Sun Tea for Tots' Tea Parties

Scratch those images of Little Miss Princess and her legion of stuffed animals dining on imaginary cakes whilst sipping tepid water.

Tea parties are much more fun and much more inclusive in the gender role free world of today's toddlers.

A young man we know loved watching cooking shows and carried his set of wooden menu items to every restaurant. The chefs (all of them men) loved the little foodie and actually appeared at the table to encourage him to keep playing with his food. Fussy two year old behavior was never a problem. He is now six and a picky eater, but he still loves experimenting with peanut butter (no jelly, please).

Tea parties at his house are delightful. Mom and dad invested in a cheap, real tea set years ago. As cups break, they get glued back together. He knows which are leaky and won't serve liquids in those. 

Boiling water is a no no, but iced tea is a favorite. A big jar of sun tea prepared with herbal mint and fruit teas are fun to make and taste great. Sugar can be cut to a minimum because the teas taste so good without it. If you have a nice garden patch, you can grow your own teas or just pick up a variety at the local grocery.


Set a big plastic jar filled with water and tea bags in the sun and let it steep. We use a very big plastic container that was once filled with pretzels. You need one tea bag for every two cups of water. The sun does the cooking. If you are inviting friends or neighbors kids for the tea party, let them come early and help with the prep. 


Food can be animal crackers with peanut butter or bread cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters and topped with whatever will get eaten. Some kids prefer real food like cheese, ham, turkey or other cold cut choices as sandwich stuffers. Finger foods are fun and most kids, tots to teens, like carrots, celery sticks and olives to munch on. 


The best part of this tea party is that you really don't have to invite anyone. It is a great way for the family to make lunch together and sit at the same table enjoying the "party" lunch! Even picky eaters have fun when they are the chef preparing the feast!

Jim-Dandy, Whizbang & Humdinger Appreciation Day is July 9!


Are you asking exactly what is it that gets celebrated on Jim-Dandy, Whizbang & Humdinger Appreciation Day?

We were wondering the same thing. Lucky for us we found The Random House Dictionary of Slang which cleared up the whole thing pretty quickly. 
It seems that just about anything that is A, A-1, A number one, A plus, sly, copacetic, kopesetic, , gnarly, smashing, brilliant, super, brutal, ace high, awesome, first class, first chop or first rate, golden, dynamite, unreal, cool, coolsville, zero cool, cold, cool, chill, stone cold, boss, stunning, heavy, hundred proof, wicked, gimchy, check plus, stellar, dreamy, all wool and a yard wide, jam up, slap up, fine and dandy, crack, solid gold, crackerjack, peacherino, peach, peachy, ginger peachy or peachy keen  qualifies as a party focus on this wonderful day.


If it's the most, the berries, the bee's knees, the cat's meow, the cat's whiskers, the cat's pajamas, the butterfly's book, the caterpillar's kimono, the greatest, out of this world, out of sight, top of the line, state  of  the  art, a lollapaloosa or a super-duper,  hooper-dooper,  super-colossal, sweetheart, catch get ready to celebrate!

But why limit your celebrations of the totally tubular to just one day a year? We say that every day should be Jim-Dandy, Whizbang & Humdinger Appreciation Day! 


Why stop at that? Why not have a whole Jim-Dandy, Whizbang & Humdinger Appreciation Year, Decade or even Century!! Here's to the best peachy, caterpillar's kimono, gnarly, far out, fantastic time of your life and the party that goes with it!!


Stop in at the Chiff.com party pages for tips on drinks, recipes and anything else you need to know for, well... the greatest, out of this world, hundred proof, dreamy party ever!

Teacher's Day Recipes - Homemade Treats to Honor Your Favorite Teacher

Ask any teacher or school bus driver what they most appreciate as thoughtful gifts to honor their service and most will secretly admit to homemade cookies, cakes and other treats.

Yes, it's true. Most teachers have a sweet tooth, and who can blame them? 

On their feet for most of the day as they deal with kids, parents and school administrators, they probablly burn enough calories to make a construction worker blush.

So this Teacher's Day, why not whip up a batch of treats you can make yourself to honor teachers that really make a difference in your children's lives? It's a simple, thoughtful gesture that will give them a sweet memory of how much they are appreciated.

You can start right now by searching online for favorite recipes sure to please any teacher  include their favorite ingredients. 

Chocolate, for instance! 

Simple chocolate chip cookies are fun and easy to make, and the kids can even join in to help. Find more easy chocolate treat recipes here.

Instead of an apple, a delicious homemade apple cinnamon cake will stay fresh for days and may be enjoyed as a quick breakfast treat over a hot cup of tea or coffee.

If you're handy with fondant or an icing tube, make a sheet cake and decorate in a Teacher's Day theme, (ABC's, math symbols, etc) or get really crafty and sculpt the cake in the shape of an apple, a teapot, an open book, or a school bus - and decorate accordingly.

Other ideas are only limited to your imagination. Don't forget to add a special Teacher's Day card with your gift with a special note inside reading: "...You take the cake!"


More ideas for Teacher Appreciation Day treats around the Web:

Coolest Homemade Teacher Appreciation Cake Ideas and Photos

MyRecipes.com - Teacher Treats

Ice Cream Cupcakes Recipe & Free Printable Tags for Teachers Day

Easy Super Bowl Party Foods & Recipes

It's that time of year again, when football fans get together for the biggest blowout of the year while comfortably ensconced on the couch watching the big game on Super Bowl Sunday.

If you're new to football theme parties, take a tip from others who are into entertaining at NFL football games throughtout the year.

That is - think fast and convenient foods and recipes to make it easy on you, and allow your party guests to nosh as they enjoy the game.

As the clock ticks down to the kick-off, it's time to get your game on with these super easy Super Bowl party tips:

Remember that Super Bowl Sunday traditionally starts around 6PM on the East Coast (5Pm Central, 4PM Mountain and 3PM Pacific) so timing is all important when you're planning to send out your Super Bowl party invitations. 

If you may want to invite friends over early to watch the pregame show warmup,  make sure you plan on greeting them at the door with plenty of finger food already on hand. Chips, dip, celery and carrot sticks, olives, deviled eggs (the kids will them, too), and cheese or nacho platters will all be devoured by game time, guaranteed.

For a quick hot dish, remember that the ever-popular buffalo chicken wings broil up fast. Make it easy by having the celery sticks and bleu cheese dip ready the night before for an instant snack that will also really score lots of points with guests.

For the kids, you can't beat chicken nuggets along with their favorite dip. Sodas or sports drinks, together with hot chocolate and marshmallows will fit right in with your football theme. 

And, for the adults what's a Super Bowl game without the beer?

When it's time for the half time show, get ready to seriously chow down with pans of baked ziti, lasagna and other make ahead meals you can freeze and latter warm up on the afternoon of the big game.

Later, don't forget to leave room for dessert. Again, these should be easy to make and to eat, so consider serving up cookies, homemade cupcakes, heaping bowls of ice cream, or try whipping up a quick strawberry shortcake - made from sliced store-bought pound cake smothered in strawberries and cream. 

Finally, whether they're favorite team wins or loses, send your guests home happy with a goody bag filled with foam #1 hands, a football player bobble head figure, protein health bars, beef jerky, team stickers, or other small football-themed giveaways.
Have fun!


More about Super Bowl party ideas and recipes around the Web:
Super Bowl Party Recipes
Super Bowl Party Game Ideas
Super Bowl Party Ideas for Kids and Families

School Class Birthday Party Etiquette

There's no better way for kids to bond with their classmates or make new friends than including their school buddies to help celebrate your child's birthday. 


Before you go start party planning, however, check out these rules of etiquette on the proper way to handle invitations, party food, and other things to consider for a 'no tears' birthday party for your school age child:

• Don't give out invitations in the classroom unless inviting the whole class. Be discreet when giving the invitations to the parents you meet after school or, better yet, mail the invitations to each child's home.

Above all, avoid any ostentacious displays. For example, one mother we know recently distributed balloons outside school with the party invitation enclosed inside. Those children NOT invited kept asking their moms -  "Hey, where's my balloon?" 

Needless to say, the "balloon stunt" was not very popular with other moms. If in doubt, give a thought to how your child would feel if they were excluded from a party and act accordingly.

• While baking cupcakes to distribute in class for your child's birthday is a popular custom, be sure to take into consideration dietary restrictions. Some children are  allergic to wheat or nuts, or are restricted from eating sugary snacks. Ask your child's teacher for guidance and, if it's OK, try to include appropriate treats for those on restricted diets.

• Pick a number of guests and stick to it. You'll find that kids want to add and substract on the whim of the moment. Do ask for the child's input, but remember that your the adult party planner who has the final say.

• Finally, keep control of the invitation list, and don't let it get out of hand. A good rule of thumb is to invite as many children as they age of your child - plus one.

Have fun!


More about school classroom birthday party etiquette around the Web:

Kid Party Etiquette on Sending Invitations to School


Birthday Party Etiquette for Your School Age Child

How to Hire A Limousine Without Being Taken for a Ride...

It's spring as party season is kicking into high gear.

Meanwhile, limousine services' phones are ringing off the hook with calls from prom dates and bridal parties looking for sleek looking wheels to get them to the dance hall or church in style, and on time.

Whether you're hiring a limo for a prom, wedding, a bachelor party or bachelorette party, before you make a final decision take a tip from the experts on how best to hire a limo without getting taken for a ride:

Like all great party planning, don't leave the details to the last minute. Take your time and shop around for the best limo at the best price your can afford.

Word to the wise: When it comes to limo hire, cheapest is usually not the best. Would you entrust cheap, fly-by-night operation to move your precious belongings? The same rule applies to limousine companies and their performance as they safely whisk you and your prom or bridal party from point A to B.

First, check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against your prospective limo company like no-shows, dirty interiors, or rude drivers.

If you have the time, make a personal visit to the company garage to kick the tires and inspect the cars they have in their lineup. Do they actually have that stretch Hummer limo they advertise? What about the amenities they feature such as a bar, TV, moon roof or any other features you would like included?

Next, ask for references directly from the company representative so that you can call or e-mail other customers about their experiences. Was the driver on time? Did they drive safely? Were they polite & courteous? And, finally, did they know where they were going or did they need detailed directions?

While most reputable professional limousine services will want a detailed itinerary from you anyway, don't sit back and get comfortable just yet. There have been nightmare scenarios reported about drivers not really knowing the best route to a party or wedding - leading to panic, anger and disgruntled guests - before the party ever started. So always have the directions written down, just in case.

Finally, READ THE CONTRACT before you sign it to avoid any unpleasant surprises later, or pay extra for costs already included (like the tip, for example.) If a tip is NOT included, the rule of thumb is to give your driver 15% to 20% of the total fare. Of course, that figure can be adjusted depending upon your experiences with the driver and the company. Hopefully, and with a bit of planning, it will be a happy one.

Have fun!

More about hiring limos around the Web:

How to Choose a Limousine Service for Your Wedding

How To Rent a Limousine: Arriving in Style in a Limo

What Should I Tip a Limo Driver?

Mother's Day Party Ideas

One of the most warmhearted spring celebrations, every May in the US (or March in the UK) a special day is set aside to remember a mother's love and support that is often there for the asking throughout our entire lives.

To help remember mom on her special day, here are some great tips on hosting a celebration with family or friends that will honor mom in first-class style while still going easy on your budget:

Going Out for Mother's Day

While home celebrations In early May, start scouting out local restaurants that feature special Mother's Day brunch or dinner menus.

Often, a package deal is offered at an all-inclusive price that includes a cocktail, appetizer, and the main meal complete with dessert and coffee, so you can more easily keep track of costs.

With the money you've saved, ask if you can have a special cake (together with a rousing chorus of "Happy Mother's Day to you!...) or maybe a bottle of champagne brought to the table to toast the special guest of honor.

Getting "Fresh" with Mom on Mother's Day

On the other hand, hosting a party at home may be more intimate and heartfelt - and far less expensive, especially when everyone pitches in.

For Mother's Day brunch or garden party, be sure to decorate with lots of mom's favorite flowers.

Include on the menu: fresh fruit and fresh-squeezed juices, (if you're extra crafty, also try your hand at carving an edible watermelon basket); serve a platter of homemade deviled eggs and cold cuts; and don't forget the batch of fresh homemade biscuits.

For a more formal sit-down dinner, family-style one-pan meals of lasgna or baked ziti are both easy on your time and budget. Served with a salad and plenty of crusty bread - and dinner is served! Of course, special touches like fancy Mother's Day drinks, and Mother's Day desserts

make it that much more memorable.

Just remember - whether it's in a neighborhood restaurant, a formal sit-down or a more casual buffet at home on Mother's Day - make sure mom gets served first!

More about Mother's Day parties and menu ideas around the Web:

Mother's Day Recipes and Menus at Epicurious

How to Decorate a Mother's Day Party Inexpensively, but Beautifully

St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas

Whoop it up this St. Patrick's Day with fun ideas for party-goers of all ages who want to celebrate their Irish heritage or who just want to be Irish for a day! Below, find the fixin's for favorite party foods, drinks, decorating, games and activities, with related St. Paddy's Day party resources from around the Web ....

Irish Food & Fixin's

Boil up the traditional corned beef and cabbage with sides of potatoes, carrots (and lots of butter) or head off the main road to serve an old-fashioned Irish Lamb Stew, or Colcannon (in the UK it's called "bubble and squeak'). If you're really feeling your oats, how about a traditional Shepherd's Pie made with chunks of lamb and vegetables?

Goin' Green

A splash o' green on party streamers, tableclothes and tableware will get guests in the mood for some serious St. Patrick's Day partyin'! Have plenty of green food dye to color the beer and other St. Patrick's Day party drinks (and don't forget a mug of Irish coffee for dessert!)

And what would St. Patrick's Day be without an authentic recipe for Irish soda bread?

St. Patrick's Day Songs, Games and Activities

Get them rolling in the aisles with an Irish Jig Dance Off with prizes for the best, most creative or funniest interpretation set to traditional Irish music on the CD player.

A round of Irish trivia is always fun, or get your guests moving at a St. Patrick's Day scavenger hunt with Irish-themed items hidden about the house. Of course, for a real authentic party atmosphere, decorate a part of the house to look like an Irish pub and let the darts game tournament begin!

Meanwhile, you can keep the little ones busy with downloadable St. Patrick's Day coloring pages, puzzles and craft activities. Just for laughs, also get the adults involved in constructing a Leprechaun trap that's easily made with a cardboard box and an old shoe!

Send guests home extra happy with party goodie bags filled with a combination of treats to take with them including shamrock plants, gold foil-wrapped chocolate coins, green mint candies, shamrock stickers, or "Kiss Me I'm Irish" pins.

Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

More about St. Patrick's Day party ideas around the Web:

St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas

St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas from Evite

Valentine's Day Party Ideas

Are you planning an intimate romantic dinner for two? Or an all-out Valentine's Day party for friends and family?

Either way, you can use these tips and ideas for a memorable Valentine's Day celebrations that are both fun and romantic:

If you're planning a special Valentine's night dinner for your special honey, all the decorations you'll probably need are vases of red roses and a few votive candles to set the mood.

For a larger crowd, break out the red hearts and balloons. And no Valentine's Day party would be complete without a cute, mischievous Cupid included in a party table centerpiece.

For a romantic dinner menu, be sure to include traditional aphrodisiacs including clam or oyster appetizers, asparagus, artichokes, arugula or avocado salad, or ANY dish made with truffles!

Plan on serving Wine or champagne for an extra festive Valentine's Day. Kick off your grand night of celebrating by having the bar stocked with ingredients to make classic romantic cocktails such as a Kir Royale, The Red Kiss or Death by Chocolate.

Set the mood by loading up the CD with romantic songs just right for Valentine's Day or browse romantic music compilations to download online.

For a big, festive red-and-white themed dinner for friends and family go with what else? - Italian - featuring savory spaghetti marinara dishes, or elegant shrimp scampi. For a larger group, nothing's easier than a big heaping pan of lasgna or baked ziti.

Looking for Valentine’s Day dessert ideas? For a red-and-white theme, red velvet cake is a sensuous and eye-popping favorite. If in doubt, think chocolate: as in chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate cake, chocolate fondue and chocolate heart-shaped cookies.

Party favors? Send guests home happy with small, inexpensive sample boxes of Godiva chocolate (fancily tied with a red ribbon) always make for a perfect Valentines Day favor. Also

consider making a custom mix of red hots, chocolate kisses. and "Be Mine" candies wrapped in red cellophane for guests to take home as a sweet memory of your Valentines Day bash.

More about Valentine's Day party ideas, menus & recipes around the Web:

Valentine's Day Headquarters for Romantic Recipes

Valentine's Day Party Ideas

New Year's Eve Family Night Activities

Although New Year's Eve is most often reserved for adult partying, the night can also be filled with fun and entertainment for the whole family fun at home with just a little planning.

Keep food easy and appealing for everyone, i.e., chips and dip, a veggie platter, chicken fingers, deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, or simply order in a pizza! Also have plenty of champagne ready for the adults, and fixings for 'mocktails" for the kids such as Virgin Pina Coladas or Shirley Temples.

In addition, follow these tips and suggestions for a New Year's Eve party game & activity ideas that will have family and younger guests cozying up to loved ones and family friends as they welcome in the New Year ....

New Year's Eve Predictions

For older teens and adults familiar with how to play, break out the Ouija board or tarot cards for a spooky night of fortune telling.

Introduce the younger kids to "Magic 8 Ball" and stand back for the giggle-producing results as the classic novelty toy mysteriously answers their questions about the future.

New Year's Eve Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a great ice breaker, and usually result in lots of laughs - as holiday revelers compete to find items hidden throughout the house, in the backyard, or around the entire neighborhood. (Tip: alert the neighbors so they don’t think there are intruders in their backyard!)

Depending on how well you’ve hidden your ‘treasure”, items in a New Year's scavenger hunt can be awarded separate points for ease, or difficulty. The party contestants who amass the most points are named the winners, so be sure to have prizes ready for the highest scorers.

Suggestions for items to hide for a New Year scavenger hunt might include: a party hat, streamers, noise makers, plastic champagne glass, a clock, Happy New Year card, Happy New Year balloon, drink stirrers, coasters, chocolate coins, a calendar, or silver bells to ring in the New Year.

New Year's Eve Pinanta

Who doesn't love a pinata? No reason not to have one on New Year's Eve for a fun kid competition.

Make your own homemade pinata using 1. a large shopping bag, 2. New Year's Eve clip art 3. paper glue 4. stapler.

Instructions: download and print out a picture of a New Year's Eve party hat, Father Time, or other holiday clip art and glue it to the shopping bag. Further decorate as you please with tinsel or glitter. Fill your decorated shopping bag with candy and staple the bag closed. String up from the ceiling using heavy cord. Provide a pinata stick or plastic baseball bat, line up the contestants - and stand back!

Happy New Year!

More about New Year's Eve family night games & activities around the Web:

New Year's Fun and Games - Family Fun

Best Mocktails Recipes

Printable New Year's Eve Party Games

New Year Coloring Pages

Christmas Family Night Games & Activities

Yep, everybody's a kid at Christmas. And why not? It's the time of year for shaking off day-to-day cares and letting down your guard, especially when you're partying with family! Just don't make the mistake of thinking a holiday get-together can be pulled-off without a little planning.

Just up ahead, have a warm and joyous holiday get-together with our pick of top games and activities that will get the kids and teens giggling, and the adults joining in with happy abandon:

Christmas Trivia

Create your own Holiday Trivial Pursuit game by typing up a list of questions to pose to guests on party night. To get you started, here are some of our favorites:

1. What are the names of all eight reindeer which appear in Clement Moore’s poem “The Night Before Christmas”?

2. In “A Charlie Brown Christmas” what did Lucy want for Christmas?

3. Who yelled “Stop!” at Frosty?

Answers: 1. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen. 2. Real estate. 3. The traffic cop.

Christmas Movie Trivia

Everyone loves Christmas movies. Test party-goers knowledge by reciting famous lines from popular favorites to see who can come up with the most correct responses. Here are a few to get you started:

1. What is the location of “It’s a Wonderful Life?”

2. In “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, who provides the voice for Sally?

3. What actress plays Bill Murray's love interest in “Scrooged’?

Answers: 1. Bedford Falls 2. Catherine O’Hara 3. Karen Allen

Name That Holiday Tune!

Grab the CD player and your favorite holiday music CD. Let contestants guess the title of each song after hearing only a few bars, and award a prize to the player with the most correct answers.

Another way to play: simply type up the most obscure lyrics from Christmas songs or carols and read (or sing!) them aloud. For example: "There'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories..." (It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year) or how about "…bells are ringing, children singing…" (Here Comes Santa Claus). It's not as easy as you might think but, anyway, you get the idea. Check out this site for more Christmas song and carol lyrics.

Christmas Pinata

With a little bit of creativity, you can easily make a homemade Christmas pinata using 1. a large shopping bag, 2. a picture of a holiday scene 3. paper glue 4. stapler.

Download and print out a picture of Santa or holiday scene and glue it to the shopping bag. Further decorate as you please with tinsel or garland. Fill your decorated shopping bag with Christmas candy and staple closed. String up from the ceiling using heavy cord. Provide a pinata stick or plastic baseball bat, line up the contestants - and stand back! This one can be fun even for the adults, just make sure you don't serve TOO MUCH eggnog beforehand.

Christmas Bingo

Fun for all ages, game players must first understand the general rules of bingo and how to play. Simply subsitute the traditional numbered cards with a variety of Christmas symbols, words or pictures. Download and print a variety of Christmas bingo playing cards for free here.

More about Christmas family night games & activities around the Web:

Christmas Games

How to Play 'The Night Before Christmas' Party Game

Christmas Scavenger Hunt Ideas

Gross Halloween Food Ideas & Recipes

Sure, everybody likes gross-out food at Halloween, but what are the easiest recipes to follow for homemade yucky food ideas guaranteed to make your guests giggle and (hopefully), gag?

Here are some quick instructions and ingredients for making truly disgusting snacks and spooktacular party treats that will make any Halloween party a hoot:

Mummy pizza

Follow any simple recipe for English muffin pizza, but instead of just sprinkling mozzarella cheese over the top, use strips to make a "mummy wrap" topping. Use slices of black olives and bits of pepper for the eyeballs.

Wormy pudding

Grab a bunch of gummy worms and hide them inside chocolate pudding cups (homemade or store bought). For an added touch, stick more gummy worms on top to make it look like "the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out..."

Witches' fingers

Buy plain premade cookie dough. Roll small pieces of dough out in to a ball and then in to a log shape. Making regular notches to resemble knuckles. Make an indentation at one end and fill with raspberry jam. Top with a slivered almond piece for the fingernail. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Skeleton bone cookies

Pinch off pieces premade cookie dough and roll into 8-inch ropes. Fold 1 inch of each end back to form a small ball and pinch ends to make bone shapes. Repeat to shape all the dough into skeleton bones. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Kitty litter cake

The grossest of gross Halloween recipes, all this requires is a vanilla cake mix, crumbled cookies, and some Tootsie Rolls. Make the cake, top with cookie crumbs and add softened Tootsie rolls to resemble cat poop. Heighten the illusion by serving in a new, clean kitty litter box. Serve with a clean pooper scooper. Yuck!

More gross & disgusting Halloween food ideas around the Web:

Gross Halloween Party Food

The anatomy of disgusting (yet fun) Halloween food

Gross, Yucky, Creepy Halloween Recipes

Oktoberfest Party & Food Ideas

Nothing says autumn fun like Oktoberfest! A centuries-old tradition begun in Munich, Germany, the seasonal festival is now beloved the world over and celebrated everywhere from Tokyo to Milwaukee.

Host your own Oktoberfest party with these step-by-step tips and instructions, and get ready for some fall fun, feasting .... and lots of beer:

1. Willkommen friends over by printing your own invitations using German Oktberfest clipart of beer kegs, beer steins, beer glasses, bratwurst or party goers in lederhosen.

2. Decorate in the colors of the Bavarian flag, with lots of blue and white balloons. Also consider German travel posters, or printouts of Bavarian food and beer steins to hang on the door and walls.

3. To make your venue look like a traditional German beer hall, line up tables in a long row - for a fun night of communal feasting and drinking. Use a beer stein or beer pitcher filled with fresh flowers, and surround with small German flags as an easy and decorative centerpiece.

4. Search the Web for traditional German & Oktoberfest food and recipes which are a tradition of any German party or Oktoberfest theme - such as weiner schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, gingerbread, apple strudel and black forest cake.

5. And what would an Oktoberfest be without the beer? Just make sure it's German beer such as pilsner, wheat beer, stouts and lagers.

6. Get everybody in the party mood by playing a German music or drinking song collection CD, or if your budget allows hire a local German band for a memorable live performance.

7. Lastly, no Oktoberfest celebration would be complete without a traditional chicken dance to get everyone up and mingling. (It's even more fun after hoisting a few!)

Prost! – Cheers!

More about Oktoberfest party & food ideas around the Web:

Oktoberfest Party Ideas

Oktoberfest Party Foods & Recipes

Oktoberfest Party Ideas and German Theme Party