Party Planning Ideas

Whether you are hosting a birthday party or a bridal shower, you'll likely want a theme for the celebration. But regardless of the motif you select, the gathering doesn't have to be a burden on the environment. In fact, throwing an eco-friendly bash can be easy.

Instead of stocking up on disposable supplies, use washable dishes and flatware. If you don't have enough china to accommodate a large party, ask pals to contribute and borrow some dishware. A variety of plates, cups and bowls will create a charming and eclectic decor.

Before you create your menu, go to a local farmer's market to see which foods look best. You'll be supporting your community and selecting the freshest ingredients will ensure that the dishes taste phenomenal.

When selecting the party favors, opt for items that guests can reuse, such as personalized shot glasses or magnets. These favors are fun but practical, so guests will surely enjoy using them for years to come.

Remember, a shindig can often require a lot of electricity to power lighting and entertainment. Use candles or look for energy-efficient light bulbs, and purchase an mp3 player that runs on rechargeable batteries. Your energy bills will stay low, but your party's energy level is sure to skyrocket!

Though Harlow Madden, daughter of newlyweds Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, won't turn three until January 11, she celebrated her birthday over the weekend with a fun, celeb-filled bash. According to People magazine, guests included Ellen Pompeo and her daughter Stella, Jessica Alba and her daughter Honor. Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale also made an appearance with their sons Kingston and Zuma.

While famous faces may have filled the fiesta, it was far from a fancy affair.

"It was a fun, casual party. Besides the celebrity kids, Harlow had a few friends from school at the party and she was very excited. The kids played outside in the Treehouse [at the Treehouse Social Club in Beverly Hills] and enjoyed art and crafts projects inside. All the moms chatted while the dads bonded and it was a perfect party for both the adults and the kids," an insider told the news source.

While the birthday favors have yet to be revealed, parents who want cute kids party favors may want to opt for sweet treats that youngsters will surely appreciate.

Christmas and New Year's may be over, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate this cozy time of the year with some of your closest friends and family by your side. Whether or not you know someone who has a winter birthday, throwing a shindig to get rid of those winter blues may be one of the best things you can do.

First, send out invitations. Stationery adorned with visions of snowy weather will certainly be appreciated by all guests. However, remind them that you'll be serving up some warm winter treats, such as hot coco and spicy apple cider.

Don't forget to decorate appropriately. Banners and steamers in cool, icy colors will look lovely when scattered around your home. Also, Never underestimate the power of balloons!

Finally, don't forget about those party extras. If you're having a smaller shindig, personalized lollipops will be a great way to thank your guests for coming as you send them back into the stormy streets. For bigger bashes, a general goodie bag will do.

Spring is right around the corner, but until then people are likely to be feeling antsy. Coordinate a wonderful party and your friends and family will be sure to thank you later.

A surprise party is a fun way to celebrate a friend's birthday while showing him or her how much you care. However, these gatherings can be particularly tricky to execute perfectly – on top of standard party-planning responsibilities, you must also make sure that the guest of honor is kept in the dark.

When you create the invitations, indicate that the event is a surprise and come up with a cohesive cover story to fool the birthday boy or girl. Let people in on your scheme, so that if the guest of honor asks multiple friends, everybody is on the same page.

Next, select a theme for the shindig. Consider your pal's likes and interests. If they love to dance, an '80s-themed party with great music will surely keep all guests on their feet. However, don't pick a motif that requires costumes – you may be able to convince the birthday boy or girl to show up at the party's location, but getting them to wear an elaborate getup may prove to be too difficult.

Of course, don't forget to stock up on birthday party favors as well. Hand out personalized lollipops or stickers that feature your friend's face and a birthday message. Your buddy will appreciate your hard work, and the party is sure to be a hit!

Whether you're hosting a charity event or throwing a party for a significant accomplishment, such as a graduation, it's important to show your guests how much their support has meant to you. Thank you gifts are a wonderful way to express your appreciation to the folks that came to your celebration.

When selecting the appropriate favors, there are a multitude of options. Simple is always a great way to go, and sweet treats covered in personalized candy wrappers are delicious and effective. Guests will enjoy snacking on the confection on their way home, and the wrapper will remind them of your gratitude.

You can also choose items that coincide with the event's theme. Graduation favors, such as bottles of water with a specialized label, will be festive and remind attendees of the celebration's significance.

There are a variety of ways you can hand out the thank you gifts. If you're hosting a formal, sit-down dinner, put one favor by each guest's plate or place card. Those throwing a more casual affair can set out the items on a table by the door, and put up a simple sign asking partygoers to pick up a present on their way out.