Posts filed under ‘Party Planning’
The Art of Earning a Brownie Girl Scout Painting Badge
There comes a time in every Brownie leader’s life when she must prepare for her first field trip with the girls, and so was my task for my third meeting. In fact, I prepared for two field trips at once.
The troop had a fantastic opportunity to work with an artist in an art gallery and to create pieces using non-traditional materials. This was a very exciting venue for our girls to earn their Painting Badges. Moreover, the girls were given the chance to sell their art at an Art Walk and give back to their community. It was a beautiful lesson that was going to come full circle.
In preparation, several things had to be done to make this trip seamless. First, our Transportation Coordinator filled out the Parent Permission forms and emailed them to the parents for their signatures. Next, he arranged for three drivers, besides me, to transport the troop to the Art Gallery. (Here’s a tip to make transportation easier: consider making multiple transportation binders. In each binder, includes a complete set of Health Histories for the girls in the troop, blank Accident/Incident Forms, and blank Adult Health Histories for each driver to fill out as needed. I also suggest keeping a set with your first aid kit. For more organizational tips, please feel free to email me at AskShelby@YouCanPlanAParty.com.)
The next task was to collect donations of 4×4 ceramic tiles and new or used nail polish and acrylic paints. The final task was to purchase materials to transform the girl’s painted ceramic tiles into coasters to sell. This included adhesive cork backing and small stickers printed with “Made with Love” and our Troop Number.
Once our preparations were complete, and snacks primarily eaten in the car on the way to the art gallery, we arrived at our destination where we began our third Brownie meeting, as outlined here, using the Girl Scouts of America’s meeting structure.
Start-up
- Walk through
As we waited for everyone to arrive, the girls finished their snacks. Then they had the opportunity to walk through the gallery and enjoy the art.
Opening
- Promise
- Law
- Brownie Smile Song
- Attendance
Convening in a Brownie Circle outside the gallery on our sit-upons, the girls opened our meeting with the Girl Scout Promise, Law, Brownie Smile Song, and attendance, each led by a new volunteer.
Business
- GIve Back Badge
- Internal Ceremony
“The first order of business is to introduce you to a new badge we will be working on, called the Give Back Badge. Who can tell me what it means to give back?” I asked. After some discussion, I went through the Give Back Badge pamphlet from the Brownie Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting binder. Moving through each of the five steps, I outlined for the girls that (1) we would be researching businesses that give back between now and our next meeting; (2) we would be selling our art at an “Art Walk” in a couple of weeks with a goal of selling all 60 pieces that we make today; (3) our plan is to donate 50% of the proceeds to a business or charity that gives back selected by the girls; (4) during the Art Walk we will be asking our customers what they would like to see improved in their community, as this may help us with our decision or for future project ideas; and (5) that we will collect contact information from our customers during the Art Walk who would like to know who we end up donating our money to.
The next order of business was to move into our first Internal Badge Ceremony, a ritual I created to earmark the giving of a badge and to make it special. While my co-leader passed out the badges and their corresponding introduction/memory slips, I began:
“Earning a badge means that you’ve learned something new and that you’ve learned it so well that you can use your new skill to help others. I’m so excited I can’t hide how happy I am inside, to present this to you with pride. Congratulations troop, on receiving your Girl Scout Ways badge! You have earned this badge today because you have learned four new Girl Scout ways. You have learned the Girl Scout Handshake and the Brownie Smile Song. You have assembled an important first aid kit for the Troop and made your first Sit Upon. Plus, you have reviewed the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Ladies, always remember, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, the 3 C’s that make the world a better place! As a Girl Scout, you are a leader in your daily life, a leader in the world, and YOU can do extraordinary things!”
Activity
- Painting Badge
Our host at the art gallery, Vanessa, graciously led the girls through an hour and a half lesson. As they walked around the gallery, she showed them various art styles (modern, abstract, impressionist), using the works on the gallery walls as illustration. She then introduced the lesson plan and had the girls paint tiles covering each with nail polish. She offered a variety of tools for the girls to use next. Using sticks, sponges, Q-tips, and brushes, she invited the girls to paint what moved them with acrylic paint over the polish. The two mediums together created a lovely texture and depth. Once the tiles were finished, they were laid together to create a beautiful mural.
Tile Mural
Clean-up
Reminding the girls that Brownies always leave a place cleaner than when they found it was a helpful motivator, as there was much to clean-up this day.
Closing
- Friendship Circle
The girls formed a Friendship Circle outdoors and sang the Friendship Song and then ended the meeting with a fun and giggly hand squeeze. It was with much enthusiasm that everyone went home, excited to gather again for the Art Walk coming up in a few Saturdays.
The Art Walk
Even though the Art Walk itself was cancelled, the weather was miserable, and there was very little foot traffic, I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you how much fun we all had.
Display Table
Those girls who couldn’t be with us on Saturday contributed by making signs, post cards for customers who wanted to be contacted, and name tags for the groupings of coasters. Tile groupings got such names as Beach Days, Modern Art, and The Happiness. The spelling on the name tags was even more precious than the names themselves.
We made beautiful displays using buffet plate servers for added height and elevation, table clothes for added class, and balloons on sticks to add just the right pop of color. Of course, the warm brownies proudly displayed on cake platters were a huge draw.
Table Display II
Our girls worked one-hour shifts and they were troopers. They sold coasters and brownies and made over $322 that day! Imagine what they could have done if it wasn’t cold and rainy. Anyway, I can’t wait to find out at our next meeting where they decide to donate their money.
Conclusion
The art of any good meeting is preparation. Having to do lists and some routine systems and procedures in place is extremely helpful for repetitive monthly meetings. For example, here is my Meeting Prep worksheet. I have one of these printed in advance for each meeting, as well as this Meeting Worksheet. These allow me to write ideas and notes as they come up and to keep things organized, especially when planning two meeting at once.
Earning a Brownie Girl Scout Snack Badge Using the Power of a Theme
Halloween is a big deal in my house. Before I had children it was hands down my favorite holiday and now that I have children, it’s simply the justification for all the decorating, costume-wearing, pumpkin carving and pie baking shenanigans that begin on October 1st!
Therefore, my October Brownie Meeting was not exempt from a few Halloween festivities. For this special meeting, I paired together two talented moms; one who volunteered to lead a nutrition segment, another who committed to provide snacks. I had them work together to create something unique and memorable for the girls as they earned their Brownie Snack Badge.
The following is my “party plan” for Brownie Meeting #2, as outlined in the Girl Scouts of America’s meeting structure.
Start-up
- Snack
- Girl Scout Handshake
- Decorate Water Glasses
To satisfy their hunger and to kick off this distinctive meeting as we traveled from school to our meeting place, the girls enjoyed munching on festive Mummy Pizzas, foreshadowing what was to come.
To reinforce the learning from our last meeting, upon arriving at our destination, my co-leader and I met the girls at the door and asked each to give us a Girl Scout Handshake. This was their ticket into the party.
Inside the girls were given the opportunity to decorate their own reusable water glasses. After we explained that these glasses were better for Mother Earth and theirs to use at every Brownie meeting, the girls got so excited that many hurried through the decoration process so they could use them faster.
Opening
- Promise
- Law
- Brownie Smile Song
- Attendance
Our meeting opened by asking for three volunteer Brownies to lead us in the Girl Scout Promise, the Girl Scout Law, and the Brownie Smile Song. The opening concluded as one of the girls took attendance with our fancy feather pen and each Brownie called out “here” as her most expressive self.
Business
- Intro Game
- Talking Stick
- Share
- Handbooks
- First Aid Kit
- Homework
With flower pens and a “Getting to Know You Board” (Intro Game) in hand, the girls went outside for a friendly introduction game. The object was to find friends who like the same things they do. 
As promised at our previous meeting, my co-leader and I put out the sit-upons and before long we asked the girls to find theirs on the grass and join us in the Brownie Ring.
Once everyone was seated, I introduced our troop’s talking stick, explaining that she who has the stick, has the floor. The girls noticed the brightly colored ribbons in all different lengths, widths and textures that decorated the stick and I explained that they represent the diversity of our troop and the colors of the Daisy Petals, which also make up the Girl Scout Law. Then they asked about the big silver key with the open heart attached to the stick. I explained that the key to being a happy Girl Scout is following your heart and being open to new ideas. Our talking stick also has a gold topper with butterflies and some of the girls asked what the symbolism of the butterflies meant. Once again, I explained that like them, butterflies go through an amazing transformation; from caterpillar, to chrysalis, to beautiful butterfly. As Brownies, they are about to embark on their own incredible journey as well. “This talking stick is a representation of all the things we hold sacred,” I told them. 
“Now, who would like to share something they learned about a Brownie sister today while playing our game?” A hand went up and then another, and soon our talking stick made its maiden voyage around the circle.
When the game was over, I asked the girls to put their game boards away and to grab their First Aid Kit contribution item and meet back in the Brownie Ring. While they were busy with that, my co-leader and I passed out the new Brownie Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting. Once the girls returned to the circle, they were surprised at learning that these amazing three-ring binders were theirs to keep. It was joyful to watch. I went through the three sections briefly along with the inside front cover, then asked everyone to turn to page 10 where I read the Girl Scout Motto blurb about “being prepared,” a lovely segue into creating our first aid kit.
I put our First Aid Box in the center of the circle. “Here is my contribution,” I said, “the box to house our first aid kit.” To the Brownie on my left, I asked, “What is your contribution?” As I sat down on my sit-upon, the brownie stepped forward, told us what she had brought, and dropped it into the box. This ceremony continued around the circle until our kit was complete. “Congratulations Troop,” I said. “Your first aid kit is now complete and you have earned your Girl Scout Ways Badge. You have earned this badge for learning and remembering your Girl Scout Handshake and Brownie Smile Song, and for making your sit-upons and your Troop’s first aid kit. You have also memorized your Girl Scout Promise and reviewed the Law. This badge will be presented to you at our next meeting.”
Finally, I asked each Brownie to open her Handbook to page 4 and assigned homework. “I encourage you to read pages 4 and 6 at home and fill out pages 8 and 9, giving thought to what you would like to accomplish this year,” I said, and provided a homework reminder slip at the end of the meeting.
Activity
- Nutrition Presentation
- Make Snacks
After introducing our nutrition expert and our snack mom who was a certified yoga instructor and restaurateur, the girls settled into learning about the new food pyramid, which is not a pyramid at all anymore. It’s now a plate, a plate that divides your portions of fruits, grains, vegetables, proteins and dairy. (It’s quite lovely actually, and can be found at www.choosemyplate.gov.) Intrigued, the girls participated in a lively discussion about what each food group is and how it helps your body. They colored in their plates and drew pictures of the variety of foods in each group. They then talked about healthy snacks, which was an easy and natural segue into making adorable and healthy Halloween snacks. They made edible eyeballs from cut carrot chunks, cream cheese and a black olive slice. Yum! 
They made scary cheese fingers out of 3/4 of a stick of string cheese with knuckles notched out using a plastic knife. They used dollops of cream cheese for the nail beds and slices of red pepper for fingernails. Scary! Lastly, pretzel sticks and fringed fruit roll segments made adorable witches brooms. We had hoped the girls would take their goodies home to show their parents, but they were too excited. When some would say, “I don’t like black olives.” or “I don’t eat bell peppers,” I simply responded, “Well, you’re a Brownie now, and Brownies try new things. That’s what we do.” You know, it worked! One still didn’t like it, but the others found something new they liked or at least could eat in combination with something else.
Clean-up
Reminding the girls that Brownies always leave a place cleaner than when they found it was a helpful motivator.
Closing
- Friendship Circle
- Assignment Slips
In the Girl Scout tradition, we created a Friendship Circle and joined hands, right over left, to end our meeting. I asked for a volunteer to lead our Make New Friends song. This year we learned a second verse from the cadets that came to our last meeting, so we sang that as well: “A circle is round. It has no end. That’s how long I want to be your friend.” The hand squeeze made its way around the circle and afterwards we tried to untangle our hands without letting go. The squeal of delight not only affirmed that we had accomplished our goal of getting untangled but was also the perfect closing to our meeting.
Later, I realized that I could have gone crazy with this theme and included something “Halloweeny” in every aspect of the meeting. But that’s the beauty of a good theme. You can do as little as you like or as much as you like. You can spend a little money or a lot of money. The lesson here is that having the theme guide the activity portion of the meeting went a long way in creating a fun and festive atmosphere that the girls could connect with, and in doing so provided them with a memorable experience. It’s these experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime. In fact, the girls were talking about making these snacks for their friends and family next Halloween! That’s the power of a good theme.
From Party Planner to Brownie Leader
I am proud to announce I am a new Brownie leader for the Girl Scouts of America (GSA). As the Queen of Connection, committed to transforming lives, imagine my surprise to learn the organization’s purpose: to have girls discover new things for themselves, connect with them on a personal level, and take action to make the world a better place. I couldn’t be happier.
As I was planning my first meeting, imagine again, if you will, my surprise upon discovering that the GSA’s suggested meeting structure has six segments, just like my easy six-element approach to planning a great party.
I’m sharing my adventures in Girl Scouting this month from the perspective of a volunteer who is delighted to have found an organization with a vision that matches my own in so many ways. I love the possibility of a world where girls can grow to be committed to being honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what they say and do; where they can learn to respect themselves and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, and make the world a better place. This is what we teach in Girl Scouts, and we do it in a fun and playful manner. Each meeting is in essence a party filled with fun activities meant to inspire and fill the heart. I am delighted that my work contributes to the lives of 2nd and 3rd grade girls.
Following is my “party plan” for Brownie Meeting #1, as outlined using the GSA meeting structure.
Start-up
- Name Tags
- Tea Lights
Using 3×4 paper inserts, my co-leader and I had each girl make a name tag with brightly colored pens and self-adhesive stars. Once completed, the girls inserted them into plastic sleeves and put them around their necks in preparation for our special guests.
Then we moved onto painting glass tea light candleholders. We explained that the candleholders would be used in a ceremony later in the day and then suggested they paint a simple symbol that represents who they are or what it means to them to be a Brownie.
Opening
- Snack
- Leader Introduction
- Attendance
With name tags on and tea lights drying, the girls ate their snacks. My co-leader and I introduced ourselves and I choose one of the girls to take attendance using a fun feather pen which everyone loved.
Business
- Cadets
- First Aid Game
Our special guests arrived during this portion of the meeting—a troop of Girl Scout Cadets. The Cadets recited the Girl Scout Promise and the Law, and reviewed the Make New Friends song. They also taught our girls the handshake and the important Brownie Smile Song. Then we played a little memory game that I’ve played at many a baby shower. We removed the contents of the Cadets’ first aid kit and placed them on a tray. Once each Brownie had a chance to look at the tray and commit the items to memory, the tray was removed. I wrote the numbers one through fifteen on a dry erase board and then asked the girls to tell me what they saw on the tray. These fifteen items would later make up the contents of our troop’s first aid kit. Each girl was assigned one item to bring to the next meeting when our kit would be assembled.
Activity
- Sit-upon
In preparation for this Girl Scout tradition, my co-leader and I pre-cut oil cloth into 14 x 36 inch pieces for sit upons. Once folded into a 14 x 18 inch piece, we hole-punched the 3 sides about an inch apart. We also pre-cut carpet padding into 12 x 16 inch pieces making enough for two per sit-upon and coordinating yarn.
At the meeting, once each girl chose her materials, they were also given a Butler GUM Threader Dental Flosser to use as a needle. This was our secret tool to making this project easier to accomplish and in less time. 
Then we simply wrote everyone’s name with a Sharpie pen. The girls were so excited about their sit upons that we had to promise to use them at our next meeting!
Clean-up
Clean-up by the girls is an important element to any Girl Scout meeting. Once this was accomplished we moved into our special ceremony.
Closing
- Ceremony
- Brownies
- Assignment Slips
All but three of my girls are returning to Girl Scouts, so for them a “Rededication” Ceremony was in order, my new girls — an “Investiture” Ceremony. Marrying the two was easier than I thought. I asked each girl to pick up her tea light and line up in a predetermined order.
“If you were a Daisy last year you are participating in a Rededication Ceremony today.” I said. “If you are new to Girl Scouts this year, you are participating in an Investiture Ceremony. Traditionally when you “invest” in something, you make a commitment or a promise. As Girl Scouts you have a very important promise that you agree to live by. Each of you has heard that promise spoken by our visiting Cadets and today you are being given the opportunity to invest yourself or rededicate yourself to the Girl Scout Promise and Law in this special ceremony.”
Girl Scout Law PDF I used a long tapered candle to light each girl’s tea light while she repeated a line I gave her from the Girl Scout Promise and then the Law. For Example: One girl said, “I will do my best to be honest and fair.” Another said, “to be friendly and helpful,” and another said,” to be considerate and caring,” and so on. My co-leader followed behind them adding Membership Stars to their vests and turning their Brownie Pins right-side up. Once all the candles were lit, and with tea lights in their left hands and three fingers still raised on their right, my returning girls gave their promise. Girl Scout Promise PDF I welcomed them back to the troop. Then calling our new girls forward, I asked them to repeat after me as I led them through the Girl Scout Promise. 
Once completed, I took their tea lights, shook their hands, and welcomed them to our troop. Congratulating our girls, I announced that they were all officially Brownie Girl Scouts and with that, they received a brownie cupcake as they left the meeting.
That was a very busy meeting. In two weeks, we’ll enjoy (to quote one of the girls) “sitting upon our sit upons” and taking time to get to know each other. I have to say, the best part of the day was having one of my girls throw her arms around me and say, “You’re the best Brownie leader ever!” How awesome was that? Parties filled with heart really do pay off.
End of Summer Party Ideas At Your Finger Tips
In this fast paced world of cyber-connections, I strongly believe that face-time is what we all need more that collecting friends online. We need to hang out with our friends and family in person. Unfortunately, getting together with friends and family can have its problems: (1) We are so busy that we don’t have time to plan a get-together; (2) We feel financially strapped and can’t afford to throw an amazing party; and (3) Many of us don’t come by entertaining naturally and would rather not try than to risk failure.
As an award-winning party designer, professional television host, and three-time author, I built my business and reputation around my easy six-step formula to creating parties from the heart that people will remember for a lifetime. I’m a wife and busy mother of two, so I know what it’s like to juggle my time. That’s why I created this great party system. Whether you’re a novice or a professional, or fall somewhere in between, YouCanPlanAParty.com offers something for everyone.
You can plan a party as well as a professional party planner can, but for a lot less money and also save time and minimize the risk of failure. Here’s how: You can watch a few quick video clips and get affordable and innovative ideas to pull your party together. You can be your own DJ and play fun, customized music mixes to coordinate with your party theme. You can plan a delicious menu easily around your theme with recipes and full menu suggestions. You can find unique party supplies your friends haven’t seen before.
I’m committed to transforming the way you think about parties. To that end, I offer you access to tools you can start using today and ideas for celebrating the special people in your lives. Tab by tab, here’s what YouCanPlanAParty.com, offers. To walk you through the six steps of a successful party, check out my video show, “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!”
THEME Tab – In this section, you’ll find my show which offers complete party plans from theme to party favors. Use my ideas or think of them as idea starters and add you own flair to create a cohesive shindig. Now playing, our End of Summer Party Plan, SOS Shipwreck Island Party.
PARTY PLANNING Tab – If you’re looking for ideas for one of my six party planning categories, then this is the section for you.
Element #1 – THEME, MOOD, & COLOR – Every great party begins with a great theme, even if it’s as simple as a color. These videos share ways to come up with and further flush out an exciting theme.
Element #2 – INVITATIONS – Since the invitation is the first thing your guests see, make it inviting and create some excitement. This collection of videos share clever ideas sure to get the party started.
Element #3 – DECOR & AMBIANCE – Set and setting are everything when it comes to creating environments for your guests to play in. This group of videos show you how to transform your party spaces with easy, affordable items.
Element #4 – FOOD & BEVERAGE – This eclectic mix of video clips provides loads of inspiration for your food and beverage needs, from unique serving pieces to recipes to food safety tips.
Element #5 – ACTIVITIES – One of my secrets to a memorable party is to get my guests engaged in something. This group of clips show you ways to do just that.
Element #6 – SPECIAL TOUCHES – What sets my parties, and now yours, apart from others is what I call the “heart element.” This collection of videos illustrates ways to give your party heart through special touches.
TRANSFORMATIONS Tab – To provide inspiration, this before and after section shows raw materials or typical rooms in your house, and what happens with a few easy steps…magic! This month, watch as artificial flowers and hair clips come together to create a lovely party favor for our shipwrecked ladies.
PARTY MART Tab – This exciting section offers access to my book series, The Enlightened Party Planner: Guides to Creating Parties from the Heart. There are three books to assist you in your quest to easily spend more time with the ones you love. The Six Elements of a Successful Party walks you through the approach in detail. Decade Parties: A Blast from the Past offers detailed ideas for theme parties from the 20s to the 80s, and Our Favorite Parties beautifully details the six-elements of fifteen party plans in narrative style.
This section also provides access to the YouCanPlanAParty Merch Mart on Zazzle.com. Loaded with literary thousands of party products from never-before-seen invitations, to sculptured centerpieces, to themed music speakers, the store is organized by party theme making it easy to shop for the items you want most. Plus, you’ll find supplies for every party outlined in my books, making it simple to make a party plan come to life.
This month check out our selection of Shipwreck products by simply clicking on Zazzle.com. Once there, select from main categories such as invitations, postage, centerpieces, party favors, etc., or type in “shipwreck” in the search box to see all the great products at once. Happy shopping!
CONTEST Tab – Cool prizes are awarded each month, usually props from the show, to an entrant who has used the six-step formula in one of their parties. This month’s prizes are a set of round raffia place mats, palm leaves, and palm fans…perfect for adorning a shipwreck party table.
MUSIC Tab – Clicking on this tab takes you to our essential End of Summer Shipwrecked Island Party music playlist which can be downloaded from iTunes. Thirty handpicked songs for $34.50, or simply buy the individual songs you need.
RECIPES Tab – In the Food & Beverage video clip, I introduce a cocktail called Blue Lagoon. By clicking on this tab, you’ll have access to the recipe, plus the non-alcoholic version.
RESOURCES Tab – We’ve assembled over 60 affiliate resources to help make your party special. This section makes searching for something specific easy by simply going down the list of providers and using their research functions. You’ll always return to the YouCanPlanAParty page when you use the back arrow function, allowing you to quickly check the next provider on the list.
RSVP CLUB Tab – This is a very special “back stage” section to the site. Sign up and you’ll have access to:
ASK SHELBY – Ask me anything! I’ll post my answers here. It’s like having a free consultation with a professional party designer!
HOW TO – This month, learn how to put a treasure hunt together and access the archives of great how-to projects.
MENU SUGGESTIONS – Check out the full, tasty menu for an Island Shipwreck Party, as well as past theme party menu ideas.
SHOPPING WITH SHELBY – A fun gorilla video section where I take you rogue shopping with me. Hear how a party designer thinks as I consider how raw materials can be used in a party setting.
BEHIND THE SCENES – A fun and eclectic section of videos of various professionals chatting about different aspects of planning parties.
FORUM – Share ideas with others members of our party community.
No matter what tab you click, YouCanPlanAParty.com makes throwing a party easy, affordable, and fun! Nothing provides connection more than sharing quality time engaged in conversation and laughter with people you care about. So gather your friends and family, and throw an end of summer party. Make it simple or go all out…it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re together in person and having fun face to face.
Make Your Milestone Birthday Party Memorable
July 5th is my birthday, the day after all the Independence Day celebrations. Everyone was back at work. My kids were enjoying a summer’s day with the neighborhood kids. In the afternoon, one of my daughters had a swim lesson, but other than that, there was nothing much going on; no plans for any sort of birthday celebration that I knew of. That’s alright, I told myself. It isn’t a milestone birthday, after all.
When I was small, it seemed every birthday was celebrated in grand fashion. Now a days it seems folks only celebrate the birthdays with a zero or a five after the first number—milestone birthdays—and of course, the La Quinceanera and the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs when one turns 15 and 13 respectively, not to mention Sweet 16 and that all-important 21st (in some states 18th). That’s cool, I thought, such birthdays should be celebrated in high style.
While I prefer the childhood notion of making each birthday a memorable fete, it isn’t always practical or cost effective. In keeping with today’s trend, here are a few tips and tricks for celebrating those milestone birthdays in style and always from the heart:
- Think about the birthday boy and girl. What does he or she like? What does he or she like to do? Does he or she like large groups or intimate gatherings? Where’s their favorite place to spend time? The answers to these questions will help resolve the four W’s – the Who, What, Where, When.
- Answer the following question as best you can. What is your intention for the party? This is the fifth W and the one that will set your party apart from others because it will create a context for the celebration to occur.
- Use balloon bouquets. Nothing says “party” like balloons. I don’t care how old you are, you’re never too old or too young to enjoy these festive decorations. Balloons can be used in dozens of ways. Consider balloon bouquets on sticks. They’re simple to create and make quick and easy centerpieces.
- Be sure to add at least one photo element to a milestone birthday party. Ideas include a photo cake or photo flags stuck into cupcakes. Having photo albums on display or creating fun collage frames with themes like “In the Life Of,” “Decades,” or “This is Your Life” are fun ways to get guests involved in the mood of the party. You can also use the windows around the party area as built-in photo frames to showcase the birthday boy or girl. If nothing else, consider photo thank you notes.
- Create a special keepsake for the birthday boy or girl to document the event and everyone who was there, be it a platter, book, frame or other creative gift. Whatever gift you choose, be sure it is one they will treasure for a lifetime.
This month on “Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party!” I’ve designed a party plan for a 1st birthday and it’s filled with many of the ideas above. Tune in to see how it all comes together. The great thing about this party plan is that it can truly be adapted for any age and gender.
You know, if I’ve learned anything over the last few years of working with clients and sharing my love of connection, it’s that everyday is cause for celebration. This year, even though my birthday wasn’t a milestone, the evening spent with friends and family, laughing, connecting, and enjoying the moments, was celebration enough.
Red, White & Blue Party Decorations
http://www.zazzle.com/utl/getpanel?zp=117444113096700092
It’s never too early to start shopping for your red, white and blue party props, especially when they are made from unique “never-been-seen-at-a-party-before” designs. Click the link above to check out our assortment of patriotic items that can be customized to your liking or simply ordered as is. You’ll discover unusual items such as cook’s aprons, iPod speakers, invitations, postage stamps, even high-top tennis shoes!
Like what you see? There’s plenty more at PartyMerchMart.com.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Online Invitations
Let me set the record straight. I love on-line invitations. I think sending an electronic invitation, or evite, is good for the planet, convenient, and extremely cost effective. However, the lack of etiquette that often comes with this modern convenience would not meet the approval of Emily Post. Here’s how to show good etiquette when using online invitations:
WHEN PREPARING AN ONLINE INVITATION
DO send a Save-the-Date evite if you need to get a head count well ahead of time.
DO ask for regrets with your Save-the Date evite. If not sending a Save-the Date, simply send out your evites two weeks ahead of time.
DO address your evite to a specific person or people. If you’re inviting siblings or a couple, be sure to use their names. This extra effort conveys that you care about your guests and really want them to be part of the celebration.
DO make your invitations inviting. Think about your theme and choose virtual paper, envelope, rubber stamps, postage, etc. that coordinate. If you can’t find something that matches your theme, choose a template that has the right colors and allows for a photograph instead.
DON’T just send an email. With all the great FREE online invitation services available, there are no excuses. A customized evite lets your guests know that you’ve put some thought into this party. I’m partial to PunchBowl.com, but some other’s include SmileBox.com, PurpleTrail.com, AnyVite.com, and of course, Evite.com.
WHEN WRITING AN ONLINE INVITATION
DO include the Four W’s. (who, what, when, and where)
Who is the party for? What are you celebrating? What is the occasion? When is the party, the date and time? Where is it being held? Evites are meant to be convenient but you still need to provide all the pertinent information.
DON’T forget to include other pertinent information when needed, such as: your theme, costume requirements, venue or parking information, request for dietary requirements, and anything guests should bring, like special group gifts or props, and registry info.
DO proofread your copy then have someone else proofread it. If that’s not possible, read the copy out loud, word for word, very slowly to make certain you’ve used your best grammar and punctuation. It’s always nice to put your best foot forward.
WHEN RESPONDING TO AN ONLINE INVITATION
DO respond as soon as possible to an online invitation. I always encourage my clients to respond to an evite as soon as they receive it. If you can’t make the event, respond “No” right away. This allows the host to invite more people if need be (especially important for children’s parties), and it helps with knowing how many supplies to purchase, how much food to prepare, and gifts to buy or make. If you have to check on dates or babysitters, then respond as a “Maybe” right away. This lets the host know that you’ve seen the invitation and that you’re trying to work it out. The “maybe” button was added as a courtesy. Use it! To not respond at all or wait until the final days before the event, is just plain rude. Don’t be rude.
Father’s Day is coming up fast on Sunday, June 19th, and since Father’s Day celebrations tend to be informal and often times planned at the last minute, this is a perfect time to practice these online invitation do’s and don’ts.
Speaking of Father’s Day, if you’re looking for some SLICK party ideas for Dad, check out my NASCAR Father’s Day BBQ at YouCanPlanAParty.TV. We’ll get you all REVED UP and RARIN’ to go with great ideas for honoring dad in a fun and colorful way! Here’s a quick peek…
Celebrate Anywhere With These Menu Photo Place Cards
Making a Menu Photo Place Card that you can use at any home gathering or restaurant, helps to make your guests, or guest of honor, feel special. They are unique place cards because they are personalized with a pop up photo, event name and date, and planned menu.
If you aren’t computer savvy, or your home color printer can’t handle heavy card stock, you can opt to have your local print shop, Kinko’s or other speedy printer, set them up for you. Be sure to specify that the paper has to be heavy for these place cards to work.
These instructions will demonstrate how to create Menu Photo Place Cards for each guest using a photo of the guest of honor. Begin by clicking this link to retrieve a Word template from the How-To section on the YouCanPlanAParty.com website, or make your own by following the simple directions below. Remember to use paper and ink colors that are complimentary to your chosen theme.
You’ll need a photo of the guest of honor, or one that is fitting for the occasion, that is approximately 3×5 inches for best results. Using your word processing program, center the photo at the top of the page then drop it down about two to three inches. Centered just below the photo, type in the event name. Under the event name, type in the date. For an added touch, skip a line and then list the menu, centering one item per line. Skip another line and type in a guest’s name. Print the card out on glossy card stock for a high-end look. Remember to make one for each guest by name.
The important thing to note here is that the trimmer (or thinner) the place cards are, the more professional they will look. Carefully trim each side of the paper however much you feel is best. Now for the fun part – on a cutting mat, cut around the photo using a metal ruler and an Exacto knife, a little more than half way down on each side and across the top. When you’re finished, fold the card in half to see the photo pop up from the top.
Some variations to consider: (1) Do this all by hand. Write the information on a fold-over card and glue a photo on each so it extends above the fold. (2) Use different photos of your guest of honor or of each guest for fun and variety. (3) Depending on the occasion, use vintage photos. For example, for an Easter table, choose a photo from a Victorian postcard, or use a lovely photo of the Sader plate for Passover. (4) Experiment with colored card stock and ink colors that coordinate with your event theme, and the colors in the photo(s). (5) If hosting a large party at a restaurant, take your place cards with you for an added special touch.
Plan Back-To-Back Holidays With Ease
Spring is here and if you plan to host a Passover, Easter, Mother’s Day, or other springtime event, now is the time to start planning. Planning now will pay off big especially if you’ll be hosting all three back-to-back holidays, as I will be. My “easy six-element approach to party planning” makes situations like these simple to manage. Here are a few useful tips and tricks.
Time is a precious commodity. I’m a wife and an involved mother of two who works, I get it. That’s why I put together a beautiful Garden Brunch Party Plan for Mother’s Day which can easily be adapted for Passover or Easter.
TIPS & TRICKS #1 – Watch the six short video clips on this month’s episode of Shelby’s Secrets to a Great Party! for loads of great ideas that you can use for your own spring parties. For example, you’ll learn how to: develop theme ideas that will please your guests or guest of honor; make long-stem flower invitations; create baked eggs that are fabulous centerpieces to any brunch; design an easily customizable photo place card for any holiday; give a unique keepsake sure to illicit emotions; and set a beautiful table.
TIPS & TRICKS #2 – One of the secrets to planning successful celebrations and keeping your cool, is staying organized, even for the simplest party. Staying organized is easy when you use efficient checklists and worksheets to help you stay the course.
TIPS & TRICKS #3 – Click to download the one form that will make your party planning life simpler, Quick Six Worksheet. It won’t do all the work for you and you’ll certainly need to make other lists, I’m sure, but it gives you a great place to start. Make a copy for each event you’re planning this spring and start working the six-step formula.
The Quick Six Worksheet is part of my Planner Pack. Learning to use the Planner Pack is one of the best ways to avoid getting stressed about your upcoming gathering, or gatherings. The reason the included worksheets and lists work so well is that they allow you to get your thoughts and ideas out of your head and onto paper so that you can stop worrying about them. Having all of your party planning notes and information in one location assures that what you need to accomplish gets done on time, allowing you to relax and enjoy the celebration along with your family and friends. The Planner Pack is available for download on the Party Mart Page at YouCanPlanAParty.com for just $14. Make a copy for every party you host. We also offer a matching three-ring binder to help keep it all together.
TIPS & TRICKS #4 – Whether Easter, Passover or Mother’s Day, think of your gathering as a gift you’re giving your friends and family. Then ask yourself “why?” Why am I giving this party? What is my intention? What experience do I want my guests to have? What do I want my guests or guest of honor to feel? How can I create a lasting impression? Having a clear intention for your celebration will help keep you focused on what’s necessary. It also helps with the budget, putting dollars where they’re needed. Most important, having a clear intention for your party goes a long way in making your guests feel special and important.
TIPS & TRICKS #5 – Here are some great shopping resources for unique items. Whether looking for vintage Easter stuff, cool Passover items, or one-of-a-kind Mother’s Days gifts, these sites have something for everyone.
www.blumchen.com/easter_shop.html
www.bargainjudaica.com/default.aspx
www.zazzle.com/shelbysemail2
Event Planning Using a Party Design Board
To help visualize how all the elements for a party will come together, create a “Party Design Board.” Much like an interior designer’s sample board, you’ll need a 2 x 3 foot corkboard, two pieces of ribbon the length of the board diagonally, and push pins.
The first layer on the Party Design Board includes samples of things having to do with your Theme, Mood, and Colors, and Decorations and Ambiance. These elements of a successful party from the heart set the background—the tone, foundation, and backdrop—for your celebration. Using my Mad Hatter’s Tea Party as an example, I placed the special party napkin I’ve chosen in the middle of the board because it provides my color scheme quite nicely. Adding a photo of the scene-setter backdrop I’ll be using, a sample of the Astroturf, and maybe an artificial flower or two illustrates how I plan to transform my party room into an indoor garden.
The second layer divides your board into four triangular sections. These four sections represent the four remaining elements of a successful party: Invitations, Food and Beverage, Activities, and Special Touches. Make a giant “x” with the two pieces of ribbon by pinning one end of the ribbon in the upper left corner and bring it down to the lower right corner, and pin it. Repeat the process on the other side, bringing the second piece of ribbon from the upper right corner down to the lower left corner and secure with push pins.
The top quarter is for invitation items, such as paper materials, ribbon, stickers, and any other embellishments you plan to use, or simply attach a completed invitation.
The bottom quarter is for food and beverage items, such as a recipe card, photo of a special dish or serving piece, and/or a menu for the party.
The left quarter is the activities section. This is where you work out how to get your guests engaged in something, be it entertainment, games, or good conversation. I attached my music playlist, a list of skits for guests to perform for prizes, a sample riddle card to help them find their hidden prizes, and the teacup-shaped gift box I plan to wrap their prizes in.
Finally, the right quarter is the special touches section. Here, you place samples of items that add heart and meaning to your celebration; making it a gathering people will remember for a lifetime. For example, I added a photo of my whimsical party favor, a sample of the favor packaging, and a clever thank you note.
The Party Design Board is a valuable tool or exercise that allows you to “test” the materials you’re thinking of using to see if you’ve created a cohesive party plan. Once your board looks like fun, it’s time to get to work!
This is Shelby Phillips reminding you…when you think party, think easy…think fun!
queen of connection | Shelby L. Phillips 