How to throw an ugly party: an exercise in self-restraint and people skills
NO! Not another pretty party! With perfectly-planned coordinating courses, a playlist, and cleverly-crafted decorations! NOT TODAY! Today, we celebrate the ugly party.
This winter I have been learning the value of the ugly party. The unplanned party. The no-decorations, unfancy food, just-get-together-and-love-it party. These impromptu parties have been some of the most enjoyable socials I’ve been to all year — and I think hosting an ugly party fosters skills you need to ensure you’ll never attend a boring party again.
How to make an animated gif party invitation
I love animated gifs! They’re like the magical photos in the Potterverse. Here’s a reason you can make one this week: PARTY TIME. Whether you’re planning a Super Bowl party, a Valentine’s Day cocktail hour, or just a mid-winter soiree, you can make an animated gif invitation in a few quick steps.
Throw this party: A Nerdy Thirty birthday party
About two weeks before my 30th birthday, someone reminded me that my “dirty thirty” was coming up soon. To which Aaron, that guy I married, responded: “With Megan, it’s more like her nerdy thirty.” And thus, a theme was born!
This is how I pulled off one hell of an awesome Nerdy Thirty birthday theme with only two weeks to plan, and with a little help from my friends.
Dottie’s cookie (and pizza) party
We believe strongly in letting our kids decide what parties they’re throwing (I mean, how else would we have ended up with Nora Lea’s last birthday theme?) Asking Dottie, “What kind of birthday party do you want to have?” returned the answer, “COOKIE PARTY!” so James and I shrugged and went to work and came up with an assemble-your-own-cookies-and-pizza party concept — which turned out pretty simple. Assembling your own food helps divert attention from food sensitivities and gives guests something to do when conversation slows.
Non-sucky Christmas songs to take back your ears
Scenario: I’m having a holiday party and need party-music-that-sounds-cool-but-also-wintry.
Scenario: My cube-mate’s been playing Christmas tunes since Dec. 1. If I hear Mariah Carey sing All I Want for Christmas is You once more I will snap. I’d like to take over the airwaves with my own mix for a day — what’s a good list to work from?
Scenario: I JUST LOVE CHRISTMAS SONGSSS!
Offbeat Home has solutions to all the scenarios — songs to stream and songs to buy that are full of jinglebells.
Bastards and orphans: celebrating holidays with peers
How do you create a sense of community with a group of people who aren’t forced to put up with each other? If you’re creating your own chosen family, this post will help you get through the holidays a little more warmly.
What are your Thanksgiving traditions?
My husband and I just recently moved closer to our families and we were thinking it would be fun to start some new traditions at our now expanded Thanksgiving table. What sort of quirky, offbeat Thanksgiving traditions do you have?
Throw a last-minute Halloween scavenger hunt party
Desperately wanting to celebrate Halloween, but found yourself without the time to plan anything? Take on Natalie’s no-thought Halloween party with her scavenger hunt cards. There are three! This is just one!