Choosing your Halloween Costume at the last minute

You haven’t still bought your Halloween costume? It’s time you did it. But don’t be in a hurry and do not buy the first costume you see. Otherwise you are risking staying at home because your costume doesn’t suite you or wearing something different you find in your wardrobe.
There are still some important things you should mind while buying or hiring your costume.

Weather, feelings of comfort and safety

Do you know where the party is going to take place? How many people will be there? You say, it makes no difference? I’d object. If you choose a costume of yeti and come to the party with lots of people, you’ll feel very uncomfortable and hot. In half an hour you’ll have to get rid of your costume and spoil the whole impression of yourself. Be more practical and consider all pros and cons of your costume.

Don’t forget to dress-up according to the weather. If your costume is rather skimpy, look for some mantlet or cloak that will correspond to your image and which you can take off if necessary.

You are fond of fancy details, trains, long sleeves and all kinds of decorations? See to it that they don’t prevent you from dancing, communicating with other guests, paralyse your movements or simply lead to injuring yourself or somebody of the guests.

Size

The majority of adult Halloween costumes are one-size-fits. They are made of elastic and extra fabric to fit a range of sizes. But these sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacture, that’s why don’t be lazy and try it on. There are also some costumes that come in different sizes - small, medium, large, etc.

If you need something larger, look for the full-cut or plus size costumes. If your size is between large and extra large, think if you're going to wear a layer under the costume. Check the store's size charts. Most plus size costumes will fit a size extra large through 3X.

If you are small and slim, look for teen or youth sizes, which go in the size 2 to 6 range for women and 36-38 for men.

Mind, that some costumes need additional accessories like wigs. See to it, that your costume is complete.

Price

You are looking for the costume you’ll wear only once and don’t want to spend much money? You may find exactly what you need at the sales for about 50 dollars.
If you don’t mind spending several hundred dollars, you may find something of better quality and design. Such costumes will serve you better, but mind that you don’t concentrate on its price and are afraid to move in it.

Party itself

Think it over where you going to celebrate Halloween. If you will be among children, your costume shouldn’t be too scary, otherwise small kids may be frightened.

If it is going to be some official celebration, don’t dress-up too vulgar and flashy. It is not always good to be flaring.

If, on the other hand, you are going to celebrate Halloween with your friends, people who know you and whom you know quite well, there’s no need to be shy. You may wear the skimpiest costume, relax and enjoy yourself!!!

Remember to have fun and enjoy the time spent with your family and friends. Mind that Halloween can also be scary for some children and pets, in this case funny happy costumes will probably be the best way to go. Halloween wakes the child in all of us, so carve pumpkins, tell funny stories, have parties and dress-up in funny costumes!
Happy Halloween!

What else You should know about Halloween Costumes…

If you want to choose something special for Halloween 2007, don’t take your time and start thinking your costume over, until it is too late.
Let’s go step by step and find out what you should do and what you shouldn’t do to look great at the party.

1. Choose your theme
The choice of your costume is likely to depend on what kind of a party it is going to be (do you have to go with the children or is this party only for adults?). Possible themes are Science Fiction, Classic Halloween, TV Characters, Cartoon/Superheroes, Famous People, Screen Gems, Movie Monsters, Historical Figures etc. If it something of a family party, your costumes may be those of "Adams Family", "Three Stooges", "Fantastic Four", "Teenage Mutant Turtles" the "Beverly Hillbillies" or well known Harry Potter with all his friends and teachers. Your children will enjoy this choice immensely!
If you are going to visit party for adults only, you may choose something more sexy, spooky and creative.

2. Specify your theme
After you’ve decided what theme this Halloween is dedicated to, try to specify it by finding out who you want to look like. Carey Grant? Marilyn Monroe? Audrey Hepburn? Frank Sinatra? I’m sure there’s a character or two you have always been dreaming of looking like. Why not doing this this very year?

3. Put your ideas into life
It turns out to quite easy to choose a costume of Elvis Presley, but you are risking appearing in the same costumes with your friend, boss or father in law. If you don’t want to find yourself in the center of such an unpleasant situation and be addresses as one of Elvises, use your brains and add some creativity into your costume. Let’s say, choose another color of your costume.

If nothing comes to your mind, return to step one, and choose another theme, in which you are sure to find something original and surprise your friends!

And now, let’s go shopping and choose the best Halloween costume…

Getting ready for Halloween

The second autumn month is almost over – it means that Halloween is right around the corner. But it managed to come so quickly that we are not quite ready for it. Besides, all these endless problems don’t leave us any chance to concentrate on the holiday. But don’t lose your heart. There are still several days left. And if you have desire, there’s nothing simpler as to meet and to celebrate it properly.

If you are going to organize Halloween party at home, you should first of all think of the theme of your party. Any Halloween party is unlikely to be interesting without costumes. After you’ve made up your mind with a theme, tell it your guests and warn them about costumes. If you feel like renting or purchasing the costumes, consult with your guests first. If your theme doesn’t demand luxury evening dresses or something like that, you can create costumes by yourself. It is sure to bring you even more fun! Besides, you can get rid of some useless things making them parts of your Halloween image!

When everything is clear with the theme, distribute the roles. Your guests may become gypsies, cowboys, celebrities, aliens or counts and countesses depending on how creative you are! It is desirable that atmosphere in the house and some necessary things should correspond to the chosen theme. It will make the celebration more vivid and bright!

The main idea of the holiday is to have fun, relax and play the field. Give your guests such an opportunity! All adults are kids in their souls and will be happy to wear costumes and act like saloon girls, favorite character from the history or gypsy baron. Play charades in costume, sing karaoke, dance on small shits of paper and do everything to your heart’s content. Have a good rest during the party, give way to your emotions and you’ll see that life is quite a nice thing!!!

Two important Roles in one Host

While arranging a party we have not only to prepare everything perfectly well, we should also be well aware of two roles we play.The first one is that of a host - a person, who serves food, drinks and entertains the guests.The second is also important, it is the so called social role, that presupposes our ability to make our guests mingling and having good time. If we manage to cope with these roles all right, our party is likely to be successful.But it's true that it is not always easy to keep your eye on everything and everybody during the party. Still, where there is a will, there is a way. Mind some sure tips that will help you to be and to feel the real host of the party.

1. Don't invite all your guests for the same time. Mind your strategy: let your first guests arrive at 8.00, next at 8.15, next at 8.30 and so on. By doing it in such a way, you will be able to take your time and communicate with your guests group by group introducing them to each other, letting them find common ground, common topics for discussion and leaving them talking to each other. Clever move, isn't it?

2. Think your menu over. If you don't want to spend the whole party in the kitchen, giving your dishes a slow stir or tasting them from time to time, arrange your cooking procedure in the correct order and enjoy the time with the rest of your guests.

3. Arrange your party in one room (unless it is as small as a cellar). This will allow you to communicate with your guests, having only to pop out from time to time to complete your duties of a host. And your guests will not suffer blistered feet or losing their way walking from the bathroom to the patio.

4. Leave the washing up for tomorrow. I mean it!!! And the saying "Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today" doesn't suit here. You want to be regarded as a good and cordial host, don't you? Then stay with your guests and don't worry - everything is good in it's own time!

5. Develop an ordinary murder mystery game adding some specific elements e.g. Super Secrets. The main idea lies in the fact that these Super Secrets specify people with which they share gossip, secrets and other fun information. Fully involved into the game for the sake of the game, your guests will communicateand and give you an opportunity to leave for a short while to the kitchen.

Make these easy tips of advice your own system of organizing great parties and enjoy them with your guests!

Making a surprise party a surprise…

Perhaps, it’s familiar to many of us when having put much effort into organizing a secret party our guest of honour turns out to have known about everything before… Thus, it is not a secret any more and the effect is not that one you expected.

More guests you invite, more chances that the secret will be revealed before the appropriate time. It doesn’t mean that you should invite very few people – it will hardly be interesting. Invite your guests in person, desirable without any invitation cards. If you do consider them to be important send them via email only. In case the invitation is written on a card, it is sure to meet the guest of honour’s eye. And this doesn’t correspond to our plans!

Speaking with one of the potential guests, remember to say the word-combination “secret party” for at least three times. Having heard the necessary words the person is sure to remember them unconsciously and you’ll rid yourself of unnecessary warring.

In every party there are always some late-comers. And it goes without saying, that if such a guest enters the house together with the guest of honour, nothing good will come out of it. Ask them to come an hour before the appointed time. Not half an hour, not a quarter of an hour, but only the whole hour will be enough to get together, park somewhere nearby and arrange everything properly!

Another problem is that there are such people who cannot keep their tongue between their teeth. If you invite some of such chatterboxes do it a couple of days before the party and don’t give many details! Tell only time, date and place. More details – more space for gossip.

And don’t be too nervous; avoid making a fuss of the whole business. Everything is going to be fine – you did your best! And if even something goes wrong, don’t take it too close to your heart – your guest of honour (unless snobbish and egoistic) will evaluate your desire to make a holiday for him/her!

The Art of Toasting

Proposing a good, bright and remarkable toast is a kind of art and not everyone masters it in full. Have you ever wondered why some people always become the cream of the show taking part in different celebrations and others feel like fish out of water unable to say the so called high-sounding words? One means hear this very art of toasting somebody. It doesn’t matter what kind of occasion it is. If you master the art of toasting, you are likely to become the life and sole of any party you are invited for.

Let’s move forward and learn several tips of advice which are sure to be of good avail to you.

1. Be aware of the occasion, memorable event and, of course, guest of honor. Before leaving for the party, think over what good and pleasant you can say to the point.

2.Don’t make your toast too long unless you want to read the guests to sleep. Be short, exact and don’t take your time! In the long run, guests’ mouths may become dry!!!

3.Try to find a good quote and rid oneself of searching for necessary words that refuse coming to your mind. Recite it properly, with good sincere feeling, say “Cheers!” and drink!

4.If a very important event is in store for you, get ready with your toast as good as possible. Write it down and practice at home before the mirror. Don’t be afraid to look funny – it’s OK at home, and much more unpleasant at the party itself in front of the audience!

5.Enjoy what you are saying! Your words should come from your heart. If you say one thing and think in a different way, your toast is doomed to failure. It is also true about quotations. If you choose one you don’t like, even the best recital will not hide your negligence.

6.Don’t forget about toasting etiquette. The subject of the toast usually remains seated and… doesn’t drink. Only then he/she stands up and proposes a toast of “thanks” in response.

Not at all difficult! Some practice is needed, of course, but you won’t have to wait long to see the results. Follow these 6 steps and your toasts will be evaluated and you won’t feel ashamed and confounded when asked to propose a toast! Good luck and Cheers!!!

The Birthday Party within a Budget

You are planning a birthday party, want to make it outstanding and great and at the same time remain within a budget? This article provides you with some of the ideas how to satisfy the members of your family and not overspend.

Depending on whose birthday it is, the party ideas may vary from an intimate picnic in the wild only for close people up to a grandiose holiday in the yard with decorations and clowns for children.

If you organize a party in the backyard, use your brains and involve your fantasy while decorating the place and making children help you if necessary. Suggest their playing scavenger hunt and don’t forget to look for some prize for the winners! Back a cake on your own or order pizza served with koolaid. Invite your friends who know a couple of magic tricks and won’t be against wearing a costume. In this case all the participants of the celebration will enjoy it immensely!

If you don’t feel like preparing everything on your own, have a party at McDonald’s. The package includes party for ten children, complete with cake, sundaes, decorations, goodie bags and a gift for your kid – all for $70. For $110 you can treat ten children to two slices of pizza, unlimited pop, birthday cake, a performance and 20 game tokens at Chuck E. Cheese. Besides, your child is sure to get a balloon, a collector's cup, a crown and cotton candy, while the establishment takes care of cleaning and planning. Not quite bad, I’d say.

For adults the choice of party ideas is also rich. You may organize your party at one of the family-restaurants. Let’s regard an intimate party for 8-10 people in a friendly and cosy atmosphere – for $20 you’ll get a wine celebration kit with name badges, pens, wine comment cards, decorations, a celebration guide and wine bags.
Movies nights and game nights are also a good idea for active rest.

If you live within a budget and cannot afford to spend much money on different types of celebrations, you shouldn’t be down in the mouth! The main thing is to have a desire to arrange a holiday for the person you love. It may even be a frugal dinner, but cooked with so much love and care that is sure to overcome all grand parties with salute and invited pop-stars!

Food and Drinks for corporate parties 2007

How to make each celebration more interesting than the previous one? How to astonish your colleagues? While organizing an outstanding corporate party! Not the last part in this business is devoted to serving and choosing refreshments.
According to Louis Gervais, Five Diamond Executive Chef and owner of Vancouver catering company Louis Gervais Fine Foods this holiday season will provide us with creative serving ideas and diminutive food favorites.

At the most outstanding corporate and private events guests may be offered a teeny duck shepherd’s pie with marbled yam soufflé, a tiny tortiere pie - a traditional French Canadian festive favourite or mini Christmas puddings, cooked in brandy and set on fire. The successful party is guaranteed! Don’t forget to think it over how you’ll offer your dish and how you’ll decorate it. If your refreshments look delicious, your guests are likely to expect them to be delicious! Don’t live up to their expectations!!!

Speaking about cocktails, try to add something original into your favourite ones. One new ingredient is likely to add some extraordinary taste to your cocktail and excitement to your guests. If you want to taste something new, the modern menu this year suggests a Christmas Cosmopolitan using rosemary infused vodka, a sprig of rosemary for garnish and frozen cranberries. It tastes really out of this world!!!

Don’t forget that your creativity and desire are very important here. Use your brains, combine your granny’s recipes with the latest culinary trends and go forward! You are sure to win this game!!!

Organizing a party...

Hello, everybody. I’m glad to have an opportunity to communicate with you on account of organizing different types of parties and holidays and simply making your life brighter, full of content and rich in unforgettable events.
First let me introduce myself. My name is Alex Loudermilk; I’m engaged in the sphere of organizing different types of celebrations. I’m fully devoted to my job, because it gives me an excellent chance to add to our monotonous life some bright moments and trigger off positive emotions. I consider my job to be well-done, when people are satisfied with their holiday or party, feel elated and are sure to remember this day at least for some period of time. This is one of the reasons why I’ve made up my mind to open this blog: I can work only in one place at a time, but with the help of this blog I’ll be able to give you some pieces of advice as far as organizing different types of celebrations is concerned. I’ll try to provide you with tips of advice how to make extraordinary fancy dresses or masquerades for your children or for yourself, how to enjoy the dull party or propose a good toast. I’ll acquaint you with the latest trends in arranging a special party without spending much time and money. A bit of your fantasy and creativity and my hints will make your party great. I’m also ready to answer your questions and listen to your suggestions. I hope to have feedback and organize useful and interesting communication!