Enjoying the party

Special occasions come in different kinds, like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays and even corporate gatherings, but whatever type of party you’re having, you always have to go through a planning process. With proper planning and organization, you’re sure to end up with a successful celebration.

Here are some important factors when planning a party for a special occasion.

Throwing A Party: Basic Considerations

Throwing a successful party isn’t just about buying a cake, putting up a few decorations and serving some munchies. To make the party a success, you need to cover many simple but important aspects. Remember these basic guidelines:

• 

  Creating time table
  Create a timetable. In order to end up with a marvelous celebration, you need to know what you’re going to do, when you’re going to do it, and how much time it’ll take for you to complete it. Write down the things you need do and schedule them in a calendar.
• Set a realistic budget. Every party, no matter how simple or cumbersome it may be, will require you to pool out some cash. This isn’t very difficult, but the problem is that many people tend to overspend. Before hurrying and buying different kinds of party materials, set a realistic budget first and make sure to stick to it. Determine how much you’re going to allot for different aspects, like the food, invites and decorations. By doing this, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices and you also won’t need to break the bank.
• Involve the involved. If you’re planning a birthday, anniversary, wedding, going-away or graduation bash, this aspect is important. Unless the party’s a surprise, involve the person or people who you’re throwing the party for in every step of the preparation process. Find out what are their likes and dislikes are. It’ll be a shame if you prepare a magnificent celebration, only to find out the celebrant isn’t available or is not enjoying it.
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  Listing for a back-up plan
  Always have a back-up plan. This includes everything, from the guest list up to the party favors. Be ready for problems, boo-boos or any accidents that might come. You can never tell what will happen at your event. For example, if you’re having a garden party, prepare a tarp or tent even if it’s sunny so that when a little rain comes, your guests won’t get drenched.
• Ask for help. Who says you have to do everything by yourself? With all the party aspects you have to attend to, you’ll end up exhausted and worn out if you do them all alone. Involve your friends, family members or even your colleagues in all aspects of your celebration. Their advice, inputs, and physical labor will be a great help when you’re planning the event. You can also get an event planner to help you out.

Preparing The Guest List

Guest list for party

• Decide first whether you’re having a small or large event. Is it an intimate gathering strictly for your closest friends, family and relatives? Is it big and extravagant? Are you planning to invite acquaintances?
• Settle on a number. Decide how many people you’re planning to invite at the most. For example, for a grand wedding, 200 people is all right, but if it’s simple and intimate, 30 will be enough.
• Make sure the list is manageable. Inviting 200 people to an extravagant wedding is all right, but can you and your budget handle it? Remember, the more guests you expect, the more expensive the party will cost.
• Create a priority list. Write the names of the people who you can’t afford to remove from the list of attendees. Put them on a separate list you won’t accidentally remove them when crossing out names from the original one.
• Recount. Keep counting and recounting your guest list before you finalize it so you’ll be sure of the final number of attendees.

Making It More Unique With A Theme

If you want to make your party more special and unique, why not follow certain theme? Having a theme can unify the party and can also make planning easier.

Examples of popular themes include:

• Beach theme (Pool Party, Hawaiian or Under-The-Sea theme)
• Sports theme (Basketball, Football, Baseball, Super Bowl)
• Cartoon themes (Dora the Explorer, Scooby Doo)

Pool party

Superhero theme

Costume party theme

• Superhero theme (Superman, Batman)
• Costume party (Mardi Gras, Hat party)
• Culture Themes (Chinese party, Greek Party, Indian Party)

Special Invitations

Party invitations

Here are other important tips when making invitations.

• Pick a design. Your design should fit your theme and color motif, if you have any. Most people opt for ready-made invitations, while those who have creative ideas up their sleeves prefer homemade kinds.
• Check the wordings. Formal occasions will need formal wordings like “Mr. And Mrs. ____ request your presence on ___”, while casual ones can be fun, like “Have a splashing good time at ___’s birthday pool party!”. Check also the spellings, the titles (Mr., Mrs, Dr., Atty.) and the addresses on the invitations.
• Add an RSVP. Put in your contact details so your guests will be able to confirm or decline. They can also call you up and ask for information about the event.
• Don’t leave out important information. If you require them to wear costumes or if you have a gift registry where they can get gifts for the party, make sure you include the details in the invitations.
• You don’t need to splurge too much on invitations. Remember, you’ve got a lot of other stuff to buy and pay for so these items shouldn’t take up much of your budget.
• For more tips on creating an invitation, read how to make an invitation.

Occasion Decorations

Any special party will not feel festive without ample decorations to brighten up the place. You need to get the proper décor to make your party look enjoyable and exciting.

Decorations can be very elegant, or very crude and simple. They can be store-bought or crafted using typical materials found all around your home. The choice of décor depends on your taste, theme and the occasion itself. Here are some helpful reminders:

• 

  Beach chairs
  Decorate according to your theme. Since every aspect of your party must fit your theme, your decorations should be able to blend in too. If you’re having a beach party, use sand, shells and beach stuff (beach chairs, beach balls) to decorate the place. If it’s a safari theme, get stuffed animals, animal pictures and plants for the venue. If you don’t have a theme, just use a color motif.
• If you’re pressed for budget, stick to the basics. Use streamers, balloons, confetti, banners and posters. They can provide your place with a festive aura.
• Don’t forget your tables. Place table centerpieces in the middle and place mats for every setting. Place cards with the names of the guests are also a wonderful addition.
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  Tables for party
  Only get expensive décor for extravagant celebrations. A chocolate fountain or an ice sculpture sounds great, but don’t you think they’ll look out of place in a kiddie lawn birthday party? It’s not practical. Expensive and exuberant decorations like these should only be used for very formal gatherings, like weddings or debuts.
• Play some music. Nothing can create a better party mood than music, whether it’s slow and romantic or fast and wild.
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  Music
  Hire someone to help you decorate. Find someone who can assist you. For example, if it’s a wedding, hire a florist to get the flowers and a wedding planner to primp up the venue.
• Don’t exaggerate. Having a lot of decorations may seem delightful and festive, but having too much will make the place look cramped. Excessive décor can also get in the way of your guests as they move around the place.

Party Activities For Entertainment

Parties are all about socializing and celebrating, but even the most crowded and festive parties can be a little boring without any activities to entertain the guests. No matter how simple or grand your party may be, make sure you have some wonderful activities to keep everyone preoccupied and merry.

Wanna see costume party! Check out this video.

• Games – These can be as simple as board games or as complicated as scavenger hunts or relays. They can be very childish, like “Pin The Tail On The Donkey” and “Musical Chairs” or as mature as “Truth Or Dare.” If you’re planning on having games at your party, make sure these suit both the event and the guests. For example, you can’t have relays at a black-tie occasion or play adult with young kids.
• Craft Activities – These are usually seen during kiddie gatherings like birthdays or back-to-school parties. They can range from painting, molding clay, putting puzzle pieces together or even mural-making.

Board games

Dancing

Toasting ceremony

• Dancing – Prepare the dance floor and let your guests groove to the music.
• Toasting Ceremony – This is a simple, short activity that makes the event more meaningful as it honors the special celebrant. It’s usually seen in formal events and held before or after the meal.

Delicious Party Food

You have to prepare refreshments to satiate your guests’ appetite. Here are some quick tips:

• Set a menu. Even if you’re just having cocktails, you need to choose from a variety of finger foods and appetizers. Decide on how many different kinds you want to have and how much of each one you should make. (Wanna know the top party foods, read Top ten favorite party foods)
• Consider your guests . Will there be young kids during the event or is it a strictly an adult gathering? If there are children, then you should consider serving basic snacks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cupcakes, ice cream, and Jell-o. If it’s for grown ups, you can serve cheese and crackers. Shrimp cocktails, caviar, lamb and crème brulee are more appropriate.
• Prepare food that fits the theme. Be creative! If it’s an under-the-sea party, serve seafood or tuna sandwiches. If you’re having a fiesta, then Mexican food is your best choice. Having a summer barbecue? Grilled meat is great.

Shrimp cocktail

Fried turkey

Punch juice

• Think about the party time. You need to consider the time when you’re having the party when preparing the food, to consider the amount and kind of food you’re serving. If you’ve set the party at lunch or dinner, then you have to prepare full meals, but if it’s in between, light finger foods are better.
• Homemade cooking versus catering. If you’ve got a lot of time on your hands and you’re a whiz in the kitchen, it’s great if you can prepare the banquet yourself. Homemade food can cost less, and you also get to put your own special touches to the food. The only trouble with this is that it can be time-consuming. If you’re pressed for time, then you can serve catered food. It’ll be just as delicious, but not too tiring. It might cost you a bit though.
• Don’t leave out occasion food must-haves. For example, if it’s a Thanksgiving party, don’t forget to serve the traditional turkey, even if you’ve got a lot of dishes already. If it’s a birthday, a birthday cake complete with candles should always be present.
• Choose your drinks carefully. You can’t have a filling banquet without delicious beverages. For example, kids are more likely to get sick from drinking too much soda, so fruit juices or punch are more advisable. For sophisticated grown up events, prepare red wine and champagne. Men also like drinking beers at parties so make sure you prepare some.

Giving Out Party Favors

To make your party an event to remember, it’s nice if you can give out small gifts or party favors for all your guests. Most events have these items, so everyone will be reminded of the wonderful time they had.

Key chains for favors

Remember these three tips when taking care of this party aspect.

• Keep it sweet and simple. You don’t have to spend a lot of money for these things. Find simple but useful items that don’t cost much, like paperweights, keychains or picture frames.
• Give out fancy memorabilias for smaller, more intimate parties. If you’re only having a small gathering for 20 people or less like a bridal shower or baby shower, then you can splurge. You can give out beauty kits or fancy décor pieces made from glass.
• Opt for edible items. Giving out delicious treats is a good party favor idea. Put some cookies in lovely tin cans or give cupcakes wrapped in fancy colored paper. They’re yummy, but not very costly.

Any occasion can be very special as long as you have a successful, enjoyable and unforgettable party to celebrate it. Remember these tips when you’re having one. It’ll surely be an event to remember.

Having fun at the Bachelor Party

Your best bud is getting hitched, and he appoints you as his best man. Aside from standing beside him as he and his bride say their “I dos”, there’s one more important thing you have to do: throw him a fun bachelor party, of course! It’s the best man’s duty to make sure the groom gets to have one fun party before he ties the knot.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! Here are several bachelor party ideas you can try to make sure your best friend’s last single night will be an unforgettable one.

Who Plans The Party?

The Groom together with his Best Man

Bachelor parties are traditionally put together by the best man, but this doesn’t mean you have to shoulder everything. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from the other groomsmen, or the groom’s other buddies. His brothers, cousins and uncle can also help out with the preparations.

Bachelor Party Basics

Putting together a party might seem easy at first, but if you think all you need to do is send out invites, prepare food and get a stripper, you’re wrong. There are several important aspects you need to go over before you can put the party into action, including:

• The budget – This determines everything, from the number of guests to the venue. Set a reasonable budget, and stick to it.

 

• The date and time – Traditional bachelor parties are held in the evening. Pick a date that won’t mess with the guests’ or the groom’s schedule.

 

• The number of guests – Unless you’ve got plenty of dough to spend, opt for a small bachelor party with 10 to 15 people invited. The party is traditionally held for guys only, but if everyone’s comfortable with it, you can invite female guests, too.

 

• The venue – You can hold the party at home, in a strip club, a restaurant, or even out of town.

 

• The groom’s preference – Remember that the party is held in his honor. Every party-planning decision you make must go through him. Include the groom’s preferences so you’re sure to throw a bash that he’ll really adore.

Settling On A Bachelor Party Theme

Throwing a typical boys’ night out party is okay, but if you want to really make the event memorable for the guys, you should plan a bachelor party with a fun theme. Here are several kinds you might find enticing.

A bachelor party with paintballs
• Action Movie Party – Prepare popcorn, soda and several action-packed movies like Die Hard, Behind Enemy Lines, and The Matrix, and have a moviefest in your living room.

 

• The Jock’s Party – If the groom is a real sportsman, then this’ll be a great treat for him. Prepare various sports activities for everyone to enjoy, and have a mini-sportsfest. Paintball, football, and Frisbee golf are all popular games for Bachelor parties.

 

• Casino Trip – Go to a real casino and spend some cash while having a good time with your buddies.

 

• All-Men’s Barbecue Party - Men like their meat grilled, so why not organize a delightful barbecue banquet to keep them all happy and contented?

The Vegas Treat

Imagine this: casinos, floor shows, flashy restaurants, strip bars and you and the rest of the boys having a spectacular time. It certainly sounds apt for a bachelor party. Las Vegas is definitely a grown man’s playground, offering various sights and activities that thrill everyone. Make sure you can afford it, though, and that the bride approves. If these conditions are all set, then go and have a great time. They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but the excitement of the fun Vegas bachelor party you had is something you surely can bring home with you. (During this hard times, be sure spend your money wisely, learn how to save in Las Vegas)

Check out this Bachelor Party held in Las Vegas

To Strip Or Not To Strip?

The Groom getting cheered on by the strippers

They say a bachelor party isn’t complete without naked girls. You can call or look up stripper services online and let them come to your venue. The Internet is a good source for stripper services. Specify how many women you want to come, and ask how much their services cost. Another option is for all of you to go to a stripper’s club. That means less work for you, since the entertainment and booze will ready for you when you get there.

Spending the Bachelor Party in the club

Strippers are popular at bachelor parties, but remember that they’re not a requirement. Check with the groom first to see how he feels about this factor, and whether he thinks it’s okay with his bride. If he doesn’t want a stripper, don’t force it on him. It’ll be a disaster if the groom walks out of the party, or if the wedding is canceled because the bride got angry.

Snacks For The Boys

Food isn’t very important during a bachelor party, but it’s still good to have a few munchies around to keep the guests full and happy. Prepare the usual snacks for the party, including chips and dip, nachos, mini sandwiches and peanuts. Make sure you have enough beer and alcoholic drinks to keep everyone in a jolly mood!

Seeing your favorite friend getting hitched is wonderful, but before the big day, it’s your responsibility to bring him back to his single days with a fun bachelor party. Remember these considerations when you’re planning one. The groom will surely thank you after the fun all-boys bash.

* If you want to surprise the celebrant, be sure to read how to plan a surprise party.

Time for a party for your toddler

Toddler-Friendly Themes

Your toddler has a definite personality at this age, and you may have noticed that he or she prefers one toy over another, or likes one television show over the other. You should take your child’s preference into consideration. In fact, why don’t you ask him or her? Here are some colorful and educational favorites of toddlers that you can use as party themes.

Say Hi to Pingu the Penguin
• Pingu Theme. Pingu is that lovable penguin who gets into a lot of adventures while living in Antartica. The show is attractive to toddlers because it employs no dialogue (only a series of squaks called “Penguinese”) and relies on the characters’ actions and movements.
• ABC Theme. Toddler age is a crucial time for a child’s development, so it’s a good idea to combine both fun and education in the party.
• Thomas the Tank Theme. Thomas the Tank is another popular television show for young children. The show features the cheeky and hardworking train named Thomas and his friends.
• Dora the Explorer Theme. Who doesn’t love Dora the Explorer and her friends? Adventure, color and educational lessons can be found all in one great bilingual show about a girl who loves to explore.
• Sesame Street Theme. If you’ve grown up watching, loving and learning from Sesame Street, it can be a great way to pass on the “tradition” to your child. Feature one particular Sesame Street character, like Elmo or Abby Cadabby, or even all of them at the same time!

Remember that while the theme should be something that your child loves, you should also consider what your guests and the other children will find enjoyable.

Cute Toddler Party Invitations and Decorations

Cool invitation for your toddler party

Use pastel colors for your balloons, banners and streamers. Hang a personalized banner for the birthday celebrant with a special message. Make sure that the balloons are placed where they cannot be easily reached by very small children.

Make your party more educational by incorporating numbers and the alphabet in your decorations. Use the characters in your chosen party theme to teach your child’s guests to familiarize themselves with numbers and letters. (For more tips on creating birthday invitations, read how to make birthday invitations)

Fun and Exciting Toddler Birthday Party Activities

Depending on the ages of the children invited to the party, your games and activities can range from very simple to complex ones. Keep in mind that you want your child to be involved in the activities as much as possible, so try to have a combination of both. You should also encourage the parents of the younger guests to accompany and help out with the games, so everyone can really participate.

• Tallest Tower. Provide the kids with building blocks or Lego of different sizes, but preferably those that are child-friendly and cannot be swallowed. This game can be for individuals or teams. The goal is to build the tallest tower from the blocks without falling. If the blocks fall, the tower will have to be reconstructed until time is up.
• Bring Me. This game is a version of a scavenger hunt where a designated person will ask the players to “bring me” any item, like a lipstick, a flower or anything that can be found within the general vicinity. The participant who brings the requested item first to the “It” wins a small prize.
• Scavenger Hunt. If you have a small garden and lawn, provide children and their parents a list of items they should hunt and collect. The first team or person who completes the list wins the game.
• Dodge Ball. A fairly simple game, but keep an eye on the kids while this game is ongoing! Use a cloth ball or a bunched-up handkerchief to serve as a ball. Two children will be assigned to throw the ball at the group of children in between them. The child who gets hit by the ball replaces one of the “Its”.

Check out how fun Dodge Ball can be, specially when kids play it.

Don’t forget the classic birthday party games like breaking a pinata (See how to make a pinata), Trip to Jerusalem and Pin the Tail on the Donkey. You can also set aside a little play area with age-appropriate toys for the younger set of kids. Sometimes, the best activity for them is just to let them play with other kids with no rules.

Delicious Food for All Ages

The rule with children when it comes to food is to provide them with familiar food items. Food like spaghetti, sandwiches, mac and cheese, jell-o and deviled eggs will sure disappear from the kids’ plates with no complaints. Provide a healthy accompaniment to your menu by adding salads and fruit cups. The pastel color motif can also be reflected in the food with your cookies, cupcakes and of course, the birthday celebrant’s birthday cake. Cut out the food in fun shapes like stars, hearts, numbers and alphabet letters!

Creamy spaghetti for the kids

Give them yummy cupcakes

For desert, serve delicious Jell-o

Serve colorful and refreshing drinks like Gatorade and fruit juice. On a warm day, provide treats such as fruit popsicles and ice cream. Cooler days call for warm apple cider and alphabet soup. Even the adults will love coming back to familiar party food they’ve enjoyed when they were children themselves.

When hosting a birthday party for a toddler, remember that it doesn’t have to be very elaborate or over-the-top. Just having some kids over, good food and fun games are more than enough to make a memorable birthday party for anyone.

Cute girl celebrating her birthday

You’re turning 25 years old, a lot more mature now than you were when you were a teen but still pretty spunky and adventurous. You’re probably working full-time now while studying or fully devoting yourself to graduate studies.

Give yourself a birthday bash to celebrate 25 years of your life. Your party should be fun, exciting and memorable for both you and your guests. Friends from school or from your workplace should all come to the celebration to enjoy the day with you. The following party tips should make your 25th birthday a very special one.

Invitations for your 25th Birthday Party

25th birthday invitation

You can buy party invitations from shops. These invitations have different designs, so it’s easy to choose one that fits your taste. Write down the details of the party, including the date, time, and venue, inside the invitations and send them out to your prospective guests.

If you know how to use photo-editing or graphics editor programs, try using Adobe Photoshop or (GNU Image Manipulation Program) GIMP to make your own custom party invitations. There are also greeting card programs that have existing libraries of templates that you can use to easily produce your own invitations. Simply edit the entries as you wish, then print them or send them through e-mail.

It’s a good idea to celebrate your party with a theme, so that everything in the party revolves around a central motif. If you choose a “Batman” birthday party theme, for example, then your invitations can have images of Batman and his villains on them. You can make your own invitations according to that theme or buy them on the Internet. (For more tips on creating birthday invitations, read how to make birthday invitations)

Decorations for your 25th Birthday Party

Decorations for your 25th birthday party should match your chosen theme. You can make the number 25 the theme of your party by putting up streamers and posters of the number 25 at the venue. You can also paint the number 25 on tables and chairs to emphasize the theme of the party.

Batman plate

You may also celebrate your 25th birthday without a theme. After all, people in this age bracket usually celebrate their birthdays just by eating and drinking with their friends. If you plan to just eat, drink and dance all night, then you can forget about themes and decorations. Make sure that the venue is clean and safe though, so that accidents can be avoided during the party.

25th Birthday Party Games and Activities

Most of the people who will attend your 25th birthday party will be young, party-going people. Games and activities should be fun, exciting and physical to keep them interested. Forget about thinking games because they will just bore everybody. Here are a few games and activities that will surely keep your guests’ spirits high:

What is it:

Blind fold participant

This game will leave your guests laughing their hearts out. To play the game, first fill a bowl with various strange and oddly shaped items. Tape an old towel to the brim of the bowl, then cut a hole in the middle of the towel big enough for your hand to slip through. Blind fold participants then tell them to put their hands in the bowl one by one. The object of the game is to correctly guess the contents of the bowl by just feeling the things inside. This game is sure to make guests laugh as you watch each participant’s facial expression as they feel the objects.

I have never: Play this game if all the participants are old enough to drink beer. Each player tells the group something that they’ve never done before; for instance: I have never climbed a tree or I have never ridden a horse. All the other players who have done a particular activity must drink their beer. The objective of the game is not so much to win anything, but to hear guests tell their secrets and get them drunk.

Play as a band:

My band

If you’re a member of a band or some of your friends play musical instruments, why not perform at your party as a band? Set up a stage at the venue, complete with lights, smoke machines and confetti. Play one to five songs just to show your skills and let everyone enjoy the music. Don’t play too many songs though, or your guests might get bored.

Charades: Charades is a classic party game that you can do at your 25th birthday party. Fill a bowl with strips of paper with words related to the theme of your party; for example, if the theme of your party is “Batman,” then words could include: Batmobile, Robin, Joker, The Dark Knight, Heath Ledger, or Michael Keaton. You may also choose other categories such as animals, places, and movies.

Divide participants into two or three teams, each with a representative to pantomime the words on the strips of paper. Other members try to guess the words by interpreting their representative’s actions. Set a time limit to how long teams can guess a word. Give scores to teams who can guess words within the time limit. The highest-scoring team wins the game.

Dance the night away:

Me and my friend dancing

It’s also a good idea to just go wild on your 25th birthday. Just clear a wide area to serve as the dance floor and crank up the volume of the sound system. Guests in your age bracket love to party without rules, so it might be a good idea to just let them have fun. Make sure, however, that the dance floor is safe and guests are still in control of themselves to prevent accidents and injuries.

To Play or Not to Play?

Having games at your 25th birthday party is fun but your guests might want to just drink and go wild. Games are normal for children’s parties but they might seem awkward for birthday parties celebrated in this age bracket. Consider the character of your guests and what they might enjoy more. If you think your guests will prefer a drinking and dancing party as opposed to a party with games and activities, then it’s probably better to forget about playing games.

Food for Your 25th Birthday Party

The food you serve at your 25th birthday party should be fun to eat and keep your guests partying hard. If you’re stuck on what treats to prepare, here’s a list of party foods that will surely satisfy your guests:

Drumsticks: You can’t go wrong with chicken drumsticks because almost everyone loves their rich flavor. To emphasize the theme of your party, you may want to arrange 25 drumsticks on a plate if you have 25 guests or fewer. If you have more guests however, simply stack the drumsticks on a large plate and let your guests eat them.

Hot dogs: Like drumsticks, hot dogs are also guaranteed to satisfy your guests because of their rich, meaty and juicy flavor. They are also easy to eat so guests can carry them around the venue while they’re partying. You may also put hot dogs in buns with some cheese.

Pizza: Almost everybody loves pizza because of its meaty flavor. You may order pizza from a fast food restaurant or make your own. If you’re going to order from a fast food restaurant, choose at least two types of pizza so your guests can pick the one they like. (Why not try finger pizzas, see how to make finger pizzas)

Juicy hot dogs

Cookies and muffins

Meaty pizza

Spaghetti: Some of your guests might want to eat a heavy meal, so it’s recommended that you serve spaghetti. This food is high in carbohydrates which can keep your guests partying for a long time. Top the spaghetti with a lot of meatballs and cheese to make it more delicious.

Cookies and muffins: Your guests may want to eat light sweet treats like cookies and muffins at your party. You have the option to either buy these treats from a store or bake them on your own. If you’re good at baking, try writing down the number 25 on each cookie or muffin using icing to emphasize the theme of your party.

Birthday cake: It’s your choice whether to have a birthday cake on your 25th birthday. Your guests may just want to drink and dance all night long, so eating a birthday cake would be quite inappropriate. If you’re planning a more traditional birthday party though, guests might appreciate servings of your birthday cake.

Plan your 25th birthday party thoroughly so that everything will go on smoothly. Also, make sure that the venue is safe to avoid any accidents during the party. Remember to mind your guests throughout the party, while also enjoying your own special birthday bash.

Watch this 25th Birthday Party

Its my 30th birthday

Your 30th birthday marks another decade in your life. You’ve learned a lot of things and are leaving your immaturity behind. You now have more responsibilities to other people, but life is still fun because of all the knowledge you’ve gained through the years.

Celebrate your 30th birthday by giving yourself a birthday bash that you and your guests will remember for the rest of your lives. There are many things to consider, including the invitations, decorations, games and activities, and food. Here are some tips on how to celebrate your 30th birthday party.

Your Party Invitations

30th Birthday Invitation

The first thing you should plan is which party invitations to use. You can purchase traditional party invitations from shops. These invitations have different designs, so you can surely find one that matches your taste. All you have to do is write the details of the party, including the date, time, and venue, inside.

If you want a custom party invitation, consider using photo-editing and greeting card programs like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program). You can choose the look of your invitation from the existing templates of these programs. Filling up the invitations is easy because all you need to do is edit the entries as you wish.

Once you’re done editing the invitations on the computer, you can print them or send them online. Printing invitations might not be a practical idea though. If you have more than 20 guests coming to your party and if the invitations have many colors, the printer’s ink might run out. In this case, a better option would be to just send the invitations online. Save the invitations on your hard drive and then send them to guests via e-mail. (Tips on how to make birthday invitations)

Decorations For Your Birthday Bash

30th Birthday streamers

You can make the number 30 the theme of your birthday party. Put huge streamers in the shape of the number 30 all over the venue to emphasize the theme. You may also use posters with your age to decorate the venue. It’s your option whether to make the decorations simple or elaborate.

There are many other birthday party themes to choose from. If you’re a big fan of a certain movie, you can use that movie as the theme of your party. For example, if you’re a Star Wars fan, then everyone in the party should dress up as characters from the Star Wars films. Whatever theme you choose, make sure that your guests can dress up appropriately for it.

Search the Internet for items that you can use as decorations for the theme of your 30th birthday party. This is the easiest way to get the decorations you need. Select all the items you need for your party, pay for them online, and just wait for them to be delivered to your home.

Games and Activities For 30 Year Olds

Games and activities at your 30th Birthday party should be appropriate for the age of your guests. Sure, you can have fun with children’s games like Pin the Tail on The Donkey, but remember that some of your guests might find it awkward to play these games. Try to make the party fun without turning it into a children’s party, unless that is the theme you chose. The following games and activities should make your party fun and memorable:

Musical chairs: While musical chairs is a classic children’s game, it’s still appropriate for your party because it’s simple and fun to do. Arrange several chairs in a circular formation and ask for participants. If you have 30 guests or more, consider playing a game with 30 chairs to emphasize your birthday.

Check this movie and have fun watching their Musical Chairs Game.

The number of chairs should always be one less than the number of players. Play a song on your sound system, then ask the players to dance around the chairs as the music plays. Players must quickly sit on the chairs when you stop the music. There’s always one player left standing because there aren’t enough chairs for everybody. That player leaves the game and the game continues as chairs are removed one by one. The player who gets the last chair wins the game.

The hat game: To play this game, first, get some hats and ask for participants. It’s best if you choose 30 participants to stick to the theme of the party. Tell all the participants to put the hats on and don’t take them off until you do. The objective of this game is NOT to be the last player wearing a hat. Next, continue talking to other people at the party until you notice that players have forgotten that they’re even playing the game. Take off your hat and watch other players as they also take off their hats. The last player to take off his hat loses the game.

Charades: Charades is another classic party game that will surely appeal to both young and adult guests. To play the game, first, fill a bowl with strips of paper with words written on them belonging to a single category.

Watch this movie and learn some tricks on how to play the Charades Game.

For the category movies for instance, you can have: “The Matrix,” “Cinderella Man,” “Lord of the Rings,” or “Casablanca.” Divide players into two or three teams. Each team picks a player who will act out the words on the strips of paper. Other people in the team try to guess the word by interpreting the actor’s pantomime of the words. Remember to set a time limit to how long teams can guess a word. Give scores to teams who guess the words within the time limit. The team who scores the highest wins the game.

Who am I: This is a thinking game that may be greatly appreciated by your older guests. First, pick a category, such as vegetables, movie stars, and cartoon characters. Pin words belonging to these categories on the back of guests as they arrive. The objective of this game is for them to find out who they are by asking other guests.

Participants can’t ask just any question, though. Questions should only be answered by yes or no. Also, participants can’t remove their tags to find out who they are. You may play this game while moving around or seated as a group. Before the end of the game, participants must group themselves according to what they gathered about the tags at their backs. Vegetables should have their own group, movie stars have their own, and also cartoon characters. Players who are wrong about the groups that they choose lose and the winning players get a prize.

Food for Your 30th Birthday Party

Food is another important consideration in your 30th Birthday party. Here are some party treats that can surely satisfy your guests.

• Spaghetti: Spaghetti is an all-time favorite meal, which makes it perfect for your 30th birthday party. It’s also rich in flavor and can keep people’s spirits high. Remember to top spaghetti with plenty of cheese and meatballs to make it even more delicious.
• Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are crispy, tasty and fun to eat. You may arrange 30 of them in a circular formation on a plate if you have 30 guests or fewer. If you have more guests, just pile them up on a big plate and let your guests eat them to their hearts’ content.
• Pizza: Pizza’s main advantage over other party treats is that it is delicious, meaty, and easy to eat. You have the option to either make your own pizza or order from a fast food restaurant. Choose meaty and thick pizzas to make your guests happy.

Different pizzas

Crunchy Chicken Drumstick

Spaghetti so sweet

• Cookies and muffins: Cookies and muffins are perfect for guests who refuse to eat anything heavy. Put cookies on a tray and muffins on a separate tray, then serve both to your guests.
• Hot dogs: Hot dogs, like cookies and muffins, are always a hit at parties because they are easy to eat. Hot dogs are meaty, juicy, and are sure to keep your guests coming back to the table for more.
• Coffee or Tea: If you’re holding the party at night, consider having a cup of coffee before you let your guests go. You’ve lived a long, beautiful life for 30 years, so it’s just appropriate that you spend some time with other people to share your stories. Guests can also share their own life experiences over cups of coffee.
• Birthday cake: A birthday party is not complete without a birthday cake. Buy a candle in the shape of the number 30 and put it atop the cake. Once guests are done singing your birthday song, blow out the candle, and cut the cake for your guests. (Learn how to decorate cake)

Cookies and muffins

My 30th Birthday Cake

Hottie Hotdogs

Make your 30th birthday party a memorable one by planning everything beforehand. Meticulous planning is key to avoid awkward silences during the party and other unfortunate events. Don’t fuss too much over your guests during the party though. Have fun because this party is for you, after all.

* Many people dread turning 30. They’re not “young” anymore, and they’ve reached the age where their life will be filled with nothing but responsibilities. Of course, that doesn’t mean they don’t get to have fun! Here are some cool things to do before turning 30.

Our Golden Anniversary

Marriage, by all means, is challenging to maintain, given all the possible avenues a couple can argue about. If you have managed to keep your marriage intact for 10 years, you deserve much praise. Maintain it for 25 years and you are automatically a model for every young couple. If you make the marriage work for 50 years, you already deserve a grand 50th anniversary party.

The 50th wedding anniversary is associated with gold, representing the feat’s rarity and sheer difficulty. The sterling color is prominent in the celebrated couple’s clothing, presents and party decorations. When planning for a 50th anniversary party, you should apply the same motif. Gold, as it appears, is the only thing precious enough to stand for the love and the dedication showed by the couple toward their marriage.

A Gold Standard Invitation

• Design - 50th anniversary party invitations are made to be elegant. They are marked with lovely golden patterns and small ornaments like ribbons and lace. Golden letterings, which further accentuate the invite’s aesthetic value, are used for all the pages and the envelope. As for the scent, a sweet-smelling perfume is sprayed on all of the invite’s components. Remember, when making the invitation, your objective is to make the guests feel the event’s grandness.

the 50th anniversary party invitation

Reading the anniversary party program

The golden anniversary envelope

• Contents - The invitation serves as the party’s program guide. The schedule of activities is displayed, including the participants and facilitators for each. You can also include the meals that will be served, so the information will be more comprehensive. At the last part of the invite, place a picture of the couple with a nifty tagline or a thank you note.
• Envelope - The envelope, being the invitation’s carrier, should not be left out, when it comes to the design. It should bear the same pattern as the invite, including the scent. In gold letters, place the name of the couple at the back-middle portion. Add a ribbon or some lace, if you feel the design lacks impact.

Married Life Begins at 50

The 50th anniversary party is strictly a formal affair, but that doesn’t mean everyone should be uptight for the entire night. You can organize a number of exciting events that will surely liven up the crowd. You can also pay homage to the couple in a pretty creative and touching manner.

Dancing couple of their 50th Anniversary
• The Dance - The anniversary party, just like a wedding reception, has a set of ceremonial dances. They are not compulsory, but having them makes the event more remarkable. Let the couple dance to the tunes of their favorite romantic songs and watch them relive the moments when they were still newlyweds.
• The Renewal of Vows - The renewal of vows is a sign that the couple is willing to take a new journey in their marriage, strengthening the ties that currently bind them. It may be a simple exchange of speeches in front of everyone, but it will probably go down as the most significant event for the night.
• The White House Greeting - A 50-year marriage is such a feat that the most powerful people in the world are in awe. Call the White House. Request the president or any influential politician to phone in his or her greeting to the couple during the anniversary party. When the husband and wife hear the president’s voice, they will instantly feel how special a 50-year marriage is.
• Video Presentation - Compile select pictures and video clips of the couple during the significant points of their wedding and roll them into one video. Include graphics, captions, one-liners and a touching soundtrack. If the video was well made, the couple and the guests will reflect the emotions conveyed by your presentations. Chances are, everyone will be teary-eyed right after watching.

Check this out nice touching heart Golden Anniversary Movie.

• Speeches and Performances - The attendants will line up, one-by-one, to say their praises and sincere messages to the couple. Aside from reciting speeches, they can sing, recite poetry or even do a dance number. The celebrants, at the end of the day, will truly be touched by everyone’s efforts.

Lets have a toast
• The Toast - After the speeches, all the guests can pay homage to the couple by proposing a toast. This act commemorates the feat of being together for 50 years and an obligation to maintain the celebrated relationship. The toast usually goes like this - “To another 50 years,” or “To the first 50 and to the next 50.”

The party activities highlight the marriage and its best moments. They show how a connection, when tendered with truth and integrity, can blossom into a long-standing bond worthy of celebrations.

Presenting - The Presents

The presents for the couple should ideally be in-line with a 50-year anniversary’s official color - gold. Gold-colored items are the predominant gifts during the celebration. You can go for something luxurious or something that the couple will truly appreciate.

• Golden Jewelry - If a strong marriage is life’s best adornment, a set of golden jewelry will probably come in second. A glistening pair of earrings, a bracelet, a ring and a necklace look good when worn. In addition, each jewelry piece acts as a badge for the couple’s timeless affection for one another. Upon wearing, the husband and wife will be reminded of their marriage ’s significance.
• A Bouquet of Violets - The official flower of a 50-year anniversary is the violet. Purchase several bouquets and arrange them in elegant vases, preferably golden. Come the anniversary party, hand them over to the couple. You might be surprised at how the blooms and vases blend with the celebration’s theme and mood.
• The Golden Tickets - Giving the couple a pair of tickets for a concert, stage play, or if you’re wealthy, an out-of-town trip, comes as the couple’s second honeymoon. Through the tickets, they can hold their own private celebration after the party. Tie a golden lace or ribbon to the tickets, prior to handing them over, so you will conform with the 50th anniversary theme.

Golden Egyptian Cuff.

Colorful violet flowers

Golden tickets for couples

• Home Appliances - People who are celebrating 50th anniversaries are at the stage of their lives when dainty homes and personal convenience come as primary interests. If you give the married couple a fine furniture piece, they will be more than excited to display your present or to put it into good use.
• Painting/Literature/Music - Married couples thoroughly appreciate artistic gifts, especially if the items pertain to their marriage. For artists, you can paint your interpretation of the couple’s marriage and place it in a gold frame. Writers, on the other hand, can write stories or poetry regarding love and a successful marriage. Partner the artistic creations with a CD that contains the couple’s favorite songs.
• Retouched Newspaper - Download a copy of a newspaper released at the day when the couple was married. Retouch it using Adobe Photoshop and change the headlines into an article dedicated to the couple’s wedding. Have it printed on newspaper paper then give it to the couple at the party. The newspaper will then act as a time portal where the couple will remember the things that happened when they were still newly married, including the passion of all newly weds.

A present is more than just an obligation. It is a way of giving a part of yourself to the celebrants, given the way it reflects the giver’s personality. Choose your present carefully, so the couple can celebrate your good intentions the way you celebrated their 50th anniversary. (Want to know the top gifts on wedding anniversary, read Top ten wedding anniversary gifts)

Swing the Sentimental Way

Music sets the mood and enhances the theme of any celebration. Of course, it is critical for a grand celebration such as a 50th anniversary party. The party music should make the couple feel special and at the same time, appealing to the guests. Good thing you have a handful of good options.

DJ in the house!
• The DJ and a Good Sound System - Having a DJ and a good quality sound system are needed for every 50th anniversary party. Prepare an appropriate playlist and hand it to the DJ. Ask him to play tracks that are similar to your playlist’s contents. Come the anniversary party, everyone will bear the right mood, even before the married couple appears.
• Jazz, Blues and Soul Singer/Band - A live performance is more intense than music played on the radio. As expected, stronger emotions are generated from the performers. Hire an exceptional band or singer for the celebration. Since the celebrants prefer soul or jazz music, scout bands at hotel bars and jazz clubs. You can also get a harp player if you want elegant dreamy music.

Combining the DJ and the live performers is the ideal setup for most anniversary parties. If you look at the attributes of both closely, you’ll have a balance of intensity and versatility, which are the perfect qualities of party music.

Golden Celebration for a Golden Marriage

A 50th anniversary celebration is a grand event dedicated to a relationship that defies the test of time. The idea is to organize a commemorative party that is nearly as splendid as the celebrated marriage. With a good plan and some consultation with the celebrants, you can put up a celebration that is worth remembering. If you enjoyed reading this article, might as well read how to make your marriage last.

Lets watch this movie and feel their happiness as they celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Its my 16th Birthday

For many teenagers, turning sixteen is a big deal. It’s traditionally viewed as a girl’s coming of age, and many debutante balls are held on a girl’s sixteenth birthday to introduce her to society. The sweet sixteenth birthday has a lot of counterparts in other countries and cultures (although in different ages), such as the Jewish Bar or Bat Mitzvah or the Quincaenera parties in the Latin community.

Depending on your budget and the birthday girl’s wishes, the party can range from small and simple, to big and ostentatious. Here are things you have to keep in mind when throwing a sweet sixteen birthday party for your special girl.

What Kind of Party?

Gorgeous girls

There are many ways of throwing a sweet sixteen party, but you and the birthday girl must first decide on whether you will be throwing a formal party, a casual party, or a semi-formal party. A formal party usually involves waltzes, gowns and a more formal theme. A semi-formal party will be more laid-back than the formal party, but will follow some traditions. A casual party can be like your typical birthday party for a young woman.

A sweet sixteen party can also have party themes that reflect the celebrant’s interests, hobbies or even their favorite things. Here are some suggestions when picking a sweet sixteen theme.

• Glamour. Teenagers love to dress up and be fabulous, and sweet sixteen is a perfect opportunity. Use a glamorous theme like a hollywood theme or a mardi gras theme for the optimum chance to play dress up. (Tips on how to make a glamorous theme birthday party)
• Children’s Theme. Sweet sixteen parties celebrate a girl’s coming of age, but they can also be an opportunity to say goodbye to childhood. The best way to do this? By throwing an unabashed children’s theme party! Disney theme parties, toy theme parties and Mother Goose stories are witty and tongue-in-cheek ideas for a sweet sixteen party. The guests will certainly have a lot of fun playing childhood party games.

I wear my princess dress
• Princess. Formal sweet sixteen parties often have a princess theme where both girls and boys dress up in formal gowns and tuxes. The celebrant is also flanked by her “court”, comprised of sixteen boys and girls of her age.
• Sports. If your celebrant is sporty and loves the outdoors, hold a fun sports-themed party on her sweet sixteen. She’ll be free of the frilly skirts and traditional rituals and can just have all-out fun playing a variety of sports with her friends and family.
• Vacation Spot. Some parents have a special fund for their daughters’ sweet sixteen birthdays, so the daughter can spend that money on anything she wishes. If a vacation is in order, you can celebrate a party based on where she is going. For example, if she is going to Hawaii, you can have a luau party with her friends. If she is going to visit the Alps, you can have a snow party and if she’s going to New York, she can have a city theme party. The possibilities are endless.

Remember that all plans must be done in conjunction to what the celebrant wishes. Even if you want a really extravagant ball for your daughter’s sweet sixteen, don’t force it, especially if it’s not her style.

Sweet Sixteen Traditions

Sweet sixteen parties are special because they mean something to the celebrant and society, that is, an acknowledgment of the girl’s coming of age. Here are some of the traditions tied to sweet sixteen parties:

• Candle-Lighting Ceremony. A candle-lighting ceremony is comprised of 16 candles (or even 17) that can be independently standing apart from each other, or the birthday candles themselves. Each candle will be lit by a person who is important to the celebrant’s life, and those people make a short speech or recite a poem to introduce that special person. A seventeenth candle is usually included when someone dear to the celebrant has passed away.
• Shoe Ceremony. In this ceremony, the celebrant sits on a chair and she is approached by her father or grandfather with a pair of high heels on a pillow. The celebrant must take off her flats and put on the high heels to symbolize that she is now a grown woman.

candle lighting ceremony

It's my shoe Ceremony

My first dance

• Tiara Ceremony. Similar to the shoe ceremony, the celebrant is approached by her father or grandfather to ceremonially place a tiaraon the celebrant’s head to symbolize her coming of age. The tiara ceremony can be done along with the shoe ceremony.
• First Dance. The celebrant and her father have the first dance on the dance floor before everyone can join in.

Sweet sixteen parties are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and while they may seem corny, these traditions can really define the importance of this birthday celebration.

Decorations and Invitations

Pool venue party

Your decorations and invitations to the sweet sixteen party must reflect the theme and formality (or informality) of the party. To make it more personalized, include photos of the celebrant from when she was a baby to her current age.

Formal sweet sixteen parties require a lot of planning, and are usually held in party halls. For casual parties, you can either host the party at your own home or at an outdoor venue, like a club house or a pool area.

Decorations can be very extravagant or simple, depending on the celebrant’s preferences. Of course, no party is complete without balloons, banners and streamers. Flowers must also figure prominently, too, since this is still very much a girl’s party.

Sweet Sixteen Games and Activities

Teenagers will always have ways to make themselves enterained, such as video games, watching movies or simply having a gabfest. Having a few games up your sleeve isn’t a bad idea either. Here are some suggestions for games in your sweet sixteen party.

• Murder Mystery Game. For teenagers with a rather short attention span, playing a murder mystery game will surely test their powers of observation. You can purchase any murder mystery game set from a toy store, and the set will include the script and clues to solving the murder.
• Kissing Cards. Guests are seated in a circle and a card is passed around from person to person by pressing the card mouth to mouth. If the card falls between two people, they are eliminated. This continues until only a pair remain, who will be declared as the winners.

Check this out funny movie Kissing card and go crazy!…:).

• Pinata. Fill a pinata with age-appropriate trinkets such as accessories, nail polish, rub-on tattoos and small makeup kits. (Learn how to make a pinata)
• Trivia Game. Make a trivia game about the celebrant. Make the questions easy to guess and not too obscure. Divide teams into two or three groups and the team who gets the most correct answers, wins.

Don’t forget that teens love to rock out and dance. You can hire a DJor a band to play music at the party. After all the traditional motions, it’s still a teenager’s birthday party at the end. Don’t forget to loosen up and have fun celebrating with your daughter!

A lot of people believe that the number 13 is a very unlucky number. In fact, people are so afraid of the number 13 that some buildings are deliberately designed not to have a 13th floor to reassure people that the buildings are safe. Scientifically though, there’s no proof of the bad luck that the number 13 is supposed to bring. Your birthday party will be perfect as long as you prepare everything properly.

Invitations for Your 13th Birthday Party

The cool thing about the number 13 is that you can make its infamous reputation as the theme of your party. Start by sending out invitations highlighting the belief that 13 is unlucky. You can write messages such as, “Try your luck! You are invited to my unlucky 13th Birthday Party!” or “Think you’re lucky enough? Come to my 13th birthday party and try your luck!”

Buy birthday party invitations from department stores. If you know how to edit pictures on the computer, you can also make party invitations using photo-editing or greeting card programs. These programs have existing templates that you can simply edit according to your desires. Print out the cards and then mail them to your guests. You may also send the invitations through e-mail which is much easier to do. (Tips on how to make birthday invitations)

13th Birthday Party Games and Activities

The games and activities at your 13th birthday party should all involve a degree of chance to emphasize the luck theme. Here are a few games and activities you can do at the party:

Musical chairs: Musical chairs require some skill, but it’s ultimately a game of chance as the music determines whether you’re going to be in front of a chair or not. To play the game, arrange several chairs in a circular formation and ask for participants. The number of chairs should always be one less than the number of participants. Play a song on the sound system and ask the players to dance around the chairs as the music plays.

Players should quickly sit on the chairs when you stop the music. Since there aren’t enough chairs for everybody, one player is always left standing and leaves the game. The game continues as chairs are removed one by one. The player to sit on the last chair wins the game.

Grouping game: This game is very similar to musical chairs. Start the game by collecting together as one big group. Call out any number between two and fifteen that is less than half of the total number of participants. Players then scramble to form groups with that number of members. The members should wrap their arms around each other so you can see who is in the group. Players who can’t enter a group have leave the game. More and more players leave the game as you call out more numbers. The winning group could have anywhere from two to five members.

Pin the donkey tail: This game is a classic game of chance. Fix the poster of the donkey without a tail on a wall and tell participants to line up. Blindfold the player in front and give him the paper cutout of the tail. He then tries to pin the tail on the right spot without seeing the poster. The player who pins the tail closest to the right spot wins the game.

Unlucky hat game: Get some hats and tell everyone to put them on. The objective of this game is NOT to be the last person wearing a hat because that means your hat is the unlucky hat. First, tell the participants that no one is allowed to take off their hats until you do. Continue talking with people in the party until you notice participants forgetting that they’re even playing the game. Take off your hat and watch others as they also take off their hats. The last player to take off his hat is the unlucky loser. As punishment, the group tells him to do a task.

Food for Your 13th Birthday Party

The foods you should serve on your 13th birthday party should be fun to eat. You may serve the food in 13 servings on the table to emphasize the theme of the party; for example, serve 13 drumsticks and 13 slices of pizza on the table. This is only feasible if you have 13 guests or fewer, though. The following foods will keep the spirits of your guests high:

Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are extremely delicious and fun to eat. Arrange 13 of them in a circular formation on a plate if you have 13 guests or fewer. If you have more guests, just put a bunch of them on a plate and let your guests gorge on them.

Pizza: Pizza is always a hit in parties because it’s tasty and easy to eat. You can either make your own pizza at home or order from a fast food restaurant. (Learn how to make pasta pizza)

Hot dogs: Hot dogs are juicy, meaty, are and sure to keep your guests craving for more. Serve hot dogs on each table and let your guests eat them to their hearts’ content.

Spaghetti: If you want to keep partying for a long time, make sure to serve spaghetti at your party. It is rich in flavor and can keep you going for a long time. Top the spaghetti with a lot of meatballs and cheese to make it even tastier.

Cookies and muffins: Some of your guests might prefer sweet treats than meaty ones, so be sure to serve cookies and muffins at your party. People can just munch these treats while waiting for the next activity or game to begin.

Ice cream:Ice cream is a nice choice for dessert. Your guests will surely love flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate chip.

Birthday cake:Your birthday cake should match the theme of the party, so put 13 candles over it. You may choose a black chocolate cake to highlight the bad luck that the nuimber 13 brings. Add other features like 13 cherries or 13 drops of icing over the cake.

Have fun at your 13th birthday party. Prove to your guests that the number 13 isn’t such a bad number at all. With these party ideas, your 13th birthday party may just be the happiest and luckiest birthday party you’ll ever have.

21st birthday celebration

Invitation: Legally Invited

The invitation’s appearance depends on the party’s theme and formality.

Elegant party invitation
• Formal Invitation - Create an elegant and stylish invitation made from beautiful cardboard paper. You can actually create a female debut invitation without the lace and the floral patterns. Chose an elegant font like Helvetica or Palatino Linotype to further accentuate the formality of the event. Indicate the schedule of activities, the special guests/participants and their roles, and the food served. Don’t forget to place small ornaments and pictures of the celebrant on the invitation.
• Legal Age - Highlight an activity that can only be done, at least legally, by people who are 21 years old and above. Think of freely ordering alcohol, buying cigarettes, watching adult movies ad entering night clubs. Since 21-year olds have the entire world in front of them, that detail can be reflected through the invitation, especially for informal parties.

Jersey number 21 desing for invitation
• 21 Things - The number 21 is a good representation for the invite. You can use images of 21 shots of tequila, the number 21, blackjack terms, or any prominent group of objects associated with the number. Just choose the most applicable theme for the celebrant.
• Jersey Number 21 - For sports fans, you can create an invitation that resembles a jersey bearing the number 21. Download a picture of the jersey on the internet (Tim Duncan’s jersey number is 21). Edit the name on the sports item and replace it with the important info regarding the party. Print the document on cardboard paper then cut out the jersey to up the coolness factor.
• 21 Things I Hate About You - Remember the movie “10 Things I Hate About You,” especially the popular scene where Heath Ledger read his list? You can use that list and the movie as motivation for your invite. Play with the title and make it more applicable for the party. As for the party-related info, make them appear as if they are part of Heath Ledger’s list. This invite will work best with female celebrants.

The invitation should give the recipients a sneak peek of the entire celebration. Through its font and design, the attendants will have the right mindset for the party. It must leave a good impression and present something to look forward to. For more information on creating invitations, read how to make birthday party invitations.

Party casual attire

Attire: Wear Your Age Proud

What everyone will wear is relative to the party’s theme. A serious affair requires formal wear or at least something smart casual. Informal parties are more fun than formal, so you can wear the wardrobe that you don on Saturday nights. Parties with outlandish themes compel everyone to wear a particular set of clothes. Try to conform with the event’s prescribed dress code, so you totally revel in the party atmosphere.

Venue: Where the Young and the Restless Roost

Just like the attire, the venue is relative to the party’s required specifics, though selecting a location plays a big role in its success. Several locations are pretty popular, when it comes to birthday parties, given the tastes of 21 year olds.

• The Poolside - Pool parties are wild and are often yearned for by young people. Find a place with a swimming pool and a sizable pool area. Set up a long table for the buffet and a stage for the program. Surround the area with tables and chairs, leaving an open area at the middle, which is for dancing, games and activities.
• The Night Club - When you say fun to a 21-year old, one of the first things that will come to mind is the nightclub. It is a part of a youngster’s definition of the nightlife. The nightclub is a good place for birthday bashes. Call the management of a popular club and reserve it for the celebration. Tell them to hold an open bar at the said date so the alcohol will be overflowing. You can also cue the DJs if you are particular with the music genre for the party.
• Fancy Restaurant/Hotel - For the luxurious kids, holding the party in a fancy restaurant or a hotel is simply perfect. The ambiance of the location will enhance the tone of the celebration. Just contact the manager of the joint to have the place booked for your event. The preparations and arrangements will be easy.

Poolside party

Night club party

Beach party

• The Beach - If you think the swimming pool is not enough to contain your excitement, you can set up a beach party. You can go swimming in the morning and afternoon, as you try to meet beautiful people along the way. Come nightfall, everyone will be gathered around the bonfire for rounds of good conversation and alcohol. Bring a guitar so you can sing songs until the wee hours.
• Concert - The thrills and spills brought by a live concert is had to find in other places. If the celebrant’s favorite artist or band is playing in the area, this could be the perfect party.

Check out this video for a surprise 21st birthday party.

Activities and Games: It’s Fun to be 21

Birthday parties for 21-year olds are filled with fun activities, which are often dubbed the highlights of such events. These endeavors are laced with much hedonism and a little drama for the celebrant. You have much to choose from, making this section the least of your worries.

Open bar for 21st birthday party
• Open Bar - Overflowing alcohol is a frequent occurrence, especially for male 21st birthday parties, regardless of whether they’re formal or informal. Beer, spirits and hard drinks give character to the night, as the people get a little rowdy and pretty sexy. (When this time comes you must be ready, learn the Top ten ways to increase your alcohol tolerance)
• Dance Dance Dance - Pair good dance music with barrels of alcohol and it will become a memorable night for dancing. Naturally, tipsy young people will throw their inhibitions away as the dance numbers become steamy. Singles will eventually grab dates while couples will be a little more passionate than usual. Interested? Set up a sizable dance floor, strategically placed ledges and poles, and several hours worth of dance music.

21 shots for the celebrant
• Food Fight - A good precursor to pool parties is the food fight. People, when splattered with gravy and food bits, will have a good reason to jump into the pool. Soon, everyone will have fun wading in the water, with or without their clothes on.
• The Tour of Legality - Being 21 opens the door towards a handful of hedonistic possibilities. You can enjoy your newfound privileges by making a sweep at all the things and places that were previously unavailable to you. Purchase umpteen rounds of alcohol at a liquor store then hop from one nightclub to another. Getting smashed with alcoholic beverages is now a welcome option, unless you’re driving.
• 21 Shots - If women have the 18 roses for their debuts, males celebrate theirs with 21 shots of different mixed drinks. Each speaker, who will give a speech for the celebrant, is required to take a shot before proceeding with his or her speech. Everyone can then drink to their hearts content right after the formal proceedings.

As you can see, the games and activities are centered on breaking free from the 20-year old chain of restrictions. They will realize how much fun it is to be a young adult.

Ripe for Adulthood, Ripe for a Real Party

The 21st birthday party may seem rough and rowdy but it simply captures the energy of a 21-year old. It won’t be long before he or she focuses on the serious side of life, now that he or she has entered the formal start of adulthood. The youngster will have no regrets by the time he or she decides to start a professional legacy.

Miss Spider

Many children think bugs are icky, squashy and scary, yet there are still some that they find funny and endearing. One popular example is the lovable and kind-hearted Miss Spider. Along with her fun-loving bug neighbors and friends, she gives kids a bug’s-eye view on how life is in the woodsy and whimsical world of Sunny Patch.

Miss Spider must be one of your daughter’s favorite characters, especially if she loves watching cartoons. If she really likes the Sunny Patch experience, and her birthday is coming up, why not give her a fun Miss Spider party? It’s a unique and delightful theme she’d certainly love. Here are a few ideas on how to plan the party.

Spidey Invitations

Miss Spider invitations

If there’s a party supply store near you, you can easily visit it and grab a bunch of Miss Spider invitations. With the show’s popularity, you’ll certainly find various designs and patterns to choose from. Fill out these ready-made invitations with the party details and send them to your guests at least a few weeks ahead of the party.

Ready-made invitations are awesome, but if you’ve got a creative streak in you, you can make your own invitations. One idea is to draw Miss Spider images on white cardstock paper, color with a yellow pen, and cut them out. Write the details on the back, then mail to your guests. You can also buy Miss Spider stickers or cutout pictures from coloring books, and stick them around the cardstock paper. Write the details in colored pen, and you’re done.

Another fun idea is to take a photo of your child wearing a Miss Spider costume and use it as the front cover of your invitation. Draw a balloon next to her head, saying “I’m having a Spidey adventure at Sunny Patch, and you’re invited!”. Make your wordings as fun as you can. It’ll make your guests look forward to the event more.

Decorating Like Sunny Patch

Since Sunny Patch is bright, colorful and filled with fun, your party should have the same aura. Otherwise your kid and her friends will not feel the magical bug world. Here are a few ideas to make your venue as sunny as Sunny Patch.

• Pick out a color motif for your decorations. Blue, green, pink and yellow are fun and eye-pleasing choices. Get streamers, confetti, and balloons in these hues and place them around the venue. You can also get tablecloths in these colors to cover your surfaces.
• Decorate your walls with Miss Spider and Sunny Patch posters and banners. You can also get cutouts of dragonflies, beetles, spiders and ladybugs, and hang them around the walls.
• Get some colorful flower pinwheels and stick them outside, on the ground leading to your front doors. (Tips on how to make a red, white and blue pinwheel)

Colorful Flower Pinwheels

Plastic Spider

Ladybugs poster

• Spread out plastic spiders, bugs and other critters around the floor and party tables. You can also hang them from the ceiling.
• If your kid has Miss Spider toys, you can use these as table centerpieces.
• Create your own Miss Spider “web site” for the kids to get “tangled in”. First, get five or six chairs, arranging them outwards. You can place them as far apart as you like, depending on how big you want your web to be. Get some white yarn and start tying cross-pieces at the backs of the chairs and between top spindles, crossing as many in the middle as you can. Afterwards, tie several long strand at equal intervals to one of the cross pieces. These will be the ones you weave around the web, until you’re back where you began. Tie them again, and cut off the excess. Lastly, tie one strand around the outside of the circle of chairs, acting as the web’s outer edge.

Having Fun Like Miss Spider

Miss Spider may be nice and kind-hearted, but she sure knows how to have fun! Your kids, while in Sunny Patch, should enjoy themselves too. Try these enjoyable Miss Spider-inspired party games for your tots.

• Miss Spider Beanie Toss - Make a cutout of Miss Spider, from yellow poster board and black paper, for her legs. You should also draw her eyes, but leave out the black spots on her body. Place this cutout on the floor, then prepare several black bean bags. When you say “go!” the kids toss the bags on the cutout, to bring back Miss Spider’s spots.

Sunny Patch coloring book
• Color Miss Spider - Spread out Sunny Patch coloring books around the floor, then provide the kids with coloring materials. Let them have fun coloring Miss Spider and her friends. You can award a prize to the best-looking picture.
• “Bugging” Everyone - Prepare cutouts of different insects before the party. When they arrive, stick a paper bug under their backs. They aren’t allowed to take it off, but they must guess what insect it is by “bugging” other players with yes or no questions.
• Ants In The Yard - Create an obstacle course in the party area, comprised of chairs, pillows and other typical around-the-house items. Ask the kids to form a line. Tell them they are “ants”, walking one after another in a neat, single line. They must walk around the obstacle course without anyone falling out of step. Play a Miss Spider song as you proceed with this game.

After these fun and thrilling activities, let the kids watch an episode or two of Miss Spider. They surely won’t say no to their favorite show. You can also give out Miss Spider goodie bags for everyone, with candies, stickers, coloring books, Miss Spider school supplies and even a CD of the show.

Bug Grub

Your little darling and her friends are going to be hungry after all the crazy, Sunny Patch activities you’ve prepared. The good news is, you can whet and satisfy their appetites with just several simple treats. After all, they’ll be too busy having a good time. Here are some party grub to stuff their little mouths.

• Miss Spider’s Cracker Sandwich - Get two crackers and spread peanut butter on them. Lay down four pieces of black licorice, over one cracker, and press the other cracker to it. Add two raisins for the eyes, using a bit of peanut butter, so they will adhere to the cracker.
• Ants On A Log - Cut some celery in five-inch pieces, and then fill them with almond butter. Stick a few raisins on top.

Sweet Gummy Worms

Cold Ice Tea

• Gummy Buggies - Mix assorted gummy candies in a large bowl, like gummy worms and spiders. Some gummy bear also won’t hurt.
• Miss Spider’s Tea - This can be any plain apple juice or iced tea. Place in a large bowl and add edible flowers around the rim for decorations.
• Ladybug Cupcakes - Turn your ordinary cupcakes into a delectable feast by decorating the surface with red frosting and putting black raisin dots all over. Add two yellow candies for the eyes.

To make them feel the Sunny Patch theme better, serve your treats in banana leaves and wooden plates. You can also purchase paper plates with Sunny Patch characters printed on the surface.

Check out this cute spider costume video.

Your kid doesn’t have to be in Sunny Patch to experience fun and excitement. Plan this enjoyable Miss Spider party, and watch her and her friends have the time of their lives. After this, they’ll never think of bugs as “icky” again! If you want to surprise your child, be sure to read how to plan a suprise party.