For entertaining adult friends and family, young children through teens, whether at home or in classrooms, to liven up your Christmas holiday party or birthday parties, or make hunting down and opening presents on Christmas Eve more enjoyable, even on a shoestring in a tough economy, try one of these unique and interactive party games that you can make yourself:

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Don’t forget to have your camera or video recorder ready to capture all the action! 

1. , which kids of all ages LOVE, have been around for some time, but most commercially available ones don’t have very fun or imaginative clues, and often only contain very simple statements that require little creativity regarding where to look for hidden objects more akin to a basic scavenger hunt.

You can make your own Christmas-themed treasure hunt clue game for any age (or for any birthday or other holiday event) by creating riddles or rhymes yourself as we explain below, or save time and effort by purchasing pre-made inexpensive “print n play” treasure hunt party games online for less than that comes with custom clues already prepared, a hiding guide and instructions on how to play individually or as teams, and party ideas all ready to download, print, and play instantly at Treasure-Adventure.com

But if you’re crafty, have a little time, and want to save even more money, you can do it entirely yourself (DIY) and make your own simple treasure hunt game by creating 10 clues suitable for the age of the players on pieces of stiff paper that each lead to a specific location where the next clue is hidden. For example, a children’s Christmas clue where the answer is “stocking” might read:

“You’re getting warm, No time to spare, Look for what’s been stuffed and hung with care”

Therefore, the next clue would be found in the stocking. Keep the first clue out that you will read aloud when you start the game, and hide the rest so that each clue when solved leads to the next one until the final clue is solved and the “treasure” is located which might consist of seasonal candy or cookies, gift certificates, toy gadgets, school supplies, or any number of fun prizes.

Optionally, the host might also want to place small themed gift items at each individual clue location, with the last hiding place containing the ultimate prize, or in lieu of small prizes if they’re difficult to hide at each clue location, use numbered hand-made tickets to accompany the clues that each correspond to a wrapped numbered present that can be claimed when the hunt is over. 

Before the guests arrive, do a test run without the players present to make sure the clues and prizes are all hidden well where they won’t be disturbed and in the right order because this can be a little confusing if you’re new to treasure hunting, but becomes much easier once you’ve already completed your first treasure hunt successfully.

Just remember clues are not allowed to be solved out of order, all must be solved to win, and if not working as a team but competing, players will need to keep track of the clues they solved on a piece of paper and not remove the hidden clues after they find them so others can still play (it is recommended that young children play as one grouped team that is not competing).

Also, if you want to ensure everyone gets something, especially in the case of children, have the entire group either get participation gifts or share the final “pot” at the end by making it something that can be split up or enjoyed by all. This can vary, from cupcakes to noisemakers, snow globes, to other small toys – the sky’s the limit!

At the start of the treasure hunt explain the rules of how to play the game, what area the search is limited to (such as downstairs only), and read the first clue to start the hunt. Young children may need some guidance, or their clues can be pictures rather than words. That’s basically all there is to it!

Besides Christmas, you can also make treasure hunts of varying levels of difficulty themed for any occasion or situation from princess parties to pirate parties, for fundraisers, outdoors or in the classroom, and can be for any age from teens to college students to seniors at class and family reunions.

Again, if you want to learn more or save yourself the hassle by purchasing ready-to-play printable treasure hunt games online at a low cost, visit Treasure-Adventure.com online.

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“Now its time to play, with a little wit, your treasure hunt adventure will surely be a hit!”

2. .  There’s a new holiday spin on the traditional game of Bingo, and for kids this can additionally be an opportunity to participate in a fun personalized Christmas art activity.

In “Santa Bingo,” cards with graphical Christmas themed pictures or words can each be drawn by hand or generated and printed on stiff paper for free online at web sites such as dltk-cards.com (which also offers the printable callout cards and markers used to play Bingo).

Bingo cards vary in size, but typically are either 3 x 3 with 9 squares for younger children, or 5 x 5 with 25 squares for older kids and adults, where the center square is automatically filled in as a free space (with Santa’s face in “Santa Bingo”). The game is not limited to Christmas, but can be modified to be themed for any holiday or birthday.

Each child should be encouraged to color in or decorate their card (and optionally have it laminated) before starting or after finishing the game, and can take it home as a keepsake or memento to remember their special day. Christmas picture ideas might include a Reindeer, snowman, stocking, elf, candy cane, milk and cookies, a star, a Christmas tree, a wreath, holly, a candle, an angel, bells, bulbs, gifts, a sleigh, a manger, the North Pole, a gingerbread man, and others.

Keeping in mind a Christmas theme, a good choice of Bingo markers might be peppermint candies, NECCO wafers, or thin mints that can be eaten and enjoyed when the game is over (for other occasions such as Valentine’s Day, for example, large heart candies might be used as markers).

Each playing card should have randomly arranged themed pictures or words that do not repeat taken from the callout card which includes ALL the graphics to be used in the game – the online generator can do this for you as well for free or you can draw or paste the graphics yourself. You will need to print two identical callout card sheets & cut one of them up into individual pieces to place in a hat or bag for the host to randomly pick from during game play. These also can be colored in with bright crayons or markers or printed with a color printer.

Players should either be asked in advance to bring a wrapped gift to exchange that cost under a specified value (suitable for their own gender if all presents are not gender-neutral), labeled with their name to ensure they don’t get their own gift and to identify the type of gift, or the host can use ”Bingo” as a fun way to distribute to guests small wrapped presents or prizes they have purchased; again wrapped gifts should indicate male or female prizes if not gender-neutral or if it might be a factor.

When you’re ready to start the game, the players should be arranged in a circle with the gifts all placed in the middle, cards and markers should be handed out, and the host with the callout card should explain how to play, including the requirement that the entire card (except the center) be filled in before the player yells out “Santa!” (or any other word designated depending on the occasion, which you also might want to have printed at the top of each playing card).

The host should draw, announce, and show to players one game piece at a time and then place it on the callout card. Those who have the graphic or word called should place a marker in the matching spot on their Bingo game card. When the first player fills his or her card and yells “Santa!,” and the host confirms they have correctly filled their entire card, that player may then select an appropriate gift of their choice and immediately leave the game.

It is up to the host to set the rules as to whether a player may open their gift immediately or if they must wait until the game is over and then all players open them at the same time – this allows players the opportunity to “trade” prior to opening if desired, and its also a good time for picture taking and videotaping opportunities!

If two players have Bingo at the same time, then after the host confirms they have both entirely completed their cards, the one who declared Bingo first selects an appropriate gift, and then the second player also gets to choose one, and they both leave the game. This continues until all presents are distributed and every player has equally received one gift.

3. .  Christian themed party games are making a popular comeback these days, especially in the Bible Belt and among members of many religious groups who participate in Christian youth activities including church Sunday schools, so for these wholesome party-goers, Bible Baseball is the perfect way to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while testing scriptural knowledge.

And what better time of the year to play a Bible activity than at a Christmas get-together, even though this type of virtual baseball game can also be played at any number of different types of events such as Easter and on Family Night, and the questions need not be Bible based as variations of this game can be developed for almost any occasion.

This two-team very entertaining activity takes 9 theoretical complete “innings” to finish just like real baseball, so can last quite a while depending on the ability of those “going to bat,” and it can be a fun challenge dependent on the difficulty of trivia or riddles which should be adjusted to take into account the age and skill of the players.

Each team ideally should have at least 9 players (two team captains may take turns choosing their team members who play in the order picked), and bases are drawn or placed, as is a pitcher’s mound and home plate, indoors or outdoors, configured just like a real baseball diamond but on a much smaller scale.

Each team alternates who will be the “pitcher” asking the questions of the other team for one entire inning and the host serves as the “umpire” to keep a running score visible to both competing teams and to rule on whether answers are acceptable and correct or not – whether players are “safe” or “out.”

A large number of interesting and educational questions with basic straightforward answers are prepared ahead of time by the host (50-100 may be needed to complete the game), written on small pieces of paper without the answers, folded, and placed in a deep bag, bowl, or hat to later be selected by the “pitcher” and kept at the “mound.” The umpire keeps the primary list of questions and answers.  Below are a few examples of relatively easy Bible-related questions that might be used that were taken from the Old and New Testament to help get you started:

• “Who sold his birthright?” (Esau)

• “What was the name of the river that flowed between Canaan and the wilderness?” (Jordan)

• “How many people were in the ark?”  (8)

• “Who was the first King of Israel?”  (Saul)

• “How many books are there in the Old Testament?”  (39)

When you’re ready to begin the game, the first player of the batting team goes to the plate, and the pitcher and rest of the opposing team “take the field” where they can “steal” points away if the players at bat miss any questions and strike out.  The “pitcher” selects randomly out of the draw bag and asks the question of the first “batter,” other team players cannot help the person at bat while they are contemplating their response, and if he or she answers it correctly within the allotted time (about 15 seconds) they move to first base, but if they miss it the batting team has one strike against them – an “out” – and the pitching team can “steal” and earn one point if they have the correct answer, although they must quickly agree on only one guess as a group and provide it within a short timespan designated by the host, often only about 5-10 seconds for easier questions. If the pitching team misses the question they are not penalized, and questions already asked should be discarded.

If a player is on first base and the next player batting gets their question correct also, they too advance to first base, and the player on first base moves to second. In this manner players can be “pushed” around the bases and arrive “home” to score and earn a point if enough questions are answered correctly before three missed questions, or “outs,” occur. Then the teams switch places until both teams have had 9 turns at bat and the team with the highest total point score is the WINNER!

If prizes are to be given, some suggestions for Christian gifts might include motivational bookmarks or a special baked treat for all participants, a new Bible, inspirational music, religious jewelry that features the cross, Christmas ornaments such as angels, or stockings full of chocolates and small trinkets decorated with Christian designs.

– Try one or all of these unique group game activities outlined above and they’ll be sure to bring your party to life and provide hours of entertainment for your guests, whether young or old, this Christmas season or at the next birthday or special event you host.

Jemima Kiss / Guardian:
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Halloween Party Decorations and FREE Invitation Halloween Decorations

Halloween Party Decorations and FREE Invitation Halloween Decorations

A big part of throwing a Halloween celebration involves setting the right tone for the event. A clever host knows to choose Halloween Party Decorations, http://www.holiday-invitations.com/halloween/ that matches the tone of the rest of the party. Halloween Invitations, http://www.holiday-invitations.com/ depicting scary, funny or cute scenes can tell the recipient tons about the actual party. Of course, the invitation is only the beginning of the preparations. Halloween decorations help create a great atmosphere for the event. Whether the host wants ideas for the perfect Halloween decoration choices or needs some inspiration for the perfect party stationery, the Halloween Invitation, http://www.holiday-invitations.com/halloween-invitations/ selection at Holiday Invitations fits that need.

Remarkable Halloween Party Decorations

The party decorations are an important part of setting the atmosphere for the party, but it is the Halloween party invite that makes the first impression. There are a wide variety of invitations available at CardsShoppe and the hostess can add a personalized message or choose the font size and color of ink that she likes best. Once the invitations are chosen, the party decorations Halloween can follow the same design.

Halloween Decoration Theme Choices

With most holidays, noticeable symbols are associated with the events. Halloween decorations display many of these symbols, including jack o’lanterns, witches, ghosts, and other supernatural creatures. Any of these can be used to spruce up the location of the celebration. Of course, having a Halloween invite handy for inspiration or trying to create a decorative theme using the stationery for inspiration is another good idea. The large selection of choices available at www.holiday-invitations.com makes picking the ideal pieces a snap.

Fabulous Halloween Decor

A hostess that desires to really impress the guests can do so by using the scariest decor Halloween party that she can come up with. To start with, jack-o-lanterns can be placed in strategic places and cobwebs can be hung where they will touch the guests. From there the Halloween party décor is just a matter of putting the other Halloween symbols in their places. To top it off, add some extra scary sound effects.

Halloween Decorations Ideas

Although a good hostess always desires to please the guests, it isn’t always easy to find ideas decorating Halloween party. The hostess can find inspiration by using the Halloween Decorations Invitations, http://www.holiday-invitations.com/halloween/halloween-decorations. The easiest place to find Halloween stationery is online. It is convenient and the wide selection of stationery will provide lots of unique and inspiring ideas for Halloween party decorations.

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10 Unforgettable Valentine’s Decoration Ideas For Your Party

Having a party on Valentine’s Day is always a great idea. Whether it’s a kid’s party so everyone can get together with their friends, or an adult’s party where friends and family can get together and enjoy the romantic atmosphere, having a well decorated party makes for a great party. When it comes time to sit down and plan everything out, you’re always looking for some great Valentines decorations ideas that won’t be too over the top, but will be totally unforgettable as well.

Here is a list of ideas that will make for an unforgettable time but not break the bank.

1. Make a statement to anyone who walks into the room with a huge banner that is hung on the wall or across the doorway. Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day!” like a Valentine’s banner
2. Hang all over the place Mylar balloons in all kinds of sizes. Have them hanging from the ceiling, stuck to walls and even randomly on tables and chairs.
3. Have some helium balloons floating around too. Not only are they going to be mostly on the ceiling, but they are fun to bat around, turning into impromptu volleyball games from time to time.
4. Stick paper hearts up anywhere you can find a place for them. Tabletops, chairs, walls, and even stuck on the ceiling. You can either buy premade ones or cut them out of construction paper.
5. Stuffed Valentine’s heart pillows and boxes of candy makes great party favors.
6. Heart shaped cups, napkins and plates makes for a great addition to the theme for snacks.
7. A great way to add a little umph to the party is using Valentine’s themes tablecloths.
8. Valentines wine and bottle stoppers adds a new level of cool to the party.
9. Welcome mats with a Valentines theme really starts the party right.
10. Wreaths and garland with a Valentines theme really helps dress out the house for a great party.

There are tons of ideas available, but these are some of the hottest Valentines holiday decoration ideas for your party. Not only will they look great, but these set the theme for the party like nothing else can. Your party will be a can’t miss by creating just the right atmosphere with these ideas for when your guests arrive. Check out all these ideas and see which ones you want to get your party started and keep it going.

How to Plan a Christmas Party

A Christmas party is a lovely way to connect with family and friends. It helps to get everyone in the mood for the festive season. In able to pull this off without undue stress at a time of year when there are many demands upon your time early planning helps.

First you want to decide who will be invited to the party. Will it just be your friends or will it be your friends and your children’s friends and their families. Having decided that you are then able to plan the time you would like to have your guests attend and on what day. If you have decided on having children particularly young children an afternoon or very early evening time works best. If you get your invitations out early you will have a better attendance, as people will not have committed their time to other activities.

Sometimes it is wise to stagger the times. Have the families and small children come early and the strictly adult crowds come later. Before you finalize the guest list take stock of how much room you have to accommodate a crowd. You want your guests to be able to mingle and have enough space to be comfortable. Your invitations need some sort of reply in them from the list of people invited. A regrets only with your phone number saves you from numerous phone calls.  Now a days many people are using the computer to send out their invitations. Evaluate the age group that is being invited as many seniors are still not comfortable with computers. You can either send them all by regular post or some by e-invitations and some in the mail.

Time to take stock of your home. Does it reflect the Christmas feel and smell? Walk through your home and decide if your Christmas decor allows room for people to freely move about without knocking over your displays. Are there precious ornaments in reach of small children? Can you detect the lovely odors of Christmas? Does you home smell of pine and Christmas baking? After making sure the Christmas decorations won’t be harmed during the party, putting some spices like ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon in water and heating these on the stove can easily produce the scents.  There are potpourris with Christmas scents available or room sprays. If you have an artificial Christmas tree buy some fresh pine boughs to use as decorations.

Will your party have a particular theme? Have you planned some activities to keep the children entertained? Have you decided on what type of food will be served? Will it be finger food only? Are you thinking of having a variety of appetizers? Are you maybe going to cook up a big ham and a roast of beef so your guest can make themselves sandwiches?  You can make these decisions based on who your guests will be and what time they are coming.  If you decide on a theme you need to plan well in advance so you have time to select all the items needed to carry it off.

Skating Party: For a family party you might want to book the local indoor rink or in the very cold parts of the country an outdoor facility.  After everyone is finished skating they can then come back to your home for hot chocolate, warm snacks, and Christmas cookies.

Pot Luck: Your guests arrive with their favorite Christmas hors d’oeuvres and maybe the recipe for them. This saves you from the major food preparation.

Craft Party: Plan some crafts that children can easily make. They love to draw, paint, and glue. They love to feel the accomplishment of making something. There are making ideas for making Christmas decorations that they can take home with them.

A Cocktail Party: This is a more formal way to entertain. You can get out all your recipes for appetizers and starting early make several then freeze them until the day of the party. If you are under a lot of stress and very busy you can buy a huge selection of snacks at the grocery store. Or you can have the party catered. Don’t forget to plan on the beverages. A non-alcohol punch is a must. Children usually love the blend of juices and the designated drivers will be grateful. Christmas eggnog is fun to have. This rich beverage can be a Christmas tradition. Wine and beer seem to have taken the place of other forms of spirits.

The idea to have a Christmas party is to have fun and enjoy your guests. Early planning will help you stay relaxed and not over tired. Christmas parties are a great way to entertain.

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The Call of Tradition at the Christmas Party Venues in London

“When the tradition beckons, human must obey”. It is the Christmas time, and the fun is all set to unroll with the parties, gifts and warm feelings with the heard of maddening relations and friends. Sine it is a celebration old by centuries, why not celebrate it the way our forefathers celebrated it? It will give your the true feel of an English tradition and its sumptuousness. Celebrate this Christmas at a London venue with traditional decorations, prayers, Christmas prepares and gifts:

Christmas Decorations:

With time the party songs have come to replace the carol singing with the family. Why not bring that beautiful time back, expanding the arms to embrace the whole lot of close relations. You can book a Christmas venue and arrange the decorations that touch the cord of past. Besides the essential Christmas tree, you can chose to decorate the venue with the mistletoes, wreaths, garlands, ribbons and bows, feathers and fringed tinsels, those decorative baubles and the flora and fauna.

Carol Singing and Prayers:

Carol singing is the most amazing part of the Christmas celebration. Don’t let your Christmas party go without this touch of fancy. Sit some time close to the tree with your friends and hold hands with the tunes of Christmas carols. It will delight everyone’s heart to share those moments at your party, reviving a past spirit of celebration.

Christmas Prepares:

Christmas delicacies can not be compared with any celebration around the world as far as its yummy prepares are considered. Remember those sweet smelling cakes and those bewitching tastes of the turkey, pie, fruit cake and brownies? Fill your party with these amazing things and get inebriated with the Christmas celebrations.

Christmas Greetings!

People often choose to send off their greetings through e-cards, and even prefer inviting them on through e invitation cards. Step back from these modern ways and send the invites through the hand delivered cards that reflect the past in glorious terms.

Christmas Gifts:

There are things that are considered traditional Christmas gifts. You can put something these gifts under the Christmas tree. Fill your stockings with a precious token to be remembered. Chocolate coins, scented soaps or a small make up kit for your mom. A pair of socks will cut a smile on you dad’s face.

This day is worthy of every effort. Take this opportunity to revive the lost time to your family and friends.

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