Party Planning Ideas

The nonprofit organizations the March of Dimes and Operation Shower are joining forces to throw a dream baby shower for 36 expectant mothers with spouses serving in the military.

The shower will be held during the PGA's Farmer's Insurance Open golf tournament at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California.

"Operation Shower was founded because we know that moms in a military family hold it all together at home – these moms deserve our support, our thanks, our love, and of course, they deserve a party!" said Operation Shower's LeAnn Morrissey.

In addition to getting 36 military moms-to-be together to celebrate, each will receive gift boxes filled with baby supplies, clothing, toys, books and other necessities.

"Having a baby is a joyful experience, but it's also one that comes with anxiety and concerns. Being in the military – whether as a serviceperson or as the partner of a serviceperson – can cause extra stress," said Jane Massey, March of Dimes chief operating officer.

Helping an expectant mother prepare for the arrival of a new baby by throwing a shower is an ideal way to help relieve stress, whether their husband is in the military or not.

In addition to useful gifts, a baby shower often includes baby-themed games, décor and baby shower favors such as candy bars wrapped in personalized candy wrappers, personalized lollipops or other yummy treats.
 

Whether you are turning 21 or 50, those who are planning a party for a milestone birthday may be searching for the perfect theme. For a truly celebratory atmosphere, draw inspiration from an upcoming event and host a Mardi Gras-themed party.

Just because you aren't in New Orleans doesn't mean you can't capture its festive feel. Fill the room with purple, green and gold decorations, elaborate masks and strands of beads. Create a playlist of your favorite party music and mix in some tracks of horn-heavy jazz.

Encourage guests to dress-up for the fiesta, and hand out a prize for the best costume of the night. Of course, just because they didn't win the costume contest doesn't mean that guests should go home empty-handed. Give out personalized shot glasses to thank your friends for celebrating your birthday with you.

Finally, don't forget the food. Select finger foods and hors d'oeuvres that boast Creole and Cajun flavors. This will be a birthday celebration your friends won't soon forget!

Now that the holidays are over, many households are undoubtedly filled with Christmas lights left over from the seasonal celebrations. Instead of packaging them up for next year (or worse – throwing them away!), use these strands in new ways for innovative birthday party decorations.

While stringing up Christmas lights may create a Yuletide-like atmosphere, when displayed in different ways, these strands can contribute to a fun and festive decor.

Instead of lighting up a fire in the fireplace, which can easily make a room too hot, InStyle magazine suggests wrapping Christmas lights around logs and placing them beneath the chimney. Best of all? You don't need a working fireplace to use this trick!

Christmas lights can also be used to create gorgeous fixtures for a great tablescape. Simply tangle the strands together and place them inside an upside-down glass jar or vase. However, the publication recommends only attempting this with LED lights, or else the glass may overheat.

While reusing lights is a great idea, don't recycle Christmas candy. Pick up personalized birthday favors for the affair – your guests will surely appreciate the gesture!

Whether hosting a baby shower or a birthday party, those throwing a party in their own home should spend time on the decor to create a festive atmosphere. However, preparing your abode doesn't have to be too complicated.

For a cost-effective and beautiful tablescape, event planner David Stark recommends wrapping empty bottles with metallic tape and filling them with fresh flora.

"You won't need many [flowers] because the bottle openings are small," he told InStyle, adding that tea candles can create a warm and inviting glow.

Take advantage of space to add flair wherever possible. Stark suggests covering the refrigerator door in brightly colored post-it notes to create a bold pattern or fun design.

Party favors can be incorporated into the decor as well.

"I like to fill glass jars with a variety of candies and set them out in a table in my foyer along with metal scoops and tiny paper bags," Stark told the publication. "It's a nice way for people to take a little piece of the celebration home."

Hershey kiss candies and personalized lollipops are great treats that will look as good as they taste! 

Whether your child loves Toy Story or Harry Potter, a movie-themed party is the perfect way to celebrate your child's birthday. Begin by asking the youngster which film is their favorite right now – children's tastes change quickly, so don't rely on something they told you a year earlier.

After a movie has been selected, pick out party supplies to bring the story to life. And while finding Shrek-themed items may not be too tricky, sometimes it can be hard to track down decorations that depict older or lesser known titles.

However, don't panic if you can't find supplies that coincide with the specific film – just get creative. If your child is a fan of The Little Mermaid, turn the room into an undersea oasis. Stock up on blue balloons, tablecloths and streamers, and hang decorations that are shaped like marine animals.

Birthday party favors should not be overlooked. Send the young guests home with treats like personalized lollipops that boast a famous quote from the movie. Your child will adore his or her movie-themed birthday party, and may even want a similar celebration the following year!