Party Ideas Archives

10 Tips for Hosting a Spring Garden Party

Everyone loves an outdoor party, and springtime is a particularly wonderful season to host one. The garden is bursting with color, the weather is sunny and mild…why not celebrate the season with family and friends and host a gathering that is festive, fun, and oh, so pretty?

Creating a standout spring garden party should be an enjoyable experience, but it does require a bit of planning. So, to guide us through the process, we turned to Mary McCachern to share her best suggestions with us. McCachern creates dozens of tablescapes for her blog, Home Is Where the Boat Is, and after hosting numerous garden parties of her own, she has lots of ideas for how to make them special. Best of all, she believes in keeping it simple.

garden party ideas watering can tablescape — Photo courtesy of Mary McCachern

1. Location

Hot tip: You can throw a garden party even if you don’t have a garden! Select a spot in the backyard that is level and has room for tables and chairs. Define the party area with pots of flowers at each corner, or drape streamers over your patio. Make sure the area is completely dry, with no puddles or mud to mar the day.

2. Theme

Regardless of the occasion, your spring garden party will come together beautifully if you have a theme. “I love to follow a theme for a party, table, or event, whether it’s geared toward a holiday or a season,” McCachern says. She loves a springtime “Alice in Wonderland” tea party, Mad Hatter style, with antique mismatched teacups and odd clocks hung in tree branches or on the fence. Other themes to consider: garden fairies, May Day, English garden, enchanted April (Italian/Mediterranean villa), or your favorite spring garden flower, such as tulips.

Design the invitations according to your theme and consider dropping in a few dried flower petals in the envelope if you are sending via the post office.

3. Comfort

It’s so refreshing to sit outdoors with spring sunshine dappling through the trees. Ensure your guests’ comfort in simple ways they’ll really appreciate. If gnats or other pests want to join the party, set out bug repellent in personal-size bottles. McCachern also suggests citronella candles or tiki torches. “They help with bug control and also create ambiance,” she says.

Set your tables under shade trees; even in spring, the sun can wilt flowers, food, and guests quickly. No trees? Rent a few market umbrellas and a white canopy for the food area.

As the party rolls on, your guests may wish to gather in places away from the tables. McCachern likes to use colorful quilts both as tablecloths and as throws (with a few comfortable pillows) on patio furniture throughout the garden.

4. Light magic

A garden conjures magic in many ways. If your party is set for late afternoon or early evening, consider the visual magic of the glow of candlelight, fairy lights, string lights, and lanterns. Choose candles with fresh fragrance, such as lemongrass or lavender, to capture the essence of the garden. String paper lantern lights in pastel hues around a fence, gazebo, pergola, or porch.

5. Music

Playing your favorite music is one of those ideas that really personalizes your spring garden party. Think about the mood you want to set as well as the enjoyment of your guests and their tastes. Instrumental jazz and big band classics are always good choices, as are vocalists like Judy Garland or Ella Fitzgerald. Want a more artsy feeling? Play contemporary “coffee house”-style music or a mix of indie artists. Spanish guitar or chamber classical music creates a serene, timeless feeling.

6. Food & drink

Continue your theme wherever possible with the food and beverages you serve. A Mad Hatter tea party will, of course, have tea and English-style pastries, such as finger sandwiches and jam-filled cookies. For the fairy or May Day theme, offer up wonderful individual Bundt cakes and top them with miniature maypoles.

For a satisfying main course, pasta salads are ideal. Look for recipes using fresh vegetables and herbs. Combine berries, melon, and pineapple in a cut crystal bowl. Pass around chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert.

For a cocktail party, serve refreshing beverages in mason jars, which have a casual, countryside appeal. Concoct a special mixed drink, such as this grapefruit lime paloma, that is just right for the season. Serve wine in personalized wine glasses with a floral theme, or offer wine glass charms that you can customize with any photos you choose. (These make great party favors, too!)

7. Table settings

From your tablecloth to your centerpiece, the table settings are the most fun. McCachern’s blog is full of whimsical, wonderful tablescape ideas, including this one for a casual garden party that uses decorative watering cans. Bring out smaller ones for individual tables, and cluster larger ones for the food table. Fill with blooms and continue the garden theme with antique flower-sprigged napkin rings and serveware.

For the enchanted April theme, look for cotton tablecloths with colorful Mediterranean, Turkish, or Moroccan patterns. Pair napkins with butterfly napkin rings in complementary colors. You can even lay down rugs and poofy pillows, inviting guests to eat picnic-style at a low table.

8. Party decorations

Pick up the colors of your garden in your decorations. These may include garden flags, bunting, balloons, and props. Props can be anything that deepens the theme, from signage to accessories the guests can bring home. For example, a garden fairies party might have flower crowns created for each guest, hanging on the chair backs. For a May Day theme, create a colorful maypole at the center of your party, and top it with a cluster of fresh flowers.

A simple but most appreciated decorating idea is windchimes. Delight your guests’ eyes and ears with these beautiful outdoor musical instruments. The gentle tinkle of windchimes swaying from trees and patio eaves will delight guests and add natural “background music” to the event.

garden party ideas lemon vase arrangement — Photo courtesy of Mary McCachern

9. Floral décor

You can do so many things with fresh flowers! If you have a cutting garden, then by all means incorporate your own daffodils, tulips, and irises into the arrangements. Ferns, eucalyptus, and ivy are great for greenery. Fill in the gaps with purchased flowers and look for creative vessels. “I like to think outside the vase,” McCachern says. She uses vintage holders, such as watering cans, honey tins, and hat boxes, to complement her themes. Another pretty technique is lining a glass vase with cut lemons.

10. Favors

Keep your party favors natural and simple, in keeping with the outdoor joy of your party. Useful and memorable tokens will remind your guests of the lovely spring garden party you hosted. Some suggestions include: small vanilla-scented jar candles, wood personalized coasters, a tiny starter succulent plant, flower crowns, and personalized glassware.

12 Mexico-inspired Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas

An authentic Mexican family celebrates Cinco de mayo together at a festive table. Mexican food

A Cinco d e Mayo party is a great opportunity to get together with friends and family, celebrate the spring season, and indulge in the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine. Originally, the fifth of May commemorated a battlefield victory (not Mexico’s independence, as many assume), but the day has evolved in the United States to one that celebrates all the wonderful things that embody the rich culture of Mexico and its people.

You don’t need to create a formal dinner party or do extensive planning to prep for a Cinco de Mayo party. In fact, by taking a more casual, family-style approach with plenty of prepared-ahead dishes, you can focus on enjoying time with guests and celebrating in the moment together.

Here are 12 Cinco de Mayo party ideas to help make your fiesta a rousing success.

1. Set a vibrant table setting

Bright colors bring a festive atmosphere to any home. Consider vibrant tablecloths, table runners, and decorative touches, such as pom pom strings, terra cotta planters, and conversation starters like these green orb planters. Add artisanal touches — just like ones you would buy from an open-air marketplace — with hand-felted pastel zinnia napkin rings that bring the beauty of the season to any dinner table.

2. Branch out with a festive scene

Decorations shouldn’t be limited to just the tabletop. Bunting is always a beautiful addition to any Mexican celebration, particularly multi-colored flags known as papel picado. Bring in royal palms and other large tropical plants to make your space feel like a Mexican getaway.

3. Add some “south of the border” floral inspiration

May is a wonderful time for a casual party, with more sun, warmer weather, and nature blooming all around. Bring the beauty of Mexico’s distinctive environment to the party with plenty of flower arrangements, such as bright Gerbera daisies, hot pink Matsumoto asters and purple dianthus, or vibrant Fuji mums. Arrange flowers around food stations, but also scatter smaller vases in gathering spaces to spread colorful vibes throughout your home.

4. Green up the party with exotic plants

Aloe vera, air plants, and cacti will create the atmosphere of a far-off getaway. Bring in some bursts of tropical color with Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis orchids to make it feel like you’re in a tropical resort like Cancún or Cozumel.

5. Infuse a bit of Mexico into every drink

Whatever is on your drink menu for your Cinco de Mayo festivities, serve it up in style with cactus-shaped stacking glasses and hand-blown margarita confetti bottom rock glasses. Give your finest tequila the royal treatment with a show-stopping presentation…like, say, displaying it in a decanter specifically designed for the Mexican spirit, complete with a vibrant green blown-glass agave plant in the center. It’s sure to draw a few eyeballs — and glasses — to it.

6. Celebrate sangria season

What Cinco de Mayo party would be complete without refreshing drinks? This red sangria kit includes a citrusy sangria drink mix and Harry & David Ross Lane Red blend wine along with crispy Mandarin and pineapple slices for garnishing. A pack of Mocktails Sansgria is perfect for those who prefer to skip the alcohol. It comes with orange peel garnishes and decorative etched wine glasses, which give off an Aztec vibe.

Classic margarita cocktail garnished with salt rim.

7. Serve up seasonal soups

Make spring soup a thing and let guests sample a variety of flavors, from tomato basil bisque and chicken chili to potato corn and zesty tortilla soup. The best part about these mixes is you hardly have to spend any time on prep. Don’t forget garnishes, such as sprigs of cilantro, sliced avocado, cotija cheese, green onions, tortilla strips, and sour cream.

8. Make fiesta fish tacos or tostadas

Fish tacos are a classic Mexican dish and can be made with just a few ingredients: chopped cabbage, minced raw onion, fried or grilled fish (cod or halibut works best), and a spicy mayo for some kick. Use “street taco” small tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro.

9. Set up a scrumptious salsa station

cinco de mayo party ideas grilled fish tostadas

You can probably whip up a taco bar with your eyes closed, but how about a dipping station? Grab a variety of salsas and cheese dips, and present them in a personalized chip and dip bowl. Serve with an assortment of empanadas and ready-made chicken enchiladas verde.

10. Dig into dulce desserts

Tres leches is a classic Latin American cake known for its creamy sweet goodness. If you’d rather not DIY this dessert, you can get it delivered right to your door. And for more daring taste buds, serve up some memorable chocolate-covered jalapeños…yes, you read that right! Your guests will be lining up to take selfies with these one-of-a-kind treats that bring sweet and heat together in a most delicious way.

11. Keep guests entertained with plenty of play

It’s not a Cinco de Mayo party without a piñata. This googly-eyed fellow comes pre-filled with a variety of popular candy; the only problem is, he might be too cute for anyone to want to whack.

After the outdoor fun, invite your group into the kitchen to concoct their own hot sauce varieties with this DIY hot sauce kit. Or, host a salsa dance-off or Mexican-themed trivia game. And for the winner, a prize of a skinny margarita gift set!

12. Gift festive favors

Succulents, many of which originated in Mexico, make a welcome take-home gift. Or consider letting guests grow their own plants with a colorful selection of decorative flower seed pouches.

11 Ideas for Throwing a Life-changing 40th Birthday Party

A 40th birthday marks a turning point in life. It’s a moment when we reflect on how far we’ve come, and how much more we want to accomplish. And if, as the saying goes, life begins at 40, a 40th birthday party offers a great way to usher in this exciting new phase of life.

Whether you’re throwing a 40th birthday party for a loved one or hosting your own big 4-0 birthday bash, we’ve got plenty of unique ideas to celebrate the start of a new decade and commemorate a big milestone.

I love to host parties that are really meaningful to the birthday recipient, and some of our favorite things from childhood can really bring a party to life.

dawn lopez

Founder of the Cutefetti blog

Nostalgic 40th birthday ideas (with a grown-up twist)

1980s-themed party

For that ’80s baby turning 40, there’s a certain heartwarming charm to reliving the era of neon, cassette tapes, and classic arcade games. “I love to host parties that are really meaningful to the birthday recipient, and some of our favorite things from childhood can really bring a party to life,” explains party expert Dawn Lopez, creator of the Cutefetti blog.

One way to throw an ’80s-themed birthday party is to go all-in on the era: Play hits from the decade by Madonna or Bon Jovi, add lots of bright decorations, and ask guests to dress up in iconic outfits of the era, such as leg warmers, oversized sweaters, and acid wash jeans.

Lopez suggests going deeper into childhood memories for a 40th birthday party theme. She likes to focus on someone’s favorite superhero or cartoon character from back in the day. “See how you can bring elements of the characters and story to life through fun foods and decorations.” You could also incorporate elements from a popular ’80s movie or video game.

40th birthday ideas with Two young people playing retro video game and holding controllers

40th birthday ideas with Closeup of diverse group of friends sharing pepperoni pizza at house party

Recreate your favorite childhood party place

Did you, or the guest of honor, spend every weekend at the arcade? Or did an ideal Friday night consist of eating pan pizza at an iconic chain restaurant or hanging out at the local video rental spot? Then throw an instant pizza party that’s even better than you remember, with pizza kits that come with a bottle of wine as bonus! (For a truly nostalgic experience, serve cola too.) You could also pick up some old school DVDs and candy to recreate those all-night movie marathons you used to have in your best friend’s basement.

Want to make a big impression? Serve up plenty of sweet treats in the form of a breakable chocolate pretzel pizza (which comes with its own mallet for busting). That’s sure to be a smashing birthday moment worth capturing.

Was the roller skating rink your second home? Lopez suggests finding a retro roller skating rink and serving themed food items. “It would be cute to serve roller skate-shaped cake, cookies, and snacks,” she says.

‘Intriguing’ 40th birthday ideas

Make turning 40 into a mystery

Grab a murder mystery game kit and assign characters beforehand so everyone can dress the part (or just wing it on the spot by supplying some props). Of course, you’ll also want to serve up snacks and drinks. A mystery cookie box and bloody marys sound appropriate. Add a classy touch with myriad mocktails, from Espress0% Martini to Sansgria, for those skipping the alcohol.

Fortune-ate at 40

Bring an air of mystique to your 40th birthday party by inviting a psychic to tell everyone’s fortunes, or DIY the future-casting with a set of tarot cards. Gift tarot-themed plant seed packets and tarot card mini journals as favors, and decorate with some tarot-themed items like candles and diffusers.

40th birthday ideas with Friends warming themselves by the bonfire, camping

Camp out under the stars

There’s nothing like escaping into nature to usher in a new beginning in life — and what better way to do it than with friends and family to celebrate turning 4-0. Get together around the campfire, tell spooky stories, and treat everyone to s’more making with your choice of ingredients presented beautifully on a customized wooden board. Pair it with s’mores-flavored popcorn and some chocolate-, marshmallow-, and graham-themed gourmet snacks.

Enriching 40th birthday ideas

Take an online workshop

Learning something new can be an invigorating and bonding experience among loved ones. And the best part is you don’t need to have any skills or prior experience to dive into a new hobby or interest. Whether it becomes a life-long passion or merely a one-time adventure, exploring a culinary, craft, or specialized skill can be a way to broaden your horizons when turning 40. Try your hand at a virtual group lesson, such as flower arranging, pasta making, succulent growing, or mixology.

Host a Bob Ross paint party

Take the classic paint party and make it epic with everyone’s favorite ASMR art instructor. Heck, you don’t even need to do any painting! (Although if you want to, we’ve got you covered.) A Bob Ross-themed 40th birthday party decoration package is sure to do the trick. Throw in “Bob Mob” for the lawn and a wine and light bites package, and you’re sure to have plenty of “happy little trees.”

40th birthday gift ideas

th birthday ideas Magnificent Roses Preserved Kaleidoscope Roses — Magnificent Roses Preserved Kaleidoscope Roses

th birthday ideas Time For Cake — Time For Cake!

th birthday ideas Happy Birthday Bath Spa Gift Set For Women — Happy Birthday Bath Spa Gift Set For Women

Transportive 40th birthday ideas

Choose your own 40th birthday adventure

You don’t need to travel far to find an adventure. Turning 40 means trying new things, so get out and do something new, such as an escape room, rage room, or VR lounge. For those that want to get the heart pumping, visit a trampoline gym or play laser tag. You’ll come home invigorated from the experience, and hungry from all the energy you expended, which is why an instant Italian dinner — with all the comforts of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and apple crostata already made and ready for you to enjoy — is the perfect birthday meal.

Your favorite book or movie birthday

At 40, you probably have very specific tastes and fandoms when it comes to your entertainment choices. Bring that pop culture obsession to life with a party that celebrates a favorite book, movie, or TV series. How about a Mad Hatter tea party or “Lord of the Rings”–inspired feast with plenty of dishes featuring “po-tay-toes“? For the Jane Austen fan, recreate the splendor of a gorgeous English garden by filling the space with springtime blooms and a stunning centerpiece. Serve up traditional English muffins, offer Regency-style dance lessons, and invite guests to dress in Bridgerton-style outfits.

40th birthday ideas with Group of happy friends congratulating young black woman at retro themed birthday party

Escape to another era

Time travel to the past with a 40th birthday party set in an iconic era. Picture turning your home into a roaring 1920s speakeasy with flapper attire, a posh cocktail-making station (don’t forget to offer some mocktails as well!), and indulgent delights, such as caviar and chocolate truffles. Or create some “disco fever” with a 70s-themed birthday bash. Invite guests to sport their best bell-bottoms and platforms, and add a disco ball, funky music and, of course, smiley faces.

No-school snow day for big kids

Remember those magical days when school got canceled for snow and all you did was watch cartoons, have snowball fights, and retreat in the house for hot chocolate breaks? Recreate those unforgettable times by inviting friends to come over in their best pajama outfits and fixing up a cereal bar with all your favorite childhood breakfast treats (including cereal cookies!), along with some adult beverages.

Lopez says, “I love the idea of throwing a sleepover-inspired party — basically, a celebration that brings the birthday person right back to their childhood. I once threw an old school party to celebrate friendships and served up a retro waffle bar and handed out friendship bracelets. It was SO much fun.”

10 Leap Year Birthday Celebration Ideas for Leaplings, Leapers, and Leapsters

Every birthday is worthy of being celebrated, but a leap year birthday deserves extra special attention. That’s because there is a 1 in 1,461 chance that an individual will be born on Feb. 29. So when you or someone you know has a birthday on that day — and it actually appears on the calendar — it’s even more important to make a big deal of it.

But before we share ideas about how to celebrate, let’s find out more about how leap years came to be and why they are still necessary. (Spoiler: It has to do with the Earth’s orbit around the sun and a fraction of a day.)

History of leap years

Thank goodness for people who pay attention to the details. While the rest of us roll through our lives content in the knowledge there are 365 days in a year, the fact is it takes 365.242190 days for Earth to orbit the sun, and that overage amounts to an additional five hours, 45 minutes, and change. Over the course of time, that fraction of a day matters — so much so that if wasn’t somehow accounted for, it would disrupt the timing of our seasons.

Some ancient calendars tracked both lunar and sun cycles, and the difference between the two tracking systems amounted to 11 days. To account for this time, the ancients added extra months to their calendars, known as interstitial months. Feeling this was too hard a system to manage, Julius Caesar did the math in 46 BCE and figured that adding an extra day to the calendar every four years would balance it out.

When I turned 24, we did a clown-themed birthday party for a 6-year-old. When I turned 40, we did a superhero party suitable for a 10-year-old.”
Bobbie Hoehner, owner of The Healing Lounge at Get Tanked Float Center

All was fine until 1582 AD, when it was discovered that the addition of a day every four years over the course of centuries resulted in an overage of 10 days. (Does your brain hurt yet? Mine does.)

Fortunately, Pope Gregory XIII found that by adding an extra day to the calendar in years evenly divided by four, and only in century years evenly divided by 400, all would be right in the universe once again. This became the Gregorian calendar, with Feb. 29 designated as the official leap year date.

Leaplings, leapers, and leapsters

Leap year babies — of which there are only about 5 million in a world populated by nearly 8 billion people — are known alternatively as leapers, leaplings, and leapsters. Bobbie Hoehner, who runs her family’s business The Healing Lounge at Get Tanked in Hinesville, Georgia, is one such leapling — and she wasn’t the only one in her family.

A birthday ad showing gift ideas for October birthdays.

“My great uncle and my aunt also had leap year birthdays, so I always had someone to celebrate with,” Hoehner says. On non-leap years, she celebrates her birthday on Feb. 28. “In the leap year community, there is debate over which day we should celebrate. Some celebrate on the 28th, some celebrate on March 1st. But 28 plus 1 equals 29, so we generally think we get to celebrate both.”

Hoehner says that being a leapling is also fun because she gets to celebrate being two ages. On leap year birthdays, she celebrates with a theme that corresponds to her leap year age. “When I turned 24, we did a clown-themed birthday party for a 6-year-old. When I turned 40, we did a superhero party suitable for a 10-year-old,” she says.

As fun as it may be for some, being a leap year baby can have its challenges, says leapling Rae Clapper, innkeeper at Apple’s Bed & Breakfast in Big Bear Lake, California. Once when she was on a cross-country trip, an encounter with a local sheriff resulted in a misunderstanding. “The sheriff asked for my license. When he came back, he said it was invalid due to my birthdate,” Clapper says. “I had to explain I was a leap year baby and even Googled it to show him! He cleared me and apologized.”

10 ways to celebrate a leap year birthday

Here are 10 ways to celebrate the rare and special occasion of a leap year birthday.

1. Treat yourself to something sweet

Regular birthdays are for cake. Leap year birthdays are for something distinctly more special, such as artisan chocolate-covered strawberries or dipped cheesecake bites (or both!).

leap year birthday artisan dipped strawberries

leap year birthday birthday cake martini

2. Shake up a leap year cocktail

Get your mixologist on with a personalized cocktail shaker set and recipe created on Feb. 29, 1928, at the historic Savoy Hotel in London.

3. Attend a leap year event

Check out your community’s events calendar or take trip to the Leap Year Festival in Anthony, Texas — the self-proclaimed leap year capital of the world.

4. Join an online leap day community

Get to know leapers just like you. The Honor Society for Leap Year Day Babies is a great place to network on all things leap year.

5. Host a themed soiree

In 2020, Clapper threw herself a “Purple Rain”/Prince-themed party. “I hired a Prince band named the Purple Ones and went all out,” she says. “It was awesome — everyone wore purple.” Don’t forget to have plenty of gourmet food and drinks on hand.

6. Take an overnight holiday

Some leapsters enjoy a two-day leap day birthday celebration, so why not take the opportunity to enjoy an overnight trip. Enjoy two or three days at a special resort or spa to commemorate the occasion.

7. Treat yourself to a spa day

If heading out of town isn’t feasible, pamper yourself with a luxury spa day at home, or host one for you and your closest friends.

8. Throw a leap year age party

Take a page out of Hoehner’s book and have a party with a theme that corresponds to your leap year age. Frogs are big in the leap year community, of course, or choose a special symbol or character that you loved growing up, such as unicorns or Mickey Mouse.

9. Give yourself a gift that gives back

Buy local, handmade items from sellers in your community or find an organization that contributes to a worthy cause when you make a purchase from it.

Flowers, food, wine…whatever your pleasure, there’s a gift subscription that can have it delivered to your door. Until your next leap day birthday!

6 Galentine’s Day Party Ideas to Help You Celebrate Your Ladies in Style

What’s Galentine’s Day?! Oh, it’s only the best day of the year.“
Leslie Knope, “Parks and Recreation”

In season 2, episode 16 of the sitcom “Parks and Recreation,” Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) introduced us to Galentine’s Day. Celebrated every year on Feb. 13, it’s a day of “ladies celebrating ladies” as they “kick it breakfast style,” sans romantic partners.

In the episode, Knope gathers her girlfriends and gifts each of them a bouquet of hand-crocheted flower pens and a personalized mosaic portrait made from the crushed bottles of their favorite diet soda — among other gems. (The personalized 5,000-word essay describing each woman’s awesomeness is my personal favorite, but I digress.)

Galentine’s Day celebrates the love you have for your friends. Have fun with it and remember: It’s about creating memories.

Katharine Nicole Magsaysay

Founder, Say Say Experience

As it turns out, it was the celebratory event women the world over didn’t know they needed. Fourteen years since its unofficial inauguration, Galentine’s Day continues to be embraced by women with an (almost) Leslie Knope-type of enthusiasm — excessive gestures honoring the sisterhood notwithstanding. And the event gives gal pals a reason to hit pause on their busy lives as they commemorate their friendships in a relaxed atmosphere. But the occasion may have evolved into one with even deeper meaning than when it was first created.

Wendy DiPietro, event planner and owner of We Plan It in Vancouver, Washington, believes Galentine’s Day is a day of empowerment for women. “It has become about their strength and independence,” she says, in addition to “celebrating the female friends that are extremely important to them.”

Galentine’s Day party ideas

In honor of Galentine’s Day 2024, we’ve compiled a list of six party ideas for curating an event worthy of you and your female tribe — with nary a crocheted flower pen bouquet in sight.

1. Keep planning in perspective

We all want to throw the perfect party (remember “Mrs. Dalloway”?), but before you lose yourself in insignificant minutia, make sure to keep the spirit of the event in the forefront of your mind. “Galentine’s Day celebrates the love you have for your friends,” says Katharine Nicole Magsaysay, founder of Say Say Experience in Vancouver, Washington. “Have fun with it and remember: It’s about creating memories.”

galentines day party ideas friends holding flower vases

2. Don’t stress about invitations

When it comes to invites, DiPietro and Magsaysay are in favor of keeping it simple. “Go paperless,” DiPietro says, adding that using evites and social media posts to invite guests to your gathering is the way to go — although she suggests steering clear of Facebook for events. “People who take a Facebook hiatus may end up missing it,” she says. Magsaysay likes Canva for personalized invitations that you can create, download, and send out via text and email.

Paperphiles might still prefer to send personalized printed cards — either as invitations to the event or post-party as thank you cards. Whatever choice you go with, make sure it doesn’t give you unnecessary stress during the planning process.

3. Personalize your decor

Whether you choose to decorate in a style that is elegant and elaborate or homespun and sweet is up to you; you should, however, make sure the decor reflects your personality and aesthetic. Magsaysay likes going the DIY route. “Head over to your local dollar store or the cute $3 to $5 section at Target. They have some of the best decorations, and it’s affordable,” she says. DIY balloon garland kits can really elevate the atmosphere of your soiree, especially when paired with a flower bouquet as a centerpiece.

galentines day party ideas girlfriends laughing while eating popcorn

DiPietro likes adding personalized place settings for a sincere touch. These can be as simple as including a heartfelt handwritten note to each guest, along with a small token at each plate, such as a chocolate truffle. DiPietro also suggests that hostesses “have a special gift curated for their gal pals.” Personalized wine glasses are a fun keepsake that will remind guests of the festive Galentine’s Day they spent with you. Or treat your friends to a bit of bling with personalized friendship bracelets.

4. Bring food & drink front and center

Options for food abound — from charcuterie, fruit bouquets, and gourmet snacks to multi-course meals. Magsaysay even suggests making the event about the food. “Invite all your pals over for an intimate dinner, and have each person make a dish that you can all enjoy,” she says. “You can do the same with drinks — there are so many fun alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options that friends can enjoy creating together.”

Then again, you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ fashioned Sunday brunch with mimosas a la Leslie Knope. Eggs benedict, baked goods, and fresh coffee were made for Galentine’s Day gatherings. Throw in some deep belly laughs and heartwarming stories, and your event is sure to create fond lasting memories.

5. Crank up the tunes

Creating a festive atmosphere is what Galentine’s get-togethers are all about — and music can help cultivate the mood you want for your gathering. Magsaysay recommends assembling a fun playlist for the event. “Give everyone access to add songs to the playlist before the big day,” she says. And don’t forget to add candles for a bit of glimmer and glow that vibe with the music.

6. Bond over activities

Playing games, making crafts or vision boards, baking together, or just sitting down for a nice long gab fest are interactive ways to enjoy your time together. Or sign up for an online workshop to learn to do everything from gnocchi making to flower arranging.

galentines day party ideas explosion box

Whatever you decide, stay open to developing new relationships, DiPietro suggests. She cites a recent client as an example, a bride who met her best friend and maid of honor at a Galentine’s Day party.

“Keep the door open to friends of friends,” she says. “When you allow people to bring a friend, you pave the way to create new connections.”

5 Paw-some Tips to Make Your Dog’s Next Birthday Party the Best Yet

Birthdays come around only once a year. And, just like humans, dogs deserve to have their birthdays acknowledged and celebrated. After all, who doesn’t want another happy occasion to celebrate, and who doesn’t like delicious cake?!

While some people might find celebrating a dog’s birthday strange, believe us when we say, it’s not! Your furry friend is an important part of your family, and he should be treated as such.

Whether you decide to celebrate your dog’s Gotcha Day or birthday, here are five paw-some suggestions to ensure your dog’s next birthday party is his best one yet.

1. Choose a “paw-ty” theme and run with it

Like every good birthday party, your dog’s b-day bash should have a theme. These can range from simple and classy to extravagant and over the top. Ideas include a summer luau bash, carnival party, Hollywood superstars shindig, or even a decade-themed celebration.

The best way to pick a theme is to think about your dog’s personality, as well as the guests you are considering inviting, and select one based on those factors. Regardless of what you opt for, make sure you go all the way with it!

2. Spice up the presentation

When it comes to planning a party, presentation is everything. Based on the theme you settle on for your pooch’s blowout, you can choose how to decorate your space. You can also choose a color scheme and use that for your party supplies, including tableware, balloons, streamers, party favors, and more. Some party supply and pet stores (and, ahem, certain online retailers) even have pet-themed plates, napkins, and banners. If you’re a DIYer, let your creative juices flow and make your own personal banners and signs in honor of your furry friend. And, of course, pet-themed floral arrangements add a splash of color and fun to any space.

3. Set up a doggy photo booth

Lights, camera, action! Nothing says making memories like taking pictures. Setting up a doggy photo booth is the best way to snap some unforgettable moments from your pooch’s special day.

One way to do this is to make your own backdrop, provide some props, and set a custom hashtag for when your guests want to post about your event on social media. You can coordinate this with your party’s theme, or keep things simple and low fuss with a more basic design.

4. Make the human experience just as fun

While the event will be centered on the adorable pups, you have to make sure keep their owners entertained too. That means making sure ALL attendees are well fed and amply hydrated, and have plenty to do.

dog birthday party with people having fun

Whip up some dog-themed party foods, such as like mini hot dogs and sandwiches cut in bone shapes. Of course, you can never go wrong with crackers, dips, and veggie platters, or a classic meat and cheese spread. For dessert, dog treats for the canines and cookies for the humans will do the trick — and, what do you know, you can get them both in one convenient package.

Regarding activities, feature pet-themed party games for your guests to play. A limbo contest, musical chairs, and a scavenger hunt are just a few that humans and dogs alike can participate in.

5. Buy your dog a present, or five

What dog birthday is complete without goodies for your furry friends?! Sure, your dog probably has a ton of toys already, but providing him with new things to play with will keep him occupied and happy for hours — and treating your dog to a new present has benefits to you too. Squeaky toys, hats, and bandanas are just a few items that would make the perfect gift for your guest of honor — and, what do you know, you can get all three in one convenient package.

Golden Birthday Celebration Ideas: How to Make the Most of This Magical, Once-in-a-lifetime Day

Golden birthdays are a unique milestone in everyone’s life, but they’ve only recently taken on party-worthy status. If golden birthdays have been filling up your social feed and you’re curious to learn what the buzz is about, this fully gilded guide will teach you everything you need to know about these monumental moments.

golden birthday table decorations — *Photo courtesy of Kelly Willis Rodgers*

What is a golden birthday?

What even is a golden birthday, you might ask. Good question! Simply put, it is when your birthday date matches your age. For instance, if your birthday is Feb. 21, your golden birthday is the day you turn 21. If your birthday is May 15, then your 15th birthday is your golden birthday. Pretty simple, right?

If your birthday falls at the beginning of the month, you’ll have to ask your parents if they celebrated your golden birthday, since you probably would have been too young to remember it. As you can see, golden birthdays are limited to the 31-and-under crowd. But even if you’re older than that, you can still get in on the golden fun — you just have to get a little creative with it.

What’s the backstory on golden birthdays?

Although golden birthdays have recently become a social media trend and parties seem to be popping up all over the place, the concept of golden birthdays actually dates back decades. Back in the 1950s, before Instagram influencers set the tone for trendy parties, romance novelist and mom Joan Bramsch started celebrating the golden birthdays of her five kids.

In the decades that followed, the appeal of this festivity fizzled to the point that many of us never enjoyed a golden birthday party of our own. But, like so many reasons to host a special party (gender reveals and cake smashes and alt bashes), social media has brought the concept into prominence.

Why celebrate a golden birthday?

Every birthday offers a great reason to celebrate and honor someone special in your life, and a golden birthday year is no different. The best reason to make a golden birthday special is that it’s a day that happens only once in someone’s lifetime. Plus, who doesn’t love being awash in golden balloons and decorations, and hopefully getting an extra piece of birthday cake for the occasion?!

For kids, when every birthday already feels like a big milestone, adding in a golden birthday aspect is easy, says party planner Jane Sheriff, creative director of Darling Celebrations and a mom of three. When you get a little older, and birthdays tend to take on less significance, the act of recognizing the uniqueness of the day can make the occasion feel a bit more momentous. “For adults, a golden birthday is the opportunity to throw a big celebration in a year they might not otherwise really celebrate,” she says. And that’s reason enough to embrace the golden glory of this special year.

Glowing party ideas

Making a golden birthday extra special is easy — you just need to add a few dazzling touches. Sheriff says to think gold and sparkly. That’s what mom Kelly Willis Rodgers of Nashville, Tennessee, did for her daughter Poppy’s golden (seventh) birthday. Pairing white and pastels with gold touches, she went with gold mini disco balls throughout the tablescapes along with starburst balloons and plenty of gold tinsel for the “Golden Girl” party theme.

“Balloons, banners, streamers, and tableware are all good, cost-effective ways to bring the gold theme to life,” Sheriff says. You can quickly gild your party space with gold touches, from party plates and napkins to tablecloth and utensils. “A gold balloon arch makes a great statement piece,” Sheriff says. You can also make a big impression with a golden balloon drop, which would be especially memorable at a golden birthday surprise party for an unsuspecting guest of honor.

golden birthday balloon decorations — Photo courtesy of Kelly Willis Rodgers

Fun golden birthday activities

Enhance the gold theme of any party with a round of trivia in which all the questions and answers relate to something gold. With regard to music, compile a playlist of all “gold” songs (think “24K Magic“). Ask guests to dress in gold attire from head to toe and pile on as much bling as they can. Sheriff says she recently celebrated a family friend’s golden (18th) birthday with a gold-themed dance party. “We asked all the guests to wear gold. We had a gold dance floor and a gold glitter ball.”

Here are four other ideas for dazzling golden birthday party activities.

1. Golden treasure hunt

Hide gold items or use clues with a golden theme to add a fun, physical activity to either an indoor or outdoor party setting. Prizes, of course, can be made “golden” by simply wrapping them in gold foil.

2. DIY golden crafts

Keep with the gleaming theme by offering guests glittering craft projects, such as painting gold picture frames, making “gold” jewelry, or covering cardboard trinket boxes in gold foil for a chic look.

3. Make your own photo booth

Set up a ring light tripod with a phone and outfit guests with plenty of gold-themed props, from oversized gold “jewelry” to giant faux gold bars.

4. Go for the gold

Give young party guests with plenty of energy the chance to compete in a mini version of the Olympics. Everyone gets a gold medal for participating!

Golden delicious party fare

From golden beets and butternut squash to yellow curry and golden honey cakes, menu options that match a gold theme abound. And what party is complete without a scrumptious dessert bar? Fancy it up by using edible gold dust or spray to give a glow to cupcakes, cookies, and donuts. For grown-ups, a champagne toast will add the necessary touch of glam a golden birthday deserves.

golden birthday desserts — Photo courtesy of Kelly Willis Rodgers

golden birthday golden birthday cake — Photo courtesy of So Sweet Cakes

All that glitters: A special golden birthday cake

One of the best ways to enhance the spirit of the celebration, Sheriff says, is with a gorgeous golden birthday cake. “Go for a tiered or layered cake for a special birthday like a golden birthday. You can decorate with gold leaf or edible glitter, or add gold food coloring to your icing to make something really special.”

Many bakeries now offer golden birthday cakes, such as So Sweet Cakes in Northridge, California. This one (pictured above) is fit for a king or queen, complete with gold bars, gold roses, and, of course, the number cake topper all decked out in gold.

Gracious gift ideas

“If your budget allows, then the perfect golden birthday gift would be solid gold jewelry!” Sheriff exclaims. “A gold initial necklace or gold bracelet are both great ideas, or anything that the recipient could keep as a keepsake gift would be a good choice.” For any lover of chocolate, the classic gold ballotin box of Godiva chocolates matches the theme perfectly. And don’t forget to wrap your gift in gold wrapping paper, Sheriff reminds.

Miss your golden birthday? Try these glowing milestones instead

If you’re like most of us, you’re probably bummed that you missed out on your golden birthday. But take heart…you have options! Check out these three variations on the golden birthday.

1. Double golden birthday

Double the date of your birthday and you’ll have the age when you’re ready to celebrate. Example: For a March 20 birthday, celebrate when you turn 40.

2. Triple golden birthday

Same math applies here as with a double golden birthday. Just multiply your birthdate by three and you’ll know when it’s triple golden birthday time.

3. Platinum birthday

Think of this as the reverse of your golden birthday. It’s the birthday that corresponds to the date you were born, only inverted. Example: Your birthday is June 24, so your platinum birthday is held when you turn 42.

6 Steps to Throwing an Easy — and Unforgettable — Birthday Dinner Party

Hosting a birthday dinner party at home is a great way to show a loved one how much you care. While entertaining friends and family can be incredibly enjoyable and rewarding, hosting can also be a bit stressful, especially if it’s for an extra special occasion, such as a milestone birthday.

As host, having to plan all the décor and food options for the big night can feel overwhelming. If you’re ever in this situation, remember: Your No. 1 goal to make sure your guests have fun and enjoy the company, and the guest of honor feels properly feted.

With that in mind, here are six tips for hosting an elegant birthday dinner party without the stress.

1. Prepare early

Invite your guests at least two weeks in advance. Make sure to pin down those “maybe” responses and check on dietary restrictions so you know how many people you need to prepare for and whether you need to make any extra accommodations. Check that you have enough dishware to go around and order any supplies you may need ahead of time.

If ordering products online, confirm shipping dates so everything arrives in time for the party. If you need to pick anything up, get it the day before. Do a deep cleaning the night before too, especially in areas where guests will congregate. In short, getting as much done as you can ahead of time will reduce stress on the day of the event.

2. Set the mood with a well-themed table

Creating a tablescape makes an at-home birthday feel even more special. You don’t have to go crazy: An elegant, blush-toned palette with floral details will set a sophisticated and luxurious mood. Flowers are a great centerpiece, or you could even use succulents (which can double as a take-home gift at the end of the night!).

Keep the interests of the birthday boy or girl, and the time of year of the party, in mind when decorating. For instance, if he or she likes rabbits and plants, pick up porcelain bunnies and cute succulents to decorate. If the event is in the spring, use pink and purple roses for accents, and set it all on a white tablecloth. It creates a lively spring atmosphere!

3. Coordinate a playlist

birthday dinner party serving pasta salad

Make sure the playlist matches the mood for the night. Choose low-tempo, mellow tunes so the music doesn’t interrupt the conversations. A playlist consisting of a well-curated blend of contemporary and soulful tracks is perfect for background ambiance. If you’re feeling especially creative, try building your own playlist with your guest of honor’s favorite songs.

4. Keep the food simple

For a truly stress-free night, have the dinner catered. Instead of doing all the cooking yourself, just order and heat up tortellini with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Pair it with a fresh side or radish salad for a well-rounded offering.

For after dinner, a cheesecake party wheel lets your guests enjoy four varieties of a classic dessert. Another slightly more whimsical — but no less decadent — option are cheesecake pops.

To snack on either before or after dinner, set out cheese and fresh fruit. Or bring a touch of elegance to the proceedings with a platter of hot hors d’eurves.

5. Consider wine and food pairings

Wine is a classy touch for birthdays and is easy to pair with most food options (and it allows for toasts!). Ellen Sorensen, merchandising manager for wine at Harry & David, suggests pairing the tortellini with chardonnay, and the salad and fruit with sauvignon blanc. Sparkling wine is the perfect match for the cheesecake dessert, since “the bubble will cut through the richness,” Sorensen says.

Not everyone drinks the same thing, though. Offering a few wine options, along with some non-alcoholic choices like sparkling juices or creative mocktails, shows you’ve gone the extra mile in customizing the night.

6. Plan after-dinner activities

Even though so much work is put into the meal, dinner usually lasts only about 30 minutes. Once everyone’s finished, leave the plates and suggest a move to a new room.

If the weather is nice, take the party outside for some casual after-dinner drinks and merriment. Or keep guests entertained by suggesting playing a board game, singing karaoke, or going on a walk through your neighborhood.

5 Tips for Throwing a Fun and Memorable Housewarming Party

Having company over? In our “Hosting How-tos” series, we’ll teach you how to entertain like a pro. You’ve just moved, and now you want to celebrate. Read through our housewarming party ideas that will send your guests home happy.

Hosting a housewarming party is a great way to welcome friends and family to your new home while getting to know your new neighbors. It’s also a fabulous excuse to get together and indulge in fun, mouthwatering party food.

Moving can be exhausting, so it’s OK to wait until you’re settled into your new home before hosting a crowd. Seri Kertzner, chief party officer at Little Miss Party Planner in New York City, recently planned her own housewarming party, and she advises DIY party planners to focus on two key components: keeping guests entertained and well fed.

Prep as much as you can in advance so you don’t miss out on the fun. Then, you can relax, get dressed, and enjoy greeting your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Seri Kertzner

Chief party officer

Little Miss Party Planner

If you want to make your party planning a breeze, here are five helpful housewarming party ideas to ensure happiness for you and your guests.

1. Create excitement

Send out invitations — either the electronic or paper variety — around three weeks before the party date. Online party sites and social media are great ways to get the word out. Remember to send a reminder a few days before the party. Limit the guest list to old friends (if you didn’t move far) and a few new neighbors, making sure to consider how many people can comfortably fit in your home (or backyard).

housewarming party ideas sunflower bouquet

2. Decorate the new pad

Remember that guests are coming to see you and your new home — and they should understand you just moved in — so keep the decorations simple. “Fresh flowers and candlelight are a great way to decorate,” Kertzner explains. She uses LED battery-operated tea lights and flowers in unexpected places, such as around a bar and in the bathroom.

Other decorating ideas for a housewarming party include:

Have flowers delivered for stress-free decorating. The bright and lively sunflower bouquet is available in 10 or 20 stems, and in a variety of vase styles. Order several and use them as take-home favors.
Add themed housewarming signs or a backdrop for photos. These can easily be found online or in party supply stores, and give guests the perfect spot to pose for selfies that can double as keepsakes.
Show off your distinct style. If you decorated your new home in a modern farmhouse look, embrace the vibe with decorative succulents, burlap bows, and slate signs.

3. Provide entertainment

“Music is entertainment priority number one,” Kertzner insists. “Don’t ever let your guests walk into a quiet house.”

To get socializing going, leave conversation cards around congregation spots, such as in the kitchen or by a sitting area, for easy ice breaking. These could all fit a particular theme, such as traveling, with questions like “What’s your favorite vacation you’ve ever taken?” and “How soon before you go away do you start packing?”

housewarming party ideas with friends doing the limbo at a housewarming party

Other ideas for activities include:

Download a home tour quiz game or household item version of “The Price Is Right”to add a bit of friendly competition.
Play backyard games like cornhole, badminton, or ladder golf.
Set up a gaming station for group video games or unplug with crowd-friendly tabletop board games.

4. Feed your guests

“Prep as much as you can in advance so you don’t miss out on the fun,” Kertzner urges. She makes sure all her party food is ready at least an hour beforehand. “Then, you can relax, get dressed, and enjoy greeting your guests, rather than being stuck in the kitchen.”

Wondering what to serve? Here are some scrumptious options.

Self-served small plates

“I don’t think I’ll ever serve big bowls of chips and dip again!” Kertzner says. “Lately, I’ve been making individual charcuterie boxes. They’re really easy using basic craft boxes.” Assemble these the morning of the party, loading each one with meat, cheese, fruit, and crackers. The Harry & David Ultimate Charcuterie and Cheese Collection comes with all the fixings you’ll need to create these servings. Add the Deluxe Antipasto Ultimate Wine Pairing Collection for an instant wine tasting event.

housewarming party ideas with individual snack boxes

housewarming party ideas with charcuterie plates

Shared individual dishes

Kertzner suggests serving finger foods that guests can grab with toothpicks, such as croquettes or empanadas. She also likes putting out popcorn for her guests, both sweet and savory. And don’t forget to label each flavor!

Which brings us to Kertzner’s next tip. “Use small place cards to let guests know what each food item is. It adds a sophisticated touch and helps guests navigate their choices better.”

Beautiful buffets

Kertzner likes to pare down meals to three main components: a starch, a protein, and a brightly colored vegetable. Pick up some top sirloin and veggies, such as peppers, onions, and eggplant, to make kebabs. Skip the fruit bowl and instead create a rainbow of fruit kebabs using watermelon, blueberries, and melon (or buy them ready made!).

A simple drink menu

Limit your bar menu to just beer, wine, and a signature drink — and don’t forget non-alcoholic drinks. Kertzner advises to have plenty of water in pitchers around the house, along with soda and juice. Ice is essential, so Kertzner suggests using an online ice calculator to ensure you don’t run out.

housewarming party ideas with a cookie display

You can create an effortlessly elegant dessert table with cookies. Kertzner suggests using multi-tier cake stands to add height and a professional look. Cover the displays with glass domes, and decorate them with greens and fresh flowers.

Choose a wide assortment of cookie flavors. If your party is during the warmer months, highlight the flavors of the season with a summer flavors box.
Add ice-filled containers with carafes of ice-cold milk and chilled coffee.
Keep little ones entertained with cookie decorating kits.

5. Send everyone home happy

Before guests leave, ask everyone to sign a commemorative piece, such as a wood tray, that can become a housewarming memento. Another idea is to leave blank recipe cards for guests to fill out with their favorite recipes to help you start a collection.

Party favors are a great way to show your guests gratitude. Individual candles will thank everyone for helping to “warm” your home. You could also thank your guests for popping by with popcorn balls or cookie cards.