A Busy Mom's Corner

For moms, catering to the needs of our children and families is paramount. Going out with a group of girlfriends or hosting a ladies night at your house is not only a shot in the arm, but in my opinion, necessary for mental health.

There are hundreds of themed-party ideas. You can get ideas from books, magazines, specialty websites, and television. My favorite themed-party ideas came from other busy moms with children that are easy, innovative and fun.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Bunco: Grab the dice, score cards and some good friends. Ask your BFF's to bring an appetizer and $5.00 to throw into the kitty. The girlfriend with the hishest scores takes home the loot. Bunco kits are available at any toy or craft store. Bunco is a very fast-paced game and all that is required is a deck of cards, dice, score cards, card tables and chairs. Typically, a bunco group consists of around 8-12 people. You can keep score sheets, pencils, and cards in a large Ziploc baggie to pass along to the next month's hostess. I like to cover each card table with a tablecloth and set out a small bowl of candy or nuts on each table. The potluck appetizers can be set out on the kitchen counter, with decorative paper plates. Place wine and cocktail mixers next to the appetizers, and you are ready to go.

2. Spa Night: After a grueling winter in New England, treat yourselves and your friends to a relaxing evening of pampering. Check with your hair salon or nearby spa to see if they have a traveling spa professional  to provide services at your home. Choose a couple of services,  i.e., manicure & pedicures, or reflexology & makeup application and get pricing. Ask guests to pitch in $5-$10.00 for services. When hosting a spa night, try to provide a serene setting with aromatherapy candles and soft music. Set out some light appetizers and have the wine chilling.

3. Book Club: Gather your group of mystery readers, and choose a date each month to meet. Hint: Book clubs can be hosted at each others homes, or the group can meet at a coffee shop or restaurant.  Ask each member what types of books they like to read, and decide on a book to read each month. Many book clubs reserve copies at the library, and pass them along to one another when they are finished. The hostess can open up the book discussion with a list of questions pertaining to the book, or the book topic.  Ask guests to bring an appetizer or dessert. Another option is to ask the group to bring 1-2 books that they have read and discuss what they found interesting about their books. Pile books in center of table, and swap books with one another at the end of the night.  Keep discussions light, respect everyone's opinion, and have fun!

4. Oscar Night: Discover your inner diva by hosting an Oscar Night or Golden Globes,  ladies evening event. Invite guests over for an evening of guessing who will win the Oscar. Print out score sheets with catagories for each guest. Ask guests to fill out their choices for, best Actress, best movie, etc.. and place them in a basket. The diva that has the most correct, receives a prize. Prizes could range from a newly-released DVD movie, movie passes, popcorn, or gift cards. For appetizers, serve movie food, popcorn, nachos, gummi-bears, and of course don't forget the snow caps!

Enjoy!

More tips on Ladies Themed Events can be found in, "A Busy Mom's Guide to Entertaining."  By: Lisa A Stukel  

www.entertainingwithkids.com