The Perfect Room For Kids

A child's room must be suitable for both parent and child.

A child's room is a magical place where imagination comes to life and learning is fostered in a safe and secure environment. While the idea of a perfect room may differ from child to child and parent to parent, there are certain elements that they all have in common. To create the perfect room for your child, find a a balance between a parent's needs and a child's wants. Does this Spark an idea?

Organization

The child's room is the perfect place for him to learn and practice organization. When the child is a certain age, he should slowly adapt to performing certain chores. For instance, he should learn to clean up after himself by putting away toys, books and games in their proper spots. Having a chest labeled for toys, a shelf for books and color-coded tubs for various craft items helps the child to know exactly where each item belongs and where to find it again in the future.

Safety

A child's room should always be a safe environment no matter the age. A toddler, for instance, is prone to bumping into sharp corners or playing with electrical outlets. You may child-proof the room by securing padding around the sharp corners and inserting plastic tabs into the electrical outlets. Furniture, such as dressers, should also be child proof, as young children may pull out the drawers and dangerously climb atop the dresser. Remove all sharp objects that may be in the room, such as scissors or sharp pencils.

Education

A child's room, whether it is the bedroom or the playroom, should be full of educational tools to stimulate the mind and encourage development of skills such as math, reading or music appreciation. While there are many learning toys available, there are just as many posters and artwork that may be hung from the wall to encourage the same degree of learning. For instance, having a homemade alphabet tree on the wall is a fun way to engage the child without spending money on electronic toys.

Playfulness

While parents may be concerned about safety, organization and learning, none of that matters if the child loses interest and is unable to play and have fun. Simple projects such as painting the room's wall with your child will peak her interest. Painting a wall in magnetic chalkboard paint allows the child to draw and write on the walls without making a mess. Incorporating bright, bold colors throughout the room as well as zoo animals or an art center will encourage playtime and imagination in an environment that is child friendly and parent approved.

Tags: child room, child child, electrical outlets, sharp corners, your child

Party Supply Checklist For A 1st Birthday

Decorations are an important part of the first birthday party.

First birthday parties bring family and friends together to celebrate one of the big milestones in a child's life. Rushing around at the last minute gathering all of the first birthday supplies is stressful. Create a checklist for yourself at least a month before the party to make sure you have everything on hand. The checklist helps you stay organized so you can enjoy the party you worked so hard to plan. Does this Spark an idea?

Invitations

You'll find a variety of first birthday party invitations at party supply stores. If you're going with a theme, choose the invitations that match the themed decorations. Another option is to make your own party invitations. Cut a number one from a piece of card stock in a color that matches the party decorations for a simple homemade invitation. Add glitter, sequins, ribbon or other embellishments to dress up the invitations. Send out the first birthday party invitations out several weeks before the party to give everyone plenty of time to put it on their schedules.

Tableware

A tablecloth that matches the party color scheme protects the table. It also helps the food table and guest tables look coordinated with the rest of the party decorations. Many first birthday party decoration sets include themed tablecloths. You'll also need plates, plastic silverware and napkins for the party if you're serving food. Include smaller plates for the cake.

Decorations

The decorations make the first birthday party an inviting location for all of the guests. Refer to the party theme when selecting the decorations. Because the birthday child is only one, don't worry about going too crazy with decorations. Helium-filled balloons are always a hit with one year old kids. They enjoy batting around the balloons. Order balloon bouquets for centerpieces on the tables. Wall decorations also add a pleasing look to the birthday party area. Look for coordinating wall decorations with the other birthday party supplies.

Camera

The camera is key to a first birthday party. Make sure the batteries are charged and ready to go for the camera. Keep a backup set of batteries just in case something happens with original batteries. If you have a digital camera, make sure there is plenty of room on the video card. A video camera is also useful for the party if you have one available. Assign someone else the task of recording the party so you can focus on keeping everything running smoothly.

Favors

Put together some simple favors for the party guests. Keep in mind the ages of the guests. If most of the children are also in the one year old range, choose toys that won't cause choking hazards such as large balls or finger puppets. A picture book or a bottle of bubbles also works well for kids of all ages.

Tags: birthday party, first birthday, first birthday party, party invitations, before party

Party Supply Checklist

Include balloons and other decorations in your party supply checklist.

If you want your party to go off with a bang, you'll need some ammunition in the form of party supplies. Your guests should feel comfortable, fulfilled and entertained at your party. Stock up on items that will add to the festivities and ensure a lasting, fun-filled event for your guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Invitations

Buy or design your own invitations, tailoring them to the theme of the party. For example, if you're throwing a baseball-themed birthday party, include images such as baseball mitts and bats. Include all of the vital information, such as the party's date, time, location and RSVP information.

Decorations

You can't throw an authentic Valentine's party without heart decorations or a Halloween party without jack-o-lanterns. Decorate your venue and turn your party into something substantial, that will really inspire your guests to eat, drink and be merry. Set up decorations that fit in with the theme of your party. For example, if you're throwing a Christmas party, decorate your home with snowmen, stockings and a Christmas tree. Include traditional party decorations, such as balloons, banners and a centerpiece with theme-specific designs.

Food and Partyware

Whether your party is as long as a football game or a day-long event, you'll need to provide food and drink to keep your guests satisfied. Provide cuisine that complements the nature of the party. For example, at a birthday party, be sure to provide cake, ice cream and drinks. Pay attention to the age and diets of your guests. If you are inviting vegetarian guests to your party, have meat-free options available. You'll also need partyware to serve the food and drinks on, such as tablecloths, plates, cups, napkins, etc.

Entertainment/Activities

Charades and truth-or-dare are well and good, but for most party entertainment, you'll need specific supplies on hand. Music is a party essential, so have a stereo and an assortment of songs on hand on either CDs or MP3 files. Provide the necessary materials to play games specific to certain themes. For example, you'll need some apples and a big container of water to bob for apples at a Halloween party. Provide classic party entertainment supplies like a deck of cards and board games.

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Party Snack Ideas For Christmas In Kindergarten

Christmas party snacks are a source of holiday fun for kindergarten children.

For kindergartners, the Christmas season is all about singing, writing, coloring and learning about the holiday. The classroom Christmas party represents a joyful culmination of these activities. Let the snacks and treats offered at your Christmas party set the stage for delicious holiday fun.

Reindeer Cupcakes

These reindeer do not pull Santa's sleigh, but they still put smiles on children's faces. Mix and bake 24 cupcakes with a packaged cake mix, following the package directions. Allow the cupcakes to cool and frost with chocolate frosting. Top with chocolate sprinkles immediately after frosting to ensure that the sprinkles adhere to the cupcakes. Cut 24 large pretzels in half. Place two pretzel pieces on each cupcake to form antlers. Cut 24 miniature marshmallows in half and place the two halves on each cupcake to make eyes. Place a small red gumdrop below the marshmallow eyes to make a nose for each reindeer. Place a red cinnamon candy below the gumdrop nose for each reindeer.

Cookie Cutter Snacks

Prepare sandwiches with preferred ingredients such as peanut butter and jelly, tuna, or ham and cheese. Cut out candy canes, trees, Santa and other desired shapes from the sandwiches with metal cookie cutters. You can also cut holiday shapes from other foods, such as watermelon, cheese and gelatin (preferably red or green).

Crispy Miniature Wreaths

Prepare the recipe for rice crispy treats according to the package directions and add green food coloring to the melted marshmallows. Mix well. Form small wreath shapes with the mixture and place the wreaths on wax paper to avoid sticking. Decorate the wreaths with three small red cinnamon candies and tie a red bow at the top. Wrap each wreath with clear plastic cling wrap and add a length of curling ribbon.

Apricot Chocolate Church Mice

Cats do not give chase to these yummy Christmas mice, but kindergarten children do. To make, set aside 48 dried apricots, 1 tbsp. of vegetable shortening, wooden skewers, 48 M&M mini candies, one package of black shoestring licorice and 24 dry-roasted peanut halves. The recipe makes 24 mice.

Melt one cup of semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl by microwaving on high for one minute. Stir well and microwave on high for an additional minute. Stir until the chocolate chips appear uniformly melted.

Press together two dried apricots for each mouse and form a point for the mouse's nose. Place the apricot halves on a skewer. Dip the apricot halves into the melted chocolate chips and then place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Gently push the mouse off the skewer with a second skewer. Cover the hole left by the skewer by dabbing chocolate with your fingertip on the hole.

Decorate each mouse. Use the M&M candies to make the eyes and a piece of the licorice to form the tail. Break the peanut halves in half to supply tiny ears for each mouse. Place the mice in a refrigerator until set.

Tags: chocolate chips, Christmas party, each mouse, apricot halves, dried apricots

Party Snack Ideas

Chicken kabobs right from the grill provide a hearty snack without requiring silverware.

Throwing a party to remember requires snacks that will get guests talking. There's no need to be a gourmet chef to achieve chat-worthy chow. A homemade dip for chips or fruit platters and a variety of simple appetizers can turn an ordinary snack table into a buffet of treats that'll keep your guests coming back for more. Does this Spark an idea?

Snacks to Dip

Rather than grabbing expensive jars of creamy dips or salsas, search out a simple recipe for chip dips you can make yourself with only the basic cooking skills of mixing and chopping. For tortilla chips, consider assembling a layered taco dip with sour cream mixed with taco spices and layered in with lettuce, cheese, refried beans and chopped tomatoes. A homemade salsa to be served with chips or perhaps as a bruschetta is just as simple with chopped tomatoes, red onions, garlic, lemon juice, a dash of oil and black pepper. Homemade hummus served with pita strips offers a more international flavor in place of the traditional potato chips and onion dip. For fresh fruit, forgo the sticky caramel store-bough tub dips and mix up a little cream cheese, vanilla flavoring and brown sugar for a light, creamy dip that tastes just like caramel on an apple. A fruit-based salsa, like mango or berry, can also be easily cooked for a fun, sugar cookie dessert dip.

Snacks on a Stick

Snack food at a party is defined by being easy to eat while mingling in a crowd. Kabobs and skewers are not only practical for a casual party as they eliminate the need for silverware, they're also entertaining to nibble on. Marinated chicken breast pieces skewered alone on a bamboo stick can be freshly grilled at intervals throughout the party if they're prepped and ready. Give your guests an unexpected treat with bits of toasted bread on appetizer picks or steamed vegetable kabobs to be drizzled with a cheese sauce kept warm in a heated pitcher rather than a traditional fondue. Grilled fruit kabobs are also an unexpected treat especially when served drizzled in honey and dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Snacks to Munch

Crunchy, homemade snacks that can be munched one by one or by the handful are simple to assemble while still achieving that personal touch. Shredded cheese baked with a light herb and chopped nuts crisp up into a light chip to munch. Wonton wrappers can be stuffed with almost anything, like crab and cream cheese, Mexican corn salsa and classic pork and shrimp combinations, then fried to create fresh, crispy treats without tasting like they've spent time in a freezer. For a sweeter treat, consider a popular, powdered sugar-coated party snack known as puppy chow, which is really a square rice cereal, like Chex Mix, mixed with melted chocolate, peanut butter and a few other ingredients. Nothing tastes quite like homemade caramel corn as another crunchy party snack favorite; the kernels retain a chewy quality that complements the crunch when it's pulled from the oven.

Tags: chopped tomatoes, cream cheese, mixed with, party they, served with, snacks that, unexpected treat

Party Snacks For Children

If you're planning a children's party, food choice can be an important part of the event, particularly if it is a theme party, in which case your food should fit the mood. Before the event, always talk to the other children's parents to learn about any potential food allergies the children may suffer from and ask your children what food they would like so you can make them feel special. Does this Spark an idea?

Pigs in a Blanket

Finger foods are generally a good idea, because it eliminates the need for plates and forks. By wrapping hot dogs or cocktail weenies in crescent roll dough and then baking the treats, you're making a filling treat that's easy to eat on the move.

Blizzard Party Mix

This party mix is less messy because it sticks together in clumps and kids love the sweet and salty flavor combination. In a large bowl, mix corn cereal squares with pretzel twists, candy-coated chocolates, peanuts (these can be left out if any guests have allergies) and small caramel bits.

Microwave one package of white chocolate chips until all lumps are removed and then pour the chocolate over the mix and blend. Pour the mixture into a pre-greased baking pan and let sit until the chocolate is completely cool. Break into bite-sized pieces.

Taco Cups

Buy bowl-shaped tortilla chips and fill them with a small scoop of beans, a bit of ground beef, a sprinkling of cheese, a small squirt of mild salsa, a dollop of sour cream and then top it all off with an olive.

Veggie Trays

It can be tough to get kids to eat their veggies, especially at a party. But when you select some of their favorites, like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, celery and carrots and serve them with ranch dip, hummus and cheese sauce, you'll be surprised how many kids will happily munch down on these healthy snacks.

Fizzy Punch

This punch is a refreshing drink that tickles the tongue but has no caffeine. To make it, combine two packages of unsweetened cherry drink mix, 1 cup of sugar, a can of orange juice concentrate, a large can of pineapple juice, 1/2 gallon of water and 2 liters of ginger ale or lemon lime soda. If you aren't concerned about sugar intake, a few scoops of rainbow sherbet can provide a foamy, creamy flavor addition to the mix.

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Urban Radio Stations In Savannah Georgia

A variety of radio stations in Savannah, Georgia play urban music.

Urban radio stations play primarily hip-hop and R&B music whether it is considered old school or new school. These radio stations are located in Savannah, Georgia and play hip-hop and R&B music and have a variety of disk jockeys and radio personalities that host different segments.

E93 FM

E93 FM is an urban radio station in Savannah, Georgia that is self-proclaimed as Savannah's hip-hop and R&B Leader. Rickey Smiley hosts the Rickey Smiley Morning Show between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. followed by Dougie Stylz from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the "Big Dawg", Kenya Cabine, between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Lil Geezy hosts a show between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. On Fridays, Fat Man Scoop and DJ Mr. Vince hosts the radio between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.; on Saturdays, DJ Mike Fresh hosts the radio from Club E93 from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. On Sundays, Lester Leck White hosts Family Gospel between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. followed by the 106th and Park Countdown between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

E93 FM

214 Television Circle

Savannah, GA 31406

912-961-9000

e93fm.com

Love 101.1 FM

Love 101.1 FM is another urban radio station located in Savannah, Georgia. Terrence Bibb hosts the Terrence Bibb show week days between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and focuses on playing both old school and current R&B music. Patty Jackson is also on during this time on Mondays through Saturdays with entertainment news. Tom Joyner hosts the Tom Joyner Morning Show during the week days from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Doug Banks hosts the Doug Banks Show weekdays between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Other personalities on this radio station include Renee Taylor, DeDe, Keith Sweat, KJ Brooks, Frankie Darcell and Jo Jo.

Love 101.1 FM

WLVH-FM

245 Alfred St.

Savannah, GA 31408

912-231-1011

love1011.com

94.1 The Beat

Another urban radio station in Savannah, Georgia is 94.1 The Beat. Russ Parr hosts the Russ Parr Morning Show every weekday between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Alfredas and Shaqwana run the show with him along with the sports reporter, SupaKen. Mahogany is the host between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and plays an hour of old school hip-hop and R&B. Chase hosts the Afternoon Throwdown on weekdays between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Sundays between 8:00 p.m. and midnight, he hosts the Sunday Heartbeats. Wild Wayne hosts a segment on Sundays between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Other hosts include T-Roy, Shamara and Golden Girl.

94.1 The Beat

WQBT-FM

245 Alfred St.

Savannah, GA 31408

912-947-0941

941thebeat.com

Tags: Savannah Georgia, radio station, Morning Show, urban radio station, Alfred Savannah, Alfred Savannah 31408, between followed

Party Punch Drinks

Make non-alcoholic punches for gatherings.

Whether entertaining a house full of kids, family members or friends, you can prepare numerous non-alcoholic party punches that everyone can drink. In addition, party punches are a substitute for carbonated soda drinks and can save money for large gatherings. Most punch drinks take less than 20 minutes to make and are ready to serve once you combine all the ingredients. Many of the ingredients most people already have in their refrigerator or freezer. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Pineapple Ginger Ale Punch

Pineapple ginger ale punch is a citrus fruit drink. Mix a can of unsweetened pineapple juice, 12 cups of orange sherbet and softened raspberry in a punch bowl. Then combine two bottles of chilled ginger ale in the same bowl and stir until it is consistent.

Fruit Punch

For those who enjoy fruity punches, add flavored drink mix for a tangy, tasty drink. Mix two packages of red drink mix in a cup of water and do not add sugar. Allow the drink to cool to room temperature and set aside. Combine 16 cups of soda water, 1 can of frozen pineapple juice concentrate, 1 can of frozen lemonade concentrate and the cooled red drink in a large bowl. Place ice cubes in the drink to keep the fruit punch cold.

Tangerine Lemonade Punch

Tangerine lemonade punch has a hint of white grape juice for the festivities. Combine 2 frozen cans of lemonade concentrate, 6 1/2 cups of tangerine juice concentrate and about 6 1/2 cups of white grape juice and stir until all ingredients combine. Before serving your guests, add 3 cups of soda water or add until you have the taste you desire.

Banana Punch

Start to boil 7 cups of water and 3 1/2 cups of sugar for five minutes. Mix five bananas in a blender. Combine the sugar water, bananas, 6 oz. of frozen lemonade, 6 oz. of frozen orange juice concentrate and 46 oz. of pineapple juice concentrate in a bowl and freeze the mixture. At least two to three hours before serving the guests place 4 cups of lemon-lime soda in the mixture and add an assortment of fruit, such as pineapples, cherries, apples and grapes in the bowl.

Summer Punch Delight

Enjoy summer punch delight as you relax with friends. Add 10 cups of water in a punch bowl, 12 oz. of frozen pineapple juice, 12 oz. of mango juice, 12 oz. of frozen lemonade and 12 oz. of orange juice concentrate without the pulp. Stir all ingredients together. Before serving add 3 cups of frozen sherbet to keep the punch cold.

Berry Lime Punch

Add 1 cup of frozen lime sherbet to a punch bowl. Combine 1 cup of cranberry juice concentrate, 1 cup of fresh pureed raspberries and 1 cup of lemonade juice concentrate in a blender and pour it in the punch bowl. Add 1 cup of ginger ale or apple cider to the mixture and stir slowly. Serve immediately.

Island Surprise

Cut the peel or skin off 10 kiwis, 10 mangoes and 10 large strawberries. Combine all three in a blender until the mixture appears smooth. Place 6 oz. of frozen lemonade, 6 oz. of pineapple juice concentrate and 6 oz. of cranberry juice concentrate in a punch bowl. Pour the fruit concoction from the blender in the punch bowl. Stir rapidly. Place ice cubes in the bowl to keep the drink cold.

Tags: juice concentrate, punch bowl, pineapple juice, frozen lemonade, pineapple juice concentrate, Before serving

Party Places To Rent For Kids

Renting a place for your child's party makes planning easy.

In today's fast paced and hectic world, planning a party for your child can feel overwhelming. Renting a facility for the party is an ideal solution. There are many entertaining places to rent for parties that can fit just about anyone's budget and can accommodate any age group of children. Does this Spark an idea?

Museums

Whether you live in a large metropolitan area or a small rural location, there is usually some type of museum nearby. Museums, both small and large, have children's party programs available that allow you rent the museum for a period of time. During your time, the museum staff will provide activities pertaining to the museum for your guests. Many museums also provide supervision, a gift for your child, refreshments, cake and discount coupons to the museum for guests.

Sports Facilities

There are a multitude of sports facilities that you can rent for your child's party. Options range from miniature golf and children's gyms, like The Little Gym, Jungle Gymz, or My Gym, to sports complexes, batting cages, golf driving ranges, skating rinks and bowling alleys for older kids. Most sports oriented places available for rent will have supervision, and may offer a private room or space you can serve refreshments and have other party activities.

Water

Swimming facilities, water parks and marinas are ideal places to rent for your child's party, particularly during the summer months. Swimming clubs, the YMCA and country clubs usually will rent the facility for two to three hours. Water parks also have rental packages for parties that may also include supervised activities, refreshments and favors. Marinas rent boats for mini-cruises around a lake or bay, and may even offer rentals for water skiing and jet skiing.

For Girls

For your little girl's party, rent a tea room and have a tea party. Retail stores like American Girl and Build A Bear offer party programs that do all the preparation and planning for you. Older girls will enjoy time at a spa to have a massage, makeover or manicure, or you can rent a dance studio with an instructor to teach the latest dance moves.

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For Boys

Places boys particularly enjoy that you can rent for a party are paintball facilities, laser tag, bumper cars, go-karts, rock climbing and BMX racetracks. Check to make sure of age requirements and safety before renting. Although there may be some girls that enjoy martial arts, renting a martial arts studio with an instructor will be a hit with the boys.

Tags: your child, child party, your child party, martial arts, parties that

Party Marketing Coordinator Job Description

Party coordinators provide information that impacts multiple areas of business.

Party coordinators help make parties special for customers, and help build continued business for companies. Coordinators might also be hired under titles including special events coordinator or assistant. Party coordinator positions are found in restaurants, at hotels, among party rental and supply companies, and in public relations and events management agencies.

Booking and Inquiry Response

The party coordinator is often the chief source of contact for inquiries from potential customers and clients. The coordinator must be proficient in all party services provided, including food, beverages, entertainment and pricing. If a "party package" of services is provided, the coordinator must make every effort to maximize sales and efficiency of choices by promoting packages to help those who inquiry make their selections for services.

Confirming Reservations

The party coordinator must track, monitor, manage and confirm reservations. This is especially important for party coordinators who hold positions at restaurants and entertainment venues. If guests provide an RSVP online, the coordinator should track responses on a daily basis, and even hourly as the party date approaches. The coordinator will be relied upon to make sure that deposits are made on time, and that the hosting facility has the appropriate personnel, food and other requirements to meet the needs of party guests on the date of the party.

Inventory Projections

The party planner must alert every department involved about inventory needs. For example, a party planner in a hotel would alert the restaurant about projected food needed for large parties and the menu selected for special items such as seafood that might have to be specially ordered. A party planner at a nightclub would alert the head of the bar to increase orders for beverages needed to host a Martini party. The party coordinator for a furniture rental company would alert the inventory controllers about needs for additional chairs to supply an outdoor wedding or reception.

Scheduling Rooms and Facilities

Scheduling is a major responsibility for the party coordinator. This task is important to making sure that space is reserved for party rooms inside of restaurants, hotels, and other venues. The coordinator must also be skilled at providing customers with options on other dates if facilities or equipment are booked in order to lessen the chance of missing business to competitors.

Serve as Company "Ambassador"

Party services and facilities are a major revenue source for restaurants, equipment and supply providers and entertainers. Party coordinators should be at each party event and take time to gauge the level of customer satisfaction among guests. To be proactive, a party coordinator can even conduct a survey among guests after the event and provide the company with feedback and responses to quantify interest, improve services and identify areas to increase party business opportunities.

Post-party Follow-up

Party coordinators are also assigned to conduct follow-up efforts. Coordinators contact the party host customer to get feedback. They obtain information on the level of satisfaction, problems and concerns. Party coordinators should have skills to get the "good with the bad." If there is a problem, they should know acknowledge it and report the issue to management. They should also be skillful in asking customers for ideas and suggestions for improvement. The company needs the information that the party coordinator supplies to make adjustments and improvements to products, policies and marketing efforts.

Tags: Party coordinators, coordinator must, party coordinator, party coordinator, party planner

Party Ideas For A Sweet Sixteen In The Backyard

Have a Hawaiian luau to help your teen celebrate sweet sixteen.

The sweet sixteenth birthday represents a milestone for many girls. Often it's when they begin to drive, and graduation isn't far around the corner. Even as these teens mature many retain a playful kid's heart. To honor both sides of adolescence, plan a party that speaks to both. Serve barbeque and outdoor-friendly foods and indulge in an element of play. Most importantly, celebrate this significant birthday in style. Does this Spark an idea?

The Bard

For a drama-lover turning sweet sixteen, celebrate in grand theatrical style with the ultimate in grand theatre such as created by Shakespeare himself. To create a Shakespearean birthday area start by putting up an outdoor stage. Many rental companies hire this kind of equipment plus outdoor canopies and stage lights. Make theatrical banners and posters featuring pictures of Shakespeare's plays. Affix the posters to the side of the house. Use free-standing adjustable banner stands like the kind used at corporate expos to hang the banners. You also have the option of hanging the banners from the top ceiling bars of the canopy.

If you'd like to create a stage curtain for this set up, you can hang some PVC pipe from the canopy bars using thick, but pliable wire. Attach a lightweight curtain that's long enough to reach the stage floor from the pipe. Some shower curtains are light enough for this and other curtains feature interesting patterns and textures. Play 16th century music and read passages from Shakespeare's plays or sonnets. Make scroll-shaped invitations and party favors and invite the guests to come dressed in period costumes.

Hawaiian Luau

A Hawaiian-themed party allows you to serve up the fatted calf---or pig in this case---to your teen on her sweet sixteen. If your backyard is big enough, you can dig a luau pit and roast a pig. If not, then serve baked ham you've prepared in a smoker, along with barbequed cocktail sausages with chunks of pineapple and sliced vegetables on skewers. Set up tiki torches around the yard and break out the inflatable palm trees. Play songs celebrating Hawaii like Elvis' "Blue Hawaii". Encourage your daughter's guests to dance by providing them with grass skirts and Hawaiian leis.

Pretty in Pink

Turn your backyard into a pink wonderland for the girl who loves all things pink. Set out card tables adorned with pink tablecloths and hang pink Chinese lanterns and streamers on trees. Hang posters of the movie "Pretty in Pink" on the back door or on the side walls of a carport or shed. Serve an assortment of pink foods and drinks like pink lemonade and cake with pink frosting. Send the guests away with little pink bags full of soaps and other toiletries.

Tags: Pretty Pink, Shakespeare plays, sweet sixteen, with pink, your backyard, your teen

Party Ideas For 12th Grade Graduate

Cap and dipolma

Sometimes coming up with party ideas for a 12th grade graduate can be difficult, especially if you are trying to plan a party for your fourth child to graduate. If you've never planned a graduation party, it can be a little intimidating. Here are some graduation party ideas that are sure to help you honor your graduate's accomplishments and hopes for the future. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors of Transition

To celebrate the graduate's move from high school to college, decorate with a blend of the colors of both schools. Use school banners and posters to display the colors of both high school and college. Set up a display table to exhibit keepsakes from high school and information about the college he will be attending.

Sports and Glory

If your daughter has been involved in numerous school activities and/or sports teams, then the natural theme would be to decorate with the school colors. Incorporate sports equipment, the school's mascot, the cheerleader pompoms and any awards, medals and trophies that she earned. A nice way to do this is to set aside a table with a framed 8x10 photo of your senior, surrounded by all the evidence of her successes, including different team photos.

Friends Forever

Go in with the parents of a couple of your graduate's best friends and plan a joint party. Decorate with photos of the friends together in different situations. This party is a good way to ensure that more guests will be able to attend, instead of having to choose between your party and another one across town.

All About You

You might remember the old television show "This is Your Life," where the guest honoree would be surprised by family, friends and acquaintances. Each would share some memory of the guest from babyhood to the present, usually guaranteed to cause the most embarrassment or to highlight some special trait or quality of the honoree. Decorate with large blow-up photos of the graduate from birth to graduation.

Bravely Into the Future

The focus of this graduation party should be on the graduate's future plans. Has your graduate been accepted to some Ivy League college with the intent to begin a study of law or medicine? If so, decorate with items that reflect the legal field, such as a gavel or the balancing scales; or that reflect the medical profession, such as a microscope, stethoscope and a medical bag. Use the new schools color and mascot in the decorations and on the cake.

These party ideas for a 12th grade graduate can be tweaked in any way to make them personal and reflect the graduate's accomplishments and hopes for the future.

Tags: graduation party, high school, party ideas, your graduate, 12th grade, 12th grade graduate

Party Games For Senior Adults

When hosting a party for senior adults, it's a good idea to have some games prepared that are suited to their interests and abilities, and that will provide an easy way for the group to socialize and have some fun. Of the seemingly endless list of party games, there are at least a few that you can feel confident will appeal to many senior adults. Giving out little gifts to the winners--or raffle tickets for a few nice gifts you'll award when all the games are done--adds a bit of delight and additional competitive spirit to the games. Does this Spark an idea?

Picture Matching

Have all the guests bring pictures from their childhood or young adulthood, and place them on a table. Once everyone has arrived and placed their pictures, the group can start trying to match them to their owners. Giving out little gifts for the first and most correct guesses adds a bit of delight to the activity.

Bingo

Set up a bingo game for your guests but, rather than using numbers, try using words that relate to the era in which your guests grew up. Some ideas include popular movie titles, singers, hairstyles and song titles. Print these words on bingo cards at random, and also have each word or phrase on a piece of paper in a hat. Pick one word or phrase from the hat at a time and read it out to your guests. Those who have that word or phrase on their bingo cards can cross it off. The winner is the first person to create a bingo pattern on his card. Typical bingo patterns are five numbers in a row across the card, either diagonally, horizontally or vertically.

Trivia

Split your guests into at least three groups of equal number. Read out trivia questions relating to past decades and have each team write its answer on a piece of paper without calling it out. When you have finished all the questions, collect each team's answer sheet and award one point for each correct answer. The team with the most correct answers is the winner.

Name That Tune

Play a selection of old songs and have each guest write down the title on a piece of paper until you're done. The best tune-namer wins.

Tags: your guests, have each, piece paper, word phrase, bingo cards, each team, Giving little

Multiplayer Games That You Can Play Against Other Human Players

Thanks to the emphasis on motion-controlled gaming despite online gaming's considerable popularity, "social gaming" remains a vital form of entertainment, providing great company and "memories" for players to enjoy for years. Many multiplayer games exist, some panning many genres and play-styles. The Nintendo Wii hosts many of these games, some remaining compatible with the Nintendo GameCube.

Mario Party

A virtual board game featuring the Mario series characters, Mario Party allows up to four players to engage in fast and fun gameplay on six unique "game boards." Randomly chosen mini-games set the stage where you and your friends must battle it out for coins in order to purchase the most "Stars" to win the game. Although eight versions of the game exist, Mario Party 4 through Mario Party 8 remain compatible with the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo GameCube.

Star Fox: Assault

Originally noted for its single-player campaign, Star Fox: Assault has a multiplayer mode. Four players can choose from six characters and several stages pitting you and your friends against one another, using weapons familiar to the game's single-player campaign. Another feature includes the ability to adjust the game rules, such as changing regular "kills" into "instant kills." Star Fox: Assault remains compatible with the Nintendo GameCube and Nintendo Wii.

Wii Sports

A "pack-in" game for the Nintendo Wii console, Wii Sports features simplified versions of golf, bowling, baseball, bowling and tennis, designed for play with the Nintendo Wii remote and nunchuck. You and your friends can use your own "Mii" from the "Mii Channel" to serve as your on-screen character. Wii Sports keeps track of your skill (compared to the computer players) in the form of points, awarding you with "Pro" rank and a special Mii "emblem" if you reach 1,000 points.

Super Monkey Ball

Super Monkey Ball features a "Main," "Party" and "Mini" game mode where up to four players roll their chosen monkey through several dozen courses, three party games and several mini-games, later unlocked after completing the "Main" game. The unique "momentum" based gameplay makes playing each course challenging, keeping you and your friends on the edge as you clear each stage. Super Monkey Ball remains compatible with both Nintendo GameCube and Nintendo Wii.

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Party Favor Making Ideas

Save money by making your own party favors.

Homemade party favors give your event a personalized touch. Handmade favors can help you cut costs, and many require very few materials to make. Choose a party favor that is relevant to your parties themes and incorporate your event's colors, as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Decorative Jars

You can make decorative jars and fill them with various things to give as centerpieces. Take an empty jar and fill it with potpourri, sand, colored macaroni, coffee beans or homemade jam. You can then cover the jar with a piece of cloth slightly bigger than the top of the jar. Tie the cloth onto the jar's rim with a colored ribbon, raffia or strip of lace.

Edible

Edible favors can easily be made in large quantities. Consider favors like cookies, mini cupcakes, brownies or fudge. Decorate the favors with your event's colors and place them in beautiful boxes. If you choose to give an edible favor, it is important that the presentation is done tastefully. Use a decorative box and wrap it with ribbon that matches your event's colors.

Recipe Cards

If you're throwing a cooking party, recipe cards can be an easy party favor fitted to your event. Write down the recipes of each aspect of your meal. Punch holes in the top left corner of each card and tie them together with a metal ring so that your guests can save the cards and easily flip through them. Decorate the menu cards with bold colors.

Something That Grows

You can give your guests a gift that grows. By taking a small terra cotta pot and filling it with dirt, you can plant flower seeds for your guests and wrap the pots in pretty cloth bags. Let your guests know that with the proper care, their favors will grow into beautiful flowers. Consider hand-painting the pots for an even more personalized touch.

Floral Teacup

For bridal showers, baby showers for girls or women's parties, floral teacups are delicate and tasteful favors. Use tiny, antique teacups and fill them with silk or real flowers. Consider using roses by cutting off the stem and only placing the flower inside. Use about three flowers per teacup.

Tags: your event, your guests, event colors, your event colors, fill them, fill them with, flowers Consider

Party Favor Ideas For School Christmas Parties

Christmas tree ornaments are one possibility for holiday party favors.

School holiday parties can be both a lot of fun and a great opportunity for kids to socialize and celebrate their traditions, as long as all the planning has been done beforehand. If you are in the middle of planning a holiday party and you have hit "party favors" on your to-do list, there are a few directions in which you can go. Does this Spark an idea?

Mementos and Decorative Items

Items such as photo albums and picture frames make good party favors because they are small, economical and can be given to anyone in a group. They appeal to teenagers because they can easily be used to display mementos and personalize a space such as a bedroom or locker. The same is true of Christmas ornaments, creative book stops, such as those resembling animals, and snow globes.

Games

Small games, puzzle books and novelty items such as decks of playing cards or hand-held pinball machines can fit the bill for younger children. These small gifts can be wrapped and given out to groups of kids, who tend to enjoy them because they can be taken on trips and offer enough challenge to hold young attention spans. Timeless classics such as the Rubik's Cube or new favorites such as magnetic Sudoku puzzles may also be good choices.

Accessories

Accessories such as canvas handbags, friendship bracelets, backpack tags, keychains and headbands make good gifts because they can be added with ease to party packs. Both teens and younger children enjoy these kinds of gifts because they are visually appealing and can be mixed and matched with other items to create a unique look.

Edible Treats

For kids, the best part of any holiday party is often the goodies that come with it. Some of these gift items might include chocolate kisses, holiday-themed mint tins, candy tree decorations and instant hot chocolate mixes, each of which are small treats that can be purchased in large or small quantities. Party guests can enjoy these treats on the spot, save them for later or share them with friends. The other option is to bake treats such as cookies, brownies and cupcakes ahead of time.

Tags: because they, holiday party, party favors, enjoy these, gifts because

Party Decoration Ideas With Big Margarita Glasses

Margarita Glass

Margarita are popular for adult parties, pool parties and beach-themed parties. Most standard size margarita glasses hold around 12 fluid oz.---larger glasses can hold as much as a quarter of a gallon of liquid. Big margarita glasses can serve both as decorative accents and functional pieces for guests to enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?

Party Favors

One way to decorate with big margarita glasses is to set them alongside the guest's table settings. Each glass can be decorated for guests to use and take home. You can add wrapped candy, trail mix, chocolate-covered raisins and nuts, and dinner mints to the glass for guests to enjoy. The glasses can also be filled with a margarita and a small card attached with the recipe for the drink. Dry packets of pre-made margarita mix can also be added to glasses---this allows the guests to take the glass home and make their own margarita.

Centerpieces

Centerpieces made with margarita glasses are popular for "Margaritaville"-themed parties and tropical parties. They can also be painted to match the party theme. Acrylic paint can be applied to a clean, clear glass with a paintbrush. Some design options include parrots, sombreros, red chilies, pink flamingos, flip-flops and cacti. Tiny plastic toys from bulk party supply stores such as Oriental Trading or Party City can be used to fill the glasses in the center of the table. Some examples of fillers are chili peppers, palm trees, surfboards, tropical fish, beach monkeys, flamingos and parrots. Colorful confetti can be scattered around the table and at the bottom of the glasses. The big margarita glass can also be filled up with wax, with a wick inside to create a tropical candle.

Food and Drink

Big margarita glasses can also be used to serve food. For an ice cream social, the glasses can be used as dishes. Sorbet or vanilla bean ice cream can be served in large margarita glasses, and toppings can be placed in large glasses at the center of the table for guests to serve themselves. Nuts, toppings, sprinkles and crushed Oreo cookies can be lined up in different glasses with small serving spoons. Palm tree or margarita glass confetti can be scattered at the base of the glasses. For a salsa bar, each large glass can be filled with different varieties of salsa and hot sauce. A sombrero or large wicker basket can be used to hold tortilla chips. Large margarita glasses can also be filled with bright-colored candy such as M&M's, Hot Tamales, Red Hots or candy corn for decorative flair.

Tags: margarita glasses, filled with, also filled, also filled with, glasses also, center table

Party Decorating Ideas For A 16th Birthday

Party Decorating Ideas for a 16th Birthday

Turning 16 has been a milestone for young girls for several generations now. Sixteen somehow feels more grownup than 15, with the privilege of driving and busy social life that tends to come with the territory. Adulthood is only two years off, along with all the possibilities of education, career, family and freedom that it brings. Help your daughter to feel extra special on her 16th birthday by planning a party she will never forget. Does this Spark an idea?

Ladylike Fun

Invite your daughter's friends to come dressed in formal attire for an elegant and ladylike formal dinner at your home. Buy your daughter a special evening gown and then prepare a gourmet dinner she will never forget. Page through French or Italian cookbooks and pick out appetizers, main courses and desserts that interest her. Play classical music in the background, bring out the fine china and treat your daughter and her friends like the delightful young women they are.

Car Full of Fun

Hosting a car party is the ideal party for a young girl who is receiving her first car as her sweet 16 birthday present. Fill the car with all of the ingredients for a party including music, movies, snacks and party gifts. Invite your daughter's friends over and then surprise them by driving the party car into the driveway to get the party started. Make the car extra special by putting a bow on top or decorating it with streamers.

Spa Party Bliss

Teenagers today are under a lot of pressure between school, jobs, community involvement and social lives. Pamper your busy teen with a spa party retreat for her and one or two of her closest friends. Book them massages, pedicures, manicures and facials at a local spa. If the spa has a juice bar or restaurant, include a gift card for purchasing healthy foods to complete the spa experience.

Night on the Town

If your teen could use a night to let loose with her friends and forget her cares, plan a night on the town for her and her friends. Look for a religious or family oriented club that has a night geared towards teens. Drop the kids off for some fun and then let them go out for late night breakfast at a 24-hour diner before coming home to retire for the evening.

Tags: your daughter, daughter friends, your daughter friends, Decorating Ideas, Decorating Ideas 16th, extra special, Ideas 16th

Party City & Scavenger Hunt Ideas

A treasure-inspired scavenger hunt is an ideal activity for a pirate-themed birthday party.

A scavenger hunt is an activity that can keep guests occupied for anywhere from 20 minutes to hours. It's a versatile activity, as it can be adapted to just about any age group, from the very young to their parents and grandparents. Although a scavenger hunt is relatively easy to plan and execute, it does require some preparation and supplies. These supplies can be found at most party stores, including Party City, a chain with 600 locations across the United States. Does this Spark an idea?

Hidden Treasures

If you are planning a scavenger hunt for young children, stage it at your home or in an outdoor space that you and a few other parents can supervise. This will eliminate the safety concerns of having children going to other people's homes in search of the items on their list. Hide items such as candy, slinky toys, bracelets, magnets, stickers, mininotebooks, stickers, bubbles, pencils and balls. If you are having a themed party, such as a pirates birthday party, hide items related to the theme. Items for a pirates party might include a gold coin, an eye patch or a small sailing ship. Most items needed for a children's scavenger hunt can be found at party-supply stores, including Party City.

Organizational Materials

An overall theme can drive a scavenger hunt, as well as the rest of the celebration. As the party host, you have an endless number of themes from which to choose. A group of adolescent boys might enjoy a pizza party. Send them on a hunt for ingredients needed to make a pizza. Decorate your party space like a pizza parlor. Pick up invitations, checked tablecloths, plastic cutlery and other items you need at a party-supply store. Party City offers invitations featuring a pepperoni pizza.

Couple a luau party for adults with a related scavenger hunt. Send partygoers out for the ingredients needed for a spicy barbecue sauce. Plastic tablecloths, paper plates, cutlery and Hawaiian-themed decorations are available at large stores including Party City.

Prizes

Those on the winning team of your scavenger hunt will be eager to get their prizes. Keep them relatively inexpensive and related to your party theme. Small stuffed animals are an option for a carnival-themed party for young children. Give small bottles of nail polish to the winners of a teens' makeover party. Consider giving the winners a collection of small items in gift bags or boxes. For a children's party, prize bags could include small balls, bubbles and other novelties, which can be found at Party City and other party-supply stores. Party City offers small bags and boxes in an array of themes, ranging fire truck and SpongeBob to Chinese takeout.

Tags: scavenger hunt, Party City, including Party, including Party City, stores including, stores including Party

Party Activities For Senior Citizens

BINGO is just one party activity for senior citizens.

Organizing party activities for a group of senior citizens offers you a wider variety of options than you may expect. Group activities are an ideal way to add structure to your party and allow seniors to bond over lighthearted entertainment. When selecting party activities for seniors, it is also important to keep in mind what is appropriate for their age range. Does this Spark an idea?

Hot Potato

Gather everyone in a circle and have them pass around a small, lightweight box while music (big band or western swing would be appropriate) plays in the background. Once the music stops, the player holding the box must take out a slip of paper from inside the box and perform the silly activity written on the slip. For example, the directions could read "Talk like Donald Duck" and the last player holding the box would have to speak in quacks like the famous Disney character.

Name That Tune

Program a mix of appropriate song clips to play at the party and have everyone guess the artist and song title. For a group of senior citizens, an ideal mix would include big band (Duke Ellington), jazz (Billie Holiday), pop vocal (Frank Sinatra) and classic country (Roger Miller). For prizes, you can give everyone copies of the mix featuring the full length songs used for the game.

Auction Party

Holding an auction party is a good way for senior citizens to unload some clutter or offer up valuables with the proceeds going to themselves or a favorite charity. Auction parties are ideal for larger groups as there will be more items and more participants to bid on each item. There are several different types of auctions that you can choose from. For example, if you want it to be subdued, you can hold a silent auction where all of the bids are written down and the winners are determined at the end of the auction without the presence of an auctioneer.

Trivia Night

Playing trivia is a fun way to exercise the brain and allows seniors an opportunity to bond over their shared history. Ask questions that cater to an older group and that cover a variety of topics such as politics, history, fashion, cars and arts and entertainment. For example, trivia questions about Doris Day movies, the Bay of Pigs and Studebaker sedans are more appropriate for a group of senior citizens than trivia questions about Justin Bieber.

Tags: group senior, group senior citizens, senior citizens, bond over, player holding, questions about, senior citizens

Pirate Ship Tours In And Near San Diego

A tour aboard a pirate ship can be enjoyable for adults as well as kids.

Despite having a large population and being only a little over an hour from Los Angeles, San Diego maintains a sleepy, beach community personality. Its location on the southern California coast not only attracts tourists year-round who want explore the city's beaches, Mexican restaurants and attractions like Sea World, but it also attracts kids and adults interested in having a pirate ship experience. A few vessels are maintained in San Diego that are used to introduce kids and adults alike to the golden age of piracy.

Pirate Camp

The San Diego Summer Pirate Camp for Kids is an annual event that sells out fast, as it gives children aged 6 to 10 an opportunity to live like pirates for a week. The camp runs in two summer sessions that are titled "The Adventure of Bluebeard's Lost Treasure" and feature activities aboard a recreated pirate ship. The ship docks at San Diego's Marina Village, where the camp operates an indoor facility decorated like an island pirate hideout complete with tropical trees and huts. Children participate in activities like singing pirate songs, learning read treasure maps and playing pirate games like Dread Pirate and Pirate Cove.

Children also get to make craft items like model pirate ships and miniature pirates, bake pirate cookies, and play on a pirate ship. Two excursions are held on real pirate ships from a chartered tall ship. As part of the first excursion, the campers get to explore the ships and pirate exhibit at San Diego's Maritime Museum. For the second excursion, children get to sail to Pirate Cove at Presidio Park, where they use an old pirate map to locate hidden treasure.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a unique museum that is housed within five ships floating in the San Diego harbor. Its five historic vessels include the Star of India, the Berkeley and the Medea. Kids and parents alike agree the Star of India looks and feels just like a pirate ship, especially with an exhibit inside the ship that depicts the life of pirates in artifacts and movies. Docents provide lectures, and sleepovers are offered on the "pirate" ship at different points during the year. Guests may choose to tour the ships while they are docked or take a day-long adventure cruise aboard one of them.

Pirate Adventure Cruise

San Diego residents and visitors can take a short drive north to Dana Point (about one hour's drive), where families can take a day cruise on a real pirate ship called "The Spirit of Dana Point." Crew members sing songs and entertain passengers with sail rigging, dancing, character acting and ladder climbing aboard a 118-foot schooner that is a replica of a real pirate ship. The cruise travels 3 to 5 miles every weekend and lasts two and a half hours, during which passengers are given an opportunity to be part of the ship's crew by pulling rope and raising sails.

Pirate's Dinner Adventure Theater

Located in Buena Park a city near Long Beach about two hours' drive north of San Diego county, Pirate's Dinner Adventure Theater is a dinner and entertainment experience that transports guests back into the days of privateering through piracy. Guests board a pirate ship and take a seat, to be entertained with a show while they eat. Appetizers and drinks (at an additional cost) are available. Dinner includes chicken or beef brisket, rice or mashed potatoes, soup or salad and bread.

Tags: pirate ship, Maritime Museum, real pirate, Adventure Theater, Dana Point, Diego Maritime

Parasailing In Kona Hawaii

Parasail charters are available at the Kailua-Kona pier on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Intrepid visitors to the Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii looking for a sightseeing option beyond the ordinary may want to consider parasailing. Travelers do not even have to get wet as they look down on the island coastline. The trained guides can help them each step of the way as they ascend and descend for their flight.

Flying Altitude

A standard ride with UFO Parasailing, the sole parasail operator on Kona, will take the flier out for approximately eight minutes to an altitude near 600 feet. A deluxe ride will keep the flier up in the air for more than 10 minutes at up to 800 feet into the air for island and beach views.

Observers

Nonflying observers may accompany the flier in the charter boat at certain times and if space is available. A nonflying observer fee will be charged and safety life vest will be issued.

Experience Necessary

No experience is necessary to parasail on Kailua-Kona with UFO Parasailing. Trained guides will instruct fliers pre-flight and will point out all safety issues and check flight gear.

Weight and Age Restrictions

Parasailing fliers must be at least 6 years old to enjoy a parasail flight. An observer must be at least 3 years of age to observe. Single fliers going up alone must weigh 130 pounds. Up to three flyers may fly in tandem not to exceed 450 total pounds. Expectant mothers are not allowed to fly.

UFO Parasailing Company

UFO Parasailing company is a year-round recreational service provider operating out of Kailua-Kona pier on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Tags: Island Hawaii, Kailua-Kona pier, Kailua-Kona pier Island, least years, must least

Paper Plate Wedding Ideas

Use decorative wedding plates at your wedding reception.

Spend your wedding budget on important things like a special wedding gown and dream honeymoon. Drop the posh dishware rental for some quality paper plates to improve your bottom line. Party and wedding suppliers provide sturdy, colorful plates for a percentage of the cost of traditional china. With paper plates, you will eliminate the need for transporting and returning expensive dishes.

Color Contrast

Purchase contrasting plates to dress up the dinner tables. Choose a large plate in a dark color to serve as a charger. Set a light-colored plate on top as the dinner plate. Above the plate settings on the left, place a small cake plate in a bold color. Color examples are dark raspberry for the charger, shiny silver for the dinner plate and light pink for the dessert plate. Tie the tabletop design together with a floral centerpiece that combines those colors. Other good color schemes include chocolate brown, light blue and dark blue. Some companies offer napkins that match the colors of the plates. Pick one napkin color to tie the set together.

Specialty Plates

Order paper plates printed with the couple's last name initial. Pick a plate color that matches the bride's wedding colors. Choose gold or silver as the monogram color. Glue some of the monogrammed plates onto wooden skewers and tuck those into wedding centerpieces. Alternatively, print the couple's first names or a special message on the plates. Order a fancy calligraphy script or font that dresses up the plates. Ask for a fancy border like Greek blocks to be printed around the edge. Select plates that have a special shape, texture or embossing. Wedding ring plates or elegant rectangular plates create a one-of-a-kind table setting.

Themed Plates

Pick oriental-style square plates if sushi is on the wedding menu. Add chopsticks to the place settings by laying them across the center. For couples heading to an exotic honeymoon location, choose a theme relevant to the honeymoon. For example, couples heading for Paris would enjoy plates featuring the Eiffel Tower.

Tags: paper plates, couples heading, dinner plate, your wedding

Proper Etiquette For A Graduation Announcement Email

Proper Etiquette for a Graduation Announcement Email

Graduating is an honor and serious accomplishment, whether it's from high school or college. Share your accomplishment with loved ones by sending announcements. Announcements simply announce the event and do not serve as invitations to the graduation or associated parties. Announcement cards are considered more proper than email announcements; however, emailing announcements is acceptable if you follow certain etiquette guidelines.

Information to Include

Design an announcement on your computer to email to friends and family to announce your graduation. Include pictures that tell the story of your achievement, along with the details of your accomplishment. List the school that you're graduation from, the date of the ceremony and any special honors or awards you'll be receiving. The announcement is not the same thing as an invitation, so send a separate invitation if you are inviting the recipient to the ceremony or a celebratory party.

Time frame

Send out your graduation announcements as soon as possible. Six to eight weeks before the graduation is proper if the announcement will be followed by an invitation. If you aren't inviting the recipient to your graduation or party, send it out four to six weeks in advance.

Other Considerations

Hand-written or printed announcements are preferred and considered more proper than email, especially by older people. It might be better to print out your announcement and mail it to older relatives because they may not have computers or email accounts, or may feel disrespected by receiving an announcement through email.

If you are set on using technology to spread word of your achievement, consider building or creating a Web page dedicated to showcasing your journey. Include pictures, stories and an interactive area for friends and family to post their own memories and stories or respond to your posts.

Tags: your graduation, Announcement Email, considered more, considered more proper, Etiquette Graduation, Etiquette Graduation Announcement, friends family

Packing Tips For Walt Disney World

Packing for any trip can be a chore if you don't know what you'll need. Packing for a Walt Disney World trip can be even more difficult: How hot will it be? Will it rain? What about blisters? With a little bit of planning, you'll have everything you need. Remember to leave some extra room in your suitcase for the souvenirs that you'll bring back.

Clothing

How much you pack depends on the time of year that you visit Walt Disney World. During the summer, shorts and T-shirts are a pretty good bet. It might be cooler in the winter, so you may want to dress in layers. Don't assume that it will be hot just because it's Florida. Jeans, a sweatshirt and a windbreaker are advised. A lightweight rain poncho, sold in many dollar stores, is a sensible thing to have. Make sure you bring a hat and sunglasses, as the sun is strong no matter what season you visit. Don't forget your bathing suit for the water parks and the hotel pool.

The most essential item for Walt Disney World trip is a sturdy pair of broken-in walking shoes. Don't buy them the day before; your feet need to be used to them. You might want to bring two pairs of walking shoes in case one pair gets wet in the rain or on Splash Mountain, and pack a pair of water shoes if you're hitting the water parks.

First Aid

There are a few preventative items you will want pack. The second most essential item (after the walking shoes) for your Disney trip is sunscreen. Bring it and use it: You can get sunburn even on a cloudy day.

Also pack bandages, lip balm, aspirin or other pain relievers, and any medication that you may need. You also might want to consider bringing moleskin for blisters. Don't forget the normal items you'd pack for any trip, such as your toothbrush.

Odds and Ends

Pack your camera. Some people prefer to use a disposable camera in the parks so their own camera doesn't get lost. Bring your address book and stamps so you can send postcards. An autograph book from home can save the expense of buying one in the parks, but make sure you have a thick pen, which it makes it easier for the characters to handle in their costumes. You might want to bring a small, empty water bottle to fill up at drinking fountains. A Walt Disney World travel guide also may come in handy. To carry things around the parks, each member of the family should have a hip pack. You'll be amazed at how many you see. A hip pack makes more sense than a backpack or other bag because it can be worn on most rides.

Tags: Disney World, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, might want, walking shoes

Overwater Resorts In The South Pacific

There are several South Pacific destinations offering over water bungalow

With its crystal blue waters, quiet beaches and thatched bungalows, the South Pacific offers the tourist a glimpse of paradise without the bustle and tacky exploitation which has happened at other popular vacation spots like Nassau and Hawaii. One way to enjoy the crystal blue shores is to sleep on them. There are several overwater resorts in Fiji waiting to be discovered.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort

White sand beaches, blue waters and beautiful island forest, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is a calm quiet couples retreat. This resort is located on Malolo Island in the Mamanuca cluster of Fiji's island network. The resort features 10 overwater bungalows complete with wireless Internet, plasma screen television, air conditioning and full kitchen. These peaceful bungalows provide an ideal launching point to explore the island's natural beauty and the resort's accommodations. With rentable canoes, a helipad, a sea plane and miles of pristine beaches, Likuliku Lagoon is a premier destination of Fiji and the only resort in Fiji currently offering overwater bungalows. As of 2010, overwater packages for this resort start at $5,000 for two people over seven days including airfare.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort

PO Box 10044, Nadi Airport, Fiji Islands

+679-672-0978

www.likulikulagoon.com

Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach Resort

To the East of Fiji in French Polynesia lies the Sofitel Moorea Resort. Located off the coast of Tahiti in Maharepa on the less frequented island of Moorea, this resort offers luxurious king size beds, rain shower bathrooms, plasma screen televisions and private terraces for watching breathtaking sunsets or enjoying the morning coffee service. As of 2010, rices at the Sofitel Moorea range from $385 per night off season to $675 per night during the tourist season for overwater bungalows. The hotel also offers a buffet breakfast at an optional additional charge.

Sofitel Moorea La Ora Beach Resort

BP 28 , Moorea , 98728 Maharepa, French Polynesia

+689 551212

www.sofitel.com

Coconuts Beach Resort

Also East of Fiji, the Coconuts Beach Resort located in American Samoa offers overwater comfort and scenery with a less expensive price tag. This resort offers a variety of accommodations, including tree houses, beach fales, and three overwater bungalows. Additionally, the resort offers mountain biking, lagoon kayaking, a full bar, spa and pool. Perhaps the best feature of Coconuts Beach Resort is the low room count. With only 25 rooms total available for rent, finding a quiet spot to appreciate the island is less difficult than at other resorts. Coconuts Beach Resort offers overwater bungalows from $465 per night with a minimum of 3 nights stay.

Coconuts Beach Resort

P.O. Box 3684, Apia, Samoa

685-24849

www.samoa.pacific-resorts.com

Tags: Beach Resort, Coconuts Beach, Coconuts Beach Resort, overwater bungalows, Likuliku Lagoon

Overtime Payroll Laws

Paycheck with overtime pay

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulates the federal laws concerning overtime pay. Each state has a local Department of Labor (DOL) agency, which sets wage laws for their state as well. Often, the state wage laws mirror those set by the FLSA. If not, the employer should use whichever one benefits the employee the most.

Pay Condition

The FLSA notes that if the employer requires the employee to work overtime, then the employee should be receive premium pay for the additional hours worked. Premium pay is applicable to hours worked outside of normal work hours such as overtime, nights, days off or holidays. The employee must have more than 40 regular hours for the week to qualify for overtime pay. The excess hours worked should be paid (at the least) at his overtime rate, which is time and a half of his regular rate.

Weekends/Nights

The FSLA does not require the employer to pay an employee overtime or double-time pay for working nights or weekends unless the hours result in overtime. Aside from this exception, any extra pay for hours worked on weekends or night is between the employer and the employee.

Exemptions

There is an exemption from overtime pay for executive, professional, administrative, certain computer employees and outside sales workers. To be eligible for this exemption, employees must be paid a salary of no less than $455 per week and satisfy certain criteria.

For instance, to be exempt from overtime pay, an executive must meet the salary requirement; his main responsibility must be managing the establishment or a recognized department within the organization; he must supervise the work of two or more full-time workers; and he must have the authority to hire or fire other employees.

Due Date

Overtime pay should be paid with the employee's normal pay. For instance, if an employee has 40 regular hours and 10 overtime hours in a given week, the employer must pay the total hours (50) on the employee's upcoming pay date.

Breaks

The federal law does not require employers to give employees breaks. However, many employers choose to give their employees coffee or snack breaks lasting between 5 and 20 minutes. The federal law views these breaks as paid time. Therefore, if the employee incurs overtime due to his break periods, he should be paid for the extra time at his overtime rate. If the employee takes more break time than his employer allows, he should not be paid for the extra break time taken.

Rounding

When calculating payroll hours, employers round up and down to the nearest quarter hour. For instance, 8:13 a.m. is rounded up to 8:15 a.m. and 5:06 p.m. is rounded down to 5 p.m. If the employee incurs overtime as a result of rounding, he should be paid for the additional time at his overtime rate.

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Outside Wedding Shower Ideas

Outdoor garden area with seating for guests.

Wedding showers traditionally honor a recently-engaged couple. Some couples choose to enjoy a wedding shower rather than a bridal shower, which is a party for the bride and female friends and family only. A wedding shower may include both the bride and groom and guests of both sexes. Make the party memorable with outdoor wedding shower ideas that will help guests celebrate nature and the soon-to-be-wed couple at the same time. Does this Spark an idea?

Decor

Bride holding a basket of bright flowers.

Create a garden-themed wedding shower at any outdoor location with floral decorations and other elements. Add flowers or potted plants to the tables to expand on the outdoor theme. Even a plain, bare lawn can become a beautiful garden with floral garlands on trees or structures near the area. Decorate the bride's and groom's chairs with flowers to add bright color to the party. Buy silk floral arrangements to decorate the outdoor area and give them to the bride so she may continue to enjoy them even after the party is over.

Create a Hawaiian luau theme by adding tiki torches and brightly-colored, exotic flowers to the outdoor setting. Include a stack of leis for each guest to wear, with the most elaborate designs going to the bride and groom.

Gifts

Potted plants ready to be given as gifts.

Ask wedding shower guests to bring garden- and outdoor-themed gifts to the party. The couple may register for gifts at a local nursery if they have specific types of bulbs, plants and trees they would like to receive. Garden tools and decorative objects are also good gift ideas for an outdoor wedding shower. Couples who don't have much outdoor space may choose to receive indoor plants, window boxes and other space-saving garden gifts.

Favors

Bring the outdoor wedding shower theme home with garden-oriented favors for each guest to take home and enjoy. Buy small flower boxes or miniature flower pots and fill them with seeds to create unique, memorable small gifts. For an added touch, include a small silk flower to represent the type of seeds which are being presented to the guests.

Tags: wedding shower, bride groom, outdoor wedding, outdoor wedding shower, each guest, with floral

Outside Beach Decor

Outside Beach Decor

Many people who love the beach are often tempted to re-create the magic at home on their patio or deck. Unless you have a pool, this might be a little challenging. The presence of water makes it easier to create a beach ambiance, but it is not necessary. Does this Spark an idea?

Features

What makes the beach so irresistible? The beautiful blue ocean, soft sand, warm sun, tropical plants swaying, comfortable and relaxing furniture, umbrella or shade from the sun and cool drinks are some facets. With these features in mind, you can re-create that feeling at home.

The beautiful blue of the ocean is cool and refreshing. If you don't already have a swimming pool, perhaps you could create a water feature on a smaller scale, such as a waterfall, koi pond or even a running fountain. Do-it-yourself home improvement stores will have all the supplies on hand for you to bring some refreshing water feature to your backyard or patio. If a water feature is out of the question, consider using the bright blue of the sea in your decorations, chair upholstery or umbrella.

Geography

Landscaping your backyard is one of the surest ways to get that beach feeling. Plant banana trees, palm trees and tropical flowers such as hibiscus and bougainvillea that will create the blissful feel of the tropics. If you live in colder climates, you may have to replant every spring or keep plants that are portable in a greenhouse. Banana trees can be cut near the root in the late fall and heavily mulched to regrow in the summer.

Potential

Outdoor furniture has come a long way in recent years and is constructed to withstand extreme temperatures. Adding a table and some chairs with beach-themed colors will transform your space into a comfortable retreat. Pop a colorful umbrella over the table for shade and ambiance.

Add some citronella candles to chase away mosquitoes and some luscious flowering plants near the furniture to capture. Outdoor canopies are also an inexpensive way of providing shelter from the sun and mosquitoes.

Function

Now that the fundamentals of decorating the deck or yard for the beach have been obtained, you will want to consider the extras that pull it all together for entertaining. A proper barbecue grill is essential. There are many sizes and variations available, depending on the amount you cook outside and how often. Go with something sturdy from a well-known dealer so that it will last during several seasons.

Consider either building or purchasing your own tiki hut or bar for entertaining. What's a beach without some tropical drinks? Stock it with a small refrigerator and some brightly colored plastic bar glasses and serving trays.

Effects

A good beach party will last from daytime to nighttime if you have effective lighting. Purchase tiki torches and citronella oil to light the pathways around your yard or use small solar lights. Hanging some paper lanterns or strings of lights will keep the party going into the evening, and candles are always a good lighting resource. Just make sure they are protected from winds in a hurricane globe or other glass covering.

Tags: water feature, Beach Decor, beautiful blue, beautiful blue ocean, blue ocean, Outside Beach

Outdoor Winter Wedding Ideas

Plan an outdoor winter wedding and take advantage of snowy scenery.

When most couples start planning their wedding, an outdoor ceremony in winter isn't the first idea to cross their minds. Logistical issues for a winter wedding differ from those during spring or summer; consider details such as safe transportation in snow, warmth for guests and obtaining fresh flowers out of season. But a chilly off-season wedding has its advantages. Not only are venues and caterers less expensive, but glistening snow, holiday lights and winter colors practically ooze romance.

Ski Resort Weddings

You may find that the botanical garden or historic park won't allow you to rent their outdoor facilities during winter, or the sites may have only limited options. However, the event staff at a ski resort will have the expertise and equipment necessary to organize your winter wonderland wedding; you will be able to exchange vows with majestic mountains as your backdrop.

You might even want to plan to hit the slopes with wedding party before the big day, and spend your first night as a married couple in the lodge's honeymoon suite.

Appropriate Attire

Because of the need to balance function and style, ladies' footwear for an outdoor wedding can be tricky, even in warm weather. To keep the bride (and her attendants) from getting cold feet, opt for white or ivory button-up boots. This style preserves the romantic appearance and keeps out the chill. Fight the frost even more effectively by tucking toe warmers into the boots just before putting them on. These inexpensive and convenient little packets slide easily into a shoe and provide heat for up to eight hours.

For elegance and warmth, wear a stole shawl or cape made of velvet or faux fur. Don't forget to provide something similar to keep the bridesmaids toasty too. Elbow length gloves will not only add a touch of class to your attire, but will also ensure that you don't get goosebumps.

The groom and his attendants have the advantage of tuxedos, which are warmer to begin with, but you can make the men's outfits a little cozier by having them wear long formal black coats. Groomsmen will look snazzy in matching hats, so wool berets or tall top hats can serve a dual purpose. Instead of matching ties, get the men matching scarves in your wedding colors. For footwear, men can wear short leather boots; opt for insulated styles with minimal stitching to maximize the warmth.

Guests' Comfort

Keeping your guests warm is a priority for a winter wedding; fortunately, you can incorporate some heating strategies into your wedding seamlessly. Use electric heaters provided by the venue or rent them and have them placed near the seating area for the ceremony and reception; decorate the parts of the heaters that won't get hot with strands of white lights or garlands. Provide throw blankets with your new initials embroidered on them -- either leave a few in the reception area by the tables or provide one for each guest as wedding favors. For your reception refreshments, serve simmering soups and hot rolls, and provide steamy apple cider while the guests wait for the ceremony to begin.

Tags: winter wedding, your wedding

Outdoor Wedding Reception Food Ideas

Enticing foods and beverages are key to a fun-filled and delicious post-ceremony soiree for wedding guests. Outdoor receptions require you to take certain considerations into account during the planning process.

Keep It Cool

Keep guests cool with refreshing treats like ice cream, sno-cones or frozen mocktails like virgin daiquiris or pina coladas. Offer guests a sundae bar complete with several flavors of ice cream and toppings like hot fudge, strawberry syrup, candies, nuts and whipped cream or feature a soda fountain for root beer floats or malted shakes. Frozen fruit like strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe and grapes are delicious as a chilly fruit cocktail served in a wine goblet or short rocks glass. A salad mix with crisp lettuce, cold vegetables and fresh dressings will fill guests up. Pair a salad with cold shrimp cocktail, chilled soups and cheeses. Many of these cold foods can be served on ice sculptures to avoid spoilage.

Warm It Up

If it's chilly during the reception, offer slices of hot meats like roast beef, beef tenderloin, chicken and salmon. Keep the temperature rising with spicy dishes like buffalo wings or ethnic foods. Serve warm apple cider or hot chocolate as well as traditional coffees and teas in ceramic mugs to keep guests' hands warm. Make a cool evening into an interactive event with a smores firepit or fondue stations.

Embrace the Outdoors

Take advantage of the outdoor setting and view the reception as an elegant picnic and present guests with baskets of cheeses, crackers, fruit, fine breads and deli meats. Have guests bring dishes of family recipes in a classy potluck and serve it on assorted china, bringing the fine dining element to the outdoors. Serve a lighter fare that can be eaten easily such as passed hors d'oeuvres or kabobs.

Wet Their Whistle

Be creative with drinks and beverages by serving bubbly champagne mixers like mimosas and bellinis. Let guests mix their own sodas with flavored syrups and soda water and offer nonalcoholic options such as lemonade, iced teas and mint or cucumber water.

Other Considerations

Outdoor weddings and receptions offer many things that indoor weddings do not, such as a blue sky ceiling, the most natural sunlight and the most lush of settings in gardens and parks. But they also feature variable weather conditions, creatures like bugs and insects and unpredictable elements beyond even the most experienced planner's control.

Weather at any time of year can be foreseeable to an extent. A sudden cold front or disturbance in the ocean can cause unexpected rain during the driest of months or an onslaught of pollen and allergens in the area. Look ahead to an almanac or view the weather in years past for an idea of what the weather will hold for that special day.

Creepy crawlers like ants, bees and mosquitoes will ruin any foodstuffs and are particularly drawn to sweet drinks like champagne and punch. Keep these unwelcome guests at bay with a pest control substance at least 24 hours prior to the reception or consider using lids on drink containers like punch bowls, bottles and cups.

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Outdoor Water Birthday Party Ideas

Lots of water balloons

Water-themed birthday parties can encompass anything from water balloons to an all out pool, lake or beach party. They are all a lot of fun for the party-goers, but require extra chaperones, because they are slightly more dangerous than a regular backyard birthday party. Another consideration when planning an outdoor water party is the weather. Always have a back-up plan just in case a storm comes up. Does this Spark an idea?

Food

An outdoor water party is the perfect time to barbecue. It can also be inexpensive by having hot dogs and chips. Platters of fresh fruit always go well at a party, and if it's a child's party, you can make the pieces of fruit into designs on the platter to add some interest. Frozen yogurt pops or ice pops will be a welcomed cooler on a hot day too.

Cakes for water parties are easy to make. A couple of ideas are to make the cake look like a water balloon or a pool. Round cake pans can be used to create a balloon, and either round or square for a pool. To create a balloon look for a cake, place some extra icing in the center of the first layer, or use mousse to fill between the layers with extra in the center so the second layer is higher in the middle than around the edges. Then ice the cake with bright-colored icing and draw a tick, tack, toe marking off to one side with a decorating icing tube. Place a long string of ribbon, coming off the bottom of the cake with a bow at the top.

Pool cakes just take a couple drops of blue food color in part of the icing. Ice the outside and just around the edge of the top of the cake with white icing, then fill in the center of the top with blue icing. You can use lifesaver candies or candles that look like beach balls. This gives you a nice canvas to write the Happy Birthday on too.

Preparations

If your party is not a swimming party, make sure your guests know ahead of time that they will be getting wet so they come prepared. You will also want to fill your water balloons in advance of the party as they take a while to prepare. Make sure you have lots of towels and sunscreen in case someone forgets to bring theirs. You may also want to light up some citronella candles around your yard so the party is not invaded by pests. If your party is for young children, keep the barbecue grill away from the play area where they may accidentally run into it.

Games

There are many water-park type inflatables that you can purchase or rent on the market today. They keep kids cooled off and entertained for hours. In pools and lakes, it's easy to set up a pool volleyball set, play Marco Polo and have swimming relay races. But there are a lot of water games you can play that don't need a large pool of water. Using water balloons, you can play water toss, where the children toss the water balloon to each other at a short distance. Then each time it is caught, they back up a little. When they miss the balloon they are out and the last person left in the group wins. You can also make a target using a large piece of cardboard. Cut holes and paint different colors around them with each color being a certain amount of points. Stand the cardboard up against a tree or fence and have two teams of kids. They get a turn to throw the water balloons into the target and the team with the highest points wins. You can make a water limbo game with a garden hose shooting water across an area that gets lowered every time they go through, or place a sprinkler shooting straight up and have a tug of war.

Tags: water balloons, cake with, also want, create balloon, look like, outdoor water, outdoor water party

What Is Autocratic Leadership

Absolute power is prized by an autocratic leader.

Autocratic leaders are people whom you hate to love. Such leaders seek to wield absolute power over their followers, soliciting compliance on the basis of intimidation. Through the autocratic leadership style, such individuals engage in a virtual dictatorship, rarely rewarding the efforts of their subordinates.

Characteristics

Autocratic leaders are "primarily concerned with task accomplishment, not the happiness or satisfaction of followers," according to the "Encyclopedia of Leadership, Volume Four." To this end, such leaders express aloofness from their followers and typically opt to motivate them by punishing poor performers as opposed to rewarding top achievers.

Advantages

Under certain conditions, autocratic leaders are able to promptly wrest order from chaos. Indeed, certain organizations, "such as the Armed Forces, are so complex that they may need autocratic leadership to keep the group functioning," observes Dr. Elizabeth Bolton, Professor of Community Development at the University of Florida. Contrasting leadership styles, such as laissez faire or participative leadership, frequently fail to retain their effectiveness under complex conditions.

Disadvantages

While wielding absolute power often provides an autocratic leader with an adrenaline rush, such a leadership style is anathema to healthy emotional growth. These leaders are usually quick to place blame, and may experience depression if unable to handle crisis situations that arise during a busy work day. Since such leaders often prefer to be hated than loved in the context of a work environment, they are often prone to shy away from opportunities for emotional enrichment outside of a work environment.

Examples

Not merely world dictators or control freaks, autocratic leaders can be found in pressure-filled "newsrooms under deadlines, troops on a battlefield, and a sailing ship in a storm," argue authors Charles B. Dygert and Richard A. Jacobs in their book "Creating a Culture of Success." Additionally, parents of toddlers and leaders of drug rehabilitation facilities are both positive examples of autocratic leaders whose efforts are beneficial to their communities.

Implications

Within an organizational context, autocratic leadership does not provide guaranteed results. Rather, it yields greater benefits in certain circumstances than it might in others. This style of leadership can be useful when dealing with a large number of employees, who are engaged in relatively simple tasks. By focusing on the bottom line, autocratic leaders are often able to increase worker productivity, organizational output and even profit margins.

Tags: autocratic leaders, autocratic leader, autocratic leadership, leaders often, leadership style

Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas

There are many themes for outdoor birthday parties. Successful such parties require careful planning and plenty of activities for birthday guests to enjoy. Throw a western or carnival outdoor birthday party for middle school and older-aged children. Have family members and friends volunteer to make the party a smashing success. Does this Spark an idea?

Western Outdoor Birthday Party

A western outdoor birthday party is appropriate for middle school-aged children. Decorate with red and white checkered table cloths, red and white balloons and other western-theme decorations. Give party guests an inexpensive cowboy hat and bandanna to wear as each arrives. Fill a bucket with token, western-theme prizes for all the different games and activities.

Use sheriff badges, bandannas, licorice candy and western stickers for party favor bags. Decorate a sheet cake with a cowboy, cowgirl or horses. Serve licorice ropes, root beer, miniature corn dogs and miniature corn on the cob as western-themed birthday food.

Set up different western activity party stations for birthday guests to enjoy during the party. Place three to six empty soda cans on a saw horse. Fill a bucket with water, and place three to six squirt guns near the station. Birthday cowboys and cowgirls can use the squirt guns to shoot down the cans.

At a different western station, stand two to four large cowboy boots. Place several bean bags near the boots. Birthday guests can toss bean bags into the boots. Near this station, set up one or two horseshoe games to play.

Play penny in a haystack. Hide pennies and small, miniature western items in a pile of hay. Have birthday guests dive in the hay to retrieve the items.

Circus or Carnival Outdoor Birthday Party

A circus outdoor birthday party is appropriate for all ages, including tweens and teens. Adjust the types of activities and games to match the age group for the birthday party. Decorate the party area with lots of balloons and streamers. Rent an outdoor tent canopy to cover the serving picnic table and gift table. Use colorful tablecloths. Rent a popcorn maker, ice machine and cotton candy machine to use for the snacks. Ask family members and relatives to dress up as clowns and operate the rented snack equipment.

Serve sliced fruit, miniature corn dogs, hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, candy apples and cotton candy. Decorate a cake with balloons, clowns or other circus-themed items. Serve ice cream cones with sprinkles instead of placing it on the cake slices.

Hire a local magician to do a magic show during the party. Set up a puppet booth, and have the clown helpers put on a puppet show. Another volunteer can do balloon animals to give to the birthday guests as party favors.

Set up several stations for birthday guests to enjoy during the circus birthday party. Set up one station for face painting. Set up a beanbag toss, a bobbing for apples station and horseshoes. Write numbers on the bottom of miniature, rubber ducks. Float in a small, wading pool. Children can catch a duck for a small prize.

Tags: birthday guests, birthday guests enjoy, birthday party, guests enjoy, miniature corn