Throw a Fourth of July BBQ

July 4th is right around the corner. It's time to start planning your perfect Fourth of July Barbecue! Gather your food list, decorations and activities that scream out independence and freedom!

When it comes to food for a Fourth of July BBQ all you need to do is keep it simple and provide foods that are normally served at BBQ’s. Don’t worry about BBQing something that everybody is going to eat because most people will eat your classic BBQ foods, even kids. For meats you should stick with something simple like hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs. For side dishes you can have potato salad, macaroni salad or any other type of pasta salad that you enjoy on warm summer days. You should also include some type of green salad and corn on the cob (off the grill of course) to round out your major food groups. When planning the food menu for your BBQ do not forget to include some type of chocolate dessert and plenty of beverages for your guests to drink.

Planning a Fourth of July BBQ for numerous people can get rather expensive, especially if you are the one providing all of the food and beverages. One thing that you can do to help reduce the cost of the food is to have everybody bring something, such as a side dish, dessert, chips and dip, etc. Or you can have everybody bring their own meat and you can provide the side dish. One thing that is really common in Fourth of July BBQ’s is to have everybody bring their own beverages.

When you are planning a Fourth of July BBQ you will need to think about some kind of decorating theme. Most people will adorn their backyard with red, white and blue streamers and balloons. Some other things you might consider adding would be a tablecloth, napkins and plates that are red, white, and blue or you can choose ones that have a picture of the flag or fireworks. Just keep in mind that you are going to want to purchase plenty of paper plates and napkins for the BBQ, this way you won’t have a pile of dishes to wash once your evening has ended.

Another thing that you need to think about for your Fourth of July BBQ is what kind of daytime entertainment you will be providing. Will you have a karaoke machine, allow swimming in a pool, have a stereo system set up, or will it be a social event? Whatever you have planned, be sure to inform your guests so that they know how to dress and if they need to bring a change of clothes.

One of the most important things to do when planning a Fourth of July BBQ is to decide where you are going to have the party. Some things that come into play would be if you are going to light your own fireworks, or if you plan on going to a park for a professional firework display. Whichever activity you choose be sure to leave extra time available so you can travel to your destination. Or if you are planning on going to a park to watch a firework display you might want to have the BBQ at the park. If this is the case, be sure to call ahead and reserve a table or get there early in the morning so you can still find a table.

Beach Bonfire Party Checklist

Summer is just around the corner, so now is a great time to start prepping for a beach bonfire party!

Here is a checklist for throwing a fun and successful bonfire party:

1.) Location- Find a beach that allows bonfires. Most beaches that allow bonfires will provide you with a pit to get your bonfire started.

2.) Spread the word- Let people know that you're having a bonfire party. You can let people know by creating a Facebook event, word of mouth, or even sending formal invitations.

3.) Equipment- Make sure you have the right equipment for your bonfire. You'll need wood, a shovel and lighter fluid.

4.) Music- Have some sort of music playing in the background to set the mood right. You can either bring a portable radio or even have someone play the guitar.

5.) Food and snacks- Be prepared with some tasty food and snacks for your guests. Some popular ideas are marshmallows and hot dogs.

These are just some tips to get you started on your beach bonfire party, but feel free to get creative and come up with your own unique ideas.

Fun in the Sun - Coachella Inspired

Whether or not you are going to Coachella this year, the desert music festival is the perfect excuse to throw a pool party of epic proportions wherever you are! And if you are not going but really want to experience the fun in the sun, don't worry! You can still party true Coachella style if you follow these tips! 

 Decorate your pool party with big pinatas and inflatable pool toys!

Ask one of your friends to DJ at your party! Or better yet be the DJ yourself! Create a masterful playlist filled with cool tunes or download one online!

Sunglasses and bottled water would make perfect party favors!

Prepare refreshments for your guests!

Easy as 1-2-3! HAVE FUN!

How To Plan A Mother's Day Brunch

We all love our Mother's so it's time to show your mom she’s really special this year by throwing her a Mother’s Day brunch. Your Mom is sure to have a great day using these simple steps. It does take some planning, but the most important aspect is making sure your mother doesn’t lift a finger. 

Where?

Having the brunch at your home would be the most convenient place however, you may not live close to Mom. You might need to pick a venue that is closer to her or in the middle. Know approximately how many people you'll invite, and then hunt for the perfect party place. Check with friends and relatives with big houses or large yards to see if anyone would be willing to allow you use their space or locate an event hall. 

Invitations

Either create your own invitations or buy them but make sure your guests know where to be and when. Consider sending out emails or making phone class to follow up on RSVPs. Knowing how many guest will be attending is crucial to the rest of your party planning.

Menu

Anything goes for this in-between meal that's usually scheduled later than breakfast but earlier than lunch. This means you can mix up dishes from both meals and get the best of both worlds. Don't forget to include Mom's favorite dish!

mimosas 

Mimosas are a favorite for brunch -- so you can toast to Mom. Make sure to have a variety of drinks for your guests. 

Must have!

Make sure your guests have everything they need to sit back and enjoy. Have enough plates, napkins, cups and silverware on hand for all your guests, and a few extra chairs.

MAKE IT PRETTY

If you're having a low-key party at home, you don't have to get too fancy. Make sure your house is clean, cover tables with pretty table covers, and set out some flowers to get the place looking festive. If you're using an event hall or party house, you may have to get a little more creative. Create centerpieces to tie all the tables together. These can be as simple as flowers in matching vases or balloon bouquets. You might even consider designing each centerpiece around a photo of Mom.

Fun Tip

Consider breakfast in bed. Serve Mom her favorite muffins, fresh fruit, coffee and orange juice on a tray. Don't forget to include her favorite magazine and flowers on the tray.

Party Ideas for all Graduates of 2012

Graduation is a great milestone for all students. Graduation is a step in a persons life that provides a bridge from a student role to a professional role with an added feel of self-actualization as Maslow would put it.

There is many different possibilities for ideas for Graduates, here a few we came up with:

Graduate Ideas:

• Intimate Dinner Party
• Themed Party
• Make a Video Memoir
• Great Gifts as a sign of recognition
• Graduation Potluck
• Money Tree Party

A great graduation party isn't solely based on the activities of the party, but moreover the overlying reason behind the party. This event only happens once in a persons lifetime and should be remembered as a memorable event.  Tears of joy, hugs, sobbing parents, family reunions are all common things that happen during Graduation ceremonies.

Please remember as you graduate, do not forget to thank those who supported you through all those hard times of your academic career. Congratulations Graduations of 2012, we wish you the best in your future!

Easter Treats

Happy Easter!

The Easter Bunny has arrived so grab your Easter basket and get your eggs ready for coloring! Here are some tasty treats we thought you might like to make for your Easter celebration.

Colored Deviled Eggs- Hard boil your eggs like normal then place them in food coloring.  There are many different ways to make deviled eggs so use a recipe that you prefer.  Place the filling in the colored eggs and enjoy!

Easter Chick Deviled Eggs- Hard boil your eggs like normal.  Cut the top off on side of the egg.  Make the filling to your own preference. Use pieces of a black olive for the eyes and carrot slivers for the beak.

Peep Smores-  Use colorful peeps instead of marshmallows to make festive smores. 

Easter Cupcakes

Chick- Use shredded coconut and soak it in yellow food coloring. Use M&Ms for the eyes and small orange gumdrops for the beak

Nest- Use cream cheese frosting, toasted shredded coconut and chocolate malt eggs on top.

Party Favor Ideas

Buckets of Bubblegum

Whether you're planning a kid's birthday party or a neighborhood block party, a small pail filled to the rim with colorful gumballs will do the trick.

Easy as Pie

Perfect for an outdoor barbecue or intimate dinner party, these petite pie party favors will capture the hearts and tummies of all your guests. Tiny pie tins, your favorite pie crust recipe and a delicious canned-pie filling make these little gifts simple to make. Don't forget to wrap up the delectable treats in your favorite vintage handkerchiefs or fabric for an extra-special touch.

Wrapped-Up of Bouquet

Bundle up some freshly picked flowers with printed wrapping paper. Then attach a ribbon to the top of the cone-shaped vase. As your guests are about to leave, just send these pretty arrangements home with them.

Great Spring Break Destinations!

With spring break going on all over the country, we thought it would be a good idea to provide some ideas on where to spend the week or two that your mind is switched off. Enjoy!

Vegas
This ones pretty self explanatory for spring breakers. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...

Europe
Although not quite as popular as the party beaches of the US and Mexico, a week to Europe will definitely serve as a great way to relieve the pressures of everyday life!

Florida (Miami)
Spring break in Miami has been a tradition for many college students, and for good reason too. Very little places compare to the relaxing yet intense beaches of Miami Florida.

Mexico (Cancun)
Even with rumors about Mexico being a dangerous tourist attraction, millions still migrate south to let loose in Cancun Mexico!

Lake Havasu
This was once a hidden gem in the deserts of Nevada/Arizona, but now serves as the destination for spring breakers across the nation.

Where did your favorite spring break take place?!