Tag: Party Ideas

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.

Photo of Seri Kertzner

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.

Older and Better: 10 Birthday Party Ideas for Seniors

We call them milestone birthdays for a reason: They are, indeed, an occasion to recognize and honor someone for the person they are and everything they’ve accomplished. And when a senior is about to turn 70, 80, 90 — or anywhere above or in between — it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate.

“The memories you’ll have from a birthday party are ones you’ll have forever,” says Liz O’Donnell, author of Working Daughter: A Guide to Caring for Your Aging Parents While Making a Living and founder of Working Daughter, a community for women balancing eldercare with their own families and careers.

tribute birthday banner

To help you plan a memorable event for a parent, grandparent, or any elder who means the world to you, we’ve compiled a list of 10 birthday party ideas for seniors.

1. Consider what type of party the honoree would like

“I hear this all the time: ‘I really want to create this memory for my mom’ or ‘I really want to make up for lost time,'” O’Donnell says. “But is that what you want or is that what they want?”

Getting input from the senior of honor is the best way to figure out what kind of party to have. For example, maybe they would prefer a large event with friends at a restaurant. Or perhaps their preference is for a small gathering with close family members at home. The easiest way to find out is just to ask. Which brings us to our next point…

2. Forget the surprise

Although a surprise party might sound tempting, O’Donnell warns against it. She explains that getting seniors to and from a location can take more time than you realize. Plus, “you’ll want to give them as much time as they need to show up and be at their best,” she adds.

3. Think about the timing

Early afternoon is often the time when many elders feel their best, and a weekend event allows guests to attend.

How long should the party last? The answer depends on the health and well-being of the honoree.

Regardless of the timeframe you choose, these personalized invitations will convey all the details of the big day to your guests, and do it warmly.

birthday party ideas for seniors with family toasting

4. Select the right location

Since every senior has different physical abilities, the party location should meet their needs for safety and comfort. Some seniors will welcome the chance to celebrate at a restaurant or community party room, while others will feel more at ease in a familiar environment, such as their apartment or the home of a relative.

5. Choose a theme

A party theme gives guests a direction for gifts, and it takes some of the creative pressure off you as the planner. A theme also helps you celebrate one of the honoree’s special interests. Here are a few ideas.

  • ’50s sock hop
  • ’60s Top 40 songs
  • Hunting or fishing
  • Vintage cars
  • Hollywood hits
  • Travel (focusing on places the honoree has visited)
  • Historical facts or trivia

Add to the fun by getting them a personalized oversized greeting card that includes information from their birth year. You also can gift the honoree a vintage-looking coffee mug that features their age, birth year, and a personalized greeting.

After you’ve chosen your theme, it’s time to incorporate it into the decorations. Movie posters, album covers, vintage sports equipment, photos, travel posters, and retro game boards all can be part of creating a fun atmosphere.

6. Serve light refreshments

The type and quantity of food you offer at a birthday party for seniors all depends on the time, size, and location of the event.

birthday party ideas for seniors with family clapping around table

In some cases, cake and punch may suffice. In others, a light lunch with finger sandwiches and fruit is appropriate. (If some of the pieces just happen to be dipped in chocolate, all the better!) And what’s a party without cookies and other baked treats?

7. Plan a few activities

Some seniors enjoy playing games, while others prefer one-on-one conversations. Whatever you do, try to avoid a situation where everyone is engaged in an activity while the person you’re celebrating is sitting on the sidelines watching, O’Donnell stresses.

One engaging activity that everyone can participate in — even young children — is taking turns sharing stories and remembrances involving the guest of honor.

8. Keep gifts simple

Many older adults are trying to get rid of the “stuff” in their lives, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego gift giving. Some ideas for heartfelt presents include:

  • Something connected with the theme — e.g., a 1960s playlist, a classic movie, a trivia card game, a fly-fishing tie.
  • A photo memory book or collection of letters to the honoree.
  • A non-perishable food item to donate to a local food pantry in the honoree’s name.
  • Filling a glass jar with encouraging notes — one for each of their years — or writing a special letter that everyone signs and then placing it in a keepsake message in a bottle.
birthday party ideas for seniors floral bouquet
Floral Embrace™
birthday party ideas for seniors with cookie pail
Sweet Birthday Wishes Cookie Pail
birthday party ideas for seniors personalized photo album
Modern Birthday Personalized Wood Photo Album

9. Tap a photographer

The best way to ensure you have plenty of photos to mark the special occasion is to ask someone to be in charge of taking pictures. Ask a friend or family member to be the de facto camera person, or hire a professional, if your budget allows.

10. Stay flexible

You know what they say about best-laid plans. That’s why you should be ready, willing, and able to switch things up at a moment’s notice if something doesn’t go according to the script.

Have a backup plan in case you need to move an outdoor event indoors or vice versa. Be ready to turn down the music or move your loved one’s chair away from the sunlight or ask someone to speak louder as the need arises.

Most of all, remember that a simple celebration can be just as meaningful and memorable as a big bash — and, sometimes, even more so. The most important thing is to celebrate a person who means so much to so many and to make even more memories with them.

Why Spring Birthdays Are the Best

Spring birthdays land at the perfect time for celebrating. We’re leaving the winter behind and welcoming warmer temperatures, blooming gardens, and more sun. Who wouldn’t be in the mood for a party?

“I love spring birthdays so much,” gushes Brittany Young, CEO and founder of Certified Celebrator and author of “Celebrate with Sprinkles: More Than 100 Party Possibilities to Add Joy and Sparkle to Any Occasion.” “Spring makes us feel new; it’s a season with new opportunities. We just all start to feel a little happier when the weather starts to turn.”

Young likes to keep things light, such as serving fresh fruits, chicken and pasta salads, and fun finger foods. She also suggests always being prepared for the notoriously unpredictable spring weather by having backup plans in place for outdoor parties and keeping things easily mobile and ready to relocate in case of spring showers. But, at least they bring us these…

Spring birthday party ideas for all ages

Spring is ideal for outdoor parties, and embracing bright and fresh birthday party themes. Here are a few of our favorites.

Blooming ice cream crawl

Who says you have to wait until summer to welcome back this beloved treat? It’s easy to decorate around this concept, with plenty of fun ice cream-themed decorations and other desserts to choose from. Make it a true “crawl” experience by putting out plenty of flavors to sample, along with toppings like sauces, cookies, nuts, pretzels, and cereals to help guests customize their creations.

spring birthdays with tea party with cake and food

Spring tea social

A spring tea party offers loads of possibilities, Young says. For fans of Jane Austen or “Bridgerton,” you can easily incorporate these elements into the classy theme. Stack tea pots, teacups, antique-styled books, pearls, and vintage tchotchkes to create a look sure to inspire raised pinkies. Take a nod from Young and chill wine bottles in buckets with eatable flower ice cubes. Of course, no spring tea party would be complete without some fancy sweets like petits fours, authentic British scones, and peach galettes.

Kids who love to play dress-up can also enjoy the mystique of bite-sized tea sandwiches, lacy table settings, and tiaras at the table.

Grow your garden party

Spring inspires us to want to celebrate the rebirth of nature around us. Translate that energy into a garden potting party. For little ones, dig into their fascination with bugs and playing in the dirt by serving up the quintessential “worms and dirt” cake along with some delicious chocolate strawberry ladybugs.

Young suggests encouraging guests to collect bits of nature from outside for crafts. “We do a lot of rock painting, finding things from the yard, and gluing them all together lets them use their imagination to create something unique.”

spring birthdays with gardening party
Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator
spring birthdays with seed kits
Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

She suggests gifting pots with personalized seed packets for grow-at-home party favors. Decorate a table with terracotta pots (which Young uses as cute cupcake holders), sheets of moss, and pretty gardening tools. For adults, offer a variety of plants that they can use to create their own container garden and feature cocktails with sprigs of fresh herbs.

Festive and fruity

Spring is all about vibrant colors, and fruits offer a rainbow of ways to create a unique spring birthday party theme. Whether it’s strawberry, lemon, or pineapple, you can either choose a single fruit to create a birthday party around or mix and match with a variety of flavors.

spring birthdays with guac and salsa
Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

Southwest fiesta

Combine Tex-Mex fare with Southwest charm for endless party possibilities. A fiesta is one of Young’s favorite themes because it’s suitable for both kids and adults. The latter can enjoy a make-your-own-margarita bar while guests of all ages will love a taco-making station with all the fixings.

For kids, keep these toppings spill-proof in muffin tins to cut down on clean-up. Decorate with Southwest-style plants, papel picado banners — traditional Mexican crafts consisting of intricate designs cut into pieces of tissue paper — and piñatas. Don’t forget to include plenty of cactus-themed accessories, such as these hilarious flower pots and stackable glasses. Add in a fun cacti or succulent potting activity based on the age range of your guests.

Spring birthday party ideas for kids

These ideas may be specifically intended for little ones, but they are still big on fun.

Happy “bee day”

Get the kiddos buzzing with this party theme Young designed to celebrate spring’s beauty. Combine baby’s breath with sunflowers as the centerpiece of your tablescape along with touches like woodsy decor, mason jars, and bottles of bear-shaped honey. Play bee-themed versions of party games and serve up treats like Buzzing Bee Dipped Strawberries.

spring birthdays with a bee party tablescape
Photo courtesy of Certified Celebrator

Peter Rabbit vegetable garden party

Let guests experience the magic of Beatrix Potter by recreating the woodland world of this beloved storybook character. Deck out the decor in the classic colors of this mischievous rabbit, including bright baby blues, yellow and brilliant greens. Don’t forget to supply plenty of veggies along with some yummy Buttercream-Frosted Walnut Carrot Cake Cookies.

Spring birthday party ideas for adults

If you’re planning a more grown-up birthday blowout, you can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

Go big on the blooms

spring birthdays hero

Spring reminds us how much we missed the fragrance of flowers, so celebrate the season in a big way with plenty of fresh blooms. Dot a dinner table with an overabundance of gorgeous spring flowers — but don’t stop there! Offer a flower arranging workshop for guests outside (if the weather’s nice enough) or around a kitchen island. “Everyone is able to make their own bouquet and take it home with them,” Young says. “Doing a project like this together really opens up the door for lots of conversation and deeper connections.”

Pretty in pastels

By March, most of us are ready to ditch the deep dark colors of winter for brighter hues. Create a chic pastel-themed party using plenty of pink, mint, purple, and peach decorations, such as streamers and plates.

“I’m a big believer in balloons,” Young says. “They take up a lot of space and are very affordable.” She adds that a color-themed balloon arch display makes the perfect spot for guest photos. Serve up equally pretty treats in soft, subtle shades, such as irresistible spring truffle cake pops.

Host a luxury picnic

Take full advantage of the season’s mild temps by hosting a picnic. Begin setup by using tarps as a base to protect picnic blankets. Add pillows and poufs to outfit the setting, and combine small folding picnic tables for place settings. Line the table with a complementary table runner and deck out the scene with flowers, candles, and place mats.

spring birthdays with woman eating meat and cheese in kitchen
spring birthdays with wine cheese and meat

For a backyard party, serve a gourmet brunch that includes quiche, lemon poppy seed cake, English muffins, Canadian bacon, and two bottles of wine. If you need more portable delights, a snack-filled picnic basket or bakery tray overflowing with springtime favorites is sure to fit the bill. Add backyard party games, such as cornhole or ladder toss, or make it a “Rosé and Croquet” party for a truly luxe experience.

3 Steps to a Grand St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

The saying “Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” is really just an excuse for everyone to party like an Irishman on March 17! Whether you’re hosting a party or have been invited to one, here’s a helpful three-step guide to decorations, refreshments, and great — and green — gift ideas.

Step 1: Setting and décor

st. patrick's day celebration: beer mug o'blooms

Mug o’Blooms

st. patrick's day celebration: green carnation boutonnieres

Green Carnation Boutonnieres

st. patrick's day celebration: personalized table runner

Personalized Table Runner

For whatever reason, and for so many reasons, beer is a major part of St. Patrick’s Day. Ireland consistently ranks in the top 10 of per capita beer consumption. So why not have a little fun and honor this hoppy beverage with a beer mug-inspired floral arrangement? The Beer Mug o’Blooms will make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration go down smooth.

I like having a few special décor items that I keep from year to year for seasonal holidays and celebrations, and this shamrock green personalized table runner fits the bill perfectly. It is compact, so it doesn’t take up much storage space when not in use, and if green is already part of your home décor, you can use it year-round. It also makes for a great hostess gift.

Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as early as the 17th century. Keep the tradition alive by having green carnation boutonnieres available for your guests to pin on themselves as they arrive. Simply order some green carnations, cut the stems short — about 1 to 2 inches — and have straight pins available for pinning. Display them in a fun novelty container, such as the above vintage tin or an upcycled gift basket. You can add ribbon to some and leave some plain.

If green carnations aren’t available, you can dye or spray paint white ones green, or leave them white and add a green ribbon. As long as you order fresh flowers for St. Patrick’s Day in advance, though, you shouldn’t have any issues with availability.

Step 2: Food

st.-patrick's-day-gifts: shamrock cookies

St. Patrick’s Good Luck Pot

st. patrick's day celebration: smoked salmon potato bites

Smoked Salmon Potato Bites

British Scones Cream and Conserves

British Scones, Cream, and Conserves

Corned beef and cabbage is traditionally served at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America. However, this isn’t a traditional Irish meal. Salmon is one of the most common fish in Ireland and a staple ingredient of the Irish kitchen, and the potato has long been synonymous with the Emerald Isle. So, take these two truly Irish food staples and create a dish that seems much fancier than it really is — smoked salmon potato bites.

st patricks day celebrations Smoked salmon recipe image x
Print Pin

Smoked Salmon Potato Bites

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Mini potatoes, washed (do not peel)
  • Smoked salmon, sliced into thin strips
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh or dried dill, chopped
  • Sour cream

Instructions: 

  • Preheat oven to 400° F.
  • Coat the potatoes with olive oil, and salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet.
  • Place the sheet on the bottom rack and bake until done, about 25 minutes.
  • To make the dill dip, add chopped fresh or dry dill to sour cream to taste.
  • Remove potatoes from oven and pinch each one to open.
  • Top each potato with salmon strips.
  • Serve with sour cream dill dip (or put a dollop on each potato).
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Irish

Another traditional Irish food is the scone. The Irish version is a close relative of the English one. I love mine slathered with butter, cream, and jam, and you can create your own with cream and strawberry preserves. Order yours today and then invite your friends over for a quick breakfast before the parade. Top o’ the morning to ya!

Everyone wants to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. However, finding a leprechaun to help you locate this treasure can be challenging. I have an easier way: Order a St. Patrick’s Day Good Luck Pot. When you bite into one of these delicious buttercream frosted shamrock cookies, you will think you’ve struck gold!

Step 3: Drinks

st. patrick's day celebration: personalized coasters

Old Irish Pub Personalized Coaster

st. patrick's day celebration: irish eyes cocktail

Irish Eyes Cocktail

st. patrick's day celebration: personalized slim can cooler

Personalized Slim Can Cooler

Of course, a St. Patrick’s Day party has to have beer. Don’t quote me on this, but it might be a law, at least in the lower 48. But if you want to add an Irish whiskey cocktail to the menu, Irish Eyes, pictured above in Waterford goblets, is an easy one to concoct. And it’s pretty, too!

st patricks day celebrations irish eyes recipe x
Print Pin

Irish Eyes Cocktail

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce Irish whiskey
  • ¼ ounce green crème de menthe liqueur
  • 2 ounces cream
  • Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions: 

  • Pour whiskey, crème de menthe, and cream into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, pour into a glass, and top with a sprig of fresh mint.
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Irish

Personalized themed bar accessories, from koozies to coasters, are a great way to set your party apart. They also make great gifts to send to your favorite lads and lasses both near and far.

Sláinte!

6 Tips to Hosting the Best Mardi Gras Party Yet

One of the great things about Mardi Gras is that you don’t have to live in New Orleans to enjoy it. People everywhere throw parties in honor of the events of the popular Carnival celebration.

Photo of women dressed for Mardi Gras

Before we tell you how best to channel the spirit of this festive occasion, a little about the holiday itself. Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” begins on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings Day, and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, a.k.a. Shrove Tuesday. Some places, such as Mobile, Alabama — site of the first Mardi Gras held in the U.S., in 1703 — kick off the festivities as early as November. Most celebrations, however — including the biggest one of them all, in New Orleans — occur in the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, which this year is Feb. 13.

As you might imagine, bringing the fun of Mardi Gras home can be tricky. Incorporating the traditions of music, parades, partiers decked out in wigs and wild outfits, dancing, and general revelry into a more intimate setting is not easy — but it can be done.

If you’re considering throwing your own Fat Tuesday celebration, read on for six food and décor tips. And don’t forget the beads!

1. Prep a festive menu

To stay on theme, prep foods that fit the occasion, suggests Gina Tepper, an on-air lifestyle entertainment expert. She recommends some authentic New Orleans appetizers and main courses to serve your guests.

appetizer assortment
World-Inspired Appetizer Assortment
Fresh Fruit and Cheese Gourmet Gift Box
Fresh Fruit and Cheese Gourmet Gift Box
mardi gras party Wine Pairing Collection
Wine Pairing Collection

Appetizers: Gourmet snacks with a wood cutting board for easy serving, assorted cheeses, mushrooms stuffed with Cajun-seasoned crabmeat

Main Course: Red beans and rice with smoked sausage, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya, shrimp étouffée

2. Don’t forget themed beverages

A Mardi Gras party is no time to serve a dull drink. Instead, Tepper suggests tapping into New Orleans culture with such options as:

  • Mimosas with the glass rimmed with Cajun seasonings
  • Cajun bloody marys garnished with a jumbo shrimp
  • Café au lait, a popular New Orleans hot beverage, consisting of coffee and hot milk

3. Serve king cake for dessert

This sweet, circular brioche cake has been the centerpiece of the Catholic celebration of Epiphany since the Middle Ages and is a traditional dessert served during Mardi Gras. An authentic king cake will always be decorated with purple, green, and gold icing — the traditional colors of Mardi Gras — and baked with a tiny plastic baby inside to symbolize Jesus’ arrival.

mardi gras party with king cake

“One fun activity is that whoever gets the tiny toy baby in their slice is responsible for bringing the cake the following year,” Tepper says.

4. Ramp up the décor

Mardi Gras is a high-energy holiday, so your space should reflect the fun spirit of the day. Tepper suggests getting crafty and DIYing these four décor options, many of which can be found in local dollar stores.

  • Create fun and festive Mardi Gras masks or embellish inexpensive masks with feathers, buttons, beads, and rhinestones. Use these as decorations or party favors. Teppers also recommends glittery gold chenille sticks (pipe cleaners). “They can easily be formed into a three-loop flower and attached to the center top of the mask over the feathers.”
  • Decorate with flowers in classic Mardi Gras colors, which include purple, green, and gold. Embellish the containers with beads.
  • Make a detailed centerpiece of a Mardi Gras float using inexpensive materials and reused items, such as cardboard, a box, buttons/beads, felt, artificial flowers, and acrylic paint. “Cut out a pattern for the Mardi Gras float theme on white foam core or cardboard. Paint the design with different colors and accents with craft foam, beads, buttons, ribbon, glitter, or whatever you have on hand,” Tepper says. “Glue the cardboard design onto a box. Embellish the box with flowers, felt, and strips of tissue paper to make the float come alive.”
  • Paint a “Bourbon Street” sign using cardboard, a tissue box, cardstock, and a printout of a Bourbon Street sign.
  • Scatter Mardi Gras-themed bottles filled with colorful feathers around your party space. You can easily create these using reused bottles and craft paint or accent beads.
Picture of Lovely Lavender Medley
Lovely Lavender Medley
Photo of purple Cala lily
Elegant Calla Lilly
Photo of Lavender Garden Bouquet
Lavender Garden Bouquet

5. Remember the bunting

Bunting can transform your space without costing a lot, says D. Channing Muller, an event planner and principal at DCM Communications in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“Hang purple, green, and gold flag bunting from the ceiling around your event space or along the railing of a patio, deck, or staging area, and you’ll be golden,” she says. “This is a go-to décor item for New Orleans homes at Mardi Gras and instantly creates a festive atmosphere in any party space.”

6. Set your table with runners

To honor the Mardi Gras color scheme, layer striped purple, green, and gold table runners on all the buffet tables where you’re serving food and beverages, Muller says. “These are relatively inexpensive and, as long as you stay on the color scheme with the same shade of purple, green, and gold throughout your décor, your party will look like it’s hosted by a native New Orleanian.”

A Valentine's Day ad for the Celebration's Passport membership program

Valentine’s Day Party Ideas to Celebrate with Everyone

Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be just about romantic love. It should be about celebrating the love you have for everyone in your life, whether it’s a child, co-worker, parent, or sibling. Valentine’s for all is an opportunity to connect with friends and family, express your feelings, and celebrate all the people who are important to you.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day for all takes inspiration from Galentine’s Day, Palentine’s Day, and other riffs on Valentine’s Day — and nobody is left out.

“In today’s push to be all inclusive, Valentine’s Day for all is an opportunity to include the whole family,” notes Jackie Lacy, past president of the American Institute of Floral Designers and director of education and industry relations at Floriology, powered by BloomNet.

Valentines Day party with place setting

“Use it as a teaching moment for your children about caring for others and that it is OK to love someone without being romantically in love with them,” he says. “The more love, respect, and kindness we can show each other, the happier we can all be.”

It’s time to celebrate love in a whole new way, with a festive gathering for those special people in your life. Here are three fun and creative ways to host a Valentine’s Day party for all.

A take on the classic Valentine’s Day party

We’ll start with a true-blue traditional celebration, with plenty of good food, hearts, and flowers. Think of everything you love about Valentine’s Day: red and pink decorations, sparkling hearts, loving messages, and tempting sweets. These are all on the table for showing love in all its varieties.

valentines day party Valentines Day Gift Basket
Valentine’s Day Gift Basket
Sweetest Love Tulips
Sweetest Love Tulips
Happy Valentine's Day Crispy Rice Bites
Valentine’s Crispy Rice Bites

Invite everyone over for a festive evening of dinner, games, and music. Twister is a game that brings everyone closer together. Another game idea: Ask everyone to write down something they love about someone else at the party in a pretty card. Then, when the party is over, offer each person the card(s) with a sparkling heart attached.

Everyone loves charades, so fill a box with slips of paper naming movies, books, and TV shows that depict friendship, family love, and even pet love. If you like, keep score and give out fun prizes for categories like “Best dramatization,” “Least likely to keep mouth shut,” and “Most outrageous guesses.”

For the feast, consider asking everyone to bring the dish they love best and spread them on a long table set with a pretty spring tablecloth. You may also wish to make the main course yourself; consider mac and cheese or seafood pasta as options.

A cozy movie night

February is the perfect month for movies. Why not screen one with your favorite people in the world? Make it a double feature, with the kids’ animated favorite shown during the appetizer course and the second film (preferably one that’s appropriate for all ages) showing after dessert.

Host this Valentine’s Day party for extended family or make it a gathering of favorite neighbors. Ask everyone to come in their coziest PJs and bring a pillow or favorite stuffed animal.

This is an inside event, preferably with a large flat-screen TV handy. Create a drive-in movie feel with blankets, sleeping bags, and plenty of sitting cushions.

valentines day party Wild About You Valentine Sweets Box
Wild About You Valentine Sweets Box
valentines day party Love Lifts Us Up Popcorn Tin
Love Lifts Us Up Popcorn Tin
valentines day party Cheesecake Trio with Love Romance Dipped Strawberries
Cheesecake Trio with Love & Romance™ Dipped Strawberries

For the food, consider easy treats that people can eat with their hands. Small quesadilla triangles with guacamole, spring rolls, and savory meatballs make a good entrée trio. Then, add strawberry and pineapple fruit chunks and a raw vegetable platter with dips. A fun add-on would be fresh popcorn served in red-and-white striped bags. Serve iced heart-shaped cakes for dessert.

The ultimate “All you need is love” Valentine’s Day party

How about a trip back in time to the Summer of Love, with the era’s incredible music and a kaleidoscope of colors? The grownups can groove to classic songs from the ’60s while the kids try their hand at painting their very own rock band poster or coloring pages with hippie designs. Since this was the era of the flower children, go crazy with flower crowns and flower lights.

1. The guest list

Start with your family and close friends, and make sure everyone knows that kids are welcome! Have fun with the invitations: Make your own, personalizing them with pertinent information and colorful imagery that evokes the message of love: flowers, peace signs, and rainbows.

2. The venue

If the weather is mild, your backyard can be turned into a Woodstock festival setting complete with picnic tables and colorful tablecloths. Colder climates may require an indoor setting, so be prepared and turn your living room or family room into a beatnik paradise. Use props such as strings of beads to make curtains and lava lamps placed on tables.

3. The decorations

Fill the walls with posters of rock and folk artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, the Mamas & the Papas, and The Doors. Use tie-dyed or other colored tablecloths and create groovy centerpieces with classic flowers — daisies and carnations are great choices.

4. The activities

Offer a karaoke setup and list of suggested songs that all celebrate love. Create a “stage” festooned with colored streamers and a large painted background with the words “All You Need Is Love.” The audience can watch comfortably from beanbag chairs or cozy throw pillows. When you’re not playing karaoke, make sure the playlist continues with all the great tunes from the era. Set up a small dance floor or designated area in the house, if you have the room.

valentines day party Wildflower Dreams Bouquet
Wildflower Dreams Bouquet
Valentines day party with appetizers
Entertaining Appetizer Assortment
valentines day party Valentines Day Dessert Charcuterie Board
Valentine’s Day Dessert Board

5. The menu

Serve fun, retro items that recall relaxed music festivals or maybe the classic backyard family barbecue. Start with fun finger foods. For the main course, shape hamburger meat into hearts, make a heart-healthy salad with tons of vegetables, sunflower seeds, and, you guessed it, hearts of palm, along with a dessert board that has something for everyone — just like our broadening of the holiday. For those who prefer to avoid cooking on holidays, there are always food delivery options for your premade favorites.

Other flower ideas for a Valentine’s Day party

Take inspiration from Valentine’s Day, with a new twist. “Plants, and hand-tied bouquets of mixed flowers in the traditional red, white, and pink colors of the holiday are great,” but don’t be hesitant to branch out into other, more vibrant shades, Lacy notes.

  • Buy a big bouquet of Gerbera daisies, separate them, cut 8-by-8 squares of craft paper, and wrap each one around a flower with some green leaves to hand out throughout the day.
  • Tie a flower to a small box of chocolates for a special treat that says Happy Valentine’s Day!
  • Snap a picture of your flowers and share them with all your social media friends.

Celebrating a day where everyone in our circle feels the love? We’re all in!

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Turn Your Backyard Into a Winter Wonderland

Winter has come, but that does not mean the outdoor parties have to stop. On the contrary, actually. Winter provides a magical, snow-covered setting that can be the perfect backdrop for a sparkling outdoor party.

Turning your backyard — or even your front yard — into a winter wonderland is incredibly easy, especially with the help of Mother Nature, a few pops of color, and the right kind of menu. All you need is an eye for detail, and perhaps a heater or two, and you are ready to turn your outdoor space into an idyllic, dreamy snowscape.

Let it snow

A winter wonderland simply cannot exist without snow. Or, at least, without the illusion of snow. Turning your backyard into a snow globe scene can be one of the easiest (and most aesthetically pleasing) ways to transform it into a winter wonderland — yes, even in places where it is too warm for actual snow.

“There are lots of environmentally friendly white, silver, and sparkle spray paints that you can use on plants, bushes, etc.,” says Jesse Reing, owner of Events by Jesse.

If you really want to give the snow illusion, get yourself some dry ice. Reing recommends procuring a machine that “will take dry ice and turn it into snow-like flurries up in the air.” It will really help sell the experience.

Of course, this is one of the more expensive ways to create the snow effect, so if you are working on a budget, you do not have to turn the entire yard into a snowscape. Committing to one side of the yard, with a snow machine and the right lighting, can make the experience extremely romantic. And if you’re using a tent, get one that has a clear top so you can see your surroundings.

Let there be light

winter wonderland with cozy lighting

Part of the winter experience is the contrast between that icy vibe and a warm, cozy glow. Being able to incorporate both experiences into your winter party will have your guests really digging the vibe.

“When you think of a winter wonderland, two things come to mind: ice and a warm glow. Part of enjoying winter is enjoying a warm glow,” Reing says.

Uplighting and twinkle lights on the trees are two marvelous ways to create that cozy aesthetic. The uplighting is particularly helpful to enhance the snowy effect as well.

Add pops of color

White, silver, and sparkles certainly set the tone. But just because it’s winter in theme does not mean pops of color aren’t essential. A touch of jewel tones, shades of red, or even threads of metallic will take your winter wonderland to the next level.

“Bare branches and pine trees feel wintry to begin with, but think about incorporating red with berries, holly, or poinsettia plants,” Reing suggests. “These play off the natural whites, browns, and greens that you associate with winter.”

As romantic as your winter party may be, if your guests aren’t comfortable they won’t stay.

Jesse Reing, owner, Events By Jesse

Floral arrangements do not have to be for spring or summer events only. Counter the bare look with branchy flowers like cherry blossoms. “Add pine cones, too,” she says. “They evoke that cold, wintry, fresh and crisp feeling.”

Reing also recommends working with metallics. Traditionally, silver comes to mind when we think of a winter setting, but adding notes of gold, copper, and bronze can warm the environment visually and add a pop of pizazz. And who doesn’t love pizazz?

Consider a cocoa bar

A winter wonderland is more than just décor, though. You can create the perfect atmosphere with the right belly-warming food and beverage. From hot cocoa to mulled wine, the fantasy is often just a mug-full away.

Reign highly recommends putting in a hot cocoa bar. In fact, she says, it is a must for any kind of winter party. “You can offer all different toppings, like mini marshmallows, as well as Bailey’s and Kahlúa to serve on the side.”

winter wonderland with couple drinking mulled wine

Other hot beverages to consider are cinnamon whiskey and mulled wine. Any warm alcohol option is always a crowd pleaser, as is gin, which gives you that crisp pine taste in a winter cocktail.

Look to Europe for menu inspiration

As for food, tap your brain into the cold weather cultures like Switzerland or Scandinavia.

“Any sort of hot, bubbly melty cheese is great,” she says. “Think fondue or raclette. These are the national foods of Switzerland. People eat it in the winter for that warm and cozy feeling.” Reing adds: “To keep a party elegant, I love the idea of small plates or bowls of fully composed dishes, but in smaller versions. Think rich and heavy foods like a steak frites, but on a small six-inch plate with just three or four bites.”

Keep the fire warm

As visually cozy as you make your winter wonderland, it will mean nothing if the space is not actually cozy. Guests won’t linger if they feel cold, so keeping the space as warm and snuggly as possible is a must.

“Heaters and blankets are imperative,” Reing says. “If you’re doing an outdoor winter party, consider a table of blankets, hand warmers, and foot warmers. You can even have these personally branded for your party if you want to.”

For parties that are in an enclosed structure with sides, use heaters to keep the space warm.

Adding warmth from actual fire is not only practical but aesthetically pleasing. The best suggestion is to go with a gas fire pit. That way you can control the size of the flame much easier. If you go with wood burning, you do run the risk of smoke, which can hurt people’s eyes. Reing suggests putting chairs around the fire and draping them with wool blankets for an extra cozy ambiance.

“As romantic as your winter party may be,” Reing says, “if your guests aren’t comfortable, they won’t stay.”

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New Year’s Eve Party Ideas That Will Make for an Unforgettable Celebration

Whether you’re still exhausted from the holiday season or want to forego venturing out to a crowded bar or restaurant on a cold night, staying in for New Year’s Eve can still be an eventful experience — with the right planning. Do it the right way, and you’re in for a cozy, festive, low-fuss evening.

Here are some New Year’s Eve party ideas to help you plan a fun and jubilant celebration this Dec. 31.

Party planning

Plan your New Year’s event like you would a normal party, making sure to communicate the customary details. Send out custom snail mail or virtual invites letting guests know where the party is, what they can bring, and what they should wear. If you look forward to dressing up, call for a black tie. If you want to go in full-on comfort mode, make it a jammies night. Perhaps create a theme, such as black and white or Roaring Twenties.

new year's eve party ideas with new year's revelers

Entertainment

Include fun party activities like games, movie marathons, dance-offs, and karaoke. Revisit your past New Year’s Eve celebrations and replicate the best moments. Serve a memorable cocktail for the stroke of midnight, wearing a whimsical New Year’s Eve-themed accessory while singing “Auld Lang Syne.” Make sure to share the entertainment lineup with your party companions ahead of time to build the anticipation.

Create new traditions

Find inspiration from what is trending in social events. Champagne (or sparkling wine…know the difference!) is always welcomed on New Year’s Eve and adds something unexpected to the drink list. Hang up a custom photo backdrop and hand out personalized party favors so your guests will go home with something to remember the evening by.

Delicious food always works

Since New Year’s Eve falls at the end of an active social month, the idea of cooking an extravagant meal is not high on most people’s list. So, order in instead. And, even better, have it delivered right to your home so you have more time to plan the enjoyable details. Select from a range of delicacies, such as lobster pot pie, triple cheese quiche with caramelized onions, and beef and Italian sausage lasagna. Or go lighter with a fruit basket or assortment of meats and cheeses. Chocolate strawberries look Instagram-ready with personalized flutes. Cookie platters, chocolate towers, and fruit bouquets are equally stunning and will arrive at your house with the click of a button (or two).

new years eve party ideas with champagne

Create an environment

Nothing makes a home feel more like a party venue than holiday decorations. Arrange flower-shaped LED lights on a mantle, table, or available shelf space. Illuminate a collection of candles in every room. Release a bundle of black and gold mylar balloons so they drip from the ceiling. And, of course, splurge on a stunning flower arrangement, which always signals an elegant affair.

Take it outdoors

Set up your outdoor space with lights, candles, and a patio heater to create a warm and cozy outdoor oasis. Once midnight approaches, wrap up in warm blankets and move to your outdoor party space, which is perfect for popping open a bottle of champagne, noisemakers, and setting off fireworks.

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How to Host an Ugly Sweater Party

December brings a crush of invitations to swanky or stuffy holiday parties with Champagne and carols. Sure, the free drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres are nice, and maybe you’ll win a prize in the annual raffle, but for the most part, these affairs are dull.

The solution to your holiday party doldrums? An ugly sweater party!

As tried and true a tradition as the stiff corporate holiday gathering, the ugly sweater party embraces the joy of good old-fashioned (or bad-fashioned) fun with friends and family. “An ugly sweater party is intended to be casual and playful, so the focus should be on having a good time,” says Amy Zediana Dearth, CSEP (that’s Certified Special Events Professional for the uninitiated), president of Consider It Done Special Events in Boston.

Use this guide to get you set on the right track for hosting an ugly sweater party to remember this year.

Invite them in style

ugly sweater party with woman sending invitations

Set yourself up for a fun night before your guests arrive. “Creative invitations are a way to set the tone of the event at the very first possible moment,” Dearth says. “While some people may simply send an electronic invitation, getting a touch creative can really make a difference.”

Of course, she notes, the size of your guest list will determine how creative you can get. If you’re having a smaller gathering, consider dressing up in your finest ugly sweater and personally delivering an invitation to each guest.

For a larger get-together, you can send personalized ugly sweater invitations in the mail. “Making that moment memorable will entice your guests to want to attend,” Dearth says.

Food with a theme

No party — cute sweaters or otherwise — is complete without the right snack spread. The key to a party menu that appeals to everyone is to mix and match sweet, savory, and spicy options. And when you’re throwing an ugly sweater party, keep the theme in mind when serving traditional party foods.

Dearth suggests incorporating aspects of an ugly sweater into the party menu. “For example, if you’d like to offer beef skewers as an appetizer, instead of bamboo sticks, perhaps you can use knitting needles,” she says. “If you are building a buffet, fill empty vases with holiday ornaments and balls of yarn.”

ugly sweater party with reindeer-shaped burgers

For something savory, lay out an elegant charcuterie board so guests can help themselves to sausages, briny pickles, and tasty spreads. Decorate the table around the board with tinsel, holly, and mistletoe to stay on theme.

To add some spice to your party, offer a selection of relishes with crackers or crudité for dunking. Or, for a snack that satisfies nearly every taste bud, you can’t go wrong with a giant tin of popcorn. Opt for one with traditional flavors, such as butter, caramel, cheese, and white cheddar, or go the seasonal route, with varieties such as Snowflake Sugar Cookie or Holiday Cookie Dough. Some tins even come in a festive plaid motif that is reminiscent of an ugly sweater design (unless you still think plaid sweaters are in style).

And, of course, because it’s the holidays, you have to end the night with something sweet. A holiday cookie basket provides your hideously dressed guests with an assortment of festively frosted, sugared, and sprinkled baked treats. Plus, the basket makes for a decorative presentation that’s perfect for the occasion.

Photo of Amy Zediana Dearth

Plan some high-energy, exciting forms of entertainment. Because an ugly sweater party is meant to be silly, focus on games that are silly!

Amy Zediana Dearth

President, Consider It Done Special Events

Drink up

Great drinks are just as important as tasty food at your ugly sweater party. To keep everyone happy, offer a selection of both adult beverages and alcohol-free options.

Cozy holiday parties call for warm-me-up sips, such as mulled wine (which will also make your house smell wonderful) and pear martinis. If you’re feeling especially festive, pop open a bottle or two of sparkling wine to set the mood.

And don’t leave your bottles of wine out in the cold! Keep the theme going right through to the drink table by dressing them up in an adorable ugly sweater and matching hat. They’re just the right size for your favorite 750-milliliter bottle, regardless of whether you prefer red or white.

Capture the moment

Since your party is all about showcasing the wildest looking sweaters all night long, Dearth recommends having cameras at the ready for the inevitable photo ops.

ugly sweater party with people posing in front of red background

She also suggests setting up a backdrop, or several, around the party for guests to pose in front of. “Because the sweaters are the focus, try for a more neutral backdrop,” she advises. Set out a few instant cameras so guests can take their pics home as a party favor.

For additional decorations, Dearth says to always return to the theme. Turn your living room into a cozy ugly sweater itself with decorative touches, such as colorful yarn, festive and kitschy holiday accents, pom-poms, and glitter.

Keep ’em laughing

ugly sweater party with people having fun

The biggest mistake hosts make when throwing any kind of party, Dearth says, is forgetting about the fun. To avoid that pitfall, you need to fully embrace the lighthearted nature of an ugly sweater party. “Plan some high-energy, exciting forms of entertainment,” Dearth recommends. “Because an ugly sweater party is meant to be silly, focus on games that are silly!”

Break out old school board games, such as Twister and Sorry. If your party is adults only, arrange an interactive drinking game that incorporates charades or picture drawing. Or, get Bad Christmas Movie Bingo, which combines watching a holiday movie (any one of your choosing will do…the worse, the better) and, well, playing Bingo, of course.

At the end of the night, close things out with a group vote for the ugliest sweater. The winner can take home bragging rights and a festive prize — like, say, a set of Star Wars ugly sweater stemless drinking glasses.

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