Bye Bye Boring Parties: 3 Fun Ways To Spice Up Your Next Event!

Whether it’s the 4th of July, Halloween, or Christmas there is always a good excuse to throw a party. But with so many to go to, how can you stop your guests from getting bored? The answer is to do everything you can to spice up proceedings, and the good news is you can get some excellent suggestions on how to do just that in the post below. 

Go all out with the decor 

One of the ways to make your party more fun is to put some time and effort into the decorations. This is because they make a space feel festive, help everyone get in the mood, and transform your home from its regular self to something much more suitable for a party. 

With that in mind, it may be time to ditch the regular banners that most people use and switch to something more impressive instead. One option is to go for wall scenes which are large pieces of plastic or materials that can be hung over your inside walls to make it seem as if you are in an entirely different location. For example, if you are having a Halloween party you can get wall scenes that are of haunted houses or graveyards. 

Another option is to embrace the use of mylar balloons. These are the foil balloons that are filled with helium gas, so they stay afloat on their own. Indeed, there are all sorts of things you can do with these types of balloons from arches, to personalized messages. 

Have fun with the food and drinks 

You can bet that your guests are probably fed up with the usual party food and drinks they get offered time and time again. To that end, why not change things up a bit and offer something different? 

Instead of a boring buffet, or regular BBQ, why not provide a spicy dish like these al pastor tacos, which guests can serve themselves? All you have to do is provide the ingredients and then they can put in as much or little of each one as they would like. 

When it comes to drinks, why not make a signature cocktail for your event, or at least rename one to fit with your theme? You can even come up with virgin cocktails without any booze for those that need to be the designated driver. 

Offer games and entertainment 

Another way to make sure your party is anything but boring is to make sure that you provide entertainment and games. This is especially good because it can help people that are shy or feel awkward in social situations meet people and join in the fun. 

There are many entertainment and game options to consider too, but some of the best are simple team games like a minute to win that encourage competition and teamwork at the same time. Although if you are looking for something a bit more sedate, decorative activities such as icing biscuits or crafting can be a great option too. 

Tips for the Perfect Al Fresco Dinner Party

There’s something that’s a lot of fun about spending an evening out in the yard with some friends eating food and sharing drinks. When the weather’s good and you have great company, there’s not much more that you could ask for. 

So if you’re planning your own al fresco dinner party at the moment and you want to make sure you create the best experience possible, we’re going to talk about how that can be made possible. Each of the tips below will help you create a dinner party people won’t forget in a hurry.

Choose a Theme for the Decorations

If you want to make the evening a little more fun and creative, you might want to choose a theme. This is something that you can go as far as you want with. It might be as simple as choosing a particular color scheme for the decorations in the garden. Or you could go further and ask for your guests to dress up, but that won’t be the solution for everyone. Either way, a theme can show the thought that’s gone into the preparation of the evening.

Provide Plenty of Seating Options

Providing plenty of good sitting options for your guests should always be a top priority when you’re looking to create the perfect dinner party. You can create multiple zones for sitting and conversing if you’re inviting lots of people. Of course, that won’t be necessary if you only invited a few friends, so it all depends on the size of the party. Nevertheless, comfortable and appropriate seating options are always important.

Serve Some Nibbles

It’s a good idea to make sure that you have some small plates to offer around to guests when they first arrive at the dinner party. You want to make sure that people are getting food before the main event. It acts as an appetizer and ensures they aren’t left to go hungry while you want for the food to be completed. The kinds of nibbles you prepare is entirely up to you; there’s no shortage of great options out there.

Make Sure You Have Time to Spend with Your Guests

One mistake lots of people make when they’re preparing a dinner party is spending time with the guests. However, with an al fresco dinner party, it’s a little easier not to make that mistake, especially if you’re also cooking the food outdoors with the guests because that way, you won’t be shut away in the kitchen all evening long. But still, make sure you find the time to chat with your guests and just enjoy the party.

Get Creative with Your Meat

Doing something a little different and interesting with your meat might be one of the things that you want to consider when preparing the food for your dinner party. If you’re going to be grilling and smoking your meat, there are lots of guides and recipes out there that’ll help you perfect the process and create the perfect flavors. For example, you might want to try deep frying ribs after smoking them; follow the link to learn how you do that.

Prepare Some Cocktails

Aside from the food, you might also want to prepare some cocktails for your guest to enjoy. One of the best things about hosting a dinner party like this is the opportunity to get all of your friends together and have them let their hair down. It’s something we all need every once in a while, is to make some cocktails that’ll keep the fun flowing. And you can make some non-alcoholic versions for people who need to drive home.

Let Guests Serve Themselves

Letting your guests serve themselves and help themselves to sides and salads can be a good idea as well. It makes it easier for people to just enjoy the food as and when they’d like to throughout the evening. It also means that there’s less work for you to do. You just have to set up the deal and place the different food options on it and let people help themselves. You can then replenish the dishes as they start to get low.

As you can see, there are lots of things you can do to ensure your al fresco dinner party will be a fun and memorable one. Be sure to make the most of each of the tips we’ve discussed here today if you want to make sure that you’re able to satisfy your guests and create a fun evening all around.

How To Throw A Party They’ll Never Forget

We all love a good party. But as you probably already know, some are better than others. It’s not just about group dynamics, either (though that helps). A lot of work goes into throwing a great party. It takes effort and skill. 

In this post, we take a look at how to throw a party they’ll never forget. Whether you’re looking to do something for a holiday, birthday, wedding, or special occasion, this post is for you. We show you how to make the event memorable so that guests consider it to be the best party they ever went to. 

Start Your Planning Now

Even if your party is a few weeks away, it pays to start your planning now. The more you can hone the experience, the better it will be. 

Here are some of the things that you’ll want to think about:

  • The number of people you’ll invite. Larger parties generally require more organization than smaller ones. 
  • The type of party you want to host. For instance, you might choose an informal get-together with a group of close friends, or something much more formal with a black tie dress code. 
  • Where will you host it? For instance, at your home or at a third-party venue.
  • What type of food and drink you’ll serve if any? 
  • The types of entertainment or games that will be on offer

Planning gives you space to think about the character of the event. The more time you dedicate to this part of the process, the more ideas you’ll have, and the more your guests will appreciate the final result. 

Brainstorm Food And Drink Ideas

For some people, successful parties are all about the music or the people they meet. However, for others, it’s food and drink. Having lots of great food to hand makes a tremendous difference in how people feel. If you can serve a spectacular dish (or several), people will remember your party for years to come. 

To make sure that you have the best possible food, you might want to hire a professional gastro chef. They can prepare dishes fresh, on-site, which is a great option for anyone who isn’t a whizz in the kitchen.

If you decide to cook yourself, make sure that you practice and perfect recipes in advance. Start cooking meals for the party several weeks out. 

Don’t attempt difficult cooking projects, such as hog roasts, yourself unless you have explicit experience. These are extremely difficult to get right without the correct approach.

When preparing food, try to make it slot into your theme. The food shouldn’t conflict with the atmosphere you’re trying to create. 

Also, offer innovative dishes alongside classic food options. This way, you can cater to both foodies and fussy eaters. Think French fries alongside foie gras. 

Beyond that, look for ways to maintain the party element or spirit. Finger food is always a great option and often encourages guests to eat more than they normally would. 

Make Sure That People Wear Costumes

Many people will try to get away with showing up to parties without really embracing the spirit. What these people are actually doing is unconsciously resisting the urge to have fun. Therefore, you should insist on costumes. Don’t make it optional. 

Costume parties should vary throughout the year. Halloween is among the most popular, but there are others. Summer parties could have a surfer or Midsummer Night’s Dream theme, while winter parties are all about Frozen, snow men, and festive attires. 

To ensure that people put effort into their costumes, offer rewards for the most creative and spectacular. Get people to compete with each other to come up with something more outlandish and audacious. This way, you can spur their creativity and ensure that everyone contributes to the party effort. 

Put A Spin On Old Favorites

Over the decades, people have collectively arrived at the anatomy of a good party. They know how to make it fun. However, it’s a balancing act. You want to combine classic hits with new innovations to come up with something completely different. 

For instance, let’s say that you and your guests love to play pinata. You could modify it slightly so that the contents contain something unusual, not sweets. Or you could play a game of giant Jenga and turn it into a drinking game. 

You could also take a new approach to party games and reward people for their worst performance, handing out prizes for trying. When it comes to your party, it’s entirely up to you. 

Add Plenty Of Entertainment Options

As Abbey Road Entertainment, a party entertainment supplier makes clear, there are plenty of ways to entertain guests at your party and make the experience better. 

Options include: 

  • Arcade game rentals that let punters blast classic foes using joysticks and button controls
  • Sports games arcades where people can practice their golf swing
  • Giant games, such as over-sized Lego or Jenga
  • Outdoor inflatables, such as slides and bouncy castles
  • Photo booth rentals 
  • Game show entertainers
  • Cart rentals
  • Casino tables

The entertainment that you include in your party is up to you. Again, you’ll want to choose something that fits in with your theme. The more personalized you can make it, the better. 

Make Party Favors Something To Remember

No matter what type of event you’re planning, party favors are essential. These days, people have come to expect them. 

When giving out party favors, you’ll want to take several factors into consideration. First, think about the type of guests who will be showing up to your event. What type of items would they like? Second, consider your budget. You might want to hand out rare Fabergé eggs to everyone who walks through the door, but that might not be realistic. 

Third, think about what would complement your event. For instance, if you’re hosting a night-time party, then guests might benefit from torches and glow sticks. Likewise, if you’re running an event during the day, they might prefer some form of shade or sunglasses. 

Make sure that guests can take some party favors home with them and use them again. This way, they’ll get more value out of your party and have something that reminds them of all the fun they had in the future. 

Hire A Band

Average parties hire a DJ, but those that excel hire a full band instead. And when it comes to bands, the sky’s the limit. You can spend anything from a few bucks to a million dollars getting the performers you want.

What you want are bands that understand how to get people moving and dancing. You can hire expensive recording artists, but they’re unlikely to produce the kind of atmosphere that you want. What you want is a band that draws in the crowd, provides entertainment and gets people excited, just for being there.

Many party organizers try to hire the most outrageous band available in their local area. In many cases, guests prefer this to someone famous because of the fun factor. They would rather dance the night away instead of sitting idly in front of a famous performer.

Do Something New

While most parties follow a standard format, try to do something new that guests haven’t experienced before. Novelty is one of the primary drivers of human excitement. When something is new, people have tremendous fun. 

For instance, why not treat guests to an exotic menu? Or perhaps you could make things interesting by hiring a stand-up comedy act. What you come up with is entirely down to your imagination. Your own creativity is the limit. 

Break The Ice Immediately

Starting a party strong helps things to get going and develop faster. Therefore, you’ll want to do something to loosen your guests as soon as they arrive. Make sure that they have plenty to drink from the outset and then host a group activity that brings everyone together and makes them laugh. Don’t let people stand in isolated groups with their drinks. Ensure that everyone talks to everyone else, even if you are in a crowded, unpleasant environment. 

Make Your Playlist More Fun

Many party organizers can be a little fussy over their playlists, insisting on only the most innovative and modern music. But the truth is that most partygoers aren’t looking for this. They want to listen to old classics that remind them of the fun they had in the past. 

Therefore, don’t be afraid to pack your playlist with a bit of cheese. Get your guests in the mood for dancing and fun from the outset, before, perhaps, introducing them to some new music later on. 

Get Your Guests Doing Something Interactive

Standing around talking is okay, but many guests would prefer to do something active when they’re at your party. Therefore, you’ll want to set up a games corner or something physical, like an adventure course, for them to get stuck into. The more competitive you can make it, the more successful it will be and the more fun people will have. Don’t forget to hand out prizes to the winners at the end.

Practical Ways To Keep Food Warm During A Party

When hosting a party, one of the most common challenges you can expect to face is how best to keep your party food warm until your guests are ready to dig in. Cold party food becomes difficult to eat and unsafe for consumption due to bacterial growth. The last thing you want is your guests complaining about feeling sick after consuming your party food cold. Thankfully, you don’t need to stress about party food going cold, as the following tips can help you keep food warm when hosting a party

  • Store the food in heat-preserving containers

Insulated containers are a wonderful way to keep your party warm for your guests. You can find them in a wide range of options to suit your specific needs. For example, you can find options made with stainless steel material capable of locking the heat for up to about five hours. When you’re finally ready to serve the meals, you can also use charger plates to help retain the heat from the other dinnerware. This way, your guests wouldn’t have to worry about the food going cold while they eat. Therefore, purchasing charger plates bulk orders online will not only save you money but also ensures that you have enough supplies for all your guests.

  • Use chafing dishes

Chafing dishes are considered by many as one of the most effective ways to keep party food warm and ready to serve. You’ve probably seen them used in restaurants and buffet-style venues to keep food warm and covered for hours. Chafing dishes are made of metal that absorbs heat and traps it in the dish, preventing it from escaping when the dish is covered. Plus, while many people may consider them pricey, you can always find chafing dishes at very reasonable prices. 

  • Try using hot bricks or hot water bottles

In many cases, thick food like soups can retain heat for longer periods compared to foods like pastries. If you don’t want to use the oven to keep“light” party food warm, you can try using hot bricks or hot water bottles to transmit heat to the food. You can heat some bricks or water bottles in your oven and use them to keep the food warm, instead of keeping the food in the oven and using power. Both heated bricks and water bottles can hold heat energy for a long period, releasing it gradually to keep the party food warm. 

  • Make use of your oven

Ovens remain a great way to keep your party foods warm, especially if you need to serve the food at a specific time. If you’re expecting your party guests to arrive late, your oven is a great place to keep the food warm. Ideally, you’ll want to maintain the party food’s internal temperature at 140°, so keeping the oven set to 200° to 250° Fahrenheit is best. You can also consider using aluminum foil to cover the food surface and increase heat retention. 

Keep these tips in mind for your next party to avoid serving cold, unwanted food at your party. Your parties would be more fun and safe! 

Where to buy party balloons?

Ordinary, separate balloon decorations cannot always fully convey the spirit of the holiday and create décor/ that turns heads. But why should you create ordinary decorations, when the field of aero design is developing rapidly, and you can choose from such a stunning variety of different types of balloons?!

As you prepare for the big day, you definitely need to give it everything you’ve got and craft the most amazing balloon party décor you can!

Now we will tell you where you can buy the highest quality balloons at the most profitable price and how inflatable numbers, letters, and balls of different sizes and colors can help you in creating your jaw-dropping and Insta-worthy decorations!

What is the best place to buy party balloons?

Today, balloons are one of the most popular holiday products, and you can buy them everywhere. However, you should know that in order to create truly beautiful and long-lasting decorations, you need to use only quality items!

You may say that they are quite expensive, and you will be just partly right, as there are places where you can order branded balloons at the best price! One of such stores is Balloons Online, where you will find the following:

● the largest range of balloons and other party supplies;

● products that you can trust (balloons presented by world-famous manufacturers such as Sempertex, Convergram, Anagram, Hi-Float, Nickoloon, Northstar, Surprize Enterprize, and many others);

● advanced filters for quick and easy product search;

● timely delivery;

● the most loyal prices for all products, the ability to buy goods both wholesale and at retail;

● regular promotions, profitable deals, and nice bonus programs!

How can you use balloon letters and numbers?

These foil items will not only make your usual decorations shine but give them a brand-new look and a special meaning! They are perfect for birthdays and anniversaries, graduations and bachelorette parties, corporate events, weddings, holidays, and retirement celebrations — you can use them just anywhere you want!

The good news is that such balls, being quite visible from afar, make the whole decoration brighter and more noticeable! Just use a couple of these glittery items in your photo backdrop to make it look much more festive.

These inflatables will help you get your message across without further ado, and express your love and affection in the brightest way possible! Create touching congratulations or, on the contrary, make some funny inscriptions and cheer up everyone present most simply and amazingly!

Also, the shimmering letters and numbers can help you decorate typical compositions, such as arches, garlands, columns, walls, floor and table centerpieces, etc. For example, you can use balloon numbers on the top of your inflatable column, or integrate words into your arch decor.

Balloons of various sizes/colors in your party decor

Balls of different sizes and colors always help to give your decorations an even more eye-catching look and add some depth! By alternating balls of different sizes and colors, items of plain color and printed products, or mixing, for example, chrome, transparent, marble, and confetti inflatables, you can create masterwork decorations and photo backdrops.

With all this, you do not have to combine all the sizes and colors of balloons available in the store. Choose two or three trendiest colors that go well with each other, and pick up just two or three different sizes.

For example, you may need a few huge balloons to create accents, a lot of medium inflatables to fill the bulk of the composition, and a few small items to fill in empty spaces and create beautiful elegant edges of the composition; such decorations look very beautiful and are a hot trend!

Don’t forget to use additional decor elements such as fresh flowers and greenery, paper, and fabric items to further emphasize the originality of your idea!

7 Best Ideas for Planning a Wedding Anniversary

Planning a wedding anniversary is no easy feat. When planning such an event, there are many things to think about, from finding the perfect gift to finding the right location.

You want to make sure everything is impeccable. When planning this for someone you love, it is essential to remember that the best gift is one that will last a lifetime. This means that you need to take the time and think about what it will take to make this a special occasion.

Here are some ideas that can help make planning a wedding anniversary easier.

1. Choose a Location That Fits the Couple’s Personality and Style

A unique location can make a wedding anniversary an exceptional experience for the couple. When planning this event, think about what kind of place you want to visit. Do you want to visit a cottage, a castle, or even an amusement park? These are all perfect ideas for some fun and excitement when planning your wedding anniversary. The perfect place can be as simple as a restaurant or hotel. If you are looking to take a trip somewhere, you may want to consider a cruise ship or even an island vacation.

2. Planning a Dinner

Many people can enjoy a good meal. When it comes to planning a wedding anniversary, this is one of the best ways to celebrate. You can plan a dinner that will be intimate and relaxing yet still be able to accommodate many people. You can also consider having a gin delivery subscription so you can enjoy your anniversary dates. This allows you to invite family and friends and your partner’s family. It also allows you to have fun planning the menu and ensure that everything is perfect for the occasion.

If you want something original, cooking at home is always a great idea. Add some wine, candles, and great music to the mix for a perfect evening. Highlands 41 Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice for this type of dinner.

3. Create a Unique Gift for the Anniversary

A unique gift is always better than the standard gift that everyone else receives on their wedding anniversary. This shows that you took the time to find something unique and special. If you are unsure what to get, there are plenty of ideas online to help you create the perfect gift for your loved one.

You can also find many different stores online that will sell unique gifts such as clothing and accessories, so look around before making your purchase. The couple will be so surprised when they receive such a special gift.

4. Plan Some Fun Activities

Activities are a great way to keep the focus on the wedding anniversary. Many things can be done to keep the event fun and exciting. One of these is to have a pool party. This will allow you to have fun with your friends and family while celebrating your special day.

Another idea is to throw a surprise party for the bride and groom or even the whole family. This will ensure that everyone gets together and has a great time remembering all the good times from their wedding day.

5. Have Fun With the Flowers

A great way to have fun with the flowers is to use them as centerpieces. This will allow you to take your flowers and use them differently. Another way to have some fun with the flowers is by using them as decorations. You can even add floral arrangements on each table at the wedding anniversary party or even arrange some flowers around the guest book. These are just a few ways to turn flowers into something fun.

6. Plan a Theme Party

A theme party is an excellent idea for any wedding anniversary celebration. When planning this, it is essential that you consider your budget but also your guests’ preferences and interests. You may want to keep it simple and traditional, or you may want to go for

something more unique and different for everyone’s enjoyment. Many things can be done with this theme party idea, whatever the case may be. For example, if you have a garden-themed party, you can use flowers and plants as decorations for the tables. Themed foods can also be served, such as themed cake, cupcakes, or other pastries.

7. Do Your Research With the help of a wedding planner, you can ensure that the event is just as you want it. You can also find out where to get the best deals concerning anything and everything that goes along with the occasion.

You should also consider what will be most appropriate for your loved one’s personality and interests. This way, you will be able to make sure that they are happy throughout their special day. Try to find a wedding planner that will be able to help you with the planning for your anniversary. This way, you will be able to ensure that everything goes smoothly and that it is memorable.

The people around you will be able to hold a memory that will last a lifetime. This is because they have spent time with you and your loved one. The memories of the occasion will be cherished for years to come, so make sure that it is unique and memorable for everyone involved.

Sunday Lunch 101: The 10-Step Guide

Sunday lunch is a time-honored tradition in many families. But it can also be a source of stress for the host or hostess. Will the food be cooked properly? Will the gravy be lumpy? What if someone doesn’t like the cranberry sauce?

Never fear! With this 10-step guide, you’ll be able to serve up a delicious and stress-free Sunday lunch.

1. Choose your menu carefully.

Don’t try to please everyone with your menu. Stick to dishes that you know how to make and that you enjoy cooking. If you’re not confident in your culinary skills, there’s no shame in keeping it simple. A roast chicken or beef, lamb from Superior Farms, some roasted potatoes, and a green vegetable are always crowd-pleasers.

2. Make a plan.

Sit down and map out what needs to be done and when. This will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute scrambling. Write out a timeline for each dish, starting with the longest-cooking items and working your way down to the appetizers and dessert—factor in time for resting the meat so it will be juicy and tender.

3. Shop ahead of time.

Don’t wait until the last minute to do your grocery shopping. This will just add to your stress levels. Make a list of everything you need and try to do the majority of your shopping a few days in advance.

4. Prep as much as possible ahead of time.

The more you can do in advance, the better. Peel and chop vegetables, make sauces and gravies, and prepare any other dishes that can be done ahead of time. This will save you time on the day of, and it will also help keep your kitchen clean since you won’t have all those dirty dishes piling up.

5. Set the table the night before.

One less thing to worry about on the day of! Just make sure you put everything in its proper place, so you’re not scrambling around looking for things at the last minute.

6. Make sure your kitchen is clean.

Again, the less work you have to do on the day of, the better. Do all your dishes, wipe down the counters, and sweep the floor so you can focus on cooking and enjoying your guests’ company.

7. Put out a general timeline for the meal.

Let your guests know when they can expect each course to be served. This will help them pace themselves and avoid getting too full before dessert!

8. Delegate tasks to willing helpers.

If you have willing and able helpers, put them to work! Assign someone to be in charge of appetizers, another to help with the main course, and so on. This will take some of the pressure off of you and ensure that everything gets done.

9. Relax and enjoy yourself.

This is supposed to be a fun time, so don’t get too frazzled. Take a deep breath, put on some music, and pour yourself a glass of wine. Everything will be just fine.

10. Make sure to thank your helpers!

And don’t forget to show your appreciation for all their hard work. A little thank-you goes a long way.

In Closing

With these tips, you’re sure to have a delicious and stress-free Sunday lunch. Bon appetit!

7 Ways to Add Style to Your Adult Get-Togethers

Once we hit our adult years, getting together with close friends to kick back and have fun just isn’t as easy as it used to be.

From settling down, raising a family and working to pay the bills, finding time for a get-together is a matter of extreme schedule juggling. Then, even if you find the time, you have to contend with the stresses of life leaving you exhausted by the time the big day comes.

So, as you get older, every get-together obviously has to be the best it possibly can be. There’s no time to waste when you’re scrounging for every hour you can get to catch up.

To help you make the most out of your adult get-togethers, we’ve put together this list of 7 stylish ways you can add some flare to these rare occasions.

1. Location, Location, Location!

Planning an adult get together doesn’t have to be hard, but it can be adventurous if you wish. From a simple house party to a weekend away in the countryside, or maybe just a night out at a specialty venue.

Choosing a location for the event will help with the rest of the decisions that follow.

2: Set the Mood

Your friends probably aren’t expecting some high-class event every time they come to your house, but even if the get together is at your place, it’s still a good idea to set a relaxing mood that matches the occasion.

Play around with your indoor and outdoor lighting and add some scents to the area. Just don’t be overbearing with it.

Also, try to arrange your furniture in a way that’s conducive to allow good communication. Just a little bit of playing around with the environment can pull all your other efforts together for an amazing time away from adult responsibilities.

3: Fanciful Drinks for New Experiences

Whether you’re getting together for a Sunday brunch, or you’re squeezing in some friendly banter while the kids are at a sleepover, coffee meets the occasion.

However, just brewing a cup of Joe and slapping it down in front of everyone doesn’t highlight the special nature of the event. Instead, try serving one of the countless unique coffee drinks aficionados have blasted across the internet for a unique and “fancy” spin on the classic.

We’d like to recommend one of these 9 African coffee recipes. They’re easy to make, and the coffees they’re based on are a step above your average Folger’s cup.

4: Add a Bit of Novelty

Just because you’re trying to impress doesn’t mean you have to stick to the traditional stuff. Novelty cups and even tankards open up a world of possibilities.

If you want a real conversation starter that’s just as functional as it is impressive, pick up some Viking drinking horns for a unique drinking vessel. Sure, they are very “1100 AD” in nature, but they are also stylish, have a surprisingly high-class feel, and are sure to jumpstart the conversation.

5: Finger-Food with a Fanciful Touch

Plating some finger sandwiches, bruschetta, pinwheels, or other utensil-free foods is a great, and relatively cheap, way to add a bit of style to your get-together in a meaningful way.

Everyone loves to eat but prepping a full meal can be a bit much or take you away from the get-together. Take half an hour ahead of the meet-up to get these appetizers ready, and don’t forget to put some effort into their presentation.

Few things can enhance the mood and turn even a simple chat among friends into a sensory stimulating experience such as a well-made dessert, and any time you get the clique together to reminisce on the good old days, it’s a good idea to have some pre-prepared or quick-to-assemble goodies on hand.

Our favorite is this orange shortcake parfait due to its fruity flavors and cakey goodness not being too heavy or overly unhealthy, but you can easily substitute it with any dessert you and your friends can agree on.

6: Put the “Adult” in Adult Get-Togethers

Let’s say you and your friends haven’t been together in one room since your glory days in college. It’s 12 years later, and while you’re eager to catch up and have a good time, it’s hard to deny you’re all a little bit nervous to share how your lives have gone and what you’re up to. What better way to ease those nerves and get back to that youthful energy you once had than a few drinks?

Serving cocktails is a great way to get into the mood for a friendly chat. Just make sure you do it responsibly, and put some effort into crafting some unique, memorable cocktails. A quick Google search will bring up thousands of recipes you’ll be dying to try.

7: Plan Ahead!

As we get older our calendars fill up fast. Gone are the days when you can plan an event on the same day and expect a solid turnout. Make sure to plan well in advance, and even start a poll for the group to decide on the best dates to get the most people in attendance.

5 Ideas for a Unique Birthday Celebration

Traditional birthdays include cake, candles, ice cream, and maybe a special meal out.

All these are nice ways to celebrate. But sometimes, you want to do something out of the ordinary.

Maybe this is an extra-special birthday for an extra-special person. You want to surprise and delight them.

Or maybe you want to impress someone you’ve just met or let someone know how you feel about them.

We can help! Below we’ve got five ideas for unique birthday celebrations your friends, loved ones, kids, or clients will love—and remember for a long time!

1. Plan a Video Tribute

Help your birthday person feel extra special by asking friends and family to contribute.

Ask them to video themselves wishing this person a happy birthday, and encourage them to include statements about what they think is special about this person. Then you have two options:

  • Edit the videos together into one big movie and send it on that special day
  • Get together over dinner to share the videos with a small group of friends

Your birthday person won’t be able to help feeling extra special!

2. Hunt for Treasure!

Whether you’re planning a birthday for a youngster or someone young at heart, this idea will provide a lot of fun. Plant clues throughout the house or yard, then hide the wrapped birthday present as the “treasure” for the final destination.

Feel free to include some challenges along the way. Maybe your hunter needs to solve a puzzle, lift some weights, figure out a riddle, or overcome an obstacle course to get to the next step.

Add some humor by using jokes and rhyming words in your clues, or plant smaller gifts along the way that will make your guest of honor laugh.

You can also hide clues around town if you like—at parks, libraries (stashed in a certain book), or bus stops. Make the clue something in a restaurant menu, or require your birthday person to gather certain things from around town like a selfie in front of a statue or a soda pop from a specific convenience store. Use your imagination to make it fun!

3. Host a Tasting

For your adult birthday friends, consider hosting a tasting party. Have everyone bring a unique food or drink to share—the more exotic, the better. Or you can send out a list of your guest of honor’s favorite foods, and ask the other guests to bring one of these.

When setting up your table to hold all these tasty goodies, consider adding a pretty fruit bouquet to the center. It livens up the display and people can taste it too! For a limited time, you can get free delivery of Edible Arrangements treats. They have many options to choose from, including fruit bouquets, sweet platters, chocolate-covered strawberries, and more.

If your birthday person loves wine, you may also want to look into booking a wine tasting tour. These can be fancy and a lot of fun, featuring a picturesque tour around a pretty area as well as the chance to try different flavors of wine.

4. Backyard Movie Theater

If the weather is nice, a backyard movie can be a fun and unique experience—the perfect way to get people together for a birthday celebration. Projectors are fairly affordable now and can transform any outdoor space into a movie theater.

This projector, for instance, had built-in WiFi technology that allows you to sync your phone with the projector to stream any movie you like. It has a built-in stereo surround speaker as well as an extra Bluetooth function to connect with your additional speakers or headphones if you are using them. Or you can try this one, which comes with a 100” projector screen included.

Then plan for pizza or a barbeque and ask everyone to bring chairs and blankets. Pop the popcorn and enjoy!

5. Solve a Mystery!

Murder mystery evenings are making a comeback across the country. And why not? They’re a lot of fun. Some cities now host these events for you. But you can create your own too. Purchase a box set and invite your friends and family, or if you’re just itching to tell a story, start from scratch and make it yourself.

For guidelines on how to host your own murder mystery party, MastersofMystery.com and MyMysteryParty.com have step-by-step instructions for you. You can also find free murder mystery games online that you can use, like this one from whodunitmysteries.com, or this one from freeformgames.com. Don’t be surprised if once you do one, you’ll want to host more!

Top Tips for Planning a Wedding on a Budget

Everyone has a budget. Some people’s budgets allow them to enjoy fine dining and multiple vacations a year, while other budgets allow you to eat out at a local diner once a week and go camping twice a year. If you’re on the smaller side of the budget range, you can still plan an amazing wedding. Thanks in part to tools like Pinterest, you can get ideas from other brides for planning a wedding on a budget. You can create a dream wedding board that gives you all the feels. Then create a DIY board so you can make it happen within your budget. Here are some of the top tips for planning a wedding on a budget.

Set Realistic Expectations

You might have dreamt of getting married outside of a castle in Scotland, but your budget is telling you otherwise. What about the fairytale wedding is most important to you? Is it the wedding dress? Is it the venue? Is it finding the best wedding videographer near me? It’s important to set realistic expectations if you know you’ll need to make some compromises about your wedding plans. Maybe you can still find a local castle, but it won’t be Edinburgh Castle. Perhaps you can get your favorite videographer, but you’ll only get them there for the ceremony and a little time afterwards.

Create Your Budget First

Before you go spending any money, it’s crucial that you know how much you have to spend in the long run. This will make it harder to overspend or stretch yourself thin on things that don’t really matter. Having the top number in front of you will help you make smart budget decisions for your wedding without causing fights or stress.

Get Family and Friends Involved

People love to help with weddings. To DIY everything from invitations to decorations, you’ll be spending a lot of time working on creative projects. Gather your friends and family together for wine, music, and a fun time putting together all the little details for your wedding. Not only will it help you get things done, you’ll make some fun memories in the process. Snap some pictures of you and whoever helps to put together for a fun slideshow at the wedding. Be sure to show your gratitude to whomever helps so you don’t make anyone feel bad.

Have Your Wedding on a Weekday

Weekday weddings are far less expensive than weekend ones. Most wedding venues get booked a year in advance and the weekend spots cost a premium. Getting married on a weekday can save you as much as 25% off the cost of the ceremony and reception venues. Some florists will even offer discounts for weekday weddings because they are not as overbooked on those days. Additionally, weekday weddings work better for small, intimate weddings as most people who are not immediate family or close friends would not take the day off for the wedding.

Don’t Serve a Meal

Traditionally, the bride and groom serve the guests a meal to thank them for coming to the wedding. However, at $20+ a plate, this can add up quickly, especially if you’re planning a larger event. DIYYou could serve an afternoon tea theme, serve snacks and punch, or even stick with simple veggie trays and chips if you have a tiny budget. The important thing is not that you spend a ton of money, but that you get to celebrate your marriage with all the people you care about surrounding you.

Elope Instead

Yep, I said it. Having a big wedding can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work and for some couples it makes more sense to simply elope. While you may not get as many presents, you could take the money you would’ve spent on the big wedding and spend it on a fabulous trip instead, and still have money left over to get some new bedding and a toaster. If you already hosted an engagement party with your closest friends and family to celebrate, eloping could be the perfect way to get married. You can even have a Las Vegas elopement and get married in the City of Lights.