A Fabulous Fiftieth Birthday party

A fiftieth birthday party is a milestone in most people's lives. There are several different ways to host a fiftieth birthday party and really the type of party you wish to have depends a lot on the individual. It is always important to be sensitive to someone's feelings about birthdays and keep this in mind when you have the party. Some individuals are very happy and excited about turning fifty and they want to have a get together with family and friends to celebrate this milestone. Others wish to have a more elegant and formal dinner party to commemorate the special day. There are also those that want to spend their fiftieth birthday doing something they have always wanted to do such as go skydiving, whitewater rafting, to an opera or on a cruise. Many family and friends choose a surprise party for the fiftieth birthday, and this takes a little bit more planning, stealth and organization than some of the other styles of birthday parties.
 
Themes
 
A fiftieth birthday party is one event that really lends itself to a theme. There are traditional themes and then there are completely unique themes that are completely centered around the guest of honor. The following themes and a brief description are fun and relatively easy to do in a house or yard:
 
Over the hill : for a 50th birthday boy or girl that has a great sense of humor and is not at all worried about turning fifty an over the hill party can be a great way to get guests smiling and laughing. Have guests dress as old fashioned as they possibly can. This is a great time to clean out the attic or to look through consignment shops for just the right old fashioned clothing. Do some research and find out what was the popular meal and birthday party game about fifty years ago. Games such as pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs and even three legged races can be a great activity for party guests. Find some old records and a record player if you can, or simply download some of the older songs off the computer and have them playing in the background.
 
Games night : remember back when board games were the family entertainment? Try having a board games tournament or night for a fiftieth birthday party. Have different stations with varieties of board games that were popular with the family. Monopoly, the short version, Clue, Scrabble, Trouble, Life, Checkers, Chess, Cribbage or other versions of games are just the thing. Encourage partygoers to move through the games or just find one they enjoy. At each games station have snacks such as popcorn, chips, vegetables and dips, pretzels and assorted nuts. If possible consider hiring or using friends and family to act as waiters and waitresses that move through the games areas and distribute fresh drinks, snacks and even finger foods. At the appointed time have everyone come into one central area for the birthday cake.
 
50's Rock and Roll Party : what could be better for a 50th birthday than a 50's rock and roll party. Consider having everyone dress up as if they were going to the prom. Have guests bring their favorite music from the 50's and possible set up your party area like an old soda shop. Borrow or rent some stools and use a long tall table as a counter. Serve malted milks and even floats with the birthday cake. You may even want to find an old game of Twister and leave it out for people to play if they feel in the mood. Putting up posters of Jimmy Dean, Marilyn Monroe and other famous actresses and actors can really add a touch of the era. In addition, you may want to have an old Elvis movie playing on a TV for guests to stop in and watch for awhile. Burgers and fries or corn dogs can be the menu, with old-fashioned cole slaw and french fries.
  
Birthday Roast : a great, low cost and high entertainment theme a "Roast" is a celebration of the birthday person's life. It can be either humorous or semi-serious; usually a mixture of both is best. Ask friends and family members to prepare a short 2-3 minute presentation about the guest of honor either from a humorous or sentimental perspective. A projector, screen and CD or DVD player can be used for short videos or other audio-visual presentations. This style of party works very well with a sit down style of dinner that has everyone in the same room. The birthday guest of honor and his or her immediate family usually sit at a head table, much like at a wedding reception.
  
Elegant dinner party : for a more intimate and quiet fiftieth birthday party you may wish to invite just one or two close friends and family members and go out for an elegant evening of dinner and dancing. There is also the option of preparing a favorite meal at home or having the event catered at your house so that you can spend time celebrating the evening without having to worry about cooking and cleaning up.
  
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate a fiftieth birthday party be sure to mark this milestone with a festive event that won't soon be forgotten. Keep in mind that respecting the individuals style, taste and personality will help in choosing which style or theme of party will be best.

Christmas At Home Or Out?

Christmas is one of the biggest family holidays celebrated throughout the world. Historically and traditionally Christmas has usually be held at someone's house, usually a family member or friend. However, as people become busier at the Christmas season and families tend to move farther apart it sometimes makes more sense to celebrate Christmas out. Deciding on Christmas at home or Christmas out involves several different factors. You may even decide that a combination of parts of Christmas out and parts at home works best for you and your family.
 
Tradition
 
One obstacle to celebrating Christmas out is the tradition of always having Christmas at a family member's home. While there is no doubt that a Christmas spent at a residence is very warm and special, there is also a lot of planning, decorating, cooking and logistical issues that go into having a traditional Christmas at home.
 
Think of all the hours of preparation that go into hosting Christmas at home. While it may be a pleasant and relaxing holiday for guests it is usually a very stress filled time for the hosting family. In addition to just the Christmas dinner there are also decorations, finding room for everyone to stay as well as all the clean up after the family meals and the Christmas dinner. Very rarely does the host and hostess have a chance to enjoy the event as they are busing making sure that everything is just right for the guests.
 
Advanced Planning
 
Either Christmas at home or Christmas out requires thorough advanced planning for the space, meals and entertainment. If you are planning on having Christmas out you will need to book the banquet room, hall or facility several months in advance to be ensured of the space that you want and need. In addition if you are using a hall or other facility you may also have to book a caterer, which means that the meal itself will be planned several months in advance. Realistically this makes Christmas itself so much easier as everything has been established long before the actual dinner. There will still be last minute changes and confirmations, but all the large items will already be determined. If you are planning on attending a dinner out at a restaurant for Christmas dinner be sure to make reservations as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Many of the more exclusive restaurants and fine dining establishments begin taking reservations for Christmas dinner early in the New Year.
 
Planning Christmas at home is roughly the same, although you may not need to begin planning so far in advance. It is still a good idea to get out invitations early to avoid conflicts for guests, as well as plan the menu and the space requirements. If you have a very small house or apartment and want to have a large number of guests for dinner you may want to consider eating out for everyone's comfort.
 
Combinations
 
For those that still would like to have a traditional Christmas dinner but would also like the added convenience and ease of eating out why not consider a combination of the two. Possibly have a catered dinner or go to a restaurant for the dinner, but plan to have dessert and coffee at your house in more of an informal manner. You may also want to reverse this and have people meet at your house for a cocktail party or gathering prior to having Christmas out. Either one of these options allows you to have guests to your house over the Christmas season while avoiding all the planning and cooking of completely hosting the Christmas meal. If you are planning a gift exchange you may want to consider having this at your home, either prior or after the meal.
 
If you are planning to have Christmas out with some time at your residence you may want to consider options for having guests get around. If you live in a cold or wintery area perhaps some guests may have difficulty driving in bad weather. Renting a limousine or car to pick up your guests at their homes, then transporting them to the restaurant and back home is wonderful additional touch. Many limo services provide flat rates if you book a block of time, regardless of the number of stops or areas that they will need to travel to. When booking a limo service be sure to notify them of the number of people and the locations of the stops so there is no confusion on Christmas night.
 
Deciding on Christmas at home or out is a big decision, especially if you have traditionally always had the celebration at home. With some advanced planning and careful consideration a Christmas dinner out may just start a new tradition in the family for everyone.

-----------------------------------------

If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertaintment Site, part of Localwin Network.

Announcing Your Party

The invitation is usually the first introduction that a guest gets to a party or event and choosing just the right invitation is important. The invitation should provide the guest with all the necessary information as well as idea of the tone or theme of the party if there is a specific occasion. There are many different aspects of the invitation to consider from the choice of paper type for the card right up to the wording and information contained within the invitation. In addition it is important to prepare a guest list and decide on the final number of people that will be attending. Often this is a very difficult decision, especially if the party is to be very small and intimate rather than large and more open.
 
By planning the invitations and guest list well in advance of the party it is possible to get them out to the guests with lots of time to spare. This is especially important if guest will have to travel to the party, as is often the case for holiday parties or weddings. It is also a great idea incase someone accidentally gets missed on the original guest list. Advanced planning allows for time to review and make revisions or additions as necessary.
 
Planning the Guest list
 
Planning a guest list is important for several reasons. There are some types of parties that may not require a guest list, especially drop-in parties or potluck type events. It is usually beneficial, however, to have a rough idea of how many people are expected. Since there are several different styles of parties there are variations on planning a guest list. Below are some ideas for arranging the guest list for various events:
 
Weddings - staying on a budget for a reception or wedding party is important so keeping the guest list within reason is critical. Usually both the bride and groom work with the families to determine the guest list. Decide in advance if the guest list should include children or if only adults will be invited to the reception or wedding party. If you are inviting children to the wedding only but not the reception be sure to indicate that clearly on the invitations.
 
Birthday parties for adults - if you know the birthday person well planning a birthday party guest list can usually be relatively simple. Consider friends, relatives and co-workers that the individual enjoys spending time for the guest list. If you are not sure about who to invite consider asking a close friend of the individual to help you. When the party is not a surprise it is often a good idea to have the person his or herself assist with planning the guest list.
 
Birthday parties for children - children's birthday parties can be a challenge. Consider asking your child for input on the guest list or even talking to a teacher or staff at the daycare center to see which children are close to your child or your child frequently plays with.
 
Family holidays - family holiday guest lists may need to be carefully considered especially if the meal is to be a sit-down style in someones home. Space and seating arrangements may need to be reflected in the number of people on the guest list.
 
Outdoor parties or parties in large spaces with buffet style meals or finger foods may not need formal invitations and a more general guest list can be prepared.
 
Essentials for Invitations
 
It is important for invitations to provide the guests with all the information that they will need to attend the party. At the very least the invitations should include:

In addition if guest are required to bring something for the party such as a food item, gift or possibly even a decoration be sure to include that in the invitation. Make sure that the information on the invitations is very clear and that there is no possibility of misunderstanding the information. The wording of the invitation should be as simple and clear as possible to avoid confusion. Consider looking at a variety of wording styles and phrases until you decide which ones are the best for your particular party or event.
 
Choosing the correct type of invitation helps to set the mood of the party. A formal invitation is usually an indication of a formal party or event, and is usually reserved for weddings, receptions and formal dinner parties or formal fundraising events. Elegant, fine paper and calligraphy style text is often used to emphasis the importance of the event. Textured paper or linen style cards and envelopes are usually used. Usually wedding receptions and invitations for formal events are custom printed although with the vast array of high-level computer software available now many people choose to do their own formal invitations.
 
Theme party invitations should reflect the concept that the party is based on. For example, a beach or pool party should reflect fun in the sun or spending time outside at the water. Often theme style parties include special information about the party style and are often on colorful, glossy paper that gives a feeling of festivity rather than formality.
 
It is still traditional to send formal invitations through the mail. Remember that invitations should be sent in enough time for the RSVPs to be returned prior to having to supply caterers with the final numbers. Invitations should be sent out at least six weeks for out of town guests to have time to arrange for travel. In the last few years more invitations are being sent via email. This is great cost saving option for informal and fun style parties but is it still traditional to mail formal invitations.

-------------------------------------

If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertaintment Site, part of Localwin Network.

Baby's First birthday party

One of the most important things to remember about baby's first birthday party is that it is more for the adults and older children in the baby's life than for the actual baby. Children at the age of one are really not able to participate much in the festivities, but the grandparents, parents, family members and friends are there to make the event special.
 
Considerations
 
There are some unique considerations for a first birthday party that change depending on the people that will be invited to the party. Some families choose to actually have two parties for the birthday boy or girl, one for the family and one for other small children to attend. The two parties can easily be combined and often the adults enjoy interacting with all the children at the party.
 
Some of the logistical considerations include:

Since children at this age are largely dependent on adults for help try having lots of varieties of toys for children to play with. Stuffed toys, dolls, balls and sturdy children's activity type toys are a good idea.
 
Be sure to baby-proof the party area. This means all hanging cords and electrical appliances are removed or the cords fastened up out of the way, all electrical receptacles covered with safety covers, and all valuable ornaments and other items removed from the room. In addition be sure the food is served in a tiled area for easy clean up or place a tablecloth or drop cloth on the carpet to prevent any accidents.
 
Make It Memorable
 
A wonderful idea to make baby's first birthday memorable for all guests is to make a backdrop for photographs. This can be done by simply hanging a sheet on the wall and painting, sewing or gluing on a special scene that matches the theme of the party. For example, if the theme was western, the sheet could be painted like an old western town or like the desert. A saddle, rope, cowboy hat, western style vest, stuffed toy of a cow or horse, bale of hay or other prop could be included to add to the effect. Both guests and family members could pose with the birthday child and pictures can be taken with either a digital or traditional style of camera. If a digital camera is used they can be printed out and presented to guests as a wonderful parting gift. To add even more to the gift consider purchasing some inexpensive wooden frames and decorating them with western patterns, rocks, beads, or even designs of rope. The digital print out can be slipped into the decorated frame and each guest can have his or her own picture with the birthday child.
 
Another way to make the first birthday party memorable is to have it video taped or digitally recorded. With new web cam technology even family members that can't be there in person can see and participate in baby's first birthday party can still see it over the internet. Be sure to save the recording and consider making DVD's of the first birthday party to give to family and friends. This can also be a wonderful keepsake for the child when he or she moves off to college or moves away from home.

------------------------------------------

If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertaintment Site, part of Localwin Network.

Design Concepts For Party Planning

One of the most creative aspects of party planning is choosing a theme and creating an atmosphere for the party that reflects the theme. The great thing about theme decorating is that it doesn't have to be costly; often relatively inexpensive items can be used to create a wonderful atmosphere. If you are really creative handmade projects and centerpieces can be used to decorate tables, walls and even individual place settings. Sometimes there are just natural matches for design concepts and planning that seem to go together. Themes are a great way to pull a bunch of different items into party design concepts and use them in non-traditional ways. Be creative, you may be amazed at what you can use for decorations.
 
Creating Atmosphere
 
Creating atmosphere can involve several factors including:
  
- Colors
- Items for decoration
- Lighting
- Music
- Decor
 
Color is important as people react differently to various colors. For example, a white or cream colored room and table settings often indicates a more formal meal and event whereas a brightly colored flowered tablecloth and multicolored plates and glasses may indicate a birthday party or a spring party. Colors can also invoke the feeling of the theme. A green sheet placed on the floor with a red and white picnic blanket over the top can quickly achieve an indoor winter picnic atmosphere.
 
Decoration items are those little extras that show attention to detail. For a formal dinner party individual name place holders or a single flower placed on each plate can add that special touch. A fall festival party that uses the arrangements of dried leaves and flowers is a wonderful touch to add both color and the atmosphere of the season. A 4th of July party with a streamer of American Flags can really make a room look festive, and small American flags can also be used on the name place holders as well as having red, white and blue table settings.
 
Lighting provides a touch of romance, mystery or excitement. For a romantic dinner party soft lighting with candles on the table is just the touch needed. For Halloween parties a darkened room with jack o' lanterns or orange lights can really help to create the atmosphere, at least when the guests first arrive. Christmas parties use lights as both decorations and as part of the holiday atmosphere. Lighting can be both the main source of lighting or the addition accent lights that simply be used in one location. For a seventies party a strobe light or disco ball light on the dance floor area plus a couple of lava lamps on tables goes a long way to creating the atmosphere. 

   

People respond to music that is playing softly in the background. For a cultural dinner or party consider finding some music from that country and play it as background music during dinner. Some of the holidays or themes that can be matched to music include:

- St. Patrick's Day 
- Cinco de Mayo 
- Beach Party 
- 50's Theme/ Old Time Rock and Roll
- Christmas Parties
- Western Theme 
- Halloween
- Hawaiian Theme
- Birthday parties
- Blues or Jazz party
 
Music can help to set the atmosphere and tone for the party. In addition if the party is musical in nature such as a 50's or 60's rock and roll party or a blues or jazz theme the music can be the central focus of the theme.
 
Table settings
 
Table settings and decorations can be a place to really let your creativity show. Using a variety of types and styles of serving dishes, plates and glasses is a wonderful way to add atmosphere and design to your party. A few examples of creative table setting can include:

- Using kid's bright colored plastic beach pails full of flowers with a sprinkle of sand around the base for centerpieces for beach parties or indoor picnics.
- For festive Christmas themes consider using tree ornaments as place holders or even using large glass bowls full of metallic balls for the tree as the decorations on table or buffet lines. 
- Spring or garden parties can be decorated using large glass bowls of brightly colored lemons and limes, oranges or other types of fruit.
- For creative eating try using take out Chinese containers and chopsticks for Asian food parties.
- Fish and chips can be served in traditional newspaper or brown butcher paper. 
- Mixing and matching bright, sunny colors of plastic plates and glasses is perfect for a pool party and makes cleaning up a breeze. 
- For Hawaiian parties plastic or real coconut shells can be used for drinks, floral arrangements or for holding collections of seashells.
- For elegant dinner parties consider a single rose, carnation or lily on each plate or at the front of each place setting. Tying a bow with a lace or satin ribbon on the stem of the flower adds a personal touch.
- Various colored confetti in a shape that matches the party theme can be sprinkled on a solid colored tablecloth to add detail to the buffet or dinner table.
 
Remember that details are often what people remember the most. Try looking at all the concepts that are related to the theme of the party and incorporate as many as possible into creating the atmosphere that you are looking for. Expensive items don't need to be purchased, consider borrowing or renting them for the party rather than buying them.
 
A great way to get ideas for design concepts and themes for creating atmosphere for a party is to spend some time browsing through magazines or looking at sites on the internet. While you may not want to duplicate exactly what you find, perhaps some of the ideas will spark your creativity and help you to plan just the party you want.

Elegant Cocktail parties

Hosting an elegant cocktail party is not as simple as it appears; those people that make it look easy have learned some techniques and strategies to make the evening perfect. Thankfully these strategies are not hard to learn and with a bit of planning and coordination of the various aspects of cocktail party planning you can achieve the same results.
 
Invitations
 
One of the first considerations is how to invite your guests. For a formal cocktail party you may want to send out written invitations, for a more casual get together an email or a phone call may be all that is needed. Be sure to let people know that it is a cocktail party, so they don't expect a full meal. Usually cocktail parties occur between six to eight o' clock in the evening, and are usually more of a drop in style. Be sure that the invitations clearly state the location of the party, especially if it is not being held at your house.
 
Staff or Do It Yourself
 
For a small number of people you may wish to prepare the appetizers and drinks yourself, or enlist a few friends to help out. If you are planning on having more than 15-20 people you may want to consider either having the appetizers catered or hiring a bartender to help prepare drinks. A large number of people and just one person to act as both bartender and food manager can be very stressful.
 
In addition for larger groups you may want to have staff that circulate through the guests with trays of appetizers rather than having a table set up buffet style. More formal cocktail parties often use serving staff while casual parties are great for the buffet style. Staff does add expense to the cocktail party but it can be well worth the price as you can relax and enjoy the party yourself, without having to worry about clean up or serving.
 
In addition be sure to have enough space for guests to move and mingle. In the summer months a patio or backyard cocktail party is a terrific option. Hosting a cocktail party in your home may require a bit of redecorating. Consider removing all unnecessary pieces of furniture to give more space for guests to move around. Usually cocktail parties are more of a stand up type party so seats only need to be provided for a few of the guests as most will choose to stand.
 
Small patio style tables and chairs are great for both indoor and outdoor events. They can be easily decorated with tablecloths, small floral arrangements or theme centerpieces. Scented candles or simple pillar candles set in decorative candleholders provide soft lighting at the edges of the party. For outdoor events consider citronella candles or torches to help keep away pesky mosquitoes and insects and provide a great atmosphere.
 
Drinks and Appetizers
 
To prepare for the cocktail party plan for two to three drinks per guest. This is usually more than is required but it is embarrassing if you don't plan for enough. The easiest types of drinks to serve are wines and beers. Be sure to have a good selection of both. Most wine drinkers prefer either red or white, stick to a good quality of wine that is about mid-range for price. Avoid buying the very inexpensive wines, as they usually do not have the same appeal to guests as the more popular brands. Be sure to purchase both light and regular varieties of beers and even some non-alcoholic beers. The beer can be kept on ice in buckets or coolers in a casual type cocktail party or can be behind the bartender in coolers for a more formal event.
 
If you want to make mixed drinks be sure that you have all the supplies and mixers that you need. You may want to have a theme drink for the party such as daiquiris or margaritas. These drinks are easy to make because they can be blended in large quantities and then served. If you are having blended drinks remember to have more than one blender on hand and be sure that you have a power outlet close to the bar area. If you are making cream based drinks have the cream or milk on ice at all times, especially if you are hosting the party outdoors in warm temperatures.
 
Foods for a cocktail party will reflect the tone or theme of the party. Finger foods such as:

The more formal the cocktail party the more elegant and sophisticated the appetizers should be. Often browsing through cookbooks and even looking around at various websites can help you with ideas for both formal and casual elegant cocktail parties.

-------------------------------------

If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertaintment Site, part of Localwin Network.

To Cook or Not To Cook: That Is The Question

One of the most important aspects of any type of party is planning a menu and preparing the food. Since many of the parties and events that are hosted are based on a holiday or festival occasion, usually there is a traditional type of food that will be served. For example a traditional birthday always includes a wonderfully decorated cake. A Christmas dinner party wouldn't be complete without a turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. Even less formal parties such as 4th of July or even football or hockey parties have their own traditional foods.
 
While many hosts and hostesses plan to prepare their own meals, appetizers and desserts it may be more appropriate to hire a caterer to handle the food preparation. Deciding on which option, cooking at home or hiring a caterer, depends on several factors. To make the correct decision on cooking at home or hiring a caterer it is a good idea to take a bit of time and consider the following questions.
 
1. How comfortable am I cooking for others?
 
Cooking is very relaxing for some people, but highly stressful for others. In addition even seasoned cooks may find that cooking for a formal party or a large group of people is a very daunting or even anxiety provoking experience. If you have not cooked for a group before and you are planning a very formal party special event you may want to consider using a caterer. If, however, you are comfortable with cooking for guests making the meal yourself is an excellent way to ensure that everything will be prepared just the way you want it.
 
2. How much room do I have for preparation?
 
Sometimes it is not so much the issues with cooking but rather the amount of space that is available for preparing the meal. Large groups of people require large amounts of food. There must be adequate counter space to plate and present the food as well as space for refrigeration for safe food storage.
 
In addition there is also the issue of cooking surfaces and ovens. If you are preparing several different courses or dishes that require heated items it may be very difficult to prepare all the dishes with just the conventional four element stove, oven and microwave that most families have. Sometimes cooking in advance can be done to minimize the need for stove top space but not all dishes can be prepared in advance.
 
For an event or a formal dinner party that requires large amounts of space or additional stovetop or heating surfaces it may be wise to consider hiring a professional caterer.
 
3. What is my budget?
 
Whether you are cooking for the event or formal dinner party yourself or hiring a professional caterer you will need to have a good idea of the budget that you have to work with. Hiring a professional caterer may, surprisingly, be less expensive in the long run. This is because the caterer purchases food items in bulk and ultimately is able to produce the cooked and plated food at significantly less cost than a home chef.
 
In addition most professional caterers provide serving utensils, bowls, and even place settings, cup and glasses for the event. They will usually charge a small fee for cleaning the items after the party, but this frees up the hostess and/or the host to spend time with guests, rather than cleaning up after the dinner.
 
There may also be an option of combining both the use of a professional caterer and cooking at home. Some caterers offer the option of preparing only selected dishes rather than catering the whole meal. This would make it possible for the hostess or host to prepare the salads and desserts and just have the meat or side dishes catered, or perhaps prepare the meat and side dishes and just have the desserts and appetizers provided by a professional caterer. Virtually any combination could be incorporated into this option.
 
Selecting A Caterer
 
If you do decide to use a professional caterer for some or all of your party food preparation be sure to spend a time asking questions and becoming comfortable with the catering service. A professional caterer will provide samples of the food that he or she plans to serve and will always be willing to work with you on specialty items that you would like to include. If the caterer has never made the specific dish before they should be forthcoming in telling you this and should make the dish at least once in advance for your approval. In addition the professional caterer will be able to provide references for your consideration. Don't hesitate to call up some of the references and get their impression of how the caterer handled their special event or formal dinner party.
 
With caterers, like so many other things, cheaper is not necessarily better. Be sure that you are able to see the food production area or kitchen the caterer works in. Know if there are other staff that will be working on your food production, and ask to meet with them in advance.
 
Deciding on whether or not to use a caterer or do the cooking yourself is a very personal decision. Remember that you can always start using a caterer for an event or a formal dinner party and then as you become more familiar with hosting these events you can start to do more of the work yourself.

Not Just Your Average Entertainment

Hosting a party usually involves more than just providing food and beverages, there is often entertainment involved.
 
Traditionally parties may have bands or disc jockeys, but there are other ways of providing entertainment that can be much more interactive and much less costly. These forms of entertainment are often music or dance themes, but can also include games, performances, art and even specific themes. Using your imagination and coming up with unique and original types of entertainment for your guests will help to make your event memorable and fun for all involved.
 
One of the keys for determining unique and original types of entertainment for you guests is to determine what the interests of your guests may be. If you are hosting a party for a specific age group, workplace or family you may be able to be very specific on the interests that the group will have. For example, if you are planning a party for coworkers there will be a common interest in the work that is completed in the office. This can sometimes lead to a natural theme for entertainment that everyone will have some level of knowledge about. Parties that have a wide variety of guests, such as birthday parties, weddings or anniversaries may need a more general theme so that everyone can participate and enjoy the entertainment.
 
There are several different unique and original types of entertainment that can be modified and adjusted to fit in with almost any style of party. Each one is relatively easy to plan for and require little, if any, preplanning by the host or hostess.
 
Air Band Competitions
 
Similar to karaoke, air band competitions get the whole group participating. To host an air band competition all that is required is a stage or band area and a tape player or CD player. With the invitations let people know that you will be hosting an air band competition at the party. You can choose to give prizes for best-dressed band, most authentic looking band, and best overall performance. By allowing guests lots of time in advance they can get their "band" together as well as prepare costumes. You may even want to give categories of music to help guests get the idea of what you are anticipating.
 
Plan to have some prizes to give away to the winners in each category, or even have a small thank you prize for each participant. You may want to consider giving away small, personalized gifts like key chains with the name of the party engraved on the fob.
 
Skits
 
A great way to get people involved in the festive atmosphere of a party is to have guests participate in skits. Either the skit topics can be given out in advance or they can be given to guests at the party. Since there is usually a limited amount of time to plan and practice, consider using well-known stories, fairy tales or movies as the start to the skit, and just have the group come up with an alternate ending. Set a timeline for the groups to work on the skit, and then allow time for the presentation. It is always a good idea to set a time limit on the skit to avoid groups from over planning their alternate ending. A good idea is to have the introduction to the skit written out in very brief form just incase some members of the party aren't familiar with the stories.
 
Experts
 
If you are having a party that will have a specialized audience consider having an expert come in and do a presentation. For example, if you were having food as the central theme of the party consider having a chef or professional caterer do a presentation on preparing a special dish. If you are having a small group it may be possible to do this in your own kitchen and make your own version of a TV cooking show with the caterer or chef acting as the guest performer.
 
For a group of all ladies why not consider having a "Pamper Yourself Party". Invite cosmetologist, beauticians, massage therapists and even hair stylists to come to the party. The guests can spend a day at the spa right in your own home as the entertainment. Many of the professionals that you ask may be willing to do this for a very small flat fee or a per person charge. Be sure to make up a gift bag for each guest that includes brochures and advertising for all the professionals that are involved in your party.
 
Games
 
Most people love games of all sorts. For your next party you may want to have a casino game night or a board game night. People that come to the party can take turns playing the various games or you can hire staff to act as dealers and casino workers. A games night can be done relatively inexpensively if you shop around at garage sales or ask friends and family for games. Since some board games take longer to play than others you may want to have a bell that rings every 30 minutes or so that allows people to change games. You can set up a casino or games room and even give out your very own party bucks that you can print out on your own home computer. At the end of the evening have prizes that their money can be traded in for. A great idea is to have the prizes all wrapped in brown paper or gift wrap so that they are also mystery prizes. Some of the prizes can be gag gifts and some can be more serious gifts.
 
Regardless of the type of original entertainment that you plan for your guests remember to ensure that you will have time to enjoy the evening yourself.

----------------------------------------------

If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertaintment Site, part of Localwin Network.

Small Gatherings and Intimate Affairs

One of the best aspects of hosting small gatherings and intimate affairs is that you can really focus on details and make your party just what you want it to be. If you are planning for a very large group often this attention to detail gets pushed to the side, as you have to worry about getting everyone served and entertained. In small gatherings and intimate affairs the options to personalize every part of the evening for each guest is possible and this truly makes the event special.
 
Planning small gatherings and intimate affairs is just as specific as all other types of party planning. The same basic components of budget, menu planning, decor and atmosphere as well as entertainment all factor in. With smaller groups you may find that some issues are even a bit more challenging, especially if you are not as familiar with the people in the small group as you perhaps wished that you were.
 
To understand the basics of planning for small gatherings and intimate affairs each component will be discussed along with some suggestions and strategies that apply to that component of planning for the event.
 
Budget
 
Sticking to a budget for a small party or an intimate dinner can be just as challenging as remaining on budget for a larger event. Try to plan well in advance to determine what the categories of your budget will be. For most small gatherings and intimate affairs the basic budget sections will be:
 
- Food : appetizers, meal, desserts, catered or cooked at home
- Beverages : wine, non-alcoholic beverages, alcohol, coffee, tea
- Decorations : floral arrangements, table settings, candles, lighting
- Entertainment : music or other
 
It is important to prioritize the budget items as well. For instance, if you are planning a formal dinner then the food and beverages are most likely to be the highest priority when deciding on the budget amounts. The use of a caterer or preparing the food yourself at home may also change the amount of money that you can budget on the actual food item itself.
 
Remember that some guests may have restrictions on their food due to diets, allergies and personal or cultural preferences. If you are hosting a small event be sure to be aware of any food issues that may be present. If you are not sure it is always best to ask guests in advance if they have any special dietary restrictions.
 
Beverages
 
For an intimate evening or a small gathering of friends or coworkers it is customary to serve special beverages, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic prior to the meal, often wine with the meal, as well as after meal liqueurs, drinks, teas and coffees. Many people now rent, borrow or own espresso machines and make wonderful cappuccinos and lattes for their guests. Punches and specialty drinks such as martinis, margaritas or non-alcoholic versions of the drinks can be used to add a special touch to the party.
 
Decorations
 
At small gatherings or intimate affairs it is possible to really make your decorating memorable. The special details that can be added to the table and the room are almost endless. To create a warm, comfortable and relaxing mood at a small gathering consider the following:

- Hand written place cards held with a single rose, lily or chrysanthemums on each plate
- Each guest having a different color or theme place setting
- Elegant white on white tablecloths, linen napkins, and white table settings
- For spring time use pastel colors with bunches of spring flower including tulips, hyacinths and daisies
- Use bright colors to liven up fall and winter gatherings
- Instead of serving the food already plated consider serving family style to create a warmth between guests
- For fall events and gatherings use the fall them colors, burn oranges, Burgundies, forest greens and golds. Miniature pumpkins, gourds and nuts can be used as a centerpiece or to decorate tables.
 
For romantic or intimate affairs consider using soft lighting and coloring to create the perfect atmosphere. Try some of the following:

- A variety of white or cream-colored pillar candles surrounded by a scattering of rose petals for the center of the table. 
- Floating candles in a variety of glass bowls around the room for a soft and gentle light
- If you have a fireplace consider having a small, intimate fire lit
- Red and white roses, varieties of lilies, freesia and gardenia all make for romantic floral arrangements with a wonderful scent
- Use white and burgundy or deep red table linens and white place settings
- Change any harsh overhead lighting to more romantic table lamps strategically placed in the room.
 
Remember that a romantic evening should have soft and gentle lighting and should be simple yet elegant in decor. Avoid over-decorating or making the table look too cluttered or busy for a romantic atmosphere.
 
Entertainment
 
For both small gatherings and intimate affairs and dinners consider having some variety of soft music in the background. If you are not fond of classical music consider some instrumental versions of soft rock, pop music, or even folk songs. Ethnic music can add to the atmosphere if the party is for a special cultural event or holiday, or is a favorite music of the guest of honor. A popular music for background sounds for small events is jazz music. If you don't have a collection of background music available consider asking guests to bring a CD or downloading a variety of songs and making your own music track for the evening.
 
Planning well in advance of small gatherings and intimate affairs will allow you to consider different options when organizing your event. Try experimenting with different table settings, colors and lighting until you get just the result you are looking for.

Romantic Fireplace Picnic For Two

Some of the most romantic dinners are those that are truly unexpected. Planning a special, beautiful summertime style picnic in front the cozy fireplace in the winter is just such a romantic surprise. The food can be easy to prepare or can even be a variety of items purchased from the deli if you don't want to worry about cooking. A bit of planning is that this wonderful evening will take.
 
One of the first considerations is the food that you would like to serve. While the theme and atmosphere is a fireplace picnic, the choice of foods is largely up to you. A good idea is to keep the foods simple and easy to eat without having to use a lot of cutlery or utensils. For a romantic touch consider the following:
  
- Varieties of fresh fruits including strawberries, grapes, various melons, pears, peaches or even dried fruit. Cut the larger fruit into bite sized pieces and arrange it in sections on a wooden or ceramic serving tray. Add a bit of a fruit dip made from whipping cream mixed with vanilla, hazelnut or cinnamon flavorings. 
- Varieties of cheeses. This is a chance to really add a touch of elegance. Use traditional cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss and marbled cheese, but also consider having some of the softer cheeses such as camembert and brie.

- An assortment of sliced pickles, olives and other pickled vegetables will add a tangy accompaniment to the cheeses and meats.
- A baguette or slices of French, rye, sourdough or other varieties of breads. Consider also some breadsticks or crackers to eat with the cheese.
- Cold cuts including ham, roast beef, chicken or turkey can also be served and open or closed sandwiches can be made to order. 
- Individual lemon or strawberry tarts, chocolate or black forest cupcakes, cheesecake squares or even individual crème brulee make the perfect ending
 
Besides just romantic finger foods and easy to eat items consider setting the atmosphere. Find a red and white checkered blanket or table cloth and place it in front of the fireplace, far enough away to avoid overheating and warming up the food or being too warm for comfort for yourself and your guest. Place a few other picnic type items strategically in the room for added atmosphere. Perhaps you have a wicker picnic basket that could be opened and used to hold a bouquet of summer flowers. A fishing rod and a fisherman's creel could be strategically placed in the background to add atmosphere.
 
Dimming the lights and providing an array of candles along the mantle of the fireplace and on tables around the room adds to the romantic effect. Soft instrumental music playing in the background or even a CD of bird songs or waterfalls is a wonderful additional touch.
 
In addition to the food you may want to consider the various types of wines that you could serve to your guest with your picnic meal. Since there are cheeses, meats and breads being served almost any type of wine would be acceptable, or you may choose two different wines, one for the picnic and one with the dessert. Some of the more common types of wines are reds, wines and blush wines. Red wines are usually served with heavier foods such as beef, veal, lamb, pastas with red sauces, and rich desserts like chocolate cake. White wines are usually more often served with fruits, light cheeses, chicken, fish and cream pasta dishes, and lighter desserts. Zinfandels are a sweeter wine that is often served prior to and after a meal. Regardless of what you are serving a good idea is to serve the type of wine that your guest enjoys, as this is more important than what the wine is traditionally served with.
 
Planning a romantic fireplace picnic for two wouldn't be complete without finding the right kind of table settings to use. A great idea is to find the wicker paper plate holders and plan to eat off of paper plates, just like you would if you were out on a summer picnic. For a really authentic table setting use good quality plastic utensils. Not only will this add to the idea of being on a picnic but it also helps to make clean up a snap.
 
You may want to add to the romance by sending a personal invitation to your partner or date prior to your romantic fireplace picnic for two. You can keep the theme of your evening a secret or you can simply let them know that they are invited to have a romantic evening at your house or apartment. Sending the invitation through the mail will really amaze them and let them know that you have planned this in advance. They will be completely surprised by your creativity and will fondly remember this romantic evening for many years to come

Breakfast or Brunch With The Ladies

One of the most versatile events or parties to host is a late breakfast or brunch with the ladies. Not only are the possibilities for the menu very open and varied, but also the seating and serving options, atmosphere and decor, as well as the choice of places to have the breakfast or brunch are numerous. The event can be formal, relaxed, casual or even outdoors for a really unique breakfast or brunch experience.
 
Themes for Breakfast and Brunch
 
It is possible to have a theme for the breakfast or brunch party. If the event is happening in the spring or summer you may want to have a garden party theme. Beautiful tables set up in the midst of a flowering garden or even out on a manicured lawn makes a memorable get together. A fall breakfast or brunch can celebrate the wonderful colors of fall, and winter breakfasts can celebrate the upcoming Christmas or just the beauty of the season.
 
Many breakfast or brunch with the ladies are served buffet style with either guests choosing the seating arrangement or pre-set seating and places marked with name holders. Using nametag holders or markers is a wonderful way to tie the theme together. For different creative name placeholders consider:

Buffet style serving makes staging the party much easier. The buffet table can be decorated with the theme of the party and should include a wide variety of types of dishes, especially if it is meant to be more of a brunch. Some popular items for a ladies breakfast or brunch include:

A breakfast or brunch with the ladies could also feature seafood such as cold, iced shrimp or shrimp cocktails, various pasta dishes with seafood, or even a wonderfully displayed whole smoked or steamed salmon.
 
One of the reasons that a breakfast or brunch with the ladies is popular for entertaining is that so much of the preparation can be done ahead. For example the salads can include spinach, pasta, lettuce and even layered salads that can be prepared up to a day or two ahead and then just mixed together with dressing before serving. Fruit salads are both decorative and delicious, especially if they are served in a bowl made out of a watermelon. This is really not hard to do, simply cut a watermelon in half lengthwise and scoop out the red center. Using a sharp knife create a scalloped shape around the edge to add that special touch.
 
Another wonderful feature for a ladies breakfast or brunch is to use candied flowers as accents on the various serving trays. Candied violets may be used to decorate desserts and other sweet dishes. Other edible flowers include pansy, nasturtium, primrose, snapdragon, squash flowers, lemon verbena and lilac. Not all flowers are edible and some are poisonous so be sure to use only those that are safe for consumption.
 
Breakfast or brunch with the ladies is often consumed with mimosa, a blend of champagne and orange juice. For those that prefer a non-alcoholic beverage the same effect can be achieved by mixing ginger ale with orange juice. Punches and tea are other popular beverages for brunch.
 
Decorate the tables and buffet table with flowers and easy to make centerpieces. Consider using a style that matches your theme. For example, a spring centerpiece may include a large glass vase filled with brightly colored limes and lemons with tulips, roses and daisies placed in the center. Tableware could be in the spring colors of bright yellows, blues, reds and oranges. A light green tablecloth and linen napkins complete the spring effect. For summer outdoor events consider using white or cream colored tablecloths and place settings and even consider using antique place settings. If you don't have enough yourself consider asking friends to borrow some for the event. The place settings themselves will be a conversation starter. Make a plan to host a breakfast or brunch with the ladies; you will be amazed at how popular your party will be.

-----------------------------------------

If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertaintment Site, part of Localwin Network.

Hosting A Great Birthday party

No matter what the special guest of honor's age may be, having a wonderful, fun and entertaining birthday party helps to make the day memorable for friends and family members as well as the birthday person. Since there are various items to consider to host a birthday party it is always a good idea to make a written list or itemized checklist to ensure that you have everything accounted for.
 
Organizing the birthday party
 
Spending a bit of time planning the birthday party makes the big day easier for the host and/or hostess. The various options and considerations that need to be determined prior to the event include:
 
Time and duration of the party

Location of the party

In addition there may be other considerations such as is the party to be a surprise or does the birthday person know about the party. In addition if the party is for children you may want to consider asking additional adults to attend to help with serving food or keeping children supervised during the party.
 
Time and Duration of the Party
 
Planning the time and length of a birthday party is important when you determine what types of food or beverages you will be serving at the birthday. For example, if the party lasts several hours or is over a regular mealtime it is generally expected that a meal will be provided. If, however, the party occurs in the mid afternoon or in the evening it is more often assumed that appetizers or snacks will be provided but not a full meal. The time of the party may also indicate how formal or informal the event will be.
 
Location of the Party
 
Having a birthday party at home is a great way to entertain in comfort, especially if you are having a small dinner style birthday party or if you are having children over. The drawback to hosting the birthday party at your house is the clean up afterwards. Some party themes are just easier to host by having the guest go to the party location, rather than trying to recreate a theme or place at your house. For instance, a bar-b-que or picnic style party may be easier to complete at a lake, park or even at the beach.
 
If you are having the party away from your home you do need to consider how guests will get to and from the party. If the party is a long distance away you may want to consider renting a van or even a small bus rather than expecting all guests to get there on their own.
 
Theme of the Party
 
Adding a theme to a birthday party is a great way to create a festive atmosphere. Consider a theme that is a favorite of the guest of honor, and create decor and menu selections from there. If the person enjoys the outdoors try having a series of games or outdoor events or even a beach, park or poolside party. Plan events like volleyball, baseball, football or even an old fashioned picnic and games like horseshoes, races and bobbing for apples. For kids a theme based on a favorite character, movie or book is always a great idea.
 
If there is a theme for the party be sure to notify guests on the invitations, especially if they will need to dress in a certain way or bring special items to participate.
 
Food and Beverages
 
Most birthday parties try to incorporate the birthday person's favorite food items. If possible have a selection of different foods and allow guests to choose which ones they prefer. This is usually a safe decision for a children's birthday party where kids may be very selective in what they will or will not eat.
 
The highlight of almost every birthday party is the birthday cake. If you aren't a baker, don't worry, simply contact your local bakery and have one made for you. New computer programs and graphic design programs allow pictures to be transferred into edible icing and sprayed onto the surface of the cake. The result is an amazing photograph as the cake icing. More traditional cakes include theme cakes and simply delicious and lovingly made homemade cakes. There are many wonderful ideas for cake decorating available on the internet and in cake decorating books.
 
Gifts or Not
 
For children's parties there is almost always a gift involved. Usually both the guests give a gift and the birthday person also gives a small gift bag to the guests. For adult parties often there is a group gift or a specific theme of gifts indicated in the invitation. Be sure to be clear to the guests if there is a gift expected or if a group gift or donations for a gift are being accepted in advance.
 
Hosting a party is a wonderful way to let the birthday person know that you want to make the most of their special day. Enjoy the event and make the party as simple with as little stress as possible by following a well-prepared plan. Remember that friends and family often want to help so don't worry about asking others for ideas and suggestions.

----------------------------------------

If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertaintment Site, part of Localwin Network.

Goodbye Parties

Throwing a goodbye party for a special relative or friend who is moving away or taking a long vacation, is a wonderful way to let them know how much everyone will miss them. The goodbye party and all the effort put into it are sure to touch the guest of honor even before he or she departs. Getting together to say goodbye and wish them a safe trip is a great way to let them know you care. There are many different and unique ways to tell someone goodbye. There are many reasons why people travel, such as a business trip, permanent move, an extended vacation or even an around the world cruise. Having loved ones, close friends or co-workers together, give everyone a chance to wish the person leaving a happy, safe, fun filled journey. Whether the party is formal or informal, here are some creative ideas that will leave everyone with warm memories.
 
Finding a Theme
 
Choosing the theme of the goodbye party takes a little thought. For someone that is taking a cruise or long vacation, hold a bon voyage party or for someone going to Hawaii, a luau party. Going with the bon voyage theme of the goodbye party, starts with selecting the style of the party. Start by decorating the party room with a tropical, nautical theme. In the theme of the goodbye party, make some cardboard anchors in different sizes, paint them and attach rope in different lengths. Hang them on the walls and scattered around the party area. If they are going somewhere warm, the style of the party could be a tropical color scheme such as yellows, greens and blues. Inflatable palm trees and globes purchased from a party shop certainly add a tropical feeling.
 
When deciding on the style of the party or whether it should be formal or informal, a bon voyage party is great as an informal, buffet style party. You do not have to worry about seating arrangements and the style of the party remains casual. Set up buffet tables with table clothes and napkins in the theme of the goodbye party, which in this case is bon voyage. Party shops have everything you need for this style of party.
 
The theme of the goodbye party could be a luau party. The style of the party is similar to a bon voyage party. Again, when deciding to have a formal or informal party, keep it simple and go with a buffet, as there are no seating arrangements to worry about. People will get serve themselves food and find a place to eat or even stand up and socialize while they have dinner. It is a very relaxed, social way to spend the evening. The style of the party, being a luau party, will appeal to everyone and is great for any season. The style of the party is not only fun to decorate but you could ask your guests to wear something tropical in the spirit and theme of the goodbye party. Put up luau paper lanterns, hanging parrots and an inflatable pineapple cooler to keep the drinks cold. What luau party would be complete without a few inflatable flamingos? When choosing the theme of the goodbye party, your imagination is the only limit. Again, you have no seating arrangements to plan if you have a buffet for your luau party
 
Another theme of the goodbye party could simply be a "we will miss you" party. The style of this party could be formal or informal. If you decide on a formal setting, you need to plan seating arrangements for your guests. Decide whether you have a table large enough to seat all the guests at once, or if you need to set up several smaller tables. Have the guest of honor sit at the head of the table. A buffet is suitable whether the party is formal or informal and is far easier than serving each guest individually.
 
Start your planning by figuring out how many people you are inviting to the goodbye party. Send out the invitations well in advance and ask them to reply so you know the exact number of table settings you require. Make a menu and decide whether to have it catered, everyone brings a dish or you supply the food. If you are doing all the cooking, make a menu and then check to see what you already have on hand and what you need to buy. Pick up any party decorations you require. A nice touch is buying or making a very large card, have each guest sign it and write a little something and then present it to the guest of honor later in the evening. This is a wonderful keepsake, which will mean a lot to him or her. Try to do as much as possible ahead of time so you get a chance to enjoy your company the day of the party
 
If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertaintment Site, part of Localwin Network.

Hiring The Right Caterer

Hosting a party can be a very busy time and for very large events, or if you don't consider yourself a cook, perhaps hiring a caterer is the best way to provide food and drinks to the guests. Hiring the right caterer is important as you want everything to go just as planned with no surprises the day or night of the party. Caterers will often provide bartenders and all necessary staff so that means that you won't have to worry about drinks either.
 
Considerations
 
When you are choosing a caterer there are a few considerations that you need to make before you decide if he or she is right for you and your party. Most caterers offer a wide variety of foods and styles of food, so having a good idea of what you want to serve at the party is important. If you are using a professional caterer that you have used before you may want them to make suggestions for the menu, or you may have some personal favorites from their selection.

How To Supply Party Goods

Finding just the right party favors and other supplies can be difficult, especially if you are new to party planning and designing. Thankfully there are several tips and strategies you can use to find just the right party goods that you are looking for. Since there are so many different types of companies that supply party goods, and even some items that you may want that are not from party supply stores you may want to spend some time looking around or browsing the internet for ideas.
 
As with most party planning the first thing to do is to make a list of all the party goods that you know that you will use. This list may include:
 
 Tablecloths and linens
 Place settings
 Cutlery and utensils
 Glasses
 Decorations for the walls
 Decorations for the tables
 Balloons or other specialty items
 Gifts for guests
 
In addition you will also have to plan for food and various types of drinks, music and perhaps other types of entertainment.
 
Once you know all the different items that you need the next step is to think of things in these categories that would match with the theme of your party. For example, if you have a western theme for your party you may want to consider red and white checkered tablecloths and lines, cowboy themed place settings, western theme glasses, decorations that included wagon wheels, cactus, ropes, cowboy hats and saddles or other items that include the western theme.
 
After you have a list of all the items that would fit into your theme it is time to start looking for places that supply the party goods that you require. There are several places to start looking, but one of the easiest is on your computer.
 
Online party suppliers
 
There are literally thousands of online websites selling party supplies. The variety seems to be endless, and you may find some new and unique items that you hadn't even considered on your original list. Keep adding and deleting items from your list until you have your plans finalized. Avoid buying items from online sites until you have done a bit of shopping around. Prices can really vary between sites so be sure to compare for both prices and quality.
 
One of the major drawbacks to buying over the internet is that you cannot see the items before you buy them. While most websites are very complete in their descriptions be sure to contact them to ask any additional questions that you may have. Remember that websites are not like stores so be sure to read and understand their refund or return policy if you are placing a large order.
 
Keep in mind that shipping costs and charges are usually paid by the buyer, as are any customs or import fees if you are purchasing internationally. Be sure to leave enough time for delivery, especially if the item has to be cleared through customs.
 
Party supply Stores
 
Depending on the area that you live there may be specialty party supply stores available. These stores are a great place to shop for common party themes, or they often have catalogues and special order options for less common on specialized party themes. While the party supply stores may be slightly more expensive than online sites you have the ability to actually see the product and even get ideas from in store displays and sales staff. Party supply stores also often have helpful books and brochures on party designs and unique ways to decorate for a party.
 
Catalogues
 
You may find that around the holiday seasons you will receive several different catalogues featuring party supplies and items. These catalogues are great for two reasons, the first is that they provide lots of wonderful ideas for decorating and the second is that they are usually less expensive than buying ay party supply stores. Catalogues, like online, may require the buyer to pay the shipping costs and may have limited return or refund policies so be sure to read all the fine print.
 
Department Stores
 
For seasonal party supplies department stores may be a great source of materials. Remember that the best selection is available well before the holiday event and that to get exactly what you want plan to shop early. If you are very well organized purchasing after the holiday for the next year is a great money saving option.
 
Finding party supplies is easy if you have the time to look around at what is available. Remember that gift shops, card shops, and even grocery stores may sell limited amounts of holiday party supplies. Shop around and see what is available and then plan how to decorate your party. You may find that it is sometimes easier to adjust your theme to what is available rather than choosing the theme first, especially if it is unique or hard to find items for.

------------------------------------

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is traditionally the weekend that marks the beginning of the summer holiday and a time for family outings and celebrations. On the last Monday in May each year, everywhere you go there are red, white and blue decorations and flags on homes, buildings and in parks. Established in 1868 and originally known as Decoration Day, it was a day to remember all those that died in the Civil War. Memorial Day is now celebrated to remember all those Americans who fought for there country and were killed or missing in all wars. A day when people show respect for those fallen soldiers that lost their lives protecting everyone's safety.
 
When hosting a Memorial Day party, send out invitations with red, white and blue themes. You could make them yourself or buy them, as most department stores and shops carry them. Once you send out your invitations, it is time to start planning your menu, party themes and ideas for games.
 
A Memorial Day BBQ themes party for family and friends is always a great way to spend time with your loved ones and have a wonderful time. Everyone loves picnics so start by choosing what food you will serve to your guests at the barbeque. Keep your menu simple, as you do not want to be working through the entire get-together. Have a couple of people in charge of the grilling, while others help with serving the guests. Prepare any food that keeps, ahead of time, such as potato, macaroni and fruit salads and desserts. In the red, white and blue themes, decorate cupcakes with frosting of red, white and blue or a cake with white icing, blueberries and strawberries. Along with serving the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers, try a few different dishes such as a chicken or veggie kabob, hot and mild sausage or pork chops. Ice cream is always a welcome addition to any party, so serve vanilla ice cream topped with strawberries and blueberries.
 
As your party themes are red white and blue, decorate your house and table settings with those color themes. Start by putting red, white and blue painted change jars around for guests to put money and change into. This is a great way to collect donations to one of many veterans' organizations in your community. Put red, white and blue table clothes on the picnic tables and serving tables with centerpieces using small flags. For the table settings use plastic plates, cutlery and paper cups in the party themes colors. Hang a large grapevine wreath decorated with a flag and ornaments with the red, white and blue themes and place it on your front door to welcome guests. At each of the table settings, place a colored balloon, which the children will love to play with after the meal. Also at the kids table settings, have a decorated memorial day goodie bag with a memorial day pin, hat, beads and other party favors that will thrill them and also make them look festive. Table settings can be as simple or elaborate as you would like, but remember that this party should be fun for you as well as everyone else. Decorate what you can the day before so, at the BBQ, you get to join in the fun instead of working the whole time. If the weather co-operates, arrange the table settings early in the day.
 
Games for both adults and children are a great idea for any barbeque. Here are several ideas for games that everyone will have a great time playing. When thinking of ideas for games, no BBQ is complete without playing the spoon and egg race game. Get all the participants in a line and give them each a red, white or blue hard-boiled egg and a spoon. Blow a horn to start the race and the winner is the first one that crosses the finish line with the egg still on their spoon. After the game is over, use the undamaged eggs to make an egg salad for the next day. More ideas for games are, for a yard that is large enough, a three-legged sack race that is lots of fun. Put participants in pairs, determine a turn around marker and have both people put one foot inside a sack or pillow case. They must keep one foot each inside the sack and then the participant's race, as quickly as possible, to the turn around line and back. The first team back without getting disqualified wins. Ask family members for ideas for games also.
 
No Memorial Day party would be complete without fireworks. You may find that some of the large parks or organizations locally will hold huge fireworks displays. Everyone at the party could go and watch the fireworks together and go home from there. If you would rather set off fireworks at home, check to make sure that you can do this in your area. Watching fireworks is a wonderful way to end a fantastic day.

Music Please

Many types of parties require music of one type or another. The two most common types of music at parties are either live bands or disc jockeys. Determining whether to hire a band or a DJ depends a lot on the budget that you have as well as the mix of guests that will be at the function or event. Traditionally more formal events have a live band or orchestra whereas more casual events have a DJ. This pattern is changing however and now more formal events such as wedding receptions and even Christmas parties and New Year's parties may also feature DJ's instead of live bands.
 
There are several pros and cons to hiring either a band or a DJ. In order to make the determination which form of music is better for your party or event consider the following points:
 
Bands
 
There are many benefits to having a band or orchestra at your party or event. These benefits include:
 
- The atmosphere and energy created by a live musical performance
- The excitement of having a live band
- If the band is well known people will be more likely to dance and enjoy the music
- The party or event becomes more memorable
- Ability to work with the band to develop a song list or recommend the type of songs you would like to have performed
- Specialized music for the event
 
As with all options there are also some more challenging aspects to having a live band at a party. These may be:
 
- Bands require more space and may even need special lighting and room requirements
- Bands may not be allowed in hotels or banquet facilities if there are several events held at the same time due to sound issues between party rooms
- Bands are usually more expensive than DJ services
- Bands may have a limited style of music that they perform
- Bands may not be able to play all requests from guests
- If the band has to travel you may be required to pay accommodation and travel expenses in addition to the performance costs
- Bands will take breaks throughout the evening so additional music may be required at these times
 
DJ Services
 
As with hiring a live band there are also positive and problematic issues with hiring a DJ service to provide your music. The following are some positives to hiring a professional DJ:
 
- Very good selection of music
- Most DJs will allow the host or hostess to set the play lists well in advance
- Most DJ services allow requests and have a wide variety of music in addition to just what is on the play lists
- Require very little space to set up
- Often are very good at getting the crowd up and on the dance floor
- Usually charge much less than the cost of a band
 
The drawbacks to hiring a DJ are:
  
- If the DJ doesn't read the crowd well or doesn't have a variety of music the guests may not respond and start dancing
- The DJ may not have professional equipment so the sound may not be clear
- The DJ may not be prepared
 
Generally the professionalism of the DJ has the biggest impact on the event or party. If the DJ is not professional, has poor quality equipment or doesn't have the right music there is little that can be done to correct the issue. With a bit of advance planning this should never be an issue.
 
Considerations When Hiring A Band Or A DJ
 
Whether you decide on a band or a DJ for your event or party there are several things that you should do in advance to make sure that they are the group or individual that you want to have at your party. The following should be determined before you decide on the band or DJ:
 
- Get some references and talk to people about the band or DJ before you agree to hire them. If at all possible make sure it is someone that you know and that you trust their opinion. 
- Talk to the band or DJ and clearly itemize the kind of music that you want. See if you can drop in on a party they are performing at to see what they really act or sound like at an event. 
- Make sure that they are willing to put all the issues for performing at your party in writing. If they are professional they should have contracts. Don't sign or agree to anything unless it is what you really want. 
- Talk to other friends or coworkers and find out if they have any recommendations if you don't know a band or DJ yourself. 
- Avoid just picking a name out of the phone book or from the internet. 
- Ask about their cancellation policy, and be sure this is clearly stated in the contract.
 
Hiring a band or a DJ for your next party can be simple and easy if you use the strategies listed above. Remember that music is an important part of setting the tone of an event or party so be sure you get just the band or DJ that you want.

Party Pleasing Foods

Most parties have a theme a lot of the typical party themes have to do with holidays or special events. Throughout history certain foods and dishes have become synonymous with these special holidays and events. While it is always a safe idea to stick with tradition, there is also a certain benefit from trying out new and unusual dishes or even using classical ingredients in new ways. Finding just the right food for your party doesn't have to be difficult if you spend a bit of time looking around at the many websites on the internet or browsing through cookbooks at the library or on the bookstore shelves.
 
The first decision that has to be made regarding food is if you are planning on having a sit down dinner or meal, a buffet style meal, or simply providing finger foods for guests to pick and choose and snack on throughout the event. Regardless of whether or not you will be preparing the foods yourself or if you are planning on hiring a caterer the first choice is the style of serving you wish to have.
 
Serving Style
 
There are pros and cons to each particular style of serving. The sit down meal offers a uniform serving time, allows a guest to relax while food is served, as well as provides a more formal atmosphere. Sit down meals can be either family style where the guests help themselves, or the food can be plated and served to the guests, restaurant style. Most formal dinner parties and receptions use the plated style whereas home dinner parties frequently use the family style approach.
 
Buffet style is great in that it allows the host or hostess to set up the food in one location and even use heated serving trays to keep food warm. The buffet style allows guest to pick and choose from an array of foods and also makes it easy for guest to help themselves to seconds and even thirds!
 
Finger foods are often set up in a buffet type style although they are not meant to be a sit down meal as a full buffet is. Often less formal parties use a menu of finger foods to provide guests with something to munch on while they are visiting.
 
Ideas For Foods
 
Once you have determined the style of serving or food you will be providing the next step is to determine what exactly to serve. If you know your guests well you may want to choose a favorite item, or perhaps you would like to pick a theme for your food selection. There are some foods that just seem to match better with the various types of serving styles, so below are some party themes and food ideas.
 
The menu options for a traditional sit down formal dinner often include:
 
- Soup or salad to start
- Roast beef, chicken, duck, goose or fish
- Mashed potato, baked potato, rice, pasta dish 
- Broccoli, carrots, green peas, green beans, mixed vegetables
- Dessert : chocolate cake, fruit pie, cheesecake
 
A less traditional approach might be to include a vegetarian dish rather than a meal dish, or to have a different vegetable such as eggplant parmesan, baked baby squash or other seasonal vegetable for your party food. A fresh fruit trifle or a bowl of fresh fruit to finish the meal can be a refreshing and much lighter ending to a perfect dinner.
 
Buffet style meals can include virtually anything from starter salads, through to entrees and even desserts. The buffet may be built on a theme or it may be a collection of foods that are favorites of various guests. Party food is supposed to be fun and great tasting so choosing foods that you know your guest will enjoy is a sure way to provide that. Some ideas for a lunchtime buffet style dinner include:
 
- A green salad, coleslaw, pasta salad and layered salad
- A choice of soups, one cream based and one stock based
- Sliced cold cuts and cheeses
- Assortments of dinner roles, sliced bread and crackers
- Assorted raw vegetables and dips
- Potato chips of various kinds
- Various kinds of pickles
- Cookies
- Tarts 
- Squares or brownies
 
An evening buffet style meal may have other types of party foods including:
 
- Assorted salads of various kinds
- Soups
- Twice baked potatoes or rice dishes
- Pasta dishes
- Sliced roast beef or fried/oven roast chicken/ baked salmon or other types fish
- Hot vegetables
- Assorted fruit
- Pies, pastries or individual desserts
 
Theme buffets could include Mexican foods such as nachos, enchiladas, burritos and for dessert empanadas. Asian style buffets could include egg rolls, sweet and sour chicken, steamed rice, beef and broccoli and fortune cookies and fresh fruit for dessert. Virtually any culture could be included in a buffet style dinner and would be a unique way to explore foods from different countries.
 
Finger foods are great for after work get togethers or parties that start after the normal evening meal. A selection of foods that are simple to eat when standing or moving about gives guests a little something to nibble on. Party foods can either be located in one area or can be spread throughout the room or rooms. Consider preparing the following finger foods:
 
- Roll-up sandwiches made with tortillas instead of bread and sliced sideways to give a round shape.
- Quiche tarts
- Chicken wings
- Fresh vegetables and dip
- Assorted chips and crackers
- Cubed cheeses
- Grapes, strawberries and sliced varieties of melons
 
Party foods that are easy to eat also include assorted types of nuts, pretzels and varieties of pickles, olives and preserved vegetables. Be creative and experiment with new and different recipes but don't be afraid to stick with the tried and true standbys as well.

Planning A Formal Celebration: Formal Dinner Parties

Formal dinner parties are held for many different reasons that range from awards and special events to anniversaries and weddings. There is something very magical about a formal dinner party that is so sophisticated and elegant yet also very warm and inviting. Planning and organizing a formal dinner party does take some effort, but it is always well worth it.
 
Creating Atmosphere
 
One of the main considerations in hosting a formal dinner party is deciding on a decor or atmosphere for the party. To help create an atmosphere of elegance there are several options that are relatively easy to complete yourself or work on with a professional florist or party planner. The theme of a formal dinner party is often expressed through the colors that are used at the table and in the decorations. Traditional colors for formal dinner events include:
 
- Monochromatic white on white displays
- Cream colored tablecloths with matching table settings and rich, solid colored linen napkins such as burgundy, royal blue, forest green or gold
- Floral colored tablecloths with solid white or cream-colored linen napkins and white or cream colored table settings.
 
Avoid using too many patterns in either the table linens or the table settings. The additional silverware and glasses on the table will appear overly crowded or cluttered if you have too many patterns and colors. The simpler the appearance the more elegant the overall effect will be.
 
Use soft lighting and avoid any direct or harsh lights. Candles add a wonderful touch of softness to the table and can be either pillar style candles arranged in groups or taper candles in multiple holders. Again, the color of the candles should either match the table settings or the linens, but should not clash or contrast. A wonderful option is a large, clear glass bowl with some miniature floating candles and rose petals. If you have a long table a series of pillar candles in the center and floating candles towards each of the ends makes a striking display. A simple floral arrangement of roses, chrysanthemums, lilies or other flowers should compliment the table but should not detract from the beauty of the table setting itself.
 
Placeholders or place cards add an additional touch of formality to the evening. Formal dinner place cards can be made from folding small, rectangular pieces of cardstock in half to resemble a tent shape. Each person's name is then written on the card. For additional elegance consider having the names written in calligraphy or even complete them using a specialized font on a computer, then cut out the cards using a pattern after the names have been printed.
 
How to set a formal table
 
A formal place setting is sometimes a bit difficult to understand, but once you realize how to place the utensils there will be no problems. Each place setting is a bit different; depending on how many courses you are planning with the meal. All of the utensils are at the table with the place setting starting with the first used utensil on the outside and then moving in. The plate that is originally on the table may either be used as the main course plate or may be removed with the salad plate after the first course.
 
In North America the first course is usually a salad, so the salad fork, which is a smaller fork, is placed farthest from the plate on the left hand side. A butter knife is usually placed across the bread and butter plate just to the top left hand side of the place setting. A large plate is always left on the table at the place setting to hold as a basis for setting the salad plate on. The main course fork is placed just inside of the salad fork, about an inch from the left hand edge of the plate. The knives are arranged the same as the forks, from the outside to the inside. Often there will be only one knife, but depending on the courses served there may be two. If soup is being served the soup spoon will be on the same side as the knives, in the correct order of the courses. The dessert forks and spoons will be set cross ways at the top of the plate. Often the dessert utensils are left off the table and brought in with the dessert course.
 
The water glass is located just above the main course knife on the top right side of the place setting. The red and white wine glasses, either both or one or the other, are then placed to the outside of the water glass. The water glass is always the biggest and sturdiest looking of the glasses, the red wine glass is deep and rounded, and the white wine glass is the smallest of the glasses. Not everyone uses these designations with the wine glasses but very traditional formal dinner settings will.
 
If you don't have all the various utensils and plates but would like to have a formal dinner party many party rental companies or even caterers rent out table setting for formal dinner party events. While it does take a bit more time and effort you will be amazed at how elegant your dinner is and how much your guest will enjoy your formal dinner party.

------------------------------------------

Planning Your Party Or Event

Planning a party or event doesn't need to be as stressful as it often is. By doing some of the preparation work in advance, planning the occasion or theme and knowing the budget a lot of the worries and last minute decisions can be done well in advance. If you have not been involved in a lot of organization or planning following some simple tips and advice can help you throw a party that will appear effortless to your guest while allowing you to be in control of all aspects of the event. Planning your party or event is simple if you keep some basics in mind.
 
Occasion Or Theme
 
One of the first considerations for planning is to determine what the occasion or theme is to be. Having a good idea for an occasion or theme will help you with purchases, budgeting as well as booking any special extras that you may want to include. If you are planning a holiday-based party be sure to start planning well in advance and book any of the props or theme items before the last minute to avoid disappointment. Many parties in popular resorts or hotels will need to be book several months in advance, and some may need to be booked up to a year in advance. Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving parties often require a years booking if you wish to have them in a popular hotel or venue. Weddings in hotels, reception halls and resorts may also require booking well in advance, especially in the spring and summer months. Parties at home don't need as much advance planning as you do not need to worry about finding a location to have the party. If, however, you are planning an outdoor party it is always a good idea to have an inside backup location in case of poor weather conditions.
 
When you are planning the occasion or theme be sure to consider how easy it will be for you to find items to match the theme. Popular themes or occasions may be easy to shop for but really creative or unique themes may make finding the accessories more challenging. The internet can be a wonderful tool for locating hard to find items but remember that it will take time to order the items and have them shipped, especially if they are coming in from another country.
 
Advance Preparation
 
No matter what type of party you are planning there is always a lot of preparation that can be done in advance. This can include:
 
- Setting a menu with the caterer
- Planning the menu if you are making the food yourself
- Making desserts and other non-perishable foods and decorations in advance
- Decorating the room
- Planning the music
- Purchasing table settings, glasses, decorations and cloths
- Ordering flowers 
- Ordering and purchasing beverages
 
Confirming all advanced preparation prior to the event helps to make sure that everything goes according to schedule on the day of the party. The earlier the basics are set when planning your party or event the more choices and opportunities to change details you have as the party starts to take shape.
 
Budget
 
One of the biggest problems with planning your party or event is to stay within the budget. If there is not a pre-determined budget often the first few items purchased take up most of the money, and some of the other important things have to be skimped on. By setting the budget before making any purchases you can prioritize your spending and not fall into the trap of spending to much on one thing and not having enough for another category. The general items on the budget for most parties will include:
 
- Food and beverages
- Caterers, serving staff or bartenders
- Table settings, glasses and cutlery (rental or purchase)
- Room rental 
- Decorations
- Floral arrangements
- Prizes or thank you gifts
 
Planning your party or event well in advance may allow you to take advantage of seasonal sales for holiday parties or may give you additional time to shop online or through special orders. Be reasonable with the budget and remember that while all aspects of the party are important most people enjoy the social aspects of special occasions just as much as they do all the details. Think about the guests that you will be inviting and plan your budget to reflect what you consider to be the most important elements of your get together.
 
Bringing It All together
 
With the party planned, the budget set and the advanced preparation completed it is possible to relax before the party rather than having to worry about multitudes of details and decisions. Keeping a journal or list of all important phone numbers and contact information, as well as dates and times of calls and confirmations will help you make sure that everything has been completed prior to the date of the party.
 
Remember that others may be willing to help as well. Don't be afraid to ask a friend to help out or to consider using a professional event planner if this is your first big party or event.

Saying Goodbye to family and Friends

Relocation causes rupture to your long-term associations, friends, relatives, neighbors, and loved ones. All the social bonds that took you a lifetime to build get splintered. It means saying goodbye to what has been a part of your life for a long time. This results in emotional distress and a sense of disruption. You will remove yourself from the place and surroundings where you feel at home, and from people whom you have always known and depended upon. It saps you physically and emotionally.
 
Saying goodbye is never easy for anyone, but it is the most rough on children. It can be a traumatic experience for them, if they are not handled properly. Leaving their friends, neighbors and relatives, who have always been there for them, is a great emotional strain on them. Sometimes, they may even have to leave behind much-loved pets, which can cause great anguish. They are often confused about their own emotions and are in need of support, to be able to cope and overcome the upheaval they find themselves under.
 
As parents, you need great patience and tact to deal with your children's need for support, and to help them remain emotionally balanced. Even though you are yourself undergoing the trauma of leaving, you need to take control of yourself to be able to take care that the children are not negatively affected. Tell them that it is natural to feel bad and upset. And, that you too share the same emotions. You could tell them that goodbyes are a part of life, and that the agitation and anxiety they feel will not last forever. You could also explain that a new place will bring new friends, and that meeting new people will help them learn about different communities. Conveying that you understand their feelings will fill them with reassurance. After all, which child does not like the idea of making new friends and exploring new places!
 
It is essential for children to stay in touch with their old friends and acquaintances to help lessen the distressing effects of parting. They could do this by writing letters, emailing and the phone.
 
A useful way of easing the pain of parting is to throw a farewell party for their friends. Organize it so that instead of it being a melancholic affair, is filled with fun and gaiety. Preserve these happy parting memories in photographs and videos. In addition, you could make packing into a family affair with the children enthusiastically involved. This will keep them eagerly occupied and get them used to the idea of moving. Keep their day-to-day routines as normal as possible. Familiar routine is always a source of great reassurance for children.
 
The biggest fear children have about relocating, is attending a new school. Find out as much as you can about the new school they will be going to, and tell the children about it. If possible, allow the children to visit the school. If the school has a web page online, sit with your children and make a virtual visit. School web pages are usually interactive, and full of the activities that happen there. They could begin getting acquainted with the teachers and children in their new school.
 
Collect all the information available about the town or city of your new home, and let the children learn about it. Allow them to discover parks, playgrounds and other places of interest. Finding out how many children live in nearby houses will tell your children about possible new friends they can make.
 
If the new town you are moving to is not very far away, it would be fun to make a family trip there and explore it. Visit the new church and introduce yourself and your family to the priest, letting him know that you would be soon joining the parish.
 
Teenagers in the family need emotional support too. They have their own challenges about saying goodbye to familiar things. Their fears stem from losing friends as well as the social hubs, sports and performing art activities that they are involved in. They feel upset about being uprooted from the way of life they are used to and enjoy. They resent being disassociated with their familiar surroundings. It is important for you to deal with them in a more mature manner to help them make the transition. Help them realize that you understand and empathize with their sense of loss and sadness. Make them understand that all of you are in it together, and it is eventually going to be all right for everyone. Even if they seem incensed and rebellious, try to be calm and understanding.
 
This will help saying goodbye much easier for the children as well as for others in the family, and lessen the emotional stress associated with relocating.

-----------------------------------------

If you are a business owner get listed at Best Entertainment Site, part of Localwin Network

Surprise Parties

Far from being simple, planning a surprise party can really be a challenge, especially if the person is really paying attention. A surprise party is often given for a birthday, anniversary, special award or a retirement party. Keeping the surprise a surprise is usually the greatest challenge, and it takes everyone working together to really pull it off.
 
There are some simple steps to follow to be able to throw a surprise party. Each one of the steps is important, so be sure not to skip any to make sure the party goes just how you want.
 
1. Choose a date and make sure that the person of honor can attend on this date.
 
This can be a bit tricky. If you don't have access to the person's calendar try asking a friend or family member, but be sure that they understand that this is to be kept as a secret.
 
2. Choose a friend or family member that can conveniently and easily keep the person busy on that date.
 
The person should be someone who the guest of honor would normally do something with. For example, if the person normally goes bowling with a friend, ask that same friend to schedule bowling on the night of the party.
 
3. Get invitations out to all the guests very quickly and very quietly.
 
Be sure to clearly state that this is to be a surprise party to avoid anyone accidentally tipping off the guest of honor. You may want to avoid asking children unless they are able to keep a secret, rather send invitations to the parents including the kids but asking the parents to not tell the children until just before the event. This prevents any accidental information from being exchanged.
 
4. Have everyone arrive at least 15 minutes before the friend brings the guest of honor.
 
Consider where you will have people park their vehicles so that everything stays out of sight. Encourage people to get there right on time to avoid anyone showing up when the guest of honor arrives. Have everyone sit down or get out of sight until the guest of honor enters the room.
 
5. A great way to provide distraction is to have the guest pretend that they are doing something else on that day. This will deflect any attention from a possible party.
 
Tips for Successful Surprise Parties
 
Here are some additional tips to help make your surprise party even more of a surprise:
 
- Hold it on an alternate date so that there is no opportunity for the birthday person to think there may be a party. For instance hold it one week before or after the actual date of the person's birthday. 
- Keep the guest list reasonable. The more people that you invite the more likely it is that someone will make a mistake and tip the guest of honor off that there is a surprise party.
- Make the deception and decoy event as natural as possible. Be sure that the person that is acting as the decoy can carry this off. They need to consider a plausible story as to why they are going to the site of the party. 
- Try holding the party in a unique area such as at a favorite restaurant, bar or even at a friend's house or even a park or beach. 
- If you have a guest that you know is not good at keeping secrets consider inviting them at the last minute to avoid any possible mistakes or slips. 
- Try holding the surprise party at an unusual time of the day, to really minimize the change that the guest of honor might figure out what is going on. Early afternoon parties or even early evening parties often are more of a surprise because of the time of the day. This can also make the friend that is bringing the guest of honor jobs much easier. 
- If you are using a caterer or cooking yourself be sure that you can do this without the other person wondering about all the phone calls or additional cooking.
 
Another consideration is to decide how your guest of honor wi