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Dry January? No Need to Be Thirsty! 5 Drinks to Serve at January Parties

Whether you are participating in Dry January or you just aren’t an alcohol drinker, these non-alcoholic party drinks are for the win. Sometimes you don’t want the effects of alcohol but still want a mixed drink or something fun to sip on. We get it. These three drinks are sure to be crowd-pleasers for all party guests

Courtesy of the Kitchy Kitchen

  1. Spicy Watermelon Mint Fresca

For all you spicy margarita and mojito lovers, this is a fun twist for you. Honestly, it could be another twist on a daiquiri, but who cares? All I know is that it is delicious!

2 cups cold water

2 cups watermelon (rind removed), seeded and chopped

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tbsp lime juice
.25 cup mint leaves
.5 jalapeño, roughly chopped

Ice cubes or crushed ice (optional)

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients and puree until smooth. Pour mixture through a strainer into a pitcher, forcing through most of the pulp. Chill and serve.

Created by Claire Thomas of The Kitchy Kitchen

Courtesy of Food and Wine

  1. Jardin Verde

Makes me think of a bit of an English Garden which is one of my all-time favourites.

1 cucumber ribbon, for garnish

Ice cubes

1.50 ounces Seedlip Garden 108

4 ounces Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water

1 basil sprig, for garnish

Instructions

Line a highball or wineglass with cucumber ribbon; fill the glass with ice cubes. Add Seedlip Garden 108 and tonic water. Garnish with basil.

Recipe found on Food and Wine

Courtesy of Mindful Mocktail

  1. Grapefruit Thyme Mocktail

Just a fun, fruity, and flavorful drink.

1 cup water

1 tablespoon Stevia or sweetener/sugar of choice (see note 1)

½ cup thyme

½ cup grapefruit juice

⅓ cup soda water

Instructions

To make the thyme syrup

  1. In a small saucepan, combine water and sweetener/sugar of choice over medium heat. Stir until the sweetener/sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add thyme and simmer on very low (barely bubbling) for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit it for at least half an hour, or up to 3 hours. Strain and cool.

To make the mocktail

  1. Add 1 tablespoon thyme syrup and ½ cup grapefruit juice to a glass. Add lots of ice, top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with extra thyme and serve.

Recipe courtesy of The Mindful Mocktail

Get to mixing those drinks, and if none of these mocktails strike your fancy then definitely check out some recipes on Pinterest. Dry January might be underway, but that doesn’t mean good times won’t still be rolling!

For all your party needs, make sure to stop by Party Place or shop our store online. Here for every season and any reason to throw a party.

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Glitter Galore, a New Year’s Bash

New Year’s Eve is approaching which means we are almost in 2024! Have you thought about any New Year’s resolutions yet? Spoiler alert: I have not. Of course, I have general things I would like to improve in my life and get done, but I have yet to solidify anything major.

Give me a little longer, I promise I will be ready.

However, one thing I have definitely started thinking about is a New Year’s Eve party theme. As someone who generally forgets to plan things out or somehow runs out of time on literally everything, I like to keep New Year’s simple, elegant, and fun.

This year, I want to keep it cool, collected, and glittery! You can never go wrong with a little glitter, especially at New Year’s. It makes me think of all the shining possibilities a new year can bring, and it is a reminder of all the golden memories I made in the previous year. Sappy, but true. I find life is better when you let yourself get a little sappy.

Okay, anyway, my main source of inspo for this theme is these Gold Glitter New Year’s Dessert Plates found on our website, Partyplacear.com.

The best part is that the glitter is printed onto the plate’s surface so no need to worry about glitter in your food or all over your living space. Yeah, that is def important to me.

So, using these as inspo, let’s get glittery.

I really like the idea of using this Star garland as either part of a dessert table decoration or even on part of a photo booth. As someone who is extremely single, I could do without the “kiss me at midnight” signage, but hey, to each their own. If you have a New Year’s kiss, more power to you.

Okay, enough about that.

I find that a New Year’s party photo booth as one of the most integral parts of this party. Not that the other aspects do not matter, but I would say most New Year’s parties are made to be chill events where you dress up and enjoy one another’s company.

I am obsessed with fringe photo backdrops, and I will never not be. Sorry! They are so classic and just scream party.

I am particularly obsessed with these layered gold, glitter fringe backdrops. They add so much depth to a backdrop and are certainly way more effective.

Courtesy of Confetti System

This one is my main source of inspo, and you can easily make one of these by getting a plain backdrop, tons of gold fringe and cut them different lengths and stack on top of each other for that layered effect. If you don’t want to do that, get one of these layered fringe banners instead to cut the work in half for a similar effect!

With this, you’re sure to have a showstopper. Just do not forget the props, drinks, and a good New Year’s attitude.

Cheers to the New Year!

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A Colorful Christmas Celebration

I saw the most beautiful Christmas party decorations and table set up on Pinterest this morning. It inspired me so much, that I am not only going to throw my version of this party, but I am going to tell you how to do so as well!

The first photo was my initial inspiration, but it seems to be a big trend this year to use the streamers and ornaments as a sort of table centerpiece that hangs on the light as opposed to sitting on the table.

I like this because it feels simple but festive and very whimsical. Christmas is all about everyday magic in my opinion, and this really emulates that for me. I know it uses different colors than the traditional red and green, but I have been trying to experiment with even more colors for Christmas to attempt to capture some of that magic!

Additionally, I like the different types of candles and candle holders used on the tables along with festive Christmas tableware and plates. This being said, let’s see what Party Place offers to create this type of vibe for a colorful Christmas celebration!

Crepe paper is essential for that type of hanging centerpiece, and lucky us, Party Place has a plethora of different colors too! You can click here to view all their crepe paper options.

Also, I think any Christmas party is a crowd-pleaser when there is either a festive craft involved (i.e. making ornaments) or when it is a cookie swap. If you choose to do a cookie swap or something similar, get your cookie containers from Party Place. They have some major Christmas offerings. Personally, I like these stackable ones, but be sure to check them all out in-store or online.

Anyways, be sure to get lots of filler ornaments as well for your centerpiece, which can be purchased from most big box stores like Walmart or even Dollar General.

As for more table decorations, I like the use of foliage and winter fruits the most on this table display. I love this style of decorating for most events, and this Christmas is no exception. It also is an inexpensive way to create full table settings and provide a cozy warmth to any party.

Lastly, I think any colorful or detailed tablecloth would work quite well for this party. Especially if it something vintage or a family piece, that is even better!

Don’t be afraid to go past the red and green of Christmas and get colorful with it.

Be sure to stop by Party Place or shop online to get all the necessary party supplies for all your Christmas celebrations.

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The Best Ways to Spice Up your Thanksgiving Celebration

Thanksgiving is probably the most popular holiday in terms of food. I think that is pretty much the hype around the holiday nowadays, is it not? However, maybe you are just a tad tired of doing the same things, and you are looking for some ideas to spice up your dinner. If so, we have some ideas to share with you to help make your Thanksgiving celebration even better!

Even if the basis is the same—like a dinner-style type setting—that is more than okay. We just need a few more ways to add some flair and spice to the day.

  1. Forget the Charcuterie Boards and go for a Literal Cheese cake

If you love cheese, this is the way to go. Additonally, if you are not a crazy-talented charcuterie board maker like my sister, this is also something you should strongly consider.

The cheese cake is exactly what it says it is: a “cake” made entirely out of cheese.

Get three different wheels of cheeses you enjoy, stack them on top, garnish them up, and then of course get out the jams, crackers, and bread! Done. Easy. Beautiful. Fun. Different.

  • Candlelight Dinner Anyone?

I know it sounds simple, but really take the meaning of a candlelight dinner literally.

I am probably the biggest advocate for ambient lighting. I legit will not turn on the big overhead lights in my apartment unless absolutely necessary. I love the vibes that exude from candles, lamps, and other warm lights. So, let’s do Thanksgiving simply by candlelight. Spin some smooth tunes on a record player and ooh baby, that is an ideal dinner party to me. Especially for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving? Everyone will surely think you are the coolest cat.

  • Design Some Menus for Your Guests

Again, dare I say the simplest things just change everything? If you want to serve up some elevated Thanksgiving realness? This is absolutely the way to do it. Even if you serve the exact same line up of dishes each year, I think a menu can make or break a table setting. Let’s go for broke on the tablescapes this year and make Thanksgiving a luxurious ordeal.

For all your Thanksgiving decoration needs, checkout partyplacear.com or stop by the store any time.

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A Halloweentown Fun Fest

When I was a kid, I loved the movie Halloweentown. Honestly, I still love that movie and watch it every year. I think it is a Halloween classic, encapsulating the joy I felt as a kid during the Halloween season. Even today, Halloween remains my favorite holiday.

As an homage to one of my favorite spooky season movies, let’s throw a fun Halloweentown party. Make sure you wear your most festive and classic Halloween costume for this party. To me, Halloweentown is all about celebrating the old-school Halloween we all know and love.

So, let’s get started.

You need to pull out all the stops on decorations. No easy way out on this one—a Halloweentown party deserves to be over the top. Bring out all the pumpkins, skeletons, bats, and spooky galore. If you feel you are running short on anything, go ahead and come down to Party Place to get our decorations sorted out.

I also recommend an elaborate balloon arch for the party entrance to really set the tone.

I think taking this pumpkin arch as inspiration is a great way to embody the Halloweentown vibe.

Courtesy of Buzzfeed

For drinks and food, I would recommend paying a visit back to the movies to see what they can offer you. When you make foods and drinks that align with either the party theme or something specifically from a movie, it really adds a level of authenticity people love.

These marshmallow spiders are a great example and easy to make for all hot chocolate drinks!

(See Halloweentown High for their appearance in the franchise.)

Courtesy of Delish.com

Now for food and snacks, I will be honest, Pinterest is definitely the place to go for any kind of inspiration and how-to. There are some seriously creative people on there.

Lastly, let’s look at some more Halloween décor for the party.

As a I previously said, really try and take it over the top.

These floating candles are a wow factor and really easy to achieve the effect. I made them in college once, and they were totally a crowd-pleaser.

Courtesy of Eatingbender.com

For the rest of the décor and the general ambience of the party, think cooky spooky. Nothing too frightening but something on the brighter side of the Halloween fun. That represents Halloweentown to me more than anything. I think the table below really shows a good mix of it all.

Courtesy of Lady Decluttered

Now, have some fun and go crazy with it!

Come to Party Place for all your party needs.

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Fall Fun and Fantastic Foliage

Now that the weather is finally starting to cool down, the leaves are starting to change, and the pumpkins are coming out, it is time for the beginning of the best time of year! What is that you might ask? Well, it is Fall of course.

There is something just so beautiful about the season. As George Eliot once said “Is not this a true autumn day? Just the still melancholy that I love—that makes life and nature harmonize.”

I think that quote just captures the autumn vibe perfectly.

Anyways, this is the perfect time of year to host some chill but festive parties before holiday madness kicks in. Now, trust me, I love a Halloween party, but I also enjoy a nice autumnal party just to get into the whole spirit of it all.

So, here are some of my favorite products from our online store I think you be perfect for any party, charcuterie night, or dinner that you want to invoke the autumnal vibe.

I know when we think of Fall we primarily think about warm jewel-toned colors like deep reds, oranges, greens, and yellows. However, hear me out and think about these Melamine Fall Checkered Chargers that come in a seafoam blue!

They pair perfectly with our Muted Autumn Fall Round Plates that are filled with that pumpkin goodness but truly stunning partyware pieces. Additionally, we have a matching table covers and napkins that can make this set complete. No need to struggle with finding things that match when you can have the perfect complimentary pieces for all of these.

Any fall shindig would be look perfectly perfect with our wide range of décor, but these plates and napkins are definitely my favorite.

Order online, browse our entire web store, or stop by in person to see all we have to offer for your party and celebration needs.

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Monster Mash Bash Party

We are finally in the month of my all time favorite holiday. Yes! It is Halloween. I have loved Halloween for as long as I can remember. I have always loved to dress up, decorate with all the spooky and fun classic Halloween items, and of course, throw Halloween parties.

Some of my fondest memories of childhood are from the Halloween parties my mom would throw for me and my friends from school. She did it all the way up until I graduated high school. It was such a lovely time for me.

It is never too late to start a tradition such as that.

Even if you don’t do it annually, you should consider throwing a Halloween party this year. I find it one of the most fun types of parties to plan and attend.

So, for today’s party idea let’s throw ourselves a Monster Mash Bash!

I think any classic Halloween party theme like this is always a hit. Especially if your Bash is an adults-only party, this definitely will give them that nostalgic feel they so often desire around this time of year.

For a Monster Mash Bash, you definitely need a banging playlist. I find this type of party to be one made for blasting music and dancing your heart out. Spotify and Youtube are both great places to find ready-made playlists so that your party music slays (literally).

Now, for my parties, I always make it a requirement to wear a costume. I do not really care what the costume is or how intensely made it is, but I do care that you have one on. It is so important to be in the spirit I think.

You can set a specific set of requirements for your party or keep it open to interpretation.

Additionally, you need to make a spooky punch. Something that is fun, flavorful, and if you’re into it, has a little zing from liquor.

I find that these ghost-hand ice cubes are always a hit with guests.

Courtesy of DIY Ready

Next, we need to add in the Blood Fondue—otherwise known as white chocolate with red food coloring in it! This is the perfect thing to make a spectacular treat that will sure to give people the creeps in the best way!

Courtesy of Brit Co

Lastly, we need some monster mash treats to go along with our other items. Consider getting monster-themed cookies or brownies with candy eyeballs for example to make it extra spooky.

For all your decoration needs, stop by party Place to see our extensive range of products we offer. From napkins, to props, and even Halloween costumes, we have it all.

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Down… Set… Hike! Football season is here!

September means fall, football, and better weather. However, for many people in the south, football is the most important one of those three things I just listed. I know my family is obsessed with football season. To be fair, it is a great way to build community, have fun, and create traditions. Though I may not be the world’s biggest football fan, I definitely get the appeal, and of course, I enjoy going to a game every now and then.

Well, actually, let me rephrase that. I love being around the culture that surrounds college football season in America. I thoroughly enjoy the environment that builds up around game days—like tailgating for example.

That being said, let me give you a list of my top 5 football season essentials to make the best tailgate ever. As always, you can find all of these at Party Place in store or online.

All of these products will fit any tailgate for any team you support, even if it is a rival of my favorite team (spoiler alert: As an alumna of the University of Oklahoma, I have to tell you the Sooners are my favorite).

  1. Football Flag Picks

Starting off strong with these cute little guys! Put them in cupcakes, a full cake, sliders, and anything else your heart desires.

You’ll see me drinking a mimosa out of one of these at morning games guaranteed.

Put this up around your tailgating tables, tents, and chairs. I love a good pennant flag, and this does not disappoint.

Take your tailgate setup to the next level with this incredible drink cooler.

Get ready to watch the game with the cutest snack boxes around.

Courtesy of Kellie Randle

That ends this round up of the 2023 Football Season essentials for tailgating, parties, and football galore. Shop at Party Place to get all these and more.

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We’re all just Barbie Girls living in a Barbie World

Anyways, with all the Barbie rage, the world has turned pink! How fun! To celebrate the success of Greta Gerwig’s newest sensation, let’s throw a Barbie-themed party. Per my previous statement, it is an easy one if you get as much pink as possible.

Party Place has a plethora of pink balloons in nearly every shade possible. You can check out some of their options here.

My ideal Barbie girl party would have pink balloons everywhere, pink metallic balloons spelling Barbie, and my house decorated like Barbie’s dreamhouse in the movie (Bedroom slide to the pool included too, please). Oh, and the outdoor venue would totally look like the beach from the movie. So. Perfect.

For the photo booth, you obviously have to have a life size Barbie box! It is the only proper answer.

This one from Pinterest is a fantastic example including the Barbie doll box as well as the balloon extravaganza.

For food, obviously, keep it cute and keep it pink. Period.

The outfits could be the most important part to this whole theme. Well, actually, for me what I wear to a party is always the most important thing. (I am really into costumes and Halloween).

Anyways, everyone’s favorite Barbie outfit from the movie has to be the pink cowgirl look that Barbie wears when she goes to the real world. With that being said, get those pink cowboy hats with pink boa trim out!

The world is your pink oyster, and the possibilities are endless with a Barbie party. Make the world your Barbie world and be a Barbie girl. If you haven’t watched the movie yet, I highly recommend it. It will change you.

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The Big 5-0 Birthday Party

When someone turns 50, this is nothing to scoff at! It is an achievement, and it is truly a time to celebrate. I know that some people may disagree and think it is a sign of growing old. I say that this is just outrageously untrue. 50 is a milestone birthday because you have been through a lot in your life. You have so much more life experience, but the fun does not stop there. You can use 50 as a way to catapult your life into the way you truly want to live. Start fresh or just take some improvements you’ve learned. 50 is a time to change the game!

Anyways, let’s plan a birthday party for someone turning 50, whether it is for yourself, a parent, or a friend.

Pending the person you are planning for, you can obviously switch up some of the recommendations I suggest to better match their personality. Party Place has so many great décor options, so you will not be short on supplies.

Personally, I am a big fan of this classic birthday banner. It is timeless and fun! So, let’s use that as a jumping off point for our party.

I think a good retro, nostalgic party just sets the vibe. So, think of classic colors like red, blue, yellow, and green. Buy balloons that match this vibe here, and you can get 50th-specific balloons here.

Courtesy of Hannah Baxter

Classic does not necessarily mean boring though. I think a good dinner party situation is also a great way to go. Again, using this classic color scheme with a clean white tablescloth, tons of candles, and party favors like hats and confetti would be the cutest thing. Oh, and definitely include pennant flag banners and crepe paper.

Finally, let’s talk about the cake.

If you want classic, go with a single-tier white-frosted cake with a sprinkle border at the bottom and tall candles. Oh, and don’t forget a 50th topper!

Courtesy of Bravo Jenny

Lastly, include some photos of yourself, friends, family, and all of your lovely life experiences. 50 is your time to shine!

Keep it simple for the 50th so it doesn’t feel like you’re getting older. Just make the party to where you can celebrate the beauty of your life and the people in it.