| Hello and Happy New Year! | | | | Much the same as the Fiesta in ease, the summer |
| I hope that the first week of the new year has | | | | party can be very simple, yet a lot of fun. |
| gone well for you all. Now that the holidays are | | | | For decorations, decorate with beach balls (all |
| packed up and the new year has begun it's time | | | | sizes), umbrellas, a few beach chairs and towels |
| to plan parties and events for this new year. Is | | | | around. All of this can be inside, even on a cold |
| your daughter's sweet sixteen birthday party this | | | | day. If you go to they have lots of inexpensive |
| year? | | | | decorations and silly summer things. |
| Because it is winter and cold in many places, there | | | | If you'd like to have a casual menu, bbq and chips |
| are a couple of themes that are easy to put | | | | and dip...sodas and bubbly waters. If you'd like to |
| together and make your guests feel as though it's | | | | be a little more upscale you can still have a bbq |
| summertime for the night. | | | | but make shish ka bobs or tri tip with grilled bread |
| Fiesta Party - A Mexican Fiesta theme can really | | | | and a tossed salad. It's very tasty and still simple. |
| be a fun, bright way to have a party. For | | | | Serve ice cream on a stick for dessert. |
| decorations you can get brightly colored | | | | Music can be mixed with the Beach Boys tunes |
| tablecloths, colored lights, a piñata and a | | | | and other summer memorable songs. Have it |
| couple of sombreros. | | | | coming from a boombox. |
| I recommend having a Mexican buffet...it can be | | | | Once again, like the fiesta, have a photo set up. |
| as simple as make your own tacos to adding | | | | Your guests can sit under a beach umbrella in |
| enchiladas, tamales and rice and beans. For drinks | | | | their summer wear, sun glasses and funny hats |
| have a frozen drink (See below in the December | | | | and get their picture taken as a party favor. |
| newsletter)and something fruity. | | | | Just think summer and ideas will come. Have the |
| If you can hang a backdrop of another multi | | | | smell of sun tan lotion! Make Pina Coladas (virgin), |
| colored fabric, have the guests pictures taken | | | | Iced Tea and Lemonade. |
| with the sombreros. Perhaps they can hold one of | | | | You want a party favor to stand out and be |
| those frozen drinks too. Have a couple of fun | | | | memorable. A new line of fun and/or inspiring |
| shirts for them to put on for the pictures. Print | | | | T-shirts are now available and a great idea for a |
| the pictures out as party favors. | | | | party favor or theme for your sweet sixteen |
| Download the Mexican Hat dance song from the | | | | party or a party that may be a milestone such as |
| internet. See what talent your guests have doing | | | | 21st or 40th birthdays. I would like to present |
| the dance! | | | | them to all of you, my readers. Of course, ideally, |
| Summer Beach Party - It's not summer...but the | | | | one or more make you smile and you'd like to |
| winter blues may be setting in...why not have a | | | | order one for yourself, or perhaps you know |
| summer beach party? When the guests are | | | | someone in your circle of friends and family who |
| invited, ask them to come in summer attire. | | | | would enjoy them and consider them for a special |
| Depending on where you live, you may have to | | | | group or party. "Today's the day to get up the |
| crank up the heat on the eve of the party but it'll | | | | nerve" is a great quote for all of us heading into |
| be worth it. Or research renting a few heat lamps. | | | | the future, boldly. |