Party Tracker

Halloween Party Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 09:16:00 +0000

Halloween costumes and parties are traditionally modelled after supernatural figures. Works of Gothic and horror literature (such as novels and movies like Frankenstein and Dracula) have also played a major part in our vision of Halloween.

So why would anyone dress up as an apple on Halloween?

What's the relevance to apples and Halloween costumes?

Well at a Halloween party dunking or apple bobbing, (dooking in Scotland) is very popular. This is where apples float in a tub or large basin of water (some over 18’s use beer/cider) and the participants must use only their teeth and mouth to pick up and remove an apple from the basin. Another apple Halloween game played by women is to carve an apple in one long strip, then toss the peel over their shoulder. The peel is believed to land in the shape of the first letter of their future spouse’s name.

Halloween imagery also includes themes of death, evil, and monsters such as ghosts, skeletons, witches and werewolves. Skulls also have a unique reference to Halloween, traditionally served as “a reminder of death and the transitory quality of human life”, hence why they have a common place in Halloween. Images of skeletons and the dead are also traditional Halloween decorations to use for your party.

Homes are often decorated with all types of other scary symbols from magic cauldrons to mythical monsters. Some traditional Halloween colour themes to follow are black, orange and purple for decorating your home and dinner table. Keep this in mind when decorating your Halloween party.

Now for desert, so how about literally sticking to another traditional game, It involves simply hanging up treacle or syrup coated scones, buns or cakes with string. These must be eaten in the same manner as apple bobbing, without using hands while they remain attached to the string, an activity that will almost certainly end up messy and with sticky faces, even horrific looking sticky faces, but nevertheless its fun.

So whether you are holding a children’s party or a Halloween party for adults at the office or at home, bear in mind that your costumes and decorations need to be well thought out.

The simpler costumes usually are the best ones. Now there are second skin/morph skin tight bodysuit costumes available and they are really cool and very easy to wear, they truly do look amazing! They are well made and will definitely help you stand out amongst the rest of the costumes at the party for sure...

Halloween Vampire Fancy Dress Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:13:00 +0000

Vampires have always been a popular Halloween theme, but it seems like we are currently in the Age of the Vampire thanks to a whole range of vampire-focussed films and television shows featuring fangs. It all started a long time ago of course, with Nosferatu and Dracula being the most well known of the silver screen vampires, and classic Dracula costumes are still popular every year. But today's vampires are more likely to look like one of us, with the addition of a pair of fangs and a lot of dripping blood.

Television shows such as True Blood and the Vampire Diaries, as well as films like Twilight, have made vampires sexy and not just scary. Vampire costumes are not just for men, there are lots of vampiras and vampiresses too, with slinky black dresses and plenty of attitude. Just add some thick black eyeliner, a pair of fake fangs and pop some fake blood capsules and you will have the perfect fancy dress for Halloween.

If you are hosting a party, there is a fabulous range of Fangtastic disposable tableware that can be perfectly mixed and matched with our plain black or red tableware, as well as vampire scene setters, Halloween hanging decorations and balloons.

The History of Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 14:25:00 +0000

Halloween used to be something that we'd see in movies and tv shows from the USA, but not something that we really celebrated in the UK. In recent years it's become more and more popular and now there are huge ranges of fancy dress costumes and Halloween decorations to suit everyone's tastes and pocket. Children start planning what they're going to wear and how many sweets they're going to collect weeks in advance.

The history of modern Halloween comes partly from the Christian celebration of All Saints Eve, also known as All Hallows Eve, which takes place on 31st October. Hallows Evening eventually became Hallowe'en which is how the name we know came to be. It's a day when martyrs and saints (known as hallows) would be remembered and the idea was to confront the power of death. Halloween is also based partly on the ancient Celtic festival of Samhaim (pronounced "sah-win"). The ancient people that celebrated Samhaim believed that on 31st October the boundaries between the world of the living and the world of the dead would overlap and the dead would come back to life and wreak havoc. One of the things they did was to build bonfires to frighten away the dead, which would attract bats and insects which then became some of the holiday's traditional symbols and the bonfires have since been replaced by candles used to light up carved pumpkins. The popular tradition of wearing masks and fancy dress costumes comes from the Celts disguising themselves so that the ghosts of the dead would not recognise the living and leave them alone.

One of the most traditional ways of celebrating Halloween is for children to go Trick or Treating. The origins of this go back several hundred years and combine the idea of Mischief Night, when children would play practical jokes on their neighbours, such as taking hinges off gates or changing shop signs; and an old European custom called Souling, whereby beggars going door to door would be given Soul Cake (a bit like a hot cross bun) in exchange for prayers for a donor's dead relatives. Today this has become a tradition whereby children in fancy dress go door to door calling out "trick or treat" in the hopes of being given sweets and chocolates.

April Fools Day Facts and Pranks

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 14:31:00 +0000

So money doesn’t grow on trees but apparently spaghetti does!
That's what the BBC had a lot of people believe when they ran the now-classic prank on the Panorama TV programme on APRIL FOOL’S DAY – way back in 1957!
The scenes of Swiss harvesting spaghetti from trees conned hundreds of people into calling up the BBC requesting directions to grow their own ‘Pasta Plant’. The response was so overwhelming that the prank sort of backfired and the BBC had to declare on the news that the video was fabricated. This was a pioneering instance of TV been used to stage an April Fool’s Day hoax.

The origins of this annual leg-pulling celebration are shrouded in the mists of history. There is a supposed reference to April Fool’s day in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales while some link it to Pope Gregory XIII reinstating January 1 as New Year’s Day. Either way it’s nothing to be serious about, especially since the Romans celebrated the festival Hilaria (-sounds like a hoax disease by itself) on 25th March. Spanish speaking countries still celebrate a Feast of Fools in December which has continued down from medieval times.
For the Italians, French and Belgians it’s all fishy business. Tradition demands that a paper fish be stuck to the victim’s back with the call of ‘April Fish’!

Around the world April Fool’s Day or All Fool’s Day is an occasion to let mischief loose and play practical tricks and jokes on others. The butts of the ensuing jokes could vary in number from a single individual to an entire television audience. Arguably, the BBC holds the crown of creating widespread delusions on this day using the power of mass media. In 1965 the BBC feigned an experiment allowing the broadcast of aromas over airwaves. Apparently, many viewers reported that the experiment was successful! The BBC even re-ran the hoax in 2007 as an online version.

In another memorable April Fool’s gag, the British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore announced on BBC Radio 2 that due to an ultra-rare planetary alignment earthlings could experience the effects of a diminished gravitational pull at precisely 9:47 a.m. on April 1, 1976. All they had to do was jump in the air and enjoy a ‘strange floating sensation. What followed was mass gullibility, with hundreds of calls regarding experiences of levity.

As Einstein has famously quoted “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former.” So this April 1st put on your pranking socks, arrange the plastic joke cockroaches around the house and go forth and explore this landscape of human stupidity. And DO NOT underestimate your own!

St. David's Day

noreply@blogger.com (CynKeen) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 22:02:00 +0000

For those who have Welsh origin or ancestry, the celebration of the life of Wales’ patron saint-St. David-is recognized on March 1st of each year. It is also a time for people to learn about the Welsh culture and traditions.

Some of the traditions include attending a special St. David’s Day church service, or cooking traditional food to share with family or friends. Such as herb lamb chops, Welsh pot bread, or Caerphilly Crumble.

Many groups organize special events or parties that include carrying the flag of Wales, hanging up paper bunting with Wales flags, dressing up in traditional costumes, and wearing daffodils or leeks on clothing. The Welsh flag, a red dragon on a white and green background, is displayed throughout on this festive holiday.

As mentioned earlier, St. David is the patron saint of Wales. He plays a very important role in Welsh culture, but little is known about his life. He founded a Celtic monastic community at Glyn Rhosyn (The Vale of Roses) on the western headland of Pembrokeshire, at the spot where St. David's Cathedral stands today. His legacy was his teachings known throughout the Celtic world. His foundation at Glyn Rhosyn became an important Christian shrine and center in Wales. The date of Saint David's death is recorded as 1 March, but the year is uncertain – possibly around 588.

At Party Tracker, we supply a variety of Welsh flags in various sizes that are perfect for celebrating St David's Day or using for supporting and celebrating Wales sporting events.

Some Interesting Facts About Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (CynKeen) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 09:00:00 +0000

As Valentine's Day approaches us on February 14th, here are some interesting traditions and superstitions about this romantic holiday you may not of known about:

The first man that an unmarried woman saw on February 14th would be her future husband.
If all of the names of a girl's suitors were written on paper and wrapped in clay and the clay then put into water, the first piece that rose to the surface would contain the name of her husband-to-be.
If a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a rich man.
In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. Then they would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. Or otherwise known as 'wearing your heart on your sleeve'.
In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on Valentine's Day. Hearts, keys, and keyholes were the most popular decorations on the spoons. This decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

This year, see what Party Tracker has in store for you with a romantic-themed Valentine's Day. Give your loved one a special Valentine balloon, have fun on a night out with your friends wearing a festive wig or hat from our accessory line. Perhaps a romantic dinner at home using our Valentine tableware and Valentine decorations. The possibilities are endless, let Party Tracker be your one-stop, easy and always fun place for all your holiday needs.

Hollywood Themed Parties

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 16:55:00 +0000

How to create the perfect Hollywood party

Mission Impossible? The Godfather? What is your fantasy Hollywood Party? Hollywood themed parties are incredibly fun, with an endless amount of possibilities as to what to dress up as! The typical Hollywood themed party would be a “tux ‘n’dress “ party, or a masked ball. Why not try a more unique dress theme, for example, a cartoon character, Buzz Lightyear? Or a gangsters theme, so you look like the Godfather? Or perhaps a Star Wars Anakin Skywalker look for men? Tableware at a Hollywood party should be classy and electrifying – wine and champagne glasses, metallised forks, knives and spoons, and elegant plates and bowls.

Hosting a Hollywood theme party would require many exciting decorations, perhaps chandeliers, ice sculptures, and stars to decorate the floor and tables? These would ensure a truly remarkable experience for your guests and it would pull off a suave look for your theme.

Homemade Christmas crackers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:36:00 +0000

Create your own crackers this Christmas

For some families, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a few corny jokes, some festive paper crowns and a surprise gift. But, let’s face it − most of us would agree that crackers aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Although their brightly coloured exterior may spruce up the Christmas table, their contents are usually a huge disappointment. The bang is sometimes inaudible, the paper hat never sits on your head properly and the gift is usually pointless or broken within minutes. But if the thought of going sans crackers this year is too great a step to take, why not consider making your own? Although it may sound like too much hard work, you’ll be surprised at how easily and cheaply a decent cracker can be made.

Cracker snaps come in packs of 144 for just £3.50

What you’ll need

Coloured crepe paper or good-quality luxury wrapping paper

1 toilet roll per cracker, plus another 2 to form the shape (these can be used again and again)

1 cracker snap per cracker

String or ribbon

Decorations such as bows or beads

Treats for the crackers

Glue

Step-by-step guide

1. Lay out your wrapping paper or crepe paper (if using crepe paper, use several layers of different colours).

2. Place the three toilet rolls in a line on the paper, spacing them out evenly. This will create the shape of the cracker.

3. Glue along one edge of the paper and roll tightly over the three cardboard rolls. Stick the edge down firmly.

4. Stick on any decorations you have. Beads and bows work well, but anything goes.

5. Place one cracker snap inside the cracker and add your chosen treats. The beauty of making your own is that you can add whatever you like. You may want to include a coloured hat and a joke, but you can also slip in other small gifts, such as luxury chocolates; miniature bottles of wine/spirits; mini bottles of perfume/aftershave, hand cream, body lotion and bubble bath; lip gloss; nail polish; earrings; little wind-up toys; erasers; balloons, tattoos; mini pens; and scratch cards. Just make sure they are small enough to fit inside your toilet roll.

6. Use ribbon or string to tie the two ends of the cracker (i.e. both ends of the middle toilet roll) and remove the two end toilet rolls.

7. Your cracker should now be finished and ready to pull when the time is right.

Office Christmas party themes, part 5

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 13:13:00 +0000

Hurrah for Hollywood!

Basing your office Christmas party on a particular theme will be certain to get your colleagues and friends talking before the big day, especially if they’re required to dress up for the occasion. The question is, what will appeal to your diverse mix of workmates?

We’ve already shared ideas about themed parties spanning decades from the 1920s to the 1980s and a casino-based event. But if none of them excite you, why not consider a Hollywood-themed affair instead?

Most people will have some interest in films or have a favourite actress or actor, so everyone should be able to get into the party spirit in one way or another. And with a theme like this, you can take it as far as your imagination and budget will allow.

Hollywood face masks
(pack of 6)

Invite your colleagues and friends to come dressed as an actual movie star for the night or to wear a tuxedo or evening gown. After all, if they want to feel like a movie star, it’s only fitting that they should look like one. A Charlie Chaplin outfit should be easy to put together for the men, while the women could transform themselves into Marilyn Monroe with the right dress, a blonde wig and red lips.

No Hollywood party would be complete without a red carpet to welcome the stars of the show. Encourage everyone to pose as they walk down it and, if possible, enroll a colleague or two to help you film them or take photographs.

You could even ask one of your more extrovert team members to announce each guest as they walk down the red carpet and then interview them with questions such as, 'How do you feel about your new movie?’ or ‘Who designed your outfit tonight?’ If your guests are up for a bit of role-play, then this could be a really fun way to get them in the mood. There will undoubtedly be a few witty responses among your more good-humored work colleagues that will be sure to raise a few laughs. A red-carpet, lifesize stand-in cutout will also create a great photo opportunity and get everyone pairing up.

These film reels are perfect to use
as table centrepiece or decorations

You can go all out on jazzing up the party venue itself as there’s so much Hollywood paraphernalia available. Decorate the walls with clapperboards and Hollywood street sign cutouts, and adorn tables with film reel centrepieces, Lights! Camera! Action! confetti and black glittered star balloons with co-ordinating star balloon weights. And to help your workmates feel they’re in good company, you could even have them mingle with celebrity guests such as Daniel Craig or Marilyn Monroe – well, lifesize cutout versions of them anyway.

As far as the entertainment goes, you can organise anything from an awards event to a talent show. An entertainment trivia quiz on award-winning actors and films is likely to go down well, or why not hold a ‘name that tune’ contest and have your workmates guess which film each song came from.

Whether you create your Hollywood celebration on a grand or smale scale, one thing’s for certain. If you do it in style, it’s sure to be a bit hit.

Office Christmas party themes, part 4

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 14:27:00 +0000

Why a casino-themed office Christmas party is
a sure bet for success

If you want something a bit different for your office Christmas celebration this year, a casino-themed party is sure to be a winner − and it doesn’t have to cost you big bucks.

There are several things you’ll need to think about, including decorations to create the right atmosphere, which games to provide, what refreshments to offer and whether to introduce a dress code.

How to jazz up the place

You’ll be amazed at how a few decorations and touches can give your office or party venue a real casino feel. Having arranged your gaming tables in a way that looks like a casino floor, why not add green or black felt tablecloths? Make your colleagues and friends feel special with a red carpet runner and a VIP entrance sign. Casino sign cutouts, with the names of games on offer, will be useful for guiding your workmates to the table of their choice. Balloons with pictures of cards and dice will also liven up the place, as will playing-card cutouts, casino confetti and banners, or a slot machine backdrop. Go all out or go minimalist. The choice is yours.

What to play?

Give your casino party a genuine Vegas feel with games such as blackjack, roulette and poker. For the more novice gambler, you can put up ‘how to play ...’ and ‘rules of the game’ posters, as well as organising simple dice games and bingo. After all, you’ll want to ensure everyone feels included. You may have to get a few of your colleagues on board to help run each game, but if you’ve got the budget, how about hiring a professional dealer or two for a few hours. If the funds are available, you could also give every party guest real notes or chips. If not, just play with fake money. A nice touch would be to provide everyone with a scorecard to mark down their earnings or a little bucket for their winnings. If using fake money, you could give a prize to the person with the highest score or greatest number of chips at the end of the evening.

Nibbles and tipples

Finger food is definitely the way to go if you’re having a casino-themed evening. It’s easier to carry around and means your workmates will be able to snack between games. Mini sandwiches, chips, chopped veggies and dips, pizza slices, chicken wings, lamb skewers, mini meatballs, mozzarella sticks, garlic bread and slices of bruschette should fill empty tummies, while platters of apples, cherries and bananas provide a fitting link with slot machines. Bowls of crisps, nut, pretzels and wrapped chocolates throughout the room will be a nice accompaniment to the drinks. Make sure you have lots of punch, beer, martinis, margaritas, non-alcoholic cocktails, fruit juices and other soft drinks on hand throughout the evening. And, for a nice touch, add casino-themed plastic stirrers with your beverages.

Dressed up to the nines

If it’s a classy do that you’re laying on, why not get your colleagues and friends to dress accordingly, with tuxedos and suits for the gents and evening gowns for the ladies. But if it’s glitz and glamour that you’re after, encourage the women to accessorise with sequins and boas, and the men to don flashy shirts and ties adorned with playing cards and dice.

If after reading this, you decide that a casino night for an office Christmas party doesn’t come up trumps for you, why not consider organising a casino or Vegas night-themed fundraising event for charity instead. It’s sure to be an ace affair.

Office Christmas party themes, part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 21 Nov 2013 17:32:00 +0000

Swinging sixties, groovy seventies or new-wave eighties? Take your pick

A party with a focus tends to be a lot more fun. So, if you want to make your Christmas work do a bit special this year, read on to find out what you can do in the third of our Christmas office party blogs.

You’ll be sure to impress the majority of your colleagues, especially if you cover a wide age range, with a 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s-themed party. By concentrating on not one but three decades, you should be able to please almost everyone because most people will probably have some connection with one of these periods and be keen to relive it again – even if it’s just for one night.

There’s so much you can do around this theme too. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the music. Just make sure that it’s not the songs of one particular era that get played all night. Rock and pop will go down well for the 1960s, with tunes from the likes of James Brown, the Hollies, the Beatles and the Beach Boys. For the 1970s, choose anything by ABBA to Al Green, Rod Stewart to Stevie Wonder. And when it comes to the 1980s, any of the hits by Michael Jackson, Wham!, Madonna or Duran Duran will ensure the night is one to remember.

You’ll really add a sense of fun to the event if you make it a requirement to dress up for the occasion. And there’s no excuse not to because there are so many looks to choose from. If a fan of the 1960s, go hippie with a flower power costume or be a cool dude in patterned trousers and waistcoat. When dressing for the 1970s, become the rock star that you’ve always dreamed about being or strut your stuff like John Travolta in a disco fever outfit. And if, like me, it’s the 1980s that’s the decade you remember most fondly, reinvent yourself as Boy George in a new wave pop star costume or bare all in a gold bustier and skirt in a fun Madonna-style 80s pop star ensemble.

To create the right atmosphere, decorate the venue with disco hanging swirls and a disco ball. And why not add a disco couple lifesize stand-in cutout at the entrance to provide a great photo opportunity. It’s sure to put everyone in a party mood.

Office Christmas party themes, part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 17:09:00 +0000

Will it be a roaring twenties or rocking fifties affair?

If you’ve been given the task of organising your office Christmas do and need some ideas to get you started, let us help inspire you in the second part of our Christmas office party themes.

As we all know, every good party needs music to liven up the atmosphere. So why not base your celebrations on a specific musical era and get your colleagues and friends to dress up in the fashion of the day? To add to the mood of the time, you could also decorate your party venue with paraphernalia from the period, such as feather boas reminiscent of the 1920s, or a 1950’s jukebox cutout.

1920's Charleston

The decade you choose to recreate is up to you. With the film release of The Great Gatsby in May this year, a 1920’s Charleston theme could go down well among your workmates. Your female colleagues could transform themselves with a 1920’s flapper costume complete with Charleston headband and cigarette holder, while the men could opt for white spats and braces.

As for the music, there would have to be an onus on jazz − bearing in mind the 1920s was known as the Jazz Age − as well as a couple of Charleston tracks thrown in for good measure. A few Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington songs should fit the bill nicely. You could also arrange to play silent movies in the background, such as films featuring Charlie Chaplin or Rudolph Valentino, and set up tables for your colleagues to play card games.

1950's Rock ‘n’ Roll

If the 1920s is too roaring for you, why not head 30 years into the future for a taste of rock ‘n’ roll? In terms of your playlist, you’ll be spoiled for choice. ‘Rock Around the Clock’ and ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’, by Bill Haley and his Comets, will be sure to get your colleagues up and dancing, while Elvis’s ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’ should keep them bopping on their toes all night long.

When a break from dancing is needed, satisfy your colleagues and friends with some tasty treats, including hamburgers, fries, milkshakes, coca-cola and beer, inspired by the popularity of America’s diners at the time.

As to what to wear to this 1950’s shindig, encourage your male colleagues to don a 1950’s greaser style, Teddy boy or Elvis wig. Meanwhile, the ladies have the choice to be demure and classy (opt for a fitted bodice dress with a full skirt and petticoat, with matching gloves, shoes, bag and pearls) or to go casual with skinny jeans, a big red belt, a checked shirt or white T-shirt, and retro sunglasses.

If you have doubts about whether your 1920’s-inspired office party will be a roaring success and believe a 1950’s one will be anything but rocking, don’t despair! Our next blog, which focuses on the next three very memorable decades, may turn out to be right up your street.

Office Christmas party themes, part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:52:00 +0000

Make your office party a truly Christmassy affair

With Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to start preparing for the annual office party celebration. While some of us look forward to this chance to let our hair down with our workmates; others see it as a bit of a chore and reluctantly attend. But while you can’t please all the people all of the time, here’s hoping you can at least make it a pleasurable experience for as many as possible.

So, if it’s your job to get your workmates together and in the party spirit − even if it’s just for one afternoon or evening − you may want a few ideas to help get you started. These should all be workable, whether the party is happening in your office building, at another venue, or in a restaurant. You may just have to modify things accordingly.

Christmas parties based on a specific theme tend to go down well. The question is, which one to choose? In our series of Christmas blogs, we’ll be offering you a few ideas to whet your appetite, starting with a Christmas character theme.

Christmas character theme

Get your colleagues to dress up as their favourite Christmas person, whether it’s a biblical figure, a fictional character from a book or film, Father Christmas himself, a Miss Santa, an angel or an elf. And if people aren’t interested in doing the whole fancy dress thing, why not suggest they turn up in a novelty hat or festive accessory instead?

The Christmas character theme can also run through to your entertainment with, for example, a quiz based on films, books, songs or food related to Christmas; dancing to Christmas music; or a Secret Santa based on Christmas-themed gifts.

If you’re providing food and drink, you can make it truly traditional fare by offering, for example, turkey bites; turkey and cranberry pasties; nut roast squares (for the veggies); roasted vegetable kebabs; mini roast potatoes on sticks; vegetable platters in Christmas colours, such as green and red peppers, tomatoes and broccoli; mince pies, bite-size Christmas puddings and mulled wine. To complement the food, choose Christmas-themed paper plates, cups and napkins to make your party extra festive.

And, on a final note, don’t forget the mistletoe to put everyone in a fun and flirty mood.

Children’s Nativity Costumes

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 13:54:00 +0000

Ensure Your Child’s a Star in Their School's Nativity

Just when you thought you could put away your children’s dressing-up clothes for another year − now that Halloween has come and gone − their school announces its forthcoming nativity play. What’s more, your little ‘uns will need to be dressed in character. A deep sigh escapes your lips at the thought of another outfit to put together. But don’t stress! Help is at hand.

Offering a wide range of girls’ and boys’ fancy dress nativity costumes, we can transform your child into the perfect Mary or Joseph, a realistic-looking donkey or sheep, or a regal king or lowly shepherd. And while we can’t ensure your daughter always acts like an angel, we can at least help her look like one in our girl’s fancy dress angel costume.

These are just some of the characters that feature in the typical school nativity play, which recreates the scene of the birth of Jesus Christ in a stable. In this traditional Christmas story, a baby is born in a stable in Bethlehem to a woman called Mary, who’s married to Joseph.

Before the baby is born, Mary is visited by an angel – the Angel Gabriel. This angel tells Mary that she’ll give birth to a baby who will be called Jesus, and he will be the son of God. While Mary is heavily pregnant, she and Joseph travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem (about 70 miles). You’ve got to admire her. For most of us in the later stages of pregnancy, just getting up a flight of stairs is something of a triumph. Anyway, back to the story.

Mary and Joseph make this long journey because the Roman Emperor Augustus orders everyone to return to the town where their families originally come from, to take part in a census. He does this because he wants a list of all the people in his empire to make sure they pay their taxes. (Some things never change!) Although most people are forced to make this journey on foot, some are lucky enough to have a donkey to carry their things. Enter your son in a child’s fancy dress donkey costume.

When Mary and Joseph finally reach Bethlehem, they have problems finding somewhere to stay. All the inns are full and the only place offered to them is a stable with the animals. It’s in this very place that the baby Jesus is born. And his bed – a manger used to hold hay to feed the animals – is where he’s put to sleep.

Following his birth, Jesus receives visits from one of two groups of people, depending on whether you follow the gospel Matthew (who wrote for the Jews) or the gospel Luke, who wrote for non-Jews. In Matthew's account, wise men visit Jesus. After following a star that leads them to Jesus, they present him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In contrast, Luke’s version tells how humble and poor shepherds are led to Jesus by an angel.

The story of Jesus’s birth ends with Joseph fleeing with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape from Herod, King of Judea. Word has it that Herod intends to kill Jesus because he fears that he will replace him as the new King of the Jews. The irony of this remarkable story is surely not lost on many of us.

Thanksgiving Day 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 10:07:00 +0000

Turkey and TV – and it’s not even Christmas!

If you thought eating turkey was just for Christmas, you couldn’t be more wrong. On Thursday 28 November, many of your American counterparts will be tucking into this tasty bird, together with potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, vegetables and pumpkin pie. And they’ll be eating lots of turkey – roughly 535 million pounds of the stuff. But ‘why?’ we hear you ask, when Christmas is still less than a month away. The answer is simple – it’s Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Day is always celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It’s a time for people to give thanks for what they have and brings families and friends together for a special meal. Indeed, the average American will travel 214 miles to visit family and friends for the holiday.

But how did it all start? Thanksgiving Day has been an annual holiday in the United States since 1863, but many claim the first American Thanksgiving took place in 1621 with the pilgrims’ harvest celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Others believe the first true thanksgiving was in 1623, when these same pilgrims gave thanks for rain that ended a drought. Whatever the date, people back then expressed their thanks in a special church service, rather than a feast.

Nowadays, Thanksgiving Day is very much focused on food, football and fun parades. Turkey is traditionally eaten because it was once a rare treat. During the 1830s, an eight- to ten-pound bird cost a day’s wages. What’s more, it was actually roast turkey, albeit in foil packets, that was the first meal eaten by Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin on the moon.

Spending hours watching football on Thanksgiving is a holiday favourite for many fans. This Thanksgiving, the Detroit Lions will play against the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys will do battle with the Oakland Raiders, and the Pittsburgh Steelers will compete against the Baltimore Ravens. But if football doesn’t appeal, there’s always Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to watch on TV or in person, if you happen to find yourself in New York. The parade, which has now been running for almost 90 years, is watched by 3.5 million people each year and attracts 50 million TV viewers. Local Thanksgiving parades also take place.

So if you’re an American in England − or just someone who loves all things American − and are thinking of hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, there’s a whole range of American paraphernalia available to make you feel at home. Dress up in a Stars and Stripes top hat or American flag eye mask, or set your table with USA Flying Colours napkins, paper cups and plates. After all, if you can’t make it to the USA, why not bring the USA to you!

One Direction - Putting You in the Know

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:39:00 +0000

The ins and outs of your teenager’s favourite band

Here at Party Tracker, where most of us are in our late 30s and early 40s, we always thought that One Direction was just a traffic sign. We’re glad to say we’re now a more enlightened bunch.

When we recently got hold of our fabulous new One Direction partyware, including One Direction paper plates, One Direction paper cups, napkins and table covers, and lifesize cutouts of the band members, we were eager to find out more about these handsome young men and why teenage girls are living, breathing and dreaming One Direction. Well, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

If, like us, you didn’t tune into the seventh series of The X Factor in 2010, then you’ll probably be unaware that this English-Irish pop band came third in the competition. However, these five young men weren’t originally a group when they entered the competition. They actually came on to the show as individual contestants until it was suggested that they form a five-piece boy band. It was this decision that kept them in the competition, now in the ‘groups’ category, under Simon Cowell’s mentorship.

Since then, the five members of One Direction − Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson – have gone on to achieve major success. After the competition, the band members got themselves a £2 million record contract with Simon Cowell’s record label.

The band’s first single, 'What Makes You Beautiful', became the fastest-selling single of 2011 and entered the charts at number one in both the UK and Ireland. You may remember the band performing this same song at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In March 2012, One Direction released its first album, Up All Night. It became the UK’s fastest-selling debut album and topped the charts in 16 countries. It also sold 500,000 digital copies in the US – the greatest number for any boy band’s first album – giving One Direction a place in the Guinness World Records. By August 2012, over 3 million copies of Up All Night had been sold worldwide.

The band’s second album, Take Me Home, followed in November 2012. It sold 4.4 million copies, making it the fourth best-selling album globally that year. Its lead single, 'Live While We’re Young', reached the top ten in almost every country it charted in. ‘Little Things’, the album’s second single, debuted at number one in the UK at the same time as the album, making One Direction the youngest act in British chart history to achieve this double accolade.

The success of the band has also brought a publishing deal with HarperCollins, with One Direction: Forever Young (Our Official X Factor Story), which topped The Sunday Times best-seller list. They were the biggest winners of the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, winning three nominations, including Best New Artist. In the same year, they received two BRIT Awards, including Best British Single with 'What Makes You Beautiful', and performed in the presence of Queen Elizabeth ll at the 2012 Royal Variety Performance. And in August 2013, the band made it to the big screen with One Direction: This Is Us, a 3D film about their rise to fame.

Now everyone is waiting eagerly for One Direction’s third studio album, Midnight Memories, due out on 25 November. Here’s hoping the guys knock our socks off again.

Guy Fawkes Night

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 10:59:00 +0000

Remember, remember, the fifth of November

When the first firework you light on 5 November lights up the sky, falling to earth like a shower of colourful rain, will you be remembering the man who turned this date into an annual celebration in the UK?

His name is Guy Fawkes and in 1605 he tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. However, he got caught before he managed to put his plan into action and was subsequently executed. He didn’t act alone, however. He was one of a group of 13 young men who wanted to assassinate King James I and his followers at the state opening of Parliament.

When Guy Fawkes was discovered, so were 36 barrels of gunpowder. These were stacked in the cellar directly below where the king would have been sitting. As to the huge quantity of gunpowder, Guy Fawkes explained it was needed ‘to blow you Scotch beggars back to your own native mountains!’ The irony, however, is that the gunpowder was believed to have actually decayed. So, if it had been lit, it may not have even exploded. But, of course, we’ll never know for certain because Guy Fawkes and the other conspirators got caught before trying to ignite the powder.

To commemorate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot, as it has become known, people have been lighting bonfires for almost 420 years. The practice started on the night of 5 November 1605 to celebrate the safety of King James I. By the 19^th century, effigies of Guy Fawkes started being placed on bonfires. And today the tradition continues with the addition of fireworks, to remind us of the gunpowder that Guy Fawkes hid in the cellar of Parliament.

But one questions remains. When you do set light to that first firework on Bonfire Night, will you be celebrating Guy Fawkes' execution or honouring his attempt to do away with the government?

If you're looking to enhance your Bonfire Night celebration, why not get in some sparklers? They're sure to add to the fun at any fireworks party. And it won't just be the children who love 'em!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 15:48:00 +0000

Make your mark during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer charities throughout the UK are organising a range of events this month (October) to promote awareness about the condition and to encourage the public to help them raise money to support essential services and fund vital research for the 55,000* people who are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Care will also be marking Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day on 13 October, to recognise the needs and experiences of people living with secondary breast cancer. This occurs when the breast cancer cells spread from the first tumour in the breast to another part of the body. It cannot be cured, although it can be treated and controlled − sometimes for years.

If you’d like to take part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there’s a host of activities that you can get involved in.

How about organising a fun pink activity at your work, school or home on any Friday in October with the help of Breast Cancer Care’s Pink Fridays fundraising kit. To receive yours, visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/fundraising-events/events/pink-fridays-2013-signup

On 19 October, join thousands of other women in Breast Cancer Care’s 5k or 10k run in the beautiful surroundings of Richmond Park. For more information, contact the Breast Cancer Care Press team on 020 7960 3463 or email press@breastcancercare.org.uk

Cancer Research UK is also offering lots of interesting fundraising ideas to help you beat cancer. Asking for donations to keep your lips sealed for a day could prove very lucrative if you’re something of a chatterbox, while agreeing to shave off your hair could have everyone reaching into their pockets. But if you don’t fancy getting rid of your locks, why not rid yourself of the clutter in your home? Auctioning off items you don’t need any more could bring in a pretty penny for this good cause and give you the extra living space you’ve been craving.

And if you don’t have the time or energy to organise a bake sale at work or climb a mountain for sponsorship, don’t worry! Just empty your pockets and donate loose change every night for a month. You’ll be amazed at how much you can collect in just a few weeks. Good luck!

*Figures taken from www.breastcancercare.org.uk/news/media-centre/breast-cancer-awareness-month-press-pack/breast-cancer-facts-stats

Halloween costumes

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Thu, 10 Oct 2013 09:39:00 +0000

Ghoulish or glamorous? How will you dress this Halloween?

With Halloween fast approaching (Thursday 31 October), it's time to start thinking about what you'll be wearing to scare your family and friends. Although it's traditional to wear a spooky costume for your Halloween party or to go trick or treating, anything goes. Most costumes are modelled around the original themes of zombies, vampires, ghosts and monsters. But nowadays people are choosing to be unique, dressing up as everything from a cartoon character to a celebrity.

If you're planning on terrifying the neighbourhood, consider becoming a witch or Frankenstein. But if you fancy reinventing yourself with a touch more glamour, consider a princess costume or become a Greek god. Whatever look you go for, you'll be sure to make a big impression this Halloween.

What will your 'little monsters' be wearing?

If you're thinking of taking the little ones trick or treating this year or are hosting a Halloween party for all their friends, then you'll want them to look the part. Witches are an obvious choice for the girls, but if they want to stand out from the crowd, there's a whole host of looks to choose from, ranging from viking girls to gothic vampires. And there is no shortage of costumes for boys either. Choose from Captain Hook or Captain America, Harry Potter or the Hulk - and your little ones are guaranteed to be a Halloween hit.

Halloween traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 13:17:00 +0000

Trick-or-treating

It's the evening of Thursday 31 October. The time is about 5pm. The doorbell rings. You go to answer it, wondering who it might be. And there, standing on your doorstep, is your first visitor of the evening - the Halloween trick-or-treater.

They come in all shapes and sizes - from the cute little girl in her fancy dress witch's costume, accompanied by mum, to the group of cheeky teenagers who, having found a monster mask or two between them, think they'll try their luck. And they're all after one thing of course - a treat in the form of chocolates, sweets, cakes, biscuits or even money.

Bat trick or treat bag: Ideal for collecting your goodies in

You'll hear them ask: 'Trick or treat?' and it's up to you whether you oblige them or take the forfeit. If you're happy to have them call, make sure you have a few wrapped chocolates to hand over, some mini packs of sweets, or a few coins if you haven't managed to get to the shops. Of course, you can always take the easy option and simply not answer the door. But where's the fun in that? The trick may be an idle threat, but who wants to run the risk of a mischievous prank being done on you or your home?

In embracing trick-or-treating, you’ll be following a Halloween tradition that’s practised in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Puerto Rico and Mexico. In Mexico, it’s known as calaverita (Spanish for little skull) and the children ask in Spanish: ‘Can you give me my little skull?’ which is a skull made of sugar or chocolate.

The practice dates back to 1895 where, in Scotland, on Halloween night, children disguised in costumes and carrying lanterns made out of scooped-out turnips, went from door to door asking for cakes, fruit and money. However, it was not until the 1980s that the term ‘trick or treat’ became more common in the UK, although it was first used in the United States in 1934.

So, whether you’re planning to welcome trick or treaters to your door or will be trick-or-treating yourself this year, make sure you take care. Be sensible about who you open the door to. Similarly, visit neighbours who are happy to have callers. You’ll know them from the lit-up pumpkins in their windows and the Halloween hanging decorations that adorn their homes.

Halloween celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 11:26:00 +0000

Top tips to make your Halloween party a huge hit

If you're planning a Halloween party, it's now time to start making preparations so that you'll be ready for the big day. Here are a few ideas to get you started in the run-up to your celebrations.

Costumes

As host of your Halloween party, you'll need to look the part. There is a whole range of fancy dress costumes to choose from - and for every member of the family. Girls can take their pick from a midnight spirit to a spider queen, while boys can be anything from a skeleton to the screecher. For women, become a devil or a demon for the evening, and watch the men transform themselves into Freddy Krueger or a crazy clown. But, if it's just accessories that you're after, there are no shortages of those available. A long black wig or a satin witch's hat will be sure to turn heads.

Decorations

Whether you're holding a Halloween party at home or in a hall, you'll certainly want to create the right atmosphere - and you'll be amazed at how a few decorations can transform a room. A well-placed black furry rat and a few plastic spiders, scattered here and there, will undoubtedly scare your guests - especially the arachnaphobes. Or, raise a smile or two with a couple of hanging demons and a neon blinking skeleton.

Party food

You may be surprised at the number of recipes available with a Halloween theme. If you're planning on dishing up a meal, why not boil up a pumpkin soup, rustle up a goulash (ghoul-lash, get it?) or create a spiderweb-inspired pizza. A pumpkin risotto will always go down well, as will devilled chicken. And for dessert, how about a pumpkin pie, Halloween cupcakes or skull-shaped biscuits? Serve your culinary delights on the Mozaik plastic tableware range and everyone will be suitably impressed.

Entertainment

It wouldn't be a Halloween celebration without a few party games to get everyone in the right spirit - and there's something for everyone, whatever their age. For the little ones, bobbing for apples is always fun. Just fill a large pool or bucket with water and apples and get your younger guests to pick them out without using their hands. To make it more of a challenge, tie their hands behind their backs or use a blindfold. Filling a jar with candy corns or Halloween sweets - and getting the children to guess how many there are - is another way to keep them entertained. The child who guesses closest, gets to take the jar home with them.

As for the adults, there are countless games to keep them amused. When your guests arrive, tape a piece of paper to their back with a Halloween movie character written on it. Then encourage them to find out who they are by asking questions to the other partygoers. The first to guess their identity receives a prize. After a few drinks, your friends and family will be sure to find Mummy Wrap a good laugh. Just get your guests into pairs and have one from each pair wrap the other in toilet roll, spinning them as they go. The first person to get fully covered is the winner. And if you're guests are up for even more fun, a Halloween movie and trivia quiz or a dance contest with Halloween-themed music will get everyone mingling and in the party spirit.

So now you have a few ideas to get your Halloween celebration preparations underway, what will you be doing on Thursday 31 October?

Wear it pink - Friday 25 October 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 12:42:00 +0000

Think pink!

Wear it pink, Breast Cancer Campaign’s fundraising event, is making its annual return on Friday 25 October. The event calls on everyone to dress up in pink to raise money to fund research that will save women’s lives.

Anyone can take part – from school children to seniors. All you have to do is wear something pink or do something pink on Friday 25 October or any other day this month − and donate £2 to Breast Cancer Campaign. You can paint your nails pink, wear a pink accessory or eat something pink. Be as creative and as original as your imagination allows.

If you’re looking to hold your own fundraising wear it pink event, there are loads of ideas to choose from. Hold a pink-themed fancy dress competition with a prize for the pinkest costume at your school. Organise a bake-off at work, with pink-coloured cakes and treats, and then sell or raffle them off. Or host a pink dinner party or pamper evening at home. Anything goes!

Whatever you raise, be it £20 or £200, will help Breast Cancer Campaign support more people affected by breast cancer. To receive your free fundraising pack, visit www.wearitpink.org/register. And to find out about all the ways you can get involved, go to www.wearitpink.org/get-involved

If you’re looking for a pink accessory or a fancy dress costume, you'll be amazed at what's on offer. Choose from a pink glitter cowboy hat or pink pop wig, or go the whole hog and wear a pink fairy costume or become a pink musketeer for the day. But don't feel left out if you're a bloke. You're sure to make people go gaga in a men's pink baby costume.

National Wear a Tea Cosy on Your Head Day

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:39:00 +0000

Hats off to tea cosy headgear

If you've ever thought that tea cosies were just for warming up your cuppa, think again! Today (Thursday 26 September) you have the chance to wear a tea cosy on your head - and it's all for a good cause.

Fashion and lifestyle brand White Stuff, which sells women’s and men’s clothing and accessories in over 85 UK shops and online, is holding its fourth annual National Wear a Tea Cosy on Your Head Day to raise money for charity. Each store will donate 10 per cent of all sales to charities supporting disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

To take part in this special event, you can buy online or in White Stuff's shops, your very own White Stuff tea cosy for just £3 - or simply make your own. And if you'd like the chance to win a £250 White Stuff voucher or £250 for the charity of your choice, just enter the mugshots competition on White Stuff's Facebook page. Simply upload a tea cosy picture to the mugshots competition app or at facebook.com/WhiteStuffU

And if you're the kind of person who'll use any excuse to wear a silly hat - or just like dressing up for fun - you could arrange your very own charity fundraising event with colleagues and friends, or hold your own party. Why not encourage people to don a hat or other accessory based on a specific theme. There are so many options to choose from - be it pirates or pop stars. Anything goes!

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 15:29:00 +0000

Talk Like a Pirate on September 19th

Ahoy! This hilarious international holiday is celebrated on September 19th every year in a number of different countries. Founded in 1995, the holiday was originally designed as a private joke between two friends, John Baur "Ol' Chumbucket" and Mark Summers "Cap'n Slappy", from Albany, Oregon. The pair jokingly sent a letter to American columnist Dave Barry explaining the origins of the celebration. Unexpectedly, the holiday became increasingly promoted in Barry's columns, and combined with growing media coverage, the occasion hit the international stage. With big names such as Facebook and Minecraft promoting the event (by introducing 'pirate' as a language on their websites), the day has become world famous. It is a day where you'd start saying 'Ahoy, matey!', instead of a very boring and ordinary hello. Or, 'walk the plank', instead of being handed a detention slip at school. Good fun, a chance to learn a new 'language' and an excuse to hold a party with your friends, with your black eye patches and black pirate hats. The event will continue to grow as predicted every year, simultaneous with the increased media coverage it is receiving!

Some Fun Hen Night and Stag Do Costumes!

noreply@blogger.com (Party Tracker) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:21:00 +0000

Hen Nights and Stag Do Costumes!

What's a hen night? Modelled after the traditional 'bachelor party', a 'hen party' or a 'hen night' is known to be an all female gathering for a bride-to-be, to reminisce on bachelorette days. The event is a fun occasion where attendees usually dress in different costumes and dresses, and participate in a number of games and forms of entertainment. Some hen nights include a dress theme, such as cowgirl themes, policewomen themes and several more.
Other hen nights are more traditional with a 'bridal shower' event, a few days before the wedding itself. In such an event, close friends of the bride-to-be would attend, have dinner and present gifts. Hen parties and bridal showers tend to be in a decorated event, with Hen Party banners and balloons used to design.

Stag do's are traditionally named 'bachelor parties' and occur in most western countries for a groom-to-be to enjoy his last few cheeky nights as a bachelor. Many forms of entertainment take place on such nights, for example, drinking contests, karaoke contests and pizza eating contests. Stag weekends have increasingly been held abroad by bachelors from the UK, with Krakow, Dublin and Riga being the favourite locations to hold a stag weekend. Similar to hen nights, stag do's are usually dress themed. Some unique themes may feature a 1930's gangster theme, a prisoner costumed theme, or even dressing up as farm animals!