Parties are like snowflakes in that no two are alike. However, there are certainstaples that almost every hostess needs to throw a successful one. Use this sampleshopping list to see what you might need for your shindig. Off to the store you go!
Shopping List
paper cups/plates
plastic utensils
napkins
paper towels
trash bags
1 pound (455 grams) of ice per person attending. (Plan for twice as much if the partyis outdoors.)
cleaning supplies
tablecloth(s)
candles (if celebrating a birthday)
thank you notes
Your food and dcor will depend on the menu and other details you decide on. Formaximum organization, create a spreadsheet. Make a column for each category.
Fill it with shopping lists for each item. Highlight anything you already have atyour house, such as markers and posterboard.
Spa Party Shopping List
Food | Drink | Dcor |
Polish Puffs: | All That Razz: | Spa Welcome Sign: |
3 cans colored frosting 2 bags marshmallows 1 bag chocolate chews | 2 packs fresh raspberries 4 lemons sparkling water | posterboard stencil glitter pen markers |
Smart Shopper
Want to avoid that ouch moment at the cash register? Shop smart! Check to see whatyou have around the house before your shopping trip. Compare prices online so youhave an idea of price range. Dollar stores or thrift stores are also good placesto find affordable party goods.
Coupon clipping can also help save some dough. Check out the stores website forprintable coupons before heading out to shop. When shopping online, look up couponcodes before you check out. Codes for discounts or free shipping are always nicefinds.
Get the Party Started
If your party is starting off with a whimper rather than a bang, no need to callparty 9-1-1. Sometimes all you need is a quick kickstart! Icebreaker games are aneasy way to melt any tension and to put everyone at ease. Say so long to awkwardmoments with these awesome ideas:
Play The Name Game
Learning everyones name can sometimes be a tall task. So why not make it more memorable?In this game, each person introduces herself by turning each letter of her name intoa silly acronym. The more out-there, the better! Some examples:
Britt = Britt ran into the tater tot
Ashley = Ashley slurps hot lava each year
Share or Dare
Learn more about your guests with a guessing game! Using small sheets of paper, writeup a bunch of shares and dares designed to learn more about your guests. Forexample, a share could be: What food completely grosses you out? A dare could be:Imitate your fave celeb and have us guess who it is. Place the papers inside coloredballoons (using one color for shares and another for dares.) Guests can take turnspopping them and playing along!
Fast Track to Fun
Other quickies that are sure to boost the fun factor:
Place game question cards at different points around the party area, inviting yourguests to ask each other questions!
Give each guest a bracelet in a single color. Get your guests to trade beads witheach other. At the end of the night, each girl should have a rainbow bracelet totake home. Make it a contest, and give a prize to the person with the most colorfulbracelet.
Signature Sips
Ask yourself this question: If my party was a beverage, what would it be? The answerjust might be your signature sip! Create a beverage that goes perfectly with yourpartys theme or color scheme. There are plenty of ways to dress up your party drinks.
Rock the Rim
Rimming your beverage glass adds a whole new level of good taste. Moisten the rimof the glass using water, a slice of fruit (such as a lemon, lime, or orange), orchocolate syrup.
Gently dip the rim into a shallow bowl of salt, sugar, or whatever youre using torim the glass. Let it dry for a moment, then shake any excess off over the sink.Fill your glass with mocktail, and youre good to go!
Make Your Own Sanding Sugar
For an extra twist, decorate your signature sip with custom-colored sanding sugar.
- 1 cup (240 mL) white or sanding sugar
- food coloring
- plastic bag with a seal
- Place sugar and food coloring in bag. The amount of food coloring you use will dependon how dark you want the sugar to be.
- Close the top of the bag. Knead until all the sugar is colored. Repeat if the sugaris not dark enough.
- Spread colored sugar onto a plate or baking sheet until completely dry.