Baby Shower Idea - The Gift of Reading

This is the best idea I've heard in a while for a baby shower.  Rather than waste money on buying a greeting card to attach to the gifts, suggest that each person purchase a children’s book instead and sign the inside front cover.  Mom will be able to recall who gave it every time she reads it to her little one.  What a great way to remember a special day!

Spin the Bottle at a Kid's Birthday Party?!? Read on...

Thanks to Rebecca P. for this alternative activity to the  typical opening of the presents at a children's birthday party:


"A fun variation on opening gifts for kids' parties is to turn it into a 'spin the bottle' game. This avoids a free-for-all of "open mine first!", lost cards, hurt feelings, and general mayhem. You have all the party guests sit in a circle and the birthday child spins a bottle in the middle. Whoever the spin lands on, gets to draw a piece of paper from a jar and perform whatever silly or fun task is written on the paper...for example 'sing the first verse of your favorite song', 'make your silliest face', 'say the alphabet backwards', etc....the possibilities are endless. After performing the task, that child gives his/her gift to the birthday child to open. After the gift is opened, the child who was 'it' gets to spin the bottle to determine who goes next. If the bottle lands on someone who has already given his/her gift it defaults to the person to the left of that child. Play proceeds until everyone has had a turn. This worked wonders at Anna's party last year...gift opening was calm, civilized, and fun for everyone. She wants to do it again next year. I just wish I had come up with the idea years ago!”

BABY GENDER REVEAL - A GREAT REASON TO THROW A PARTY

I love a good excuse to throw a party; how about gathering with friends and family to announce the gender of your new little bundle?  You can combine this with a baby shower or have a separate party - why not?

Decorations are simple – think lots of pink AND blue - balloons, flowers and food. Have attendees wear in Team Blue or Team Pink gear and plan a couple of games (check out whattoexpect.com or babyshower101.com for a few ideas).  

There are many ways to pull off the Big Reveal:

Cut the Cake – have a cake prepared that has the caked dyed either pink or blue, and iced with a neutral icing.  Cut into the cake, and taa-daa – a baby boy or baby girl is on the way!  Another option here is to have individual cupcakes with a pink or blue treat baked into the center – a jelly bean, gumball, or a mint.

Balloon Release – get a BIG box and fill it with helium balloons with the appropriate color; unwrap it and watch the sky fill with the happy news.

Pinata – fill a pinata with boy things or girl things (small toys, socks, pink or blue candy, etc.) and watch everyone cheer when they spill out all over the ground.

Keep it a REAL secret - if you really want to make things interesting, keep the secret from yourself – have the sonographer put the evidence in a sealed envelope and enjoy the surprise with your loved ones.

Have other fun ideas for a Gender Reveal Party?  Share them here!

CHEW ON THIS - UNIQUE USES FOR GUMBALLS

 

I just love these ideas from http://www.gumballs.com/ for incorporating gumballs into your wedding decor.  Gumballs come in all sizes, colors, and flavors, and are an inexpensive way to add a little whimsy to your wedding reception.

Place gumballs matching your theme in clear containers for an fun and colorful centerpiece.  Or, put all white gumballs in a variety of tinted jars and vases.  Add ribbon and a monogrammed sticker and you've got an elegant table favor.

SPRING CELEBRATIONS - TIP #4 - ACTIVITIES

The arrival of Spring brings with it many reasons to celebrate, and there’s no better way than by opening your home to family and friends. Whether it’s a dessert party after a spring recital, a Mother-Daughter tea in honor of Mother’s Day, or a brunch after the Saturday morning game, you can create great memories with the people you care about by following a few simple tips:

Activities – If conversation lags during your dessert party, pass around some conversation starters that you’ve written on slips of paper and placed in a bowl (What is your favorite vacation destination? Biggest Pet Peeve? Favorite Movie Star?) During the Mother-Daughter Tea, have someone share some basic etiquette tips, or have each daughter read a poem aloud celebrating mothers. If your weekend brunch includes kids, make sure you have some dollar-store items at the ready for some fun outdoor play – bubbles, Frisbees, jump ropes, etc.

Creating a memorable event doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, and doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With a little advance planning, you will be able to relax and have fun – and if you’re having fun, your guests will, too.

SPRING CELEBRATIONS - TIP #3 - DECORATIONS

The arrival of Spring brings with it many reasons to celebrate, and there’s no better way than by opening your home to family and friends. Whether it’s a dessert party after a spring recital, a Mother-Daughter tea in honor of Mother’s Day, or a brunch after the Saturday morning game, you can create great memories with the people you care about by following a few simple tips:

Decorations – Flowers are the obvious choice for bringing life and color into a room during this season. Trim some daffodil stems or tulips from your flower beds and place them in a vase for an instant centerpiece. Purchase a few perennials (pansies are a great choice), and transplant them into inexpensive clay pots with a little potting soil and scatter them around the room - and don’t forget to transfer them to the great outdoors when the party’s over!

Creating a memorable event doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, and doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With a little advance planning, you will be able to relax and have fun – and if you’re having fun, your guests will, too.

SPRING CELEBRATIONS - TIP #2 - FOOD

The arrival of Spring brings with it many reasons to celebrate, and there’s no better way than by opening your home to family and friends. Whether it’s a dessert party after a spring recital, a Mother-Daughter tea in honor of Mother’s Day, or a brunch after the Saturday morning game, you can create great memories with the people you care about by following a few simple tips:

Food – Pick a menu that uses items that are in season and that can be partially prepared in advance. Slice a pound cake or angel food cake, serve with sliced fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce and whipped cream, and you’ve got the main course for your next dessert party. For a Mother-Daughter tea, take help from your local grocery store, serving fancy cookies or croissants with assorted jams and jellies. For an easy brunch, serve a make-ahead egg casserole (check out http://www.cooks.com/ for a variety of recipes), some cinnamon-raisin bread, sliced ham and a homemade fruit salad (also make-ahead), and you’ve got a brunch menu that can feed a crowd in a hurry.

Creating a memorable event doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, and doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With a little advance planning, you will be able to relax and have fun – and if you’re having fun, your guests will, too.

SPRING CELEBRATIONS - TIPS FOR CREATING GREAT MEMORIES - #1 - BUDGET

The arrival of Spring brings with it many reasons to celebrate, and there’s no better way than by opening your home to family and friends. Whether it’s a dessert party after a spring recital, a Mother-Daughter tea in honor of Mother’s Day, or a brunch after the Saturday morning game, you can create great memories with the people you care about by following a few simple tips:


Budget – If budget is a concern, keep it simple and keep it small - save the fancy food and large guest lists for some other time. Being part of an intimate gathering of 8-10 people will make your guests feel extra special, and provide lots of opportunities for making real connections.

If you don’t have enough plates, cups, or tableware to serve your guests, there are some disposable versions that are quite suitable that have the added bonus of providing quick and easy cleanup. I prefer the clear plastic style – it’s sturdy, you can buy it in bulk at your local shopping club or party goods store, and it will blend nicely with any color scheme you bring in through napkins, tablecloths, and centerpieces.
Creating a memorable event doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, and doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With a little advance planning, you will be able to relax and have fun – and if you’re having fun, your guests will, too.

ENTERTAINING AT HOME - MYTH #3

THINK YOUR HOME ISN’T COMPANY-READY? – THINK AGAIN!


Are you hesitant about inviting people to your home because you think it isn’t company-ready? Many people miss the opportunity to create great memories with family and friends because they think their home is deficient in some way. It’s time to bust those myths once and for all!

Myth #3 – My house isn’t clean enough

While it’s true that you’ll want to give the bathroom and kitchen some attention before guests arrive, don’t think that your home must be sparkling from floor to ceiling before you can entertain. Clear out the worst of the clutter from the public areas, wipe down major surfaces, dim the lights, close some doors, and forget about the dust bunnies in the corner or the stain on the carpet – your guests will never notice.

ENTERTAINING AT HOME - MYTH #2

THINK YOUR HOME ISN’T COMPANY-READY? – THINK AGAIN!

Are you hesitant about inviting people to your home because you think it isn’t company-ready? Many people miss the opportunity to create great memories with family and friends because they think their home is deficient in some way. It’s time to bust those myths once and for all!

Myth #2 – I don’t have matching tableware, glassware, flatware. or serving pieces

No one said that everything has to match in order to entertain (and if someone did say it, they are dead wrong!). Mix and match pieces you already own, or borrow a set of dishes or flatware from a friend. There are also some disposable party items that are quite suitable that have the added bonus of providing quick and easy cleanup. Try the clear plastic style – it’s sturdy enough to wash and re-use if you wish, you can buy it in bulk at your local shopping club or party goods store, and it will blend nicely into any color scheme or décor.

More myth-busters to follow...

Great Baby Shower Ideas

Take a look at these awesome cupcakes created by my friend Julie for a baby shower she recently hosted.   She found the design in a book called "What's New Cupcake", written by Karen Tack and Allen Richardson (http://www.hellocupcakebook.com/) - so many great cupcake ideas in this book - check it out!  She expanded on the theme by using a baby tub shaped like a baby duck for keeping drinks cold.  Great job Julie!

ENTERTAINING AT HOME - MYTH #1

THINK YOUR HOME ISN’T COMPANY-READY? – THINK AGAIN!


Are you hesitant about inviting people to your home because you think it isn’t company-ready? Many people miss the opportunity to create great memories with family and friends because they think their home is deficient in some way. It’s time to bust those myths once and for all!

Myth #1 – My house isn’t big enough

You don’t have to have a formal dining room or single table that seats all of your guests; you don’t even have to seat everyone in the same room. Encourage more interaction among your guests and a create a less formal atmosphere by placing drinks in one room, food in another room, and scattering seating throughout the public areas (including the front porch or back deck if weather permits). Utilize lap trays, folding tables, or even small patio furniture to increase your seating capacity.

                                                                          

More myth-busters to follow...

Birthday Blues?

How is the economy changing the way you plan a birthday party or other gathering?  How are stretching a dollar when it comes to your party planning?

Planning a Fun Classroom Party

You've been asked to plan a Christmas party for your child's class - what do you do? Please share any fun games, crafts, or treats, as well as things to avoid.

Making a Holiday Gift Exchange More Fun

Seems that every holiday party includes some sort of gift exchange, whether it's for school, work, or family. What are some things you have seen to make gift exchanges more meaningful, fun, and/or inexpensive?

Making a Holiday Party Special

Tell me about what you do to make your holiday parties special - food, decorations, entertainment, whatever. What tricks have you found to simplify throwing a party without spoiling the fun? Any "Chevy Chase" moments you'd like to share? How about money-saving tips or gift-exchange ideas? Looking forward to hearing your stories!

Unique Birthday Parties for All Ages

Tell me something fun and different you have seen or done at a birthday party. Be specific - was it a kids' party, adult party, or milestone party (30th, 40th, etc.)? Tell me about any interesting invitations, themes, food, games, venues, etc.