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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.
Kag asked:
Occasion: attire
I'M GOING TO MY BOYFRIENDS SISTERS WEDDING IN MAY ON THE BEACH I NEED TO KNOW
HOW TO DRESS THE WEDDING IS ON THE BEACH AND THE RECEPTION IS INSIDE
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check with the
bride to see what her friends will be wearing. Don't rely on your boyfriend,
guys have no clue about clothes.
Angela B. asked:
Occasion: engagement party
I hope you can help me. My fiancé and I got engaged in September. My mother is
planning on having a small engagement party at our home after the holidays,
sometime in January, 2000. She the food cost down, so she's considering
champagne and hors d'o euvres(spelling?). She somehow feels that it won't be
"substantial" food-wise. >Also, we have a rather limited budget
all around. Can you suggest some >economical party styles, favors and decor
that will be classy, somewhat >traditional, and cost-effective at the same
time? Thanks very much!!! >
The Party Girl's advice is:
Since you like
hearts, go with that. Have a cake in heart shape for dessert. Heavy hors d'
oeuvres are quite substantial for a party that would start about 8 PM. Do it
in stations, one cheese, veggies, dips, crackers, breads, etc. One could be a
pasta bar with different sauces and garlic bread. And one could be dessert
with the cake and cookies. Be sure to use lots of balloons.
shannon asked:
Occasion: brides maid luncheon
I want to have a special event whether it be lunch or a tea >and dessert
function for my bridal party any suggestions >
The Party Girl's advice is:
I love the very
feminine idea of a tea - it doesn't have to be formal just cute. Hot and cold
beverages and small sandwiches and pastries is the height of being female and
so different from the usual lunch.
Shameeka asked:
Occasion: semi-formal engagement party
This is a semi-formal silver and white color theme >engagement party,
around 60 people will be attending (in a function room that's up to 75 people.
I have around 300 dollars for just >decorations. Since the theme is
definitely elegant how can I >decorate it, that will make everyone go WOW.
The Party Girl's advice is:
You didn't leave
much time for this. Try looking at party411.com/themes for some ideas for
decorations. Once you decide what to do (be sure to use glitter, silver mylar
and balloons) check your local craft shops.
Allison asked:
Occasion: engagement party
My brother is getting married but he and his fiancé live in >Atlanta while
most of the people invited live in New Jersey. They are >coming in for
Thanksgiving and my mother and I are going to throw an >engagement party
for his fiancé since very few woman invited to the >wedding have ever met
her. We are just inviting woman for about 2 1/2 >hours to our country club.
I guess what I really need is some ideas on a >theme, games, gifts, etc.
Please help me. Thank you >PS- she is a very reserved girl so nothing too
crazy. >
The Party Girl's advice is:
Maybe all the
guests can bring a picture of you brother at different ages and tell about the
picture to everyone. Maybe duplicate them for an album for her. This will not
be easy for her because she is a stranger and you all know each other. Look at
party411/gamegirl for some game ideas.
helaine asked:
Occasion: WEDDING RECEPTION
WANTED TO DO A BRUNCH SINCE IT IS LOW COAST AND CAN GET AWAY WITHOUT A OPEN
BAR, JUST MIMOSAS AND BLOODY MARYS. IS THERE A THEME I SHOULD USE? IS THIS A
GOOD IDEA? COUPLE WILL BE MARRIED IN PUERTO VALLARTA TWO WEEKS EARLIER. THEY
ARE ON A TIGHT BUDGET HELP!!! PLEASE ANY >SUGGESTIONS WILL BE GREATLY
APPRECIATED. GUEST LIST 150-175. >
The Party Girl's advice is:
You don't really
need a theme. Just decorate with wedding-type stuff, bells, bride and groom,
etc. Check the dollar stores and Amazing Savings. Good thinking on the brunch.
Cory asked:
Occasion: Wedding Reception
My friend is getting married next weekend and the other >bridesmaids and I
are trying to come up with something fun and wacky to do >when they are
introducing the couples before being seated for dinner. The >crazy
wig/sunglasses thing has already been done, and we are drawing a >blank.
Any ideas? >
The Party Girl's advice is:
Ask their
parents for baby pictures of them and have them blown up (double sided) and
mounted on the end of poles. Then 2 of you precede the couple in with the
introductions holding the pictures for all to see. The more embarrassing the
photo, the better.
Linda asked:
Occasion: Engagement Party
I need some ideas for party favors for >an engagement party. It's a first
>marriage and the party is in October >
The Party Girl's advice is:
A lot depends
upon what you want to spend per person and if you want serious or funny. For
more serious stuff, look at you local Hallmark type stores. Or if you have
something specific in mind and would like us to get it for you (maybe
personalized) write back.
E. Krause asked:
Occasion: Second Wedding Reception
I want a harvest moon theme at my reception. The hall is very plain. Our
budget is tight. I was thinking about corn stalk bunches, pumpkins, gourds,
little white lights and make some kind of illuminated moon. Any ideas? >
>Thanks! > >Soon to be wed Ms. E
The Party Girl's advice is:
Carve some of the
pumpkins and put candles in them. Use autumn leaves all throughout the hall
for inexpensive colors. Maybe some bales of hay. You could put some metal tubs
out of sight behind stuff and put in dry ice and make fake smoke for drama.
Also make or buy a pair of male and female scarecrows and put your faces on
their faces. They could be sitting on a bench or chairs.
Joanna Hart asked:
Occasion: wedding reception/tropical theme
I am looking for indoor bamboo table torches to use as part of my table
centerpieces. I have 28, but need 28 more. I am also looking for another
option than the table torches to add some variety. I definitely need something
to supply a little light. My centerpieces consist of a clear platter/plate
filled with sand and seashells. In the center of the plate is a small fish
bowl filled with water and floating glass fish. I need something to go along
with the theme. I also have table confetti consisting of shells, palm trees,
fish and flamingos. Any suggestions?
The Party Girl's advice is:
You could use
votives along side the bowl.
Kim asked:
Occasion: wedding
We would like to find nautical party favors, as well as a nautical wedding
guest book and paper plates and napkins any idea where we can find this
stuff???
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check the
hallmark web site and also American Greetings. For the guest book, you may
have to have that custom-made but check with you local Kinkos.
Trish asked:
Occasion: SON' WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER
I HAVE A SITUATION-OUR SON WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE >REHEARSAL DINNER AROUND
THE COUNTRY CLUB POOL. DO WE GRILL BRATS, >HAMBURGERS, OR HAVE A HOG ROAST,
OR A PREPARED DINNER, BUFFET >STYLE, ROAST BEEF AND/OR CHICKEN? WE THOUGHT
OF A LUAU THEME TOO. I >REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. I LIKE THE BUFFET
STYLE MYSELF BUT >SOME OF THE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS LIKE THE LUAU. I JUST
DON'T WANT TO >OFFEND THE GRANDPARENTS BY A HOG ROAST AND A KEG OF BEER IF
THEY >WISH TO HAVE A DINNER! >DECORATING IS HARD FOR ME TO >VISION.
THE CLUB HAS WHITE TENTS TO PUT OVER THE FOOD AREA. WHAT >KIND OF FLOWERS?
HOW DO YOU DECORATE THE POOL AREA AND FENCING >AROUND THE POOL. FLOWERS IN
THE POOL WOULD BE FUN. BUT WHAT KIND?? I >WOULD LIKE TO DECORATE WITH WHITE
LIGHTS TOO. I LIKE MOOD SETTINGS >WITH THE REFLECTION OF THE POOL AROUND
EVERYONE. >SHOULD IT BE A KEG AND HOG ROAST OR BUFFET DINNER?? MY SON
DOESN'T >CARE, IT'S UP TO US. >PLEASE HELP ME MAKE A VERY SPECIAL NIGHT
A FUN TIME AND A BIG >SUCCESS IN EVERYONE'S EYES. > >THANK YOU FOR
YOUR HELP.......TRISH
The Party Girl's advice is:
This would be an
excellent opportunity to get close to your soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Ask her
what she thinks. I personally don't like a pig roast and keg idea. But a
poolside lends itself to a barbeque and casual eating. Grill the meat and
chicken. Set up a station with a lot of salad choices, green salads and fruit.
Have another station with cheeses, crackers, veggies and dips. If you want to
use a Hawaiian luau theme, just scoop out watermelon halves and fill with
melon balls and use halved pineapples filled with pineapple and kiwi. I always
like white flowers but pick something inexpensive and that will hold up for a
long time outdoors. Ask a florist what they recommend.
Antoinette asked:
Occasion: Dinner for Bride and Groom to be
can you give me some ideas on a LUAU PARTY. I need food >and beverage
ideas. alcoholic and nonalcoholic. thank you so much >for your attention.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Use Watermelon
halves scooped out and filled with melon balls and pineapple halves filled
with pineapple and kiwi. See if you can find banana chips or make them with
plantains (cut and fry and salt). The main dish could be grilled chicken with
a lime sauce, rice with pine nuts and mandarin oranges. Have a non-alcoholic
punch and use an iced mold made of juice and strawberries to keep it cold but
not diluted. Have soft drinks also. As for alcoholic beverages, I would only
serve vodka drinks mixed with OJ, cranberry juice, etc. You could also have
splits of champagne and a good punch is champagne, OJ and cranberry juice.
kim larkin asked:
Occasion: wedding
I am getting married in the afternoon in august, my wedding theme is rainbow
colors, I need an idea for my table center pieces, the tablecloths will be
different colors any ideas?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Make miniature
rainbows. You could do small balloon arches, you could find a great pic of one
and have it color copied and mounted on Styrofoam. Since you have no budget,
I'm not sure how to advise you since everything costs something. Look at your
local dollar store for some ideas.
Jamie asked:
Occasion: wedding
I am getting married in less than a year and I'm just starting to get things
together. I really want to do something different and unique for my table
centerpieces. If you have any >ideas please help. Thank You, Jamie
The Party Girl's advice is:
If you are
getting married in the spring or summer, use an idea that my daughter did. Get
wonderful baskets with handles tied with yellow or peach ribbon and fill them
with long stem daisies, sunflowers, etc. Also add some greens. Use these in
your bouquet. It is not quite as formal as most and looks lovely.
Elizabeth asked:
Occasion: Wedding Reception
I am planning a wedding reception for a friend of mine.>She is having an
outdoor wedding. She's a 'down to earth' kind of>person. And she does not
want any 'frilly' type of things. Her>wedding is going to be rainbow
colored. Well, I would like to know>what type of reception would be
appropriate? She wants to have it >outside too, preferably by the water.
>Thank you.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, what time
of day or evening is it planned for? Is it formal or casual? How many people
are invited. Time of the year? What is the budget? You have to answer these
things first. Then decide if you need a theme or just food and music. You
check at party411.com/themes for some ideas.
Javelle Oderbert asked:
Occasion: Engagement Party
What are the proper procedure and protocol for an >engagement party? I'm
responsible for putting one together for my >sister and have no idea where
to start. Please help
The Party Girl's advice is:
Is
it all female
or couples? Day or night? Week day or weekend? What's your budget? Where?
Guest list? Theme or no theme? Decide all of this first. If themed, pick one
and choose the appropriate menu. There are no rules, whatever you want to do
should be appreciated.
carol french asked:
Occasion: engagement party
What do you give as an engagement present? Or don't you?? Thanks
The Party Girl's advice is:
The host and/or
hostess are giving the party. You are an invited guest, just like any party.
No gift is required unless it is a shower or some sort.
Kelly asked:
Occasion: Wedding reception
I have a small budget for a wedding with a lot of people. >What can I do to
keep the food costs and decorations down without >cutting my guest list and
still have a nice reception? It is an >outside party in November in
California.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Well, first of
all, check party411.com/themes and look under the Hawaiian theme. If you would
like us to help you, send us a shopping list, budget, phone, etc.
Roxie asked:
Occasion: afternoon wedding reception
At an informal summer afternoon wedding reception, can candles be used for
table decorations? What about the wedding cake as centerpiece for serving
table? My reaction is 'no' for the candles and yes to the centerpiece. Am I
correct?
The Party Girl's advice is:
I agree about
the cake, what else would you use? As for the candles, if you're using
decorative ones that need no flame to make a statement, go ahead; otherwise,
it wouldn't really mean anything. No rules about it though.
Susan Atkinson asked:
Occasion: Wedding Reception
I am planning a wedding reception in October of 2000 around Halloween. I would
like it to be a cross between a masquerade and a Halloween party. Do you have
any ideas? Some ideas that I have are the masks for with the sticks for the
wedding party and other cheaper masks for the guests. I do not have a lot of
money to spend so it has to be cute cheap ideas.
The Party Girl's advice is:
I like the mask
tie-in. You have plenty of time to make the really good ones for the wedding
party. You could go with molded paper mache or already formed masks and
decorate with glitter, feathers, ribbons, color, wherever your imagination
takes you. Decide whether to use a certain color or colors as a theme or
whether you want an eclectic mix. You might want to wait 'til it gets closer
to Halloween this year and see what you can find. You could use pumpkins as
the base of your centerpieces and have little brooms and witches hats with
them. Black cats go well. You could have a black and white wedding (my
daughter did that but not on Halloween) and have the attendants in great
looking black gowns. We used black slip dresses which the girls are still
wearing. Got them at a department store, not a bridal shop.
Juanita Johnson asked:
Occasion: engagement party
I would like to know how to decorate a plain party room the type that has no
frill. I do not have a large budget as you can see so I have to keep it
simple. My son's fiancée' lives in another city and she will be coming to
Nashville ,Tn for the first time to meet the family. I wanted to have a small
affair to introduce her to our family and close friends (75).Please give me
some suggestions on the food and décor. The food is not included in the 200. I
stipulated for decorations. I do want to keep the total budget at around 500.
total. I will appreciate your timely reply
The Party Girl's advice is:
Check out
party411.com/themes for some ideas. You can enlarge or scale down any of them
to suit your budget. I suggest you do stations or buffet rather than sit-down
to get people up and moving. See if you can get a picture of the couple and
blow it up and mount it. Let the guests sign in on it when they arrive. You
could also get baby pictures of them to show how much they have changed. Maybe
the guests could each write an amusing story or memory about one of the couple
and read them. Remember, hospitality is the most important thing, especially
for out-of-towners.
Michelle asked:
Occasion: Engagement party
I am planning to throw an engagement party for my cousin and her fiancé. I was
the one who set them up to begin with and I would like to throw them a party
to show them how happy I am for them. Do you have any great ideas for an
engagement party? I am drawing a complete blank and need your help
The Party Girl's advice is:
Look at
party411.com/themes for lots of different ideas. I would try to get pictures
of them when they were young (about 5) and blow them up and mount them on a
board. First play, pin the nose on the kid and then have the guests sign notes
to them.
Pete asked:
Occasion: engagement
any other ideas for engagement party. we love the "rule" board
what are good prizes for a piñata for adults for this party? we want
our families to REALLY party hearty, not the traditional engagement
party? any advice
The Party Girl's advice is:
It depends on
how silly you want to get for prizes in the piñata. You can go to a dollar
store for cute stuff or you could go to a Spencer's Gifts or stores like that
and get a little racy. You decide. Also look at party411.com/themes for other
ideas for themes and party411.com/gamegirl for adult fun.
Joe Miller asked:
Occasion: Sons Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
I need help with the actual menu of this party--suggestions include fried
chicken bbq-with fixins suggestions for picture backdrop suggestions for
seating arrangement
The Party Girl's advice is:
go to
party411.com/themes for ideas. There are some great themes to help you pick a
good menu. Also go to the home page and look under new products at edible
photos for a great idea for cake for dessert. As to seating arrangements, your
theme is casual so I would not assign seats. Let people sit where they would
like to. As to picture backdrop, see if you can get pictures of all the old
famous cowboys and blow them up poster size and hang them all over. Tie them
all together with lasso and red bandanas.
Betsy asked:
Occasion: Wedding Reception
I am planning on having an open bar at my reception. I plan on about 100
guests. I was wandering if you could tell me what I need to get and how much!?
Thanks for your time! ~Betsy
The Party Girl's advice is:
Usually you can
plan 3 1/2 drinks per person unless you have a real drinking crowd. There are
usually 16 pours per bottle but sometimes less. So you can figure how many
bottles you need. Also have wine and beer (cheaper) and soft drinks for the
underage attendees and non-drinkers. You'll need a bottle of champagne per
table. Buy the basics, vodka, scotch, whiskey, and maybe a small bottle of
gin. Have the mixers available such as orange, tomato and cranberry juice and
ginger ale, club soda, tonic and lemons, limes and celery.
Jennifer asked:
Occasion: "Welcome the couple"party
My fiancée and I are having a private wedding at Lake Tahoe with just parents
and siblings in July. After returning from our honeymoon in Jamaica, his
parents are hosting a "welcome the couple party" at their home for
us and all the relatives we did not invite. How should we word the invitations
to the party? Also, and good ideas for a tropical themed/newlywed event? We
plan on having most of it outdoors, as they have a pool in the backyard and
plenty of beautiful blooming plants. Thanks for your help!
The Party Girl's advice is:
First of all,
send the invitation telling what the party is for - the new couple. Don't beat
around the bush. Why not have a luau-Beach Boys party with umbrella drinks,
the limbo, Pineapple boats, scooped out watermelon filled with fresh fruit,
shish-ka-bobs on the grill with rice on the side, cake in the shape of an
island tree or something like that. Have leis, miniature ukes, etc. for the
guests. Go to the dollar store for prize ideas.
Elaine Diamond asked:
Occasion: Beach Wedding
Any ideas for the 20 kids at the reception. Buffet for adults in hall and the
kids with babysitters to give the parents a chance to eat. Ideas for food and
games to keep the kids occupied while the formalities take place which are
boring for the kids. The kids area will be outside and would try to keep them
as clean as possible. Any suggestions? Age range 4 - 14 years old. I thought
maybe plastic leis etc.
The Party Girl's advice is:
You can use
games (see our party library for tons of books on games), hire a DJ for kids
only to keep them busy with dance games and other competitions (which DJs do
very well)...or bring in a magician/balloon animal twister and entertainers
like that to keep them occupied.
PATTY asked:
Occasion: wedding reception
My daughter is getting married in Jamaica in July, on her return home she
wants a tropical island wedding reception. could you advise me of some table
centerpieces, and party favors to use.also, some finger food advise would be
nice too.
The Party Girl's advice is:
Depending on
your caterer, it might be nice to do real fruit centerpieces... in that way,
you kill two birds with one stone. A nice pineapple or watermelon based
centerpiece (cut beautifully) with fresh fruit kabobs coming out on each table
for people to eat. When the party is over, you're not throwing away the money
you spent on centerpieces. Go to the luau/beach party page. You will find all
sorts of great accoutrements. Leis (do white, since it's a wedding reception)
and more. Finger food...tropical--banana fritters, the fruit kabobs, anything
with coconut, shellfish, etc.
Linda asked:
Occasion: wedding reception
Can you recommend an inexpensive way to decorate our reception hall without
looking cheap?
The Party Girl's advice is:
Linda, An
inexpensive yet elegant way to decorate your reception hall is using white
balloons with silk ribbon. They can do a lot today with balloons and people
are using them for black tie events. Hire a balloon company, and they should
be able to do it all. Also, making big bows tied with tulle out of ribbon
material is great for tying off chairs, railings and more.
Ray Kalinowski asked:
Occasion: misc
What is an appropriate gift (if any) for an intimate engagement party given by
the girls Mother as a means of meeting the boys family?
The Party Girl's advice is:
No gift
necessary. This isn't a shower and it isn't the wedding. Those are the
occasions for a gift.
Ruddell Family asked:
Occasion: Engagement Party
Hi there! Busy sister-in-law-to-be here wondering if you could jump start my
creativity with a really unique engagement or shower theme idea. My brother is
31 and getting married for the first time. His bride is previously married,
also thirty one, has two kids and the first marriage was, well, not good!!! I
want to give them a party that's not necessarily big but that they will
remember. Showers are already being planned but she has mentioned to me that
they already have everything in two's and wonders what they will do with all
the stuff. Oh and they live with her parents for the time being. OHHHH if you
could help I would be so grateful. I work in retail management in a
gift/tabletop store and I think of really cool things all the time for my
customers. HELP! Why has this one got me stumped??? ANY HELP TAKEN!!!!
The Party Girl's advice is:
First of all, I
would love to have you as a sister-in-law. You sound very kind and
considerate. Since they obviously have "things" coming out the
eardrums, why not make this fun, personal and a little embarrassing. Have each
guest write down their funniest or most embarrassing moment with their spouse,
significant other or just a date. Have them bring a gag gift for the couple.
You could have pics of your brother from when he was born to now and blow them
up as decorations. See if you can get some of the bride to be also. Have fun
angela asked:
Occasion: engagement party
Any ideas for a theme
The Party Girl's advice is:
Congrats
Angela...tons of ideas. Did you check out the themes at www.party411.com/themes.html?
If not, you should. Most of them can be customized to fit with an engagement
party. In the meantime, give me a little more information--budget, where you
are having it, the couples' mutual interests...and maybe I can come up with
something else. If you choose a theme and need help procuring the items, let
us know!
Pete asked:
Occasion: Wedding reception
How much food per person?
The Party Girl's advice is:
That's a hard
question to answer without knowing how long the reception is, where you are
having it and if it's for dinner or just cocktails and hors d'ouerves. On the
other hand, if you are using a caterer, they can tell you exactly what you
need. Most people eat 6-8 hors d'eourves during cocktail hour alone. Solve
this buy serving buffet style crudités (vegetables and dip) to fill in when you
run out. Give me more information, and I can be of more assistance. And if you
need a caterer, I'd be happy to suggest someone.
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