Independence Day - The Fourth of July

Every Fourth of July, many people in the United States celebrate Independence Day.  The typical celebration is a picnic, or party where the food served is typical picnic food.  So, if you are hosting a party what will you need?

First, you will need something to serve the food on.  Paper plates and cups, along with paper napkins, are often used to serve a large gathering.   And plastic utensils are also called for.  These work well whether you have a family picnic, bring a meal to a public celebration, or eat indoors.  Choose a patriotic theme, and make certain you have enough for those pieces accidentally dropped or thrown away, especially if there will be children at the event.

 

Decorations always help, especially for indoor events.  While well chosen serving pieces can help with the decorations, table centerpieces, scatter decorations, banners, and even balloons can be used.  And it is always appropriate to set out American flags.

You might also want to dress the part.  A patriotic cap is a nice accessory and can be reused on other occasions.

United States of America Flag Trucker Hat
by blackspanielgallery

Since the food is likely to be grilled, using grilling baskets is a good choice.  Choose the ones that are nonstick, and not only will the food not be damaged, but cleaning will be easier.  And these baskets allow flipping multiple burgers at one time, so they all cook alike.  In fact, there are special grilling baskets for different kinds of food.   I suggest one for burgers, one for hot dogs, and one for ears of corn.

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Wonder Woman Costumes and Party Supplies

Wonder woman is currently very popular, and should be this Halloween.  For costumes, there are two very different versions. the Diana Prince costume from the 2017 movie and the Wonder woman costume inspired by the television series.

For parties, adults have to choose.  The new costumes are more militant looking, while the older costumes are bright and more feminine,




For a budget version, which is especially good for a parent with children wearing related costumes, or for escorting children for trick or treat select the simple shirt with a few accessories.




Teens and tweens might well opt for a Wonder woman costume for a party.  They do come is a multitude of sizes for different ages.




Of course a child may want a wonder woman costume for a party as well, bt a child may simply want to dress for trick or treating.



Even the family pet can be dressed up.





Wonder Woman party themes require special party supplyes.  These can also be used with other Justice League party supplies.



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Halloween Balloons for 2017

Halloween balloons can be use to add to the decorations for a Halloween party.  There are many options.  some are large, and can float above the gathering, or serve as a table centerpiece.  Other, smaller balloons can be used in a balloon bouquet, or scattered about the room.

If the party has a theme match the balloons to the theme just as you would any other decoration.  Make your balloons part of the festivities.

Imagine these scattered about. small, Halloween themed balloons can add wonders, and if there are choldren present you can allow each to take on home. Smaller balloons can serve a double role, decorations and party favors.





Large balloons can really make a statement. Look for a balloon that matches your theme.


 



 To make your balloon fly high use helium.


 


 To really have interactive fun, get an Air swimmer shark. This is a remote controlled shark that can be made to swim between the guests, go hgh above the guests, or descend into the crowd. You control the shark

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Zombies Remain Popular for Party Themes and for Cstumes

Every year as Halloween come near people get invited to costume parties.  And, every year the same dilemma occurs, deciding what costume will really get noticed, perhaps enough to win a prize in a costume contest.  If you want to be certain that you are wearing something that will set you apart, it needs to be unique.  Expensive may not get you the intended results, since an expensive costume that looks like the inexpensive one for the same character may not get the notice desired judges of the contest.

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Zombies Are Popular

And Zombies Are Unique.

Whether you are into scary horror movies or not, you probably know what a Zombie is, a person who is supposed to be dead, yet walks around.  So, how do Zombies dress?  Well, a movie can have hundreds of extras playing Zombies and each will dress differently.  There is no one definitive costume.  Basically, Zombies walk stiff legged, so their clothing is usually a bit tattered which can be attributed to their bumping into things causing damage to their clothing.  The typical Zombie is bloodied, which can be associated with the manner the Zombie died.  And, some dirty element is often there, since the Zombie may have been buried in the past.  But aside from those things there is nothing that says Zombie. There is no giant S, no black cape, and no pointed ears.  The clothing the Zombie wears is whatever the Zombie had on when the Zombie died.  Fake blood or a protruding weapon can help say Zombie, but can be taken from a wide range of possibilities.

Zombie Costumes Are Plentiful

Actually, a Zombie party can itself be fun, where all the guests come as Zombies.  A grave yard decorating theme, a few well chosen decorations, and Zombie party supplies can make a fun night, especially on Halloween.  I especially like the fake labels for the drinks.

Suppose a person wears a Superman costume.  Then, at a party a second person comes in as Superman.  There certainly will be comparisons made, and let’s face it, not every costume has every detail.  Oh, it is possible that two different authentic costumes will be worn, since Superman, like most comic book characters, evolved over the years.  But, after an original Superman costume and a modern Superman costume, what else is there?  So, in the costume contest any person dressed as Superman runs into a problem, the judges probably have seen a very similar costume before, even last year.  This eliminates the uniqueness prize, and probably the best costume prize.

Zombies each can have a unique look, but only if the person wearing the costume is creative.  Add to it.  Add a fake dagger and some fake blood.  The fake dagger should give the impression of being embedded in the Zombie.  This will make the costume unique, but why stop there?  Make it really unique.  Pair the Zombie costume with a mask.    Even if someone else buys the same costume as you have, the odds are low that it will be altered with the same accessories, and even lower that it will be paired with the same mask.

Zombies Are Men, Women, and Children

Zombies come in both genders, so both men and women can wear Zombie costumes.  In fact, couples Zombies is a possibility.  Just watch where any accessories are placed if there is dancing at the party, they can get in the way.  

Costumes for Children

Trick or Treating

Zombie costumes for children out trick or treating will also work.  It is likely to be a popular costume for Halloween.  Children, when approaching a door, can go into their Zombie walk with their candy bag held out.  Children enjoy action, so adding the Zombie walk may heighten the enjoyment of the experience.

Of course Zombies do not speak, so children trick or treating should make the exception to staying in character by saying trick or treat.  And, they should also say thank you after the goodies are dropped into their bags.  Then they can resume the role as they walk away.

limate Friendly Costumes Climate Friendly Costumes One problem with Halloween costumes is they are often bought or made weeks in advance. This would work fine if we could know in advance if it will be warm or cold. A simple shirt change, or an added shirt beneath the outer costume can help with temperature problems. For adults, an indoor party is less likely to have a temperature problem than for children out trick or treating.

Super Halloween Party

A Halloween party, like all other parties, requires decorations that set the proper mood and good food.  But, a Halloween party also requires a decision as to whether it will be a costume party or not, and whether there will be a less scary room for small children.  Of course, the underlying idea is that it be fun. Halloween Balloons

One problem this will solve is which door leads to the bathroom.  Guests will eventually have to go there, but often do not want to impose on the host’s privacy, so they want to get the right door the first time.  But, too many people simply pull the door closed as they leave.  A door decoration, and I believe the one shown clearly says bathroom, can solve the problem.

Once inside the bathroom why not have an unexpected decoration just for shock value.  I like the shark toilet seat cover.  It is a nice touch, and people will talk about it.  In fact, people will go in the bathroom just to see it.

Costume Party

Well, a costume party can be more entertaining, but will people wear costumes that match your party theme?  Let people know the theme, and they probably will.  And, you could end up with a costume party whether or not you plan one, so make it a costume or costume optional party.  If it is a Halloween party you know some few will just have to wear a costume, so get others involved.

Costumes do not have to be elaborate.  Zombie costumes are easy, since they have no definite appearance.  A little red coloring and a scary mask will be quite enough to make a good zombie.  And, there are male and female zombies, so groups dressed as zombies are real possibilities.

Another simple costume choice is a cape and mask giving the vampire illusion.  These are easily found, and can be purchased inexpensively.  Oh, you can get the cape that would make any vampire jealous if there were such things, but it is for a one night use, so why not save money?

Of course, a scary mask can itself be enough, especially if it is scary enough.

Scary Party A scary party is flexible enough to allow for some people to express themselves with their costumes, and easy to find party supplies and decorations to support.  And, it could make things easier for those coming in from taking children trick or treating.  Allow your guests to have a good time, and things should go well. Decorations

Lead the guests to the door with spooky lights.  They are easy to find, so why not get a few strings?  A nicely decorated exterior is inviting to the guests, and to the trick or treat crowd.  Let people know where the action is. 

If the party is to be outdoors, use decorative lighting in the area of the festivities as well.  People have to see the food and drinks in order to partake.  Too dark of a setting is cumbersome, so add party lights.

If the party is indoors, keep the house lights off and replace the lighting with spooky light sets.  They will help with the mood.

Other decorations can complement the lights.  You can have fake spider webs for guests to bump into, fake spiders, or numerous other decorations. 

Decorations that interact with your guests are always a hit.  Think of the toned down spook house experience.   Those that move or emit sounds after having a motion detector respond to a guest can be quite entertaining.

For a nice twist, use glow in the dark decorations.  In fact, glow sticks can supplement spooky lighting and still keep the lighting subdued.  

Party Essentials

Find Halloween theme party supplies, and use them.  You can find spooky images on plates, napkins, and cups.  You can find black table cloths and use them with spooky centerpieces.  Halloween serving trays are a nice touch. 

Spooky, inflatable coolers can hold cans and bottles of drink. These are large, so people think they are expensive, but they really are inexpensive considering what they add to the atmosphere.  And, you can add red food coloring which will turn the water from the melting ice red, and give the illusion of blood.  It is a touch like this that will set your party apart.   And, if you can find the skeleton standing in the coffin cooler, add a few plastic bones to the mix, draping them over the drinks if possible.  Imagine a guest reaching into a red pool and feeling a plastic bone.  Again, interactive decorations are the most fun.

Festive Lights: For Party Decorations

Light Sets as Decorations

Special lights can add a special decorative touch to a party, or a nice enhancement to Christmas decorations and Halloween decorations.  Historically, special lights existed, but often were sparingly used.  And, light covers were often dangerous as fire hazards.  Now, new technology makes it possible for light coverings that are much safer.  Cooler lights that exist today are easier to cover, since less heat has to be dissipated.  

Bubble Lights

When I was a child we had three bubble lights.  These were several inches long, and came in different colors.  Each light had a reservoir of liquid that was designed to look like a candle holder with a bulb in the center, and a long colored tube that pointed upwards.  The tip of the tube was not filled with the liquid, but most of the tube was filled.  When the light heated up the liquid bubbled, and the bubbles rose.  This constant bubbling, and condensing of the vapors at the top of the tube, allowed the light to constantly produce rising bubbles as long as the light bulb inside the base provided heat. 

The three we had were the longer version, and fit a light string that did not all go out when a single bulb burned out.  When I was old enough to have a small Christmas tree on my desk it had a single string of lights of the kind that the string went out when one bulb burned out.  I had three bubble lights to fit this string of lights.  These were somewhat smaller than those on the family Christmas tree, but still capable of being appreciated.

Theme parties are becoming popular and special lights are available for decorating the venue.  Several popular themes I have found special lights to support are Yellow Submarine lights for Beatles themed parties, Tardis shaped lights for a Doctor Who party, and a choice of C3PO, R2D2, and Yoda lights for a Star Wars party.  There is even a Yoda tree topper light.  And, tiki lights are available for a luau.

I can see how a person might mix the Star Wars light sets for one party.

Can the above lights be placed on a Christmas tree?  Well, there is no reason not to have these sets on a Christmas tree if that is what you like. 

Light Sets for Disney Themes

There are mouse ears light sets for a Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse theme.  In addition to the mouse ears lights mentioned above, which can be used for any Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse party, there are special Mickey Mouse and special Minnie Mouse light sets that are definitely Christmas lights.  These would be inappropriate for most other parties, since they include a Santa Claus or mouse in a red cap, look.  And there is a Disney Princesses light set available.  Another nice set is the Disney Cars light set. 

For a Disney theme party you can select just one, or several different sets of lights.  For Christmas, one string of lights can serve to accent a Christmas tree, or the entire tree can be decorated in a theme.  If the theme Disney is used some of the different strings can mixed and matched as you like.  Many people use Disney characters in their Christmas decorating.  They make a great tree for small children to look at.

Halloween Lights

Halloween is a fun day, and parties spring up everywhere.  Just add spooky lights, and make the party go to the next level.  These are fun decorations, and can used in the mix and match as desired decorating.  Of course, they can also serve as the light for the party.

Throwing a Memorable Party

Some people manage to have a hit every time they throw a party. This can ne because of the food, the other guests, or other things. But, there is a way to make certain your party is the one longest remembered.

Decorate with some really different and memorable items. Give surprises when unexpected. Here you will find some items that are sure to start conversations. Some are sold for Halloween, but you can use them on many other occasions.

Whether it is an indoor or an outdoor party, there must be access to a restroom. Do you remember to leave a nice decoration in the restroom? Look at this possibility!

Perhaps this idea will go a log way. It might go even better if you freeze a little red food coloring into a few ice cubes. As they melt the water turns red.




Make a statement at the entrance.

Basically, give your guest the unexpected, and have them talking for weeks.  when you throw the next party, they will return, and just about anyone else you invite as well.