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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.
Lisa asked:
Occasion: Dedication of a new building
We are dedicating a new Student Union building and I need some decorating
ideas for a cocktail reception. We have a limited budget, but need to do
something elegant and memorable! HELP! We are trying for a historical theme to
tie the old buildings in with the new. I'd appreciate any ideas you have.
The Party Girl's advice is:
See if you can get some pics of the old
building and if so, have it blown up to poster size and also one of the new
building. Mount them with a sign above reading "Now and then". Find
out what was current when the original one was built such as dress, foods,
cars, etc. and get pics and stuff from then and use it to decorate one half of
the room under the banner of "Then". Find the correlating stuff now
and use it on the other side under a banner "Now".
Pamela Howard asked:
Occasion: Neighborhood Bar-b-que
I am interesting in getting together a neighborhood bar-b-que as a way to for
us neighbors to get to know each other. I may check into closing the street (
we live on a one block street ) and having everyone bring their bar-b-ques out
into the street. I need some suggestions on how to get this thing going, not
many of us know each other and I'd like to change that.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Make up flyers and put them in each
home's mail box. On it, say what your intentions are and have a tear slip on
the bottom for them to reply by a certain date with name, address and phone
and say whether they would be interested in such a get together. Everyone
doesn't need to bring a grill. Make it a total pitch-in. People can sign up
for appetizers and sides and desserts. Line up a few good size grills. Have
each person contribute say $5 each to cover costs of hamburgers, hot dogs,
buns, condiments, paper goods, etc. Might need more, figure all that out. Put
this on the flyer. If enough people are interested, go ahead. See if you need
a permit to close off the street and if there are lots of kids, see if the
fire department will bring their truck for a while. Look at
party411.com/gamegirl for ideas.
pat cooper asked:
Occasion: millennium
suggestions for decorations?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Have you looked at party411.com/themes
at the millennium party theme? Try there first.
From: GAYLE asked:
Occasion: Party
Hi there, I would like to throw my god-daughter a "Big Sister
Party". She will be expecting a new sister in November. I would like to
know if you can offer some suggestions on what I should do.
The Party Girl's advice is:
How old is the "Big Sister"?
Makes a lot of difference. Write back.
Steph asked:
Occasion: annual friends party before first year in
college
I need a new good theme. I've done the trad. American BBQ, the luau, the fun
flowery theme. Now I want something more sophisticated but fun. I liked the
Toga Toga idea, but I don't know how to incorporate it. Then I thought of a
'trip around the world theme' everyone come as a different country. Help!
Thanks so much! -Steph
The Party Girl's advice is:
Have you looked at party411.com/themes
for some ideas. There are all sorts and you can use any parts of any theme.
Also party411.com/gamegirl for stuff to do. Also look at the home page at new
products for special items.
CHANTAL ALLCHIN asked:
Occasion: JUST FOR SOME FUN
DO YOU KNOW OF ANY THEMES FOR A MURDER MYSTERY PARTY THAT WE COULD LOOK AT. IT
WOULD BE GOOD IF YOU COULD GET BACK TO ME ASAP THANKS
The Party Girl's advice is:
Try party411.com/themes for one.
Marisa asked:
Occasion: Opening of Child Care Center
We are opening a new school and wanted to do a theme party to welcome the new
families. It would be in September, anything better than Back To School?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Instead of calling it Back to School,
why not go with the song "Getting to Know You". Get a Polaroid camera and take a picture of each child. Design a cute paper frame on your
computer and use them to put each child's picture in and put their name on the
top of the frame. Have a large bulletin board and put each picture on it. Make
a banner for over the door and the top of the board with "getting to Know
You". Do the same for the caregivers on a separate board but do it ahead
of time and blow them up with their names. Have some games like Red Rover for
the oldest and lots of balloons. Make cute name tags for everyone. Be sure to
serve some "small" food for the little ones. Once we made cupcakes
and cookies and decorated them ourselves. Have a great time.
Stacy asked:
Occasion: sister moving from CA to Portland, OR ( job
promotion)
Do you have any good ideas for a theme and ways to decorate, even maybe a game
or two? She is 40, and it is not a surprise. We thought of going with the
theme of moving from sunny CA to rainy Portland (but making it funny). Any
suggestions are welcome!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, you could get lots of those
little paper umbrellas for drinks and decorate with them and get one large
umbrella for her (make it the ugliest one you can find and give it to her with
a straight face. check party411.com/gamegirl for party games. Have each guest
bring a picture of themselves and a funny memory and put these in an album for
her.
Donovan asked:
Occasion: swim team end of season party
I need to find a theme that will appeal to a wide range of ages with a
congratulatory/job well done theme for all the young people who participated
in making the swim team a success. Last year it was an "Everyone is a
Star" theme. I would like to have some new maybe y2k themes to work with.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might share.
The Party Girl's advice is:
check party411.com/themes for millennium
suggestions. Since you all are swimmer, why not go with a "fish"
theme. Use fish for decorations, have live goldfish in bowls for table
decorations and give them away as prizes. Blow up a large fish to poster size
and play Pin the Fin on the Fish. Serve things like tuna, salmon, Pepperidge
Goldfish, etc. Use the song Under the Sea from the Little Mermaid, etc.
Tika asked:
Occasion: Reunion
Thanks for responding so fast. Okay we live in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh. We
were thinking about having it at a local municipal park the Dates would be
August 21 and 22. We are still in the planning stages of the reunion so we
really haven't come up with budget. But we are thinking of charging each family
about $5 per family to help cover costs. For entertainment my one cousin is a
DJ and he will provide that for free thank goodness. I am looking for some
ideas on what I can do to keep it fun for everyone. I hope this info can
help. I really just need some tips on what kinds of entertainment for my
family. Thanks so much, Tika
The Party Girl's advice is:
Since you are going to have people of
all ages, you can have all sorts of games. Look at party411.com/gamegirl for
some game ideas. Also, have everyone bring a picture of themselves when they
were young and mount them all on a board. Have a prize(s) for whoever gets the
most right. Get disposable cameras for everyone to take pictures.
Traci McNamee asked:
Occasion: fishing trip buddies and wive's get together
do you have any neat ideas for an outdoor dinner party for 16 people. this is
8 men who annually fish in Canada for a week each summer and the wives want to
get together as couples. I need help with food ideas and activity, etc.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check out party411.com/themes for good
suggestions as to what to serve and decorations, if any. Then check out
party411.com/gamegirl for stuff to do. Be sure to have some games where you
can give prizes and get funny stuff (gag gifts).
Angela Nolan asked:
Occasion: Indoor Beach Party
I need ideas for cheap decorations I can make or use for this indoor beach
party?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Look at www.oriental.com for hula
skirts, ukes, leis, etc. Have fun.
Ranzie Mitchell asked:
Occasion: Annual family picnic.
We have an (immediate) family picnic every year at the beach. This year
being the last year of the millennium, we decided to try and do something
different. So we are doing a two day event with the beach being the second day
optional event. We would like to do some sort of a salute to our parents, with
just a traditional party theme. We considered doing a marti-gras theme with a
mixture of something else. It is a total of 7 children with all being married
with children with the exception of two. Any advice of ideas as far as what to
do, and how to do it with a theme working a salute into it at some point and
time.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Why not salute each decade separately.
Assign one decade to a couple of family members and they can dress, bring memorabilia
(family photos also), pick a food, whatever. Also look at
party411.com/themes for other ideas.
Karen Tate asked:
Occasion: Welcome Home and a special thank you Party
My boyfriend is a world class ultra marathon runner and he left to race in
South Africa two weeks ago. Although he gave it his best shot he wasn't able
to finish the race due to an Achilles tendon "snapping" he has sense
undergone surgery and is coming home at the end of July. I would like to
through him a welcome home party and also a thank you party for his coach
(because he saved my boyfriends house while he has been gone from destruction). I want the party to be fun for every one but I have never thrown
a party before and I need some ideas on what would be fun for a welcome home
and thank you party? like games, d
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check out party411.com/themes and
party411.com/gamegirl for lots of ideas. Why not make a huge thank you note -
blow up a picture of his friend - and have everyone sign it.
katie shaw asked:
Occasion: teachers leaving party
please could you give me some ideas on a leaving party for my English teacher.
The party can last for 2 hours. please help!
The Party Girl's advice is:
First of all, look at
party411.com/themes and party411.com/gamegirl for ideas. Why not have everyone
write down a memory and put them, together with each picture, in an album to
give to the teacher.
Tara asked:
Occasion: Slumber Party
I need a theme or ideas for a slumber party! I can't think of anything!!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Have a kiddie party. Dress as little
kids and have a prize for the best one. Play all the games that kids play like
Duck, duck, goose and Red Rover. Have balloons and lollipops and watch Disney
films.
Kari asked:
Occasion: Break-Up
Sorry you guys Broke-up...Here's a giant party to help you forget! What ideas
such as activities and decorations do you have for a big girl/guy fest for my
friend who just broke-up with her b/f? We're throwing this party so she'll get
over him...any ideas?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check out party411.com/themes and adopt
one to suit the idea. You can reverse the ideas to make them work. Also check
out party411.com/gamegirl for what to do ideas.
Karen Tate asked:
Occasion: Welcome Home and a special thank you Party
My boyfriend is a world class ultra marathon runner and he left to race in
South Africa two weeks ago. Although he gave it his best shot he wasn't able
to finish the race due to an Achilles tendon "snapping" he has sense
undergone surgery and is coming home at the end of July. I would like to
through him a welcome home party and also a thank you party for his coach
(because he saved my boyfriends house while he has been gone from destruction). I want the party to be fun for every one but I have never thrown
a party before and I need some ideas on what would be fun for a welcome home
and thank you party? like games, decorating, etc....
The Party Girl's advice is:
First of all, check out
party411.com/themes and party411.com/gamegirl for some great ideas. Then write
again if you need help. Remember the KISS theory, Keep It Simple.
Sara Jansen asked:
Occasion: Fund raising evening
Alaskan - anything & everything Comments = Love your hats! I need 3 themes
that might be appropriate for a non-profit fund raising dinner. I'm thinking Tuscany
Harvest, Making Magic, and something else....do you know what the
something else might be? Help! Naturally our committee meeting is Monday
morning. Thanks, Party girl.
The Party Girl's advice is:
How about "the child within
you" having everyone recall their times at under 10 yrs. old with games,
dress, etc. befitting the occasion.
MM asked:
Occasion: 2nd reunion
We are planning to host the second reunion for our large Italian family. The
first one was awesome but this time we would like to do a few more things.
Planned games won't go over really well, because the majority of the family is
older. But we do want something extra to do because we have family coming from
different states and want to make it worth their while.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Look at the new products area of the
home site under disposable cameras and get them for the attendees so that
everyone can take pix of their own memories. Have a picture of something like
a giant pizza or an Italian flag blown up and posted so that everyone can sign
in a message to everyone else. Have everyone send you a favorite story or
memory and put them in a book to give to everyone.
Sean Brennan asked:
Occasion: party
Comments = Would just like some helpful ideas and some incite.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Disco was a strange era. Lots of
polyester and bell bottoms. Donna Summer (who's making a comeback by the way).
Big silver rotating ball with light shining on it. Brady bunch hair and
clothes and values. Wild afro and long sideburns. Mini skirts and bright
colors. DJ's all night. Watch reruns of Fox's 70's Show.
Christine Johnston asked:
Occasion: just a water party
I need help with finding decorations and games for my kind of party. Do you
have any advice. Thank you ---
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check out party411.com/themes and
party411.com/gamegirl for ideas. Be sure you play toss the water balloon and
do the limbo, especially later in the party. Water volleyball is always good.
Also, pass the orange.
Cindy Flores asked:
Occasion: Reunions
I'm planning a small "surprise" family reunion for the end of July
in honor of my mother's birthday. We are all meeting in San Diego, CA for the
weekend, but I'm at a loss for ideas of what we should do once we get
there! We're all staying at the same hotel near the marina, and I do
have a Sunday brunch cruise on the bay planned for our second day, but what to
do the first day? Any ideas? There will be 10 of us altogether; 5 guys, 5
gals, all adults--no children. Everyone has such varied interests....some like
the beach, some like shopping, some like museums. Should I just let everyone
go their own ways and just meet up for dinner on day 1? Would appreciate any
ideas you can offer! Thanks!
The Party Girl's advice is:
First of all, contact the Convention
and Visitors Bureau in San Diego for things to specifically do in the city and
nearby. Then let the others know and see what they would like, a group thing
or separate. One of the big attractions is the Zoo there. Also, have each
attendee bring a picture of themselves when they were young and one as of now.
Have them write a funny story or memory. If they can send it ahead, great. Put
them in a book and make copies for all the guests. Leave pages for each to
write something at the reunion.
Belinda asked:
Occasion: Elegant Dinner Party at the Beach
everyone will be wearing white Comments = Please send ideas on how to make
this as elegant and fun as possible. I have seen ideas in magazines in the
past. I want it to be very memorable. We will be having this on a beach in
Mexico
The Party Girl's advice is:
How romantic. I love the idea of white
clothes and bare feet. Sounds like a movie. See party411.com/themes for some
extra ideas. You will want to use white balloons, white candles, white
flowers, (maybe leis for each guest) Provide each guest with a disposable camera (see home page for new products) to snap memories and test out the
other products.
Morgan asked:
Occasion: Sorority rush party
Comments = What should the menu be for a western party? How does it differ
from a Southern bar-b-q?
The Party Girl's advice is:
There's not much difference except that
a western party opens up the food selection a bit to include hamburgers, hot
dogs, grilled chicken, etc. A southern BBQ is usually BBQ beef, slaw, mac and
cheese.
Chat asked:
Occasion: CAN U HELP ME?
OK, WE'LL U SEE, I'M HAVING A PARTY IN A MONTH, AND HAVE NO CLUE WHAT 2 DO!!!
CAN U HELP ME??? I'M TURNING 14 YRS, SO I DON'T WANT I KID PARTY, BUT I COOL
PARTY!!!! DO U HAVE NE IDEAS FOR ME???? ANY THEMES????? WE'LL I'M REALLY STUCK
AND NEED HELP!!!!!! CAN U PLEASE MAIL ME BACK AND LIST SOME THINGS I COULD
DO??????? PLEASE!!!!!!!!! WE'LL I HOPE YA HAVE SOME IDEAS!!!!!!!
THANX!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE EMAIL ME BACK ASAP!! I'M IN A HURRY!!!!! THANX
AGAIN!!!!!!!!
The Party Girl's advice is:
We have 2 sites for you to check out.
there's party411.com/themes and party411.com/gamegirl. Especially see the
bar/bat mitzvah areas for your ages.
Stacy asked:
Occasion: summer get-together
I want to have a get-together with all my friends this summer but I cannot
think of an inexpensive idea for my party. I don't have a lot of money to spend
on decorations and I live in the country. I have looked at many different sites but
haven't found anything yet. If you can help I would appreciate it!
Thanks.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Under the circumstances, why not have a
pitch-in party. Get everyone who is coming involved in part of the planning
and execution. That way, they'll be excited to come and it won't cost nearly
as much. Remember, it's who's there, not what. Get their input as to what to
do, what to serve, etc. and have different people in charge of the different categories. Make some of the plans a surprise for the others.
Cindy Fisk asked:
Occasion: Hawaiian Luau
decorating ideas from "real" stuff - not cardboard cutouts. we have
a VERY limited budget. Also easy menu ideas. We are roasting a pig but need
ideas for side dish buffet.
The Party Girl's advice is:
First of all, do it with lots of fruits
and melons. Scoop out watermelon halves and fill with melon balls. Make kabobs
with strawberries, kiwi and pineapple. Lots of different rices are great.
Green salads at a do-it-yourself bar featuring mandarin oranges, pine nuts,
sprouts, slivered almonds, kiwi, Chinese noodles, etc with dressing choices of
the standards plus a raspberry vinaigrette. Don't forget the applesauce both
regular and cinnamon. Have fun.
Peggy Wille asked:
Occasion: family reunion
It is a small reunion, 26 people only. I would like some ideas for a theme and
entertainment, party favors, etc.
The Party Girl's advice is:
First check party411.com/themes and
party411.com/gamegirl for some creative ideas you can adapt to any number and
any age. Why not make a family tree on a poster and put a picture of each person
in the coordinating place. Then get some disposable cameras for
everyone to take their own picture. Also check the new products area on the
home page.
Lisa Scacco asked:
Occasion: Annual THEME picnic
any ideas would be appreciated.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Do you watch the Fox show "That
70's Show"? It pretty much says it all. Also check party411.com/themes
for some ideas.
Bliss Ann asked:
Occasion: Dance team is coming over for a slumber party
I need some "get to know me" games. The party is for getting to know
everyone better and become better friends. The party is tomorrow so please
hurry!!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Have everyone bring a baby picture and
have everyone guess who is who.
Sarah Miller asked:
Occasion: Vacation Bible School
we are looking for suggestions on how to decorate the classrooms for this
event. We have a minimal budget, but a lot of volunteer effort. We hope you
have some suggestions, we are out of them. Thank you, Sarah
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well you talking to a girl who loves
unicorns, magic wands and dragons. look at www.andersonsparty.com for some
ideas. Also look at www.oriental.com for inexpensive stuff. Check your dollar
stores also. You can find pictures of these things and blow them up at a Kinko's
and use as decorations. For centerpieces and table decorations, Again
use the pictures on some foam core with some greenery and glitter along with
balloons, I know there are no balloons at that time, but they're fun for all.
Marie asked:
Occasion: Pool Party
How about an upcoming pool party for a mixture of adults and children
?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Sounds good - do it. Look at
party411.com/themes and party411.com/gamegirl for ideas.
Leona Lewis asked:
Occasion: party
What type of decorations go with a Jamaican Theme/Mexican Theme I need
colors and ideas for both themes
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check the beach party ideas on
party411.com/themes. For Mexican theme add piņata game and sombreros and for
both, the louder the shirts, the better.
Cindy asked:
Occasion: benefit
Any ideas for decorations. It is an restored historical school gym. We have a
bar left from last years luau. We will have a disc jockey from 7:30-11:00 PM.
The dance needs a name to fit the theme. We are having a "Mr. Hot Pants
contest of the local firefighters so I will be using the old stage. Also we
will serve non-alcoholic drinks that need cute names to fit the theme. There
are a lot of crafty people in the community. I just can't find a lot of ideas
for the fireman theme. The money we raise will help people going through a
crisis in the community so turn out will probably be 200-400 people.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Real fire hoses are too bulky but get people
to send you their hoses and put hooks up and hang them on the walls.
See if you can get toy helmets and hang them on the hoses and use as table
decorations. Also pictures of Dalmatians would be good. How about "Light
my fire" as a theme. You could also get a picture of a house and blow it
up and put on poster board. Cut homes in various places on the house and have
contests by either tossing red beanbags thru the holes or squirting water pistols thru the holes. You can probably find some cute things on our home
page under new products, or on www.oriental.com.
Kristi asked:
Occasion: games
Hi, Party Girl! I need some real help. I am graduating middle school and
I am having a pool party/cookout. There are going to be 13-14 year old boys and
girls. I want to play some games that are not corny. PLEASE HELP ME! I also
want to give out prizes that are not corny. PLEASE HELP ME!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Look at party411.com/gameguide for game
suggestions. Check out our home page for new products for stuff. For prizes
you could use those one-time cameras. Everyone loves them - along with small
bags of penny candy like bubble gum, Tootsie pops, gummy bears, etc.
Laura asked:
Occasion: end of the year party
Comments = How do you make a party interesting with like boys and hooking up?
How do you want to make them hook up with you?
The Party Girl's advice is:
I don't know what "hook up"
means so I can't help you.
joy gentile asked:
Occasion: neighborhood block party
WE ARE HAVING OUR 1ST BLOCK PARTY AND DON'T KNOW THE 1ST THING ABOUT DOING
SO...I HAVE THE DATE SET AND IT IS CONFIRMED WITH MY CITY. NO ITS PLANNING
TIME AND WE DON'T NO WHAT TO DO PLEASE HELP..
The Party Girl's advice is:
Put a flyer in each mail box give what,
where, when. Have a tear off at the bottom for them to fill out with name,
address, phone. Have categories of food, appetizer, main dish, dessert. Decide
if you will provide ice and beverages and if so, have everyone contribute a
small fee and tell them it goes for beverages. Do this with paper goods also.
Have the kids decorate their bikes and have a parade (be sure to get it on
tape) See if the city will send the fire truck for a while. String a
volleyball net. Play toss the water balloon.
Rose asked:
Occasion: Dance Studio Theme Party
Help!! I've been asked to help organize a an International theme party!! My
week is Germany! Have any ideas??? Thanks! Rose.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, wieners, sauerkraut, spaetzel
beer come to mind. Also great big beer steins. Go to the library or look on
the internet for all things German for some ideas.
e sagriff asked:
Occasion: family picnic/reunion
any hints, tips and ideas would be appreciated
The Party Girl's advice is:
Without any clues about this event, I
can't get specific. Check party411.com/themes for some ideas. One nice thing
for any reunion is to have each attendee bring a baby picture of themselves
and mount them all on a board and let the others guess who is who.
Tyra Davis asked:
Occasion: Farwell/Good Luck Party
Party Girl I am Leaving home and Moving to Alabama. I want to have a Farewell
party but I don't have a theme and I need Some decoration ideas. The Landry's have a Huge home So I really need help!!!!!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check party411.com/themes. Try to pick something that appeals to you personally and you'll have a better time doing
it. Once you've decided, build the party around it. If you get stuck, write
back with your theme and I'll help. Check our new products on the home page
for some ideas.
Jaiye asked:
Occasion: Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue
I need a theme for a barbecue that will be held outside for our volunteers. It
needs to be simple but something that the guests can look forward to. I also
need a few appropriate ice breaker games.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Look at party411.com/themes and
party411.com/gameguide for some ideas. No matter what your budget is, you can
use all or part of these themes. Also look at our new products area on the
home page. Hint - if you do a luau, it is easy and inexpensive. Limbo, water balloon
toss, etc.
margaret.shive asked:
Occasion: hospitality room at air force assn
what do suggest for food and decor
The Party Girl's advice is:
The decor could be all the symbols of
the military or just stuff that's light and airy like clouds, cotton candy,
balloons, etc. You could use glitter and streamers to give it some oomph.
Instead of pin the tail on the donkey, have a pin the engine (or propeller, or
some part) on the plane and everyone gets their own pin-on and give a prize to
the one who gets the closest. How formal do you want to get with the food? You
could go with a casual picnic using military names for the food such as B-29
hot dogs and Flying saucer hamburgers. The fries could be gold bar
decorations. Look at our home page at the new products and specifically at
edible photos for dessert.
Alma R Molina asked:
Occasion: Hi
hi I just need some help I am doing the party on a fri. june 18 1999, for the
end of school year, now lets party!!! but one problem I don't know what to do ,
or what kind of food should I do, I need your help, fast!!!!!!!!!I am 16, and I
have friends who will help me w/money and food plus place which I already
have. I will be the happiest person when I get some help, thanks
The Party Girl's advice is:
Have you check party411.com/themes for
ideas? Also look at the new products section for edible photos and buttons.
You can use the site to get ideas that fit you and your friends and your
budget. One idea is to have your friends each bring a baby picture and put
them all on a board and let everyone guess who is who. The one who gets the
most wins a prize. Make the prize funny.
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