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.
We live in a 1 br apartment in the heart of the city, so space is limited. To make parties easier we usually do pot-luck buffet style parties.
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I use paper goods to save on the clean up, also make foods in advance. This looked like a fun party.
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I like to have each of my kids be involved with some part of holiday and party planning. They may choose to help decorate or make one of the food items.This helps our family create great memories of time spent together
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Whenever we have a party, I try to make everything "semi-homemade". that definitely saves a lot of time in the kitchen.
nicole_melnick at yahoo dot com
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I like to plan ahead of time for what I will need. Then prepare as much ahead of time as possible so I can have fun too.
I love the whole 4th theme. The slide show is a very nice present that can be cherished as they grow older.
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Delegating is always fun to do because other people will often bring things that you never thought of. Plus it helps alleviate some of the hard work going into planning a party!
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I try to do whatever I can in advance, so the day of..I have a lot less stress! I also write down a plan so I remember everything I need to buy at the store, and what I need to do and when!
shannonniquette@aol.com
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I make a detailed list of everything needed at least a week before the party. And I cook early!
That cake looks yummy!
Celia
~oshiekosh @ yahoo dot com
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I always bake the cake early and freeze it. We also split up the food items between family members to make it easier to the birthday mom. Your party was great with the red, white and blue. Your choice of party favors is great. I know several stores that sale the braclets 10 for $1. The pinwheels are also very cute.
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I have two boys with the same birthday and their father's birthday happens to be 3 days later. Then my daughter's birthday is 4 days before Christmas and mine is 4 days after. So I have two different weeks that I must be VERY organized, well budgeted, calm, and prepared.
With the two boys I usually let them each pick a theme, they each need to feel "their" day is special. Then I decorate one room in the house with one boys theme and one room with another. Each boy has their own cake that I make.
I am buying supplies throughout the year as I can. I try to buy plain colored plates, cups and napkins and then when they decide on a theme I only buy one pack of each of the themes item to mix in with the plain ones. It was the same with my daughters birthday parties. My husband and I are usually very "ok" with not having a birthday cake on our birthday since we just had so much cake a few days earlier, so I usually try to make ice cream sundaes or cookies or something else for our birthday. For food we usually have cook out style with side dishes of pastas, beans, chips.
I loved your little baskets with prewrapped silverware and goodybags.
cbre101022 (at) rocketmail (dot) com
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I always do everything I can in advance so that most everything is ready to go and I can try to enjoy the party with my guests. For some parties it can be appropriate to ask others to bring something to share to take the burden off of the host for everything.
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I haven't prepped for many parties, but I know that when I do (baby's first birthday is in a few months!) I will start early and keep it simple. I really liked your punch idea! Very cute party!
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I clean one are of the house per day, starting the week before the party, working on the areas that will be used the least first. Example: Monday, clean the upstairs bathroom. Tuesday, vaccum upstairs. Wednesday, clean kitchen floors. Thursday, vaccum downstairs. Friday, clean downstairs bathroom. That way the whole house has been cleaned so I just need to spot clean before the party itself.
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MAKE A LIST!!! This helps so much. Like other people have said, keep the menu simple. Guests are not going to judge you because you only have a couple main dishes & side items and a few drink choices.
Also, TAKE SOME DEEP BREATHS! Remember why you are doing this party and it is not worth stressing out about. As long as everybody is together and happy, that's all that should matter to you. Remember that your guests won't notice all those little things that are stressing you out.
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Cute Party and lots of great ideas! My daughter turned 1 on July 7th, so I will be planning a patriotic party next year…inspired by yours! Thanks for sharing!
Margie O.
outten5@atlanticbb.net
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Our family has a huge 4th of july get together every year. During the year my mom buys items in red, white or blue and mixes the decorations up. (blue tablecloth with red plates and white napkis) It looks so patriotic!
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Don't forget to ask the kids, hubby, family, friends help get everything prepared and set up hand out a to do list to them all. It's always a for sure that you have forgot something, I have learned that no one knows you forgot so to fret about it and enjoy YOUR party
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I prepare by looking throuhg crafting magazines for do it yourself decoration ideas and always save things I think can be used later, neat containers for unique wrapping ideas.
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I do as much as possible ahead of time. I also buy items on clearance and try to use them as party favors and decorations.
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well i always get my preparations done the night before and especially when i know i am planning a party, i start buying things in bulk (like plates, cups etc.) i also buy drinks that are on sale 5 for 11$ i will purchase about 10 all different flavors. i also use old wrapping paper and tissue paper for decorating the table and or displays!
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I try to always make the cake the day before. I always do fun themed cakes so it is a big relief not to stress about that on the actual day.
For your party, I love the simple $1 favors….it's always hard to come up with stuff that seems good enough without spending lots of money!
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These gloves can be used in SOOO many ways besides dishes. How about potting up your plants in spring? Cleaning the boat in summer? How about cleaning your teenage sons bathroom after several friends have spent the night?
So many ways to use a wonderful product!
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I plan my menu way in advance of party and pick as many dishes that I can to make ahead. I make a list of all the items that I have to buy to take to the store with me.
I use paper plate/napkins and plastic cups so I don't have to wash so many dishes after the party.
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I prepare ahead of time.
I like that you reuse untensils!
joymisa(at)aol(dot)com
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I need to make lists for everything needed for a party or I'm lost. I like to prepare the food ahead of time & freeze it. I've made pound cake topped with whipped cream, strawberries & blueberries for the flag, but your ice cream cake looks easy to do & yummier too! Love the red, white & blue pinwheels – aren't Dollar Stores great? Thanks for tips & giveaway!
vinter@warwick.net
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I usually start a few weeks early by making a list of the things I am going to need and buying all of those items at least a week in advance. That way I can also look for coupons and deals for this things I may need to buy like decorations and party supplies. Since most of my sons birthdays have been out of the home, I also keep a list of all the things I am going to need to bring with me to the place of celebration. Last year it was at the movie theater. And I always prepare goody bags at least 3 days ahead. I also place thank you cards in the goody bags. That way I don't have to worry about doing them later or forgetting to do them.
BTW, great job putting together a wonderful gathering for your son.
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I like to make a list a check everything off.And if anyone asks if they can help I let them.I used to do it all on my own.Now with three little ones I need all the help I can get.
I love the patriotic theme.Now that I finally have a summer baby I'm going to use it next year.Thanks for all the tips.Kim
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Love all you ideas for your patriotic party. Looks like you had a fun day. Would love to do the same. I always keep things simple when I am entertaining. Alot of store bought appetizers.
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The biggest thing I do when having parties is to write lists! It helps keep me organized! Sometimes I look thru sites, blogs, or call my good friend Jessica for some cool ideas!
I really liked your party favors! I love favors, because everyone likes getting things! Super fun!
tmongaraz@yahoo.com
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I only use character paper products for the cake and use a generic white or coordinating color that I got on sale to save money. To make things easier since we have late fall and winter birthdays, I make soup and chilli which can be made the day before. Plus people can also have chili dogs.
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Your party looks wonderful. I try and keep things real easy by buying alot of premade appetizers at the grocery store, etc. I love the idea of those mini burgers. I am going to have to look for those.
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It is always fun to try new recipes. I will have to give your salad a try
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I prepare as much as possible beorehand and freeze it. I also try to have family members share the burden and prepare their specialties.
I loved your party ideas. Thank you.
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I loved the pinwheel candles on the cake, great idea!
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I make lists. Lists of who's invited, the dishes I'm preparing (that way none accidentally get left in the fridge or oven!), the decorations, timetables, etc. I don't have to remember everything, I just consult my list.
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Start planning EARLY and try to keep it simple! Loved your punch idea (easy for everyone to just help themselves) and the music video is a great idea/tradition.
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I actually liked the feet picture the best. That is so summer.
Party tip – keep it simple. Too many activities draw away from the simple spontaneity that is children.
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lists lists lists !!!
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I love to scour the internet for other people's ideas. It makes my brain have to work less. Then, I am the queen of lists…when to do certain things, what I need to buy, what I need to do, etc.
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Making lists is so helpful for me when preparing for a party!
daniellek01 at yahoo dot com
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I always have extended family members assigned to different duties during the party so that I'm not going crazy doing everything.
I love your cute gift bags and was happy to hear you could find the items at the dollar store!
thanks!
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I have twins with special needs so they don't have alot of friends to invite to a party. Instead we always take them somewhere. Their birthday is near spring break so we coordinate the two. As simple as a day at the zoo w/ picnic lunch to Disneyland this year. They always remember their birthdays. P.S. I loved the pin wheels.
Mrspoofa@aol.com
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i try and cook early and freeze as much as possible. i also do the general house cleaning ahead of time so i the day of or before i only have to do final decorating touches.
great giveaway, i would love to win! lissalists (at) gmail
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I would cook the salads ahead of time so I could enjoy the party. The pasta look really good and I will try it soon.
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I shop the clearance section in the local party store. I have picked up invitations, thank you cards, napkins, favors and other stuff for as low as 25 cents each.
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I get all the prep work, decorating, and make-ahead dishes done a day or more before the party. Then the day of the party I get EVERYBODY to help out in whatever ways they can! Your mini burgers look so great!
katiekarr at gmail dot com
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My mother-in-law is the queen of entertaining… I always loved the fact that she spends the whole time actually fellowshipping, so she taught me how to do as much prep work beforehand so that I can actually enjoy everyone!
I LOVE the pinwheels on the cake… what a CUTE idea!
Your pictures are all so beautiful!
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My DH and I use an excel spreadsheet to plan the days leading up to the party, the food and who is responsible etc.
I LOVE your idea of the patriotic punch instead of soda cans. Better for kids, budget etc!
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Make a list– have family help — we have a lot of potluck get togethers with family. It works out well when one person isn't responsible for all of the food.
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Prepare as much as I can ahead of time! If we are hosting, definitely get help from my husband and kids to clean and pick up the house. Also prepare as much food as possible so I can enjoy the party and mingle with the guests. Who wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is out in the yard having fun?
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I love your pinwheels! I make party prep easier by making as many things ahead of time as possible and highering the neighbor girl as party prep helper!
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This is my first time visiting your blog – love it! Like many other readers mentioned, I do as much food prep ahead of time as I can. I wrap presents soon after I buy them so I don't have to think about it. It's important to us to keep things simple, yet fun and personalized.
I love your idea for a 3-minute slide show!
laceyrose.1 (at) juno (dot) com
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Hi-I start cooking the night before and I enlist reliable friends and family to help me before, during and after the party
Chris at hgrullon@msn.com
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I try to get more people involved before the party. That way we have a party before the party.
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I recruit a friend to help with keeping the plates full on the buffet and cleaning up. I never double recipes because we never need too much of any one thing- people like variety. And, I shower first thing the morning of the party- otherwise I'm always in the shower when the guests arrive!
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I stock up on crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc at Back-to-school sales and save them for goodie bags for my kids birthdays. Last year boxes of Crayola crayons or colored pencils were 24 cents each!! Every kids loves new art supplies.
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When we have our summer birthday parties and get togethers, we love to use Renold's Foil Wrap to wrap our Cod/Tilapia fish, oranges/lemons and seasonings, before grilling on the grill. It takes little time and there's basically no cleanup, b/c you can eat right out of the Foil wrap. We also love to clean up our grill using Playtex's Handsaver gloves (so I don't get the black stuff on my hands and under my nails)…I keep 2 pairs, one is desiginated for the grill and the other set is used for when I am mopping the floors, cleaning the bathroom, etc… I would love to try out their new gloves and see how I can use them in my daily life as a stay-at-home mom.
I truly loved you sharing your recipes for your July 4th parties and loved the silverware wraps and cake. I am ready to try out the recipes and have some family and friends come over for another cookout. Thanks for sharing.
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Dad always bakes a special cake for the kids and decorates it ~ whatever they want! He done a hot wheels cake, high heel and telephone cake and power ranger too! We always have the person's favorite meal or restaurant dinner!
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One way I make preparing for my parties easier is not shying away from some "pre done" things. I decide what I want to do from scratch and what I feel comfortable just buying. I remember I only have some much time and money, so I make desserts from scratch I tell myself it's OK if pre-dinner nibbles come from the store.
What I liked about your party is it wasn't just food; you seemed to have set a whole mood with your small details.
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I make ahead what I can–either freeze it, put it in the fridge or put it in the crockpot. I choose foods that don't need much last minute prep.
And I have my kids help me clean.
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Hosting an outdoors pool party is always easier than something indoors – this is my tip (so much less stress as the house needs to be clean yet not "deep down" clean since everyone will be outside most of the time)
I love the slide show you make for your kids.
babyfeb19 at yahoo dot com
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One of the coolest ideas I've used lately…….Up to an hour before the party, scoop your ice cream and put each scoop into it's own compartment in a muffin pan…… Then when all the kiddos are wanting ice cream with their cake you just pop the scoop out!…… SOOOO much easier than fighting with rock hard tubs of ice cream….
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Spritz your flower beds and mulch with the garden hose 1hr. to 30 min. before guests arrive. Its a quick and easy way to freshen up your backyard.
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I had a Patriotic party this year on the 4th for my son his birthday was the 8th and we felt it was perfect to do it this day. I so wish i would of saw this blog first for more idea! Now I know about this sight and will be back!
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We go EASY. It is so tempting to do too much for a kids party, so we stick with the basics.
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Everything is ready ahead of time and I ask if say an aunt or grandma doesnt mind coming the day before so DH and I can get everything done in time for the party! I loved the cake you made- I think I might have that at DS's party. thanks for the idea!
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Like a lot of other people, I try to prepare as many items a day ahead of time. Actually, a lot of things taste better if they have been refrigerated overnight! I love the pictures from your son's birthday party!
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I think the best thing we do to prepare for parties is to tag team watching the kids/preparing things for the party…if we take turns getting things done it usually goes much smoother.
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I find success when I can balance being prepared and being laid back. If I get too worked up about the details and the prep work, I have a hard time relaxing and having fun. Sometimes less is more. I figure my level of relaxation and fun will ultimately affect my guests!
I loved your pinwheels on the cake and the mini burger idea. Will have to try that for my next party.
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What a great party – My daughter's birthday is on the 3rd so I'm going to "borrow" some of your ideas. Thanks!
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I buy party supplies ahead of time and when they are on sale or clearance. That way I don't have to pay high prices at the last minute. I can usually plan the party theme around things that I already have on hand.
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Loved your patriotic theme. I try to cook as much as I can ahead of time. Loved the idea of the movie. Will try the Pesto Salad and the cake.
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To make our parties easier, I try to prepare as much food as I can the day before.
4heartbeats@gmail.com
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I think that your cake looks so yummy.
4heartbeats@gmail.com
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I set out all the serving platters the night before with post-it notes on what will go where.
I loved your decorations.
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I ask my guests to bring a prepared dish and then it seems to keep everything simple. I also shop around and buy supplies when I find things on sale. Dollar Tree and Goodwill are also good places to get items.
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Amy,
How funny–I was going to write a comment and then realized (bonus!) that it's also a giveaway!
I love these ideas. My favorite thing is the wrapped utensil sets. I'd like to try that sometime as we host lots of get-togethers. I also think the cake sounds delicious–thanks for the ideas!
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I lay out things that I can the night before. And if something goes in a big dish I'll put a post it note on it with what goes in it, so I, or whoever is helping me, will know where to put it. I also write everything down that needs to be done when I'm first planning an event, so that later I won't forget the small things that make it special.
blondnfiesty (at) yahoo (dot) com
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I make my own cakes, to save on time decorating and to personalize it I go to my local grocery bakery and they will take a picture and turn it into an edible print to go on top of the cake! My kids love this, as I use a picture of them and it is inexpensive and very cute! Everyone always comments on how original and what a great idea!
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I like to use the crockpot to do alot of the work for me at my kids parties. We've done BBQ one year, made brats and hot dogs and then kept them all warm in the crockpot, I'm done chili and taco soup once, it lets you enjoy the party and not have to worry that the food is getting cold. About your party, I LOVE the slide show idea. I always see these playing at weddings and I'm even seen them at funerals but I LOVE the idea of doing one yearly at a birthday party. Great idea, thanks for sharing!
JSPatterson2003@yahoo.com
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I try and do as much cooking a prep-work the week of th eparty so I can enjoy myself the day of!
I love how everthing looks for yours, especially the sandwiches..YUM!
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I love having parties and usually host a couple a year. I made up a little book to help me plan my parties. I decide on a theme, write the theme down then make a menu and a list of things to buy. Have a guest list so I know how many people to plan for and also have a place to write down what other people are bringing so I don't have a lot of the same thing.
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I like to pick a theme early (as far in advance as possible). That way, it gives me time to look for party bargains (based on my theme) and come up with more related games, items or goodie bags, and food and decorating ideas. I love to make crafts and having a lot of time allows for projects related to the party I might not have time for, if I am scrambling at the last minute to pull a party together.
Christine Z
czibas@mail.com
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I try to make everything ahead of time. I also only make cold appetizers so I am not heating things up at the last minute when guests are arriving.
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Well, my son's birthday is the
24th and I am going to make this cake. (I have seen the "Birthday Cake ice cream sandwiches at
Wal-Mart and I may try to change it just a bit) We normally do a pool party with food. It never fails, it rains on his birthday. One year we had Spaghetti, Lasagna, bread and salad. That one worked well because I could do it all ahead of time except the bread. But normally we do the hamburgers & hotdogs, chips, baked beans, tea, & Soda. I remember one year I put a bunch of Icies & drinks (pouch drinks)in a big round tub filled with Ice. That way the kids could run up and get what they wanted. That worked well but next time I would skip the icies, they melt even in ice when your birthday is in July and outside.
Money it tight this year so it will be scaled down to just me, my mom, my brother his wife & 2 kids. (I am hoping so anyway)Thanks for the cake idea, I had told him I would have to make his cake this year so this will be a surprise.
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Lists…lot and lots of lists.. Write any and everything down that comes to mind and that way you don't forget it. From groceries, to games, to favors and decorations.
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I always have a theme for my parties … then I always make a list!
tlconcannon@yahoo.com
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To make parties easier to prepare for I keep a list and I enlist help.
I loved your idea of making a slide show each year for your kids.
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I try to prepare as much food ahead of time, so the day of the party there is less to do.
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I find that if I make a list of all the things I need to buy and do, and then transfer that list to my date planner but putting each of the items on a particular date, that it keeps everything in order and a timeline has been set. I try to do this at least 2 weeks before the party.
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I learned this year to freeze the cake a day before. I had read about it, but decided not to do it. In hindsight, I realize that it would have made it A LOT easier to frost the cake. I loved your patriotic themed party. My daughter's b-day is the day before the 4th and you've inspired me to do a patriotic party. I loved your food choices, especially the mini hamburgers! That way guests can eat more choices without feeling too full. Your video was also a great idea that I'll have to implement as well. Good job on everything!
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I love your idea of making a video. Since I never seem to get the scrapbooks done, this is a fun and easier way to recap the years events. Thanks for sharing. Great idea .
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What a great party! I clean up as I go. That way I don't have to spend a lot of time during and after the party on clean up. This allows me to enjoy the party, too. I love your pinwheels. They always make me happy. A great party favor and very decorative! Also like your idea for a beverage container instead of pop cans and your pasta salad recipe is one I would like to try.
crisp(underscore)stephanie(at)hotmail(dot)com
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Make your child feel like they came up with the party theme by giving them 2 or 3 ideas to chose from…makes them feel like it was all their idea. love the patriotic cake!!
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During cooler months we have parties in our garage. Luckily I have an anal husband so it is always clean. The kids have a blast decorating for different themes.
I LOVE IT because …. NONE OF THE PARENTS worry about spills or messes. After the party we just spray it out the door!
The first time I felt funny entertaining in a garage but, once I saw how relaxed everyone was INCLUDING ME … it became a tradition.
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I like to prepare as much as I can the day before. There are alway unexpected things that come up the day of the party and this way I have less to contend with.
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Your party has some great ideas! My whole family plans and prepares for our parties. We share the duties, and each shop for items to bring.
shschaumburg@aol.com
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As a single father of two boys; ages four and five with limited freetime to plan far enough ahead I have come up with the perfect strategy. Instead of always being polite and refusing offers of help from guests; I have started asking them to bring a dish or accessory item in lieu of a gift. This helps bridge my discomfort of having to ask for help and also relieves our guests of having to purchase a gift for our parties. Love your themed birthday party! (kendepew@msn.com)
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Love the theme idea, I love the dollar store so alll of the party favorites are the best!!! When i shop for other kids I shop there and get 20 different items so they have alot to open and all for $20, SO ITS A REALLY GREAT IDEA TO GET STUFF FROM THERE!!!
kmbtm_97@yahoo.com
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I decorate the night before. I also become my own sous chef and do all the prep the day before. Then I am free to join the party!
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