party Archives - Look What Mom Found

How to Host a Home Casino Night

December 12, 2016 by Melissa

Looking for a fresh way to host a party? Try planning a casino or poker night at home for your friends. Whether you plan to play for real money or not, you can plan a memorable night that blends the allure of the casino with socialization.

Here are a few ways to up the ante on your casino night plans:

Consider a Theme

Ramp up the memorability of your casino night with an additional theme. You could go with a 1920s Speakeasy theme or even pick your favorite Vegas hotel and try to channel the décor and atmosphere. Make sure your friends get the theme memo and show up looking the part.

Make it Fancy

Channel the glitz and glamour of an actual Las Vegas casino by having your guests dress the part. Have guests wear formal attire and class up the table action.

Ban the Kids

Or include them. Decide which style of casino night you want to host – adult only, or kid friendly, and then run with it. If you have other adult friends who would love to come but childcare is an issue, consider setting up an activity area for kids in a different part of the house with a sitter on hand.

Hire Help

You can opt to create all of the games yourself, or you can call in an event planning company that already had casino night props on hand. Consider hiring wait staff and a bartender, too.

Have Food

Remember that the main aim of your casino night is socialization so treat it like any other party. You must have food for your guests! Stick with appetizer fare, like this hot ham sandwich appetizer, or pick fun recipes that align with your theme. You can never go wrong with cocktail party food, like shrimp and cheese.

Offer Drinks

Alcohol goes right along with the gambling theme and takes the party up a level. You don’t have to offer an open bar, but make sure you have beer and wine on hand. Check out these fun casino-themed drinks on Pinterest.

Add a Raffle

Find something fun to raffle off to the party attendees. Give attendees a chance to win more tickets at the casino games, too. Since you aren’t planning to profit from the event itself, give attendees a ticket just for showing up. Award the prize after the party has had plenty of time to get going.

You don’t have to go to Vegas to have some gambling fun. Having people over to socialize in a casino theme is a lot of fun and gives you an excuse to throw a party. If you plan it right, your casino night will be the talk of your social circle long after it has ended.

Make it Retro Cocktail Party for the Holidays

December 22, 2015 by Melissa

Getting together for the holidays is important. It helps reconnect good friends, build family relationships and allows everyone some much needed fun and smiles. These gatherings can be a stress inducer though. The planning, the shopping, the lists, the decorating, the cooking; it’s a lot happening in a very short period of time.

You have options though. There are so many ways to reduce the stress of the holidays. Simple tricks such as one-stop shopping and taking shortcuts to save time. One of the best ideas is to create a theme for your get together so you can focus on a select few items that don’t involve a caterer, florist and valet. A Retro Cocktail Hour is a perfect idea to keep the mingling going and the hosts out of the kitchen.

With a glam-fab cocktail party you’ll be able to use those gorgeous glasses you never use, light every candle you have in the house and cover your tables with beads and indulgent fabrics you haven’t been able to use with your regular parties. Think up great drink ideas or use this Holiday Egg Nog to keep things festive.

One-Stop Shopping

Shop where you can get everything you need within the same walls. Grab your wrapping paper, gifts, groceries, tableware and decorations from your favorite superstore. Check everyone off your list plus style that mantle and fill the fridge all in one cart.

Take Shortcuts

Save time in the kitchen with easy shortcuts like pre-assembled veggie trays and premade dips, tapas and canapes. Stock up on tasty easy to serve finger foods and appetizers and don’t forget your friend’s favorite libations. Utilize your favorite super store’s recipe ideas to grab everything you need in one trip with no fuss. Don’t forget ambiance. Music, lighting and simple decor and centerpieces don’t need to take a lot of work. Retro Cocktail Party

Just because you are making your life simple doesn’t mean your party is going to suffer. Spruce up that veggie tray with the addition of a antipasta tray. Your cheese and crackers will be decadent with some grapes, figs, assorted cheeses and honey. Take everything up a notch while still making it easy on yourself.

The ideas are endless even when you think you are running out of time. We shopped for Christmas Dinner and finished our gift lifts this weekend at BJ’s Wholesale. It’s usually our shop in bulk store for chocolate chips, large jars of peanut butter and great prices on books but walking through the aisles we’ve found so much more.

Whether it’s a Christmas Eve gathering or a New Years Eve celebration keep the event easy going with simple tips and ideas from BJ’s Wholesale Club that allow you to enjoy yourself and your guests. The holidays don’t have to be hard work, it’s family and friends that matter the most.

Sabreena’s Graduation and Party

July 23, 2014 by Melissa

You may remember several weeks back, Sabreena graduated High School. It was a big deal. She’s not only our first to graduate but the first grandchild and niece. Her graduation was attended by my parents and my sister and of course our family.

We started with dinner and then went to the actual ceremony that was held at the University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center. All the local high schools have their graduation there. It’s indoors and holds lots of people. We were extra early to ensure we had good seats.

The graduation party wasn’t until a month later. We planned for weeks. Made sure there was plenty of food and drinks and space for the people. Of course she asked for pulled pork on the smoker. Think we made enough?

What was supposed to be at our neighborhood pool ended up being at our house. I’m so glad we made the switch. It was great to be in our own space. See the little dare devil in the air? That’s my 4yo niece Ella.

Friends and family came and we had a great time. My best friend brought her inflatable water slide. That was definitely the icing on the cake. I even made a mini photo opp for everyone including props and a cool background.

Everyone had a great time. I am so grateful for the friends and family that came to support and celebrate Sabreena during her special moment. She’ll be leaving in just under a month for college. While she isn’t going far she won’t be home everyday with us. It’s gonna be a huge adjustment but we’re so proud of her.

Brave On Demand Viewing Party

November 20, 2012 by Melissa

Enchanted forests and lush green hills. This was the backdrop of Disney Pixar’s Brave. The kids, my mom and I were in line that first weekend it was out in the movies and we also were first to order Brave when it became available on On Demand on November 13th. We were so excited in fact that we invited friends over for a Brave Viewing Party after school.

shae and her best friend rhoslyn

This time of year is busy so I thought a movie and snacks would be a great treat for the kids along with a red carpet and backdrop. While the kids waited for the entire group to arrive they enjoyed getting their pictures taken and indulging in some sweet snacks.

weirdo sabreena and shae posing on the red carpet

During the movie the kids got involved in Brave themed activity and coloring sheets. Since On Demand lets us rent the movie for 3 days you know it was watched another 3 times.

sharing brave coloring and activity sheets

Pixar Animation Studios whisks you away on an astonishing adventure to an ancient land full of mystery and tradition. Bursting with heart, unforgettable characters and Pixar’s signature humor, for the whole family. The Film is rated PG.

Set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland, Disney Pixar’s “Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to change her fate, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane), unleashing chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters), she is granted an ill-fated wish and the ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her resources—including her mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a beastly curse and discover the meaning of true bravery.

Disney Pixar’s BRAVE is Now Available On Demand – contact your Cable or Satellite provider to order BRAVE on demand now!

We Hosted A Batman Power Attack Party

November 18, 2012 by Melissa

My kids love parties, new toys as well as super heroes so when they heard that we were hosting a Batman Power Attack themed party they were pretty excited especially Shae.

Shae and Shaun went around the neighborhood at 9am last Saturday to invite everyone over to the house at noon. Needless to say they were pretty excited when all of their friends showed up at noon. Before all the kids arrived at noon I had a ton to errands to run like get balloons blown up, pick up chips as well as pizza. When I got home Melinda had the kitchen table totally set up with all of the Batman items and decorations and I must admit it looked pretty awesome.

Before we could even get the movie started or pizza served all of the kids wanted to open the action figures which I was ok with because I could see how excited they were to open them. Shaun, Shae and their friends sat at the kitchen table and played with those figures for at least an hour before moving onto the movie. I can remember watching Batman when I was a kid and I still love Batman to this day so I sat down along with the kids while we all watched the cartoon which was totally awesome.

What is so awesome is this fresh new evergreen line is sure to be a hit with little ones who are new to the Batman universe, as well as with Moms and Dads who connect with the classic Caped Crusader. These figures as well as total destruction Batmobile would make an awesome holiday give for the person on your list who loves super heroes.

For me the best party of the party is when we told the kids that they were able to take the Batman toys that they have been playing with the entire party home. One of Shaun’s friends is a hardcore Batman fan and he was sooo happy to take a few of the action figures home which totally made me happy.

All in all I think the party was a huge success and a ton of fun for me, Melinda and all of the kids.

The paper products as well as all of the toys for this party were supplied but the opinions in this post are my own.

We Had An Awesome Green Lantern Party

May 15, 2011 by Melissa

In preparation for the Green Lantern Movie which will be hitting theaters on June 17, 2011 we were lucky enough to have been invited to host a Green Lantern party. Knowing how excited Shaun and Shae would be about this party got me excited to have this party as well.

Shaun and his friends from the neighborhood plus Shae and Sabreena attended the party that we held Friday night. We served chips and homemade pizza and had a blast watching the Green Lantern First Flight DVD. All of the kids had a blast playing with the Battle Shifter figures like Blade Attack and Scorpion Assault. They also had a blast taking turns playing with the Green Lantern Colossal Cannons. I think the cannons other then the food might have been the biggest hit at the party. The kids did find it hard to share the cannons and I think that was because they were having so much fun shooting the power discs but in the end everyone got a turn with the cannon.

In our party box were other cool items that they kids were excited to receive like the Green Lantern Power Ring as well as the Green Lantern Secret Origins Comics. Before this party I have to be honest I didn’t know there were so many cool Green Lantern toys but our party showed me that I was 100% wrong.

I was also given a recipe that I didn’t get a chance to try but from the description sounds like something Shaun and I would enjoy.

Intergalactic Power Slime – The classic Jello Recipe with a Green Lantern Twist! Perfect for intergalactic warriors!

Ingredients:

1 pkg lime Jello
1 cup hot water
1 cup cold water
1 large green apple peeled, cored, chopped
5 oz pkg mini marshmallows

Instructions: In a glass pan, stir the hot water into the powered Jello mix until it is completely dissolved. Next, stir in the cold water. Add the apples and marshmallows. Chill until firm. For easy serving, pour Jello mixture in individual serving bowls before chilling.

So our Green Lantern Party was a huge hit and the kids were excited that they got to leave with toys, rings and a comic book. Shaun and I can’t wait for the Green Lantern to hit theaters. We are totally there.

Holiday Wishlist 2010-Beau-coup Favors $50 GC Giveaway

November 12, 2010 by Melissa

Planning the perfect holiday celebration? Got your menu designed? Enough place settings for all the guests? Have enough platters and bowls and spoons for serving? You’re all done right? Wrong! What about the little details that can make YOUR event extra special?

Beau-coup has the party favors and personalized napkins to take your family dinner over the top. Whether you’re entertaining for the holidays, planning your BFF’s bridal shower or getting married you’re going to find one of the largest selections of wedding favors, personalized gifts, shower games and party décor around.

snowflake fortune cookies

Looking through Beau-coup I’ve found some of the most unique favors. My favorite for the season is the snowflake fortune cookie. What an adorable way to end a meal! Do you plan on attending lots of dinners and parties in the next couple of month? Bring a hostess gift that is sure to impress. Bottles of wine are a great gift but go the extra step and pair it with a snowflake wine stopper.

snowflake wine stopper

What are your plans for holidays and beyond? What kind of event can you use Beau-coup Favors. Tell me which products do you like best and you’ll be entered to win a $50 GC to shop for what you need.

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Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Sunday, November 28, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.

We Partied Hard – Toddler Style

August 16, 2010 by Melissa

Shae’s birthday was this past Friday the 13th but today was the day we ate and partied hardy. We had friends, family and even Greg and his family from Telling Dad and Cara and her beautiful daughter from Land of Bean come by also.

The weather said 30% chance of rain which isn’t a lot but of course it rained from 1pm (time the party started) until who knows when but it all turned out awesome anyway. I had to put an umbrella over my grill so I could cook the burgers, dogs and chicken which turned out awesome. We had a TON of food and we had a cake and ice cream for dessert. She got some really nice gifts but the one that she really clung to today was her pillow pet (thank you Stacy, she loves it).

Rain or no rain we had a great day with family and friends and I think Shae had a great day and a great 3rd birthday party.

Happy Birthday To My Little Girl!

August 13, 2010 by Melissa

Today is Friday the 13th (creepy) and it is also Shae’s 3rd birthday. I remember living in MD and driving Melinda to the hospital only to be told she wasn’t ready so we went home and waited. We went to the beach a few days later and Melinda walked determined to have Shae and she did two days after the walk and one week after our initial doctors’ visit.

I remember how small she was and how cute (she still is cute but not small, LOL). I remember holding Shae for the very first time and realizing how precious and fragile she was and how I need to protect her. I remember how excited Shaun and Sabreena were to meet their new baby sister and to hold her and love her. Three years have passed already. We have gone through crawling, walking, eating solid foods, potty training and learning to talk. WOW, time flies when you are having fun. She has changed so much in three years, I remember when all she wanted to watch was Elmo now it’s Scooby Doo (my favorite cartoon). She is a little clown and provides us all with non stop entertainment. Shae is my world as well and Shaun, Sabreena and Melinda.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAE! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

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