Daily Party Dish

2011 St. Patrick's Day Costumes

St. Patty’s Day is right around the corner, but it’s definitely not too late to get an awesome St. Pat’s Day costume to go out on the town in style!

If you want sexy, funny, or just easy; make everyone green with envy & check out some of our most popular St. Pat’s Day costumes!

St. Pat’s Day Costumes for Women

• Good Luck Charm Sexy Adult Everyone needs a little luch of the Irish at their party, right?
  
• Sassie Lassie Adult Costume A head turner to be sure!
  
• Luscious Leprechaun Adult costume Nobody will question your Irish heritage with this costume!
  
• Pot o Gold You've found the luck of the Irish!

St. Pat’s Day Costumes for Men

• Get Lucky Leprechaun This can be classy or sexy, up to you!
• Leprechaun Adult costume The green tails are a great addition!
  
• Leprechaun Lad Adult Costume If you have the opportunity to wear a bow tie you do it, right?
  
• Parade Leprechaun This costume is an absolute delight and sure to make everyone laugh. 

St. Pat’s Day Costumes for Kids

• Lucky Leprechaun Child costume Your child is sure to turn heads with this adorable costume.
  
• General Mills Lucky Charms Leprechaun Child Costume  Keep them away from your lucky charms!

St. Pat’s Day accessories:

• St. Paddy’s mini Top Hat A total winner to your costume this year!
• Short Bob Green Wig A harido that's perfect to cover your clover crew!
• Pot of Gold Handbag It's St. Pat's so of course you need a pot of gold!
• Shamrock Suspenders Any reason to wear suspenders should be encouraged.
  
• St. Pat’s Gatsby Hat Sure to turn heads this year. 
• Plush Leprechaun Hat with Beard Don't have time to grow a leprechaun beard? Problem solved! 

Happy St. Patty’s Day & the luck o’ the Irish to ya!

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Sam's Mom - Phineas and Ferb Theme Party

Have you seen Phineas and Ferb?  Chances are if you have kids older than 4, you have...and you love this show.  My husband and I find this show even more amusing than my kids do and they think it's a riot.  You know, it's got that kind of humor where the adults understand more than the kids.  If you've missed it, check it out on the Disney channel. 

The crew consists of Phineas and Ferb who are half brothers and their sister Candace, who is either obsessing over her boyfriend Jeremy or trying to bust her brothers for one of their daily adventures.  They have a pet platypus named Perry, who leads a double life as Agent P, a secret agent who thwarts the Evil (and hilarious) Dr. Doofenshmirtz. 

Needless I was super excited when I saw they were coming out with Phineas and Ferb party supplies.  They feature Phineas, Ferb and Perry and are sadly missing Doofenshmirtz, but are still pretty great.  I got the napkins and put them in my kids lunches the other day.  They were a hit! 


Along with the paper goods, I love the Phineas and Ferb silly band bracelets and the Perry noisemakers.


I think I'd set up two craft areas at the party.  First, I'd set up a "Phineas and Ferb building station" with popsicle sticks, glue and other building style craft supplies.  I'd also put out Lincoln Logs and other building toys to see what they could build. 

Then I'd set up a "Candace Loves Jeremy" station with picture frames, heart shapes, glitter, glue and markers and let them create their own picture frame. 

Go set your DVR and watch Phineas and Ferb with your kids.  I bet you'll want to have a party for your friends!

Sam's Mom

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Sam's Mom - Princess Theme Party

The other day Sam had a friend, Laila, over to play.  I thought I'd pick her brain a bit and show her some of the girl's party themes that are available.  She and Sam both loved looking through the themes.  As I expected Laila's eyes went right to the Disney princesses!  (She is 5 after all!)  This was a perfect choice for me - I used to work at Walt Disney World after all!

First we looked at the party supplies from Disney's newest princess movie, Tangled.  The Tangled party supplies are adorable... just like the movie!  They both thought the Fairy Princess Castle would be a lot of fun at a party.  The pink brush and mirror makes a perfect Tangled party favor. 
 

Next it was on to Princess and the Frog.  Sam and I watched this movie about 100 times this summer right up until Star Wars mania hit our house.  He was partial to the Voodoo man in the movie.  Needless to say, Laila loved the Tiana and princess theme from this party.  She loved the Princess and the Frog Lip Gloss Necklaces and the Princess and the Frog tiaras!
 
We loved Tangled and Princess and the Frog, but Laila went nuts for the classic Disney Princess party. They feature Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Snow White and Aurora!  (And, yes, it's a little sad that I can name them all just by seeing their pictures.)  The plates and balloons are purple and pink and shaped like hearts!!  Oh my!  And talk about favors!  We love the princess tiara and wand set and the purple and pink princess goblets. 

So the Disney Princesses were the big winner in my house that day.  I think Laila went home to plan her own Disney Princess party.  For me, it's back to Star Wars land.

Magically Yours,
Sam's Mom

• Kid's Birthday Party Ideas from Party411
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Sam's Mom - A Star Wars Kids Party

Hello, it's me, Sam's Mom.  I've been suggesting super cool kid's birthday party ideas on Party411.com for a while now, so I thought I'd start blogging a bit more and share some more ideas to help with kids birthday parties.  (It's been long enough that I've been posting that I'm now Sam and Justin's Mom!)

I thought I'd start with a theme that is near and dear to my children's hearts - Star Wars.  Oh yes, Star Wars mania has hit my house with full force (pun intended).  We have Star Wars shirts, underwear, pajamas, toys, backpacks, costumes, lunchboxes, fruit snacks...you name it; and we probably want it or have it.  Good thing for my children, my husband and I both grew up watching Star Wars and are happy to watch the movies over and over and over....

When planning a Star Wars party, you have to first ask yourself an important question - movies or TV?  There are great Star Wars movie party supplies and Star Wars Clone Wars TV show party supplies. Both are super cool and you should really decide based on which Star Wars series your child is currently obsessed with.  For us, we'd go with the movies.

Paper goods are obvious for this one.  Choose the themed plates, cups and napkins and pick silverware and tablecloths to match.  Simple, inexpensive and fun!

For favors, I love these Star Wars masks from the kids section of StarWars.com.  You can print them out on your printer (in full color) and put them out for the kids to play with at the party or take them home.  I'd either print them on cardstock or mount them on cardboard and attach popsicle sticks at the bottom. 


I'll also make sure the kids get Star Wars tattoos and a Storm trooper wrist band.  We might also make Star Wars cookies (you can find Star Wars cookie cutters) and bag them for the kids the take home as a fun favor.  (And, yes, we'll call them Wookie Cookies!)

If you've got a son, you know how hot Star Wars is right now.  We've literally gotten 5 Star Wars party invitations since September.  So, think creativity and add a few special touches to your party!  The kids will have a blast.

May the Force be with you,
Sam's Mom

• Kid's Birthday Party Ideas from Party411
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Halloween Party Ideas: Group Costumes

Group Halloween Costumes are my specialty!  Every year I host a Halloween theme party, where I pick a theme like: Cartoon Characters, Invent a Superhero, or Toys & Games, and everyone picks a costume from that theme.  It's fun because all my friends are the dress up kind of people and like to get creative!

Cartoon characters is a good theme if you want to create your own costume or grab one from the store!  Here’s a couple examples:

• Mario & Luigi: This one is easily made with jean overalls, a red long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt and a red hat for Mario and a green long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt and a green hat for Luigi.  You can also get mustaches and the letter M and L from your local craft or costume shop. Or you can just grab a Mario costume and Luigi costume!
• Betty Boop:  A little red dress, red heels, a white garter belt, gold earrings, and red lipstick. Then I just pinned my hair close to my head, or you can grab a Betty Boop wig.  Or forget all that work and just pick up a Betty Boop costume!

Inventing a Superhero along with the Toys & Games themes are for the more creative bunch! 

Superheroes:

• Wrapper Girl – I made my costume from wrapping paper, tape and a lot of careful maneuvering!  I also picked up a handheld roll of packing shrink wrap, and went around the party wrapping people!
• Party Girl – A very easy costume!  Wear all black, with maybe a pink tutu and a cape!   Then add party items like, sample size liquor bottles attached to a belt, and condoms attached to the cape.  Or the PG13 version, with confetti, blow horns, candy and toys.
• Keg Man – Only for the handy men!  My dad used an actual keg that he cut the top and bottom off of, and wore with a pair of suspenders.  I’m sure you can also do the same with a silver painted cardboard box that is rounded out.

Toys & Games

• Lite Brite – I used the top of a cardboard box (that I poked about a million holes into), some battery-operated Christmas lights (from a local craft store), some suspenders (to hold the box up with) and a cute 80s outfit underneath!
• Pac Man – Make the board with a black shirt and pants, yarn, felt (for pacman and the ghosts), hot glue & gun, and a lot of patience!  Or just grab a Pac Man costume and the ghosts for your friends!
  
• Army Man – Not GI Joe, but the plastic army pieces!  Do it at home with a green shirt, pants, and helmet, and green body paint.  Or grab an Army Man costume!
  

If you don’t want to host a theme party, you can twist this idea with a smaller group of friends.  Whether you’re going to another Halloween party, or are just hitting up the bars for the night, have a group of friends all dress up in a theme.  Movies are a great way to do this! Have each person dress up as one character from a movie, like Alice in Wonderland, Wizard of Oz, Star Wars…  Imagine how funny it will be when you all walk in to the bar or the party!

Whatever you do this Halloween, be sure to have a (safe) spook-tacular blast!

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New New Moon Celebrity Cutouts

Less than a week until New Moon arrives in theatre!  Are you on Team Edward or Team Jacob? 

 

Really, why should you have to choose?  We’re excited to announce that we now have new Twilight New Moon theme cardboard celebrity cutouts, including Jacob, Edward and even one of them both with Bella.

 

Along with these characters, we have cutouts of the Cullen family, the Volturi and other favorites from the books and now movies!  Check out the entire selection.

I might just have Jacob move into my office to keep Edward company.  They might not be thrilled, but I will…

Super Excited About Twilight Party Products

We’re counting the days at Party411.com until the next Twilight movie comes out on November 20th!  And, of course, we can’t let it pass without planning a Twilight theme party! So, we put Edward in our office for inspiration and got to work. 

 

We started with a whole line of Twilight inspired custom products.  Our favorite has to be this beautiful caricature of Edward and Bella that you can use as an invitation.  Use it as is or take out Bella and add your face.  (Or Edward’s, of course, if you’re a male who is hosting.)

 

We’re so excited to present our Twilight theme party.  It’s full of decorating ideas, favor ideas and entertaining ideas.  It’s great if you’re planning a Twilight movie release party (like us!) or a Twilight theme birthday party. 

And, we know you all love Edward too.  Stay tuned, we’ll be giving away a lifesize cutout of Edward next month!

-Amy

Party Sunglasses for the Future

The wait is over!  Remember my post from a few months back about 2010 glasses?  I have been wondering for years…what will happen to the “00” glasses in 2010?  Will it be the end of an era?

Well, after waiting and waiting and waiting, I finally have an answer!  I just got these images from my vendors:

So, we can all rest easy.  There WILL be 2010 glasses.  Phew.  We’ll let you know when they are available.

Let the New Year’s Eve party planning begin!

Amy

Five Reasons for a Banner at Your July 4th Party

Banners are fun at any party but they seem to work even better on July 4th.  Here are five reasons you should use a banner at your Independence Day party.

 

1.    Get Found in a Crowd.  Many of us go to the Community Park to cook out, throw the Frisbee around and watch fireworks. It’s tough finding your group in a sea of humanity, especially if you are lugging a heavy cooler around.  A banner, even a small one, makes it a lot easier for everyone to locate the party.

2.    They Last. These parties are outside and weather can be an issue.  Even a brief shower can ruin your best home made effort.  Getting a weather resistant banner gives you one less thing to worry about.

3.    It’s an inexpensive welcome sign.  This is just one man’s opinion but I always relax a little when I see a welcome sign (or welcome flags) at a party. I immediately assume it will be a great party. I guess it makes me feel the host paid attention to the details which is always a good “sign”.

4.    Acknowledge special people or events.  Whether it’s Scott and Amy’s anniversary or Grandma’s birthday there always seems to be a special occasion worthy of fireworks.  Most custom banners let you send a personalized message while keeping the patriotic theme.

5.    To celebrate the USA.  This is probably the best reason.  July 4th isn’t just a party but a celebration of the American dream.  We should all remember the dream and the work we have to do to make that dream a reality.  Seems like this year that message should be shouted across the nation.  A banner is a good way to start.

Happy picnicking and God Bless America!

Jimmy

Fun Ideas for Patriotic Welcome Bags

 

If you’re hosting a party with people coming in from out of town, you’ll want to make sure they feel welcome when they arrive at their hotel.  A hotel welcome basket has become expected from out-of-town guests and I think it should be expected.  If your friends and family are spending time and money to come to town for your event, you should thank them and welcome them as soon as they arrive!

 

Have fun with your welcome bags!  Sure, you’ll want to add snacks and drinks, but why not theme the bag a bit to your city or to your event?  I got married on July 4^th, so we had patriotic theme welcome bags! Since July 4^th is quickly approaching, I thought I’d share some ideas for a patriotic welcome bag (or any welcome bag!):

 

We started with American flag tote bags.  They carried LOTS of stuff and our friends are still using them 5 years later.  We added some snacks: cookies, pretzels, water, juice, fruit, etc.  (Go to a local Costco or Target to stock up for your bags.)

 

We added some fun Patriotic items that I got online, like:

• Pinwheels

• Personalized pencils 

• Uncle Sam notepads

•  Small American Flags

• USA Flag beaded necklaces.

 

 

 

We also added a few Cleveland favorites:

 

• Cleveland Indians peanuts (from a local nut company)

• Stadium mustard
  

• Chocolate from Malleys – a local favorite

 

And, of course we included a welcome letter with a weekend schedule, maps and a list of fun things to do in Cleveland for “free time” during the weekend.

The bags were stuffed and were a big hit!  When making your welcome bags, make sure to add some snacks, a nice welcome and a weekend schedule.  Beyond that have fun with themed favors and local goodies.  It will make for a wonderful start to an event weekend!

 

Amy