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Ask your questions of The Party Girl
now!
You may even see your question and answer posted in the space below.
L asked:
Occasion: dance
I need help planning a singles mixer for an over 30 crowd.
The Party Girl's advice is:
I need more info to specifically help
you. Owing that, try party411.com/themes and party411.com/gamegirl.
Lyndsee asked:
Occasion: Millennium Party
My SADD group at school is planning a drug free, alcohol free party for this
New Years Eve. We've been trying to think of ways to keep the hundreds of
people we're expecting entertained for about 6 or 7 hours. This party is going
to take place on the first floor of my school so we need more things to do
besides just a dance. Any ideas?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Did you look at party411.com/themes?
there are great ideas for millennium parties there. You could have different
activities in each room such as a fortune teller in one, a taro reader in
another, finger painting in another, and so on.
Stefani asked:
Occasion: Millennium Day Party
I am wanting to have a party for the new millennium. The only problem is that
my parents are going to have a big party on New Year's Eve. They told me I
could have a party on New Year's Day, but right now that is sounding pretty
dull to me. Can you help me think of ideas or themes to make this party as fun
as the night before?? Thank you. P.S. The age ranges for this party
would be from 14-16.
The Party Girl's advice is:
I think it's a neat idea to have it New
Year's Day. Very different. Check the party411.com/themes for millennium party
ideas and adopt what you would like.
Brian O'Neill asked:
Occasion: Octoberfest
We are looking for ideas for an octoberfest party. This is our first after
many years of halloween parties. We figured we switch gears. We looking for
decorating ideas, food etc....Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, think all things German. Bratwurst, sauerkraut, potatoes in lots of different ways and, of course,
beer. All sorts. Check out sites on the web for decor, clothes, music, other
food, etc.
Tiffany asked:
Occasion: Halloween Party
I'm having a big Halloween Party this year and I want it to be the best ever.
Most of the guests will be teens. My problem is that all the ideas I've found
have been for little kids. Could you give me some ideas to make great Halloween
party that teens would enjoy?
The Party Girl's advice is:
First of all, you should pick a theme
such as dress as your favorite cartoon character or movie star or movie
itself. Give everyone a disposable camera to take pics during the evening.
Have some of the old-fashioned stuff such as bobbing for apples, putting hands
in hole of disgusting stuff (use jello), you can even have a piņata. Look at
party411.co/themes for other ideas.
Mary Newport asked:
Occasion: millennium party
How can we throw a successful bash at our home? We are planning on about 35-50
guests, but would like to keep the cost down. My husband is pretty handy so
I'm curious if you have any do-it-yourself tips. We are hoping to convert our
3-car garage into a club of some sort. I'm looking for theme ideas that are
within reason for us. We do plan on using most of our house, but are limited
since its only 2200sq ft. Obviously I don't plan on making use of the bedrooms
except for storing coats. We do have a large basement with 8ft ceilings at our
disposal too. Tell me what you think.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, you can look at the millennium
party stuff on party411.com/themes for ideas. Or you can convert your home to
a speakeasy. Always a fun thing, bathtub gin, short skirts, great music. You
could have lots of fun with a roaring 20's party.
Renee asked:
Occasion: Going to college slumber party
I am having a slumber party for my three best friends before we go to college
and I am not sure of a theme or of things to do. I want this to be something
we all remember for a long time. We haven't spent a lot of time together
recently so this will also be a kind of reunion for us. Please help.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Get a disposable camera for each of you
and take lots of pictures. See if you can collect any pics with any or you
together and copy them and make albums for everyone. I don't know of a theme
for 4 people other than friendship. Look at the home site under new products
and see edible photos. Use this idea for a cake. You could do the things you
did when you were younger such as baking cookies, popping popcorn, gossiping,
etc.
Sonia asked:
Occasion: slumber party
I am having a Sleep-over for my girls. What time should the party start? It's
a one nighter. Saturday to Sunday. Any good ideas that you have for this kind
of party would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Since they are very young, start with
7PM or just after dinner since you will be feeding them all night anyway. Just
let them dance and listen to their music in the beginning. You might arrange
for makeovers as a cute thing to do. Get some videos they will like. Have
pizza, soda, juice, popcorn, pretzels on hand. Use disposable stuff. Get
plates, napkins, etc. with a theme, ask your girls what they would like. Pick
up cute hair accessories for them to use and keep. Check out your dollar
stores or look at www.oriental.com
Kevin Doherty asked:
Occasion: mystery party
I would like info on how to throw a murder mystery dinner party at home. I
found the series how to host a murder, and I was wondering how I could find
more like it for ten to twenty people thanks
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check the murder mystery party on
party411.com/themes.
DORIS GRIFFIN asked:
Occasion: GOURMET DINNER GROUP
NEED THEME IDEAS FOR A SCAVENGER HUNT IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA. USING DISPOSABLE
CAMERAS.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Since you are a gourmet club (food
themed) why not have a gourmet scavenger hunt. Make a list of different stuff
that involves food such as a matchbook from a certain restaurant, unusual
swivel sticks, a certain kind of cheese and crackers, a menu, party wear in a
certain color or theme, etc. Could be fun
Jen Snyder asked:
Occasion: 10th Year High School Reunion
We have planned streamers and balloons, and centerpieces for tables. But I
would like to go with something other than flowers, what do you suggest? And
also, what else can we do to bring back some of those high school memories?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Get the pages of your yearbook with the
pictures of the senior class. Have the pages blows up and put them on sticks.
Get some miter boards (the hats you wore at grad) and stick these pics in them
along with balloons, glitter and Styrofoam numbers of the year of graduation.
Look at www.oriental.com for some inexpensive stuff.
Luncheon Coordinator asked:
Occasion: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
I am in charge of coordinating a teacher appreciation luncheon at my
children's school in a few weeks. The budget for the event is limited, and I
am looking for inexpensive, yet tasteful, centerpiece ideas. The theme is
"An Apple for the Teacher."
The Party Girl's advice is:
Get different baskets and fill them
with all different sorts of apples. Tie a ribbon around the basket and tie
balloons to the handle. Get glitter to sprinkle around the base of the basket.
Do the same thing for any serving tables and check-in tables. You can also
take a picture of a beautiful apple or two to a Kinko's or another copy store
and have them blow it up and make copies and decorate with these.
Martha McDaniel asked:
Occasion: hosting a get to know the new neighbors party
I am planning to host a get to know our new neighbors party with another
couple. We hope this starts our neighborhood hosting annual block parties. I
need ideas for a theme and easy food. We are only inviting the adults to this
one. There will be about 75 people and we are at the end of a dead end street.
would like to have it outdoors and be able to do the cooking and serving as
catering get too expensive and lacks the personal touch we'd like to give.
Thanks.
The Party Girl's advice is:
You could keep it very simple. Decide
whether it is a pitch-in in or whether you will do all the cooking. Ask
everyone to bring their own beverages though because that is costly. The
easiest things to do are lasagna and spaghetti and most things Italian. they
can be made ahead and heated. You can use red and white checked tablecloths
and napkins. Disposable utensils and serving pieces in red and white. Even
citronella candles in these colors. Decorate with loaves of Italian bread in
baskets and use red ribbon. Get some Chianti bottle and put candles in them.
Have great desserts. Look on-line or in the library for food ideas.
Jeannine asked:
Occasion: under the sea party
I am having an under the sea party and I was wondering if you had any ideas
for turning a yard into a sea theme. we are going to have a bubble machine and
balloon arch, but do you have any other ideas?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Go to www.oriental.com NOW. Look for
fish, fishnets, hurricane candles, etc. Use glitter and streamers in Mylar.
Find seashells and maybe a sandbox or two.
Carolyn Sheehan asked:
Occasion: beach party
My friends and I are renting a shore house in Belmar, NJ I would like to know
what decorating tips you have for my theme. Basically, there will be many
single people involved. So, this theme should be associated with a lot of
drinking and mingling. To be honest we are sort of on a tight budget. But need
decorating ideas. Please respond before July 31st
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check out www.oriental.com. They have
great decorations at very low prices. You can get just about anything. Or send
us a list of your needs and we can see if we can get them for you at a good
price.
Tammy Bybee asked:
Occasion: Church Social for Young Married Adults
Help, I need a theme. I am hosting the monthly Sunday School Church social in
January. This is for young married couples (20-35) with or without children.
We have already done BBQ, Bowling, and video scavenger hunt. Inexpensive, last
about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
The Party Girl's advice is:
A lot depends upon your budget. But why
not a beach party in January. Look at party411.com/themes for some ideas. Then
look at www.oriental.com for inexpensive decorations.
Sheryl asked:
Occasion: Sleepover
I don't see this friend much but she's sleeping over what kind of stuff should
we do?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Depends upon how old you are.
Makeovers, videos, baking cookies, telling secrets, taking pics with disposable
cameras. All sorts of stuff to do.
Susie asked:
Occasion: homecoming 99 at high school
Help we need a few theme ideas. Our local high school has only been open 6
years and needs to inspire more tradition with a really great homecoming this
year, complete with a parade, carnival, and football game. We've done the
tropical themes along with Grease. I'm helping my son, the SGA president, to
come up with some creative new themes to choose from. Any help would be
wonderful. Thank you!
The Party Girl's advice is:
You could do a Mardi Gras, a fiesta or
since you're in Florida, why not a Jimmy Buffet party. Lots of parrots and
bright colors. Check at party411.com/themes for other ideas.
Sara asked:
Occasion: Need stuff
Hi Party Girl, It's Sara in Alaska again. You helped me out around the
end of June, and now our committee has selected a theme -- Making Magic -- for
an October 2 fund raising evening. I spent 21 years in the State Fair industry
and considered the Fair itself a party, but this more personal party is
something kind of new. So, you see, your party plan is just the ticket.
I figure this way, I won't forget something vital! If you make suggestions on
where to get things, like those cute stuffed bunnies for 8 bucks a piece,
please include e-mail or telephone numbers. Need to order soon, if you catch
my drift. Hope to hear from you soon. (just love your photo...so
party girlish!)
The Party Girl's advice is:
I find lots of things at
www.oriental.com. Or send me your shopping list and I will help you get what
you need. Don't forget to include the budget for this.
Lila Harris asked:
Occasion: New Years Eve
We need a theme for a New Year's party for our community. We expect about 200
people to attend and a D/J. We will be having Deli platters and dessert.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, there's always the old
traditional stuff but if you want something different, I would go for it.
Check out party411.com/themes for some ideas. It doesn't have to be related to
New Years Eve to be fun. Pick anything and go for it. A good place to look for
decorations is www.oriental.com. There's also a Millennium theme.
Bonnie Handte asked:
Occasion: going away party
The party will be held in the country (mountains) so outside activities are a
possibility. We need a real fun party to send off our very good friends who
are moving out-of-state. So, please, any suggestions for a great send off??
There will be about 30 close friends at the party. Thanks.
The Party Girl's advice is:
I would have a treasure hunt. See
party411.com/themes for ideas. Or a mystery party. Get a photo or the couple
and blow it up poster size or bigger. Have everyone sign in on the poster as a
keepsake. Also have everyone send you a memory and put them in an album. Get a
Polaroid camera and take pics of the guests and put them in the album with the
memories. Look at new products on the home page for special stuff such as
buttons and edible photos.
Cassie Barnum asked:
Occasion: Mystery Party
I, myself am a party girl. I work at a united Sates military bar in Europe. I
am constantly programming and hosting different types of parties, i.e., beach,
retro, etc. I am hosting a mystery party on July 30, and I am having a hard
time coming up with games and activities. We have a bell hanging in the bar
which people ring to buy a round. Our Mystery of the evening will be "who
stole the bell" (after, of course, I take it down). My idea is to make
the thief a famous character (example Santa Claus) and leave clues around
letting the bar patrons to guess. For example if I used Santa Claus I would
say, Clue#1 I like the color red, Clue #2 I only work one day a year, you get
the idea. So far so good right? Well here's where it gets tricky, WHAT ELSE
CAN I DO TO ENTERTAIN THESE PEOPLE??? Other than a magnifying glass, I am
stumped on decorations as well. Any ideas would be appreciated. In return I will tell several people about your web-site. Thank you for your time.
Cassie Barnum
The Party Girl's advice is:
If you go to party411.com/themes you
will find the mystery party. You can use all or some of it. Think of Sherlock Holmes or the game of Clue.
Hillary asked:
Occasion: Bachelorette/Hen's Party
I was asked to attend a party for a friend of my niece. I was told that all
guests were going to be picked up and brought to the party on motorcycles. I
have been told to dress formally. I would like to know what I can wear on the
motorcycle. I would like to know if I should wear sandals or pumps. The shoes
must have heels but I'm not sure what I should wear.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Sorry, I can't help you directly as I
have never heard of this and it seems a little crazy to me. But then there's
always room for something new. Why not ask others who are going what they're
going to do?
Ashlee asked:
Occasion: Fundraiser Beach Party
I am planning a Beach Party as a class Fundraiser except I don't have that many
fun activities...the party is from 4-11pm so it is very long...So far I have
beach volleyball, dancing, water balloon launch, egg toss, limbo, and ultimate
Frisbee...we are planning on having 2 bands and a DJ stop in over different
times of the party...what else can u think of?
The Party Girl's advice is:
You could have a sand castle building
contest and divide up in teams. You could go ahead of time and plant clues and
treasures and have a treasure hunt. Look at party411.com/themes and
party411.com/gamegirl for some more ideas.
Erin asked:
Occasion: mother's club picnic
I need ideas for a fiesta theme picnic/bbq focusing mainly on kids ages 0-5.
but still fun for the adults.
The Party Girl's advice is:
For kids that age, you don't need too
much in the way of theme. As for the food, they really don't eat most Mexican but you can try flour tortillas and frijoles, salsa, chips, corn tortillas,
etc. Be sure to have hot dogs also. Look at www.orienal.com for inexpensive
stuff. You need a piņata and fill it with lollipops and small toys. You might
want to get sombreros for the moms and kids.
J asked:
Occasion: A school is out sleepover
What are some games that I can play that will liven up the party? What are
some inexpensive but, creative foods that I can make to go along with the
theme? How can I make this the party of the century?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Look at the home page and check out
themes. See the bar/bat mitzvah area. These are the right age for your party.
then see party411.com/gamegirl for stuff to do. The food will depend on your
theme. Are you doing a meal, just snacks, what? Work with your Mom.
Mere Mack asked:
Occasion: Moving Party/end of summer
I am having a co-ed party soon at my new house but the party is chaperoned. I
was wondering if u have any ideas as to what we could do that is not too
childish but appropriate and fun.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Go to the home page and look at themes.
there are many categories to look at. Try outdoor/indoor stuff and bar/bat
mitzvah areas. And as to having chaperones, you don't realize it now but they
help keep a party fun and not tooooo rowdy.
Joanie Bonick asked:
Occasion: bachelorette party
I need any bachelorette party tips--scavenger hunt, games, transportation ideas
that are inexpensive. Please help--I am having a difficult time.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check out the new site at
www.party411.com/bachelor.html. think you like these ideas.
Normal ,social bridge group asked:
Occasion: Normal ,social bridge group
Comments = We have a regular social bridge playing group (drinks, dinner, and a
few rounds of bridge with random partners) Do you have any ideas as to minor
variations or something to make it a little different, or more interesting while still keeping bridge as the main theme. Thanks!
The Party Girl's advice is:
You could try a reverse evening. Start
with the last thing you do and work forwards. Or, Maybe a treasure hunt for
the cards with clues being related to the different cards in the deck or
bridge terms.
Erin asked:
Occasion: Bachelorette Party
A friend of mine is getting married at the end of this month (July 1999). She
would like her younger sister to be involved in the party activities, but is
only 17. My friend also does not drink. Do you have any suggestions of what we
could do?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Have you looked at party411/themes on
the home site? There are all sorts of ideas and liquor does not have to be
involved in any of them.
Gerri Mills asked:
Occasion: Going Away Party for a Dear Friend
My dearest friend is moving from Buffalo to California and I would like some
different ideas to make her going away party a memorable one. Would you please
give me some ideas/suggestions? Thank You, Gerri
The Party Girl's advice is:
I would use a now and later theme. Show
the opposites of the two cities such as climate (snow in Buffalo, sunshine in
CA), style of dress, etc. Find all the categories you can and make decorations
around them. Go to the home page and find the life-size cutout and use that
either a pic of her or maybe an Eskimo with the face cut out to take pics of
friends with. Have each guest send you a pic and memory and put them in an
album as a going-away present. Give her a disposable camera to take shots of
her move and she can send a set back to her friends.
Jenn asked:
Occasion: party
Help!! I have heard of the scavenger hunts...but need ideas!! Any ideas would
be appreciated. Thanks,
The Party Girl's advice is:
It this for adults or kids? Day or
night? Any particular occasion? You usually divide the people into teams. You
could divide the guests in half or have many teams. You give them a list of
items to find and a time limit. Try to include some funny ones for adults and
some silly ones for kids. If you go to party411.com/themes, there is a
scavenger hunt one to read.
Sandy asked:
Occasion: Wedding
My name is Sandy , When I went to high school I never had a chance to go to
my prom, I was wondering if I can have a prom theme at my reception and ,actually turned the reception a prom sight, have every guest dress as if they
going to there prom and all the detail or ideas you have or can give me PLEASE
HELP!!!
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, you could do a 60's prom theme
and use your name and theme like the movie Grease. They had the spinning mirror
ball, rock and roll, etc. Lots of pink and black, etc. Or you could go
with a contemporary prom. A wedding reception is sort of like a prom anyway.
Very romantic, lots of music, couples dancing, etc. Go to party411.com/themes
and look for a specific idea to use. Or come up with a color scheme you love
and use that as a theme. After you do that, if you still need help, write
back.
Dorothy Gillon asked:
Occasion: Back to School
Comments = We are in the planning stages for a back to school event. It is a
possibility that the event would be for faculty and administrators or faculty,
staff and administrators. My question is what would appeal to all three if
that is the case? And also the age differences?
The Party Girl's advice is:
The different ages of the attendees is
what makes them more interesting so don't worry about that. As far as a theme,
look at party411.com/themes for some ideas.
Kathy Kelly asked:
Occasion: end of 1st year of grad school
We're having a casual fiesta to celebrate the conclusion of our first year of
grad school. Could you give us some tips on how to spice it up without
spending a lot of money? We're expecting approximately 75 people. It's at my
house (inside and out on the deck). Any input is appreciated. Thanks, party
girl! Kathy
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check out party411.com/themes for the appropriate
area. Look at www.oriental.com for inexpensive stuff to use.
Juli asked:
Occasion: Back to school
Got any ideas? I need decoration ideas for a space theme and just plain
ideas. Guys and girls. Can you think of anything cool I can do?
The Party Girl's advice is:
There is a ton of stuff out there for
Star Wars. Also look on www.oriental.com for some inexpensive stuff.
carol asked:
Occasion: millennium party
I need some ideas for a millennium party for about 100 people.
The Party Girl's advice is:
check on party411.com
and look up the millennium stuff for some great ideas.
Mathilda John asked:
Occasion: Resident Appreciation
I am the manager of a large apartment community, and would like to have a luau
at the pool side. Could you please give ideas on decorations, food, and music.
This is my first resident function as the manager and I would like for it to
the best thing my residents have been to in a long time. The talk of the town.
Thanking you in advance for your help.
The Party Girl's advice is:
First check party411.com/themes under
your category. Then go to www.oriental.com for inexpensive favors,
decorations, etc.
Gayle asked:
Occasion: party
My God-daughter is 6years old and would be expecting a little sister in
November. I would like to get some help on throwing a "Big Sister
Party" for her. She was an "only child" before the new arrival
in November. Please Help!
The Party Girl's advice is:
How nice of you. Why not invite all the
female relatives she knows. Have them each bring an appropriate
"tip" for her, i.e. Always know where a clean diaper is for Mommy.
Or, be gentle with babies. Bring a token of the suggestion such as a diaper
for the first, or a soft mitten for the second. Attach the item to the
suggestion. Look at our new products section on the home page for edible
photos and maybe get her a baby of her own to mimic Mommy when she takes care
of the baby.
Elissa Eystad asked:
Occasion: Vacation Bible School
Do you know where I can find a cardboard treasure chest ??
The Party Girl's advice is:
Yes. We have them. They measure about
10" wide by 18" long and 6" high. They run about $10. Write
back if you're interested.
Kathy Dixon asked:
Occasion: cello recital for 12 yr. old niece
I have access to chairs, table cloths, punch bowl, etc. I want to keep
refreshments to a minimum - perhaps just nuts and punch... but want to make an
impression. Please advise on that line. Also thinking about a little stage
area for the little musician. Guess I really just wanted some decorating
ideas... something really catchy. Wanted to do this in the late afternoon...
eightish... after meal time.. please advise with any thoughts you have to make
it super, but with little cost.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Why not use the theme "Strings and
Things". Find all colors of string and use it all around the house. Get
miniatures (or pictures) of all the musical instruments in the string family
and tie them on, paste them on, use them everywhere. You could tie in the
refreshments by tying up some of the small pastries or candy, etc. with
colored licorice.
Kim asked:
Occasion: fund raiser
Our church youth group is having a fund raiser for a local children's
hospital. The dinner is free and we are taking donations. I want to use
decorations that will remind people of what the money will be used for. I
thought about putting colorful band aids on the tables. Is that tacky? I need
decorating ideas that go along with the children's hospital theme but I don't
want to be too depressing. I didn't see anything one the web sight. Any ideas?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Get those new band aids in the great
day-glo colors that come in many sizes and shapes. There are also some with
smile faces, butterflies, etc. This isn't tacky at all but very clever.
Collect some of your friends dolls and wrap bandages on them and use them as
part of the table centerpieces along with balloons and glitter and rolls of
gauze and other doctor stuff. Make a banner with the saying "No one
stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child" and hang it
prominently. I think what you're doing is great. Good luck
Katie asked:
Occasion: pool party/party
I'm having a party with an Italian theme and I have know idea what kind of
decorations to use and I couldn't find anything on your web site.
The Party Girl's advice is:
You can use Italian flags (red, white
and green). All the different shapes of pasta and red and white checkered
clothes and napkins. Get the paper goods in these colors. You can also get
those great loaves of Italian bread and use them as decorations. Use balloons
and glitter. See if you can get some Chianti bottles and melt candles down the
sides and use them all over. If you need any more ideas, stop in and look at
some of your local good Italian restaurants and how they are decorated.
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