CalicoKat Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 I usually spend most of my time at parties in a quiet corner. B U T DH & I have always said we'll have a big party to celebration dfs's adoption. :D I'm realizing that DH really is interested in paying the bills for me to plan/cater the party. :001_huh: Tomorrow I plan. Please help me out by thinking of some things I haven't. This is my first big party planning so I'm clueless. We're thinking an open house from 1-3 pm on Sunday (next week) would be good. - order the blow-up jumpy thingy for the backyard for the kids. - twist my mother's arm to bring her mini donkey along for the weekend. He is bomb proof with the kids and adorable. - order food platters from Costco (any recommendations) - send out invitations to everyone in our world! - buy 2 liters of soda and other beverages - balloons! Anything else? My folks are coming to town next Friday and they're planning on staying through Monday. So help is on the way. Can I do this? I can do this. I want to celebrate our new forever son! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 Fruit platter and sandwich tray, cake and paper products and silverware from Costco. Have fun and congrats, enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Once Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 Paper plates napkins disposable cups utensils ? Flowers or decorations pooper scooper for the donkey ;) You can do this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Once Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 A few bags of chips and cheezies for the kids. Maybe some hand wipes for after the donkey. Oh, this is fun. I just love planning parties! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 - order food platters from Costco (any recommendations) - send out invitations to everyone in our world! If you have an actual caterer in your area, check with prices per person before you buy from Costco. You may find the caterer cheaper with better food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelda Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 For parties with kids I always put out a play dough table. OUTSIDE. A long low table outside with cookie cutters and other play dough toys and, of course, play dough (make or buy). Did I mention outside? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aggie Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 I'm *ultra* sensitive to this, but I wouldn't have balloons if there are going to be babies and toddlers there. When our dd was 3, an area toddler suffocated by swallowing part of a balloon. They are incredibly dangerous, esp if parents aren't paying close attention, which is what usually happens at parties. My sis gives *great* parties and always has a theme. She doesn't spend a fortune on decorations, either. You could do something like 'Growing our Family' with flowers or trees and gardening stuff, or 'New Arrival' with stork stuff (I don't know how old your new son is!). Since the party is going to be in November, something along the lines of 'Giving Thanks for Our New Son', unless that's too corny? My creative side isn't working now. Parties are great fun! Aggie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apiphobic Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 If I could I'd lend you my Penny Whistle Party Planner book. We used it for a lot of dc's parties and they've got some very creative ideas. Maybe you'll get lucky and your library has it. I know there are some online sites that have theme party ideas and suggestions. Google? Kids Party Cabin Good luck, have fun, and congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Governess Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 We don't have an ice maker, and I always forget ice. Hmmm.....Juice boxes or those mini bottled waters and some kid-friendly snacks for the kids? I'm thinking like goldfish, raisin boxes, cheese sticks or little grilled cheese sandwich quarters, something that's not too messy and won't get smeared all over your couch. Cake? My favorite appetizer lately is taking a brick of cream cheese, putting it on a platter, pouring salsa over it, and serving it with tortilla chips or crackers. Costco sometimes has this fresh cranberry salsa in the refrigerated section by the produce that is **YUM** with cream cheese. Another easy appetizer we've done is: throw a few jars of pasta sauce into a crock pot with some sausages that have been cut into thirds. Cook it on high for 4-6 hours and put a basket of sliced french bread next to it. Very easy and we always get asked for the "recipe". :lol: We usually have a sharpie marker so people can write their names on their cups, otherwise at the end of the party there are like 20 half-drunk cups of soda all over the house. What about getting a guest book, so everyone at the party can write something for your son? Or have everyone wear name tags with their relationship to your son under the name? I love parties!! I hope yours goes well and you have an amazing time!! Congrats. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 I'm *ultra* sensitive to this, but I wouldn't have balloons if there are going to be babies and toddlers there. When our dd was 3, an area toddler suffocated by swallowing part of a balloon. They are incredibly dangerous, esp if parents aren't paying close attention, which is what usually happens at parties. Aggie Hate to be a party pooper but I second this; my dh is an ER doc and we do not allow our kids to play with balloons. We occasionally blow one up for a science experiment but not for general play. The mylar helium balloons from the supermarket are fine though. ~Dana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted October 25, 2008 Author Share Posted October 25, 2008 For parties with kids I always put out a play dough table. OUTSIDE. A long low table outside with cookie cutters and other play dough toys and, of course, play dough (make or buy). Did I mention outside? Great idea! And cheap too. I will park them play dough playing kidlets at the picnic table outside. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted October 25, 2008 Author Share Posted October 25, 2008 My mom is a former florist and she'll be here 2 days before hand - I'll have her put together a bouquet. Thank you for the warning about the balloons. you're absoutely right. Dfs is 3 years old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted October 25, 2008 Author Share Posted October 25, 2008 We don't have an ice maker, and I always forget ice. Hmmm.....Juice boxes or those mini bottled waters and some kid-friendly snacks for the kids? I'm thinking like goldfish, raisin boxes, cheese sticks or little grilled cheese sandwich quarters, something that's not too messy and won't get smeared all over your couch. Cake? My favorite appetizer lately is taking a brick of cream cheese, putting it on a platter, pouring salsa over it, and serving it with tortilla chips or crackers. Costco sometimes has this fresh cranberry salsa in the refrigerated section by the produce that is **YUM** with cream cheese. Another easy appetizer we've done is: throw a few jars of pasta sauce into a crock pot with some sausages that have been cut into thirds. Cook it on high for 4-6 hours and put a basket of sliced french bread next to it. Very easy and we always get asked for the "recipe". :lol: We usually have a sharpie marker so people can write their names on their cups, otherwise at the end of the party there are like 20 half-drunk cups of soda all over the house. What about getting a guest book, so everyone at the party can write something for your son? Or have everyone wear name tags with their relationship to your son under the name? I love parties!! I hope yours goes well and you have an amazing time!! Congrats. :D LOVE the guest book idea!!!! And name tags too. . . . great ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted October 25, 2008 Author Share Posted October 25, 2008 You ladies are life-savers AND you're going to save my party reputation hugely. Thank you. Keep those ideas coming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 Along with the guest book, maybe have some 3x5 cards available for people to either write some well-wishes, blessings, or advice. You could also design the guest book to make room for this when people sign the book. Or, you could store the cards in a pretty/cute card box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in St Louis Posted October 25, 2008 Share Posted October 25, 2008 I love to have people sign/write a message on index cards and also take a picture of each person with (or without) the guest of honor. Then you can put the index card that corresponds with each picture into a 2-up slip in photo album. Easy, cheap, great keepsake! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted October 26, 2008 Author Share Posted October 26, 2008 the bouncy house is rented--so excited there! I can't believe how excited I am! Thank you soo much for your input. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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