LoveToKnow Party

Matching Stamps to Party Theme

2009-11-24T18:18:21-08:00

Do you take your party theme into consideration when choosing stamps? I know the US Postal Service usually puts out seasonal and holiday stamps, and sometimes they have ones for weddings/anniversaries/birthdays/religious, too.

Personally, I only get special stamps if I’m sending out a ton of invitations for a party. Otherwise, I just use what I have on hand.

What is your preference? It’s a small detail, but one that does make the invitation card and envelope coordinate.

Throwing Your Own Party

2009-11-24T17:26:34-08:00

As an adult, we often do not have parents hosting a party for us with family and friends. And with busy lives, we cannot expect our friends to throw a party for us, either. I was wondering what others would think of someone who throws him or herself a birthday party? Celebrities do it—I remember both Ellen and Oprah throwing their own parties. However, is it taboo to do it in the “real world?” What are your thoughts?

Weird Kid Party Themes

2009-11-24T17:22:08-08:00

Kids, especially ones around toddler/preschool age, often have unusual requests or interests. This sometimes ends up as a party theme, depending on the parent’s creativity. The oddest birthday party theme I can remember hearing about is a child who loved Halloween so much, the parents threw him a costume and pumpkin-themed party in the middle of summer!

What unusual themes have you come across or thrown? And more importantly, how did it go over?

Combining Holiday Themes with Other Parties

2009-11-16T19:15:39-08:00

How do you feel about combining a holiday theme with another party? For example, if a baby shower is held near Christmas, can you decorate with some reds and greens? Or should you stay away? I know a lot of kids with birthdays near Halloween might enjoy a costume birthday party, but then again, they might not.

How do you feel about combining holiday themes with other parties?

Saving Party Decorations

2009-11-16T19:17:49-08:00

Do you save your party decorations or do you use decorations that get thrown away after the party is over?

I have done both. For my child’s birthday parties, I usually go with simple and cheap decor that can be tossed afterward. However, I have used nice vases, centerpieces and banners at baby showers, bridal showers and birthdays that have been used again and again. I store them in a plastic container to keep them nice. In fact, my friends and I have even exchanged decorations, which saves us both time and money.

Cookie Exchange Party

2009-10-20T18:30:30-08:00

I was thinking of hosting a cookie exchange party for the holidays. I have a few questions about planning it.

First of all, how early should the exchange be? I want to host it early enough that everyone will benefit from the goodies and recipes, but late enough so that people are in the holiday mood.

Secondly, should I have the party be a recipe exchange and just have the guests bring samples for everyone? Or, should I have everyone bring a dozen of their dish to give to every other guest? I can see advantages and disadvantages to both ways.

Finally, do you think I should serve other foods at the exchange? If so, what? I was going to provide drinks and perhaps some vegetables, crackers, cheese and dip. Do you think that’s okay?

If you have any other tips, I’d love to hear them! Thanks!

Games at Company Holiday Parties

2009-11-13T23:43:28-08:00

Do you think it’s a good idea to play games at company holiday parties? I know it’s always good to provide some activities for guests, but I’m concerned that holiday office party games might come across as too childish or not professional enough. I imagine the size and formality of the party will also make a big difference in the type of games you could play. Are there any games you’ve seen work successfully at these kinds of events? Any suggestions for keeping activities as inclusive as possible?

It’s not a game per se, but I’ve attended company parties that had a raffle. The company could purchase a few gift certificates or gift baskets and give each guest a ticket to enter the raffle. At a holiday party, this could take the place of a gift exchange.

Party Planning with a Group

2009-11-10T18:27:21-08:00

How do you handle planning a party with another person or group of people? It can be very difficult, especially if the people planning the party are all geographically spread out or don’t know one another very well. I’ve done it before, and now avoid it when possible. However, sometimes you just can’t avoid group party planning.

Here are some things I learned through various group efforts at party planning:
*Groups of people planning a party together should designate one person to be “in charge” of a particular item, such as food or decorations or invitations. This way, responsibilities and the “glory/blame” is spread around!
*Don’t be afraid to speak up if you think a particular idea won’t work, especially if you are the person heading the party planning committee/group.
*If you’re planning the party for another person, keep in mind what that person would enjoy, instead of what the group or you/your partner want to do.

So, what are your best tips for planning a party with another person or group?

Invitations to Thanksgiving Dinner

2009-11-10T18:14:56-08:00

How do you invite your family/friends to Thanksgiving dinner? When my extended family on my dad’s side got together in the past, my mom used to call my aunts and they would help spread the word—no formal invitations needed. Of course, my family’s Thanksgivings were pretty casual (usually potluck, etc). My husband’s family is where we head most Thanksgivings now, and they only have immediate family, who are invited by telephone call (or actually, we just go there, it’s expected).

So, how do you invite people to Thanksgiving dinner? Does it matter whether the dinner is formal or informal?

“Getting To Know You” Games

2009-11-10T18:30:55-08:00

Does anyone have some good ideas for games that help you get to know the other people at the party better? A lot of party ice breakers are fun, but you don’t necessarily learn anything about the people you’re playing with.

One game I know that works pretty well is the “two truths and a lie” where you make three statements and guests have to guess which one is the lie.

What are some games you know that help guests get to know one another?