100 Ways to be a Great Host (49-1)

(Photo Courtesy of Brown Eyed Baker)

Woo hoo! My 100th post! Thank you to all of my awesome friends and followers, especially those of you who supported my wacky blog idea from the very beginning- you rock!

Let's continue on with more tips on how to be a great host. Did I miss anything? Leave me a comment!!

49 - Pinatas make everything more fun.

48 - Greet your guests when they arrive and be sure to send them off with a hug as they leave. No matter how busy you are. No one wants to feel ignored.

47 - Write Thank You Notes! Whether they're handwritten or personal emails, don't skip this step.

46 - Don't air any dirty laundry at the party. This is not the time to bring up a past grievance.

45 - Take lots of photos! You'll be glad you did once the party's over.

44 - When hosting a party with a guest of honor, check in with them beforehand and find out THEIR favorite things. Foods, drinks, colors - all of this will help you tailor your party to their liking!

43 - When possible, be green. Recycle party supplies, table linens, etc. and buy organic, local, sustainable foods and drinks whenever you can!
42 - Planning a theme party? Do a little research ahead of time to help add authenticity to your soiree!
41 - Throwing an outside party? Have a backup plan ready to go in case of inclimate weather.
40 - Make it a point to have a conversation with each guest. Not just a "Hello, thanks for coming"
39 - Don't let your personal preferences make your guests uncomfortable. This means refraining from aggressively chasing people around with coasters.
38 - Make arrangements for the family pet if he/she tend to get overwhelmed in crowds. If someone else can pet-sit for the evening, it may be worth it!
37 - Be sure to notify guests ahead of time if you have pets so they can adjust if they have allergies.
36 - Don't be offended if someone can't make it. I'm sure they feel just as bad as you do!
35 - Unless you're giving someone directions or it's an emergency, don't take personal calls during a party.
34 - Don't be controversial. Keep your potentially polarizing views to yourself - never put guests in an awkward position.
33 - If your party guests are out of town, make sure they have their own private space to keep their belongings. Give them a guest room, closet or area of the house that's just for them.
32 - Don't pick a venue that can't accomodate your guest list. Folks shouldn't feel cramped or stifled during your party. If need be, upgrade your venue or trim the guest list.
31 - Include directions to your house. Add landmarks if your place is tricky to find.
30 - For outdoor parties, be sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray and antibacterial hand gel or wipes. Not everyone remembers to bring their own!
29 - Serving ice cream? Stick to chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. The classics are usually people's favorites.
28 - A homemade CD mix of songs played during your party often makes the best party favor.
27 - If kids are in attendance, think of one or two games that both adults and kids can play together. Family trivia, kids vs. parents pictionary, etc.
26 - Brownies (yes, from a box) are always a crowd pleasing dessert.
25 - Don't draw attention to an etiquette mistake your guest makes. "Oh my goodness! Look she's using the SALAD fork for her steak!" is a no-no.
24 - Make sure your walkway/driveway is well lit as guests are leaving. Make sure they get to their cars safely before you turn off those porch lights.
23 - Mix your guests' cocktails for them. Unless someone insists on making something themselves, it's better form to pass them a freshly made drink.
22 - If you're overwhelmed, take a 5 minute break and compose yourself. You don't want guests to see you frazzled!
21 - If a guest brings a gift, graciously accept it and thank them for it.
20 - When introducing two friends for the first time, prompt them with a conversation to make them feel comfortable with one another.
19 - If you don't catch someone's name the first time, don't be afraid to ask them to repeat or clarify it! It's better to ask than refer to them as hey, him or her the entire evening.
18 - For outdoor parties, be prepared! Games, blankets and pillows will be welcomed!
17 - Try to anticipate your guests' needs before they occur. Some people are shy about asking for seconds or refilling their drinks so make them feel welcome.
16 - If you have a quirky bathroom sink, radio, tv or doorknob, explain it to guests ahead of time! No one wants to feel foolish or get stuck.
15 - Arrange seating into conversation sections so guests don't have to rearrange furniture to chat with one another.
14 - Music is a plus. LOUD music is not.
13 - Having a large party? Cook for a crowd! There's no need for you to be slaving over a stove making individual sized crepes...
12 - Have a notepad and pen handy so guests can swap contact information or jot things down.
11 - Take 10 minutes the day after and jot down what went right and what could be tweaked the next time. Party planning journals are helpful in the long run!
10 - Never be negative!
9 - Scan the guest list ahead of time so you remember who's coming. This allows you to think of a brief topic to chat with them about when they arrive.
8 - Make eye contact when talking to your guests. Don't look away or get distracted.
7 - Delegate jobs to other family members in your household. For example, kids can be in charge of putting coats away.
6 - Don't start cleaning up while the party is still going on. Tidy up briefly, but right after dinner is NOT the time to start loading the dishwasher and sweeping up.
5 - Keep a Tide Stick or stain remover on hand in case of clothing spills. Your guests will thank you for it.
4 - Keep small snacks scattered throughout the party area so guests can nibble on things while they chat.
3 - Never worry! It may seem bad at the time, but everything is fixable!
2 - Keep your cell phone fully charged so lost guests can always contact you if necessary.
1 - ENJOY YOUR PARTY!

event planning

100 Ways to be a Great Host (100-50)

In honor of my 100th blog post (hooray!), I've decided to spend 2 days counting down 100 ways to be a good host and throw a great two penny party. Are ya with me? Let's go!

100 -  Create a strict budget - and stick to it!
99 - Stay organized. Make lists for groceries, guests, etc. so you're not overwhelmed as the party nears.
98 - Don't procrastinate. Doing everything at the last minute will just create stress.
97 - Buy all purpose party supplies. Your money goes further when you're not buying packaged themes that can only be used once.
96 - Plan all (or parts) of your menu with items you can make ahead of time.
95 - Buy ingredients that can be used in multiple items. For example, tomatoes are usually multi-purpose.
94 - Send an invitation. Text messages just don't cut it.
93 - For themed parties, pick a theme that's easy and fun for your guests to participate in. Anything that requires more than a $20 investment is asking way too much.
92 - Themed parties: give a small prize to the guest who represents the theme best! (Best Costume, etc.)
91 - Have plenty of food on hand.
90 - Have plenty of drinks on hand. Include a flavorful option (besides soda and water!) for designated drivers!
89 - Keep your party favors simple. Even a single flower with the guest's name taped around the stems work!
88 - Roll with the punches. If someone shows up to a casual event with an unexpected friend, don't freak out!
87 - Guests come first. Always. That means not eating the last piece of cake, even if you're dying for a slice!
86 - Keep drinks on hand chilled. There's nothing worse than warm drinks on a hot day.
85 - If your party theme costs more than your budget, trim the theme, don't raise the budget!
84 - Keep napkins tucked around your party area so guests don't have to go back to the kitchen each time. This can also cut down on spills!
83 - Smile, even if things don't go as planned.
82 - Don't forget to buy ice!
81 - If your friends don't know each other, take time out to introduce each other. Play an ice breaker game for added fun.
80 - Have a variety of food on hand for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans alike!
79 - Dinner parties - keep the guest list small and intimate.
78 - For small get-togethers, be sure to check on food allergies/dietary restrictions beforehand.
77 - Mingle amongst all of your party guests. Don't be a potted plant and stay in one corner.
76 - Check on everyone at least twice.
75 - Keep food trays filled as often as possible. As the party's end nears, you can slow down on the refills, but make sure guests always feel like there's plenty to eat.
74 - Have plenty of seating! Borrow chairs from friends ahead of time if need be. No one should have to stand all night!
73 - Keep a box of stand by party supplies on hand. Ahem, Two Penny Party Saver!
72 - Have healthy food options. Fresh fruit at a dessert table isn't a faux pas!
71 - Unless you're a good cook, dinner parties aren't the time to test out difficult cooking techniques or recipes.
70 - Guests love comfort food. Never underestimate this. Gourmet mac and cheese is always a hit!
69 - Have a few party games on standby. You never know when the air can be let out of a party...
68 - Always, always have some sort of music playing in the background. Even a radio station can help eliminate awkward silence at a fiesta.
67 - Never force your guests to do something they're uncomfortable with. Karaoke, drinking games, etc.
66 - Keep a designated place for coats, hats and purses. A spare closet or bedroom is always a great place. That way, stuff isn't strewn across your house.
65 - It's ok to ask guests to remove their shoes in your house! Just have some CLEAN socks or slippers on hand for people to wear in case their feet get cold.
64 - "Make your own ___"are usually a lot of fun. Tacos, chili and cornbread, and mashed potato bars are an interactive treat for guests. Keep lots of toppings on hand and let the fun begin!
63 - Visit my pals at Feast on the Cheap for recipe ideas!
62 - Keep the air fresheners to a minimum. Strong scents make sensitive noses miserable!
61 - Tidy up before your guests arrive. That includes pairing down your medicine cabinet (come on, everyone peeks), taking out the trash, and storing all mail in a private place. No one needs to see that VISA bill lying around...
60 - Keep plastic bags or tupperware containers on hand to send leftovers home in. Always offer a doggy bag as guests depart.
59 - Never let your guests drink and drive. Let them crash on your couch or in a spare bedroom if need be!
58 - Don't ask guests to help you clean up as the party winds down. Remember, they're still guests!
57 - A bouquet of fresh flowers always cheers up a room.
56 - Welcome guests with a bouquet of balloons or a festive sign on the front porch. If you're feeling extra festive, wrap the front door with wrapping paper and a bow!
55 - Before the party starts, set your coffee pot on a timer so it brews after dinner. Never make your guests feel like they're troubling you for coffee. If it's already made, people will be more likely to enjoy a cup.
54 - Be clear in your invitation on whether kids are allowed. That allows your guests to arrange for babysitters if need be.
53 - If children are invited, create a space for them to enjoy themselves. Whether it's renting movies, offering kid friendly food or having a few games set aside, your adult guests will appreciate the time you spent to make their kids feel welcome.
52 - Switch it up! Host a housewarming brunch or barbecue instead of a dinner! Don't be afraid to break the mold.
51 - Popcicles make excellent desserts on hot summer nights.
50 - Keep it seasonal - try to use ingredients and themes that draw from the time of year.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the rest of the two penny tips!

event planning

Children's Story Book Party Themes

Before there was XBox, Harry Potter and Twilight there were children's books. I've seen stunning children's book themed parties on other websites and while they're beautiful, they're not exactly two penny friendly. Here are two classic children's books that can easily (and cheaply!) morph into your child's next fiesta.


Curious George
Everyone's favorite prankster monkey, Curious George's color palette is a sunshine yellow which will cheer up any table scape. Here are a few tips:

Party Poms: Bright Yellow (the bigger, the better!)
Games: Monkey in the Middle, Animal Charades
Cake: Chocolate Cake with BRIGHT Yellow Icing (use food coloring to get that perfect sunshine-y yellow)
Party Favors: A Curious George Book. If you scope out used book at your local library, you can often find gently used ones for less than a dollar a piece. Tied with a chocolate brown ribbon around it, you've got yourself a treat!
Decor: A giant bowl of bananas in the center of the table with flowers tucked in will be a feast for the eyes!
Helpful Website: http://www.curiousgeorge.com/#/activities




Harold and the Purple Crayon


This beloved children's book inspires imagination and play. Why not make your child's party into an artistic one? Tips, here: 

Party Poms: Lots and LOTS of Purple
Games: Drawing "masterpieces" is the best way to go here. Cover the table with butcher paper and have kids draw all over it. You can also pick up inexpensive markers and tshirts and allow each child to create their own shirt!
Cake: Yellow cake, white icing and purple piping all over it (to represent Harold's drawings)
Party Favors: Purple Crayon Shaped Soaps (check out this great etsy shop!)
Helpful Website: http://www.haroldandthepurplecrayontv.com/


Do you have any other children's book theme suggestions? Leave them in the Comments section below!


event planning

Etsy Sunday Cherry on Top: Divine Baking Supplies!

No summer picnic or barbecue would be complete without this week's etsy seller's cupcake liners! Allow me to show off, Divine Baking Supplies who makes colorful cupcake liners for all occasions. Check out these red and white gingham ones that perfectly channel a summertime picnic.

Two Penny Party Tips 

Bake up a batch of cupcakes, frost them with these suggestions:

• Green colored icing and topped with a plastic ant or gummy worms
• White icing topped with strawberry slices and blueberries for the 4th of July
• Reddish icing with chocolate chips - an homage to watermelons

With these darling cupcake liners, your guests won't be able to help themselves, so be sure to bake an extra batch!
event planning

Etsy Sunday Cherry on Top: sweetmellyjane!

I loved playing with finger puppets as a kid and think they make the BEST party favors. Buy one or two per child, add them to a cellophane bag with a lollipop, tie it up with some ribbon and voila - you're all set! This week's etsy seller sweetmellyjane makes adorable finger puppets perfect for any summertime birthday party. My favorites are: the alligator, koala and panda and oh, ALL OF THE OTHER ONES!

And the best part? If you order before June 27th, you'll receive a 10% discount when mentioning TWOPENNYPARTIES! Well, what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to her shop and buy some today!!

event planning

Summertime Has Arrived!

Hi fellow party animals! I want to take a moment and introduce you, my fabulous readers to my new summertime venture: a new blog. Never fear! Two Penny Parties isn't going anywhere, I'm just expanding on my e-creativity by launching something a little different. Take a peek and let me know what you think! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

http://www.jackieandaudrey.com/

event planning

Engagement Party Tips Part II

After a looooong hiatus, I'm back... and better than ever!

I realize I left you on an extreme Two Penny Party cliffhanger regarding Andrea & Arlen's tailormade engagement party. Never fear, Two Penny Parties is here! Here are some oh-so-sweet ideas for a picnic themed outdoor engagement party. If you remember, sparks originally flew between these two lovebirds during a five day backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park. Soooo, what better way to celebrate their engagment than with romantic, rough and tumble soiree! Read on fellow partiers, read on...

Your local park or campground is the perfect place to stage a low-key, high fun event like this. Just make sure there's ample parking and it's easy to get to. A beautiful oceanside beach is great, but if your guests can't get to it your party will be washed up.

In order to spruce up your surroundings, set up a few large bouquets of flowers (a mixed bouquet is ideal since it happily mirrors the outdoors) since they'll add a natural pop of color and fresh fragrance to the party. Your guests (or bride and groom) can take them home and enjoy them looong after the party's over. If you're feeling especially daring, throw in a few tall bouquets of twigs (spray paint them sliver or white for an added, inexpensive touch) or flowers (sunflowers, cattails, etc.) for some visual drama as well. Keep in mind, the main decor should be your natural surroundings!

Picnic food usually bores me to tears - mushy potato salad, coleslaw and sliced watermelon. BO-RING. *yawn* Just because your par-tay is outside doesn't mean you have to be bland! Here are a few ideas for bright, flavorful picnic foods guaranteed to make your engagement party guests smile.

Pressed Sandwiches - these can be made ahead of time and keep quite nicely in a standard cooler. Giada's Recipe here.

Prosciutto wrapped melons - These are a great treat for kids to help with. Slice up the melon for them and let them go to town with the wrapping part. It's easy, elegant and your guests will adore it. I know prosciutto is a bit pricey, but since this is an engagement party, you should budget one or two splurge items to wow your guests.

Orzo Pasta Salad - an unusual twist on pasta salad, this isn't covered with mayo and will keep a little longer. Plus, if you make it ahead of time, it tastes even better! (Recipe Courtesy of Food Network)

Spaaaah Water - keep a huge water cooler of this on hand - be sure to throw in plenty of ice so it stays nice a cool.

Additional Things to Bring!

• Lots and lots of blankets! Some you can sit on, some you can snuggle under if it's cold out. If you don't have any blankets on hand, stop by your local fabric store and pick up a few yards of any colorful, inexpensive material. Grocery Stores also sell plastic tablecloths (pick up the checkered pattern for an added picnic look!) which are a little less comfortable to sit on, but still offer a clean surface for party goers.
• A bottle of sunscreen, some antibacterial gel and bug spray for your guests to use. Not everyone remembers to bring their own.
• Party Games! Frisbees, footballs, soccer balls and hula hoops are great for park parties. If you can find them, buy them in white and write the bride and groom's name on them (along with their wedding date).

Did I miss anything? Sound off in the Comments section below!

Cheers to the happy couple!

event planning