There are many reasons to host a dinner party, and one of them is for the chance to get creative with a “themed” dinner party. One  theme you can try for your next dinner party is a mystery dinner. The whole dinner party would be focused around finding out “who done it” and each dinner guests will be a part of the mystery. You can send out murder mystery invitations online which will allow you to send each guest unique information. Tell them what character they will be playing so they can dress the part (dressing up will add to the fun). Check out these murder mystery online invites from My Punch Bowl.

They also have other fun tips to plan your murder mystery dinner party, so get planning!

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Looking for a fun family idea? Want to impress and surprise your kids? Host a “Fancy Friday” and see the smiles appear on their sweet little faces. The whole idea: a “just because” excuse to get all dressed up and break out that dusty china. The twist: make it fancy but still fun!

Here’s some starter ideas:

- When they get home from school give your children handmade invitations to the “Fancy Friday” dinner you’re hosting. Be sure to mention formal attire is mandatory. Tell them to pick out their fanciest clothing (this will also be fun to see what they choose to wear). Don’t forget to tell them what time to arrive at the dinner table.

-Dust off all of your fancy dinnerware (after all this is a “fancy” occasion) and set a formal table. The twist: do not serve formal food.

-Order pizza or serve another kid-favorite food. They will think this is so fun to be eating pizza of of Mom’s fancy china! Make sure to display the “menu” which can be as simple as writing it on a chalkboard for display.

Get as creative as you wish, just remember to make it equally fancy and fun! Bonus: This is a nice way to remind your children of dinner table etiquette and because it is a fun dinner they won’t feel like it is a lesson in manners.

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Do you entertain? Upload your best “Summer Entertaining” photos and enter Hostess With The Mostess’ Facebook contest! Check out the fab prizes they are giving one very lucky winner. Five finalists will be selected then it’s open for a vote on The HWTM Facebook page!

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Little ones will giggle over this birthday party theme- it’s a backwards party! I stumbled on this idea over at Simply Stated, the Real Simple Magazine Blog and had to share it with you!

Here are a few of their backward ideas:

• Hang typical party decorations backwards (like this banner shown). You can also hang upside down like these balloons, or a pinata if you had one.
• Have them eat under the table rather than on top of it.
• As guests arrive say “Good bye” instead of “Hello.”
• Have guests enter through the back door.

OH– and my idea (this will be a huge hit), serve them cake before the food!

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July 4th is right around the corner so it is about time that you start thinking about those red, white and blue details. Add little patriotic details to your family dinner or large celebration to make the day feel festive. Here are a couple simple ideas that will help to turn the everyday into a patriotic day!

Add simple flags to whatever food you dish up– burgers to veggies.

Brighten up your party table with these bold serving pieces. Serve up your beverages in this Sengware Pitcher in Pimento and your pasta dishes in this blue Sengware serving bowl for the perfect patriotic feel!

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Sometimes we need to celebrate…just because. Here are 3 ways I have created celebrations out of typical days.

1. My daughter lost her tooth so I made a fancy dinner and hung party streamers and we called it a “Farewell Tooth Party.” My daughter thought it was so fun!

2. I set the table with our fine dinnerware and we celebrated “Wonderful Wednesday.” During dinner each family member mentioned something they thought was wonderful that day.

3. After having a typical weeknight meal, I reset the table with fancy linens and lit candles and we had a “dessert party” which was a big hit!

What are some creative ways you have turned ordinary days into big celebrations?

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Get inspired to celebrate this Cino De Mayo with these bold party ideas!

The Setting - Create decor using vibrant colors such as different shades of yellow, red, blue, pink, orange, and green. Anything bright will be perfect. Bright and bold paper lanterns would do the trick!

Table Top - Give your party that fiesta flair by using items like sombros or even small piñatas as centerpieces. If using flowers choose a flower like a gerbera daisy that can be found in many bold and bright hues.

Appetizers- For an authentic appetizer, try these mango skewers… YUM!

Cocktails - A festive Cinco De Mayo themed drink is a must! Make variations of tequila margaritas or even fresh mojitios would be appropriate. You can also place ice buckets full of Mexican brand beers on the tables. For non-alcohol sips the fruitier and more colorful the better! Think pineapple, mango, and strawberry drinks.

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The sun is out, the breeze is mild and the air is filled with the sweet smells of spring. Where better to host your next dinner party (or luncheon) than outdoors? Taking your party outdoors almost makes it easier to plan. The blue sky and surrounding greenery offers instant decor, the springtime fragrances fill the air and replace your need for candles. Outdoor surroundings fill up your space which means you are required to do less, buy less, and make less. I say, gather a few things you have around already and repurpose them for entertaining. Here are two great ideas courtesy of Martha.

I love this simple idea. Transform flower pots into serving dishes and platters. This is a great way to pull your outdoor dinner party together and in a very frugal way.

It doesn’t get easier than this! Pluck a few leaves off your outdoor trees and you have instant spring coasters!

Here are just a couple decor ideas for your outdoor entertaining. We would love to hear how you celebrate spring outdoors as well!

Photos via Martha Stewart Living

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It’s that time of year again– time to plan your child’s birthday party. What will it be this year? Firetrucks? Star Wars? Oh the decisions.

Rather than trying to come up with the perfect party theme for your child’s birthday yourself, let them inspire you! Check out these three ways your child can inspire his own party theme!

What he watches: Is it endless replays of Shrek? What about that cartoon on Disney Channel he cannot get enough of? If your child is always eager to watch something in particular, chances are they would be thrilled with a birthday party focused on that show or movie.

What he does: Is your child constantly playing with his dinosaurs or pushing his toy tractors around the house? Pick a party theme inspired by what he likes to do. Whether is be is favorite action toy or outdoor activity. Soccer party to play dough party- he’ll be happy to participate if it is already one of his favorite things to do!

What he is interested in: If your child is fascinated by art and always creating little materpieces- then I say have an art party! Does he love science? Do some experiments. Children are naturally curious, it would be great to run with one of his interests and create a party around it. You’ll be sure to keep his attention!

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Some of my favorite parties are kids parties. Birthdays, school parties, holiday celebrations, any kid-orientated event I love! Perhaps its the whimsical decor or pure excitement in the air, I just think children’s parties are magical. Here is one of my all time favorite party themes for kids…Robots!

These super cool Robot Party theme is sure to create excitement for all ages. I love the bright colors and how unique this theme is. Check out these cool robot themed party ideas. I love the little details like the silver pipe cleaners wrapped around the forks- perfect touch!

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