Christmas comes but once a year...or does it?

I love Christmas. I particularly love the lights. I have a ball every year playing spotto as I roam around the streets hunting out the best displays. I also think it's a shame to have something that is only used for a brief time each year and packed away again. So, here are a few excuses to make those lights stay out of their boxes a little longer and an opportunity to add that extra wow factor to your events with great atmosphere!

Christmas in July

In places where Christmas is held in warmer temperaters, ex-pats from places that usually have snow and cold during their Christmas started a tradition of holding a winter Christmas dinner in the middle of the year. This was to make them feel like they were back home. So you can get those lights out for Christmas in July as a start.

Fashion Parade Runway lights

We recently held a Paris Fashion Party.  It was a huge success with the party goers designing their own t-shirts and giving a fashion parade for the parents at the end.  Of course, to have a fashion parade, you need a runway and christmas lights were perfect!

Disco lights

What's a disco without lights?  Pull down the blinds and dim the lights.  Get those Christmas lights out, turn them on flash and you have yourself a disco party!

Fairy garden lights

Lots of Christmas lights these days are solar powered.  This is perfect for creating a year-round fairy garden.  I'm sure nestling lights in bushes and gardens helps to attract little fairies.

If you've got a great idea to use your Christmas lights, we'd love you to share it with us.

For more party ideas visit the My Little Party Planner website: www.mylittlepartyplanner.com

Sounds like a plan

Having a party plan is an important step to ensuring your party runs smoothly. Even a rough plan is better than nothing.

Think about  what guests will do on arrival, will someone great them at the door, are there arrows, signage or balloons directing them where you want to go?

How long will it take to play each game or to do each activity?  Work out if you have enough entertainment/games. Note: it's always good to have a few extra things ready in cases you need something extra. What's the fall back plan if the weather or some other issue means you need to alter your plans?

What do you do if people bring gifts? Do you have a place to out them, will you open them during the party or after?

If you are serving food you need to know when you need to start heating things up or when to clear a place for people to sit. Make sure you have someone to help you need it too.

Are there speeches, or happy birthday messages to give?  Work out when and who will give these? Do they have any necessary equipment? Who's in charge?

What happens at the end of the party, are there party bags to give out, who will see guests leave and thank them for coming?

Thinking through some of these things before the event will help you plan, prepare and enjoy!

Cake chips

This fun snack is great as an afternoon treat, perfect for a circus, disco or rock'n'roll party.

Tasty, crunchy and .... sweet?  Yes, these are made from cake not potato.  You won't be able to stop at one.

Find out how with these easy steps...

A fabulous party venue right on our door step

Passmore Reserve

A great place to hold an outdoor party. The facilities are great, well maintained and the place is just ...more information & photos

A place where cow boys fight indians and little ballerina's dance

If you're looking for a place where cowboys can fight off wild indians, or budding ballarina's can dance then Allambie Heights Public Hall on Sydney's Northern Beaches is a great venue.

For more information and pictures visit the My Little Party Planner website

DYI Photo booth props

Photo booth props are easy and fun to make.  They make cute memories for kids parties, are great for thank you cards and the big kids love them too.  Make your own or download our free templates to get you started at My little party planner

Pretty Polka Dot Cake

I've just uploaded the steps to create this pretty polka dot cake.  To try this yourself, visit My Little Party Planner.  Such fun and so easy!