Hello Everyone!
As I've said before, I love to plan parties and I have done quite a few successful ones. Today I want to tell you about my oldest daughter's Sweet Sixteen.
I think the easiest way to come up with a theme for a party is to pick something that the guest of honor really likes. In my daughter's case, she's a big soccer fan so I decided to have a soccer- themed party. Because the guests were going to be 15 to 17 years of age, it was important to keep the decorations and activities suited to this age group. Her favorite team wears black and red jersies so I asked everyone to come dressed in these colors. I decorated with red and black streamers and balloons. I used a red table cloth, black and red napkins, and red plastic plates, glasses and utensils. I served mini quiches, hamburgers and pasta salad. Instead of a themed cake, which can look childish, I served her favorite Ferrero Rocher chocolate cake. All this gave an older feel to the birthday party.
When you have a bunch of teenagers in the house it's important to keep them entertained. I came up with a few fun activities that everyone could participate in. Since this was a surprise party I had one of my daughter's best friends help with the guest list and with the invitations. These included activity sheets for the guests to prepare in advance and bring with them on the day of the party. Each guest had to fill out a "How Well Do You Know " quiz, a "The Flower You Most Remind Me Of And Why" quiz, a "Did She Ever Do This" quiz, a "My Favorites List" quiz and several others. When arriving at the party each guest was given a pen with a number attached to it. They used these to sign a group card and then kept them for a number picking game where the holder would get a gift if their number was picked from a bowl. I also filled a big glass with small candies and the person who correctly guessed the number of candies in the glass got to take it home.
After playing these games and eating supper, we played a game of "Kiss the Hunky Actor", which is a variation on "Pin The Tail On the Donkey". I bought a poster of my daughter's favorite actor, taped it to a door and the guests each took turns trying to kiss the actor on the lips while blindfolded. The spots where marked with lip-shaped stickies which I had cut out from regular square ones and the one closest to the actor's lips won a prize. The favorite game of the night was "Dress-Up Black Jack". This is a variation of "Strip Poker" which I came up with and which is much more appropriate for a teen party! In advance of the party I had filled up a big black garbage bag with an assortment of clothes and accessories. I put in hats, gloves, nylons, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, ties, scarves and boxer shorts. The guest of honor had to play every hand against a new opponent. You play Black Jack and the loser of the hand had to put on something from the bag that the winner of the hand picks out from the bag without looking in.
Needless to say that everyone had on a crazy assortment of items on especially the birthday girl since she played every hand and had more chances of losing and putting something on. All the guests had a great time and they all got to bring some gifts home. Everyone likes a little something, even though they're not little kids anymore.
It seems that the more simple and casual the party, the more fun it is. My daughter had many friends who had Sweet Sixteen parties that year which were done at restaurants or reception halls and many were not very enjoyable. I was told that they felt impersonal and that they couldn't really enjoy each other's company. But to this day, 5 years later, many of my daughter's friends still rave about her party and how much fun it was. You don't have to spend a lot of money or do some fancy thing. All you need is some creativity and effort to make everyone feel
comfortable and appreciated.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Quick Hello
Hello Everyone!
It's been a tough couple of days and unfortunately I haven't been able to post anything. Again I have to be on my way this morning and don't have time to get into anything important. I did want to say Hi and that I'll sit down as soon as I can to discuss more interesting things.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As a Peacock
It's been a tough couple of days and unfortunately I haven't been able to post anything. Again I have to be on my way this morning and don't have time to get into anything important. I did want to say Hi and that I'll sit down as soon as I can to discuss more interesting things.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As a Peacock
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Too Little Time
Hello Everyone!
I didn't get a chance to post a blog yesterday. I just ran out of time. I had to re-start physiotherapy (which takes up 2 hours of my day) and had family over for supper, so I just didn't have time to get to the computer. I don't know where the time goes. I've been off of work for over a year now and I still feel pressed for time. When I was working full time I did everything (and more) that I do now and somehow I managed. I guess I was just more over-worked and stressed--which probably added to my condition.
It's true that I've had to drastically slow down since my accident. But I finally finished my baby gift! It was frustrating to do, something that would normally take 2 days to finish took over a week, but it was worth it. It came out adorable, if I do say so myself! I know my sisiter-in-law will love it and her baby girl will have a special keepsake. I've posted a picture--let me know what you think.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
I didn't get a chance to post a blog yesterday. I just ran out of time. I had to re-start physiotherapy (which takes up 2 hours of my day) and had family over for supper, so I just didn't have time to get to the computer. I don't know where the time goes. I've been off of work for over a year now and I still feel pressed for time. When I was working full time I did everything (and more) that I do now and somehow I managed. I guess I was just more over-worked and stressed--which probably added to my condition.
It's true that I've had to drastically slow down since my accident. But I finally finished my baby gift! It was frustrating to do, something that would normally take 2 days to finish took over a week, but it was worth it. It came out adorable, if I do say so myself! I know my sisiter-in-law will love it and her baby girl will have a special keepsake. I've posted a picture--let me know what you think.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Monday, February 23, 2009
It's All In The Details
Hello Everyone!
I must say that I really enjoyed the Oscar show this year. Though I always like it, this year's presentation was extra beautiful. From the lavish gowns and jewels to the amazing stage and musical numbers, it was a real feast for the senses. A great deal of attention was paid to putting on a show rather than just presenting an award which made the show much more interesting.
I always say that it's the details that make something truly special. It's the accessories that perfectly finish a room and the special touches that complete a beautiful table setting. It shows that you've made an effort and that you care about making everything as beautiful and special as you can. I think it makes your guests feel welcomed and cared for.
Though it's great to do all you can for others it's just as important to do all you can for yourself. Surrounding yourself with things that are beautiful and special to you makes you feel good and gives you a sense of joy and contentment. We all need as much of that as possible in our lives.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
I must say that I really enjoyed the Oscar show this year. Though I always like it, this year's presentation was extra beautiful. From the lavish gowns and jewels to the amazing stage and musical numbers, it was a real feast for the senses. A great deal of attention was paid to putting on a show rather than just presenting an award which made the show much more interesting.
I always say that it's the details that make something truly special. It's the accessories that perfectly finish a room and the special touches that complete a beautiful table setting. It shows that you've made an effort and that you care about making everything as beautiful and special as you can. I think it makes your guests feel welcomed and cared for.
Though it's great to do all you can for others it's just as important to do all you can for yourself. Surrounding yourself with things that are beautiful and special to you makes you feel good and gives you a sense of joy and contentment. We all need as much of that as possible in our lives.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Oscars
Hello Everyone!
Today is Oscar Sunday. Like many fans of show business, this is our Super Bowl Sunday! I make no other plans today and spend the whole afternoon watching the pre-shows which, luckily for me, have started earlier and earlier.
Being a person that likes pretty things I think that what attracts me to the entertainment industry is the beauty aspect. As much as I love a good t.v. show or movie and appreciate great acting, I especially love the whole look of the piece. I love the costumes, decor and scenery. I guess that's why I love period pieces, with beautiful wardrobes and settings, which evoke such a strong sense of time and place.
So, though I'm interested in who wins the awards, I can't wait see all the beautiful dresses, shoes and jewels. Seeing the handsomely dressed men is an added bonus! Not to mention listening to some interesting gossip! It all helps to add a little joy to my life.
Well it's time to go settle in for my day of viewing pleasure.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Today is Oscar Sunday. Like many fans of show business, this is our Super Bowl Sunday! I make no other plans today and spend the whole afternoon watching the pre-shows which, luckily for me, have started earlier and earlier.
Being a person that likes pretty things I think that what attracts me to the entertainment industry is the beauty aspect. As much as I love a good t.v. show or movie and appreciate great acting, I especially love the whole look of the piece. I love the costumes, decor and scenery. I guess that's why I love period pieces, with beautiful wardrobes and settings, which evoke such a strong sense of time and place.
So, though I'm interested in who wins the awards, I can't wait see all the beautiful dresses, shoes and jewels. Seeing the handsomely dressed men is an added bonus! Not to mention listening to some interesting gossip! It all helps to add a little joy to my life.
Well it's time to go settle in for my day of viewing pleasure.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Party Planning
Hello Everyone!
One thing that gives me alot of pleasure is party planning. I just get a big kick out of planning all the details, going shopping for what I need and putting everything together on the special day. I've been known to get quite creative with the details and I like to see how everyone enjoys what I've done.
Creating a fun and memorable party doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You just have to be organized. I suggest you get started at least 3 months before the party though I often start way before that. Many people ask me how I can start so early but I think it's just part of being organized--you know it's your daughter's Sweet Sixteen or your son's High School Graduation in a few months so why not start getting ready right away? This gives you plenty of time to decide on a theme and to shop for what you need. It also saves money since you might find things on sale and not have to buy things at the last minute because you need them. When you give yourself enough time to think about what you want to create you can often spot things that you already have or can borrow so you don't need to buy everything. You can also become more creative and use things in a different way than their original purpose because you have time to think and prepare. I'm a firm believer in not having to spend alot of money to achieve something great.
In the next few days I'll discuss in detail a few parties that I've planned that were a great success.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
One thing that gives me alot of pleasure is party planning. I just get a big kick out of planning all the details, going shopping for what I need and putting everything together on the special day. I've been known to get quite creative with the details and I like to see how everyone enjoys what I've done.
Creating a fun and memorable party doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You just have to be organized. I suggest you get started at least 3 months before the party though I often start way before that. Many people ask me how I can start so early but I think it's just part of being organized--you know it's your daughter's Sweet Sixteen or your son's High School Graduation in a few months so why not start getting ready right away? This gives you plenty of time to decide on a theme and to shop for what you need. It also saves money since you might find things on sale and not have to buy things at the last minute because you need them. When you give yourself enough time to think about what you want to create you can often spot things that you already have or can borrow so you don't need to buy everything. You can also become more creative and use things in a different way than their original purpose because you have time to think and prepare. I'm a firm believer in not having to spend alot of money to achieve something great.
In the next few days I'll discuss in detail a few parties that I've planned that were a great success.
Make today a pretty day!
Pretty As A Peacock
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