From Tea Parties to Luaus

Planning birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion can be stressful. Youth Services librarians plan a number of special events throughout the year at the various branches of the Mercer County Library System. At the Robbinsville Branch, a few of the parties that I have planned include:

•  Tea Parties
•  Stuffed Animal Sleepovers
• Countdowns to the New Year 
• Teddy Bear Picnics
•  Luaus

When I am looking for party themes or activities, I use a variety of sources including party planning books. Here are a few titles to help lower your stress level and make your next event extra special!

The Book of Wizard Parties: In Which the Wizard Shares the Secretsof Creating Enchanted Gatherings by Janice Eaton Kilby and Terry Taylor - Provides directions for preparing invitations, refreshments, games, and favors for such parties as an Alchemists' Gathering, Chinese Dragon Fete, Merlin's Birthday Parley, and Wizard's Welcome Springtime Fairy Frolic.

FamilyFun's Parties by Deanna F. Cook – 100 party plans for birthdays, holidays, and every day.

Slumber Wonders:Make All Your Slumber Party Dreams Come True by Aubre Andrus - "Slumber Wonders is a fun slumber-party planning book featuring eight themes that girls are sure to love. Included with each theme are ideas for invitations, decorations, food, games, crafts, and goody bags"--Description from amazon.com

The Star WarsParty Book: Recipes and Ideas for Galactic Occasions by Mikyla Bruder and Frankie Frankeny - Presents entertaining ideas for hosting a Star Wars theme party. Includes food recipes, craft projects, and games.

TheTotally Tea-rific Tea Party Book: Teas to Taste, Treats to Bake, and Crafts to MakeFrom Around the World and Beyond by Tanya Napier – The title says it all. Discover new teas to try, and crafts and activities for nearly every occasion. 

- Michelle C.