Birthday Cake Ideas For Hawaiian Parties

Decorate your Hawaiian birthday cake with a colorful cookie lei.

Throw a luau-themed birthday party complete with a tropical Hawaiian cake for a lucky birthday boy or girl. Take the recipient's personal favorite cake and frosting flavors into consideration when you are choosing the design to ensure that they are happy with not only the appearance but also the flavor of the cake. Does this Spark an idea?

Hula Girl Cake

Top a Hawaiian-themed birthday cake with a plastic hula girl or create a hula girl-shaped cake using a specialty cake pan and a doll pick. A doll pick is a cake topper that resembles the upper body and head of a plastic doll. These cake toppers often are included with dome-shaped pans that create cakes in the shape of the doll's skirt. Decorate the skirt of your doll cake to look like a hula girl's grass skirt by frosting the cake and pressing edible Easter grass, tinted coconut or toasted coconut into the icing. Form a coconut bra for your hula girl by attaching round chocolate candies such as Milk Duds or Junior Mints to the body of the doll pick with icing.

Beach Cake

Recreate a Hawaiian beach scene on your cake with edible sand and water-colored icing. Crush vanilla wafer cookies or graham crackers into fine crumbs to make edible sand. Place the cookies or crackers into a large plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or pulse them in a food processor. Sprinkle the edible sand onto a freshly frosted cake and gently press down on the crumbs. Blue-tinted icing is a simple way to simulate water on your cake, but adding a thin layer of blue decorating gel on top of the icing will give the water a translucent and more realistic appearance. Decorate your beach cake with gummy sea creatures and palm trees fashioned from pretzel rods and green fondant.

Lei Cake

Decorate a frosted cake with an edible lei made from flower-shaped cookies and shoestring licorice. Look for flower-shaped cookies with holes in the middle to make stringing them on the licorice easy. Add color to the cookies by frosting the tops with buttercream icing tinted with liquid food coloring. Let the frosted cookies dry for 30 minutes to an hour so that the icing stiffens to prevent it from smearing when you assemble your lei. Arrange the cookie lei on the top of the cake with the frosted side of each flower cookie facing up. Leave the center of the cake uncovered so that you can pipe a Happy Birthday message framed by the cookie lei. Add extra colorful frosted cookies to the sides of the cake if you desire.

Tags: cake with, doll pick, edible sand, birthday cake, birthday cake with, cake with edible

Countrywestern Wedding Cake Ideas

Themed weddings are fun to create and fun to attend. A country-western-themed wedding is casual and comfortable. You can use bales of hay, covered in gingham, for seating and tables. A square-dance caller can have everyone up and moving. The reception food can be BBQ or country fare. But what about the cake? How can a wedding cake fit into the country-western theme? Does this Spark an idea?

Toppers

A country-western wedding cake doesn't have to be shaped like a bull's head or be the color of an old barn. A simple white-tiered cake can be crowned with a country-western-themed topper. Consider two glass horses, a silver horseshoe or a bride and groom in Western wear. The topper you choose can transform any wedding cake to suit the theme you've chosen for your wedding. Cake toppers can be made from fondant. Ask the pastry chef to create a special one that represents the bride and groom.

Shapes

Create a single layer using a country-western-themed pan (see the resources below). This is ideal for a smaller wedding. The cake could be shaped like a cowboy hat or cowboy boots (decorate one for the bride and one for the groom). If you still want a traditional tiered wedding cake, why not craft the top layer of the cake in the shape of a horseshoe for good luck?

Frosting and Adornments

You can use a traditional wedding cake and add your country-western flair with frosting design. Use fondant to create black-and-white cow spots on your cake or a Western belt and buckle around the tiers. Choose to have the piping and frosting on a buttercream-frosted cake with coils that look like rope. Create a brand made from the bride and groom's initials. Form them out of fondant and place them on the sides of the layers.

Some of the most beautiful wedding cakes are adorned with fresh or silk flowers. Wheat shafts and/or sunflowers lend themselves to a country-western theme with this type of decoration.

Tags: bride groom, wedding cake, country-western theme, made from, shaped like

Birthday Cake Ideas For A Kid'S Party

Birthday Cake Ideas for a Kid's Party

Kids at a birthday party look forward to eating cake and ice cream to celebrate the birthday. The birthday cake should fit in visually with the theme and decorations of the birthday party. Does this Spark an idea?

Present Cake

A cake that looks like a wrapped birthday present fits in with any kid's party theme. Bake and frost a rectangular sheet cake, create a ribbon and bow with long strips of fruit snacks and decorate the cake with small round candies to make it look like it has polka-dotted wrapping paper.

Castle Cake

Make a cake that looks like a castle in pink and purple for a princess party or in gray and red for a knight or pirate party. Start with four small square cakes and build the base of the castle from three of the cakes layered on one another. Make the center portion by cutting the last cake in fourths and stacking three of those on one another to create a miniature layer cake. Use upside-down ice cream cones for towers on the corners and top of the cake. Frost the cakes and cones, and use candies to decorate the castle.

Shaped Sheet Cake

Make a cake for any kid's party theme by cutting a large sheet cake so its outline looks like something related to the theme. For example, make a fish cake by cutting a cake into an oval and using the corners that were cut off as the fins. Decorate the cake with colored icing and candies to look like the animal or item.

Tags: looks like, Birthday Cake, Birthday Cake Ideas, birthday party, Cake Ideas, Cake Ideas Party, Cake Make

Birthday Cake For Jesus Ideas

All the commercialism associated with Christmas makes it difficult to remember the true meaning of this Christian holiday. One way to put Christ back into Christmas is by having a birthday cake for Jesus. Show your friends and family what Christmas means to you with the birthday cake you make for Jesus. Does this Spark an idea?

Stars

Create a birthday cake for Jesus using stars. Create a star-shaped cake and frost it with silver- or gold-colored frosting. You can purchase star-shaped cake pans at discount stores. Alternatively, arrange cupcakes in the shape of a star. Leave the cupcakes in their baking papers and arrange them on the serving plate in the shape of a star. Frost the tops of the cupcakes as if they were all one cake.

Angels

Make a birthday cake for Jesus using angels as its theme. Bakeries will be able to recreate almost any image and transfer it to a cake. If you prefer to make the angel cake yourself, use a piping bag and icing to draw an angel on top, outlining a triangle for the body and a circle for the head. Add wings by drawing half of a heart on either side of the angel's body.

Manger Scene

Create a manger scene for your birthday cake for Jesus. Frost the cake white, then add figurines from a small Nativity scene or cake decorating figurines purchased from a discount or specialty store. Arrange them on the sheet cake, remembering to add the angels and the shepherds.

Gift Box

Decorate a sheet cake to look like a gift box as a reminder of the gift of Jesus. Using a piping bag and frosting, draw ribbons around the cake and a big bow in the middle. Write "Happy Birthday Jesus" on the cake.

Simple "Happy Birthday"

Create a simple "Happy Birthday" cake using balloons, flowers or any other birthday-appropriate design. These are great birthday cakes for children to help bake and decorate. Add the numbered candles that correspond with the current year (for example, add the 2, the 0, another 0 and then the 9 candles for 2009).

Tags: birthday cake, birthday cake Jesus, Happy Birthday, cake Jesus, cake Jesus

Church Banner Ideas For Kids To Make

Have kids help design your church banners

A church banner can be a call to worship or a way to decorate your sanctuary. Many church banners are custom ordered or made by hand by adults, but children can get in on the act, too. Have your children's Sunday school class make a unique banner to display during adult worship service or during their own special children's worship service.

What Is Important to Them?

Talk with your Sunday school class about what they feel is most important in worship. What are their favorite Bible stories? What helps them reflect? Bring materials such as fabric, felt, glue guns and paint, and let the children create their own designs.

Hand Prints

Using hand prints gives you a visual way to teach about the children of God and can make the children feel they are a part of something. Write a phrase, such as the name of the Sunday school class or a favorite Bible verse, in the middle of banner with a permanent marker or cut out the letters with fabric. Have each child dip his hand in a paint color. Squirt the paint on some paper plates for easy cleanup. Tell each child to place her painted hand on the fabric and have her sign her names under her print, or write the children's names for them if they don't know how.

Bible Story

Have the children vote on their favorite Bible story, or pick one your class has been studying. With the children, think of a scene you'd like to portray on the banner. Have the kids cut out pieces of felt to represent people and buildings, or draw directly on the banner. You may want to write the Bible verse underneath the scene with permanent marker.

Simple

Using fabric or felt, draw big letters that when assembled will say something simple yet powerful. Phrases like "Jesus Loves Me," "Jesus Saves," "God is Love" and "Jesus Loves the Little Children" are simple but to the point. Have the kids cut out the letters and place them in the correct order. When the children have accomplished this task, glue the letters on with a hot-glue gun.

Tags: favorite Bible, Have kids, school class, Sunday school, Sunday school class, Bible verse

Birthday Cake Decorating Games

Birthday cake decorating games are increasingly popular. You can find cake decorating games online and in stores' toy sections. You can also play cake decorating games at your birthday party. You might be surprised by all of the cake decorating games available. Does this Spark an idea?

Online Cake Decorating Games

Girls Go Games is a website that's free for kids to use. It has a lot of online games and activities, including several cake baking and decorating game for kids. In one game, kids can drag and drop frosting shapes to the top of their cake and create custom birthday messages. In another, girls bake according to a recipe, measuring ingredients and mixing to get them into the oven before the timer runs out. With more than a dozen cooking-themed video games to choose from, there's sure to be one you like.

Board Games for Birthday Cake Decorating

Melissa and Doug makes a board game for birthday cake decorating called Birthday Party, where kids can place a variety of pre-cut cake topping candies on individual slices of birthday cake, add candles and then serve for a make-believe birthday party. It's not a competitive game, it's designed to inspire make-believe play. Kids can serve cake at their make-believe tea parties and not get a bit of frosting on their dolls.

Cake Decorating Games for Birthday Parties

Decorating individual cupcakes is a fun birthday party activity. Fill muffin trays with candies and other cake-decorating items, and give kids several colors of frosting. You might be surprised by how much time kids can spend decorating their cupcake. Afterward, set them out for an anonymous vote and see who was the winner. For older kids, consider baking one-layer round cakes or sheet cakes and offering up professional decorating supplies like fondant or piping tubes. You might even want to invite a real chef to help them with their technique.

Tags: cake decorating games, birthday party, cake decorating, Cake Decorating Games, birthday cake, Birthday Cake Decorating

Birthday Banner Idea

A fringed pink birthday banner showcases your daughter's favorite color and glamorous taste.

Your loved one's birthday is approaching, and a banner would be a decorative way to show your child, spouse or coworker that you wish him a wonderful day. Keeping your friend or loved one's interests and preferences in mind when choosing a banner will make the birthday gesture especially impressive. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors

Decorate the birthday banner with the guest of honor's favorite colors. If your daughter wants to have a pink princess party, choose fuchsia or hot pink paper to display the silver or purple letters that spell "Happy Birthday (child's name)." A banner for a coworker whose birthday falls on or near Valentine's Day may appreciate a banner in a soft pink or deep red color, adorned with black or white letters.

Shapes

The birthday banner you select for the guest of honor doesn't have to be shaped like a long strip of paper. For instance, a banner in the likeness of an over-sized cupcake is fitting for a birthday party with a cupcake theme. Use the base of the cupcake to display your birthday message. If your child loves doing magic tricks and you're hosting a magic-themed celebration for him, a banner shaped like a wizard hat can be one of the most eye-catching decorations at the party. Birthday banners shaped like numbers are appropriate for milestone birthdays, such as a first birthday, sixteenth birthday, a loved one turning 21 or a significant age like 30, 40 or 50.

Borders

Create a border that adds texture to the birthday banner and fits the party theme or matches your loved one's interests. For instance, a border of seashells and plastic seahorses and starfish is fitting for a friend who loves the beach or for a tropical-themed birthday party. A border of glitter, synthetic feathers or plastic jewels is ideal for a family member who loves glamorous fashion. A sports enthusiast celebrating a birthday will appreciate a birthday banner border of football or basketball stickers or emblems of his favorite team.

Accents and Patterns

Patterned paper can add more color to the birthday banner, making it one of the party's main features. A polka-dot banner is great for a birthday girl who enjoys the pattern; a black and white polka-dotted birthday banner will stand out against neon, large paper letters. A birthday banner in a tie dye pattern is appropriate for a 70s party; brightly colored letters adorning the banner will make the decorations complete. Use metallic or fringed banner paper for a shiny birthday message, and add large balloons and streamers to each side of the banner to make the decor especially festive.

Tags: birthday banner, banner will, shaped like, banner will make, birthday message, birthday party

Birthday Balloon Decorations

Balloons are one of the first items that come to mind when thinking of decorations for a birthday party. Create memorable balloon decorations by arranging them in unusual shapes or adding embellishments that fit with the party's theme and other decorations. Does this Spark an idea?

Animal Balloons

At an animal-themed birthday party, create faces on the balloons to make them look like animals. For example, make pig balloons by taping a pink circle of tissue paper with nostrils drawn on it to a pink balloon. Add ears cut from vellum paper so they will stand up, and draw eyes onto the balloon with black marker.

Balloon Arch

Create a grand entrance to a birthday party by making an arch of helium-filled balloons. Inflate balloons and tie them along a nylon cord about eight inches apart. When the cord has about 18 feet covered with balloons, tie a sand-filled balloon to each end and set up the arch in the desired location.

Glitter Balloons

Add some sparkle to the birthday party decorations by pouring a tablespoon of glitter into a clear balloon with a funnel before inflating it. Use a helium or air pump to inflate the balloons to avoid inhaling the glitter.

Tags: birthday party, balloon with, cord about

Bingo Theme Ideas

You can host a bingo-themed party and invite your friends and loved ones.

Bingo is a game of chance played in homes, bingo halls and churches. In addition, online bingo games allow you to play in the privacy of your own home. Due to its availability, it is a beloved pastime among many people in both the United States and United Kingdom. To show your love for the game, you can host any type of party, complete wit(Ref 1) Does this Spark an idea?

Invitations

Purchase an inexpensive bingo game and use the pieces as the base for your invitations. Mount one bingo card on a heavy sheet of colored paper and trim it, leaving a small edge around the card. On the back of the mounted bingo card, write pertinent party information, including the date, time and location of your event. Hand-deliver the invitations to your guests, or place them in an envelope that will accommodate your craft. Be sure to include proper postage if your invitation is oversized.

Decorations

Decorate your bingo-themed party using a variety of items. Place a plain, but colorful tablecloth on your food table. Sprinkle bingo pieces from a store-bought game in the center of the table. Place food items among the "confetti." Wash the bingo balls from your game using gentle soap and water. Place a few of the balls in the popcorn or chip bowl to further enhance your theme. Punch one hole at the top of a paper bingo card and thread clear fishing line through it. Hang each bingo card from the ceiling of your party room to complete your decorations.

Bingo Ball Cake

Bake a circular cake using your favorite store-bought or homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely and ice the top and sides of the cake with white icing. Use black piping gel to outline the top of the circle cake. Choose your favorite bingo number, such as "B12," and write it in the center of the cake to create your own bingo ball cake to serve at your party.

Party Favors

Create bingo-themed party favors to give guests as they leave your party. Purchase plain, inexpensive gift bags from your favorite party store. Write the name of each guest on the front of the bag, and decorate it with bingo-themed stickers. If you prefer, use markers to draw your own bingo images, such as balls or daubers, on the front of the bag. Fill the bags with bingo daubers for your guests to use at their next bingo games.

Tags: bingo card, bingo-themed party, your favorite, your party, bingo games, from your

Bingo Rules For Kids

Bingo is fun for all ages.

Bingo is a great game for all ages, and once children understand the game, you can mix up the rules to make the game more interesting.

Basic Bingo Rules

Bingo cards have 25 squares, with the center square as a "free space." The caller draws a piece and calls out the letter and the number, and if the number is on a player's board, its square may be covered with a chip. When a player has a full line straight across a row, or straight down a column, he yells out "bingo!" and win the game.

Board Variations for Kids

To keep the game exciting, you can change the winning board layout. For example, the first person to form an "x" across his or her board wins, or the first person to have a diagonal line. Other variations include four corners, all the outer squares, all the inner squares, one specific row, or one specific column.

Other Game Variations

Instead of yelling "bingo," kids can imitate an animal noise, or along with yelling Bingo they could do a silly motion, or a jumping jack--something creative. Letting kids come up with their own motions is a good way of encouraging their own creativity.

Tags: Bingo Rules, first person

Bingo Ideas For Kids

Bingo Ideas for Kids

Making a basic game of bingo more lively and appealing to kids can be as simple as adding a few elements. Instead of just stamping or marking a numbered box, use fun and educational symbols in the box and stickers, mini toys or stamps to mark the box. A basic bingo square has at least nine boxes spread evenly in a grid across the paper. The older the children are, the more boxes you can add to the bingo squares.

Bee Bingo

When it comes to bingo ideas for young kids, it's best to stick with pictures in the boxes that are easy to identify. Bee bingo uses simple flower pictures, such a daisy, rose, tulip, sunflower and dandelion. When the flower name is called and a picture is shown, the kids place a shiny bee sticker over the box. When someone gets a bingo, you can use a baggy of honey candy, bouncing bee antennas on a headband or a bee-shaped foam glider as the prize.

Dinosaur Bingo

Dinosaur bingo ideas for kids may seem geared toward boys, but girls will enjoy the game, too. You can play dinosaur bingo with young kids by showing them a picture of the chosen animal instead of just calling out the name. Older kids can have pictures of the dinosaurs on their bingo cards, but you should not show them a picture and only call out the proper name.

Use bingo cards with 9 to 16 boxes filled with simple pictures of different dinosaurs. When a dinosaur name is called, the kids can place a tiny, plastic dinosaur toy over the corresponding box. When a bingo is called, you can use shiny dinosaur stickers, plastic dinosaur toys, dinosaur egg candies or foam dinosaur sponges that grow in water as the prizes.

Princess Bingo

If you're looking for bingo ideas that focus on girls, try playing some princess bingo. You can use pictures of a prince, princess, dragon, throne, castle, sword, scepter and crown to fill in a 16-box bingo card. Use glittering crown stickers to mark the boxes. When a bingo is called, you can use a sparkling toy crown, gem-studded royal scepter, jeweled plastic ring, beaded plastic necklace or princess-themed stickers as the prizes.

Ocean Bingo

For an educational twist on basic bingo ideas for kids, try focusing the game on animals that live in the ocean. Fill a 12-box bingo card with pictures of dolphins, killer whales, starfish, clams, crabs and lobster for young kids. Fill a 25-box bingo card with pictures of dolphins, swordfish, blue-fin tuna, blue whales, killer whales, beluga whales, whale sharks, great white sharks, hammerhead sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks for older kids.

Have the kids place a tiny, plastic boat when an ocean animal name is called in the bingo game. When a bingo is called, use shiny whale stickers, plastic fish rings that squirt water, small plastic toy sharks, dolphin squirt guns, real seashells or beach towel cubes that expand in water as prizes.

Tags: bingo called, bingo card, kids place, name called, When bingo

Bingo Game Ideas

Bingo can be played a number of ways

Bingo is a fun, easy-to-play game that's enjoyed by people at home, parties and in fire halls across the United States. Bingo can be played simply for fun or for cash or prizes. If you're looking for an alternative to the traditional format or method of play, a variety of ideas are available.

One-on-One Bingo

Bingo can be played by just two people. Each player places her card out of site from the other to increase the suspense. The first player selects and calls a number that only the second player can mark if it shows on her card. The second player then chooses a number for the first player, and so on until a winner is determined.

Team Bingo

For large numbers of people, divide the group into equally-numbered teams. The first team where all members attain Bingo is declared the winner. For added intrigue, create a tournament where two teams are pitted against each other, with each winner advancing to the next round..

Car Bingo

Keep the kids occupied on a long car trip with a game of Car Bingo. Before the trip, create bingo cards with pictures or the name of various items seen along the highway like road signs, bridges or certain types of vehicles. If you're traveling through a rural area, you can use animals such as cows, sheep or even cats and dogs.

Different Patterns

Instead of employing the traditional across, up-and-down and diagonal methods of attaining Bingo, use different patterns. For example, require the formation of nine numbers in a square to get Bingo. Other ideas include filling in the top and bottom rows, covering the entire card, attaining multiple Bingos on one card and the filling in of all numbers adjacent to the free space.

Add Questions

Instead of just selecting numbers and calling them out, make the players earn their card spots by asking questions. For example, if "B-13" is selected, those players who have that number on their card must then write down the correct answer to a question to be able to mark the space. You can use the questions from another game like Trivial Pursuit or make up your own.

Tags: Bingo played, first player, second player, their card

Bingo Games For Kids Online

Bingo helps teach young children letters and numbers.

The game of bingo is used for entertainment by schools, churches, businesses and other organizations. The elements that make up bingo make it perfect to teach concepts to young children such as letters, numbers, patterns and listening skills. There is a variety of online bingo games on the Internet for both children and adults. The ones for kids are safe, fun and educational.

Yahoo Kids Bingo

Yahoo Kids offers a collection of child-appropriate online games, including bingo. In this version, the player joins or starts an online game where they play against others. The bingo balls appear on a timer and the player is responsible for marking their card and pressing the bingo button when they have a winning card. The game gives a pattern that must be completed to win and there is no chatting between players.

Boowa and Kwala

Boowa and Kwala are characters featured in educational activities and songs for preschoolers. Boowa and Kwala Bingo is a simple variant of bingo that uses colors. The user plays against Kwala and each takes a turn pulling a random colored ladybug out of a bag. The first one to fill their spaces with the correct color ladybugs wins.

SurfNetKids Bingo

SurfNetKids is a safe website for children that focuses on education. The bingo game on the site is a standard one with options to fill either a roll, X pattern, or the full card. Bingo balls are randomly drawn and the player is responsible for filling in their card. This version of bingo is played with no competition.

Attack of the Mutant Killer Bingo Wings

Attack of the Mutant Killer Bingo Wings is a combination space shooter and bingo game. Players control a spaceship and blast enemies who once defeated drop bingo balls. The balls are collected and added together to reach a number on the bingo card before the timer runs out. This continues until the card is filled.

Animal Bingo

Animal bingo is a game for children on the Lego website. Animal bingo uses animals and their sounds instead of numbers and letters. The game card contains farm animals and the player selects the animal whose sound is played. If a wrong answer is picked an "X" briefly appears before the next sound is played. There is no opponent and the game continues until the player wins.

Tags: bingo game, Boowa Kwala, Attack Mutant, Attack Mutant Killer, bingo balls

Bingo Activities For Senior Citizens

Bingo is fun for people of all ages.

Some may play with one card and others may play with three cards, but announcing you have a bingo on any one of those cards can be exhilarating and fun. Bingo is an activity that has basic rules, but can be played in several different ways. As a fun game for all ages, senior citizens enjoy different types of bingo game play.

Decorated Cards

Play the classic game of bingo on decorated cards. For example, during the holidays, play on cards that are decorated in a holiday theme like Christmas or Hanukkah, or both. If it's a certain person's birthday, write "Happy Birthday" and the person's name on the card.

Words or Pictures

Create your own cards that can be used over and over again. Make the cards yourself or purchase blank cards from on-line retailers or a party or game store. Because Bingo is made up of 75 numbers, pick 75 words or pictures that are easily recognizable. Print words or pictures from your computer. Cut out each word or picture and place in a box. Pull out the pieces of paper one by one and attach these pulled pieces of paper temporarily on a master Bingo sheet and make a copy of it. Then, remove the pieces of paper and place them back into the box to be re-drawn. Repeat the process for the next card. Continue to do this until you've got the amount of cards you need. You can also copy or glue the finished Bingo sheets onto a heavier paper like cardstock.

Different Bingos

Using any form of Bingo, offer different types of winnings. For example, call "Blackout" before the game begins. In Blackout, the players need to fill up the entire card before a Bingo is determined. Or, call out "Blood, Sweat and Tears." This requires the players to get three bingos on the same card before calling out Bingo. Announce "Picture Frame" before game play. This requires the outer area of the card be filled, like a picture frame, to count as a Bingo. Play different variations of the game, but keep it simple so everyone can play along. Don't try any Bingos that are complicated or confusing.

Tags: pieces paper, before game, card before, cards that, different types

Big Game Fishing In Hawaii

Hawaii big game fishing.

Big game fishing in Hawaii is legendary for large fish fighting for hours caught by anglers from all over the world. The Hawaiian Islands are made up of hundreds of islands spread out over 1,500 miles offering some of the best big game fishing in the world. The warm waters of the Pacific attract many large big game fish and the islands offer no shortage in variety including mahi mahi, ono, yellowfin and skipjack.

Types of Big Game Fish

The big game fish of Hawaii are just part of the story for sport fishing the islands. The largest big game fish in Hawaii, the striped marlin, blue marlin, spearfish and sailfish, while legendary for their acrobatic jumps and lightning speed, are just a sampling of the big game fishing challenges that await the angler. Yellowfin tuna, ahi and ono, while smaller in stature, are fish that fight very hard and give the angler quite a thrill. Smaller game fish such as yellowfin tuna can be caught with light tackle for those seeking a memorable challenge.

Location

The big game fish are found in many of the Hawaiian waters but can vary by the island and the time of year. Oahu, Haleiwa and the North Shore's deep blue waters are home to blue marlin, wahoo, dolphin fish, yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna. These big game fish hunt from surface water down to 1,000 fathoms. Large billfish, such as the Pacific blue marlin, striped marlin and sailfish, are found in Waikiki and Haleiwa because of the abundance of their favorite food source, skipjack tuna.

Fishing Season

In Oahu, North Shore and Haleiwa, Hawaii, the big game fishing season varies by the fish and the time of year. If you are going for marlin, a very popular choice and strong fighter, the best time of year is September through December. January and February and June through August offer good fishing for marlin as well. Wahoo, yellowfin, bigeye tuna and skipjack tuna are very strong June through August and still pretty good September through December. Dolphin fish, another popular, strong fighting big game fish, is very good March through May, with good fishing noted June through September.

The waters of Maui, Wailea and Kapalua see different action with blue marlin running strong May through September.

Use of Devices

The state of Hawaii uses fish aggregation devices in the waters around the main Hawaiian islands. These devices attract schools of dolphin fish, wahoo and large predatory fish and act as nurseries for many pelagic species. More food sources means bigger predators and better chances for catching your Hawaiian big game fish.

Charters

Charters are mostly offered as full or partial charters for quarter, half and full day excursions. Most charters take care of everything for your big game fish experience including all bait and tackle. The boats set and drop their line at harbor and troll out into deep waters one to three hours. Most charters offer both live bait and lure fishing for big game fishing. Some will fillet your fish and pack it in ice for you to enjoy that evening, but will not ship to the mainland, while others will charge for the additional services to render your catch. Most Hawaiian charters practice catch and release depending on the condition of the fish when caught and/or with the discussion of your intentions.

Tags: game fish, game fishing, blue marlin, June through, skipjack tuna, time year, caught with

Big Fish Bingo Games

Big Fish Games offers a limited amount of bingo games.

Playing bingo in a bingo hall can be great fun. Many players love the anticipation of getting the chance to yell "Bingo!" in a large venue filled with their fellow game players. On the other hand, many bingo players don’t like being stuffed in a crowded room filled with people who smoke or have bizarre good luck rituals. Playing Big Fish Games' version of bingo allows you to enjoy the game at home without all the annoyances.

Nick Jr. Bingo

Nick Jr. Bingo is an ideal bingo game for young children. Your child will play with a variety of Nick Jr. characters, including Dora the Explorer, her cousin Diego, The Backyardigans and more. Your child will pass through familiar Nick Jr. locations like the Wonderpets' classroom and a circus with Boots. The bingo games are designed to be educational, helping children learn and master their shapes, colors, numbers and letters. Big Fish Games offers an hour-long free trial of Nick Jr. Bingo. After the hour has lapsed there is no obligation to purchase.

Saints and Sinners Bingo

In Saints and Sinners Bingo you will travel to 20 different U.S. cities, competing to win the International Bingo Championships. Along the way you will compete against 30 different characters with personalities ranging from sweet to sinful. There are more than 100 different bingo cards and 20 lucky charms to collect during the game, which offers three modes of play: easy, difficult and hard. Big Fish Games offers an hour-long free trial of Saints and Sinners Bingo. There is no obligation to buy once the hour has lapsed.

Purchasing Games

To purchase bingo games from Big Fish Games you must create an account. To do this you will need an email address, password and credit card. To purchase the bingo games, simple left-click on "Buy" when on the game homepage. You can also join the website's Game Club, which will charge you a nominal fee each month. You will also be given one free game credit per month. As a Game Club member you are eligible for significant discounts when purchasing games.

Tags: Fish Games, bingo games, Fish Games offers, Games offers, Nick Bingo, Saints Sinners, Saints Sinners Bingo

Benefits Of Smith Machine Lunges

Lunges work the front of the thighs and the glutes. Lunges can be done using only body weight or with dumbbells or barbells. Additionally, your weight training program can benefit from Smith machine lunges.

Safety

Smith machines have safety stops. These are useful if you get to the bottom part of your lunge movement and find you can't complete the rep. Setting the safety stop at the bottom of your movement means the bar will stay there, with or without you.

Weight

You can use more weight doing lunges on a Smith machine than with a free barbell. This is useful if you're trying to get over a weight plateau for barbell lunges. You can condition your legs to handle that extra weight.

Muscle Focus

Smith machine lunges allow you to focus on working your targeted muscles without stressing your lower back.

Variety

Smith machine lunges can add variety to your typical leg routine. Doing a variety of exercises for each body part keeps your workout routine fresh. This variety contributes to continuous muscle growth.

Considerations

While Smith machine lunges require far less coordination than barbell lunges, it is still important to keep proper form. Keep your posture straight.

Tags: Smith machine lunges, machine lunges, Smith machine, barbell lunges, Smith machine

Beach Theme Wedding Decorating Ideas

Whether you are packing up for a destination wedding on the beach or remaining land-locked, beach-themed weddings are very popular. As such, you can find an array of seashell-adorned wedding decorations, but many couples are looking for decor that will add a bit more pizazz and originality to their wedding.

Sand-castle Sculptures

Sand-castle sculptures will make quite an impression on your guests. For the reception, you can opt for one large sand castle as a focal point of the room or smaller sand castles placed on each table as centerpieces. Alternately, if your wedding is on the beach, you can hire someone to make a sand sculpture in the area where you will be married. This could be subtle, like a detailed border around the ceremony site, or elaborate, as in a large representation of an item of significance to your and your spouse-to-be. In beach communities, sand sculpture is a popular hobby of artists with access to the beach. To find a sculptor, look for an area sand-sculpting club or organization.

Hand-Painted Glasses

Hand-painted wine glasses look beautiful as table decorations and can be found in a wide array of beach themes, including flip-flops, palm trees and seashells. These glasses can serve both as part of the decor and as favors for the guests to take home, although they may be too expensive to provide for every guest.

A more inexpensive option is to buy inexpensive glasses and paint them yourself or invite your bridal party over to help. Even if you are not artistic, simple flip-flops and palm trees can be mastered by most with some practice. Even if they lack perfection, your guests will know how hard you worked to give them keepsake favors that they will actually use.

Sea Glass

If you're dying to get out your glue gun, try mixing it up a bit with sea glass instead of traditional shells. Sea glass, or glass made to look like sea glass, can be found at most large craft stores in a variety of colors. Sea glass allows you to incorporate a few more splashes of color into your wedding decor. Sea glass can be attached to anything from napkin and candle holders to the flower girl's basket. It can also be used to fill glass vases or candle holders.

Tags: candle holders, flip-flops palm, flip-flops palm trees, palm trees, sand sculpture, wedding beach

Beach Theme Office Games

Bring the beach party indoors to the office.

Keep the sand out of your toes and hair by throwing an indoor office beach party, complete with games. An office beach party consists of employees dressing up in their beach attire, partaking in the festivities and decorating the office to resemble a beach. Separate an area, away from the food, where partygoers can set up festive games to play during the office party.

Limbo

Everybody loves to limbo, especially when the Beach Boys are playing the background. Set up a limbo line by purchasing a limbo stick or using a broom or mop handle to set between cubicles, chairs or have two people hold the stick. Start the limbo by holding the stick high so people can easy bend under it without any issue. Once everyone goes under the stick, lower it to make the game more challenging. Keep lowering the stick until there is one last person able to get under it.

Beach Volleyball

Set up beach volleyball in the office. Blow up an oversized balloon. Do not use helium because the balloon will need to fall to the ground. Set up a net between cubicles or between two tall chairs and divide people into two separate groups. Place the groups on either side of the net and toss the balloon in the middle. The object is to hit the balloon back and forth without letting it hit the floor.

Hula Hoop Contest

Purchase hula hoops from a retailer -- they're sometimes even available in dollar stores -- and have a hula contest with the employees. Play Hawaiian music as the office employees swivel their hips to keep the hula hoops up and spinning. Once the hula hoop hits the floor the employee is out of the contest. Keep going until there is only one person left hula hooping.

Shell Hunt

Bring the shells from the beach to the office for a shell hunt. Talk with the boss of the office and ask if you can throw in an incentive to whoever finds the "golden" shell. The incentive could be a long, paid lunch or to leave work early one day while receiving pay. Purchase medium size shells and one large, or specially colored, shell from a craft supply store. Hide the shells around the office. Inform the employees before the hunt that the large/special shell contains a special incentive from the boss. Set a time limit and let the employees run around to find the hidden shells.

Tags: beach party, between cubicles, hula hoops, office beach, office beach party, until there

Beach Theme Gifts

Give a beach lover a seashell-inspired gift.

If you can't afford to send a beach-loving friend on an island vacation, give her a themed birthday or holiday present to show how much you care. Use your seashell or sea glass collection to create customized gift items. Choose pieces featuring ocean blue hues and natural materials such as driftwood, stone and sand for an authentic look.

Sea-inspired Candle Holders

Delight a beach lover with a candle holder inspired by the sea. A sculpted brass, mermaid-shaped votive holder makes an enchanting gift. Detailed porcelain sea urchin-inspired tea lights will look elegant in any beach-themed room. Other options include a candle holder made of capiz shells, which will allow a soft candle glow to shine through, and a coral-inspired candelabra. Include taper, pillar or tea light candles with the gift.

Beach-themed Wind Chimes

Give a friend with a beach house a themed wind chime to catch the sea breezes. Choose a whimsical, vibrantly painted ceramic wind chime featuring dolphin or seahorse designs. Hand-crafted seashell wind chimes have a casually elegant look. Wind chimes featuring blue, green and white sea glass pieces will create a soothing tinkling sound.

Garden Decor

If a friend has a beach-themed garden or outdoor space, treat her to complementing decor items. Bronze garden stakes featuring seahorse designs can line a walkway or enhance a flower garden. A charming stone, mermaid-inspired water fountain or bird feeder will give the space a "secret garden" appeal. A sun catcher made of stained glass, natural stones and shells will cast a kaleidoscope of colors across a patio or porch.

Beach Basket

Give a beach-loving family member everything he needs to have a romantic picnic on the sand. Choose a woven rattan beach basket featuring a sturdy leather strap and a cloth lining. Buy a basket containing plastic ware, plates, wine glasses and a cloth or blanket. Include a bottle of wine, gourmet crackers and cheese and seashell-shaped chocolates with the gift.

Tags: beach lover, candle holder, seahorse designs, wind chime, with gift

Beach Theme Decoration Ideas

Seashells are only one of many options to accessorize your beach-themed decor.

Use a beach theme to decorate any room in your house if you live on the beach or want to escape to a beach daily, even if you live in the middle of the mountains. Beach-themed decor typically includes a casual look with natural colors that imitate the landscape you'd see at the beach. Does this Spark an idea?

Specific Themes

Decorate your room with a specific beach theme if you favor a particular beach-related item or idea. For example, a nautical theme might include sailboats, lighthouses or a combination of everything nautical, including anchors and the common red, blue and white color scheme. Ocean creatures provide another option for specific beach themes, such as dolphins, seahorses, whales, tropical fish or sea turtles. Alternatively, you can take the common route of seashells, surfing or a tropical beach theme.

Colors

The colors of a natural beach, such as beige for the sand, complement beach-themed decor. If you want something with a little more pizazz, consider various shades of coral and pink, turquoise, greens and blues. If you're on the daring side, brighter blues can mimic the water or sky while bright yellows can reflect the sunshine you might hope for when visiting the beach. Deep pinks, oranges and lush greens work for tropical beach decor. Pristine white is another option for beach decor.

Furniture

Keep your furniture simple and comfortable to go with the relaxed beach theme. Plush sofas and chairs with washable slipcovers can make the furniture easy to clean. Wicker furniture with cushions that feature beach images or colors also work. Alternatively, you might choose Adirondack furniture. Natural items, such as seagrass rugs or bamboo shades, complement beach decor as well.

Accessories

Accessorize the room with a few items that tie the theme together. Glass vases or bowls can hold real seashells and sand. Float simple candles on top if you want something different. Display pictures of the beach, seashells or other beach-related items. For example, show off your family photos of your last beach vacation in seashell-covered frames. Hang signs on the walls with beach terms, especially if they look like driftwood. Add a few silk plants that complement your theme, such as palm trees for a tropical beach theme or a wild grass arrangement. Keep the windows low-key with sheer, simple curtains or plain shades.

Tags: beach theme, beach decor, tropical beach, another option, beach-themed decor, room with

Fun Things To Do In Maui

Maui is a truly beautiful example of mother nature at her best. The island, one of the Hawaiian chain, is a lush, tropical paradise. It is a perfect vacation spot. With island hoppers, you can easily visit one of the other islands. Maui vacation planners offer many quick trips to some popular spots, such as Pearl Harbor.

See Maui

Drive the never-straight road to Hana. Outside one car window, see vine-covered rock stretching straight up. On the other side of the car, the road falls away, spreading into a treetop view overlooking a turquoise ocean. The drive winds around the edge of Maui with ample niches to pull over and gaze at a breathtaking stretch of beach or marvel at beautiful waterfalls. While in Hana, go to the botanical gardens. Maui has many lovely gardens with amazing tropical flowers. And the eucalyptus trees with multicolored bark look almost magical. And drive up to Haleakala National Park to see the volcano.

Have Fun

Maui offers a wide variety of activities. Tour the island by horseback, on bike or helicopter. Go parasailing, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Ride the sugar cane dinner train between Lahaina and Ka'anapali. Go hiking or kayaking. Try jet skiing or windsurfing. Paragliding is also available. And chartered boats take passengers to a dolphin encounter.

Relax

After a busy day, take time to enjoy a luau. Enjoy a traditional feast with Kalua pig and sit back for a fabulous show of Hawaiian dance and music. Check the local hotel restaurants to see who is offering a luau and when. Or take advantage of your hotel's spa accommodations and have a massage, or sit in a whirlpool or sauna.

Tags:

Beach Themed Wedding Reception Food Ideas

The beach provides inspiration for many weddings.

The beach provides a breathtaking, natural backdrop for a wedding. Weddings that are inspired by the beach can head in a variety of directions, such as a nautical, Nantucket theme, simple and natural oceanside, or a tropical wedding. Regardless of the specifics, beach-themed weddings can feature foods that celebrate sunny days and the sea, and are perfect for the beach.

Appetizers and Hors D'Oeuvres

Shrimp are a traditional hors d'oeuvre that are perfect for a beach wedding.

Fun-looking, colorful hors d'oeuvres celebrate the summer time and are a perfect match for beach-themed wedding receptions. In honor of the sea, a beach-themed reception can feature a variety of seafood appetizers, such as grilled pesto marinated shrimp, crab cakes, sesame crusted tuna medallions, ceviche shooters, and scallops wrapped in bacon. A sushi station, complete with a sushi chef, can provide entertainment for wedding guests and delicious, fresh seafood.

Main Courses

Salmon and other seafood dishes complement an ocean-inspired menu.

The menu for a beach themed reception would seem incomplete without at least one seafood entree. Grilled fish is perfect for the summer time and showcases the taste of the fresh seafood. Serve broiled fish topped with breadcrumbs. For guests who do not like fish or seafood, try jazzing up chicken and beef dishes with tropical fruits and other unique flavors. For instance, jerk chicken with papaya, mango and pineapple salsa has a summery taste that fits in well with a beach-themed wedding.

Desserts

Desserts with fresh fruit go well with a summer beach reception.

Desserts that focus on fresh fruits are refreshing and perfect for summer weddings, especially those with beach themes. Fruit salad is a refreshingly healthy treat that can be eaten on its own or as a topping for other more indulgent treats, such as lemon-infused cheesecake, cream-filled crepes or sorbet. Wedding cakes can also complement a beach theme, with flavors such as fresh strawberries or coconut. Icing the cake with designs of seashells, ocean waves or coral lets the wedding cake embody the theme of the wedding.

Drinks & Cocktails

Mojitos and other tropical cocktails are popular choices for beach-themed wedding receptions.

Ice cold lemonade and iced tea will help guests keep cool during hot summer weddings and also fit in well with a beach theme. For adults, couples can offer cocktails that are inspired by seasonal ingredients and the beach theme. Pink grapefruit mojitos, Long Island ice tea, spiked punch and sangria are colorful and tasty drinks. Adding fresh fruit, wedges of lemon or lime, and paper umbrellas to drink will further integrate the beach theme.

Tags: beach theme, beach-themed wedding, well with, beach provides, beach-themed wedding receptions

Beach Themed Party Ideas

Beach-themed parties can be a lot of fun. You can celebrate a birthday, the start of summer or a get together with friends with a beach-themed party. Use spot decorations, music and appropriate food to give the party a beach feel. Does this Spark an idea?

Decorations

Hang palm tree, starfish, seashell and fish cutouts on the walls and ceiling in the room in which the party will take place. You can buy the cutouts already made or make them yourself out of construction paper and glitter. Use special decorations such as a single type of fish to point the way to the bathroom. Decorate one exterior wall of the house, and, depending on the age of children running around, put out tiki torches if the party will be at night. Place shells, mini palm trees, hibiscus flowers, mini surfboards and mini umbrellas on the buffet table.

Music

Play island music such as Hawaiian, reggae and calypso, and maybe a few songs by Jimmy Buffett. Set aside space for guests to dance to these often lively tunes.

Food

Beach-themed parties have finger foods such as pineapple, cantaloupe, carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, mini sausages or hot dogs and chips. You might want to grill hot dogs, hamburgers and tofu dogs either during the party or in advance of it. For dessert, serve sugar cookies in the shape of flowers, fish, shells and surfboards, or mini brownies.

Drink

Pull out the blender to make pina coladas and daiquiris, with or without alcohol. You don't need a blender for Mai Tais and margaritas, which also can be served with or without alcohol.

Games

Plan games to play if children will be at the party. Ideas include a water-balloon toss, the Limbo and volleyball. Have beach balls available for impromptu games. If you have a level area, set up a horseshoe-throwing pit. If you have a sloped lot, set up water slides.

Tags: Beach-themed parties, party will, surfboards mini, with without, with without alcohol

Beach Party Ideas & Food

Beach parties bring everyone together in a picturesque location.

Whether you're looking to host a big birthday bash with dozens of guests or simply want to gather a few old friends together for a catch-up, the beach is a great place to party. There's plenty of space available, it's often picturesque, and if you get bored, there's always the sea to splash around in, along with activities such as surfing and body-boarding.

Sand Castle Building

Sand castle building is typically an activity for the kids, but if you've got plenty of artistic types together, why not encourage them to get creative with a sand art contest? You can allocate contestants a patch of sand and a time limit in which to create their masterpiece; when the time has elapsed, you can judge the best entry and award a prize to the winner.

Games and Sports

The beach is a big open space and lends itself very well to playing games. If you remember to bring the necessary items, you can play games of Frisbee, tug-of-war, beach baseball or boules, all of which just need a few bits of equipment and are easy to teach and play, suitable for both kids and adults. If your beach party is mainly for the kids, you might want to bring water guns, which guests can re-fill in the shallow water and then have a great time squirting each other.

Elegant Beach Party

There's no reason why your beach party shouldn't be elegant. While others might be content with deck chairs and rugs, you can bring out a fold-up table, complete with name place cards, glassware and a table umbrella. Complete the look by buying braziers or torch holders, with which you can surround your little party as the sun sets, creating a tasteful tribal flavor.

Beach Barbecue

Talk with the relevant beach authorities first to check if it's legal to host barbecues on the sands. It's best to buy disposable barbecues from a store, which are easier to transport to the beach. Then you can grill burgers, chicken and sausages, as well as meat-free alternatives for vegetarians such as grilled peppers. Both fruit and vegetables can be served alongside meat on skewers.

Seashore Themed Snacks

Kids at a beach party will no doubt enjoy foods based around the beach environment. You might serve coconuts or cooked crab, or, as the Kids Birthday Party Guide website describes, food items representing things found on the beach. For example, peanuts could become pebbles on the beach, while you might serve chow mein noodles as seaweed.

Tags: might serve, your beach, your beach party

Finger Foods To Serve At A Baby Shower

Finger Foods to Serve at a Baby Shower

Welcome a new child into the world by showering the mom-to-be with gifts of love, laughter and lots of good food. The food you serve can go a long way toward making the day one that she will remember forever. Finger foods work really well for baby showers, and they are quite easy to prepare. Serve finger foods as salads, entrees and desserts. Some ideas for finger foods at a baby shower follow.

Vegetables and Fruits

Fruit can make an attractive finger food for a baby shower. Make fruit kabobs by arranging on short skewers melon balls, cantaloupe and mango pieces. Serve with a delicious yogurt dip.

Instead of the ordinary raw vegetable platter, look in your local Asian market for some interesting and different vegetables. Make a variety of dipping sauces to complement the vegetables.

Entrees

Everyone expects finger sandwiches or canapes at a party. Serve instead bite-size pieces of sweet and spicy Thai chicken with peanut dipping sauce. Other ideas are mini-eggrolls, pot stickers and tuna sushi rolls served with hot ginger sauce.

Create a tapas table at your baby shower. Stuffed grape leaves and crostini topped with tomato jam and goat cheese make tasty finger foods.

Make wrap sandwiches using different-flavored tortillas and cold cuts, slice into pinwheels and arrange on a tray. Stuff crescent rolls (which can be found as canned crescent roll dough in any market) with shredded chicken, spices and softened cream cheese. Spoon into the wide end of the dough, roll up and bake.

Desserts

Every baby shower has a beautiful cake, so add interesting finger foods alongside the cake, such as a tray of chocolate-covered pralines or cream-filled lady fingers. Provide an assortment of fresh strawberries and raspberries dipped into dark and white chocolate, as well as a platter of pink and blue meringues.

Tags: baby shower, finger foods, Baby Shower, Finger Foods, Finger Foods Serve

Beach Party Games For Adults

Enjoy your beach party by playing some adult party games.

When the summer heat rolls in, you want to cool down and take some time to relax. You want to truly enjoy yourself, invite some friends to head to the beach or even your backyard for a beach-themed party. Aside from the food, conversation and ambiance, make sure you have plenty of adult party games to keep your guests entertained.

Musical Beach Towels

Give your adult party guests a chance to dance around like children by playing this game. Begin by placing a line of towels on the sand, enough so you have enough for every player minus one. Have the players surround the beach towels and turn on some surfer music. The partiers then dance around the beach towels, one in front of the other. At a random moment, turn the music off. The players all have to hop on to one of the beach towels to stay in the game. Any player left out gets eliminated. After every round, take away a beach towel. Continue for several rounds until only one player remains, winning the game.

Surfing the Waves

This game involves a beach version of the mechanical bull. Assemble your group on the sand, in the pool or even in the ocean. Pick one player to stand on top of a surfboard. Have the rest of the players place their hands beneath it. When you say "Go," the players begin to shake the board in order to topple the person standing on it into the ocean, soft sand or pool. Time every player that attempts this. After everyone has gone, award the player who had the best time. For more of a challenge, have stronger adult players hold the surfboard up and shake it while standing.

Beach Ball Relay

Begin this game by setting up a starting point and a finish line around the party area. Divide the players into two teams and have both teams stand a few feet apart behind the starting point. Hand the first players of both teams a beach ball and have them place the ball between their legs. When you say "Go," the first players race to the finish line at the opposite side of the play area, and then race back to their teams. If a player drops the beach ball, he has to start over from the beginning. The game ends when one team-the winning team-finishes the race before its opponents.

Tags: adult party, beach towels, adult party games, both teams, dance around

Beach Party Decoration Ideas

Beach parties can bring out the fun-loving spirit in guests of all ages. While common beach party themes include "Blue Hawaii" and "Under the Sea," sticking to a specific theme isn't necessary. Capturing the essence of the beach with decorations, transforming an ordinary space into a festive setting, can make it easier for guests to get swept into the wave of party time revelry.

Table Decorations

Cover the tables with vinyl cloths in festive colors such as neon orange and neon blue. Opting for vinyl cloths in muted colors, such as sky blue and beige, creates a more reserved look. Spread seashells and beach confetti around the tables for additional appeal. Apply bamboo streamers and large leis around the edges of the party tables, for a well-polished table covering.

Layer colored sand and seashells in large glass containers for centerpieces. Glue decorative fish netting and glitter to the outside to add finesse. Stringing mini-lights around the centerpieces adds both décor and usefulness for nighttime beach parties.

Place goodie bags filled with assorted novelties on designated tables to provide souvenirs and smiles for resting guests. Items such as rubber ducks, cameras and leis can bring smiles to the old and young alike. Consider preparing prize bags for game winners.

Large bamboo fans can act as serving platters for grilled kabobs and pineapples. Complete the beach theme by serving guests with bamboo plates and utensils. Using coconut-shaped cups with flamingo straws or parasol accent sticks add eccentric appeal.

General Decor

Spread large decorations throughout the party to quickly eliminate "dead space." Using large balloons in the shapes of palm trees, monkeys and fish can make guests flock to these decorations for wacky pictures.

Use a Tikki hut for a beach party hub to add instant excitement to the event. Lighting Tikki torches and playing festive music from the hut can motivate partygoers to make a visit. Provide several seating options, including bar stools, beach chairs and large beach towels.

Use galvanized pails accented with decorative crabs, fish and seahorses to store beach party drinks. Cover coolers with bamboo streamers and hibiscus flowers to transform them into chic accessories.

Tags: beach party, bamboo streamers, colors such, vinyl cloths, with bamboo

Beach Party Decorating Ideas

An underwater background sets the mood for your party.

The best beach party decorations are ones that consistently reflect the theme and put all your guests in celebratory moods. Achieve this by placing seaside-related props and other embellishments throughout the location of your beach bash. Does this Spark an idea?

Transforming Your Space

You can use a number of decorations to make guests feel like they're really at a beach. Laying out such items as beach umbrellas, suntan lotion, goggles, floaties, hula skirts, coconut bras, surfboards, life jackets, colorful towels, buoys and beach balls is easy to do and very effective. Flower garlands, beach pails and shovels can enhance the theme. If you have the time, it's a good idea to go a beach and fill up a couple of bags with sand, or just purchase sand at a toy store if you don't live near the beach. You can spread the sand out in different areas, and add such items as starfish, shells or flip-flops to the piles. Dollar stores, party supply stores and craft shops are great resources when it comes to finding these items at reasonable prices.

Additionally, consider making your own decorations using construction paper, poster board, glue, markers, scissors, tape and glitter. Various websites offer free beach-themed clip art and templates for signs and banners. For example, draw or print out pictures of beach balls, flip-flops, seashells, sand castles, palm trees and other beach-related images. Color in the pictures and hang them around your space. Additionally, make poster-board signs with such warnings as "No Lifeguard on Duty," "Low Tide" and "Dangerous Currents Ahead." For a keepsake, have each guest sign his name and write a message on the board.

Balloons and streamers add color and a beachlike vibe to your party. Hang them from trees, doors, gates, tables and your entryway or mailbox. The balloons can follow the classic beach-ball color scheme (blue, white, red, yellow and green), convey a more tropical vibe or be in different shades of blue for water. A number of retailers sell inflatable palm trees, mermaids, beach balls, flip-flops, hula girls, rafts, ice cream, popsicles, anchors, fish, surfboards and more.

Table Decor and Furniture

Beach furniture, lounge chairs and tables can also serve as decorations. Entwine flowers (fake or real) around the legs of tables and chairs, and light tiki torches around them. Purchase beach-themed tablecloths and matching themed plates, cups and napkins, or get the plates and cutlery in colors to match the balloons and decorations. Place cards can be made from paper beach balls or other items.

For the centerpiece, consider making your own treasure chest, lining up different seashells or scattering plastic fish bowls filled with sand. Arranging tea lights alongside the center of the table over a bit of sand or next to the centerpiece makes for a catchy effect. If you have old books or magazines lying around, cover them with paper and make up your own titles and pictures. For example, you can create magazines with such titles as "Surf's Up," "Hang Ten" and "Beach Yard Boogie" to place around the table.

Games, Party Favors and Other Ideas

Before the party, send out beach-themed invitations that tell the guests to wear their best beach attire (bathing suits, Hawaiian shirts, wetsuits and other apparel). Blow up a kiddy pool, and fill it with water for the guests to cool off in. You may also want to set up a sandbox where partygoers can play and build castles. Games and party favors can also be part of your decor. For example, lay out hula hoops and hold a hula-hooping contest, or see who can build the best sand castle. Set up a net to play volleyball or badminton. If you're playing games, give out party favors that double as decorations, such as whistles, sunscreen, water balloons and pistols, sunglasses, noisemakers, leis, inflatable balls, pails and shovels, hula skirts and bubbles. The music and food at your party can also reflect your themed bash. Playing beach-related tunes (think the Beach Boys or Bob Marley) is another way to help loosen the mood and get your guests in a beach frame of mind.

Tags: beach balls, your party, balls flip-flops, beach balls flip-flops, best beach, consider making

Cheap Birthday Party Ideas For A 13yearold Girl

Budget your party with homemade foods and decor and creative, old-fashioned games.

With a little bit of creativity, it's easy to plan a memorable, fun --- but cheap --- birthday party for a 13-year-old girl. As with any party planning, keep in mind the girls' interests. Picking a suitable theme not only engages guests, but it opens up many low-budget, creative ideas for decorations, activities and refreshments. Whenever possible, select homemade or reusable items instead of buying lots of one-time, mass-produced party gear.

Classic Games

Old-fashioned party games have withstood the test of time, and they deliver a lot of fun for relatively little expense. Girls of all ages love dress-up games, and 13-year-olds tend to be particularly bitten by the fashion bug. Assemble a heap of unusual garments and accessories and have a race for who can put on the most clothing in the least time. If you happen to have a lot of socks on hand, another alternative would be to have the girls race against the clock to put on as many socks as they can, at once. Another classic game with endless variations, hide-and-seek remains a popular favorite for teens, especially if given a new twist. Send the birthday girl out of the room and have all the guests decide where to hide a trinket or party favor somewhere in a room. Maybe hide the birthday girl's gifts. When the girl returns, she must find the hidden item, guided by the other guests' shouting out "Hot!" or "Cold!"

Decorations

Avoid buying decorations that have no other purpose, and will simply be discarded after the party. Find creative and cheap items, or things around the house, to decorate according to a theme. At 13, girls often enjoy pop music, Hollywood celebrities or fashion themes. Hang posters of favorite pop musicians and teen idols; after the party, guests can take them home instead of party favors. String DVD cases into garlands for a whimsical Hollywood touch. For a fashion-themed party, recycle old fashion magazines to make a collage. Covering a wall with trendy fashion spreads to turn your home into a "design studio."

Food and Refreshments

Undoubtedly, you'll want to budget for a menu of tasty and special treats. Be creative and let snacks serve double purposes. A candy buffet makes a great addition to any party and serves as decorations too, adding to the festive atmosphere. String doughnut for another tasty decoration. The doughnut display doubles as a challenging game when girls struggle to eat a doughnut without using their hands. At 13, many girls enjoy cooking and baking projects. Supervise a simple cooking activity and then let the guests eat their creations. Making your own pizza is cheaper and more fun than just ordering out. Individually decorated and homemade cupcakes are more fun, cheaper and easier to serve than a store-bought sheet cake.

Tags: after party, birthday girl

Beach Luau Fundraiser Ideas

Beach luaus inspire us to consider several elements of Hawaiian life, from drinks to dress to performance. Because of this, luaus are the perfect backdrop for a multitude of fundraising ideas. They allow you to have multiple fundraisers at one time, which sets them apart from other single income source events. Depending on how they're organized, beach luaus can be family events or sophisticated evening events for adults.

Umbrella Drinks

Sell umbrella drinks at your luau. If your event has a lot of youth attendees, offer an alcohol-free version as well. Serve them in colorful plastic cups with umbrellas and beads and other decorations to attract more sales.

Firespinning and Hula Dance Lessons

Find a community member who can offer fire spinning or hula dance lessons for a small fee. This can occur as a side event during your luau, or as a workshop before the party. Live demonstrations also offer entertainment for your guests, making them more likely to stay and purchase more drinks or snacks.

Craft Booths

Craft boots are good luau fundraisers for kids and adults alike. Different stations feature crafts like leis, grass skirts, flower hair clips or beach sand art for a small fee. Large "class" sessions for each activity, like having ten participants at a time making grass skirts, could coincide with hula lessons while wearing the skirts.

Photos

Create a luau back drop that guests can be photographed in front of. Take digital pictures and use a portable digital printer to provide photos right on the spot. Offer upgrades for an additional fee, like picture frames or photo props.

Luau Supplies & Souvenirs Stand

If you have guests who'd rather not craft their own leis or grass skirts, you can sell these items at a souvenir booth. You can also sell higher priced items, like Hawaiian shirts or coconut bras.

Fine Hawaiian Dinner

At the conclusion of your luau, you can offer a fine Hawaiian dinner featuring exotic fish and other facets of Hawaiian cuisine. This can be a gourmet wine dinner or a simple beach-side soiree. Charge per plate, and consider offering a buffet for convenience.

Tags: grass skirts, your luau, leis grass, leis grass skirts

Beach Decor Ideas

Enlarge and frame your own ocean photos to save money.

Bring a piece of the ocean home with you by adorning your living area with seashells, starfish, custom art and other decor pieces that remind you of the vast beauty of the ocean and beach scenery. Chose to decorate one room with a beach theme, or create an entire beach-inspired house with different aspects of the beach or ocean highlighted in each room. Does this Spark an idea?

Paint Colors

Choose colors that create an ocean-like feel in your home. Shades of peach, baby blue and lavender all work well for a beach theme. Dark colors don't usually look good unless you paint one large accent wall. Choose your colors carefully if you decide to feature darker shades. Shades of plum and burgundy don't enhance a beach theme, but a navy blue or forest green accent wall can work. However, it also depends on the type of decor pieces you plan to incorporate in your home. Choose colors that complement what you already have or plan to buy. Blue and white vertical stripes also work well for a nautical or beach theme.

Paintings

Go to art galleries or shop online for discounts on beach-themed paintings. Select one or two large paintings for your living room area. Choose smaller paintings for other rooms in the house. Ocean sunsets, rocky beaches or sunny beach paintings all work well for a beach-themed home. Ensure that the colors in the painting blend well with other beach decor and furniture in your home.

Wall Decor

Create finishing touches for your beach theme by adorning the walls with beach wall art. Hang up beach-themed wall clocks, lifesaving floats and custom art that you make. You can make a seashell collage by gluing small flat seashells on sandpaper and framing your creation.

Mantel and Table Decor

Dress up your beach home with bottles filled with sand and seashells from the ocean. Place these bottles on the mantel or above kitchen cabinets. Cobalt blue bottles look attractive with a beach theme. Include wooden boats, lighthouses and large seashells on the mantel as well. Create a beach-theme table centerpiece by placing white and blue candles on the middle of your table and surrounding the candles with seashells. Choose white and blue furnishings and curtains.

Tags: beach theme, with beach, work well, your home, accent wall

Beachfront Kauai Cottages

Kauai, HI

If you are looking for accommodations in Kauai, cottages are a very popular alternative to chain hotels. Imagine waking up in your own beachfront cottage overlooking Kalapaki Bay or viewing turtles feeding on coral from where you reside. In Kauai this is a very real expectation at many of the cottage properties. Cottages offer privacy, luxury accommodations and the feeling (at least for a week) that you live on beachfront property in Hawaii.

Niulani Beachfront Cottage

Niulani Beach Properties has different types of beachfront rentals including cottage rental listings in Kauai. An example of a current listing is the Niulani cottage, which is a one-bedroom, one-bath detached cottage and is completely furnished. The front of the cottage faces the courtyard and the beach is only steps from the door. Features of the cottage include cable TV, ceiling fans, two private lanais with tables and chairs, private entrance beach access, washer and dryer in the unit, beach towels, beach chairs and gear. The rates start at $2,450 per week per double occupancy room but vary seasonally.

1-800-801-0378

onthebeachinkauai.com/

The Pali Kai Cottages

Kauai Oceanfront Property specializes in vacation rentals that are located on a cliff overlooking beautiful Kalapaki Bay and the Kauai Marriott Hotel. The Pali Kai Cottages are all located in a private gated community on the grounds of the Kauai Marriott Hotel. Guests have access to golf, tennis, and swimming at the Marriott. The views are spectacular. The Pali Kai elevator takes you down to the ocean of Kalapaki Bay. It offers studio cottages all the way up to four-bedroom properties. The Pali Kai Cottages are centrally located 20 minutes to Poipu or Kapaa.

Kauai Oceanfront Property, LLC

Cheryl Nickles

3231 Kalapaki Circle

Lihue, Hawaii 96766

808-245-5300

kauaioceanfrontproperty.com/overview.html

Lani Kai Cottage at the Poipu Resort/Kauai Luxury Rentals

The Parrish Collection Kauai has many cottage rentals available. An example is the Poipu Beach Cottage. An oceanfront cottage on the coast of Poipu Beach, it has ocean views from almost every room. You can watch the waves crest, or the beautiful coral where turtles feed, or maybe the only-made-in Hawaii-sunsets---visible from almost every room in the cottage. The cottage was renovated in 2007. Features include two bedrooms, two baths, private lanai, flat screen TV, ocean view outdoor lava rock shower, tiki torches, gas barbecue, housekeeping, tide pools and a washer and dryer in the house. Prices vary for different cottages and availability, but one can expect an average daily price to range from $575 to $725 or $4,025 to $5,075 weekly. Peak seasons and holidays also will affect the price. Prices include up to four guests and a one-week minimum stay is required. All rates are subject to change at any time.

Administrative Office

3176 Poipu Road, Suite 1

Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii 96756

(800) 325-5701, (800) 742-1412

parrishkauai.com

Tags: Pali Cottages, almost every, almost every room, every room, from almost, from almost every

Beachfront Hotels In Oahu Hawaii

Beach in Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is the third largest inhabited Hawaiian island. It is the home of Honolulu, the state capital, and Waikiki Beach. There are several state parks and mountain ranges that run through Oahu and the Hawaiian islands. Visitors can swim, surf, hike and go deep sea fishing. Hotels on the beach in Oahu often offer surfing lessons and have private beaches. Visitors staying at beachfront hotels can enjoy the privacy of the beach and be within walking distance of several malls and shops.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort

The Kahala Hotel and Restort is on a private beach ten minutes from the Waikiki. The luxury hotel focuses on providing a relaxing and quality experience so guests will return. The hotel provides arriving guests with a cooling towel and a lei at check-in. There is a fitness center, steam room, spa and sauna in the resort. A shuttle is provided that transports guests to Waikiki and Kahala mall. There is a business center for guest use. The hotel also provides classes, including surfing, hula, quilt weaving and ukulele lessons. There is an outdoor pool with CD players and headsets for guests, and bicycles available for free. Guests have access to the secluded beach, and hotel Beach Butlers bring cold towels or mists to you. The convention facilities hold up to 450 people. Wireless internet access is available at the pool, on the beach, and in the Veranda. There are five restaurants on-site, with both indoor and outdoor dining. The hotel has 306 guest rooms, with 32 suites. Each room has a view of the mountains or the ocean. Rooms also come with a flat screen television and wireless internet.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

5000 Kahala Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 739-8888

kahalaresort.com/about-kahala.cfm

The Pacific Beach Hotel

The Pacific Beach Hotel is on Waikiki Beach, one mile from Ala Moana, the largest outdoor shopping center in the country. The hotel features an Oceanarium, a three story high, 280, 000 gallon salt water aquarium. The Oceanarium contains over 400 fish, and divers feed them several times a day. Guests can arrange to have divers hold up specific signs at a time they designate, for special occasions. Guests can also Snuba, a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, in the Oceanarium. Snuba requires no certification, and up to two guests can dive at a time. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with aerobics classes and an on-site spa. There is a Guest Service Center that doubles as a gift shop and business center. The hotel has an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sundeck and tennis courts. There are three restaurants on-site, with indoor and outdoor dining. There are 837 rooms and suites, including eco-friendly rooms on the ninth floor. These rooms have organic toiletries, low-flow fixtures and recycled paper products. Rooms with ocean views and private patios are available. Discounts are available for Hawaii residents and military personnel.

Pacific Beach Hotel

2490 Kalakaua Avenue

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 922-1233

pacificbeachhotel.com/

Park Shore Waikiki Hotel

Park Shore Waikiki Hotel is on Waikiki Beach, and overlooks Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park. It is also adjacent to Honolulu Zoo and within walking distance of downtown Waikiki. The hotel is ten minutes from the Honolulu Airport. There is a freshwater outdoor pool with a sundeck. There is a Starbucks Coffee on-site, as well as two restaurants that serve American or Japanese food. The hotel has 226 guest rooms with views of the ocean. Each room has a 27-inch color television, mini-fridge, and high speed internet access. Rooms receive a daily local newspaper. Suites contain sleeper sofas, refrigerators, wet bars and have ocean views. There is a discounted rate for Hawaii residents.

Park Shore Waikiki Hotel

2586 Kalakaua Avenue

Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

(808) 923-0411

parkshorewaikiki.com/

Tags: Kahala Hotel, outdoor pool, Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach Hotel, Park Shore, Park Shore Waikiki, Shore Waikiki

Beaches In Nasugbu Batangas

Soft sand and clear waters exemplify beaches in the Philippines.

Nasugbu is situated in the northwest corner of the province of Batangas in the Philippines. The population of Nasugbu is around 100,000, which means the beaches in this area are still fairly unspoiled. This makes Nasugbu's beaches a premier tourist destination for the region. The average annual temperature in the area is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but there is a wet season from May to October that travelers may want to avoid. The majority of the beaches in this municipality are accessible via luxury resorts.

Punta Fuego Beach

Punta Fuego Beach is part of the Punta Fuego Resort, which is about a two-hour drive from Manila. It is made up of villas and beach resorts, making a perfect vacation spot. The long beach that runs in front of the property gives guests a beautiful view of the South China Sea. Punta Fuego Beach is exclusive, meaning you have to become a member of the club to access the beach. This also means that the number of guests is limited.

Munting Buhangin Beach

This beach offers fine white sand and huts that sit right on the beach. Munting Buhangin Beach is up in a small cove area, which means there is a bit of privacy from some of the higher-traffic resorts in the vicinity. If you are on a tight budget, you can even pitch your own tent or rent gear from the resort.

El Cacar Beach

El Cacar Beach is part of the El Cacar Beach Resort and is one of the better-known resorts in Nasugbu, Batangas. El Cacar is a small resort, with the main feature being a long, soft-sand beach. Activities include boating to small coves, beach volleyball, horseback riding on the beach, evening campfires and sand-castle building.

Canyon Cove Beach

Canyon Cove Resort is home to white sand beaches. Located on the Far East Road, the beach is on the South China Sea and surrounded by lush, green forests, making for a serene location. The resort offers activities such as snorkeling and kayaking.

Tags: Punta Fuego, Cacar Beach, Fuego Beach, Punta Fuego Beach, Beach part, beaches this, Buhangin Beach

Beachcomber Hat Crafts

Turn a simple straw beachcomber hat into a fun craft project.

A woven, wide brimmed beachcomber hat is a classic symbol of tropical summer fun. Beachcomber hats aren't just for use as part of a festive costume -- get creative and use inexpensive beachcomber hats for crafty party and home decor projects.

Embellish It

String beads, silk flowers and leaves cut from felt on a piece of waxed cotton cord or hemp twine. Wrap it around the base of the beachcomber hat. Stitch in place with a needle and thread to prevent it from slipping.

Or use embroidery thread and an upholstery needle to stitch a simple design or initials on the front of a beachcomber hat.

Paint It

Pour inexpensive acrylic craft paint into an empty can or plastic container. Dilute it with water. Dip a stiff-bristled brush in the paint and apply the paint to the hat using imperfect, loose brush strokes. Or run your thumb along the tips of the bristles to splatter paint your beachcomber hat.

Serve It Up

Use a beachcomber hat as a serving dish. This unbreakable bowl is perfect for back yard and pool parties. Set the beachcomber hat upside down on the table and lay a cloth napkin inside of it. Pour tortilla chips, pretzels or cookies in the hat. Or place a plastic bowl full of dip inside the hat.

Wearable Garland

Use beachcomber hats to decorate your next luau or tropical-themed pool party. String a long piece of clothesline across the patio or party area and hang beachcomber hats of varying sizes and colors using clothes pins. Encourage guests to take one off the line to wear or as a take-home party favor.

Tags: beachcomber hats

Beachthemed Indoor Wedding Reception Ideas

It's easy to bring your beach wedding ideas indoors.

Don't run the risk of a rain-out for your beach-themed wedding reception. Instead, choose an indoor venue where the party can go on regardless of the weather. There are a lot of ways to decorate your indoor wedding for a beach theme. From fun and whimsical to absolutely elegant, you can plan a beach-themed indoor wedding to suit your individual taste.

Choose your Venue

Try choosing a venue with a beautiful view of the beach.

Choose the venue for your wedding with the beach theme in mind. Decide whether your reception will include beach-themed activities which might require a special type of venue. For instance, try holding your indoor beach wedding reception in a gym or other location where you can set up volleyball nets for beach themed activities. For a more traditional wedding reception, you might choose a trendy spot someplace near a wharf with an ocean view.

Beach Decor

Use a message in a bottle for centerpieces.

Your beach d cor may include lawn chairs and picnic tables in place of your usual wedding tables. Use netting and anchors to decorate the venue. For centerpieces, put a message in a glass bottle with a bit of sand. If you are planning a casual beach-themed indoor wedding reception, use whimsical picnic plates and flatware in place of fancy china. A tiki bar, parasols and colored paper lanterns are another great touch. You could fill either galvanized pails or plastic beach pails with sand and insert tapered candles for centerpieces. Small fish bowls complete with live beta fish are another option. Add small table top tiki torches to all of your tables if your venue allows for this. Place several small blowup swimming pools on tables and have your guests place their gifts inside. Use a tackle box for a wedding card holder. And don't forget your tropical flowers. Try renting a couple of potted palm trees and other tropical plants to add to your d cor. Write your guests' names on miniature beach balls in place of traditional place cards.

The Menu

Include a beachy element in your menu.

Fish is a must for any beach-themed wedding. You could choose a casual buffet-style fish fry or a more elegant seafood dish served by waitstaff. Another idea is a beach picnic menu or beach barbecue complete with hot dogs, ribs and a variety of cold salads. A chocolate fountain with fresh fruit is another excellent addition to the menu. Add a lighthouse cake topper to your wedding cake, or just order a cake made to look like a lighthouse. Sand castle cakes are another great option for your beach-themed cake. Or, how about a tall lighthouse cake surrounded by smaller sand castles? And don't forget to add tiny beach umbrellas in all of your drinks. These versatile little umbrellas would also be adorable on top of individual wedding cupcakes topped with brightly colored frosting.

Tags: wedding reception, another great, beach theme, beach wedding, beach-themed indoor, beach-themed indoor wedding

Beachstyle Decorating Ideas

Give your home beach house style with a seashell display.

Imagine having the getaway feel of a beach house year-round, even if you're landlocked. Beach houses are simple, casual and soothing. They invite you to relax the moment you walk through the door. Whether you long for a charming seaside cottage or a hut on a tropical island, use beach-style decorating ideas to enjoy laid-back living every day. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors

Beach house color palettes vary, but they're nearly always inspired by nature. Homes filled with whites and pale, pearly seashell pastels feel soothing and relaxed. Ocean-inspired color schemes include blues or turquoises mixed with whites and neutrals. Tropical beach locales inspire vibrant palettes of coral, turquoise, green and yellow.

Walls

Crisp white walls always work for beach-style decorating. If you prefer color, paint with any shade in your color palette. Ground the color with whites and neutrals in your furnishings. Painted beadboard or horizontal planking works well for an accent wall or all over the room. Paint trim glossy white, or leave it natural with a light stain.

Floors

Beach house floors are sand-friendly and easily swept. Hardwood floors, stained light to medium or painted white, remain classic. Or, pull up your wall-to-wall carpet and faux finish the concrete to look like limestone blocks. Define seating and dining areas with natural sisal or seagrass area rugs. Scatter casual, flat-woven dhurrie, kilim or rag rugs to soften floors for bare feet. Avoid plush rugs and carpets.

Furniture

Straight-lined or curvy furniture--or a combination of both--works for beach-style decorating, as long as the pieces feel casual and aren't fussy. Look for light to medium stains on pine, maple or cherry. Relax formal furniture with glossy or distressed white paint. Add texture to the mix with wicker, rattan and bamboo.

Upholstered furniture must be sun-, sand- and water-friendly. Use simple or dressy shapes, but keep the fabrics casual. Stick with simple solids, stripes and botanical patterns in cotton or linen. Try washable cotton slipcovers, perhaps with dressmaker details. Mix in coarse or nubby woven fabrics--such as burlap, chenille or bouclé--for texture. Use textured fabrics for throw pillows and side-chair seats.

Windows

In beach-style decorating, window treatments should be simple and minimal. Focus on letting in plenty of natural light, and on the view outside. Try bi-fold or hurricane shutters for classic beach house style. Or, use natural woven shades--by themselves or with simple curtain panels of cotton or linen. Light-filtering sheers work well for hiding an undesirable view, while maintaining the beach house feel.

Art and Accessories

Complete your beach-style decorating with natural accents. Fill a basket or ironstone compote with seashells. Use a piece of driftwood as sculpture. Display starfish on a tabletop, along with a coral cluster under a bell jar. Cover a mirror or picture frame with glued-on seashells. Suspend bits of beach glass from your chandelier. Hang a painted seascape--fine or primitive--over the mantel.

Tags: beach-style decorating, with whites, beach house, beach house, beach house style, cotton linen

Bat Mitzvah Party Theme Ideas

THe Bat Mitzvah party after the religious ceremony is a highlight in a young girl's life.

A Bat Mitzvah ceremony is the coming of age for a 12-year-old Jewish girl, when she is obligated to follow and observe the commandments. Because of the intense studies leading up to the Bat Mitzvah religious ceremony, afterward the family hosts a celebration party in her honor. The party is a once-in-a-lifetime event and needs to be memorable. Selecting an appropriate theme for your Bat Mitzvah party ensures the festivities will not soon be forgotten.

Hollywood

Every young girl has a favorite movie or movie star, or simply loves Hollywood. So a Hollywood theme is perfect for a Bat Mitzvah. Have a red carpet for the guests to walk on when they enter and request the guests dress in elegant "red carpet" fashion. Video the arrivals just like a Hollywood awards night. Play her favorite movie on a large screen (sound off) as part of the decoration. Use rolls of old film and reels (search garage sales or make fake ones), movie posters, popcorn bags, and spotlights as the decorations. Be sure to have a popcorn making machine ready and popping, plus plenty of soda pop and boxes of candy, to give authenticity to going to the movies.

Favorite Hobby

If the Bat Mizvah girl has a favorite hobby or passion, choosing that as the party theme will make the party personal and delight the girl. It could be she loves a sport like soccer, volleyball or tennis. Have the invitations and decorations incorporate that sport by using sports posters, colors of her favorite team and miniature items of the sport, like tennis rackets, goal nets and balls.

If she likes dancing or music, use that interest for the theme. Musical notes hanging from the ceiling and black and white balloons, or cut out ballet slippers, pink glitter stars and add pink and white balloons.

Have the guests come dressed as their favorite player or entertainer.

Favorite Place

Some girls have a dream of traveling to a favorite place, like Paris, London or Hawaii. Select that favorite place as the theme of her Bat Mitzvah. Use travel posters and items associated with the location for decorations. The guests can dress accordingly to the location. And party refreshments should be typical of the favorite place. As example: she dreams of going to Hawaii, so a beach or luau theme will be perfect. Decorate with large, colorful paper flowers, palm trees, flower or paper leis, colorful umbrellas, paper lanterns and hanging parrots. Ask guests to wear tropical print shirts and dresses. Serve sweet and sour meats, barbecue, fresh fruits and nuts. Limbo, hula dance lessons, and a hula hoop contest are great activities.

Favorite Color

Sometimes a girl does not want a specific theme, but a Bat Mitzvah party is still in order. Use her favorite color instead of a particular theme. The invitations and decorations can all be in the color. The guests can wear the color. And, much of the food can be the color, if possible. For variety, use different shades of the color for the decorations, such as lavender, royal purple and deep amethyst.

Tags: favorite place, favorite movie, girl favorite, guests dress, guests wear, invitations decorations, Mitzvah party