party for everyone

It’s hard to throw a party where both adults and kids have fun. Buddy Valastro, host of the TLC show “Cake Boss”, shares a few tips to host a party for everyone. This should be useful when throwing large parties for extended family and friends. 

Theme party

Mr. Valastro starts with a theme to appeal to a multigenerational group. Caribbean or Polynesian themes are good during the summer. He hires hula dancers or hold a hula-hoop competition. Hawaiian or steel-drum bands play music that appeals to a wide audience. Such themes are very laid back and their casual vibe can invite the guests to let the guard down and enjoy the party. 

Parties for young children

Hannah Montana and Transformers themes are almost necessary at parties for very young children. While the theme focuses on the child’s favorite movie or character, try to avoid the décor and games from being too child-focused. For example, for a Transformer party, plan the décor in the colors of a child’s favorite character and assemble figurines on the table but don’t put the characters on every cup and plate. At a kids’ party, parents have more fun if they don’t have to do too much. Hiring a puppet show, clowns, animal farms or musicians is a good idea so the parents can just relax and have conversation.

Parties for older children or adults

Relaxed atmosphere is most important at parties for older kids and adults. Not too many structured activities are required. For example, invite everyone to help jarring tomatoes to share an Italian feast. Such activities can be interesting to both adults and kids but doesn’t feel forced. You can even set up a table with paints, markers and glitter to let the kids decorate the jars. 

Food

Food binds together the most diverse group. Try to serve something related to the theme. For example, a roast pig is good for a luau and a jerk chicken skewers and grilled mahi-mahi with mango salsa is good for Caribbean party. You can’t go wrong with finger foods such as sliders and mini hot dogs—adults will like these too as these foods are trendy in bars and restaurants. A burger station where the guests can make their own burgers with various toppings is another great idea. Instead of banning alcohol at a mixed-age party, set up two separate bars for the adults and kids. 

Video Game

Video game stations appeal to both adults and children. I make a huge use out of our LG Cinema 3D TV. As I mentioned many times in my previous postings, LG Cinema 3D comes with lightweight, battery free 3D glasses, which are very cheap. We have more than enough 3D glasses for many people to play the game at the same time. Games like Mario party are good because it can involve both adults and children at the same time.