It’s a common scenario, especially with MTVs Super Sweet Sixteen program showcasing extravagant parties that teens crave to celebrate this milestone party, kids want to go “all out” for the big day while parents are looking for a low-cost, easy party to plan. Rachael Ray showcased this exact scenario, a Sweet 16 Standoff! After featuring a mother and her daughter and each of their sides of how they see the Sweet 16 celebration, Rachael sets out to bring the two together to get on the same page and create a party they both want!

For all parents looking for creative ideas for this milestone party, this is a not-to-be-missed clip from Rachael Ray’s show!

Looking for a place to record and store all of your kids’ party memories? Year after year there are so many birthday memories to capture and keep ~ whether it be for a party that the whole class attended or a special outing with just one or two friends ~ each celebration is magical and special.

Check out Happy Birthday to Me!, a keepsake album from Chronicle Books that’s made for recording these memories. There are roomy pockets to keep invitations, birthday cards, and other notes, as well as pages to fill in the party’s theme, who was invited, and anything else you would like to capture.

Read the rest of this entry »

How often does it happen that you are having a fabulous party for your kid, and yet barely caught any of the memories because you were too busy keeping the party running smoothly to take the all-important pictures. Well, if you live in Seattle, WA, and are in the market for a photographer to capture the magic and memories, you may want to contact Nan Brotherton of Nan Brotherton Photography for your next party, family gathering, baptism, and beyond.

Recently, I had the chance to discuss with Nan what she has to offer, in particular for kids’ parties.

Read the rest of this entry »

Is Little Einsteins a favorite in your home? How about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse? If so, and your kid is asking for one of these themes for his upcoming birthday party, you are in luck because Disney Playhouse has just launched an excellent time-saving service for parents looking to plan these parties: Celebration Center.

The resource has your kids’ favorite characters covered including: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Handy Mandy, Johnny & the Sprites, Ooh, Aah and You, and Jo Jos Circus. This site leads you through all aspects of planning these themed parties, including invitations, gift wrap, recipes, decorations, games & activities, party favors, and thank you notes.

Read the rest of this entry »

I had a very special birthday cake made for my recent kid’s party. I was very disappointed when it seemed within an instant the cake was cut and eaten without any real notice to the beautiful design. I am even concerned that a proper picture wasn’t taken. Are there any ways to make a cake a more important part of the celebration at future parties?

Sounds like a delicious and beautiful cake. If you are looking for a fanciful centerpiece for your party table, the cake is often a great idea, especially if it is decorated to match your party theme. Even if you don’t have the cake as your centerpiece, place the cake in a public area so that people can see it throughout the party and it can be admired before you cut and serve the cake.

Read the rest of this entry »

Quinceanera is a special celebration for girls turning 15 within the Latino community. In 2006, the movie Quinceanera was released. It not only chronicles the celebration itself, but also the tensions that arise from a whole host of problems ~ everything from the price of real estate to teen pregnancy. It is definitely worth watching and is now on DVD.

If you are interested in seeing how this important occasion is celebrated, as well as an interesting storyline of Magdalena’s family, rent it! It’s a good one.

Read the rest of this entry »

If you are looking for an alternative to traditional gifts from your kid’s party guests that will not cost them any money, and will also take up party time as an activity, ask your guests to prepare a birthday wish, poem, or special charade for the birthday kid.

When you request something “theatrical,” the kids will be excited to prepare something special for your birthday child and they will also enjoy the opportunity to “perform” at the party.

Read the rest of this entry »