Party Planning and More…

As temperatures soar and schedules slow down, fun in the sun takes a prime spot on the agenda. For those who are lucky enough to live near an ocean or lake, relaxing on the sandy shore is a great way to while away summer afternoons. No water in sight? Not to worry—even landlocked sea lovers can indulge in their love for the nautical life by throwing a backyard beach bash. With a little creativity, some strategically placed party decorations, and a group of fun-loving guests, you can throw an authentic beach-themed party. (Water is optional!)

Below, we’ve compiled some helpful party planning tips for an unforgettable beach bash:

• Choose a location. If you’ve got a big, fenced-in backyard, you can host your party at home and use beach-themed party decorations to re-create the essence of the shore. While a pool is a nice bonus, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate water—easy alternatives include sprinklers, inflatable water slides, and Slip-n-Slides.
• Choose a theme. Okay, the obvious theme—the beach—is a given. But why stop there? Customize your beach party by adding a fun, unique twist. One idea is to turn it into a Hawaiian luau, complete with grass skirts, leis, tiki bars, and limbo contests. Party Favor Mall offers a full range of Hawaiian party decorations and party favors to infuse your outdoor space with the warmth and hospitality of the tropical islands. Another popular beach theme is a surfing party, where the guests are encouraged to wear surfing attire, bring their boards, and even participate in simulated surfing competitions.
• Plan a soundtrack. Summer songs are a must for a successful beach party. Choose music that evokes the essence of the shore—the Beach Boys, reggae, Jimmy Buffet, Sublime, and any other artists whose sounds emanate a carefree, relaxed ambiance. Consider placing portable or wireless speakers in strategic places throughout the yard to ensure prime acoustics for all guests.
• Choose your party decorations. You don’t have to spend a lot of time or money to infuse your venue with the appeal of a sandy shore or exotic isle. Some easy and economical beach party props include tiki torches, beach balls, and plastic palm trees. For festive lighting, string up white mini lights, suspend lanterns from tree branches, or place votive candles in paper bags. If you have a pool, light floating candles on the water for a shimmering effect. To add a touch of realism, consider creating a temporary faux beach by emptying a few bags of sand in one area of the yard. Some other unique ideas include using beach towels as tablecloths or coconut shells as centerpieces.
• Get guests moving. Starting up a party game is a great way to encourage guests to interact and to break the ice between different circles of friends who may not know each other well. A carefully chosen competition can tie in to your party theme. To conjure up ideas, think about popular beach activities that could easily make the transition to your own backyard, such as volleyball, horseshoes, corn hole, or badminton.
• Add festive flames. To ignite the spirit of an authentic beach party, add a bonfire. The dancing flames will create a celebratory atmosphere and will help keep the crowd warm when temperatures dip after dark. A copper fire pit or rock-enclosed fire ring provides an easy way to create an outdoor bonfire. If you plan to create a bona fide bonfire, you should check with the local municipalities to determine whether a special permit is required.
• Choose your beach fare. A beach-themed party calls for summer-friendly foods: pig roasts, smoked barbecue, succulent fruit kabobs, and pasta salads, to name a few. Complement the meal with beachy beverages typically served oceanside: margaritas, pina coladas, fruit smoothies, or mai tais. Complete the effect by serving drinks in festive containers, such as hand-painted martini glasses or fish bowls, and by topping them off with miniature umbrellas. For a grand finale, serve such hot-weather indulgences as pineapple upside-down cake, ice-cream sorbets, or creamy puddings.

Don’t let geography limit you—no matter where you live, you can host a backyard beach bash with all the seaside accoutrements. A beach party provides a great opportunity to kick back, relax with friends and family, and celebrate the simple joys of summer.

Today’s modern families are busier than ever. From sporting events to school functions to household chores, parents and children are often rushing from one obligation to another, racing against the clock to squeeze in everything that has to be done. With so many responsibilities, downtime is often in short supply. If you’re craving a break from your fast-paced daily routines, you may be surprised to discover a remedy right outside your front door.

When was the last time you spent some time relaxing with the neighbors? We live in an age where over-the-fence conversation and cul-de-sac revelry have given way to emails, text messages, and other forms of “express communication.” This summer, unplug your high-tech toys, push aside your day planner, and throw a long, leisurely block party. It’s a fun, easy way to turn passing acquaintances into built-in friends, and to form family connections that will endure for seasons to come. In addition to creating camaraderie, cultivating relationships with those who live closest to us promotes a sense of security and solidarity.

So, how to pull it off? Planning a block party is easier than you might think. Follow these quick, simple tips to throw a street soiree that will delight children and adults alike.

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Ah, summer—the season of cookouts, picnics, fireworks and, of course, pool parties. With more and more homeowners installing swimming pools for recreation and to increase the value of their residential properties, suburban neighborhoods have seen a surge in the number of backyard pools. Swimming pools often serve as the hub for birthday parties, Memorial Day gatherings, Fourth of July celebrations, Labor Day cookouts, and other summer soirees. Nothing infuses a gathering with frivolity like the sounds of splashing water, laughter, and music that mark a pool party.

Although pools have become synonymous with fun, sun, and water games, they also pose their own set of hazards. The statistics are sobering: in 2005, there were more than 3,500 pool-related drowning deaths in the United States. The risk is even higher for children—drowning is the most common cause of death for kids under five. Perhaps the most devastating aspect of these tragedies is the fact that they could easily have been prevented by utilizing proper safety procedures.

When throwing a pool party, it’s critical to follow some standard rules of thumb to ensure the safety of your guests—especially when there are children present. Below, we’ve compiled a few recommended guidelines:

• Make sure there’s a phone nearby. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, every second counts. Having a point of contact within arm’s reach could very well be the difference between life and death.
• Make sure your backyard swimming pool is enclosed by a fence or safety barrier at least five feet high to prevent unsolicited access to your pool party. Ensure that all doors and gates leading into the pool are self-latching, and never keep them propped open for any reason.
• Designated a “guard”. When children are in the pool, make sure there’s always an adult supervising. If there’s more than one adult, they can alternate lookout shifts. Anyone who’s “on duty” should refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages.
• If you’ll be playing any games during the pool party, hold them at a considerable distance from the water to prevent accidental falls.
• Keep plenty of sunscreen, towels, and extra tee-shirts on hand to protect tender skin from getting burned by harsh UV rays.
• Anyone with a swimming pool on their premises should be fully trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
• Never leave a pool covering partially over the water during a pool party, as swimmers could get trapped underneath it.
• Instruct swimmers to remain clear of any pool drains or filters that may pose hair-catching hazards.
• Make sure that all standard rescue equipment, such as flotation devices and safety poles, are nearby during your summer party. Although these tools should be easily accessible, they shouldn’t be kept in a place where children could be encouraged to use them as toys.
• When serving poolside meals or drinks at your summer party, use plastic glasses and tableware rather than glass, as the latter could potentially shatter and fall into the water.
• Nothing boosts the energy of a pool party like summer music, but be sure that all CD players, stereos, and other electronics are kept at a safe distance from the water to prevent electrocution.
• In the event of a thunderstorm, evacuate the pool and move the party indoors.
• Restrict diving to designated areas with sufficient depth and proper diving boards. Never let anyone dive off the edge of the pool or into shallow areas.

Whether you’re relaxing in the backyard with a small, inflatable pool or entertaining guests on the deck of a luxurious, in-ground swimming pool, following these safety guidelines can help ensure that your summer party is as safe as it is fun.

Along with backyard barbeques, pool parties, and outdoor festivals, the transition from spring to summer also marks the season for graduations. Whether you’re celebrating the culmination of your high-school years or winding down your college career, receiving that long-awaited diploma marks not just the end of an educational vocation, but the beginning of a whole new chapter of your life.

Each spring, graduating students are immersed in preparations for the big milestone: ordering their caps and gowns, cramming for final exams, and bidding farewell to favorite teachers and fellow classmates. But after the tassels have been turned and the textbooks have been stored away, the summer after commencement can loom long and uncertain. After so many months of bustling activity, too much downtime can be disconcerting. Below, we’ve compiled some suggestions for fun and productive things you can do during the summer months after graduation.

1. Throw a party. It may go without saying, but your years of hard work have earned you the right to celebrate. Even if it’s just a relaxed, intimate barbeque with close family and friends, your accomplishment deserves to be recognized. For added festivity, consider commemorating the event by throwing a combined graduation party along with some of your fellow classmates. Dress up your venue with graduation party decorations in your school colors and old pictures from grade-school and junior-high. For a refreshing twist, consider a themed party, such as a disco or ‘80s party, where everyone is encouraged to dress in a certain style of clothing. Don’t forget the music!
2. Create a scrapbook. For a lasting memento of your high-school or college years, flex your creative muscles and create a graduation scrapbook of photos, cards, important papers, and other keepsakes that mark milestones of your educational career. Include papers or report cards of which you’re particularly proud, notes from favorite teachers, tickets to school sporting events or performances and, of course, your hard-earned diploma. Accent the pages with graduation cutouts and party favors.
3. Decorate your dorm. If this summer marks a transition from high-school to college, focus on creating your new home away from home. If you’ll be living in a college dorm or campus apartment, you should start making lists of what you need, what you already have, and things that need to be done to prepare your new space. If you’ll be dorming with one or more roommates, keep the lines of communication open to ensure you’re all on the same page as far as decorating themes and sleeping arrangements. Browse home décor websites to get a feel for the styles you prefer. Be sure to check your school’s guidelines for what types of appliances and furnishings are permitted in your dorm room.
4. Work. If you’re graduating from college and have already secured your first “real job,” you may be transitioning immediately into the corporate world. After four or more years in a comfortable college environment, being thrust into a more rigid, structured setting can be a culture shock for many new professionals. To help ease the transition, consider seeking out a mentor at your new place of employment who can help get you acclimated. For more support, stay in touch with former classmates who are also forging their place in the working world.
5. Travel. Take advantage of your break to visit places you’ve always wanted to see. Select a locale that matches your objective. If your goal is relaxation, you may want to book a trip to the beach for a week of sunbathing. For a dose of culture or to supplement your chosen area of study, you might prefer to travel abroad to a more exotic location. To use your time to help those in need, consider joining an international volunteer program. Whatever destination you choose, the summer after graduation affords a unique opportunity for an enlightening excursion.
6. Intern. Enterprising graduates often use the summer after commencement as an opportunity to secure an internship to help them prepare for their chosen area of study or as a transition into their selected vocation. Many internships are either unpaid or offer very modest salaries, but their resume-building capabilities are priceless.
7. Relax. Above all, the summer after graduation should be a time to celebrate your achievements, enjoy summer parties with family and friends, and take a much-deserved respite from all of your hard work.

Most of us anticipate Memorial Day for its cookouts, warm weather, and three-day weekend, but for those whose loved ones have helped to protect our nation’s freedoms by serving in the military, the holiday is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and fallen soldiers. Memorial Day was first observed in May of 1968, as decreed by General John A. Logan, when thousands of people congregated at Arlington National Cemetery to decorate the graves of the Confederate and Union soldiers who had lost their lives in the Civil War. Because of this, the holiday was originally called “Decoration Day”—an official name given to an occasion many Southern and Northern cities had already been observing for several years. Over time, Memorial Day’s reach extended to honor the fallen soldiers not only from the Civil War, but from all national and international military conflicts.

When President Lyndon Johnson entered office in 1966, the Memorial Day holiday was given an official site—Waterloo, New York. The town was chosen because of the spirited and significant way in which they celebrated the holiday, going so far as to close down local businesses. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday in 1971. Originally occurring on May 30^th, it was later shifted to the last Monday in May, providing the opportunity to celebrate during a three-day weekend. Some veterans and political advocates have pushed to return to its traditional fixed date to preserve the significance of the holiday.

National Observances of Memorial Day

Today, the first celebration of “Decoration Day” is echoed each year at Arlington National Cemetery, when thousands re-convene to decorate each grave with a miniature American flag. The president or vice-president addresses the crowd with a speech and places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

There are several traditional ways in which Memorial Day is celebrated throughout the country. At 3:00 PM Eastern time on the holiday, a national moment of remembrance is observed, with the American flag lowered to half-mast until noon. Many citizens visit gravesites and memorials to show their appreciation of the ultimate sacrifice made by our country’s soldiers. A large number of communities hold patriotic festivals and events, often attended by prominent local leaders and politicians.

For hundreds of thousands of households across the country, Memorial Day has become synonymous with ushering in the start of summer. Because it’s always preceded by a weekend, the holiday is often celebrated with cookouts, picnics, and family reunions. Many families add spirit to the venue with patriotic party decorations, American flags, and fireworks displays. In recent years, Memorial Day has provided an opportunity to demonstrate support for the troops serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. The holiday is also often used to remember non-military loved ones who have passed away.

Unique Ways to Observe Memorial Day

If you’re looking for an unconventional way to commemorate this patriotic holiday, go beyond the traditional burgers and hot dogs and try one of these unique tributes:

• Take part in the National Moment of Remembrance. At 3:00 PM Eastern time on Memorial Day, pause for one minute and silently give thanks to those who have sacrificed their time, their families, or their lives for their country.
• Visit a vet. Across the country, veteran hospitals house thousands of war veterans who are living with physical disabilities or long-term psychological trauma as a result of their war experiences. Sadly, many of these veterans don’t have family members to visit them. On Memorial Day, show these soldiers that they have not been forgotten by stopping in for a visit. Bring along a treat or patriotic party favor, such as miniature American flags or red, white, and blue cookies, and distribute them to the residents.
• Wear the nation’s colors. Show your silent support all day long by wearing red, white, and blue. It can be something as simple as a flag pin or badge, or add a more festive flair by wearing an Uncle Sam top hat, patriotic arm band, or American flag shirt. Either way, patriotic apparel is an easy way to show your spirit.
• Visit a gravesite. Even if you don’t personally know anyone who has served in the military, that doesn’t mean you can’t show your appreciation. Go to a cemetery and decorate the gravesite of a fallen soldier—preferably one that looks like it probably hasn’t been visited in quite some time.
• Educate kids. Let youngsters know that Memorial Day means more than just fireworks and hot dogs. Pass on the holiday’s history and significance by reading them historical stories and exposing them to parades and other patriotic events.
• Make a donation. There are lots of organizations who funnel much-needed funds to the families of wounded or deceased soldiers. Whether it’s five dollars or one hundred, your contribution will help to raise spirits and improve living conditions.

This Memorial Day, choose your own unique way to celebrate the start of summer and commemorate the priceless contributions of our country’s servicemen and women. At Party Favor Mall, you’ll find a spirited array of patriotic party decorations and Memorial Day party supplies to give your event the spirit it deserves.

Summer is coming very soon. …Are you ready for your summertime parties? 

Memorial Day, Family Reunions, Birthdays, Fourth of July and Labor Day… Wow, we have lots of planning to do!

Party Favor Mall has some great Patriotic Party Supplies that can be used all summer. 

After spending the last week in Las Vegas, not only am I completely exhausted, I have a million party ideas!

The first that I would like to share with you is a Casino Themed Party.  There are so many cool Casino Party Decorations out there. 

Here is a quick idea for your party:

Party Poker

• Send a random card with each person’s invitation.
• Give each person a card when they get to the party.
• Tape a card at the bottom of each plate.
• Tape a card to the bottom of each chair.
• Put a card in each drink glass.  (Make sure you tell people before they pour their drinks.) 

Once everyone has 5 cards, give a door prize to the person with the best poker hand. 

Enjoy the party!

Time is ticking away this year.  I can’t believe that we are already coming up on our next big party!  It’s not too late to order your Cinco de Mayo party supplies from Party Favor Mall. 

Only 2 weeks until it’s time to get the fiesta started!

Spring is so close which means it is time for the outdoor parties! 

Get your grill heating and your fresh fish ready to grill.

Check out this great Marinate Recipe for Salmon and Lake Trout.