Whenever I see Spring coming around, I think of Easter and the Easter Bunny and baskets full of eggs with chocolate (yummy!).Let’s take a second and rewind about 41 days or so to say, the day before Ash Wednesday. To be more specific, Fat Tuesday, “Carnival,” or Mardi Gras are the terms I’m looking for here. The festivities themselves begin after the day of the Epiphany (discussed in an earlier blog) and they end on Fat Tuesday. The “carnival” is essentially designed to allow everyone one last chance to indulge in food and partying before those 40 days of lent and restraint.It is common knowledge that the ultimate Mardi Gras party takes place in New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of us can’t join in the fun wherever we are. So bring on the beads, the drinks, the food, the music and most importantly, the fun!Shop our Mardi Gras Party Supplies for all of your party needs.

February is Black History Month. This month is about a lot more than reciting great speeches–it’s about remembering the great speeches that granted civil rights to everyone and about promoting equality throughout the human race.Many teachers opt for sprinkling Black history lessons throughout the month, while others assign projects that allow their students to learn hands-on. A lot of schools plan parades and events praising the hard work of some of America’s leaders.For those hosting community events, I recommend using disposable tableware like plastic or paper plates, plastic table covers (just envelope everything off the table and throw away after) and plastic or paper cups. Don’t make life more difficult for yourself by asking for a mess after the event. Make sure you enjoy the speakers or stations at your event as much as your guests.

Spring is just around the corner. If you live in a part of the country where it snows, I’m sure you’re more than ready to see those flowers poke through those snow patches. Spring is just the time of year for rebirth in nature and the season always has a fresh feel to it.Before you know it, we’ll be smack dab in the middle of Spring and if anyone has a birthday coming up, now’s the time to start brainstorming theme ideas. I came across a picture that definitely makes a Butterfly themed birthday party extremely appealing. Little girls love pink, butterflies, wings, glitter and magical concepts.Create a fantasy world for a little girl to commemorate her special day. Make her the queen of the land and use decorations and accessories to create an unreal set up:

1. Check out our Butterfly Birthday Party Supplies for all party item options
2. Wrap plastic cutlery with Solid Colored Napkins and one birthday themed napkin as the “band”
3. Set up party trays with appetizers and snacks - use additional guest napkins to create a display around each tray and/or centerpiece
4. Favors: use pink party pails as base & decorate with tulle ribbon and plastic flowers or tiny butterflies
5. Use tiny plastic crowns for the guests and a jeweled plastic crown to distinguish the guest of honor
6. Use butterfly wing accessories to decorate random chairs at the table
7. Tip: You can never have too many balloons

I remember loving the month of February in elementary school (through high school) because we had quite a few days off. Presidents Day was awesome! I also remember the school programs the teacher would put together. A few people would be selected to play the parts  of various U.S. presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and they would recite famous speeches as the rest of the class sang various patriotic songs.

We have just introduced a couple new Patriotic themed party designs that would coordinate perfectly with any Presidents Day celebration. Don’t hesitate to add color and memories to your child or student’s school celebrations this year. Besides, you can recycle the leftovers for 4th of July!

Valentine’s Day is only a month away and I know I’m not the only one that has trouble finding (or making) the perfect gift for my significant other.In light of the state of the economy, I’m sure homemade gifts will be quite popular this year. Homemade gifts are much more special because they’re one of a kind. Heart shaped foil and paper doilies make beautiful card accents and felt treat bags make beautiful jewelry gift bags. If you’re completely clueless, take a gander at the following gift ideas:

1.  Picture frame w/a memorable photograph
2. Jewelry (bracelets never hurt anyone!)
3. Couples spa day (or set one up at home! check out our paper bath mats)
4. Perfume / cologne
5. Fresh flowers (we love them!)
6. Chocolate (mmmm…)
7. Mixed CD
8. Romantic dinner
9. Handmade card
10. Purses/Wallets

Good Luck!

January is National Blood Donor Month this year–an entire month worth of opportunities to donate blood to those who need it to survive accidents and disease. Of course, I’m not advocating that these donations should only be made throughout the course of this month. I am merely pointing out that it would be a great month to begin doing so, since it is the month that celebrates this benefit.A cousin of mine was born with a rare birth defect that has forced her to undergo open heart surgery every certain number of years. Each time, a blood transfusion is required and each time, the hospital relies on their donated supply.I encourage all of you to make a difference in someone’s life.Hospital employees, consider vibrant solid colored dessert plates for post-donation treats and paper tray matsfor the unfortunate patients.

The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in the catholic church on January 6. It’s traditionally the day commemorated as the day on which the three wise men visited baby Jesus.This religious holiday is regarded as part of the Christmas festivities and it is celebrated largely in the latin culture.Parties are usually planned around 6th of January or the weekend closest to the actual day. The main entree is “King’s Cake,” a round cake decorated with fruits, and sweets for decorations. Some people keep the tradition of inserting a random baby doll, symbolizing baby Jesus, in the cake somewhere. Whoever “finds” or gets the doll in their slice of cake is required to throw a party for those present at the party.This day is also the day on which many children get their actual Christmas presents, as it is the same day on which Jesus received his gifts from the three magi. Children leave one of their shoes out the night before with hay and carrots, for their animals and the following morning they awake to find their gifts.The epiphany holiday is one celebrated with joy and much anticipation.So, gather around because the Christmas season isn’t over yet!

Serve the tasty treats (which, you can find at your local bakery right around this time) on our colorful plastic plates and plastic serving trays.

It is difficult to ignore the cold weather these days–rain storms and snow storms are not strangers to different parts of the countries and/or world. Summer babies shy away to hibernate indoors, while winter babies welcome the season change with heightened enthusiasm towards their winter wardrobe.Since staying indoors is so appealing to those of us attempting to escape the chilling outdoor cold, it becomes the perfect time to invite friends over for dinners and movie nights. I am almost positive that movie rental businesses must be faring pretty darn well this time of year. Read the rest of this entry »

Baking can prove to be a rather relaxing activity, especially amidst the stress and chaos of the holiday. Not only does baking have a therapeutic effect, but it can also be a great activity to keep the little ones busy or a great opportunity to bond with friends and relatives. Recently, some individuals have taken to having cookie swap parties where each guest brings his/her own special recipes so that a variety of treats can be produced.After the treats are done baking, each guest decorates and wraps his/her desserts in festive wrapping, such as cello bags or treat boxes. The different packages can all be laid out and guests can walk around swapping cookies and treats.This occasion serves as a time to catch up with old friends and family and everyone walks away with a nice assortment of holiday desserts.Yum!

The new year is only days away and it’s time to sit back and reminisce upon the blessings we have come across in 2009. In these trying times, it is key to really put life into perspective and appreciate the good things that keep us going everyday (i.e. friends, family, health, life, etc.).

Adult friendships require a bit more effort because they become more difficult to maintain as we all gain careers, start families and embark on important journeys. I always see the beginning of a new year as a way to make a fresh start. This year, make the end of the year bright by hosting a last Girl’s Night in 2009. Grab a few of the favorite appetizers and get a couple bottles of wine to get the night going. You could ask that your guests bring memorable pictures that were taken throughout the year in order to create a memory book for everyone to enjoy.

Time flies and those memories can slip away rather quickly. 2009 was eventful, and 2010 will get even better. In with the new, and out with the old.

Cheers!