Party Ideas from Candybarwrap.com

Table Numbers for Weddings and Parties

2011-02-11T09:07:00.006-07:00

Table Numbers...
After planning your seating chart and creating seating cards with each guest's name and table numbers, you may need to make table numbers to avoid confusion. These numbers will help your guests navigate to the appropriate table. Rather than a simple paper with a number on it, several options are available to display the table number while showcasing your creativity.

Coordinate With Your Theme
An easy way to incorporate your wedding numbers is to use the same theme as the rest of your wedding. If you are having a casino theme, place giant cards on the tables such as a jack of spades, queen of hearts or the five of clubs. If you are having a beach wedding, prop the numbers inside a large seashell in the middle of the tables. For an Asian theme, paint a Chinese symbol in place of your table number or use a permanent marker to write the number on a Chinese takeout-style box.

Starfish Beach Wedding Table Cards number Postcard

by kjsweddingshop

There are many creative ideas out there to give your wedding reception a touch of your personality.

Wine Bottle Labels.... add your theme, photo or color to a wine bottle with the table number... see Personalized Wine bottles and more to get an idea of how they look on your tables.

Take photos of the couple with a large white poster board & then add numbers digitally & put on cards or wine labels... see "Fun with numbers".

Don't Use Numbers
Rather than using numbers to distinguish tables, use other items. Print out words that sustain a marriage like hope, faith, trust and love. Place these words on the table as your guests make their way to table "faith" instead of table one.

Incorporate the couple's into the table numbers by making signs that mark where the couple went on their first date, how they met or where the proposal was. For an international flair, give each table a famous city name like Venice or Paris and place a miniature symbol of the city, such as the Eiffel Tower, on the table. If you are having a Hollywood glamor theme, use pictures of famous couples to denote the table names.

Illuminated Table numbers
This is a great DIY and VERY elegant!... illuminated Numbers

Seating charts should be added... whether they are small cards or an elegant poster on a wall.
This will help your guests find their seats. below is a list of a few beautiful custom Seating Charts.

Black & White

Navy & Green

Red & Black

Many more to choose from

Full size Stand In cut outs for photos at your party!

2011-02-02T12:41:00.005-07:00

Party Photo Stand Ins!

Buy a party photo stand in for decoration at your next event. Each people cutout, photo stand in, and faceless cutout provides a night of laughter!

Grab your camera!
Click on your favorite for pricing and ordering.

Santa & Mrs. Claus Stand In

Muscle Man

Bride And Groom Stand In

Hawaiian Couple Cut Out

Muscle Woman

Snowboarder Stand In

Hockey Boy Stand In

Two Hearts

Football Player

Hawaiian Man

Hula Girl

Basketball Stand In

Surfboard Couple

Construction Building Theme Birthday Party

2011-01-04T07:44:00.001-07:00

Construction / Building Birthday Party!

As the kids entered through the garage, they all received a time card and punched into the time clock and get their cards stamped. Make a box to look like a timeclock with a slit at the bottom... have someone behind with a simple rubber stamp to stamp the timecard. Then they receive their Home Depot tool apron or belt, a wood kit with tools that you can get at ToysRUs, 2 paintbrushes, a set of work gloves and a plastic hard hat with their name on it. Add Safety glasses if they are sawing or pounding nails.

Guests place the Gifts they brought in a wheelbarrow in the garage. Also, set up a fog machine, at any Party City or Party store, to blow fog into a long safety cone to resemble a broken steam pipe.

After clocking in, the kids can go inside and decorated their hats with stickers and receive a construction tattoos. Then either in the garage or outside, they can construct their wood project.

Next the kids go outside to play and have their choice of construction activities.

1. Make a wrecking ball from an old deflated basketball and spray paint it black. Hang up on the swing set or tree with a yellow plastic chain. Have a bunch of cardboard boxes that the kids could stack up and then knock down with the wrecking ball.

2. Make a maze in the backyard with dirt fencing and construction fencing. Curve a path that zigzags a little. Inside the maze, have a slide as an obstacle to climb over and a play area with a construction site toy. Put safety cones throughout the maze. The kids love running through here and chasing each other.

3. Have 2 big appliance boxes that are set up on their sides, so the kids can crawl inside. The kids can painted the inside and outside of the boxes.

4. After the cake is served, the kids can play pin the safety cone on the construction site.

Get a construction theme truck cake that have construction trucks on top of chocolate dirt. Also fill a big toy dump truck with brownie pieces and mixed in chocolate rocks (like M&M’s but shaped like pebbles).

Serve the brownies with a plastic shovel.
Use a black table cloth with white masking tape hash marks that go down the middle to resemble a highway.

Each kid has a safety cone cup with juice. The cups are a big hit. Look at Party Stores. If you can't find them... "thermos' looking" bottles can be found at dollar stores too on the Water Bottle area.

When the guests leave, they have to get their time card and punch out. Pay them Wrapped candy bars with a money design & a “thank you” from www.candybarwrap.com for working and give them their favor bag with a Construction Theme Customized Candy Bar.

For a favor, each guest gets a brown paper lunch bag filled with the following: small tape measure, small construction truck (matchbox size), small flashlight and a little notepad with a construction truck on the cover. Most of these items can be found at the Dollar store. They also get to take home their safety cone cup, tool apron, play tools, work gloves, wood project and hard hat.

Have a few cut-outs of construction trucks placed around the room. Also have a few road signs (from party store) and put outside on stakes and around the house. Use caution tape both inside and outside the house. Safety cones inside and outside. Put brown work construction paper (the kind used when doing construction in your house) on the floor with blue masking tape, making a path in the room where you have the cake.

Printed invitations on regular printer paper and then used craft scissors to make a jagged edge. Glue the printer paper onto yellow construction paper to create a border. OR order these personalized Construction Invitations with your Child's name & party information already printed on them.

Here’s the wording:
Foreman ”birthday boy name” is turning 5, Which means there’s lots of work to be done, you see. The party’s at the Last Name Construction Site, Sunday, October 7th will be dynamite. Your shift begins at two and lasts until four, You’ll get messy, there’s lots of work in store! Cake and juice will be provided during your break. Each busy worker will be demolishing, building and painting, so wear your work clothes.

Please call and let us know how many little construction workers to expect from each family. All parents are requested to remain at the job site to monitor the progress of your workers.

Put clip art of construction trucks around the wording. Decorated the outside of the envelopes with construction truck stickers. Put yellow and black striped tape on the back of the envelope as a seal.
If serving other food …. “brown bag lunches” …. sandwiches, chips, an apple. Bob the Builder or Handy Mandy can be incorporated into this theme!

Party Food Calculator

2011-01-03T10:46:00.003-07:00

Party FOOD Calculator....
get custom candy bar favors at Candybarwrap.com for your next party

The question of party food quantities to prepare for your guests is as old as hospitality itself. Party food planning is only a little trickier, though. As you will see, there are several different ways to look at it, but the main answer is:

1 Pound Of Food Per Person For Snacks

1 1/2 Pounds Of Food Per Person For A Meal

Those are averages figured in between the linebackers and the little dainties. We will break them down into averages for particular kinds of parties and party foods.

Appetizers: On average, your guests will consume 5 hors d’oeuvres per person per hour for the first 2 hours and 3 per person per hour for each additional hour. So for a 3-hour long party of 10 people, you will need to prepare about 130 appetizers, a little less if the party is to be followed by a meal.
Dips: Add the total weight of the main ingredients and use the 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person rule. Pizza: Adults & Teens… average 3 slices per person. Younger children allow 2.

Here is an excellent large-quantity party food planning site you may want to refer to for company barbecues, weddings, etc.

The Perfect Bridal Shower gift

2010-11-18T08:33:00.002-07:00

What is better that a Personalized Cookbook for the Bride to be! Whether she is a Seasoned cook or a beginner.... this is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give.

Recipe Binder Great Bridal Shower gift
by kjsweddingshop

Once you order a CUSTOMIZED cookbook binder, Add free recipes that you print from the internet OR download this FREE Crockpot recipe ebook. Print & add to the binder.

Not only will the bride to be love your thoughtfulness the the Groom to be will be happy to have some great dinners!

Cocktail Recipe Binder Great Bridal Shower gift
by kjsweddingshop

Recipe Binder Great Bridal Shower gift
by kjsweddingshop

Santa Letters.... do you have good boys & girls?

2010-10-29T17:31:00.013-06:00

Letters from Santa will light up your child's eyes.

Holiday Letterhead Santa Letter Christmas by kjscreations

Start a Santa Letter Business!
Order pre-printed Letterhead with matching envelopes, stickers & postage stamps. These have LOW minimums.

All you have to do is get some information from your customer... type it into the letter & mail to the child.

I have seen these sold from $7 up to $15. Add a Color sheet & sticker.... you can make a few bucks for the Holidays!

Choose from several Santa letter sets at KjsCreations

For a FREE Coloring Sheet & 2 letters to choose from... click here ... download or print this PDF file. Then add the personalized information. Print on plain paper & hold it up to the light to make sure the text is positioned right. Print the final copy on your pre printed sheet of Santa Letterhead.

Then to promote your new business... read creative web promote.
there are some great ideas to promote your Santa Letter business.

Santa Holiday Letter Postage Stamp by kjscreations
See more Santa Postage

Finished look to your invitations

2010-10-08T11:28:00.004-06:00

We all think of sending out our invitations for parties, weddings or announcements & think, we are done. You have just sent out an expensive invitation that you spent alot of time designing, addressing & placing on the postage. What have you really sent out? a BORING PLAIN OLE Envelope. What is on the outside of the envelope is the first impression your guests will have, & set the tone for your party.

Matching envelopes & invitations always make a great first impression!

PRINCESS Birthday Invitations Announcements by kjsinvitations
See other Princess Invitations

PRINCESS Birthday Envelopes for Invitations by kjsinvitations
View more Princess Envelopes

Pirate Birthday Party Invitation by kjsinvitations
Browse Pirate Invitations

PIRATE Birthday Envelopes for Invitations by kjsinvitations
Browse other Pirate Envelopes

Rules for Sending Business Greeting Card

2010-08-22T08:56:00.004-06:00

If you want to simply Hand Out a "Greeting with a Treat"

have plenty of

Custom Holiday Designed Chocolate Candy Bars

with YOUR company Logo & Message available.

Otherwise, send out Custom Greeting cards.

When it comes to holiday business greeting cards, to send or not to send is the question. Once you have decided to send, you then have to determine who to include on your list, what kind of business greeting card to choose, and how to address the envelope.

Business greeting cards can:
•enhance your current business relationships
•attract new customers
•remind old clients that you exist
•show appreciation to supportive clients

Use proper business greeting card etiquette. What is a well-meaning gesture can offend the people you want to impress when it is not done properly.

The 8 Rules of Business Greeting Card Etiquette

Buy Quality Cards: Start with a good quality business greeting card to show that you value your clients and colleagues. Skimping on your selection can be interpreted in a number of ways. Your recipients might take it as a sign that business has not been good or that they aren't worth a little investment.

Update Your List: Make sure your list is up-to-date with correct names and addresses. If you do this on a regular basis, it does not become a dreaded holiday chore. As you gain new contacts throughout the year, take time to add them to your database for your business greeting card group. This way you won't embarrass yourself by sending the card to the old address.

Sign Cards Personally: Even if you have preprinted information on the business greeting card such as your name, you need to add your handwritten signature. The most elegant business greeting cards should have your personal signature and a short handwritten message.

Handwrite the Address: If you are ready to throw up your hands at this point and forget the whole project, then have someone else address the envelopes for you. Don't use computer-generated labels. They are impersonal and make your holiday wishes look like a mass mailing. You may save time and even money, but can lose a client in the process.

Mail to Home Address: Mail your business greeting card to the home if you know the small business owner. Be sure to include the spouse's name. The card is not sent to both husband and wife at the business address unless they both work there.

Use Titles: Whether you are addressing the envelope to an individual or a couple, titles should always be used. It's "Mr. John Doe," not "John Doe," or "Mr. and Mrs. John Doe, rather that "John and Mary Doe."

Be Sensitive to Traditions: Find out whether your business greeting card recipients observe Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa. Make sure your message is appropriate for each individual. If you decide to go with one card, choose a generic one that will not offend. "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" are safe bets.

Avoid the Mail Rush: Mail your business greeting cards in time to arrive for the designated holiday. If you find yourself addressing the envelopes on Super Bowl Sunday, keep the cards until next year and send out a high-quality note thanking people for their business during the previous year instead. To avoid the last minute greeting rush is to have all your envelopes addressed before Thanksgiving. Then during December you can leisurely write a short message - one or two lines are all that is necessary on each card, sign your name and have them in the mail with a minimum of hassle.

You now have all the time in the world for the shopping, baking, decorating and celebrating that accompany the holiday season.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of "Manners That Sell - Adding the Polish That Builds Profits" For more information visit her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com

SpongeBob Squarepants Party

2010-07-19T09:05:00.007-06:00

Under the Sea at Bikini Bottom ...

transform your back yard or pool into SpongeBob's "hometown".

Start with the perfect invitations... SPONGEBOB BIRTHDAY PARTY INVITATIONS
Send invitations 2-3 weeks in advance.
To add some excitement... add those "pop up" sponges from the dollar store. The kind that are thin & flat until you add water.

Matching Party Supplies.... you can purchase "party in a box" where all your supplies are matching & you don't have to run all over!

Any party supply place will carry plenty of SpongeBob Party supplies too.

Party Favors..... SpongeBob Custom Candy will be a great addition to goodie bags or at place settings.. Chocolate Bars for indoor pool parties or Smarties or Push Pops for outdoor parties.
Make tabletop cards or signs to put near each food item.

Search online for the specific character's image and print it on to cardstock.
Then print the party food name next to the image and place it on the table.

Crabby Patties - SpongeBob is a fry cook at the Krusty Krab with an insatiable appetite for "Crabby Patties," which are basically hamburgers. Sliders or mini hamburgers are the perfect food to serve at your party.

Patrick's Star Sandwiches - Use star-shaped cookie cutters to stamp out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that resemble Patrick.

Sandy's Soda and Beverages - Slap a sign on a big plastic tub full of ice and beverages for a Sandy the Squirrel watering hole.

Gary the Snail's Snack Pails - Purchase new plastic sand pails and fill them with goldfish, pretzels, and other salty favorites as Gary's snack pail.

Decorate with plenty of Seashells.... Sand pails ... fish nets.

Remember to call your local Bakery for a special birthday cake as well!

Party favors for Life's Occasions

2010-07-13T18:37:00.001-06:00

Life's Occasions need special Favors from www.candybarwrap.com

Beach Wedding or party Centerpieces

2010-06-13T16:48:00.005-06:00

Beautiful Centerpieces for your tables with a Beach theme.

Surround your custom candles with the look of the beach. Seashells and starfish are going to make your guests remember your beautiful tables.
Easy & inexpensive to make yourself.

Custom Beach theme Candles with the Bride & Groom's name works the best for these.

Materials: Alot of these I have found at the Dollar Store & bags of starfish & misc. seashells at Craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

•STYROFOAM* Brand Foam:
Wreath, 6" x 1-1/4" x 1-1/4"
•Seashells, 2" or smaller, about nine assorted pair
•Sea glass, 1" or smaller, pale blue/green/white assortment
•Shells: Misc. small, about 50
•Starfish small... 5 or 6 per centerpiece
•Votive or pillar candle
•Low-temp glue gun and glue sticks
•Thick, white craft glue
•Small starfish, five
•Optional: Matte-finish white spray paint

Shell w/ Sea Glass Rings:
1.Wash and dry shells and sea glass if needed.

2.For formal look (front), glue pairs of shells to foam wreath, opposite one another. Begin with largest shells, moving to smallest. Fill spaces between shells with sea glass.

3.For more casual, natural look (left center), glue a favorite large shell to wreath, then surround with smaller shells and sea glass. Continue until entire top of wreath is covered. Glue sea glass to inner and outer foam edges.

Shell/Starfish Ring:
1.For starfish ring (top), paint turrid shells white if desired; let dry. Glue shells around wreath edge, close together with points up; let dry.

2.Glue large shells to top of wreath, facing one direction and slightly overlapped. Glue starfish to top of shells as shown. Let dry.

Instructions from http://www.favecrafts.com/Candles/Beach-and-Seashell-Glass-Candle-Rings

Summer Time Pool Party or BBQ!

2010-06-05T12:53:00.004-06:00

Plan a backyard BBQ or a pool party to cool off your friends & family.

Plan it in your backyard.... Park... Pool /Party room at your condo/apt or at the beach
First plan on the day, make any reservations for pool or picnic area.

Order your invitations. Stay in the theme of your party. Flip flop invitations are a GREAT touch.

Beach Decorations can be bought at Dollar Stores ... Oriental Trading or http://www.partysupplieshut.com/

Some ideas... have plenty of beach balls, sand buckets to serve chips ... fruit salads etc.

Custom Smartie Favors can be in the Sand Molds used as candy dishes.

Or put in Adorable Treasure Chest Favor boxes at a Child's Birthday Party.

Having a Weenie Roast right on the beach &

Fruit Salads in hollowed out Watermelon or in colorful sand buckets & use the plastic sand shovels as serving spoons. OR serve pasta or potato salad in the pales as well.

If you are serving a punch... freeze some JUICE that you are using in the punch so as it melts, it won't water down the punch.

Add Gummy fish or candy fish into the "ice cubes". Do NOT use plastic fish because as the cubes melt... someone could choke on them.

Small blowup pools or small plastic pool filled with Ice makes a GREAT soda, beer or wine coolers "ice chest".

Sea shells available at Dollar stores.... Hobby/Craft stores.... toss small ones on the tables for decorations & serve dips & candies in the large seashells.

For adult evening pool parties, add clear bowls of clear or colored water & add floating candles on each table.

CUSTOM LIP BALM should be a must at any outdoor party as a great party favor!

So there are a few ideas for your next Pool... beash or BBQ Party! Simply use your imagination & have fun!

Dinosaur Birthday Party!

2010-05-04T09:37:00.001-06:00

There is something that is breathlessly exciting about dinosaurs. We love to imagine these gigantic, powerful prehistoric creatures roaming the earth millions of years ago. Dinosaurs are a great kid's party theme; it has excitement, adventure, the thrill of discovery, and it can be a learning experience too (we won't tell the kid's if you don't). So invite everyone over for this prehistoric celebration!

Dinosaur Birthday Invitations

A personalized dinosaur invitation is a great way to start this dino-mite party! If you want to add something special to the invitation, sprinkle some dinosaur confetti in the envelope. Everyone will be super excited to receive such a unique invitation!

Get the kids involved: You can have the guest of honor help make the invitations. Cut out dinosaur footprints from cardstock or construction paper and write all of the party details on one side. Use fun wording like "You are Invited to a Prehistoric Party" or "Come have a ROAAARing good time!". Then let them add a dinosaur drawing or stickers to the other side of the invitation.

Remember to let the moms know to dress their kids in play clothes! If you party is for a younger crowd 1 1/2 to 2 hours is a good party length. The older the children, the longer the party can be, but for the sake of the parents 3 hours should be your limit. The dinosaurs may have been around for millions of years, but you don't want your party to feel like it is dragging on that long!

Dinosaur Decorations and Party Supplies
Cut out dinosaur footprints from green construction paper and have them lead up to your doorstep, or use colored sidewalk chalk to draw gigantic footprints. A few homemade signs that say "Dinosaur Crossing" and "Don't feed the T-Rex" (with a big bite taken out of it) will be a hit!

Have a CD with jungle sounds playing as your guests enter the party. Hang brown and green streamers from the ceilings and across the doorways to simulate vines in a jungle. You can also use inexpensive fake ivy from the craft store as prehistoric garland.

Fill the room with bunches of green dinosaur balloons. Balloon bouquets are great for your entrance, tables and the corners of the party room. If your party is outside, use balloons around the perimeter of the space to help define the area. Use a mini brontosaurus bean bag as a balloon weight for extra fun!

Here are a few more of our favorite dinosaur decorations:

■ Dinosaurs Giant Wall Decals - big decorations make a big impact
■ Dinosaurs Mylar Balloon - this balloon will really add to the room
■ Dinosaurs Removable Wall Decorations - love the dino footprints

Dinosaur Birthday Party Table and Menu
Dinosaur paper goods will help you set a fun, prehistoric party table that will be easy to clean up! At each place setting have a card with a short fun fact about dinosaurs. The kids will love sharing their new-found knowledge with each other! If you are going to have more than one table, name them after the periods of the Mesozoic Era, and maybe include a few fun facts about which dinosaurs lived in which periods -

■ Triassic Period - About 251 to 205 million years ago - Ichthyosaurs, Iguanadon and Plateosaurus ■ Jurassic Period - About 205 to 141 million years ago - Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, and Allosaurus
■ Cretaceous Period - About 141 to 65 million years ago - Triceratops, Ankylosaurus, and Tyrannosaurus rex
Not only will it make a great decoration, but it will be an opportunity for learning!

Simple table decorations are easy with this dinosaur centerpiece. If you really want to go all out make a paper mache volcano for your centerpiece, science fair style! Just make sure the kids are all gathered to see it "erupt"! A personalized dinosaur water bottle label at each place setting is a fun touch as well!

For the menu serve food that the kids will like but give them fun dinosaur inspired names -
■ Fossilized Fries
■ Cretaceous Chicken Fingers
■ Paleontologist Pizza
■ Volcano Veggies with Lava Dip (add a touch of red food coloring to ranch dip)
■ Stegosaurus Snack Mix
And for dessert serve this tasty treat -

Dinosaur Dig Dirt Cups
■ Fill clear plastic glasses or dinosaur cups 2/3 of the way with chocolate pudding.
■ Mix in a few dinosaur gummy snacks into the pudding.
■ Top the pudding with crushed Oreo cookies.
■ Add a few more gummies to the top of the cup.
■ Refrigerate until serving.
You can include a dinosaur theme birthday cake too. Add a dinosaur and volcano cake topper to a sheet cake and you are all set! All your little omnivores will love this dino-inspired meal!

Dinosaur Birthday Party Games and Activities
Fill a plastic pool with play sand and let the kids dig for "dinosaur bones" and fossils. Make them ahead of time with craft clay. Give each child a plastic pail and a shovel, and one of those really inexpensive tiny paint brushes. They will have a great time playing paleontologist! You can even place a dinosaur sticker on some of the bones, and let the kids trade them in for small prizes like candy, dino squirt toys, bubbles, chalk or dinosaur tattoos.

A dinosaur piñata is another fun activity. Fill it with plastic dinosaur noses and fun sized candy.

If you have a young group a fun yet quiet activity is to have the kids color dinosaur coloring sheets. Buy a few dinosaur coloring books, or Purchase & print out these coloring sheets we created for you:
■Dino Coloring Sheets

You can also play classic kids games with a dinosaur twist. What about "Fossil, Fossil, Dinosaur" instead of "Duck, Duck, Goose"? Or "Hot Potato" with a dinosaur egg? Here are some other fun Kids Birthday Party Games.

Dinosaur Birthday Party Favors
Pith hats make a great dinosaur theme party favor. Hand them out before you start your dinosaur dig so the kids can feel like real paleontologists.

Another great party favor is a personalized dinosaur candy bar. It matches the personalized invitations and ties the theme together. Another tasty party favor are personalized dinosaur mint tins. You can't go wrong with sugar!

Or go with a dinosaur favor box filled with favors -

■Grow Your Own Dinosaurs
■Dinosaur Bitty Bucket
■Dinosaur Sticker Sheet

Don't forget that you will be sending your guests home with larger than life memories of this dino-mite birthday party!

Mother's Day Brunch for 100

2010-04-21T09:58:00.006-06:00

Mother's Day is May 9, 2010 this year. Are you helping your church or organization plan a Mother's Day Brunch? Here are a few Buffet food calculations & recipes that everyone will enjoy & there will be plenty of food for everyone.

Decorate the buffet table with plenty of flowers too.
After your Buffet.... give each mom a custom Hershey Candy Bar as a great mother's day favor!

Festive Family Brunch for 100... from Ellen's Kitchen Website

MENU PLANNING ..
This is the planned menu, and the actual amount consumed by 78 people, ranging in age for 2 to 82, including a dozen athletic teenagers and young 20-somethings, who ate like locusts. We had a number of pans of various food left over which went into various people's freezers, were made up in to "doggie bags," etc.

Ellen's note: Geri's quantities would be fine for 100 normal eaters.

Appetizers - (served for about 1 1/4 hours)
Meatballs (140 count)
B-B-Q sausage slices (3 pounds)(Geri notes she would increase to 6 pounds- Little smokies or cocktail sausages are another option)
Spirals (slices of lavash, wraps, whatever you call them, purchased from Costco) (60 pieces)
Mini-quiche lorraine (60 pieces)
Sausage balls (75) (Bisquick recipe, made at home)(could have used 150)
Mini muffins (3 dozen)
Fruit tray (small, the type the deli says is for 10-12 people)
Veggie tray (same, less than 4 pounds total)
Cheese cube tray (3 pounds total)
Deviled egg spread (1 gallon) w/ crackers (3 pounds)
Spinach dip (1 gallon) w/ party pumpernickel (2-3 pounds)
(There were also chips, pretzels, nuts, etc. around, virtually untouched)

Main table and entrees
Green beans almondine (1 3/4 # 10 cans, approximately 1 1/2 gallons)
Cold pea salad (4 pounds frozen peas)
Cream cheese date-pecan strata (tripled a 9x13 recipe, baked and served in 2 half-steamer pan- could have used more) Recipe follows!
Chicken tetrazini (3/4 of a half steamer pan) Recipe follows!
Impossible breakfast pie (spinach/cheddar) (a half-steamer pan) Recipe follows!
Impossible breakfast pie (sausage/cheddar) (a half-steamer pan) Recipe follows!
Hash brown Potato casserole (2 half-steamer pans full) Recipe follows!
Platter of various smoked, pepper, honey roasted, etc. turkey (this was virtually untouched)
Rolls and butter (also virtually untouched)

Ellen's note: If this had been a coffee cake or sweet rolls, more might have been eaten.

Beverages
Orange Juice (6 1/2 gallons)
Champagne (1 case, served mostly as mimosas in pitchers to adults, since we had two cases, we could have "pushed" it more)
One 2 liter bottle of each - cola, diet cola, sprite, ginger-ale
1 gallon iced tea (sweet tea)
Coffee (maybe 50 cups?)(1 pound)
Decaf coffee (maybe 15 cups)
(1/2 & 1/2, sugar, 3 varieties artificial sweeteners, shakers of cocoa and cinnamon, and a bottle of Italian flavoring syrup, can't recall the flavor)
Hot Tea (a dozen cups, tops, many varieties offered, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Amaretto, plain old Lipton's)
Milk (1 1/2 qts)

Dessert
Purchased sheet cakes (less than 1/2 sheet was actually eaten, but they were GREAT cakes, Costco, and we enjoyed them for the next week)
Also, cookies, brownie bites, etc. virtually untouched

This menu may seem redundant, with a lot of sausage, too many nuts, a lot of eggy-cheesy stuff, but the things offered for variety (veggies, fruit, lean meat,) were little used.

The items people would have eaten more of, or asked for the recipes for the most (although literally every recipe was requested by at least two people,) were the cream cheese and date strata, the B-B-Q sausage (embarrassingly easy,) and the sausage balls.

For more set up instructions & some recipes... be sure to go to Ellen's Kitchen site

Party Food Calculator

2010-04-20T13:59:00.005-06:00

Ever wonder just how much food you need for your next party?
Well... here are a few tips from www.candybarwrap.com that may help you.

Party Food Calculator

The question of party food quantities to prepare for your guests is as old as hospitality itself. Party food planning is only a little trickier, though. As you will see, there are several different ways to look at it, but the main answer is:

1 Pound Of Food Per Person For Snacks
1 1/2 Pounds Of Food Per Person For A Meal

Those are averages figured in between the linebackers and the little dainties. We will break them down into averages for particular kinds of parties and party foods.

Appetizers: On average, your guests will consume 5 hors d’oeuvres per person per hour for the first 2 hours and 3 per person per hour for each additional hour. So for a 3-hour long party of 10 people, you will need to prepare about 130 appetizers, a little less if the party is to be followed by a meal.

Dips: Add the total weight of the main ingredients and use the 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person rule.

Pizza: Adults & Teens… average 3 slices per person. Younger children allow 2

Here is an excellent large-quantity party food planning site you may want to refer to for company barbecues, weddings, etc.

Your Worth a Million Birthday Party

2010-02-24T09:58:00.009-07:00

Your "Worth a Million $$$"

party theme is a fun way to tell your Birthday girl or boy just how much they mean to you.

First get the right invitations for your Million Dollar Party!

Decorations can be chocolate coins , Custom Hershey Kisses with Dollar signs on the bottom & $$$ confetti on the tables.

Large money "bills" on the walls.

Gifts can be wrapped in "money" wrapping paper. I found it At Party City.

Money themed custom candy bars used as favors

Gifts can be in theme as well. I found "money printed Shirts" & "money printed boxer shorts & ties". Cold hard cash is always "in theme" as well.

A Great Gift Idea is to dry out a plastic water bottle (put the cap back on)... cut a slit down the back & stuff 20 (or however many) single dollar bills in it. Then print on regular paper "Your worth a million" & tape it around the bottle. It is a Unique way to give money!

Candy center pieces are a great addition. Have fake bills & plastic coins added.

Green LIGHT UP ice cubes for a green punch or in drinks!

Green balloons & streamers. Dollar sign necklaces as favors.

Food can be Appetizers or buffet style of whatever the Birthday girl or boy likes.

But don't forget to Decorate the cake in Money theme. Get a picture of a Million dollar Bill printed on edible sheets from any cake decorator.

Have fun with it!

Casino Theme Graduation or Birthday Party

2010-01-29T16:55:00.005-07:00

Go all out to simulate the excitement and amusement of a night in Vegas for your grad or birthday boy/girl. Actually day or night, Vegas never goes to sleep. This theme is perfect for the guest of honor who likes fun, adventure and chance. Get ready & get out the chips... settle in to plan this "Take us to Vegas" Graduation or Birthday party.

For a personalized invitation that matches the theme, take a look at these personalized PLAYING CARDS as invitations. 52 cards to a deck. Graduation Party or Birthday Party! If you are having a corporate Casino night... get playing cards with your company logo as well.

* Casino Night Custom Candy Bar Wrappers are the perfect party favor to give to your guests.

* Have plenty of disposable cameras on tables so your guests can take party pictures for you.

* Loads of fake money, confetti, poker chips & Custom Hershey miniature candy bars spead out in the middle of the tables.

* Giant Money as banners on the walls. I found these at Party City too.

* Bowls of Chocolate Gold coins

* PERSONALIZED Money with the guest of honors photo on the bills

* Casino Game rentals for blackjack, roulette & poker. They include dealers as well.

A buffet of finger foods is the perfect way to go at your casino party (because what says casino more that buffet, no?). This way your guests can take it with them to all of the game tables! Some tasty ideas are:

Chicken fingers
Spinach & feta filo pastry triangles
Satay chicken
Cocktail samosas
Spring rolls served with sweet/sour sauce
Marinated turkey nibbles
Shrimp cocktail
Thai fishcakes served (hot or cold) with yogurt/coriander dipping sauce
Cocktail club sandwiches
Spinach crepes filled with cream cheese and hot-smoked salmon
Sushi rolls with a variety of fillings
Rare beef skewers with horseradish
Antipasto including all the favorites like tapenade and pâté

You & your Guests will enjoy this unique Party Theme!

Planning a Beach Wedding

2009-12-03T17:42:00.003-07:00

Planning a beach wedding?

What fun! Enjoy these great ideas for beach wedding themes that are as unique as you are! Beach themed dresses, comfortable beach design slip on reception shoes, cakes, invitations, favors and more...

Beach weddings are becoming more and more popular as people opt for less traditional, more relaxed settings for their big day. They can be much cheaper, less stressful, and just all around plain fun - for everyone!

Whimsical Beach Wedding Ideas
Do you love dolphins, sea turtles, star fish or mermaids? All of the above? You can come up with some great beach wedding theme ideas based on the creatures of the sea.
Your wedding dress could be mermaid style, ever so pale sea green. Weave pearls throughout your tousled hair. Have your "King Neptune" wear a white rayon shirt with a Hawaiian style lei of ivy and green slacks. If he is really into helping you with your theme, you might persuade him to wear the gold crown! I wouldn't count on it though! Your wedding party could be dressed in dark emerald green mermaid gowns and of course the flower girl would be the "Little Mermaid"!

Your wedding cake would be beautiful with green ivy and sea shells and decorations, invitations and wedding favors would be a breeze. There are oodles of ideas and places that offer items to fit this beach wedding theme.

Nautical Beach Wedding Ideas
If you both enjoy boating, consider a nautical theme. A simple, sleek wedding gown for you and a dark navy slacks and a nautical style shirt for him. Make your exit memorable at the end of the day by sailing off into the sunset if you have a boat.

Decorate with netting, anchors and colored rope. Use the same motif on your wedding cake. A small sailboat or a lighthouse would be beautiful as the cake topper.

Make your own "message in a bottle" wedding favors. Place a little sand and your wedding thank you note inside, cork it and tie a small piece of colored rope on it.

Hawaiian Beach Wedding Ideas
Nothing could be more romantic than a Hawaiian beach wedding theme! Just the sound of Hawaiian guitars can whisk you off to the island without ever leaving your home!
There is a gorgeous simplicity to your Hawaiian style white gown called a 'holoku" and your guy is "to die for" in the traditional white "wedding shirt" and white shorts or slacks. Very informal but very beautiful!

The wedding party and guests add color to the occasion with multi colored Hawaiian style shirts and sun dresses. The brighter the colors - the better! If you really want to experience the Hawaiian theme, go all the way with the grass hula skirts! The traditional lei and haku (floral neck and head wreaths) add simplistic elegance and flip flops or bare feet are definitely the order of the day!

Of course your wedding would not be complete without Elvis Presley's version of the "Hawaiian Wedding Song"! If you are too young to remember the movie "BLue Hawaii"...rent it! The song is a Hawaiian wedding tradition and the movie will convince you that a

Hawaiian beach wedding theme is for you!

Beach Party Wedding Ideas
Now here is a beach wedding theme you can really let loose with! Totally informal, cheap, and relatively stress free. A sundress for you, walking shorts and a pastel short sleeved shirt for him.
The reception could be as simple as colorful beach towels or blankets spread in the sand and decorated with sand pails and sand tools. These will be especially useful for occupying the kids later in the day! Ask your guests to dress for the beach and BYOB - (bring your own bathing suit) you thought I meant beer didn't you? Some will do that anyway, without being asked!
Have a beach barbeque. Instead of dancing, have a beach volleyball game or a sand sculpting contest. In short, just let everyone have fun! As the day winds down and the guests drift home, sit back in the sand and enjoy the sunset. It was a perfect, fun day!

Caribbean Beach Wedding Ideas
How about the festive party atmosphere of a Caribbean style beach wedding theme? A

Caribbean wedding is the most joyous occasion!
You will be beautiful in a traditional white rayon crepe wedding sarong and your "mon" will be oh so handsome in a similar white weddingshirt. The wedding party and guests brighten the shoreline dressed in vividly colored sarongs, wraps, shirts and shorts.Floral parasols add a nice touch. Shoes are not required!
A Caribbean reception can last well into the night, sipping rum punch anddancing to the sound of a steel drum band playing Calypso and Reggae music. How about a "limbo" contest or a conga line? It'sparty time!
You may want to bring some bamboo torches to light the way!

Wedding Themes Western Country

2009-10-02T06:52:00.000-06:00

"Gettin' Hitched" in a country setting...

A big backyard in the country is the perfect place for Western Theme Reception. Hay Bales to seat your guests, Horse drawn Carriage to transport Bridal party & guests from the church to reception area. Of course Country music is a must. Large picnic tables decorated with gold bows is a beautiful touch.

Attire: The bride usually wears heavy fabrics that come with long sleeves and much, much lace. White Cowboy hat instead of a veil. Vintage Jewelry is a pretty addition.

For the groom, well, it is actually much easier. This is because the groom can wear the simple blue jeans, the typical brown vest, and the common brown jacket. The groom should, of course, don a hat and boots that come with spurs. Bolo ties are a must. Now, these make perfect clothes for a western themed wedding. And these are not expensive to come by at all!

The flower girl can be dressed in a pretty little "square dance" type dress that matches the wedding colors.

Invitations, Save the date cards, matching postage, RS VP cards & thank you cards in a matching western theme is an important part that you can't forget.

Matching Wine labels & Candy Favors are a detail to remember.

Menu: There are alot of caterers that specialize in BBQ's. Whole Roasted Pig, roast corn, beans & salads, pork chops, grilled salmon, smoked chicken, Grilled Lamb, Potato gratins, grilled mixed veggies. Desserts can include blue berry & apple pies along with the wedding cake.

Remember the Gifts for the Bridal Party & the Groomsmen. Western theme of course.

Wedding Themes - Vintage , Victorian

2009-10-01T07:36:00.001-06:00

Many couples know that they want a particular kind of wedding, but don't know where to start, or how to incorporate that theme into their wedding. For the next few days, check out these themes to see if any of them feel like the right sort of wedding for you, then use them as a start for your own ideas.

For those who love velvet and lace, old-fashioned sensibility, have a wedding from the 19th century. The Victorian Wedding

Think ruffles, bows and lace. www.Victoriana.com has a bunch of ideas for Victorian brides. Consider wearing an antique wedding dress, or a reproduction.

Since Queen Victoria wore a long lace veil at her wedding, almost every bride in that era followed her fashion. Through the centuries, brides have always worn some form of headdress. Of all bridal customs and traditions, wearing a circlet, wreath or coronet of flowers or greenery on the head is the one that seems to best represent the bridal legend, and be the most consistent.

Also comfortable Reception shoes are a great addition. Stay in fashion when you want to change from high heals or vintage boots, to a flat fashionable reception slip on shoe.

Special Vintage Jewelry is always a special detail for brides & bridesmaids. Brooches, Earrings, Necklaces & more.

Men should wear a tailcoat. They may also wear a top hat, if really want to go the whole 9 yards.

MENU: For a more informal wedding, the Sunday tea dance with petit fours, scones, and fresh fruit is ideal. For a formal wedding, follow the tips for a traditional formal wedding.Vintage design Custom Wine labels are also a detail you do not want to forget. Rent movies such as The Age of Innocence for inspiration.

INVITATIONS: For a formal wedding, have a beautiful embossed border on the edge of your invitation. Ideally the writing should be engraved, and the text should be as formal as possible. For a more casual wedding, consider these illustrated cards. Or, design your own invitations with a favorite Victorian love poem.

FAVORS: Consider a cracker like the ones popular at holiday time. They were invented in the Victorian era; they open with a snap and usually contain a joke and a small prize in them. These crackers can be filled with a trinket appropriate to budget and personality. Also, especially for a daytime wedding, consider a folding paper fan printed with a beautiful poem and your wedding date. Chocolate bar favors with a vintage design or lace design would a beautiful addition to the table settings.

FLOWERS: Pay special attention to the meaning of flowers. Consider carrying a tussy mussy. Your flower girls might carry pomanders.

Kosher Wines for the Holidays and Weddings

2009-09-24T19:11:00.007-06:00

Hanukkah 2009 begins sundown December 11th through the 19th.

A typical Hanukkah menu: potato pancakes (Latkes), fried, of course, in lots of oil, sweet cream cheese rugelach, strawberry-jam-filled doughnuts (sufganiyot) covered in powdered sugar, fried apple fritters, cheese-filled doughnuts fried in oil and dipped in honey, cheese blintzes, etc.
Don't forget a treat for the kids (& adults)... Custom Hanukkah wrapped candy bars.

For the adults.... pairing a good KOSHER wine is just as important for your Holiday table.

Below is a great list of Kosher wines. To make your Hannukkah gathering special, use Personalized Wine Bottle labels. They will add a special touch to the Holidays.

GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY Cabernet Sauvignon Galilee Yarden El Rom 2003 $40

A crisp, minerally style, delivering luscious flavors of raspberry, blueberry and red plum. The lively finish features touches of mint and dark chocolate. Powerful. Kosher. Drink now through 2012. 1,027 cases made.

GALIL MOUNTAIN Yiron Galilee 2004 $22

This suave red offers lush flavors of red cherry, plum, raspberry and spice, with a very bright finish filled with currant and mineral. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Kosher. 6,000 cases made.

GOLAN HEIGHTS WINERY Chardonnay Galilee Yarden Odem 2006 $18

Fresh and full-bodied, showing apple, fig and pear flavors, with lots of tropical fruit and spice notes on the bright finish. Kosher. Drink now. 1,960 cases made.

BARKAN Shiraz Judean Hills Reserve 2005 $24

This dense red shows dark plum and mocha flavors, with plenty of smoky notes. Dark chocolate fills the firm finish. Kosher. Drink now through 2011. 800 cases imported.

ELLA VALLEY VINEYARDS RR Vineyard's Choice Judean Hills 2004 $27

A dense red, with an herbal aroma and unctuous dark plum flavors that finish with plenty of mocha and espresso notes. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Kosher. Drink now through 2011. 16,036 cases made.

ELLA VALLEY VINEYARDS Syrah Judean Hills 2006 $32

A juicy Syrah, with spicy notes accenting the red plum, berry and raspberry flavors that are fresh and lively. The finish is peppery. Kosher. Drink now. 9,012 cases made.

RECANATI Merlot Galilee Reserve 2004 $23

A crisp red, with red plum, currant and chocolate flavors that carry through to the fresh, mineral-filled finish. Kosher. Drink now. 2,000 cases made.

CARMEL Shiraz Galilee Kayoumi 2003 $37

A structured red, with roasted plum flavors and mineral notes. Quite smoky on the rich finish. Kosher. Drink now. 600 cases imported.

RECANATI Chardonnay Galilee 2006 $16

Supple, with concentrated ripe pear, apple and rich, spicy flavors. Finishes with touches of butterscotch and pineapple. Kosher. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.

GALIL MOUNTAIN Rosé Galilee 2007 $15

A fresh rosé, with berry and cherry flavors and a crunchy, spice-filled finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera. Kosher. Drink now. 3,300 cases made.

Getting Organized for the Holidays 1 week before Christmas

2009-09-11T07:03:00.001-06:00

The LAST week before Christmas

by www.candybarwrap.com

WHEW..... this is the last week before Christmas. You will be finished with everything that can be done before the big day. Leaving you the week OF Christmas to relax and enjoy family & friends!

Toward the end of this week... shop for the perishable ingredients for your Holiday meal.

Some items MAY have to wait until 2 or 3 days before but milk, eggs, most fresh produce, herbs, cream, etc. will last just fine in the fridge (just check expiration dates) . Also remember to pick up groceries for Christmas breakfast & any special meal you may have on Christmas Eve.

This is also the LAST week to go over your lists & make sure everyone & everything is taken care of. Gifts should all be wrapped & under the tree ... House is clean and organized ... all baked goods done, decorations up... I think That's everything! This week, touch up cleaning & VOILA.... You are ready for Christmas day a WHOLE WEEK EARLY!!! Now just plan on picking up family guests at the airport & you can enjoy this time of year!

Go get your Hair cut ... get a facial ... get your nails done ... spend a little time on YOU! You deserve it!

Hope you enjoyed this series & will use these tips. No more FRANTIC holiday season!!!

Getting Organized for the Holidays week 7 "Decorating"

2009-09-10T07:03:00.000-06:00

Second week in December ... Organizing for the Holidays

by www.candybarwrap.com

Decorating Week. This can be done the second week of December OR the week after Thanksgiving.

Have a Tree decorating party or just have a great family night. String the popcorn & cranberries, turn on the Christmas music, light the fireplace & get the whole family "in the Christmas mood"

See these great Holiday Decorating tips: Budget Decorating
set out the Holiday candles

If this is the second week of December... Wrap all your gifts (because you should be DONE with shopping) & get the ones you need SHIPPED OUT in the mail by this week!

Pick up any last minute non-perishables for your Holiday dinner & have them all ready.

Getting Organized for the Holidays week 6 "Holiday Baking & more"

2009-09-09T07:02:00.000-06:00

FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER: Organizing for the Holidays
by www.candybarwrap.com

Wow.... this should be about the first week of December! Christmas is coming fast!
By now, you should have everything listed. Decorations, Menus, gifts.

Your cards should be ready to send this week. So FIRST... Pop them in the mail.
Then if you want to add Custom Candy bars for your guests or party... get those ordered. Custom Candle Centerpiece should be ordered this week too.

Now... this week will be the Baking & cooking week.

For Holiday Baking recipes: Go to Taste Of Home . These are the BEST recipes!!!

Bake all your cookies, Ziploc them & put in the freezer. Also look at your dinner menu & see if you have anything you can cook this week & freeze. Pies, desserts or side dishes.

Getting Organized for the Holidays week 5 "Holiday Dinner Planning"

2009-09-08T07:09:00.001-06:00

Week 5 of Organizing for the Holidays by www.candybarwrap.com

About 1 week before Thanksgiving... Turkeys & all the fixings go on heavy duty sales. Then Ham, Baking ingredients & other holiday food items start in the weeks after.

So... In your notebook... Write down your menu & ingredients you will need to purchase.
*** also write down any baked good & ingredients you will need for "baking week".
See some holiday recipes & tips here

This week.... get your New Christmas Stockings ordered for your decorations.

Then Starting the week before Thanksgiving, watch the sales & start buying the non perishable & frozen items.

Keep an eye out at the Dollar store (if you have one) & start picking up napkins, holiday ware and decorations. These items sell fast at the Dollar stores & are not replenished.

Getting Organized for the Holidays week 4 "Party Planning"

2009-09-07T07:04:00.000-06:00

Part 4 of our Organizing for the Holidays ...

Holiday Party Planning

by www.candybarwrap.com

Are you planning a Holiday Party this year? Well this week you will NEED that notebook!

First:
* determine the type of party (formal, casual, cocktail, etc.)
* decide if you want drinks, finger foods, buffet, full meal, or other
* decide how many guests you would like to invite
* set a date, time, and place for your party
* determine a date by when guests must RSVP
* make a shopping list -- including small items like napkins and candles
* make lists of tasks that can be done in advance and those for party day.

BUDGET:
* decorations, including flowers, plants, custom holiday candles and favors
* food and beverages
* other services (caterer, etc.)
* invitations and postage
* entertainment (music, DJ, etc.)
* tables, chairs, and other equipment rentals
* other miscellaneous expenses

This week start calling around for prices & pick up any non perishable items that are on sale.... keep all of this in your notebook because a few weeks before the party:

* put together your guest list and gather addresses and phone numbers
* get invitations
* purchase decorations, paper goods, and other supplies
* contract for any services (caterer, entertainment, etc.)
* plan your menu and purchase non-perishable foods and drinks
* contact any friends or family you want to help with the party
* address and mail your invitations
* pick out the music
* contract for any equipment rental (chairs, tables, etc.)

THEN a week BEFORE your Party: Everything should be purchased including perishables, house decorated, Holiday outfit picked out & cleaned and any last minute purchases. Also check with any contracted services that you have hired.

Get Organized for the Holidays week 3 "Cards & Gifts"

2009-09-06T07:20:00.000-06:00

Part 3 of Organizing for the Holidays... Week #3

by www.candybarwrap.com

Now is a good time to start planning your budget for Holiday Gifts and getting Christmas cards ready to send.

Having this done early will REALLY keep you calm later on.

First... get your notebook ready & list all the people you will need to buy gifts for & another list for Card recipients.

Next to the "gift names".... add in a dollar amount to spend on each person. Then when you see things on sale NOW.... "buy as you go" & cross them off on the list when that person is finished. BUT STAY IN BUDGET! & Please use cash... Christmas gifts will end up costing a fortune in the end if you use credit cards & only make payments. Grandma's $10 gift will end up costing $20.

Save that Christmas bonus for all the things you need at the last minute.

NOW Christmas cards.... I am already seeing Holiday Cards in the stores. I buy the packs from the dollar store. If you get them now... write a personal note in each one, add any photos, address & stamp them THIS week. Save them to send out closer to Christmas.

Join us tomorrow for the 4th week of "Organizing for the Holidays"

Get Organized for the Holidays Week 2 "Deep Clean"

2009-09-05T07:06:00.000-06:00

Part 2 of our "Get Organized for the Holidays" by http://www.candybarwrap.com/

Now that you have everything De-cluttered ( see yesterday's post)... it's time to do the deep cleaning.

So ... WEEK 2: Deep clean.

Corners, cobwebs & under the furniture.
AGAIN.... choose 1 room per day during this week.

Take out the vacuum & using the extended hand tool... start around the ceilings & down corners of the walls. Then go around the corners & edges of the floors. Remember the window sills & stairway step corners too.

Then using the extension tubes with the "fuzzy" attachment.... hit the top of doorways, picture frames & the top of curtain rods. Then pull the cushions on the furniture & give them a good vacuuming.

Move out all the furniture, sweep out any items that rolled under there & vacuum. Then the rest of the floor can get a good vacuuming.

If you have hardwood, tiles or linolium... mop or scrub with hot soapy water or hardwood cleaner. If you use a cleaner that has oils in it for hardwood floors... a little trick: to shine it up, put on clean socks on you & the kids & get them to "shine with their feet". (we have races lol )

As for the Kitchen... this should also be the week that you clean out the refrigerator & clean the cabinets (at least the outsides) Remember to get the oven cleaned too. Self cleaning ovens can be set during 1 of the nights during this week.

Also this week is a good time to "do windows in each of the rooms".

If you have Guests staying in a guest room.... make up the beds & hang fresheners in the closets & CLOSE the door so the kids don't go in & mess it all up again.

Come back tomorrow for "week 3".

Get Organized for the holidays! week 1 "Declutter"

2009-09-04T12:08:00.000-06:00

Getting Ready & Organized for the Holiday Season

brought to you by http://www.candybarwrap.com/

Only about 15 weeks before Christmas! And its going faster than you think! Starting now... get the house ready, party plans done, gift & card lists ready to send. Start thinking about your Holiday menus & watch the paper for sales.

So for the next few days..... we will be listing a "1 week project" & as you go through each week, everything will be ready when "the big day" comes. Come Back each afternoon & see the next week's tips.

"week 1 project".... Organize everything & declutter the house.

Get yourself a calendar or special notebook & write each week's projects. Assign duties to the rest of the family.

DECLUTTERING: WHERE TO START

Start slow, small and steady
Schedule 1 room each day & use the 4 box system

The 4 Box method forces a decision, item by item. Get three boxes and a large trash can. Label the boxes, "Put Away", "Give Away/Sell" and "Storage." Items to be thrown away belong in the trash can.

Take the four boxes to the declutter area. One at a time, pick up each piece of clutter. Ask yourself, "Do I want to put this away in another place, donate it (or sell it at a yard sale), store it, or throw it away?" You may not let go of it until you have made a decision.

Each day, take the boxes to the next room & repeat. As the boxes become full, put them away. Storage or garage. If you have several boxes of "donate" items, dump them in a large bag & call your local Thrift store & scedule a pickup. OR if you have time... take them to the thrift store so that you are not tempted to take things out.

Great Baby shower Ideas & gifts

2009-06-22T13:46:00.006-06:00

The first thing to think about when throwing a Baby shower are invitations. You can find some adorable ones at http://www.candybarwrappers.ecrater.com/

Remember to send in plenty of time AND include a phone number to RSVP.

In a previous blog... I have many decoration ideas.

Now some great centerpiece & gift Ideas...

"momma blanket bunny & baby booboo bunnies"

Adorable Center piece on the table AND a great gift for the mother to be. Add some personalized Hershey Kisses or Hershey miniatures around the table too.

Other centerpieces ... diaper cakes, Diaper bears etc. can be found here too! www.babycakesnbeyond.ecrater.com

Now Buffet Recipes.

Crock pot dishes are the easiest to start with.

Excellent meatball appitizers:
For time issues... use frozen cocktail size meatballs from the grocery store. Put in the slo cooker while getting the sauce ready. In a pot... empty a can of Jellied cranberries OR a jar of grape jelly. Add a jar of CHILI Sauce (NOT cocktail sauce). Heat till jelly is disolved in with the chili sauce. Pour over meatballs & cook on low.

Little Sausage Wraps.
Get a package or 2 of the "Lil Smokies" sausages. Take a lb of bacon ... Cut in 3rds. Open a can of sliced Water Chestnuts. Cut water chestnuts in half. Place one water chestnut on a sausage, wrap in a piece of bacon & secure with a toothpick. Place in a baking pan. Sprinkle Brown sugar on the top. Cover with foil & bake at 350 for about 30 min.

Crab-cream cheese Puffs.
soften cream cheese & whip with mixer... add a bit of garlic & whip. Stir in finely chopped canned crab. Roll out Pillsbury type Cresent dough. I use a glass to cut small rounds... or you can cut smalll squares. Put a tsp or so of cream cheese mixture in the middle... fold over & seal.
brush with an egg/water wash & sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake as directed on the dough package... or till lightly brown. Taste great hot or cooled down.

Shrimp & Cream cheese cracker spread. This is SOOOO easy! Unwrap a block of cream cheese, pour a 1/2 a jar of Cocktail Sauce over the cream cheese block... Drain & dump a can of small salad size shrimp over the cocktail sauce. Add a "fancy" little spread knife & put any crackers you like around the plate.

Chocolate dipped strawberries... or fruits & a veggie tray with ranch dip are always a beautiful addition to the table.

Celebrate the 4th of July

2009-06-15T22:01:00.004-06:00

If the Fourth of July has become just another day off work, maybe this is the year to put a little oomph back into your celebration of our country's birth.

1: Throw an old-time neighborhood barbecue. Grill hot dogs, toast marshmallows, wave flags, twirl sparklers and sing patriotic songs. If you are having a Family reunion... get personalized Lip Balm Wrappers. Personalized Wine bottle labels too!

2: Visit one of the places where the urge for freedom simmered up and finally boiled over into the revolution of the 1770s. Hike Boston's Freedom Trail, follow Ben Franklin's footsteps through the winding streets of Philadelphia, take a boat up the Potomac to Mount Vernon, or tromp through the fields at Valley Forge.

3: Read the Declaration of Independence and try to put yourself in Thomas Jefferson's shoes as he wrote it.

4: Find a small town that still stages an old-fashioned Glorious Fourth and revel in it. Watch the parade, cheer at the speeches on the green, sing at the top of your lungs when the band strikes up "America the Beautiful," ooh and aah at the fireworks. If you can't find one, organize your own.

5: Have a costume party with guests dressing as their favorite characters from the Revolutionary period. Play music and serve food and drink popular at the time. You'll find recipes and inspiration in biographies and Colonial-era cookbooks.

Custom Wine Bottles

2009-05-11T11:14:00.003-06:00

Whether you make your own wine or just want to personalize any bottle... add these to your party or wedding reception. Personalized Wine bottle labels add that extra touch to any reception.

Save the date cards

2009-04-20T13:15:00.003-06:00

Save the Date Magnets & Cards are the hottest trend for weddings, baby showers, and more!

Send out well in advance before your invitations go out. Give your friends & Family a "heads up"

See our NEW "Skinny Save The Date Cards"!

Make a Bridal Shower Towel Cake

2009-04-06T12:34:00.005-06:00

Bridal Shower Towel Cake

Present the bride with two sets of towels in style. A wedding towel cake makes a great decoration at a bridal shower and is sure to bring lots of smiles. Perfect centerpiece... add some bridal confetti on the table for that extra sparkle.

It is also very simple to make.

Materials and Tools:
Towel Sets - 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels and 2 wash cloths.
Satin Ribbon- #3 or #5 widths. Any color (130 inches)
Faux Rose petals- Any color (1 bag of 100)... (I find them at dollar stores or party stores. Sometimes at Walmart)
Silk Roses or other flowers - Any color
Double sided tape
Sharp Scissors
Measuring Tape or Ruler

Step 1. Roll the Towels
Fold each hand towel in half lengthwise twice. Start with one end and roll the towels up as shown. Set aside. Repeat this process with the wash cloths. Fold each bath towel in half lengthwise and repeat the folding until the width of the towel is roughly 6". Roll the two towels together in the same way as the hand towels. You should now have the three layers of the "cake."

Step 2. Add the Ribbon
Cut the satin ribbon into 60", 40" and 30" lengths. Tie the large piece around the bath towels as shown. Repeat for the other two cake layers. When complete, stack the cake layers starting with the largest layer at the bottom.

Step 3. Add the Details
Once the layers are stacked, move the cake to the final location or on a round cardboard cake holder you can find at craft store. Cut stems of roses or flowers off to leave a few inches and tuck it on top of the cake. Take off the stems on remaining flowers & using double sided tape... tape flowers on the layers. Sprinkle petals on layers & around the base on the table.

Also have Custom Hershey miniatures made & "sprinkle" around the base as well.

How to make a flower basket for flowergirl

2009-03-21T12:35:00.001-06:00

Make your own beautiful custom made baskets to match your colors & flowers for the flower girl.

Make matching baskets for the reception to fill with Personalized Hershey Kisses for your guests. Use as smaller centerpieces for each table or at the coffee area.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/flowgirbas.html

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/sweethearros.html

http://www1.benfranklinstores.com/newpage/projects/o04/basket.htm

Weddings, Bridal Showers & More... Centerpiece

2009-03-20T11:34:00.000-06:00

Pretty in Pink Centerpiece

Add Custom Hershey Miniatures or Hershey Kisses around the Centerpiece on the table

Weddings, Bridal Showers & More... Favors

2009-03-19T11:18:00.007-06:00

First in a series of Homemade Elegant decorations & more!

Favors are the easiest to make yourself!

Custom Kiss labels to add to the bottom of Hershey Kisses!

Custom Lip Balm (Chapstick) labels

Hershey Nugget Labels & alot more!

Add to a basket, goodie bag or at the place settings

Pirate Theme Birthday Party Ideas

2009-03-18T11:45:00.000-06:00

Shiver me timbers! Ahoy ye hearties and avast thy chase for a booty of pirate party are right here on this blog which marks the X. For all sea dog pirates who are searching for party idea treasures for their young swashbuckler, look no further.

Are you ready to transform your home into a Caribbean port and your backyard into a pirate ship? Pirate parties only come once in a lifetime and you want to make it one that your little pirate will remember forever.

INVITATIONS: The invitation is a drawing of an island with various features labeled (eg., Deadman's Swamp, Pirate's Cove, etc.) The font similar to Old English in keeping with the pirate theme. The party blurb was "Aaarrr! Come if you dare to (boys names) pirate party. They are turning 7 and need shipmates to swab the deck, walk the plank and look for pirate treasure. We set sail on, Pier located at.., RSVP First Mate."

Ask them to wear striped t-shirts if they had one. The paper is aged by dabbing it with a wet tea bag and once dry the edges are burnt to give it that old "treasure map" look. The invite is rolled up and put into a bottle with some sand, small shells and skull confetti. Each bottle had a black label with a white skull and crossbones and the child's name on it, and were hand delivered.

St. Patrick's Day Parties

2009-03-04T13:27:00.004-07:00

St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17 in the year 461 AD. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, and a provincial holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. Children wear orange, white and green badges, and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair.

Join in the fun and celebrate the Luck of the Irish by throwing a St. Patrick's Day party for your family and friends. We've put together some fun, "green" ideas to get things started.

Party Favors: Personalized Hershey Candy bars, personalized Hershey Kisses, Shamrock necklaces fro Dollar store or Party City

Main Courses & Side dishes

Corned Beef and Cabbage
Baked Potato Bar
Irish Potato Pie
Irish Lamb Stew
Crock Pot Glazed Corned Beef
Appetizers Rainbows
Green Veg. & Avocado Dip
Green Salsa
Mini Reuben Sandwiches
Irish Mashed Potatoes
Irish Soda Bread
Boiled New Potatoes

Boiled Carrots
Shamrock Salad
Green Cupcakes
Pistachio Pudding
St. Patty's Day Punch
Green Beer & other green drinks

Decorations & Favors

Green Utensils

Party Favors

Chocolate Gold Coins

Green Napkins

Green Tablecloth

Green Carnations

Green Balloons

Bowls of green M&M's

Bowls of green Jelly Beans

Green Candles

Treasure Chest

Clovers & Shamrocks

Baby Shower Ideas

2009-01-30T07:56:00.002-07:00

This is a TERRIFIC site for ideas for Baby Showers!!! Get candy favors at www.candybarwrap.com too!

http://www.creative-baby-shower-ideas.com/index.html

here are a few ideas from the site:
Mix and match your favorites to come up with your own fabulous design!

Tulle- Hang tulle around the room as a decoration to give a soft, elegant look. You can create swags or drape around the gift or food tables.

Christmas lights- always add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Use them with tulle, around candles, or mirrors for a soft reflecting glow.

Cloth diapers can be used as place mats or napkins.

Baby car keys or pacifers add a nice touch as a napkin rings.

Use baby bottles as cups- Just remove the nipple and add a straw for each guest. It works well to give a baby feel to the occasion and it gives the mom-to-be supplies.

Fresh flowers- add a touch of beauty and a great smell to the room. Some great varities to try are roses, tulips, gerber daisies, and lilacs. Sprinkle rose petals down the table for a special touch.

Use a christmas tree or baby tree- to decorate with the occasion. If it is christmas time, get a tabletop christmas tree and decorate with baby items and lights. During summer you can get a branch, stick it in a vase and tie baby items to it for decoration. Another nice touch would be to spray paint the branch with a soft baby color like blue, pink, white or silver.

Candles- are perfect to use if you would like to add a little ambiance to the occasion.

Balloons- you cannot go wrong with some good balloons. Use them around the room to decorate. You can also use them at the food table by tying them to your main centerpiece.

Baby clothesline- this is a simple yet great way to both decorate and give cute gifts to the mom-to-be. Hang a clothes line as a decoration and string up cute baby clothing items like onesies, baby booties, socks, and outfits. After the shower they can be given to the mom as a gift for the baby.

Confetti-sprinkle confetti on the table as a simple and cute baby shower decoration. You can find baby themed confetti at baby stores. & add some personalized Hershey miniatures or Kisses too.

Display gifts in a crib or stroller instead of using a gift table. Decorate a crib or stroller to hold the gifts for the mom to open.

Use baby food jars to hold glass beads and a tea light candle for a simple and elegant look.

Display a rocking chair for mother's to be's chair- give your guest of honor a special seat for her party. Use a rocking chair and decorate it to match the rest of the decor.

String stars from ceiling, add glitter to make them more dramatic.

Use clear plastic bubbles from the craft store to match a baby bath theme. These can also be suspended from the ceiling.

Paper cut outs can be purchased or made in various baby themed shapes.

Baby sign- create a banner or sign and hang up as a decoration.

Satin and Organza can be used on the table to add a touch of elegance.

Hang an umbrella from the ceiling- Open an umbrella and hang from the celing near the gift table. Use streamers and balloons to decorate the umbrella.

Streamers can create a festive feel to any party. String them around the room and even try them in a criss cross weave pattern on the table for a fun look.

Tableware-Plates, napkins, and cups can be purchased in solid colors or various themes to match your baby shower.

Tablecloth- use a solid table cloth to give your food items more attention, or use a lace table cloth to add a touch of elegance.

Kisses for Valentines Day!

2009-01-21T13:43:00.003-07:00

Share sweet kisses with your guests or clients with Hershey’s most famous little chocolates, made especially for your wedding, graduation, birthday, anniversary, business advertising or ANY occasion. Hershey's Kisses are perfect. Choose from our designs to customize with your names, initials and occasion date. Valentine's Day is coming soon!

For only $25 for 100! Choose the flavor you like!

Milk Chocolate (silver foil)
Milk Chocolate with Almonds (gold foil)
SPECIAL DARK Chocolate (purple foil)
Filled with Caramel (bronze foil with brown stripes)
HUGS Chocolates (silver foil with brown stripes)

See some other great products like Hershey Miniatures.... Regular size bars & more at www.candybarwrap.com

Holiday Gifts on a budget

2008-10-22T19:39:00.016-06:00

This is really a hard task. Staying on a budget while finding great Christmas gifts.

How about a personalized Deck of Cards with your family photo. Sort of a greeting card AND a great gift at the same time!

Another terrific gift are soups or baking mixes in a jar. Heart4home has a HUGE list for gifts in a jar. Print out a cute label with cooking instructions... stick to the jar & VOILA ... the perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, friend & family.

Personalized Microwave popcorn at http://www.candybarwrap.com/ & as a special treat... slide in a Blockbuster or Movie theater gift card.

Wax Firestarters

These are great to keep in the car or snowmobile as emergency heat or a basketful by the fireplace.

#1... Newspaper knots. Take the comics for colorful knots or any newspaper.

lay out a sheet & roll or fold from one corner to the other. Tie CAREFULLY into a "knot". Don't pull too tight & rip. Melt wax (leftover broken crayons or any wax).... dip the knotted corner & halfway up the ends. Let dry. Add to an inexpesive basket from the dollar store or a thrift store. Lighting instructions.... just light the ends that don't have wax & set into logs.

#2... Toilet paper tube firestarters. take the cleaned off empty toilet paper tubes & using a paper punch... punch 3 holes up each 4 sides. Stuff with shredded newspaper OR strip shred all that junk mail. Stuff the tubes pretty tight with the paper. Melt wax (crayon pieces or clear) & lay paper tubes in (making sure they are totally submerged in wax).

Let soak in wax for a few min. Take out with tongs & put on a cooling rack to drain & dry. Put wax paper or foil under rack to catch excess was. Light & add to logs. For Emergency heat... these will stay burning for about 20 min. So keeping in a car during the winter is a great idea.

#3 ... Pinecone firestarters. I use a little candle scent for this... get the disposable aluminum muffin tins from dollar store... Lightly spray with spray oil like Pam. Melt wax & add scent and color (optional) Cut a 2 or 3 inch piece of candle wick & set in tin with a pine cone. Pour in wax, let cool & pop out of tin. Fill a basket for a beautiful decoration at the fireplace. Just set a firestarter on top of log & light. Melting wax will scent the room & keep the logs burning.

Gifts for kids...

Chunky Rainbow Crayons:

Have lots of crayon stubs that are too small to hold on to? Don't throw them out! You can use them to create big, chunky crayons. Ask a local school, daycare or church for broken crayons.

Here's How:
Gather up all of your broken crayons, and cut them into small pieces.
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees.
Fill the muffin tin or aluminum "throw-a-way" tins from the dollar store with a inch-thick layer of crayon pieces.
Bake 15-20 minutes, or until the wax is melted.
Allow the tin to cool; then pop out the crayons, and they're ready for use.
Candy and soap making molds can also be used to create fun, shaped crayons.

Duck Soaps

Purchase glycerin soap from a craft store like Hobby Lobby or Michaels that melts in the microwave. add soap color & scent.

Rubber duckies at any dollar store or http://www.orientaltrading.com/

Pour melted soap into molds or the disposable plastic sour cream type containers. Set in rubber ducks. Cool & pop out. Wrap in cellophane & add a bow.

So there are a few gift ideas that won't break the bank during the Holidays.

Holiday Parties on a budget ... decorations

2008-10-05T22:42:00.006-06:00

Christmas time is always a financially tight time of year. Here are some "budget minded" ideas that won't empty your pockets.

Decorations:

Dollar stores such as Dollar tree or Craft stores like Hobby lobby or Michaels can be great places for inexpensive decorating products. Another place to find interesting items is http://www.orientaltrading.com/

A beautiful Table centerpiece.... a 3 or 4 candle holder that holds taper candles ... hot glue garland or white fake poinsettias around the bottom of the holder. Add red or white candles.

Personalized Candles are also a great addition to your decorations.

Plenty of Garland can turn your home into a winter wonderland. Using Command adhesive hooks (by 3M) on walls or stairways. Wind lights ... wire berries ... pine cones in the garland.

Wind some garland around either a wire ring or Styrofoam ring.... add fake berries ... fake poinsettias & a red ribbon as a beatutifull wreath. Hang inexpensive ornaments from the garland.

Silver or gold garland with lights added are easily taped around inside windows, around doorways or arches.

Tie greens or ornaments to the chandelier with a little Christmas ribbon, just make sure they don't hang low enough for any candles on the table to catch them on fire.

Get a wicker basket with a handle ..... fill with pinecones. Hot glue them together & wind in some lights for a beautiful floor decoration or by a fireplace.

Save all those Christmas cards & tape into a tree shape on the all or hang over your curtain rod over a window. You can also tape them into garland on the stairway.

So there are a few decorating tips for the holidays.

Shiver Me Timbers, Pirate Theme Birthday Party

2008-06-11T10:56:00.006-06:00

Shiver me timbers! Ahoy ye hearties and avast thy chase for a booty of pirate party ideas are right here on this blog which marks the X. For all sea dog pirates who are searching for party idea treasures for their young swashbuckler, look no further.

Are you ready to transform your home into a Caribbean port and your backyard into a pirate ship? Pirate parties only come once in a lifetime and you want to make it one that your little pirate will remember forever.

INVITATIONS: The invitation are a drawing of an island with various features labeled (eg., Deadman's Swamp, Pirate's Cove, etc.) The font is similar to Old English in keeping with the pirate theme. The party blurb is "Aaarrr! Come if you dare to (boys names) pirate party. They are turning 7 and need shipmates to swab the deck, walk the plank and look for pirate treasure. We set sail on, Pier located at.., RSVP First Mate." They are asked to wear striped t-shirts if they have one. The paper is aged by dabbing it with a wet tea bag and once dry the edges are burnt to give it that old "treasure map" look. The invite is rolled up and put into a bottle with some sand, small shells and skull confetti. Each bottle has a black label with a white skull and crossbones and the child's name on it, and are hand delivered.

DECORATIONS:
Make a poster that says "Beware of pirates" and trace a skull and crossbone symbol next to it. Use the same lettering that is used on the invite. Chalk it brown and burned the edges. Hang that on the gate or door that the kids come through, next to the sign have a skeleton hanging. Find some pirate heads cutout at a party store and hang them around. The center piece for the tablecan be a ship. Have a four foot piece of wood that is about 5 inches wide and about 4 inches deep. Drill 3 holes for dowels and take 3 full size white poster boards and make sails. The middle sail attach a plastic jolly roger flag to the top. On the two other sails put a 8 1/2 by 11 piece of cardstock for some small sails. Place ship on a blue plastic table cloth. It looks fantastic. Cake can go next to ship. Nets hung with seashells from the ceiling.
Eating tables have plastic red table cloths and red and black balloons everywhere. I had black plastic utensils and blue paper plates. Paper cups and napkins with a jolly roger symbol at a party store. Throughout the party have music from Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride playing. The cd is called Haunted Disney. It has a few versions of "Yo Ho A pirates life for me" the music is a little more light hearted than the actual movie soundtrack.
Give each child a red sash to tie around their waist when they arrive then they can go to make the craft. Mom and helpers dress in black capris and white top with a red sash tied around the waist.

GOODIE BAGS: Plenty of chocolate engraved coins at http://www.corporatecandywraps.com/

A pirate theme with a picture of the "Birthday Boy" on a Personalized candy bar wrapper at

http://www.candybarwrap.com/ . Plastic beads, coins, play money all fron dollar store or party store.

ACTIVITIES: "Ocean in a Bottle".
INGREDIENTS: clean, empty individual soda or water bottle for each child - label removed, and child's name pre-written on cap with Sharpie marker; vinegar (enough to fill 1/2 each bottle; for example, for sixteen ounce bottle you would need 8 ounces of vinegar for each child); vegetable oil (enough to fill 1/2 of each bottle); funnels (at least one for every three kids. The ideal would be one for each child.); glue or hot glue gun; optional are blue food coloring (a few drops can color the whole batch of vinegar), glitter, plastic sea life beads that are small enough to fit through the bottle opening, and/or small shells that will fit in opening. Party stores or Dollar Stores carry alot of these items.
DIRECTIONS: Have a bottle at each place with the oil already measured out and poured in. Have the vinegar (already tinted blue, if you're doing that) pre-measured into paper cup at each place. The kids get to pour the vinegar in (and watch the oil rise through it to the top). They then can add any embellishments you might have -- beads, glitter, shells etc. Then have them take the bottles over to a glue station where an adult glues the caps on (so when the children play with their ocean there are no leaks).

GAMES: Treasure Hunt. Each child was given a plastic compass--Dollar General $1 for 4 to help them "find" the clues. Make two treasure hunt boxes filled with Mardi Gras beads from any party store and fake money. Place 5 clues around the house that each team had to find and read the clues: Time is Passing….tick, tock The next clue is…..by the rock A Famous Pirate saying is "Swab the deck" This is where you'll find The next clue! Hope these clues aren't a bore, Because the next clue is Hidden by the door The AC holds the final clue So go get it, Your team needs you! Look in the vacant lot for a BLACK "X" Look in the vacant lot for a RED "X" The last clue place had 2 plastic shovels, one for each team--the teams had to physically dig up the treasure and my husband buried it kind of deep, so it took about 10 minutes to dig up.

FOOD: We had a snack table. I used a pirate themed table cloth on this table. I had a red plate and napkin caddy that I used to hold pirate themed plates and napkins, along with red and black forks. I used a black bowl to hold chips and dip, another black bowl to hold goldfish snacks, and a red bowl to hold Pirates of the Carribbean fruit snacks (individually wrapped). I cut out the picture on the box of fruit snacks and used double tape to tape it to the back of the red bowl. It made a cute display for the snacks. I then made a center piece for the table. I used a cardboard pirate treasure chest (matched the table cloth, plates, and napkins), a large skull (halloween decoration), a map(came with party supplies). I set up these three pieces, added a pirate eye patch to the skull and then added gold, pearl, and colored beaded necklaces (left over from Mardi Gras) around the area. I also added lots of gold coins, and all different color gems (bought at craft stores near the floral department). I hung a pirate themed banner above the table and then anchored two bunches of helium balloons the each side of the table with smaller versions of the big cardboard treasure chest. I put a balloon wieght in each treasure chest and then tied the ballons to the lid of the chest and closed it. On the side of the snack table I had the drinks in an ice chest. We had canned drinks and bottled water for the adults and ocean water (blue juice) and sharks blood (red juice) for the kids. The kids loved the named of their drinks.

Princess Party Theme

2008-06-01T11:25:00.000-06:00

Hear ye, hear ye. All Queens and Kings across the land who are searching for party ideas for their young ladies' royal birthday celebration, should look no further. For here are Princess Party Ideas!Are you ready to transform your home into a castle and your porch into the palace bridge? Will you welcome guests with a red carpet and entertain a party wearing crowns of gold? Princess parties only come once in a lifetime and you want to make it one that your little princess will remember forever.

INVITATIONS: Princess party invitations can be royal scrolls, glass princess slippers, castle invitations, or knights on royal steeds. Just be sure to make them really special by using a fancy font, calligraphy, or a golden glitter ink. Be sure to give the start time, end time, date and location of the royal ball. Since they are usually hand delivered, you can roll them in a scroll and tie them with a bow or seal them with an official royal wax seal.

DECORATIONS: Set the mood for your party with great decorations like a balloon archway and a royal red carpet entrance. Cover the party table in pink accented with streamers, balloons and confetti. Create a throne for your princess to sit in when it's time for punch and cake. If your really ambitious you can create a castle out of some large boxes for a special play area just for the party.

ACTIVITIES: Sometimes the memories are even more special when guests get to take home the artwork that they've created themselves at the party. Whether they make tiaras, crowns, paintings or sugar cube castles, it will be something special that helps them remember and share their event with others.

GAMES: What princess party is complete without some royal games and events. Games like kiss the frog, pin the wings on the dragon, pass the poison apple or a musical princess walk, add excitement to the party and provide a time for everyone to interact.

COSTUMES: A princess party just isn't the same without all the princesses dressed in their royal attire. If they are attending a royal ball or just having a princess tea, somehow the magic of dress-up makes the party special.

PARTY SNACKS: Don't forget snacks and drinks for all of your royal guests. Certainly snacks and drinks that are colored in princess pink are always top of the list. But sometimes it's best to incorporate some healthy vegetable snacks while providing a pink colored dip.

CAKE: Although any royal cake will do, a castle cake is popular with those who like to bake. For those who prefer a simple and less complicated treat, individual cupcakes and ice cream in individual cupcake liners can reduce the mess of serving princess treats under pressure.

Party favors are loved by everyone and say thank you for coming. In fact, adding a thank you to every favor bag, or sending them out after a party is always polite and appreciated gesture.

Top Party Theme ideas

2008-06-01T11:15:00.000-06:00

Looking to plan a birthday party your child will never forget? From pirates to princesses, you can host your best fest yet! These are the top ten party themes! All themes can be made into
great Candy bar favors with personalized candy bar wrappers!
1) Princess Party
2) Pirate Party Ideas
3) Sweet 16 Party
4) Tropical Luau Party
5) Scavenger Hunt
6) Sleep-over Party
7) Tea Party Theme
8) Fear Factor Ideas
9) Dora the Explorer
10)Beach Party Ideas