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.
admin | 12:27 pm | November 5, 2008 | Celebrations.com
ing the most of Christmas crafts is fun and also saves money. Making homemade wrapping paper and gift tags is also a great way to get the kids involved in the holiday. You’ll only need a few basic supplies.
Check back soon for more do-it-yourself Christmas Ideas.
Gift wrap:
Wrap food-based gifts with take-out menus. It’s a great and green way to recycle.
Use wallpaper scraps as gift wrap or cut out smaller pieces to use as gift tags.
Use the comics section of the newspaper.
Wrap gifts in brown craft paper and decorate by gluing on tiny pinecones and cinnamon sticks. Top off with raffia ribbon for a natural look.
Using plain white paper and paint with finger paint.
Gift Tags and Note Cards:
Again, you can cut smaller pieces of leftover wallpaper.
Layer small pieces of brown paper with white paper, white paper over comic strips, etc. Use the colored pieces as a border and the white paper to write your note.
admin | 10:57 am | October 30, 2008 | Celebrations.com
s year’s presidential election is fast approaching and it’s a tight race! Just as you’d gather with friends to watch a suspenseful sports match, why not make a party of watching the election night results. After you and your party guests have made the time to vote, throw a get-together and read on for election party ideas:
-Recycle old Independence Day party decor, dishware and utensils. Red, white and blue anything will do!
-Serve snack foods you’d put out for a television of movie party - popcorn, chips and dip, salsa and finger foods.
-Mix up some themed drinks (recipes below)!
-For more election party food ideas, decorate cookies, cupcakes or a cake with a patriotic theme - red, white and blue icing.
-Whip up a playlist of the presidential candidates’ favorite songs:
“Raisin McCain” by John Rich
“Yes, I can” by Will.i.am
“City of Blinding Lights” by U2
“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
“Barracuda”, by Heart
“Touch the Sky”, by Kanye West
Since election day is on a weekday and everyone needs to make time to vote as well, keep the party planning as no-fuss as possible.
Barack on the Rocks
Ingredients
Steps
McCain Straight Up
Ingredients
Steps
dianaheather | 10:10 am | October 29, 2008 | Celebrations.com
When entertaining this Thanksgiving, consider serving a special sampling of cocktails that commemorate the season and enhance the flavors of Thanksgiving dinner. Sage, a common spice in Thanksgiving stuffing, also makes for a great flavor in mojitos. Hazelnut, a wintry flavor, adds a delicious touch to cider. Check out these delicious ideas for Thanksgiving cocktails.
Sage Mojito
Directions
Hazelnut Cider
Ingredients
Directions
dianaheather | 9:59 am | | Celebrations.com
What could be more beautiful that decorating with Fall leaves for Thanksgiving? Welcome Thanksgiving dinner guests to your home with a wreath on your front door. Using either real leaves of faux leaves, Thanksgiving wreaths are a fun and easy project and a great way to get the kids involved in the planning of Thanksgiving.
Materials:
Directions:
dianaheather | 3:49 pm | October 28, 2008 | Celebrations.com
It’s the time of year to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner menu. Thankgsiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without delicious dessert. Here’s a pecan tart recipe so you can add a touch of sweet to your Thanksgiving dinner:
Pecan Tart
Steps