Gift Ideas | Party IdeasGreat gifts, Gift giving ideas and Deals
dianaheather | 11:05 am | December 24, 2008 | Celebrations.com
January is just a week away and you know what that means… Super Bowl Parties! Super Bowl Sunday is not just about the big game. Even die-hard football fans get excited for the commercials, the halftime show and most importantly, the food! Think of the delicious layer dips, finger foods, chili, chips and beer!
The first thing to consider when planning your Super Bowl party is the setup. The television is the main event so everything must be set up around it. You’ll need enough seating for all party guests to be able to sit and have a good view of the television. It’s also optimal if guests don’t have to get out of their seats to reach the food. Small dishes of food placed throughout the party area is the best way to go.
Now is the time to assess your party area and make a list of things you might need. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a great time to shop sales. Retail stores are practically giving away merchandise, in hopes of meeting their bottom line for the year so make sure you keep an eye out for things you might need come Super Bowl Sunday!
dianaheather | 5:42 pm | December 4, 2008 | Celebrations.com
Ask five people how to play Dirty Santa, and you will probably hear five different answers. Here is a rundown of basic directions. Feel free to change them as the game goes on!Steps
* Everyone playing the game brings a wrapped gift so there is no indication about what is inside. Place gifts together under the tree or on a table.
* The host writes a number on scrap pieces of paper for every gift and places them in a basket, bowl or hat.
* Each person draws a number. Getting a higher number is actually better because you will have more opened gifts to choose from.
* The person with #1 picks a gift to open from the pile. The person with #2 can choose to open another package or steal the gift from #1. If a gift is stolen, the person who had it then steals from someone else or picks another gift to open.
* The game continues like this until everyone takes a turn opening or stealing a gift. The last person to go can steal from anyone in the game or open the remaining gift.
* Once a gift is stolen three times, it is retired from the game.
Find more Holiday Fun at Christmas Party Games.
dianaheather | 5:37 pm | | Celebrations.com
Bingo Basics:
In traditional bingo, each player takes a card with a five by five grid. The word “BINGO” is displayed on the top with numbers underneath it. Someone moderates the game and calls out the number and letter combination until someone wins by getting a Bingo.
Alternative ways to play include: having a marker on four corners or forming an X on the Bingo card.
Holiday Bingo:
In order to revise this popular game for the holidays, change the cards by coloring holiday graphics or words in exchange for numbers.
Here are some to consider:
• Santa
• Reindeer
• Elves
• Toys
• Candy canes
• Snowman
• Mistletoe
• Hot chocolate
• Christmas tree
• Angel
• Ornament
• Stocking
• Candle
• Presents
• Sleigh
• North pole
• Snowflakes
• Carolers
• Jingle bells
• Lights
• Bow
• Wreath
• Gingerbread man
• Christmas cookies
Keep the word BINGO at top or substitute a holiday-themed word, such as “CLAUS.” If you’re using words versus images, watch out for the double letters (i.e. the “A” in “Santa” or “Claus”).
Preparation
* Online Resources:
If you don’t feel like designing your own customized holiday Bingo cards, check out some sites devoted to printable versions:
o Dltk-cards.com
o Blackdog.net
o Coolest-Holiday-Parties.com
Steps
* Let’s Play:
* The game is played in the traditional way with one person serving as the moderator.
* One way to put another unique spin on the classic version is to have players shout “Merry Christmas” when they have a Bingo.
* Another festive take: in order to have a winning card, try to create a tree with the Bingo markers. To do this, the entire N column should be covered and the third and fourth columns should have three middle spaces covered to resemble branches.
For more great activities see Christmas Party Games.
dianaheather | 5:32 pm | | Celebrations.com
1. A Twist on Tradition: Forest green, deep burgundy and amber
2. Dreaming of a White Christmas: Cream, Ivory and pale, brushed silver
3. Merry Monochrome: Muted gold, rich browns and light amber
4. Winter Wonderland: Pale baby blue, cream and light brown
Want more ideas on how to decorate this Holiday season? Check out Christmas Decorations.
dianaheather | 5:25 pm | | Celebrations.com
Decorating for a Christmas party can cause a spending frenzy. With these simple tips, it doesn’t have to.
* Before buying any Christmas decorations for the party, assess your personal decor to find items that fit within your chosen color scheme or theme.
* Use party ware to add color and to personalize the party. Find customized napkins and coasters for a reasonable price at several online retailers.
* Add greenery for a seasonal touch. Many Christmas tree vendors give away cuttings, which you can collect for DIY garlands and wreaths.
* Finish with flowers for pops of festive color. Carnations are a chic and cheap choice.
For more affordable decor ideas, check out: Christmas Decorations.