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![Holidays](graphics/holidays.gif)
Barbie Turns Forty!
Is
there a better reason for a party? Who in the world has never met Barbie or Ken?
Everyone has a relationship with them—for better or for worse. So why not
celebrate this milestone??!
I found this article at http://www.barbie.com/40th_Anniv/index.htm,
and I think it proves we should all celebrate Barbie’s 40th
year.
"Laughter, camera flashes, shimmering dresses and sleek
tuxedos dotted the pink carpet tonight as the Barbie doll's celebrity friends
arrived at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York to celebrate her 40th
Anniversary.
"Susan Lucci, Rebecca Lobo, Dick Clark, Joan Allen and Melissa
Joan Hart were among the hundreds of familiar faces who gathered to pay
tribute to the famous fashion doll for her impact on little girls' lives. The
evening's festivities included a special tribute to famous women of
achievement in honor of the special anniversary, an exciting performance by
teen singing sensation Brandy, the unveiling of Annie Liebovitz's Barbie doll
artwork and a stunning Barbie doll fashion show including fashions through the
years…
"As the master of ceremonies, Dick Clark led guests through a look
at where the Barbie doll has been and where she is headed, while several of
the Ambassadors of Dreams shared their own Barbie doll memories. Brandy closed
the evening with the debut of a song from the new Barbie ad campaign, "Be
Anything." She was joined for the finale by a 50-member all-girl choir,
reminding the crowd of the power of dreams.
"Since her creation in 1959 as a paper-doll-inspired friend, the
Barbie doll has achieved the title of the most popular fashion doll ever
created. She's held that title by adapting her look, lifestyle and fashions to
meet changing times. In 1997, the Barbie doll line posted sales of $1.9
billion and more than one billion Barbie dolls (and family members) have been
sold since 1959."
- Invitation/RSVP: Make
your own. I found a great new software program called Barbie Print ‘n
Play that you can use for this (and then give to your kids). Create all
kinds of Barbie stuff—especially the invitations.
Start with the invitation (the program helps you create it). Then make a
postcard for the RSVP. The program also assists you in making
"Barbie" labels…great for invitation mailing purposes.
However, if you’re not computer savvy, most likely you will be able to
find Barbie invitations at your local party store. They also have party
goods that include plates, napkins, tablecloths, pink plasticware to match
and more.
- Decorations: Well, the
above-mentioned program also makes banners and a "Happy Birthday
Banner" hung in several strategic places would be a very nice touch. On
the other hand, decorate with Barbie’s favorite color—pink!
Start at the entrance with pink and white balloon swirls.
Add a sign-in board. What fun. No need for decorum…let people express
their honest feelings about the girl. This should be fun to read when it’s
over!
Centerpieces can be different Barbie’s with balloons tied off with
fabulous silk pink and white curling ribbon. Give the dolls to charity (or
your favorite niece) when the party is over. There are over 135 Barbie dolls
to choose from—Happening Hair Barbie, Pet Loving Barbie, Tie Dye Barbie,
Glam Generation Girl Barbie, WNBA Basketball Barbie and others. But I’d go
with the real thing. Stay away from Twirling Make-up Teresa, Purple Panic
Christie, Extreme Green Teen Skipper and others. You’ll just confuse
everyone! If you want to throw in Ken here and there, I’m okay with that.
Cool Lookin’ Ken and Totally Cool Ken are your best choice! Prince Ken is
a bit over the edge if you ask me.
I’d choose to go with pink tablecloths and white napkins. Napkin rings
can be plastic Barbie rings with the napkin pulled through. Pink votive
candles on every table and pink heart confetti will add a perfect touch.
Papergoods come in several patterns: Princess Barbie, Cheerleader Barbie and
Fantasy Barbie.
Don’t forget the bars and buffets! Put up different Barbie homes. Let’s
see, there’s Barbie’s deluxe dream house, her folding house and her
motor home. Don’t forget to put Barbie’s Porsche convertible in the
driveway. On the dessert buffet, put up Barbie’s Cooking Magic Mini Mart
for all to see. And if you get really desperate, Barbie’s Riding Stable
would make another good centerpiece.
- Menu: What to serve?
Well, Barbie doesn’t eat much, but since she was created in 1959 and we’re
celebrating her 40th—I’d go with 50’s food.
Mini-hamburgers, French fries with gravy, milk shakes and stuff like that.
Not costly and fun, too.
- Entertainment/Activities:
40 days of Barbie Trivia is at http://www.barbie.com/40th_Anniv/index.htm.
Go through and compile a contest. The questions are fairly easy…but for
even more fun, encourage people to be creative.
The other thing you might want to do is have your guests identify the
different Barbies by their descriptions or what they look like. Pictures of
the different Barbies are readily available…and each has its own specific
name. Color copy them at your favorite print shop and make it into a
contest.
And finally, have a photo opportunity with several of Barbie’s favorite
outfits available for all. Let them don a pink boa, a sequin top and other
Barbie favorites for a picture to remember.
- Favors: Almost all of
the party goods have a matching treat bag. Buy those and fill them with fun
birthday favors…Barbie blow-outs, stickers, party hats, pink candy, candy
cigarettes—fun stuff like that.
Have fun!
The Party Girl
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