and old fashioned class this theme is perfect for you!

Like most vintage black and white romance movies, you have found that iconic love. Now, it is time to put the old glamour, romance and class to good use.

Bridal Shower Décor

Nothing travels you back in time more than your atmosphere. Create an escape from all the wedding planning for not only you, but your guests! Make your shower decorations have a fresh look that is perfect for a mid morning brunch. White table cloths, glass dishes and lace leave the slate clean for color. After all, this is all about Tiffany Blue.

The perfect base created by your whites and crystal can be embellished with a few decorations. Centerpieces will be the main statement pieces at your brunch. On your tables, there should be different heights. Each table should tell a story and represent your personality in its own way. For the table centerpieces you could use:

  • White Feathers (Elegant, Fun and Tall)
  • Pearls (In strands or in the bottom of vases)
  • Candle Holders (Crystal or Silver)
  • Blue Tiffany Boxes (All sizes for height and centerpiece vases)
Elegant Shower Decor
Flowers should be simple elegant colors like white and a light green. Hydrangeas are what come to my mind for the perfect height and full look. The flowers would look stunning in light blue vases or in a clear vase placed in the bottom half of a large tiffany blue box. The hydrangeas are so full; it will literally look like they are popping out of an engagement box.

Another element to this shower is women love to dress up. So, let your party be an excuse to go shopping! It’s a fun way to bond with the girls or family members before the shower. If you are worried about your guests having to buy something for your shower, don’t fret. Everyone owns…

That Little Black Dress

Dress codes can vary when it comes to bridal showers, but have fun with this one. Wear simple black dresses, pearls and don’t forget to bring your “puff” cigarettes. If you really want to have fun bring a set of white gloves.

Let’s say you want to stand out as the bride? What a simple way to have everyone wear black dresses for your entrance in white. Be the star for your perfect day!

If you are a woman after my own heart, you are probably thinking “Brunch… Where’s the food?” Don’t worry ladies it’s in the title of the theme.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

An early brunch is perfect for this theme! Not only does it go with the title, but breakfast is so easy to snack on while mingling. Of course, you should always choose your favorite breakfast foods for a unique appeal, but here are some starter choices:

  • Pearl Donuts (Also known as powdered)
  • Bagels
  • Fruit Bar
  • Pancake Cakes with powder sugar
  • Scones
  • Éclairs
  • Parfaits
Wedidng Brunch
These are all perfect starter choices for your brunch. They are easy to carry around from conversation to conversation and are not too filling. Did I mention they are super girly?

The Words of Love

From here you have everything you need for the set up of the party, now it’s time for the fun. After the mingling begins to die down it’s time for games. “He says… She says…” is always a hit and incorporates women from his side of the family. Write down quotes that you and your future husband have said. Allow the women to guess which of you said the funny one liner. After the given amount of time, reveal the mouth from which the quote came from and watch the look of shock and laughter fill the room.

When the party is over, don’t let your guests leave without their own set of pearls and a tiffany blue coffee cup. For an extra touch, I would wrap the cup in a thick white ribbon. Now, every morning they will remember memories of your bridal shower.

Coco Chanel believed that women should be two things: classy and fabulous. This party theme is just that. 

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Wanna Throw a 4th of July Party?

What better way to celebrate our freedom than with a get together with friends and family? There are plenty of ways to decorate your home in order to invite guests over and Wedding and Party Network has a few tips on throwing together a great 4th of July party.

  1. The easiest thing to start with would be the staple 4th of July decoration: you guessed it, the flag! You can find little flag replicas all over stores, like your local party store. Start with placing a flag in your yard, or hang it from your porch.Throughout your house, you could use them as part of table centerpieces. There are endless options. You could also buy streamers and ribbons in red, white, and blue throughout the house. What about a decorative, festive 4th of July wreath? It's a great way to welcome guests into your home. There are such fun ways to decorate for this red, white and blue holiday!
  2. Food! Food is important at any party, and the best thing about this kind of party is that you can theme it!  Try making star shaped cookies with cookie cutouts, cover them in red or blue frosting and use white sprinkles. (This could be a fun family craft for the kids to enjoy, too!)Also, have red and blue popsicles around: not only is it festive, but it's hot outside! The popsicles will help everyone to cool off. Food is such a fun way to display your patriotism.
  3. If you really want to spice things up, make some refreshing cocktails for the adults, or keep them alcohol free for the kids to enjoy, as well! Mix up some red punch and throw in some blue colored ice-packed stars. You can easily incorporate the theme of any part in with drinks and they keep everyone cool.

With our simple tips, you'll throw an amazing party with festive decorations! Everyone will want to be back at your place next year, and maybe even the next!

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I Pledge Allegiance to the Perfect Party Planners of America

Planning a successful party can be a huge achievement. Around our family, planning the perfect Independence Day party may promote you to queen of the universe. Why so much love for 4th of July? My family is military, give us any excuse to parade around in our American flag apparel and we are there. The great thing about the 4th of July is it is very hard to overdo American pride, BBQ, decorations or desserts.

White Chocolate Covered Cherries
Summertime is the season we’ve been waiting for. All that money spent on landscaping the backyard, cleaning the pool and staining the deck is now in use. Now, it’s time to show off all our hard work! It’s time for a 4th of July BBQ and we’re here to help!

Good “Eats”

When it comes to inviting people over for your BBQ there is one thing that is at the top of the list; food. Come on, it’s even in the name of your party. There are certain food choices that are common, but are goodies that can be grilled by your husband and save you some time. Food that puts your hubby to work is grilled burgers, hot dogs, smoked BBQ and ribs.

The good ole home comfort sides like potato salad, coleslaw and beans are perfect for the grilled entrees. Now, if you want to spice things up in the “sides” area I’m here to help. For a refreshing salad in the summer heat try adding strawberries, blueberries and bleu cheese crumbles. You’ll love the color mix.

That isn’t the only American flag inspired food choice. Desserts are also the key to a fun time.

Sweet Tooth Desserts

Everyone has a sweet tooth, but these desserts are sure to have your guests seeing stars. For another fruity mix, try skewing 8 blueberries and putting a star cut watermelon at the top for the perfect mix of red and blue. If that seems too healthy for the sweet lovers, try dipping strawberries in white chocolate, but don’t stop there. Before it dries dip the wet chocolate covered strawberry’s tip in a sparkly blue sprinkle mix. The strawberry should be in separated in red, white and blue layers that are sweet on the eyes.

Can’t get enough of the sprinkles; try the same thing with ice cream sandwiches and pretzel sticks. There can’t be a BBQ without cookies, so try adding red and blue sprinkles into cookie batter. Not only will there be firework cookies, but a firework explosion on your tongue. Yum!

If the children can’t wait for dessert, make them blue raspberry lemonade to cool them off after playing in the yard. The recipe can be found in my previous blog here. To give that lemonade an American feel add a red and white striped straw.

BBQ Decor

If their dinner doesn’t have them saying they are proud to be an American…they aren’t. With all the patriotic food, there has to be patriotic decorations to balance it out. Let’s start at the first thing your guests will see; your front door.

Wreaths are a hit for every season, but this 4th of July let’s blow them away.Take a wire coat hanger out of your closet and bend it into a circle. After perfecting the circle, pick out a red t-shirt and cut it into finger size strips. After cutting the t-shirt into shreds (literally), tie the pieces of t-shirts in a knot one by one until you have covered your hanger completely with red chaos. For the finishing touch add a blue and white bow to the top. The neighborhood will envy your unique entrance.

Beyond the entrance decorate the party area, which is most likely the backyard. If there is a porch, a cheap and elaborate banner can be hung around the guard rail. Take red and white striped fabric and secure it in different areas by tying it with blue yarn. Pull the fabric slightly loose between each secure area. The last step is to step back and admire the perfect fence or porch banner.

Don’t want to use the porch? Cut blue, red and white bandannas into triangles. Attach the triangle pieces at the base to a long string. When you hang the banner in the air, the pieces should point downward like a carnival banner. Now that the backyard porch is taken care of, the tables need to lead the guests to the main part of the party; the food.

Made in the USA Arrangement
Table Decor Themes

There are several ways to decorate a table for the 4th of July. For a quick and fabulous table arrangement start with a red and white polka dot table runner. Then it’s time to decorate the flower vases. Grab my favorite rustic vase, the mason jar, and wrap a piece of burlap around the vase and attach it with hot glue and add the finishing red bow over top of the burlap. After, the vase is done simply add red carnations to finish off the centerpiece.  Now, you have perfected the rustic look.

For a more fresh look, start with a white outside table-cloth. Grab 2 large clear vases for your centerpieces. Add a white daisy and red carnation mixture into the vase. Now we have red and white among the centerpieces, its’ time for the blue accent.  Fill a jug with water and apply blue color dye. The vases will appear blue and when the party is done, simply wash the vase to restore it back to its original color.

Don’t want to mess with color dye? Buy blue vases in various colors! Just pop a few roses or carnations in them and you have a beautiful centerpiece. To add the perfect base that won’t take away from the centerpieces throw down a light blue table-cloth.

These table decoration themes should have the guests begging for more.

New Sparkle on Party Favors

After all the food is consumed, it’s time to watch fireworks. Instead of giving party favors to your guest as they leave, I suggest you do it now. After eating a big meal, there are several cute ways to decorate peppermints. Did I mention they are red and white striped? If you’re more of a chewer, try red and blue gum balls for a fresh treat. Your guests will thank you.

For the children at your party, you can gather 3 or 4 sparklers and hold them together with red and blue ribbon. Not only will the sprinklers keep the kids away from the fireworks, but it will even look like a present! Such trickery!

4th of July is right around the corner. Be sure to celebrate the land of the free and home of the brave.

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