Tried and True

                                 These Are the Festive Ideas I Use Over and Over 

QUE VIVA LA FIESTA

 

El Desfile de los Niños

 

 

Cascarones

I learned about these stealth missiles of fun from the wonderful summer fiesta week in Santa Barbara (Old Spanish Days).  Small children in Mexican folk costume roam the streets selling these confetti stuffed eggs.  They save egg shells all year, having blown out the interior, and dye and decorate them with glitter and beautiful colors.  They exist to smash on a friend's head when they don't expect it, and must not exceed half full or they will give a concussion.  

As you can see above, you make the hole about the size of a quarter, after they're dry pour in confetti, then seal with glued on piece of tissue paper. The niños sell them for $1 apiece, and make tons of money.  Besides making these as a fun party free for all, I used them most successfully as place setting name holders for my husband's 40th birthday party.  We had a least a hundred people and I sat everyone next to one person they knew and one they didn't.  

Important! Only fill the egg half way!  Any more and it turns into a rock of death!

When I gave the birthday speech I picked up my egg and smashed it on the head of the Guest next to me and asked everyone to join in.  This was a fantastic ice breaker and people befriended each other instantly. Another big hit at that party was the roving French accordionist.  He was random, unexpected, and played really great music, think La Vie en Rose.  And speaking of that, there is absolutely no better big moment drink than rosé champagne.  Pink is a tender, flattering, and party color, everyone feels better when they see it, particularly in a glass.

The memory of how fun this party was requires that I give a huge shout out to Bill Kaliff and his company Festivities.  Bill and his sister Ro are forever imaginative, create fabulous food, and are a dream to work with.  I consider them lifelong friends; check out their website!

FESTIVITIES

Bananagrams

All you have to do is write your message in pointy thing - toothpick - pen - pencil- and it will bruise where the writing is.  This can be great as a save the date, place card, clue, invitation.  It's just plain silly.

Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

I think these originally appeared in the Junior Betty Crocker Cookbook, circa 1962.  It is the greatest idea ever, I can't understand why this isn't the way all cupcakes are made: no sloppy paper frill, crunchy flavor, good to Planet Earth, and particularly good when you are the host of an away party, like snacks for the classroom, or picnics.  

You use a muffin tin, put the flat bottomed cones into the slots (you can steady them by making a foil nest, half fill with cake mix, bake at the same temp as a cupcake.  They rise to the top of the cone, the cones don't burn, let them cool and ice them. You can put them in individual paper cups for transport. Betty C. says you can steady them on the serving platter by using a bit of icing as glue for the bottom.

Personalized Thank You Cards

The picture of Adelaide Richards above, in her exotic Arab Party attire, is one of a series I always took of each party guest as they arrived.  After the party was over, presents opened and catalogued, I would print up the party pictures and use the 4 x 6 print glued to a blank postcard to thank the attendee.  It made it fun to write the thank you, and the picture was a terrific souvenir.

Home Graffiti

I have used tempera paint to write Happy Birthday Dear Pinky or Farewell Dear Boyfriend in a large window.  It saves money on buying a banner, allows creativity, and washes away with a sponge and water.

 

Tempera Paint is thick, with saturated colors and is water soluble.  This is why it is the paint of choice for the kindergarten.  For that reason I try to paint a crazy birthday message in the windows for any party.  Kind of like a used car dealer. The photo above is the only image I could find for an example.  It took me forever to put on, but was cleaned off quickly.  Besides being a fun idea, it is slightly naughty and that takes the tempo of the party up a notch.  

Pinky and I wrote Happy Birthday on our foreheads as a surprise for her father when he met us at the train in Seattle on his birthday.  He loved it, but not so sure about the crowd at the Pink Door where we celebrated.  It was a test.  

                                               

 PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD

When you have a picky eater it's fun to make a meal all the same color: ravioli with pesto sauce, steamed broccoli, salad, and milk with green food coloring is a fine example.  You can thank Dr. Seuss for that idea.