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Discussion Forums

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Megan asked:

Occasion: Final bash b4 school starts
Ok, I'm having a party, obviously, but I don't want people to be bored. I've had a few ideas of what to do at my party, and I know I don't want any corny games. (AKA pin the tail on the donkey?) So, please mail me with your response!

The Party Girl's advice is:

You already sound bored and you haven't even planned the party. Look at party411.com/themes and party411.com/gamegirl for ideas.


Cathy asked:

Occasion: slumber party
I AM PLANNING SLUMBER PARTY FOR 2 9 YEAR OLD GIRLS...I NEED PARTY IDEAS, SNACKS, GAMES, PARTY THEMES I AM PLANNING TO HAVE THIS IN 2 WEEKS SO I NEED TO GET SOMETHING TOGETHER...

The Party Girl's advice is:

There are only 2 kids here, relax. Snacks, easy, pizza, popcorn, sodas, chips, chocolate something. Have them bake cookies with you. As for games and themes, 2 kids don't need a theme. Look at the home site at new products and see edible photos for a great cake idea. Rend videos


Kathleen Hedge asked:

Occasion: 20th High School Class Reunion
We are a committee of two! We are looking for some decorating ideas and anything else that would add to the night! Thank you!

The Party Girl's advice is:

Go to party411.com/themes and look at the unusual themes. I like the casino idea myself.


Maizy asked:

Occasion: Bachelorette Party
I need ideas of what to do for my best friends bachelorette party. Place where we can dance, drink, eat, and open presents, maybe some entertainment. Please give me some ideas. Thank you!!!

The Party Girl's advice is:

Go to the home page www.party411.com and on the left side you will see a lot of different cities listed. Look for Chicago and see if there are any places you would like.


Lisa asked:

Occasion: Jr High Orientation
It was requested not to use Red checkered tablecloths. Need to use them again. School colors are Cherry & Blue. Our mascot is a Tiger. We will be serving Root Beer Floats. Got any fun decorating Ideas?

The Party Girl's advice is:

Well, we all discussed this at the office and the only way to use all of these things together is to have a blue and red tiger leaping out of a root beer float. This doesn't work for me. Make a red and blue balloon arch for the door of the cafeteria and maybe have some more tied to the windows. Get plastic beer mugs made with the school name on it and fill it with brown paper at the bottom and the top third with cotton or something else that looks like foam. Sprinkle with glitter. Get lots of little stuffed tigers and scatter these with the mugs. Look at www.oriental.com for this stuff of write back and we can get them for you.


Alayna asked:

Occasion: Slumber Party
I am having a slumber party and need tips on what I should do.

The Party Girl's advice is:

First of all, we all know that sleep is the very last thing on the list, might not even make the list, Ha, ha. Look at party411.com/gamegirl for some ideas. Remember some of the old stuff is the best like doing makeovers with makeup and hair, baking cookies, telling ghost stores, truth or dare.


Vicki asked:

Occasion: B-Bque
I am having a barbecue on Saturday, and I am having 25+/- adults and 4 kids for hot dogs and hamburgers. How many pounds of meat will I need?

The Party Girl's advice is:

When we have that many people, we buy the patties pre-formed. Figure 1 1/2 hamburgers per adult and about 20 hot dogs. I know this sounds crazy but you probably won't have much left to freeze. Just don't cook them all at one time.


Karen asked:

Occasion: western hospital party
Ideas for western games, decorations and team building game.

The Party Girl's advice is:

The perfect thing would be a treasure hunt with the items planted being of a western theme such as a bandana, lasso, spurs, badge, etc. Look at www.oriental.com for some inexpensive decorations. Use those red and white bandanas for one team and blue and white for another. Find balloons with a western character if you can, otherwise just use regular balloons. Get pics of old western stars such as Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gene Autry and blow them up as posters. One game would be to name the horse of the western star.


Leslie Wilson asked:

Occasion: Bachelorette party
Do you have any ideas to make our friends bachelorette different and special? Any unique party ideas or gift idea?  Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! Leslie

The Party Girl's advice is:

Look at party411.com/themes. There is a special section for just that.


dazzle asked:

Occasion: sleepover
I am planning a sleepover for no occasion. It is just a sleepover with my friends. I think everything will go great but the only thing is I don't have any good games. I want some games that are fun but not lame! The age range of my sleepover is from 13-15 please give me some answers and some games to play, and hurry!!

The Party Girl's advice is:

Well, check at party411.com/gamegirl for some ideas. Maybe a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt?


Natan asked:

Occasion: Back to School Party
I'm throwing a back to school party at the end of August, and all I can think of for the party is music, food, and dancing. Is there anything like party games that I could use to make the party more exciting?

The Party Girl's advice is:

Why not a treasure or scavenger hunt. Look at party411.com/themes to help out.


Justine asked:

Occasion: Going away party
Ideas

The Party Girl's advice is:

Go to party411.com/themes and try some of those. You certainly didn't give me much time. Blow up a picture of the person leaving and play Pin-The-Nose on him/her. then have all the guests sign the poster. Take Polaroid's of the guests and put them in an album.


Mercedes Vinciguerra asked:

Occasion: Going Away Party
My friend is moving to Boston and I wanted to throw a "Boston Tea Party", I am making a cardboard ship with tea bags pasted all over. I will have a Polaroid on hand and Indian hats to take pictures with my friend. I have cd's from the group "Boston", and am going to play pin the tail on Massachusetts as well as twister. I serving a drink called "Boston Gold" and "Long Island Ice-Teas". Can you think of anything else "Boston" that I could add????

The Party Girl's advice is:

There's always baked beans. You could play, name that bean. Also, there are the Red Sox, and Bruins. Harvard, Kennedy's, Cabot's and Lowell's


Jasmine asked:

Occasion: boy/girl party
How can I decorate and what kind of food should I make.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Look at party411.com/themes. There is a Grease party on it.


t. lutz asked:

Occasion: fiesta fun
Decorations... games?

The Party Girl's advice is:

Piņatas, sombreros, serapes, donkeys, cacti. Look at www.oriental.com for other stuff. The piņata is one traditional game. How about pass the orange (from neck to neck). Pin the tail is perfect as long as the donkey has a Mexican blanket on his back. Believe it or not, musical chairs.


SEM asked:

Occasion: bachelorette party
just looking for some scavenger hunt ideas while we go bar-hopping or some fun games we can play. thanks.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Check at party411.com/themes and look under bachelorette and/or hunt


Patti Saugstad asked:

Occasion: Village Picnic
We are having our Village Picnic and I am in need of icebreakers to do the all the neighbors. Please help me.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Two suggestions come to mind. 1. Have everyone bring a baby pic of themselves and put them up on a board and see who gets the most right and have prizes. 2. Pick nouns such as pony, tomato, eraser, etc. and put them on cards. When the people come, tape a card to their back and let them ask questions of the others to guess the word.


Sheridan asked:

Occasion: Friends Going (moving) away party
I really hope you can help me out! My best friend is moving quite a distance away from here. I want to throw her a party very memorable. I want her to realize how much she'll be missed. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Sheridan, New York

The Party Girl's advice is:

I don't know the ages of the people involved so I can't really be specific. Write back with some details such as ages, date, place, times, budget and I can help you.


Bianca asked:

Occasion: get together
I'm having a party with a lot of teenagers. I just need to know what kind of games they'd prefer (that don't win prizes) and any other tips you could give me. Thanks.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Depending upon the age of the teenagers you might want to have an old fashioned scavenger hunt or treasure hunt. Go to party411.com/themes where there are some details for this type of party.


Amy asked:

Occasion: Charity Fund Raiser
Need decorating and menu ideas

The Party Girl's advice is:

Without a budget, hard to get specific. The obvious things are hay (baled and loose), horse stuff like saddles, reins, horseshoes, red bandanas for all. Look at party411.com/themes for some ideas. Also www.oriental.com for inexpensive decorations and favors. Menu is simple. Go with the BBQ/grill idea. Burgers, dogs, chicken. Have lots of different salads, including fresh fruit for those who don't eat meat. Potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, etc. Chips, pretzels, etc.


gloria ashe asked:

Occasion: business luncheon
we are planning a theme luncheon, and our theme is Mexican fiesta party city put all there fiesta stuff away. and we need help decoration. we're working on a shoe string budget. please can you help us.

The Party Girl's advice is:

You can either make or buy a piņata. They're relatively inexpensive and fill it with penny candy. Look at www.oriental.com for inexpensive stuff. Also check the dollar stores and discount toy stores. Use some big sombreros and if you don't want to buy serapes, make them with fabric and fringe from the fabric store.


Cheryl asked:

Occasion: cheerleaders "get together"
We are hosting a summer party for my daughter's cheerleading squad. The party is for 20 girls from 10am-2pm. Aside from practicing, I am looking for ways to occupy these 12-14 y.o's for 4 hours! Thanks!

The Party Girl's advice is:

Well, there's always food. This is during the lunch hour so eat. Pick a theme such as beach party or "back to school" or something else and serve appropriate food. Look at party411.com/themes for ideas and then at party411.com/gamegirl for stuff to do. Check www.oriental.com for cute cheerleader stuff.


Beth Reed asked:

Occasion: Jewelry party in my home
I am planning an in home Jewelry party. The jewelry is rather elegant, so I would like a theme to with the occasion. Should I plan a buffet or just snacks. I would like to do something different since most home parties are the same all around. I would like to make mine a little more memorable.... Thanks Beth Reed

The Party Girl's advice is:

Stay away from formal. Makes people less apt to buy. Go for fun. Get those lollipops that the kids like with the "jewelry top". Go to a "penny candy" type store and get those necklaces of candy and any there jewelry type candy. Decorate the serving table with gem-type decorations (see www.oriental.com) and use glitter and silver, gold, and fake gems.


Susan M Karas asked:

Occasion: Bachelorette Party for my sister
I need dome pretty crazy and fun ideas for the Bride to be at her bachelorette party on Saturday. We plan on going to the bars, what else can we do to make it fun?

The Party Girl's advice is:

I hope this doesn't reach you too late. Look at party411.com/themes at the new bachelorette section.


Dorothy asked:

Occasion: Christmas Party for Relatives
we will be hosting the "Annual Family Christmas Party" on 12-18. please help with some activities that we can plan. children and adults of all ages. there will be an open bar and plenty of food. but we need some entertainment.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Have you ever thought about "Sharing a Xmas"? Why not taking one day and you and your family have a party either at a nursing home or a children's ward at the hospital or at a shelter. The entire xmas experience is giving and sharing and I bet no one in the family has done this before.


Helena Lowe asked:

Occasion: Church function for Moms - Mops Meeting
I need theme ideas for monthly Mops Meetings. These meetings are organized for Mothers of children from the ages of 0 thru kindergarten. This is their time to have a couple hours to be nurtured. Any theme ideas would be appreciated.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Why not have makeovers for the moms. With kids that age, they don't have time to pamper themselves, so you do it. Could be manicures, pedicures, hair, makeup, etc.


Teresa asked:

Occasion: 1 year without smoking party for my mom
I need ideas for a one-year anniversary party for my mom quitting smoking. Please help.

The Party Girl's advice is:

First of all, congrats to your mom. Been there, done that. It's not easy. Make her a proclamation or certificate that applauds her accomplishment. Make it funny and work up a presentation. Before giving her the certificate, give her a bottle of perfume to stand for all the good smells instead of smoke. Give her a new piece of clothing that was never worn near a cig. Offer to go with her to a gym or pool because she now has lung power. (JOKE THING) Write her a thank-you note from all her friends and family and have them sign it stating that you are all so happy she'll be around longer. Have everyone participate. You could even get one of those pics of the human body with the organs and highlight the lungs as healthy.


kristen miller asked:

Occasion: party for 8th and 9th grade people
I'm having a party for my teenage friends it will be in my garage outside and some of it inside the house I need some games that will be fun to play in the garage but they cant be little kids games, and I also need a theme no hurry to reply thanks

The Party Girl's advice is:

Well, without any details, it is hard to get specific. First pick a theme. Try looking at party411.com/themes for ideas. Once you decide that and have your budget and other details such as time, food, etc., go to party411.com/gamegirl. then if you have any more questions, write again.


Sam Crisafulli asked:

Occasion: summer party
For the third year in a row we are hosting a "summer party" no real special occasion just a celebration. My Wife and I both invite friends from work as well as all of our neighbors. This year we anticipate over 200 people (last year topped 150). What entertainment can we provide to help insure the success of the party?

The Party Girl's advice is:

Why not a mystery party or a scavenger hunt? Look at party411.com/themes for this category. Divide the people up in teams. Or check some of the things to do at party411.com/gamegirl.


jenny asked:

Occasion: secret pal banquet @ church
unable to find many banquet type ideas for event that is not holiday oriented. any suggestion will be appreciated. need answer soon. thanks...

The Party Girl's advice is:

Well, you might consider a party where you invite needy kids and give them a great time. Then you could go with a Barney/Elmo type theme. Or check party411.com/themes. Lots of non-holiday ideas there.


Carrie asked:

Occasion: none
I'm 14,and a couple of my friends are coming over for a small slumber party this Friday night. I have no idea what to do! I don't want to sit around bored. I was thinking about doing makeovers on each other, but I have zero cash! The next day we are going to see a scary movie, should I tie that into the theme? Please help!  Thanx.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Well with no money, get creative. Maybe a scavenger hunt or instead of regular makeovers, monster makeovers with fun stuff you already have. Pop popcorn, bake cookies, get coloring books and crayons like little kids.


Heather Hofstetter asked:

Occasion: Christmas Party
We are a cutting tool company and we are looking for ideas for a party that everyone will participate in. We want something with a theme that employees won't think is dumb. It also needs to be optional to participate. Many in our company just want food, drink & to socialize. Others, like myself, want something to keep the evening entertaining. For example, we had a casino party and that was a big hit, but some would not participate due to religious beliefs. HELP!

The Party Girl's advice is:

Check out party411.com/themes for some ideas. Without knowing your budget or any details, it's hard to be specific. You really don't need much of a theme for X-mas. A few elves, a Santa, some gifts, and you're there.


Sweta asked:

Occasion:  I'm having a get together at my house and I have a boyfriend. My mum doesn't know him and he's 17. Me and the rest of my friends are 14! I'm really worried about what she would say if came over that night because it's his birthday and I really want to see him then.... Please help....

The Party Girl's advice is:

How long can something last based on a lie or deception? First of all, get your mom and this boy together to meet each other. If he says no, lose him. Then tell your mom about his birthday and have a cake. If he's a real nice person, he'll go along with this.


Pia Bouvia asked:

Occasion: New Years 1999
I am looking for a fun theme idea for a new years party for approx. 10 adults & 2 kids. I want a party theme that we can have 'things' to do as well as good decor. Maybe like a casino night? Please advise.

The Party Girl's advice is:

I don't know the ages of the kids, so I don't know if casino nite would work. Check party411.com/themes for some ideas such as the millennium party or how about a beach party in the winter. Also check out New Years themes.


Cynthia Wilson asked:

Occasion: Costume/Reception Party
I am trying to find some place to rent out like a warehouse or something large enough for a costume party approx. 100 people. I am having a hard time finding a place. Do you have any suggestions?

The Party Girl's advice is:

Go to the home page of party411. On the left is a Select city area and go to your city if it is listed. there will be some info there.


Fly asked:

Occasion: staff party
 Hi- I am trying to plan a staff picnic for about 20 people. We will be at a park near a lake with a reserved shelter.  I need help on a theme, food and games. They really need to have things planned out so the games are very important. I'm thinking of having a Hawaiian party- I've got decoration ideas but am lost on game and food ideas.  Please help! Thanks.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Look at party411.com/themes at the outdoor section. There are some great ideas that can be adapted to any budget.


Mary Lundquist asked:

Occasion: Bachelorette Party
What are some great ideas for a bachelorette party?

The Party Girl's advice is:

Go to party411.com/themes and look for the specific bachelorette section. Lots of new ideas.


Jamie Hedrick asked:

Occasion: family reunion year 2000
Your help would be much appreciated to come up with a theme for year 2000 reunion. The older crowd is passing the torch to the younger ones and we want to make it FUN again. We mainly need a theme for mailers, keepsakes and fund raising activities!!!! Any other suggestions greatly needed.

The Party Girl's advice is:

If you look at party411.com/themes, you will find some great ideas for the millennium type parties. You could use any or all of these. If you really mean to "Pass the Torch", really do it. Make a torch or find a torch with a fake flame, like the Olympics one or some other one. Write a ceremony acknowledging all of the older generation and welcoming the new generation. Start some traditions of your own such as special drawings, prizes for new marriages, births, etc. thru the past year/s. Supply disposable cameras for everyone and exchange pics after the affair. Have everyone send a written memory of the family together with a picture and make an album. Have a new torch each year with the names of the attendees and also have an acknowledgement of those who have passed.


Gina asked:

Occasion: Elementary School Dance
Okay, I go to a Catholic school where the only dance we have ever had was a Halloween party with no costumes and no decorations. My school is party hell. The kids are demanding more and I'm running to be the president of our student council. I need to find something that will fit our budget easily which is just about at the edge of nothing and something where our teacher's won't throw a hissy fit. Thanks!! - Gina

The Party Girl's advice is:

What is the purpose of the party besides just having a party? Maybe if you had a goal for this, your school would be more supportive. Why not make it a fund raiser carnival. Have booths and get the parents and teachers to help. Pick a charity and donate the proceeds. Have a DJ playing music and all sorts of games.


Rachel asked:

Occasion: slumber party before leaving for college
I am having a party for 3 of my best friends before we all leave for college. This will be the last time we will all be able to get together for a while. I need ideas for a theme, things to do, and fun snacks. One of my friends has a baby so this will be the first time she will be out of the house in a long time. I just need some help to make the night very memorable for everyone on a very small budget.

The Party Girl's advice is:

Have everyone bring their photo albums to share memories and give everyone a disposable camera to make new memories. Do what you used to do at a slumber party when you were younger, pop popcorn, do each other's hair, talk about boys, etc. Rent a great video or 2, do makeovers, etc. Have pizza, everyone's favorite.


Jason asked:

Occasion: Buffy Video viewing
Just wanted to get some food ideas... I'm already getting "Full Moon Pies" and making Holy Watermelon Balls, and of course... Steak :) Any other thoughts? We're also thinking of Garlic Mashed potatoes... Thanks a bunch! Jason

The Party Girl's advice is:

What about that cute kitty? You have to do something with that and call it "Kitty Treats". Maybe some hors d' oeuvres like wings or mushrooms or spinach squares. Look at party411 home site at new products and see edible photos. Good idea for dessert. Make a punch and add dry ice for smoke.


Elizabeth asked:

Occasion: party
I need some good ideas for my pool party on August 13 !!!!!!!! Please Write Back Party411 !!!!!!!!!! I am 12 years old and desperate!

The Party Girl's advice is:

You haven't given me enough to get too specific. Look at party411.com/themes at the beach ideas.


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