Children's Birthday Parties

Children's Birthday Parties - A Timeline For A Great Event!

Having the best children's birthday party shouldn't be a stressful thing. Follow the timeline below and your child and you will be the hit of the neighborhood.

About a month before your party you'll want to:

Talk with your child and choose a party theme and/or decide what your “entertainment” will be for the party. This will help you determine your party budget as well.

Create the guest list. Don't forget to include friends from school, the neighborhood as well as relatives and more distant friends.

Choose a party date and time. Most children's birthday parties are generally one to two hours long.

Order the general party supplies: tablecloth, tableware, decorations, etc.

Think about games. Keep the ages and personalities of the children as you plan your activities. And sometimes shorter and simpler parties with one fun activity are best and least stressful.

Two weeks prior to the party make sure you:

Decide on your menu. Are you just having cake and ice cream? Is the party at a mealtime and do you need to order pizzas or are you cooking yourself, etc.?

Mail the invitations. You will probably need to call everyone that doesn’t RSVP. People will forget and will appreciate the reminder call

Ask for help. If you think you might need some help for party day, ask a couple of the moms of the kids who are invited to stay and help. Most people would love to, you just need to ask.

One week before party day you should:

Bake your cake and freeze it. Knowing the cake is done will be such a stress reliever on the big day!

Prepare and freeze any other foods that can be made in advance.

Get an exact guest count. Call any guests who have not responded.

Two days before the party don't forget to:

Get any last minute food items and don't forget candles, matches and FILM!

Check your batteries in your camera and video recorder.

Purchase a small helium tank from your local party or craft store. It's a great thing to keep your children busy the morning of the party too!

Make up a party timeline for the party day so you don't forget anything.

One day before the party remember to:

Take out food and cake from the freezer.

Do any decorating that you can do in advance

Finish any food preparation that can be done ahead of time.

On the morning of the party day make sure to:

Fill your balloons with helium.

Prepare any foods and beverages that could not be made ahead of time.

Write out your timeline for the day so you don’t forget anything.

You don't want to miss out on the memories you'll have with the pictures, so ask a relative or trusted friend to be responsible for the picture taking.

Relax and enjoy this great day. And then get ready for next year!

Ideas For Baby Shower Parties

Baby shower party is a beautiful occasion where there is a celebration for the coming child and the expectant mother. These shower parties can be either done before the birth of the child or after the newborn comes into this world. The birth of the baby is the happiest moment for the family and the coming child deserves warm welcome from everyone and is the moment to rejoice.

Once the news of baby is confirmed the grand preparation to welcome the new member of the family starts from the day. Shower parties are thrown for the expectant mother generally by friends and the co-workers. This has becomes the recent trend in America and rest of the world.

These parties are generally thrown by the friends and the co-workers, which brings complete excitement and lots of gifts for the baby, as well as the expectant mother. These shower parties needs lot of efforts in preparation and the most important is the theme decided for the party.

There are no strict rules of conducting the party. One can be flexible and do as per convenience of the expectant mother and keeping in mind the cultural and religious tradition of the family. It is conducted 2-3 months before the delivery date for the convenience of the mother.

The parties are usually conducted during weekdays either in the afternoon tea or luncheon as most of the people are working and can find time only in the evening.

The organized party brings pleasure and satisfaction, to make the party grand success make plans and proceed with the plans accordingly. The preparation starts by deciding the time, date and venue of the function.

If you want you can purchase beautiful invitation cards from any greeting shop, but do not want to spend too much amount on cards can also invite guests through e-mails or take the help of those websites that offer free invitations. But don't forget to entail the necessary details about the party.

It is always good to decide a theme for the party making it more memorable and those sweet memories linger in your mind and soul in the years to come. Once the theme is decided it will further help in choosing the venue, the number of guest to be invited, and the thematic decoration and accordingly the eateries will be decided.

You can get the list of invitees from the patents-to be. The games can be including like the baby food games or naming the baby games and this way party will last for couple of hours.

If the theme decided for the party is baby toys the guest will bring different toys in place of other gifts. If the theme you choose is gender based the guest will choose the baby boy or girl as the case may be. The guest thoughtfully chooses the baby shower gift and those should be useful for baby or her mother.

The co-ed shower parties where both mom and dad participate are also popular. Nowadays the baby shower party is not restricted only for the first baby in the family but this can be for the subsequent babies known as sprinkles. Baby showers can be thrown for the adopted child as well. Whatever may be the form or theme of the party this becomes the special occasion in the life of every mom and her baby.

Why Join Costume Parties?

If you haven't prepared early enough for last year's Halloween Party, then, better be too early than late to prepare for it. Don't only think about your kids this time because you better be well prepared this time too. Anyhow, you get to shop for costumes because your child is performing in school and or maybe they are attending a costume party. You too might be attending a costume party anytime soon, so start looking for that perfect costume cause it is time for your fantasies to stop floating in the air as these can come true this time! Don't fret because there is a lot that you could choose from. Why join these costume parties and what do you get out of joining them? Let's check a few as to what many people say about this.

Being a part of the community drives members to particular or specific causes. Sometimes, joining these parties could well support an organization's objective on altruism. Costume parties are one way of organizing an event that would support these causes. "The proceeds of this project will go to.." this sounds familiar, right? So, it's a good way to have fun and to help others too. Kids too can benefit from this because they learn to get acquainted with people and begin to interact with others which could develop their social skills.

Meeting and befriending new members of the community would also build your social identity. It is a good way of expressing your interests and needs. You begin to have a venue to share your opinions and your ideas. There is a mutual effect to this sort. One gives and another receives, vice versa. Knowing what interests other people and their needs helps you to become mindful of their presence thus injecting good will and harmony. As most common for some events, there are freebies for the raffle and a lot of them can be at stake. If you feel charmed, your presence may not only awe others but also bring you lots of gifts. There are incentives given just for attendance or access to few key shops and stores in the city.

If you're having a difficult time to think which costume to wear, don't just drag yourself wearing something lame and dull. Check the theme and get yourself the best suit. Be creative because this is the time to become someone or something. You can give people a good laugh with funny costumes. You can also scare people away by wearing "hororr-ffic" costumes. Some might be shocked at the first look. Go medieval with Gothic styles or historical so they can bring back those times with the famous icons and the fashion then. If you wan to look powerful, go for superhero costume to make your life savers ambitions come true.

Whether you're getting one or the other, the important thing is you are surely in for a lot of fun. Not to mention, loads of it. So look good and catch everyone's eyes!

Parties: A Definition

Why do people organize parties? For one thing, you get to cook for many people, spend for decorations, music and other stuff, and not everybody will appreciate it. In the end, you also get to clean after them. I myself cannot imagine me cleaning after the people I prepared the party for.

But then, we all love parties, and so regardless of what our preparation would be, and despite the dreaded cleaning afterwards, we still love organizing parties.

At times like this, an event planner would be a great help. There are party event planners that specialize in DJ party or any kind of parties. They range from formal ones to themed ones, outdoor to indoor, wild to corporate. Whatever party you think of or come up with, they can surely organize it.

One of the places that are considered to be party centrals is Florida. Event planners Florida has are really experts when it comes to party planning and preparation, be it a rush party that is for that same night or a long preparation party. With or without a party planner, Palm Beach FL is one place for partying, with its beautiful scenic surroundings and the fun people you get to meet.

A party is one activity that combines friends, family members and relatives alike. Years ago, parties only happen when there is a special occasion that is being celebrated: birthdays, anniversaries, graduation from school, and the like. But nowadays, whenever one wants to meet up with friends and unwind, a party could be organized, even within the day.

Some people think parties are just extra expenses and waste of time. Some would rather rest and sleep or treat themselves by shopping. These are people who prefer solitude to the merrymaking that parties originally are. The kinds of parties that they would enjoy having are those that do not need planners. Examples would be movie marathons, a laugh-fest, a sleepover party, and the like. Common misconception about parties is that they have to be noisy, which is wrong. A party by definition is a gathering of people who wants to enjoy time together.

When people meet up and have fun, be it in a public place or a private one, as long as they are having fun and are enjoying one activity; that is considered a party. Parties do not end when the lights are off and the music has stopped or when food runs out. As long as there is conversation and people are having fun, the party continues.

The essence of parties is on the bonding moments you share with the people you party with. It’s not the expenses, it’s not the grandeur or the simplicity of the event, it’s the connection you establish with the people you were with.

What is important is you were able to put smiles in the faces of the people you care about, and you were able to make them feel how important they are to you and to your life.

Host The Best Hot Tub Parties

Hot tub parties are some of the best parties ever, since everyone can have a good time while relaxing in an amazing hot tub. There are many things you can do to ensure you are hosting the best hot tub parties ever, with everything from the decorations to the food and anything in between.

The first step in planning the best hot tub parties is to pick out a theme. If you want to stick with the water theme since your hot tub is the main aspect, you can go for a Hawaiian luau or even a beach theme. If you plan on holding your hot tub parties during the colder months, you may want to consider planning a snow themed party or even a Christmas party if you wish. A themed party is always better than one without a theme,, so picking one is a great way to ensure all your hot tub parties will be a blast.

After you pick your theme, you will want to buy decorations for your party. Everything you buy should be related to the theme, including any plates, eating utensils, cups, and decorations. You should decorate the area around the hot tub specifically, but you can also hang decorations in other areas where you expect guests to be. You can even purchase fun favors like hats, leis, or anything related to your party theme, since it will make it even more fun for your guests to get into the theme as well.

Most party guests will expect some time of refreshments, so you can decide what you would like to serve. You can decide on small finger foods and sodas if it is going to be a small occasion, or go all out and create an entire snack bar full of all types of goodies. You will want to make sure and buy more food than you think you will need, since it is always better to have leftovers than to run out of food early. You can even send your guests home with anything extra, so they can remember how much fun they had the night before while eating your leftovers.

Making the guest list is the next step for planning amazing hot tub parties. If you plan on having a small affair, only invite as many people that will fit in your hot tub. If you have only a few more than the number that will fit, you will most likely have unhappy people who would like to relax as well. If you plan on holding a big event, make sure you set up other types of entertainment for the guests who are not enjoying the hot tub. You can set up a music area, party games if you wish, or even a buffet or snack bar to keep your guests entertained, and make sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy your hot tub.

A hot tub is a great addition to almost any party, since your guests can relax and enjoy the amazing benefits that hot tubs have to offer. As long as you plan out all of the details with everything from the theme to the decorations and food, you can host the best hot tub parties any of your friends or neighbors has ever attended.

Sweet Sixteen Parties

Sweet Sixteen Parties? More like Sour Sixteen, if you Watch MTV’s Reality Show

“It’s so great to boss people around.”
“It was awesome having cameras follow me…I’m awesome and I deserve it.”
“This is how it should be every time I enter a room.” [teen as she is carried in on a litter]
“I had to show people how rich I am.”

Do these comments make you want to throw up? Of course, and what’s worse, they’re real! These bratty statements are actual quotes from the latest MTV reality stars: girls and boys whose super-rich and apparently super-tactless parents give the little darlings anything they desire for their sweet sixteen parties. Throwing elaborate televised bashes that cost upwards of $200,000 and indulging every whim of their prince or princess, the parents show who rules the household (the kids) and what really matters (getting your fifteen minutes however you can, in this case, by buying it). What a great life lesson: If you’ve got it, flaunt it, and it’s okay to trash people in your quest for pseudo-fame. These kids make Paris Hilton and Omarosa look like beacons of etiquette and accomplishment.

Sure, MTV’s newest reality show, My Super Sweet Sixteen, which premiered last January, is designed to be over the top and outrageous. That’s the whole point. It’s the reality TV equivalent of a bloody train wreck: You are appalled, but you just can’t avert your eyes. The kids are so obnoxious and so clueless as to how awful they sound, that you stay glued to your tube just to see what horrifyingly selfish thing they’ll say or do next.

Never seen the show? It centers around a spoiled teen or two, trailing them as they plan their sweet sixteen party, make outrageous, selfish demands, shed tears, throw tantrums, and torture their peers with lines like, “You’re not important enough to be invited.” Oh, and then there’s footage of the actual party, where the guest of honor may enter riding on a litter, behind the wheel of a luxury car, pulled by horses, or shuttled in a helicopter. The featured entertainment might be Kanye West, Ciara, Rihanna, or Diddy, the king of nouveau rich tasteless excess himself, to name a few. At the end of the night, the kids are presented with sweet sixteen gifts such as luxury vehicles (some get two!), jewelry and even homes. Their overindulgent, self-satisfied parents, portrayed to be every bit as awful as their kids—the truth, or the result of careful editing we don’t know—gloat in the background. I guess money can’t buy happiness, but it sure can by popularity.

Before you get too jealous of these pampered kids, consider how tough they have it, with their every whim catered to, their every foot-stamping demand met. As one teen put it, “Being rich is hard work!” Indeed.

The materialism and extravagance of MTV’s show is a far cry from what the average teen can expect. Thank goodness, or we’d have a nation of brats, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. (TIME magazine’s Anne Marie Cox wrote of MTV’s teens in a recent article, “Their blingy flings are not celebrations of accomplishment; they’re celebrations of self.”) Even debutantes, those clichéd well-to-do southern belles, hold a coming out ball ostensibly not to show off, but to be formally introduced to polite society. What’s more, these debutante balls are often charity occasions, “in which the parents of the young ladies, as well as all attending, must contribute a certain sum of money to the cause at hand,” according to Wikipedia.

Maybe MTV could take the hint…but doing good works doesn’t make for good TV; spoiled, privileged, selfish brats do. Indeed, Cox says, “What used to mark the end of childhood now seems only an excuse to prolong the whiny, self-centered greediness that gives infantile a bad name. Far from joining polite society like the debutants of the past, the kids gleefully rip through social graces, alienating friends and sacrificing tact all in the name of creating a VIP room filled with people too young to drive themselves home.” Yuck.

So what’s the parent of a teen to do when he or she doesn’t have a few extra hundred thou lying around? How about inviting a few close friends and family for an intimate, meaningful sweet sixteen party? Make the day extra special by presenting your teen with some nice traditional sweet sixteen presents that won’t break the bank, will be appreciated and won’t be tossed aside the moment something better comes along. Here are some timeless sweet sixteen gift ideas to celebrate this important right of passage for a child who actually deserves the recognition:

Pearl Necklace: This timeless classic can carry your teen from high school to college to her first job and even to her wedding. She’ll treasure it and pass it on to her daughter some day. Round freshwater strands are affordable and can rival the quality of saltwater akoyas.

Pearl Ring: Another timeless treasure, the pearl ring is sweet and demure…and unique. Unlike a diamond ring, which has wedding connotations, or a gold ring, which can be too flashy, a pearl ring gets just the right kind of attention.

Pearl Jewelry Set: Why not get her a complete pearl jewelry set? She’ll be ensured of having a matching bracelet, pearl earrings and a pearl necklace that she can mix and match for any occasion.

Diamond Studs: A little pricey, but worth it, as diamond studs are a jewelry staple she’ll wear forever. If responsibility isn’t your teen’s strongpoint, CZ studs can look just as good, and at $40 or so a pop, it won’t matter much if she loses them.

Charm Bracelet: A teen favorite for decades, charm bracelets are special because they can be personalized. Add a slipper charm for your ballerina, a horseshoe for your equestrian, a pearl charm for a June birthday girl… keep adding charms on every special occasion and soon she’ll have an unforgettable keepsake.

Frame: A beautiful frame made of brushed stainless steel, wood or mother-of-pearl makes a great gift. To personalize it, fill it with a photo of you and the teen, a poem that reminds you of her, or her birthday horoscope.

For boys, magazine subscriptions and gift certificates to the teen’s favorite store, or even sixteen of something (16 CDs or 16 movie passes, for example), can make the day special. Best of all? No Diddy required.

Bachelor Parties and Sporting Events

I recently attended a bachelor party (isn’t it a weird feeling to realize all your friends are getting married?) that was hands down the best I’d ever been to. Though I wasn’t involved in the planning stages, I have to give a tip o’ the hat to those who were. While most bachelor parties generally feature drinking, barhopping, clubbing, drinking, and strippers, the main event for this excursion was the Heat game vs. the Nets in early November.

Naturally, there was a good amount of bar hopping before and after the game – but that’s what made the party so effective. Even though the focus of the night was clearly on the basketball game, there were enough stops at bars and restaurants to make it seem like we did more than just go to a game (after all, what’s a bachelor party without a little debauchery?). We started with an early dinner at Scorch Grill House and Wine Bar in North Miami Beach – it’s always a good idea to start with the fanciest place first. After some great steaks and wine, we took a short jaunt in a limousine (from Mirage limo, naturally) to American Airlines Arena. Basketball is a great game, and even though the Heat didn’t look that great in the preseason, we hoped they’d be able to put it together and repeat in 2007. We were pretty jolly by the time the game started, and had a great time (in spite of and especially considering) the outcome. After the game, the night barreled ahead into the bars of Miami.

The next time you have a bachelor party (hopefully you alone haven't had too many), consider placing a sporting event at the center of it (as long as the man of the hour is a sports fan, anyway). It makes for a great time, and is a nice change-up from regular bachelor party fare.

Party Favors At Birthday Parties

Why Do We Need Party Favors At Birthday Parties?

When having your kids birthday party, you should choose to purchase personalized party favors. Like other parties, friends at the parties that come like to receive something for attending the party. When buying the birthday party favor for both adults and children or just for the kids, giving party gifts to everyone is a nice jesture. It is a thank you. It's a sign of admiration. When other guest see this, they will see the type of people you are and what good manners you have.

What about the purchase price?

If you as parents are giving a birthday party for their child, first you will need to think about a couple of choice. First, are the party favors which are for your kid's friend or will they be given to the adults that are attending the birthday party? if by chance you will be handing them to adults, bear in mind using a small statue, a picture frame which you can put your kid's photo in. Or, contemplate a candle with a cute theme. Giving a personalized party favor to a grown up should be done as well. Give a favor that is inexpensive, especially when you buy them in aggregate form. When purchasing favor you don't need to spend alot, but if you need to, go ahead.

Well, when giving a party favor to your child's friends, try to get everyone fun things. A small goody bag is great when its filled with kid safe things. Try not to go crazy on the candy but many party places will offer very small toys, cute games and great add ons to include with the favor. The kids will enjoy getting a gift from your child too.

If you are going to have a small get together with your immediate family you will not need to give a party favor. If you are throwing a extraordinary party, then consider one. This would be for their first birthday or possibly their fifth. when giving a large party where there might be a large population coming, then a party favor no matter what the age is essential, at least for proper manners.

House Parties, Working Your Online Business Offline

Here are some off-line tips and secrets that you can adapt to suit your business, MLM or product-based business you may choose to do in the future. Whether the business is an online business or not.

A house party is basically a presentation of products or an opportunity. Some people I know do five a day. Consider starting with just one a week.

1. It's best conducted at someone's home, not yours because it's more difficult to ask guests to leave from your own home.

2. House parties are a great place to get new customers and new prospects. Your time is valuable so look for four things from each guest:

Retail sales/new members.

Referrals from each person.

Booking of other parties with them.

Furthering your business opportunity prospects' list.

3. Time:

Plan a party to be no longer than 30 minutes to one hour. If you aim for 30 minutes you'll probably finish within 45 minutes. If you talk too long you'll talk your guests out of buying or joining you. The 45 minutes should be enough for everything including handing out the products and receiving the money.

4. What do you need?

A) Products to demonstrate and to sell.
B) Order forms for those who do not have money on hand.
C) Written material to hand out after the meeting. You don't want them reading it while you are making your pitch.

5. How to invite:

Simply go to someone and say "Can you help me? I just learned about these products/business and I want to do a demonstration. Invite a few friends. We'll have a great time!!" Then make a date and time.

6. Tips for the host:

Have the hosts only invite people they think would be interested in what you are offering. If you are selling diet related products, thin people may not be your target. This eliminates negative guests. You don't want quantity, you want quality of people.

7. Offer a gift to the host as an incentive:

It's better to offer the gift if the host achieves a certain goal at the party, e.g., number of attendees, sales goal or new member goal. The gift is given in front of the guests so everyone knows that they have an opportunity to host a house party and receive that same great gift.

8. Arrive 15 minutes early and set up:

This gives you time to feel comfortable and find out a bit about the guests. You may like to give early guests something to read.

9. Start:

Introduce yourself and your products or services. Answer any possible objections before they are asked, e.g. price, animal testing, etc. This prevents guests from cutting you off with questions.

10. Ask your host to serve the coffee. This is the time to ask for referrals and book more parties.

11. Follow up with the people who were at the meeting and start getting the dates for your next house parties and orders. Teach your new people how to do parties.

12. Make an appointment to talk with the host of the last house party. Tell the host that because of his or her help you now have three more house parties and ask if he or she would like to join you and do one or part of one of the house parties.

Although most of you are probably involved in or looking at a few online opportunities, I think it's important to get things happening off-line too. House parties are a lot of fun and things can move a lot quicker. My business is online, I simply open my laptop at the party and let them watch the fully automated animated presentation.

House parties are great. They're your opportunity to do heavy recruiting and break sales records.

Gourmet Desserts for Dinner Parties

European stag parties exist all over the continent. You can attend one of these parties in Krakow, Spain, and various other places. One such place is in Britain.

A stag party is otherwise known as a bachelor party. It could happen on the night before a bachelor’s wedding. However, it could also be a trip planned for an entire weekend, with quite a few outlandish activities that occur-other than a stripper lap dancing on the groom-to-be.

Some events that occur at European state parties include that such as looping around in a Lithuanian propeller plane, bobsledding in Latvia, or whitewater rafting in Slovak. Quite a growing number of soon-to-be married men are celebrating their last bachelor days in much more extravagant matters than in the past.

Other ideas for celebration for men who are soon to tie the knot include activities such as paint balling, or simply just relaxing on a warm beach. There are several types of party resorts that are located in Europe as well.

Those who visit Europe for their stag parties can get a rush at the Aqualandia Water Park which contains some of the finest slides, wave pools, and the famous 180 black hole. There is also the Terra Mitica Theme Park located in Spain which is very similar to the Alton Towers. This park consists of over 50 rides such as rollercoasters, log flumes, rapids, and a 150 mile drop.

European stag party attendees can also visit one of Benidorn’s 2,000 bars, night clubs, or discos. This is a great place to socialize, and would prove to be a great test of your faithfulness as a man, since some of the clubs include shows with skimpily dressed and naked women. Many of the bars and clubs in Benidorn are open until about 7:30 in the morning.

Groups that need help planning their European stag parties will find most of the answers they are looking for via Internet. If you are planning your stag party you will be able to find passport information, flight booking information, and accommodations booking information.

If you need to know what time it will be to the European company to which you want to travel you can find information about that as well. Furthermore, you can find weather reports and anything else you need to know as well.

An entire trip can be booked online, without even picking up the phone. However, those who are planning European stag parties may need to have a few questions answered. If so they can talk to a representative who will be able to answer most questions. If not, they will refer European stat party planners to those who can give them the help they need.

European stag parties are attended by a variety of groups of people. Some Europeans celebrate as they cross the borders into other countries near them. Furthermore, people of the United States and other countries and continents of the world may also enjoy a party in Europe to celebrate their last few days as a single person-in style.

Wine And Cheese Parties Are Positively Delicious!

If there is one thing we all love I think we can all agree it would be food. In many cultures around the world food is a very important aspect of life with special occasions and food intertwined with each other. Food is a social and fundamental part of society. Face it going to dinner with a friend is much more fun than eating dinner alone. Perhaps that is why dinner parties are such a genius idea, the notion of a group of people getting together to share a meal as well as stimulating conversation while sipping a glorious wine is nothing short of sublime. Putting together such a gathering of companions does not need to be a daunting task, which often seems to be one of the main reasons many people do not host as many soirees as they would like. A much more simple wine and cheese party can give the same jovial atmosphere as a dinner party with less work, less expense and above all less stress on the host or hostess.

Not much is required for having a wine and cheese party compared to holding a dinner party. Decor can be relatively simple and often works best as such. Fancy plates and glasses are not obligatory either. While it is important to make sure that you have proper wine glasses, do not go out and buy glasses just for the occasion. As stated in an earlier article, Essential Wine Accessories, red wines tend to be served in a larger bowl style glass than whites because of their bigger bouquets, but many wine glass companies nowadays manufacture a more universal wine glass which is suitable for both reds and whites. Don’t feel obliged to buy red wine glasses if you only drink white and vice versa because if you would only get use out of them occasionally when you had an event like a wine and cheese party it is not worth the expense.

Plates are much the same as wine glasses. If you do not plan on throwing many events it is not worth the expensive of going out and purchasing small serving or even mingling plates. Mingling plates are special plates that have a hole in one side to side in a wine glass so that while a person is eating and drinking they do not have to worry about balancing their glass or setting it down somewhere. Instead you can opt for a much less expensive yet still fashionable idea of cocktail napkins. Go down to your local party supply store and pick up a variety of small cocktail napkins in different colors and patterns. Using a variety of cocktail napkins not only is less expensive but also means you can better color or theme coordinate if you are having a themed wine and cheese party.

The most important part of a wine and cheese night is of course the wine and cheese! It is important to pair the two as best as possible, even if neither you nor your guests are sommeliers. Wine and cheese from the same regions tend to go very well together, but this does not mean you have to serve a French wine with a French cheese. Some of the most basic and most popular pairings for wine and cheese are:

Brie with Merlot, Champagne or a Sweet Sherry

Camembert with Chenin Blanc or Cabernet

Sharp Cheddar with Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc or Rioja

Cream Cheese with White Zinfandel

Muenster with Beaujolais or Zinfandel

Roquefort with Tawny Port

Swiss with Gewurztraminer

So as you can see having a wine and cheese party is very simple, inexpensive and just as enjoyable as a full on dinner party! Don’t stress if you don’t have the right sort of glasses or plates, the wine and cheese party is meant to be a stress free social event with friends and loved ones.

Top Decorations For Parties

Christmas table decorations for those one of a kind Christmas parties are fun and easy to make. If you do plan on making your own Christmas table decorations, they can be time consuming and if you have a dozen or so tables to decorate, you need help!

It depends on the type of Christmas party you will be hosting, the atmosphere you wish to provide and the style you want to showcase. If you’re having a Christmas party for children, simple centerpieces with take home accents will do but if it’s an elegant grown up Christmas party, your Christmas table decorations will probably be elegant and traditional.

If you’re indeed hosting a Christmas party for children, be as creative as you wish. A good idea is to decorate using styrofoam balls. They are inexpensive, usually around five dollars at the craft store and they are sold in bags of single sizes or mixed sizes. With some non-toxic craft paint, some glue on eyeballs and seed beads, you can turn a ball into an adorable snowman or an ornament fit for the tree.

The best way to make a snowman who will actually stand up straight is to cut a small circular piece of thick cardboard, using a thin bamboo stick put a hole in the center and allow the stick to stand. Take one of the largest styrofoam balls and slide it down the bamboo stick to the base of the cardboard, then repeat with a medium sized ball and then a small one for the snowman’s head. Decorate with your imagination!

To give the illusion of bright ornamental balls, either paint or spray paint the different sizes of the styrofoam balls and roll them in glitter. Add stripes and stencil on stars or snowflakes to make them unique. Use a paper clip to secure a ribbon for hanging.

For adult parties, sometimes more design effects should be used to create the perfect Christmas table decoration. Start with the other decorations in the room, the theme and go with it. Start with the tablecloth…if it’s country style then use a bright flannel topper or Christmas colors like red, green, gold, silver or white. If the room is dim, consider adding lighting elements on some of the tables.

One beautiful way is by adding floating candles in dyed water.

At your local discount store in the craft section there are beautiful glass and plastic bowl options to choose from and the average price for a small to mid sized piece is about a dollar and a half or three dollars for the larger ones. Fill the bowls ¾ full, add food coloring and stir in your desired color. Packages of floating tealites or votive candles are about five dollars for a twenty-four pack and when lit in a darkened area, they appear so elegant.

Confetti sprinkled around the bowls on the tables in holiday colors with twirls of ribbon adds just the right finishing touch.

Another idea is to make your own crystal balls using etching solution; you can even purchase festive stencils to etch. Using the same bowls turned upside down with a small candle with do the trick as long as they are sitting on a base that allows air to flow for the flame. To make a fitting base with the look of gold foiling, without the cost or the time, use aluminum foil and gold craft paint. Wad up the aluminum foil to give it a crinkled appearance and carefully open it up to its original size. On a flat surface lightly paint gold accents all over the shiny silver side of the aluminum foil. Two oblong wooden blocks, also available for pennies at the craft store will do the job when wrapped and placed beneath the crystal ball. Finish off the look with small gift boxes wrapped in multi designed Christmas wrapping paper or foil with a hidden dinner mint for each guest at the table.

Christmas table decorations are a must for any Christmas holiday party and the guests will be astounded with the creations. These are all easy and they don’t take much time to put together. Make your party unforgettable using simple elements for your Christmas table decorations and explore the creative aspect of Christmas décor in it’s many forms.

Party Games That Make You Laugh

A couple of years ago as one of our family parties wound down, one of my mother's friends said, "What a wonderful party - it's so wonderful to laugh. We don't laugh enough these days, don't you think? "

Our family parties are, well, different than most other parties. The main difference between our parties and other parties is - party games. We have a large repetoire of partty games that make us laugh. Here are some of my favourites.

Plum plum plum

Plum plum plum is noisy and boistrous - the way a party game should be. You need about ten people for this, sitting in a circle with one person in the middle.

Starting with the youngest player, each player in the circle chooses a different fruit.

The object of the game is for the person in the middle to point at one of the people sitting down and say the name of their fruit three times before that person says the name of their fruit just once. It doesn't matter who is being looked at - it's who is being pointed at that has to answer with their fruit.

If the person in the middle wins, they and the person they beat swap places - but the name of the fruit stays attached to that position. (So after a while nobody will be in their original positions and everyone will have to remember new fruit.)

Note - you might want to ban really long (over three syllable) names; my father once chose "pomegranite" and we never managed to shift him.

The name game

This one is a little more sedate than Plm Plum Plum...

To start this game ask everyone to think of a character or person - it could be someone famous, it could even be someone in the room. Then you should go outside, and each person should come to you one at a time and tell you the names they have chosen.

Once you have made a note of all the names, read them out to everyone. Then read them out again - and then the game begins. (By the way, you don't play the game as you know who everyone is.)

Pick someone to start. That person choose a player and says, "Shirley, I think you are Darth Vader" (or whichever name they think that Shirley has chosen). If that player is wrong and Shirley isn't Darth Vader, then it's Shirley's turn to try and guess who someone is.

When someone is correctly guessed, that person is out, and the person who guessed correctly gets another go. The game ends when there is only one person left - the winner!

The trick to playing this game is first choosing an unexpected name (one that isn't normally associated with you) and then remembering the names on the list (as it is easy to forget after you've been playing for a few minutes).

Catalogue Charades

I'm sure you have played traditional charades, the game where you mime out the title of a book, movie or television programme. Well, we find that they're a little too easy...

We play this with one person setting the charades for two teams to work their way through. We normally use the same list, jumbled up so that they aren't miming the same thing at the same time.

As for what we get our willing volunteers to mime - we pick item from a hardware catalogue. So instead of trying to mime "Wind in the Willows", they are miming "Cordless power screwdriver" or "Claw hammer with non-slip handle".

For a more sedate version of this game, you can play this with pen and paper instead of miming.

Who am I?

We quite often play this one as an icebreaker.

This game requires a little bit of preparation. First, get some stickers (Post-It notes aren't really robust enough but sticky address labels are ideal) and write the name of someone famous on each. The game is played with you putting a sticker on each player's back (or their forehad, if they are up for it). That player then tries to guess who they are by only asking yes/no questions of the other players (for example, "Am I male?" "Am I a politician?" "Am I Bill Clinton?").

Lots of people can play this, and they can all play it at once, with players taking it in turns to ask questions. Each time someone is successful, they come to you for another sticker.

If you are playing this competitively, the person who guesses the most is the winner.

It is easy to theme this game by choosing 1950's movie stars, or characters from The Lord of the Rings, for example.

Chinese Mimes

Chinese Mimes is a more energetic version of Chinese whispers. It can be played as a team, or just for fun.

In Chinese whispers, the players line up all facing away from player #1. Player #1 then taps player #2 on the shoulder, and player #2 turns around. Player #1 mimes out an action to player #2. When they are finished, player #2 taps player #3 on the shoulder, and then mimes out the actions. And so the mime carries on down the line until at the end the last player as to try and figure out what the action was.

If you are playing in teams, the first players in each team should agree to do the same mime.

The mimes should be slightly off-beat. For example: Filling a steam iron with water, trying on a wedding dress, carrying out the safety instructions on an aeroplane...

As I hope you can see, you can drop these games into almost any party - so let your hair down, play a game and have a laugh!

New Trend in Bachelor Parties

Bachelor parties are about guys getting together, sharing old stories, and maybe creating some new ones. They are a chance for the best man to send the groom off in style, in appreciation for years of friendship. Traditionally, this has involved drinking one’s fair share of alcohol, heading off to a gentlemen’s club, and waking up the next morning in a strange place with a new tattoo. Recently, a new trend has emerged. Guys are now spending weekends immersed in outdoor adventures: leaping out of airplanes, roping cattle, reeling in trophy fish, and riding wild whitewater.

Picture it: 10 buddies sitting in a rubber raft, getting tossed back and forth, and paddling like crazy through a menacing drop-off the guides call, “The Meat Grinder.” Besides whitewater rafting, parties can perform airborne ballets after leaping from planes at 10,000 feet, reel in fish ranging from 30 lb king salmon to 300 lb sharks, or drive hundreds of cattle alongside real-life cowboys. As an added bonus, guys return from the adventure, with pictures, mementoes, and memories that will always remain special.

Although these adventures bring a fresh, new idea to the bachelor party concept, groups are given many opportunities to do some old-school partying. Typically, the extreme adventure locations are located off the beaten path, requiring a couple-days excursion. Everyone usually congregates in a major city near the adventure site and spends the first night enjoying the urban nightlife. Day Two kicks off with an early morning rise, followed by a trip out into the wild for the adventure activity.

Some detailed examples of adventure-based bachelor parties paint a clear picture of exactly how extreme adventure combines with traditional fun to produce an unforgettable experience.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater rafting is an adventure that can take place in multiple locations across the country. As long as there is a flowing river, someone will put a boat in it. The trick is finding the rivers that will take you to the edge, without throwing you over it. Under the guidance of an adventure expert, guys paddle, dodge, and hold on through class IV and V rapids, all while taking in spectacular views of the scenic beauty and wildlife. To compliment the adventure, the group spends the first night at an upscale hotel in a bustling downtown area and the second night in more rustic accommodations surrounded by nature. This combination creates a solid mix of fun and adventure.

Cattle Wrangling

Imagine living out the movie, City Slickers. Saddle-up the crew, ride the open range like old-time cowboys, and drive longhorn cattle through rugged mountain terrain. In the morning, work alongside real cowboys to move the thundering herd to greener pastures. Enjoy the sights and sounds of rolling rivers, towering mountain ranges, and native wildlife while attempting to control the wild herd. After the drive, see if anyone lasts eight seconds on the mechanical bull before taking aim at the skeet shooting range. Recount the day's highlights during a Texas-style-barbeque dinner including steaks, potatoes, and plenty of beer. Before you dive headfirst into the cowboy lifestyle, enjoy a night with upscale hotel accommodations, fine dining, and outstanding nightlife characteristic of the adjacent downtown area.

Charter Fishing

In groups of four to six people, the guys board separate charter boats and compete in a private fishing tournament. Someone not only has the satisfaction of wrestling a trophy fish into the boat, but also the sweet taste of victory in catching the winning fish to beat the rest of the bunch in the tournament. While everybody breathes in the fresh air and takes in picturesque views, the expert captains and crew guide the team to the hot spots and teach the boys how to reel in the big one. After a full day of fishing, camaraderie, and competition, a chef "cooks the catch" at a restaurant overlooking the water. Since most fishing trips are located in beach side towns, nights will be spent at Buffet-like bars sipping Margaritas, watching the fade over the horizon.

Skydiving

What's better than jumping out of a plane, free-falling for over a minute at 120 mph, and seeing for miles in every direction? Doing it all with some of your closest friends. After some basic training, everyone flies to 13,000+ feet and prepares for the jump. Hearts pound, men begin to fade to the back of the line, and adrenaline pumps as everybody peels out of the plane into the open sky. Once everyone has returned safely to Earth, the party begins. The boys enjoy beers in the hanger, a bonfire on the grounds, a delicious catered dinner, and a viewing of the days skydive video. To enhance this exceptional skydiving experience, upscale accommodations, fine dining, and locally distinct nightlife in a lively downtown setting complete the package.

Regardless of the adventure theme you choose, it will be important to make the outing an “experience” rather than just a trip. Answer these questions when planning your weekend to remember:

• What adventure activity is the group interested in?

• What areas of the country offer this type of activity during the group’s seasonal timeframe?

• Is there a major city near the event where people can fly to at a reasonable price?

• What hotels offer high-class accommodations and fit the group’s price range?

• Is there a restaurant with a private banquet facility near the hotel, where champagne toasts and words of encouragement can be uttered without upsetting the other patrons?

• What are the best bars?

• How will the group get from the hotel to the adventure outfitter?

• If the adventure is outside of the city, where will the group stay the second night?

These are just some of the questions that will come up as the event planning takes shape. The most important part of the trip is making sure the groom has a great time. So, if you are the best man, make sure to have his best interests in mind at all times. If all goes as planned, you will have successfully orchestrated a weekend filled with memories to last a lifetime and maybe even overcome some fears along the way.

Actively Listen for Effective Relationships

Relationships of all kinds are often perceived as very delicate things, that require extra effort to maintain. However, a relationship can also be something that can provide security and can also be long lasting despite many trials.

Building effective and lasting relationships is a necessity for several reasons. For example in a group or organization, the well being of the people depends on how efficient and effective that group or organization works.

The group or organization is also dependent on how the members work well with the management.

An ineffective group or organization can really be very frustrating. An effective group or organization can also ask so much on their members, that sometimes the members would be having no life outside the walls of the area where they work or sacrifice the other aspects of their life just to meet deadlines. For an organization or group with this kind of scenario, relationships can be stressed or suffer from breakdown.

People or other entities who depend on these groups or organization also suffer.

Society is defined as a web of relationships, which requires all parties to work and contribute their share in order to achieve a common goal. Having a relationship that is good, where cooperation and respect are manifested, can make society work better. In this way each member works for the good of the whole and towards achieving a common goal. This can only be attained with effective and efficient relationships.

Understanding the other parties' feeling and position creates an effective and efficient relationship. The easiest method to understand what is important to another party is to ask them what they want and listen to what they have to say. When the other party realizes this, they would feel the importance given to them

Effective and efficient relationships require parties to openly express their feelings and positions on all matters pertinent on the relationship. Assuming that the other party understands our needs and give us when we need it without asking for it is not a good practice.

Respect is the key to relationship. In order to create a more effective relationship, parties should treat each other with respect. We can show respect just by listening to the other party and by trying sincerely to understand how they function. You can also show respect to other parties by confirming that they are doing everything they can.

The opposite of respect is quick forming of judgements based on unfounded facts and prejudice.

Respect is the very foundation for a great relationship. This also means respecting yourself and respecting others.

Another key area in forming an effective relationship is to tackle differences of the other party directly. Differences between parties or people are quite interesting. For example in a conversation where each party listens to the other party, you may observe that each is having two different perspectives.

Work towards a win-win solution for both parties.

This can be done when at least one party acknowledges that the relationship is important. That party would then exert more time, effort and energy to understand the other party's needs and deal with it to get it out of the way. Should they fail, it is comforting for that party to know that they tried.

Effectively listening and no pre-judging. This is important if parties are to understand each other.

Informal discussions are conducive for parties. They bring out issues and concerns comfortably. They also feel more relaxed making them think more clearly.

Developing an atmosphere where the other party can express their feelings when they need to.

When parties fail to express whatever is on their mind or their feelings, it can get in the way of building an effective relationship.

Parties should be aware that certain things exist naturally but should be controlled in any dealings in any relationship. Human nature is one. Some of these things found in a relationship also include a history of stereotyping or mistrust, blaming the other person or party for a strained relationship, excluding the other party's feelings when focusing on a task, no clear and defined objectives, roles and expectations of each party in a relationship is also unclear.

Relationships are important to anyone, addressing issues and problems right away is a must to further improve the relationship. As they say 'No man is an Island'.

Free Non Disclosure Form (NDA Form)

Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs, also known as 'Confidentiality Agreements') are an essential part of modern business. If you have a trade secret, an invention or a 'good idea', it can be worrying revealing the details to a third party because you never know if your idea may be stolen. For this reason, NDA forms are common. The problem is, most of them are long winded, running to 10 pages or more, and they very length of them makes it difficult sometimes to get your target to sign in the first place.

For this reason, we here at www.lawyersbench.com have come up with this 'short form' NDA form you can use. It is short, unambiguous, and covers both parties, so you should find much less resistance when trying to get it signed. As always, www.lawyersbench.com recommend consulting your own lawyer in any legal matter.

Non Disclosure Agreement

Parties:-

A) COMPANY (or person) A (E.g. www.lawersbench.com)

B) COMPANY (or person) B (E.g. Jefferson Highway Esq)

Whereas:-

The parties possess valuable information, technical knowledge, experience and data of a secret and confidential nature relating to the field, all of which are regarded by them as commercial assets of considerable value; and

The parties are willing to disclose such information to each other on the condition that the recipient of the information does not disclose the same to any third party nor make use thereof in any manner except as set out below.

In consideration of such disclosure to each other, it is agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows;

1. The receiving party undertakes to treat as strictly confidential and not to divulge to any third party any of the information disclosed by the other and not to make use of any such information without the disclosing party's prior written consent.

2. In the event of one party visiting any of the Establishments of the other party, the visiting party undertakes that any information relating to the field which may come to its knowledge as a result of any such visit, inclusive of the form, materials and design of various elements of any relevant plant and equipment which may be seen at such Establishments as well as all the plant as a whole, the methods of operation thereof and the various applications thereof, shall be kept strictly confidential and that any such information will not be divulged to any third party and will not be made use of in any way by the visiting party without the other party's prior written consent.

3. The above undertaking shall not appy to:

1. Information which at the time of disclosure is published or otherwise generally available to the public.
2. Information which after disclosure by the disclosing party is published or becomes generally available to the public, otherwise than through any act or omission on the part of the receiving party.
3. Information which the receiving party can show was in its possession at the time of disclosure and which was not acquired directly from the disclosing party.
4. Information rightfully acquired from others who did not obtain it under the pledge of secrecy to the disclosing party.

4. The parties agree that after three years from the date hereof they shall each be relieved from all obligations under the Agreement and that after such period has expired they will rely on such patents as they may then own for the protection of any information disclosed to each other pursuant to this Agreement.

5. The terms of this Agreement shall be deemed to apply also to the servants or agents or legally associated entities of the receiving party who shall require their said servants or agents or legally associated entities to observe the foregoing obligations.

6. Neither the execution of this Agreement, nor the disclosure of any Proprietary Information hereunder, shall be construed as granting either expressly or by implication, estoppel or otherwise, any license under any invention or patent now or hereafter owned by or controlled by the parties.

7. This agreement shall not be construed in any manner to be an obligation to enter into further contract or to reimburse the cost of any effort expended by either party.

8. This agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the INSERT COUNTRY / STATE HERE.

Serving Wine at Holiday Parties

Hosting a party can bring about a great deal of stress. You may find this true for any kind of party, but it seems to be particularly true for a party thrown around the holidays. For some reason, the holidays are a time when parties aspire to be a little grander; they need to have tastier food, more elegant alcohol, and those who are hosting it need to wear red and call each other by names like, “Dearest.”

While a holiday party is something you will likely want to throw well – hoping to impress your friends, your relatives, and your next door neighbor whose front lawn animatronics nativity scene makes your decorations look inferior – you will also want to save some room on your credit cards for all your holiday shopping.

This may seem to pose a bit of a problem, as if you are forced to make the choice of throwing a great party or buying presents for your children, children who – as they contact social services and attempt to get on Oprah – probably won’t be too forgiving if the holiday season finds you empty handed. However, throwing a great party doesn’t have to drain your bank account; there are ways to have a party that is both festive and frugal. Because alcohol is generally one of the most pricy party expenses, buying wisely is the first step in throwing a party that will leave both your social circle, and your children, still talking to you.

Have a Variety

Some people are under the impression that hosting a party involves purchasing the most expensive wine they can find, wine that would impress even the most seasoned connoisseur. However, when it comes down to it, the price of wine is not nearly as important as the variety.

Holiday parties typically consist of a large spread of food. From the pâté to the cheese balls, the months of November and December are like a giant buffet. Because of this, it’s important to cover your bases and purchase wine that is adaptable, wine that all types of food consider “easy to get along with.” The simplest way to do this is to cover all your bases by purchasing both red wine and white wine.

For red wine, Merlots, Shiraz, and Cabernets are all good choices, with white wine’s best bet being Chardonnay, though a nice Alsatian Riesling is also a great choice. While there are certain vintages that are expensive, it’s relatively easy to find bottles that aren’t extremely high priced; with some searching, or asking the clerk at the local liquor store for help, you can buy red and white wines that won’t take away your ability to go holiday shopping, leaving you, ultimately, to holiday shoplift instead.

Serve White Zinfandel

When choosing a wine to serve at a party, White Zinfandel is an extremely popular choice. This is simply because people drink it up. A chilled beverage, White Zinfandel is light, sweet and low in alcohol content, which makes it a popular choice for folks who are driving. One of the least inexpensive, with many bottles costing around five dollars, White Zinfandel is a preferred choice of many party hosts everywhere.

A Box is Your Friend

There is an unfavorable stigma attached to box wine, like lawyers or people obsessed with Dungeons and Dragons. But, box wine is often a party staple. This is because it’s inexpensive, it’s convenient, the leftovers won’t spoil, and even if you don’t enjoy the taste of it, many others do.

Box wine was once the laughing stock of the wine world: people often equated it with cheap wine, it was only purchased by those who had a cash flow problem, and cases of Pinot Noirs were often found pointing and laughing, mocking the box wine from the comfort of their glass bottles. However, over the years this stigma has gone down the drain, and the box wine of today now stores a variety of wine, including wines that are premium.

Appease the Wine Folk

While White Zinfandel and box wine may quench the thirst of some, many wine connoisseurs prefer something a little different, believing that drinking anything other than a unique holiday wine is the equivalent of drinking from the water bowl in the Christmas tree stand. Because of this, it’s a good idea to have a couple of bottles of something a little interesting.

A fun holiday wine that is great to serve at a party is the Lady Bug Red Cuvee V. Not only is it visually appealing – as it comes in a bottle with a green label and lady bugs all over it – but the flavors are wonderfully fruity, containing a combination of blackberry, plum, cocoa, oak, and pepper. The wine, made up of Zinfandel, Carignane, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, is sure to satisfy a wide range of wine lovers.

Take People Up on Their Offers

It is etiquette for those attending a party to offer to bring something – a casserole, a plate of cookies, a spinach dip. While you may have trouble accepting this gesture, thinking that you should be the one to generate all the party goods, keep in mind that many people who offer to bring something typically really want to.

People enjoy showing their gratitude and when they are able to contribute to a party, they feel as if they are given the opportunity to do just that. If a person asks you if they can bring anything, and you are stressing over the drink selection, simply request that they bring a bottle of wine. This not only assures that they will bring something they enjoy, but it also allows you to subtly shrug your shoulders and point your finger in their direction if others do not like it. That, after all, is what friends are for.

Holiday parties can be hard to plan. But, with the above tips, you should at least have the wine list taken care of, leaving you free to worry about food and décor instead.

More than anything, when it comes this time of year, keep in mind that the wine you serve at your holiday party shouldn’t be that important: the holidays are a time for camaraderie, family, and love, three entities that not even the most expensive vintage can ever rival.

Cooking Parties for Preschoolers

Are you planning a birthday party for your preschool age child? Consider hosting a cooking party. These parties are unique, interactive and entertaining for young children.

Party stores and Internet based retailers offer wonderful invitations for a cooking party. Invitations display pictures of baking tools, recipe cards or aprons. Custom invitations however, can be expensive and may require a significant amount of wait time for printing and shipping. If you have time or budget constraints, visit your local arts and crafts store for paper stock and then design and print your own party invitations. Let your guests know that you are cooking up fun and that you want them to join you for an exciting event.

Hosting a cooking party for preschoolers should be easy and engaging. Setup tables so guests have plenty of room to prepare food and to interact. For this age group, it is better to engage guests in food preparation and decorating rather than actual baking and cooking. However, take time to walk guests through the kitchen to teach them about cooking tools and cooking safety. Allow them to handle basic cooking tools such as rolling pins, measuring cups, spatulas, spoons and whisks. Then introduce equipment that requires adult supervision such as blenders, electric mixers, waffle makers and sandwich machines. This cooking introduction will empower them to interact with their parents in their own kitchen.

Cooking can be overwhelming for young children. Select simple and rewarding activities so guests leave with a sense of accomplishment regarding their creations. For example, allow guests to decorate and to assemble food items. Party ideas include cupcake or cookie decorating, fruit kabob or yogurt and granola parfait assembly or jewelry making with cereal.

Design your own chef hats or order paper chef hats on-line. Then provide crayons and art supplies so guests can decorate their hats. If your budget allows, order child size aprons and use them as a party favor. Alternatively, you can attach a plastic cookie cutter to a mini rolling pin with a note thanking the guest for celebrating with you. On the back of the thank you tag, include a simple and age appropriate cookie recipe so guests can create something special in their own kitchen. An additional benefit of this party favor is that guests will also be able to use the rolling pin at home for play dough and other arts and crafts projects.

Children's Birthday Parties

- A Timeline For A Great Event!

Having the best children's birthday party shouldn't be a stressful thing. Follow the timeline below and your child and you will be the hit of the neighborhood.

About a month before your party you'll want to:

Talk with your child and choose a party theme and/or decide what your “entertainment” will be for the party. This will help you determine your party budget as well.

Create the guest list. Don't forget to include friends from school, the neighborhood as well as relatives and more distant friends.

Choose a party date and time. Most children's birthday parties are generally one to two hours long.

Order the general party supplies: tablecloth, tableware, decorations, etc.

Think about games. Keep the ages and personalities of the children as you plan your activities. And sometimes shorter and simpler parties with one fun activity are best and least stressful.

Two weeks prior to the party make sure you:

Decide on your menu. Are you just having cake and ice cream? Is the party at a mealtime and do you need to order pizzas or are you cooking yourself, etc.?

Mail the invitations. You will probably need to call everyone that doesn’t RSVP. People will forget and will appreciate the reminder call

Ask for help. If you think you might need some help for party day, ask a couple of the moms of the kids who are invited to stay and help. Most people would love to, you just need to ask.

One week before party day you should:

Bake your cake and freeze it. Knowing the cake is done will be such a stress reliever on the big day!

Prepare and freeze any other foods that can be made in advance.

Get an exact guest count. Call any guests who have not responded.

Two days before the party don't forget to:

Get any last minute food items and don't forget candles, matches and FILM!

Check your batteries in your camera and video recorder.

Purchase a small helium tank from your local party or craft store. It's a great thing to keep your children busy the morning of the party too!

Make up a party timeline for the party day so you don't forget anything.

One day before the party remember to:

Take out food and cake from the freezer.

Do any decorating that you can do in advance

Finish any food preparation that can be done ahead of time.

On the morning of the party day make sure to:

Fill your balloons with helium.

Prepare any foods and beverages that could not be made ahead of time.

Write out your timeline for the day so you don’t forget anything.

You don't want to miss out on the memories you'll have with the pictures, so ask a relative or trusted friend to be responsible for the picture taking.

Relax and enjoy this great day. And then get ready for next year!

Bracelet Beading Birthday Parties

Beading for Fun and Profit:

A birthday bracelet beading party for girls age 5 and up is guaranteed to be a big hit. Most girls are thrilled with the opportunity to make jewelry, and parents appreciate that you're providing both the party favors (the bracelets the girls make to take home) and the party activity (making the bracelets).

I discovered this profitable home beading party niche by accident a few years ago when I was asked if I could do a jewelry make-and-take craft at a 9-year-old girl's birthday party. The girl's mom and I decided on gemstone bead bracelets because necklaces would be too expensive, and not everyone has pierced ears for earrings.

So I came to the birthday party with my bead boxes, bead boards for everyone, a tape measure, accuflex beading wire, little sterling silver toggle clasps, velvet pouches for everyone, and a couple of example bracelets.

I couldn't believe what a huge hit it was! The girls absolutely devoured the project and were thrilled to have real pearls and gemstones on their bracelets.

Now I get calls regularly asking me to come do a bracelet birthday bead party for another girl, and every time I do one, more parties get scheduled from it because the girls enjoy it so much.

Bracelet birthday parties are very easy to do, and they can also earn you a nice profit. I charge $15 per girl for parties of 9 or fewer girls, and $14 per girl for parties of 10 or more. I include a small velvet pouch for each girl to store her bracelet in.

I bring bead boxes that are organized by bead color - and as you might guess, pink and purple are DEFINITELY the most popular beads every time! Fortunately, rose quartz is very inexpensive! :o) Blue beads are the next most popular color. My birthday party beads all cost me $6 or less per 16" strand, and my average profit is around $10 to $12 per girl.

It usually takes me about an hour to get things ready to go to the birthday beading party, drive there, and set up; about another hour to do the bracelet activity with the girls; and another hour to put everything away, chat, eat a piece of birthday cake, give out bracelet birthday party flyers and business cards, and then drive home. So for 3 hours total, I usually net anywhere from $70 to $200 and have a lot of fun with the girls.

Birthday party activities are a very hot market niche, I've discovered, and I recommend trying it out if it sounds at all interesting to you. For successful birthday bracelet beading parties, the keys are to:

• enjoy kids,
• have a sense of fun,
• bring a lot of pink and purple beads (along with other colors), and
• wear comfortable clothes because you'll be sitting on the floor.

While I'm helping the girls make their bracelets at the party, they always want to know how I got into making jewelry. So I tell them about how doing something I love turned me into an entrepreneur, that I build my own websites, and that I invent my own job for myself every day by following opportunities that come up and thinking creatively about things. I can tell they're inspired by that, and I'm glad to plant seeds for future entrepreneurs!

To reach the bracelet beading party niche, I recommend making a nice flyer with a few enticing bracelet photos, a photo of a selection of beads, a brief party description, and your contact info.

Include a flyer for each birthday party guest to take home (most of the girls who are guests at one of my birthday beading parties want to have their own parties). Also inquire at your local elementary schools about including one of your flyers in students' weekly take-home folders. Many schools are happy to do this if you provide the flyer copies.

Other likely places to distribute birthday bracelet beading party flyers (with permission) include ballet / dance / gymnastics studios where girls take lessons; soccer / softball games; craft stores; and pottery painting stores.

Creative Tips for Throwing Amazing Parties

We’ve all been to parties that have that certain something-special that makes them stand out in our memories as being truly fabulous. Of course, to have a great party, you need to start with great guests. Assuming you have that part covered, often it comes down to all of the little party details to really make a party special.

Here are a few fast but fabulous tips to put your parties on the map:

- Freeze strawberries or raspberries, then pop them into glasses of white wine or champagne for a dash of "bling". The berries will kick it up a notch with a splash of color and class, and will inject an element of unexpected surprise.

- If the lavatory your guests will visit during the party has a bathtub, glam things up by filling the tub with water, then float the heads of oodles of large scented flowers in it. Roses, gerbera daisies, mums, and carnations are all good choices. The stunning visual impact of this will knock the socks of your guests - and the room will smell amazing.

- Pick up simple store-bought cakes at the local grocery, then give them the high-end, lavish look of expensive custom cakes by embellishing them with fresh, non-poisonous flowers such as roses, pansies, or naustrusium.

- To encourage mingling at a cocktail party, limit the number of seats so that guests don’t just plunk themselves down in one spot for the entire night. Some seating is, of course, necessary for those with weary feet, but there should be substantially fewer seats than guests if you want to keep things lively.