Fortune Cookie Favors

Pass out these unique “fortune cookies” to your guests as unique party favors.  Cut a large circle (six-inch diameter or slightly smaller) from red or gold metallic wrapping paper, then roll into a tube and glue in place.  Fold the tube at the center, creating a bend or curve similar to a fortune cookie’s shape. 

Write your “fortunes” on slips of decorative white paper, predicting everything from love to financial success — or a few inside jokes between you and your guests. Slip the finished fortunes, one each, into your “cookies” and pile decoratively on a platter with an invitation for each guest to take one.

Sweet and Spicy Menu

Prepare some sweet and savory finger foods inspired by Asian favorites.  Make mini egg rolls by chopping cabbage, carrots, and cooked beef into tiny pieces, then saute with soy sauce and white ginger to taste.  Cut won ton wraps into fourths and place a spoonful into each — roll them up, tucking the ends close carefully, then fry until crispy and golden.

For a chicken dish sure to be loved even by picky eaters, dip pieces of white chicken in melted butter, then roll in flour and pepper and fry until golden.  Layer the chicken over a bed of plain or flavored rice. Cookie honey and dried garlic (seasoned to taste) and drizzle over the chicken and rice.

Asian-Themed Table

Asian-themed fabrics, like vintage kimono panels, are easy to find online or through ethnic-inspired brands.  A long kimono-style panel makes a perfect table runner for a New Year’s buffet, with smaller pieces perfect for place mats.

For a centerpiece, draw on the favorite Chinese firework displays by cutting thin strips of shiny metallic paper and forming “pom poms” glued to wooden towels or skewers.  Place the finished “firework wands” in a jar or vase in the center of the table — large displays can also double as party favors.

Create your own Chinese New Year concepts by adapting your favorite aspects of the ethnic holiday into easy party concepts perfect for entertaining your guests.

Your Local Deli

Before we get into some of the best finger food recipes here’s a very helpful tip that will get you started: your local deli can be your best friend when it comes to finger foods because many of the finger food recipes used will come from your deli.  The reason we choose the deli is because most everything is pre-made.  You either have to set it out or cook and serve it.  If you’ve avoided your deli beforehand it’s time you took to this remarkable section of the grocery store.

The Veggie Platter

A party time classic, the veggie platter, available with an array of dressings and a variety of vegetables, is always appreciated.  Everyone will dip into fun with carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, miniature bell peppers, sweet peas, etc.  This simple finger food recipe takes minutes to prepare (especially if you buy a pre-made veggie platter at the store).  The veggie platter can go fast so be sure you have plenty.

Kalamata Olives

At one point olives were literally the finger food choice for kids as they literally plopped black olives on all five fingers before eating, now, as adults, you can enjoy the rich taste of Kalamata olives.  This tasteful finger food recipe only requires a jar of Kalamata olives (which will be found at the deli) and some classy cocktail toothpicks.  If you’re all about presentation set these delectable treats on a bed of leaves, stick the olives with your toothpicks and set out for friends and family to enjoy.

Jalapeno Chili Poppers

To really spice up your evening try jalapeno chili poppers baked fresh.  This particular finger food recipe can be found at your deli or in the freezer section.  Add variety by serving mild and spicy.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a straightforward finger food recipe to make and your guests will be asking you for the recipe by the end of the night.  Simply wash your mushrooms and remove the stem which is then diced and sautéed in butter, minced garlic and a touch of parsley.  Stuff your mushroom caps with your cooked stems sprinkling grated cheese (your choice) over the top.  Broil until cheese melts then serve.  For a variety use different grated cheeses or add some cooked meat into the mixture of sautéed stems.

While it’s considerate to have a main course at your party your guests will enjoy the array of appetizers you serve.  Play and create your own finger food recipes that your guests can enjoy.

In planning the menu for cocktail parties you have to take into account that everyone will be standing up. Of course, you may have lots of room with ample space for guests to sit, but very few do. Part of the fun of a cocktail party is the mingling. For a small informal party, you can serve any hors-d’oeuvre that can be eaten in the hand, including food on skewers or even food cooked during the party, such as fondue. Try to strike a balance between shapes and flavors, just as if you were planning a dinner menu. One dish on skewers or picks is enough; do not have everything stuffed or ground or mixed with olives or made with cheese.

For informal occasions, make soft pates or other meat spreads and serve them in mounds, sprinkled with a garnish and surrounded by bread rounds, Melba toast or crackers. In this case, crackers will serve well; guest spread their own just before eating them, and they have no chance to become soggy. Of course, these spreads will not look like much as your party goes on, but they can start out looking impressive. How about a beautiful mound of poultry pate sprinkled with green pistachios and ringed with very thin rounds of dark rye bread? Or ham pate sprinkled with a mixture of chopped onion, black olives, parsley and grated lemon rind, with alternate narrow strips of white and whole wheat bread? Either tastes delicious with any sort of drink and serves as an excellent splasher.

Canapés are good, of course, and so are the tiny bite sized tarts; bake the tarts in muffin pans of 1 inch diameter. There is no met pie that cannot be adapted to a one bite serving, but be sure to use a pastry that is dry to the touch. Cream cheese pastry is good.

Another favorite today is cocktail frankfurters served with bowls of sauce. They are also good rolled in pastry or biscuit dough and baked. Try this idea with any meat mixture; spread it on biscuit dough, roll it into a narrow roll and slice; bake the little slices until the biscuit is done. If you make your own bread, you can use yeast bread dough, risen once, for these roll ups.

Stuffed mushrooms are especially nice for cocktail parties, and other stuffed vegetables are good too. You could serve a selection of stuffed vegetables.

Miniature pizzas made with meat are good, too. You can make your own quarter sized English muffing, or buy pizza dough mix and cut into small rounds or squares. Tomato and cheese are not the only fillings; add diced salami or other meat, a spoonful of chopped plum tomatoes, a crisscross of anchovies. This could be your household specialty.

When it comes to large cocktail parties, skip everything on skewers; they can stab innocent victims, and it is hard to know what to do with the empty skewer once the food is eaten. Also skip the mounds of spreads because, with a mob it is difficult for everyone to reach them. Have everything ready to pick up and eat without more ado. Unless you have help in the kitchen, do not try to serve hot dishes. To keep cold dishes from drying out, cover them with plastic wrap until you serve them. If your tidbits are suited to it, brush a layer of aspic over the tops to keep them looking fresh and prevent drying.

By planning you food in advance, you party, large or small, will surely be a success and have everyone leaving with a full stomach and a smile on their face.

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The bachelorette party has become a substitute or an addition to the traditional shower.  While the shower might feature older relatives and friends, the bachelorette party is for the “girls” a bride hangs out with. 

When planning bachelorette party, you should know that some of these events are of the “cakes and tea” variety.  Decorations will include pastel streamers and hearts.  The theme will be romantic and gifts may include household items that the bride will need if she is setting up a home for the first time.  In many ways, this kind of party is just a shower for the younger set.

Other times, planning bachelorette party will involve pampering the bride and her wedding party.  Perhaps an in home bridal make up demonstration will do the trick.  Other times, a trip to the spa for all of the guests makes for the perfect party.  In this case, gifts that reflect the luxurious nature of the day – soaps, perfumes, etc. – are most appropriate.

Some brides, picking up on the more decadent tastes of their male counterparts, will want a sex-themed party.  This may involve male strippers either as an at-home event or as a party to Chippendale’s.  If it is an at home party, themes and decorations may be quite crude.  Gifts, as well, can reflect the sexual nature of marriage and exotic lingerie is always welcome.

Other times, the “girls” go out to a bar for a last night out.  The bride will be given a checklist of events she must do that evening including kissing a man with the groom’s first name, getting a single guy’s phone number, and more.

Destination bridal showers are becoming popular as well.  When planning bachelor party away from home, consider what the bride wants.  Is she looking for the ultimate spa experience in Scottsdale, AZ, or is she wanting to party in Vegas?

But, as brides and grooms find that they don’t want “one last fling” as much as they want to celebrate their commitment to each other with both their male and female friends, you may find that planning bachelorette party involves the groom as well. 

The so called “Stag and Doe” or “Jack and Jill” parties involve all of the bridal couple’s friends.  They are also used as fundraisers for the wedding sometimes.

As far as finances go, you should never expect the bride to foot any of the bill.  The guests should chip in for her portion.  Considering that the guests must cover their own bill as well as a portion of the brides’ planning bridal party must keep a reasonable budget in mind.

It can be a lot of fun planning a bachelorette party.

A wedding bachelor party is a time to hang out with the guys and do the kinds of things that will be “off limits” once he gets hitched.  It’s the wedding bachelor party and not the ceremony itself that will be remembered by most guys.

Wedding bachelor parties are getting more elaborate these days.  What once was a poker game with a stripper or a trip to a steakhouse followed by a night at a strip club has morphed into weekend long road trips.  Could this be because people have more money to spend on the whole wedding “event?”  Or is it just in guys’ natures to compete with each other?

In either case, a wedding bachelor party now can mean going away for the weekend.  If you are a groomsman in on the planning of such an extended event, you may want to get help from the Bride for the planning.  For instance, if you are going to surprise your friend, the Bride can help with the planning and even swipe his passport if you are taking him out of the country.

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Perhaps no place is better suited for an “end of bachelorhood” event than Las Vegas.  Between the casinos and the topless shows, there’s something for every element of the bachelor party.  Consider going around an event such as the Superbowl or March Madness when you can take full advantage of the sports book.  And, as everyone knows, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

New Orleans at Marti Gras is another favorite place for a wedding bachelor party.  Debauchery is the name of the game and a bachelor party goes over well in this city.

If your buddy is athletic, consider a trip that he can be active on.  Whether it is a fishing trip in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or a Ski weekend in Whistler, Canada, keep him busy doing something he loves.

On that same note, encourage him to do something that his wife to be might put off limits.  For instance, go skydiving or parasailing.  It’s an event he’ll remember long after he says “I do.”

Another thing to consider is taking him on a dream sporting events trip.  How about the New York Yankees meeting the Boston Red Socks?  Can you get tickets to a college Bowl game?  These kinds of events, paired with a great steak and a trip to a nudie bar, can be quite memorable for some time.

Whatever you do for your buddy for his wedding Bachelor party, make it fun and memorable.

Some bachelorette party ideas are on the wild side, comparable to the traditional bachelor events.  Others are more in the nature of getting together with the girls for bonding time before a woman becomes a wife. 

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Wild events usually involve dressing in short skirts, going to a bar, and/or having a stripper come in.  If you have a Chippendale’s or Thunder from Down Under event in your town, these can be great places to take a bride who wants a walk on the wild side.

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A scavenger hunt for the bride can spark some memorable moments.  Ask her to do things like kiss a guy with the groom’s name, ask for a blow job shot at the bar, and get a guy’s underwear can be fun for the adventurous bride.

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If you are looking for Bachelorette party ideas that you can do at home, make a main dish out of penis pasta (yes, it does exist) and follow it with adult fortune cookies for desert. 

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More mild ideas include doing a spa day, a makeup party, or going to a play or concert.  While these fall more into the traditional “shower” category of events, a more traditional bride might feel more comfortable doing these things.

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Another one of my favorite home bachelorette party ideas is to hire a psychic and a tarot card reader.  Let her predict the future of the bride’s marriage and whether any of her friends will find true love.

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Bachelorette party ideas that involve gambling can be a lot of fun.  Go to a local casino or even the race track.  Lose your inhibitions and lose (or win) some money.

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Go to a memorable bar.  This can be anything from a disco bar (yes they still exist), a country line dancing place (he’s not likely to go with her later), or even karaoke.

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Call an improv comedy company ahead of time and book a table on the front row.  Let them know you’re bringing a bride to be and there should be a lot of funny moments.

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If the group can afford it, consider taking the bachelorette party on the road.  Go on a Sex and the City tour in New York.  Take her to Las Vegas for a final fling with the girls.  Or, if there’s some place that you know she likes but her husband to be hates (for instance, a cruise to the Bahamas that she finds interesting and he finds boring), give her “one last chance” to go.  Remember though that the group should ante up for the Bride’s share.  It’s her party and she doesn’t have to pay for it.

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Hopefully this article has given you some bachelorette party ideas that can help you make a bride’s last days as a single woman as memorable as possible.

There are many kinds of bachelor’s party.  These events are also known as stag parties or stag nights in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Bull’s Party in South Africa, and Buck’s Night in Australia.  So, the events are a worldwide phenomena. 

Sometimes the bachelor’s party is a low key affair involving a good barbeque at someone’s home or a restaurant at a steak restaurant.  These are events where men can bond – something they don’t do easily.

Usually these events include a lot of drinking and mild ribbing to the groom.  The idea that the groom is taking on a “ball and chain” or giving up his freedom is often the subject of the jokes.

But, when you say “bachelor’s party” one word comes immediately to mind – strippers!  Whether it is inviting a single stripper to a home party or going to a gentlemen’s club, semi-naked women are de rigor for bachelor parties.

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Additionally, more bachelors’ parties are taking place as destination events.  Las Vegas is the most popular spot for a weekend bachelor’s party because of the casinos and “mainstream” topless revues.  There are a number of Las Vegas companies that include drivers, hosts, and admissions to two or more of Las Vegas’ popular strip joints.

Miami, New Orleans, and Chicago are also popular destinations in the United States.  Canadian cities are catching on because they have more liberal views of what can happen at a strip club.  Montreal is a popular destination for Americans and Canadians alike.

But, a destination can also revolve around active pursuits.  Taking your buddy to a golf course he’s always dreamed of playing on, going sports fishing in Cabo San Lucas, or even going to major spectator sports like the Super Bowl can make for a memorable bachelor’s party.

Sometimes a bachelor’s party is a “surprise” event for the groom.  He knows only the date and time.  All of the details are left to the best man and the friends.  Other times, a groom works with the planner’s to make sure that there are no unwelcome events.

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It can also help to get the bride involved to a limited extent.  This can help for two reasons.  If there are logistical details (such as getting the groom packed for a surprise weekend away) the bride can often help.  But, you don’t want your buddy to get in trouble with his wife to be right before the wedding, so her input can save a lot of trouble.

Whatever you do, if there is drinking involved, make sure you arrange transportation for the whole party.  Limos are often cheaper than taxis when you have six or more people in the party.  Keep in mind that the Spartan’s didn’t have drinking and driving laws when they toasted their friend, but we do.  There’s no worse way to end a bachelor’s party than to have the best man – or the groom – in the drunk tank on the day of the wedding.

Monster Mash Musical Chairs

Do the twist and shout — and create a cool party game — which turns Musical Chairs into a spooky experience. Pop in a CD of fun monster tunes (classics like Monster Mash, Love Potion #9 and others are perfect) and form a circle of chairs, enough for all your dancing guests minus one. Let everyone dance away to the classic tunes until you hit the “pause” button — then watch them scramble from the dance floor to the seats!

Smash a Spider Pinata

Pinatas make for plenty of party fun — so why not multiply it with a treeful of scary spiders? Use a lightweight paper-mache mixture and small party balloons to form the spider’s bodies. Leave an opening at the top, fill with candy and party treats, then seal over it. Glue a painted Styrofoam ball “head” and poseable pipe cleaner “legs” to each spider, then dangle from the branches of a tree with yarn or fishing line. String some spidery cotton for webbing, then watch as your guests take a whack at their choice of spiders for a sweet treat inside.

Pumpkin Painting Contest

Perfect for kids (and artists at heart) this contest doesn’t have to be about simple black triangles on an orange surface. Cool landscapes, classic monster characters, and gruesome expressions are all possible with a little paint and imagination — the perfect prize for the winning design is up to you!

No matter what haunted scenarios or ghostly theme you choose for your party, one or more of these activities is a perfect way to keep all your guests in the Halloween spirit.

First thing I feel you will need is some really nice dishes and cups. I was lucky enough that a neighbour had some really nice Chine set that she did not want and she just gave it to me. Now you might not be that lucky if you do not have some pretty china or just nice dish set I suggest going to a local goodwill or second hand shop. You should be able to get a nice little set for a low price.

Next on my list I bought a table cloth, plastic sliver-wear, napkins and things of that nature. The cost I would say if you go to a dollar tree was about 15$ for those needed supplies. Now what I did was make a cake at home since I feel it was cheaper than buying one at the store, I also was able to make cupcakes which is what I gave the girls at my tea birthday party. I gave lemonade as the drink and cupcakes. I think this was the best birthday party a girl could ask for. I invited about 4 girls and asked them to wear dresses and be polite.

We also played music chairs and hot potatoe and let me tell you that was a lot of fun as well. I want to say not including my daughters presents I spent a total of about 50$ give or take. If you are looking for an idea for a birthday party and it is for a girl I say try a tea party themed party I think you will have a lot of fun.

On the bottom half of the paper write “First Course” followed by three lines. Then print “Second Course” and three lines; and “Third Course” three lines.

Each guest will write their name on their menu and fill out the three course selections by writing a number 1-9 on each line.  Example: First Course, 2, 5, 7.   Second Course, 1, 8, 9.  Third Course, 3, 4, 6. You might also have a selection of salad dressings listed at the bottom—they can circle their choice.

Everyone has seen a list of the food that will be served and each number stands for a menu item. Six menu items, nine numbers? Here’s the twist. Silverware is also included as a menu item.

The host has previously (and secretly) assigned a number to each item.  Example: 1=Spoon, 2=Salad, 3=Bread, 4=Knife, etc.

Now that everyone has filled out their menu and is seated at the dinner table, the work begins for the servers (Mom, Dad, siblings). Bring each guest their first course—maybe they get bread, salad and a knife.  Maybe just silverware!  After everyone is done with the first course (provide lots of napkins!) pick up plates AND any silverware they may have received.

Yes, spaghetti might have to be eaten with fingers. Soup slurped up without benefit of a spoon. Corn balanced on a knife.  It’s messy and funny! You’ll be surprised at who will eat with the most gusto and least inhibition.

Your menu items can be suited to any age group and any budget. I’ve done this dinner for 1st graders and sophomores. Even adults can enjoy this wacky dinner. Pull out the paper plates, type up the menus on your computer (or hand write them) and let the fun begin!