Party Pizzazz

Graduation Parties Simpler This Year

2009-06-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

I've discovered that this year, more graduation parties are "home made." Rather than having them catered or purchasing platters of food, parents and relatives are purchasing the indgredients and making the refreshments themselves.

They may serve cold cuts, cheese and rolls. But they purchase specific amounts of sliced meats at the deli and arrange them on platters.
They purchase ground beef and franks and hold a barbecue.
Instead of buying ready made salads, they are making potato, pasta, and cabbage salads.

In our household, with a granddaughter graduating from high school, we're serving hamburgers and franks from the grill. My husband cooked a chicken in the smoker yesterday and we're slicing it on another platter. The other grandmother made salads yesterday. Our daughter did purchase a decorated cake with Kara's name written on it.

As I looked around and asked around, I found more people were doing this and better keeping within their budgets. Yes, a few, because of a time crunch, are purchasing ready made, but many must watch the outflow of cash more carefully this year.

What are you doing for graduation parties?

Refreshing Party Pizzazz

2009-06-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

I'm refreshing this blog as I help a friend research party material for her party planning business. She had so much fun planning her daughter's wedding that she didn't want all that research and experience to go to waste.

Why not share it with others to make their parties and weddings memorable and enjoyable occasions?

So many resources are available online, she found. Thus, she didn't have to go traveling around town or to other nearby locations to find much of what she and her daughter needed.

What has been your experience in party planning? Do you use online resources?

Mary Emma Allen Published in Anthology

2009-02-24T12:11:00.000-08:00

Party Pizzazz blogger, Mary Emma Allen has stories featured in the new release, Eternally Yours, an anthology of poetry, light essays, devotions and meditations, edited by Mary Ellen Grisham and published by Xulon Press.

Featuring some of the best Christian writers on the Internet, this book represents work that has appeared in the Eternal Ink E-zine since it’s inception in 1999.

In addition, Mary gives presentations and teaches workshops at schools, libraries, writers’ conferences, and for other groups. Some of her talks include topics such as Alzheimer's and caregiving, quilt history and quiltmaking, New Hampshire history, and writing.

I was pleased when Ms. Grisham selected some of my stories for inclusion in this anthology. It's exciting to encourage and inspire others with my writing.

Tea Parties Resembling the Boston Type

2009-02-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

Tea parties take on many aspects as we learn tea can be a beverage for drinking or one that denotes a protest. Tea has been used both ways in American history...an actual beverage or a symbolic one.

Today, tea parties are brewing as a protest against President Obama's policies, reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party, when colonists rebelled against British rule and taxation without representation. Tea parties are cropping up all over the U.S.A. as citizens speak out against policies that will lead to greater taxation.

The power of tea! A calming beverage when you're stressed, a social beverage for gatherings among friends or a symbolic one with overtures of protest as exhibited by the American colonists and citizens today.

Groundswell of Obama Opposition Called a "Tea Party"

More Tea Parties Are Brewing Along with Investigations into Obama's Birth

Party Fare from the Food Bloggers

2009-02-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

The Food Bloggers are a group of us who write about food, recipes and related topics. I hope you enjoy our selection this week. Some of these might work for party fare.

A Homemade Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Use fresh or frozen fruit to make a midwinter healthy treat.

Busy Family Meals The best chocolate cookies Cyndi has ever had. Ever!

Butterfinger Buzz A review of Nestle's new caffeinated candy bar -- a twist on an old favorite!

Cooking Gadgets Cyndi has two Smith's Edge knife sharpeners to give away this weekend!

Mardi Gras Cocktail Recipe A delicious recipe for your Mardi Gras celebration

Quilled Pastry Hearts with Key Lime Curd You can make quilled hearts out of paper or get really creative and make them from frozen puff pastry.

School Lunch Variations Mary Emma at Country Kitchen chats about school lunches past and present and gives you a recipe for Mayonnaise Cake.

Happy Valentine's Day from Party Pizzazz

2009-02-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

May this be a special day for you.

We have been enjoying Valentine's Day flowers, cards and candy. This was a fun day at school yesterday with the Valentine parties.

Today the children in our household are enjoying it, too.

As far as tea...I've been drinking Assam tea today.

Obama Popularizes Tea

2009-02-11T13:29:00.000-08:00

Apparently Obama prefers tea, hot and cold, to other beverages. Will this increase tea drinking and tea sales? Will it popularize tea parties or the serving of this beverage at other parties and events?

According to the Bigelow Tea blog, President Obama Favors Organic Tea, especially chilled Berry Teas. So they and other tea companies apparently are introducing new organics.

Now I have questions...How are organic teas different? What's so special? Where are they raised? How are they processed?

If you have answers, let me know.

Flowers For Valentine's Day?

2009-02-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

A friend who works in a florist department of a supermarket as a floral designer says that Valentine's Day is the biggest and busiest "flower" day of the year. It starts for them at least two weeks before Valentine's Day when the flowers start coming in.

They must prep the flowers, getting rid of leaves and stems and preparing them for bouquets and arrangements. They must make sure they have enough vases and Valentine related decorations and embellishments.

My friend is very creative, so she's often requested to design special arrangements using her ideas. Flower arranging is an art and not simply putting a mass of flowers into a vase in a hodge podge way.

Silk flowers also are in style and popular because they'll save. Some florest departments work with these, too. However, look for craftspeople who specialize in silk flowers for special occasions.

Craft stores also usually handle silk flowers. They may even hold classes on silk flower arranging.

Are you including flowers into your plans this Valentine's Day...either to give as a gift or to decorate your party?

Valentine Party Ideas

2009-02-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

What are you doing for Valentine's Day? Are you planning any parties? This was an exciting time when I was a youngster, with parties at school and at home. My mom made this an occasion for us four children, even though she was busy with farm work and housework.

The schools still have Valentine parties. Where I substitute teach, the youngsters in grades K-5 are looking forward to a special afternoon on the day before Valentine's Day because they won't be in school on the 14th.

Adults often celebrate with a special dinner for two, giving flowers and gifts. A friend, who works in a florist shop, says this is the busiest day of the year for them. They start preparing and taking orders two weeks ahead.

What are you doing for Valentine's Day in your family and your life?

Food Bloggers Have Ideas for Parties, Too

2009-01-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Food Bloggers are a group of bloggers who enjoy sharing their recipes or write blogs related to recipes, foods, health and nutrition, and cooking. They have some up with some more recipes that may help you create interesting meals.

Some of these are ideal for parties.

Alphabet Cake Pan Personalize your birthday cake with an alphabet cake pan. Make their initials, or their age in cake!
Busy Family Meals Vindaloo sauce can be used to flavor meats, but we like it best as a vegetarian delight!
Chocolate Covered Buttercrunch Bars Chocolate and buttercrunch treats made with a surprise ingredient.
Cooking Gadgets Space saving genius: collapsible colanders!
Horehound Drops A herbal home remedy for a sore throat or cough.
Old Woodenware Stirs Memories Mary Emma, at Country Kitchen, finds that old kitchen woodenware brings back memories of cooking in the farmhouse kitchen of childhood.
Super Bowl Snack: Edamame "Hummus" A delicious thick dip made with edamame, tofu and avocado
The Experts' Suggestions to Curb Nighttime Noshing Most of the registered dieticians and diet websites Jean found as she tries to curb her nightly noshing habit have pretty specific suggestions to help.

Have fun as you try these. Let me know if there is something you particularly enjoy.

What About a Book Launch Tea Party - a Lovely Idea!

2009-01-19T19:20:00.000-08:00

I just visited Tracy DeSabato-Aust's blog and learned of a fascinating idea - A Book Launch Tea Party. Tracy describes this gathering of friends to celebrate the launching of her new book, 50 High-Impact Low-Care Garden Plants.

Don't you simply love this idea? There are so many variations you can develop whether you're launching a fiction, non-fiction, children's or adult's book.

Some tea parties might be costume ones.
Foods served could be some mentioned in the book.
If you do have a tea party in your book, recreate it at your launch.
You also could arrange a virtual online tea party launch.
If your book is set in a different country, find teas served there.

If you've ever had a tea party book launch, do share with us.

Tea Party with Beauty Break

2009-01-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

Tea Parties seem appropriate most everywhere. The other day, as I conducted a skin care and make-up Beauty Break session at a friend's home, she combined this with a tea party for refreshments.

After I analyzed the gals' faces, then showed them how to use the skin care and make-up items, we chatted over cups of tea and dainty cookies. Since it was just after the Christmas holidays, the hostess had some pressed cookies with red and green decorations, as well as sugar-free cookies since her mom, who attended, is diabetic. Pretty napkins and dainty cups completed the arrangement.

Gathering around a cup of tea seems to enhance friendships and create a festive atmosphere.

JK Rowling Tea Parties and Other Events

2009-01-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought of a tea party to recognize a favorite author or release of their latest book? Perhaps the author even attends and reads from the book.

Even if that isn't possible, you could plan tea party events around books and authors.

A month ago, I wrote about a tea party with Harry Potter author, J K Rowling, some children in England would be attending. This was a highly publicized event celebrating of the release of Rowling's new book, Tales of Beedle the Bard.

I've wondered if any attending the tea party read any of my blogs. It would be fun if you'd leave a comment and let us know how you enjoyed this special tea party.

Were there any other tea parties going on to note this occasion...in libraries, bookstores, homes, schools? If so, what were they like?

Happy New Year's from Party Pizzazz

2009-01-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

May 2009 be a wonderful year for you.

It's cold (3 degrees F.) and windy here where I live.

But we're looking forward to a grand 2009.

What Type of Flowers for Weddings?

2008-12-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

Wedding Flowers

Flowers for weddings can be costly or fairly reasonable, depending on what you choose and how you arrange them. You also have the decision whether they're silk flowers or real ones.

For my wedding, my mother-in-law to be made the arrangements. My mom purchased flowers from the local florist, then hubby's mom made the corsages and bouquets, as well as arrangements for the table. This was a small home wedding, so didn't require a huge number of arrangements.

My bouquet consisted of a strip of flowers along a ribbon that I carried on top of a small white Bible. My aunt, who was my matron of honor, carried a bouquet. The moms had corsages and dads, best man and groom boutonnieres.

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For my daughter's wedding in a state 600 miles from our home, I arranged for silk flowers. A friend created these floral arrangements as a business and made lovely bouquets and corsages that would last a life time. These arrangements also traveled well when my husband and I drove to the wedding.

Because each wedding was different and in different eras (silk flowers weren't much in use when I married), we chose what met our needs and added to the beauty memories of each wedding.

A Santa Watching Party

2008-12-24T19:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

The grandkids excitedly anticipated the wonders of Christmas and informed us they could watch Santa's progress by satellite. Simply check into the Norad site and follow on the map as Santa made his way across the world to the United States.

So while I enjoyed a cup of tea, we watched Santa's progress. This also is a fascinating way for youngsters to learn geography and facts about different countries.

They finally gave up and went to bed as Santa headed toward South America. He has a few hours yet to reach our country.

This was a different type of "party," but a fun one as we finished wrapping gifts, enjoyed special finger foods, and watched for Santa.

Have you ever watched Santa via satellite? What will they think of next!

Cookies Galore

2008-12-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

After Bible Study tonight at church, we had cookies and conversation...a time to exchange Christmas greetings and enjoy friendship. Several of the ladies contributed homemade cookies of various types:

Cranberry Nut Jumbles
Coconut Drops
Krispy Rice Bars
Sugar Cookies with a dab of jam in the center
Frosted Sugar Cookies
Brownies
Chocolate Tarts with Whipped Cream
Chocolate Drop Cookies with cherry in the center

(I know there were more, but I can't recall them all right now.)

For parties during the holidays or gift bags of cookies, what kinds of cookies do you make or enjoy?

Unique Holiday Party Ideas

2008-12-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Are you planning any parties or entertaining for the holiday season? Are you doing anything unique?

We're planning our traditional Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve and Day meals for our family of six. We do have a standing invitation to some friends and relatives. They know, if they don't have any place to go, they're always welcome to stop by.

The grandchildren (we're a three generational household) enjoy special dishes that their mom and dad, grandfather and I prepare. They're now teens, so can make some of their own, too.

Sometimes we have a New Year's Day Open House, with friends stopping by in the afternoon and evening.

I'd enjoy having you share your party plans and traditions.

Suggestions for a Wedding Planning Guide

2008-11-30T14:38:00.000-08:00

Wedding Planning

A friend asked if I could compile for her a list of places, either online or locally, where she could obtain the items and services for weddings. She often performs wedding ceremonies and sometimes is asked for suggestions for flowers, dresses, reception locations, music, invitations, thank you notes, and similar items.

A cousin did most of the planning for her daughter's wedding and found so many resources online and in their hometown. She thought, too, of compiling a guide for others to use, as well as offering her services to assist them.

So gradually, I've been putting together a guide with suggestions from both of them.

What would you like to see in a wedding planning guide?

Snowy Day Impromptu Tea Party

2008-11-28T06:33:00.000-08:00

When the snow flutters down, lightly and softly this morning in New Hampshire, it's time for another cup of tea. Or an impromptu tea party!

Invite a friend or neighbor over for a cup of tea and refreshments. (Do you have goodies from Thanksgiving dinner? Some people make enough to last the weekend for friends who stop by?)

Or...if you're going to a friend's house, take along some tea bags and goodies. That gives me an idea for this evening, when Jim and I are stopping to see friends. I'll share some of our Thanksgiving goodies and take a selection of tea bags.

What tea would you choose for an impromptu tea party?

Also, you might like to read about our first snowfall of winter, which occurred earlier in the week here in New Hampshire.

http://www.alzheimersnotes.com/snowy-day-activities-memories-with-alzheimers-patients/
http://www.quiltingandpatchwork.com/2008/11/25/the-first-snowfall-a-day-for-fun-and-quilti ng-inspiration/
http://www.onebooktwobook.com/snow-snow-everywhere/

ENJOY!

Suggestions for Holiday Shopping, to Make Your Tasks Easier

2008-11-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Super Shopping

To aid you in preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and your other shopping, I've compiled lists and suggestions at my b5media blogs: One Book Two Book, Quilting and Patchwork, and Alzheimer's Notes.

One Book Two Book:2008 Holiday Gift Guide (Mary Emma)

Quilting & Patchwork:2008 Holiday Gift Guide for Quilters & Fabric Artists

Alzheimer's Notes:Holiday Shopping for Alzheimer's Caregivers

Did you find one list more helpful than another? If so, which one?

ENJOY!

Happy Thanksgiving from Party Pizzazz

2008-11-27T06:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

We've been busy this morning getting the turkey ready. Yes, we're having the traditional turkey. My hubby selected it so has been monitoring the preparations. After I made the stuffing ("like Mother used to make!"), I left the rest to him. The engineer in him cooks to precision.

My daughter has been preparing her special recipes to add to our menu. She made her daughter's request of "glop" for breakfast...a combination of bread cubes, eggs, sausage, cheese, and milk. Some of us like that, while others have something else. (We live in a multi-generational home with six family members, a dog, guinea pig, and rabbit.)

Perhaps you'd like to see my Thankful Poem, a project on my Quilting and Patchwork blog.

How about writing your own Thankful Poem this weekend? Or any time of year?

Mystery Tea Parties - What fun!

2008-11-25T19:10:00.000-08:00

Tea Time Mystery Parties!

Have you ever thought of holding a mystery tea? Don't these sound like fun?

I'd never thought of this type of party until I learned about the murder mystery teas in a kit that Maxine Holmgren organizes at Maxine Mystery Tea Parties. In fact, she's made a business of this, providing mystery scripts she's written, along with recipes, invitations, and other items for the complete tea party.

There's also an interesting article, Tea, scones and a murder mystery, by Hope Pierson that gives some details about Maxine and her parties, which now have become popular beyond her home area of Sun City, AZ.

Cardmaking Resources for Your Parties

2008-11-15T07:52:00.000-08:00

Cardmaking

If you've never made cards, invitations, place cards, thank you notes, you may be puzzled how to go about it. You'll find many resources available nowadays.

When I was a youngster, we simply pulled out our pencils and crayons, drew some party pictures and wrote the details inside for a party invitaton. After our party, especially if it was for a birthday, Mother made sure we wrote thank you notes.

Nowadays, with computer programs, you'll find programs that enable you to design and make your own cards, invitations and other party planning materials.

Scrapbooking & Stamping Techniques

Many also like to use scrapbooking and stamping techniques and combine fabric, paper and mixed media materials. You will find, too, special materials for cardmaking and paper that has been cut into card shapes.

Here are some resources to check out:

Stamp Starter Collection
Encyclopedia of Cardmaking Techniques
Complete Practical Guide to Card-Making
Create-a-Card Digital & Printable Card-Making CD
Making Handmade Greeting Cards

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Giveaways and Cardmaking for Parties

2008-11-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Giveaway

As we concentrate on weddings parties of all types here at Party Pizzaz, I'm continually looking for resources for you, as well as writing about ideas of my own and interviewing successful party planners. One of the blogs you may want to visit periodically is She Knows Parties by Linette.

Cardmaking is one of the topics Linette wrote about in a recent post.

Also, for those who enjoy giveaways as well as making cards, check out Linette's post, Close to My Heart Giveaway for Making Handmade Holiday Cards and Invitations. (Linette's giveaway runs through Nov. 21)

Whether from fabric, mixed media or solely paper, cardmaking for parties and for seasonal greetings merits attention as we approach the holidays. What about invitations, place cards and thank you notes for parties as well as the usual greeting cards?

How do you combine cardmaking with your parties?

Do you have any special techniques for cardmaking that combine fabric and other media? I enjoy making and receiving handmade cards. What about you?

Holiday Party Planning

2008-11-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Holiday Parties

With the holiday season coming up, parties reign galore. We'll have all types from Thanksgiving through New Year's. We even celebrate beyond because we have family birthdays in January.

Thanksgiving
Gift wrapping parties
Cookie exchanges
Birthdays occur in these months
Christmas teas
Gift exchanges
Christmas shopping parties
New Year's Eve
Festive get-togethers
Holiday weddings
Skating and sledding parties

What types of parties do you hold during the holiday season?

Contact me through the comments, if you want more information and resources about holiday parties.

Tea Time Notes for Tea Party Planning

2008-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

Tea Parties

When you're looking into tea parties, whether by themselves or in combination with other celebrations, check out my Tea Time Notes blog. Here you'll find all things tea, tea time, and tea history.

I've discovered that tea and tea parties hold a fascination for many people. Whenever I write about this topic at my Country Kitchen newspaper column, on my Tea Time Notes blog and others, I generally receive responses and inquiries.

Many people seem to be interested in tea parties for entertainment for all ages. I've often received inquiries from moms, wondering where they can find somewhere to take their daughters for a Victorian tea party.

I'm researching and reminiscing and finding resources about tea and parties at Tea Time Notes.

Wedding & Party Planning with Pizzazz

2008-11-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

At Party Pizzazz, I'll help you plan your wedding and parties.

You can do as much or as little you want. I'll provide resources for you and direct you to other places and people, who can assist you in making your wedding and your entertaining throughout the year memorable occasions.

As much as possible, I'll try to find resources in your community. However, many items and services are available online nowadays.