How to Throw a Slumber Party for Pre-teen Girls

By Presented by Moms Break
Mar 19, 2007 - 2:55:39 AM


Your daughter’s birthday is approaching and she has requested a slumber party. I can almost hear the anxiety in your voice, as you visualise loud music, incessant giggling and finding popcorn for weeks after the event. There is really no need to worry, as good organisation is the key to a successful party.



Steps to take

Step 1: Tell your daughter how many friends she can invite and let her decide who they will be. Then send out the invites well in advance of the party, so that you have plenty of time to plan it properly.



Step 2: Have some music playing as the guests arrive and give them some time to chat together.



Step 3: Set up some glasses, fancy straws, cocktail umbrellas, fruit slices and cartons of juice in the kitchen. Have a competition to see who can make the most amazing fruit cocktail and give a prize for the best one.



Step 4: Divide the girls into teams and have a game of ‘Guess the Pop Star’ and ‘The Perfect Makeover’ and give prizes to the winning team.



Step 5: Put on your first DVD and serve hot dogs, chips and dips, pizza, popcorn and drinks.




Step 6: When you think it is getting late enough, you can gently coax the party guests up to the bedroom. Tell them that there will be a gift for them all in the morning, providing they keep the noise down.



Step 7: Have plenty of toast and juice waiting for your guests as they come down for breakfast.



Tips …
Make a list of all the things you are going to need and make sure you get everything ready before the guests arrive.


Try to estimate how long the games and activities are going to last – this will help you to plan the party better.


With your guidance, let your daughter decorate her bedroom with balloons, fairy lights, ribbons, etc.


Set out some make up, hair accessories, beads and string in a suitably well-lit area in her room.


Plan out where all the sleeping bags are going to go and have them set up long before bedtime.

Issue some torches, to ensure that no one falls on top of anyone when rushing desperately to the loo in the middle of the night.


Diplomatically issue some ground rules before bedtime – after all you are responsible for other people’s children when they are in your care.


State the time you wish the guests to be dropped off and collected clearly on the invites.


State on the invites that everyone is required to bring a sleeping bag and pillow.


Have a few plastic aprons available for messy games, in case anything gets on someone’s best clothes.


Finally, don’t forget to have a camera or camcorder ready!


Warnings …
o Make sure you are aware of any allergies, or health problems.



Don’t invite too many guests – particularly if it the first sleepover.


Try not to be too bossy – remember that it is only for one night.
Get Your Birthday Free Printables at http://Birthdays.MomsBreak.com


© Copyright 2007 by author and presented by Moms Break Articles for Moms

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Picture Frame Crafts For Your Kids Party

By Patricia B. Jensen
Jul 23, 2005 - 7:08:00 PM


One of the most popular party favors is a framed picture of the party guest taken at your kids party. He or she could be showing off a silly hat or party costume, performing an outrageous party game stunt, or wearing a face full of frosting and ice cream.

Having party guests create their own make-and-take frame to display this memorable photo makes it an even greater treasure for the memory box.

Start with a plain square of cardboard with an opening the size of your picture. When the decorating is done, simply glue picture to the back of the frame.

Here's a brainstorm of frame ideas and decorating materials kids can use:

* Cut your photo into a circle and glue to the center of a nice shiny CD. Decorate with star stickers.

* Cut frames from different colored craft foam. Layer the foam squares for a unique effect.

Decorative foam pieces in many unique shapes and themes are available at your craft store.

* Make a simple craft stick frame and decorate it with faux gems, sequins, sparkles, or stickers.

* Fashion a frame with craft clay.

* Use faux craft fur to make a really "wild" looking frame. Great for a jungle themed party.

* Tie one end of a long length of colorful yarn to your cardboard square. Wrap the yarn around and around the square until it is completely covered.

* Glue tiny Barbie doll accessories such as combs, brushes, sunglasses, and purses. Ideal for a Barbie party or little girl's dress up party.


* Brush a square of cardboard with white craft glue. Sprinkle craft sand onto the glue in different colors and patterns. Shake excess sand onto newspapers and let dry.

* Use outdoor treasures such as tiny pine cones, leaves, and small stones to make a nature frame. Perfect for a garden party or bug party.

* Colorful buttons in various sizes and shapes can be laid out in an interesting design.

* Apply geometrical shapes of felt in a creative pattern.

* Cover your frame with pretty fabric.

* Apply colored clay shapes to your cardboard square.

* Hard edible sugar decorations for cakes come in a variety of themes. These can be used to decorate your frame.

* Different shapes of macaroni make interesting frame decorations. Try elbows, wheels, bowties, and fusilli.

* Tiny colored pompoms make a cute soft frame. Apply complementary colors in rows.

* Tear off one inch pieces of multi-colored tissue paper. Pinch between fingers, dip in glue and apply to your frame.

* Small dried beans or peas laid out in intricate patterns make a unique frame.

Kids will love the hands-on party activity and parents will enjoy their child's picture displayed intheir own uniquely creative frame.

Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise All Rights Reserved

About The Author


Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.

For all the latest party news, read her Kids Party Blog.

kids-party-paradise.com




© Copyright 2005 by author and presented by Moms Break Articles for Moms

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Reason Why You Should Have a Big Birthday Party

By Kimberly Hargis
Sep 3, 2002 - 11:59:00 AM

As Mother of a 17-year-old son, I say:
"Spoil them with a Theme Birthday Party WHILE YOU CAN!"

You may think you have all the time in the world, but honestly all I did was sit down one night to read the evening paper and the next thing I knew he was starting his first job, kissing girls, living on the phone, and driving. I know that you newer Moms feel you have your hands full with small children, but I tell you straight from the heart, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Very soon you will be hearing:

"Hey Mom, can I go out for awhile? How late can I stay out? Aw, come on, do I have to be home that early? Why? All my friends get to stay out later than that!"

"Mom, do you need the phone, 'cause I need to call my girlfriend, it's really important."

"You can get me a birthday cake for my party, but you definitely can not sing Happy Birthday!!!!!"

Very soon you will be saying:

"Can't you just spend one whole evening with your family?"

"You will live without talking to your girlfriend tonight!"

"What is your work schedule this weekend?"

"You are going where? And with who? Well, just be sure on home on time tonight!"

"Drive carefully, buckle your seatbelt, don't drive too fast, and NO STRANGERS IN THE CAR!"

Very soon you will be:

Walking into the room where your "baby boy" and this girl are kissing. You will be more embarrassed than they will be.

Not allowed in her room because it is "MY Space! KEEP OUT" and you know you should respect that because she's almost 18.

Looking for colleges and asking yourself "How will I ever be able to let my baby go?"


© Copyright 2002 by author and presented by Moms Break Articles for Moms

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How to throw a tea party

By Concrete Abstract
Feb 16, 2006 - 6:56:00 PM

Tea parties are a great way to gather a few close friends for a timeless tradition. Begin by sending out invitations 3 weeks in advance. Purchase tablecloths and other decorations to match your theme.

Designate a tea table and place the tea sets, which include cups, saucers and teaspoons on one end of the table. Place the teapot, sugar, lemon, milk and hot water (to dilute the tea if desired) by the tea sets. Your guests may either serve themselves or you may choose to serve the tea yourself. Either way, if sugar and lemon are to be added to tea, add the sugar before the lemon because the acidity of the lemon will prevent the sugar from dissolving. It’s best to prepare the tea in a teapot as it will taste better as loose leaves, not in tea bags.

In the middle of the table, place cookies, cakes, muffins and scones on platters and cake stands. You may also include small sandwiches, such as egg, cucumber and cream cheese, tuna or chicken sandwiches. To serve, layer the filling between two slices of bread and cut them into fourths.

If all your guests are sitting at the same table, lay the plates, napkins and utensils on the dining table. Otherwise, place them by the food.

Themes for tea parties are endless! Below are some ideas:

Garden and hat: host the party outside in your garden, and ask your guests to wear a tea hat! It’s also okay to serve sorbet and lemonade outdoors.

Color and flavor: everything, from invitations, tablecloths, flowers, centerpieces, cakes, cookies, scones, jam and the tea itself is one color and flavor. Possible colors and flavors can include apricot, lemon, lavender, rose, peaches, strawberries, orange, pumpkins and blueberries.

Cakes and cookies: have your guests bring their favorite cakes or cookies and place them on platters and cake stands.

World cultures: tea is a tradition found all over the globe. Perhaps serve Indian Chai with samosas, green tea with Japanese rice cakes and mochi, or jasmine tea with Chinese dumplings and dim sum.

After the party, you can send your guests off with party favors. Some favorites include a teacup and saucer set, or a teaspoon with loose tea leaves in an organza drawstring bag.

Whichever theme you decide on, and whether formal or casual, gather your friends for some piping-hot tea, sweet finger foods and plenty of wonderful memories!

For more ideas, view our website at: http://www.concreteabstract.com

By: Concrete Abstract
© Copyright 2006 by author and presented by Moms Break Articles for Moms

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