November is Aviation History Month, a time frame set aside to pay tribute to and celebrate our progress in aviation technology. The Wright Brothers definitely opened a wide range of opportunity on different levels. Aviation has contributed to the strength of our military, our economy and our travel efficiency.

Take a minute this month to take your children to an aviation museum, or to share the wealth of information available at your local library. Add ambiance with Pilot themed partyware!

Veterans Day is next week! Although a 3-day weekend to sleep in sounds amazing, it is important to understand the reason our country has marked this day as a national holiday. President Wilson proclaimed November 11 a holiday with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

That said, I definitely suggest you look up your community’s plans for celebration. These usually take place in the form of parades, ceremonies and/or military tribute exhibits. After the celebrations, invite friends and family over for a potluck style barbeque. Don’t forget to dress up your meal with Patriotic Party Supplies!

We are almost exactly one week away from November, which is Peanut Butter Lovers Month! Although it may not be a widely known “celebration,” it is a fun opportunity to get together with the children and put together a few activities. Baking and cooking are always great hands-on projects.

A fun idea to honor Peanut Butter Lovers Month is to make home-made peanut butter. Whether you’re setting up for a few of your children or siblings, or a whole class, I would definitely suggest grabbing some plastic or paper table covers and disposable bowls. Distribute the plastic bowls among your students, and get ready to have some fun!

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups unsalted roasted peanuts
• 1 tbsp. peanut oil

Utensils

• food processor (you’ll need help from your adult assistant)
• large bowl
• mixing spoon
• storage container
• measuring cups and spoons

Directions

1. Mix the peanuts with the peanut oil and pour into the food processor.
2. Process the blend until it’s very smooth.
3. Store your smooth peanut butter in a sealed container in the fridge. It will be good for 2 weeks.

November 1 is the celebration of All Saints Day, a day that honors all saints, regardless of whether they are widely known or not. This feast is not unique to Catholicism, as it is observed by other religions such as Lutheranism, Methodism and Protestant.

In some Latin countries, “ofrendas” or offerings are made. Some cultures create altars on tables with pictures of deceased loved ones, an array of their favorite meals, trinkets, tiny skeleton decorations and other arrangements. Some altars are elaborately decorated with elegant paper table covers and candles.

In some parts of Europe such as Austria, Portugal, Spain and France, people visit the graves of dead friends/relatives and take them flowers.

In English-speaking countries, groups of people celebrate the festival by reciting the hymn, “For All the Saints.”

This year, All Saints Day is celebrated on a Sunday and is therefore a Holy Day of Obligation for Roman Catholics. Regardless of what it has been named, this feast should be observed by all in remembrance of those loved ones that are no longer with us.

Find a wide range of Religious Party Supplies here for any commemorative events you may host.

Although it’s nice to have a reason to throw a party, because that would mean there is something to celebrate, a reason is definitely not a must. Fall is always an awesome season because the new school year begins, new TV show seasons premiere, there are two amazing holidays (Halloween & Thanksgiving), etc.

Those rare moments when you can get together with close friends and family in spite of everyone’s busy schedules, are the best. Even just fitting quality time with friends is the perfect excuse to host a small party or get together. Begin by sending a quick message to everyone providing tentative dates so they can select which day might work best.

At home, gather some autumn plastic table covers (for a quick clean-up) and grab a few bowls that can be filled with fruit, pumpkins, gourds and leaves. There’s no need to spend too much money on Autumn Centerpieces, so creating your own out of stuff you already have is the perfect way to set the mood. Create a playlist based on everyone’s favorites, or pop in an IPod, then grab your most outgoing friend (if you have a tie, grab two) and give them a tray of appetizers to start passing around. It’s the perfect ice breaker.

Make sure and lay out the food family style so you have the opportunity to eat and catch up with friends at the same time.

Chocolate Brown is undoubtedly one of the most popular colors at this time. You see the color trend in everything from clothing fashion trends, to hair color, tableware, shoes, purses and even technology (my phone, ironically, is chocolate brown). Here at MyPaperShop.com, we have definitely noticed the trend in wedding color choices and party themes.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, Chocolate Brown is obviously a favorite for table top decorations. Our Chocolate Brown Linen Like Table Covers (banquet or 82 Inch for round tables) will add that elegant look to your event, yet they’re disposable for an easy clean-up. No one wants to worry about cleaning up after hosting a big Thanksgiving feast! My mother usually hosts Thanksgiving for our family and she raves about this innovative product.

For more casual (usually outdoor) events, Chocolate Brown Plastic Table Covers (banquet or 82 Inch for round tables) are perfect. Almost any bright colored tableware accents will contrast beautifully with this color for the perfect fall themed party.

Brown is the current black.

Advice from the MPS Sales Team: Stock up.

I remember visiting my mother’s aunt years ago. I remember the long, hot drive and the emotional greeting between my mom and her cousin. I most vividly remember the heart-wrenching feeling I felt when I saw my mother’s sick aunt in her bed. She was plagued with cancer and today, she’s in a better place. She didn’t have breast cancer in particular, but I’ve experience first hand, the loss of a family member to one form of cancer.

Breast cancer affects both men and women and studies show survival rates are approximately the same in both sexes. Although it may clearly affect women in a different way emotionally due to self-esteem issues associated with physical appearance, neither gender is above it.

A large number of individuals and organizations are always doing their part to raise awareness about breast cancer research and advances in the medical field. To those committed persons, we commend you. To others who have yet to dip your toe in the pond, there are vast ways of offering help—the list ranges anywhere from small (or large) monetary donations to marathons and fundraisers.

Use Candy Pink Tableware to tie your treats in with your cause.

My friend’s company is hosting a Halloween dessert contest in which the only requirement is that the submissions include pumpkin as an ingredient. Aside from there being a monetary prized involved as an incentive, participating in itself is rewarding. Halloween is such a fun holiday and there are so many things everyone can do to get in the spirit.

If any of you is getting your recipe together to participate in a contest at work, school or home, make sure to spice the presentation up with Halloween Themed Plastic Trays. Baking spooky treats doesn’t necessarily have to be for a contest, you could simply surprise your child or sibling’s class with a tray of chocolate cupcakes. Stick a couple toy hands in there to create a “buried alive” feel.

For best results, check your pulse and enjoy!

Costume catalogs are arriving in the mail left and right, and although I understand companies need the business, times are tough. I got home from work today to find a costume catalog full of circles, arrows, stars and happy faces indicating “my top favorites for this year.” Children live in a different world—a world that accepts wishes as currency and deems devastation a natural disaster.

This year, I highly suggest going for the DIY (Do It Yourself) alternative in regards to costumes. It may not be what the children expect, but a fun touch can definitely added if the process is labeled a “Costume Creation Occasion.”

The classic cats can use a black headband and attach makeshift ears (Use: construction paper and tape). Aspiring dancers can use their black leotards, tights and eyeliner to complete the costume. Non-aspiring dancers can use all-black street clothes.

Younger children can borrow a large trench coat and a hat to parade as detectives. Pick up some curly moustaches at a party supply store ($1-$2 tops) and a plastic pipe for added effects.

A larger group of sisters can team up as hula girls—minimal make up, coconut shells and a stack of Luau Hula Skirts will do the trick.

The possibilities are endless, and the less you have to reach for your wallet, the better.

Every Halloween turns into a treat battle when it comes to deciding how much candy to buy or how much candy is “fair” per trick-or-treater. Is it okay to throw in a couple more pieces if it’s a darling baby in a costume and less pieces for older kids trying to score free candy? It’s easier to grab a bigger handful when it’s a butterfly at your doorstep. Regardless, candy duty can get out of control if the appropriate measures are not taken.

This year, monitor treat sizes and/or quantities by pre-packing festively decorated Halloween cello bags with designs such as pumpkins, witches and ghosts. Filling hand-shaped treat bags adds a spookier touch to the evening and they make great craft projects for classrooms, after school programs, and Halloween parties.

After all of the candy has been distributed evenly, stuff excess baggies and make decorations.