Daily Party Dish

Valentine's Day - What not to do

 

About eight years ago I was dating a man who had the perfect Valentine’s Day date all planned out. Or so he thought…He had arranged for a limo to pick us up where we were to meet up with some friends of ours who were joining us for the evening.  We all went downtown to see a play that I really wanted to see.  Afterwards we went to Morton’s, great steak place, for dinner and drinks.  Sounds great or it did before I arrived at his place.

I arrived early at his place early so we could exchange gifts.  All was good until I opened his card to me.  I could not believe what I was reading.  It was obvious that he hadn’t read the card.  I asked him, nicely, if he had read it.  He told me in no uncertain terms that he had read it three times and picked the best one.  I knew that he had not read the card even though he kept insisting that he had.  I was starting to get frustrated.  Finally, I threw the card at him and demanded he tell me exactly when did we get married? and better yet, when did I have a sex change? The card read, To My Husband On Valentine’s Day.  Needless to say the evening was ruined.  So men, remember to really read the Valentine’s Day card if you want to have a great Valentine’s Day.

I forgot to mention the play we went to see was, “The Male Intellect, An Oxymoron.”  How appropriate was that?

One Million Acts of Kindness

We here at Party411.com often get many questions regarding invitation etiquette. Many times the questions regard people not wanting gifts at their party. 

The Party411.com office had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Bob Votruba recently to explain his mission of One Million Acts of Kindness and how he is visiting many college campuses's to send his message of how we as a country are long overdue for genuine acts of kindness.  One Million Acts of Kindness Week February 8 - 14, 2010 http://www.onemillionactsofkindness.com/

If you are having a party and don’t want gifts consider putting "In lieu of a gift you can donate to:  onemillionactsofkindness” This will give your guests an opportunity to give a gift and support a good cause.

Ask the Party Girl - Where should I start first?

I get a lot of great questions from readers about party and event planning. I am going to start sharing some of my favorites. Hopefully my answers to them will give you some answers to your party planning questions. If you have a question about party planning that you need answered, ask the Party Girl a question! You might be the next question featured on the Daily Party Dish.

Our question today comes from Casey -

I'm planning a big 17th birthday party. I have already picked a place to have it, but I don't know what to do next! Where should I start first and how should I do it?

Planning a party can be a great experience but it can be a stressful one too. Make some basic decisions before you get started, and the rest will be easy.

The key to a successful party is staying within your budget.  Decide what you’re comfortable spending and then stick to that number.  Great parties can be created on any budget. 

Once the dollar decision is made, pick your theme based on the occasion.  A pool party or picnic is fabulous for a graduation or family reunion.  If it’s a birthday you’re celebrating, choose your theme based on the interests, hobbies or special quality of the birthday boy/girl.  For milestone celebrations, the year/decade that the person was born always makes a fun theme.  Someone celebrating a 40th birthday would love an 80’s party complete with big hair, shoulder pads and pacman game!

You know your theme and your budget so it’s time to decide on the invitation.  It’s the first introduction to your party so be sure it makes a great impression.   There are lots of invitation choices, a custom created design or caricature from Party411.com is always fun.  Local stores offer a great selection of invitations or make your own, either by hand or on the computer.

Decorations can be as elaborate or simple as you like.  The number of decorations you need will be determined by where you’re having the party.  But here are some easy and inexpensive items that will work almost anywhere.

• Colorful balloon bouquets – accented with a Mylar balloon based on the theme, like a guitar for the 80’s party.
• Traditional votive candles in small glass containers or other festive candles – flip flop candles for a beach party?
• Lights always make a space look more festive. Anything from elegant white lights to brightly colored chili peppers will help give the party a special glow.

Food can reflect the theme of your party (bbq for a picnic, chili for a western).  Keep in mind that the time of your party will help determine what you serve.

• Hors d’oevres and desserts are perfect for a casual evening event. 
• Finger foods, small hot dogs, pizza cut up into small pieces, and a delicious green salad, are an inexpensive way to feed a crowd.

Depending on the type of celebration you’re having, you may or may not need entertainment.  The following activities can be customized for your crowd.

• Games – board games, charades, musical chairs, twisters, karaoke
• Dancing – theme dances, limbo contests, dance contests
• Photo Ops – create your own with theme based costumes

Favors aren’t necessary but always a nice addition to any party.

• Personalized cameras to use during and after the party
• Candy bars, water, beer, or wine bottle labels customized just for your party
• Small theme related gifts – key chains, glow jewelry, glasses or bar ware

Planning a party can be as much fun as the actual party itself.  Give yourself plenty of time, stay within your budget, let your imagination run wild and you’re sure to have a fabulous event!