INVITATIONS

So, you've chosen your party theme and now it's time to choose your invitations. You have great options in choosing your party invitation. Home-made, store-bought, printed or personalized. Verbal, handwritten, engraved, folded notes or cards.

Include your party theme, what or whom the event is for, when is the party, time of party, party address or party location, who is giving the party and any special instructions. If your inviting more that 20 people, ask them to R.S.V.P.

• Be creative when choosing your invitations, try to choose colors that match your party theme.

• Do you want home-made invitations or store bought? Do you want to e-mail your party information or print them from your computer?

• Try to send invitations two weeks prior to the party. Include your phone number and email for easy RSVP. This will give you some time to plan your menu and beverages.

• Include date you'd like a response by on RSVP line. Give your guests the option to call you or e-mail you their response.

• If party is at a different location than your home, include driving instructions.

• List any items guest should bring along, such as a swimsuit for a pool party or dress code for costume parties.

• Sending musical invitation are fun. Their great for a Rock 'n Roll, Disco, or Musical Party.

• For added pizzazz deliver invitations in person dressed up in costume.

BABY SHOWER INVITATIONS
• CUSTOMIZED HOSPITAL BRACELETS
Make your own hospital bracelets. Cut white poster board into strips. Print the party information on both sides of each strip. Cover with clear contact paper and form into a bracelet. Tape ends or staple end together.
• Create message in a "baby" bottle invitations for Baby Shower.

• Use colorful bibs (with fabric markers to write party information) for great for Baby Showers and Lobster Party. Mail in large envelopes.

• Tea cup silhouettes for a Tea Party.

• Tickets for a Concert or Movie Party.

• Cowboy boots or hats for a Western Theme.

• Popcorn boxes for a Film Review.

• A slice of pizza inside a pizza box (envelope) for a Pizza Party.

• Traffic light invitations: First cut out a rectangular shape from brightly colored construction paper or thin cardboard. Then cut out the traffic light shape in a contrasting color, and glue on circles of red, yellow and green paper. Write party details on the back.

• Western Theme:
• Tepee Invitations: Cut out a tepee from heavy construction paper. Decorate the tepee with colored pencils or chalk. Add feathers. Write party details on the reverse.
• Olympics:
• Cut out a yellow circular "medal" from yellow construction paper. Hang the "medal" from red, white and blue yarn. Include your party information on the medal. • On a white 3 x 5 index card, draw the five Olympic rings. Include party information in each ring. Olympic Stadium (address). Torchbearer (guest of honor). Lighting of the Torch (time). On the bottom of the ring write: "You are qualified for the Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter Olympics". • From brown construction paper, make football cutouts for a Superbowl or Football Party.

• Make ice cream cones for an Ice Cream Party.

• Use old sports cards for a Sports-Themed Party, print party information on back.

• A scroll invitation penned in calligraphy for a Medieval Dinner Party is a classic.

• Record a message on a cassette recorder tape for a Secret Mission Party.

• Send out treasure maps for a Pirate Party.

• Purchase colorful pillow cases for a Slumber Party.

• Write party information on a beach ball for a Beach or Pool Party.

• Use mini American flags for a Fourth of July Party, President or Political Party.

• Purchase candy heart shaped boxes for a Valentine Party.

• Create an office memo shaped invitation for an Office Party.

• Use t-shirts (use fabric markers write party information) for Family Reunions or Birthdays. Mail in large envelope.