The Host with the Most
Throwing a fun-tastic party on a budget.
by Gina Roberts-Grey

TWEENS & TEENS News October 2007

Whether getting together with a few friends or throwing a huge birthday party bash, having friends over is something that most tweens and teens enjoy. However, while kids see throwing a party as a chance to bust boredom and spend time with friends, parents often worry that their house won’t survive, someone’s feelings might get hurt and, as hosts, they won’t be able to foot the cost of the party.

Rest assured, and encourage your parents to do the same, because hosting a party need not be expensive. Stick to a good budget by being organized.

First off, realize that no matter how many people you want to invite, there are several things to consider when planning a party, starting with the theme. Setting a theme helps set the stage for many aspects of the party. Look for party themes that reflect your unique style and personality, as well as create fun for everyone at the party.

To host a movie-themed party, for example, suggest your friends all dress up as their favorite movie characters. You can all attend the party in character and cherish pretending to act in your own movies. To help keep everyone entertained, rent your favorite movie and ask your friends to bring one of their character’s movies.

For decorations, cover some tables with sturdy butcher paper that is available in many colors at craft stores. Place glasses with colored markers and pens on every table and have your guests draw, doodle or write messages to each other on the covered tables during the party. Also, throughout the party hold related contests. See who can find a special picture drawn or a secret message you’ve written about the food that’s almost ready to be served.

If you want to include food in the theme, ask your guests to bring their favorite pizza toppings. Gather attendees in the kitchen and give everyone pizza dough to make a personal pizzas. Assemble your pizza creations and pop the pizzas in the oven. While the pizzas bake, you and your guests can watch clips from some of the selected movies— or listen to music or play board games to work up an appetite.

SPREAD THE WORD
Once you’ve set a theme, www.evite.com is an easy and free option to let all of your friends know when and where the party takes place. If you want something more formal, or to pass out paper invitations, www.cheapinvitations.com offers fancy party invitations at around 50 percent off retail prices.

To add a personal and creative touch to your invitations, sit down at the computer and let your imagination run wild. With decorative paper and art supplies you can create one-of-a-kind invitations to match your party’s theme. On the invitations, tape candy, glue decorations or spread glitter to convey whatever inviting message best fits your party.

SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY
Get your friends involved in the party planning, shopping and decorating to save money and time. Ask your pals to bring iPods and MP3 players filled with their favorite songs to the bash. Plug the devices into speakers and hit the random play button to hear hours of eclectic tunes.

Single colored napkins and cups also help keep costs down and can be paired to match more detailed plates or decorations that fit the theme. Ask your friends or cousins to pick up helium and latex balloons, which add a lot of color and excitement to a party, yet are inexpensive.

DISH FUN FOOD
Finger food and food party-goers can build are always good choices for parties. Baked potatoes cut in half and bowls of cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, chives, chili and broccoli ensure everyone— from vegetarians to meat lovers— may prepare something to savor. A tostado bar is another variation. Open-faced tortillas, tostados are easier and less messy to eat than tacos. Keep in mind, snacks such as popcorn and pretzels are healthier than potato chips and usually less expensive. Also, individual beverage bottles of water or cans of soda prevent waste and spills, and are easy for everyone to carry around at a party. If you’re going with personal bottles and cans, cut back on the amount of cups you purchase.

For dessert, try turning your counter into a hot chocolate or adolescent-friendly coffee bar stocked with hot chocolate, flavored decaf coffees, syrups, spices and toppings, as a festive but sophisticated option. If you’re looking for a more traditional dessert, swap the coffee for a few varieties of ice cream. Add flavored syrups and toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, crumbled cookies, brownie chunks, dried fruit, nuts and finally whipped cream for interactive dessert fun.

ENTERTAIN EVERYONE
If you’re looking to get everyone moving, try making dance videos. Set out an assortment of costumes and divide your guests into groups. Send everyone to different parts of your house to create and practice dance routines to popular songs. Ask members of each group to take turns filming the videos. Once all the videos are shot, you’ll have homemade movies to watch— and laugh at— while you snack on popcorn or homemade pretzels.

Using a basic soft pretzel recipe, which follows, food prep can also entertain your guests. Shape homemade pretzels into letters or shapes and top them with Parmesan cheese, cinnamon, garlic and other sweet and savory toppings. With your parent’s permission and supervision, you and your friends can bake the pretzels and look forward to sharing them.

To compose festive favors together, invite friends to bring some favorite pictures. At the party, set out an assortment of papers, glues and stickers found at the dollar store to make cards or scrap booking pages. Buy bulk beads and string or yarn, also found at the dollar store, to make bracelets and necklaces. You and your friends can have a blast customizing fabulous party favors that you all can treasure long after the party ends.

KEEP IT CLEAN
Put trash cans with disposable liners in every room, and remind your guests that it’s partially up to them to keep things clean. If they see you picking up as the party progresses, your friends will follow suit.

PRETZEL DOUGH RECIPE
What you’ll need:
•1 cup warm water •2 tablespoons sugar •2 packages dry yeast •1 egg •3½-4 cups flour •coarse salt (kosher)

What to do:
Stir the yeast, sugar and water in a large bowl until the yeast is dissolved. Set aside for about 15-20 minutes. Stir in flour, a little at a time, until the dough is stiff. Knead on a floured surface for three-five minutes.
Form dough into a ball and place it in a buttered or oiled bowl. Cover with a dish towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size. After the dough has risen, punch it down, roll it into a rectangle and cut into any shape pretzel.
Beat the egg with a fork and brush onto the pretzels. Sprinkle salt to taste and bake on cookie sheets in a 400° oven, 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

As a teen, Gina Roberts-Grey hosted several parties, and she is now the parent of a 10-year-old son who frequently has many of his friends over to the house. Roberts-Grey has written for more than 150 publications worldwide and lives with her family in upstate New York.