GLASS SLIPPER Parties and Weddings - Recently Updated Pages

GLASS SLIPPER Parties and Weddings

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:29:40 CDT

So, this is what happens when you give an obsessive compulsive party planner and wedding planner her own page.
I am so chocked full of ideas I just couldn't keep them to myself anymore!!!

I don't believe in spending outrageous amounts of money on a party unless you have it to blow.
Hence, all my parties are do-it-yourself style...
complete with instructions on how to make just about everything I suggest for each and every theme.
Have fun perusing and don't hesitate to add your own ideas!

Party Planner
Wedding Coordinator

Attire

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:18:55 CST

Clothing will be medieval garb.
The Bride, and Junior Bride's Maid will wear Guinevere style
princess seam a-line dresses with scoop necks. They will have bell sleeves.
The bride's dress will be ivory with a metallic belt and worn with a crimson velvet cloak.
The flower girl will wear a crimson dress trimmed in black fur with a black belt.
She may also wear a black cloak for warmth.
The groom will be wearing black leggings, an ivory Robin Hood style shirt,
with a reddish brown leather tunic with a long black belt.
No other wedding party is selected at this time.
Also, the wait staff will be wearing matching brown tunics over black shirts and leggings or skirts.

Clothing and Attire:
Bridal Gown 350
Headpieces (crowns) 50?
Accessories 75
Hair and makeup25
Pre-wedding pampering (manicure) 30
Grooms attire 200
Accessories 100
Subtotal: 830

My Vow Renewal

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:11:26 CST

My Husband and I didn't quite have the wedding we had hoped for...
That's what you get when you get married in a hurry (we had less than a week).
So, since we were so terribly disappointed we decided to renew our vows on our tenth anniversary.
This is a work in progress, since that's still two years from now,
and all information is subject to change at any time and without notice.
Have fun looking at what I've come up with and feel free to use a few ideas.
However, if you steal it all I may have to hunt you down and kill you. :-)

Check out the links in the left column to see what I've got so far.

Ceremony

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:48:23 CST

Ceremony

The Ceremony will take place on a snow covered hill in the Ogden canyon with a view of the city. Hopefully the weather hold out for us.

Ceremony:
Location Fee 50
Accessories 30
Subtotal: 80

All the guests gather at the bottom of the hill.
When the ceremony is about to begin they are led up the hill and form two lines.
Start the music. A line of knights in armor holding torches proceeds up the hill between the lines of guests.
They then separate into two lines and turn to face each other. Lift torches to form an arch.
The bride and groom walk in from opposite sides and meet at the bottom of the hill.
They walk together up the hill between the knights to the top of the hill where an altar holds two crowns.
The pair will then read vows. At appropriate times- the lady in waiting will place a garland over their hands;
then she will bring in the rings tied to her pomander of flowers; and the couple will perform the coronation.
After the vows they will walk down the hill between the knights and mount horses to ride to the reception.
The knights will precede them to the reception site. Honored guests will also ride horses.
Everyone else will be transported in a horse drawn wagon.

Wedding Planner

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:44:50 CST

Reception and Catering

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:27:13 CST

Catering:
Reception Venue & Rentals 700
Food and Service (50@$20.00) 1,000
Beverage and Bartenders 400
Cake and Cutting Fee 200
Subtotal: 2,300

The reception will be held in a tent with a peaked roof.
A dance floor will have to be rented, along with tables, chairs, linens, and place settings in pewter.
The menu will be as follows: first course- vegetable soup served in mini bread bowls.
Main course- roasted turkey or suckling pig and potatoes with onions.
The beverages to chose from are mulled cider
(in a punch fountain with clove studded oranges and apples floating in it),
hot chocolate, Irish coffee, and eggnog.
The cake will be old fashioned apple pudding served hot with caramel sauce (family recipe).
Three or four costumed waiters/waitresses will bring out the food- still steaming -
and serve everyone their first serving.
Seconds, etc. will be served from the buffet table
which will be available throughout the dancing in the evening.
Note to self: ask the Ye Olde Lion's Den restaurant to cater and provide servers!

Music and Entertainment

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:17:09 CST

Music:
Ceremony 10
Dinner hour 300
Reception 170
Subtotal: 480

For the ceremony we will play a recording of the Robin Hood theme song.
For the recessional to the reception we will play the main theme from First Knight.
During the dinner at the reception we will have an olde English folk band (madrigal) playing.
Also we would like to have a hammered dulcimer play for a short time.
For the dancing- we would like a D.J. to play a mixture of period music rearrangements found at
renstore.com along with some modern selections we have chosen.

Miscelaneous

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:13:06 CST

Stationery:
Invitations 100

Thank yous etc. 20
Subtotal: 120

Rings:
His 50
Hers 50
Subtotal: 100

Transportation & lodging
Honeymoon Suite 300
Equestrian fees (horse rentals, wagon) 275
Subtotal: 575

Gifts:
Attendants (JBM) 50
Favors 50@$1.00 50
Subtotal: 100

Coordinator:
“Day of” help 100
Subtotal: 100

Honeymoon

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:44:41 CST

Honeymoon: Castle creek Inn, SLC, UT.
Friday, Jan 7-Sunday, Jan 9 in Rapunzel's Tower for $149/night for a total of $300 plus tax.

Places to visit:
Clark Planetarium/Imax theatre
Hogle Zoo
Lagoon water and Adventure Park
Hollywood connection- skating, mini golf, rides, lazer tag, etc.
Paintball planet
Raging waters slide park
The Living Planet aquarium
Museum of Natural history
Tracy Aviary

Of course, if we had the money we'd be going here... Carcassonne, France... a restored Medieval city.

Floral

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:38:04 CST

Flowers:
Bride's bouquet 50
Flower girl's flowers 35
Groom's boutonniere 15
Ceremony decor 30
Reception decor (centerpieces, etc.) 250
Subtotal: 385

The bride will have a large cascade of roses, orchids, stephanotis, red berries, and a gardenia. The flower girl will have a pomander of spray roses, berries, and stephanotis with ribbons. The groom may have a small boutonniere of evergreens and berries tied to his belt knife. No other personal flowers are decided at this time.

For the ceremony there will be a garland of roses and evergreens to be used for the hand fasting. The crown pillow may be adorned with flowers. No other ceremony flowers are decided at this time.

For the reception we will need several bags of petals to be thrown at the couple as they arrive. The entrance to the tent will have evergreen boughs with a few magic roses and berries for color. Inside there will be a centerpiece of evergreens, berries, and red roses at each table. At the head table there will be two pillar arrangements along with low centerpieces and petals. Hanging from the ceiling there will be several chandeliers with evergreens and hanging roses, berries, and orchids. The guest book table will have a smaller centerpiece to match. At the buffet table there will be several small arrangements between the foods, along with petals strewn across the whole table. There will be a drink fountain surrounded by evergreens, berries, and petals. The cake will sit on a bed of evergreens, berries, and clusters of roses. The cake knife and server will have a bit of evergreen and a cluster of red berries tied with a white ribbon. The bride and groom's chairs will have garlands of evergreens, berries, red ferns, and roses tied to the backs. Each place setting will have a napkin ring with a bit of evergreen and a bunch of berries tied with a white ribbon. Also a dozen single red roses to be given out as thanks to people who help. (See flowers worksheet)

Decorations

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:36:32 CST

Decorations
Location: snow park- up in the Ogden canyon?
The ceremony practically decorates itself. All we will need is a small low table with a white tablecloth to rest the crown pillow on. The crown pillow will be a smallish rectangular bed pillow in a crimson sham trimmed in flowers. To the sides of the altar we will need two small fire pits (or have one just behind the altar) to be dug for light and warmth.
For the reception-white tent with lots of space heaters. Drape crimson fabric from the center of the ceiling out to the walls in a star pattern, drape all the way to the floor. . Either hanging from the ceiling or standing on the tables there will be several chandeliers covered in evergreens and flowers and overflowing with ribbons. The tables will have white tablecloths with crimson velvet runners. The runners will have our family crest "burned out" of the corners. The place settings will be plain round pewter plates and goblets. The silverware will also be pewter- as simple in design as possible. The napkins will be deep crimson with white napkin rings. A small sprig of flowers will be tucked into each ring. The head table will be a long rectangle, with the guests’ tables also being rectangular. The head table will also have two elaborate arrangements on pedestals and petals strewn on the table. The bride and groom's chairs will be larger than the rest and have garlands tied to the backs. The guests' tables will have low centerpieces. The guest book and buffet tables will have smaller versions of the guest table centerpieces. The cake table and punch table will have garlands and petals. Above the head table we will hang our family crest tapestry. Around the room there will be color banners hung from poles in the ground (see "flying colors"). Surrounding each centerpiece on the tables there will be a dozen votive candles to be lit just before everyone arrives. Lighting- must have lighting!! Romantic red and amber light from the corners of the tent and up lights on the banners and tapestry. Make it look warm. Warm is good, especially when it could be less than 20* outside!! Speaking of cold- we need to have several large space heaters (cleverly concealed) around the perimeter of the tent.

Budget

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:27:11 CST

Thanks to The Knot for this nifty tool.

Budget
Estimated Budget: $7,500 ideally
$6,000 realistically
$5,000 in a pinch
Catering:
Reception Venue & Rentals 700
Food and Service (50@$20.00) 1,000
Beverage and Bartenders 400
Cake and Cutting Fee 200
Subtotal: 2,300
Clothing and Attire:
Bridal Gown 350
Headpieces (crowns) 50
Accessories 75
Hair and makeup 25
Pre-wedding pampering (manicure) 30
Grooms attire 200
Accessories 100
Subtotal: 830
Ceremony:
Location Fee 50
Accessories 30
Subtotal: 80
Flowers:
Bride's bouquet 50
Bride's maid's bouquet 35
Flower girl's flowers 35
Groom's boutonniere 15
Ceremony decor 30
Reception decor (centerpieces, etc.) 250
Subtotal: 415
Music:
Ceremony 10
Dinner hour 300
Reception 170
Subtotal: 480
Photos & Video:
Photographer 600
Videographer 200
Additional prints and videos 50
Subtotal: 850
Stationery:
Invitations 100
Thank you’s etc. 20
Subtotal: 120
Rings:
His 50
Hers 50
Subtotal: 100
Transportation & lodging
Honeymoon Suite 300
Equestrian fees (horse rentals, wagon) 275
Subtotal: 575
Gifts:
Attendants –flower girl 50
Favors 50@$2.00 100
Subtotal: 150
Coordinator:
“Day of” help 100
Subtotal: 100

Grand Total $6,000

Calendar

vic-kye — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:52:47 CST

Thanks to theknot.com for this neat little to-do list.

Calendar
Wedding date: Friday, Jan 7, 2011- just after the major holidays.
Rehearsal Dinner: Thursday, Jan 6, at the ceremony site
Honeymoon: Castle creek Inn, SLC Friday, Jan 7th -Sunday, Jan 9th in Rapunzel's Tower for $149/night

To Dos
12+ MONTHS
January 06, 2010 AND PRIOR

		Decide on a budget and hash out who's contributing. Knot Hint: For a quick and easy way to determine a budget, use The Knot Budgeter.
		Make sure to insure your engagement ring.
		Pick your preferences for a wedding date and time, and finalize after okaying with important guests, location, or officiant.
		Begin interviewing wedding consultants (if you'll have one) AND / OR start asking family AND friends for local wedding vendor recommendations.
		Start interviewing caterers.

9-11 MONTHS
January 07, 2010 through April 06, 2010

		Scout out reception sites.
		Book your reception site as soon as you see something you love that’s available on your date.
		If you're having an engagement party, set a date, draft a guest list, and purchase your invitations.
		Begin working on a preliminary wedding guest list and decide on your wedding's approximate size. Request lists from both sets of parents and create your own wish list.
		Choose your bridesmaids/groomsmen and ask them to be in the wedding party.
		Hire a consultant (if you're having one) and sign a contract.
		Decide on a caterer. Hash out a rough price per head and begin working on a menu.
		Brides: When you've found some gowns you like, head out to the stores to try them on.
		Sign your caterer contract and send in a deposit.
		Finalize the guest list. Knot hint: When you’re done, make your life easy by entering everything into the Guest List Manager.
		Start auditioning reception bands or DJs.
		If you've chosen an outdoor ceremony or reception site, look into tent and lighting rentals.
		Set up appointments with various florists to discuss options.
		Interview and get price lists from several photographers and videographers. Knot Hint: Talk to your photographer about posting your photos using The Knot Photo Album so you can see your photos online and share them with friends.
		Book reception band or DJ, sign the contract, and send a deposit.

6-8 MONTHS
April 07, 2010 through July 06, 2010

		Book your flight now for your honeymoon.
		Start looking into registering for gifts. Knot Hint: Register from the comfort of your keyboard at The Knot Gift Registry.
		Request demo tapes from ceremony musicians.
		Think about how you might want to wear your hair.
		Begin looking for a baker to make your big-day cake. Your caterer is the best source for leads.
		Reserve photographer and/or videographer, decide on a package, sign contract, and send deposit. Knot Hint: Register your photographer with The Knot Photo Album.
		Brides: Start shopping for bridesmaid dresses. Knot Hint: Search bridesmaid dresses and make sure to get input from the girls.
		Choose your florist and send a deposit to reserve their services.
		Make sure your maid of honor and best man are aware of what you expect of them -- providing a list of their duties will help.
		Register for your wedding gifts, and don't forget to include some choices appropriate for your upcoming bridal shower or engagement party as well.
		Set aside blocks of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
		Brides: Decide on the bridesmaid dresses.
		Purchase and send guests save-the-dates if your celebration is over a holiday weekend or at a faraway locale. Knot Hint: Make your life easier by creating and sending an online save-the-date.
		Book a baker, choose your wedding cake design, and send a deposit.
		Brides: Collect necessary measurements from attendants or pass along vender information so that they can order the dresses themselves.
		Brides: Order your gown. Make sure you've asked all the critical questions and your order contains the correct information.
		Book ceremony musicians and send deposit.
		Start planning the rehearsal dinner. Provide the host with contact information for your attendants and any other guests.
		Start working on your invitation wording and design.
		Finalize your invitation wording.
		Finalize menu and service details with caterer.
		Order your invitations and announcements (don't forget plenty of extra envelopes).
		Research and purchase wedding insurance, if necessary.

4-5 MONTHS
July 07, 2010 through September 06, 2010

		Decide on a floral scheme, choose flowers, and negotiate prices with florist. Be sure to sign a contract outlining what you agreed upon.
		Reserve tables, chairs, and/or other rental equipment you'll need (unless caterer or site is taking care of it).
		Book a calligrapher (if you are using one).
		Grooms: Start looking to buy or rent tux, suit, or other formal attire.
		Book rehearsal-dinner site.
		Book hotel room for your wedding night.
		Compile packages for out-of-town guests with hotel reservation and city information, and mail them out.
		Grooms: Decide on your groomsmen's attire.
		Book your honeymoon flights (if not using frequent flyer miles) and make all your other travel reservations.

2-3 MONTHS
September 07, 2010 through November 06, 2010

		Brides: Choose your bridesmaids' accessories (shoes, gloves, etc.) and either purchase or pass along purchasing information.
		Grooms: Give all of the groomsmen the information they need to buy and/or reserve their attire.
		If you haven't registered yet, be sure to do so before any upcoming pre-wedding parties. Knot Hint: At least get a few items on your list. See the selection at The Knot Gift Registry.
		Shop for and purchase wedding bands.
		Brides: Experiment with your beauty routine, self-tanners, and facials.
		Consider specific ceremony and reception decoration needs like an aisle runner, etc.
		Schedule portrait session if you need one for a newspaper wedding announcement.
		Make or buy favors. Allow extra time for custom-made favors (i.e., chocolates in a preprinted box).
		Brides: Make sure your attendants have purchased their dresses and accessories.
		Pick up your invitations.
		Talk to your maid of honor and best man about party plans (such as the shower and bachelor party).
		Get anything you need for an international honeymoon (passport, birth certificate, visas, vaccinations, etc.).
		Brides: Buy any special lingerie your gown requires in time for first fittings.
		Grooms: If you are renting a tux, visit the formalwear shop to get measured.
		If you are handling the bridesmaid dress order, confirm the delivery date.
		Start taking better care of yourself (eat right, exercise) so you look and feel great on your wedding day.
		Start addressing invitations or drop them off with the calligrapher (you'll need to send them out at the two-month mark).
		Brides: Confirm delivery date for your gown and schedule fittings.
		Talk to people you’d want to do special performances or readings as part of the ceremony.
		Arrange for all insurance policies to include you and your future spouse: health, auto, homeowner's, and life insurance.
		Send wedding bands out to be engraved (make sure they'll be back in time for the wedding).
		Grooms: Choose and buy any accessories you will need: shoes, shirt stays, cuff links, and a pocket square.
		Brides: Begin your fittings.
		Arrange wedding-day transportation for you, your wedding party, and guests (as needed).
		Send out invitations (be sure to add extra postage for overseas guests).

6 WEEKS
November 07, 2010 through November 25, 2010

		As you receive presents, be sure to update and/or add items to your registry list and record the gifts you get. Knot Hint: Enter gifts and who sent them into your guest list manager for easy access.
		Confirm reservations for out-of-town guests.
		Arrange parking for the reception.
		Order liquor, wine and/or champagne if they're not included in the catering contract.
		Brides: Decide on and purchase major accessories (veil and shoes) prior to final fittings.
		Begin working on vows, particularly if you're writing your own.
		Begin writing the ceremony program if you are having one.
		Arrange for a babysitter for the reception, if necessary.
		Brides: Buy gifts for your maid of honor and bridesmaids. Knot Hint: Check out our selection of gifts for girls.
		Buy a guest book (and nice pen).
		Grooms: Attend your bachelor party (and be sure to thank the best man afterwards).
		Make an appointment to take the veil to your hairstylist and make sure your current do and veil work together.
		Grooms: Buy gifts for your best man, groomsmen, and ushers. Knot Hint: Check out our selection of gifts for guys.
		Brides: Attend final wedding-gown fitting.
		Finalize vows.

3-4 WEEKS
November 26, 2010 through December 16, 2010

		Send rehearsal-dinner invitations.
		Do trial runs of hair and makeup; schedule wedding-day beauty appointments.
		Finish and print ceremony programs.
		Confirm wedding-night and honeymoon reservations.
		Work on a list of "must-play" (and "must-not play") songs for your DJ or band.
		Discuss music with ceremony musicians and agree on final choices.
		Wrap all gifts for the wedding party and write each attendant a nice note.
		Brides: Shop for all additional accessories like stockings, earrings, evening bag, etc.
		Pick up wedding rings and check the inscriptions before you leave the store.
		Make sure your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers your rings and gifts.
		Sit for your bridal portrait, if you decide to get one.
		Brides: Get final pre-wedding haircut, if necessary.
		Work out wedding day timing and details (who will get the bride there, where the wedding party will dress, etc) and draw up a schedule.
		Get a head start on those thank-you notes (it will feel great to get a batch out before the wedding).
		Brides: Make sure you have your garter and "something old, new, borrowed, and blue" if you want to include these customs in your wedding.
		Call or email wedding party to relay critical info related to rehearsal and wedding (dates, times, directions, duties).
		Brides: Pick up your gown.

1-2 WEEKS
December 17, 2010 through December 30, 2010

		Give final head count to the caterer. Confirm set-up instructions and menu items.
		Brides: Pick up the veil and/or headpiece.
		Call location manager and make sure your vendors all have access to the site when they need it.
		Confirm head count, delivery time, and location with the cake maker.
		Plan a party or go out for cocktails to thank your attendants for all their help.
		Brides: Practice walking in your wedding shoes.
		Call guests who haven't RSVP'd for the wedding and rehearsal dinner. It’s okay to do this, you need a final head count!
		If you're having a receiving line, determine the order you want everyone to stand in.
		Determine any wedding day assignments for members of the wedding party, and make lists/info sheets as needed.
		Start putting together the seating plan if you're having a seated reception meal.
		Finalize seating chart. Buy materials for and make place cards (give typed names to the calligrapher if you're using one).
		Grooms: Pick up your tux and try it on. (Don't wait until the day of to do this!)
		Confirm delivery locations, times, and final arrangement count with florist.
		Prepare your toasts or thanks to friends and family. (Grooms: Need a hand?)
		Give seating chart to caterer, location manager, or host.
		Fax transportation providers a schedule and addresses for pickups on wedding day.
		Plan any additional night-before activities with friends and/or attendants.
		Grooms: Get your final haircut.
		Confirm all final payment amounts with your vendors.
		Shop and pack for honeymoon.
		Confirm location, date, and time with videographer.
		Confirm location, date, and time with photographer; create your "must-take" photo list.

DAY BEFORE
January 05, 2011

		Rehearse the ceremony with wedding party.
		Brides: Pull together wedding gown, veil, shoes, stockings, and a last-minute emergency kit (aspirin, makeup, safety pins, mints, etc.).
		Give wedding announcements to your honor attendant to be mailed on the wedding day.
		Confirm all specific honeymoon travel plans (including transportation to airport, etc.).
		Have fun and relax at your rehearsal dinner.
		Drop off favors, guest book, and pen at the reception site.
		Get some much-needed sleep -- if you can!

DAY OF
Thursday, January 06, 2011

		Set aside a private moment together after the ceremony to exchange gifts and a sweet congratulatory kiss (or two).
		Confirm with people who you expect to give/lead toasts at the reception.
		Take a moment to thank your parents and tell them you love them -- this is a sweet but sad day for them.
		Relax, smile, and enjoy the day!

AFTER THE WEDDING
January 07, 2011

		Arrange for a bridesmaid or mom to pick up your wedding dress and other personal belongings at the hotel after you depart.
		Freeze the top layer of the wedding cake to be eaten at your first anniversary celebration (save some cocktail napkins, too!).
		Take the bridal bouquet and other wedding mementos to be preserved, if you're a true sentimentalist.
		Arrange for gown and veil to be cleaned and preserved. Make sure the provider is experienced in preserving wedding gowns.
		Take any personal film to be developed. These will probably be the first photos available since professional proofs can take weeks. Knot Hint: Check in with your photographer to see when your photos will be online. Email your online album to family and friends.
		Mail gifts to your parents to thank them for their help and support, if you didn’t give them out at the rehearsal dinner.
		Make sure all vendor bills have been paid in full.
		Find out when you can expect your edited wedding video (if you used a videographer).
		Within two months of your wedding, set aside some romantic evenings to write that stack of thank-you notes.

Pirates Birthday

vic-kye — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:55:38 CDT

Pirate Party
Theme: PIRATES!!!! think Pirates of the Caribbean, Cut-throat Island, etc. swashbuckling corsairs with swords and muskets and eye patches sailing the sea in huge ships with canvas sails and cannons!

Date: Undecided as of yet. Possibly May or August or something like that. A time when most everybody is feeling good and has some time and money to spare.

Location: Undecided. A beach would be cool (except that we are landlocked). A large park would be best, but someone's living room or backyard would be okay

Budget: for a really cool party we need at least $100. but $200 would be optimal. Decorations and stuff costs money.
Contributors: If everybody could pitch in $20-30 we could have the sweetest party ever. I am not paying for this by myself.

Invitations: Message in a bottle. Treasure maps with burnt edges and blood spots and black sand and sea shells stuffed into a little glass (or plastic) bottle. The message will be something like:

Avast ye landlubbers!
The East Layton Party Company is recruiting sailors
to crew the good ship Welch Fields.
Boarding call will be Saturday the 8th of August
at the 12th st Pier in Port Ogden.
Arrive on time and in proper pirate attire
or you'll be sent to Davy Jones Locker!

Decorations: Totally transform the living room and kitchen! If it still looks like your house you haven't done enough!! cover the walls from floor to ceiling to take your guests to another place.
Ocean and ship scene setters. Torn sails, parrots, and ropes. Treasure chests filled with booty. Brightly colored tablecloths and gilded flatware. Jolly Roger flags. The dining table will be piled high with boxes of different sizes and shapes then covered with several colors of tablecloths. Then add a treasure chest or two and strew about lots of treasure and seashells and the like. Tuck in a few roses and wildflowers and maybe even some orchids if the budget allows. (silks purchased at Wal-Mart or the dollar store can save you here). Leave enough room for the serving platters for dinner and the cake afterwards. Put a large candelabra at the top of the pile and light the candles just before the guests arrive. The kitchen chandelier is hideous and screams 1984! cover it with fish net and hang some Mardi-Gras beads and seashell necklaces from it. Pirate Decor

Favors:
Wardrobe: Upon arrival to the party each person is given a pirate hat, eye patch, sword, gun, sash (also could be used as a bandanna), a telescope, a treasure bag, and a compass. These are for ambiance, and some of it is necessary for games to be played. Also, each pirate will chose a fearful name from a chart. These will be written on name tags with Jolly Rogers on them.
Activities:
Shipshape Sailors: This is a game of trivia. Look up online to find sailing and pirate lingo. http://www.io.com/~sj/PirateTalk.html Also, there is a book from Disney- Pirates of the Caribbean- The Pirates Code. This book is jam packed with nautical information. If you have a sailor in your group make him the Boatswain in charge of the game. Give him the list with the definitions and have him quiz the crew to find out how much they know. For every right answer each player gets they get a piece of treasure. Give your boatswain a special prize for being a good sport.

Fishing: Fill a large plate or bowl or small kiddy pool with little cut-outs of fish with paper- clips glued to them. Give each crew member a fishing pole- a bamboo skewer with a string and a magnet attached. Each fish has a number on it to tell you how much treasure it's worth. Players must gather as many fish as they can before they are gone. They can also steal another player's catch by attaching their magnet to their fish before they get it into their bucket. Pirates!! use colored note-cards to cut out fish.

Land Ho: Your ship is out of fresh water and you must find land and resupply.
Make big a picture collage in black and white filled with little ships and waves and sharks. Hidden throughout the picture there will be Islands, reefs, and harbors that are really hard to see. So, one must use a telescope and look very closely. When land is spotted the player must yell Land Ho!! Each time land is spotted the player gets some treasure.

Fight for Captaincy: Sword fighting with raw spaghetti noodles! the captain is found through process of elimination. The fighter with the most wins get some treasure and and special prize for being captain. Two people go up against each other with a noodle. The first to break his noodle looses. If both the fighters break their noodles the player with the most noodle remaining is the winner. This is messy- there will be little bits of broken noodles EVERYWHERE. Best to be played outdoors. Not particularly good for small children who might have a fit if they get poked. Best for children over ten years old. Fabulous for teenagers and young adults. This can become a fierce competition!

Walk the Plank: Everyone who fought the captain must now walk the plank!!!
A 12 foot long 2x4 is laid out on the floor and the victims are blindfolded and their hands tied behind their backs. They then are forced to walk the plank. If they fall off they lose. If they make it to the other end they receive some treasure. To make this safer the whole crew should stand along the plank on both sides to catch the person when they fall. It's more fun if the captain is poking the victim in the back with a toy gun or sword to make them move faster. If you're doing this with little kids don't blindfold them or tie their hands. They could freak out on you. But for teens and young adults- go for it!! encourage them to hiss and boo and try to distract the person walking the plank.

Cursed Treasure: Make a treasure map with cryptic clues and give it to the captain (decided by the sword fighting contest). He/she will lead the crew on a treasure hunt through eel infested waters and deadly swamps. They must find the chest and remove a piece of treasure each. On one piece there will be a mark indicating that it's cursed. The person who hose the cursed treasure is now IT in dead man's bluff. They must pass the curse on quickly or be killed by it. http://www.treasure-adventure.com

Dead Man's Bluff: Designate who is "IT" Blindfold "IT" and spin him/her around several times, then stop. The others move around "IT" making funny noises as "IT" tries to tag them. The first person tagged becomes "IT", puts the blindfold on, and the fun starts again! Give this game a time limit or it could go on for hours. At the end of the time the person who is IT now receives the Black Spot.

The Black Spot: The person whose fate has given them the Black Spot is now in big trouble! Davy Jones has sent the Kraken to devour the man who behest the Black Spot! To save yourself you must evade the terrible beastie. This is a version of Snakes or Caterpillar. The rest of the crew is now the Kraken. They form a circle by holding hands and must chase the person with the Black Spot. This person has a bag of water balloons (or Nerf balls) which he can throw at the Kraken. If someone in the Kraken is hit by a water balloon they are out and must leave the Kraken. The people on either side of this person now join hands. Also, if the circle breaks without someone being out the two people who let go are now out. The people who are out are now on the side of the Black Spot. They are given water balloons and must attack the Kraken. When the Kraken is defeated the person with the Black Spot is now free. But, if they are caught by the Kraken a new person is chosen to have the Black Spot. This is done easily. When they are caught the people in the Kraken must sit down. The last person standing now has the Black Spot.

Sinking Ships: You must now fight Davy Jones for your Soul!!
Split into two even teams. Each team has a ship painted on paper bags. They are given a limited # of cannon balls (ping-pong or Nerf or similar) and slingshots or cannons if we can get them. They then have a set time limit to fire as many cannon balls into the other teams ship as they can. Balls that bounce off are not counted. Only a direct hit that goes through the paper scores a point. The team with the most points is given some treasure.

Music: The soundtracks for all three Pirates of the Caribbean have excellent music. Also use Cut- throat Island and The Princess Bride music. Cut out the boring or obnoxious scores and make a montage of beautiful orchestrated music.

Food:
Tuna Schooners: Toast each muffin and place a piece of lettuce on it after it cools. Top with tuna salad and a tortilla chip propped up like a sail.

The Kraken: cut sausage dogs lengthwise ¾ of the way up 4 times to make 8 legs. Boil the hot dogs so they swell and the legs curl out. Serve on beef flavored ramen colored green like seaweed. This is a great treat for little kids especially if you draw faces on it with mustard or ketchup.

Stuffed Seashells: Cook giant seashell pasta al-dente. Stuff with chicken salad. Chill

Big M's Barbadian Chicken Skewers
INGREDIENTS for marinade

· 4 cloves garlic
· 1 onion, cut into 6 wedges
· 1 bell pepper, seeded
· 1 bunch green onions, chopped into 1 inch pieces
· 1 tablespoon dried thyme
· 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
· 1 inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled
· salt and pepper to taste
· 3/8 cup dark molasses
· 4 limes, zested and juiced
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
DIRECTIONS

1. Place garlic, onion, green bell peppers, green onions, thyme, allspice, and ginger into the bowl of a food processor; blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to a large, non metallic bowl, and stir in molasses, and lime zest and juice. Place chicken in bowl, and turn to coat. Cover, and marinate for 24 hours.
2. Preheat grill for high heat.
3. Remove meat from marinade, and thread onto skewers. Boil marinade in a small saucepan for at least 3 minutes.
4. Brush grate with oil, and arrange skewers on hot grate. Slowly cook the chicken until slightly charred and cooked through, brushing with the marinade every time you turn the meat.
For an interesting and easy way to prepare this dish place the chicken skewers with the marinade and all in a large baking dish and bake @ 375* for one hour. This way you don't have to stand over a grill while your guests have fun. Top with mango salsa.
Tropical Salsa with Grilled Mango:

INGREDIENTS

· 1 ripe mango, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
· 2 teaspoons olive oil
· 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
· 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
· 1 Bell pepper, finely chopped
· 1 lime, juiced
· 2 teaspoons white sugar
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. In a mixing bowl, toss mango slices with oil to coat.
2. Lightly oil grate, place mango slices on grill. Cook for 4 minutes on each side, until nicely browned with grill marks.
3. Remove mango from grill, cut into small cubes, and transfer to a mixing bowl. Stir in onion, red pepper, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, salt, sugar, and ginger. Serve at room temperature, chill until ready to serve, or serve hot by heating through in a nonstick skillet.
Shrimp Cocktail: Caribbean shrimp

INGREDIENTS

· 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
· 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger root
· 2 limes, juiced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon soy sauce
· 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
· 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
· 2 pounds large cooked shrimp, peeled, tails on
· 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl combine oil, ginger, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, sugar and red pepper; mix well. Stir in shrimp and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours before serving. Stir occasionally while chilling.

Ginger Beer: make a graveyard with ½ ginger ale and ½ root beer

Hot Buttered Rum:

INGREDIENTS

· 2 cups brown sugar
· 1/2 cup butter
· 1 pinch salt
· 2 quarts hot apple cider
· 3 cinnamon sticks
· 6 whole cloves
· 2 tsp rum extract (to taste)
· 1 cup sweetened whipped cream
· ground nutmeg to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the brown sugar, butter, salt and hot cider in 5 quart slow cooker. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves. Cover and cook on Low for 5 hours.
2. Stir in rum extract.
3. Ladle from the slow cooker into mugs, and top with whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg.

The Black Pearl: make a cake shaped like a pirate ship!! check out this website for a recipe http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50180
I plan on making mine with black sails and blackened frosting. This is my piece-de-resistance.

Island treasures: Chocolate chip cookies with coconut and pecans in them. Yummy!!

Sand Cups: Take a vote as to which flavor pudding to use- French vanilla, Butterscotch, Banana, coconut cream, pina colada, or whatever. Scoop into little plastic cups and top with graham cracker (or vanilla wafers) crumbs, blue coconut and a few gummy fish and an shark. Add a pirate flag for coolness.

Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
Ingredients:

· 16 large strawberries, hulled
· 1/2 cup white sugar
· 1/2 cup orange juice
· 6 cups chilled lemon-lime soda
· 32 cubes ice
DIRECTIONS: In the container of a blender, combine the strawberries, sugar, orange juice and lemon-lime soda. Add the ice and blend until smooth. Pour into a fancy glass to serve.

Fruit Platter: To combat scurvy have a large platter filled with citrus fruit like oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, kiwi, limes, lemons, strawberries, and green apples for bad breath.

Birthdays

Birthdays

vic-kye — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:53:10 CDT

Pirate Birthday

Movie Night Party

vic-kye — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:51:50 CDT

HOLLYWOOD Movie Night

Date: Saturday June 10, 2007
Time: 5 o'clock pm till 11 o'clock pm
Where: Mom's house
Who: the whole family
Why? because I gotta!!

Budget: a whopping $100, ask quests to contribute with $ and/or food.
Calendar:Deadline-June 30th, send invitations byJune 16th with rsvp
Activities:wierd trivia, charades, movie scene bingo, popcorn jugling, movie quote alphabet, our version of the Oscars, who am i, etc.
Clothing:break out your double breasted suits and evening gowns. donn all your bling and glam it up for some movie ham.
Decor:Red or burgundy curtains with gold tassles and ropes (use plastic tablecoths), red carpet, velvet ropes on poles, popcorn machine, movie reels and film, walk of fame stars, etc.
Floral: Gilded leaves and red roses
Music: main themes from all our favorite movies
Food: Large Hors D'oeuvres, sparkling cider in flutes- like an old fashioned coctail party
Photos & Video: Fashion walk on the red carpet. assign someone to hold the video camera and do lots of editing with black fades and star transitions, etc.
Invitations: Old school movie theatre ticket stub :

a Mom's House
Feature Presentation:
The Concord Awards
Showtime 5:00pm
Admit 2

Hollywood party
Stuff to do

buy the following:

black tablecloth
gold cups
plastic stars or gold foil to make stars
plastic champaigne flutes

Party prep stuff to do:

make clap board- take a piece of plywood scrap paint it black and put lettering on in white paint
posters- make "now showing", "admit one", "opening night", "lights, camera, action", "applause", and "movie night" on poster board with colored paper and craft paint
popcorn tubs- take large icecream buckets, oatmeal tubs, etc., and glue yellow paper to outside, print "popcorn" in large lettering, outline with red and draw popcorn kernels
serving trays- clean any silver trays mom has
candles- take ordinary white candles and cover them in shimmery glitter
stars- use foil wrapping paper and cut out lots of stars of all sizes, all 5-points, glue some to card stock to make the who am i? game.
trophies- paint little cups gold with little grapes in them, make lables
and the winner is- use red paper to make sealed enveloped to reveal the winner of the awards.

Parties Just for Fun

St Patrick's Day

vic-kye — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:49:48 CDT

St. Patty's Jokes
Irish Recipes
Irish Stories
Irish Coloring Pages

Here's a few ideas for a St. Patty's Day party for kids:

Pin The Shamrock on the Leprechaun

Supplies:
Big picture of a Leprechaun
A green shamrock, for each child, with adhesive on back and their name on the front
Blindfold
How To Play:
Blindfold the player, spin 'em around and let them try to stick the shamrock where it's supposed to go.
Give a prize for the player that gets the closest.

Irish Hot Potato

Supplies:
Potato
Celtic or Irish Jig Music
How To Play:
Sit the children in a circle. Hand one child the potato.
Explain to the children that when the music begins they will pass the potato to the person on their right.
When the music stops whoever's holding the potato scoots out of the circle and playing resumes.
This game also provides a great opportunity to discuss agriculture in Ireland.
Perhaps they could pass while you talk and when you stop (every once in awhile)
the person holding the potato has to recap what you said.

Gold, Gold, Who's got the Gold

Supplies:
A large gold coin (or create our pot of gold craft).
How To Play:
A child is chosen to be the Leprechaun and hides her eyes
as a gold coin is given to a child to hide in his lap or behind his back.
The Leprechaun then has three chances to guess which child has their gold coin.
(All children hide their hands in their laps/behind their backs like they have it.)

Pot of Gold Toss

Supplies:
Large cardboard pot. Good size hole cut-out in center of pot, or
a few small holes for older kids.
Gold circular bean bags (gold coins)
Bucket to hold bean bags
Tape to mark distance line
How To Play:
Place cardboard pot a little distance from a wall with a paper box lid on floor to catch chocolate bean bags.
Mark your distance line according to age and skill of children.
Line children up behind the line and place a bucket of gold coin bean bags beside them.
Give each child three tries to get their bean bag through the hole.
Get all three gold coin bean bags in and earn a 'chocolate' coin reward.
Consider our pot of gold game as a fun alternative for smaller groups.

Shamrock Shake

Supplies:
Instant Pistachio pudding
Small container with lids
Milk
Plastic spoon for each child
How To Make:
Put a teaspoon of pistachio pudding in each container,
add milk and let them shake and shimmy for about three minutes
until the pudding thickens up and turns green.

How to Make Leprechaun Trap
Begin your celebration by building a Leprechaun trap.
Start by gathering your supplies. Items from around the house will do;
shoebox, glitter, pipe cleaners, markers, construction paper, wrapping paper, glue stick, egg carton, tape etc.
Children will love creating the design, from the bait to the trap.
Everyone knows that leprechauns arequick and crafty….
So you'll have to lure them inwith bait…
a piece of gold (chocolate coin), a pennyor a4 leaf clover.
Try using Lucky Charms cereal!
Leave your trap out the nightbefore St. Patty's Day and in the mornin' see what's happened.
It's hard to actually catch the leprechauns,
but they always leave little green foot prints and some chocolate coins behind.

St. Patrick's Day Party Decorations
Of course the color scheme for this party will be green and white with some yellow.
But, you may also want add a rainbow or two.
Decorate the room with green and white balloons, streamers etc.
Hang paper shamrocks from the walls and ceilings.
Enlist your kids help to make the shamrocks. they'll enjoy participating in the preparations.
Dress up the table with a white table cloth.
Scatter any of these items to make a festive table; paper shamrock's that the kids have created,
green sequins or curling ribbon, gold wrapped chocolate coins or kisses.

An Irish Welcome
Upon arrival, magically transform each guest into a leprechaun
with a hat and a face painted shamrock or rainbow.
Tip: Enlist a friend or teenager for the face painting.
You'll need to be with the children.

End of the Rainbow Treasure Hunt
Before the party make a rainbow using markers and poster paper.
Hide a pile of chocolate or plastic gold coins with the rainbow.
Create fun Irish clues that the children will use to find the rainbow.

Or even easier...hide the coins around the party area
and send the kids on a hunt.

Variation:
Use a permanent marker to write a number on each coin.
The number will correspond to a prize that the child can collect after the hunt is complete.
Prizes can be small such as candy bars, a box of Lucky Charms cereal,
green bubble bath or nail polish from your local dollar store.

Pot Of Gold Coin Toss
Use a cast Iron or any black pot. Establish a reasonable distance from
the pot and tape a paper shamrock to the floor. The children will take
turns trying to toss the coins into the pot. A small prize such as a sticker,
or small candy, can be awarded each time.

Feeding Your Little Leprechauns
Obviously anything green is in order for a St. Patrick's day party.
You can choose to serve a large Irish meal of Corned beef,
potatoes and soda bread.
However, I recommend lighter fare for a kids party.
Potato skins with melted cheese.
Green fruit such as grapes, kiwi, green apple, and honey dew melon,
served with yogurt dip
Raw green vegetables such as green beans, celery and cucumber,
served with dip.
Cheese sandwiches or quesadillas cut with a shamrock cookie cutter.
Green Jell-O Jigglers or green gelatin, topped with marshmallows.
Pour the gelatin into clear plastic cups before chilling.

St. Patrick's Day Drinks and Treats

Lucky Lime Drinks
Put one or two small scoops of lime sherbet in a clearglass ice-cream
cup or mug. Pour 7-Up over the sherbet.
Add a blob of whipped cream,green sugarsprinkles anda green maraschino cherry!

Irish Mint Floats
Drop two scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream into a glass mug.
Pour milk over the top add a drop ortwo ofgreen food coloring.
Top with whipped cream andgreen sugar sprinkles.

Peppermint Candy Shake
You'll Need:
2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Peppermint Pattie bars, or Junior Mints cut into pieces
Blender

Directions:
Place candy pieces and place into the freezer for 15 minutes.
Combine all ingredients in the blender and blend on medium speed for 30 seconds.
Stir with a spoon and blend for 30 more seconds. Repeat until desired consistency is reached.
For a thicker shake, place blended milkshake into freezer for a few minutes.
Top with whipped cream and more mint candy pieces on top.

A Good Luck Party Favor
Send each guest home with a lucky green carnation. Use your computer
to generate Irish Blessing notes, that you'll tie to each carnation.
Your children can make the green carnations a day or two before the party.
Simply place white carnations in water with several drops of green food color added.
Like magic, the next day the flowers will be green!

An Old Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

A Wish for a Friend
Wishing you a rainbow
for sunlight after showers.
Miles and miles of Irish smiles,
for golden happy hours.
Shamrocks at your doorway,
for luck and laughter too,
and a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

Parties Just for Fun

vic-kye — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:44:30 CDT

Nobody ever said you couldn't have a party whenever you wanted to.
And, well... I took that to heart. Any excuse to throw a party is good enough for me.
August in particular is completely devoid of Holidays so that's when I get the most creative.

Movie Night

Holidays

vic-kye — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:39:21 CDT

National Holidays have come to be standardised for most people. But not here.
I believe that every year should be a new experience
and every Holiday should be seen in a new perspective each time it comes around.

St. Patrick's Day

Photography and Video

vic-kye — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:14:40 CDT

Photography and Video

Photos & Video:
Photographer 600
Videographer 200
Additional prints and videos 50
Subtotal: 850

Two words- magic hour. All the posed shots will be taken in that hour just before sunset when the light is diffused and golden and everyone looks fabulous. Preferably through a grove of trees with beams of light shining through the branches. Hopefully there will be snow to complete the ambiance. For the video- what I want is a music video to "everything I do" by Bryan Adams. Pretty much like the one at the end of the Robin Hood movie. The smoky surreal look would be perfect- like the dream sequences in "Eragon".