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New Year's Comes Early

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New Year's Comes Early

August 31, 2012 General by Shelby

As a parent of kids in grade-school, the New Year doesn’t begin January 1. It actually begins in September...for this is a time of new classrooms, new teachers, new friends, new play-dates, new clothes, new daily schedules, and everything else that comes with the beginning of a school year. Here it is early September and already my calendar is filled with fundraiser dates, school events, and vacation breaks—not to mention birthdays and other special occasions! Multiply all this activity times the number of kids you have, and before you know it, the remainder of the year and on into the next is booked solid.

So, in honor of all you busy, busy people for whom New Year's comes four months early, I offer you a simple Party Plan for September, one that can be used for a Back-to-School event, a Getting-to-Know-You party, a birthday, or a fun anniversary. On this episode of “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” you’ll learn how to pull off a Jungle Safari Scavenger Hunt simply by watching six short videos.

My party design philosophy is simple. All details can be categorized into six elements: a great theme; inviting invitations; exciting decorations; tasty food and drinks; engaging activities; and heartfelt special touches. When planning a party with clients, we design each element to create a fun, memorable and cohesive Party Plan that guests will remember for a lifetime. Because I use this philosophy on my show, you get to watch the process in action! Six elements, six videos. Now that’s very cool and time efficient!

Our YouCanPlanAParty.com website further supports the Party Plan with specific themed food ideas and recipes, downloadable music playlists, and clever party supply resources. We’ve made throwing a themed party easier than ever, and when you’re a busy person with multiple parties to throw every year, that’s a very good thing to know!

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Shipwrecked Island Fantasies Become Really Fun Parties!

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Shipwrecked Island Fantasies Become Really Fun Parties!

June 18, 2012 General by Shelby

When I was younger and single, I often fantasized about being shipwrecked on a deserted island along with scantily clad castaways and a band of handsome, swashbuckling and marauding pirates. I don’t know. Perhaps it was the result of watching The Blue Lagoon or the Pirate Movie too many times as a tweenager, or taking Rex Smith too seriously in his Pirates of Penzance role. It might also have had something to do with being a child of the 80s and LOVING the new-romantic look. (Despite what the Seinfeld friends have said...Pirate Shirts rock!).

I often thought my teenage fantasy would make a great party theme and this month on "Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party" I’ll be sharing with you the six elements to creating a “family” version of a shipwreck party. In the meantime, here are some deserted island ideas that aren’t appropriate for the whole family, but would be great fun for the adults.

Invitations - Request that everyone come dressed in their skimpiest stranded island or sexiest pirate costumes. Hold a contest and award prizes for the best costume, the smallest costume, the best chest, the hottest legs, and for the most likely to invade.

Decor & Ambiance - Consider having your party on the beach. There’s nothing like a little sand between your toes and the fresh sea air to get a sultry party started.

Food & Beverage - A “Shot Luge” is a must! If not that, body shots at the very least. (Be sure to check out this month’s recipe for “Blue Lagoon” and consider “Tan Titi’s” for your shots. The Tan Titi’s coconut rum, vodka and pineapple juice will go nicely with the two rums in the Blue Lagoon.)

Activities - A live island music band would absolutely pump up the fun to a whole new level, but a DJ or recorded dance or pirate music that includes songs like Sea Cruise, Gilligan's Island Theme, Limbo Rock, and Day-O The Banana Boat Song would be great too. (Don’t forget to check out this month’s iMix playlist for a fun selection of party tunes!) Be sure to encourage slow dances. Have a “Dirty Dancing” contest for couples, a limbo contest, and even a hula hoop contest performed in grass skirts and coconut bras, of course. Again, be sure to award prizes for the best and worst performance.

For a fun game idea be sure to check out this month’s “Ask Shelby” column.

Special Touches - Just because you’re throwing a sexy, alcohol-filled adult party doesn’t mean it can’t have heart too! As the host or hostess, give your guests a special memento of the evening like a group photo to take home or better yet, give them something to wear and enjoy during the party. A favor bag full of personal items is another fun idea. Who couldn’t use mints, sunglasses or a shot glass necklace?

As with all my Party Plans, this one is intended to inspire you! Considering your friends (and family) and your party style, do what works best for you. Mix and match these ideas with the ideas from this month’s videos and add a few of your own, and you’re sure to create a party people will be talking about long after they’ve returned to civilization!

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