Three Easy Halloween Party Decoration Ideas
Posted by Rae Lynn on 10/17/2013 to
Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
Americans spend over $7 billion preparing for the Halloween holiday, with roughly two-thirds spent on decorative tricks and delectable treats.
What this means to aspiring hosts is that people have a lot of choices when it comes to decorating for Halloween.

Perfect party planning is always crucial to success, but even more so when you are wanting to stand out from every other Jack on the block. So, does this mean more spending on spectacular displays of phantasmagorical fancy or bust?
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21 Strange and Wonderful Facts about College Team Mascots
Posted by Rae Lynn on 10/2/2013 to
Football & Tailgating
Today nothing beats seeing our beloved mascots run out on the field, bringing with them boundless team spirit and the promise of a big win.
That’s true whether they’re costumed characters, animals, vegetables, fruit, a color or even imaginary.

Read on for some fun mascot tidbits...
University of Miami's Mascot
Sebastian the Ibis
Getting In Gear For Your Tailgate Party - Tailgating Checklist
Posted by Rae Lynn on 9/24/2013 to
Football & Tailgating
Most parties take a little organization, but a tailgate party takes planning and then some. After all, you can’t just duck back into your house if you forget the corkscrew. That’s why it’s important to heed these words from the author A.A. Milne, who wrote one of Rae Lynn’s fave books:


Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up. —Winnie the Pooh
The only things you want mixed up at your tailgate party are the drinks. For everything else, we have a solution:
Rae Lynn’s Handy-Dandy Tailgate Packing/Decorating/Setting Up Checklist!
Top Ten Reasons You Need to Celebrate the German Oktoberfest
Posted by Rae Lynn on 9/17/2013 to
International
Oktoberfest began with a wedding—and what a wedding it must have been. On 12 October 1810, Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. E
veryone in Munich was invited to the ceremony and celebration, which included horse races. The horse racing continued the next year, and a tradition was born.

Of course, it’s the food, drink and party atmosphere that continue today. The Lord Mayor of Munich will tap the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at high noon on 21 September and invite all visitors to quench their thirst.
Read on for 10 reasons why Rae Lynn celebrates Oktoberfest—and for Oktoberfest party ideas that will make your festivities royal.
Tailgate Food That Shows Your Team Spirit
Posted by Rae Lynn on 9/10/2013 to
Food
Tailgating food often revolves around the predictable: burgers, brats, chips, dips and a choice of beer, beer or beer to drink.
But that’s for tailgaters who want to warm the bench. If you want your tailgate party to score big and win fans, you need to step up your game.

One way to make your football tailgate food a standout is to take your cue from the local food movement sweeping the country. What cuisine reflects your region and your team’s traditions?
Seven Ocean-Themed Centerpieces for a Sun- Sand- and Surf-sational Soiree
Posted by Rae Lynn on 8/19/2013 to
Nautical, Beach & Sea
Some 123.3 million Americans--or 39 percent of the population--live in counties directly on the shoreline. Of course, that means that 60 percent of us are a county away, a state away or half a
continent away from the ocean.

And face it--even if you're nearby--it's always fun to bring a little beach home.
With the right bits and pieces, you can create your own shoreline scene and invite your friends and family for a beach party. Start with one of these ocean-themed centerpieces for your table, then build on the theme for a sun-, sand- and surf-sational soiree.
How to Host a Winning Marathon Party
Posted by Rae Lynn on 7/24/2013 to
Outdoor
Let's make one thing clear from the start--by Marathon Party, we're not talking about a really long event that lasts for days and leaves you wondering how Gatsby did it.
We're talking about a party that supports those crazy people who travel 26.2 miles without ever using a car.

Even if you, like me, never plan to run or even walk a marathon or half-marathon, we get a lift by supporting the people who do. So if you suddenly find your home on a marathon route, there's only one thing to do: Throw a party!
15 Must-Haves for Your Next Impromptu Party
Posted by Rae Lynn on 7/10/2013 to
Party Planning

What occasions call for a party?
21 Tunes for Your Patriotic Playlist
Posted by Rae Lynn on 6/28/2013 to
Patriotic

If you're like us, you've already started prepping for (or at least thinking about) celebrating our country's 237th birthday party.
To give you plenty of possibilities for 4th of July music, we're sharing 21 songs we love to listen to while we hoist the flag, chow down on burgers and light up the nighttime sky with fireworks.
How To Plan A Banquet: Staffing
Posted by Administrator on 6/16/2013 to
Party Planning
Whether your banquet is big or small, at some point you will need the assistance of others.
Your primary responsibilities will be to effectively recruit, motivate, organize, delegate, train, and manage your assembled staff. Your success depends entirely upon your work force of 3 types of helpers.
How To Plan A Banquet: Site Selection
Posted by Administrator on 6/3/2012 to
Party Planning
Given that many venues are booked years in advance, the highest priority when planning a banquet should be given to selecting and reserving a site for your event. Here we will review key criteria in choosing a facility, the types of venues available, and things to look for during an in-person inspection.
How To Plan A Banquet: The Basics & Budget
Posted by Administrator on 3/31/2012 to
Party Planning
Although there are some similarities to planning a cocktail or dinner
party, organizing and hosting a banquet event presents a number of
unique challenges and details. This is the first of a series of blogs on how to plan a banquet.
And like all party planning, the first step is to establish a few basic fundamentals. For banquet planning we start with: purpose, dress, budget, number of guests, and date & time.
And like all party planning, the first step is to establish a few basic fundamentals. For banquet planning we start with: purpose, dress, budget, number of guests, and date & time.
Tips On Being An Exceptional Party Host
Posted by Rae Lynn on 12/9/2011 to
Party Planning
The party host assumes responsibility as the ultimate authority and decision-maker for
the evening. Wield your power to deliver an enjoyable and
memorable event for each guest.
This is a big task, but achievable by breaking it down to four segments of capability:
This is a big task, but achievable by breaking it down to four segments of capability:
- Attitude
- Tasks
- Etiquette
- Interaction
Party Lighting Ideas and Options
Posted by Rae Lynn on 9/23/2011 to
Party Planning
Party lighting is often overlooked as a powerful decorating option with the ability to create dramatic visual displays, as well as affect the mood of your guests. The right lighting will achieve practical and aesthetic effects that add another dimension to your event. Take a little extra time to plan lighting for your party with a variety of types, methods, and options to add interest, effects and ambiance for little extra cost.
Strategies & Ideas To Make Your Party Unique
Posted by Rae Lynn on 6/28/2011 to
Party Planning
If you want everyone clamoring for an invite to one of your events, fill
your party with little surprises and unexpected pleasures and you will
soon gain the reputation of hosting marvelous parties. We have outlined
some strategies along with a few of our favorite unique party ideas to
inspire your creative juices.