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Archive for the ‘Parties’ Category

Party Hors d’oeuvres: Low Calorie Tarragon-Rice Stuffed Mushrooms

Monday, November 15th, 2010
Cluster of Grapes Invitation

Cluster of Grapes Party Invitation

When your party invitations state appetizers or hors d’oeuvres, here’s a receipe your guests will love that is low fat and low calorie:

Tarragon-Rice Stuffed Mushrooms

18 large white mushrooms
1/4 cup canned fat-free chicken broth
1 shallot or green onion, minced
1/2 cup cooked, cold long-grain white rice
2 teaspoons light mayonnaise
2 or 3 fresh basil leaves, chopped
 2 tablespoons freshly-grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop the stems finely.

In a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the shallot and mushrooms stems; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. (more…)

Full Moon arrives before Halloween

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Dance in the Moonlight Halloween InvitationsOctober 22nd a Full Moon will rise and on a beach in Thailand, 20,000-30,000 people gather to celebrate.  The party begins at dusk and as the evening progresses, the beach explodes into a dancing frenzy with DJ’s taking turns playing the music.  Live entertainers perform for the crowd and the sky lights up with a fireworks display. 

Be sure to get out and see the full moon as it rises, right around sunset. Along the horizon, the moon tends to seem even bigger but this is just an illusion you can easily prove yourself.

Take a small object such as a pencil eraser, hold it at arm’s length, and compare its size to that of the moon just as it rises. Repeat the experiment later in the night and you’ll see that the moon compares the same in both cases. Astronomers and psychologists agree that the moon illusion is just that, but they don’t agree on how to explain it. 

You might want to check out the Full Moon Calculator to see when the next full moon is or perhaps enter the month and year you were born to see if you or your friends were born under a full moon.

What do you remember about the best party you’ve attended?

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
Ruby City Skyline Invitations

Ruby City Skyline Invitations

What one thing stands out about the best party you’ve ever attended?

The invitation?

The location?

The people?

The food?

The beautiful weather?

The music?

Your date?

The dreamy guy/girl across the room?

Your dress/suit?

Your hair was perfect?

The champagne was simply fabulous?

That romantic last dance?

Make us swoon or smile and share your favorite party rememberance.

Party Invitation Dress Codes Explained

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010
Cocktail Party Attire

Cocktail Party Attire

Whether you’re the invitation sender or the invitation recipient, how to dress for a party is an age old question.

If you are sender, how do you visualize your guests as you circulate through your party? Use your imagination to determine the feel of your party, then inform all your guests on the invitation with the appropriate dress code.

Do you envision strict black-tie, black-tie optional, festive attire, casual holiday attire, dress to impress, or anything but blue jeans?  Sometimes the location of your holiday event will help determine dress code, but be specific so your guests will arrive appropriately attired.

If you are the invitation recipient, when in doubt, dress up.  Who doesn’t want to look better than the rest of the party competition? If you’re overdressed, you can always say you are on your way to another party.

It is also fine to ask the host or other guests what is appropriate and acceptable for the event.  Find something you’re comfortable in – are you going to be eating, drinking, dancing? Women, don’t wear something you can’t sit down in whether it’s a too tight ball gown or a too short mini, be comfortable!  If you’re comfortable, you’re going to feel great!

Read “How to Dress for any Party Invitation Occasion

5 Holiday Invitation Mistakes and how to to Avoid Them

Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Jolly St. Nick's Face Holiday Invitations

Jolly St. Nick's Face Holiday Invitations

December 1st and the start of the holiday season may seem a long time off, but if you’re hosting a holiday party, you’re running out of time….fast!

1. Ordering invitations too late.
December calendars fill up at warp speed and to get guests to attend your party, you need to mail holiday invitations at least 4-6 weeks before your party date. So, if you’ve chosen the first week of December for your date, you need to mail your invitations by the first of November at the latest. Don’t forget to allow time for your supplier, hopefully Announcingit, to process, print and ship your invitations to you.

2. Not ordering enough invitations.
You order the same amount of party invitations as the year before, but forgot about the new employees, the new couple down the block, or the new couples you really clicked with from your child’s soccer team. We suggest ordering at least 10 extra invitations to avoid the costly and time-consuming need to reorder.

3. You made a mistake in the wording!
Proof read, proof read, proof read. Be sure to check your holiday invitations for spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes as well as information you might have inadvertently omitted. Double check the date, the time and location as well as the spelling of all the names.

4. Your boss will be out of town!
Decide on a guest list for your holiday party, then check the calendar and set a date and time that is convenient for all your guests and/or co-workers. Planning the office Christmas party only to find out the boss will be in Tahiti on that date would be a disaster! Make sure there are no conflicting parties or events planned or any business commitments that conflict. If your party won’t be a success without “The Smiths” in attendance, make sure they have your party date open before you commit to your chosen date.

5. Inadequate Postage
Don’t assume your complete invitation will take standard postage. Is your invitation square? Does it need to be be hand-cancelled? Is it oversized? Overweight? All of these concerns could mean your invitation will require extra postage, but how much? We suggest assembling one invitation and taking it to the post office to have it weighed and the size measured before you buy or affix postage stamps. Also, if for some reason invitations need to be returned to you, make sure you have your return address on all envelopes so if there is a problem, they can be returned to you.

See all our Christmas and Holiday Party Invitations for personal or business events.Shop all our Holiday Party Invitations

Cute Haunted House Halloween Invitation & Halloween Safety Tips

Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Halloween House & Candy Corn Border

Halloween House & Candy Corn Border

Trick or Treating, like Halloween, can be traced back to All Souls Day, a long time ago.  The poor people would go out at night to people’s homes begging and the people would give them treats called soul cakes. Times changed and the children became the beggars.  As they went to different houses, they would be given fruit, bread, and maybe money. 

When the custom came to America, children would be given candy as it was also tradition that if a child was not given something, the child would play a trick on them, such as egging their house. 

With the traditional door to door trick or treating not being as safe as it once was, why not send your child’s friends a halloween invitation to gather at your home for candy, games, fun and a costume contest.

If you do send your little goblins out trick or treating, here are a few safety tips to follow:

 Tips for Children:

  • Follow the road rules, cross only at corners
  • If there are parked cars, do not cross between them
  • Walk the opposite direction that the traffic is going
  • Never wear your mask when you cross the street, always take it off
  • Always watch out for cars that may be backing out or turning around
  • NEVER go to or into someone’s house you don’t know

Tips for Adults:

  • Know where your child will be going and the route they are taking 
  • Make sure that there is an adult with the children
  • Know if your child will be going to other activities
  • Have a curfew set for your child to be home
  • Tell your child that there is a difference between tricking and vandalizing
  • Tell your child to not eat their candy before you inspect it

Costume Rules:

  • Make sure that the costume is not flammable
  • Make sure that the costume is brightly colored or if it is dark, iron on some reflective strips so they can be seen by street lights and car lights, and carry a flashlight
  • Do not include high heeled shoes or long costumes that the child may trip over

For family fun for everyone, Mom and Dad should catch the spirit of the holiday and dress up too!

Shop all our Kid’s Halloween Party Invitations
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Shop all Halloween Party Favors
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When is Crab Season? Great Crab Dinner Party Invitations

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010
Red Crab on the Shore Invitation

Red Crab on the Shore Invitation

No matter the occasion, a birthday, an anniversary party, or a rehearsal dinner, seafood is a favorite theme for a dinner party.  When is crab season and what kind of crab should you select?

It is said that Maryland produces the finest crab meat from the famous blue crab. The peak of the season runs from July through November. The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), has a rich, sweet and succulent flavor.  In Maryland, crab meat must be steamed rather than boiled which results in better tasting crab meat with a longer shelf life and because it contains less water weight, the consumer gets more crab per pound.

There are three types of Alaskan King Crab – Red (most sought out and know for its sweet meat), Golden (smaller and more abundant, and Blue (tends to have large claws.)

Dungeness crab season opens in November.  Dungeness crabs are particularly prized for their sweet, firm, succulent meat and often served with sourdough French bread and a bottle of Chardonnay wine in San Francisco.

So whatever your occasion, send a terrific seafood theme invitation then join friends and family in enjoying a fabulous seafood dinner.

Shop Seafood Invitations Now

80 Great Couples Halloween Costume Ideas & Invitations

Thursday, September 16th, 2010
Goth Couple Halloween Costume Party Invitations

Goth Couple Halloween Costume Party Invitations

What will you be this Halloween?  If you’ve been invited to a Halloween Party or have decided to host your own, have you given any thought to your costumes?

Here are 80 ideas for Couples Halloween Costumes:

  • Sexy Vampire and Vampira
  • Lady Gaga and Elton John
  • Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf
  • Batman and Catwoman
  • Avatar Neytiri and Jake Sully
  • Cinderella and Prince Charming
  • Sexy Nurse and Charming Doctor
  • Adam and Eve
  • Mermaid and Ship’s Captain
  • Frankenstein and his Bride
  • Tarzan and Jane
  • Buzz Lightyear and Jessie
  • Mickey and Minnie Mouse
  • Sexy Cop and Villain
  • Cheerleader and Football Player
  • Cowboy and Cowgirl
  • Little Bo Peep and Her Sheep
  • Carol and Mike Brady (Brady Bunch)
  • Tinkerbell and Peter Pan
  • Jack Skellington and Sassy Sally
  • Cowboy Gunslinger and Barmaid
  • Sailor and Sexy Sailing Partner
  • Barbie and Ken
  • Hooter Girl and Sleazy Customer
  • Aladdin and his Genie
  • Sexy Caddie and Golf Pro
  • Sonny and Cher
  • Farmer and Sexy Farm Girl
  • Romeo and Julie
  • Marc Anthony and Cleopatra
  • Prisoner and Warden
  • Flight Attendant and Pilot
  • Doctor and Nurse
  • Pirate and his Vixen Pirate Wench
  • French Maid and Butler or Man of the House
  • Sexy Teacher and Student
  • Old Professor and Sexy Schoolgirl
  • Dance Hall Girl and Manager
  • Race Car Driver and Sexy Groupie
  • King and Queen of Hearts
  • Sexy Secretary and Boss
  • Toga King and Queen
  • Roaring ’20s Flapper and Tuxedo’d Gentleman
  • Greaser and his Gal
  • Sexy Angel and Devil
  • Bonnie and Clyde
  • Disco Fever Couple
  • Circus Ringmaster and Sexy Lion
  • Flower Power Hippies
  • Playboy Bunnie & Hef
  • Magician and Sexy Assistant
  • Rickie & Lucy
  • Count Dracula and Countess
  • Bavarian Barmaid and Beer Drinker
  • Sexy Popstar and Manager
  • Beauty and the Beast
  • Devil and his sexy Cohort
  • Marge and Homer Simpson
  • Zombie Prom King and Queen
  • Fred and Wilma Flinstone
  • Austin Powers and Foxy Cleopatra
  • Sheriff and Sexy Jailbird
  • Cruise Ship Director and Passenger
  • Graveyard Skeleton Bride and Groom
  • Caveman and Cavewoman
  • Santa and his Sexy Elf/Wife
  • Harem Prince and Princess
  • Robin Hood and Maid Marian
  • Popeye and Olive Oyl
  • Sailor and Deckhand Diva
  • Hollywood Starlet and Director
  • Flinstones Bamm Bamm and Pebbles
  • Elvis and Pricilla
  • GI Joe and Jane
  • Pharaoh King and Queen
  • Galdiator and Gladiatrix
  • Viking Warrier and Viking Princess
  • Indian Chief and Indian Maiden
  • Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland
  • Senor and Sexy Senorita
  • Batman and Sexy Girl Robin

Now that you’ve been inspired on how to dress, it’s time to order Halloween Party Invitations your guests will love!

Shop Halloween Costume Party Invitations Now

ETIQUETTE CHALLENGE #7: You post “RSVP to my invite” but everyone wasn’t invited!

Thursday, September 16th, 2010
Little Black Dress Party Invitation

Little Black Dress Party Invitation

You’ve spent lots of time and effort picking out and mailing the perfect invitations for your incredibly awesome event.  You breath a sign of relief and mentally go over all the details. You know people are slow to rsvp, if at all, so a few days after mailing the invitations, you decide to speed things along and send out a tweet or post to your Facebook account.

You carefully craft a message and post:  “I just sent out invitations to my fabulous party and you don’t want to miss it! Please RSVP ASAP”.

Mission accomplished.  Your guests will RSVP, your head count will be accurate, your budget on track and all’s well with the world, until…

O-H N-O!@!? You realize there are people on your Twitter or Facebook accounts that just got your post and they were NOT invited to your party!!!

What do you do?

Chime in and tell us what you’d do. What you wouldn’t do. What you’d do when the non-invited respond to your posts, “What party?”

Kids Halloween Birthday Party Invitations & Ideas

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

If you or your child is lucky enough to have a birthday around Halloween, you have another theme to choose from when planning a birthday party. 

Dance in the Moonlight Halloween Invitations

Dance in the Moonlight Halloween Invitations

Kids love to dress up in their Halloween costumes and getting to wear them more than once is a real treat. 

Choose your favorite Halloween invitation and be sure to send it with enough time so guests can plan to attend. 

You can make your home a Haunted House for Halloween and serve creepy foods and drinks. You might also want to have some food that kids recognize and will actually eat if your party is around the lunch or dinner hour. 

If the birthday party is actually on Halloween, you can plan to have some parents stay and trick or treat your neighborhood as a group before the party starts. 

Goodie bags with spiders and Halloween trinkets, and even more candy, will delight guests. 

Be sure to be prepared to take lots of photos and video the event so you can enjoy the replay without the chaos.

Shop all Kids Halloween Invitations

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