Party Decoration Ideas For Little Pirate Scallywags

Avast there ye pirate scallywags! Ye need go no further than the Pirate Flag for ideas for your own Pirate themed party. For those of ya that want to add a touch of realism to yer party argh, we'd suggest that ye read on.

In other ships scrolls we've given ye ideas on creating yarrgh invitations and on how to make 'em the best around and now we're goin' to tell ye how to make the venue for yarrgh party look fantastic and give yarrgh some ideas on how to amuse yarrgh little scallywags until it's time for 'em to walk that there plank to 'ome.

Pirate Decoration Themes
Having adopted a pirate theme for your party, you have three options for the decoration theme. The first - and by far the most popular - is the Treasure Island. Next we have the Pirate Boat and lastly - and probably better for adults so not covered here - is the portside Inn. Once you've identified which theme your going to follow it's time to get working on transforming your venue and here are a few tips;

Treasure Island
The degree of realism will depend on whether you are indoors or outside. If you are lucky enough to be outside you could create a real island with a pile of sand which can be placed on some sand coloured cardboard to protect the surface. You can extend the cardboard to create the whole island by taping it together using strong tape on both sides and then when you have an area big enough to hold all of your little pirates, it can either be shaped to resemble the island outline or the remainder painted in blue to resemble the sea. You can mix some sand with the paint in-order to get a textured finish. To get enough cardboard you can ask your local supermarket for some cardboard boxes and then cut these open and join them together. This idea also works well for an indoor island.

On the edge of your island you may want to add some inflatable sharks and you could extend the sea up your walls by hanging some blue sheets or crepe paper and then attaching some pirate ship cutouts and fish.

To decorate your island you need some inflatable palm trees, a collection of various sized boxes, paint some as treasure chests others as packing cases - these can be stacked for best effect. To create a packing case, seal the box and then paint it all over with a light brown colour. Using a thin paintbrush create the slat effect horizontally around the case. If you want to you can create the shadow lines about 2" from the top and bottom for the lid and base covers - alternatively these can be constructed simply from 2"x1" wood cut to length and then screwed (from the inside) to box. Adding a washer to the inside prevents the batten being ripped off too easily. Double sided tape on the outside also works well. These battens can be painted. To all painted surfaces, using a marker create knotholes and a wood grain effect. Stack the completed packing cases for the best effect.

Add some coils of rope and barrels if you can find any. Add some plastic pirate rum bottles or an assortment of bottles to complete the scene. Bottles can be made from paper mache (a mixture of torn newspaper and paste) which can then be applied to a wine bottle which has been previously smeared with Vaseline. Build up layers of paper mache but keep the shape of the bottle and leave the bottom uncovered - so that the bottle can slid out. Leave to dry. When dry slip the fake bottle from the real bottle and repeat the process as many times as required. Level the base (so they stand) and paint as you wish incorporating skull and crossbones etc into your design. If you want the bottle to lie on their sides or be propped up, add a circle of card as a base attached with tape or more paper mache strips. This is best done before painting. For an authentic look, drip a coloured candle wax over the top of the bottle to represent the seal.

If you are inside and looking for an craft project for your party, make loads of fake bottles in advance and paint them the basic colour. With lots of paper spread out, get your guests to decorate their own bottle - the painted result can also be part of their party bag at the end.

If you have a tree or post available, attach lengths of bunting from this to various points around the edge. If indoors use the bunting across the room. The bunting can either be homemade using colourful rectangles of plain material attached to some binding or can be bought pirate bunting.

Pirate Ship
The Pirate Ship will require a little more thought and lots of cardboard. The easiest solution is to create just a part of the ship out of cardboard - one of the cabins. Using cardboard taped together, create a large box shape - depending on the size you may want to incorporate some wooden supports, paint the whole structure in brown and the outline the planks and nail heads in black. Create planks of different lengths just like in a real ship. Cut windows in the sides and decorate around the windows as much as you want - it helps to download a picture of a pirate galley as a template.

You can extend to the front of the structure with more cardboard painted like planks and this can for the deck of the boat. Around the edge you could paint a sea blue - see above. Decorate the deck of your pirate boat with treasure chest, packing boxes, barrels, bottles and ropes as outlined for the Treasure Island. If you are outdoors, then you could add a tall pole to the back of the structure to create a mast from which you could attach your bunting to symbolize sails. If you are indoors bring the bunting in from the corners of the room to the centre above the cabin.

Neither of these decoration themes can be achieved in 5 minutes. Each will take some thought and some planning to produce the best results, but there is nothing to prevent you starting to construct decorative items well in advance, the packing cases and pirate bottles can be made at anytime and will store indefinitely proving they are kept dry. In fact they will last for years and many parties and like Halloween, you could add to them as time goes on.

Having created the perfect decorated party venue for your pirate scallywags, don't forget to include the fact that you expect all of your guests to come to the party in pirate fancy dress.

Discover an extensive range of Pirate fancy dress costumes and costume accessories along with a veritable pirate's chest full of themed party goods and decoration ideas by selecting the following link and browsing our specially selected Pirate catalog. Browse the section for ideas or use the search feature to find a specific Pirate themed party item: http://www.karnival-house.co.uk/acatalog/Pirates.html.

If a Pirate themed party is not what you are looking for, Karnival Costumes is sure to have something just for you. Discover the complete range of themed costumes and for other party ideas when you visit our website, browse our costumes and accessories for as long as you need before making your final selection. Purchase with confidence and security from one of the leading costume suppliers in the UK. Visit our vast array of costumes at; http://www.karnival-house.co.uk.

We also have a large selection of articles on a wide range of party themed topics. Why not join our newsletter for up to date information on the latest trends in costumes, news and notification of our special offers?

Article submitted by: KV Sinclair who has nearly 40 years of business experience and in addition to being a part time University Lecturer on Business Studies, he is CEO of Karnival House; a group of companies operating in the party sector. Karnival Costumes is part of this group and specialises in fancy dress and fancy dress costume accessories. Karnival Costumes can be found at karnival-house.co.uk and is one of the UK's fastest growing internet Fancy Dress Retailers. With massive stocks for immediate dispatch and an ever expanding range, Karnival Costumes continues to strive simply to offer outstanding service combined with outstanding value.

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Themed Kid's Party Food

When planning a party for your child, birthday or otherwise, you can make it much more interesting and fun by serving food that matches the overall theme. With a bit of recipe research, the task is probably easier than you think.

By coming up with a yummy themed party food menu, the kid's in attendance will love the event even more.

Holiday parties are probably the easiest events to plan this type of menu around... especially Halloween. Other parties that are great choices when serving theme-related food include almost any type of character party such as Harry Potter, Barbie or Thomas the Train.

Performing an Internet search using the phrase, 'Halloween party food for kids' will bring up hundreds of spooky, goopy, recipes that any kid will love. Everything from chicken fingers that look like the real thing to great tasting punches that bubble and ooze.

If you want to plan a menu around Barbie or Thomas the Train, the job is even easier. A Barbie party menu can consist of dainty foods such as finger sandwiches, small pastries, fruit and cheese nibblers and anything pink, in color. (Remember, Barbie's favorite color is pink!). Serve on Barbie themed plates and you're good to go.

For a Thomas the Train or any other character related party, you can easily serve traditional party foods, giving them creative names that relate to the party. An example of this might be Sir Handel had dogs, toot-toot tater tots and Splatter milk shakes. You are only limited by your imagination.

Sports are an easy theme for a kid's party, both girls and boys. If your kid loves football of course you'll be serving hot dogs and hamburgers. But don't stop there. Incorporate the football theme into the decorations.

Hand out nerf footballs to all the party guests and have a throwing contest. Arrange three baskets of different sizes, the first and largest about 10 feet away, the second and middle sized about 15 feet away and the last and smallest about 15 feet away. The closest basket is worth 3 points (a field goal), the middle one 6 points (touchdown) and the farthest one 8 points (touchdown and 2 point conversion.)

Another game is to play throw and catch in teams with the football. Divide the children into two equal teams. Half of each team faces each other about 20 feet apart. The first two members of each team throw the nerf football to the member of their team standing across from them. That person catches the ball - or if they miss chases after the ball - and runs to the other side. The team that has all members both catch the ball and run, wins.

Themed parties are great way to make sure your kids party is one to remember.

Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books. Free report Party Ideas For Kids. Dee also writes about weddings Get your free copy of Weddings on a Shoestring Budget

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How to Design an Awesome Halloween Pumpkin

Making a Halloween Jack O'Lantern is one must-do activity for Halloween. Pumpkin carving is a very popular activity because of how easy it is to decorate one, and the eerie glow they produce when a tea light candle is placed inside. Jack O'Lanterns are simply a fun, easy activity. Pumpkins are very plentiful in October, so grab your pumpkin to get started!

Pumpkins are adaptable to anything you'd like to design it with. There are a number of ways you may carve to make a beautiful, or spooky addition to your Halloween decorations.

One way you can decorate your Jack O'Lantern is to carve directly into the surface of the pumpkin. There are kits and stencils you can buy for precise carving. Or, if you would like to get creative, you can carve freehand for more creativity and flexibility. Another way you can decorate your pumpkin is to paint on the pumpkin. Better yet, you can use both methods. Get creative!

Many people prefer to carve their pumpkin so that they can be used as lanterns, as the name Jack O'Lantern suggests. Before carving your design you will need to cut the top of the pumpkin off and scoop out the insides. This will make pumpkin carving much easier, and will give you the ability to put a tea light candle inside. Your carved pumpkin can be very simple with rounded eyes and a toothless mouth. Or you can create an ornate and intricate design. This depends on your level of commitment and time you have available to spend on the project.

If you're not so artistic you can purchase a template in stores (such as Walmart) or do an online search for one you can print out. http://www.ehow.com/halloween/templates.html is one such site. Once you have the template printed out, you would need to secure the paper to the pumpkin, get your carving tool, and carve along the black lines on the template. Make sure you are carving all the way through. Once you've carved each section, you can simply "punch" the pieces out of the pumpkin. Viola! You have a Jack O'Lantern!

Whether you decide to paint or carve your pumpkin, there are always ways you can jazz up the design. Glue sequins, feathers, anything small and light for an extra umph. If you have children, they will probably have some super creative ideas. This is definitely an activity that is fun for the whole family. Get everyone a Halloween Pumpkin this year and celebrate in style!

Most of all, have a great and happy Halloween featuring your new Jack O'Lantern!

Ellie is a successful work at home mom to a beautiful baby. One of her favorite holidays is Halloween and she loves to share the joy at her site Halloween Costume Deals [http://www.halloweencostumedeals.info]

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The Secret to a Great Party is in the Birthday Party Decorations

Birthday Party Decorations are the key to a successful party, as well as a good time for all guests. When choosing the specific decorations, you should always keep in mind the age group of your target audience. Age appropriate decorations, especially for a birthday party for children.

Birthday party decorations for young children are not only age specific, but typically gender specific as well. For girls, princess themes are quite common, as well as car racing or action figure themes for young boys. Whatever theme you choose you should always remember to stick with that theme and not try to incorporate unrelated things into it. However, keep in mind the age group of the guests, at all times.

For children typically under the age of seven, live characters, are always a great hit with all the guests. Not only is this the best decoration of the party, used to tie it all together, but also provides helpful entertainment.

Themes are not only important at birthday parties for children. Adult parties call for a theme as well in order to plan the decorations accordingly, however the theme itself may appear less obvious. Typically the theme is a specific color, rather than an idea. However, for important coming of age parties, such as: 21, 30, 40, etc. These should always be the central theme in your party.

Games can be a key factor at any party. The game should incorporate the theme already present, and can be a nice way to include all the guests together. At a party for young children it is important that as the host, you make sure that every child is included in the game equally so as not to bring about jealousy at the party. At a party for adults, this is the most opportune time to break the ice among all the guests. Games that include the first names of each guest are usually a good idea in order to help everyone become better acquainted.

The party theme can also be included in the food served. Birthday parties that fall close to big holidays may be centered on this idea. As an example, food for a Halloween centered party may be cupcakes with black frosting, or dressed up as other scary ideas or animals.For Christmas themes, Santa centered cupcakes or snowflake cookies are a nice touch.

As a whole, Birthday Party Decorations are the main factor in a successful party because they are the center of everything. When done correctly, your guests should simply subtly notice how nicely the entire party is tied together. Decorations need not overwhelm the party in excess; therefore, shopping on a budget is never a problem.

Party Decorations

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Halloween Foot "Trip" Sensor to Trigger Or Activate Lights, Sounds, Scary Effects

Skill level: Super Easy.

Time needed: 5 minutes.

Expense: $10.00 - $20.00

The major bummer with most store-bought Halloween stuff that gets triggered is it's lame. A few tiny eyes may light up, or perhaps it will create a tiny shriek. I've yet to come across anything substantial (Loud, flashy, large, etc.)

"Startle People with a Photo Sensor to Trigger Effects"

You can assemble a little photo-sensor that triggers when people cross it and break the light beam. You may have seen something like this in small stores-when you enter, the attendant gets alerted to your presence.

Ingredients:

Photocell switch

2 Extension cords

Bright L.E.D. Flashlight

1 cardboard tube from paper towel (cut in two halves) or 2 toilet paper cardboard tubes.

1) Take the photocell switch and plug it into your extension cord. Take the other extension cord and plug it into the outlet on the photocell. Whatever devices you will be triggering will be plugged into this cord later. If you don't know what to plug in, see our "scare tactics" article.

2) Tape one of the cardboard tubes to the "eye" photo sensor on the sensor unit so that the cylinder projects out from (and shields) the light senor. This is merely to keep any ambient light (from other decorations or lamps) from interfering with our trigger. This is our "receiver."

3) Tape the bright L.E.D. flashlight to the end of the OTHER cardboard tube. This will be the light beam projector.

4) Find a place along your walkway to set-up the beam. The light (beam) emitting side must directly face the receiver. Remember to place the receiver (which requires power) on the side of the walkway that has outlets and/or leads to your effects. The light emitter side is totally portable. You may want to try to hide each of there in bushes, between rocks, or simply put decorations or things over the devices (being careful not to cover the holes of the tubes.) CAUTION: Do not place the receiver anywhere near water or where it can get wet (sprinklers, ponds, etc.)

That's all there is to it. The L.E.D. flashlight should last beyond any single nights of Halloween scares. We recommend plugging strobe lights, sirens, or other "gags" into the sensor. Check out the "scare tactics" for project ideas.

Halloween Decorations are certainly the foundation of a Happy Halloween, but adding some great effects or illusions and some "scare tactics" are the frosting on the cake. Yes, you may trigger them yourself, but it's much more fun to automate some stuff. This way you are free to hand out candy, laugh with the "victims," or simply just enjoy and take-in the whole exciting experience. For our trick-or-treaters we set up at least three triggered "effects." We were fortunate enough to have a forked drive-way; so we gave parents with "kiddies" an option to take the less-scary route. You may choose to warn anyone with little kids that there are some scary things ahead. It's fun to scare the older kids, teens, and adults, but not so nice to terrorize toddlers.

Bill Lae is an award-winning visual effects artist and Halloween Haunter. As one of Hollywood's effects artists, Bill worked for all the networks using his magic touch on TV's top shows including The X-Files, Buffy, & The Outer Limits. He created BigScreamTV http://www.BigScreamTV.com a series of DVDs anyone can use to create in-home Halloween effects with a TV. He also shot a how-to DVD called X-Treme Haunted House Make-Over where he shows folks how to haunt the house for little cost. His love for Halloween started long before he came to LA. As a child he made haunted houses in his parents' basement. In LA, he began mixing easy-to-use technology (DVD players, computers, printers, lights) with other household items to "trick out" his own house every Halloween. At last count, he had 700 trick-or-treaters. "It's my favorite holiday," Bill says. "I especially love amazing the hardened, media-savvy, teen-age critics. And it truly is the one time when everyone has the opportunity to give unconditionally-giving candy to strangers!" For more Halloween Projects: http://www.booityourself.com

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Decorative Dolls For Halloween: A Festive Option

Many people around the world are very passionate for all kinds of dolls. For some it is an expression of innocence, some admire the craftsmanship and some just like the way they are dressed up. While many people are very serious about them, other people have only a passing interest. For either group, decorative dolls are a festive way to liven up any holiday.

While many people do not actually display decorative dolls in their home every day of the year, they can provide a bit of levity on any number of holidays. Halloween is the ideal holiday to introduce the concept of the doll as decoration to one's home. Halloween decorations for the home can run the range from very serious, intricate and possibly scary to simple pumpkins. Try bringing in a few costumed witches, goblins and ghosts or cheerful jack-o-lantern characters. A few decorative dolls, dressed up in appropriate Halloween costumes, can be a nice middle ground between scary things and too boring pumpkins.

But where does one find these kinds of decorative dolls and incorporate them into their Halloween decorations for the home? Well, these items can come from almost anywhere. They are often handed down from generation to generation in families, but can now be found from reputable online dealers. Some are hand crafted with special costumes and individually painted faces or may be part of a unique release collection each year.

A doll does not need to be a fancy, pretty or made-up thing to be effective in home decorations. This is true for holidays and especially for Halloween decorations. Halloween is the season for the weird and the wonderful. Being creative in the choice of the doll and decorative style can open up a wide world of choices. Animals are especially useful during this season. There many kinds of animals that can be used during Halloween. An animal doll dressed up as a human character or in a human situation or pose can provide an extra measure of strangeness to any home's Halloween decorations. An animal or human doll suspended from the ceiling or perched on a shelf can provide a unique look or option as well.

When choosing what to use in Halloween decorations for the home, one does not have to be constrained by the traditional idea of what makes a doll. Think of them more like decorative showpieces that liven up the atmosphere and welcome the trick-or-treaters or party-goers to the home. Decorative dolls can be used to brighten up most any holiday. Halloween is an appropriate holiday for this because there are so many choices, and because of the chances to use a doll that may be a little more non-traditional.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about Halloween decorations for the home, please visit http://www.annalee.com/.

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Party Panache - How to Budget Your Kid's Birthday Bash With Style

Whatever the budget for your kid's birthday party, you can create a birthday bash with panache. It's creativity that makes an event memorable. To that happy ending, here are some ideas to get the party started:

Hand deliver the invitations. Present a mini "glass" slipper for a princess party, or a small dinosaur figurine for a Jurassic party, then direct parents to check their e-mail for the Evite. This will make a big impact on your kid's party, and probably cost you a lot less than paper invitations with postage.

Invite fewer guests. No one says you have to invite all 22 kids from school. Besides, having just a handful of kids at the party is more manageable and makes your guests feel privileged for attending. Just be sure to handle invitations discreetly.

Double the fun. Divvy up the costs of entertainment and food by combining a party with another kid. Even if you hold separate parties when it comes to the food and drink, you could trim expenses on the location, decoration, bounce house, or talent by partnering with someone you know.

Set the scene at home. Your toy chest likely holds heaps of decor in your selected party theme. So get out the horse figurines for a pony party. Create a carnival atmosphere by hanging sheets on a line and floating rubber duckies in the kiddie pool. Run a DVD on continual play (Nemo's virtual aquarium works great for an under-the-sea theme party). Insert a glass with flowers into a cowboy boot for an instant vase. Your creativity will find new uses for old things.

Turn your guests into the decorations. Have kids bring their own cuddly bear for a teddy bear tea party. Give the young buckaroos a mustache you draw with an eye liner and outfit them with a bandanna or cowboy hat for a Western theme. Provide home-made fairy wings, and rainbow face painting for a fairyland theme party. Or invite guests to dress the part of a knight, princess or pirate.

Skip the helium balloons. Standard balloons are just as festive when attached to chairs, walls or the floor. For an underwater birthday theme, try affixing blue and green balloons to the floor to create an ocean effect. Instead of balloons, buy some inflatable toys on eBay -- they double as decorations and favors. You'll find a selection of affordable 15-inch inflatables from horses, cows, and monkeys to pink poodles, swords, magic wands and more on eBay. Or try a festive life-size monkey for a luau party, or red dragon for a knights and princess party: also found on eBay.

Do without. Sure, you can borrow tables and chairs, but why not have fun with your theme and do without them? Set up bales of hay for a horse theme party. Sit on towels for a pool party. Create a faux campfire for a cowboy theme party. Or just put picnic cloths on the lawn for your guests. You can do without some utensils too, if your food is portable. Ice cream cone cupcakes, for example, make a substantial impact on your budget when compared to a store bought cake. Instead of paper cupcake cups, just pour cake batter into colorful ice-cream cones and bake. You save on plates, forks and ice cream.

Make food and drink memorable. Try themed shaped cookie cutters for sandwiches. Set up the toy farm and create a "paddock" for the cupcakes at your barnyard party. Turn a submarine sandwich into a pirate ship with sails for the little scallywags. Use colored sugars like margarita salt for your princess party drinks (just wedge a lemon around the glass, then dip with blue or purple sugars and pour pink lemonade for an ethereal look that kids won't soon forget). Decorate water bottles with stickers in your party theme. You'll find a great selection of affordable stickers in on eBay. For a pink pirate party, we chose a pink colored Vitamin water and decorated the bottles with pirate stickers.

Create your own themed favors and treats. Use your computer and printer to make new labels for candy. Send kids home with a doggie dish of dog-bone shaped gingerbread cookies. Wilton makes several great candy molds to make lollypops or chocolate treats. You can also use them to mold crayons or soaps to match your theme.

Hire student performers or helpers. The hired help doesn't need to have artistic talent - just supply some tattoos you find on eBay and they can become instant "face painters. Helpers can also organize games and activities, serve the cake, help with the presents, or read a theme related book so you can enjoy your party.

Think ahead. Find candy on sale for the pinata after Valentine's Day, Halloween, or Christmas. Purchase costumes after Halloween, but in advance of your party. Stock up on drinks and chips when they're on sale to save money.

You can create the perfect party in your mind and deliver memorable results for your child as you save money. Be sure to include your child in as much of the pre-party planning as possible -- you may be surprised at the wonderful party ideas that may surface as a result.

M.C. Nygard is a former Platinum Powerseller on eBay and is the creator of http://www.PONYPARTYIDEAS.com filled with inspiration for your pony party. Get ideas for your "mane" event, including horse party themes, as well as menu, cake, favors, games, activities and more. Plus, learn how to get cash back at eBay for purchase of party supplies.

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