Archive for Archive for April, 2008
Kiddie Tea
Here’s a nice socialization idea for kids, a tea party, complete with grown up fineries and kid’s games. Remember how, as kids, we loved to play dress up and imitate our elders? This party idea will teach them the basics of polite small party talk and buffet table manners.
And it’s fun to watch and facilitate too! Get ready with your cameras!
When to invite the neighborhood kids.
Invitations must be given out 3 days to a week prior to the party. Set the date to a Saturday afternoon when no homework needs to be done. Sunday is family day so better not interfere with that. The official teatime is in the afternoon, a little after lunch time.
Decorate
Let your princess or prince take part in the planning. Regal decorations and tiny silverware will make play tea party seem real and more special. Balloons, streamers and fancy ribbons are a must.
Sandwiches and Fingerfood
Cucumber sandwich - Lightly buttered toast with thinly sliced cucumber fruits and cheese. Nutritious and filling.
Cake - Bake your own or order in. This will make the occasion seem more festive. You must remind the kids though that no one’s going to blow candles on the cake because it’s for tea.
Animal Cookies - These are normal cookies shaped like animals. The trick is in the cookie cutter! Here’s a nice recipe:
4 c. flour
1 c. softened butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs
Mix the flour, soda and salt together, then add the cream butter slowly. Add the sugar and eggs one at a time and mix. Stir in the vanilla then add flour mixture. Mix. Cover the dough and chill one hour or more. Roll the dough one fourth of an inch thick, then cut out with cookie cutters. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes or until lightly brown.
Tea Party Games
It’s a formal tea party, but the participants are still kids. A print out of a game called What’s that on Old MacDonald’s Farm? will have them learning about farm animals in a fun way. Faciliator adults can guide the kids on what to do, but the fun of discovery should be left to the participants.
Other games include a nice treasure hunt where some gold foil covered chocolates could be hidden in the garden or around the house. Mom escorts can set up stations to keep the kids from getting too enthusiastic and knock over things. This tea party you set up perfectly could be one of the best memories of their childhood.
Mother’s Day Barbecue
Start planning for Mother’s Day! This is perhaps one of the biggest and most celebrated day of the year because it features that one woman who is the most important figure in our lives. What to give a person who knows-all, sees-all and does-all? Daunting, isn’t it!
A typical community event for Mother’s Day is a Barbecue. With a little organization during early May, or even during April, there is no reason why a small or big gathering comprising moms and their families won’t be a success. Simple lists that could grow and party events that could branch out to bigger more complicated ones are the best way to start brainstorming.
Steaks - Marinate in vegetable oil, small amount of soy sauce, crushed garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and salt, and a pinch of tenderizer. A touch of rosemary will bring out the aroma and flavor of the meat. Marinading should be the night before the party, in a plastic container. A brush must always be available for basting the meat.
Other Must haves:
1. Beverage cooler - People that love to grill love to have others enjoy their work. When you both have friends or the entire community over for a backyard barbeque, give them a cool drink without running back and forth in the house or refilling the ice chest. These coolers keep the temperature constantly cool so no one gets a lukewarm beverage while they wait for grilled food.
2. A Sturdy Grill - Heavy duty grills are always useful to have around. Scout for community members with these and get them involved.
3. Mom Nametags - They are the celebrants. They must wear a name tag to mandate that they should be hugged and kissed during the day. Alternatively, aprons that say Mom’s the Best could be purchased prior to the occasion for distribution or sale.
Bridal Shower for the Workaholic Bachelorette
There are women who work 6 days a week, with their day off spent mostly relaxing in preparation for the next week’s work load. How in the world will women like these find time to throw a spectacular all-nighter shower with all their colleagues and friends in attendance? A party planner hired to manage this task will have to be shrewd and think of a venue and a theme for the bridal shower of such a lady.
My suggestion:
Coffee-themed Bridal Shower!
Many people like coffee but some love it to distraction. These coffee connoisseurs know the brands that they like or the store that makes the best coffee. A classy coffee shop is also a favorite 5 o’clock hang out of employees and office people. This is the best venue for the bridal shower he have in mind.
Food Ideas:
freshly baked Baguettes
Crispy Croissants
Coffee or non-coffee beverages (tea, fruit juice etc.)
Cookies and Chips
Spiked Coffee for the more adventurous
Giveaways
Coffee Mugs
There’s nothing better than a steaming cup of hot coffee in your favorite mug. Give your guests your own bridal shower mugs with your bridal shower date and a nice thank you quote on it. Colleagues and girl friends may bring these home after, and a certain thrill may consume you when you see them drinking from these mugs at the office. Economically, check out this set of 4 Cabin Series Coffee Mugs, which you can order online to save time and cash. Buying a set is cheaper than paying for the mugs individually.
Gift for the Bride-to-Be
For someone who’s used to being on the go, a HONEYMOON SUITCASE is the best gift choice. She can plop it inside her luggage and never have to worry that she left some toiletries at home. Lessen her stress and let her enjoy her 3-day, 2-night honeymoon with her new husband.
Birthday and Wedding Party Favors
It’s a company that adopts the name of the most delightful phrase in the French Language, and undertandably so. This company delivers the goods and showcase the cutest party favors baby shower favors, and personalized wedding favors.
Delectability in giveaways is something that a shrewd party planner should always consider. Clients are a visual bunch, they like beautiful sentimental things that reflect their tastes and lifestyles. A sailor will want something that looks like a boat, a travelling business man may like something that his guests can carry with them on travels etc.
Why are these favors unique? Because they have that whimsical feel to their products like you’re buying something off fantasy land. Personalized anything is just like putting your name on some random merchandize, but with beau-coup products, you choose which one suits your lifestyle, which product will tickle your guests’ funny bones and which ones will make you want to relive the experience of your wedding all over again.
