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February 22, 2016 by Tracy Brengard

Three Dinner Parties for 2016

The holidays are over and 2016 is here! While you may not think of hosting a party during the winter months, many people are looking for something entertaining to do when the weather outside may be frightful. Plan a dinner party using one of these themes.

Winter Wonderland

Celebrate winter with a Winter White theme. Invitations, decorations and tableware can all be white. Encourage guests to wear white and serve white food! Whether it’s popcorn, white chocolate, pasta or cheese, there are many different options, which can be served formally, or in a more casual style. If white isn’t your color, chose another and have a color themed party!

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January 6, 2016 by Laken Watts

Trending Parties for 2016

A new year has come and 2016 has big things in store for us. We’ve got three fresh, new party ideas to go along with events and movies of 2016!

1. Finding Dory Themed Party
We’ve wait been waiting for this one for a long time! The sequel to Disney’s Finding Nemo has finally arrived and I know it’s going to be a favorite for the year. The movie comes out this summer, so it’s perfect for summer swim parties. This is also a great gender neutral party! For food, keeping it light is best. PB&J sandwiches cut out fish shapes (use a cookie cutter), gold fish crackers, and watermelon cut out to look like an open mouth shark are a few simple ideas. Kids can run and grab a bite then head right back to the pool fun! Use a blue table cloth and tie some green streamers to the table to look like sea weed and you’re set!

2. Olympic Themed Party
The 2016 Olympic games are being held in Rio De Janiero, Brazil, and we are so excited about this theme! The possibilities are endless and ages don’t matter with this one. You can make your own mini Olympics with outdoor yard games like potato sack races, corn hole games, tug of war and a basketball shoot outs. Give gold, bronze and silver prizes to the winners. Have a decent amount of food since guests will be working hard. It would be a great time to grill out! Keep it simple for the main course—burgers and chips are easy. You can get fancy with your dessert by making cupcakes that look like the Olympic rings. Don’t forget to light a (tiki) torch!

3. Transit of Mercury Party
It’s been 10 years since we have been able to see the planet Mercury pass by Earth. This May, we will get to witness this spectacular event. Space themed parties are easy to put together and the main show will wow your guests. Have your telescope ready and be sure to have NASA’s website pulled up to see estimated viewing times. Just put out light snacks for your guests. Cheese puffs can be labeled as the planet Mercury, rice krispies cut out as stars, and last but not least, the Bomb rocket popsicles!

This year is going to be filled with many great memories and times to celebrate! For more great party tips and trends, visit the Wedding and Party Network Blog!

November 30, 2015 by Tracy Brengard

Party Tip of the Week: Christmas Party Themes

Holiday movies and music, lists for Santa, and a shimmering tree–these are some of the things that make Christmas the most magical time of the year! Why not throw a party to remember this holiday season? Try a new theme or put a spin on your tradition holiday celebration with one these party ideas.

Polar Express Pajama Party
Ugly Christmas sweaters have been the go-to dress code for many recent holiday parties. Try something different this year with a pajama party for kids! Host a Polar Express pajama party with train tickets as invitations. Have someone, maybe Santa himself, read the story “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg or watch the movie. As a party favor, provide a bell for each guest, which fits in perfectly with the ending of the story.

Progressive Dinner Party
A progressive dinner party is another option for celebrating with friends and neighbors. Choose three host homes to visit–one for appetizers, then main course, and finally, dessert. Plan to stay an hour at each stop. Each guest may be assigned a menu item to bring to the host. One option is to do an around the world theme and have different foods from different countries with matching decorations and games.

Santa’s Workshop Party
The holidays are a time for giving, and it would be great to encourage the generosity of others in your holiday planning. Host a Santa’s workshop party. Everyone that attends receives a Santa hat as they arrive. Guests bring a toy or other donation for needy families in the community. Then put on some music, bring out the hot cocoa, and wrap your gifts to give to a local charity.

Whether you decide to have a large event or simply go Christmas caroling around your neighborhood, plan a wonderful celebration to share with friends and family!

September 21, 2015 by Hannah Jackson

Party Tip of the Week – 5 Halloween Party Themes

Halloween is right around the corner and if any holiday calls for a creatively fun celebration, it’s this one! Here are five ideas to get into the spooky spirit!

For The Kiddos:

Halloween Pet Party
Take something that kids love–animals–and make it into a fun Halloween inspired party. Encourage guests to come dressed as their favorite pet, Halloween style.

Friendly Monster Theme
This Halloween party is all about fun, not fright. Think bright colors, lively games and super cute treats. Ideas: Monster Bingo and a monster eyeball toss.

Spooky Forest
Create a playful forest in your living room for a cool nature-inspired party. Spray paint branches and hang paper bats from the ceiling to spook-ify your home. Make the food forest theme as well with funny puns!

For the Adults:

Glittering Gala
Bring the glam to your next adult Halloween party! Spray paint pumpkins in hues of metallic gold or sparkly silver and use accents of black lace and feathers. Serve up sophisticated appetizers and a spooky, bubbly drink!

Pop-Culture Costume Party
If you desire to bring a little humor to your Halloween shindig, make the costume dress code a pop culture dress up. Whether it’s Beyonce or a favorite TV show character, your party is sure to be full of laughs!

It’s almost time to throw the Halloween party of the decade! Pick one of these themes and let the creative planning begin!

August 22, 2015 by Hannah Jackson

Five Boy Birthday Party Themes

Boys are known for their energy. So, planning a boy’s birthday party should be no less of a thrill. Here is a top five list of ideas to get you started!

1. Construction:

Replace serving bowls with toy Tonka dump trucks and fill the backs of them with your snack food.
Yellow hard hats can also double as decorations and party hats.
Signs such as, “Construction Zone Ahead!” and “Dig in!” will enhance the atmosphere and maybe even get a laugh or two from the excited party goers.
For this theme, serve snacks like gummy worms, rock candy, or pretzels to imitate things outside that boys love.

2. The Cat in the Hat:

This theme is really becoming popular. You can do a lot with all of the quirky sayings and goofy characters in the Dr. Seuss books.

If your boys are well-versed in their Dr. Seuss characters, a game of Guess That Book would be a fun way to test their knowledge of Dr. Seuss quotes.

3. Safari:

My little boy is in love with all things safari animals. From the unique way they look, to each one’s distinct expression of sound, boys are mesmerized by them.

I would choose three to five different animal types and use them as inspiration. It would be easy to go overboard on the variety of animals presented.
Give each guest the option of dressing in the color of their favorite safari animal.
Fun activities would include: pinning the body part on the various animals, guessing the animal sound, and a safari station where they could pack a small bag with essentials like binoculars or sunglasses.

4. Army Camo:

For the hunter, a little boy who may have a parent who serves our country, or if your little guy just loves soldiers and all things battle related, this theme is perfect.

Green and brown cupcakes, a cake topped with little toy army men, various candy and snack bowls that can be renamed with things like “Cannon Balls” and “Cookie Grenades” are just a few suggestions for your food presentation.
You can find camo inspired craft paper and hang up homemade banners around the party room for a super easy decoration.
Tear up green and black butcher paper into various shapes and sizes and place them on the walls of the party area and hang green netting on the ceiling to create a camouflage effect.

5. Camp Out:

For the outdoor lover, creating a camping experience for his birthday is a fun way to recreate a scene that he enjoys.

If your party is during the day, have a scavenger hunt to search for different plants and wildlife.
At night, break out the s’mores buffet table with add-ons such as; different types of chocolate, pretzels, and nuts.
If you make cupcakes, make chocolate ones with orange and white icing that resembles a campfire.
Have your birthday boy help you search for large pinecones and small sticks to display your party food signs on.

When the time comes to plan a special party for a special guy in your life, these ideas are lots of fun and easy to pull together!

August 13, 2015 by Hannah Jackson

Ways to Celebrate Back to School

I have distinct memories growing up of celebrating school ending, but to celebrate going back to school is a trend I love. What better way to shake the jitters of beginning a new year of school than to throw a big party in its honor? Here are a few ways to give kids (and teachers!) a way to look forward to the summer coming to an end.

Back to School Dinner Tradition

Use this occasion to motivate your kids and their mindset towards school. It’s not usually easy to welcome school starting back, but with a little creativity and time, you can put together something that will penetrate their hearts. Host a dinner each year with a new motivational theme for the upcoming school year. Theme ideas are: “Your Future is Bright”, “Sharpen Your Mind”, and “Make the Best of it!” This tradition can be for kids or teachers since both need inspiration for a new year of challenges!

Book Swap Party

Beforehand, have 10 friends collect a few books a piece to bring over for a back to school book swap. Whether used or new, just books in good condition that the kids can search through while they snack and play together in anticipation for a new school year. There’s just something special about bringing home a new book, and it can get them excited about reading again if they haven’t been reading much over the summer break.

Fun in the Sun

With summer coming to a close, kids may need a last hurrah in the sun and water. Planning some simple outdoor water games can help ease any back to school anxiety that may be creeping in. Activities can be a slip-n-slide, sandcastle building station, sprinklers, or just your basic swimming pool. Have lemonade and some fresh fruit and popsicles for them to snack on as they play and you’ll have yourself a refreshing party they will really appreciate!

Kick start the new school year on the right foot by celebrating it! Use one or all of these ideas to welcome school with open arms.

June 7, 2015 by Kelly Curtis

Top Party Themes for June

We browsed Pinterest to find great party themes that would be perfect for June, or any time during the year really. From the colorful art party to the movie themed party, these are great for boys & girls as well as any age.

Colorful Art Party via Eclectic Momsense

We love this colorful art party for your little artist. The rice krispie paint brushes, cookie cake and the art kits are adorable.

Garden Themed Party via Glamorous Affordable Life

This garden themed party is perfect for any little girl. We love the berry baskets and the favors for this party.

Popcorn Tablescape via Between Naps on the Porch

Such an adorable tablescape that can be created for a movie themed party. How they incorporated ticket stubs, candy and movie ticket stub invites are all wonderful for this theme.

Have your own party theme you would like to share with us? Email us at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com

Thank you to Eclectic Momesense, Glamorous Affordable Life and Between Naps on the Porch.

May 15, 2015 by Kelly Curtis

Inspirational Friday – Birthday Parties

Planning a birthday party soon? This can most definitely be a stressful task since you want it to be perfect. So, this week’s Inspirational Friday will focus on birthday parties to give you a little inspiration.

It’s all about the recipient when planning a birthday party. What do they like and enjoy? Base it around that. For example, if your child enjoys a certain cartoon, it may be a good idea to base their party theme around that. It may not be something you personally like, but if they do that’s all that matters. Once you figure out a theme, research all about it. Once you know and understand your theme, you can start picking up details for your party. We hope this tip helps and don’t forget to share your birthday party pictures with us at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com.

May 2, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano

Hosting a Cinco De Mayo Party

We celebrate Cinco de Mayo but do you really know what this Mexican holiday stands for? Here is a brief history, traditions and activities that take place this day.

Some people think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence day but these are two completely different holidays. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French army at what is called “La Batalla de Puebla” or the battle of Puebla. On September 16, 1862, President Benito Juarez made this day an annual holiday in Mexico.

Most celebrations take place in Puebla. It is tradition to have speeches, parades and reenactments of the battle with people dressed in Mexican and French soldier uniforms. This is all done for visitors/tourist and residents to attend. Everyone wears patriotic clothing and accessories in green, white and red. Traditional Mexican food is served such as tamales, mole, salsa and tortilla chips, tacos, arroz (rice) and guacamole. What makes this celebration extra fun is the Mariachi music and folk dances, definitely bringing life to the party! Not in Mexico? No problem. Here are a few tips on hosting a Cinco De Mayo party of your own.

In the United States this is more of a day to celebrate the Mexican culture. Cinco de Mayo is surprisingly celebrated more around the U.S. than in Mexico. This day gives people in the US a chance to celebrate like Mexicans do! Are you planning to have a Cinco de Mayo party this year? Here are a few ideas for a fun Cinco de Mayo fiesta!

Cinco De Mayo Decorations

Use a very colorful scheme when decorating. Colors such as yellow, blue, purple, orange and green, white and red are perfect for this occasion. This is a very happy culture so pretty much any bright color will look great!

Often crepe or tissue paper is used to make decorative pieces to hang on walls or ceilings. These are known in Mexico as “papel picado”. If you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive way to add character to the fiesta, this is it! Not only inexpensive, but very easy to make! All you need is patience and a little imagination.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Crepe or Tissue Paper (variety of bright colors)
Scissors
String or tape to hang

Directions

Step 1: Cut the paper to about “letter” size (8×10)

Step 2: (This step is optional) Draw or print template of design on a blank piece of paper.

Step 3: Select a variety of colors and stack them. You’ll be able to make more banners at a time.

Step 4: Place template (if available) on top of crepe or tissue papers.

Step 5: Fold papers down the middle. Make sure the template is in front of all papers. This is the first thing you want to see when papers are folded.

Step 5: Start cutting!

Step 6: Unfold the papers and…voila! You’re done.

This is a great activity to do with family and friends!

Spice It Up with Your Food

The traditional foods to eat on Cinco de Mayo are tamales, tacos and mole. Tamales and mole are not easy to make so make a taco bar so everyone can make their perfect taco.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Flour and corn tortillas
Fillings (beef, meat, chicken, turkey, etc…)
Variety of Salsas
Guacamole
Dips
Beans
Taco shells
Salad (lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, cheese, onions, etc.)

You can have as many ingredients as you like. The options are limitless.

Traditional Music

What’s a party without music? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some Mariachi.

Mariachi is the most traditional type of Mexican music! Singers like Vicente Fernandez and Alejandro Fernandez are most known for singing with Mariachi. Maybe even search for a local Mexican band in your area.

A Cinco de Mayo fiesta is all about enjoying the Mexican culture. Gather with your family and friends and enjoy a delicious Mexican fiesta.