Press

The American Cancer Society’s More Birthdays movement has picked up another supporter over at Peppers and Pollywogs. Party planning expert Lisa Kothari suggests that when you plan your child’s next party, if you’re requesting “no gifts” why not direct would-be givers to the More Birthdays movement?

Lisa Kothari, who has published a book on children's party planning, told the news provider that scheduling weeknight parties are part of a growing trend.

Party Expert Lisa Kothari talks about growing trends in children's parties that won't break the budget.

Robot parties are all the rage. Lisa Kothari, party expert from Peppers and Pollywogs, offers great tips and advice on how to make your next Robot party a blast!

Polka Dots & Pirates explains why Peppers and Pollywogs is the best resource for planning all of your children's parties.

San Francisco Mom Map guides Bay Area parents to the best kids' activities, and features Peppers and Pollywogs Cooking Party Tips for it's readers.

Party Expert Lisa explores and offers advice about kids party etiquette on the popular hostesswiththemostess.com blog.

Your kindergartner is having a birthday, and she wants to invite just five special friends from school. You breathe a sigh of relief; experts say five is the perfect number of guests for a sixth birthday party. You’re all set! Or are you?

Stealsdeals.blogspot.com offers readers a chance to win a copy of Party Expert Lisa Kothari's "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs" party planning guide.

Lisa Kothari of PeppersPollywogs.com stopped by to show us how to throw a High School Musical themed party! Lisa's book Dear Peppers and Pollywogs: What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties is available now.

With the uncertain economy, the trend for celebrations this New Year's Eve is at-home family affairs that save money and promote togetherness, said Lisa Kothari, a party planner and author of “Dear Peppers and Pollywogs: What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties.” Here's how to make your New Year's fun for all ages

One fine and joy-filled Christmas Day, Trish Muzika brought her newborn baby home from the hospital in a festive stocking. Muzika, of Murrysville, gave birth to her son, Alex, 14 years ago on Monday, and brought him home on Christmas three days later. While some people thought the birth timing, so close to Christmas, would be disappointing for Alex, both he and his family love it, Muzika says.

Americans are facing the leanest holidays in decades, so Bankrate has set out to find some great ways to save money on everything from the perfect gift to the traditional family get-together. We’ve tapped the experts as well as ordinary consumers to help everyone’s holidays be merry and bright, while keeping a little jingle in your pocket.

Mamabirddiaries.com features a fantastic giveaway for its readers - a copy of party expert Lisa Kothari's must have party planning book "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs."

This year, keep the kids at your holiday parties entertained with some fun, seasonal crafts. Jingle Bell Necklaces In bright bowls, place an assortment of jingle bells for the kids to thread onto thin satin ribbon. Help them tie a tight knot to hold the jingles on the necklace. The kids can wear these throughout the party and take them home as a goody.

Not only will the reindeer enjoy it, but your little ones will probably finish it off before Santa and his help even arrive. Peppers and Pollywogs suggests leaving out Reindeer Munch on Christmas Eve in place of traditional carrots. It's fun to make and even tastier to eat!

THE FAMILY GROOVE’S RESIDENT EXPERT KIDS’ PARTY PLANNER LISA KOTHARI SERVES UP HER HOW-TO FOR A FUN HOLIDAY PARTY THAT’S MORE THAN COOKIE-CUTTER

Sittercity.com features Peppers and Pollywogs in their newsletter as the best place to find everything you need to plan your next children's party.

Lisa Kothari is the founder and president of Peppers and Pollywogs, a kids' party planning company that provides parents with ideas, entertainers, and interesting web-based tools (customized rhymes and cards for your invitations!) to make kids' party planning easy. She has recently written and published Dear Peppers and Pollywogs, What Parents Want To Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties which is available at Amazon.com (use buy it now button below) and Peppers and Pollywogs. It’s that time of year again…spooks and ghosts and haunts galore. It’s the perfect season for throwing a ghoulish Halloween party fun for the entire family!

I admit to not being especially crafty. But when cold weather settles in, I thinking grabbing a tube of glue and some glitter can go a long way towards entertaining the kiddies. Plus, crafting tends to be a lot cheaper than a shopping excursion or buying a new video game to appease the troops.

It’s that spooky time of year when you look to haunt your home with black cats, creepy spiders and ghastly ghosts. Since times are tight, you’re probably frightened of overspending on Halloween decorations. Don’t be. Creating your own eerie ornaments saves money and let’s you get in some family time, too. So grab your scissors and Tacky Glue, and let’s get crafty. Lisa Kothari, founder and president of the kid’s party planning company Peppers and Pollywogs, says Halloween almost rivals Christmas when it comes to decorating. Her advice for do-it-yourself decor?

Ghouls, ghosts, and goblins- oh my! This year, take your ‘All Hallows Eve’ from spooky to spectacular! Whether it’s just the family or all of the neighborhood kids, party planner extraordinaire Lisa Kothari offers some fun, easy, budget-friendly Halloween party ideas. Fun Halloween Activities:

Lisa Kothari discusses how to handle inappropriate Halloween costumes at your party.

Just under a month ago we took our first extended road trip with our two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Before hitting the road we asked for tips and trips to help us survive. You delivered and in this post we’ll share the most popular tips. In future posts we’ll share specifics on some of the products we tried while on the road plus share links to online resources.

One of my absolute favorite times of year is Halloween. You can imagine the fun and creativity that a holiday like Halloween sparks in a kids' party planner's mind! Halloween is a perfect holiday to include the entire family in spooks and haunts at your own Monster Mash!

Party ideas, printable invitations, entertainers and MORE. For all things KID PARTIES... go

Lisa Kothari is the president and founder of Peppers and Polywogs (a web-based company that is all about kids parties). She has organized hundreds of parties for children of different ages using a vast array of inventive themes, in Washington D.C., New York City, and Seattle. Her recent book "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...what parents want to know about planning their kids' parties" is great resource for anyone.

Of my children's many birthday celebrations, from house parties to celebrations at party venues and attractions, the one that truly stands out is my son's third birthday.

How many kids should you invite? Is it okay to expect gifts every year or should you try out the “no gift” trend? Gift registries for kids parties? What’s the best way to deal with rude parents?

It’s that time of year again…spooks and ghosts and haunts galore. It’s the perfect season for throwing a ghoulish Halloween party fun for the entire family!

By Lisa Kothari Ghouls, ghosts, and goblins- oh my! This year, take your ‘All Hallows Eve’ from spooky to spectacular! Whether it’s just the family or all of the neighborhood kids, these fun and easy, budget-friendly activities and costume ideas will be a hit!

I wanted to add interviews for a while now. I am thrilled to start this interview column. Besides learning a little bit about amazing bloggers, I am curious to discover their favorite places. After all, I decided to interview them because I value their insights. The interview will be split in two parts. Part two is their city guide.

Lisa Kothari, founder of children's party planning business Peppers and Pollywogs, is a well known author and a nationally known party planning expert. Learn how Lisa started Peppers and Pollywogs business and how she is facing the challenges coming her way

When Sherrie Miara of Franklin Park was a child, she would have the occasional birthday party at McDonald's, or maybe she would take a friend or two to the movies to celebrate her special day. Today, Miara's own kids -- Bailee, 8; Riley, 6;

Ready to get spooky with it? Treat your family, friends and kids’ friends to a scary good time with a tricked-out Halloween party. Here, kids’ party-planning expert Lisa Kothari gives you the magic spell for a creepy-cool night of frights and fun.

FROM A HOW-TO FOR HAUNTED HOUSE TO A TREAT OF A TREASURE HUNT AND OTHER FREAKY FUN, KIDS PARTY PLANNER LISA KOTHARI TELLS YOU HOW CRAFT THE PERFECT HALLOWEEN PART

KIDS' PARTY-PLANNING EXPERT LISA KOTHARI DISHES ON THE TREATS TO SERVE AT A CREEPILY-COOL HALLOWEEN PARTY

Russet and amber leaves waltz down the wind like bright feathers, swirling across the sidewalks, crunching underfoot. Mornings wrap themselves in the scent of brittle gardens and lingering silver frost. Night windows frame new constellations, and cut-out orange pumpkins decorate the windows of the

Most of the year, you want your neighbors to glide by your house and comment about how pretty your flowers look, or how nicely your greenery is landscaped. But come Halloween time, someone gasping that your home looks "spooky-" or "scary-looking" can be quite the compliment!

Fall is here! Time to start thinking about Halloween & Thanksgiving, for me that also includes 2 weddings, several anniversaries & birthdays, hunting season and more FOOTBALL!!! So when I open my email & find a bunch of great tips sitting there just waiting to be passed along I just have to share!

Looking for some fun, easy and budget-friendly crafts to do with your kids on rainy days? It is as simple as picking up a few fun ingredients next time you are at the store. Lisa Kothari, owner of Peppers and Pollywogs, a kids party planning site, and author of Dear Peppers and Pollywogs…What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids’ Parties has provided us with some great activities that can be used both for kids’ parties and rainy day activities. Lisa has also received substantial media coverage for her company and book, including The Washington Times, ChicagoTribune.com, BusinessWeek, Parenting, Boston.com, and dozens of TV stations. I hope you enjoy these activities as much as my kids did

OC Famiy magazine's Middle Years section provides tips and advice for parents -- and their kids.

When mom and dad have a special date planned, sometimes the kids are left with a babysitter and nothing to do. Turn a hum-drum night into a night of spectacular fun. Party planner extraordinaire and author Lisa Kothari, who offers oodles of tips on the Web at PeppersPollyWogs.com, has five suggestions to make your next date night a special night for the kids, too:

Greensboro, NC -- From expensive gift requests to unexpected extra guests, Seattle-based party planner and author, Lisa Kothari, says this is a hot topic right now. Nowadays for many kids, cake and ice cream or pizza parties just don't cut it. Be prepared this party season! Golden Rule for How Many to Invite: Invite the number that matches your child's age plus one.

Many of us know etiquette for weddings and baby showers, but what about children's birthday parties? Lisa Kothari is a party planner who has written a book on proper behavior for such parties. She joined Jennifer Leslie on 11Alive News Saturday Today.

Fifty-two presents, limousine rides and hired help. No, we're not talking weddings here. Just run-of-the-mill children's birthday parties in the 21st century

You've read about over-the-top birthday extravaganzas and spare-no-expense planning.

Hey there! You’re listening to the Mighty Mommy with some quick and dirty tips for practical parenting.

Check out Wishpot Baby TV at our Wishpot Baby Blog http://blogs.wishpot.com/baby and find out more about the products featured

Many kids don't remember the days before DVDs kept them quiet on family road trips. But if you've exhausted all your movies, or you don't believe in using them, there are some standard car games you can rely on to divert young children

The grill is on, family and friends are over, now how do you keep the kids busy until the fireworks begin? Party planner Lisa Kothari is full of budget and family friendly ideas to make this year's 4th of July

Parent Monica Martin Del Campo will do just about anything to make her children's birthday parties special.

When Caroline Orange turned one year old, her mother, Lindsay, thought she was prepared. “We made sure we had a baby-sized cake just for her and we even laid out a big plastic mat for her to sit on while she ate it.”

While enjoying summer outdoor activities, we sometimes forget about sun protection and fall victim to "accidental burn." Here are some sun safety tips, provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Welcome to “Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web” where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web…all in one convenient location.

It's summer…time for some fun in the sun with your kids' parties. Summer is such an easy season to plan a kid's party for several reasons: good weather means you can take the fun outdoors and summer vacations and school being out means there is less pressure to invite absolutely everyone

Little girls love the idea of a traditional Princess Party. If you are looking to give this party theme a unique twist, dress it up with a Princess Party that focuses on Royal Shoes.

Blonde Mom Blog features Peppers and Pollywogs Lisa Kothari by giving away a signed copy of Lisa's book "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs."

Balloons, bubbles, colorful butterfly cupcakes, a gaggle of friends and family – Aidan Wadsworth's first birthday was like any kid's party.

Guest: Lisa Kothari of Peppers and Pollywogs

When it comes to planning your child's next birthday party, there are a few ways to help you stay within your budget and keep the kids happy.

You’ve planned your kids’ birthday party to a T; you’ve covered all the bases: invitations, decorations, food, games, goody bags — all good to go. So, no more worries, right?

Do you have a daughter who has asked more than once to take voice lessons because she just “loves to sing” or a daughter who appreciates music and needs an opportunity to broaden her musical experience? The Mississippi Girlchoir (MGC), a choral music education and performance

Lisa Kothari, author of "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs ...: What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties," suggests games to keep the kids occupied during long car rides.

Whether you’re picking out a party theme for your favorite Birthday Boy or Girl or you want to make your next date night a special night for the kids too, these five outdoor suggestions are perfect for summertime.

Low-stress tips to make your baby's first birthday celebration a blast

Lisa Kothari discusses Party Favors: Save Money. Make Your Own on San Antonio Living with Leslie Bohl Jones

I've just returned from a 6-year-old boys' birthday party at the local sports complex. You're likely familiar with this kind of venue: an indoor turf under the dome that also happens to house a human-sized hamster cage and laser tag zone

When Mom and Dad have a special date planned, sometimes the kids are left with a babysitter and nothing to do.

Etiquette for children's birthday parties: Party planner and author, Lisa Kothari, joined us in-studio to talk about kid birthday parties.

Whether throwing a first birthday party for a tiny tot, or hosting a teenager's birthday bash, parents need to avoid making party planning mistakes that could result in a disappointed birthday girl or boy, offended guests, or just a true mess on their hands!

Even though my children are only 3 years and 1 year, summer’s approach immediately triggers in my mind the childhood idyllic fantasy of *summer vacation* (the asterisks are meant to imply starry-eyed wistfulness.

Author Lisa Kothari visits ABC7 with some of the do's and don'ts on child party etiquette.

Your baby is graduating. But forget the bittersweet emotion, pack away the tissue for the day of the ceremony. Set aside your worries about the future. You're too busy right now for any of that: You have a party to plan.

Small details can add a touch of fun to room and table decorations. This time of year, parents are looking for ways to throw a “cool” party for their graduates.

Lisa Kothari, author and children’s party planner, shares some great tips on how to make “present-less parties” gratifying, especially for kids.

Throwing a pre-prom bash and need some tips to make it memorable? Party planning guru, Lisa Kothari, has some easy pointers.

"A lot of Gen X and Gen Y parents feel their kids already have enough stuff," said Lisa Kothari, author of "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs . . . What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties." "They don't want a bunch of miscellaneous gifts."

Kids' party guru Lisa Kothari shares all of her behind-the-bash ideas – from a Harry Potter-themed fete or a Beatrix Potter birthday – on her website, Peppers and Pollywogs.

The "R" word. It's been on the lips of talk show hosts, financial analysts, news reporters and anchors since November. But, that doesn't change the fact that birthday parties are still a big business. Kids don't care that the economy is taking a downturn, so how is mom and dad supposed to throw a bash on a shoestring budget? Party-planning expert Lisa Kothari, author of "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties" has gathered her tricks and tips for a three-part series on recession-proof children's parties.

Aaaah, kids' parties: the new bastion of parental panic. Need help planning—and executing and surviving— your wee one's next birthday bash? Pick up a copy of Dear Pepper and Pollywogs; What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties. This go-to guide gives tips, trick, tools and advice on everything from age-appropriate themes to invitation ideas to party-throwing and going etiquette.

Ah...Valentine's day! If you are planning (or thinking of planning) an ab-fab Valentine's Day celebration, we urge you to check out Lisa Kothari’ website. She is the author of every mom’s “can’t be without” party planning guide, Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties. Exclusively for the season of love, she has put together some amazing tips and ideas that you are sure to enjoy!

Feel like celebrating this month? Get the kids together to fete friendship, or use some of these hints for a memorable Valentine’s Day party for the whole class. Here are some tips for all the trimmings from children’s party planning expert Lisa Kothari.

"Find what toys, books, and activities your grandchild loves, and build a party theme around those," says Lisa Kothari, the Seattle-based party planner who wrote Dear Peppers and Pollywogs... What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties (Peppers and Pollywogs Press, 2007).

Whether throwing a first birthday party for a tiny tot, or hosting a teenager's birthday bash, parents often make party-planning mistakes that result in a disappointed birthday girl or boy, offended guests, or just a true mess on their hands! With the help of party expert Lisa Kothari - author of "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties" - parents can be sure to avoid these ten worst party planning mistakes and rest easy about everything from invitations to party clean up!

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to keep spreading the love with candy, balloons, and anything heart-shaped! For a dazzling Valentine's Day celebration, Lisa Kothari, author of every parent's indispensable guide "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties", has put together some amazing tips and ideas that any parents' little love bugs - and wallet - are sure to enjoy!!

Party-planning expert Lisa Kothari, author of Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties knows your pain and she wants to help out with her three-part series on recession-proof children's birthday parties.

"Although I thoroughly enjoyed planning kids’ parties, I always was very interested in helping parents everywhere plan their kids’ parties with simple, easy, budget-friendly ideas to pull their parties together," Kothari says.

Lisa shares High-School Musical themed ideas on CW11.

Parents often make party-planning mistakes, which can result in a disappointed birthday girl or boy, offended guests, or a mega mess on their hands. To help you avoid some of the major pitfalls, here are Kothari's 10 worst party planning mistakes.

Lisa Kothari's recently released book, "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs... What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties," is available at www.Amazon.com for $9.95. Also, Lisa's website www.PeppersPollywogs.com is full of great party ideas for any type of celebration for children of any age!!

Here's a cute little book and site to help you with your upcoming kids party: Dear Peppers and Pollwogs. This book is written by a kids' party planner. She includes all sorts of tips and ideas for various themed birthday parties and seasonal parties.

In a 3 part series, Lisa Kothari shares a number of unique party ideas with LilSugar. From cake ideas to a ditty for the party invitation, Peppers and Pollywogs can provide it all.

When you child's birthday is in February, or a thunderstorm threatens your pool party, indoor party games are an invaluable resource. LoveToKnow asked party planner Lisa Kothari to share some of her favorite games and planning tips, so you can host a great party, no matter what the weather.

This book is written by the founder of a great children's party website, Peppers and Pollywogs.

I need help! Have you heard of "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs" written by Lisa Kothari? Fabulous! I now have the help I need. This little book is a guide to party planning for parents. My favorite part is the week by week list of what I need to accomplish to get the party organized without stress!

You're not made of money, you're not particularly artistic or clever, and you know that at least one of the kids whom you'll have to invite has dietary limitations. You're tired of losing sleep over all this. What do you do? - Dan Webster

Elmo tells you how to use the potty, Dora tells you how to speak Spanish, and the creative geniuses of Dear Peppers and Pollywogs tell you how to throw a kids party!

The book, Dear Peppers and Pollywogs… is an excellent resource for any parent to have. The great part about Lisa’s book is that it really covers all age ranges from the first birthday all the way up through the teen years. So, it’s perfect for all parents!

Lisa Kothari, kids party expert and author of "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs: What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties," offered some decorating ideas.

Custom Kid's Birthday Card Invitations Designed by Up and Coming Artists.

Cookie and Cupcake ideas for the busy parent.

Ideas for the First Birthday.

Retailmenot.com gives readers the chance to download chapters of Party Expert Lisa Kothari's book "Dear Peppers and Pollywogs" for free!

Ladies Who Launch shares the story of Lisa Kothari, and how she fearlessly launched Peppers and Pollywogs.