Y T R iPA
SUMMER 2011
$1
Your Donation Benefits
IDEAS
balloon fun
for any occasion!
tasty treats
ideas from Wilton kids’
birthday parties made easy
YOUR PARTY RESOURCE GUIDE
COUPON SAVINGS INSIDE!
Bringing
Birthday Parties to
Homeless Children
iParty: Proud sponsor of Birthday Wishes Did you know that one out of every 50 American children go to sleep without a home of their own each year? That’s approximately 1.5 million homeless children in America! Birthday Wishes, a Massachusetts-based non-profit, has one mission: to bring birthday parties to homeless children. They recognize the importance of a birthday in a child’s life and believe that the gift of a birthday celebration provides normalcy, joy and hope in these children’s otherwise unsettled lives. Their grassroots philosophy fosters the spirit of volunteerism and community service in the adults, children and families who donate their time and resources to the mission. iParty has joined forces with Birthday Wishes to ensure that they are able to expand their organization into all states where iParty operates stores. In addition to its current presence in MA and RI, by 2012 we also hope to have the Birthday Wishes program in NH, ME, CT and FL. We can only do this with our customers’ generous support. Your donations make it possible for Birthday Wishes and iParty to continue to bring parties to the communities we serve. Together, we will realize Birthday Wishes’ goal of providing birthday parties for all homeless children. Thank you for being a part of this important mission.
You can make a difference! Birthday Wishes relies on those who donate their time and resources. Please visit their website to learn more about how you can help.
www.birthdaywishes.org
Y T R A iP IDEAS
Inside this issue:
4
A Balloon for All Seasons
6
Cupcake Fun from Wilton
8
The Best Birthday Ever
Ideas to enhance any occasion
Recipes and ideas for tasty treats
Kids’ birthday party planning made simple
10 Easy Party Ideas
Any time is a good time for a party
12 Cake Pops from Wilton Let the good times roll
14 Super Streamers
Simple and inexpensive party enhancers
15 Valuable Coupon Savings 16 What’s New Online
©2011 iParty • 270 Bridge Street, Suite 301 • Dedham, MA 02026 • 781.329.3952 ©2011 SKM Marketing, Inc., Custom Content Marketing, Bloomfield Hills, MI 1.800.969.2620 • www.skmmarketing.com. All rights reserved.
SUMMER 2011
a
balloon for all seasons Balloons make any event even better!
Balloons — inexpensive, colorful, fun and big! There’s no better or more versatile decoration for ANY occasion — birthdays of all ages, community events, weddings, showers or just for smiles.
Smiling Flower Greeter
Balloon Bouquets can easily transform a room. To create immediate impact, place a bouquet at the entrance and use several others in key party areas — the buffet table, the guest of honor’s chair or corners of a dance floor. Balloons can also be grouped in small bouquets of 3 to 5, tied to weights and “sprinkled” about the room. We love making Balloon Greeters at iParty! We customize these life-size decorations to any theme. Greet your guests with a Smiling Flower Child, Spider-man, Cinderella, Dora or whatever you can imagine. Great for photo taking! Presentation is everything! Classy Wraps are large clear balloons we can fill with just about anything your heart desires. Teddy bears, dollar bills, confetti and photographs are just a few of the items we have stuffed inside! Classy Wraps are perfect as dramatic centerpieces, hanging decorations, or as non-traditional gift wrapping. Fill latex balloons with air, gather into tight clusters, decorate with ribbon or tulle and you have a fabulous Balloon Cloud decoration. They’re especially beautiful hanging from the ceiling at proms, weddings or showers, but we love them for all occasions. Balloon Arches create dramatic entrances inside and outdoors. An iParty party pro can show you all the possibilities.
balloon FAQ: helium
balloon float times
Float times are based on typical indoor conditions and serve as guidelines only. There are many factors which effect balloon float times including humidity, temperature, altitude, etc. Ask your nearest iParty retailer if you have questions.
Balloon Type
Helium Only
Helium With Hi-Float
11" Latex Balloons*
8 to 12 Hours
3 to 4 Days
16" Latex Balloons*
16 to 18 Hours
5 to 8 Days
36" Latex Balloons*
2 to 4 Days
Up to 14 Days
18" Mylar Balloons
3 to 5 Days
N/A
36" Mylar Balloons
5 to 8 Days
N/A
*We recommend latex balloons be picked up the day of your event. If this is not possible, ask about Hi-Float to increase float times.
balloon FAQ: transporting
Balloon Cloud
balloons
Q. How many balloons can I fit into my car or SUV? A. The average passenger car can fit 2-3 dozen latex balloons and the average SUV can fit 5-6 dozen. You’ll need to keep in mind whether you have a passenger and if your order includes any oversized latex or mylar balloons. Q. What do I do once I have all the balloons in my car? A. Tie them to a seat belt so they stay low while you are driving. DON’T drive with open car windows, or with balloons hanging outside the car. Q. Why did my balloons deflate when I brought them outside? A. Helium contracts in colder temperatures, so on a cold day, mylar balloons (made of silver foil) may appear to deflate slightly. Don’t worry, once you bring them inside they’ll return to their regular size. Flower
Fish Tank
Classy Wrap
Goofy Guy
iPARTY IDEAS
5
cupcake
fun
Big fun comes in small packages!
Š2006 Wilton Industries, Inc.
The Basics
Your favorite cake mix makes the best cupcakes, of course, but it’s easy to add your own personal touch to cupcakes made with your favorite mix or from-scratch recipe. • Substitute frozen juice concentrate, coffee, sparking juice or champagne for all or part of the water used • Add 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite extract or concentrated candy flavor Once you’ve made the batter, stir in: • 1/4 cup sprinkles or jimmies • 1/2 cup chocolate or peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut or chopped chocolate candy bars • 2 teaspoons freshly grated citrus zest
Royal Icing
3 tablespoons meringue powder 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar 6 tablespoons warm water Beat all ingredients until icing forms a peak, 7-10 minutes at low speed with a heavy duty mixer or 10-12 minutes at high speed with a hand-held mixer. Makes approximately 3 cups.
Buttercream Icing
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar 2 tablespoons milk In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add vanilla; mix well. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed; scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk; beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Makes approximately 3 cups.
How To
Here are quick tips to create the cupcake designs on the facing page, clockwise from left. The Wishmakers Bake and cool cupcakes in silicone cups; pipe swirl on cupcake tops. Twist tinted fondant strip slightly; attach to cupcake with icing, in a garland formation. Position chocolate dots. Insert candle. Sundae Fun Position cupcakes in sundae glass. Top with a scoop of ice cream and cover with fudge sauce. Pipe a swirl of whipped cream; position cherry. Top with confetti sprinkles. Smile Markers Two days in advance: Make 1-1/4 in. diameter puddle faces using thinned royal icing. Let dry. Ice cupcakes smooth in buttercream. Position faces. Outline, pullout or swirl hair. Print name. Draw eyes and mouth using black FoodWriter. Soft-Serve Swirl Bake cupcakes in king-size baking cups. Pipe swirl on cupcake tops. Sprinkle with nonpareils. Position cherry sprinkle; insert stick candy.
www.cupcakefun.com is the ultimate cupcake website! Go here for essential baking tips, unique and delicious recipes, and creative ways to serve, along with exciting new decorating ideas for all occasions.
iPARTY IDEAS
7
t s e b e th What kid doesn’t dream of the ultimate birthday party? While it can seem daunting, with a little planning ahead and the right supplies, you can prepare the perfect party for your child without stressing out or breaking the bank. From the hottest themes to helium tank rentals and balloon creations, iParty has everything you need to throw a bash your child will remember! Here are some tips to keep it simple: • Involve your child in planning the party. Deciding on a theme, decorations and activities is a fun aspect of the party experience. • Keep the guest list simple. You don’t always have to invite the entire 5th grade class or Aunt Myrtle. • Check the calendar. Try to schedule your party away from other events to keep your commitments (and stress level ) to a minimum. • Set up an area with simple activities to engage children as they arrive. This will keep the pressure off you in that awkward time before everyone gets to the party. • Enlist the help of a sibling, spouse or friend to “play” photographer for the day. • Keep decorations simple and fun (and easy to clean up!). Artfully placed balloons and streamers can go a long way to create a festive atmosphere.
k chec o t t e er’s t forg Don’ his summ terns! out t arty pat r, EST p Biebe HOTT Buzz to all! From has them y iPart
ever! Stock up on an assortment of basic party supplies (especially when they’re on sale) and be one step ahead when party time rolls around!
Perfect Party Must-Haves: Birthday cake, cupcakes or ice cream cake Candles Ice cream Balloons & streamers Kid-friendly snacks & drinks Paper partyware & napkins Plastic tablecloth(s) Easy party games Goody bags Clean-up supplies Camera
Visit us online for even more fun tips, ideas and products!
www.iparty.com
iPARTY IDEAS
9
y s a e
Make
party Backyard Drive-In Get the most out of the last of summer by hosting a backyard movie night — an inexpensive way to bring the neighborhood young and old together. Hook up a projector and speakers to a laptop and hang up a sheet, then tell the kids about the days of drive-ins. Whether an old classic or a new release, an outdoor showing is sure to be a blockbuster with popcorn in red-striped buckets or bags, candy treats, and sodas with crazy straws. While you’re walking down memory lane, the children will snuggle under a blanket and wonder why they didn’t think of this before. Mom Madness Night If back-to-school demands have taken a toll, fill the nest with a Mom Madness Night. But don’t add to the stress, make it easy at iParty! Serve some adult beverages in plastic cocktail glasses complete with paper umbrellas and fun napkins. Enjoy simple appetizers while your group decompresses the details of school supplies, homework and missed buses. Remember, the best moms know how to lighten up, so celebrate the season! Chili Bar Cool nights, shorter days, and bulky sweaters are sure signs that it’s chili time. A crock-pot of mild chili can be customized with shredded cheese, sour cream, or black beans and spiced up with hot sauce and red pepper. Decorate in the warm colors of fall with iParty’s autumn centerpieces and paper tablecloths, then show off the best chili bar in town with matching bowls, cups, and napkins.
10
Every Day a FUN Day!
ideas Community Reach At church, the neighborhood park, or Grandma’s backyard, with the autumn beauty comes the fall cleanup! Nothing motivates a morning crew to rake and mulch like a cup of coffee (or warm cider) and a plate of donuts. Coffee fixings, stirrers, napkins, and travel cups from iParty make the welcome table very volunteer friendly. If your activity falls later in the day, a snack table with individually packed treats will reenergize the group through the afternoon. Tie a couple of helium balloons to the table so they know where to find refreshments ... then everyone stays focused to get the job done! Piñata Party A colorful birthday tradition, piñatas are as much fun today as when you were a kid! Choose a piñata that fits your style and fill it with goodies galore — candy, small toys, hair ribbons & ties, stickers, magnets, etc. You can also fill your piñata with party goodie bags, that way everyone wins equally. Whatever your filling choices, piñatas make a fun party focal point and can be prepared far in advance of the event. Grown-Up Birthday Bash How to add a bit of fun to a birthday get-together? Ask guests to go retro by digging through their closet and
has everything you need for a great party!
finding the out-of-date wear they just couldn’t part with or bringing along a favorite relic like a GI Joe lunch box or the lyrics from a TV theme show (see who can remember the words!). Any gathering is more fun when everyone plays a part. iParty has everything you need — from supplies in coordinating colors to special themes with a birthday focus. If you’re looking for inspiration, come walk our aisles or speak to one of our party pros for some fun and unique ideas!
Anytime Party Ideas Why wait for birthdays or the holidays to celebrate? At iParty, we’re ready to party any time! Here are some ideas to get you started.
Tiki Party End-of-Summer Picnic Stargazing Party Lobster Boil Back-to-School Bash Pirate Party Tailgate Party Fall Color Party iPARTY 11 IDEAS
cake
pops Sweets on a stick for an easy treat!
If you’ve ever rolled meatballs or snowballs, you’re ready to make cake balls! Just bake your cake and let the fun begin (it’s also a great way to use cake scraps from other cakes you’ve baked for the party). You’ll also need: ½ cup of creamy icing, a mixing bowl, spatula, measuring spoons, baking pan, lollipop sticks, candy melts and terrific toppings. Steps • Cut cake made in a 9x13x2 in. sheet pan in half. In large mixing bowl use hands to crumble the cake half until no large chunks remain. • Add ½ cup of creamy icing. Wilton Creamy Decorator Icing works well along with most brands of ready-to-use icing. Blend in icing with a spatula until it is completely combined and holds together cake crumbs. • Fill measuring spoon following suggested amounts with cake mixture. You may need to fill more than once, depending on desired size. Roll back and forth in hands until you create a smooth round ball. • Place cake balls on a cookie sheet or baking pan lined with parchment paper. Chill for at least two hours before inserting sticks per recipe directions. Pop Sizes Making uniform cake ball sizes will really help when you decorate the pops.
12
Small: 1 tablespoon makes a 1-1/4 in. diameter ball. One recipe makes 48 small cake balls. Medium: 2 tablespoons make a 1-1/2 in. diameter ball. One recipe makes 24 medium cake balls. Large: 3 tablespoons make a 1-3/4 in. diameter ball. One recipe makes 16 large cake balls. Decorating with Terrific Toppings Pop principle #1: Make them delicious! Here’s how we roll — in sugars, nuts, sprinkles and all kinds of tasty and tasteful toppings that will have your guests coming back for more! Roll balls in your chosen size, insert stick, dip them in melted white or light cocoa candy melts (prepare as directed), chill for 1-2 minutes and add your favorite appetizing accents. Pipe candy using a cut parchment bag. Cut-Out Party Pops With all the great shapes of Wilton cookie cutters, you can make a variety of designs to create an impressive presentation of cut-out party pops! Bake your favorite pound cake mix or recipe in a 9x13x2 in. sheet pan for the ideal consistency that will stay on the stick; then cut out, dip and decorate! For more tips, ideas and products, visit www.wilton.com
Give Your Treats a Big Finish! There’s no faster way to add excitement to cupcakes and cake pops than with Wilton sprinkles! We make it easy to top treats with cool colors and sensational shapes no one else has.
iPARTY 13 IDEAS
super
streamers Crepe streamers are a quick, easy and versatile way to add color and decoration to any kind of party. Because streamers are so inexpensive, you can use them in a multitude of ways and in a rainbow of colors to create that WOW factor. Get creative and enjoy taking your party to the next level! Here are some ideas: Decorations • Traditionally streamers are twisted — one or two colors — and strung from the middle of the room to the corners, creating a canopy-like effect. But why stop there? Hang them on the end of a ceiling fan and watch the swirling action. Or, attach streamer strips to floating helium balloons to deliver color everywhere! • Create an entrance to “another world” by using cut lengths of streamers as a doorway curtain. Try blue and green for Under the Sea, red and black for a Pirate’s Cave, or rainbow colors for the Land of Oz. • Lay contrasting color streamers on a solid color table cover to brighten up a table setting, or even weave streamers in a criss-cross pattern for an extra festive look! • Outdoors, drape streamers anywhere you can find and let the breeze do the work! Borders Streamers are a great way to identify the parameters of any game or play area. Party Games Wrap toys in “streamer treasure balls” and leave streamer trails criss-crossed throughout the house. Assign each child a streamer end and watch as they follow the trail to the hidden prize! Costumes Be a mummy! Make a grass skirt!
14
super
CLIP&SAVE! CLIP streamers IN-STORE COUPON
Decorations • Traditionally, streamers are twisted — one or two colors — and strung from the middle of the room to the corners, creating a canopy-like effect. But why stop there? Hang them on the end of a ceiling fan and watch the swirling action. Or, attach streamer strips to floating helium balloons to deliver color everywhere!
• Create an entrance to “another world” by using cut lengths of streamers as a doorway curtain. Try blue and green for Under the Sea, red and black for a Pirate’s Cave, or rainbow colors for the Land of Oz. • Lay contrasting color streamers on a solid color table cover to brighten up a table setting, or even weave streamers in a criss-cross pattern for an extra-festive look! • Outdoors, drape streamers anywhere you can find and let the breeze do the work!
NO
Borders Streamers are a great way to identify the parameters of any game or play area. Party Games Wrap toys in “streamer treasure balls” and leave streamer trails criss-crossed throughout the house. Assign each child a streamer end and watch as they follow the trail to the hidden prize!
Costumes Be a mummy, make a grass skirt or crazy wig!
14
15% Off
TV NO AL T V ID OT AL VA ID T V LI D A
Crepe streamers are a quick, easy and versatile way to add color and decoration to any kind of party. Because streamers are so inexpensive, you can use them in a multitude of ways and in a rainbow of colors to create that WOW factor. Get creative and enjoy taking your party to the next level! Here are some ideas:
VALID NOW THROUGH 12/31/2011
your entire purchase
Coupon valid in stores only. Sale merchandise excluded. Discount not valid on previous purchases, rentals, custom orders or to be combined with any other offer. One coupon per household. Coupon must be presented at checkout to obtain discounts. Not valid online or for gift card purchases.
Valid NOW Through 12/31/2011
IN-STORE COUPON
VALID NOW THROUGH 12/31/2011
5 Off
$
$25 or more purchase*
Coupon valid in stores only. *Sale merchandise is NOT included in reaching the $25 minimum total. Discount not valid on sale or clearance merchandise, previous purchases, rentals, custom orders and cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per household. Coupon must be presented at checkout to obtain discount. Not valid online or for gift card purchases.
Valid NOW Through 12/31/2011
IN-STORE COUPON
VALID NOW THROUGH 12/31/2011
10 Off
$
$50 or more purchase*
Coupon valid in stores only. *Sale merchandise is NOT included in reaching the $50 minimum total. Discount not valid on sale or clearance merchandise, previous purchases, rentals, custom orders and cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per household. Coupon must be presented at checkout to obtain discount. Not valid online or for gift card purchases.
Valid NOW Through 12/31/2011
IN-STORE COUPON
BUY ONE GET ONE
VALID NOW THROUGH 12/31/2011
FREE
Buy one solid-color streamer and get one FREE*!
Coupon valid in stores only. Offer applies to 81-ft., solid-color streamers only. Discount not valid on sale, clearance merchandise or previous purchases. This coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per household. Coupon must be presented at checkout to obtain discount. Not valid online. No cash value. *Applicable taxes extra.
Valid NOW Through 12/31/2011
Online iParty online has everything you need to get the party started! Visit us online today for great deals, see what’s on sale, join our special clubs, download our partyplanning checklist and so much more!
www.iparty.com
Prices effective June 8 - July 4, 2011
PATRIOTIC FUN FOR EVERYONE! SALE
PATRIOTIC LIGHT UP HAT $ 99 7
99¢
PATRIOTIC BOWTIE $ 99 1
HALLOWEEN IS COMING! Shop for costumes year ‘round at our costume shop!
SUSPENDERS $ 99 6
PATRIOTIC HATS Reg. $179
PATRIOTIC YARD GLASS $ 49 EA. 4
USA HEAD BOPPERS $ 99 4
PATRIOTIC SHUTTER SHADES 99¢ FLASHING RING $ 99 1
Parade Ready Styles th for the 4 ! 8-ct FACE PAINT PALETTE
www.iparty.com
Paints up to 50 full faces!
SAVE
20% USA NECKLACE $ 49 2 6-ct FACE PAINT KIT
FACE PAINTING STICKS
Paints up to 30 full faces!
4
$ 99
1499
$
WAGON DECORATING KIT $ 99 5
72-ct TUB OF BEADS 39 SALE $$10 99
Reg. 12
HAIR SPRAY COLOR Assorted Colors $ 99 EA. 2
9
$ 99
If you’re shopping our stores, be sure to visit
www.iparty.com
iParty is the official party store of the Boston Red Sox!
SUMMER
2012 The Official Sponsor of FUN!
SUNDAY
A Year of Ideas! The 2012 iParty Calendar will be arriving at an iParty store near you in November! Chock full of fun party ideas and super coupon savings, this is one calendar you’ll want to hang on to all year long!
FUN
RT PA Y
to see our online sales flyer and special coupons!
MONDAY
TUESDAY
No pool? No problem — you can have a pool party anywhere! Fill up squirt guns and have a blast, rev up the slip n’ slide or load up kiddie pools with icy cold water and cool off. Turn your back yard into a beach scene with inflatable palm trees, piles of sand, buckets and shovels. You can even do it luau style and break out flower leis, grass skirts, coconut bras and tiki torches!
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
7
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
17
18
3
4
More FUN ideas at www.iparty.com
5
6
National Friendship Day
National Watermelon Day
Happiness Happens Day
12
13
National Relaxation Day
SAVE BIG
WITH SPECIAL MONTHLY COUPON
19
20
21
National Aviation Day
22
23
S INSIDE! 26
27
Kiss-and-Make-Up Day
28
AUGUST
29
30
24
25
National Dog Day
31
NET PROCEEDS FROM THIS EFFORT WILL BENEFIT BIRTHDAY WISHES