M&N Party Store Blog

Summer Party Idea Guide

Carrie Reed — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:55:19 +0000

Looking for fun ideas for your Summer parties and gatherings? Download this FREE idea guide, full of recipes, decorating ideas and party inspiration. From Mother’s Day to Labor Day and every celebration in between, you’ll get great ideas to make your parties fun and memorable. (Click anywhere on the image to open) Continue Reading »

Planning Spring Events

Carrie Reed — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:20:45 +0000

Spring is time of celebration for all types of events; Easter, Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Graduations, Birthdays, Retirements and so much more. This year get a jump start on your planning with this step-by-step guide to help you make sure all the bases are covered and your event will be a smashing success! Follow these guidelines for planning your event. A printable checklist is available at the bottom of this article. Date, time and type of event: Keep your guests in mind when choosing a date and time. The type of event will depend on the occasion. Location/Venue: Choose a location that will comfortably fit all your guests, and is a reasonable traveling distance for most of them. Whether you are doing it at home or at another location, consider how your decorations, food and activities will work in the space. Choose a theme or event: Will this be a holiday or birthday party, or another type of event or gathering? Choose a theme that works for you, and consider food, decorations and activities to coordinate with your theme. Select your menu: Whether serving a full meal, or snacks, your menu should be easy to prepare and easy to eat. Consider traveling with your food if your location is not at your home. Tableware: Don’t forget the tableware! Consider solid color tableware to match your theme, or designs to go with your event. You’ll need

Dinner Plates
Snack/Luncheon/Dessert Plates
Luncheon Napkins
Beverage Napkins
Cups
Table Covers
Plastic Cutlery

Decorations: Coordinate decorations with your theme. Consider your space and work with the layout. Decorations can take any party or event from ho-hum to WOW! Some options are:

Party Theme
Blow Outs
Hats
Streamers
Balloons
Confetti
Games/Activities
Banner
Door Sign
Centerpiece
Pinata
Curling Ribbon

Menu: Whether you are serving a full meal or snacks, try to keep food simple. Easy to prepare and easy to eat are key for a successful menu. You can still WOW your guests but keeping the ingredient list and the prep time short will create less stress for you. Here’s another tip; make 1-3 items yourself and order the rest or pick them up at the grocery store. Fillers like nuts, mints, sliced deli meats and cheeses are a great way to round out one or two fabulous homemade items. Checkout some of our recipe blogs for party food ideas. Party Recipes - Appetizers Party Recipes - Hot Dips Party Recipes - Cold Dips Party Recipes - Sweet Snacks Barbecue Recipes Cupcake Cones with a Surprise Inside Games & Activities: It is crucial to plan something for your guests to do. Some options are games, crafts, trivia challenges, and ice-breaker activities. Here are some options to get your ideas started: Party Games Photo Props Table Trivia Print out this checklist to help you plan your Spring events Spring Event Checklist

Easter Bunny Craft Idea

Carrie Reed — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:59:40 +0000

At Easter time it’s a tradition for us to do a craft that can be used at each table setting for Easter brunch or dinner. This year we found these cute bunnies and treat cups. So simple and inexpensive with just a few materials needed, you can add a name to the front of the Continue Reading »

Spring Celebration Ideas

Carrie Reed — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:03:17 +0000

Springtime is full of reasons to celebrate, Easter, Mother's Day, May Day, Spring dances and festivals, and so much more. Make the most of these special events with fresh and colorful decorations and crafts. Here are some new ideas to put some "spring" in your step as you celebrate! Tissue Pompoms Decorate for your Spring parties with tissue pompoms. They are one of the hottest new trends in decorating, and they are a ton of fun! You can make your own (follow the directions below for the flowers but start with a larger rectangle, depending on how big you want your pompoms) or purchase them already made (super affordable!) Hang from ceilings, over buffet or dinner tables, hang in a cluster or string them together to create a garland. However you choose to use them, they will make your space come alive with bursts of color. Make your own Tissue Paper Flowers You just need a couple items to create these beautiful flowers; tissue paper in a variety of colors, a scissors and some pipe cleaners.

Cut tissue paper into 5- by 7-inch rectangles. Stack 10- 15 rectangles together, using the same or different colors. (experiment with different color combinations)
Fold the tissue paper accordion-style on the long side of the tissue paper.
Twist a green pipe cleaner around the middle of the tissue paper stack, to secure them together and create a stem.
Cut the ends of the tissue paper in the shape of a point or rounded petal on each fold of the accordion. You could also cut half-circles to create smooth petals like rose petals.
Separate each layer of tissue paper to make the flower's petals look full. Gently pull the tissue paper upward in the middle.
Make more flowers of different colors to make a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Tie the stems with a pretty ribbon, or put them in a vase.

Gift Kit This Mother's Day Kit is a fun way to get creative and give a special gift. Decorate the pail with stickers, paint pens, glitter and ribbons. Then fill it with all mom's favorite treats for a gift she'll treasure, or use it as a centerpiece filled with flowers or plants. It's a great project for kids or adults of any age. Spring Flowers Add a touch of Spring to your space with floral bouquets. These pretty flowers look real and are made of all natural materials. They measure 12" high, and require no care! They will brighten up your tables with the fresh feel of springtime. Celebrate Outdoors When Spring finally arrives, the best place to be is outside. Celebrate outdoors with this colorful outdoor decorating kit. Perfect for all your Spring celebrations! How do you celebrate Spring? We would love to hear your ideas!

Throw a Luau Party!

Carrie Reed — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:05:33 +0000

When the Winter doldrums are knocking at your door and the warm weather seems to be months away, host a Tropical Luau Party. Who wouldn't love to warm up with a tropical Luau? Try these ideas to get your Luau planning started. Invitations Get your guests in the mood for an island soiree by including a tropical lei in the invitation. You'll get their costume ideas flowing and put them in the mood to celebrate. Decorations Fill your space with tropical décor to set the mood for your Luau Party. Tropical cutouts, scene setters, and balloons, will help you create the perfect backdrop for your Luau. Dress tables with grass table skirts, hibiscus table covers, and tropical centerpieces. Add Table Tent Trivia cards to all your tables for a fun conversation piece. Hang banners and tropical novelty lights around your space. They add whimsy and festivity to your décor.

Favors

Favors are that extra touch that take any party from fun to fabulous. Guests appreciate a party favor to take home. Use some of these ideas for handouts or game prizes. (Try tropical trivia games, or limbo contests). Some of our favorite favors are Luau Party Pack (shown above), sunglasses, beads, or these cute surfboard key chains.

Games

An Island Limbo party kit and tropical pineapple bowling will keep your guests celebrating. Set up some challenges or competitions and award tropical prizes to the winners.

Treats

Make sure you have plenty of tropical snacks for your guests. Start with simple snacks, like pineapple slices, fresh fruit, macadamia nuts, crackers with ham and cheese. Then round out your buffet with some homemade treats for a personal touch. Here are a few easy and yummy recipes. Hawaiian Dip

8 oz. cream cheese softened
2 1/2 cups sweetened coconut (I prefer flaked over shredded)
20 oz. can pineapple (chunks or crushed, with juice)
3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
Chopped nuts for garnish

Blend all ingredients in food processor to crush pineapple and coconut pieces. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. Serve with pita chips, crackers, vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs

2 lb. package precooked frozen meatballs, or 2 lbs of your favorite homemade meatballs
13.5 oz can of unsweetened pineapple chunks (put juice aside)
1 large green pepper, diced
1 cup of brown sugar
2 Tablespoon cornstarch
2/3 cup of white vinegar
2 Tablespoon soy sauce

Place meatballs in crock pot and top with green pepper and drained pineapple chunks. In a separate bowl, mix reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar and soy sauce. Pour sauce over meatballs, pineapple and green peppers. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until heated through. Tropical Grilled Coconut Shrimp

20 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups shredded coconut
3 eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons coconut milk
1 cup flour
3 tablespoons garlic powder

Blend garlic powder with flour. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with coconut milk. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Dredge shrimp in flour mixture and shake off excess flour. Next, dip shrimp in egg mixture and then coconut and lay on a sheet pan. Grill shrimp until they are golden brown and serve immediately. Be careful not to burn the cocount. Serve with a hot and spicy dipping sauce, like sriracha. Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup (4 oz.) light rum
1/2 cup (4 oz.) blue curaçao
1/2 cup (4 oz.) cream of coconut (not coconut milk)
10 to 12 ice cubes
Fresh or maraschino cherries for garnish, if desired

Place all ingredients except cherries in blender. Cover and blend on high speed about 45 seconds or until smooth. Pour mixture into glasses. Garnish with cherry.

Valentine’s Day Idea Book

Carrie Reed — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 22:27:07 +0000

Download this FREE Valentine's Day Idea Book filled with ideas to decorate and celebrate Cupid's favorite day of the year! Click the image below to open the book.

Wild Valentines

Carrie Reed — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:12:17 +0000

If you're looking for a fun and unique Valentines, we've got just the idea for you! Simple, affordable and adorable, these "wild" Valentines are a fun little project for kids of any age to assemble. Download and print the free tags and have fun creating unique Valentines with your kids! These cute and inexpensive Jungle Animals come in a package of 12. Download these FREE Tags to use with the animals. They work best when printed on thick, heavy duty paper or cardstock, but if you don't have any, plain printer paper is just fine. Wild About You Tags Wild Animal Tags Wild Animal Tags 2 Let kids try the different options with the variations of tags and animals. For this option, use a small bag or clear celophane. Fold the tag in half and staple or glue to the top of the bag. For this option, tape or glue the animal of your choice to the tag. Add candy if you like, (although we don't think it's necessary) Have a WILD Valentine's Day!

Make Your Own Scratch-Off Valentines

Carrie Reed — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 13:16:07 +0000

Here's another make-it-yourself Valentine idea your kids will love. They can make their own Scratch-off Valentines! How cool is that? Instructions for making Scratch-off Valentines: Materials:

tagboard, cardstock or heart cutouts (4” heart cutouts)
clear contact or laminate paper (sticky on one side)
permanent marker or paint pen
metallic acrylic paint (from any craft store)
liquid dish soap

Choose a simple heart shape for your valentine like these 4” heart cutouts. Or cut out your own shapes and designs using tag board or card stock.
Write your message with a permanent marker on the shape of choice. Of course any message you create will work, and making each one personal would be really cool. But if you are stumped here are some generic ideas:
Your Friendship is worth a million bucks!
You’re a lotto fun!
You’re priceless!
You're a winner in my book!
Cover your cutout or shape with clear laminate or contact paper and trim to fit. This will create a surface conducive to scratching-off. (*note - if you use a cutout shape such as these 4” heart cutouts the surface is already smooth and shiny and you will not need to add the contact paper, just write your message on the heart.)
Mix together 2 tablespoons of metallic acrylic paint (available at any craft store) and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Any color metallic acrylic paint will work, but silver will give the most traditional scratch-off appearance.
Paint the mixture over your message and allow to dry. After the first coat is completely dry, paint a second coat, and allow to dry. Use your judgement and paint as many coats as it needs to cover the message completely. Usually 2-3 is sufficient. Dry completely

And....Voila! Your very own homemade Scratch-off Valentines!

5 Unique Valentine Ideas

Carrie Reed — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:12:17 +0000

Are you tired of the same ol' same ol' Valentines? Ready to ditch the store-bought variety for something new and unique? We've got some fun ideas for you! Have your kids help assemble them and they'll take pride in handing these out to their friends and classmates. Bonus - each includes a little toy or novelty item, so you can skip the candy and the guilt for contributing to their sugar rush. Fish Sunglasses These cute Fish Sunglasses in the shape of fish are a fun way to wish all their friends a Happy Valentine's Day! They come in individual packages. Download the free tags that say "I've o-fish-ally got my eyes on you Valentine!" and simply tape or glue them over the top of the package. Fish Sunglasses Valentine Tags Eyeball Bouncy Ball Valentines Adorable and economical! These Bouncy Ball Eyeballs come in a package of 12 for just $1.75! Package them individually with a cute tag and they make a great valentine that kids will love. Download these free tags to use on the packages: Valentine Eye Tags Frog Valentines Have your kids create Valentine tags using construction paper or tag board and crayons or markers. Write on them: "Valentine, you're TOAD-ally Awesome" then attach one of these cute Vinyl Frogs You Rock Valentines Give each friend or classmate one of these awesome Inflatable 24" Guitars. Attach a tag that says: "Valentine, You Rock!" Glider Valentines Hand out these colorful and interactive Flame Glider Airplanes Attach a tag that says "Valentine, you make my heart soar" Hand Klacker Valentines Give these cute Hand Klackers with a tag that says, "I've got to HAND it to you, you're a GREAT Valentine!" Download and print free tags: Hand Klacker Valentines With all these fun ideas, you can say so-long to boring store bought Valentines. Get creative with your kids, and hand out a fun Valentine with a toy or novelty instead of Candy! Tell us which of these ideas is your favorite? Do you plan to give out unique Valentines this year?

Valentine Spoons

Carrie Reed — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:07:22 +0000

Who doesn't love a homemade Valentine? These spoons are perfect if you're looking for something simple to make for everyone on your list. They are adorable and delicious! Kids and adults of any age enjoy making and receiving these cute little spoonfuls of love! The Valentine Spoon Craft Project Kit comes with everything you need to make 24 Valentines (except the chocolate), and they are yummy stirred in a cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even given as a dollop on the spoon for one perfect and yummy bite of chocolaty deliciousness! Directions:

Start with the Valentine Spoon Craft Project Kit
Use chocolate of your choice - chocolate chips, chocolate bark, candy makers melting chocolate, or even chocolate candy kisses. For extra yumminess and cuteness use a variety of chocolate; dark, milk and white.
Place your chocolate in a microwave safe bowl, if using different types of chocolate, do one at a time.
Microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring between each one. Continue only until it is almost completely melted. Stir well and the last bits will melt. Be careful not to over-cook in the microwave, as your chocolate could seize up and will not work.
If you are giving spoon dippers, dip each spoon in the chocolate, completely submerging the round part of the spoon. Pull out slowly so a generous amount of chocolate sticks. Gently lay them on wax paper to harden.
For Chocolate "bites" use another spoon and fill the round part of the spoon with a generous dollop of chocolate.
Optional - decorate while still warm with sprinkles or drizzles of different chocolates.
Allow them to set up, or pop them in the refrigerator or freezer to speed up the process.
When they are cool and set, wrap each spoon in cellophane, tie with a ribbon and decorate with candy heart foam stickers.

Give them to teachers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, anyone on your list; kids and adults. They will all love this cute little Chocolaty Valentine!