straw
package of Raman noodles
clothespin
staple
paper cup
paper towel roll
nail
sock
froot loop (cereal)
napkin
ball
pencil
piece of candy
picture of a dog
paper sack
gift wrap bag
gumball
piece of jewelry
Suduku puzzle
business card
empty water bottle
marble
yarn
sticker
birthday present - best present gets a special prize!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Scavenger Hunt List #1
1999 penny
Target bag
paper clip
band-aid
sweet-n-low packet
Christmas plate
Post-it note
old shoe
.25 coupon
blue balloon
sucker
plastic spoon
birthday candle
pink crayon
Ziploc bag
envelope
toilet paper roll
comic strip
artificial flower
dryer sheet
string
ketsup packet
ribbon or bow
noisemaker
birthday present - best present gets a special prize!
Target bag
paper clip
band-aid
sweet-n-low packet
Christmas plate
Post-it note
old shoe
.25 coupon
blue balloon
sucker
plastic spoon
birthday candle
pink crayon
Ziploc bag
envelope
toilet paper roll
comic strip
artificial flower
dryer sheet
string
ketsup packet
ribbon or bow
noisemaker
birthday present - best present gets a special prize!
Monday, April 27, 2009
BURPEE
Objective: A baseball game that can be played with as few as two people.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 2 or more players
Needed: Whiffle ball Bat Gloves (optional) A wall
Setup: Burpee is a baseball game which requires a wall and does not require a catcher. You can play at your local playground or whereever there is a large open space with a wall. You'll need to determine locations for 4 bases (including home plate) and decide the out-of-bounds lines for foul balls. The home plate should be a few feet in front of the wall. Each team should have an equal number of players. You'll also have to determine a strike zone. This is done by drawing a retangle or square on the wall with some chalk to determine whether a pitch is a strike or a ball. Each team needs a pitcher. You'll also need to determine the distances a ball must travel in the air to constitute a singe, double, triple or home run. For example, a ball which travels only 5 to 15 feet might be a single, 15-25 feet a double, 25-35 feet a triple and 35+ a home run.
Rules: Burpee is played like regular baseball. If a pitch is inside the strike zone on the wall, its a strike. Otherwise it's a ball. Three strikes is an out and four balls is a walk. Three outs on both sides constitutes an inning. A caught ball is an out (regardless of whether you use a glove or not) and distance of the ball determines a single, double, triple or home run.
Winning: As in baseball, the most runs wins. Play as many innings as you like.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 2 or more players
Needed: Whiffle ball Bat Gloves (optional) A wall
Setup: Burpee is a baseball game which requires a wall and does not require a catcher. You can play at your local playground or whereever there is a large open space with a wall. You'll need to determine locations for 4 bases (including home plate) and decide the out-of-bounds lines for foul balls. The home plate should be a few feet in front of the wall. Each team should have an equal number of players. You'll also have to determine a strike zone. This is done by drawing a retangle or square on the wall with some chalk to determine whether a pitch is a strike or a ball. Each team needs a pitcher. You'll also need to determine the distances a ball must travel in the air to constitute a singe, double, triple or home run. For example, a ball which travels only 5 to 15 feet might be a single, 15-25 feet a double, 25-35 feet a triple and 35+ a home run.
Rules: Burpee is played like regular baseball. If a pitch is inside the strike zone on the wall, its a strike. Otherwise it's a ball. Three strikes is an out and four balls is a walk. Three outs on both sides constitutes an inning. A caught ball is an out (regardless of whether you use a glove or not) and distance of the ball determines a single, double, triple or home run.
Winning: As in baseball, the most runs wins. Play as many innings as you like.
TURTLE TAG
Objective: A game of touch tag where you can't tag someone while on their back like an upside down turtle!
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: None
Rules: Choose a tag area such as a front yard and determine boundaries etc. and a jail area. Then choose a 'tagger'. The tagger attempts to tag players while they run or stand within the defined area. If a player is tagged they go to the jail. During the game players can lay down on their backs like a stranded turtle forming a safety area. While in this position a player cannot be tagged. Players can only stay in the turtle position for a limited amount of time, usually 5 or 10 seconds. This should be determined prior to playing.
Winning: The game ends when the tagger has captured all players.
Variations: In another version, there is no jail and any player who is tagged instantly becomes the next tagger. There are no tag backs in this version.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: None
Rules: Choose a tag area such as a front yard and determine boundaries etc. and a jail area. Then choose a 'tagger'. The tagger attempts to tag players while they run or stand within the defined area. If a player is tagged they go to the jail. During the game players can lay down on their backs like a stranded turtle forming a safety area. While in this position a player cannot be tagged. Players can only stay in the turtle position for a limited amount of time, usually 5 or 10 seconds. This should be determined prior to playing.
Winning: The game ends when the tagger has captured all players.
Variations: In another version, there is no jail and any player who is tagged instantly becomes the next tagger. There are no tag backs in this version.
TOILET TAG
Objective: A game of touch tag where you can't tag someone squatting in a toilet position!
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: None
Rules: Choose a tag area such as a front yard and determine boundaries etc. and a jail area. Then choose a 'tagger'. The tagger attempts to tag players while they run or stand within the defined area. If a player is tagged they go to the jail. During the game players can squat down like a toilet forming a safety area. While in this position a player cannot be tagged. Players can only stay in the toilet position for a limited amount of time, usually 5 or 10 seconds. This should be determined prior to playing.
Winning: The game ends when the tagger has captured all players.
Variations: In another version, there is no jail and any player who is tagged instantly becomes the next tagger. There are no tag backs in this version.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: None
Rules: Choose a tag area such as a front yard and determine boundaries etc. and a jail area. Then choose a 'tagger'. The tagger attempts to tag players while they run or stand within the defined area. If a player is tagged they go to the jail. During the game players can squat down like a toilet forming a safety area. While in this position a player cannot be tagged. Players can only stay in the toilet position for a limited amount of time, usually 5 or 10 seconds. This should be determined prior to playing.
Winning: The game ends when the tagger has captured all players.
Variations: In another version, there is no jail and any player who is tagged instantly becomes the next tagger. There are no tag backs in this version.
NATURE HUNT
Objective: An outdoor game where the players pretend they are animals, trying to hide from man along a trail.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 2 or more players
Needed: A nature trail or forest area
Rules: The group walks a given distance down a nature trail. Each player is given time to hide along the trail. They may travel no more than 15 feet from either side of the trail, and may use anything in the natural environment to provide camouflage. The leader waits about five minutes until all players are hidden. He walks the distance of the trail once only, and tries to find as many players as possible. After his walk, he calls out, and watches to see where all the successful animals hid
This game can be repeated many times with different players taking the role of the searcher. It is fun to talk about the hiding places that were the most successful.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 2 or more players
Needed: A nature trail or forest area
Rules: The group walks a given distance down a nature trail. Each player is given time to hide along the trail. They may travel no more than 15 feet from either side of the trail, and may use anything in the natural environment to provide camouflage. The leader waits about five minutes until all players are hidden. He walks the distance of the trail once only, and tries to find as many players as possible. After his walk, he calls out, and watches to see where all the successful animals hid
This game can be repeated many times with different players taking the role of the searcher. It is fun to talk about the hiding places that were the most successful.
SPONGE RUN
Objective: Two teams compete to fill a bucket with water by handing off a sponge.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Four buckets, two sponges and some water
Rules: Divide into two teams. Give each team an empty bucket and a bucket filled half way with water. The buckets should be off equal size and filled the same amount. Place one member of each team a distance of 20 feet from the rest of the team with the empty bucket on the ground at their feet. The rest of each team should line up facing their team mate 20 feet away with the filled bucket at their feet. The object is to move as much water as possible in a pre-determined amount of time (usually 90 second or 2 minutes). When you say "go", one member of each team (let's call them #1) fills the sponge and races to the empty bucket and empties it. #1 then hands the sponge to the team member standing there (#2) who then runs back to the waiting team. #2 then hands the sponge to #3 who them dips the sponge and runs to the other bucket and empties it. They then hand the sponge to #1 who runs to the team and hands it to #4 etc. etc. The team who accumulates the most water wins.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Four buckets, two sponges and some water
Rules: Divide into two teams. Give each team an empty bucket and a bucket filled half way with water. The buckets should be off equal size and filled the same amount. Place one member of each team a distance of 20 feet from the rest of the team with the empty bucket on the ground at their feet. The rest of each team should line up facing their team mate 20 feet away with the filled bucket at their feet. The object is to move as much water as possible in a pre-determined amount of time (usually 90 second or 2 minutes). When you say "go", one member of each team (let's call them #1) fills the sponge and races to the empty bucket and empties it. #1 then hands the sponge to the team member standing there (#2) who then runs back to the waiting team. #2 then hands the sponge to #3 who them dips the sponge and runs to the other bucket and empties it. They then hand the sponge to #1 who runs to the team and hands it to #4 etc. etc. The team who accumulates the most water wins.
FRISBEE WAR
Objective: A sports game you can think of as frisbee dodge ball.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Two to four frisbees
Rules: This game can be played indoors or outdoors. Determine a boundary in which all players should stay. Two or three frisbees are used for throwing. Anyone can throw a frisbee to anyone else. If a player catches the frisbee, the thrower is out and the catcher can throw it again to someone else. You play until only one person remains.
Variation: You can divide into two teams and play with one team in the middle, similar to regular dodge ball.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Two to four frisbees
Rules: This game can be played indoors or outdoors. Determine a boundary in which all players should stay. Two or three frisbees are used for throwing. Anyone can throw a frisbee to anyone else. If a player catches the frisbee, the thrower is out and the catcher can throw it again to someone else. You play until only one person remains.
Variation: You can divide into two teams and play with one team in the middle, similar to regular dodge ball.
PETRIFIED BASEBALL
Objective: A sports game similar to baseball but you can't move your feet.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Volleyball
Rules: Divide into two teams. The rules are similar to regular baseball except that a volleyball is used (no bats!) and the fielding team may not move their feet. It is best to keep your players in close without too much distance in between each other. The hitting team hits the volleyball with their hand, and crawls around the bases. To score a point, the batter must run around the bases on feet and hands (like a dog or horse) and back to home before the fielding team gets the ball to the catcher at home. If the fielding team gets the ball ahead of the batter, he is out. After three people are out, the teams trade places.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Volleyball
Rules: Divide into two teams. The rules are similar to regular baseball except that a volleyball is used (no bats!) and the fielding team may not move their feet. It is best to keep your players in close without too much distance in between each other. The hitting team hits the volleyball with their hand, and crawls around the bases. To score a point, the batter must run around the bases on feet and hands (like a dog or horse) and back to home before the fielding team gets the ball to the catcher at home. If the fielding team gets the ball ahead of the batter, he is out. After three people are out, the teams trade places.
CLOTHESPIN TAG
Objective: Clamp as many clothespins as possible onto the clothes of your opponents.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Clothespins with springs
Rules: Use four clothespins for this two-person confrontation. Each player begins with two. If you can get both pins securely attached to your opponent's clothes, you get one point. If you find yourself wearing both clothespins from your opponent, take two in hand and toss the other two to your opponent. Play begins again immediately. The game continues as long as the players can stand it. The player with the most points wins.
Variations: It can be played with virtually any number of players, as long as there are plenty of clothespins. Again, start with two clothespins for each player. The goal here is simply to clamp clothespins on other players indiscriminately. First player to clamp both wins. This game is ideal for breaking the ice or relieving tension in large groups.
Another variation is elimination. Each player begins with two pins. If you get pinned with two pins you are out and must stand aside while the rest carry on. Eventually it will be down to two players and one will be victorious.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Clothespins with springs
Rules: Use four clothespins for this two-person confrontation. Each player begins with two. If you can get both pins securely attached to your opponent's clothes, you get one point. If you find yourself wearing both clothespins from your opponent, take two in hand and toss the other two to your opponent. Play begins again immediately. The game continues as long as the players can stand it. The player with the most points wins.
Variations: It can be played with virtually any number of players, as long as there are plenty of clothespins. Again, start with two clothespins for each player. The goal here is simply to clamp clothespins on other players indiscriminately. First player to clamp both wins. This game is ideal for breaking the ice or relieving tension in large groups.
Another variation is elimination. Each player begins with two pins. If you get pinned with two pins you are out and must stand aside while the rest carry on. Eventually it will be down to two players and one will be victorious.
DOCTOR
Objective: A tag game where balls 'kill' you out but a 'doctor' can heal you instantly.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 10 or more players
Needed: Two jackets or vest for the doctors Lots of playground balls (they should be soft enough not to injure someone when thrown)
Rules: Divide the group into two teams. Each team must choose a person to be the doctor. Both doctors must wear something to distinguish them as doctors such as a hunting vest or a bright jacket. There are no out of bounds in this game. There should be at least one ball for every 3 players. Someone says 'go' and each team tries to get the other teams players out by throwing the balls at them. If you are hit you must remain where you are. The doctors can move around the playing field and heal people by simply touching them. If you are healed you are back in the game and can continue moving. Doctors can be permanently removed from the game by being hit by a ball. Once a doctor is out he/she can't be healed. The game continues until all players are out and one team wins. .
Valid throws: 1. Outs cannot be made by deflection shots or shots which bounce off one person and hit another.
2. Outs cannot be made by grounders or balls which bounce off the ground and then hit a person.
3. Outs cannot be made by simply touching a ball to someone like in baseball. They must be thrown at least a one foot distance to be valid.
4. You cannot get your own team mate out.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 10 or more players
Needed: Two jackets or vest for the doctors Lots of playground balls (they should be soft enough not to injure someone when thrown)
Rules: Divide the group into two teams. Each team must choose a person to be the doctor. Both doctors must wear something to distinguish them as doctors such as a hunting vest or a bright jacket. There are no out of bounds in this game. There should be at least one ball for every 3 players. Someone says 'go' and each team tries to get the other teams players out by throwing the balls at them. If you are hit you must remain where you are. The doctors can move around the playing field and heal people by simply touching them. If you are healed you are back in the game and can continue moving. Doctors can be permanently removed from the game by being hit by a ball. Once a doctor is out he/she can't be healed. The game continues until all players are out and one team wins. .
Valid throws: 1. Outs cannot be made by deflection shots or shots which bounce off one person and hit another.
2. Outs cannot be made by grounders or balls which bounce off the ground and then hit a person.
3. Outs cannot be made by simply touching a ball to someone like in baseball. They must be thrown at least a one foot distance to be valid.
4. You cannot get your own team mate out.
BOWLING BASKETBALL
Objective: Compete against another team and acquire points by knocking over a bowling pin with a basketball and shooting hoops.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 8 or more players
Needed: A bowling pin (or a bottle or similar object which can be knocked down on impact) and two basketballs Basketball court with two hoops
Setup: Divide the group into two even teams. There also must be a leader who acts as judge and sets up the pin each time. Have each team line up at corners of the basketball court. Place the pin in the middle on the opposite site of the court.
Rounds: Each round consists of two matches - a bowling match and a shooting match. Both teams always start rounds at the same time. Play continues non-stop through both matches until someone has won the bowling match and someone has won the shooting match.
Bowling Round: The leader signals the start and the first two people in line bowl their basketballs across the floor at the pins with the intention of knocking it down. The first ball to touch the pin and knock it down wins the match and scores 2 points. Sometime the leader may have to make a judgment call as to who was first. The winner must retrieve their ball and bring it back to the next person on their team. This team immediately moves on to the shooting match (see below) while the loser has to chase down their ball (no matter how far it rolls) and run it back to the next person on their team and continue in the bowling match. If both teams miss, they both chase their balls and return them to the next people in line. However, keep in mind that once a match begins, teams do not have to wait for the other team to catch up before bowling or shooting again. They should only do this at the beginning of each new round. After a pin is knocked down, the leader should be nearby and set it up again quickly for the next bowlers.
Shooting Round: When one team advances to the shooting match the next person in line must shoot and make a basket from the free throw line on their end of the court. If they miss they must continue chasing the ball, returning to the line and shooting until they make it. This make shooting a bit harder than bowling. If they make a shot, they score 1 point for their team and the round ends. Teams then regroup and the balls are moved to the next people in line and the pin is set up again.
Winning: Rounds continue until one team reaches 20 points.
4 Team Variation: On larger courts with two full length courts side by side, four teams can play against each other by bowling from each respective corner and shooting at their assigned hoops. All the same rules apply.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 8 or more players
Needed: A bowling pin (or a bottle or similar object which can be knocked down on impact) and two basketballs Basketball court with two hoops
Setup: Divide the group into two even teams. There also must be a leader who acts as judge and sets up the pin each time. Have each team line up at corners of the basketball court. Place the pin in the middle on the opposite site of the court.
Rounds: Each round consists of two matches - a bowling match and a shooting match. Both teams always start rounds at the same time. Play continues non-stop through both matches until someone has won the bowling match and someone has won the shooting match.
Bowling Round: The leader signals the start and the first two people in line bowl their basketballs across the floor at the pins with the intention of knocking it down. The first ball to touch the pin and knock it down wins the match and scores 2 points. Sometime the leader may have to make a judgment call as to who was first. The winner must retrieve their ball and bring it back to the next person on their team. This team immediately moves on to the shooting match (see below) while the loser has to chase down their ball (no matter how far it rolls) and run it back to the next person on their team and continue in the bowling match. If both teams miss, they both chase their balls and return them to the next people in line. However, keep in mind that once a match begins, teams do not have to wait for the other team to catch up before bowling or shooting again. They should only do this at the beginning of each new round. After a pin is knocked down, the leader should be nearby and set it up again quickly for the next bowlers.
Shooting Round: When one team advances to the shooting match the next person in line must shoot and make a basket from the free throw line on their end of the court. If they miss they must continue chasing the ball, returning to the line and shooting until they make it. This make shooting a bit harder than bowling. If they make a shot, they score 1 point for their team and the round ends. Teams then regroup and the balls are moved to the next people in line and the pin is set up again.
Winning: Rounds continue until one team reaches 20 points.
4 Team Variation: On larger courts with two full length courts side by side, four teams can play against each other by bowling from each respective corner and shooting at their assigned hoops. All the same rules apply.
KEEP AWAY BALL
Objective: A group game where you quickly pass a ball around a circle and try to keep it away from the person in the middle.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Playground ball
Rules: Chose someone to be "it" and give them a ball. Everyone else is in a circle around "it". "It" starts the game by passing the ball to a player in the circle who throws it to anyone else in the circle. The object of the game is for "it" to either catch or touch the ball while it is being passed around the circle. When "it" intercepts the ball, the player who touched it last becomes "it".
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Playground ball
Rules: Chose someone to be "it" and give them a ball. Everyone else is in a circle around "it". "It" starts the game by passing the ball to a player in the circle who throws it to anyone else in the circle. The object of the game is for "it" to either catch or touch the ball while it is being passed around the circle. When "it" intercepts the ball, the player who touched it last becomes "it".
KEEP AWAY BALL
Objective: A group game where you quickly pass a ball around a circle and try to keep it away from the person in the middle.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Playground ball
Rules: Chose someone to be "it" and give them a ball. Everyone else is in a circle around "it". "It" starts the game by passing the ball to a player in the circle who throws it to anyone else in the circle. The object of the game is for "it" to either catch or touch the ball while it is being passed around the circle. When "it" intercepts the ball, the player who touched it last becomes "it".
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Playground ball
Rules: Chose someone to be "it" and give them a ball. Everyone else is in a circle around "it". "It" starts the game by passing the ball to a player in the circle who throws it to anyone else in the circle. The object of the game is for "it" to either catch or touch the ball while it is being passed around the circle. When "it" intercepts the ball, the player who touched it last becomes "it".
LEMONADE
Objective: A combination of charades and red rover. This game is active and relys on fun improvisation!
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: None
Rules: Divide the group into two teams. Determine a playing area in the shape of a rectangle. Decide on two safety lines, one on each end of the retangle. One is the safety line fo team A and the other for team B. Team A are the actors and team B are the guessers. The actors decide on a geographical location (a country) and a related occupation (painter, policeman, baker etc.). Dialogue between A and B goes like this and can be yelled:
A: Here we come.
B: Where from?
A: From another land
B: What's your name?
A: Lemonade.
B: What's your trade?
A: Goes like this.
At this point group A acts out their occupation. Group B is given 3 tries to guess. If the guess is correct, group A must run to their safety line without being touched by a group B player. If all 3 guesses are wrong group B must run to their safety line without being touched by a group A player. Any player touched must switch teams.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: None
Rules: Divide the group into two teams. Determine a playing area in the shape of a rectangle. Decide on two safety lines, one on each end of the retangle. One is the safety line fo team A and the other for team B. Team A are the actors and team B are the guessers. The actors decide on a geographical location (a country) and a related occupation (painter, policeman, baker etc.). Dialogue between A and B goes like this and can be yelled:
A: Here we come.
B: Where from?
A: From another land
B: What's your name?
A: Lemonade.
B: What's your trade?
A: Goes like this.
At this point group A acts out their occupation. Group B is given 3 tries to guess. If the guess is correct, group A must run to their safety line without being touched by a group B player. If all 3 guesses are wrong group B must run to their safety line without being touched by a group A player. Any player touched must switch teams.
UM OR UH
Objective: Don't say um, uh or like or your team gets wet!
Game Type: Passive. Little or no movement is required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Water balloons, pen, paper
Rules: In this game you can't use the word um, uh, or like. Divide the group into even teams. Choose a team to go first. Each team chooses a player to go first. When that player goes up in front of the entire group (both teams) they will receive a piece of paper and there will be an object written on it. The player has to tell as much as possible about the item with out saying like, uh, or um in 30 seconds. If the player does say um, uh, or like then that team gets a point. Also if the player pauses for more than 3 seconds the team gets a point. The game ends when everyone has gone once. The teams tallies up the points and how many points there
are means that many water balloons are thrown at them.
Game Type: Passive. Little or no movement is required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Water balloons, pen, paper
Rules: In this game you can't use the word um, uh, or like. Divide the group into even teams. Choose a team to go first. Each team chooses a player to go first. When that player goes up in front of the entire group (both teams) they will receive a piece of paper and there will be an object written on it. The player has to tell as much as possible about the item with out saying like, uh, or um in 30 seconds. If the player does say um, uh, or like then that team gets a point. Also if the player pauses for more than 3 seconds the team gets a point. The game ends when everyone has gone once. The teams tallies up the points and how many points there
are means that many water balloons are thrown at them.
WATER BALLOON VOLLEYBALL
Objective: Throw and catch water balloons over a volley ball net using a big sheet or blanket.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Bed Sheets, water balloons, volleyball net (optional)
Rules: Split teams up with at least 4 people per team. Using two large bed sheets or blankets (one per team), have the teammates hold the sheet on corners, etc. Starting with one water balloon, launch the balloon over to the other team. The team must catch it in the blanket and not let it burst. If they are successful they get a point. As the other team launches the balloon back over to your team, have your teammates loosen up their grip on the sheet so the balloon doesn't bounce off. As the game goes on, add more balloons for competition.
Variation: Divide teams into sub groups of two players and use beach towels instead of sheets. Teams can start with 10 points and each time a balloon breaks they get a point taken away.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: Bed Sheets, water balloons, volleyball net (optional)
Rules: Split teams up with at least 4 people per team. Using two large bed sheets or blankets (one per team), have the teammates hold the sheet on corners, etc. Starting with one water balloon, launch the balloon over to the other team. The team must catch it in the blanket and not let it burst. If they are successful they get a point. As the other team launches the balloon back over to your team, have your teammates loosen up their grip on the sheet so the balloon doesn't bounce off. As the game goes on, add more balloons for competition.
Variation: Divide teams into sub groups of two players and use beach towels instead of sheets. Teams can start with 10 points and each time a balloon breaks they get a point taken away.
BALLOON WAR
Objective: A game where teams rush to steal balloons.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: 10-15 balloons
Rules: Form a few groups. Give each group 5 balloons. Each team chooses someone to guard their balloons. Two or more people get to be the "snatcher". The remaining people in the teams form forts and guard the balloons . The "Snatchers" try to snatch ballons from the other snatchers and forts. The people that are the must protect their balloons. After a set amount of time the team with the most balloons from other teams is the winner.
Game Type: Active. A lot of movement may be required.
Players: 6 or more players
Needed: 10-15 balloons
Rules: Form a few groups. Give each group 5 balloons. Each team chooses someone to guard their balloons. Two or more people get to be the "snatcher". The remaining people in the teams form forts and guard the balloons . The "Snatchers" try to snatch ballons from the other snatchers and forts. The people that are the must protect their balloons. After a set amount of time the team with the most balloons from other teams is the winner.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Super Nachos
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
Pinch of salt
1 small can refried beans or bean dip
1 10 or 12-ounce bag corn tortilla chips
1 1/4 pounds Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese, grated
1 large onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 6-ounce can black olives, chopped
Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet. Drain. Add the chili powder, cumin and salt. Set aside for a moment.
Spread a thin layer of refried beans or bean dip over the bottom of a platter or shallow, heat-proof bowl to anchor the first layer of chips.
Then spread a layer of chips over the beans, top with a layer of cheese, ground beef, onion, tomato and olives. Repeat until all the ingredients are used. Or, since this recipe usually makes about 4 layers, you can divide all the toppings into 4 portions for even layering.
Microwave on high until heated through, about 10 minutes, or bake at 375° for 20-30 minutes. Serve warm with sour cream and Guacamole Dip, if desired.
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
Pinch of salt
1 small can refried beans or bean dip
1 10 or 12-ounce bag corn tortilla chips
1 1/4 pounds Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese, grated
1 large onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 6-ounce can black olives, chopped
Brown the ground beef in a medium skillet. Drain. Add the chili powder, cumin and salt. Set aside for a moment.
Spread a thin layer of refried beans or bean dip over the bottom of a platter or shallow, heat-proof bowl to anchor the first layer of chips.
Then spread a layer of chips over the beans, top with a layer of cheese, ground beef, onion, tomato and olives. Repeat until all the ingredients are used. Or, since this recipe usually makes about 4 layers, you can divide all the toppings into 4 portions for even layering.
Microwave on high until heated through, about 10 minutes, or bake at 375° for 20-30 minutes. Serve warm with sour cream and Guacamole Dip, if desired.
Cream Cheese Balls
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 cup nuts, finely chopped
Thin pretzel sticks, for picks
This recipe is easy to prepare, but allow several hours for it to chill:
Combine the cream cheese, ham, horseradish, mustard and hot pepper sauce in a small bowl and mix well.
Shape the mixture into 3/4" balls (about 48) and roll them in the chopped nuts.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
Before serving, transfer them to a serving platter and insert the pretzel sticks. Serve chilled.
Makes about 48 appetizers.
1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 cup nuts, finely chopped
Thin pretzel sticks, for picks
This recipe is easy to prepare, but allow several hours for it to chill:
Combine the cream cheese, ham, horseradish, mustard and hot pepper sauce in a small bowl and mix well.
Shape the mixture into 3/4" balls (about 48) and roll them in the chopped nuts.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
Before serving, transfer them to a serving platter and insert the pretzel sticks. Serve chilled.
Makes about 48 appetizers.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Outdoor Party Games
Pass the Sand
Ingredients
Containers
Sand
To Play
Divide the group into two teams and line them up.
Have the person in each line grab a handful of sand from a container. They must pass the sand to the next player, who passes it to the next, and so on down the line.
When the sand reaches the last player, he/she pours what is left of it on a plate. The team with the most sand wins the game. (You may have to weigh the sand on a food scale if it's close.)
Tug of Water
Ingredients
Sprinkler
Garden Hose or rope
To Play
Set up the sprinkler in the middle of the lawn and turn it on.
Divide the group into two teams and have each team hold an end of the garden hose or a rope.
On the word "Go!" have the teams try to pull their opponents into the sprinkler.
Pop the Piranha
Ingredients
Balloons
Felt-Tip Permanent Markers
Kiddy Pools
To Play
Inflate balloons and tie them off.
Using black felt-tip permanent markers, draw fish faces on the balloons.
Toss balloons into the kiddy pool, one for each child.
On the word "Go!" have the kids jump into the pool and try to grab/pop a wet and slippery balloon.
Go Fishing
Ingredients
Plastic toys
Magnetic Tape
Kiddy Pool
Sticks and String
To Play
Buy some plastic toys and attach a piece of magnetic tape to each one.
Make fishing poles out of sticks and string with magnets tied to the bottom of the string.
Drop the toys into the bottom of the pool. Give the kids the fishing poles.
Let the kids fish for their "prize" in the kiddy pool.
Toss n' Soak
Ingredients
Plastic Pool
Water
Rubber Ball
To Play
Fill up a plastic pool with water and have kids stand around the outside of the pool.
They must toss the ball back and forth to one another and try to catch it.
If the ball hits the water, the child who failed to catch the ball is "out." Whomever is left standing last wins.
Poison
This is a game where there is one lucky person who is "it."
Ingredients
2 Bases
Dodge Ball
To Play
Someone stands between two bases. In our backyard we made the "bases" a fence at one end of the yard and a brick wall at the other end of the yard. The player is allowed to move anywhere between those 2 bases.
He is given a ball, and his goal is to try to hit at least one of the people while they are running from base to base.
Obviously, once people are on the base they are "safe." Once he hits someone else with the ball, that person becomes "it." There is no actual winner of this game, but it is action packed and it can go on for hours until the players get tired.
What Time is it Mr. Fox?
Ingredients
Base
To Play
There is one person who is "Mr. Fox", and everyone else is trying to stay away from him or her. We used to play this from the top to the bottom of a driveway, but it can be played anywhere as long as there is enough room to run. Mr. Fox usually stands at the part of the driveway closest to the house.
Everyone else stands on the designated base and asks in unison, "What time is it Mr. Fox?" As Mr. Fox responds with the time, it can be any time that Mr. Fox would like it to be.
Each person needs to take the number of steps that correspond with the time toward Mr. Fox. For example, if Mr. Fox says it's 4 o'clock, everyone takes 4 steps toward him. It is up to the individual how large they make each step.
The group continues to ask the same question, while Mr. Fox replies with different answers as to "what time it is." Before the players reach Mr. Fox he or she answers the question "What time is it Mr. Fox," he turns around and answers, "It's time to eat you!"
He chases everyone until he catches someone, or everyone makes it back to the base safely. If anyone is caught, then they become "Mr. Fox." (There is no winner to this game either.)
Scavenger Hunt
This is a game that is usually relatively inexpensive and time-consuming, good for both kids and parents.
Ingredients
Index Cards
To Play
Write out clues on index cards.
Give the partygoers clues that take them from place to place. Perhaps this game could begin at the house of the party host/hostess, and the final clue could lead to the party destination.
The team that arrives at the final destination first wins! Or instead of a Scavenger Hunt have kids solve a Detective's Case. Set out clues all over the yard and have kids collect them. Then the kids have to figure out what the clues mean. You might have them find clues to making a pizza, building a scarecrow, or solving a puzzle.
Keep it Dry
A fun swimming pool game!
Ingredients
Stone
Cotton Ball
Marshmallow
Pool
To Play
Give each player a small object that changes when it gets wet, such as a stone, cotton ball, or a marshmallow.
Players must try to swim from one end of the pool to the other without getting their object wet. The swimmer with the driest object wins.
Butterfingers Ball
Ingredients
Ball
Pool
To Play
As one player jumps off the diving board or platform, another player stands in the shallow end (or on the side) and throws the ball to the jumper, who tries to catch the ball and hold it until he/she hits the water.
Prizes
Inflatable Pool Toys
Water Guns
Summer Fun Gift Basket: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Beach Towel
Gold Fish
Ingredients
Containers
Sand
To Play
Divide the group into two teams and line them up.
Have the person in each line grab a handful of sand from a container. They must pass the sand to the next player, who passes it to the next, and so on down the line.
When the sand reaches the last player, he/she pours what is left of it on a plate. The team with the most sand wins the game. (You may have to weigh the sand on a food scale if it's close.)
Tug of Water
Ingredients
Sprinkler
Garden Hose or rope
To Play
Set up the sprinkler in the middle of the lawn and turn it on.
Divide the group into two teams and have each team hold an end of the garden hose or a rope.
On the word "Go!" have the teams try to pull their opponents into the sprinkler.
Pop the Piranha
Ingredients
Balloons
Felt-Tip Permanent Markers
Kiddy Pools
To Play
Inflate balloons and tie them off.
Using black felt-tip permanent markers, draw fish faces on the balloons.
Toss balloons into the kiddy pool, one for each child.
On the word "Go!" have the kids jump into the pool and try to grab/pop a wet and slippery balloon.
Go Fishing
Ingredients
Plastic toys
Magnetic Tape
Kiddy Pool
Sticks and String
To Play
Buy some plastic toys and attach a piece of magnetic tape to each one.
Make fishing poles out of sticks and string with magnets tied to the bottom of the string.
Drop the toys into the bottom of the pool. Give the kids the fishing poles.
Let the kids fish for their "prize" in the kiddy pool.
Toss n' Soak
Ingredients
Plastic Pool
Water
Rubber Ball
To Play
Fill up a plastic pool with water and have kids stand around the outside of the pool.
They must toss the ball back and forth to one another and try to catch it.
If the ball hits the water, the child who failed to catch the ball is "out." Whomever is left standing last wins.
Poison
This is a game where there is one lucky person who is "it."
Ingredients
2 Bases
Dodge Ball
To Play
Someone stands between two bases. In our backyard we made the "bases" a fence at one end of the yard and a brick wall at the other end of the yard. The player is allowed to move anywhere between those 2 bases.
He is given a ball, and his goal is to try to hit at least one of the people while they are running from base to base.
Obviously, once people are on the base they are "safe." Once he hits someone else with the ball, that person becomes "it." There is no actual winner of this game, but it is action packed and it can go on for hours until the players get tired.
What Time is it Mr. Fox?
Ingredients
Base
To Play
There is one person who is "Mr. Fox", and everyone else is trying to stay away from him or her. We used to play this from the top to the bottom of a driveway, but it can be played anywhere as long as there is enough room to run. Mr. Fox usually stands at the part of the driveway closest to the house.
Everyone else stands on the designated base and asks in unison, "What time is it Mr. Fox?" As Mr. Fox responds with the time, it can be any time that Mr. Fox would like it to be.
Each person needs to take the number of steps that correspond with the time toward Mr. Fox. For example, if Mr. Fox says it's 4 o'clock, everyone takes 4 steps toward him. It is up to the individual how large they make each step.
The group continues to ask the same question, while Mr. Fox replies with different answers as to "what time it is." Before the players reach Mr. Fox he or she answers the question "What time is it Mr. Fox," he turns around and answers, "It's time to eat you!"
He chases everyone until he catches someone, or everyone makes it back to the base safely. If anyone is caught, then they become "Mr. Fox." (There is no winner to this game either.)
Scavenger Hunt
This is a game that is usually relatively inexpensive and time-consuming, good for both kids and parents.
Ingredients
Index Cards
To Play
Write out clues on index cards.
Give the partygoers clues that take them from place to place. Perhaps this game could begin at the house of the party host/hostess, and the final clue could lead to the party destination.
The team that arrives at the final destination first wins! Or instead of a Scavenger Hunt have kids solve a Detective's Case. Set out clues all over the yard and have kids collect them. Then the kids have to figure out what the clues mean. You might have them find clues to making a pizza, building a scarecrow, or solving a puzzle.
Keep it Dry
A fun swimming pool game!
Ingredients
Stone
Cotton Ball
Marshmallow
Pool
To Play
Give each player a small object that changes when it gets wet, such as a stone, cotton ball, or a marshmallow.
Players must try to swim from one end of the pool to the other without getting their object wet. The swimmer with the driest object wins.
Butterfingers Ball
Ingredients
Ball
Pool
To Play
As one player jumps off the diving board or platform, another player stands in the shallow end (or on the side) and throws the ball to the jumper, who tries to catch the ball and hold it until he/she hits the water.
Prizes
Inflatable Pool Toys
Water Guns
Summer Fun Gift Basket: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Beach Towel
Gold Fish
Monday, April 13, 2009
Grilled Shrimp
One way to get your guests in a party mood is to serve shrimp. When prepared properly, shrimp are succulent and tasty and usually the first thing you will run out of at a party. Since you will have the grill going for your burgers, dogs and wings you might as well toss a few shrimp on the grill and get the party started. When buying your shrimp look for U/10 or U/12 sized shrimp. The “U” part means that there are less than (under) 10 or 12 shrimp per pound. So two pounds of U/12 shrimp would give you about 24 hearty shrimp.
Ingredients
2 pounds of the largest shrimp you can find, cleaned and de-veined.
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of crushed garlic
¼ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
Dipping Sauce
1 bottle (12 ounces) of your favorite hot sauce
2 tablespoons of fresh mayonnaise
2 teaspoons of horseradish
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
Let the shrimp marinate in the mixture for at least one hour.
While the shrimp are marinating, mix together the hot sauce, mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and the salt.
Cover the sauce with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
Once the shrimp have marinated, grill them on the hottest part of your grill about two minutes per side until done. Don’t overcook the shrimp or they will be rubbery rather than tender.
Ingredients
2 pounds of the largest shrimp you can find, cleaned and de-veined.
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of crushed garlic
¼ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
Dipping Sauce
1 bottle (12 ounces) of your favorite hot sauce
2 tablespoons of fresh mayonnaise
2 teaspoons of horseradish
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
Let the shrimp marinate in the mixture for at least one hour.
While the shrimp are marinating, mix together the hot sauce, mayonnaise, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and the salt.
Cover the sauce with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
Once the shrimp have marinated, grill them on the hottest part of your grill about two minutes per side until done. Don’t overcook the shrimp or they will be rubbery rather than tender.
Deviled Eggs
Appetizers that can be made ahead of time and served cold can be a relief to both the guests and the host. Your guests will naturally appreciate a cool snack on a hot day and as a host anything that can be made the day before is just one less thing to worry about on the day of the party. This is where the good-old picnic and barbeque stand-by deviled eggs comes into play. These tasty treats can be made by the dozens and since the recipe mainly consists of mixing the yolks and filling the whites you can even get the kids to help out.
Ingredients
12 hard boiled eggs
½ cup of crème fraiche or sour cream
½ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons of parsley flakes
4 strips of bacon, fried crisp and chopped
Paprika to garnish
Instructions
Chill the eggs and then peel them.
Slice the eggs in half lengthwise.
Remove the yolks and save the whites.
Mix the yolks with the crème fraiche or sour cream, salt, pepper, parsley flakes, and bacon.
Carefully spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
Dust the yolk mixture with a pinch of paprika.
Refrigerate until time to serve.
Ingredients
12 hard boiled eggs
½ cup of crème fraiche or sour cream
½ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons of parsley flakes
4 strips of bacon, fried crisp and chopped
Paprika to garnish
Instructions
Chill the eggs and then peel them.
Slice the eggs in half lengthwise.
Remove the yolks and save the whites.
Mix the yolks with the crème fraiche or sour cream, salt, pepper, parsley flakes, and bacon.
Carefully spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the egg whites.
Dust the yolk mixture with a pinch of paprika.
Refrigerate until time to serve.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Hiring a Party Planning Professional
If the party you are planning is very large or you are just lacking the time to plan a party at this point in your life, you might want to consider hiring a professional party planning business for help. These skilled experts know how to handle all facets of your upcoming party and can take the burden off your shoulders.
Here are some tips for hiring a party planning professional:
Ask for referrals from friends, colleagues, caterers and local businesses. Set up appointments for consultations.
Scope out the Better Business Bureau before hiring a party planning business to see if any complaints have been made against that business.
Interview prospects. Ask how many events like yours the planner has done in the past. Ask for her creative ideas. Ask how she troubleshoots and handles mishaps.
Consider his or her track record. Every event planner worth his or her weight has a portfolio.
List the tasks you want taken off your shoulders.
Discuss whether you will be billed by the event, by the hour or as a percentage of the total cost of the party. Talk about how willing you are to go over budget.
If it would make you more comfortable, call references or drop by an event the professional you are considering is conducting in the near future to scope out the scene.
Jot down your ideas, theme, color considerations, entertainment preferences, and anything you feel you want personalized for your professional.
Once you hire someone, let go. If you micromanage that person, you might as well have saved the money and done it all yourself. Keep in mind that the purpose of your hired professional is to ease the burden on yourself.
Here are some tips for hiring a party planning professional:
Ask for referrals from friends, colleagues, caterers and local businesses. Set up appointments for consultations.
Scope out the Better Business Bureau before hiring a party planning business to see if any complaints have been made against that business.
Interview prospects. Ask how many events like yours the planner has done in the past. Ask for her creative ideas. Ask how she troubleshoots and handles mishaps.
Consider his or her track record. Every event planner worth his or her weight has a portfolio.
List the tasks you want taken off your shoulders.
Discuss whether you will be billed by the event, by the hour or as a percentage of the total cost of the party. Talk about how willing you are to go over budget.
If it would make you more comfortable, call references or drop by an event the professional you are considering is conducting in the near future to scope out the scene.
Jot down your ideas, theme, color considerations, entertainment preferences, and anything you feel you want personalized for your professional.
Once you hire someone, let go. If you micromanage that person, you might as well have saved the money and done it all yourself. Keep in mind that the purpose of your hired professional is to ease the burden on yourself.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Easter Party
Celebrate Easter with an egg hunt in your yard or nearby park, Easter crafts, and special treats.
Younger children will enjoy a Peter Rabbit themed tea party.
Fun Invitation ideas for an Easter Party include:
paper egg shape decorated with markers and glitter
in shape of easter bunny
note folded inside a plastic egg with some jelly beans
written on the outside of real hardboiled egg
Fun Decorations for an Easter Party include:
plastic eggs or real dyed hard boiled eggs
stuffed toy bunnies
pastel colored balloons
Fun Games & Activities for an Easter Party include:
guess how many jelly beans in jar
egg hunt (plastic filled with small favors) or decorated hard boiled eggs
pin the tail on the bunny
relay races with easter eggs
More Games & Activities!
Fun Arts & Crafts for an Easter Party include:
easter egg decorating
easter basket decorating
modeling clay or pipe cleaner bunnies
spring collage (construction paper, magazine photos, old cards, etc.)
bunny masks or hats
Fun Foods for an Easter Party include:
bunny shaped mac & cheese (Annie's brand available in health food stores)
baby carrots with dip and black olives
fruit salad
easter basket cupcakes (green shredded coconut and jelly beans)
Easter Bunny cake
Easter Basket cake
Fun Party Favors for an Easter Party include:
coloring books
stickers
blowing bubbles
sidewalk chalk
fruit leathers
jump rope
Younger children will enjoy a Peter Rabbit themed tea party.
Fun Invitation ideas for an Easter Party include:
paper egg shape decorated with markers and glitter
in shape of easter bunny
note folded inside a plastic egg with some jelly beans
written on the outside of real hardboiled egg
Fun Decorations for an Easter Party include:
plastic eggs or real dyed hard boiled eggs
stuffed toy bunnies
pastel colored balloons
Fun Games & Activities for an Easter Party include:
guess how many jelly beans in jar
egg hunt (plastic filled with small favors) or decorated hard boiled eggs
pin the tail on the bunny
relay races with easter eggs
More Games & Activities!
Fun Arts & Crafts for an Easter Party include:
easter egg decorating
easter basket decorating
modeling clay or pipe cleaner bunnies
spring collage (construction paper, magazine photos, old cards, etc.)
bunny masks or hats
Fun Foods for an Easter Party include:
bunny shaped mac & cheese (Annie's brand available in health food stores)
baby carrots with dip and black olives
fruit salad
easter basket cupcakes (green shredded coconut and jelly beans)
Easter Bunny cake
Easter Basket cake
Fun Party Favors for an Easter Party include:
coloring books
stickers
blowing bubbles
sidewalk chalk
fruit leathers
jump rope
Saturday, April 4, 2009
4th of July Party for Pennies
Forth of July is right around the corner and it’s a great time to celebrate our freedom. A celebration for this holiday does not need to cost a lot.
Invitations- Call your friends, use Evite to send electronic invitations, or purchase some inexpensive flags and tie a homemade invitation to the flag. Then place the flag in the recipients yard. Keep in mind that some people may have vacation plans. So don’t take it personally if there are not as many people able to attend as you expected.
Food- Ask everyone to bring a dish or beverage. Don’t forget about drinks, condiments, dessert, and plates.
Activities- Watch the fireworks, have relay races with balloons between the legs, eggs on a spoon, and wheel barrel races. Consider card games or a game that you have sitting in the garage such as boccie ball, bad mitten, basketball, etc.
Decorations- Of course you’ll want to decorate in red, white, and blue. Purchase red, white, and blue balloons, streamers, plates, napkins, and straws.
I hope you have fun!
Cost- (Ten People)
Invitations- $0-$1.50 per invite
Activities- $0 or include a prize
Food- $30
Decorations- $20
Total- $50
*This party idea is part of a series called Party for Pennies which started since talk of a recession. BestPartyEver.com’s goal is to bring people together through celebration.
Invitations- Call your friends, use Evite to send electronic invitations, or purchase some inexpensive flags and tie a homemade invitation to the flag. Then place the flag in the recipients yard. Keep in mind that some people may have vacation plans. So don’t take it personally if there are not as many people able to attend as you expected.
Food- Ask everyone to bring a dish or beverage. Don’t forget about drinks, condiments, dessert, and plates.
Activities- Watch the fireworks, have relay races with balloons between the legs, eggs on a spoon, and wheel barrel races. Consider card games or a game that you have sitting in the garage such as boccie ball, bad mitten, basketball, etc.
Decorations- Of course you’ll want to decorate in red, white, and blue. Purchase red, white, and blue balloons, streamers, plates, napkins, and straws.
I hope you have fun!
Cost- (Ten People)
Invitations- $0-$1.50 per invite
Activities- $0 or include a prize
Food- $30
Decorations- $20
Total- $50
*This party idea is part of a series called Party for Pennies which started since talk of a recession. BestPartyEver.com’s goal is to bring people together through celebration.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Pool Party
Just had a lovely pool installed in your backyard? The best way to celebrate this new feature of your house – and to brag about the new pool to friends, family and neighbors – is to host a pool party.
Pool parties are often held during the summer, which is not surprising because most people are looking for excuses to cool down from the heat on that season. Since your guests will be looking for something to drive the heat away, you have to make sure that your pool party will be a cool place to be, at least for that designated time. You do not have to worry, though. With a little preparation, your pool party can become the talk of the neighborhood for the next few weeks.
Pool Party Invitations
No one is going to show up at your party if you do not invite people. Calling people or sending them emails to invite them may not be enough and your invites may forget. Thus, you have to be creative about your invitations – make them so your potential guests will not forget about your party.
One idea would be to print out your invitations on small blue sheets of paper. Do not forget to include the time and date of your party in your invitation, and always ask for an RSVP. Roll these sheets of paper and then insert them in small bottles. For an added measure of fun, put in some confetti or sand inside the bottle as well.
Decor and Props
While the main attraction that your party shall have is none other than your pool, doing a little decorating helps too. You can set up a few tiki lamps around the pool, especially when your party is going to last through the night. You can also arrange small tables covered each with a tablecloth with a summery pattern and topped with a flower arrangement of sunflowers, yellow daisies or yellow roses.
Make sure that there are enough chairs for your guests to sit in. You may have to designate a specific room in your house to be used as a changing room. Floats, beach balls and water guns may also be handy to have around during the party.
Music
Parties must have music. You do not have to hire a DJ for your pool party. You can just burn two or three CDs with summery tracks, like the songs of the Beach Boys. If you think the Beach Boys is a little overused already, you can go for reggae or any other current dance hits. Be careful to match your music with the average age of your guests, though. Your music should be something that everyone will enjoy listening to and put them in a partying mood.
Food and Drinks
What is a party without food and drinks? The worst thing that can happen to a party is for guests to go hungry and thirsty. Since your party is going to be a pool party, it would not require a sit-down meal. So, finger foods and cocktail dishes would do. Kebabs, tortillas with salsa, small sandwiches, salads, shrimp cocktails, chicken and beef wraps, and fruit tarts would do well for your menu.
As for drinks, you would not go wrong with serving daiquiris, piña coladas, margaritas and beer. Keep some sodas and fruit juices as well for those who do not want to drink alcohol.
Party Favors
So your guests would remember your party for weeks to come, you have to give out party favors as parting gifts. Your party favors can be anything that can fit with a beach theme, such as little bottles of cologne or sunscreen lotion, shell paperweights, shell jewelry or accessories for women, and other such items.
Pool parties are often held during the summer, which is not surprising because most people are looking for excuses to cool down from the heat on that season. Since your guests will be looking for something to drive the heat away, you have to make sure that your pool party will be a cool place to be, at least for that designated time. You do not have to worry, though. With a little preparation, your pool party can become the talk of the neighborhood for the next few weeks.
Pool Party Invitations
No one is going to show up at your party if you do not invite people. Calling people or sending them emails to invite them may not be enough and your invites may forget. Thus, you have to be creative about your invitations – make them so your potential guests will not forget about your party.
One idea would be to print out your invitations on small blue sheets of paper. Do not forget to include the time and date of your party in your invitation, and always ask for an RSVP. Roll these sheets of paper and then insert them in small bottles. For an added measure of fun, put in some confetti or sand inside the bottle as well.
Decor and Props
While the main attraction that your party shall have is none other than your pool, doing a little decorating helps too. You can set up a few tiki lamps around the pool, especially when your party is going to last through the night. You can also arrange small tables covered each with a tablecloth with a summery pattern and topped with a flower arrangement of sunflowers, yellow daisies or yellow roses.
Make sure that there are enough chairs for your guests to sit in. You may have to designate a specific room in your house to be used as a changing room. Floats, beach balls and water guns may also be handy to have around during the party.
Music
Parties must have music. You do not have to hire a DJ for your pool party. You can just burn two or three CDs with summery tracks, like the songs of the Beach Boys. If you think the Beach Boys is a little overused already, you can go for reggae or any other current dance hits. Be careful to match your music with the average age of your guests, though. Your music should be something that everyone will enjoy listening to and put them in a partying mood.
Food and Drinks
What is a party without food and drinks? The worst thing that can happen to a party is for guests to go hungry and thirsty. Since your party is going to be a pool party, it would not require a sit-down meal. So, finger foods and cocktail dishes would do. Kebabs, tortillas with salsa, small sandwiches, salads, shrimp cocktails, chicken and beef wraps, and fruit tarts would do well for your menu.
As for drinks, you would not go wrong with serving daiquiris, piña coladas, margaritas and beer. Keep some sodas and fruit juices as well for those who do not want to drink alcohol.
Party Favors
So your guests would remember your party for weeks to come, you have to give out party favors as parting gifts. Your party favors can be anything that can fit with a beach theme, such as little bottles of cologne or sunscreen lotion, shell paperweights, shell jewelry or accessories for women, and other such items.
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