Daily Party Dish

Summer Party Games

Summer parties are the best aren’t they? The weather is nice, the food is made on the grill and you’re gathered with all of your friends. If you’re having a big gathering it’s a good idea to have a few games planned to entertain yourself and your guests.

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor party games.

Croquet. Now don’t laugh. I recently played this for the first time in years and I had a blast. Everyone chuckled when we wheeled out the set and everyone laughed when I made the course; but lo and behold everyone had a blast playing. So dust off your set and get ready for some good times.

Corn Hole. For a game based on a sixth grade carnival game, it’s coming back in a big way. This is a great summer game because all ages can play and it’s a fun game to watch. Now, it would be the absolute perfect game if I could convince my grandma to give it a shot.

Volleyball. There is one ground rule you have to set and agree to before you start and that is how serious are you going to take the game? If there are little ones playing then probably not too serious. If it’s only adults then the game will be a more serious. The problem is when there is a mix of age groups. The reason I stress this is because it can be a little awkward if a 6 footer spikes on a thirteen year old. Set ground rules before you start to avoid the awkwardness. (See Meet The Fockers for a visual explanation of what can go wrong.)

Horseshoes. This is a summer time classic. I’m always a little disappointed if I go to a summer party and they don’t have horseshoes. Don’t disappoint your guests; have horseshoes.

Bocce. This is a great game because it allows a large number of people to play, while allowing immense enjoyment for those watching. It’s even better playing on a lawn that’s a little bumpy because then it becomes an even more enjoyable and frustrating game.

These are all great day time summer games. But what happens when the sun goes down? Are you just going to go home? I didn’t think so. Here are two late night summer party games. 

Ghosts in the Graveyard. You remember the game don’t you? And you remember how incredible it was? (If you forgot here are the rules to Ghosts in the Graveyard.) I would imagine people would be hesitant to play, but will be all in once the fun starts.

Flashlight Tag. This game depends on having charged flashlights ready to go. (Finding more than one working flashlight at my house is always an issue.) So if you plan on playing make sure you have the requisite number of flashlights for everyone to play.

These summer games should serve you and your guests well. If you have any summer favorites, leave them in the comments below.

• Summer Party Ideas from Party411.com
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2011 NBA Draft Watch Party

As a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, I’m really excited for the 2011 NBA Draft on Thursday (6/23). After a pretty miserable season there is reason to celebrate, a reason to look forward to next season. With a savvy front office willing to make moves, I can’t wait for the draft. Of course, Cleveland wasn’t the only team that was bad last year, so why not throw a NBA Draft Watch Party?

This will be a Cleveland-centric based party, so just change it up based on your hometown.

Decorations. Hang banners/jerseys/pennants from the glory years of your respective franchise. In fact, display all memorabilia from all of your teams. You want to build a lot of good karma for the newly drafted players.

Cleveland Food. I’m going for an all around Cleveland feel for this Draft Party. So before the actual draft I’ll be serving delicious corned beef, hot dogs with Cleveland Stadium Mustard, Pierre’s Ice Cream, Malley’s Chocolate. And of course Great Lakes Brewing Company beer to wash it all down. Is this the healthiest menu of all time? No, not at all. Will it be delicious? Of course it will be.

Activities. Like the Super Bowl this is an event that is based on watching an event on T.V. I’m going to have an inflatable basketball (or two) and I’m going to challenge everyone to dunk contest. Because it’s inflatable basketball, the chances of hurting ourselves (or my flatscreen) is minimal. Another activity is having a gentlemen’s bet on the draft itself. Who’s going to be the number one pick? The number two? The sixth pick? Nobody really knows, so you’re guess really is just as good as the experts. This is also a way to keep everyone interested in the draft all the way through.

Enjoy your NBA Draft Watch Party. And if the chips don’t fall the way you want remember, there’s always next year :)

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8 Gift Ideas for Father's Day

Father’s Day is June 19th which means it’s time to start getting ready to celebrate.  But first, a little "Did You Know?" Father's Day was the well-meaning creation of Mrs. John Dodd of Spokane in 1910. Calvin Coolidge recognized the day when he was President, but it wasn't until 1966 that it was actually proclaimed.

Here are a few suggestions for possible gift ideas this Father’s Day.

1. Golf. If your old man plays golf then you have a lot of options for your gift. Depending on your budget you could take him to the links for a round of golf. And I’m not talking Putt-Putt (even if it is awesome). If your budget can afford it, look into getting him a new set of clubs. (Buying new clubs is very personal for men, so make sure he is there with you when you buy them.) Less expensive is the gift of a new driver/putter/wedge. Even less than that balls/tees/towel/covers. A one on one lesson is also a great gift idea.
   
2. Chores. Does your Dad have a chore that he especially dislikes? Perhaps walking the dog (more specifically cleaning up after the dog) or cutting the grass or weeding the garden? Offer to do this job. Maybe you offer to do it once, or perhaps you offer to do it for a month. Either way your dad will really enjoy putting his feet up and watching you do his job.
3. Sports. Does your Dad have an affinity for baseball that you just don’t understand? Whatever the sporting event is, buy tickets and your dad will have a great time. If you’re concerned with budget, look for deals as many teams offer discounts and specials.
4. Power Tools. This is not Mother’s Day. It’s more than acceptable to give the old man a power tool with the blatant implication that he has to use it and build something.
5. An Indulgence. You know what I mean. Whether it be cigars or brandy, you know what your dad likes. For this gift I would go as top shelf as possible, as he’ll notice and appreciate the difference. Proprietors of these stores are usually very helpful, and will steer you in the right direction.
6. Music. Has it been a losing battle replenishing your dad’s music selection as the music industry technology has increased? From vinyl to cassettes to CDs to MP3 players, it’s understandable if the music collection isn’t what it used to be. Help your Dad out. Whether it be a MP3 player of any sort or CDs your dad will appreciate the thought. If you have no idea what he might like or you want to get him something different, this NPR list of top 50 voices is a good place to start.
7. Amusement Parks. Do you live real close to an amusement park but can never find the time to get there? This Father’s Day make the time! Treat your dad to endless carnival games and roller coaster rides. Sure to be rip-roaring fun.
8. Toys. More specifically electronic toys. Whether it's a new laptop, e-book reader, digital camera or a flip camera there are a lot of fun new toys that your Dad might not buy on his own. So help him out and browse Amazon's Top Selling Electronics for some more ideas.
   

What are you planning on getting your father this year? (We can keep a secret.) Let us know in the comments section below. Or share any other gift ideas you might have.

• Father's Day Party Ideas from Party411

Green Lantern Release Party

I think the summer of 2011 should be called the Summer of the Super Hero. Thor has already rocked out with his hammer and the X-Men took us back to the sixties. All of this gives me high hopes for Green Lantern which is being released June 17th.

Just like Thor you need a movie release party that meets Green Lantern’s level. We’re here to help. If you need more great superhero party ideas, make sure to check out our Batman Theme Birthday Party!

Start the party off right by choosing your guests with Green Lantern Invitations. Settle on an early start time and insist on a RSVP date as you’ll want to buy tickets in advance.

Because there is never enough movie popcorn to go around you’ll have to make a menu that feeds all your guests and fits with your theme. How would I accomplish this? I plan on serving green food. And no, I don’t mean rotten food! I plan on channeling my inner Seuss and dyeing my food. I’m going to try my hand and attempt to dye: macaroni, sugar cookies, ice cream, marshmallows, and green jello. (This is not a menu I would recommend for people looking to diet.) After their initial reactions, I think they’ll appreciate the commitment to detail.

Of course with all of this food, I need to give my guests something to drink. I’ll start with Mountain Dew. Does it get any greener? I do not know. An added benefit to the Dew is the fact that we’ll all be wired for the Midnight movie viewing.

Now for the adult guests I'm going to be serving green jello shots throughout the night. These should be a nice added touch to the party. But safety first, and adults only.

I also want to try my hand making The Ghoul’s Green Drink. I think this is something that all of my guests will enjoy. And if it’s a hit, I’ll bring it back for Halloween. So this is a win-win for me. (Yes, Halloween is already on my mind.)

Now you don’t know if The Guardians are going to show up or not, but you should still plan on setting a table worthy for them. Start with a green table cover. Then you’ll need Green Lantern Cups, Green Lantern Goodie Bags and of course Green Lantern napkins.

While the real entertainment is the movie, I think having a few party games before the movie is a good idea. I think I’m going to try out this Green Lantern game and see how it plays out. But because it’s summer and should be warm out, I’m also going to add a touch of old school and bring out a ring toss game. The movie is all about the ring, so why not battle with your friends?

I’ll be giving my guests their party favors as we make our way to the theater for the premiere. I want them to feel like part of the corp so I’m giving them all Green Lantern Tattoos, Green Lantern Movie Stickers and, of course, green LED rings.

Now we’re all set to enjoy the Green Lantern movie!

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Picnic Party Tip: Label the Buffet

Oh, summer I’ve missed you. The nicer, warmer weather lends itself to outdoor parties. And there is nothing I like more than a great summer party with lots of guests, with an array of outdoor party games happening.

Due to space constraints, many of these parties serve their food buffet style while asking guests to pitch in with an appetizer or dessert. This is a wonderful way to host a party, but the problem is that the maker of the dish isn’t going to be hanging around their dish all day. (It is a party after all, and that horseshoe isn’t going to throw itself.) So what to do when people are allergic to certain types of food? (Big issue at the office as one of us is really allergic to fish.)

I think labeling your dish serves two purposes. One it let’s everyone know what they are eating, which is always a good thing. Secondly, if someone is allergic to something they have a better idea of knowing if it’s safe to eat or not. If there is any doubt they know what the dish is and can hunt out the maker of the dish.

An easy way to label your dish is to put a toothpick in your dish with the name of the dish attached. I would stay away from putting a piece of paper next to your dish because the paper can get moved or thrown out. Play it safe.

This simple party tip can serve you well. Plus if you make a really great dish you might overhear people talking about how good it was, which is really what we all want to hear. (At least I want to hear that.) Do you have any other picnic party tips that you enjoy? Feel free to share them in the comments section below.

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Top Ten Luau Party Ideas and Suggestions

It’s getting hot here. This means it’s time for one of the best types of parties, a luau party. Luau theme parties are simple, easy, inexpensive and not to mention the perfect outdoor party on a summer’s eve. Throw a few leis at people and a couple of Mai Tai’s, and you’re in for some fun. Below is a Top Ten list to help you make your luau party truly memorable.

Send the Perfect Invitation
Let your guests know to dress luau-creative on the invite.  Whether you go with a personalized invite from Party411 or create your own handmade luau invitation, make it extra special by including a lei inside. That will your guests talking long before the party!

Location
Where is the best place to host your luau? We really feel the best places would be on a beach, at the pool or your backyard. Of course the best place would be the island of Oahu. (While not the most economical alternative, it would certainly be the most memorable.)

This raises the problem of those pesky mosquitoes and other bugs. How do you deal with them? You could buy a bug bomb or bring out a company to spray for bugs. If this isn't in the budget you still have options. There are Tiki torches and citronella candles that will double as décor and help make a pathway for your guests to the seating area, the food and the bar. Another benefit of the citronella candles and oils is that they have floral and other fantastic scents.

Make a grand entrance
You want to make your house, or beach spot, or pool area easy to spot and build anticipation for the luau fun that will shortly ensue. Accomplish both of these things by lining your front walkway or drive with Tiki torches. This will guarantee a dramatic start to the festivities.

Serve authentic luau food
It’s not hard to find great Hawaiian recipes, try Allrecipes.com for some tasty and easy to prepare dishes. Here are a few suggestions to get your mind going: fruit kabobs with coconut scattered atop, chicken chunks with pineapple salsa, rice filled with fruit chunks and pork. Nothing is a must have but fruit, pork and coconut are luau staples.

You might be wondering, is it necessary to have a pig roast at my luau?  It’s not at all necessary. You know your guests better than anyone, will they be turned off by a pig roast? If the answer is yes, then you might want to shy away from the pig roast, even if it’s traditional.

The Luau Bar
With all the delicious food you plan on serving you can’t forget about the drinks. I always have a tropical rum punch (saves money, too). You will also want to have flavored Piña Coladas, Mai Tai cocktails and maybe a choice of a Blue Hawaiian or a lime daquiri.

The Original Trader Vic Formula from 1944
2 oz of 17-year old J. Wray & Nephew Rum over shaved ice
Add juice from one fresh lime
1/2 oz French Garnier Orgeat Syrup
1/2 oz Holland DeKuyper Orange Curacao
1/4 oz Trader Vic's Rock Candy Syrup
Shake vigorously.
Add a sprig of fresh mint
Enjoy!

Luau music
Consider hiring a steel drum band. Not only will it set a great atmosphere, but your guest will love watching the performers! If a band is just not in the budget, buy a CD of island music featuring the top 10 luau favorites: Hawaii Five-O theme song, Oye Como Va, Surfin’ USA, Iko Iko and more.

Luau Party Activities
Party411.com has several great ideas for luau games, but one activity your luau has to have is the limbo! Just play some Hawaiian music, set up the limbo stick, (you can use a bamboo pole available at a hardware store), and see how low your guests can go!

You might be wondering, “The limbo is great, but I want more. What can you do for me?” Add some spear throwing (make sure you have a cleared out designated area for this), make a large checkerboard using painted coconuts; initiate a hula hoop dance contest. Even consider having someone come to teach the hula!

Decorate, decorate, decorate!
There are some really unique luau products out there. Try a few (or all) of these great decorations to set the scene for your tropical luau paradise:

• Tropical Scene Setters – these are great for decorating large spaces
• Rope Fishnet – Against a wall or in a corner is a nice touch
• Beach balls – have plenty of these all over the party
• Hawaiian Flowers – Whether fake or real these are a nice touch for your tables and décor
• 6' Inflatable Tiki Pole – let me repeat, 6' inflatable tiki pole, what’s not to like?
• Raffia Table Skirt – this is a luau staple, use one on every table

The decorations don’t apply to just your party location, they apply to your guests as well. Make sure you tell your guests you expect their best luau attire. What is considered luau attire? Your best Hawaiian shirt, colorful shorts and sandals; anything that doesn’t clash with a Hawaiian lei of any color. I would say this is definitely a more lei’d back affair. (Thank you, I’ll be here all week.)

Leis
Namely, what type of leis should you give out? Again, this comes down to knowing your guests and your budget as you have many choices. There are plastic leis, silk flower leis, shell leis, real flower leis and probably another dozen to choose from. Of course you can’t forget that there are wrist leis, flower combs, grass skirts and other items that you can use to decorate your guests.

Luau party favors
You should treat the leis as one party favor as your guests will certainly wear them home. You should probably plan on at least three leis per person. (Have you ever seen someone wearing just one lei? Neither have I.) Tropic plastic fish and folding fans make great practical favors when you are throwing a warm weather party.

For when your guests are leaving send them home with personalized luau candy bars. A sweet and delicious treat to be sure.

Do you have any luau questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Or if you have a luau party tip that you’ve had success with feel free to leave that in the comments below as well!

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Top Gun 25th Anniversary Celebration

May 16th marks the 25th Anniversary of Top Gun. Like all silver anniversaries, I feel like this is a reason to throw a Patriotic Theme Party!

Here’s how you can party like it’s 1986 with a Top Gun twist -

I would make this a costume party because there are a variety of options for your guests. You can go in pilot gear, go as a "Russian", wear a leather jacket with aviators, fatigues, white officer uniforms, jump suits, or dress in your favorite 80s gear. If people come dressed as specific characters they will be required to say their lines on command. I expect to hear my fair share of: “Too close for missiles, I’m switching to guns,” “Requesting a fly by,” “Negative ghostrider, the pattern is full,” and of course, “I feel the need, the need for speed.”  In fact, everyone should plan on trying their hand at these iconic lines.

I would suggest that everyone wear aviator sunglasses, regardless of their costume. They were such a staple of the movie that it would be a shame to not wear them.

Decorations:

Yes you need to have some decorations for your party, but it doesn't have to be over the top. Because Top Gun was all about America and the Cold War I'm going with a Patriotic theme for my decorations.

I'm going to hang Patriotic Crepe Paper around my house, especially the TV. I'm going to decorate my walls with a variety of Patriotic Cutouts. And because I admittedly have a soft spot for balloons, I'm going to have American Flag Balloons floating throughout the party zone.

Activities:
I do plan on having the Top Gun soundtrack playing as the guests enter. (Danger Zone, Playing with the Boys, Take My Breath Away, and Great Balls of Fire are just some of the classics on this soundtrack.) But what else can we do to entertain the guests during this joyous occasion?

Volleyball: If it’s warm I’m playing volleyball. In a change from the movie though, no jeans allowed. Tell your guests if you plan on playing volleyball so they can come prepared with aviators and volleyball attire.

Karaoke: I would hold a competition for the best rendition of, “You’ve lost that loving feeling.”  I really feel like everyone will get a hit out of this. I’m also going to allow people to sing multiple times, so they can continually go over the top.

Plane Flying: Do we have fighter jets? No. Can I set up a target or possibly an obstacle course and have my guests make paper airplanes? Yes, yes I can. I’m going to set up a target on the wall and give my guests three minutes to make their airplane and then see who can get the closest to the target. Like Top Gun there will be more than one challenge. For example, straight on, from behind a chair, on your back, one eye covered, blindfolded. Whoever wins the most challenges wins the best seat for the next activity.

Movie Viewing: You have to watch the movie. You have to. So sit back and relax.

If you want to spice up your movie viewing there are a few drinking games available. (Remember, safety first everyone.) There is a Tom Cruise drinking game with a little section on Top Gun. But we really like the Top Gun Drinking game. These are both sure to be a hit.

You can serve beer or other alcoholic beverages for the game, but for me I need something more. I'm going to serve the Jet Pilot. It's a blended rum drink, and I am excited to try it out.

Are you planning on having a Top Gun 25th Anniversary Party celebration? Let us know in the comments below.

Thor Movie Release Party

Thor is hitting theaters on May 6th and it is building interest. Whether or not you’ve read the comics (yes kids, the movie is based on comics) you’ve certainly seen the trailers. Heck, if you’ve been to the movie theater in the past month or so, you’ve probably seen the giant hammer display. (Which admittedly is pretty awesome.)

How do you celebrate a movie release of such monumental proportions? You throw a Midnight Viking Themed Thor Release Party of course. And we’re here to help.

Start by sending your guests Thor Party Invitations. I would start the party early because this is one time you don’t want to be late to the main event! Be sure to insist on a strict RSVP dates as you’ll want to buy your tickets in advance.

Your menu is of the utmost importance, because you want to build the excitement around the movie release. Because Thor is a Norse God, I would go with a Viking inspired menu. The basis of the menu will of course be grilled meat skewers or kabobs. I would also add a bread basket with some oil for dipping with a cheese tray as well. You could also serve Swedish meatballs, a cold smoked fish platter or even a hearty stew!

You have your menu, now you need something to wash it all down with.
Mead – It’s a classic. It’s strong and hearty while still being very drinkable. It also has the benefit of being the Norse drink of choice. You can make mead if you have some time, order it online, or you should be able to buy it at a wine shop.

“Hammer of Thor” – Appropriate for a Thor movie release party.
4 oz Aristocrat® Vodka
5 oz Cranberry Joice
3 oz Milwaukee’s® Best Ice Lager
Stir ingredients together in a highball glass, and serve.

Make sure you decorate your table to be suitable for Thor himself.  You’ll need Thor paper plates, Thor cups, and Thor napkins. Decorate the table with a Thor Tablecover. All of these Thor paper goods are sure to excite your guests for the movie release.

This party feels like you should have music playing in the background as your guests enjoy their mead and meat. I would go with metal bands that are influenced by Norse mythology and Vikings. Make a playlist with such bands as Manowar, Therion, Amon Amarth, Finntroll and Týr.

As your guest mingle and wait patiently for the movie you might want to have a Thor Party Activity. Teach your guests how to play Hnefatafl which if you didn’t know is an old Norse game that simulates a Viking raid. It is played on a board similar to a chess board (although older) and it’s a game of strategy.

Now you’re ready to enjoy the Thor Movie!

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Graduation Party Planning Checklist PDF

After four years of after school practices, late nights writing essays and early Saturday morning fundraisers it’s finally over. It’s time to celebrate their graduation! As a parent you might want to throw a party as a reward to both you and your proud graduate :)

As parents the graduation party will probably be the second biggest party you throw for your little ones. (The wedding will of course be the big show.) As Party Planners we understand the stress involved in planning a big event. To help you alleviate some of the stress involved with the graduation planning, and to throw a great graduation party we wanted to share our Graduation Party Planning Checklist.
Print it out and use it as a trusty guide as you strive to throw a graduation party that you and your graduate love and that goes off without a hitch! 

Before you start planning we want to give you one more big nugget of advice and that is to set a budget before you start. This is true of every big party you throw (at least it should be) but especially important for a graduation party because you just might get carried away.

Good luck with your party and congrats to the grad!

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Fiesta Party FAQ

We here at Party411 just absolutely enjoy fiestas (and siestas for that matter). We would like to share and answer a few of our favorite important Frequently Asked Questions regarding fiesta themed parties.

Q: What type of fiesta invitation would work to engage everyone before they even walk in the door and is that important?
A: The invitation is of the utmost importance. I’m one to send something unusual with the invite to let people know this will be a party not to be missed (so more than a one line email). In the case of a fiesta, I might send a light up margarita glass or a pair of maracas in a box with the invitation inside and tell them they need to shake it to get in the door.

Q: What drinks are considered must haves for a fiesta?
A: Well, the old stand-by is tequila, of course. But that’s heavy duty. (And then there’s that worm thing.) If you want to tone it down you can serve: margaritas in different flavors and Mexican beer. We also like the idea of serving sangria (like punch it goes a long way).  Before people leave, however, stop them and make sure they can still spell fiesta or take away their keys! Safety first kids.

Q: Is a “taco bar” a good idea? And what is included?
A: Short answer: yes, it’s a fantastic idea. To us, a fiesta without a taco bar, is not a fiesta. I would include ground meat or chicken, different types of taco chips (they come flavored and in various colors as you probably know), different types of cheeses, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped green and red peppers, a variety of salsas, avocado and the kitchen sink.

These are a few of our favorite fiesta FAQs, if you have any more questions leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to answer right away.

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