A Virtual Santa Experience in 2020
Due to COVID a lot of things have been off this year, but one thing that makes me cheerful is thinking of the holiday season. Every holiday season is filled with family traditions, one is taking your kids to meet Santa. But dragging your kids to the mall, standing in a crowded line, and putting your kid on Santa’s lap where 10,000 diapers and tears have been prior, now that seems a bit off this year. That is why we found some alternative ways to meet Santa and not have to worry about lines or germs.
Virtual Santa Visits
Virtual Santa visits will be all the rage in 2020. One of our favorites is the Zoom Santa & his Elves experience over at Santazoomvisit.com.
You will receive:
A personalized digital video invite from Santa with the Zoom link included
Tips and Inspiration to make the Santa Experience ever more magical
A one on one Santa interaction for 20 minutes (you can have up to four screens)
Santa will interact with each child by name
Santa will read a story and share some fun facts about The North Pole
Q & A with Santa
A recording of the interaction to save as a keepsake
You can book your virtual Santa visit now for 11/27- 12/24. Book your time and day for your Santa virtual experience. Santa visits will fill up quickly, so book before the sleigh is full.
Zoom Christmas- Opening Gifts sent by loved ones together
Since we are in the Zoom Christmas spirit and because of social distance, many families will be staying home this year, so gifts will be sent all over the world. No doubt the joy of giving gifts is seeing the reaction of the people opening them. Create a Zoom Family Christmas Gift Opening/Exchange Party and share that joy together. It will feel like your extended family is in the room with you.
We hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Ideas to Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall
Ideas To Decorate Your Front Porch for Fall
Decorating my home according to the season or holiday is one of my favorite past times. Nothing puts me in the holiday spirit like adding some good decor to my home. We gathered some easy and affordable ideas to decorate your front porch for fall.
Create Some Cute Pumpkin Planters
(photo from: @wyosparkle on TikTok)
The Supplies you will need:
Pumpkin candy baskets (3 to create 1 planter)
1 can of Spray paint
Twine
Hot glue gun
Flowers of choice
Because of COVID-19 your kids might not be able to use their Halloween candy baskets so let’s put them to use. If you don’t have any from previous Halloweens I found this pack of 10 on Amazon. Grab some spray paint. I went with a white matte spray paint for my pumpkin planter. Remove all the handles from the baskets and begin spray painting. Once they are done drying, stack them on top of each other and hot glue the bottoms to the top of the basket - you may want to add some rocks or dirt for weight. Wrap the twine a couple of times around the spaces you hot glued together. And for the final touch add some fall colored florals inside the top basket. To complete the look add an assortment of pumpkins to your porch, a cute fall wreath, and corn husk stalks by the door.
We partnered with RedFin and other experts on their latest blog post to bring you 15 Ideas to Decorate your Front Porch .
Work Outwards
Fill the space around the door and work outward from there to the steps as you’re decorating the front porch. This gives it an eye-catching illusion of looking like you decorated more than you did. Start with a bright autumn wreath or garland on the door and add some taller accents around the door frame, like a fall sign or colorful garland. Add beautiful fall flowers in a pot at the base and then add lanterns or pumpkins of different sizes, colors, and shapes trailing down the steps. You can add Halloween decorations and simply take out those spooky pieces on November 1st.
Add Some Plaid
I don’t know about you, but when I think of fall I think of my favorite long sleeve cozy plaid shirts of vests. Not only do I love adding plaid to my wardrobe I also love adding it to my home. Whether it is plaid pillows, throw blankets, or rugs you can instantly get ready for fall with the help of a plaid pattern. Get some plaid pumpkins or doormat and add it to your front porch decor.
How to Throw the Ultimate Voting Party
A Party To Encourage Your Friends & Family To Vote
Party Submitted by the talented: Victoria
There are so many reasons for us to remember to vote. It's no secret that 2020 has been a tough year and left many of us feeling we're living in a divided country. I wanted an opportunity to bring people together for a nonpartisan lunch to simply encourage them to vote and to get their voices heard. I wanted to bring further awareness of the importance of voting. We vote for ourselves, our kiddos, and the future generation and so I wanted everyone to feel empowered to make a difference. What was supposed to be a simple lunch turned into a beautifully styled event. I kept the colors black and neutral. I felt it was the perfect combination to bring across a powerful message but also to look stylish. I have worked with Pavan Floral on multiple events and as always, her florals absolutely stun. The use of the blackberries and the dried flowers were gorgeous and cohesive with all the other details. I rented dishware and tables from 3 little birds who never disappoint. Details are incredibly important to me, I had custom french fry containers and cones for breadsticks, pencils, stickers, and everyone had their own pencil cookie with their names on it. Janice Wong made the cutest desserts and Sarah Kleinknecht cooked up an incredibly delicious lunch. Not only did it taste great, but it was so aesthetically pleasing. Shana Sharp of Sharp balloons enhanced everything with her balloon display. Overall, I hope to have made the voting experience a memorable one. At the end of the day, we walked our ballots over and submitted them. Don't forget to vote.
Vendors:
Event Design / Styling: Victoria Petrovsky @queen_victoriap
Event Rentals - 3 Little Birds Planning https://3littlebirdseventplanning.com/
Flowers: Pavan Floral - https://www.pavanfloral.com/ @pavanfloral
Laser Cuts: @creativeamme
Balloons: @sharpballoons
Food: @activepalette
Dessert: @ janice.w0ng
Entertainment: www.djwillgill.com/ @djwillgill
How To Host A 2020 Election Day Party
Host a safe and fun 2020 Debate & Election Day party this year. From an outdoor event to a virtual event read more on how you can host an election watch party this year safely. Find fun activities that everyone can participate in while still social distancing.
How to Host Election Day Party
Elections are exciting, they should be celebrated, people everywhere will be watching as the numbers roll in all night, regardless of who you are voting for it is America’s Ultimate Political Super Bowl. We wanted to help you throw some great “political parties” that can be hosted to get in the Red, White, and Blue mood and celebrate this years Election.
The 2020 Election
The 2020 United States presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2020. It will be the 59th quadrennial presidential election.
★ Political Debates & Election Night Watch Parties
The chance to decorate your place for an Election Night party only comes along every four years. So, why not decorate with some red, white, and blue? You can serve food on patriotic plates — you might even still have some from your Fourth of July barbecue.
The Decor
No matter what party you associate with or who you are voting for you can’t go wrong with red, white, and blue decor for your watch party. We found this USA inspired party decor set that is perfect for any watch party. Grab some American colored balloons to throw some extra color to your party. So get into the spirit and order your patriotic invitations and party supplies today! The more red, white, and blue - the better. Make sure you capture the memories. We love Photo Props to get in the political spirit.
Outdoor Watch Party
Depending on where you are located and the social distancing regulations in your state. If you plan to have an in-person event have everyone wear their masks. To make sure your guests can keep 6 feet apart have an outdoor watch party. Set up a TV in your backyard and some games like corn hole, washers, or horseshoes. We found this red and blue corn hole board to get your guests entertained during your watch party. Have a backdrop with some fun photo props for your guests to take pictures for Instagram to show their support.
Zoom Watch Party
Have a virtual watch party with friends and family this election year. Set up a Zoom event, invite all your friends and family, and have a live chat about the debates or election. You can add a Zoom background to show your support for your party of choice. For entertainment have your party guests dress up as their Presidential Candidate, make a rule that everyone has to talk like the candidate they dressed up as. The first person that messes up has to do a dare. Get your Free Election Zoom Backgrounds here.
Presidential Debate BINGO
BINGO is a classic game that is fun for everyone. Create a BINGO card or find one online that you can print out and enjoy some good laughs. If you want to kick things up a notch and have some extra fun with your friends create a drinking BINGO game. You can check out UNRAVEL.com 2016’s Presidential debate drinking card to get some ideas on what you can add to your 2020 Presidential debate drinking card.
Something for the kids?
A home-from-school home run that teaches kids to think big things while mastering the hardest to learn addition and multiplication facts, U.S. state geography, and the mechanics of the Electoral College.
Drink - THE PATRIOTIC MOSCOW MULE
There will be drinking. Some will be celebrating, others will be grappling with the next four years. Just celebrate responsibly please. With all the news around election interference, we thought nothing would be more fitting than a good ol’ Moscow Mule.
This Election Mule is a classic Moscow Mule recipe with a twist, add fresh berries and a super special garnish.
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces vodka
4 ounces ginger beer
1/2 ounce lime juice
6-8 fresh berries Sprig of mint, lime wedge, and fresh berries to garnish - (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS In a Moscow mule mug or Collins glass, add the berries and lime juice. Lightly mash with a spoon or a muddler. Top with ice. Then pour in the vodka and ginger beer. Stir to combine. Serve with a sprig of mint, lime wedge, or fresh berries.
Dessert - S'mores Bar!
Nothing like a nice fire in cooling temperatures. A flag in one hand and a S’more in the other. If you have a fire pit in your backyard set up a S’mores bar for your party guest to enjoy once the sun goes down. Set out a variety of chocolates for your guest to choose from. This kit makes it easy so you don’t forget the marshmallows and graham crackers. You can also swap out the traditional graham crackers for the cinnamon ones to add a unique flavor.
Shindigz has a ton of great election decor if you want to go all put! Check these plates our here.
Your Secret Weapon for dealing with the next day.
You’re Welcome.
5 Amazing Ways You Can Celebrate Halloween Safely in 2020 (Copy)
5 Amazing Ways You Can Celebrate Halloween Safely in 2020
Celebrating Halloween in 2020
One of the most anticipated fall favorites, Halloween is right around the corner! This usually kicks off the entire Holiday season for the rest of the year! Who doesn't love dressing the kids up and taking them trick or treating then sneaking into their Halloween baskets later to steal some candy? We all have adapted this year through COVID-19 celebrating Holidays and Milestones that have come and gone, from Easter to Graduations. Halloween this year will be no different. Every parent will ask themselves “What should we do on Halloween”?
Do I take them trick or treating?
Will people even give out Candy?
Do I even want their Candy?
What if I’m actually wearing a Halloween mask?
Should I just dump a 10 Pound Bag of Hershey Bars in the middle of the living room and let this thing play out like the Hunger Games?
Hmmm. That's tempting...
The good news is you have plenty of time to make Halloween fun and memorable. If you are looking for some safer ways to celebrate Halloween this year, here are some fun ideas to get your Monster Mash on safely.
Haunted Halloween Hunt (0-5)
Think Easter but for Halloween celebrations. Get parents of younger children and turn your house or backyard into a Fun-O-Ween. This is for parents who want to dress their children up but are not exactly comfortable sending their littles up to the door of people in quarantined houses for candy. They are probably not too upset or even notice not going door to door but you still want to celebrate that tradition and make some fun memories.
Make it a big day! You can get these amazing Halloween Eggs to hide small treats in as well as or if you're planning the hunt for when the sun goes down get some glow in the dark eggs! Before the hunt, do a fun activity like have them decorate their pumpkins or candy hunt bags. Use markers, glitter, and stickers to keep it a low-stress mess. Dress your little ones up in their costumes. Take your family pictures for Instagram and let them hunt for treasures hidden in the backyard.
Host a Spooky Halloween Scavenger Hunt
This is great for the 6+ group, but scavenger hunts are fun for everyone. Here are our top tips to pull off the ultimate Halloween scavenger hunt.
What You Will Need
The most important thing to pulling off a Halloween scavenger hunt is to have everything planned and ready ahead of time. The last thing you want to do is be scrambling for things to hide. Think of clues, prizes, and hiding places. Include a couple of your neighbors in on the fun.
The Clues
First things first, let's start with the clues. Coming up with clues is my favorite part of a scavenger hunt. The clues are what make the hunt thrilling. You can get creative and come up with your own clues or Pickle Bums has some fun ones you can download and print for free. Be mindful that your clues have to coordinate with your hiding spot, so make sure you know where you will be hiding clues and prizes.
The Prizes
It’s not a treasure hunt if there’s no treasure! The prizes can vary depending on the ages of the hunters. If you decided to go with small Halloween themed prizes that were easy to hide with each clue and also fun to find. If your kids won’t be going trick or treating this year you can grab some sweets for them to find, but if you want to avoid giving them sugar check out these fun Halloween toys. I found these neat treasure chest boxes for the larger prizes that you can reuse.
Good Hiding Spots
Whether you are planning a scavenger hunt for the whole neighborhood or a quick indoor “skeleton race” around the house it’s important to plan a good hiding spot. This is where creativity comes in.
To help plan this ultimate Halloween hunt in the simplest way possible using the LYFETYMES app. Created an event like the “Spooky Halloween Hunt” and sent it out to your neighbors that wanted to participate. Neighbors will RSVP to the scavenger hunt and leave comments saying where they were hiding the prizes and add a picture of what prize they were going to be hiding. This is really helpful for creating clues.
Halloween Trunk Party!
We’ve all seen the drive-by parade celebrations, so why not have a drive-by trunk-or-treat? This is a great idea to keep kids from gathering around your front door. To set up, park your car in your driveway and add some fun Halloween decor like some spiders and webs to your car or go nuts by decorating your porch, or turn your front yard in Mini Haunted House or set up some balloon displays in the front yard. Set up a lawn chair and enjoy all the costumes that come by and can say hi and wave from a socially safe place. You can also get your neighbors in on the fun and coordinate a neighborhood Drive-by trick or treat and a specific time.
NEIGHBORHOOD “Spooky Hollow” Drive-Thru
This works great with a community type Neighborhood. You “drive Thru” a Halloween experience. Each family that wants to participate contributes a certain amount - for easy calculation $10 a kid. A few neighborhood rock stars take the reigns.
They select up a pickup station at the designated park or location and the parents drive, bike, walk kids to the location. They will decorate ‘drive-thru experience (could be a rented tent, front yard decorated), organize and pack the “ghoul bags”, play some music, keep things safe and organized.
Neighborhood Driveway Halloween Table Contest
This is a great option to ditch the communal candy bowels and get the family in on some competitive action to show some Halloween spirit! Every house participating sets up a decorated themed table where trick or treaters can have some socially distanced fun, pick up a candy bag while keeping the contact to a minimum. Designate a neighborhood judging team that gives out an annual traveling trophy to the family with the best table!
If you're looking for some more ideas to celebrate a safe and fun Halloween check out this blog post on 10 Fun Social Distancing Ideas.