Planning Perfect Parties

Do You Need A Guestbook?

I have been seeing a lot of cool ideas for guestbooks lately on Pinterest and wedding blogs. I even give some rather cool suggestions in my book "Planning Perfect Parties", but the question of whether or not a guestbook is still important comes up time and time again. Is it dorky to have people sign their name on something to show they were at your event?  Do you really want to ask your friends to stop what they are doing and write you a message?

In my experience, yes. Think of it this way, at the end of they year you have a lot of fun going around and asking al your classmates to sign your yearbook. Why? Because you like to look back at it and see all the fun notes people wrote to you! "You are such a great friend" "H.A.G.S" (have a great summer) "I hope we have class together next year" and all the other fun messages are not only fun to read, but fun to write.

A guestbook is just like that! It doesn't have to be boring at all. Like I said, there are so many ideas out there, and here are a few of mine.

If you have a very specific party theme at your next get-together, you will want a guestbook that reflects that. For example, if you want a totally fun music theme, like "Party Like a Rock Star", think about a music themes guestbook. My favorite idea is signing a guitar! Don't worry, you don't have to go out and buy a guitar for your friends to sign, just head to the local thrift shop or craft store to pick one up. A thrift store may have an old broken guitar they are selling for cheap. Craft stores sometimes have fake guitars you can paint fun colors and then hang on a wall.

_{Here is an example of a guitar guestbook from a Rock n' Roll Nashville wedding.}

Another idea for a guestbook (if you don't have a particular theme) is a puzzle. Find an old puzzle, spray paint the pieces white, black, or a vibrant, fun color, and then have your friends sign them. You would be amazed at how cool it will look once you put the puzzle together! If you want a little extra flare, use metallic or sparkly glitter pens to help the notes pop on the background.

So you see, guestbooks can be fun! They don't even have to be "books" at all. For more ideas on guestbooks, and all other party ideas, take a look at "Planning Perfect Parties" availiable online and in bookstores!

xoxo,

Mizz Manners

 

Shake-Up Your Wake-Up

Good morning ladies! I hope the first few weeks of school aren't too stressful. I know I've had trouble getting out of bed in the morning. If you're the same way, try what I do!

First, cut up some cucumber and lemon. It doesn't matter how you cut them, but I suggest following their natural shape and slicing them into circles (they look prettier that way too). Next, put these delicous peices into a big pitcher, fill with water, and voila! The cucumber and lemon mix together to create a refreshing and citriously drink-that will both help you get rid of your tired feeling, and put you on track for a healthy day.

To wake-up even faster, put the pitcher in the fridge overnight. Drinking cold water in the morning wakes you up in no time flat! Try it tomorrow, and let me know how it works. I'm sure you will all be skipping to class by the end of the week.

Oh, and don't forget to follow me on Twitter! I post a lot of great party ideas, fun recepies, and of course tips and tricks like this one. Find me at @AskMizzManners

 

Treat Yourself

Ladies,

I was ordering my usual at Starbucks (chai tea with extra whipped cream, obvi!), and talking to my friends about how stressed out I am. You know the drill girls, school is starting up again, you're running around getting everything you need: pencils, notebooks, new clothes, a fun backpack that 100 other girls DON'T have. It seems like you're always on the go. After taking a few sips, my friends and I sat down and talked about doing something fun for ourselves before the first day of class. We didn't want it to be too messy, or too much work, but the best parties usually are! We were in a rut, until my friend Jordan came up with the ULTIMATE suggestion. Spa day! It was perfect! We could sit back, relax, paint our nail and FORGET about school for a day. Taylor's mom told us that lavendar scents help people relax, so we got some lavendar soaps, made some delicious spa refreshments, and spent the whole day talking about how much fun we had that summer. I couldn't have asked for a better day!

Now I get to walk into school the first day, fresh coat of paint on my nails, my skin smelling like lavender, and knowing I had an amazing summer of friends, family, and parties.

XO,

Mizz Manners

P.S.

Check out this link to learn how to re-create your own Spa day! #pamperyourselfpretty ladies!

http://www.perfectpartiesguide.com/themes/pamper-me-pretty

 

Party Pointers: Peanut Edition

Dear Mizz Manners,

I love peanut butter, but one of my friends is VERY allergic peanuts. If they are even in the room she could go to the hospital! The problem is, I want to have my favorite treat, peanut butter cookies, at my birthday party. I want her to come, but it's also my special day. What should I do?

-In a Peanut Pickle

 

Dear Peanut,

I can understand why you would want to chow down on your favorite treats for your bday, but think about what is more important, a cookie or your friend? You can have all sorts of fun treats like popcorn, ants on a log, hummus, and cake pops during your party, and save to cookie making for later.

Think of how much fun it would be to turn cookie making into a birthday activity with your parents! You can play music and talk about how much fun it is to be another year older!

My advice is to make the party for your friends allergy-free, and save your special birthday treat for later.

-Mizz Manners

 

Looks delish!

End of Summer Slumber

August is nearly here, but that doesn't mean party season is over! In fact, August is my favorite time to throw a bash because it means seeing all of my friends again before we have to go back to school. So, since it's still the season of fun in the sun, text your besties, grab your swimsuit and head down to the beach to plan a get-together, together!

In my opinion, slumber parties are perfect for when you're on a school vacation.Ordering pizza, watching movies WAY past your bedtime, and then waking up late to make a mega-huge breakfast. I have the perfect recipe too! Just click the "recipe" tab at the top of the page and click on "Breakfast in a Mug". Perfect for party queens who can't use the stove.

Stars and Stripes

The Fourth of July is almost here, and you know what that means...Independence Day parties! Being the queen of all things DIY, some friends have asked me for some tips on planning the perfect stars & stripes soirée, so here they are!

1. Summertime is about lounging in the sun, so make sure you wear sunscreen! Although not a party tip, sunscreen will prevent you from getting a nasty sunburn, which can be painful and ruin the fun. Make sure to apply your favorite frequently throughout the day.

2. Make sure to have plenty of finger food. Celebrating America's independence can work up an appetite, so have snacks within reach. I just LOVE "Swashbuckling Fruit Swords", which are easy and delicious summer kabobs. Check out the "Recepie" tab to learn how to create your own.

3. Pass out sparklers! Nothing says 4th of July like bright fireworks, and these simple yet fun party favors are sure to to be a hit. After getting your parents permission, light up the sky with your very own. It's an exciting and magical way to end the night.

And there you go! Party tips to make anyone's July 4th fun in the sun. Have a happy Independence Day ladies!

For more tips, ideas, and fun giveaways, follow me on Twitter @AskMizzManners

 

Party Planning 101: The RSVP

Thanks to all my fellow party planners who submitted questions–keep tweeting @AskMizzManners! This week, let’s chat about RSVPs: 

Dear Mizz Manners,

Last month, I celebrated my 13^th birthday with a spa party! It was super fun, and we even did face masks and had a mani/pedi station. The party turned out well, but I was really nervous no one would show up—only three people RSVP’d! I don’t want to worry so much before my next party. What can I do to make sure guests RSVP?–Kaitlyn

Great question, Kaitlyn! When you don't receive many RSVPs for your party, it’s easy to feel unprepared or anxious—but the first thing you shouldn't do is worry! There are a lot of reasons why guests may not respond. People might want to come, but simply forgot to RSVP or lost the invitation.

To get a better idea of who will actually be attending your party, make sure you give a date by which you want RSVPs, and a method or two to reach you. A phone number or email address is best. One week before the party, call anyone you haven't heard from—it’s perfectly polite to call friends to ask if they plan to attend! 

Happy May! You know what that means – it’s almost time for end of the school year parties! And grad parties! I’m so excited I can hardly stand it. What will your party theme be?

Remember if you submit your party on this site, you have a chance to be featured as Party of the Month and win a Party Kit. So get planning!

No more boring parties!

Are you ready to throw an unforgettable party?  Well, you’ve come to the right place. Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Mizz Manners, the ultimate party blogger! I’m here to answer all of your party-related questions.

I recently got this email from a fellow party-planner:

Mizz Manners,

I’m thirteen and about to throw my first teen party. How do I make it feel different (you know, more grown-up!) than all of my other parties? Please help.  -Olivia

 Dear Olivia,

Remember—the most important part of every party is that everyone (including you!) is having fun! I totally get that you want this party to have a different vibe. Just make sure you stay true to yourself. No one will feel comfortable if your party isn’t you. Now, here are a few ideas to help you out:

 * Instead of serving soda or water in bottles or cans, serve drinks in fun glasses and have garnishes and swizzle sticks to add to the fun. Check out some of the signature sips on the site—the Lotsa Sass Mocktail or Party Gras Punch are always a hit! 

* Choose a party theme that you’ve never experienced before—anything new is always exciting!

* Try making your apps with your friends instead of store bought food. Ask each of your besties to bring a funky plate or platter too. Your serving table is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

* Create a photo booth with old picture frames where you and your friends can take selfies! (Tip—find some frames, spray paint them gold and silver, and then hang from the ceiling on some string.)

 Ah, how I love to plan! Don’t forget to send me pictures … !

 -Mizz Manners
“There’s always a reason to celebrate.”