Party Invitations, Party Planning & Event Ideas

Does the Bride Have To Open Gifts At the Shower?

Here’s the scenario: You rented a perfectly gorgeous venue for the bridal shower you’re throwing.  It wasn’t over the top expensive, but you shelled out a pretty penny for it.  That doesn’t matter though because the bride will L-O-V-E it!  You now have three hours to host the shower of the century.

Here’s the problem: You now have THREE hours to host the shower of the century.  Three hours to set up, greet guests, mingle, eat, play a few games, open gifts, serve the cake and tear down.  Oh, and by the way, did the manager of the venue mention that any time over the three hours will cost you an extra couple hundred dollars?

Sound familiar to anyone?

We ran into this situation with my sister’s Chocolat(e) Bridal Shower.  We had three hours to make it all happen.  Luckily, we were able to beg an extra half hour for set up, but that still didn’t leave us much time.  How many times have you gone to a shower that began at noon and next thing you know, it’s almost 4:00?

Exactly.  Time flies when you’re having fun.

So, as the host, how do you fit everything into your time limit and NOT get stuck having to pay for an extra hour or more?

My budget friendly tip: skip the gift opening.

“GASP! The horror!” cry the Emily Post’s and Martha Stewart’s of party planning.

I realize that the purpose of a bridal shower is to “shower” the bride with gifts.  However, how many of us have attended a shower and groaned silently through the entire gift opening process?  Be honest. No one can see you nod your head as you sit on your couch reading this.

 Even without the gift opening at the shower, the bride is still being “showered” with gifts.  The only difference is now she gets to spend more time mingling with her family and friends.  Plus, no one has to feel like they went the inexpensive (read: cheap) route by being compared to the gift that would have cost an entire month’s paycheck. 

Another plus, the bride isn’t faced with this situation, “A crock pot! I love it! Just what I’ve always wanted…even though it’s the third one I opened today…”  Being the duplicate gift giver (even if you did buy your gift three months ago) always feels awkward.

Here’s the way I see it: It’s now considered okay to send out evites rather than handwritten invitations.  Showers were once for women only, but now it’s commonplace to have a “Jack and Jill.”  Mothers and sisters of the bride were NOT to host the shower, but very rarely do I attend a shower that is NOT hosted by a mother or sister. Why do we have to stick to the rule of opening gifts at the shower?

My sister did not open her gifts at her shower and we were able to get everything done within the three hour time limit.  We did let the guests know that gifts were not going be opened during the shower with a note on the menu card that read,

“So that we have more time to enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company, win fantastic prizes, and eat more chocolate, Megan will not be opening gifts during the Choco-Soiree.  She wants to thank you in advance and she wants you to know that she appreciates every item that you so thoughtfully picked out for her and Dru to begin their life together as husband and wife.”

That evening her and her husband-to-be took turns opening gifts.  No one knows if they were a duplicate.  None of the guests had to feel as if their gift wasn’t as expensive as someone else’s gift.  Megan and Dru loved every gift they received and each guest received a Thank You note.

To open gifts or to not open gifts?  It’s a personal choice.  However, I don’t think you need to feel as if you’re breaking a cardinal etiquette rule if you chose to save the gift opening until after the shower.

Posted by A Yummy Mummy On A Pink Park Bench

Do Me A Favor

Arg! Those cursed plastic character goody bags filled with useless piñata trinkets that end up all over the car or in every toy bin or basket in the house. And somehow, we've all come to believe the success of our kid's party lies in the bottom of those plastic bags. I personally despise them and piñatas...really? Nothing is more fun than dive-bombing for junk, then one child hoards everything, leaving the less-aggressive (read: rude) kids standing around empty-handed.

Think beyond those bags, it's so easy and sometimes just as affordable. Even plain paper bags bulked out with tissue paper and decorated with themed stickers is so much more personable. Take a cue from your party theme. Top off a fishing party with a pail with a twig fishing pole made from stick or string, gummy worms and a few chocolate fish wrapped together in cellophane, tissue paper, or wax paper and tied with a ribbon.

In the Gospel According To Great Parties For Kids, they share a few creative suggestions. Jars of homemade playdough look charming and are perfect for the three and under crowd when paired with a fun-shaped cookie cutter. Add a label bearing it's recipe: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup salt, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar and 1 tablespoon food coloring in a heavy pan over medium heat. Stir as the mixture thickens and, when it comes together as a dough, remove from heat. When cool enough to handle, knead the mixture for a minute or two and it's ready!

When it comes to favors, don't think about quantity or dollar value, think instead about how to present what you are giving. Sports cups filled with felt tips are perfect for a sports party, while a stack of ribbon-topped boxes filled with a few barrettes and a bottle of bubble bath easily found at a local dollar store. A pretty bag with a floral pin attached is perfect as is, and needs no wrapping. The same goes for a miniature water can and trowel, to top off a beach-themed party.

Have fun with clear containers like small acrylic boxes and tubes. Fill with fun candy, crayons, plastic necklaces and bracelets. I did the same for favors for my Around The Clock shower. Shh...scored mine at Michael's. Even a cellophane bag filled with animal crackers or homemade cookies tied with a pretty ribbon seems extravagant. Layer dry ingredients in a larger box so guests can add wet ingredients at home to make delicious cookies from a cooking party. These long tubes from Garnish are perfect for Lego blocks, jelly beans, etc.

I like my guests to work at my party; crafts serve as an activity and a take-home favor! Have them paint small wooden chests, then go on a treasure hunt for gold coins to fill them with. Try painting plant pots and planting seedlings or T-shirt decorating.

Unfinished wooden frames, purchased cheaply at a local craft store, can be painted and decorated with sequins, pom-poms and stickers. Take a picture of each child at the party and give it to them to put in their frame when they leave. Not Just A Mommy!

DIY Recipe: Fortune Cookies

 

 

Am I the only one that likes to take packages and packages of fortune cookies away from my favorite Asian restaurant? I usually end up having to pay extra because they're just that delicious! Well, I found a pretty simple recipe that adds a gourmet spin to this cultural staple. Head on over to No Fuss Fabulous for more. 

More ideas at Sweet Cuddlecakes.  

Simple Summer Watermelon Recipes

My philosophy is that no summer is complete without watermelon. Watermelon can be served as a delicious snack all by itself, or you can be bold and opt for a more involved watermelon recipe. Here are a few simple ones. Enjoy!

1. Freshly Sliced Watermelon

2. Homeade Lemonade with Fruity Ice Cubes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 lemon

2 limes

3 x 12-hole ice-cube trays

12 small fresh mint leaves

400g seedless watermelon, chopped

1/4 cup lime juice

2 litres soda water,

chilled

Lemon syrup:

1 cup lemon juice

1 cup caster sugar

Preparation

Using a citrus zester, remove strips of rind from lemon and limes. Reserve lemon and limes for juicing. Arrange zest in holes of one ice-cube tray. Fill with water and freeze overnight.

Place a mint leaf in each hole of second ice-cube tray. Fill with water and freeze overnight.

Place watermelon and juice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour mixture into third ice-cube tray and freeze overnight.

To make lemon syrup, place juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir over a low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Refrigerate mixture until cold.

Just before serving, place lemon syrup in a large jug. Add all of the ice-cubes and soda water. Stir to combine.

3. Watermelon Frozen Ice

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Freeze Time: 1-1 1/2 hours

Servings: 1

Ingredients

1 cup (152g) of cubed watermelon

1 container (4-8 oz) of non-fat strawberry yogurt

Preparation

Place watermelon and yogurt in a blender. Puree.

Pour mixture into a bowl. Freeze for 1-1 1/2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes.

4. Watermelon, Mache and Pecan Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 7 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

3/4 cup chopped pecans

5 cups seeded and cubed watermelon

1 (6-oz.) package mâche, thoroughly washed

Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette 

1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

Combine watermelon and mâche in a large bowl; add vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat. Transfer watermelon mixture to a serving platter, and sprinkle evenly with pecans and cheese.

Earth Day Party Ideas

Doesn't the thought of having a party for Earth Day seem contradictory? Aren't parties like the number 2 reason that landfills are overflowing? (Disposable diapers I believe are number 1). Don't fear, there are many ways to have a wonderful party without insane consumption. Check out my blog's posts on recycling project ideas, and green party ideas, they have some great party ideas, and here are a few more....

Get The Party Started - Use services like Evite and Purple Trail for online invitations; they have Earth Day themed invites. If you just have to have send paper invites, how about writing party info on paper lunch bags that invitees can reuse?

Setting The Scene -  Potted plants and seedlings make great decorations that can be given to guests to take home and plant. Put them in recycled decorated coffee cans, yogurt cups or glass jars.

There are many wonderful CDs featuring relaxing nature music. Check them out for free at your local library.

The Munchies - Menu ideas should include creating foods that use little to no energy, and using natural foods to celebrate the Earth. Do some BBQing, pasta salads, and dips with cheese, crackers, local fruits and veggies.

Younger guests will love eating dirt cups; line clay pots with foil, fill with chocolate pudding and top with crushed chocoate cookies and gummi worms.

What To Do - Earth Day games are a fun way to reiterate the importance of protecting the environment. Test your guests' knowledge with an Earth Day trivia game. Know how hybrid cars manage to conserve gas? How many tons of waste Americans produce each year? A little pre-party research and you'll have plenty of facts to entertain and spread a little eco-awareness. Check out these quizzes at CNN and Lesruba Designs.

Let guests lend a helping hand to the birds in your area by supplying them with simple nesting materials. All you need to do is fill a onion mesh bag with dried grass, short lengths of yarn and string. They can hang their bag in a location that the birds can safely access, watch them collect, and might even get lucky enough to see a nest in one of their trees.

Plan an outdoor scavenger hunt. Send your guests out to retrieve a list of items found in nature, such as acorns, pine cones, even an earthworm. Add litter to the list and the game doubles as a neighborhood beautification project.

See which guest can turn trash into treasure. Use milk jugs, grocery bags, aluminum cans and other recyclables to create sculptures that can be used as centerpieces.

Send Them Home With A Smile - Send guests home with favors that encourage them to conserve. Send home energy-efficient light bulbs or these favors, made from 100% post-consumer waste and embedded with wildflower seeds, recycle themselves by growing wildflowers right of the paper. Not Just A Mommy! 

Main Dish Entertaining

Halloween kicked off the busiest season for me when entertaining. As my small business has grown to capacity, I am finding my inclination to plan and put on staged events has disappeared. For the second year in a row, I turned to a no stress way of having friends over. It is what I call "Main Dish Entertaining."

Soup Night was my first soiree where I employed a main dish entertaining mentality. It was held on a weeknight between Thanksgiving and Christmas. At the time, I didn't want to compete with the fabulous holiday functions friends and associates hosted in a wealthy, oil town. I decided what our guests would really enjoy is a piping hot pot of soup on the stove whenever they could get there. Whether leaving a long work day or hours at the mall, all anyone had to do was show up when they could, fill their soup bowl, enjoy a glass of wine and head off as soon as they were ready. This ultra-casual event became a welcome commitment in an otherwise busy social season.

Since Halloween fell on a workday this year, I was able to assemble a flavorful pot of chili in a couple of hours-a main dish staple, surely. Our friends loved it and even the trick or treating parents remarked about the smells coming from the kitchen (solidifying my reputation for being the house with the good food and good times!).

Chicken Stew and Biscuits. Ribollita. Kitchen Clambake. This are just a few of main dishes that have carried me through to an easy time of throwing a no fuss party. Just so happens these are all Ina Garten's recipes!

In The Don't Sweat Guide To Entertaining, Richard Carlson wrote the essay, Make It A One-Course Event. His advice echoes perfectly why I turn to main dish entertaining when I want to save time, honor my budget, meet time constraints or simplify entertaining.

"When you choose to host a one-course get-together - appetizers, dessert, tea, or whatever - you eliminate some of the complexity, narrow the range of fixings, and make it possible to put your primary emphasis on enjoying the people involved."

"You may want to narrow your food focus even further by making a particular food the theme of your gathering."

"Sometimes, we fall into patterns of entertaining that are elaborate and time-consuming. You need not perpetuate such patterns. Break the trend with a one-course party..."

For me, the key is what I can put in one pot. Let your imagination run. Your next party could be as easy as dropping by your local artisan bakery for some sweets to go with a bottle of champagne. Whatever you choose, make something out of the ordinary and your main dish entertaining will be a great event for everyone.

Halloween 2008 - Get the Party Started

True to my party form of OCD, I've been obsessing over Halloween for awhile, especially since I'm planning a Mad Scientist's Lab party this year.  So I thought I could share some of my fabulous finds and dedicate my next few posts to my favorite holiday.

Get your guests into the spirit with a fun paper invite.  Here are some great ones I've found.  Paper Buzz's Mummy and Coffin is attached with a small brad to make it spooky and unique!

Drive guests batty with this too-fun bat invite that folds open to reveal your party details.

For an adult soiree, invite guests to a haunting cocktail party with Oriental Trading's Voodoo Cocktail invites. Have them dying to join you with their frightful coffin invitation.

Mixers, potions and eyeballs, oh my! How in love am I with Meri Meri's Monster Cocktails invite!

So, for you DIYers, here's a few great ideas.... BHG has a free download and directions to create this bewitching invitation, beckoning those who dare to your party. Martha Stewart Crafts has great stamp sets for creating your own eerie invitations, like this one and fun punches for embellishing like this drippy goo edge punch. Those of you blessed with a Cricut can create this very cute and easy card. 

Not Just a Mommy!

The new Fancy Flours catalog is here!

I recently received my fall Fancy Flours catalog, and as always, I am fully delighted! They are a fabulous cake and cookie decorating supply site, and you may have just seen them featured during the Martha Stewart's Show's Cupcake Week. They have everything you can imagine, from edible gold leaf and cake jewels to bling out your baked creations to cake stand and cupcake wrappers, like this spider web wrapper.  The catalog is chock-full of Halloween and fall ideas to wow your guests with at your next soiree.  They are offering my blog readers a 15% discount on purchases at their site.  Don't try and fight it, you know you have lots of holiday baking coming up! Not Just A Mommy!

A Modern Luau

When you hear of a "Hawaiian Luau Party" images of fruit punch, hula skirts and colorful plastic flower lei's probably come to mind. However, a traditional Hawaiian luau couldn't be further from the truth. Culturally luau's are a large part of Hawaiian culture and entertaining is an essential part of life. Even if you aren't in the tropics, throwing a modern luau today doesn’t have to mean kitschy. Here are my tips for creating a more authentic, and infinetly more modern, Hawaiian Luau.

DECOR:
For the table décor, focus on clean, organic lines with a lot of natural elements and just a few tropical ones. Keep the floral print to one aspect of the table, we chose to highlight a colorful floral tablecloth and balance that out by using many wood elements and limiting the use of color. Instead of floral centerpieces, we chose to use two large Monstera leafs in a simple wood bowl. Other beautiful floral options include orchids, birds of paradise and red ginger flowers. Clear votives with white candles were placed on wooden trays and set along the table.

For the place settings; simple, off-white ceramic plates were placed on top of a woven grass charger. Sleek modern silverware and stemless wine glasses complete our place setting. Little wood salt and pepper cellars with matching spoons hold the Hawaiian red sea salt and organic pepper. We placed a real leaf on top of each plate and wrapped them around the menus to give the entire setting a splash of natural color. For our guest favors a tin of authentic red Hawaiian sea salt was placed at each setting.

MENU:
Pacific Rim inspired cuisine is not only an accurate, but upscale menu choice for your party. Start with a refreshing Edamame Mint Salad followed by Cedar-Planked Teriyaki Salmon and Pork and Pineapple Kebabs. For dessert, try a Banana Vanilla Haupia Pudding.

Thanks for having us guest post today Create Your Event! See more at Modern Living Hawaii.

5 senses of entertaining

It's summertime.  A time for outdoor barbecues, pool parties and soaking up the sun with friends and family.  I can picture it now...women sipping wine, little kids running and playing, men chatting by the grill.  These get togethers are fun, a great time to see friends, and even make the heat manageable.    

If you are hosting one of these events during this season of the sun, think about what will make your event shine and stand out from other parties.  The following gives you a structure to put in place every time you entertain and will certainly make your upcoming summer party a great event. 

I believe to make an event memorable, it needs to appeal to all Five Senses. When plan your event based on these senses, your party will definitely be one that will be different from the rest…

Sight

As soon as your guests walk through your front door or garden gate, set their sights on beautiful things. Fresh flowers, lit candles, or a beautifully set table create a welcome that captures more than a glance.

Sound

Whether guests hear ambient music, birds singing, or water falling, sound is an essential component of a successful party. It helps to set the mood, the pace, and the overall feeling of the celebration. No matter if you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a cocktail party, think about the atmosphere you desire and work to achieve that feeling through sound.

Smell

Smell has the power to remind us of our childhood, a moment in time, or a particular person. It has such a strong connection with our emotions, but is often ignored when planning an event.

Some easy and fairly inexpensive ways to create a wonderful smell that fits the occasion are through candles. Buy a candle that has been infused with the aroma that will delight your guests' noses. Fresh flowers are also a great way to fill the space with clean scents. Timing when you bake your dessert or hot appetizer also helps to create great smells when guests arrive.

Touch

Entice your guests to not only study your table and party decorations, but also make the party accessories either interesting or playful enough for guests to want to pick the items up. For instance, display photos of the guest of honor or strategically place memorabilia or items that enhance your theme all around your event space.

An unexpected way to appeal to your guests' touch is to send them home with a favor, a momento to thank them for coming.  Ideas include homemade lemonade in unique jars,  chocolate-dipped strawberries wrapped in cello bags, or a favorite recipe written on a pretty card.  Whatever compliments the event is a nice and gracious way to appeal to touch.   

Taste

Some may argue that food is the most important factor to a successful party. I would say that I agree. That is why I rely heavily on some key cookbooks to help me delight my guests' appetites. The Joy of Cooking and the Best New Recipe are some of my all-time favorite cookbooks. Generally, the recipes are easy and turn out wonderful, giving the perception that I know what I am doing in the kitchen.

By following the five senses rule every time you entertain, you will have all the bases covered.  Happy summertime and good luck with your next event! 

Meghann Kopecky

Meghann Kopecky is a new guest blogger for createmyevent.com.  She is also the President/Design Director of Urbanity, a company specializing in invitations, announcements and personal stationery. Urbanity inspires the connection of friends, family and new acquaintances through fun invitations, unique thank you notes, special announcements, or fresh entertaining ideas . Let the celebration begin.