Tips,For,Hollywood-Themed,Swee family Tips For a Hollywood-Themed Sweet 16 That Won't Break the Ba
Raising a family can be challenging and stressful at times. However, the common goals and emotional, financial, and physical investments made can be a common bond between husband and wife. One that compliments their marriage relationship.Of A lot of women avoid wearing nice clothes when they getpregnant because they believe that they look fat or ugly. You know that theresnothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman glowing and smiling, so youshouldnt hide your body during p
So, there's a recession on. But it's hard to marshal that bit ofinfo when your teen comes to you with her puppy-dog eyes and a reminderthat her sweet 16's nearly here.She wants to go Hollywood, shesays -- an extremely popular party theme. (Never mind those world-wearytypes who sniff that it's been done. Hollywood theme sweet 16s will beover when the world gets tired of watching goddesses sashay down thered carpet on Oscar night in couture and borrowed jewels, which is tosay, never.)So, if you say yes, does this automatically mean youneed to tap the 401(k) or downsize the BMW to a '94 hatchback?Absolutely not. You can pull off a party that thrills the diva near toyour heart and never once have to turn to Top Ramen for dinner thatmonth. Here's how.Food: Self-Cater, But Go Mini.Parentsworry that the Hollywood theme calls for uber-swanky food (should youbreak out the caviar?). But the truth is, it's all in the presentation:stay small. If you can hire just one or two people for a few hours --or even coerce siblings -- into passing hors d'oeuvres and drinks fromtrays, your guests will be tickled pink.But go easy on yourself:hit up a wholesale club. Stock up on pizza and sausage rolls, miniquiche, meatballs -- things you just heat up on trays. Also load up ontortillas, cream cheese and lunch meat: roll together, slice intorounds and secure with toothpicks, and you have a big crowd pleaser.(Don't bother with too much raw broccoli.) Pour something sparkly andsweet into plastic champagne or martini glasses served from trays, andyou've got happy teens.Decorations: Bargain-Hunt Online. Theace in the hole with these popular themes? You've got tons of props tochoose from, and the price is right. Prom sites sell spectacularcardboard Hollywood sets for really reasonable prices. And once you'vegot a focal point, it doesn't take much to fill out the edges. Gold andblack balloons are brilliant for this theme: just get latex so they'lllast throughout the night. They'll fill up the corners of your room, ormake impressive centerpieces when tied into "bouquets."Then,when you shop around, everything from megaphones and clapboards to filmreels and kitsch plastic Ocars can be found for under $6 each. That's apretty cheap way to dress up tables.Scale: Don't Pad the List. Anexclusive guest list not only cuts down on food and beverage costs, itallows you to style a more intimate party that's easier on the bankaccount. Ask a hundred guys and gals, and you'll pretty much need adance hall ... and a $100-an-hour DJ with a four-hour minimum.But if it's mainly her BFFs, you can fill the evening with a screening of 16 Candles and fun party games that will fuel the giggles for hours, and be every bit as memorable as the mega-party -- if not more.Fashion: Get Your Guests in on the Act.Yourparty will automatically hit higher heights if your guests show updressing the part. They'll get to flaunt their coolest frocks andshoes; all you need to do is hand out inexpensive feather boas andoversized sunglasses to conjure up a VIP lounge. Be sure to have yourdigital camera charged and ready, and a photo printer if you've gotone. Then, provide some clapboard-style photo frames for keepsakes.Your best-dressed guests can slide in their favorite head shots, and gohome knowing their stylist hit the mark.
Tips,For,Hollywood-Themed,Swee