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Cozy Harvest Thanksgiving

Set the perfect tone

for a “Harvest Gathering” themed Thanksgiving celebration with The Party Place’s charming fall decor!

Imagine your home transformed into a cozy autumn hideaway, decked out in warm hues, rustic accents, and classic Thanksgiving motifs. So, you are probably wondering how to plan a “Harvest Gathering” style Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) dinner.

Let’s start with a tablescape that invites warmth and thanks

layer leaf-patterned table runners, pair them with burnt orange or deep red napkins, and add seasonal plates like these Berry Friends & Family. Use elements that inspire a bountiful harvest by adding lots of candles and use dim lighting.

These fitting touches make everyone feel welcome to the fall feast and evoke feelings of thanks and relaxation.

No Thanksgiving gathering is complete without a wonderful centerpiece. Using items like mini pumpkins, gourds, or pinecones scattered along a table runner will truly inspire your guests.  Also, you could fill a clear vase with autumn leaves and berry branches for a touch of the outdoors. Combined with the candles, you are able to create that soft, inviting glow—perfect for setting a cozy ambiance.

The Party Place also offers beautiful serving pieces, so you can elevate the presentation of your feast from appetizers to desserts. With coordinating beverage napkins and cute, fall-themed dessert plates, even coffee and pie feel more festive!

For a relaxed, family-friendly vibe,

add a little interactive fun by setting up a “Gratitude Table.” Set out small cards, markers, and a rustic container where guests can jot down what they’re thankful for. This activity keeps the kids entertained and creates a heartwarming moment when everyone shares their notes.

Another festive idea is creating a cider station. If you are not big on alcohol or just want to keep things on a chill vibe, a cider station can evoke the feelings of fall in a wonderful, all-age-appropriate way.

With The Party Place’s fall-colored cups and napkins, set up a small table with apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and orange slices so everyone can enjoy a warm seasonal drink. Mix and match all of our options to create the perfect fit for your party.

Be sure to search “Thanksgiving” on our website to see all of our fall offerings today.

By combining simple yet thoughtful elements, you’ll create a Thanksgiving gathering that’s stylish and filled with heartfelt details. Don’t forget to supply the blankets, maybe have a cozy fire and get the vinyl spinning!

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A Thailand Paradise Birthday

I just went to Thailand for the first time, and I can tell you right now, I am Thailand’s newest fan. My boyfriend is originally from Thailand, so I came to visit him while he is home before starting his PhD back in the US. I have had the most the amazing time here, and I highly recommend visiting at least once. I am the biggest fan of Chiang Mai, but I also went to Pattaya and Bangkok so I have all the vibes from mountain to beach to big city. So, let’s plan a Thailand party. Planning a Thailand-themed birthday party is a fun way to bring the vibrant, tropical vibes of this beautiful Southeast Asian country to life.

Thailand has iconic beaches,

and after going to Koh Larn, all I can say is wow! So, let your decorations transports guest to true Thai paradise. Think palm leaves, beach umbrellas, fairy lights, and natural accents like bamboo. Setting up a cozy sitting area with nice couches, wicker chairs, etc. will be a very Thai beach club vibe. You definitely want to include lots of tropical flowers as well, so think orchid, lotus, and anything colorful.

For food, go Thai!

Thai dishes can be fairly time consuming, so consider ordering from a Thai restaurant to save time and support the local economy. I would recommend dishes like mango sticky rice for dessert, the classic Pad Thai, and some spring rolls. You can also provide coconut water, Thai tea, and some green tea.

Incorporating traditional activities like making flower garlands or having a mini beach volleyball game will keep the party bumping. For a more relaxing vibe, set up a Thai-style spa with foot baths and fragrant oils. Music is also a must, so get the beach tunes rolling.

While it is so fun to celebrate

such a wonderful country, it is also important to remember to avoid inappropriate uses of religious symbols like Buddha statues or any other Buddhist symbols. Keep the themed light-hearted and focus on the beauty of Thailand. It is a special place, so celebrate it right.

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A 60th Floral Surprise Birthday

Last weekend

I had the lovely opportunity to help decorate a surprise birthday party for my aunt. The party was a hit, and she was truly surprised. It was great to see everyone come together to do something so wonderful for her on a special birthday.

She loves florals, butterflies, and springy colors, so we did just that! It was amazing to see the transformation of the carport at our grandfather’s farmhouse. From an empty canvas to a magical garden. It was a great evening.

Here are the highlights from our floral surprise birthday in hopes of inspiring you for your next party whether for a dinner, birthday, or anything else in between.

Here is the before photo of when we cleared out the carport and let the magic begin.

We strung bistro lights

faux ivy, and butterflies all along the ceiling to create that magical garden party effect.

Also, I’m positive we blew up at least 300 balloons. In need of balloons? Come look at Party Place’s insane selection for every color, pattern, and occasion.

the balloons

were an integral part of the decorating process, and tied the whole party together. To create better, sturdier, and easier balloon arches, get a large darning needle and sturdy cord to thread through the tied ends of the balloons. This prevents them from blowing away or coming undone. Coming from someone who has done quite a few balloon creations in her day, trust me it’s good advice!  

The cake

was the real showstopper, however, both in looks and taste. We ordered it from Creative Kitchen in Downtown Fort Smith, and they knocked our socks off. It went with our theme, and it allowed all the other decor to shine.

As the evening light slowly faded to black, it made the party a wonderful beginning of fall soirée. The bistro lights set the tone, and everyone’s joy made the party a success.

 

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Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Dinner Party Extravaganza

Courtesy of Game Nights Galore

It’s showtime! With the recent release of the new “Beetlejuice” movie, there’s no better time to host a dinner party inspired by Tim Burton’s delightfully spooky and marvelous world.

This dinner party will combine the quirky and lovable charm of the original film with the fresh energy of this long-awaited sequel. It is sure to create a magical and unforgettable evening.

Let Party Place help you set the scene.

Setting the Scene:

Transform your dining area into the eerie, otherworldly universe  of Beetlejuice. Use a palette of black and white with pops of neon green and purple.

Think black-and-white striped tablecloths, mismatched vintage plates, and plenty of candlelight. Add quirky elements like miniature sandworm centerpieces or neon green place cards with each guest's name written in "ghostly" script. Incorporate nods to the new movie with subtle decor elements that reference its latest characters and settings.

Here’s a round up of some perfect decor from Party Place:

Courtesy of Catch My Party

The Menu:

Create a menu that combines classic creepy cuisine with a modern twist. Start with a "Recently Deceased" cocktail, featuring dark rum, lime juice, and a splash of absinthe for a ghoulish green hue.

For appetizers, serve "Shrunken Head" sliders with a side of "Ghostly Greens" salad. Shrunken Head sliders can be your average hamburger slider with a special toothpick topper with a little skull or head. For Ghostly Greens, if you really want to knock their socks off, go for a spicy traditional Thai Papaya salad. It’ll be a unique and delicious hit.

The main course could be "Sandworm" pasta—squid ink linguine with seafood to represent the film's iconic creature. Finish with a decadent "Graveyard" chocolate mousse, complete with cookie tombstones and gummy worms.

Courtesy of Chickpea Meatball

Entertainment:

While dinner is served, play the original "Beetlejuice" soundtrack to set the mood. After the meal, screen the new "Beetlejuice" movie as a highlight of the evening.

Create a photo booth with props like black-and-white striped blazers, ghostly veils, and sandworm masks so guests can capture their hauntingly good looks. Encourage guests to either dress as their favorite character or simply be inspired by the film.

Forever 21 has many options from their recent collaboration with the field, but a thrift store can do just as good if not better.

With its mix of spooky elegance and campy fun, your Beetlejuice-themed dinner party will be a hit. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlej-- whew, that was close!

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How to Throw the Perfect Pumpkin Patch Halloween Party

This Halloween, bring the charm of a pumpkin patch to your home with a "Pumpkin Patch Party" for children. This theme is not only festive but also creates a warm, fun atmosphere that’s perfect for little ones. One of my favorite traditions my mom always did for me was host a Halloween party when I was in grade school. I cannot express how much these parties meant to me, and how much they influenced my love of Halloween and my childhood. So, here’s how to make your Pumpkin Patch Party a spooktacular success!

1. Pumpkin-Themed Decorations

Set the scene with fall-inspired decor. Think orange and yellow hues, hay bales, and, of course, plenty of pumpkins! Scatter mini pumpkins around the space, hang up pumpkin-shaped balloons and use leaf garlands to give the area a cozy autumn feel. You can even set up a “pumpkin patch” corner where kids can pick their own mini pumpkins to take home.

Party Place has a ton of selections, like these napkins and these cute confetti!

2. Pumpkin Parade

Encourage kids to dress up in pumpkin-themed costumes or outfits that fit the harvest theme. Host a “Pumpkin Parade” where they can show off their costumes. Instead of a typical costume contest, focus on celebrating everyone’s creativity. You can hand out small prizes or certificates for “Cutest Pumpkin,” “Funniest Costume,” or “Best Harvest Outfit.” 

3. Pumpkin Patch Games

Entertain the kids with fun, pumpkin-themed activities. Set up a “Pumpkin Bowling” game using small pumpkins as bowling balls and decorated cans as pins. Another fun option is a “Pumpkin Toss” where kids can try to toss bean bags or rings around pumpkins. If you want, you could even set up a small area to be able to paint and decorate pumpkins. This is more relaxed and less risky than carving!

4. Pumpkin-Themed Treats

No Halloween party is complete without treats! Serve up pumpkin-shaped cookies, caramel apple slices, and orange punch to keep with the theme. You can also set up a DIY snack station where kids can decorate their own cupcakes or cookies with orange icing and candy toppings.

5. Pumpkin Patch Photo Booth

Create a special photo booth area with hay bales, scarecrows, and, of course, pumpkins! Parents will love snapping pictures of their little ones in their costumes, and it makes for a fun keepsake from the party.

With these ideas, your Pumpkin Patch Party will be a hit with the kids and their parents. The key is to keep it light, fun, and filled with pumpkin-themed joy!

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Tailgating Essentials for Football Season

Tailgating is more than just a pre-game ritual; it celebrates team spirit, camaraderie, and football passion. Whether you’re cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Oklahoma Sooners, Oklahoma State Cowboys, or some other team,  a well-planned tailgate party can make game day unforgettable.

Start with the Basics:

To kick things off, you'll need the essentials: a portable grill, coolers filled with ice-cold beverages, foldable chairs, and a sturdy table for your spread. Don’t forget the Bluetooth speaker for blasting your team’s fight song and hyping up the crowd before kickoff! 

Team-Themed Décor:

Show your team spirit with team-themed party supplies from our online store. For Razorback fans, stock up on University of Arkansas beverage napkins, red and white balloons, and maybe even a Razorback banner to hang proudly at your tailgate spot.

View all of our Arkansas offerings here. Oklahoma Sooners supporters can go for crimson and cream tablecloths, cups, and plates, while Cowboys fans should deck out their area in orange and black with Oklahoma State decorations and accessories.

Food and Drinks:

A good tailgate is all about the food. Keep it classic with BBQ staples like burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. For sides, think potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans. To really impress, throw in some local flavor with Arkansas Razorback-shaped cookies.

And don't forget the drinks—stock up on soda, water, and plenty of beer to keep everyone refreshed. A signature cocktail in your team’s colors is a fun touch too!

Games and Entertainment:

Keep the energy up with some friendly competition. Cornhole, ladder toss, or a football to toss around are all great ways to pass the time before the game starts. Set up a TV, or a streaming device, if you can so everyone can keep an eye on other games. Seeing all the various tailgates around campus during football season, there are definitely some heavy hitters out there every year.

Final Touches:

For those attending the tailgate, face paint and temporary tattoos in your team’s colors add an extra layer of fun. Depending on the weather, consider bringing a portable fan or heater, and pack some ponchos just in case.

Tailgating is about creating memories, and with a bit of planning and the right supplies, your tailgate will be the highlight of the season. So, fire up that grill, deck out your tailgate in team colors, and get ready to cheer your heart out! For all your tailgating needs, check out Party Place!

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Party Supplies for Spidey Senses

Courtesy of Katelyn Rose Harper via Pinterest

Spiderman has always held a special place in my heart and has been my favorite superhero for perhaps my entire life. Seriously! I have no idea why, but I have always thought Peter Parker to be relatable and likeable.

So to share my love of Spiderman, and hopefully relate to those who also love this cool guy, I am sharing my favorite Spiderman party supplies we carry at Party Place in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Whether you are a young Spiderman fan or a forever spidey fan, you can get the coolest and biggest variety of Spiderman party products from Party Place. 

Courtesy of Catch My Party

Not only do we have a plethora of Spiderman products, but we also have some of the most affordable options to make sure your party does not break the bank.

The coolest candle for all your birthday wishes.

These dynamic plates give all the comic realness you need.

To set the scene and complete your decorations, use this to impress the crowd.

Tons of fun for all!

Send your guests home with the best treat bags ever!

Courtesy of Make a Wish via Instagram

Now that you know a few of the amazing products we offer, you can host the perfect Spiderman party for a birthday, new movie release, or just to showcase your love for this beloved superhero. Whatever the occasion, you know that Party Place has you covered from napkins to decor and more!

Come visit our store in Fort Smith, 7810 Rogers Avenue or Conway, 245 Oak Street, to satisfy all your party supply needs.

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Host the Ultimate Summer Crawfish Boil Party

I grew up in the South, so you can probably imagine the importance of a crawfish boil in the summer for my family. It is an annual tradition, something no one could imagine missing out on. Summer is the perfect time to gather friends and family for this quintessential Southern occurrence, so, let me introduce you to the ultimate guide to hosting a summer crawfish boil.

Whether you have hosted many of these in your time, or this is your first one, I can guarantee your crawfish boil will be a fantastic way to celebrate the season with delicious food, great company, and a fun, casual atmosphere. Here is the plan:

  • Setting the Scene

Choosing a spacious outdoor area for the party is an essential part of the perfect boil. Backyards, parks, or even a beachside spot can work wonderfully. You should decorate with classic choices like checkered tablecloths, string lights, mason jar candles, and other Southern summer essentials. Don’t forget to also set up plenty of tables and chairs for seating in shaded areas to beat the heat.

  • The Star of the Show: Crawfish

Get your crawfish in advance either from a reputable supplier or a local merchant. The best rule to follow when thinking about quantity is to have about 3-5 pounds per person. Additionally, having a large enough pot is obviously another component to consider. Usually, big box stores will sell full boil kits, and when in doubt, order online. Alongside crawfish, you should add other boil staples like corn on the cob, potatoes, sausage, and onions. Make sure to season accordingly for a full-fledged flavor profile that will pack a big punch.

  • Seasoning and Cooking

Seasoning is crucial to getting the crawfish boil to not only be tasty, but truly memorable. A blend of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and lemon is the usual. Consider a classic creole seasoning to supplement the other spices as well. Let everything soak for at least 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

  • Serving and Eating

The easiest way to serve a crawfish boil is to cover a long table in butcher paper and spread it out with all the fixings. Provide plenty of napkins, plates, wet wipes, and bowls for discarded shells.

These plates are the perfect addition to any boil.

  • Entertainment

Keep it simple with a well-curated playlist of summer hits, yard games, and lots of cold drinks.

Let the good times roll and have yourself a great boil. Make sure to come by Party Place for all party supplies and service ware.

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Put a Ring On It: Engagement Party Decorations

Ring, ring, it's the love of your life calling! Many people dream of meeting “the one,” and getting married. Maybe you have dreamed of having the most fantastic proposal, engagement party, and wedding. Summer is the season for weddings and engagements, and regardless if you have dreamed of marriage forever or just happened to find your true love, at Party Place we have a plethora of decorations for any and every engagement party theme. 

Today we are giving you our top picks for engagement parties this season. Let’s take a look.

This Diamond Ring deluxe Sparkle Confetti is my top pick for engagement parties this year because of its versatility and its chic qualities. The confetti is the perfect decoration to act as table filler, vase filler, and so much more. It emulates the glittering excitement of engagement, and is super affordable. Definitely a must-have for all engagement parties this season.

For all you classic, retro brides and grooms out there, these honeycomb bells are genuinely perfect. Especially for Vegas engagement parties, (or elopements) these just scream little white chapel marriage! I live for those weddings and parties because I think they make for the best photos and are just such an iconic move. These are sure to bring the nostalgia level up and be a winner for all you “I can hear the bells” type people that are soon-to-be married!

For my last decoration pick for engagement parties this season, we have these stunning Metallic Rose Gold & Silver Diamond Ring Glass Tags. These are perfect for decorating simply glasses and adding pizzazz to every aspect of your party decor. Love it.

Be sure to check out our full line of offerings for engagement and wedding parties. Fantastic options all around.

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Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas: Making Your Presents Stand Out

Wrapping gifts in something unique and fun adds a level of personal touch and thoughtfulness to gift-giving, and it's a fantastic way of ensuring your gift is a special success. You can do so much better than simple plain paper and bows. With a bit of creativity, everyday materials and supplies from our gift-wrapping section, you can transform your gift-wrapping into a memorable part of the present itself. Here are some innovative ideas to inspire your next gift-giving occasion.

  • Fabric Wraps

One way of stepping up your game and being eco-friendly is by utilizing fabric instead of traditional wrapping paper. Going to your local fabric or thrift store, you can get nice pieces of scrap fabrics are scarves to use for gift wrap. Known as Furoshiki in Japan, it is a beautiful and meaningful way of wrapping gifts and gives the recipient an extra gift in the fabric itself, which can be reused in multiple ways.

  • Natural Elements

With paper, bows, and bags from our extensive collection on our website, we can offer tons of options for a more traditional way of wrapping. However, to add some pizazz, we suggest using dried flowers, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or dried fruit slices. This will add a beautiful, rustic, earthy feel and fragrant touch. You can attach them to bags and boxes with various types of ribbons or twine for a simple yet elegant look.

Courtesy of Allana via Pitnerest

  • Personalized Stamps, Stencils, and Patterns

Create custom wrapping paper using stamps and stencils. You can buy your own sets of stamps and stencils from local craft stores, conversely, you can make your own using potatoes, foam, or carving blocks. This adds a wonderful personal touch and completely unique bit of design to the gift, making it a sentimental and beautiful gift. 

Courtesy of Martina Calv via Pinterest

With these ideas in mind, you can keep all your gift-giving fresh and fun. Come on down to Party Place or shop online to see our full selection of gift-wrapping materials.