I don’t know why it has never occurred to me before, but we decided to have a patriotic themed birthday party for my son’s birthday this year. His birthday is just a few days after the Fourth of July and so we decided to host a backyard barbecue for our family and friends.
We kept the decorations simple and I tried to buy a lot of things that we could reuse for future parties. These paper lanterns offered a little festivity to our space and I found blue star garland to decorate around our patio doors.
To save on drinks, we used this tin bucket and filled it with a huge batch of birthday punch instead of cans of soda. For each of the kid’s birthdays, I try to do a festive punch to go along with our food and a batch of strawberry punch was a perfect accompaniment to our fun little barbecue. I filled this tin clear to the top and my husband laughed and told me there was no way all of that punch would be drank. He was wrong and we had enough for one glass left at the end of the day. It is always amazing how quickly you can go through things like that!
Instead of buying paper cups, I got plastic cups in red & blue that we could use for all of our parties. The price was right at Walmart (in their summer supplies- only $1 for six cups). They will definitely come in handy for playgroups and future birthday parties.
I rolled all of the silverware in paper gingham napkins. I had yarn leftover in my yarn stash to use for tying the rolled silverware sets. When I hosted my last party, I found inexpensive sets of silverware at our wholesale club in the restaurant supplies. They aren’t the best quality, but they work so wonderfully for occasions like this. Thrift stores also sell silverware and you can often find bags of it very inexpensively. Rolling these into sets made it easier for everyone to grab what they needed and kept the line for the food moving a little quicker.
Each year I make a little slide show for the kids that the family can view before we cut into the cake. Amazon sells songs for $.99 and I try to pick one great song to go along with their three minute movie. This year one of our son’s favorite albums is Justin Roberts, “Meltdown” and his, “It’s Your Birthday!” song fit the bill perfectly. The grandparents love this and I think my kids watched this movie sixteen times before the guests arrived. There is nothing like seeing tons of pictures of themselves set to their favorite tunes to put a smile on their faces. I recommend saving this and putting it on when you need to get your party preparation done- it works like a charm!
I found these adorable mini burgers at Walmart and they had 24 in a package for $7.00. I got wheat and white rolls in the bakery and got a variety of cheeses and toppings to make a little burger buffet for our guests. We also grilled hot dogs for the kids, but I have to say the mini-burgers took center stage. People could really load their plates up with the sides or have a burger and a hot dog on one plate.
I served that Pesto Pasta Salad which was a hit again at another get together. I also found an amazing recipe for Hot Potato Salad from French Knots (hat tip to Make & Takes for sharing this one) that had everyone talking because it was so different. I followed her recipe, but omitted the green onions and substituted those with fresh chopped flat leaf Italian parsley from our garden. I also added 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese on top before I baked it and substituted the regular sausage with Italian turkey sausage to cut down on the fat a bit. By substituting with these flavors, it gave it more of an Italian flair and everyone really seemed to enjoy it!
In case you missed the post yesterday, this was the big birthday cake- an Oreo Fudge Ice Cream Cake. The patriotic pinwheels were a steal at the Dollar Store. They had six in a package for $1 so I used three of these as a cake topper for his cake and cut them in different lengths to add a little pizazz to the cake. The best part about these is that when Ethan blew out the candles all of the pinwheels spun around too. I wish we were able to capture that in motion because it was really cute.
As our party favors, we gave each of the kids a bag with a pinwheel, glow-in-the-dark bracelets and little patriotic bracelets, and some candy all courtesy of the Dollar Store.
Recipe Highlights From Our Patriotic Party:
Pesto Pasta Salad (courtesy of “The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen“) and you can visit The Farm Chicks Blog too!
3 cups bowtie pasta (about 8 oz)
1/4 cup pesto (Sam’s Club has pesto for really cheap, if your garden isn’t ready for pesto-making yet)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes (about two medium)
1/2 cup halved pitted black olives
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
Cook pasta as directed. Drain and rinse under cold running water and let cool. Place in a salad bowl. In another bowl, mix the pesto and sour cream together and add to the pasta, tossing to coat. Add the tomatoes, olives, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts and toss to mix. Serve.
Patriotic Strawberry Punch
1 (2 liter) bottle strawberry-flavored soda (I found this at Walmart)
1 liter (half a bottle) Sprite or 7-Up
1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 (12 ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate
2 (1 liter) cans pineapple juice
Mix all the ingredients together for the punch. This will fill one large punch bowl or two smaller ones.
One way I prepare for parties at the house is to concentrate my cooking efforts on the knockout "main dish" and delegate side dishes to family members or purchase pre-made sides. It's a good idea to limit the number of sides, too — simple get-togethers really don't require a lot!
My personal favorite ideas from your son's patriotic birthday party are the way you incorporated reusable things, like plastic cups and stainless steel silverware, to reduce waste and spending for future events. I enjoy seeing how creative you are with dollar store finds, especially when it comes to repurposing them or modifying them to fit your needs (ex: the pinwheels used as a cake decoration).
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I prepare what I can ahead of time this helps the day of the party. My birthday is July 5th it was a great time to have a birthday.
Denise T
iammeuc@msn.com
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I try to do as much as I can ahead of time. Also, getting my husband to take the kids out for a fun park trip before the party lets me focus on last minute details and lets them burn off extra energy before the party.
I love your party. Theme was carried through and had great personal touches!
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Love the idea of buying things to re-use. With 5 kids, parties are an expensive festivity and that was a good idea. Thanks!
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I really liked the pinwheels on top of the cake. It's nice to change things up.
My party tip is to choose menu items that can mostly be served cold or at room temperature. Then I can pre-cook the majority of my dishes. It's a great way to enjoy the guests instead of spending the etire day in the kitchen.
satcphile1@yahoo.com
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I write a list of everything I need to make & the particular time I need to be starting it (leaving plenty of room for distractions with 5 kids).
I especially loved the slideshow you do for your kids…what a special thing for them.
Thanks for the opportunity,
Beth
reapingjoyATyahooDOTcom
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You take some great photos I can see why yu need to put your name in the bottom and great ideas for a party youa re real creative..
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PINWHEELS !! How clever is that?
Planning and preparation is the only way to go, as a lot of posts have mentioned. After the guests arrive, I just want to party. I always provide a biiig table for the pot luck dishes, which is usually the what I host.
Connie
cardmgr@embarqmail.com
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We don't have big parties for our kids–just the immediate family. We usually go to a restaurant of their choioce–McD's a lot of times, as they have an indoor play place. I do try to buy gifts throughout the yr when I can get things on sale.
Your party looked festive, & I liked that you used itmes from a $1 store.
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One way I prepare for a party is to buy things early. If I see things on sale that would work great for prizes or giftbag gifts I pick them up throughout the year. I also make a list of not only what I need but what I have to do. I don't know how many times I tell myself I need to take care of this today for the party and I did not right it on a to do list and I am laying in bed saying ooh no I forgot to do that.
Your paty was very cute I love the 4th of July theme.
Deb M.
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I think it makes hosting a party easier if you buy some of the food premade. For my son's first bday we did pre made fried chicken from the deli, and then I made coleslaw, pasta, and fruit salads.
I loved the pinwheels on the cake what a great idea!
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Try to accept help when offered…if someone offers to bring something, say "okay, what about …(something you need)"…that way it's one less thing you have to do!
OH…I absolutely LOVE the slideshow idea. I have a 4 month old son and I've already been looking for ideas to make his birthdays special…and this is it! Thank you so much! I also like the punch idea…usually you only get punch at showers / weddings, so this would be a nice treat for everyone instead of the usual sweet tea and/or soft drinks.
dawn_S_R@yahoo.com
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Try to accept help when offered…if someone offers to bring something, say "okay, what about …(something you need)"…that way it's one less thing you have to do!
OH…I absolutely LOVE the slideshow idea. I have a 4 month old son and I've already been looking for ideas to make his birthdays special…and this is it! Thank you so much! I also like the punch idea…usually you only get punch at showers / weddings, so this would be a nice treat for everyone instead of the usual sweet tea and/or soft drinks.
dawn_S_R@yahoo.com
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I make it easier by stealing every other party throwers blogging tips and ideas…then the parties are so cute and already planned for me. I love blogs for many reasons but this is yet another good way to use them.
I love the paper lanterns you made for your party
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Like most everyone else I find it especially helpful to be prepared early. I start by writing a detailed list of food I want to prepare including what I will serve them in. I also write a list of decorations and activities we will have. I try to do this about 3-4 weeks ahead. I usually like to make as much as possible the weekend before and then be sure to have everything on hand so I can cross at least one thing off my list each night the week of the party.
I love your punch idea!! Having a special punch for each party will be a fun tradition, and surprise, for the kids to look forward to.
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I have made it a point over time to purchase nice pieces for the party essentials, and that way once you get a good closet full of stuff, you don't have to spend a lot everytime…everything from chafing dishes and serving pieces to tea light candle holders to certain decorations we use about every time…it really makes it easy to throw together a nice setup quickly and without investing a fortune!
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I have made it a point over time to purchase nice pieces for the party essentials, and that way once you get a good closet full of stuff, you don't have to spend a lot everytime…everything from chafing dishes and serving pieces to tea light candle holders to certain decorations we use about every time…it really makes it easy to throw together a nice setup quickly and without investing a fortune!
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I have 2 boys that love to help out in anything i do. So while i or my husband is preparing the food we'll give them easy things to do like plates, cups, silverware, etc to put together.
I also LOVE your idea about the birthday party! I love everything about it. My son's b-day is actually today. he's turning 6. For the last two years we've had a 4th of july party for my husband's squadron at our house. Since my husband is deployed we didn't have one this year, but i'm sure we'll have one next year and i will be using some of your ideas.
giggles1124 at yahoo dot com
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It sounds like you had a great celebration! Thanks for sharing!
One way I like to make prep time fun is have my nieces over and/or friends, put on some music and get to work.
One favorite I like to make is dipped licorice. So easy and always a crowd pleaser.
You need: 1 pkg red licorice ( i prefer twizzlers because they are always soft) 1 pkg almond bark & sprinkles or mini m&m;'s
First cut the licorice strips in 1/2 then dip 3/4 of the way down leaving just enough room to enjoy the treat without getting too sticky. Lay on wax paper and decorate with your choice of goodies. Enjoy!
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I always feel like I rush to get it all done at the last minute. I do my best to give myself at least 15 minute for last minute things and just relax before company is due to arrive.
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I make a list of foods and stick to it. And, since our family lives close by and comes to birthday parties, they're thoughtful and often offer to bring side dishes to make it so much easier for me to prepare for the party!
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For parties my husband and I work together – communication and teamwork brings it all together
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I really like the punch idea. We always spend too much on sodas!
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imarose2@aol.com
I love dressing up for 4th of July. WE always wear red white and blue. I added to ou party Kalenchoe plants red flowers of course and put them in red metal buckets on red talbe cloths. Your party utilized dollar store which is the WAY TO GO in this economy
Shari
Los Angeles CA
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The party looks awesome! I really liked the silverware rolled in the paper napkins. I do that and it always looks so fstive and people think it is such a big chore. It ends up turning into one of your decorations. And the is the key for me, to use the items that are needed for the party as part of the decorations. By going just one step beyond, you can turn the run of the mill items into fun decorations.
thriftygroove@gmail.com
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If I decided to throw a birthday party, I start cleaning before the actual day. Try to bake a vanilla custard or even the cake. And then the day of the party I like to wake up early,start preparing the house and cook whatever I need to cook. By the way I like that recipe of that punch you prepare for your son's party, I love it. I think I'll make next time I throw a party for my kids and when my kids bring their friends over. And I love the recipe for the Oreo&Fudge; Ice Cream Cake. I saw this recipe before but it only contain layers of ice cream sandwiches with layers of whipped topping and that's it. Anyways I love you version of this recipe and I can't wait to make it for my kids. The five of them like me have sweet tooth and I will try to make this asap. Thank you very much and keep doing ur best. I hope you include me on the sweepstakes you have on the page.
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I usually do all my party super efficiant so I don't have a lot of planning. super easy, but creative and fun at the same time! I loved your idea all together, and I'm for sure trying the cake..YUMMMOOOO
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Plan for the unexpected! I always plan for the unexpected, like people showing up way earlier than your start time, so I try to have everything prepared by the day before the party.
Your pesto salad looks delicious – and easy! I'm a pesto fan so always have homemade pesto in the freezer year round. I'm definitely going to try this recipe!
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Plan ahead! Make as much as possible a day or two ahead of time and have all your cleaning/tidying done well ahead of time too. I can always expect people to show up early so always try to be ready at least 2 hrs before a party – I've learned that the hard way!
Your Pesto Pasta Salad looks wonderful! ! Will definitely make it for my next get together!
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I plan ahead, and prepare the house, so that on the day of the party I can concentrate on the food.
I love how you coordinated all the serving items, decorations, etc. Very cute!
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I just hosted my daughter's 1st birthday. It was my first birthday party to plan and to make it easier, I decorated 2 days before the party. (We had it at the school where my husband works, so there was no one using it.) I made her cake a few days early, too, and froze it so it would be easier to frost. The night before the party, we took all the food goodies up to the school and stored them in the school's refrigerator and freezer. All we had to do on party day was get the birthday girl and her high chair up there. It felt so relaxed!
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The best way to clean bathroom is with the playtex gloves
Marty
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I like to have my kids help prepare for the party. I guess it technically doesn't make it "easier", but it's more fun and enjoyable! I love the oreo cake!
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I make as much as possible in advance, use fresh ingredients, not-too-complicated recipes and accept any offerings from my guests.
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We love German Potato salad and hope family will enjoy a change in flavor to the French Knots with Italian Sausage!
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I think your party looked great, you put Martha Stewart to shame, you go girl! One way that my parties go smoother, I involve everyone,whether you are 2 or 82, I make it as fun as possible. I always have a special job for everyone!!!
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Amy–WOW!! You are an awesome mom! Your kids are very lucky to have a mom like you. You go the extra mile to make sure all your guests are happy and having a good time. That's the secret to having a successful party, making your guests feel welcome!
deedee.hunt@aol.com
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I theme parties like you did. I purchase things early. Even if it is 6 months ahead. This of course only works if you know what you are doing and when. I also start working on the party a few weeks ahead to do things like wrap silverware etc. One of the things I liked from your party was the punch in the bucket! I will remember that for my next get together.
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Making sure that there are plenty of snacks. No one can complain if they're munching the whole time!
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I loved the pinwheels on the cake!
I buy out-of-season items to decorate with. One of my favorite finds is Christmas lights — I buy them on clearance in January, and then string them above the deck for summer parties. They add good lighting at night and are very festive!
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One way I think makes preparing for parties easier is asking each guest to bring something specific, pot-luck style.
mfalcon13 at hotmail dot com
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I love to make sure that I have planned everything on paper. It helps make sure that I haven't missed anything.
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I'm one of those do it a little bit at a time then do what has to be done that day so I can enjoy the party too. I try to get the kids to help do whatever they can. They like to help and I like the help!!!
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I LOVED YOUR PARTY IDEA I THINK I WILL US IT NEXT YEAR.
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Everyone chips in on the cleaning- kids included. We all have a room we clean, besides our own bedrooms. I also have a checklist and as stuff gets done it gets checked off.
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I love spending time with friends and used to be a big old stress ball getting things ready for my big get togethers. Now I do better by planning more, getting very specific in my menu and then grocery list, doing EVERYTHING I possibly can ahead of time, and planning more time than I think I need the day of the party. There is nothing like having enough time to relax and have a glass of something or other for the last 1/2 hour before guests arrive.
Sure makes the party more fun when the hostess is just putzing around and not stressed about food and cleaning up until the minute they arrive!
We've got a 1st birthday in our house at the end of the month and the gift card would be an AWESOME help!
Thanks for the contest
Heather
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Loved the theme, and the cake looked yummy, I can't wait to try the recipe!!!
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I loved your mini burgers, how cute!! All the decor was so cute! When I plan parties I try to keep simplicity in mind, make ahead dishes are the absolute best. I have small children (as do most of my friends) so I try to keep my food offerings toddler-friendly, delicious for both parents and children alike but mostly all things you could offer a toddler.
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I use my children's help. From cooking to cleaning. What a time saver.
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To make our parties easier we try to have birthdays at the park or at a place to offers birthday parties. This way I don't have to worry about a clean house and floors when people come over plus there is very little clean up afterwards which saves on the nerves too!
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I love this patriotic party. So much fun!
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Loved the patriotic party. Keep up the good work.
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my son has celebrated only one birthday, thus far, but his second is approaching soon. i want to keep things simple, with the focus on celebrating the birthday boy, and not all the other material stuff that often accompanies birthday parties. grill burgers and dogs with a few tasty sides that can be prepped ahead of time(I'm really eager to try that hot potato salad recipe!).
my family has always done a special punch for holidays/birthdays/special get togethers. i'm a fan, but i want to create one without soda and the nasty corn syrup.
this year, i plan to make some sort of car cake since my son has been into cars since he turned one. i'm going to make it ahead of time and freeze it. to make it delicious, but healthy and free of nasty food coloring (red and yellow food dyes have been known to cause anxiety in some children), i'm going to opt instead for fruit garnishes.
fruit covered car. strange, but i'll make it work
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I love to have everyone bring something to help throw an easy party…much easier to do!
cmwilbraham at yahoo dot com
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Write it down. I write as much stuff down so I do not forget anything.
I love the punch container and all the decorations!
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I cook up as much as I can before hand…thanks so much for the chance!
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oh fun contest, also I'm recreating this party for my son's first bday this weekend. Can't wait!
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I make a list of everything & then cut it in half. Nobody eats all of the food or drinks all of the drinks.
I also get a laundry basket & start loading it with things that I need as I go the week before as I think of them like table cloths, napkins, party cups, etc. This helps me get it all together.
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My daughter is 2 years old, so I'm still able to get away with as much simplicity as possible. I use the dollar store for decorations and necessities, I prep as much as I can before the paty and we are still having just family parties. It will only be a matter of time before she will want friends invited and then I fear things may be more involved and detailed!!
Love your decorations! I found a lot of the Fourth of July plasticware and decorations half off at Walmart the week after the Fourth ~ Perfect for still having a summer patriotic birthday!!
~ theturners04ATgmailDOTcom
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I make things easier by getting the kids involved. It also makes it more fun to have them give ideas and then when they see them at the party, to see how excited they are that we used them. Getting them involved also takes away from fighting because they are both too busy working on their projects to worry about what the other is doing.
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Love the patriotic party and the pictures.
Everyday of the party week I wake up an hour early to prepare. I dedicate a room for all things party, I start from goody bags, gather all the stuff for the party and closer to the party day I start cooking. I keep the food simple yet healthy.
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I make a list of party needs a month in advance and then divide the number of items by four. Then I buy that number of items each week for four weeks. It spreads the cost over the month instead of one bulk bill. Plus it gives me a month to shop for deals!
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I am a big list maker. Keeping track of invites, food, decorations etc. keeps me on track.
Such a cute party for your son's birthday.
s-tay(at)cox(dot)net
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