4th of July Parties Sparkle for Families: A Party Planning Checklist
June 07 2006 - 6:09AM
PR Newswire (US)
KIRKLAND, Wash., June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- With Independence Day
approaching, it's time to start planning family parties. According
to poll results, the 4th of July is one of the most-celebrated
holidays among families. The poll, conducted by party retailer
PartyDestination.com, shows that 55% of families have thrown a 4th
of July party, second only to Christmas and Thanksgiving. With that
in mind, PartyDestination.com offers the following checklist and
tips to make your own party sparkle. Plan Ahead - Ensure your party
runs smoothly with this checklist: -- 4 weeks before the party:
Create the guest list. Most Independence Day parties are large (75%
include more than 16 guests), so consider relatives, friends, and
neighbors when making your list. This is also a good time to begin
researching local fireworks laws or shows, depending on whether you
plan to provide your own fireworks or attend a display. -- 3 weeks
before: Plan activities (see "Games & Activities" below), order
party supplies, and mail invitations. -- 2 weeks before: Plan your
menu and order any food you won't be preparing yourself. If you'll
attend a fireworks show, plan transportation. -- 1 week before:
Make and freeze any foods that can be prepared in advance, and
confirm any food orders. It's also a good idea to call any guests
who haven't RSVP'd and get an exact head count. Purchase fireworks
if you plan to provide your own. -- 2-3 days before: Purchase
remaining food, along with film or videotape to capture the
memories. -- 1 day before: Pick up any food you've ordered. If
children are attending your party, child-proof the party area.
Decorate any indoor areas. -- Party day: Prepare food and drinks
that couldn't be made ahead of time. Decorate outdoor areas. If
you'll be doing your own fireworks, set out buckets of water. Also
set out blankets for guests who might get cold as evening sets in.
Games & Activities -- Plan games and activities to keep guests
entertained before the fireworks begin -- bubbles and pinwheels
will keep young children busy, while classic outdoor games such as
horseshoes, volleyball and potato sack races are fun for older kids
and adults. Decorations -- Set a patriotic mood with red, white and
blue decorations (available at http://www.partydestination.com/).
Flags are a favorite, of course, and balloons and party music can
add to the festive tone. Display food in red, white and blue dishes
or on star-shaped platters. Star-shaped citronella candles are both
fun and functional. Food -- Burgers, hot dogs, and corn-on-the-cob
are all classic (and easy!) picks. Give a simple dessert a
patriotic spin by adding blueberries and whipped cream to
strawberry shortcake for a red, white and blue treat. Be sure to
have plenty of water and soft drinks on hand, in addition to any
alcoholic beverages you may be serving. Finally, don't forget to
keep food safe from bugs and heat. If you're serving outdoors, food
tents will help keep bugs at bay, and keep perishable food on ice
to help prevent spoilage. Contact: Meghan Hardy, Party Destination
media relations, +1-425-250-1064, ext. 148, or DATASOURCE:
PartyDestination.com CONTACT: Meghan Hardy, Party Destination media
relations, +1-425-250-1064, ext. 148, or Web site:
http://www.celebrateexpress.com/
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