I just hosted a basketball party for my sons team, and wanted to share this really neat idea for a centerpiece.  I used a hurricane style base, layered it with different colored pinto beans,(but you could use sand, rocks,etc), and put mini hackysack basketballs on top with tall twigs coming out of the top.  I’ve included a picture so you can see it. I thought it turned out pretty cute.

Now this idea might not work for everyone, but those of you who have the on demand feature on your cable box, here’s a tip.  Martha Stewart has craft and organizing ideas from her show that you can access at any time.  They are all categorized by theme like, kids, weddings, crafts. etc.  It’s a great little way to get new inspiration with step by step instuctions.

Happy New Year ! I decided that I needed to at least attempt my new year’s resolution this year, even though it’s always the same, Get Organized. I’m proud to say that I have actually made progress. During this process I’ve realized that another factor to throwing an event , is keeping track of supplies. How many times have we bought something only to realize we had red balloons already from a previous occassion. Designate an area where you know you will be keeping your party supplies, and be sure to make a list and check off what you already own and how many.

Ok i haven’t done any holiday shopping yet, but i’m sure when i do there will be something I forgot to get. So let’s come up with a list of things we need to remember.
Your holiday dinner, make a list of everything you plan on making and all the ingredients.
Be sure to go over your guest list and make sure you’re not serving anything that someone you know is allergic to.
Don’t forget that kid friendly food too.

When you are out buying presents it’s always a good idea to get something for that “oops i forgot to get this person a gift”

Stamps for those xmas cards

Lots of tape, ribbon, wrapping paper, and of course the tags.

Batteries for the camera and the video camera charged.

Especially batteries for the toys and gadgets that will be opened on the big day.

If i have forgotten to add something to this list, let me know and i’ll post it here.

Well new empty paint cans that is. They can really be an inexpensive way to add to your tables, or use as gift containers, ice buckets etc. Use the Gallon sizes as a chip holder, you could stencil on any saying or design you like to the can, even add a piece of fabric, like a bandana, inside the can as a liner . Do the same thing for smaller snacks using pint or quart sizes. I love the paint cans because you can really dress them up. Try getting some beads large enough to thread on the handle and make it sparkle.

With the holidays alot of people like to plan fancy dinners which include placecards for the tables. Why not try and do something a little different this year. I recently made some for my sons football team’s party, I wrapped the hershey bars in a football theme and added their number and name to the front. Not only is it a neat little place card but it’s also usefull. You can do mini potted plants just add a label with their name, or even make napkin rings with their names on them as well. Be creative and share your ideas with us.

If you have never gone to a pumpkin patch, you should . My family and I went last weekend and I’m glad we did. Most pumpkin patche’s aren’t just for picking pumpkins anymore. We went to one called Fir Point Farmshttp://www.firpointfarms.com/, which is an actual working farm, but they have animals for the kids to see, Giants pumpkins, you can even take a horse drawn carriage ride around the farm. The kids had fun running around all the pumpkins trying to find their perfect ones, and for .25 per pound I think they are all perfect.

Of course one of the most important things for any event is the food. Yet we always find ourselves at the last minute trying to come up some new recipe with usually no success. Try planning out your menu a few weeks in advanced and start browsing recipe websites for some new ideas that are easy enough to make. I came across http://www.myrecipes.com/, it’s a great little site that even offers how to videos for those of us that are not as talented in the kitchen.