Events for the New Year

Everyone loves a good party right?! Well, I know how to keep up with the Jones' so to speak because I used to be one. I have to admit, that I learned well. I learned how to be the hostess with the mostess. I learned all about presentation, and a well planned menu, about flower arrangements, decorating, and doing so lavishly. However, as a teacher, throwing my own parties became more about budget than lavish. It actually became fun to throw a party on a dime. It was almost like a challenge to do something for a certain amount of money, and everyone knows that I love a good challenge. 

For example, I recently held Christmas at my house for my husband's family (a total of 21 people in attendance) for around 100 dollars, which seems like a lot but that included everyone's favorite: a HONEY BAKED HAM! and those are not cheap and blew half of my food budget. 

As this year ends, I look back on all the things/parties that I didn't do because I was really too tired (being pregnant or taking care of a newborn who refuses to sleep for any good amount of time). I am trying to decide on the parties/events that I would like to make happen for my new year. 


"Soup"er Bowl Sunday
This would be just as the title suggests. It would be a Super Bowl party held on Sunday. The main dish(es) would be soups. It might me cool to have everyone bring a soup/chili and have a contest for best one. 

Pinterest Party-a day of crafting
This would be a crafting party that would require super simple appetizers (all found on pinterest of course). The idea would be that everyone brings an appetizer that the found on pinterest and a craft to complete. I think it might be cool to have each person bring enough for a few people to do the craft, then we could set up little stations for everyone. This might be a party that has a few parties. For example, if you had 9 ladies, 3 could bring a craft for everyone to do, then next party would have another of the 3 ladies, then the last. Or it could be a party were everyone submits the craft they would like to try, and then a vote on which one for all to do. OR again, with the stations. There are so many options for this one. I may have to make this idea a separate post!!!

Desserts and DIY party-again a type of crafting party
This one could be very much like the above party. Maybe though the food doesn't have to come from pinterest though. :)

A Clothing Swap
Everyone would bring 10 items to swap along with an appetizer. I see a white elephant thing going down here!

A Tasting Party
I am thinking that everyone brings a dish for tasting. They also must send the recipe via email prior to the event so that a little booklet of all the recipes are the gifts for when everyone leaves. 

Cinco De Mayo
I just love Mexican food, so I don't need an excuse for a party.

Korbin Bru's 1st Birthday
I haven't really thought of a theme yet. The only thing that I know that Korbin Bru like is lights. Oh, but there will be a cake, and I have a sneaking suspicion that my son will probably bury his head in it. 

"Howl"oween Costume Party
I just see a whole big group of people together with a costume contest. There would have to be prizes of course, for things like most creative. 

An Ugly Sweater Party-Griswald Family Style
This is an absolute must!!! I can see everyone in their ugly sweater. Again a contest is a must. I have even see those ugly sweater wine holders-another must.


A Cookie Swap Party-with cookie ballots and voting
This is a good thing to do around Christmas. 

A New Year's Bash
'Nuff said.

What other parties might be good?