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Ask your questions of The Party Girl
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You may even see your question and answer posted in the space below.
Denise asked:
Occasion: parents'50th
My sisters and I thought it would be nice to have a card shower for our
parent's wedding anniversary. How do I ask their friends to share memories, do
I send a self addressed, stamped envelope? We planned on reading them, as a
surprise during dinner.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Just ask them to
write and send a great memory and a picture they think your folks might like,
Put these in an album for a keepsake. You don't need to pay for the postage or
provide and envelope, just where and when to send them. Find a pic of your
parents now and take it with a pic of their wedding to a copy center and have
them put together and blown up to a poster for the party.
annette asked:
Occasion: anniversary
Silver is for the 25th anniversary Gold for the 50th anniversary. what is the
gift you give for the 12th anniversary??
The Party Girl's advice is:
The traditional
gift is silk/linen and the modern one is pearls.
Oschott asked:
Occasion: 75th Anniversary
I am looking for a gift for my grandparents 75th anniversary. Is there a
traditional gift or is a collage of pictures from there lifetime an acceptable
choice
The Party Girl's advice is:
There is no
traditional gift for 75, the last one is for 60th which is diamond. I love the
idea of a collage. But then, I am a sucker for personal things done with love.
Include also written memories from friends and family and be sure to blow up
the type size so that they can read it easily.
J. Coast asked:
Occasion: 50th Wedding Anniversary
Help! My parents 50th Anniversary will occur when they are at their summer
home in another state, none of their 3 children will be able to be with them.
Any ideas as to what we can do before they leave and on their special day to
make this anniversary special for them. Thanks!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Is it totally
impossible to go there and surprise them? If so, surprise them before they go
away and on that particular day, arrange for a bottle of champagne, chocolate
covered strawberries, bubble bath and privacy.
Rick asked:
Occasion: 50th wedding anniversary
I need help with a toast for the grandparents from the grandchildren
The Party Girl's advice is:
The best toast
is spoken from the heart. Just tell them how they have contributed to your
life in so many ways (be specific) and how you cherish your relationship with
them. And don't be embarrassed to cry.
Annette asked:
Occasion: anniversary
Silver is for the 25th anniversary Gold for the 50th anniversary. what is the
gift you give for the 12th anniversary??
The Party Girl's advice is:
The traditional
gift is silk/linen and the modern one is pearls
Jennesa asked:
Occasion: Anniversary
my grandparents are having their 40th wedding anniversary, and I would like to
do something formal yet on a tight budget. Do you have any suggestions?
Jenessa W.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Why don't you
work with your parents on this one and do something together with you handling
one part all by yourself.
joni asked:
Occasion: anniversary
I can't find a theme that would fit for my parents 25th anniversary, and it
would have to be something on a limited budget. Can you please help me?
The Party Girl's advice is:
First check
party411.com/themes for some ideas. Remember, the 25th is the silver
anniversary so you could always do something around that. Have all the guests
send you a memory and a picture and put them in an album for your parents. Get
their wedding picture and a picture of them together now and have them blown
up like a large poster and have everyone sign in on it.
joni asked:
Occasion: Party theme
I can't find a theme that would fit for my parents 25th anniversary, and it
would have to be something on a limited budget. Can you please help me?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, 25 is the
silver anniversary so do the party in all white and silver. Go to a craft
store and get lots of silver stuff like mylar tinsel skirting, silver glitter,
white and silver balloons, etc. Get a pic of your parents wedding and one from
today and have them put together and blown up as a major decoration. Have
everyone sign it. Ask the guests to send you a memory and take polaroids at
the party and put them together in an album.
CF asked:
Occasion: Anniversary
What is the color for 35th anniversary. I am to make a cake and would like to
use that color for the frosting.
The Party Girl's advice is:
The traditional
gem color is coral and the modern one is jade.
Bernadette asked:
Occasion: Anniversary
I'm looking for ideas for centerpieces for tables at a 55th wedding
anniversary. Any suggestions?
The Party Girl's advice is:
The signature
55th anniversary gem is the emerald so I would use green. Go to the craft
store and get that green stuff they put in plants to anchor them and put that
in a great short green flower pot. Get the fake greenery to tick in and
instead of traditional flowers, get fake emeralds and glue them to the center
of silk flowers and put in pots. Sprinkle green litter over the tables and tie
balloons to the pots.
Elizabeth asked:
Occasion: Anniversary Party !
So what do I do? I am in pinch & can't find out what to do. I need to know
now what to do. Like for games & gifts. It is the 25th anniversary of my
parents.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Look at
party411.com/themes and party411.com/gamegirl for some ideas. I would think
about a "silver" theme. Look at www.oriental.com for great
decorations and other things at a reasonable price. Get a wedding pic and a
pic from today of your parents and take them to a copy center, have them put
together and blown up large for the party. Have the guests sign it. Ask the
guests to send you a memory of your parents and take polaroids of the guests
and put these together in an album.
G. Neville asked:
Occasion: 50th wedding anniversary
My mom and dad are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in November.
Where can I write to get letters of congratulations from the president? or
other organizations ? Thanks
The Party Girl's advice is:
Call their congressional
rep and you senators and make your requests. Maybe their mayor
also. If they belong to any organizations (i.e. elks, Moose, etc.) contact the
local chapter and get their help. Also their religious leader. But how about
contacting all their friends and relatives and have them send you a written
memory and a photograph and put those in an album
Rebecca asked:
Occasion: 25th anniversary
My friend and her sister are planning an anniversary party for her parents. We
were wondering if it was tacky to register them at say "Target" so
those who wanted to bring a gift could get them something they could use after
25 years of using all those towels, kitchen utensils, bedding, etc. If this is
something they could do, what would be a nice way of saying this without
assuming someone would be buying something. Or is there such a thing?!?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Actually, my
daughter registered there for her wedding (among other places). Use Target at
the theme. I'm sure your local store has lots of logo things for you to use.
Use one on the invitation and decorate with others in all sizes. Use their
colors, red and white. I'm sure they'll give you lots of Target stuff for the
free publicity. On the invite, say in a kidding way that if the guest feels
like bringing a present, you have taken all the hassle out of it by
registering at one store where "a bargain is still a bargain".
angel asked:
Occasion: 25th wedding anniversary
Can you please give me some ideas on how to start planning this party for my
mother and father? I would like to make this very special but on a small
budget as I am incurring all costs myself.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Decide what you
would like to do. Evening party with just family, family and friends?
Afternoon open house? Family dinner? Then pick the appropriate place and a
date. The traditional 25th Anniversary gift is silver so you can use that in
your decorations. You can find lots of inexpensive decorations and things to
use for centerpieces and table decorations at www.oriental.com or at a craft
store and make it yourself. Use stars, glitter, balloons, etc. Get a wedding
picture of your parents and a recent one and take it to a copy center and have
them combine them and blow it up for everyone to see as part of the decor. Ask
the guests to write down a memory and send it to you. Get a polaroid camera
and take pictures of the guests at the party and combine these in an album. As
far as the food goes, that will depend upon the time, place and type of party
you would like (casual is less expensive). If a meal, buffets go farther for
less. Don't you have any relatives who can help with the costs?
Colette asked:
Occasion: 40th Anniversary
We are planning a 40th anniversary for my in-laws and are wanting some
decorating ideas, ones we can create for the table etc.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Is there
something they especially like such as a sport or a hobby or travel? If so,
use that as the theme and decorate appropriately for that theme. If not, Ruby
is both the tradition and modern gift for 40th Anniversary. You could do the
entire party in red and use the Ruby as the centerpiece of the theme.
Dy asked:
Occasion: 1st Anniversary
On New Year's even 2000 my husband and I will be celebrating our 1st
anniversary. We eloped last year and have an extremely limited budget. Also
considering that it is Y2K New Year we know almost everything available will
be booked so we'll be at home with his stepchildren (we have an extremely
limited budget so going out of town is not an option) What suggestions might
you have to make our first anniversary memorable?
The Party Girl's advice is:
After you put
the kids to bed, have a picnic on the den or living room floor with a blanket,
candles, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, brie, crackers, etc. Put
on romantic music and dance. Give each other a rose and enjoy.
Sherri asked:
Occasion: 1st anniversary
My boyfriend and I will celebrate our year anniversary next week. Although a
year together doesn't seem like a big deal, I want to mark this momentous
occasion. We are both romantic, and so I am looking for a romantic idea to
celebrate the anniversary. I want a romantic party for two. Any romantic,
novel ideas would be great. Thanks
The Party Girl's advice is:
Why not a
moonlit picnic in a park with sparkling champagne if your old enough or
non-alcoholic if you're not. Have cheese and crackers, chocolate covered
strawberries, candles and great music on the boom box.
Richard asked:
Occasion: 50th Wedding Anniversary Ideas
My parents-in-law will be married 50 years in 2000. The father expects the
kids to do something BIG for them. I think he wants to show off as much as
receive. There are three children with means. Please advise.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Since the kids
all have means, send them on a trip. That means you're spending the
"bucks" for him to brag and you won't be saddled with providing him
with an evening of "fun".
Jeannie asked:
Occasion: Parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary
My boyfriend (of 5 years) parents are having a 50th wedding anniversary party
at our house. I was wondering what would be a good gift to get them besides a
serving platter. We are just having a very informal outside party for them.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Get a wedding
picture of them and a current one and have them put together and blown up for
the party. Ask the guests to send you a written memory and take polaroids of
each guest and put these together in an album. Also, find a good chocolatier
and have a pair of chocolate long stem roses wrapped in gold foil made or a
large 50.
Jan asked:
Occasion: Parents 50th Wedding Anniversary
My sister's & I are taking our parents to Orcas Island for a Family anniversary
retreat. They didn't want a big party. So it's just us kids and our
families. We are going to have a special dinner on their anniversary. Give
them a scrapbook of pictures and a anniversary basket. Any ideas for something
special to put in the basket? Also different things to do that evening. We
were thinking of a newly wed type game, singing, toasts ect. Any other
creative ideas for our evening party? Also any ideas for a special present,
besides this trip. We are all on tight budgets so this is a big splurge for
all of us. Thank you for your help. Please respond as soon as possible.
Sincerely, Jan McAlvey
The Party Girl's advice is:
Each of you
write down your favorite memories and put them in the basket. Find a good
Chocolateer and have them make lots of 5's and 0's and add those to the
basket. Also include a bottle of champagne. Find a wedding pic and a recent
pic of your folks and take them to a copy center and have them blown up side
by side and put this where everyone first comes in. Newlywed game sounds good
and also roasts and toasts. Do you live near a bed-and-breakfast? If so, send
them there for a night or just treat them to a romantic dinner for two at a
favorite restaurant and make arrangements for a special dessert or music.
Keri asked:
Occasion: 25th Anniversary
HELP!!! My parents 25th ann. is coming up. My aunts and I are throwing a party
(my siblings do not have jobs 14, 16). I am on a limited budget and no one has
discussed a theme or anything. I do not know what to do. Thanks. Keri
The Party Girl's advice is:
You can have a
great party without spending a fortune. Have all the guests pitch in for food
and have your aunt do the beverages. Ask the guests to send you a written
memory of your parents and take polaroids of them at the party and place these
in an album. Take a wedding pic and a pic taken recently of your parents and
have a Kinko's or copy center combine them and blow them up as a great
decoration. Look at www.oriental.com for inexpensive decorations and favors.
As for a theme, you can use anything, the number 25, Love, ask your aunt.
Michele asked:
Occasion: Parents 25th anniversary
I bought my parents a sign in guest book for there anniversary and I was
wondering if you can give me a few suggestions on what to say.. I tried
writing something in there and I know this will sound bad but I cant think of
anything to say.. I know it should come from the heart I am just having a hard
time getting it started. please help !
The Party Girl's advice is:
Why not say it
with pictures. Gather some of your favorite pictures of you, them, any
siblings, etc. and write captions for them. Put these in the front of an
album. Then have the guests give you a written memory and take a polaroid of
them and put them in the album also. Your parents will love this and it will
say just about everything.
Kathy asked:
Occasion: 50th wedding anniversary
We are having a party from 7pm-12pm. We are serving hot and cold appetizers,
punch and coffee. There will be a cash bar. Any suggestions on wording for the
invitation to convey this? any help would be appreciated. thanks!
The Party Girl's advice is:
You should
include soft drinks with the punch and coffee. I have been invited to parties
and been surprised at a cash bar and not knowing in advance. Some people
included wine in the freebees. But when the people RSVP you can tell them
about the cash bar.
Tabby asked:
Occasion: First Anniversary
what is a nice, simple, romantic thing to buy my boyfriend for our first
anniversary?
The Party Girl's advice is:
If it's a warm
evening and not raining, a candlelit picnic on the grass is very romantic.
Bring a tape player or CD player for music. If the weather isn't great, have
the same picnic on the living room floor. If you are old enough, have a bottle
of champagne, if not, have non-alcoholic champagne. Include finger sandwiches
and small foods that you can give to each other. For dessert, have
strawberries, the most romantic of fruit.
K asked:
Occasion: my parents 16 anniversary
I always make my parents a gift on their anniversary, I am all out of ideas,
what should I do, do u have any ideas?
The Party Girl's advice is:
I don't know how
much you plan on spending but you might want to pay for dinner in a restaurant
or have a picture professionally taken of you and your brothers and sisters if
you have some. Frame the picture and give them that with a bottle of
champagne.
kristen asked:
Occasion: parents 25 anniversary
I am trying to plan a 25 anniversary party for my parents, I have a very
limited budget, and I will only be coming home the weekend of their
anniversary, which is labor day weekend. do you have any suggestions on how I
can plan a memorable anniversary party on a college students budget. ( I am
the oldest, my younger sister is only 13 with NO income) and I don't think it
is appropriate to ask for $ from relatives! Please help ASAP!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Why not ask an
aunt to help you. Instead of doing an expensive party with lots of stuff, do
something you can manage. Maybe a deli tray or two from the grocery or the
sandwich tray. Get sides, and chips etc. Serve non-alcoholic beverages and
set-ups and ask the guests to bring their own. Ask the guests to send you a
written memory of your parents and put them in an album. Take polaroids of the
guests and add them to the album. Put your parents name and the date on the
cover. Get a photo of their wedding pic and a current one and take it to
Kinko's and have them blown up together in a large poster and mount it on foam core. Have all the guests sign in on it. Look at www.oriental.com for
inexpensive decorations.
"Jeani Keogh" asked:
Occasion: 50th Wedding Anniversary party ideas
I am looking for any ideas for a 50th Wedding Anniversary party, more to the
casual "Open House" style of party. I am afraid I am running very
short of time, 21st of August to be exact. Naturally invitations and all that
are done, just looking for some food suggestions, things for the guests to do,
etc... I thought of having the guests each write their "memories" of
times with my parents and putting them in a book...any kind of decorating and
entertaining ideas would be very much appreciated. Thank you. Jeani Keogh
Thanks
The Party Girl's advice is:
Along with the
memories, take polaroids of the guests and add them to the book. Get a wedding
picture of the couple and combine it with a recent one of them both. Take to a
copy center and have them combined into one large poster and have the guests
sign in on it. Since the 50th Anniversary is the golden one, go with that as a
basic theme. Get gold foil wrapped chocolates, especially a bit "5"
and "0". Tie gold balloons with gold ribbon to champagne bottles
with a pair of glasses and use gold glitter.
M. K. Chadbourne asked:
Occasion: 50th wedding anniversary
What suggestions do you have for an appropriate gift? The "bride"
was my sister. I don't want to spend more than $100. Incidentally, I have no
pictures of the wedding.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Why not have all
of their friends and relatives send you a memory of the couple along with a
picture of themselves, maybe including the anniv. couple. Put these in an
album to give them. This won't cost much. Take the rest of the money and treat
them to something they would never buy for themselves such as a spa day for
both, or a wonderful pre-paid dinner at a romantic restaurant. Remember, the
more personal you are, the better.
Shaaron asked:
Occasion: 20th Anniversary
I have relatives and friends coming and some are vegetarians and low sugar
diets and some don't like spicy foods, What should I order? and also should
this be a sit down dinner or a mingle wingle affair? Reply soon-Thanks,
Shaaron@Hotmail.Com
The Party Girl's advice is:
I like mingle
parties much better than sit-down and so do most people. As for what to serve,
you can have a variety. Cut veggies with different dips and cut fruit is good
for almost anyone. Then use cheeses and crackers, maybe a spinach soufflé,
artichoke dip, those sort of things. Salad is always good and you could have a
make your own with some meat, fish, etc. stuff for those on no special eating
regimen. Cake is cake so there's not much you can do but you can have sherbet
available for those who can't eat ice cream.
Woody asked:
Occasion: 50th Wedding Anniversary
My in-laws are celebrating their 50th soon. We rented a small restaurant (in-laws wanted this one) for the party, but the problem is that
everyone so far has accepted the invitation. Don't get me wrong...we are all
delighted that they are all coming, but the restaurant is so small! It holds
52 people max! So far, about 49 are coming. We thought with so many people
from out-of-town, they would decline. My questions is: What can we do with
this many people in such a small area to keep them entertained?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Talk to the
restaurant people. Maybe they have a deck you can use or another room. If you
really outgrow the place, you'll have to find another. Don't worry, the best
parties are crowded. Don't do a sit-down, do a station or buffet party so that
not everyone has to sit at the same time.
Stephanie asked:
Occasion: 25th Anniversary
Dear Party Girl, I was planning on using a glass bowl with floating candle heads
w/candles around it for our table centerpieces at our mom & dad's25th
party. My question is, do you have any suggestions for flowers that would work
best for this?
The Party Girl's advice is:
There is no
specific flowers for a particular anniversary. Think of what your parents like
the best or use a seasonal flower. You could go with flowers in a color
scheme. Maybe duplicate the flowers from your mom's wedding bouquet. Don't
forget some chocolate flowers.
Madeline asked:
Occasion: 25th and 50th anniversary
50th wedding anniversary is coming. Our 25th anniversary is the day after
theirs. We are both paying for our own cruise. We really have no savings. My
children can not afford to help. So it's just us. Do you have some economical
ideas on how we can celebrate this occasion?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Why not an
old-fashioned family and friends pitch-in with BYOB. If the idea is
celebrating with those who care, you don't need anything fancy or elaborate.
Assign everyone a dish to bring and tell them to bring any alcohol they would
like. You furnish the paper goods, condiments, utensils, bowls, etc. and ice
and soft drinks.
Judy asked:
Occasion: 50th Wedding Anniversary
I have one more question for you... The place where we are throwing the dinner
party for my mom and dad for their 50th Wedding Anniversary has valet parking
or parking lots that cost between $5.00 to $8.00, depending on how long you
are parked there. Should we (my brother and I) pay for the valet parking for
the guests, or just have them be on their own for parking?? They are already
paying for their own dinners, we are providing the wine and some special party
favors (at your suggestion) for them. Don't know what to do, but I love the
place where we are having the party!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Let them pay for
their own. They can decide where to park.
Melanie asked:
Occasion: Parent's 25th Wedding Anniversary
I'm going to throw a 25th anniversary party for my parents in January, I want
to do an icy sparkly theme. I'd like to have it in a hall but I don't know the
cost and am afraid that I won't have enough money. I also would like to know
what kind of meal would go along with a theme like this. I'm not sure how I
would like to ask people to dress. I want it to be kind of like a fantasy land
for my parents, but at the same time our friends and relatives aren't exactly
the formal dress type. I don't know how I would present this to them. Plus any
decoration or invitation ideas you have would be very welcome. Please Help!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Most places
should be cheaper to rent after New Year's so try to negotiate the price down.
Use those white twinkling X-mas lights from trees as you major decor. Also use
the icicles and tinsel from the holidays. Go for a silver/white theme. You can
recycle lots of holiday decorations in these colors to save money. Find a
wedding pic of your parents and a pic of today and have them blown up together
and mounted. Have the guests sign in on this. Ask the guests to send you a
written memory and put them in an album. Use a polaroid and take pics of the
guests and put these in the album also. As far as dress, the time of day or
evening doesn't matter. It can be casual and you can request that everyone
wear something that has white or silver or both. Make the meal whatever you
feel you folks would like and make it buffet. People always like to walk
around rather than sit. See if you can find the music they like and play it.
trish asked:
Occasion: parents 50th wedding anniversary
sal Comments = My parents are very simple, southern people and would not enjoy
anything fancy or complicated. Can you give me ideas on decorations that we
can make ourselves. What kind of food to serve, most of the guest will be 60 and
over. They don't drink so would soda and punch be okay? Anything you can advise
on will be greatly appreciated. thanks, Trish
The Party Girl's advice is:
Get a photo of
them from their wedding day and get a photo of them now. Take them to a Kinko's
or another copy place and have them blown up together as a poster. Mount it on
foam core and let the guests sign in on it. Ask the guests to write and send
you a fond memory of your parents and put them in an album. Take polaroids of
the guests and add this to the album. Since 50 is a golden anniversary, find
decorations in gold such as glitter, gold foil wrapped chocolates, gold
balloons. If you aren't comfortable with gold, choose another color. Look at
www.oriental.com for decorations and use the number 50 all over.
Bonnie Bartlette asked:
Occasion: anniversary
Hi! We've been married 40 years. I was planning a party outside and my girls
can't afford it so I told them I would put their names as hosts on the
invitation. But I put RSVP and my own phone #, is this appropriate? Also, can
there be a time such as 2-6pm put on the invitation? The girls want a money
tree, do you put that on the invitation? And, being it's held outdoors, people
can wear what they want, should that be included in the invitation? I can't
invite everyone's kids to this so how do I not hurt feelings. Thank you for
all your help. I've been looking and looking for a site like this for a long
time. When should I send out the invitations? I'm also having close relatives
bring dishes and it will be buffet style. Thanks again. Bonnie
The Party Girl's advice is:
If you've
already send the invite, you can't make changes. If not, ask the girls if they
want the RSVPs. That would be better. You can put any time frame you want on
the invite. I am not a fan of a money tree and don't know the etiquette for
it. Put the words outdoor and casual on the invite. Add, adults only. Usually
invites are sent about 6 weeks before the event. Remember, go with you
instincts and what you are comfortable with. When in doubt, keep it simple and
be honest about what you want. You might want to check the home page for new
products and see edible photos.
Mary Beaton asked:
Occasion: 25th wedding anniversary
My two older sisters and I are having an anniversary party for my parents in
two weeks time and we already sent out invitations and we have no idea what we
want to do, can you help?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Do you have a
theme? Want one? Look at party411.com/themes for suggestions. Get a pic of your
parents wedding photo and get a very recent one and have them blown up side by
side. Let the guests sign in on this. Ask the guests to send you a memory and
put them in an album along with polaroids you take at the party. Look at the
New Products area on the home page for edible photos.
Beth Mindes asked:
Occasion: 40th anniversary for in-laws
We (hubby, sister and brother in-law) want to plan a special 40th anniversary
party for Mom and Dad. We are thinking of a theme (murder-mystery, casino).
Any ideas for locations?
The Party Girl's advice is:
If you live in
the suburbs, see if there's an old home or barn you can rent for the party. If
you live in the city, maybe a friend's townhouse. Look at party411.com/themes
for murder-mystery ideas. If you're doing a casino, make sure that wherever you do, you're allowed to have gambling and liquor at the location. Some
places are funny about that.
See more Party Girl Advice on
Anniversaries
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