Party Talk

We’re coming into party season…

 

There are three major reasons to party just around the corner…and easy parties they are.  In fact, these holidays are the kind where it’s “the more the merrier”—in all respects.  The more people you have hosting the party, the less there is to do and the less it costs (when divided equally).  More hosts mean more guests and that is always a better party, no? 

On the best days, people need to party.  On the worst days (uh, that’s right now), people need to party even more.  So, do your friends a favor and get them out of the house and into the streets (well, you know what I mean).

Listen--it’s shocking how easily guests succumb to plastic heart-shaped beads just because it’s Valentine’s Day!  It’s amazing what a feather mask and blinking Mardi Gras tiara will do for someone!  It’s incredible where a conversation with a well-heeled leprechaun might lead (especially if he or she is wearing a “Kiss me, I’m Irish” button). 

Bottom line? A few beads, some good food and a four-leaf clover will do everyone good in these hard times.  So, whether it be Valentine’s day on February 14th, Mardi Gras on February 24th or St. Pat’s on March 17th …party down, dude!
   

Did I really say that?  Forgive me.

The Party Girl

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball Corporate Event

Are you trying to plan a corporate party and you are looking for a theme that will make everyone go WOW? One of our favorite themes for corporate parties is Mardi Gras. It’s an easy theme to do for big events (they don't call New Orleans the Big Easy for nothing)!

Picture if you will … your guests celebrating in the streets of the French Quarter… Bourbon Street … colorful masks and elegant costumes…aromatic spicy Cajun cuisine wafting through the air… the dizzying beat of New Orleans jazz… strands of sparkling beaded necklaces and coins everywhere.

Make sure to let guests know to come dressed in their most elegant costumes and get-ups—with masks. If you're going to have a costume parade and judging (this always brings out creativity and competitive natures), include it on the invitation as well. This is a fun way to see those you work with show off their creative talents.

Purple, green, and gold are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras display them throughout the party room(s). Make sure you have plenty of beads, hats and masks on hand for your guests to wear. For great ideas, check out theses Mardi Gras Decorations and Party Supplies.

You have some fun options when it comes to arranging for fun party activities. The French Quarter wouldn't be as easy, and sleazy and fun without a Tattoo Parlor. There are great companies that provide Henna and Airbrush tattoos. Check Google for your local listings. Set up a photo-op area titled “Big Cheezy” with lots of masks and balloons.

If you had valet parking for your event you can have the valets place a silver mask keychain on your guest's keys. It will be a fun surprise that reminds them of what a wonderful time they had at your event!

Want more ideas for a Mardi Gras themed corporate event? See the full Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball Theme Party!

Toodle-oo Bush and Howdy-Do Obama Inauguration Party

We had a wonderful time saying Toodle-oo Bush and Howdy-Do Obama at our Presidential Inauguration party on January 20, 2009. 

 

The Party Girl had some great decorations including:

• A display of the “First Supper” with lifesize cutouts of President Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill and Hillary and others.
• Patriotic balloons all around the room!
• Red, white and blue linens on all of the tables.
• A giant sign in board that was the Men’s Room at The White House for people to leave messages saying Bye Bye Bush.
• The Rod Blagojevich silent auction with items like drilling rights in Alaska and positions in the senate.

The night was full of entertainment!  The Secretary of Change (The Party Girl) welcomed guests and led the group in the singing of God Bless America.  After a fun Obama reflections video, a video of the Inauguration itself and the “End of the Horror, New Era Horah” dance, guests did karaoke and danced the night away.

Other activities included:

• YouTube video messages wishing luck to President Obama.
• Photo Favors of guests standing in front of Mt. Rushmore...complete with Obama’s face!
• Games of chance including Craps and a Money Wheel.  (Winners were entered into a raffle to win a Barack Obama framed print.)

Along with fabulous food and drinks, there was a Mission Accomplished Ice Cream Sundae Bar with 44 toppings to honor President #44!

And, no one went home empty handed.  Everyone got an Obama’s Face-on-a-stick, patriotic light up necklaces and a fun assortment of red, white and blue hats.  And, of course President Obama candy bars!

It was a Star-Spangled Fabulous evening!

How to throw a Mardi Gras party on the cheap

Cash is tight for a lot of us right now, but that doesn’t mean you need to do away with your plan to throw a Mardi Gras party. We could all use an excuse to party nowadays, so don’t cancel the festivities! You just need to figure out how to have a great party without spending tons of money. Here are a few tips on how to throw a Mardi Gras party on the cheap:

 - Creating a festive Mardi Gras atmosphere in your home doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. One of our economical go-to party supplies is balloons. They can fill up a large area with color for minimal cost. Throw in some purple, green and gold crepe paper and you are good to go!

 - One of the best things about Mardi Gras are the wearables. You can turn your guests into part of the party décor by giving them inexpensive Mardi Gras mask and beads to wear when they walk in the door.

• Mardi Gras Beads – these are classic (and inexpensive)
• Mardi Gras Masks – a basic black mask adds mystery and doesn’t break the bank

 - A great way to save on cash is to let your guests supply the booze. If your friends drink like sailors, it will save you several arms and legs. Instead, tell people that you will supply the mixers and garnishes, and to bring their favorite adult beverage along with them. If your uncomforatble calling BOYB, then limit the kinds of drinks you will serve. Hurricanes are the perfect signature drink for a Mardi Gras party, and supplement with beer and non-alcholoic beverages. That way there is less waste.

 - Creole cooking is known for its hearty one pot meals. Here are a few recipes that are easy on the wallet but perfect for a Mardi Gras party:

• Gumbo Style Chicken Creole
• Slow Cooker Jambalaya
• King cake

So there you are! Just remember that the party is about having fun and spending time with people you care about! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

February Lifesized Cutouts and Photo Ops Sale!

Through out the whole month of February, all Lifesized Cutouts and Photo-ops are $30 off!

Add a face to one of our caricature bodies, or provide us with a full length photo and we'll enlarge it to make a lifesized cutout! Lifesized cutouts make memorable party props. There are many different ways to use them:

• At the entrance of your party with a speech bubble to welcome guests.
• Standing next to a buffet table
• On the dance floor
• Great to display in a store or an exhibit opening. 
• Have yourself made into the tuxedo man and we’ll add “Will you marry me?” on the speech bubble – a great proposal that you’ll keep forever

Our photo-ops are another great way to create fun memories of your celebration. We have great designs to choose from with full color backgrounds and a variety of themes. Photo ops average 3' wide by 6' high and come complete with an easel back.

And gues what? Ground shipping is FREE on all Lifesized Cutouts and Photo-ops! So go ahead, create some wonderful party memories today!

See Our Lifesize Cutouts     See Our Photo Ops

February is...

National Snack Food Month - a perfect reason for a party! Everyone brings a snack instead of having to bother cooking something. I like it. Not for low-sodium diets!

February 15th is the Daytona 500 - watch it with your friends and throw a Race Day theme party.

February 21st is the Clam Chowder Cookoff - in Santa Cruz Beach, California. Far away, but no reason not to host your own. For information, go to www.beachboardwalk.com.

February 23rd is the First Cloning of an Adult Animal Anniversary - In 1997. I am not sure this is something to celebrate. You decide! If it's up to Dolly the lamb, she says, "go for it!"

See more Stuff to Celebrate for February, or take a sneak peek at March!