Create My Event - Event & Party Ideas Blog

Crystal Balls & Good Fortune

If you are already planning a New Year's Eve party or looking for ideas to get your "Party started", I thought I would share this fun idea. Everyone loves a bit of insight to their future, especially when the news is good. What better way to get you and your friends off to a good start by providing a fortune teller as the star of your party?
Start off this theme party be sending invitations which give insight to your theme of "good fortune". You can even word it with something like this, ..."I see a party in your future, join us for fun and fortune telling as we ring in the New Year..." or "good fortune has been predicted for you this New Year, join us for fortune telling, food and fun on New Year's Eve..." request that your guest dress in gypsy like clothing to get into the mood.

You can carry this theme by creating a gypsy den atmosphere with hanging beads, crystal balls, lots of mood lighting, tons of candles and draping fabric for intimate ambiance. Don't forget to create a special, private place for the fortune teller to share her thoughts with your friends. There are many fortune tellers for hire so it should be very easy to acquire your guest of honor by searching the internet or looking in your local phone book. Most are paid by the hour so depending on their fees, you should only need their services for a few hours. Consider having them arrive at least an hour or so into the party, so that people have a chance to warm up... You should also consider the big countdown and make sure that everyone has had a chance to visit the crystal ball before the clock strikes midnight. Remind your guests that this is all for fun and while the fortune teller takes her job very seriously, the outcome of their visit to the future should not be taken to the grave...

For music, I found a great CD called Cosmic Grooves. This mood music will really set the theme for a party like this. Other ideas can be as simple as tarot card party favors or scattered magic eight balls for your guest to entertain themselves during the party. Try placing pillows on the floor for intimate eating areas and dress the food table with black plates and purple or red silverware. You can even hang celestial planets or stars around the house for added ambience.

Have fun with this theme. When it comes time to ring in the new ear, everyone is sure to be in a good mood and will welcome 2007 with a positive outlook of good fortune and fun.

Opening the Bubbly

Opening a bottle of bubbly doesn't need to be scary, require protective eye wear, or brute strength... use these this method to open your New Year's cheer safely...

1. Hold the bottle facing away from you and others at a 45 degree angle.
2. Remove the foil and remove the wire cage (5 or 6 twists should do it).  Keep your thumb on top of the cork to prevent it from prematurely releasing.
3. Place a dishtowel or cloth napkin over top.  With your dominant hand, grip the bottom of the bottle and gently twist while keeping the cork still with your other hand.
4. The pressure of the bottle should begin to push the cork out. You should start hearing a hissing sound as the air sneaks out of the bottle.
5. Continue to twist bottle, slowly easing out the cork.  Be sure to have a glass handy.
6. Pour and enjoy!

Have a great New Year!

A Night of Fashion and Friends

With the New Year right around the corner, I find that right after the Holiday's is the best time to start cleaning out the closet. During the gift giving season, many of us may be receiving a few new items to add to the wardrobe. If your closet is anything like mine, I am not sure that I can manage to squeeze in another pair of jeans or bulky sweater.
My rule of thumb for purging the closet is simple. If I have not worn the item in 12-18 months, it's time to let go and move on. I am not one to hang on to things, and I have been told that the task of purging is not an easy feat for those who keep everything from grade school report cards to love notes from the guy who kissed you in geometry class back in 88'. Come on, do you really need to hang on to those jeans that fit you before the baby came. It's always nice to dream that they will fit again someday, but maybe a new, and more stylish pair will be the motivation you are really looking for. This party theme is a great way to motivate your friends who find elimination the worst possible task next to writing Christmas cards or thank you notes.

I thought it would be fun to get the girls together for an afternoon of Fashion and Fun. Instruct your friends to go through their closet and pull the items which they no longer fit into or have simply tired of. This purge can also include shoes, scarves, belts and fashion jewelry. Invite everyone over for a Fashion show with "freebies" to share and take home. Lay out some tables with note cards to label categories such as jeans, sweaters, blouses, belts, etc. When the girls arrive with the garb have everyone place their items in the appropriate category. You may even want to supply a make-shift hanging system for fancy party dresses and things that belong on a rack. You can even include a table or section for baby and children's clothes.

Offer tea, coffee and cookies to munch on while the girls mingle and review the items brought by everyone else. I recently attended a "fashion party" like this and the host created a fun "changing area" for everyone to try on the items that they liked. I scored a fabulous little black dress that my friend Lisa has worn a thousand times and was afraid that people would begin to wonder if she owned anything else. The dress is classic in style, and is still a current item, especially when I worked in a big white belt that I also scored that night. Encourage everyone to mix and match items brought by different people. The possibilities are endless for new outfits that you and your friends can create from other peoples closets.

When the party begins to wind down, collect all of the unclaimed items into a bag and bring them to a local homeless shelter or Salvation Army. This way, you are taking things a step further and helping out the community at the same time.

Fruity-Tooty Drinks

As a child, I used to love ordering a Shirley Temple for special occasions or having a sparkling cider at New Year's Parties.   I must be a kid at heart, because I still love those fancy non-alcoholic drinks and I treat myself to interesting sparkly drinks I find at gourmet grocery stores.  I also make my own drinks with seltzer water and fruit juices.  My favorite is grapefruit juice and seltzer water.  Cranberry is also a great tasting juice to add to seltzer.  Sparkling lemonade is another great one.

When entertaining, I always offer my guests a tempting non-alcoholic drink option.  The children, designated drivers, and your pregnant friends will appreciate feeling included in the festivities of the evening.  To make your non-alcoholic drinks festive, adorn them with all the bells and whistles that some alcoholic drinks include, such as mini-umbrellas, maraschino cherries, fresh fruit wedges, and/or lots of ice.  For a unique touch to lemonade, serve it in a margarita glass dipped in sugar (rather than salt).

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

 

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Every Christmas Eve, my husband's family and I share in a Holiday tradition that warms our hearts and really makes the Christmas season feel complete for us. If you are looking for your own family tradition, this is a great way to spend the evening before Santa arrives.
My husband's father has a very close resemblance to Santa himself, actually, he has been told he also looks like Kenny Rogers, but when he grows out his beard, starting Thanksgiving weekend, he really can pass as Old Saint Nick. I can't wait for children someday so that we can have Santa appear at our house every year...

Anyway, my father-in-law bought a Santa costume (you can rent them too), and on Christmas Eve he dresses up, while we adorn green and red with Santa hats to get into the spirit as well. We hop in the car and drive down to the Children's Hospital to pass out gifts to the children in the cancer ward. Sadly, there are many children who spend the holidays couped up in a hospital bed recovering from serious illnesses. We have a very dear friend who's son spent Christmas in this particular facility many years ago and we created this tradition when Todd made a full recovery. The staff was so wonderful during his stay in the cancer ward and we wanted to find a way to, not only give back to them, but also spread some cheer in their department during the Christmas season.

About a week before Christmas, we call the nurses station to find out which children will be there, and what their ages are. We promptly go to Target to fill up the shopping cart with Toys for each child. We have even extended the gift giving to siblings since often their Christmas Eve is also spent in the hospital with Mom and Dad and their sick brother or sister. Gift giving is never extravagant but it is always a joy to watch the little smiles appear on children who have not been feeling much like smiling for weeks. Unfortunately, some of the children are so young that this visit from Santa is the first time they have met the "magic maker". Visits with these children are a special treat.

If you decide to begin a tradition such as this, it is very important that you work directly with a representative from the hospital. There are very strict rules about who may and may not have access to a children's ward. But, like us, once you have made this a tradition, and proven your heart's intent, the Nurses find this a very welcomed respite from the duties of tending to sick children. Often, some children are so sick that only Santa is allowed in the room for a brief time to capture a picture with the adorable tot. We always bring along a polaroid and leave the picture with the parents. Sometimes, if a child is sleeping, Santa slips in, takes a picture with the child and the surprise is left for him or her to awake to. Of course we never forget the nurses. A tin of cookies and candy is always a welcomed treat and "pick-me-up" for those long hours...

While this tradition is very heart warming, it can be tough. It definitely tugs at the old heart, so bring tissues for Santa and his elves. There are some children who sadly, are too sick for any visitors. With those children, Santa peeks his jolly head through the window and we all sing a Christmas carol... and say a prayer... for our little friend and his family.

About three years ago, a teddy bear manufacturer heard about our family tradition and has since been helping us by sending us with loads of stuffed toys to pass out. There is something to be said for a snugly friend to keep in bed when you are not feeling well. Thankfully, we always end up with more stuffed toys than there are children in the ward. So, when we are done in the cancer ward, we head over to the emergency room and Santa passes out friends to those children who find themselves unexpectedly at the emergency room on Christmas Eve. You would be surprised at how many children spend the night before Christmas in the emergency room for one reason or another.

If you and your family are looking for a way to fill your hearts this Christmas, consider adopting our family tradition. It really does bring the meaning of Christmas home. If you run into obstacles at your local hospital, try adopting the same tradition but instead bring Santa and toys to a local homeless shelter. Everyone loves to see Santa!
Happy Holidays everyone!!!

Make Holiday Entertaining Easier

Holiday entertaining, no matter how small a party, can be time consuming and make the polished of hosts a bit frazzled.  Knowing that the holiday season is a busy time already, plan accordingly so you aren't creating more work for yourself than necessary.  Here are a few tips that may help...

When asked if guests can bring something, say "yes" (for once!) and ask them to bring something specific, like an appetizer tray, bottle of red wine, or a dessert.  Those little extras will really cut down on the chaos when the date draws nearer.

If you have small guests (I mean children, not short friends!), either have some toys placed out for them or give them little jobs like, folding napkins, collecting coats, and/or setting the table.  For a little older children, you can print out a drink option list and have them ask the guests what they would like to drink. 

While preparing your meal, wear an apron so if you spill you won't have to waste time finding a new outfit.  There are some really stylish patterns out there.  Try one that is festive for the season.

Take short cuts with dinner...pre-chop for the dishes that can only be prepared at the last minute.   Better yet, serve only food that can be prepared ahead of time.  Finally, buy the pie and gravy rather than make it from scratch.  Nobody minds...they are just there to enjoy your company for the holidays, not to critique your culinary prowess.

Finally, accept the help when your guests offer to clean (they wouldn't offer if they didn't want to help).  Or, better yet, hire a neighbor kid to help out - you can enjoy your guests more if your not stuck in your kitchen.  Have clean sponges, washcloths, dishtowels ready to go.  Have a empty dishwasher for a quick clean-up. 

Cut as many corners as you can to enjoy your guests...this is the holiday season and you should be getting a sense of pleasure from your holiday entertaining, not gray hairs!

Hip Holiday Exchange Party

Looking for a fun way to put a twist on the traditional gift exchange party? Whether you are hosting a party for the bunko girls or getting a group of your closest couple friends together to ring in the Holiday season, this idea is a sure way to spice things up.

Include in your invitation, instructions for each guest to purchase a non-gender specific gift. Put a limit on the gifts so that the gift giving is fun and not a competition. By the way, looking for fresh invitations? Log onto sendomatic.com and find the perfect design for your Holiday fun filled fiesta.

Before your party begins, take some time to write a clever Holiday story of Santa, his crew and the perils of finding the 'Hiding House of Helen and Hubert'. Make sure that your story incorporates lots of left-turns, right-turns, and a few u-turns in between.

Once your party has kicked it into high gear and your and your friends are ready to exchange gifts, have everyone stand in a circle holding their gifts. Begin reading your prepared story and instruct the guests to pass the gift with every twist and turn in the story. Once the story is over, the gift which ends up in each person's hands is the gift that they leave with.
This is a great way to funk up your gift exchange party and get some belly laughs from your friends.
Happy Holiday Happenings!

Gift Wrapping Night

Have the girls over for a gift wrapping night this week.  Tell everybody to bring over all their unwrapped gifts for a wrapping extravaganza.   Whether you're gathered around your dining room table or you're sitting on pillows on your kitchen floor, it will be fun chatting with your friends over a job that is usually solitary.  Provide plenty of scissors, tape, ribbons, and interesting gift-toppers. 

Ask your friends to bring their favorite wrap and/or any spare rolls to share.  Pick up a few extra rolls, just in case there are some big gifts that need lots of paper.  You also could save this Sunday's comic page from the newspaper for some good ol' fashion "funny" wrap job.  Plain butcher paper can be decorated with stickers or stamps, if you'd like to get really creative.  Also, colored foil is a really stunning wrapping paper. 

Take a walk through your nearest craft store and your bound to find some interesting items to share with your guests.  You could also gather some beautiful leaves, pine cones, or small pine tree branch pieces.  You'll have so much fun that you'll soon make this a yearly tradition.

Spreading Smiles

There is always room for cheer this holiday season and I want to share a great way to spread the love to those who may be feeling lonely this time of year. There are many elderly people who sadly spend the holidays in a group home environment with very little contact with their loved ones. As a child, my grammar school always made a point to visit at least one of these homes for the elderly during the Holiday season. This idea is an easy way to fill your own heart with joy while at the same time, stock up on some Karma points...

Find a local group retirement home and give them a call to see if they would be interested in some visitors. Be sure to find out when social hours may occur. You don't want to stop by during lunch, dinner or nap-time...also, find out how many residents will be around the day that you stop by. You want to be sure that you have enough treats and favors for everyone.

Gather your friends, the more the merrier...and tell everyone to bring 2 or 3 wrapped ornaments. The ornaments don't have to be new or fancy by any means. This keepsake will really bring home the old saying, "it's the thought that counts". You can also bake some cookies, making sure to choose a soft cookie like sugar cookies or snicker-doodles. Omit anything with chips or nuts as they may be hard for some people to chew. Have everyone dress up in festive colors and encourage Santa hats if people have them. You can even run to a local arts and crafts store like Michaels to purchase some inexpensive hats to share with your friends.

My grammar school teacher always brought a portable music player so that we could play holiday music during our grand entrance and visit. If someone has a very well behaved dog, many homes welcome fury friends. Many elderly people have lost a pet with their transition into the home and welcome a lick or two on the face. Don't forget to ask the manager of the home if this extra friend is welcome.
Ask around to find out if any of your friends have a polaroid camera. It's great fun to capture the smiles of all your new friends and even better when you can leave the picture with them. Many of the people you meet that day will treasure the ornament and photo for years to come.

Last but not least give out hugs. It's amazing what a warm embrace will do to someone who is feeling down or lonely. The Holidays are a time for smiles so get a group together and start spreading em'