Family Night: Dance Party

I love to dance.  When I was in high school and college, I was on the dance team.  But that was SO 20+ years ago.  (But who's counting?!?!)

I refuse to let my grown-up-ness stop me from my first love.  Okay, I admit it, the moves aren't quite there anymore.  Maybe I feel like an old person when I try to move it and shake it and throw my hands in the air and wave 'em like I just don't care.  Darn age.  But hey - this old girl still has her groove on, at least on the inside :)

So.... We have Family Dance Parties in the living room.  We started when our kids were really young. (So they didn't know any better!)  We crank up the dance music and dance our butts off.  For hours.  I'm not kidding.  Now the kids don't know any better and think it is fun.  In fact, if we have gone too long without a dance party, they request one!

SO much fun dancing with them!

Costumes are optional :)

I'd highly encourage it!  Let yourself go.  Really.  Let. Yourself. Go!  Stop being so grown up.  Crank up your old cassette player (or if you must stay modern, your ipod!), get out that 80s music and go to town.  Call it a party and your kids will be thrilled.  They won't care that no one else is invited, it's like your own private family party.  And family conga lines - too much fun for words.

Just Dance makes Family Dance Night so much easier.  That way you are not responsible for your own dance moves!  If you do not have this game for the wii or XBox, it is a great investment.  You will not believe how much fun your family will have cracking up at each other's moves. 

A family that dances together stays together :)

Thanksgiving Party

Many people don't think of Thanksgiving as a party, per se.  But it certainly is!  Food is the star of the show at this party, for sure.  But there are other things you can incorporate into the celebration to create a festive astmosphere.

Obviously, the theme of the day is Thankfulness.  Instead of going around the table and having everyone say what they are thankful for (too much pressure!), keep it light and fun by having crafts.  Yes, I know, Uncle Joe is going to grumble while little Suzie will squeal.  But surprisingly, most everyone will participate.  I promise!

Pick one craft idea, you don't want to overwhelm your guests. 

Idea #1:  Thankful Turkey

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We did this one year and I still have it wrapped up in storage to pull out someday when my kids are grown!  Obviously it takes a little preparation.  You will need to wrap your styrofoam balls with yarn and cut and glue your felt accents ahead of time.  You can cut your feathers out ahead of time too, that way all your guests have to do is write what they are thankful for.  (I have found that the less grown-ups have to do, the better - although children might like cutting out their own feathers.) 

Idea #2:  Thankful Tablecloth

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I love this idea.  You can use a plain tablecloth or you could even get a pre-printed one (as long as there is enough space for writing/drawing).  Using fabric markers, write "I am thankful for..." in the center of the tablecloth.  Write it big enough so it stands out.  Once your guests arrive, have the fabric markers available on the table.  Allow your guests to write whenever they are ready, but encourage them to do so before the day is over.  With children, have them trace their hands as well as write.  Keep your tablecloth and re-use it year after year.  It will become a Thanksgiving treasure as you see how the children have grown and how many blessings your family and/or friends have experienced over the years!

Don't forget about table decorations.  Since food is the main attraction, you want to serve it on a beautifully set table!  Bring out your china.  Use wine glasses, even for water.  And yes, even allow the children to use real glasses, just for today.  Cloth napkins.  Candlelight.  Beatiful serving dishes.  And don't forget a centerpiece.  Real flowers, pumpkins or gourds, and/or fall decorations are all good ideas.

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And after your table is set, don't forget to dress up - YOU!  No sweatshirts today.  Put on a pretty fall scarf, some boots, and fancy earrings.  Enjoy the "grown-up-ness" of this special day.

Welcome!

I love to plan a party.  I get an idea in my head and it is literally all I can think about. No joke.  And then I go all out.  Well, not all out because I don't have a money tree in my backyard!

Some have suggested that I go into the Party Planning Business.  Is there a market for such a business?  I have no clue.  A wedding planner, yes.  But a party planner?  Hum. 

So I decided to start this blog.  Maybe it will be a first step in my future business!  :)  If you live in Western Pennsylvania and you are looking for a Party Planner, leave a comment and let me know!

Otherwise, consider this a blog where you can find ideas for your party.  I'll include links, how-to's, pictures and fun ideas.  I always keep things simple, budget friendly, and fun. 

Let's get this party started!