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.
I cook early. Like very very early. And then I freeze what I can (cake included) so that closer to party day, I really have very little food set up to do.
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One way I make preparing for parties easier is starting at the end of the party and working my way back to today. I know that at the end of my party I'll want to clean up, so I make sure I have what I need for that. I'll need entertainment, both child and adult. I'll need food, serving dishes, plates, napkins, silverware, etc. Just in general work my way from having had a succesful party to what I need today to make it happen.
The benefit of doing this backwards is that it's much more difficult to forget things. By shaking up your routine way of thinking you really focus on each detail.
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On my side of the family, birthday parties are potluck parties. My three kids are all summer birthdays, so we grill and my family members all bring a side dish. Works beautifully!
I love your birthday movie. How fun!
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Love the patriotic party. My birthday is around the 4th too. When I was a kid, I always wondered why other kids didn't get fireworks on their birthday too. Another idea for a cake is one of those flag cakes with blueberries and strawberries on the top.
My tip is one you'll probably hear in a lot of the comments – do as much as possible ahead of time. Pick dishes that can be made ahead and leave as little to do at the last minute as possible.
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I love to be able to do a menu where I can make one dish a day and that helps the prep work so much! Also, if it's family invited, they usually offer to bring something to help w/ the food, and that helps lighten my load, too!
~eunice
rsmile2u @dejazzd .com
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I keep it simple by using fresh ingredients in simple salads. I'm also the pesto queen of our set and it's a staple at our parties. Easy to make ahead.I loved your birthday theme…the pinwheels and bracelets were a great idea!
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I one thing that keeps me sain is to always have my list of things to be done or puchased with me at all times. This way I can write down things I think of and cross them off when purchased or completed.
Love the patriotic Party!
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I always try to make sure I have some time (at least 30 mins) to relax right before the first guests arrive.
Everything about your party looked wonderful!
sjloud at hotmail dot com
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I just keep things simple. Make fun foods that people love. Nothing fancy. Keep decorations fun and simple.
Amy, I thought your food was fun and your decor was cool. It looked like an awesome party. I am going to try the cake for my son's birthday in a few weeks.
Thanks.
soccermom1995@hotmail.com
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Two tips:
1. Plan with friends when hosting a party, or host a double-birthday party with a close friend.
2. Plan party favors that relate to the party activities. For example, we had a "flying" birthday party for my 6yr old. The kids learned how to make 5 different styles of airplanes, and took them home as a party favor.
I really appreciate your step-by-step instructions, and I can't wait to make your pesto pasta salad!
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As with most any event, I find that making a list helps me to prepare for a party. I think more clearly 2 weeks before a party than 2 hours before, so I know if I consult my list on party day I won't forget a thing.
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Get your helpers involved. Getting for a party is more fun and less work if the whole family works together!
My favorite part of you party was the cake!
I'm going to make it…it looks so good.
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I also make as many dishes ahead of time as I can. This really saves me from getting too stressed out on the day of the party. I have also learned to accept the help that is offered by family and friends when preparing things on the day of the party.
I loved the idea of sending home something with the guests.
Blessings,
Jodi
jodiweiser@yahoo.com
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Party planning starts early with a master list for food, decor, invitees, RSVP's, games – everything. The day before I set up the house by putting the tablecloth out, dishes out with a note of what goes in what dish, beverage station set up and more…
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I start planning my party early, months before the actual date, and buy stuff on sale if possible, and I always keep a list of things I need and things I have already bought for the party on hand so I don't accidentally over spend or end up with more than I need.
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I've found that my best party hosting strategy is to avoid over planning. I like to think that I an provide entertainment or an activity for every minute of a party but my kids tend to enjoy their free time with their friends more than any game I can devise. As long as there's good food, good friends, and good weather we all have a good time.
Loved your use of sliders as party food. Less waste and easy service. I'll definitely consider that for our next party.
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Amy, this party looks fabulous! We usually celebrate Carter's birthday on the 4th every year (his is July 10) but all our family was out of town this past weekend! SO I think I might be copying down some of these GREAT menu suggestions! And I would love to win… to make parties easier for us, I use cloth napkins and serve food items that I know will be great to make something else with the leftovers later on- like veggies and dip, and things we'll eat on long after the party.
Steph
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My party tip is to have food items set out in a manner which is easiest for guests to carry and collect. For example, we almost always set out a drink station at the end of the food line so that people aren't struggling to carry drinks and silverware while serving themselves. It just makes it run a little smoother.
By the way, my fave part of your party was the drink idea….what a great timesaver and moneysaver! Your tin bucket is adorable…where did you get it from? Thanks!
~Candy
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I try to make as much food ahead of time as possible and then just do the last minute prep the day of.
I love your slide show idea. Great way to show how the kids have grown over the year.
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Around my house, we usually have A LOT of family over for birthday parties, and to make it easier on myself, I delegate tasks to them. Our family is very close, and they are always willing to pitch in to get everything ready. It's fun to spend time with them and chat while we get everything together.
I love the paper lanterns you made for your party!
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I write out a plan/schedule, with the goal of the schedule to time things so I am not running around like crazy right when the guests arrive. It helps keep me on track. I loved your patriotic cake and especially the toppers – they looked great!
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Right now one way I work this isn't the most frugal but I just order pizza or buy sandwich stuff. Little to no prep work.
starlightmommy (at) gmail dot (com)
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I always pick a theme movie as a starting point for my parties– my favorite thus far have been the Marie Antionette party (with lavish desserts) and the Waitress party (where everyone brought a favorite pie to share and vote on– winner won an apron!)
I love that cake you made, I am going to have to try that!
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I love the video slide show idea! What a great way to highlight positives over the past year with your children! LOVE IT!
I prepare for parties by getting as much done ahead of time as possible. It is like I spend two days before so busy with party details, but then the day of, I can really enjoy the party because everything is done!
K. C.
kccuties AT gmail DOT com
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I decorate the night before and start making food early. Also I love to makes lists and try to visualize the party in my head so I can see what we might need.
I love how you give away goodies at your party! Even little trinkets from the dollar store can be fun!
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I make as many dishes (or partial dishes) a day or two before the event in order to cut down on the amount of work I have to do on the big day – it tends to make the day more enjoyable if I'm not stressed trying to get everything done last minute!
I loved your pictures and ideas about using re-usable table settings! Goodwill is a great idea for finding some of these keys pieces. I think I'll probably pick up some of the summertime party packs from Walmart at the end of the season for next year (hopefully at a fraction of the price)!
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I always let the guest decorate their own cupcake as an activity. This saves money because I don't have to buy a fancy store decorated cake and time because I do not have to decorate one I bake. It also saves me the planning of an extra activity because decorating cupcakes is an activity in itself. the kids always love it too.
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I prepare as much of the food as possible the day before the party in order to allow myself to enjoy my company. Nothing worse than hosting a gathering and being in the kitchen and missing out on the fun.
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I try to do as much as possible the day before. This gives a good cushion of time for the things I inevitably forget.
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I never try new things for a party. I stick to things I know I will have all the stuff to make and know how long it takes. New stuff is for weeknights when I can have a mac and cheese back up!
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I always have a plan and stick to it. I start preparing whatever items I can at the beginning of the week. Keep all of the "party items" together in one place so you don't have to run around looking for them. Make a LIST!
Love the birthday video!
I am going to try this for my children this year;)
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I make all salads a day ahead and then all I have to do is prepare the hot items. I also enlist help b/c I have learned that I can't do it all and I don't want to.
I love the punch and pasta salad from your party. In fact, I will be making both.
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I love to entertain! Let's see, I really enjoy making anything I can early in the day or even the day before. That helps things be less stressful.
Also, occasionally we've done potluck type parties (we even did one for a birthday party but asked that no gifts be brought just a potluck dish) where one host doesn't have to be responsible for everything and that's helpful too!
I love the red, white and blue birthday! Those colors are just beautiful together as it is! I think you did an awesome job!
God bless,
Amanda
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I'm a list junkie. I jot down everything I need to buy, make, decorate, guests, set up, and clean up. That way I don't forget anything.
I love your theme and can't wait to try the cake!!!!
sydney_canton@yahoo.com
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Our family sticks to the potluck. Much easier on everyone budget. I like to leave clean up till everyone is gone then I don't have to stress everyone out by running around trying to keep things perfect.
I love your decorations, especially the drinks/punch bucket. Also, the mini burgers-too cute.
tophamfam@gmail.com
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One thing that I do to make clean-up easier is to cover my platters in aluminum foil, so I don't even have to wash the dish when the party is over! I know it seems a bit wasteful, but I recently began purchasing the recycled foil. And, I try to recycle the foil by using it to cover up the take home plates we dish up for our guests.
My favorite thing about the party was that festive cake!! I am a huge fan of easy desserts and that looks like something I could whip up for guests quickly seeing as how we always have a stash of ice cream sandwiches and Oreos on hand..thanks to my husband's sweet tooth!!
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I create a birthday binder. It has all my necessary lists and budget pages but also tons of ideas that I gather through out the year from magazines, websites, newspaper ads. If I see a cute gift bag idea,a cute bday gift idea or wrapping idea or recipe or decoration, I will tear out and put it in my folder. Then when the time comes to plan, I pull out the binder and see what I have collected. Because the fun ideas are what makes it your own. And that is what is special about your party. You can see all the ways you gave the party your special touch. And those memories last forever.
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I try to plan side dishes that can be made a day or so ahead of the party. When someone asked if they can bring something I always say yes! Even if it is nothing more then a bag of ice or a bag of chips it helps the budget and it one less thing for me to worry about.
I think it is great idea to mark your pictures. I read an article about someone that was in Europe and saw a store advertisement with a picture of a family. It just happened that the guy in Europe knew this family. The picture was that families Christmas picture!
The store owner said that he had gotten it off of the internet. She has a blog and assumes he got it from there. He immediately agreed to remove the picture, but can you imagine?!
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Your party looked very festive. You always have wonderful ideas with decorations and foods also. You must be a fun mother.
Well when I prepare for a party, I first make a list of food for the menu. Then I make a list of items that need to be bought at the store. I try to plan pasta salads, potato salads, deviled eggs, vegetable trays, etc. where these items can all be prepared the day before. Therefore on the day of the party, you only will have to prepare meats (hopefully, weather permitting) can be done on the grill. That way you can enjoy your guests and not be cooking and totally wore out before the festivities even begin. ENJOY THE PARTY!!!!!!!
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Anything that can be prepped and frozen ahead of time I do. that way I can make meatballs etc a month ahead and grab them for the party.
I loved your galvanized bucket!
heatheranne226 (at) yahoo (dot) com
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I try to make simplier foods so that everyone is bound to find something they like. I also try to clean up a little through out the party. Thansk for the chance.
sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com
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What a great party!! I loved those little burgers and will look for them at my local Walmart…
I try to get a good list made. From beginning to end a list will make it easier for me to focus.
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We try to keep it simple and not invite a crazy amount of people. My kids are small, so usually family and cupcakes are the highlight.
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I keep skirt steaks and chicken breasts in marinade in the deep freeze (using a vacuum sealer) so they marinate while defrosting and then grill up quick for neighborhood get togethers!
love the cups from Walmart tip – Having a party in a few weeks for my dd and I'll be looking for those!!!
Also, I'll be doing the ice cream sandwich cake!
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I make preparing easier by starting early. I get everything that I can get done in advance done. That way, there's a lot less to do on the day of the party.
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I like to prepare the food early and make sure I clean as I go, this makes clean up later a lot easier!
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I try to do as much as I can in advance, and even think about my menu that way too. If I am serving hot stuff to I try to use my slow cooker so that the oven is not on and I can do it earlier. I just make it my goal to have as little to do as possible the day of the party.
Honestly, I love the cake best…of course I will be stealing the recipe…
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I love the slide show!
Because we had a huge party, we bought a sheet cake from Sam's and decorated it with our own marshmallow fondant decorations (made in advance): http://babytoolkit.blogspot.com/2008/09/not-quite-homemade-custom-decorating.html
The cake was personal with a fraction of the headache & mess.
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I plan my menu a few weeks ahead and never turn down offers of those who want to bring something! I also try to do a few cold items so I can make ahead.
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I like trying to keep some of the food very, very simple. Things I can prepare in advance or just throw together at the last minute. I also have no objection to buying a local bakery's rolls or something when I'm too lazy to bake my own!
I love the pail with the punch. It makes cleaning up easier and you don't have to worry about recycling all those cans. It sounds like a great party! I also think the idea of the slideshow was really great!
I think you had a great idea with the goody bags. They were all fun things that the kids would be able to use for 4th of July and you didn't spend a fortune on each child!
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What a great party idea!! I actually had 2 favorites from the event. I love the video that you put together. Things like that will be treasured for many years to come! And I also loved the punch pail. That was a fabulous idea!
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Amy! You know I love a theme birthday party and this turned out fabulous! Great job!
By the way, I'm sorry about your pictures, but it is in no way bothersome to have the credit there. The only thing that bugs me is that you have to do this due to people using them without credit!
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Oooh I like Stacy's idea! The binder-THAT is something I've never thought of or heard of but makes SO much sense!
Hope you don't mind Stacy, I'm borrowing that one! LOL!
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I like to prepare all that I can the day before. I try to stay with tried and true recipes with the exception of one new dish. Thanks! Your party looks like it was a hit!
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I think the best way I make planning for a party easier is to always make sure I don't over plan! I find that our friends always enjoy our layed back, relaxed party style the best. I stick to simple foods, easy drinks and not to fussy decorations. This way I have more time to enjoy the company
I love your party favor ideas .. the pinwheels are fantastic!
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I make a detailed list in advance and then cross off as I go along. This has helped to avoid the last minute stresses.
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I try to only invite a few people. I let my son pick 2 or 3 of his friends and the rest is family.
I love the cake you made! It sounds so awesome and easy!
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I have been inspired since reading your blog and have really embraced at home birthday parties. I love to enjoy my kids and all the effort I put into their parties so I make sure to prepare the whole week and prep the food prior to guest arrival. That way we all enjoy party!
mariakalina@ymail.com
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Candy- The tin bucket and all of the party supplies (except for the Dollar Tree goodies for the party favors) came from Walmart. I just love the look of the red tin and I have already used it again for a playgroup at our home!
Thank you all for being understanding about the pictures too- it means a lot!
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I am in love love LOVE with your napkin idea. I am having a girls night in a couple weeks and even though it's not fourth of july I still think it's perfect!
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I precut anything that is time consuming. The day of the party, all I have to do is plate the fruits, veggies, cheese, etc. I only ever have 1 baked item since I only have 1 oven, and everything else needs to be stove-top cooked as I have 4 burners. That's typically how I manage the food for the party.
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I think this was one of your best parties to date! I love the bold color scheme.
I like your watermark–it fits your style yet remains discreet. I need to start doing that myself.
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I tend to throw a lot of potlucks. This cuts down on the work of the host but also ensures that everyone enjoys what they eat. If nothing else, people can eat the dish they brought!
I liked your pinwheels. Very cute!
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Well making a list & starting to plan early is the best thing I can do. I love your party, my youngest is a July 3rd baby, so I will take some of your ideas! My favorite is the slide show though, love that idea!
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Like others have stated I like to prepare as much in advance as I can. I loved repurposing the cans for decorations!
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My best party tip is to enlist friends/families help. I assign my helpers a specific task and then I know things are covered!
I loved your party. But what really caught my eye was the wall decal (?) above your coat hooks. Very cute. Where did you get it?
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Thank you so much for your recipes, I will have to try some. I also loved the pinwheels on the cake idea.
My tip is that I love to make lots of the decorations so I try to plan that way in advance so I am not rushed at the last moment when I am trying to spend time on the food prep. As well as I try to do the thank you gift bags ahead of time.
~Wendi
creativesouls @cox.net
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Lists. I make lots of lists and plan what days I need to do what in advance. Also, if friends offer help with prep – take it!
Great job with the party! The cake is super cute!
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If finances allow, especially at the holidays…I hit up Sam's club. Their hor d'overes (whatever) are delish.
dazl1@yahoo.com
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I just totally loved the silverware so cute!!
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The way we make parties easier is to have everyone contribute – whether it be a side dish, paper products or crafts for the kids. We're all family so no one minds helping!
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I LOVE your party favors!
And one thing I've done so as not to break the budget – I check out a few stores ($ store, craft stores, etc.) and jot down items I like – and prices – at each store, rather than buy. I often come up with new ideas at the different stores that I hadn't thought of before.
After I've got the list, I can narrow down my theme and go with the best and most value-for-money items.
I've just wasted a lot of money in the past either going way overboard for a party or end up with stuff I don't use because my theme goes a different way than I originally thought.
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My tip to make planning for my parties easier? I accept offers for help. It makes everyone feel more comfortable and allows me to concentrate on the people instead.
From your party, I love your idea of using silverware and having it ready in a little roll for everyone.
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I like brunch parties — I made a strada which sits over night and you just need 1 hour in the over while you're putting the rest of the stuff (fruit, bagels, etc) out.
I liked your idea about the mini-burger buffet! And all the photos were just wonderful!
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keep it simple & do as much as you can before hand.
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First, THANKS for the opportunity to win!
I always try to prepare food items ahead of time – prepare the pasta and then place in the fridge until I am ready to toss with fresh ingredients, etc. Cut all veggies, etc. and place into ziploc baggies, etc.
I LOVED the pictures from your Sons birthday party – love the idea of the mini burgers with a "buffet" of items to put on your sandwich…again, its fun and easy!
THANKS for all of your great ideas!
Melissa
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I always save the testing of new recipes for the family and use tested and loved recipes
That eases on mishaps! I also keep a file of how the parties went and if it is an annual event – thoughts and changes for next year!
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I make everything at least one day ahead of time. Most of my parities are in the morning, so I have to be totally prepared to get up and just throw it together.
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Super cute party! Definitely some great ideas that I can use for my son's upcoming b-day. My favorite tip is to make a lot of lists, keep a to do calendar, and prepare early. About a month ahead of time I buy all paper products, table clothes, food, etc Also if family and friends offer to help and/or bring a dish I won't say no. Thanks again for the chance. nandjdonabar AT yahoo DOT com
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I plan parties that allow a bulk of the work to be done in advance. I prep everything that can be completed the weekend before and put it in a corner and then plan out the schedule for the week to ensure I won't be rushing the day of.
I love that you do a video for each year. My daughter turns one in October and was thinking of something like that! I also love the drink container
kristilynngibson(at)gmail(dot)com
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As soon as I decide to have a party, I start making my lists. What to eat, what to drink, decorations, who to invite. I keep all of this together in a brightly colored, pocketed,labeled, 3 prong divider.
I then start saving ice. LOTS of ice. Lots and lots of ice! lol (be careful that you do not use inside-out bread bags, garbage bags (even new), or grocery bags. All of these can contain toxins.
As soon as I can, I start cooking the things I can freeze.
I really like to cook on the grill if at all possible; use it INSTEAD of the stove or oven. Less mess, cheaper, and a whole lot cooler. I am talking everything from pizza to casseroles.
I have also found deep fried foods are really quick and easy, and always tasty! (Yeah, I am from the south!)
And NEVER hesitate to ask for help. Have friends coming to the party do some of the cooking, decorating, whatever you need. A friend will be glad to pitch in, making them an even better friend, and yours an even better party.
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Your party was awesome! I loved it! The food looked incredible and the cute kids were pretty sweet too.
I'm a southern girl….we do a blow out when we party. I will cook like mad and make much of the big things up ahead of time. This let's me have fun with my guests instead of stuck in the kitchen.
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Do NOT worry yourself to death! You should enjoy your party, rather than driving yourself crazy! My favorite thing is to do cloth napkins…they are inexpensive in the long run and add a touch of class!
Emily
emilyragland1@gmail.com
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Wendy- My girlfriend sells Uppercase Living and I think it was about $20 for that one. I absolutely love it. They have a site- http://maryd.uppercaseliving.net/Home.m
Adorable stuff!!
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I usually try to prepare as much food ahead of time as possible.
I love your party idea, so cute!
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I start shopping early, buying a little here and there to spread out the expense. I also plan anything that I can ahead of time, even what each family member will wear so that it's clean and ready to put on for the party. Whatever can be cooked in advance gets cooked and then plated on party day. I love the look of the pasta salad you did for Ethan's party. I've got it printed out and next time I shop I'll pick up black olives so I can give it a try. Can't wait! Thanks for the giveaway. Laura
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I do most of the planning, though my husband handles drinks and always knows just how much food to buy (I usually want to get enough for a small army). He also does a lot of the heavy lifting and chair moving. Working as a team makes it easy for both of us.
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What a great party!
I plan my menu weeks in advance and then shop here and there as a I find time- and deals. Then a few days before the party I check my menu list and see what last minutes I need. At that point, I make one very small trip to pick up those extras.
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I am super organized. So for each kid (I have 3) they each have a party 'folder'. Every year, I staple a blank sheet on the top. All the important party details go on it. Guest list, food list, crafts, games, prizes and even my schedule. Inside the folder are any party notes (highlighted, of course), recipes, pictures, etc. This way, I can look at past years and see what has worked and what hasn't. I start planning for ideas about 2 months before.
I love your ice cream cake and plan to make it next week!!
steveroncas(at)embarqmail(dot)com
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I always have a birthday party at a place like Chuck E. Cheese. It saves me time an money for decorations, plates, etc., and I don't have to clean up afterwards. Quick and easy is how I like it, and so does my son!
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I start buying everything early and double checking that I have everything so we don't have to be running to the grocery store a million times that day.
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My parties are a bit easier every year because I write lots of lists for each party with ingredients, decorations, etc. Then I file them away and pull them out the next year. This way I don't have to start with a blank sheet of paper when it's time to plan another party.
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There is definitely something to be said for any menu items that can be prepared the day before!!! It is so simple but truly ingenious!!
ajmorris11@gmail.com
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Planning early and for my toddler's birthday that's coming up, we're avoiding meal time. That will allow us to keep things simple by only serving cake, ice cream and drinks.
I love your cake idea. The pinwheels are super cute!
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I do everything possible starting the week before so I will not be stressed out when it is time for the party. That way I enjoy everything as well.
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I prepare for a party by doing as much as I can ahead of time, from cooking to decorating to preparing thank you cards.
I loved your party. My birthday is a couple of days after the 4th too and I never knew how to throw a patriotic party that was more brithday than 4th. You did it perfectly and I loved the money saving tips.
ksieker(at)hotmail(dot)com
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Make any food that you can the day before, that way you have more time to spend with your guests the day of the party!
I loved the pinwheel idea…and your photography of the party was AWESOME! Great work out of you!
dawndra8@hotmail.com
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I can't found out where to sign up for the patio party giveaway
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When planning for a party, I start a couple of weeks early for big ones like milestone birthdays and h.s. graduation. If it is a simpler get to gether, I start 4 or 5 days before. I plan my menu first then get out all of the serving dishes. I even label them with sticky notes as to what food goes in which dish. The more organized I am the more I enjoy the party.
I thought your pinwheels at graduated lenghts was a great idea for topping the cake!
Melanie@Bella~Mella
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Before our parties start, I print out little tags for food items that people may not be familiar with or that are covered so that people can help themselves easier.
I loved your pinwheel favors – kids love pinwheels and I suspect they were affordable to. Nice!
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