Daily Party Dish

Olympics Theme Party Ideas

With the summer Olympics quickly approaching, I’ve been doing some brainstorming for summer Olympics theme party ideas (we are havign a watch party for the London games) and I was reminiscing about the great time I had planning this Olympics theme Bar Mitzvah. I think it's perfect for a child who likes sports, but wants a theme with a twist!  Here are some pictures from the event.

Guests walked into the lobby that was filled with balloons in the 5 Olympics colors (red, blue, black, yellow and green).  We also mounted posters from past Olympics games (which you can buy online) and put them up on easels throughout the cocktail area. 

They got their seating cards there, which (of course!) were attached to gold medals.

A caricature was drawn of the Bar Mitzvah boy running with the Olympic torch and holding the Olympic rings.  We used that art on a sign in board and on custom centerpieces (complete with an Olympic torch coming out of the middle and balloons).

The focal point in the room was a giant balloon display made to look like the Olympic arches.  It was great fun!

 If you are having a party for the Olympic games, or just an Olympic theme party check out our personalized Olympics theme party favors and invitations!

 

2012 Olympics Party Ideas: British Menu

Can you feel the excitement?  Yes, it’s almost time for the 2012 Summer Olympics.  What’s not to love about the Olympics?  People from around the world gathering in peace and celebration….

Oh, who am I kidding?  I love the competition.  I love the patriotism.  And, I love the chance to throw a good party! 

It’s great, of course, to throw an American theme patriotic Olympics party (we have lots of Summer Olympics Party Ideas on Party411.com), but why not switch it up a bit?  How about serving traditional British foods since these Olympic games will be held in London?  Here are some great options for your British Olympics buffet!  (Keep in mind I don’t know how to make ANY of this.  That might be my next project.)

• Fish and Chips – Battered and fried fish with a side of chips (French fries) – yum!
• Kippers – basically salted or picked herring.  I’m sure it’s delicious…
• Yorkshire pudding – I’m going to have to try this one: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/yorkshire-pudding-recipe/index.html - a great looking side dish
• Bangers and Mash – sausage and mashed potatoes – perfect for a dinner
• Cornish Pastry – a pie made of beef, potatoes and onions, amongst other delicious ingredients!

Don’t forget the dessert, or “pudding” as it’s often called in London! Here are some delicious options:

• Tea and Biscuits – offer an assortment of teas, biscuits and jams for a lovely tea theme with your dessert
• Spotted Dick – besides the wonderful name, this is a wonderful tasting pudding with dried fruit
• Trifles – a layered sponge cake with custards and fruit
• Bread and butter pudding – another recipe I’m going to try: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bread-and-butter-pudding-recipe/index.html

Also, you’ll want some authentic candy.  There are plenty of sweet options available online. (http://www.britishfood.com/confectionary.asp has great candy!)

And to drink?  Ale, British, of course. Newcastle and Bass are great choices! 

Man, I’m starving now…  

 

Star Wars Theme Graduation Party

I love my family. When my brother was graduating from high school last year I said to him "William, we can do your graduation party in school colors... OR... we can do a theme. A Star Wars theme." And I received an enthusiastic green light! (I love my family)

I love my job (I am a content manager for Party411.com). When I come up with a party theme I know that the big guns here at Party411 have my back. Gotta love the inhouse artist, graphic designer, big o'l printers and color copies :)

I started off with a custom caricature invitation drawn by out resident caricature artist Larry. Larry is awesome. He had done several invites for me over the years and two of our Christmas cards. He doesn't bat an eye at anything weird I throw his way.

My brother as Han Solo, with the Millennium Falcon in background with a congratulations banner, and Admiral Akbar and Boba Fett giving the RSVP info? Done son.

 

(If you are interested in having Larry draw you an invitation there is a caricature invitation contact form for Graduation Caricatures you can use. Nanette will help you. She is awesome.)

Larry gave me the original art to put in a frame. I put the matte on top of the glass, which will allow people to sign, but protects the art from smudgy fingers.

This table also had a few mementos; William's graduation cap, his diploma, a thank you gift from the kids in the class he student taught for, and the favors. I did a custom design on our personalized graduation favor bags that said "Chewie Chocolate Chip Cookies" and filled the bags with yummy cookies.

Above the table I hung a "Congratulations" banner. To make this banner I downloaded a Star Wars font. In Photoshop I used an image with the same first letter of the letter in the banner to fill the hollow space (ie, C-Cloud City, O-Owen Lars, N-Nebulon-B frigate, G-Greedo, R-Rancor, A-Admiral Ackbar, T-Tauntaun, U- L, A-AT-AT, T-Tatooine, I-Imperial Star Destroyer, O-Oola, N-New Hope, S-Sarlacc). Then I cut them out and hung them on a line, flanked by pictures of my brother. This took me forever and was a pain in the tookus, but it looked great.

Guests were greeted int he front yard by a Stormtrooper with a speech bubble that read "This is the party you are looking for... move along". I purchased the cardboard stand up on eBay, and the speech bubble we made here at Party411 from foamcore.

Party411 also took the image of my brother from the caricature and made a foamcore life-sized cutout!

We also made a custom photo op for the party. This is (left to right) myself, the grad William, our sister Christine, and our brother John. It was a fun group shot of the four siblings. William is the youngest :)

We had decorations for the food too! We fired up the grill and served hot dogs and hamburgers, but the big draw was the build your own burrito bar "Greedo's Burrito Bar". We provided tortillias, beans, rice, shredded chicken and beef, grilled onions and peppers, shredded lettuce, salsas, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. It was a HUGE hit (and eay to put together... use crock pots!) Here is a picture of the custom banner that hung above the table. I photoshopped a burrito in Greedo's hand in place of his gun.

We made another banner for the float bar as well. I set up a table with a smaller cooler filled with containers of vanilla ice cream and bucket of ice and cans of root beer and cream soda. I included an ice cream scoop, plastic cups and bendy straws so guests could create ice cream floats. It was perfect for a hot party day. On the ground near the table there were several coolers; one for pop, another for water/lemonaid/fruit punch, and one more for beer. We put a sign on the lid that read "21 and over only! We will use the Force".

I also bought lightsaber picks (I think they are for cupcakes) and I used them for fruit pick in single serving fruit cups. Sorry for the bad pic, but these went fast!

Dessert was an AMAZING cake made by William's friend Dan as a graduation gift to him. It was really tasty!

We also had "Obi Wan Cannoli's" because who could resist that play on words. Not me :)

My sister carved a sweet watermelon Death Star that we used as a buffet decoration. (fyi, this is a PITA and takes forever. Or at least an hour. Plan accordingly)

Death Star craft maven that she is, Christine also made a sweet Death Star pinata (paper mache, silver spray paint, gray acrylic paint, black marker, sequins, neon green pipe cleaners). This was a huge "hit".

Here she is trying to take a whack at her creation.

Pinata bashing wasn't the only activity. We had these fun foam lightsabers for everyone to use. And they used them primarily to beat on each other throughout the party. We made them by cutting a pool noodle half, and then wrapping one end with duct tape and electrical tape (for the grip).

We also had an outdoor screening of The Empire Strikes Back. It had cooled off by then, and we laid out blankets and passed around the popcorn.

Grandma won the costume contest for her Yoda ("It makes sense since I am the oldest person here and I already have a cane.")

Sometimes the party is made by the little touches. One of the most talked about things... this "Wash your Hans" sign in the bathroom.

It was a great party and we all had a lot of fun celebrating William's graduation. Great job Will. We love you!

I wouldn't have been able to throw such an amazing party without the help from my family, and work family as well. We excel at creating the custom party here at Party411.com. Check out the following links to see all the great graduation products we offer. Or if your looking for something completely custom (like this party was) you can email us at partygirl@party411.com

• Graduation Party Ideas from Party411.com
• Graduation Party Banners
• Graduation Party Invitations and Party Favors
• Graduation Open House Ideas

LAW AND ORDER Final Episode Watch Party

LAW AND ORDER: Final Episode Monday, May 24th

Oh my God.  Do you believe NBC canceled the original Law and Order after 20 years?  And not much notice, either.  It’s a crime!!  (Sorry about that.)  As far as I’m concerned, it’s more tragic than the Jay Leno/Conan O’Brian debacle. 

Anyway, call or email your friends who are also fans, and tell them to appear at your house on Monday to bid adieu to Jack McCoy and friends.  Grab your gavel, and let’s plan a party!

Like every episode, there’s law; there’s order.  The first half of the party should be spent investigating a crime and apprehending a suspect (eating and drinking).  The second half is prosecuting the accused (watching and waiting—for the verdict).

Thus, as your guests walk in, they immediately enter Manhattan’s 27th Precinct where they are greeted by Detective Lupo (all they need is a nametag).  The guests should then be directed to a make-believe interrogation area where they can turn themselves in and/or confess their crime (let them be as creative as they wish), and give them a nametag to list their self-professed role.  However, the last of the guests to show up won’t be so lucky…I have two words for them:  JURY DUTY!

Move from interrogation to a “holding cell” where fun appetizers (like “criminal” cheese on “courthouse” crackers) and dinner await (see below).  After dinner and drinks, have your guests (or inmates) proceed to the courthouse (for the ORDER part) where they can watch the final episode.

Decorate with enlarged with articles literally “ripped from the headlines.”  Set up a “judge’s bench” (wherever your TV is located) and set out a “jury box buffet” (self-explanatory).  Put out napkins with toy handcuffs as napkin rings. Your guests will be so impressed with the “arraignment” of your house!

What to serve?  Make your case for this final episode by serving inexpensive yet creative menu items such as...

• ADA Artichoke Dip
• VanBuren Broccolini Salad (our favorite Lt.)
• Precinct Pasta
• Brisco Bailout Burgers (named for the late Det. Jerry Brisco)
• Courthouse Cajun Chicken
• Testimonial Turkey Sandwiches
• Negotiable Nuggets
• Murderous Mushrooms

Beverages could include...

• Liability Lemonade
• Evidential Egg Creams

And for guilt-free dessert (just kidding), serve...

• Detective Doughnuts
• Crime Scene Chocolate Cake
• Cutter Coffee

Law and Order might be ending, but the party has just begun!

Sob,

From your two favorite Party411 interns...
Glenna and Rachel.

Road To The Red Carpet Gala

I finally got my chance to walk the red carpet before the Academy Awards!  Last night, Party411 was proud to help coordinate the Greater Cleveland Film Commission's Road To The Red Carpet event.  It was a fabulous Hollywood style red carpet gala.  The event was held at Pickwick and Frolic in Downtown Cleveland.

Guests arrived in black tie and headed down a red carpet that seemed to stretch down the entire block!  Before the Academy Awards began, guests enjoyed cocktails and an assortment of food stations and a fabulous silent auction.  (One guest won a bid for a walk on roll in Entourage!)  Guests could enjoy "photo magic" from our friends at Rock the House and have their picture taken on the red carpet or in front of a Hollywood style logo step and repeat board.  They could even act out a role in a movie and have it green screened into the original scene.

After cocktails, guests settled into their seats to watch The Oscars live from a giant screen set up in the Hilarities comedy club.  Guests who felt like wandering around watched the show from flat screen TVs set up around the entire event and enjoyed more drinks and plenty of desserts.

The Party Girl did a great job planning this event.  I always love working at events she has planned. She is really the most creative person I have ever met and I'm proud to be a part of her fabulous events!

To see more of the fabulous pictures venture over to our facebook page and enjoy!

Birthday Party Themes for 2 year olds

There are things I know that I spend far too much time thinking about and I’m ok with that.  I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will always over think birthday party themes for my kids and spend even more time worrying about the perfect invitation and the perfect favors.  And, in the end, I’m always happy with what I choose and with a special day that I’ve planned for my kids.

I bring this up because my youngest son is turning 2 next month and I have been debating the theme for his party for months.  Months.

Well, Party411.com has partnered with Birthday Express and they have a whole line of paper goods designed just for 2nd birthdays.  There have always been plenty of options for 1st birthdays, so I was thrilled to see 2nd birthday party supplies.  Cowboys, cupcakes, trains, cowboys and more!  And my dilemma?  How do I pick?! 

I narrowed my choices down pretty quickly to “Rock Star” and “Robots” - two themes I thought my son would enjoy.  Back and forth for months … robots or rock stars… rock stars or robots.  My son loved them both when I show him the pictures.  And, that was my answer!  We’re using Rock Star 2nd Birthday for his birthday party with his friends and I’ll get an assortment of 2nd birthday robot paper goods for dinner on the night of his birthday.

You’re right… I didn’t really choose this time.  How can I when the themes are both so adorable?  And, I’m sure my son will have a fabulous birthday!

Next step…invitations!

Throwing a 2010 Olympics Opening Ceremony Watch Party

This year we are having a small party to celebrate the 2010 winter Olympic and I wanted to share a few of my Olympic theme party ideas with everyone We are getting together to watch the opening ceremony on February 12th, but you can have your party on any day through the 28th! There are a a few my "can't miss events" that would be fun to watch with a group -

• Day 2  - Short Track - Men's 1500m - Watch Apolo Ohno take on the same event he crashed out of in Salt Lake City. Ohno needs two medals in Vancouver to become the most decorated Winter athlete in United States history.
• Days 5 and 7 - Figure skating - Men's short program and free skate - Reigning champion Yevgeny Plushenko and 2006 silver medalist Stephane Lambiel are sure to put on quite a show.
• Day 6 - Snowboarding, Men's Halfpipe and Alpine Skiing, Women's Downhill  - Watch American favorites Shaun White and Lindsey Vonn go for the gold!

I am sure there are plenty more, just check out the schedule and pick your favorites. And while not as exciting, you can always DVR an event and play it at the party appropriate time.

As far a decorations go we are keeping it pretty simple. I bought paper goods in the Olympic colors. I am going to decorate the buffet with "Olympic Torches", which are just cones of paper (for the torch) filled with tissue in red, yellow and orange for the "flames". Here are a few more decorating ideas -

• Crepe paper and balloons in the Olympic colors are your best bet for an inexpensive and easy way to fill a big party room.
• Party411.com has some great Olympics decorations and party supplies, I especially like these two -

Torch Decoration
Olympic Party Rings

• Some of my holiday decorations are more of a "winter" theme, so I leave them out and incorporate them into my party decorations. And since we all want the USA to win the Gold, don't forget the patriotic decorations too! Pull out the Memorial Day and 4th of July decorations and display the flag!
• Keep going with the winter theme; create decorative snowballs that won't melt inside. Purchase Styrofoam balls and white glitter from the craft store. Brush the Styrofoam with a liberal amount of clear or white glue, and roll the ball in the glitter. Let it dry overnight. Pile the snowballs in glass bowls or plastic pails for a fun and inexpensive decoration!

Since the focus is on television, create a comfortable viewing zone with as much seating as possible. We use floor pillows and folding chairs to add seats in front of the TV.

I decided to have a buffet of foods from "Around the World", representing several countries in the Games -

• Pizza - Italy - Can't go wrong with pizza at a party, right?
• Hot dogs and Hamburgers - We are making half hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls and mini burgers since there will be so much food, but you can't leave out classic American food!
• Bierocks - Germany/Russia - I made these for Oktoberfest last year and they were great. Here is the recipe.
• Pierogies -  Slovakia (or Poland/Ukraine/ Hungary but I am Slovak so that's what we go with)
• Egg Rolls - China - we are ordering out from a local place to make it easier on me :)
• Olives, Grapes and Cheese Platter  - Greece - This appetizer is a nod to the Olympic Games' origins
• Labatt and Molson Beer - Canada - a toast to the host
• Crepes - France - These crepes (recipe from AllRecipes.com) will be a yummy end to the night served with ice cream and chocolate syrup
  

You can also print flags to set by the dishes. For free printable flags check out PDFPad.com.

You can also organize this as a potluck meal by giving each guest a country and then letting bring their own dish.

I am going to try and keep it simple and fun. Want more? We have even more ideas in our 2010 Winter Olympics Theme Party! Go USA!

- Kathleen

2009 Emmy's Viewing Party Ideas

My husband and I are inviting a group of friends over to watch the Emmy’s this year. We had a small Emmy’s viewing party last year and it was a blast watching and debating the winners. We didn’t do much last year besides order pizza because it was a spur of the moment gathering, so this year I am putting more thought and effort into planning. Already I have a ton of ideas. Are you having friends over to watch the Emmy's on Sunday September 20th? Maybe you can use some of these party ideas. And I would love it if you can share some of your own!

Emmy Viewing Party Invitations

I usually hand make my own invitations but I really like our Hollywood ticket invitations, and I haven’t used them for a party yet. So I am going to send those out.

If I was going to make my own invite I would probably make it like a winner’s envelope; heavy cardstock, folded with a gold seal and personalized for each guest…

And the Emmy goes to…
Christine and Aaron Phillips
for best miniseries!

I could then switch up what award they are receiving depending on the guests. Maybe I will do that next year...

Emmy Viewing Party Decorations

For decorations I am going with a red carpet Hollywood theme. I actually have some great Hollywood decorations from an Oscars party we did a few years back, so I am glad I get to reuse them. Here is what I plan on using –

Red Carpet Runner – The perfect entrance to the party. You could make your own with red fabric, but that would be much more expensive. I was thinking I may try to make some paparazzi silhouettes to line the walls of our front hall too.

White Twinkle Lights – I have a bunch of these up in my Christmas box upstairs so I am going to bring them down for indirect party lighting.

Movie Night Buffet Caddy – This silverware caddy is a newer item in our store, and I think it is super cute.

Movie Buff Award – These are a great deal, 12 for less than $7. I am going to use them for all over room decorations and then party favors for the guests to take home at the end of the night.

Hollywood Print-fetti and Silver Star Confetti Mix – Confetti is my party decoration staple. I like to scatter it on the buffet and on the tables around the room. I have silver stars already, and I am going to mix in the clap board confetti to give a little extra Hollywood flair.

Personalized Hollywood Stars – I have a hallway that is perfect for a “Walk of Fame”. I am going to cut out stars and write my guests names on them with gold pen. That’s a cute invite idea too, I will keep that in mind for next year…

Lights Camera Garland – I am debating on this garland. I love the look, but I may hand-make a banner. So it may go over the buffet and dessert table. Maybe not. What do you all think?

Nominee Posters – I plan on printing out pictures of the nominees and shows from the awards and featuring them around the room. It will probably skew to the nominees I want to win (Jim Parsons and Family Guy, I am looking at you) but I will try and get all the favorites in. I am going to replace our wall artwork and family photographs with these printouts and see how long it takes everyone to notice that our wedding portrait is now Steve Carell.

Emmy Themed Party Menu

I am not stopping my theme at the invites and decoration. A fun and easy way to theme your menu is to take cues from the nominees! Here are a few ideas off the top of my head to get you started -

Thai Take Out - Big Bang Theory
Thai food makes a regular appearance as the food choice of this geeky group. Except on Thursdays.

Sheldon - “We don't have Thai food on Thursday. We have pizza on Thursday.”
Leonard – “Yes, but we all agreed that the third Thursday of every month would be Anything Can Happen Thursday.”
Sheldon - “Apparently the news didn't reach my digestive system, which, when startled, has it's own version of Anything Can Happen Thursday.”

Angela’s Double Fudge Brownies - The Office
“I hear Angela’s party will have double-fudge brownies, but it will also have Angela. Double fudge brownies? Angela? (weighing hands like a scale) Double fudge brownies? Angela?”

"Sabor De Soledad" Cheese Puffs - 30 Rock
You will probably just have to use regular cheese puffs. If you do happen to find Sabor De Soledad brand, be careful not to get preggers from them.

Jello Pudding Dirt Cups – Dirty Jobs
These dirty dessert cups might not be gross enough for Mike Rowe,you’re your guests will love them.

And don't forget the drinks...

Vicodin Cocktail – House
Any cocktail will do. Pick your fave and substitute the name to fit your theme.

Tipsy Paula Punch – American Idol
A fun play on all those Paula rumors. Try this tasty Slush Punch.

Dharma Wine or McCutheon Whiskey – Lost
You can print out Dharma logos at Lostpedia

Heineken - Mad Men
Sterling Cooper's client and a show sponsor. Perfect

These are just a few of the many possibilities! I am sure I am forgetting plenty of obvious ones, so share your ideas with me (and everyone else) in comments.

Emmy Viewing Party Activities

While your watching the Emmy’s, have everyone guess the winners. Here are 2 printable sheets with all the major nominations on them –

     

Emmy Nominations Sheet  1    Emmy Nominations Sheet 2

Last year we also played the Award Night Drinking Game. Here are the loose rules we played by, modify how you see fit –

• If anyone thanks God, their Lord and savior Jesus Christ, etc. take a drink. 
• If anyone thanks his or her mom last, take a sip of someone else's drink.
• If anyone says he or she is “humbled” or “blessed,” take a drink.
• If the winner says, "I was just happy to be nominated", take a drink. 
• If anyone cries, take a drink.
• If a winner says, “I wasn’t expecting this and I don’t have anything prepared,” only to launch into a long acceptance speech, finish your drink.

Well, that’s about it. I am still planning and would love to hear your ideas for food, decorations or anything. So leave me a comment with what you are planning, or what has worked for you in the past!

Kathleen

Woodstock Anniversary Music

 

I went to the library last Friday to get my usual dose of graphic novels. (Yes, I still read graphic novels and I’m ok with it.)  I was happy when I noticed a wonderful display of CDs dedicated to 40th anniversary of Woodstock.  I read about a Woodstock Party Playlist recently and I was intrigued.  I recognized most if not all of the artists but I wasn’t familiar with all of the songs.  This was an easy way for me to rock out to some classic music from one of the most influential musical festivals in history. 

I borrowed a Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, and three Woodstock CDs.  I was going to listen to each one in order in it’s entirety but I decided against it.  I made a playlist and put it on random.  I have to say this music is incredible.  Now I know why the other Woodstock’s didn’t have the same amount of success; the artists simply weren’t as good.   

The original Woodstock had performances by Hendrix, Joplin, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Jefferson Airplane, to name only a few.  That is an all-star cast of performers.  Then when you look at the music of the entire decade, you can't help but be impressed.  I don’t really want to knock the music of today but are my children going to listen to it?  I doubt it; in fact they’ll probably make fun of me.  The music from the sixties stands the test of time, and will continue to do so. 

I wish I was older so I could justify throwing my own Woodstock theme party.  I don’t care that the anniversary has officially passed, the music is still good and I know everyone would have a blast. If I were to throw this party is there any artist I need to check out? Please let me know, so I can throw an incredible party.

Dog Days of August Puppy Party

Our dog Basil has always been very social. From the time he was a puppy we would take him to our local dog park to socialize. He also is buddies with several of the neighborhood dogs.

One of my favorite parties on Party411.com is Dog Day Afternoon. It's all about getting your friends and their four legged companions together for an afternoon of socializing.

I decided that it would be nice to host a doggy party in our (newly) fenced backyard. I sent out these cute dog themed invites with a little doggy bone attached to them.

The invite is our Dog Theme Party invite. Here is the wording I used - 

Puppy and parent are invited...
To a Dog Day Afternoon! 

Come and Pawty in Basil's backyard
(The Strawder Home)

at 2 pm on August 9
BYOB (bring your own ball)
Don't Make Us Beg! - RSVP 555-555-5555

The day of the party everyone gathered in the backyard and my husband grilled for our human guests. We had iced tea and lemonade, and lots of water for the dogs. As a treat I baked homemade dog biscuits.

It was pretty hot so we set out a big plastic kiddie pool for the dogs to splash in. The dogs played in it for a little bit, but mostly it was used by our human guests to soak their feet in!

We bought some tennis balls and Frisbees to scatter around the yard, but the dogs played with each other more than the toys. Everyone took some toys home at the end of the party.

From what I hear, all the doggies were pooped out for the rest of the evening, I know Basil was!

 

- Kathleen