Busy Bee Lifestyle » Parties

Valentine’s Party for Kids

Host Bee — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:03:28 +0000

Treat your Kids to the Sweetest Valentine’s Day Party!

A Planning Guide for the Perfect Candy Themed Celebration!

February is a great time of year to add a bit of warmth to those cold winter days and a Valentine’s Day party for your kids might be perfect to do just that. Whenever I think about Valentine’s Day, I inevitably end up picturing candy – candy of all sorts! From conversation hearts to chocolate truffles to red hots, it’s the candy that makes the holiday for me! Not only are the Valentine treats delicious, they also make a wonderful party theme that kids and adults will love!

Valentines Party Invitations

Conversation Heart Inspired – One of my favorite ways to invite Valentine guests is to attach a card, printed with the party details, to a box of conversation hearts!

Red Hots Inspired – Another DIY idea involving candy is to glue red hots in the shape of a heart onto a card, with the invitation inside. Attach a box of red hots to this invitation as well.

Personalized Candy Hearts

Adorable personalized invitations are also available if crafting is not for you! From Zazzle, these Valentine’s Day Party Invitations feature photographed candy hearts with room for personalization. (Zazzle, Candy Heart Invitation, on sale for $1.50)

Heart Lollipops - And if you’re ready for an “over the top” candy invitation, you just have to consider the die cut version from Fine Stationery! This unique card is a heart shaped red and white lollipop, on a stick, sprinkled with glitter and wrapped in cellophane with ribbon ties! (Fine Stationery, Heart Lollipop Invitation, 10 for $65.00)

Valentines Party Decorations

Of course, candy will take center stage at this party! Here are some different ways to incorporate candy into your tablescape!

Candy Heart Helium Balloons

Balloons always add a festive touch and these are perfectly thematic! (Oriental Trading, Latex Conversation Heart Balloons, on sale for $21.50 for 144pcs)

A Candy Buffet – this idea will not only be decorative but will also provide a delicious party favor! Fill a variety of differently sized glass containers with all of the Valentine candy favorites: candy hearts, red licorice in a tall, thin container, lollipops, pink and red jelly beans and more! At the end of the party, let each guest fill a cellophane bag with their favorite treats!

Candy Flower Pots

This idea came from Dylan Lauren, the owner of Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York City! Using white ceramic pots, she filled each container with jelly beans, red hots and rock candy and then “planted” large and small lollipops in each pot. (Every Day With Rachael Ray, Candy Flower Pots Centerpiece – pictured)

Candy Resources

Paper Goods

Valentine’s Cupcake Themed

Another cute option from Plates and Napkins sports my favorite motif – a cupcake – decorated for Valentine’s Day and surrounded with a heart border! Plates, cups and napkins are available. (Plates and Napkins, Valentines Day Cupcake Paper Goods, on sale for $5.95 for set of

Not Paper Goods!

If you prefer dishes that can be used again and again, Kohl’s has a variety of cupcake themed serving ware, including platters, cupcake appetizer plates and adorable set of stacking bowls. (Kohls, Cupcake Themed Serving Ware, various prices)

Valentines Party Activities

Games

Candy Heart Charades – fill a bowl with candy hearts and take turns acting out the message on the candy!
Candy Heart Treasure Hunt- hide candy hearts around the house, give each guest a small bag and vie to see who can find the most hearts! Have a prize for the winner!
Find Your Heart Mate – cut out one red, paper heart for every two guests at the party. With scissors, cut each paper heart in half in a variety of patterns and angles. Give one half to each guest and play fun music while each one finds the “other half.”

Valentines Party Crafts

Here are some crafts with two levels of difficulty:

Super Easy Crafts

Conversation Heart Beads

Set out bowls of foam conversation hearts and varying lengths of cord and let the kids go to town making bracelets and necklaces! (Oriental Trading, Foam Conversation Heart Beads, 500 for $6.00)

Valentine Sticker Scenes

Purchase Design Your Own Giant Valentine Village Sticker Scenes! This set includes a background with a sweet village just waiting to be decorated with all sorts of candy stickers! (Oriental Trading, Valentine’s Sticker Village, on sale for $10.00)

Slightly More Challenging Crafts

Valentine Candy Magnet Craft Kit

This set includes three different magnet designs including an ice cream cone, gum ball machine and a milk shake! (Oriental Trading, Valentine Treat Candy Magnet Craft Kit, on sale for $4.50)

Sweetheart Candy Wreaths

For this cute craft you’ll need: a Styrofoam wreath (you can select the size), ribbon, candy conversation hearts and glue. Wrap the Styrofoam wreath with ribbon, securing each end with glue. Glue the candy hearts in overlapping layers around the wreath. Let dry and add a ribbon hanger. (Better Homes and Gardens, Sweetheart Candy Wreaths and see Create for Less for styrofoam wreaths.)

Heart Shaped Pizza – If it’s pizza that’s demanded, go ahead and cut it into heart shapes!
Pasta with Red or Pink Sauce – If pasta fits the bill, red or pink sauce will turn it into a terrific Valentine’s dinner!
Heart Shaped Sandwiches - Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to turn any type of sandwich into a sweet snack!
More Fun Ideas – For some additional ideas, take a look at Valentine Treats for School!

Valentines Day Party Favors

Party Favors for Girls

If you create craft projects during the party, the finished products can easily be your party favor, as well as gift bags filled from a candy buffet. Some other cute favors that suit this sweet theme include:

Cupcake Bath Bombs

(Amazon, Cupcake Bath Bomb, on sale for $5.99)

Candy Lip Gloss

(Amazon, Cupcake Lip Gloss, on sale for $12.00)

I Love Candy Bangle

(Dylans Candy Bar, I Love Candy Bangle, on sale for $5.00)

Party Favors for Boys

I know that the favors mentioned above are totally for girls, and so if you are inviting some young gentlemen to your Valentine soiree, just plan to send them home with all sorts of candy!

Wrap Up

When the “sweetest” celebration is over, clean up a bit and then send your children to bed! Pour a glass of champagne for you and your sweetheart and toast to romance at any age!

* It’s serendipity when the products we love are from a sponsor we love!

Valentine’s Day Cocktail Party

Host Bee — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:56:07 +0000

Host a Sweethearts’ Cocktail Party!

Host a sweethearts’ Cocktail Party for your favorite couples! It doesn’t matter that February 14th falls on a weekday. Look toward the weekends before and after!

Valentine’s Cocktail Party Invitations

Invitation Jane offers a stylish cocktail invitation, featuring a pink border and cosmopolitan icon with a jewel for a cherry! (Invitation Jane, Jeweled Cosmopolitan Invitation, 30 for $65.00)

From Fine Stationery – At Fine Stationery, Chic partygoers top this cute invitation, along with the requisite cocktail glasses and wine bottle! (Valentine Party Invitation*, 30 for $70)

This fun invitation combines two of my favorite things – cupcakes and cocktails! On a pretty card with a pink border, you’ll find cosmopolitans and a cupcake – the perfect pair! (Polka Dot Design, Cupcakes and Cocktails, 30 for $52.20)

Valentine’s Party Decorations

Helpful Hints: Whether you choose “tricky,” “easier,” or “easiest,” let your invitations guide your color scheme for the party. For example, with Valentine’s Day it’s easy to go with one of two color ways – pink/white/silver or red/white/gold. This will give your party a cohesive feeling and your choices for food, table decorations, and serveware will make sense to your guests! They will admire the way your theme or color scheme is carried throughout your party!

Tricky

Arrange tiny rose buds (pink or red, according to your color scheme) densely in small, clear glass vases. Scatter the arrangements across your dinner table or buffet. Plan to send an arrangement home with each couple as a party favor! Try Michaels for very nice square vases at a nice price!

Easiest

Head to your local Dollar Store for as many clear, glass votive holders as you can carry out! Choose either red or pink votive candles, in keeping with your color scheme. Scatter the votives in groups everywhere!

Crazy

Do all three!

Valentine’s Party Cocktails and Drinks

Tricky -

Serve Valentinis, Cabochon Cocktails or Pink Passions.

Easier

Champagne poured into flutes and garnished with whole strawberries.

Easiest

Serve your own favorite wines and beers. If you like them, your guests will too!

Valentine’s Party Menu

Tricky

Fondue bars for all courses! Cheese, meat and chocolate! You’ll need to borrow or buy sufficient fondue pots to accommodate your crowd. Don’t forget bread cubes and apples for the cheese fondue, beef and chicken for the main course, and fruits, pound cake, and marshmallows for the dessert course.

Easier

Serve a wide assortment of hors d’oeuvres, designed to appeal to all. Shrimp cocktail, baked brie, fresh crudites, mini crab cakes, sliced French bread and various toppings like tapenade, bruschetta, fresh mozzarella cheese, and roasted red peppers. Also consider store bought gourmet pate, assorted cheeses, olives, and hummus. All of these items go well with breads of all sorts like flat bread, bagel chips and bread sticks. Take a look at our appetizer recipes. For dessert try strawberries dipped in chocolate and heart shaped cookies.

Easiest

Get help! Order trays of Italian food from your favorite restaurant! Or order a spiral sliced ham your local market or butcher shop. Dress the ham up with country biscuits, sliced swiss cheese, and a wide assortment of mustards. For dessert fill a large clear glass trifle bowl or salad bowl with hulled and cleaned fresh strawberries and raspberries. Serve store bought pound cake or angel food cake on the side of the fruit, along with a bowl of freshly whipped cream.

Valentine’s Party Favors

Tricky

Burn CD’s with all of your favorite romantic songs (see Burn Your Own CDs). Personalize your CD label with your party colors and favorite romantic sentiment. Wrap in cellophane bags tied with coordinating ribbons. Gather the CD’s in a basket and keep them by the front door. This way you won’t forget to give your guests their favor as they leave!

Easier

Send guests home with splits of champagne. Package in cellophane bags tied with coordinating ribbons.

Easiest

Buy boxes of Red Hots, Hot Tamales, or Conversation Hearts (Conversation Hearts, 36 boxes for $22.99). Package in cellophane bags tied with coordinating ribbons. Your guests’ children will love these favors!

Valentine’s Party Hostess Gifts

Tricky

A Mariposa Cocktail Napkin Box from Silver Impressions. The napkin box comes with adorable heart patterned napkins and a XOXO weight to go on top. (Silver Impressions, Mariposa Cocktail Napkin Box, $44.00)

A Mariposa Heart Shape Canape Plate (Silver Impressions, Heart Shape Canape Plate, $29)

These gifts are really beautiful, but a little pricey for the average hostess gift. Consider giving a joint gift with another couple attending the party! Your hostess will be thrilled to receive one great gift rather than two bottles of wine!

Easier

Put together a “Morning After” gift bag or basket for your hosts. Include waffle/pancake mix, nice maple syrup, a bottle of Bloody Mary mix, and gourmet coffee. You can do this at your local supermarket or buy it on-line from Stonewall Kitchen. Includes amber maple syrup, waffle/pancake mix and a silicone spatula! (Stonewall Kitchen, Pancake Breakfast Grab & go, pictured, $29.95)

Easiest

Purchase a CD of romantic music. Amazon has an entire section devoted to Valentine music! Some nice choices include: “Amore” by Andrea Boccelli, “Favorite Love Songs” by Michael Crawford, “Greatest Love Songs” by Frank Sinatra, or “Michael Buble” by Michael Buble. If these titles don’t appeal to you or your hosts, there are many more to choose from on-line.

Out of Time

Swing by your local grocery store and pick up some potted flowers. Don’t bring a bouquet unless it is already in a vase – It’s asking a lot of your host to arrange flowers during a party. Nice choices are potted red tulips or pink or red Cyclamen.

For Your Valentine’s Day Cocktail Party or Any Special Gathering

Before your guests arrive:

If your kids haven’t gone to a neighbors, send them to bed or upstairs with a babysitter.
Turn on your outside lighting and make sure your walkway is clear of ice and snow.
Set up coffee service with coffee, hot water, tea, tea bags, sugar, artificial sweeteners, cream, and to-go cups.
Have bottles of water available for departing guests.
Dim the lights, turn on the romantic music, and light your candles.
Try to sit back, relax, and enjoy your own celebration!

Do you have an idea for a Valentine’s cocktail party you’d like to share? I’d love to hear!

Conversation Heart Themed Valentine’s Day Party

Host Bee — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:37:14 +0000

Fun Conversation Heart Themed Valentine’s Day Party for Kids!

Have fun with a Conversation Heart themed Valentine’s Day Party. I shared my ideas today on the 10! Show – watch the clip!

Valentine’s Day Party for Kids Resources:

Bottle/Vase Garland – Can be purchased at the Philadelphia Museum Gift Shop or on-line at Uncommon Goods, Reclaimed Bottle Garland, $16
Heart Shaped Cookie Cutters – Amazon, Wilton Nesting Heart Cutter Set, $6.60
Styrofoam Wreaths – Amazon, 6″ Styrofoam Wreaths – Pack of 3
Conversation Heart Pennant - Find similar versions on Etsy.com
Valentine’s Day Themed Candy – Candy Direct

Valentine’s Day Coffee Party

Host Bee — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:08:00 +0000

Coffee and Conversation! Host a Valentine’s Day Coffee!

February is the perfect time to entertain – the holidays are over and most people are looking for something fun to brighten the winter days! And Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to do just that! One of my favorite ways to celebrate is to host a Valentine’s Day coffee for my girlfriends! A coffee is a simple, casual way to get a lot of friends together, and a “conversation heart” theme will make your event easy and fun!

Valentine’s Coffee Invitations

Here’s a sample invitation you can print on a plain card:

Please Join Me For

Coffee and Conversation

Thursday, February 14^th

9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

22 Ridge Road

Pennsburg

Marie Smith

Please Reply: 856-9345

I picked up small boxes of candy conversation hearts and packaged an invitation and a box of candy in cellophane bags, trimmed with pretty pink ribbon! (Amazon, Conversation Hearts Valentine’s Day Boxes)

Valentine’s Coffee Menu

bagels and croissants, served with butter, cream cheese and jam
fresh fruit (see Easy Strawberry Appetizer)
coffee cake or something else sweet
Make Ahead Cinnamon Toast Casserole (see Baked French Toast)
orange juice (maybe even a little bit of champagne for Mimosas!)
coffee and tea, served with cream, sugar, artificial sweeteners and lemon wedges

Valentine’s Coffee Decorations

Carry out your conversation heart theme by filling glass urns of different sizes with more candy hearts and inserting pink or white taper candles!
Use a pink or white tablecloth, sprinkled with more candy hearts!
Helium filled conversation heart balloons are also a fun touch and might be helpful on your mailbox! (From Oriental Trading, Pearlized Heart Balloons, $3.49/dozen)

Valentine’s Coffee Favors

Conversation Hearts

For a thematic favor, purchase small, plastic conversation heart boxes or ceramic conversation heart boxes and fill the boxes with candy. (Sweethearts Candies, 36 boxes for $27.99)

Dishtowels

Dishtowels from Kohl’s also make an adorable and useful party favor idea. (Kohl’s, Cupcake Dish Towel, on sale for $3.60)

Give this Valentine’s Day coffee party plan a try this February and treat your friends to a memorable morning of friendship and conversation! Happy Heart’s Day!

P.S. Another nice touch is to hire a babysitter to watch any small children tagging along with their moms! Set them up in your play room or basement with some snacks and DVD’s and the mothers will love the time off!

* It’s serendipity when the products we love are from the sponsors we love

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New Year’s Eve Fun for Kids

Host Bee — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:06:35 +0000

New Year’s Eve Fun for Kids!

New Year’s Eve evokes thoughts of men in tuxedos and women in evening gowns clinking champagne glasses, while the reality is usually a lot more ordinary! If comfy clothes, kids underfoot and TV coverage of Times Square better describes your evening, here are some fun ideas to make December 31 a terrific family celebration!

Make Party Hats or Crowns

Have the kids create fun party hats or crowns from brightly colored paper decorated with markers, sequins, pom poms and glitter! (Picture from Kaboose)

Make the Hours Until Midnight Fly By

Gather colorful, lunch sized paper bags – one for each hour between the start of your evening celebration and midnight. Draw a clock face on each bag and then mark each clock face with the time that the bag is to be opened. (E.g. 7:00, 8:00 and so on.)

Some Ideas for Filling the Bags:

a camera for a year end photo shoot
a small game or puzzle
a new DVD
a note that says “It’s Time for Dessert”
And in the final bag, opened a few minutes early – party crackers and horns!

Make Some Noise

Bubble Wrap – Roll out some bubble wrap onto a hard surface floor to welcome in the new year! Even better, recycle some of the bubble wrap from holiday packages. Either way, the bigger the bubbles, the louder the pop!
Confetti Horns – this clever product combines the classic noise maker with a burst of confetti! (Partycheap, Confetti Horns)

Make a Delicious Dessert – Traditional or Fun!

Traditional St. Basil’s Cake

Serving a St. Basil’s Cake is a Greek tradition at New Year’s. The cake is named for a famous bishop and contains a coin that promises to bring the recipient good luck all year! (St. Basil’s Cake Recipe , Southern Food )

Fun Bubbly Jello-Parfaits

Bubbly Jell-o Parfaits look a lot like a grown up flute of champagne, but are really a delicious and kid friendly dessert!

On the day of the party, prepare bubbly Sparkling White Grape Jell-o according to the package using club soda, seltzer or ginger ale. Tips on the box will ensure great sparkle!
Pour into tall flutes or parfait glasses and chill.
Trim the stems of the glasses with metallic, multi-colored star garland. (Family Fun, 2000)

Make a Midnight Toast with Festive Ice Cream Sodas

Chill champagne for your adult guests and concoct some festive ice cream sodas for the children:

Fill tall, clear glasses with your choice of a chilled, colorful soda like grape, raspberry ginger ale or lime.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the soda to foam up to the rim. Garnish with bright sprinkles and colorful plastic straws. (Family Fun Magazine)

Wishing all of the Busy Bee families the Happiest of New Years! Cheers!

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