Seafood is a favorite food that most people don’t get to eat every day and is a great idea for a special meal or party. Here are 2 gourmet seafood recipes you can prepare for your party, whether it is a baby shower, bridal party, or just a special dinner.
Seared Scallops on Baby Spinach with Lemon Vinaigrette
10 medium sized sea scallops
4 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Heat a large skillet on medium high. Melt butter in pan and add olive oil. Salt and pepper both sides of the scallop. Lay scallops into the hot pan, searing until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Set aside on paper towel to drain and cool.
For the salad and vinaigrette, you’ll need:
1 lb. fresh, baby spinach
1 lb. oyster mushrooms
Half cup roasted pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice (do not use bottled juice)
1 tbsp. lemon rind
1 tsp. Dijon country mustard
One half tsp. garlic powder
One half tsp. kosher or sea salt
One fourth tsp. fresh ground pepper
One fourth cup extra virgin olive oil
Mix first six ingredients together well. Then, slowly drizzle in olive oil and whisk briskly to incorporate into a thick, yellow vinaigrette. To arrange the dish, toss baby spinach and oyster mushrooms together with the vinaigrette. Arrange in a small mound in the middle of the plate. Slice scallops in half and serve one or two seared side up. Scatter roasted pumpkin seeds over the top and serve.
Roasted and Broiled Salmon with Mango Coulis
2 lbs. fresh Atlantic or Sockeye salmon, cut into 1 inch filets
2 lemons, juiced and zested
Seasoned salt (McCormick’s, Lawry’s, Aunt Cora’s, etc.)
8 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped finely
8-10 tsp. Gulden’s Spicy Mustard
2 cups dried plain bread crumbs
Butter or Olive Oil flavored cooking spray
Parchment paper
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove any pin bones from salmon filets. Zest lemons and set aside. Place salmon in a dish and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Let it marinade for 30-45 minutes. Place salmon on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and cooking spray. Sprinkle top with generous amount of seasoning salt. Then, spread one teaspoon of spicy brown mustard over the top and smooth out with a knife. Toss fresh garlic over the mustard and then cover with one fourth cup of dried plain bread crumbs. Repeat for all pieces of salmon. Carefully and slowly spray the top of the bread crumbs with a layer of cooking spray. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Then, broil for 5-10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Mango Coulis
1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into cubes
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. honey
Half a cup orange juice
One fourth tsp. ground cinnamon
One fourth tsp. ground allspice
One fourth tsp. ground nutmeg
One eighth tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less, depending on how much heat you want)
Blend all ingredients together in a food processor until smooth. Spoon onto plate and place cooked salmon on top. Add a side of mashed potatoes to finish off the dish. These two dishes will be a sure hit, whether you are hosting a party, a formal event, or just making a special dinner.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food and other party planning topics like baby shower recipes and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Popular Cartoon Character Baby Shower Themes
Welcome back to childhood! A cartoon character baby shower theme will amuse everyone and will create a very special sentiment. Cartoons can bring back memories and happy childhood moments that every guest will enjoy.
Using a certain character as a baby shower main theme is easier than selecting some other. Decorations, tableware and activities have been created on the basis of animated movies and their protagonists.
When deciding on a cartoon-themed baby shower, you will have to think about several aspects. The gender of the baby can help you determine the most appropriate theme. You can also consult the mom-to-be about her most favorite cartoon characters.
The availability of party supplies is another important aspect to consider. You may want to choose cartoon characters that are popular and depicted in parties relatively often. Otherwise, you will have to make some decorations yourself – a process that is fun but rather time consuming.
This article lists some of the most popular cartoon characters that can become the focus of the baby shower theme.
Disney Princesses
Disney princesses are living a life of their own. Girls love them and want to be pampered in the very same way.
Holding a princess-themed baby shower will be very easy. Party stores offer various types of decorations and you can discover tableware, napkins and activities associated to Disney princesses.
This theme is girly, delicate and beautiful. You can use pink, lace and ornate curtains to turn the venue into a palace.
101 Dalmatians
The cute puppies from 101 Dalmatians will help you create a beautiful and very fun baby shower party.
Spots need to be everywhere. Have spotted tablecloths, plates, banners and balloons. You will find appropriate party supplies in nearly any store. Most people love 101 Dalmatians, the book and the cartoon.
Girls love puppies. The theme will be very appropriate for an all-female gathering.
Tweety Bird
Tweety Bird is cute, clever and fun. How about organizing a Tweety-themed baby shower for the mom-to-be?
Yellow should be the predominant color. Holding the baby shower in a garden will also be fun. Tweety-themed baby showers will remind people of spring, new beginning and the beauty of nature.
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh is cute and fun. So many generations have grown up with the image of the fun and slightly naïve bear in mind. It would be difficult for anyone to keep from falling in love with Winnie the Pooh.
Various types of party decorations are available and your theme will be charming, cute and suitable for both a baby girl and a baby boy.
Dr Seuss Characters
Doctor Seuss characters are so unique and popular that you will have fun holding a party that utilizes the image of Horton, The Cat or The Grinch.
Each Doctor Seuss character has been brought to life by this amazing person. A number of movies and cartoons were made, following the plots of the books. Doctor Seuss is an important aspect of everyone’s childhood. Have the baby shower focusing on his books.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics and is a fan of Dr Seuss. To get some planning tips for a dr seuss baby shower and ideas for dr seuss baby shower games, visit Criss's website.
Using a certain character as a baby shower main theme is easier than selecting some other. Decorations, tableware and activities have been created on the basis of animated movies and their protagonists.
When deciding on a cartoon-themed baby shower, you will have to think about several aspects. The gender of the baby can help you determine the most appropriate theme. You can also consult the mom-to-be about her most favorite cartoon characters.
The availability of party supplies is another important aspect to consider. You may want to choose cartoon characters that are popular and depicted in parties relatively often. Otherwise, you will have to make some decorations yourself – a process that is fun but rather time consuming.
This article lists some of the most popular cartoon characters that can become the focus of the baby shower theme.
Disney Princesses
Disney princesses are living a life of their own. Girls love them and want to be pampered in the very same way.
Holding a princess-themed baby shower will be very easy. Party stores offer various types of decorations and you can discover tableware, napkins and activities associated to Disney princesses.
This theme is girly, delicate and beautiful. You can use pink, lace and ornate curtains to turn the venue into a palace.
101 Dalmatians
The cute puppies from 101 Dalmatians will help you create a beautiful and very fun baby shower party.
Spots need to be everywhere. Have spotted tablecloths, plates, banners and balloons. You will find appropriate party supplies in nearly any store. Most people love 101 Dalmatians, the book and the cartoon.
Girls love puppies. The theme will be very appropriate for an all-female gathering.
Tweety Bird
Tweety Bird is cute, clever and fun. How about organizing a Tweety-themed baby shower for the mom-to-be?
Yellow should be the predominant color. Holding the baby shower in a garden will also be fun. Tweety-themed baby showers will remind people of spring, new beginning and the beauty of nature.
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh is cute and fun. So many generations have grown up with the image of the fun and slightly naïve bear in mind. It would be difficult for anyone to keep from falling in love with Winnie the Pooh.
Various types of party decorations are available and your theme will be charming, cute and suitable for both a baby girl and a baby boy.
Dr Seuss Characters
Doctor Seuss characters are so unique and popular that you will have fun holding a party that utilizes the image of Horton, The Cat or The Grinch.
Each Doctor Seuss character has been brought to life by this amazing person. A number of movies and cartoons were made, following the plots of the books. Doctor Seuss is an important aspect of everyone’s childhood. Have the baby shower focusing on his books.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics and is a fan of Dr Seuss. To get some planning tips for a dr seuss baby shower and ideas for dr seuss baby shower games, visit Criss's website.
The Most Popular Doctor Seuss Stories
Doctor Seuss is such a famous writer that it would be difficult to pick out his most popular books. He has published a total of 46 books, all of which entice generation after generation of children.
Preferences are something individual and each person has a favorite Doctor Seuss story. This article lists some of the most popular books by the author that have affected literature and have made a long-lasting impression.
The Cat in the Hat
This is the first Doctor Seuss book that introduced the character of The Cat. Children love The Cat, its fun tricks and the overall atmosphere that this fun protagonist manages to create. The Cat is mostly recognized for the exceptionally tall hat that features red and white stripe decorations.
The book was published in 1957 and is a children’s classic till present day. On a rainy day, a brother and a sister get introduced to The Cat, who tries to amuse the little ones while their mom is away.
Unsurprisingly, more than 11 million copies of this Doctor Seuss story have been sold.
Horton Hears a Who
Horton Hears a Who was published back in 1954 and is the second Dr Seuss book to have the cute elephant as its protagonist.
The plot tells the story of the elephant Horton who one day hears speech from a spec of dust. This spec of dust happens to be a microscopic planet inhabited by little Whos. A cartoon based on the book was recently created.
One of the most important phrases from the book is “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
Green Eggs and Ham
This happens to be the best-selling Dr Seuss book. Green Eggs and Ham was published in August 1960.
Two characters have a dialogue and this is how the entire book unfolds. It contains no narrative. A character named Sam tries to convince another character that lacks a name to try a meal consisting of green eggs and ham.
Green Eggs and Ham is suitable for very young children, since the book contains simple words. This is the fourth best-selling children’s book of all time and it certainly will be an amazing baby shower gift.
The Lorax
The Lorax came into existence in 1971. The originality of the characters is one aspect that makes the book unique and typical for Dr Seuss.
This book speaks about nature, its abundance and diversity. A movie was created following the book’s plot. The Lorax lead to some controversy since a number of people consider it to be unfairly critical of the logging industry.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is so popular that the book needs no detailed introduction. Audiences across the globe love the story and it is equally attractive to both children and grownups.
Dr Seuss himself created the original book illustrations. How the Grinch Stole Christmas was published in 1957.
The Grinch is a very angry and bitter character. This character does everything possible to spoil everyone’s fun by stealing Christmas gifts and meals. Yet, Christmas comes and the Grinch learns that the holiday is more than mere objects.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics and is a fan of Dr Seuss. To get some planning tips for a dr seuss baby shower and ideas for dr seuss baby shower games, visit Criss's website.
Preferences are something individual and each person has a favorite Doctor Seuss story. This article lists some of the most popular books by the author that have affected literature and have made a long-lasting impression.
The Cat in the Hat
This is the first Doctor Seuss book that introduced the character of The Cat. Children love The Cat, its fun tricks and the overall atmosphere that this fun protagonist manages to create. The Cat is mostly recognized for the exceptionally tall hat that features red and white stripe decorations.
The book was published in 1957 and is a children’s classic till present day. On a rainy day, a brother and a sister get introduced to The Cat, who tries to amuse the little ones while their mom is away.
Unsurprisingly, more than 11 million copies of this Doctor Seuss story have been sold.
Horton Hears a Who
Horton Hears a Who was published back in 1954 and is the second Dr Seuss book to have the cute elephant as its protagonist.
The plot tells the story of the elephant Horton who one day hears speech from a spec of dust. This spec of dust happens to be a microscopic planet inhabited by little Whos. A cartoon based on the book was recently created.
One of the most important phrases from the book is “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
Green Eggs and Ham
This happens to be the best-selling Dr Seuss book. Green Eggs and Ham was published in August 1960.
Two characters have a dialogue and this is how the entire book unfolds. It contains no narrative. A character named Sam tries to convince another character that lacks a name to try a meal consisting of green eggs and ham.
Green Eggs and Ham is suitable for very young children, since the book contains simple words. This is the fourth best-selling children’s book of all time and it certainly will be an amazing baby shower gift.
The Lorax
The Lorax came into existence in 1971. The originality of the characters is one aspect that makes the book unique and typical for Dr Seuss.
This book speaks about nature, its abundance and diversity. A movie was created following the book’s plot. The Lorax lead to some controversy since a number of people consider it to be unfairly critical of the logging industry.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is so popular that the book needs no detailed introduction. Audiences across the globe love the story and it is equally attractive to both children and grownups.
Dr Seuss himself created the original book illustrations. How the Grinch Stole Christmas was published in 1957.
The Grinch is a very angry and bitter character. This character does everything possible to spoil everyone’s fun by stealing Christmas gifts and meals. Yet, Christmas comes and the Grinch learns that the holiday is more than mere objects.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics and is a fan of Dr Seuss. To get some planning tips for a dr seuss baby shower and ideas for dr seuss baby shower games, visit Criss's website.
The Hello Kitty Story: How Hello Kitty Became so Popular
Hello Kitty is the most famous character created by Japanese company Sanrio. It was born in Tokyo in 1974 to become a worldwide favorite very fast.
In the beginning, Hello Kitty was to be called Kitty White, as one of the kittens described in Through the Looking-Glass. The name was chosen as English literature became very popular in Japan at the time. This proposal was turned down, however.
Hello Kitty is a stylized female kitten that lives and has fun in London. One intriguing fact is that Hello Kitty lacks a mouth. This was done on purpose – the lack of mouth lets people project their emotions onto the character.
The first product featuring the Hello Kitty image was a small and very inexpensive vinyl purse. Today, Hello Kitty products generate about 500 million dollars annual profit.
Other characters live in the world of Hello Kitty. These characters include family and numerous friends. In 2004, Hello Kitty got her pets – a kitty and a hamster. Hello Kitty’s father is called George White and her mom is Mary. Hello Kitty has a sister named Mimmy, who happens to be the character’s best friend.
The number of market products carrying the image of Hello Kitty is large. This character has become tremendously popular in the US. Initially, Hello Kitty products targeted young girls but today the kitten has appealed to fans worldwide and regardless of age.
Hello Kitty decorates memorabilia, foods, clothes, cosmetic products, computers and even airplanes. Celebrities have endorsed Hello Kitty, as well. Mariah Carey, Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton and various other stars have worn Hello Kitty outfits.
In Japan, Hello Kitty has affected nearly every aspect of life. Teens and adults alike fall in love with the childish, sweet image of the kitten. All kinds of outfits, including Hello Kitty wedding dresses are available.
MasterCard features Hello Kitty on its debit cards since 2004. The card is dedicated to the needs of young girls who are learning how to make such financial transactions.
Hello Kitty video games and anime movies have been created, as well. The earliest cartoon series featuring the character came into existence in 1991. The production was cooperation between the USA and Japan.
Various famous designers have used the Hello Kitty image and have been inspired by the cute Japanese kitten. Victoria Couture’s models wore Hello Kitty masks during a 2007 fashion review.
The little white kitten is a cultural phenomenon. In 2007, policemen in Taiwan, who had committed some kind of minor violation became obliged to wear a Hello Kitty symbol for several days.
Coins carrying the Hello Kitty image have been minted, as well. The price of a single Hello Kitty silver coin can reach up to 1100 dollars.
A Hello Kitty dream wedding was held in Hong Kong in February 2007. The wedding took place in Hong Kong’s railway. The train that transported the happy couple came with very special decorations, as well.
Even today, the Hello Kitty craze is continuing. You can discover dozens of objects, including outfits, baby shower party decorations and gifts, video games and other accessories. Hello Kitty remains a tremendously popular accessory for both children and adults.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics and is a Hello Kitty fan. Check out Criss's article on hosting a hello kitty baby shower on Criss's website about baby shower ideas.
In the beginning, Hello Kitty was to be called Kitty White, as one of the kittens described in Through the Looking-Glass. The name was chosen as English literature became very popular in Japan at the time. This proposal was turned down, however.
Hello Kitty is a stylized female kitten that lives and has fun in London. One intriguing fact is that Hello Kitty lacks a mouth. This was done on purpose – the lack of mouth lets people project their emotions onto the character.
The first product featuring the Hello Kitty image was a small and very inexpensive vinyl purse. Today, Hello Kitty products generate about 500 million dollars annual profit.
Other characters live in the world of Hello Kitty. These characters include family and numerous friends. In 2004, Hello Kitty got her pets – a kitty and a hamster. Hello Kitty’s father is called George White and her mom is Mary. Hello Kitty has a sister named Mimmy, who happens to be the character’s best friend.
The number of market products carrying the image of Hello Kitty is large. This character has become tremendously popular in the US. Initially, Hello Kitty products targeted young girls but today the kitten has appealed to fans worldwide and regardless of age.
Hello Kitty decorates memorabilia, foods, clothes, cosmetic products, computers and even airplanes. Celebrities have endorsed Hello Kitty, as well. Mariah Carey, Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton and various other stars have worn Hello Kitty outfits.
In Japan, Hello Kitty has affected nearly every aspect of life. Teens and adults alike fall in love with the childish, sweet image of the kitten. All kinds of outfits, including Hello Kitty wedding dresses are available.
MasterCard features Hello Kitty on its debit cards since 2004. The card is dedicated to the needs of young girls who are learning how to make such financial transactions.
Hello Kitty video games and anime movies have been created, as well. The earliest cartoon series featuring the character came into existence in 1991. The production was cooperation between the USA and Japan.
Various famous designers have used the Hello Kitty image and have been inspired by the cute Japanese kitten. Victoria Couture’s models wore Hello Kitty masks during a 2007 fashion review.
The little white kitten is a cultural phenomenon. In 2007, policemen in Taiwan, who had committed some kind of minor violation became obliged to wear a Hello Kitty symbol for several days.
Coins carrying the Hello Kitty image have been minted, as well. The price of a single Hello Kitty silver coin can reach up to 1100 dollars.
A Hello Kitty dream wedding was held in Hong Kong in February 2007. The wedding took place in Hong Kong’s railway. The train that transported the happy couple came with very special decorations, as well.
Even today, the Hello Kitty craze is continuing. You can discover dozens of objects, including outfits, baby shower party decorations and gifts, video games and other accessories. Hello Kitty remains a tremendously popular accessory for both children and adults.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics and is a Hello Kitty fan. Check out Criss's article on hosting a hello kitty baby shower on Criss's website about baby shower ideas.
When are Poems Useful in Real Life?
Poetry sounds great and romantic, yet it appears to be a somehow archaic way of expressing thoughts and emotions. Many people believe that poetry can no longer be used in real life. It was something great during Shakespeare’s age but today’s busy and hectic world has left no room for poetry.
The truth about poetry is that it adds something extra special to everyday occurrences, parties and special moments. Verses can be easily incorporated in real life activities. These lines will be even more special, if you have attempted writing on your own.
Does it sound impossible to weave poetry into real life? Read on to find out when it can be used and how it will add a bit of sparkle to a simple, routine day.
When You Fall in Love
Love and poetry go hand in hand. Classic love poems can turn into the most romantic and beautiful ways to express sentiments and to reveal emotions. You can have a poem written on a card or recited to a favorite person.
Love poems can also be used when proposing to someone. Lovers are poets by heart and they become very sensitive to such gentle messages.
Many people start writing poems when they fall in love. Though these verses are very often far from literature masterpieces, they have the power to move deeply a lover. If you want to make a romantic evening extra special, you should have a poem card written for the person that you love.
When You Want to Make Someone Feel Extra Special
Taking the time to write a poem or to discover a beautiful verse for someone will make that person feel extra special.
You can use poems to improve the mood of someone or to show that person your love and appreciation. It does not have to be presented in any special way. A poem sent via e-mail will be just as effective as the poem written on a card.
Use poems to make loved ones feel better. These can be sent or written for no occasion whatsoever.
Setting the Mood and Decorating a Home
Poem posters or framed words of wisdom can be used to decorate your home and to set the mood in each room.
Some words of wisdom or beautiful verses can be written in a beautiful manner and framed to turn into decorations. These poems show what you believe in and how you feel. They will affect the energy and ambiance in your own home.
The manner in which the poem is written and framed can turn the poster into a wonderful accessory that makes your home look even better.
Making People Laugh
Funny poems can make people laugh. Use those as jokes and in order to become the heart and soul of the company.
Poems can be easily turned into something hilarious and enjoyable. Naïve rhymes or little clever verses will get people rolling on the floor with laughter. If you want to make others feel happy and amused, you should begin looking for and memorizing funny poems.
Criss White writes about babies and writing topics like new baby poems and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys writing poetry for fun.
The truth about poetry is that it adds something extra special to everyday occurrences, parties and special moments. Verses can be easily incorporated in real life activities. These lines will be even more special, if you have attempted writing on your own.
Does it sound impossible to weave poetry into real life? Read on to find out when it can be used and how it will add a bit of sparkle to a simple, routine day.
When You Fall in Love
Love and poetry go hand in hand. Classic love poems can turn into the most romantic and beautiful ways to express sentiments and to reveal emotions. You can have a poem written on a card or recited to a favorite person.
Love poems can also be used when proposing to someone. Lovers are poets by heart and they become very sensitive to such gentle messages.
Many people start writing poems when they fall in love. Though these verses are very often far from literature masterpieces, they have the power to move deeply a lover. If you want to make a romantic evening extra special, you should have a poem card written for the person that you love.
When You Want to Make Someone Feel Extra Special
Taking the time to write a poem or to discover a beautiful verse for someone will make that person feel extra special.
You can use poems to improve the mood of someone or to show that person your love and appreciation. It does not have to be presented in any special way. A poem sent via e-mail will be just as effective as the poem written on a card.
Use poems to make loved ones feel better. These can be sent or written for no occasion whatsoever.
Setting the Mood and Decorating a Home
Poem posters or framed words of wisdom can be used to decorate your home and to set the mood in each room.
Some words of wisdom or beautiful verses can be written in a beautiful manner and framed to turn into decorations. These poems show what you believe in and how you feel. They will affect the energy and ambiance in your own home.
The manner in which the poem is written and framed can turn the poster into a wonderful accessory that makes your home look even better.
Making People Laugh
Funny poems can make people laugh. Use those as jokes and in order to become the heart and soul of the company.
Poems can be easily turned into something hilarious and enjoyable. Naïve rhymes or little clever verses will get people rolling on the floor with laughter. If you want to make others feel happy and amused, you should begin looking for and memorizing funny poems.
Criss White writes about babies and writing topics like new baby poems and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys writing poetry for fun.
Ways to Show Thanks in Different Countries
You love to travel and you enjoy getting to learn about new places, people and cultures. Travelers have to first learn something about the respective traditions and language of the country, in order to behave adequately.
Learning how to say Thank You is very important. This is one of the firs things you will need to get familiar with.
Apart from the simple words, many cultures have specific ways in which gratitude is expressed. It could be a ritual or a facial expression that makes the statement sincere. This is what you will have to know about saying thank you in different countries.
Master the phrase in several basic languages. The English ‘thank you’ will be accepted and understood in many countries but it will also be wise to know how to express your gratitude in Spanish, German, French, Arabic and Russian. These languages increase your chances of being understood.
Try to get the phrase from a local person. Pronunciation and the right gestures will help you do it right. Practice and ask people to correct you, in case you are making a mistake with the phrase.
Ask about any accompanying rituals or the appropriate body language. Body language differs across countries and the manner in which you move your arms or shake your head could be misunderstood.
You will have to know how to thank someone who has offered you a helping hand or who has invited you to a party – a birthday, a baby shower or an anniversary. Inquire about the appropriate ways to attend a party in the respective country. Knowing habits and traditions will be very useful.
The German word for thank you is Danke. Vielen Dank is the expression used to say that you are very thankful. The French word is an easy one – Merci. It is also understood and utilized in many European countries.
In Spain and Spanish-speaking countries you will use the word Gracias. Muchas Gracias should be said when you are very thankful.
The Arabic word for thank you is Shoukran. You can utilize that word in both Asian and African Arab countries.
Sposibo expresses gratitude in Russia. If you are exceptionally thankful, you can say Sposibo Bolshoie.
Certain countries have their thank you rituals and specifics. Being unaware of these will make it difficult for you to overcome the culture shock and to get accepted. This is true of countries that have cultures much different from your own.
You have probably heard the Japanese word for thank you. It is Arigato. The problem, however, is that this word cannot be used with everyone. You cannot address superiors (like teachers, older people and officials) and bosses in this way. When talking to such people, you will have to say Domo Arigato Gozaimasu or simply Domo.
Learning the specifics of cultures will be fun and very useful. You will have to make some effort, especially if you plan to spend more time in the specific place. You should never be afraid to ask. Locals will be glad to offer a helping hand and to get you acquainted with traditions and language.
Criss White writes about party and etiquette topics like baby shower thank you poems for various websites, including Baby Shower Ideas. Criss enjoys travel and is knowledgable about etiquette and foreign cultures.
Learning how to say Thank You is very important. This is one of the firs things you will need to get familiar with.
Apart from the simple words, many cultures have specific ways in which gratitude is expressed. It could be a ritual or a facial expression that makes the statement sincere. This is what you will have to know about saying thank you in different countries.
Master the phrase in several basic languages. The English ‘thank you’ will be accepted and understood in many countries but it will also be wise to know how to express your gratitude in Spanish, German, French, Arabic and Russian. These languages increase your chances of being understood.
Try to get the phrase from a local person. Pronunciation and the right gestures will help you do it right. Practice and ask people to correct you, in case you are making a mistake with the phrase.
Ask about any accompanying rituals or the appropriate body language. Body language differs across countries and the manner in which you move your arms or shake your head could be misunderstood.
You will have to know how to thank someone who has offered you a helping hand or who has invited you to a party – a birthday, a baby shower or an anniversary. Inquire about the appropriate ways to attend a party in the respective country. Knowing habits and traditions will be very useful.
The German word for thank you is Danke. Vielen Dank is the expression used to say that you are very thankful. The French word is an easy one – Merci. It is also understood and utilized in many European countries.
In Spain and Spanish-speaking countries you will use the word Gracias. Muchas Gracias should be said when you are very thankful.
The Arabic word for thank you is Shoukran. You can utilize that word in both Asian and African Arab countries.
Sposibo expresses gratitude in Russia. If you are exceptionally thankful, you can say Sposibo Bolshoie.
Certain countries have their thank you rituals and specifics. Being unaware of these will make it difficult for you to overcome the culture shock and to get accepted. This is true of countries that have cultures much different from your own.
You have probably heard the Japanese word for thank you. It is Arigato. The problem, however, is that this word cannot be used with everyone. You cannot address superiors (like teachers, older people and officials) and bosses in this way. When talking to such people, you will have to say Domo Arigato Gozaimasu or simply Domo.
Learning the specifics of cultures will be fun and very useful. You will have to make some effort, especially if you plan to spend more time in the specific place. You should never be afraid to ask. Locals will be glad to offer a helping hand and to get you acquainted with traditions and language.
Criss White writes about party and etiquette topics like baby shower thank you poems for various websites, including Baby Shower Ideas. Criss enjoys travel and is knowledgable about etiquette and foreign cultures.
The Five Essential Components of the Perfect Invitation
What is a perfect party invitation? It is witty, coming with beautiful visuals and containing all of the essential information that guests need. These descriptions make it sound very simple and easy to make a perfect party invite.
Invitation writing can be difficult, especially if you want to come up with something original and fun. The visuals, the tone and the manner in which the invitation relates to the party theme will all play a role.
Here are the five essential components of the perfect invitation. Each one of them is important and contributing to the overall appearance and attractiveness of the invitation.
Party Invitation Paper
Paper affects your invitation in two ways – its color and its texture will both make a statement. Selecting simple white paper will make your invitation no different then any other written message that people get.
If you want to have unique invitations, you should pick interesting paper. It needs to be thicker so that the invitation remains intact. A specific color or a texture will also make your card attention grabbing.
Refrain from overdoing it. If you rely on paper texture, you should minimize the use of graphic elements. To impress, you should also get the invitation cut in a specific shape that helps communicate the party theme.
Fonts
Font selection plays a role, as well.
Try to have only two or three fonts used throughout the invitation. Get them to come from the same font family or to resemble each other.
Decorative fonts should be used for headings or small highlights. The essential information needs to be easy to read and to comprehend.
Visuals
Visuals enhance the written message. They will also set the tone. Use visuals wisely and sparingly.
Decide whether graphics or text will have more value. The leading visuals should be one. It can appear on the front of the invite or it can accompany the text. Invitations can be black and white, featuring a single color or multi-colored. All of these options have the potential to look attractive.
Poems and Verses
Successful invitations have a catchy phrase, quote or poem added to them. This creative and fun element explains what the party is all about.
You can come up with a catchy phrase for nearly any occasion – a birthday party, a baby shower, an engagement or an anniversary. Instead of searching for poems online, you can try writing your own.
Text
The text of the invitation provides all of the essential and informative details.
Make sure that the invitation states what the party is all about. Provide information about the date, venue, dress code and most appropriate gifts. It will also be wise to include directions and specifics about the activities that guests could be expecting.
Creating the perfect party invitation is far from difficult, as long as you know what elements need to be put together. Experiment and trust your intuition. If something looks wrong, you should probably try to change it.
Remember that discovering the balance between creative elements and information is essential. The two should work together to create the character of the invitation. One overpowering element will ruin the entire idea.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower invitation poems and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Invitation writing can be difficult, especially if you want to come up with something original and fun. The visuals, the tone and the manner in which the invitation relates to the party theme will all play a role.
Here are the five essential components of the perfect invitation. Each one of them is important and contributing to the overall appearance and attractiveness of the invitation.
Party Invitation Paper
Paper affects your invitation in two ways – its color and its texture will both make a statement. Selecting simple white paper will make your invitation no different then any other written message that people get.
If you want to have unique invitations, you should pick interesting paper. It needs to be thicker so that the invitation remains intact. A specific color or a texture will also make your card attention grabbing.
Refrain from overdoing it. If you rely on paper texture, you should minimize the use of graphic elements. To impress, you should also get the invitation cut in a specific shape that helps communicate the party theme.
Fonts
Font selection plays a role, as well.
Try to have only two or three fonts used throughout the invitation. Get them to come from the same font family or to resemble each other.
Decorative fonts should be used for headings or small highlights. The essential information needs to be easy to read and to comprehend.
Visuals
Visuals enhance the written message. They will also set the tone. Use visuals wisely and sparingly.
Decide whether graphics or text will have more value. The leading visuals should be one. It can appear on the front of the invite or it can accompany the text. Invitations can be black and white, featuring a single color or multi-colored. All of these options have the potential to look attractive.
Poems and Verses
Successful invitations have a catchy phrase, quote or poem added to them. This creative and fun element explains what the party is all about.
You can come up with a catchy phrase for nearly any occasion – a birthday party, a baby shower, an engagement or an anniversary. Instead of searching for poems online, you can try writing your own.
Text
The text of the invitation provides all of the essential and informative details.
Make sure that the invitation states what the party is all about. Provide information about the date, venue, dress code and most appropriate gifts. It will also be wise to include directions and specifics about the activities that guests could be expecting.
Creating the perfect party invitation is far from difficult, as long as you know what elements need to be put together. Experiment and trust your intuition. If something looks wrong, you should probably try to change it.
Remember that discovering the balance between creative elements and information is essential. The two should work together to create the character of the invitation. One overpowering element will ruin the entire idea.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower invitation poems and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Special Things that Baby Girls Need and that Boys Don’t
Your baby girl has just arrived. She is cute and beautiful and you love every moment that the two of you spend together.
A new parent could have difficulties with all the aspects of childcare. We all know that baby girls and baby boys are different. Do these differences demand specific childcare procedures and the purchase of more specialized products?
Diaper Changing Procedures
Diaper changing is different for girls and boys. Cleaning procedures need to be much more delicate for little girls, in order to prevent an infection from occurring.
You need to use wet wipes each time you change your little girl’s diaper. Wipe downwards so that you do not get germs spreading to the genital region. You should also try to be very gentle and delicate when wiping.
If you are uncertain about the best way to change diapers and to get your baby girl cleaned, consult your pediatrician. Your doctor will share the best and safest practices.
Skin Care
The skin of baby girls is very delicate and prone to infections. You should be very careful when selecting skin care products.
Keep in mind that hormones pass from mom to baby and shortly after birth your little girl could experience some problems related to changing hormonal levels – acne or even unusual vaginal discharge.
Try to use solely baby cosmetic products designed for delicate and sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic powder and creams are best for the needs of your daughter. Try to keep her skin hydrated and if you see unusual allergic rashes – talk to your doctor before deciding on the treatment.
Ear Piercing
If you want your little girl to wear earrings, you should consider having her ears pierced at an early age. The process is far from traumatizing and the earlier you do it, the better. Your girl will have no memories of it and you can get her beautiful child earrings.
Many parents pierce the ears of their daughters very early – at the age of six months or even younger.
You need to know that the process is not that painful. Your kid will be bored and uncomfortable for some time but the whole issue will soon be forgotten and she will be bragging her beautiful earrings.
Another option is to leave the choice up to her. Most girls want to have earrings but maybe your daughter is having ideas of her own. Deciding to wait for some time before getting the ears pierced is an option, as well.
Apart from those little differences, baby girls and baby boys are very similar. They laugh at the same things, they eat in the same manner. Potty training is far from gender specific, as well.
You should learn the basics of childcare and you should remain untroubled when it comes to the gender of your little one. It is ok to learn as specific situations occur. Take the time to get to know each other. Your baby girl is a precious gift and you will love each moment and each little step that she takes.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower poems for girls and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
A new parent could have difficulties with all the aspects of childcare. We all know that baby girls and baby boys are different. Do these differences demand specific childcare procedures and the purchase of more specialized products?
Diaper Changing Procedures
Diaper changing is different for girls and boys. Cleaning procedures need to be much more delicate for little girls, in order to prevent an infection from occurring.
You need to use wet wipes each time you change your little girl’s diaper. Wipe downwards so that you do not get germs spreading to the genital region. You should also try to be very gentle and delicate when wiping.
If you are uncertain about the best way to change diapers and to get your baby girl cleaned, consult your pediatrician. Your doctor will share the best and safest practices.
Skin Care
The skin of baby girls is very delicate and prone to infections. You should be very careful when selecting skin care products.
Keep in mind that hormones pass from mom to baby and shortly after birth your little girl could experience some problems related to changing hormonal levels – acne or even unusual vaginal discharge.
Try to use solely baby cosmetic products designed for delicate and sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic powder and creams are best for the needs of your daughter. Try to keep her skin hydrated and if you see unusual allergic rashes – talk to your doctor before deciding on the treatment.
Ear Piercing
If you want your little girl to wear earrings, you should consider having her ears pierced at an early age. The process is far from traumatizing and the earlier you do it, the better. Your girl will have no memories of it and you can get her beautiful child earrings.
Many parents pierce the ears of their daughters very early – at the age of six months or even younger.
You need to know that the process is not that painful. Your kid will be bored and uncomfortable for some time but the whole issue will soon be forgotten and she will be bragging her beautiful earrings.
Another option is to leave the choice up to her. Most girls want to have earrings but maybe your daughter is having ideas of her own. Deciding to wait for some time before getting the ears pierced is an option, as well.
Apart from those little differences, baby girls and baby boys are very similar. They laugh at the same things, they eat in the same manner. Potty training is far from gender specific, as well.
You should learn the basics of childcare and you should remain untroubled when it comes to the gender of your little one. It is ok to learn as specific situations occur. Take the time to get to know each other. Your baby girl is a precious gift and you will love each moment and each little step that she takes.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower poems for girls and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Afternoon vs Evening Baby Shower - Pros and Cons
When organizing a baby shower party, there are several things you need to decide: the date, the place, the guests, the menu and the decorations. Also, you have to pick the time of the day that is suitable for the guests and for the mom-to-be. Most baby showers take place in the afternoon (2 PM – 5 PM) or in the evening (from 5 or 6 PM to 9 or 10 PM). Organizing baby showers late at night is really uncustomary, but baby shower brunches are quite a trend lately. However, most or the baby showers are organized in the afternoon or in the evening.
There are advantages and disadvantages both for afternoon or evening baby shower parties. Before printing the invitations, make sure you check the hour with the mom-to-be and with important guests (close friends and relatives of the mom-to-be). Also, it’s better to pick a weekend day for the baby shower, since during the week everyone works and they might not have time to come to the party.
Afternoon baby shower is a great idea, because pregnant ladies get tired pretty fast and they might want to be in bed by 9 or 10 PM. Afternoon baby showers are the right choice if you plan to invite families with children to attend to the party. Another great thing about afternoon baby showers is that they offer the pretext for special themes, such as afternoon tea. You can organize a truly special afternoon baby shower, with tasty sandwiches, biscuits and cakes, strawberries and whipped cream and delicious teas. If you plan the party to start around 2 or 3 PM, your guests will have enough time to talk, to play games, to eat the delicious snacks you prepared and you don’t have to worry about the mom-to-be being exhausted. On the other hand, most people are busy during afternoons, even weekend afternoons, and for some of the guests getting to the baby shower party could be a challenge.
Evening baby shower parties start around 5 or 6 PM and, since the party will last at least three or four hours, the party will be over around 9 or 10 PM. It’s not that late and, if the mom-to-be isn’t really close to the delivery term – like a couple of weeks close – she will be able to attend to the party without any problems. A big advantage is that in the evenings, people are usually free, so your guest will get to the baby shower without any problems. If you’re organizing an evening baby shower, you can choose any day of the week, not only weekend days. Since it’s evening and people have dinner at that time of the day, you might consider serving not only snacks, but something that looks more like a meal. You don’t have to set up a formal dinner – after all, it’s an intimate party, with friends and family. A buffet with two types of meat, some side dishes and salads will do.
Remember, your most important goal is to keep the mom-to-be comfy and happy. So, check with her to find out when she prefers the baby shower to be held.
Criss White writes about various family and party topics. If you are planning a party like a baby shower and need some wording for a baby shower card message or would like to read more party planning articles and baby shower ideas, then visit Criss's website.
There are advantages and disadvantages both for afternoon or evening baby shower parties. Before printing the invitations, make sure you check the hour with the mom-to-be and with important guests (close friends and relatives of the mom-to-be). Also, it’s better to pick a weekend day for the baby shower, since during the week everyone works and they might not have time to come to the party.
Afternoon baby shower is a great idea, because pregnant ladies get tired pretty fast and they might want to be in bed by 9 or 10 PM. Afternoon baby showers are the right choice if you plan to invite families with children to attend to the party. Another great thing about afternoon baby showers is that they offer the pretext for special themes, such as afternoon tea. You can organize a truly special afternoon baby shower, with tasty sandwiches, biscuits and cakes, strawberries and whipped cream and delicious teas. If you plan the party to start around 2 or 3 PM, your guests will have enough time to talk, to play games, to eat the delicious snacks you prepared and you don’t have to worry about the mom-to-be being exhausted. On the other hand, most people are busy during afternoons, even weekend afternoons, and for some of the guests getting to the baby shower party could be a challenge.
Evening baby shower parties start around 5 or 6 PM and, since the party will last at least three or four hours, the party will be over around 9 or 10 PM. It’s not that late and, if the mom-to-be isn’t really close to the delivery term – like a couple of weeks close – she will be able to attend to the party without any problems. A big advantage is that in the evenings, people are usually free, so your guest will get to the baby shower without any problems. If you’re organizing an evening baby shower, you can choose any day of the week, not only weekend days. Since it’s evening and people have dinner at that time of the day, you might consider serving not only snacks, but something that looks more like a meal. You don’t have to set up a formal dinner – after all, it’s an intimate party, with friends and family. A buffet with two types of meat, some side dishes and salads will do.
Remember, your most important goal is to keep the mom-to-be comfy and happy. So, check with her to find out when she prefers the baby shower to be held.
Criss White writes about various family and party topics. If you are planning a party like a baby shower and need some wording for a baby shower card message or would like to read more party planning articles and baby shower ideas, then visit Criss's website.
How to Write a Thank You Card
Writing a thank you card could be a difficult task. Expressing all your gratitude and positive emotions in words is much more complex than it appears to be.
Thank you cards can be sent to express thankfulness to everyone who has attended a party or who has been of aid during one period or another. The line separating genuine sentiments from clichés is very thin, however.
You will discover dozens of thank you card templates and wording examples online. The problem with those is that they sound too general and lacking the sincerity you want to express. Writing the words yourself is the best option you have.
Sit down and take some time to think about it. You will be capable of writing a beautiful thank you note, even if you have never done it before. All it takes is honesty and a positive predisposition towards the person you are addressing.
Be Sincere
Creativity should never come to replace sincerity. The purpose of a thank you card is to show how grateful you are. It can be very simple and plain, yet effective and emotional.
Refrain from trying to mimic thank you card examples and templates. Use your language and write the things you are willing to share with the specific person. Instead of writing one general thank you card that you sent out to everyone, try to have an individual message for each person that you are addressing.
Stay away from clichés and words that sound fancy and sophisticated. These expressions have nothing to do with you.
The best way to write a thank you card is to imagine that the person you are addressing is sitting right in front of you. What are you going to say? Imagine that you have to make a thank you statement right here, right now. Once you come up with the verses, write them down.
Thank You Card Wording (Greeting, body, conclusion)
A thank you note consists of several main components. The first one is the greeting. It needs to contain the name of the person you are addressing and the specific occasion that you are thankful for.
The body of the message gets straight to the point. It has to be several sentences long. Write what your feelings are and how you feel about the person’s presence in your life. Keep it short. Few specific sentences will do better than a long and rambling novel.
A conclusion is needed, as well. It sums up everything you have said so far. Remember to thank the person once again. Add your name and the date.
Write It or Type It?
Another issue to consider is whether to have the thank you card written by hand or typed out. Handwriting is more personal while typed letters will certainly be easier to read.
If you want to make the card very personal, you should have it handwritten. The letters that came out of your own hand show something about your personality, character and emotions. This process will be more demanding and time-consuming but you will add value to the message.
Read Through and Edit
Once you have the note written, let it remain unattended for several hours or a day. Go out or continue with your daily chores.
Let your mind wonder to something else. After several hours you can take out the card and edit it. See whether the message is exactly what you want it to be. If necessary, make corrections. Refrain from overdoing it, since editing will take away from the authenticity of your thank you card.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower invitation wording and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Thank you cards can be sent to express thankfulness to everyone who has attended a party or who has been of aid during one period or another. The line separating genuine sentiments from clichés is very thin, however.
You will discover dozens of thank you card templates and wording examples online. The problem with those is that they sound too general and lacking the sincerity you want to express. Writing the words yourself is the best option you have.
Sit down and take some time to think about it. You will be capable of writing a beautiful thank you note, even if you have never done it before. All it takes is honesty and a positive predisposition towards the person you are addressing.
Be Sincere
Creativity should never come to replace sincerity. The purpose of a thank you card is to show how grateful you are. It can be very simple and plain, yet effective and emotional.
Refrain from trying to mimic thank you card examples and templates. Use your language and write the things you are willing to share with the specific person. Instead of writing one general thank you card that you sent out to everyone, try to have an individual message for each person that you are addressing.
Stay away from clichés and words that sound fancy and sophisticated. These expressions have nothing to do with you.
The best way to write a thank you card is to imagine that the person you are addressing is sitting right in front of you. What are you going to say? Imagine that you have to make a thank you statement right here, right now. Once you come up with the verses, write them down.
Thank You Card Wording (Greeting, body, conclusion)
A thank you note consists of several main components. The first one is the greeting. It needs to contain the name of the person you are addressing and the specific occasion that you are thankful for.
The body of the message gets straight to the point. It has to be several sentences long. Write what your feelings are and how you feel about the person’s presence in your life. Keep it short. Few specific sentences will do better than a long and rambling novel.
A conclusion is needed, as well. It sums up everything you have said so far. Remember to thank the person once again. Add your name and the date.
Write It or Type It?
Another issue to consider is whether to have the thank you card written by hand or typed out. Handwriting is more personal while typed letters will certainly be easier to read.
If you want to make the card very personal, you should have it handwritten. The letters that came out of your own hand show something about your personality, character and emotions. This process will be more demanding and time-consuming but you will add value to the message.
Read Through and Edit
Once you have the note written, let it remain unattended for several hours or a day. Go out or continue with your daily chores.
Let your mind wonder to something else. After several hours you can take out the card and edit it. See whether the message is exactly what you want it to be. If necessary, make corrections. Refrain from overdoing it, since editing will take away from the authenticity of your thank you card.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower invitation wording and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Ideas for Asian Baby Shower
An Asian-themed baby shower will look beautiful and will get guests acquainted with a new culture. This baby shower will be very appropriate if the mom-to-be or the dad-to-be are of Asian origin.
The orient has long attracted and intrigued people. Its wise philosophies, spiritual practices, cuisine and habits hold some deep wisdom inside, making everything Asian-themed extra special.
Throwing an Asian baby shower will be easy, since you can discover various types of party supplies. Getting the invitations and decorations prepared will be uncomplicated and exceptionally fun.
Invitation Design
The invitation has to reflect on the theme of the party. This is the first thing that guests get and it acts as a trend-setter. The visuals and font you choose will help you communicate information about the theme of the party.
Choose calligraphic fonts. They are very suitable if the theme is Arabic. Other fonts are designed to look Japanese or Chinese. You can also consult a graphic designer or a printing company about the most appropriate font to use.
Keep in mind that the font should remain legible. Use decorative letters for the heading only.
Visuals will also show that the theme is an Asian one. Use the image of lanterns, dragons, bamboo or the beautiful patterns that appear on traditional Asian clothing. The invitation itself could be cut in a specific shape to be more original.
If you want to have more fun, you can announce a dress code in the invitation. Having guests dressed in a certain way will help you set the mood even better.
Asian Decorations
Decorations are very important when trying to create a certain baby shower theme. You can purchase such from a Chinese shop or a party decoration store. Asian themes are rather popular and various types of decorations will be available.
If you want to have floral decorations, orchids will be most appropriate, they create instant connection to the beautiful Asian nature. Have orchid table centerpieces. These delicate flowers will look great in combination with candles and pebbles.
Red is a good color to use. Red tablecloths featuring gold decorations can turn into very attractive decorations on their own. Dragon images and symbols can be utilized effectively, as well.
Traditional lanterns are another wonderful option that you have.
Colorful paper, cherry blossom decorations, bamboo and origami decorations will also help you set the right mood.
The Menu
The food you choose will contribute to the theme, as well. The easiest option you can go with is Chinese food. Everybody loves Chinese food, it is diverse and inexpensive. You can never go wrong by picking a Chinese menu.
A sushi-themed baby shower will focus on the food itself, while keeping the tone Asian.
You can also have a tea ceremony demonstration to get guests acquainted with the beautiful traditions of Japan.
To wrap it up, have a platter of fortune cookies available. They are a fun way to add some excitement to the buffet and to get guests involved.
Asian themes result in beautiful and pleasing baby showers. The decorations, food, music and activities you choose will take guests to a distant place. Try to work on even the tiniest of details – this is the only way to make sure that everyone will be able to believe in the fairytale.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower invitation wording and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
The orient has long attracted and intrigued people. Its wise philosophies, spiritual practices, cuisine and habits hold some deep wisdom inside, making everything Asian-themed extra special.
Throwing an Asian baby shower will be easy, since you can discover various types of party supplies. Getting the invitations and decorations prepared will be uncomplicated and exceptionally fun.
Invitation Design
The invitation has to reflect on the theme of the party. This is the first thing that guests get and it acts as a trend-setter. The visuals and font you choose will help you communicate information about the theme of the party.
Choose calligraphic fonts. They are very suitable if the theme is Arabic. Other fonts are designed to look Japanese or Chinese. You can also consult a graphic designer or a printing company about the most appropriate font to use.
Keep in mind that the font should remain legible. Use decorative letters for the heading only.
Visuals will also show that the theme is an Asian one. Use the image of lanterns, dragons, bamboo or the beautiful patterns that appear on traditional Asian clothing. The invitation itself could be cut in a specific shape to be more original.
If you want to have more fun, you can announce a dress code in the invitation. Having guests dressed in a certain way will help you set the mood even better.
Asian Decorations
Decorations are very important when trying to create a certain baby shower theme. You can purchase such from a Chinese shop or a party decoration store. Asian themes are rather popular and various types of decorations will be available.
If you want to have floral decorations, orchids will be most appropriate, they create instant connection to the beautiful Asian nature. Have orchid table centerpieces. These delicate flowers will look great in combination with candles and pebbles.
Red is a good color to use. Red tablecloths featuring gold decorations can turn into very attractive decorations on their own. Dragon images and symbols can be utilized effectively, as well.
Traditional lanterns are another wonderful option that you have.
Colorful paper, cherry blossom decorations, bamboo and origami decorations will also help you set the right mood.
The Menu
The food you choose will contribute to the theme, as well. The easiest option you can go with is Chinese food. Everybody loves Chinese food, it is diverse and inexpensive. You can never go wrong by picking a Chinese menu.
A sushi-themed baby shower will focus on the food itself, while keeping the tone Asian.
You can also have a tea ceremony demonstration to get guests acquainted with the beautiful traditions of Japan.
To wrap it up, have a platter of fortune cookies available. They are a fun way to add some excitement to the buffet and to get guests involved.
Asian themes result in beautiful and pleasing baby showers. The decorations, food, music and activities you choose will take guests to a distant place. Try to work on even the tiniest of details – this is the only way to make sure that everyone will be able to believe in the fairytale.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower invitation wording and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Everything You Need to Know about Invitation Etiquette
Invitation etiquette is there to help you when you have to make important decisions about party invites and the type of information to include in those. Certain rules need to be followed in order to get the message across in a classy manner.
This etiquette affects each aspect of the invitation – the time of sending, the content, the visuals and the style. These are the important aspect you need to know when making up your mind.
When to Send the Invitations?
The first aspect of invitation etiquette involves the date and most appropriate time to send out the invites.
It all depends on the type of event about to take place. A birthday party demands little time for preparation – the invitation could be sent a week in advance. Parties that ask for more preparation – baby showers, bridal showers or anniversaries need to be announced several weeks in advance.
You should also think about where guests are coming home. Are people going to fly in, are they coming from distant places? In case guests are supposed to make travel arrangements, you should send the invitations very early.
A general rule of thumb is that very official events demand invitation sending at least six weeks prior the party.
What Information Must be Included?
Etiquette affects the type of information to be included in the party invitation. Creative elements can be added but a number of important elements have to be included regardless of the type of party.
A typical invitation contains a creative element or an announcement at top. This element can be modified to correspond to individual needs and the overall tone of the party.
Beneath, you will have to include all the essential information that guests will need in order to come to the party. This information includes day, date, address of the venue and directions, RSVP information, gift preferences, dress code and party theme, if you are going to have one.
If the venue is difficult to find, you should also consider adding a small map alongside the directions. Include a telephone number that guests can use to get more directions or to ask questions.
Appropriate Tone and Visuals
The tone of the writing and the visuals are also subjected to an invitation etiquette. Moderation is of key importance. Keep it well-balanced and intelligent.
The tone should correspond to the party theme and the type of guests invited. A younger gathering calls for a more informal tone. Business and official parties ask for well-structured, intelligently written and formal wording.
Visuals that you choose need to enhance the written information. They should remain subtle. Overpowering visuals will interfere with the message and will look inappropriate. Have one main highlight and get other elements to supplement it.
Punctuation and Grammar
It is a must to keep the invitation free from typos, grammar and punctuation mistakes. This rule applies to all types of invites, regardless of the type of party or event you are organizing.
Mistakes reveal sloppiness and lack of attention to detail. Getting all party aspects to be impeccable could be difficult. You have many organization steps to worry about and to perfect. Yet, the invitation is the first thing that guests see. A mistake there will spoil the impression you are trying to make.
Etiquette is designed to help you and to give you general rules to follow when planning a party. You are free to make interpretations but try to achieve some of the basics that etiquette asks for.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower invitation wording and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
This etiquette affects each aspect of the invitation – the time of sending, the content, the visuals and the style. These are the important aspect you need to know when making up your mind.
When to Send the Invitations?
The first aspect of invitation etiquette involves the date and most appropriate time to send out the invites.
It all depends on the type of event about to take place. A birthday party demands little time for preparation – the invitation could be sent a week in advance. Parties that ask for more preparation – baby showers, bridal showers or anniversaries need to be announced several weeks in advance.
You should also think about where guests are coming home. Are people going to fly in, are they coming from distant places? In case guests are supposed to make travel arrangements, you should send the invitations very early.
A general rule of thumb is that very official events demand invitation sending at least six weeks prior the party.
What Information Must be Included?
Etiquette affects the type of information to be included in the party invitation. Creative elements can be added but a number of important elements have to be included regardless of the type of party.
A typical invitation contains a creative element or an announcement at top. This element can be modified to correspond to individual needs and the overall tone of the party.
Beneath, you will have to include all the essential information that guests will need in order to come to the party. This information includes day, date, address of the venue and directions, RSVP information, gift preferences, dress code and party theme, if you are going to have one.
If the venue is difficult to find, you should also consider adding a small map alongside the directions. Include a telephone number that guests can use to get more directions or to ask questions.
Appropriate Tone and Visuals
The tone of the writing and the visuals are also subjected to an invitation etiquette. Moderation is of key importance. Keep it well-balanced and intelligent.
The tone should correspond to the party theme and the type of guests invited. A younger gathering calls for a more informal tone. Business and official parties ask for well-structured, intelligently written and formal wording.
Visuals that you choose need to enhance the written information. They should remain subtle. Overpowering visuals will interfere with the message and will look inappropriate. Have one main highlight and get other elements to supplement it.
Punctuation and Grammar
It is a must to keep the invitation free from typos, grammar and punctuation mistakes. This rule applies to all types of invites, regardless of the type of party or event you are organizing.
Mistakes reveal sloppiness and lack of attention to detail. Getting all party aspects to be impeccable could be difficult. You have many organization steps to worry about and to perfect. Yet, the invitation is the first thing that guests see. A mistake there will spoil the impression you are trying to make.
Etiquette is designed to help you and to give you general rules to follow when planning a party. You are free to make interpretations but try to achieve some of the basics that etiquette asks for.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower invitation wording and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Easy Party Finger Food Recipes
Finger foods have many advantages when it comes to organizing a party and coming up with the best menu. They look great and are relatively easy to make. In addition, you can have a multitude of finger foods available.
Guests will also enjoy finger foods. While making their selection, people will interact with each other and have fun.
Making finger foods is far from time-consuming and expensive. You can get very creative with the decorations and you can turn your buffet into a work of art. If you are looking for simple and effective finger food recipes, keep on reading.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs look very decorative and pretty. The good news is that anyone can make them and the recipe could readily be modified to suit individual needs and the preferences of guests who are expected to attend the party.
For a single platter, you will need six hard-boiled eggs, half a cup of mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Decorations can be made from paprika, parsley, mint or even cherry tomatoes.
To make deviled eggs, cut each one in half and take out the egg yolk. Use a fork to get it crushed. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Turn these ingredients into a homogenous mixture.
Take a small amount of the egg yolk and mayonnaise mixture and return it into the egg white half. Decorate as appropriate and arrange the platter.
Chicken Fingers
Everybody loves chicken fingers. They are nutritional and exceptionally tasty. Here is the recipe that you can follow to make tasty and eye-catching chicken fingers.
Ten servings demand eight chicken breast halves or the respective quantity of chicken fillets, a small sour cream carton, a tablespoon of soy sauce, two tablespoons of lemon juice, salt, pepper, oil and stuffing mix.
You will first need to cut the chicken meat into very thin stripes. In a separate bowl you will have to mix the sour cream with the lemon juice, soy sauce and spices. Dip each chicken stripe into it and then roll into the stuffing mix.
Get a pan heated and pour some oil in it. Fry until the chicken finger turns gold in color. An alternative is to get the chicken fingers baked into the over – this alternative is much healthier than frying.
Mini Pizza
The easiest way to make mini pizza is to use pre-made dough or to make the dough yourself in a bread machine, in case you have one. You can also purchase pizza bases, which are already made in the perfect mini pizza forms.
The best aspect of making mini pizzas is that you can select any kind of topping. You can make vegetarian pizzas with tomato sauce and cheese or you can go for more exotic opportunities – marine foods, pineapple or traditional Italian pizza toppings.
The tomato sauce goes on the mini pizza first and then you add all other ingredients – ham, mushrooms, bacon, cheese, tuna, chicken or anything else you fancy. Oregano is the best herb to use for Italian-style mini pizzas.
Get the oven pre-heated to at least 200 degrees Celsius. The cooking time is 20 to 30 minutes.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower finger food recipes and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Guests will also enjoy finger foods. While making their selection, people will interact with each other and have fun.
Making finger foods is far from time-consuming and expensive. You can get very creative with the decorations and you can turn your buffet into a work of art. If you are looking for simple and effective finger food recipes, keep on reading.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs look very decorative and pretty. The good news is that anyone can make them and the recipe could readily be modified to suit individual needs and the preferences of guests who are expected to attend the party.
For a single platter, you will need six hard-boiled eggs, half a cup of mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Decorations can be made from paprika, parsley, mint or even cherry tomatoes.
To make deviled eggs, cut each one in half and take out the egg yolk. Use a fork to get it crushed. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Turn these ingredients into a homogenous mixture.
Take a small amount of the egg yolk and mayonnaise mixture and return it into the egg white half. Decorate as appropriate and arrange the platter.
Chicken Fingers
Everybody loves chicken fingers. They are nutritional and exceptionally tasty. Here is the recipe that you can follow to make tasty and eye-catching chicken fingers.
Ten servings demand eight chicken breast halves or the respective quantity of chicken fillets, a small sour cream carton, a tablespoon of soy sauce, two tablespoons of lemon juice, salt, pepper, oil and stuffing mix.
You will first need to cut the chicken meat into very thin stripes. In a separate bowl you will have to mix the sour cream with the lemon juice, soy sauce and spices. Dip each chicken stripe into it and then roll into the stuffing mix.
Get a pan heated and pour some oil in it. Fry until the chicken finger turns gold in color. An alternative is to get the chicken fingers baked into the over – this alternative is much healthier than frying.
Mini Pizza
The easiest way to make mini pizza is to use pre-made dough or to make the dough yourself in a bread machine, in case you have one. You can also purchase pizza bases, which are already made in the perfect mini pizza forms.
The best aspect of making mini pizzas is that you can select any kind of topping. You can make vegetarian pizzas with tomato sauce and cheese or you can go for more exotic opportunities – marine foods, pineapple or traditional Italian pizza toppings.
The tomato sauce goes on the mini pizza first and then you add all other ingredients – ham, mushrooms, bacon, cheese, tuna, chicken or anything else you fancy. Oregano is the best herb to use for Italian-style mini pizzas.
Get the oven pre-heated to at least 200 degrees Celsius. The cooking time is 20 to 30 minutes.
Criss White writes about babies and party topics like baby shower finger food recipes and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys making food and hosting parties when not writing.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
5 Fun Finger Foods for a Kid’s Party
When it’s party time, kids don’t have time to sit calmly and eat a plate of food. You can serve them something nutritious, delicious, creative, and amusing. Use small bites that little hands can walk away with. Things that won’t stain carpet or clothing. Kids want their food mobile, quick, on the go…something to get them back to the party games and their friends.
Here are 5 fun finger foods for a kid’s party or family event.
1. Mac ‘n Cheese quesadillas – mix up a batch of good old Kraft Macaroni and Cheese dinner and layer it into tortillas. Fold over and bake in oven for ten minutes at 350 degrees. Cut into small triangles or wedges and serve to your guest brood. They’ll be begging for more of these.
2. Mini pizzas – get mini bagels from the store (or English muffins) and spoon jarred spaghetti sauce over the surface. Cover amply with shredded cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbling. Kids love pizza more than television, it seems, so they’ll be grabbing these throughout the party. Don’t both putting too much else on the pizzas as kids don’t always go for the vegetables or the pepperoni. Keep it simple.
3. Chicken nugget bites – kids adore chicken nuggets and will come back over and over for more. Serve with a side of ketchup (their universal sauce), barbecue sauce, or really mix things up and place a bowl of Ranch dressing. Have toothpicks available for dipping.
4. Sliders or mini hamburgers – these are great for any occasion to keep little hands full, but they’re especially good for parties because they’re filling and can get kids involved in dressing the bun. Grill up small patties and top with cheese and ketchup. Toss one pickle on top before closing up with the bun. Serve a bowl of hearty potato chips on the side and you’ll see smiles for miles.
5. Pigs in a blanket – a traditional favorite of kids is a mini hot dog inside a biscuit wrap. Purchase Lil’ Smokies sausages at the store as well as canned biscuit dough. Half each individual biscuit and roll a sausage into the center, completely wrapping the dough around it. Bake in the oven according to the directions on the biscuit packaging. They’ll be very hot after cooking, so make sure they cool properly before serving to your younger guests.
These recipes are great for a kid’s party, or even your next family reunion, a holiday party, or a baby shower.
Here are 5 fun finger foods for a kid’s party or family event.
1. Mac ‘n Cheese quesadillas – mix up a batch of good old Kraft Macaroni and Cheese dinner and layer it into tortillas. Fold over and bake in oven for ten minutes at 350 degrees. Cut into small triangles or wedges and serve to your guest brood. They’ll be begging for more of these.
2. Mini pizzas – get mini bagels from the store (or English muffins) and spoon jarred spaghetti sauce over the surface. Cover amply with shredded cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbling. Kids love pizza more than television, it seems, so they’ll be grabbing these throughout the party. Don’t both putting too much else on the pizzas as kids don’t always go for the vegetables or the pepperoni. Keep it simple.
3. Chicken nugget bites – kids adore chicken nuggets and will come back over and over for more. Serve with a side of ketchup (their universal sauce), barbecue sauce, or really mix things up and place a bowl of Ranch dressing. Have toothpicks available for dipping.
4. Sliders or mini hamburgers – these are great for any occasion to keep little hands full, but they’re especially good for parties because they’re filling and can get kids involved in dressing the bun. Grill up small patties and top with cheese and ketchup. Toss one pickle on top before closing up with the bun. Serve a bowl of hearty potato chips on the side and you’ll see smiles for miles.
5. Pigs in a blanket – a traditional favorite of kids is a mini hot dog inside a biscuit wrap. Purchase Lil’ Smokies sausages at the store as well as canned biscuit dough. Half each individual biscuit and roll a sausage into the center, completely wrapping the dough around it. Bake in the oven according to the directions on the biscuit packaging. They’ll be very hot after cooking, so make sure they cool properly before serving to your younger guests.
These recipes are great for a kid’s party, or even your next family reunion, a holiday party, or a baby shower.
5 Easy to Make Snacks for Home and Parties
Nutritionists will tell you that the best way to have a healthy eating life is to have several small meals a day. This includes some well-balanced and yummy snack to tie you over from one meal to the next. It doesn’t take much to satiate your appetite between meals, but you want the snacks to be easy to make and fun.
Here are 5 easy to make snacks for home and parties.
1. Fruit skewers and yogurt dip – using wooden skewers or even long tooth picks, cut chunks of yummy fruits like strawberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, and blue berries. Thread them on the skewer and serve with a variety of yogurt flavors as dips. Also, add a dip of chocolate or caramel to sweeten things up even more.
2. Trail mix – this is always a snack time winner. Mix your favorite dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and small candies together. Apricots, cranberries, and pomegranates are great to mix with peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, M&M’s or mini chocolate kisses. Each mouthful is a combination of flavor sensations from salty to sweet to savory and crunchy.
3. Mini sandwiches – use a variety of small breads like mini croissants, appetizer sized rye bread, or small buns. Mix up a batch of homemade chicken salad or egg salad to spread out for guests or kids returning home from school. You can even roll up deli meats of turkey, roast beef, bologna, or salami and serve in mini form.
4. Nachos – who doesn’t love a warm plate of tortilla chips covered in melted cheese? A plate of nachos will serve many people and have them coming back for more. Spread your favorite tortilla chips on an oven safe plate and then completely smother in shredded Mexican cheese. Cook in the oven or microwave to fully melt the cheese. Optional additions to the plate would be scattering cooked ground beef (can add taco seasoning to it as it cooks), or grilled chicken pieces. Add sliced jalapenos or black olives (not everyone will want to eat those) on the side, and provide dips of fresh salsa and sour cream.
5. Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs – here’s something to kick up any party or snack time. Take six eggs and hard boil them. Cool, shell and then cut lengthwise, reserving the yolk in a separate dish. Add one fourth cup of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of finely grated/shredded cheddar cheese, one teaspoon spicy brown mustard, and 4 slices of crisply cooked bacon crumbled up. With a fork, break up the cooked yolks and then mix in the mayonnaise, bacon, cheese, and mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into the egg white cups and then serve.
Snacks don’t have to take up a lot of your time to taste good and these fun food ideas can also be used at parties like baby showers and outdoor picnics. So next time you have people over or just need a quick snack for yourself, remember these easy finger food ideas.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food and other party planning topics like baby shower finger foods and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
Here are 5 easy to make snacks for home and parties.
1. Fruit skewers and yogurt dip – using wooden skewers or even long tooth picks, cut chunks of yummy fruits like strawberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, and blue berries. Thread them on the skewer and serve with a variety of yogurt flavors as dips. Also, add a dip of chocolate or caramel to sweeten things up even more.
2. Trail mix – this is always a snack time winner. Mix your favorite dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and small candies together. Apricots, cranberries, and pomegranates are great to mix with peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, M&M’s or mini chocolate kisses. Each mouthful is a combination of flavor sensations from salty to sweet to savory and crunchy.
3. Mini sandwiches – use a variety of small breads like mini croissants, appetizer sized rye bread, or small buns. Mix up a batch of homemade chicken salad or egg salad to spread out for guests or kids returning home from school. You can even roll up deli meats of turkey, roast beef, bologna, or salami and serve in mini form.
4. Nachos – who doesn’t love a warm plate of tortilla chips covered in melted cheese? A plate of nachos will serve many people and have them coming back for more. Spread your favorite tortilla chips on an oven safe plate and then completely smother in shredded Mexican cheese. Cook in the oven or microwave to fully melt the cheese. Optional additions to the plate would be scattering cooked ground beef (can add taco seasoning to it as it cooks), or grilled chicken pieces. Add sliced jalapenos or black olives (not everyone will want to eat those) on the side, and provide dips of fresh salsa and sour cream.
5. Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs – here’s something to kick up any party or snack time. Take six eggs and hard boil them. Cool, shell and then cut lengthwise, reserving the yolk in a separate dish. Add one fourth cup of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of finely grated/shredded cheddar cheese, one teaspoon spicy brown mustard, and 4 slices of crisply cooked bacon crumbled up. With a fork, break up the cooked yolks and then mix in the mayonnaise, bacon, cheese, and mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into the egg white cups and then serve.
Snacks don’t have to take up a lot of your time to taste good and these fun food ideas can also be used at parties like baby showers and outdoor picnics. So next time you have people over or just need a quick snack for yourself, remember these easy finger food ideas.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food and other party planning topics like baby shower finger foods and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
5 Timeless Themes for Kids Parties
There’s an endless plethora of ideas for kid or baby shower parties these days like Hannah Montana, Cars, SpongeBob, or Shrek, but it’s the timeless party themes that last and bring the biggest smiles to kids’ faces. These ageless themes can be incorporated into the food, decorations, and games and will have your young guests laughing, playing, and having a great time.
Here are 5 timeless themes for kids parties.
1. Mickey Mouse – the penultimate in timeless characters is everyone’s pal, Mickey Mouse. Coupled with his friends Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck, these Disney characters offer a multitude of party ideas. Mickey Mouse and Disney products are available in most large party stores and you should have no problem incorporating Mickey into your party plans.
2. Superman/Wonder Woman – kids love super heroes! They want to be them, emulate them, and hang out with them. If your party is for boys, a Superman is fail proof to have kids running around enjoying themselves as they attempt to leap tall buildings. The same with little girls, Wonder Woman is powerful, gorgeous, and she can deflect bullets with her bracelets. Who wouldn’t love that? The super hero theme is enduring with the constant resurrection of old comic book characters into new movies. Kids will love it.
3. Pirate Party – pirates themes are everlasting, and, thanks to the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, kids are well aware of the bounties of pleasure that can arise from dressing up with an eye patch, loose clothes, and a play sword. You can play this theme up by having the kids dress up in pirate garb: vests, jewels, bandanas, eye patches, a parrot on the shoulder, a hook. Build the theme into your food and through to the decorations and activities. Plan a treasure hunt, complete with map and watch the kids go crazy with all the fun.
4. Princess Party – every little girl dreams of being a pretty princess with flowing dresses, a sparkly crown, and a castle and prince of her very own. This is one fantasy that can easily come to life with a princess theme party. Spoil your guests with food, decorations, and games to pamper their royal selves for a day. Pass out tiaras, scepters, and costume jewelry. Have everyone dress as their favorite princess and have a princess fashion show. The possibilities are endless, so play it up and have fun.
5. Winnie the Pooh – hmmm…a little hunnie for the rumblee of the tumblee. Winnie the Pooh and friends is one of the most timeless cast of childhood characters from Tigger, Piglet, Roo, Kanga, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Heffalump, Christopher Robin, and Pooh himself. Craft your own 100 Acres Wood to entertain your kid guests. Build the characters and theme into decorations, food, and games and it’ll have everyone bouncing like Tigger.
Criss White is a professional writer that enjoys winnie the pooh baby shower parties and also writes about other baby shower ideas. Criss loves Winnie the Pooh and other Disney characters.
Here are 5 timeless themes for kids parties.
1. Mickey Mouse – the penultimate in timeless characters is everyone’s pal, Mickey Mouse. Coupled with his friends Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck, these Disney characters offer a multitude of party ideas. Mickey Mouse and Disney products are available in most large party stores and you should have no problem incorporating Mickey into your party plans.
2. Superman/Wonder Woman – kids love super heroes! They want to be them, emulate them, and hang out with them. If your party is for boys, a Superman is fail proof to have kids running around enjoying themselves as they attempt to leap tall buildings. The same with little girls, Wonder Woman is powerful, gorgeous, and she can deflect bullets with her bracelets. Who wouldn’t love that? The super hero theme is enduring with the constant resurrection of old comic book characters into new movies. Kids will love it.
3. Pirate Party – pirates themes are everlasting, and, thanks to the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, kids are well aware of the bounties of pleasure that can arise from dressing up with an eye patch, loose clothes, and a play sword. You can play this theme up by having the kids dress up in pirate garb: vests, jewels, bandanas, eye patches, a parrot on the shoulder, a hook. Build the theme into your food and through to the decorations and activities. Plan a treasure hunt, complete with map and watch the kids go crazy with all the fun.
4. Princess Party – every little girl dreams of being a pretty princess with flowing dresses, a sparkly crown, and a castle and prince of her very own. This is one fantasy that can easily come to life with a princess theme party. Spoil your guests with food, decorations, and games to pamper their royal selves for a day. Pass out tiaras, scepters, and costume jewelry. Have everyone dress as their favorite princess and have a princess fashion show. The possibilities are endless, so play it up and have fun.
5. Winnie the Pooh – hmmm…a little hunnie for the rumblee of the tumblee. Winnie the Pooh and friends is one of the most timeless cast of childhood characters from Tigger, Piglet, Roo, Kanga, Eeyore, Rabbit, Owl, Heffalump, Christopher Robin, and Pooh himself. Craft your own 100 Acres Wood to entertain your kid guests. Build the characters and theme into decorations, food, and games and it’ll have everyone bouncing like Tigger.
Criss White is a professional writer that enjoys winnie the pooh baby shower parties and also writes about other baby shower ideas. Criss loves Winnie the Pooh and other Disney characters.
DIY Winnie the Pooh Keychains
Making your own do-it-yourself Winnie the Pooh hard plastic key chain charm is a great project that parents and their kids can do together. When finished, you’ll have a rigid, transparent, waterproof plastic charm of Pooh that you can use as a key chain, Christmas ornament, as a part of a hanging mobile, luggage tag, necklace or earring pendants or anything else your imagination can dream up.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A large piece of clear #6 plastic (polystyrene)
Fine tip permanent marker (black)
Color permanent markers (Yellow and red for Pooh Bear)
Scissors
Tape
Use of the kitchen oven and an oven mitt
Sheet of aluminum foil
Drill
Keychain or string
First obtain a large piece of clear #6 plastic (polystyrene). This is easily identified by looking for the recycling symbol. A #6 in the triangle means you’re good to go. The clear lids for to-go food trays are usually made of #6 plastic. Next find a photo of Winnie the Pooh to use off of the internet. Download a suitable photo and print it out on your printer on normal paper. Note that the final product will shrink approximately three to four times smaller than your starting image, so keep this in mind.
Cut the #6 plastic so that you have a flat sheet slightly larger than the image. Tape the image to the plastic sheet. Using the fine tip black permanent marker, trace the outline of Pooh, as well as all his features - eyes, nose, eyebrows, mouth, shirt, etc. Fill in his dark features like eyes and nose. Once he’s been traced, use the yellow marker to fill in his fur and the red marker to fill in his shirt. Next remove the tape from the paper image and cut the plastic into the shape you want (rectangle, oval, etc.)
Move the oven rack all the way down to the bottom. Place the aluminum foil on the rack.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. When the oven is ready, place the plastic image on the foil sheet using the oven mitt and close the door.
For the first minute or so, your art will start to curl up and shrink. It’s fun to watch! Then soon after it should start to flatten out. After about three and a half minutes, your image should be done. Using the oven mitt, carefully remove the aluminum foil tray from the oven.
Your plastic charm is still hot and will remain shapeable for another ten seconds or so before it cools. If it’s not entirely flat, you can smoothed out by placing a large, flat object like a book on it. Or if you’d like, you can bend and shape your art. But work quickly before it cools.
After the charm has cooled, drill a small hole in the top for the chain. Attach the chain and you’re done. You’ve just created your very own Winnie the Pooh hard plastic keychain charm! These make great gifts for the Winnie the Pooh enthusiast and can even be used as baby shower party favors.
Criss White is a professional writer that enjoys Winnie the Pooh baby shower parties. Pooh lovers can also learn more about Winnie the Pooh history by visiting the Entertainment section of Dinosauric content sharing site.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A large piece of clear #6 plastic (polystyrene)
Fine tip permanent marker (black)
Color permanent markers (Yellow and red for Pooh Bear)
Scissors
Tape
Use of the kitchen oven and an oven mitt
Sheet of aluminum foil
Drill
Keychain or string
First obtain a large piece of clear #6 plastic (polystyrene). This is easily identified by looking for the recycling symbol. A #6 in the triangle means you’re good to go. The clear lids for to-go food trays are usually made of #6 plastic. Next find a photo of Winnie the Pooh to use off of the internet. Download a suitable photo and print it out on your printer on normal paper. Note that the final product will shrink approximately three to four times smaller than your starting image, so keep this in mind.
Cut the #6 plastic so that you have a flat sheet slightly larger than the image. Tape the image to the plastic sheet. Using the fine tip black permanent marker, trace the outline of Pooh, as well as all his features - eyes, nose, eyebrows, mouth, shirt, etc. Fill in his dark features like eyes and nose. Once he’s been traced, use the yellow marker to fill in his fur and the red marker to fill in his shirt. Next remove the tape from the paper image and cut the plastic into the shape you want (rectangle, oval, etc.)
Move the oven rack all the way down to the bottom. Place the aluminum foil on the rack.
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. When the oven is ready, place the plastic image on the foil sheet using the oven mitt and close the door.
For the first minute or so, your art will start to curl up and shrink. It’s fun to watch! Then soon after it should start to flatten out. After about three and a half minutes, your image should be done. Using the oven mitt, carefully remove the aluminum foil tray from the oven.
Your plastic charm is still hot and will remain shapeable for another ten seconds or so before it cools. If it’s not entirely flat, you can smoothed out by placing a large, flat object like a book on it. Or if you’d like, you can bend and shape your art. But work quickly before it cools.
After the charm has cooled, drill a small hole in the top for the chain. Attach the chain and you’re done. You’ve just created your very own Winnie the Pooh hard plastic keychain charm! These make great gifts for the Winnie the Pooh enthusiast and can even be used as baby shower party favors.
Criss White is a professional writer that enjoys Winnie the Pooh baby shower parties. Pooh lovers can also learn more about Winnie the Pooh history by visiting the Entertainment section of Dinosauric content sharing site.
Why Kids Love Winnie the Pooh
When looking for a fun, classic, timeless theme for your next kids party, consider Winnie the Pooh. Kids love Pooh Bear and the gang from 100 Acres Wood. Generation after generation has fallen in love with the golden bear with his insatiable craving for honey crafted by the pen of A. A. Milne.
It’s easy to see why kids love Winnie the Pooh…
- The characters are well-written, three dimensional, and identifiable. They’re all so loveable and huggable and have their own unique personalities.
- The world of 100 Acres Wood is completely non-threatening. Everyone lives in peace and harmony and are respectful of each other.
- The cast of characters are fun and happy and make you happy.
- Pooh and friends are such children themselves. Their naivety is charming and it adds depth to their friendships and camaraderie.
- There’s a collective innocence to the residents of 100 Acres Woods. Problems are easy to solve and nothing is too bad to overcome or deal with.
- Look at Winnie the Pooh, or Pooh Bear to his friends. His one goal in life is to fill his rumblee tumblee with as much honey as he can possibly consume. He’s loyal to the end and loves his friends.
- Eeyore is a popular and favorite character. The little donkey is often gloomy and down, but it’s mostly because he keeps losing his tail. He relies on his friends to keep him from getting lost and finding the right direction.
- Tigger is a bouncy, gleeful, over-caffeinated tiger-like creature who makes everyone laugh with his buoyant personality that literally bowls you over. The most wonderful thing about Tigger is he’s the only one, as the story clearly says. We all love Tigger’s energy and enthusiasm.
- Piglet may be a little guy, but he’s one of the bravest animals in 100 Acres Woods. He lives for adventures with his friend Pooh and we can’t get enough of them together. His childish love of balloons and blowing dandelions makes kids smile and gives adults a glimpse back at precious memories.
- While Rabbit thinks he’s the smartest of the bunch—and tells everyone—he’s just as loveable as the rest of the crew. He’s focused and organized and watches out for his friends. We could all use a Rabbit in our lives.
- Kanga and Roo represent the motherly care and love that children of all ages appreciate. Kanga’s warm personality makes kids want to crawl into the pouch with Roo.
- Christopher Robin is the universal kid. He’s smart, happy, and has an amazing imagination. Kids identify with his connection with his menagerie of stuffed with fluff friends.
- Owl’s the intellectual that fills in all the details of what’s going on and what might happen. He has the answer to every question and the cleverest way to get out of any situation. All kids want to be as smart as Owl.
The humor and innocence of Winnie the Pooh and his friends keeps kids coming generation after generation to the imagination of 100 Acres Wood. For kids, it’s something to relate to and for adults, it’s a lovely walk down childhood memory lane.
Criss White is a professional writer that enjoys winnie the pooh baby shower parties and also writes about other baby shower ideas. Criss loves Winnie the Pooh and other Disney characters.
It’s easy to see why kids love Winnie the Pooh…
- The characters are well-written, three dimensional, and identifiable. They’re all so loveable and huggable and have their own unique personalities.
- The world of 100 Acres Wood is completely non-threatening. Everyone lives in peace and harmony and are respectful of each other.
- The cast of characters are fun and happy and make you happy.
- Pooh and friends are such children themselves. Their naivety is charming and it adds depth to their friendships and camaraderie.
- There’s a collective innocence to the residents of 100 Acres Woods. Problems are easy to solve and nothing is too bad to overcome or deal with.
- Look at Winnie the Pooh, or Pooh Bear to his friends. His one goal in life is to fill his rumblee tumblee with as much honey as he can possibly consume. He’s loyal to the end and loves his friends.
- Eeyore is a popular and favorite character. The little donkey is often gloomy and down, but it’s mostly because he keeps losing his tail. He relies on his friends to keep him from getting lost and finding the right direction.
- Tigger is a bouncy, gleeful, over-caffeinated tiger-like creature who makes everyone laugh with his buoyant personality that literally bowls you over. The most wonderful thing about Tigger is he’s the only one, as the story clearly says. We all love Tigger’s energy and enthusiasm.
- Piglet may be a little guy, but he’s one of the bravest animals in 100 Acres Woods. He lives for adventures with his friend Pooh and we can’t get enough of them together. His childish love of balloons and blowing dandelions makes kids smile and gives adults a glimpse back at precious memories.
- While Rabbit thinks he’s the smartest of the bunch—and tells everyone—he’s just as loveable as the rest of the crew. He’s focused and organized and watches out for his friends. We could all use a Rabbit in our lives.
- Kanga and Roo represent the motherly care and love that children of all ages appreciate. Kanga’s warm personality makes kids want to crawl into the pouch with Roo.
- Christopher Robin is the universal kid. He’s smart, happy, and has an amazing imagination. Kids identify with his connection with his menagerie of stuffed with fluff friends.
- Owl’s the intellectual that fills in all the details of what’s going on and what might happen. He has the answer to every question and the cleverest way to get out of any situation. All kids want to be as smart as Owl.
The humor and innocence of Winnie the Pooh and his friends keeps kids coming generation after generation to the imagination of 100 Acres Wood. For kids, it’s something to relate to and for adults, it’s a lovely walk down childhood memory lane.
Criss White is a professional writer that enjoys winnie the pooh baby shower parties and also writes about other baby shower ideas. Criss loves Winnie the Pooh and other Disney characters.
The Importance of a Male Role Model for a Boy in the Family
Little boys need a male role model to look up to. Moms can do a tremendous job when it comes to bringing up responsible and self-confident young men. Studies, however, show that a mom cannot provide her son with everything needed in terms of emotional, intellectual and personal growth.
Single moms can make sure that their sons have a male role model to look up to. This is essential from a very early age and it becomes even more crucial in teenage years. Male role models help boys become more responsible and self-confident. They will also encourage exploration and physical development.
Why Boys Need Male Role Models
The need of a male role model sounds like something logical but many people will be uncertain as to why such a person should be involved in the life of a young man. Another important question is which individual can do a good job in terms of educating the boy and helping him grow up.
Moms tend to be very nurturing and gentle. Exceptions do exist but most ladies promote certain types of behavior and neglect other important aspects of life that boys hold interest in.
Ladies tend to be emotional and very often, the manner in which they educate their boys results in the neglect of characteristics considered to be typically masculine. Boys will subconsciously start looking for a male role model. Yet, on their own, little boys could choose a person who is far from someone to look up to.
Pushing to the Limit
Male role models will push boys to their limit, encouraging them to struggle heart and to put their heart in everything attempted.
According to studies, this is one of the most important benefits connected to having a male role model in the life of a little boy. Moms may start feeling sorry for their little boy, making exceptions and refraining from being too pushy.
Young men need to be challenged. They need someone encouraging them to do better, try harder and reach farther away.
A good male role model can teach a boy that doing better is possible each time. It takes persistence and hard work. It also demands proper encouragement and a relationship full of trust and respect to achieve that.
Encouraging Exploration and Risk-Taking
Men are better at encouraging exploration and risk-taking than women are.
A good male role model will help a little boy learn something new each day, take appropriate risks and explore the unknown. The majority of moms feel more comfortable if their sons stick to familiar grounds. Boys, however, need to conquer the world and get into new adventures each day.
Studies show that male role models are better at teaching boys how to safely take risks and how to evaluate new opportunities.
Providing Know-How and Advice
One of the most important ways in which male role models affect little boys is through conversations and exchange of information.
Little boys and teenage boys may feel uncomfortable sharing everything with their mothers and female relatives. Some issues remain strictly male territory. A male role model could provide useful tips on the basis of experience and knowledge.
A young man needs a male role model in his life. Moms are certainly great parents and they can provide their sons with so much – true love, intellectual growth and the ability to become responsible and intelligent young men. Male role models, however, should also be present, making sure that a boy has someone to look up to.
Criss White is an article writer that writes about family topics, like baby shower boy party tips. If you are having a new baby boy, then be sure to check out Criss’s website about baby shower ideas.
Single moms can make sure that their sons have a male role model to look up to. This is essential from a very early age and it becomes even more crucial in teenage years. Male role models help boys become more responsible and self-confident. They will also encourage exploration and physical development.
Why Boys Need Male Role Models
The need of a male role model sounds like something logical but many people will be uncertain as to why such a person should be involved in the life of a young man. Another important question is which individual can do a good job in terms of educating the boy and helping him grow up.
Moms tend to be very nurturing and gentle. Exceptions do exist but most ladies promote certain types of behavior and neglect other important aspects of life that boys hold interest in.
Ladies tend to be emotional and very often, the manner in which they educate their boys results in the neglect of characteristics considered to be typically masculine. Boys will subconsciously start looking for a male role model. Yet, on their own, little boys could choose a person who is far from someone to look up to.
Pushing to the Limit
Male role models will push boys to their limit, encouraging them to struggle heart and to put their heart in everything attempted.
According to studies, this is one of the most important benefits connected to having a male role model in the life of a little boy. Moms may start feeling sorry for their little boy, making exceptions and refraining from being too pushy.
Young men need to be challenged. They need someone encouraging them to do better, try harder and reach farther away.
A good male role model can teach a boy that doing better is possible each time. It takes persistence and hard work. It also demands proper encouragement and a relationship full of trust and respect to achieve that.
Encouraging Exploration and Risk-Taking
Men are better at encouraging exploration and risk-taking than women are.
A good male role model will help a little boy learn something new each day, take appropriate risks and explore the unknown. The majority of moms feel more comfortable if their sons stick to familiar grounds. Boys, however, need to conquer the world and get into new adventures each day.
Studies show that male role models are better at teaching boys how to safely take risks and how to evaluate new opportunities.
Providing Know-How and Advice
One of the most important ways in which male role models affect little boys is through conversations and exchange of information.
Little boys and teenage boys may feel uncomfortable sharing everything with their mothers and female relatives. Some issues remain strictly male territory. A male role model could provide useful tips on the basis of experience and knowledge.
A young man needs a male role model in his life. Moms are certainly great parents and they can provide their sons with so much – true love, intellectual growth and the ability to become responsible and intelligent young men. Male role models, however, should also be present, making sure that a boy has someone to look up to.
Criss White is an article writer that writes about family topics, like baby shower boy party tips. If you are having a new baby boy, then be sure to check out Criss’s website about baby shower ideas.
5 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the perfect time to take care of yourself, spiritually, physically, and emotionally while your body is nurturing and growing a new baby. Your regular routine won’t work for these nine months. You need to pay attention to what your body tells you at all times. And, you need to heed the advice of your doctor. A healthy pregnancy means a healthy baby. Here are 5 tips for a healthy pregnancy.
1. You should drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated and keep your body from overheating. Water is an essential nutrient not only for the mother’s body, but your baby benefits from it, as well. Check with your doctor and keep a water bottle handy with you.
2. Eat well balanced, healthy, and nutritious meals. There are a lot of warnings and urban legends about what you can and can’t eat while you’re pregnant. Be smart and settle on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nutrients, whole grains, proteins, chicken, fish, milk, egg, and other items that aid the body in strong development. You don’t have to gain a lot of weight during your pregnancy when you’re “eating for two.” Also, avoid contact with foods that may carry toxoplasmosis like raw meats and some cheeses. Make sure to cook all meats to the proper temperature.
3. Take your vitamins. Consult with your doctor, nurse, nutritionist, or other health care professionals about what vitamins may be best for you and your needs. Pick a multi-vitamin and stick to a daily regimen for you and your baby. Things to focus on for extra supplement are iron, calcium, folic acid, to name a few. Find what’s best for you.
4. Exercise is your friend. Without going to the extreme or doing anything too strenuous, you can work regular exercise into your daily and weekly routine while pregnant. If you start an exercise routine during your pregnancy will help you shed those unwanted baby pounds after your little bundle is born. Don’t participate in anything extreme, thrill-seeking, dangerous, or organized. Keep to simple stretches, walking, yoga, or swimming.
5. Say no to smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. While it’s generally a good health rule to avoid these items, it’s essentially beneficial during your pregnancy to stay smoke-free, alcohol-free, and caffeine reduced. Some research has shown that too much caffeine during pregnancy can lead to a low weight baby. Drinking while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause growth and mental retardation, heart defects, or behavioral issues down the road. Remember, anything you put into your body is eventually going to make it to your baby. You shouldn’t consume anything you don’t want passed on.
As always, visit your doctor often for the proper and necessary tests and evaluations during pregnancy and listen to their advice. Check with them before starting any exercise or diet program.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about pregnancy and baby topics like planning boy baby shower parties and other fun baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties for friends and family when not writing.
1. You should drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated and keep your body from overheating. Water is an essential nutrient not only for the mother’s body, but your baby benefits from it, as well. Check with your doctor and keep a water bottle handy with you.
2. Eat well balanced, healthy, and nutritious meals. There are a lot of warnings and urban legends about what you can and can’t eat while you’re pregnant. Be smart and settle on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nutrients, whole grains, proteins, chicken, fish, milk, egg, and other items that aid the body in strong development. You don’t have to gain a lot of weight during your pregnancy when you’re “eating for two.” Also, avoid contact with foods that may carry toxoplasmosis like raw meats and some cheeses. Make sure to cook all meats to the proper temperature.
3. Take your vitamins. Consult with your doctor, nurse, nutritionist, or other health care professionals about what vitamins may be best for you and your needs. Pick a multi-vitamin and stick to a daily regimen for you and your baby. Things to focus on for extra supplement are iron, calcium, folic acid, to name a few. Find what’s best for you.
4. Exercise is your friend. Without going to the extreme or doing anything too strenuous, you can work regular exercise into your daily and weekly routine while pregnant. If you start an exercise routine during your pregnancy will help you shed those unwanted baby pounds after your little bundle is born. Don’t participate in anything extreme, thrill-seeking, dangerous, or organized. Keep to simple stretches, walking, yoga, or swimming.
5. Say no to smoking, alcohol, and caffeine. While it’s generally a good health rule to avoid these items, it’s essentially beneficial during your pregnancy to stay smoke-free, alcohol-free, and caffeine reduced. Some research has shown that too much caffeine during pregnancy can lead to a low weight baby. Drinking while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome, which can cause growth and mental retardation, heart defects, or behavioral issues down the road. Remember, anything you put into your body is eventually going to make it to your baby. You shouldn’t consume anything you don’t want passed on.
As always, visit your doctor often for the proper and necessary tests and evaluations during pregnancy and listen to their advice. Check with them before starting any exercise or diet program.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about pregnancy and baby topics like planning boy baby shower parties and other fun baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties for friends and family when not writing.
How Pregnant Moms Should Prepare for a Baby Shower
You’re nearing the end of your pregnancy which means one thing: someone’s going to throw you a baby shower. Well-meaning friends and family have been looking forward to this day since you shared the news of your new family addition. There are going to be a lot of people who will be vying for your attention and wanting to spend time with you. Here are some tips for how a pregnant mom should prepare for the baby shower.
First of all, plan ahead for the big party day. Tell your husband/partner the time and date ahead of time. Have him drive you to the event and pick you up afterwards. There will be a lot of gifts to bring home, so have him drive the mini-van or SUV or borrow an appropriate car from family or friends.
Buy yourself a new outfit. So often when you’re pregnant, you don’t feel like getting dressed up in a new dress or skirt. Splurge on something fun and comfortable to treat yourself as being the guest of honor. Take time with your hair and makeup and enjoy being the pampered star of the day.
Don’t be the first person at the party. Ask your hostess when the best time is for you to arrive. She may have surprises planned for your entrance…or not. Have her tell you the best time. Once you get there, mingle around early while you’re fresh and your feet and back won’t hurt as much. Thank everyone for coming and then find a comfy spot in the middle of the festivities to watch the party unfold.
Have a great time. Baby showers aren’t dull events with a too-dry cake and sweet punch. They’re so much more. There are themes for most of them, with food and games to match. Get into the spirit of the event. Check out the decorations and choices of appetizers, finger foods, and desserts. Compliment the hostess on her creativity and enjoy laughing and playing along with the games.
Be easy-going. The hostess has put a lot into the party, inviting your friends, and family, and planning the activities. Smile and have fun, but don’t be afraid to step away for a breather or bathroom break for time to yourself. Pregnancy can tire you out easily, so pace yourself and you’ll have a great time.
Make sure you get the names and addresses of everyone who attends the party so you can send them thank you notes. You might also consider bringing a hostess gift to whoever is throwing the party to show your appreciation.
Take lots of pictures. These are memories both you and your baby will forever cherish. Document the event with snapshots of friends, family, the decorations, the cake, the food, everything.
Above all, have a great time celebrating the joy of life and your new addition.
Criss White is a professional writer that enjoys boy baby shower parties and also writes about other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties for friends and family when not writing.
First of all, plan ahead for the big party day. Tell your husband/partner the time and date ahead of time. Have him drive you to the event and pick you up afterwards. There will be a lot of gifts to bring home, so have him drive the mini-van or SUV or borrow an appropriate car from family or friends.
Buy yourself a new outfit. So often when you’re pregnant, you don’t feel like getting dressed up in a new dress or skirt. Splurge on something fun and comfortable to treat yourself as being the guest of honor. Take time with your hair and makeup and enjoy being the pampered star of the day.
Don’t be the first person at the party. Ask your hostess when the best time is for you to arrive. She may have surprises planned for your entrance…or not. Have her tell you the best time. Once you get there, mingle around early while you’re fresh and your feet and back won’t hurt as much. Thank everyone for coming and then find a comfy spot in the middle of the festivities to watch the party unfold.
Have a great time. Baby showers aren’t dull events with a too-dry cake and sweet punch. They’re so much more. There are themes for most of them, with food and games to match. Get into the spirit of the event. Check out the decorations and choices of appetizers, finger foods, and desserts. Compliment the hostess on her creativity and enjoy laughing and playing along with the games.
Be easy-going. The hostess has put a lot into the party, inviting your friends, and family, and planning the activities. Smile and have fun, but don’t be afraid to step away for a breather or bathroom break for time to yourself. Pregnancy can tire you out easily, so pace yourself and you’ll have a great time.
Make sure you get the names and addresses of everyone who attends the party so you can send them thank you notes. You might also consider bringing a hostess gift to whoever is throwing the party to show your appreciation.
Take lots of pictures. These are memories both you and your baby will forever cherish. Document the event with snapshots of friends, family, the decorations, the cake, the food, everything.
Above all, have a great time celebrating the joy of life and your new addition.
Criss White is a professional writer that enjoys boy baby shower parties and also writes about other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties for friends and family when not writing.
3 Course Menu You Can Make for Parties
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, birthday event, or a bridal or baby shower, your party will more than likely revolve mainly around the food you choose to serve. There are all sorts of finger foods and/or appetizers you can tantalize your guests with, but why not serve a pre-planned three-course meal to impress everyone and satiate their appetites at the same time.
Here’s a great three-course menu you can make for parties.
As guests arrive and get settled into their mingling and chatting with each other, serve a small appetizer course similar to an amuse bouche, meaning single hors d’oeuvres or small bite. For an enticing and memorable first course, serve warm tomato soup in a shot glass with a one inch triangular wedge of grilled cheese sandwich topping the shot glass. Your attendees will have their taste buds teased with just a touch of home cooking that’s familiar and sets off childhood memories of mom’s kitchen.
Now, for your second course, take rustic to new levels by serving roasted chicken. You don’t have to spend hours with your oven to get the perfect juicy specimen. Most grocery stores carry rotisserie chickens regularly in varying flavors from barbecue, honey-flavored, garlic, and lemon. Depending on the number of guests you have, purchase a few of these pre-cooked hens. Most stores charge five to nine dollars for these items. Carve the chicken and set on platters, decorating with rosemary leaves or parsley. Whip up a large batch of steaming, buttery, and creamy mashed potatoes, heat and serve several cans of LeSuer peas, and add a large gravy boat to the table and people will feel as if you slaved over a hot stove all day for them.
And the piece de resistance for the party and your three course meal is the dessert. Even if you plan on serving a cake or cupcakes for the guest of honor, and additional dessert course is best to tie your meal together. And what better way to do that than a fondue set up? For this, melt milk chocolate in a fondue pot and set out a stack of wooden skewers you can pick up at the grocery store. Let your imagination run wild with the items you can dip into the warm sweetness.
- Cut up pound cake
- Tiny brownie bites
- Red and green seedless grapes
- Cut cantaloupe
- Sliced banana
- Fresh strawberries
- Packaged butter cookies
- Dried apricots
- Dried orange slices
With this three-course menu of childhood comfort food, rustic country fare, and an all-time favourite, you’re sure to score a home run with your guests at any party you host.
Criss White writes about babies, pregnancy, and party topics, like how to plan a baby shower menu. For more articles, visit Criss’s website for baby shower ideas and other party planning tips.
Here’s a great three-course menu you can make for parties.
As guests arrive and get settled into their mingling and chatting with each other, serve a small appetizer course similar to an amuse bouche, meaning single hors d’oeuvres or small bite. For an enticing and memorable first course, serve warm tomato soup in a shot glass with a one inch triangular wedge of grilled cheese sandwich topping the shot glass. Your attendees will have their taste buds teased with just a touch of home cooking that’s familiar and sets off childhood memories of mom’s kitchen.
Now, for your second course, take rustic to new levels by serving roasted chicken. You don’t have to spend hours with your oven to get the perfect juicy specimen. Most grocery stores carry rotisserie chickens regularly in varying flavors from barbecue, honey-flavored, garlic, and lemon. Depending on the number of guests you have, purchase a few of these pre-cooked hens. Most stores charge five to nine dollars for these items. Carve the chicken and set on platters, decorating with rosemary leaves or parsley. Whip up a large batch of steaming, buttery, and creamy mashed potatoes, heat and serve several cans of LeSuer peas, and add a large gravy boat to the table and people will feel as if you slaved over a hot stove all day for them.
And the piece de resistance for the party and your three course meal is the dessert. Even if you plan on serving a cake or cupcakes for the guest of honor, and additional dessert course is best to tie your meal together. And what better way to do that than a fondue set up? For this, melt milk chocolate in a fondue pot and set out a stack of wooden skewers you can pick up at the grocery store. Let your imagination run wild with the items you can dip into the warm sweetness.
- Cut up pound cake
- Tiny brownie bites
- Red and green seedless grapes
- Cut cantaloupe
- Sliced banana
- Fresh strawberries
- Packaged butter cookies
- Dried apricots
- Dried orange slices
With this three-course menu of childhood comfort food, rustic country fare, and an all-time favourite, you’re sure to score a home run with your guests at any party you host.
Criss White writes about babies, pregnancy, and party topics, like how to plan a baby shower menu. For more articles, visit Criss’s website for baby shower ideas and other party planning tips.
Hors d'oeuvres that Will Work for Any Party
When you invite people into your home, you want to impress them with a fabulous spread that will have them talking long after the event is over. But there’s so much to consider when laying out food choices – any vegetarians? any allergies? anything kids won’t eat? Well, here’s the answer you’ve been seeking out for your gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family holiday get-together, a birthday party, or a baby shower, here are some fail-safe hors d’oeuvres that will work for any party.
Chips and Salsa
This all-time favorite snack food also doubles as great hors d’oeuvres for any kind of party. Salsas are available in hot, medium, and mild, as well as fruit flavors like peach and mango. Chips come in various shapes and sizes from your traditional large triangles to smaller scoopable cups. Don’t just limit yourself to white corn chips. Blue or red chips are delicious and add color to your party table.
Fruit Platter
A variety of fresh fruits is sure to please any of your party guests from kids to those with special food needs. You can purchase one from your local grocery store, or you can choose a mixture of fruits yourself and lay them out on a platter. Berries and melons always make a great addition. Carve watermelon, cantaloupe, and honey dew with a melon scoop and mix with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Arrange green and red seedless grapes around the edges of the plate and add juicy, fist-sized strawberries that will have everyone clambering for more. Slice up a kiwi, starfruit, peaches, apples, and/or bananas to add to the dish. One thing to remember about apples and bananas is that they will both oxidize (turn brown) once cut. To avoid this, slice these just before serving and then squeeze fresh lemon juice over both. Add side dips like melted chocolate, plain yogurt, or fruit flavored yogurt to kick things up.
Pinwheels
These tiny roll up bites are easy to make, can be filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, to accommodate all tastes. Simply get small tortillas and spread cream cheese or Boursin on them. Then layer either ham, turkey, roast beef slices and roll up like a cigar. Add multiple toothpicks across the roll and then slice into small pieces and serve on a plate. For a vegetarian alternative, use alfalfa sprouts and/or thinly sliced cucumbers in place of the meat.
Chicken Skewers
An easy hors d’oeuvres to pass and serve is grilled chicken on a skewer. You can cook these ahead of time and keep them warmed in the oven. Skewers are cheap to buy at the grocery store and hold up well on the grill and in the oven. Guests can easily walk around, eat, and chat with this party pleaser. Have a couple of dipping sauces handy as well, like barbecue sauce, Thai peanut sauce, or simply Ranch dressing. For the vegetarians in your crowd, slice zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise and grill on skewers for the same effect. Just have a plate or basket handy on the table for people to put their empties.
These hors d’oeuvres are easy to prepare, appeal to a variety of guests, and are appropriate for any kind of party.
Criss White writes about babies, pregnancy, and party topics, like how to plan a baby shower menu. For more articles, visit Criss’s website for baby shower ideas and other party planning tips.
Chips and Salsa
This all-time favorite snack food also doubles as great hors d’oeuvres for any kind of party. Salsas are available in hot, medium, and mild, as well as fruit flavors like peach and mango. Chips come in various shapes and sizes from your traditional large triangles to smaller scoopable cups. Don’t just limit yourself to white corn chips. Blue or red chips are delicious and add color to your party table.
Fruit Platter
A variety of fresh fruits is sure to please any of your party guests from kids to those with special food needs. You can purchase one from your local grocery store, or you can choose a mixture of fruits yourself and lay them out on a platter. Berries and melons always make a great addition. Carve watermelon, cantaloupe, and honey dew with a melon scoop and mix with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Arrange green and red seedless grapes around the edges of the plate and add juicy, fist-sized strawberries that will have everyone clambering for more. Slice up a kiwi, starfruit, peaches, apples, and/or bananas to add to the dish. One thing to remember about apples and bananas is that they will both oxidize (turn brown) once cut. To avoid this, slice these just before serving and then squeeze fresh lemon juice over both. Add side dips like melted chocolate, plain yogurt, or fruit flavored yogurt to kick things up.
Pinwheels
These tiny roll up bites are easy to make, can be filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, to accommodate all tastes. Simply get small tortillas and spread cream cheese or Boursin on them. Then layer either ham, turkey, roast beef slices and roll up like a cigar. Add multiple toothpicks across the roll and then slice into small pieces and serve on a plate. For a vegetarian alternative, use alfalfa sprouts and/or thinly sliced cucumbers in place of the meat.
Chicken Skewers
An easy hors d’oeuvres to pass and serve is grilled chicken on a skewer. You can cook these ahead of time and keep them warmed in the oven. Skewers are cheap to buy at the grocery store and hold up well on the grill and in the oven. Guests can easily walk around, eat, and chat with this party pleaser. Have a couple of dipping sauces handy as well, like barbecue sauce, Thai peanut sauce, or simply Ranch dressing. For the vegetarians in your crowd, slice zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise and grill on skewers for the same effect. Just have a plate or basket handy on the table for people to put their empties.
These hors d’oeuvres are easy to prepare, appeal to a variety of guests, and are appropriate for any kind of party.
Criss White writes about babies, pregnancy, and party topics, like how to plan a baby shower menu. For more articles, visit Criss’s website for baby shower ideas and other party planning tips.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
5 Foods You Probably Wouldn’t Serve at a Party
Parties are a time for celebrating—a wedding, a baby, a birthday—and for mingling and having fun with friends and relatives. If you want your guests interacting and having fun, you want to make sure you serve menu items appropriate for the party atmosphere. Some foods just don’t belong at a party unless your guests are octopus and have eight arms! Of course, many things are obvious as to what you wouldn’t serve…cow’s tongue, liver, pickled pig’s feet. Let’s be realistic, though. There are things you might serve at one party that you wouldn’t at another. For general parties, it’s best to avoid even some simple items.
Here are 5 foods you probably wouldn’t want to serve at a party:
- While we all love spaghetti and it’s a great crowd pleaser, it’s probably not the best thing to offer guests at a birthday party or baby shower. Who wants to walk around with a plate trying to balance everything while twirling pasta and splattering red sauce all over the place? Besides, if you miss your mouth, you’re liable to make a mess either on you or your hostess’s carpet. It’s best to leave the spaghetti dinner for sit down meals for the family.
- Unless you’re throwing a backyard barbeque-themed party for a birthday boy/girl or a mother-to-be, it’s not a good idea to serve messy barbeque at a party. If you serve ribs, people will have to eat them with their hands, then they’ll need a lot of napkins or wet-naps to clean up. Also, what do you do with the bones? Pulled pork, brisket, and barbequed chicken all have the same problems. While we love these type of foods for the Fourth of July or a big football game, they’re just not conducive to a party setting where people are mingling and/or playing party games.
- The same as above goes for Sloppy Joes. They’re great for dinner with the kids, but they’re called “sloppy” for reason. The meat and juices can fall out of the bun, making it a mess not only for your guests to try and eat (and carry on a conversation), but for the hostess, as well, if you start finding greasy chunks of ground beef in your carpet or furniture.
- Anything that requires cracking, peeling, or shelling. This would include most shellfish. It’s fun to boil up a batch of peel-and-eat shrimp or steam a Maine lobster. However, your guests don’t want to “fight” their food while they’re at a party. You can serve these seafood delights in other formats if you’d like. Just don’t expect party goers to peel, shuck, crack, or shell anything. It’s a mess and who wants to wear a restaurant bib at a party?
- Anything on a skewer. Okay, now this might contradict some of those awesome appetizer recipes you may have come up with. However, meat or vegetables on a stick can cause a problem for your guest. First, they have to hold it. Secondly, they have to gnaw the item off of the skewer, oftentimes with the appetizer sticking to it. Finally, what do they do with the skewer when they’re done? Do they carry it around? Search high and low for a garbage can? Stash it in your favorite banana tree plant? No, no, and please…no. If you can avoid anything on a stick, all the better.
Criss White writes about babies, pregnancy, and party topics, like how to plan a baby shower menu. For more articles, visit Criss’s website for baby shower ideas and other party planning tips.
Here are 5 foods you probably wouldn’t want to serve at a party:
- While we all love spaghetti and it’s a great crowd pleaser, it’s probably not the best thing to offer guests at a birthday party or baby shower. Who wants to walk around with a plate trying to balance everything while twirling pasta and splattering red sauce all over the place? Besides, if you miss your mouth, you’re liable to make a mess either on you or your hostess’s carpet. It’s best to leave the spaghetti dinner for sit down meals for the family.
- Unless you’re throwing a backyard barbeque-themed party for a birthday boy/girl or a mother-to-be, it’s not a good idea to serve messy barbeque at a party. If you serve ribs, people will have to eat them with their hands, then they’ll need a lot of napkins or wet-naps to clean up. Also, what do you do with the bones? Pulled pork, brisket, and barbequed chicken all have the same problems. While we love these type of foods for the Fourth of July or a big football game, they’re just not conducive to a party setting where people are mingling and/or playing party games.
- The same as above goes for Sloppy Joes. They’re great for dinner with the kids, but they’re called “sloppy” for reason. The meat and juices can fall out of the bun, making it a mess not only for your guests to try and eat (and carry on a conversation), but for the hostess, as well, if you start finding greasy chunks of ground beef in your carpet or furniture.
- Anything that requires cracking, peeling, or shelling. This would include most shellfish. It’s fun to boil up a batch of peel-and-eat shrimp or steam a Maine lobster. However, your guests don’t want to “fight” their food while they’re at a party. You can serve these seafood delights in other formats if you’d like. Just don’t expect party goers to peel, shuck, crack, or shell anything. It’s a mess and who wants to wear a restaurant bib at a party?
- Anything on a skewer. Okay, now this might contradict some of those awesome appetizer recipes you may have come up with. However, meat or vegetables on a stick can cause a problem for your guest. First, they have to hold it. Secondly, they have to gnaw the item off of the skewer, oftentimes with the appetizer sticking to it. Finally, what do they do with the skewer when they’re done? Do they carry it around? Search high and low for a garbage can? Stash it in your favorite banana tree plant? No, no, and please…no. If you can avoid anything on a stick, all the better.
Criss White writes about babies, pregnancy, and party topics, like how to plan a baby shower menu. For more articles, visit Criss’s website for baby shower ideas and other party planning tips.
Decorating Your Cake with Fruit or Other Healthy Toppings
Everyone loves cake on their lips…but not on their hips. Candies and chocolate and icings are full of sugar and fat. Not everyone in attendance at your party will want to indulge on such a treat. You could be stuck with miles of cake or cupcakes that might go to waste because your guests are watching their waist. There are ways to have your cake and actually eat it too when you decorate your cake with fruit or other healthy toppings.
Fruit
Fruit is not only a healthier option than candy cake toppings, it’s also colorful and provides various shapes and textures to your cake. Depending on the theme of your party and the colors that are dominant in your decorations, you can dress up any cake with fresh or dried fruit. Slice strawberries long ways, use wedges of star fruit, sprinkle blueberries or raspberries, or section oranges or mandarins for bright, vivid additions. If you decide to use fruits in a decorative manner on your cake, be aware that fresh fruit will moisten the cake and help it spoil quicker. You’ll also want to make sure that the fruit flavors don’t clash with each other, the cake itself, or any icing you choose to put on it. Stay away from fruits that oxidize too quickly (apples, pears, bananas) as no one wants to eat a cake with wilting brown fruit on top.
Fruit Jams
Have you ever wondered how your bakery gets those fruit-covered tarts to look so shiny and wet with flavor? The secret is…fruit jam. It’s nature’s paint. If you take apricot or raspberry jams, or any other flavors, and heat them in the microwave for a minute or so, it will form this vibrant and delicious glaze that you can dabble over fresh fruit or over a bare cake itself. Get a new paint brush ad become the DiVinci of your kitchen as you slather the sweetness over a pound or angel food cake. Try sugar-free jams to reduce calories even more.
Whipped Toppings
Instead of plopping gobs of fat-laden, sugary-sweet icing on top of a cake, you can use a simple ingredient fresh from your grocer’s freezer: whipped topping. Cool Whip or generic store brands provide a sweety, yet less fattening icing to cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. Replace the heavier frostings with a layer of fat-free or reduced calorie whipped topping. You’ll have to serve the dessert immediately after “icing” to ensure freshness. You won’t miss out on any taste, even though you may save your waist.
Nuts
Nuts provide extra protein for us, so why not toss a handful of chopped favorites onto your next cake. German chocolate cakes slather on walnuts to the icing, but you can do it without the chocolate. Add coconut slivers, almonds, ground peanuts, roasted macadamia, or chopped pecans with your other decorations. Be careful, though, to inform your guests of the nut toppings as some people are allergic to tree nuts and ground nuts. Put a sign out next to your cake as an FYI.
No matter what kind of party you’re hosting, you can find healthy alternatives to top your cake instead of the lardy icing.
Criss White is a professional writer and enjoys baking for parties and special occasions. With the right baby shower cake sayings, cakes with healthy toppings are one of the best baby shower ideas for your party. Criss also enjoys reading and travel when not writing.
Fruit
Fruit is not only a healthier option than candy cake toppings, it’s also colorful and provides various shapes and textures to your cake. Depending on the theme of your party and the colors that are dominant in your decorations, you can dress up any cake with fresh or dried fruit. Slice strawberries long ways, use wedges of star fruit, sprinkle blueberries or raspberries, or section oranges or mandarins for bright, vivid additions. If you decide to use fruits in a decorative manner on your cake, be aware that fresh fruit will moisten the cake and help it spoil quicker. You’ll also want to make sure that the fruit flavors don’t clash with each other, the cake itself, or any icing you choose to put on it. Stay away from fruits that oxidize too quickly (apples, pears, bananas) as no one wants to eat a cake with wilting brown fruit on top.
Fruit Jams
Have you ever wondered how your bakery gets those fruit-covered tarts to look so shiny and wet with flavor? The secret is…fruit jam. It’s nature’s paint. If you take apricot or raspberry jams, or any other flavors, and heat them in the microwave for a minute or so, it will form this vibrant and delicious glaze that you can dabble over fresh fruit or over a bare cake itself. Get a new paint brush ad become the DiVinci of your kitchen as you slather the sweetness over a pound or angel food cake. Try sugar-free jams to reduce calories even more.
Whipped Toppings
Instead of plopping gobs of fat-laden, sugary-sweet icing on top of a cake, you can use a simple ingredient fresh from your grocer’s freezer: whipped topping. Cool Whip or generic store brands provide a sweety, yet less fattening icing to cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. Replace the heavier frostings with a layer of fat-free or reduced calorie whipped topping. You’ll have to serve the dessert immediately after “icing” to ensure freshness. You won’t miss out on any taste, even though you may save your waist.
Nuts
Nuts provide extra protein for us, so why not toss a handful of chopped favorites onto your next cake. German chocolate cakes slather on walnuts to the icing, but you can do it without the chocolate. Add coconut slivers, almonds, ground peanuts, roasted macadamia, or chopped pecans with your other decorations. Be careful, though, to inform your guests of the nut toppings as some people are allergic to tree nuts and ground nuts. Put a sign out next to your cake as an FYI.
No matter what kind of party you’re hosting, you can find healthy alternatives to top your cake instead of the lardy icing.
Criss White is a professional writer and enjoys baking for parties and special occasions. With the right baby shower cake sayings, cakes with healthy toppings are one of the best baby shower ideas for your party. Criss also enjoys reading and travel when not writing.
How to Write Your Own Invitation Poem or Sayings
The thought of writing your own invitation poems is probably making you feel excited and a bit embarrassed at the same time. Your own verses will be unique and adding to the originality of the invitation. At the same time, you risk falling into the trap of clichés and inappropriate verses.
Writing your own invitation poems is far less complex than you imagine it to be. All you need is a good idea and the will to experiment and modify your verses. Taking some time to think about it and to write several poems is the best way to come up with a successful invitation poem or saying.
Explore Available Invitation Poems and Sayings
Before you attempt writing your own poems, you should become familiar with styles and ways of expression.
Explore other invitation poems. Browse through various websites. You will discover poems and sayings that have been written for nearly any type of occasion or invitation: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, bridal showers or family reunions.
See what type of invitation is most appropriate. Is the fun and jolly tone good enough for the type of event you are going to organize? Or maybe you are looking for something more emotional?
You should also pay attention to the length of each line, the overall length of the poem and the words that are used to create the rhymes. You will become familiar with invitation poems and saying and you will feel more comfortable writing your own lines.
It is fine to get influenced by the works of others. If you like a particular poem very much, you can attempt creating something similar. Use your own words to achieve the same style and tone.
What is It that You Want to Express?
Ask yourself one question – what is it that the poem or saying added to the invitation has to achieve?
Knowing what you want to communicate will help you once you start writing. The poem can be just a fun addition that sets the tone. Important information like address, directions and RSVP information can be added beneath.
Usually, invitation poems and verses explain what type of party will be held and if guests are expected to bring a specific gift, participate in some activities or dress in a special way. This creative part of the poem gives people a party preview.
Decide what you want to say, take a deep breath and start writing.
Write Several Poems
Very few people will be able to create the perfect poem from their very first attempt. You may be a lucky one but even if your first attempt is a failure, you should keep on trying.
Once you sit down in front of the computer, you should try to write at least a few poems. Let your thoughts flow. Refrain from censoring yourself or trying to direct your thoughts in a certain direction.
Let it all out. Write until you have said everything you have to say. Once you finish typing, you can begin editing the poems. Delete the ones that you consider to be entirely inappropriate. Others can be used as they are or modified to suit your needs better.
After you finish writing, you should take some time off. Go out for a walk or deal with some household chores. It is important to take your mind away from the writing process. Looking at the poems and sayings after some time has passed will give you a fresh perspective and a chance to be more objective.
Remember to have fun when writing invitation poems and sayings. This is the most important ingredient of the creative process. Your poems will be cute and memorable as long as you put your heart into them.
Criss White is a professional writer and enjoys coming up with creative poetry ideas for special events, including invitation poems and baby shower cake sayings. For more baby shower ideas and special occasion poem ideas, visit Criss’s website.
Writing your own invitation poems is far less complex than you imagine it to be. All you need is a good idea and the will to experiment and modify your verses. Taking some time to think about it and to write several poems is the best way to come up with a successful invitation poem or saying.
Explore Available Invitation Poems and Sayings
Before you attempt writing your own poems, you should become familiar with styles and ways of expression.
Explore other invitation poems. Browse through various websites. You will discover poems and sayings that have been written for nearly any type of occasion or invitation: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, bridal showers or family reunions.
See what type of invitation is most appropriate. Is the fun and jolly tone good enough for the type of event you are going to organize? Or maybe you are looking for something more emotional?
You should also pay attention to the length of each line, the overall length of the poem and the words that are used to create the rhymes. You will become familiar with invitation poems and saying and you will feel more comfortable writing your own lines.
It is fine to get influenced by the works of others. If you like a particular poem very much, you can attempt creating something similar. Use your own words to achieve the same style and tone.
What is It that You Want to Express?
Ask yourself one question – what is it that the poem or saying added to the invitation has to achieve?
Knowing what you want to communicate will help you once you start writing. The poem can be just a fun addition that sets the tone. Important information like address, directions and RSVP information can be added beneath.
Usually, invitation poems and verses explain what type of party will be held and if guests are expected to bring a specific gift, participate in some activities or dress in a special way. This creative part of the poem gives people a party preview.
Decide what you want to say, take a deep breath and start writing.
Write Several Poems
Very few people will be able to create the perfect poem from their very first attempt. You may be a lucky one but even if your first attempt is a failure, you should keep on trying.
Once you sit down in front of the computer, you should try to write at least a few poems. Let your thoughts flow. Refrain from censoring yourself or trying to direct your thoughts in a certain direction.
Let it all out. Write until you have said everything you have to say. Once you finish typing, you can begin editing the poems. Delete the ones that you consider to be entirely inappropriate. Others can be used as they are or modified to suit your needs better.
After you finish writing, you should take some time off. Go out for a walk or deal with some household chores. It is important to take your mind away from the writing process. Looking at the poems and sayings after some time has passed will give you a fresh perspective and a chance to be more objective.
Remember to have fun when writing invitation poems and sayings. This is the most important ingredient of the creative process. Your poems will be cute and memorable as long as you put your heart into them.
Criss White is a professional writer and enjoys coming up with creative poetry ideas for special events, including invitation poems and baby shower cake sayings. For more baby shower ideas and special occasion poem ideas, visit Criss’s website.
How to Make an Ice Cream Cake
You don’t have to visit your local bakery, grocery store, or even specialty ice cream store to get the perfect ice cream cake for your party. Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you can design your own homemade ice cream cake that will be tastier, more fun, and less expensive than anything you can pick out of a retail freezer. Here’s how you can make an ice cream cake.
What you’ll need…
Cake pan/mold (get one that reflects the theme)
Plastic wrap
Three gallons of ice cream (mix and match your favorites)
Ice cream scoop
Bowl of warm water
Store bought frosting, optional
Fruit or candies for decoration
Cake plate
Let’s say you’re making this ice cream cake for a baby shower or infant’s birthday. You can get a cake mold in the shape of a teddy bear, rocking horse, baby, building blocks, whatever you can find at the store.
Take the cake pan and spread a very large piece of plastic wrap down on the inside of the mold. Press the plastic wrap into the design.
Allow ice cream to soften to room temperature before working with it. Take the first flavor (we’ll say strawberry) and scoop it into the mold until it’s completely full. Smooth out the ice cream. Then, dip the scoop into the warm water and remove the inner parts of the ice cream, leaving only a shell around the edges. Return unused ice cream to the container. Place first layer of ice cream in the freezer for forty-five minutes.
Remove mold and add your second flavor of ice cream (we’ll say chocolate.) Do the same with the second flavor as the first. Once the mold is full, remove the inner portion and return it to the carton, leaving a second shell of chocolate inside the strawberry. Return mold to freezer for another forty-five minutes.
Repeat steps with third flavor (we’ll say vanilla), only fill the entire middle with the remaining flavor. Then let the mold stay in the freezer for two to three hours to get good and solid.
Before you’re ready to serve, remove the ice cream mold from the freezer. Using the loose ends of the plastic wrap, lift it from the mold. This should come out easily. Flip the mold onto a cold cake plate. At this point, you can frost the cake with a store bought frosting or just leave it as it is. You can also spruce it up with candies, cherries, peppermints, drizzles of caramel, chocolate, or strawberry, or any of your other favorite ice cream toppings.
Serve immediately by slicing with a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Your guests will wonder how in the world you managed to make this. They’ll think you’re a culinary genius. You’ll never tell just how easy it was. So whether your are making the cake for a party, like a baby shower or birthday, or just for fun, just follow the simple steps above for a special treat that everyone will love.
Criss White is a professional writer and enjoys preparing food for parties and special occasions. With the right baby shower cake sayings, ice cream cakes are one of the best baby shower ideas for a summer party. Criss also enjoys reading and travel when not writing.
What you’ll need…
Cake pan/mold (get one that reflects the theme)
Plastic wrap
Three gallons of ice cream (mix and match your favorites)
Ice cream scoop
Bowl of warm water
Store bought frosting, optional
Fruit or candies for decoration
Cake plate
Let’s say you’re making this ice cream cake for a baby shower or infant’s birthday. You can get a cake mold in the shape of a teddy bear, rocking horse, baby, building blocks, whatever you can find at the store.
Take the cake pan and spread a very large piece of plastic wrap down on the inside of the mold. Press the plastic wrap into the design.
Allow ice cream to soften to room temperature before working with it. Take the first flavor (we’ll say strawberry) and scoop it into the mold until it’s completely full. Smooth out the ice cream. Then, dip the scoop into the warm water and remove the inner parts of the ice cream, leaving only a shell around the edges. Return unused ice cream to the container. Place first layer of ice cream in the freezer for forty-five minutes.
Remove mold and add your second flavor of ice cream (we’ll say chocolate.) Do the same with the second flavor as the first. Once the mold is full, remove the inner portion and return it to the carton, leaving a second shell of chocolate inside the strawberry. Return mold to freezer for another forty-five minutes.
Repeat steps with third flavor (we’ll say vanilla), only fill the entire middle with the remaining flavor. Then let the mold stay in the freezer for two to three hours to get good and solid.
Before you’re ready to serve, remove the ice cream mold from the freezer. Using the loose ends of the plastic wrap, lift it from the mold. This should come out easily. Flip the mold onto a cold cake plate. At this point, you can frost the cake with a store bought frosting or just leave it as it is. You can also spruce it up with candies, cherries, peppermints, drizzles of caramel, chocolate, or strawberry, or any of your other favorite ice cream toppings.
Serve immediately by slicing with a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Your guests will wonder how in the world you managed to make this. They’ll think you’re a culinary genius. You’ll never tell just how easy it was. So whether your are making the cake for a party, like a baby shower or birthday, or just for fun, just follow the simple steps above for a special treat that everyone will love.
Criss White is a professional writer and enjoys preparing food for parties and special occasions. With the right baby shower cake sayings, ice cream cakes are one of the best baby shower ideas for a summer party. Criss also enjoys reading and travel when not writing.
5 Physical Activities Pregnant Women Should Avoid
Pregnant women are the vessel for all things that may carry to their unborn child. It’s very important that any mom-to-be take extra care of herself, physically, emotionally, and health-wise. While you’re watching what you eat and the vitamins you take, a pregnant woman also needs to not participate in particular events that may affect the baby.
Here are 5 physical activities pregnant women should avoid.
Thrill seeking – it may seem obvious, but during your pregnancy, you should stay away from any physical activities that raise your heart rate, increases your blood pressure, or puts you in physical danger. It’s best to avoid things like roller coasters, mountain climbing, SCUBA diving, snowboarding, skiing, etc. There’s nothing wrong with moderate exercise, but stay away from the more dare-devil thrills.
Cleaning cat box – while we love our furry friends that live with us, they do carry fleas, ticks, dander, and other possible allergens that could adversely affect your unborn child. During your pregnancy, have your significant other change the cat litter or the flea collar.
Hot tub/sauna – resist the urge to participate in any physical activity that may relax you too much. Hot tubs and saunas can raise the body’s temperature exponentially. Best to avoid this type of activity while pregnant. Also, Reflexology is thought to be something to stay away from, as well, as touch and pulse points on the body could trigger early labor.
Household cleaning – pregnant women don’t have to avoid cleaning altogether, but should evade cleaning products that may contain warning labels with words like “poison” or “dangerous” or “harmful.” Good old ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda can handle most home cleaning challenges. Or, have your partner take over the household chores during your pregnancy.
Excessing sun exposure – it’s best if you stay out of direct sunlight and avoid sunburn. Also, you should stay away from tanning beds and tanning booths that direct UV rays at your body. You don’t have to forgo that summer beach trip, but avoid overheating by staying under an umbrella or cabana. The better you feel, the better your baby will feel.
And the best advice during your pregnancy is to talk to your doctor, be open and honest, and let him/her know your exercise regime, diet, and any other life changes that could affect your baby. Always get your doctor’s advice first and foremost.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about pregnancy and other party planning topics like food for baby shower parties and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
Here are 5 physical activities pregnant women should avoid.
Thrill seeking – it may seem obvious, but during your pregnancy, you should stay away from any physical activities that raise your heart rate, increases your blood pressure, or puts you in physical danger. It’s best to avoid things like roller coasters, mountain climbing, SCUBA diving, snowboarding, skiing, etc. There’s nothing wrong with moderate exercise, but stay away from the more dare-devil thrills.
Cleaning cat box – while we love our furry friends that live with us, they do carry fleas, ticks, dander, and other possible allergens that could adversely affect your unborn child. During your pregnancy, have your significant other change the cat litter or the flea collar.
Hot tub/sauna – resist the urge to participate in any physical activity that may relax you too much. Hot tubs and saunas can raise the body’s temperature exponentially. Best to avoid this type of activity while pregnant. Also, Reflexology is thought to be something to stay away from, as well, as touch and pulse points on the body could trigger early labor.
Household cleaning – pregnant women don’t have to avoid cleaning altogether, but should evade cleaning products that may contain warning labels with words like “poison” or “dangerous” or “harmful.” Good old ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda can handle most home cleaning challenges. Or, have your partner take over the household chores during your pregnancy.
Excessing sun exposure – it’s best if you stay out of direct sunlight and avoid sunburn. Also, you should stay away from tanning beds and tanning booths that direct UV rays at your body. You don’t have to forgo that summer beach trip, but avoid overheating by staying under an umbrella or cabana. The better you feel, the better your baby will feel.
And the best advice during your pregnancy is to talk to your doctor, be open and honest, and let him/her know your exercise regime, diet, and any other life changes that could affect your baby. Always get your doctor’s advice first and foremost.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about pregnancy and other party planning topics like food for baby shower parties and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
Planning for a Family Reunion on the Beach
You’ve been chosen to arrange a family reunion at the beach and need to know how to pull it off. Not a problem. It’s all about organizing, attention details, and planning ahead. Reunions are fun and festive and a great time to catch up with those relatives you’ve lost touch with and see how cousins have grown up. The key is to plan something that will appeal to the group as a whole for fun and fellowship.
Here are some great tips for planning a family reunion, party, or vacation on the beach.
Location, location, location
So you know everyone wants to have the reunion at the beach. How do you choose the right one? Take a look at where your family and relatives are scattered about. What beaches are close to the majority of people? Where is some place that a lot of people have wanted to visit? What beaches aren’t overrun with crowds or partiers that would be best for your event? You can even choose a beach close to you for convenience in the planning process.
Banquet Space
Once you choose the specific location, you need to find an ideal space to host your reunion. You can look at banquet space in a hotel, VFW halls, churches, etc., but since you’re at the beach, why not build the theme into the party space? Visit local restaurants that might be on the beach or overlooking the water. Price out options where your family can watch utilize the beach setting for volleyball or cooking out during the day and watching the sunset or stars at night. Be sure you write out all of your requirements (bar, menu, music, handicapped accessibility, bathrooms, etc.) so you can interview venues to find the best possible one for your reunion. Have a backup indoor location in the event of rain or inclement weather.
Accommodations
Contact a beach hotel in your location of choice and speak to the sales department. Negotiate a room block and reduced rate for your group. Don’t over-promise filling rooms. It’s always better to error on the lower end to fill the block of space. Get quotes from several hotels and, if needed, play them off each other if you’re trying to get into a particular space. Find out what amenities are offered for extra benefit like free parking, breakfast included, a pool, free wi-fi.
Invitations
Pick an invitation with a beach theme to relay what’s in store for your family. Send out a “save the date” card so everyone knows it’s coming up. Then, follow-up with the formal invitation two months before the event. Keep a spreadsheet of who is or isn’t coming to help with your headcount and activities you’re planning.
Food, Decorations, Entertainment
Depending on the venue you go with, you’ll want to decide on food that will satisfy the majority of appetites in your family. Be sensitive to those with food allergies or issues such as lactose intolerance, diabetes, vegan, or vegetarian. Talk to the banquet manager to see what decorations they will provide. Most restaurants will include linens of some sort and candles. Bring your own items to spruce up the space with the beach theme – a surfboard, flippers and snorkel, sea shells, nets, sand, sea creatures, etc. Play up the decorations and have fun with it. Also, look into hiring some sort of entertainment for the evening festivities. Consider a DJ or a live band. Again, work with your beach theme to make the party sparkle. Get everyone dancing, doing the limbo, or joining in one of those crazy line dances.
Finally, arrive at the beach ahead of everyone else to make sure everything is in place and ready to go. Remember, no family is perfect and there will be people who complain about this, that, or the other. Your job as the planner is to keep things moving, shine a smile brightly, and make sure people have fun. Stay at the beach an extra day or two to pamper yourself for a job well done. So whether you are just getting together with family, having a baby shower or special event, or just want to get away for awhile, just remember these tips for your next beach trip.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food and other party planning topics like food for baby shower parties and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
Here are some great tips for planning a family reunion, party, or vacation on the beach.
Location, location, location
So you know everyone wants to have the reunion at the beach. How do you choose the right one? Take a look at where your family and relatives are scattered about. What beaches are close to the majority of people? Where is some place that a lot of people have wanted to visit? What beaches aren’t overrun with crowds or partiers that would be best for your event? You can even choose a beach close to you for convenience in the planning process.
Banquet Space
Once you choose the specific location, you need to find an ideal space to host your reunion. You can look at banquet space in a hotel, VFW halls, churches, etc., but since you’re at the beach, why not build the theme into the party space? Visit local restaurants that might be on the beach or overlooking the water. Price out options where your family can watch utilize the beach setting for volleyball or cooking out during the day and watching the sunset or stars at night. Be sure you write out all of your requirements (bar, menu, music, handicapped accessibility, bathrooms, etc.) so you can interview venues to find the best possible one for your reunion. Have a backup indoor location in the event of rain or inclement weather.
Accommodations
Contact a beach hotel in your location of choice and speak to the sales department. Negotiate a room block and reduced rate for your group. Don’t over-promise filling rooms. It’s always better to error on the lower end to fill the block of space. Get quotes from several hotels and, if needed, play them off each other if you’re trying to get into a particular space. Find out what amenities are offered for extra benefit like free parking, breakfast included, a pool, free wi-fi.
Invitations
Pick an invitation with a beach theme to relay what’s in store for your family. Send out a “save the date” card so everyone knows it’s coming up. Then, follow-up with the formal invitation two months before the event. Keep a spreadsheet of who is or isn’t coming to help with your headcount and activities you’re planning.
Food, Decorations, Entertainment
Depending on the venue you go with, you’ll want to decide on food that will satisfy the majority of appetites in your family. Be sensitive to those with food allergies or issues such as lactose intolerance, diabetes, vegan, or vegetarian. Talk to the banquet manager to see what decorations they will provide. Most restaurants will include linens of some sort and candles. Bring your own items to spruce up the space with the beach theme – a surfboard, flippers and snorkel, sea shells, nets, sand, sea creatures, etc. Play up the decorations and have fun with it. Also, look into hiring some sort of entertainment for the evening festivities. Consider a DJ or a live band. Again, work with your beach theme to make the party sparkle. Get everyone dancing, doing the limbo, or joining in one of those crazy line dances.
Finally, arrive at the beach ahead of everyone else to make sure everything is in place and ready to go. Remember, no family is perfect and there will be people who complain about this, that, or the other. Your job as the planner is to keep things moving, shine a smile brightly, and make sure people have fun. Stay at the beach an extra day or two to pamper yourself for a job well done. So whether you are just getting together with family, having a baby shower or special event, or just want to get away for awhile, just remember these tips for your next beach trip.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food and other party planning topics like food for baby shower parties and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
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