Create My Event - Event & Party Ideas Blog

Paparazzi Party

Halloween is rapidly approaching and seeing that this is one of my all-time favorite holidays, I was trying to think of a way to spice up the traditional costume party.

Everywhere I turn there seems to be a headline in the news about Paris this or Lindsay that. Why not take advantage of this celebrity-hyped circus and create a party theme around those famous Stars who fill all of the gossip pages? This theme is a perfect way to make your Halloween party truly memorable. With a simple click of the mouse, your friends will find it easy to google their favorite pop personality and find endless photos and costume ideas.

Start by sending your friends an invitation in the shape of a theater ticket or a black and white head-shot of your favorite star with an "autograph" and details about the party. Request that your guests dress in their favorite "Hot" celebrity from head to toe. There are lots of entertainment blogs out there such as perezhilton and hollyscoop. You can even list these websites on your invitation to give your friends a place to start.

Looking for celebrity suggestions? Try these Paparazzi Pleasers:
Paris Hilton
Mark Wahlberg
Brad Pitt
Jessica Simpson
Nicole Kidman
Mischa Barton
Demi and Ashton
Tom and Katie

Think about the ambience you are trying to create. Remember, less is not always more when it comes to celebrities. This is one theme where "going over the top is" an absolute must. Here are some easy suggestions for decorating your high-style, drama filled party:
1. Use a red carpet entry into the party to get the theme rolling from the moment your celebrities arrive.

2. Hang spotlights or theater lights from the ceiling.
3. Find head-shots of pop idols and movie stars and hang them on your wall. Don't forget to "sign" them.
4. Buy disposable cameras with the flash and encourage your guest to take lots of photos.
5. Buy gossip magazines, tear out images and frame them as art or choose shocking headlines and post them around the party.
6. Pass around an autograph book. Encourage your friends to jot down a few words about their time at the party and sign as their personality.

Don't forget the libations and snacks! You can set up a bar and offer celebrity themed drinks such as the Angelina Apple Martini, The Cameron Cosmo or the Mischa Mojito. Consider choosing finger foods such as chicken skewers or egg rolls. It's always easier to socialize with food that can be eaten in one or two bites. Even though real life celebrities don't seem to eat much, be sure to provide plenty of food to keep your guests happy.

When it comes to the prizes, don't just single out the best dressed, instead come up with several categories so that more than one person can enjoy the spotlight. You can give away a prize for "hottest celebrity couple" or "celebrity most likely to crash and burn". Music is always key to a successful party. If budget allows, hire a DJ to spin you and your idols into the night. Choose good lighting and create an atmosphere like the clubs that all of young Hollywood is frequenting these days.

A Paparazzi Party is a great twist to the traditional Halloween costume party. Your guest will enjoy dressing up as their favorite Tinsel Town Tart and the photos can make for a great follow up email in the next couple of days.

Happy Almost Halloween everyone!

Long Distance Party

For your grandma's birthday this year, why not throw her a long distance party?  Send invitations (and a paper party hat) to all her friends and family, telling them to call in at a certain time (don't forget to specify time zone), and everyone can wish grandma a happy birthday together!  If friends and family can't get together in person, it is a great second option.

There is two options for the Long Distance Party; You give all the guests a toll-free number and you pay for all the calls, or you can have everybody just call a long distance number.  I found great service (including Live Chat customer support) at a reasonable price at LiveOfficeTeleconferencing.  CorporateConferenceCalls.com also had reasonable prices and their webpage had a useful frequently asked questions' section.

On the call tell everyone to take a picture of themselves with their party hats on talking on the phone and send it to grandma for her photo album.

Custom Save-the-Date Magents

There's a magic formula for creating hip, trendy, save-the-date magnets, even on the tightest bridal budget...ready? Jot this down!

magnetvalley.com + ink jet + embellishments of your choice = one awesome save the date!

Step 1: Log on to www.magnetvalley.com and purchase their 8.5x11" magnet sheets, precut to business card size.

Step 2: Design your custom magnet using the computer program of your choice. Repeat the pattern to match the magnet sheet template.

Step 3: Print on your ink jet

Step 4: embellish - send your magnet in a tin with a little personalized note. Or, attach your magnet to a larger piece of carstock with a ribbon and mail off to friends and family.

Here are just a few of the examples you can create:

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Post and images provided by the folks at Anna Bella Stationery: stationery & lovely things.

Put Your Best Feet Forward

There's just no excuse for not spending more time with the girls in your life. By the way, with the advent of nail salons on every corner, there really is no excuse for unkept toes or neglected nails either.
Why not use these two no no's as a brilliant excuse to get the girls together and have an impromptu Pedicure Party?
The cost is low for everyone and the fun is fab. Your sure to get the attendance of every invitee if you provide the libations, snacks and salon expertise.
This will be the easiest pre-wedding, pre-baby, pre-anything party you will ever host.
How: I would never have known myself had it not been for the very eager and splendidly curious nail attendant I see at my local salon. She candidly questioned why I never called to book a party? Who knew?
Why: Why not. Who doesn't love perfectly tinted toes? Who cares that summer is over and those soles are sure to be shoved into shoes from here until eternity. Everyone likes fancy feet and frilly fingernails.
When: Book this get together quicker than you can say "Fabulous Feet For Fall".
Where: Your place or mine? Next time you are near your neighborhood salon, stop by to see if they do parties. Some salons will book a day and time at your place. Other salons prefer that you bring the gang into the Salon. Either way, set the date, grab the girls and make a party out of it.
Make it extra splendid and send a special invitation for a 'girly day of fun'. I especially like the online invitions from sendomatic.. There is even a category of invitaitons specifically for girly parties.
Of course, I love this party idea as a "no reason other than to spend time with my friends day", but it also makes a great bachelorette, pre-night on the town activity, or even a great baby shower pleaser for that mom-to-be who hasn't seen those toes in a few weeks...

Have fun with this one, who couldn't?

The Gift of Trees

Are you throwing a party for someone who "has everything"?  Here is an idea for those wonderful people in our lives who don't need or want more than what they already have.  Give the gift of trees.  On the party invitation, let the guests know that in lieu of gifts, please donate to the National Arbor Day Foundation.  For each $10 donation, 10 trees will be planted in National Forests.  For each donation, a certificate will be sent describing the trees and their location.

I love this idea because it saves the guests the headache of shopping, the price is reasonable for all guests, and it benefits the environment.  The webpage says that "Over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion".  The guest of honor will be so proud.

At the party, you can give the guest of honor a photo album where he can store the certificates.  Choosing a rustic photo album made with natural and recycled fibers would add to the theme.

A Fun Baby Shower Activity...No Really!

Next time it's your turn to throw a baby shower, try this fun activity as an alternative to the traditional baby shower games.

Buy packages of baby t-shirts or onesies in various sizes and colors. Be sure to purchase clothing which does not have any existing graphics or wording.
You can even mix things up and purchase white burping cloths or fabric bibs.
Next pick up some "puffy paint pens" in various colors. Puffy Paint pens can be found at any arts and craft store. Be sure to choose paint pens which are suitable for washing and non toxic for baby.
Remember to buy at least enough clothing and pens for every guest to participate at the same time.
To get the creative juices flowing, you may want to pick up a couple of inexpensive baby books. Look for books with a lot of simple graphics.

Once your guests have arrived and it's time for an activity, bring out the T's, pens and books.
Using the paint pens, each guest is then instructed to choose an item and begin to "play Picasso" on the clothing, burp cloths or bibs. Many people feel intimidated at the task of playing artist. Offer the books as idea generators.
A great idea is to draw a very simple image and then write text to go along.
For example draw an abstract moon on the center of the t-shirt and then above the moon write "...the cow jumped over the moon". Get creative. These works of art don't have to be perfect. Turn on some music and provide snacks. Encourage mom-to-be to take part in the project. Don't forget to take pictures.

Keep it simple and fun. This activity is not meant to be stressful for your guest. The goal is to provide the guest of honor mommy with some one of a kind pieces to remind her of her special shower.
The new mommy will cherish these works of art from her friends.
Don't forget to send the books home with the new mom. It's never too early to start reading to baby...

Gift Wine Etiquette

I love hosting dinner parties and my generous guests often bring a bottle of wine as a gift.   I enjoy wine, but am by no means a wine connoisseur, so I always appreciate ANY bottle that is brought to my table.   But, as a hostess, what is the proper way to handle this thoughtful offering?  Well, I did some research and found out that there is no set-in-stone rule.  If the host thinks that the bottle won't pair well with the meal they prepared, they needn't feel that they must serve the wine that evening.  But, if the host thinks that the guest would be offended, then they should go ahead and serve it to avoid hurt feelings and assure that your evening will be enjoyable.    Have a great dinner!

Back to School

The kids are going back to school; it’s time to celebrate! This is a great time of year to reconnect with the parents of your children’s friends. And what a better way to do it than with a Back To School Brunch?

Who?
Exactly whom you invite is up to you but stick with parents of school age children.  You may choose to focus on the parents of children in a specific class or school or you may just invite friends in the area.  Create cute paper invites out of your child’s new school supplies… think construction paper, crayons etc., buy preprinted invites or use this cute book themed e-invite from Sendomatic.

When?
The first day of school is the most appropriate day for the event but any day within the first couple of weeks will work. Choose a start time that allows parents enough time to drop off their kids at school and not much else. Any later in the day and you’ll run into more scheduling conflicts

Where?
The weather is still nice so a gathering outside is the easiest, be it at your home or a nearby park.  Keep to informal spaces filled with fresh flowers and cheery colors.

What?
A couple hours at most for moms (and dads) to sip coffee catch up and embrace the school year. Keep the menu simple so YOU have time to talk with your friends. 
•    Bagels and cream cheese
•    Fruit Salad
•    Krispy Crème Donuts
•    Coffee cake
•    Granola bar with yogurt, fruit, milk and honey
•    Quiche (can be bought pre-made)
•    Coffee
•    Tea
•    Orange Juice
•    MIMOSAS!

Something Wicked This Way Come

Boo! All Hallow's Eve is but a Harvest Moon away. It's time to start planning your annual spooktacular party! Oh, sorry. Did I scare you? Don't fret. Here are some hauntingly fun invitations that will send shivers down the spines of invited guests:

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Bat Invitations
Williams Sonoma
$30 for 8 cards

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Witch Invitations
Meri Meri at Fine Stationery.com
$128.75 for 25 customized cards

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Cauldron Invitations
Meri Meri at Fine Stationery.com
$138.25 for 25 customized cards

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Ghost Invitations
Anna Bella Stationery
$1.89 each, customized

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Create "Quick Originals" For Your Next Party

Recently I moved into a larger place and found myself in a pickle when it came to decorating my walls for my upcoming dinner party. My new home has more wall space than my humble art collection would cover. When it came down to it, I quickly realized that my budget was limited and my desire for unique art statements were strong. I needed to make a statement in the dining room since my guests would be spending most of their time staring at a currently blank wall.
I decided that the only way to get some "quick originals" on my bare walls would be to search out my inner artist and create my own art.
I started by purchasing a bundle of twigs and a pack of flexible steel wire. Because of the popularity of twigs and sticks in home decor today, you can easily find them in any size, shape and color imaginable at stores like Pier 1 Imports, or craft stores such as Michael's. The flexible wire can be found at any craft or hardware store. Look for a wire which is smaller in diameter so that you do not see it and it is easy to bend with your fingers.
Once you have selected your branches, begin your project by finding a flat surface in your home like the floor or a dining room table. Lay an old sheet or blanket on the surface for protection. Using masking tape or painters tape, map out the general size you want your art to occupy. This dimension does not have to perfect, a true artist is never confined by limits...
Next, cut about 20 or so 8" lengths of your flexible wire. Put them aside until you are ready to use them.
After laying out your "tape frame" and cutting your wire, begin by striping the twigs to a more minimal state. Keep in mind this step is only a suggestion and completely up to you. Determine what you want the overall effect to be when your piece is completed. For example, I wanted to achieve a more minimalist look with my piece so I clipped most of the excess growth off of my twigs.
Next, begin to lay out a pattern with your twigs within your frame. You can create something very symmetrical or something very organic. Again, you are the artist, your design is entirely up to you.
Once you have a good amount of twigs laid out, begin to wrap the flexible wire at key "connection points". As a good rule of thumb, try to wrap the wire around points which seem heavy or where multiple twigs may have intersected.
Once you feel satisfied with your piece, lean it up against a wall. This angle will help determine if you need more twigs or if your piece is complete and ready to hang.
Your overall piece of art should be fairly light. Generally only 1 or 2 nails will be required to hang your new artwork.
Choose a good spot to hang your art. An original like this is sure to receive rave reviews. Your friends will be impressed with your art skills and your budget will be well spent.
This art idea is also a great house warming gift for friends and family. My mother-in-law proudly displays her stick art in the entry of their new home. It's a conversation piece for many of her guests and a nice compliment to her rustic decor.