PARTY THEME: HOST A NEIGHBORHOOD CAROLING PARTY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

This has to be one of the coolest holiday traditions I know about. My in-laws (ex) host a huge neighborhood caroling party on the 23rd of December each year. It started out as an actual house-to-house caroling party but quickly evolved to a party at their home with a hundred folks gathered around the two beautiful Steinway concert grand pianos in the music room. (She's a classically trained pianist and has played at Carnegie Hall, twice!)

All of the neighbors come and bring a dish, many of them have become almost as much of a tradition as the party itself. The college kids always make it home from school in time for this party... everyone arrives early and stays late. Certain songs are sung each year and people wrangle for the best parts. The Twelve Days of Christmas parts are handed out and some of the youngest kids have a chance to perform, too. Many of the neighbors are also talented musicians and singers; many are involved in local theater and very respected church choirs. In other words... the music is good. Now, I am sure you are wondering how I am involved and why I still get to go even though it is the ex-in-laws... well, I bring all of the fresh cut greenery from the farm and help do all of the decorations. And I'm fun :)

This is a party for all generations and a wonderful tradition you should start in your own neighborhood.

THE FOOD

Like I said, everyone pitches in and the host provides the beverages and a couple of the most requested dishes. Amy's Egg-Nog is also one of the highlights... in both high-test (spiked with bourbon) and regular versions. Sam's famous Erma Bombeck Dip has been a Christmas tradition as long as I can remember. But it doesn't last long!

THE DECORATIONS

Since the house is already decorated for the holidays, decorating is easy. Vases of fresh greenery, Poinsettias, and candles (where the kids cannot knock them over) are all you need. Snip the ends of greenery and keep it outside in buckets of water until party day. Put your arrangements together the morning of the party and they should stay fresh through the holidays.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

Print copies of your favorite Christmas carols and staple them together so guests can have the words in front of them. If you are not lucky enough to have a concert pianist in your group, call the local college music department or a nearby church... and if you don't have a piano, get someone who can bring a keyboard. If all else fails, there are plenty of sing-along CD's or Karaoke tracks available. Have a well-rounded mix of carols to sing... include classics like Oh Holy Night to popular hits like Santa Baby and Rocking Around the Christmas Tree. One of the highlights of this party is when the men sing "Walking 'Round in Women's Underwear" to the tune of Walking in a Winter Wonderland. It is hysterical to see bankers and lawyers and even cops singing that one.

Here's to the holidays... create some memories with those you love. And your neighbors, too!

Photos: Arden Photography

EASY PARTY THEME: HOST A CHILI COOKOFF!

Are you ready for some football? Get the whole gang together and host a chili cook-off!

Bring a “throwdown” to your tailgate or your kitchen as the competition heats up when guests battle for first place with their best chili recipes. You might even make it an annual event with a "traveling" award that goes from winner to winner each year.

One of the easiest parties to host for every occasion from game day to neighborhood get-togethers... a chili cook off can become an annual event with big bragging rights on the line!

One of the easiest parties to host for every occasion from game day to neighborhood get-togethers... a chili cook off can become an annual event with big bragging rights on the line!

THE HOW-TO: Send out invitations or call your guests to issue the “cook-off” challenge. 

Your guests should bring their best chili concoction in a crock pot or slow cooker. Iinclude printed copies of the recipe to share with other guests, if desired.  

When the guests turn in the chili, number or name it for voting and make up a ballot. Ask everyone to taste and vote for their favorite. Award prizes for first, second, and third place.

  1. Decorations for can be as simple as football themed plates and napkins. Instead of flowers, get a simple flowering plant at the grocery. Set out bowls, serving spoons, lots of napkins, and have kitchen wipes on hand for drips and spills.
  2. Have other munchies to have on hand for snacking.
  3. Use bowls and trays for snacks instead of their original packaging.
  4. Pass snacks for guests glued to the game.
Make up ballots and award prizes. If it is an annual event, create a trophy that can be passed down from year to year.

Make up ballots and award prizes. If it is an annual event, create a trophy that can be passed down from year to year.

Make a condiment station with different types of crackers, Fritos, grated chesses, sour cream, chopped scallions and peppers, chopped onion, Tabasco or other hot sauces, etc.

Set up a condiment station with hot sauces, crackers, and other toppings.

Set up a condiment station with hot sauces, crackers, and other toppings.

Ham Delights are one of those recipes I've been making for 20+ years and still get requests for all the time. People never get tired of them!

Ham Delights are one of those recipes I've been making for 20+ years and still get requests for all the time. People never get tired of them!

Find a good spot to set up the bar; make sure it is away from the food to avoid congestion. Bloody Marys are a good choice for this party. Ice down some beer or wine and your bar is set.

Chili cookoff party Martie Duncan

PARTY THEME: RETRO ROLLER SKATING PARTY

If you've got a birthday party to plan, one of the most fun parties I've planned lately was a throwback birthday party at the local roller skating rink. We had such a great time! If you're looking for something fun and different to do for your next girls get-together, dust off your pom-poms, break out your striped knee socks, and get ready for some old-school fun that will have you laughing (sore and bruised) for weeks to come!

Retro Roller Skating Birthday Party Theme

Call your local roller rink to find out what the restrictions are for a party. Some will allow you to hold your party during public skate times, others will require that you book a private party for your group. This usually depends on how many you have in your group.

Some rinks allow you to bring in food or cake. Others don't. If they allow food, take something that does not have to be served hot. Gourmet sandwiches, wraps, chips, salsa, or a delish cheese board would be easy to do. If not, meet for a pre-party party before you head to the rink. Our roller rink did not allow us to bring in our own food but we did get to bring in cupcakes and gift bags for everyone containing stuff from back when: Charms' Blow Pops, Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers ( the huge ones) and original Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum! I remember when that was all you needed to get a boy to ask you to go steady or at least couple's skate :)

If your crowd hasn't skated in a while, be sure and add a package of Advil and some Icy Hot in each guest's gift bag!