Hitchswitch-Blog

Tag: party

  • How to Throw a Valentine’s Day Party

    How to Throw a Valentine’s Day Party

    Holy moly, can you guys believe we’re already in February? I swear just yesterday was New Year’s, and I was toasting to a more productive year, and here I am wondering what the hell happened to January. Well, in the words of Anthony G. Oettinger, “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”

    Get it? One of the perks of growing old is finding anything and everything amusing.

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    Moving on! Another month means another holiday and with all the heart-shaped cookies, balloons, and candies at every corner, I’m sure you can guess what holiday we’re talking about here. If I’m honest, I have never been a fan of Valentine’s Day because, um, hello, it’s dead set on shaming all my single people. A shame, I know, considering the history behind Valentine’s Day is a beautiful one.

    But it’s become a commercialized holiday just like Christmas.

    Damn it, America, you insatiable beast.

    Alright, I’m done ranting, let’s move on to why I still think it’s a good idea to throw a party on this particular day. Personally, I don’t need a holiday to tell me to buy sweets and teddy bears for my loved ones because I already know I’m #blessed. The reason I love throwing a party is that I have tons of single friends who don’t know how to express themselves due to society’s ridiculous notion that being single is abnormal.

    So I host a party and invite all my friends, regardless of their relationship status because even though this just another day of the year, everyone needs to feel like they’re loved.

    So here it is people, this is how you throw a righteous Valentine’s Day party.

    Invite (Almost) EVERYONE

    Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Is it really a good idea to mix my single friends with my dating/married friends? And the answer to your question is yes, it a fantastic idea. This isn’t your “making out in a corner” or “get a room” kind of party, and it’s always best to make that clear when inviting people over. This is not your frat house college party, this is a gathering of your loved ones, and people need to be on their best behavior.

    Is kissing off limits? No, I’m not a monster, but if couples wish to be passionate, then they can stay home.

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    Now here’s who you don’t invite:

    –  That one friend whose sworn off men/women

    – Jim, from accounting, whose mood kills party vibes

    – Anyone who was dumped February 13

    While you do want to be considerate towards everyone, you need to know where to draw the line.

    Heart Shaped Invitations

    Or cupcake shaped. Or bear shaped. Hey, be creative. If you’re feeling up to it, you can even send out personalized invitations to all your guests! Just make sure you send them out a week before, so you have an estimate of how many people RSVP.

    Now, invitations are amazing because this is where you’re going to state the event, place, time, food,  and my personal favorite, the rules.

    What, a party with rules? Yes, those are the best ones, duh.

    There will be singles at your party, so you need to make it clear that there is NO KISSING ALLOWED. At least nothing heavy and makes people wonder why they showed up in the first place.

    But alas, an invitation is not a rulebook, so if anyone has any questions about the party, they should be able to contact you via phone or email! I once had a couple bring their kids and leave. Do you know where I am with those people now? I’m not. Because I cut people out the same way I cut paper hearts, smoothly and without complication.

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    The point is, always know what’s allowed and what’s prohibited at YOUR party. For some, it’s a very sensitive day, and the last thing you want to do is hit a nerve.

    Ariana Grande Your Place

    I’m talking pink walls, pink hearts, pink plates, pink balloons, pink punch, pink lightning, etc. I guess you can pop a red in there somewhere. This one day a year is when you can go HAM on decor. Have heart-shaped balloons fill the ceiling, pick an array of red and pink foods such as chocolate cupcake with pink frosting, heart candy with messages (obviously), chocolate dipped strawberries, raspberry and strawberry punch, etc. Purchase red and pink curtains and cover up the walls.

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    Of course, can’t forget the DIYs. Your choices are endless, and they’ll make great additions to your home even after the party is over.

    Be Extra

    Well, more than your usual extra. You want to go all out? Here are some bonus tips:

    – Hire a professional photographer to snap pictures of everyone.

    – Set up a Photo Booth with a hedgewall that says “I’m a Lover!”

    – Set up a projector and play a few classic romance movies in the background.

    – Piñata, Piñata, Piñata! With heart eyes blindfold!

    – Goodie bags (be that badass host!)

    – Palm reading!!

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    There are just a few things you can incorporate into your party! No matter what you decide to do, the most important thing to add to any party is lots of love and laughter. I know that sounds like something out of a fairytale, but hey, it’s true.

    XOXO,

    Your Friends at HitchSwitch

  • How to Host a Super Bowl Party?

    How to Host a Super Bowl Party?

    Where I come from, football is played with the feet, not hands. In fact, if you were to describe American football to a foreigner, they wouldn’t think much of it because, um hello, its 300-pound men in tights chasing each other for an oddly shaped ball.

    So, yes, even I can admit that I know zilch about football except for the name Tom Brady, whose face dominated my Instagram feed thanks to all the Patriots fans I surprisingly know.

    While my knowledge of football is lacking, there is one thing I am particularly good at that has nothing to do with the sport and that is hosting a party! The planning, the drinks, the DIYs (damn you, Pinterest, will it never end?), and most importantly, the food! You don’t even have to be a fan of football to host a party, because if you’re like me, you do it for the fun and the whole YOLO thing.

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    If you’re looking to host the Superbowl at your home this year, I got you! Here’s what you need to know.

    Football Theme

    Don’t worry; your walls don’t need to be draped in NFL flags. A few simple ideas include football shaped cookies, plates and cups,  balloons with your favorite team’s colors, a table cover resembling a football field, balloon letters spelling “Touchdown,” and if you are really up for a challenge…a football-shaped cake. The possibilities are endless, and if you were to Google football themes, you would be overwhelmed with choices. The point is, there’s no need to overdo it or have the “perfect” party. By creating a football theme, you will be encouraging your guests and yourself to get in the Superbowl spirit.

    Set Up Extra Chairs, Tables, and Garbage Bags

    If you know how many people are going to be attending your event, then you know how many seats you will need. Since Superbowl parties usually consist of 10+ people, then you need to figure out how to set up your seating area! If you have couches, consider moving them aside and setting up only chairs. Believe me, if you care for your couches fabrics, you will do this. Your home will be full of men jumping up and down roaring at a television set, and SOME STAINS DO NOT COME OUT.

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    Plus, it’s always best to be on the safe side in case someone brings a plus one with them. You don’t want half your guests sitting and the rest standing. To avoid a (bigger) mess, tape garbage bags to the side of your table or chairs so trash will have a place to go other than your floor.

    Make a Food and Drinks Bar

    Here is the best advice I can give you when it comes to food: do not overdo it. I’ve got two words for you: finger foods.

    Keep in mind that even though this is a gathering of friends and family, you won’t be all seated together, so there’s no need to fuss over what goes in their mouths. You buy some bags of chips, 24 pack cupcakes, two brands of beers, order some Buffalo Wild Wings, and relax. Set plates at the bar and everyone can stack what they want. Put the drinks in the cooler and throw a bag of ice over them! Boom! That’s literally it; you’re done.

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    You can even ask your guests to all bring something along so there won’t be a shortage of food. If you’re the MS (Martha Stewart) type, then get cooking a day ahead so you won’t be flustered the day of.

    Have A Separate Room for Non-fans

    That’s me. I’m the non-fan. And I do know I’m not the only one so being the considerate person I am, I always set up a room that’s meant for peace, quiet, and casual conversation. Keep in mind it’s going to be a loud day and not everyone will be comfortable watching football. Some guests might bring their children with them so this room would also be considered a safe haven for them if they need a break or have to take a nap.

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    Keep Children in Mind

    Most likely, more than a couple guests will bring their kids with them, so it’s best to be prepared. With that said, make sure you have kid-friendly snacks, juice pouches, and anything else that might help kids stay occupied. If you have an extra TV screen, set it up in the separate room and choose a few children films, so they have something to watch if they get bored.

    If you get overwhelmed about hosting a party, you can always ask a close friend to help you out! There’s nothing worse than feeling you’re alone in something, even if it’s just a party. If you’re confused about anything, always remember Google is your friend. By keeping these simple steps in mind, you’ll have a touchdown of a party!

    Did I use that right? No?

    Ok, I’m done.