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?

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

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

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

Cheap Kids Party Venue Ideas

How to throw a a cheap or affordable party away from home for your favorite birthday boy or girl?

It may take some work, but the money you save makes for a fun and memorable party that you may want to repeat year after year.

First, start with a party location checklist to make sure your chosen venue can accommodate the kind of kids birthday party you have in mind:

• Budget
• Number of guests
• Food storage or cooking facilities
• Indoor or outdoor (depending on time of year and liklihood of good weather)

Once you decide on the type of birthday party venue that works best, start thinking about local organizations that may fit your plans and budget.

These may include neighborhood groups, clubs, or places of worship that may offer free or very affordable party space for neighborhood families. Also consider neighborhood playgrounds, community centers, the local YMCA, or even the local firehouse. Most of these venues are open to hosting kids birthday parties for a small deposit or donation.

Helpful hint: If you don't reserve a date and time WAY in advance everything will be fully booked. If so, there is always the local fast food joints like McDonalds. Most chains in suburban areas will offer the use of an indoor or outdoor playground for free, with the only major cost the purchase of a kid's meal for each child.

Meanwhile, if your child's birthday happens to fall during the summer months - lucky you! The warm weather season provides one of the cheapest outdoor venue ideas for hosting a great kids party at a nearby park or beach. Of course, the weather might interfere, so always have a "Plan B" ready in case of rain.

For a great beach party, simply lay out a couple of beach blankets, unload the cooler, take out the sunblock, and party! Don't forget games and activites like sandcastle building or a fun seashell scavenger hunt.

Picnic areas in public parks also make for a fun summer barbecue party. Best of all, hosting a kids party on a weekday (especially in the morning hours) may guarantee that you'll have the whole place practically to yourself.

Finally, in what may be one of the biggest drawbacks to the DIY party venue (unlike party-and-go restaurants where you leave the mess), most free or affordable venues means the final cleanup falls to YOU.

If that's the case, be sure to arrange a special activity that involves the kids and some small trash bags, called "The Cleanup Game". It was devised by one clever mom who routinely gives out a cool prize to the guest who fills up their trash bag the fastest!

With a little ingenuity, finding a kids party venue location - from planning to final cleanup - can result in a fun and easy birthday celebration that doesn't break the bank.

More about cheap kids party locations around the Web:

How to Find a Cheap Kids Party Venue

38 Away from Home Birthday Party Venue Ideas

Elvis Birthday Party Ideas

Yes, the King still lives! His music and films continue to inspire Elvis themed weddings and Elvis birthday parties that are still going strong worldwide commemorating the rock n roll icon.

Celebrating Elvis is as easy as turning the ol' jukebox on (today, that's a CD or DVD player) and letting the good times roll. Decorate with Elvis posters, feature some popular 50's foods, add a party game or two - and you have all the makings for a hunka hunka popular party idea.

Set the mood by selecting a general Elvis theme, or center the party around one of his most popular movie hits like Viva Las Vegas or Blue Hawaii for a fun luau party theme.

To decorate, search online for affordable Elvis posters, rummage around antique shops for old Elvis album covers and records, or simply print out images from the Internet.

And what would an Elvis party be without the party games?

Since music is such an important part of any Elvis party, get the house rockin' with a round of Name That Tune or a hip-shaking Elvis karaoke contest. Prizes can also be given out for the best impersonation or dance moves during the performance.

For the non-musical guests, try "Pin the Tail on the Hound Dog" or an Elvis trivia contest. Finally, buy a life-size Elvis cutout so that all guests can gather round for a picture with the King!

Food ideas "Fit for a King" can include fried chicken, 50's burgers and shakes, chicken "love me" tenders, or the famous fried peanut butter & banana sandwiches that Elvis loved so well. And don't forget the guitar shaped cake for a sweet ending to your Elvis celebration.

Say "thank you, thank you very much" by sending guests home happy with a goody bag filled with Reeses Pieces, toy sunglasses, a CD of Elvis hits, and photos from the party for an Elvis party keepsake they'll long remember.

More about Elvis party themes around the Web:

Elvis Party Ideas

Elvis Party Ideas for Preteens

Elvis Fan Site

Easy Tailgate Party Recipes

Whether it's a football game, a rock concert or a NASCAR race, time spent out in the parking lot at a tailgate party can often be the most memory-making event of the day!

Getting together around the tailgate with good friends is a great way to bond or reconnect with other "weekend warriors", so sweating over a grill shouldn't be your biggest priority.

Veggies and dip (and lots of beer!) are the time-honored way to kick off a tailgate party, along with one-pot meals, or foods that can be quickly grilled so that cooks can be free to join in the fun, too. Chill out with these easy recipes for easy one-pot meals or otherwise filling finger-foods that are fun, flavorful, and sure to wow guests at your next tailgating party:

Easy quacamole

In a large bowl, add the juice of 1 lime and 3 Hass avocados. Mash up the avocados until slightly chunky and add 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 onion, chopped; 1 small plum tomato, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; and 1 tablespoon cilantro. Mix all ingredients until thoroughly blended. To store, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Serve with tortilla chips. Serves 4.

Quick and easy chile

In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon chili powder; and 1 teaspoon oregano. Stir until thoroughly heated, then add 1 pound ground beef and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and cook until beef is slightly browned. Add 1 can kidney beans, and 1 can crushed peeled tomatoes (and their juice). Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook for 10 minutes until thickened.

To serve, ladle the chili into bowls and serve with guacamole, sour cream, grated Monterey jack cheese, and tortilla chips. Serves 4

Easy shrimp kabobs

In a large bowl, make marinade by mixing together 1/2 cup teriaki sauce, 1 chopped scallion, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Add 16 large shrimp and toss to coat, reserving marinade. Place 1 pineapple chunk in the curve of each shrimp and place on skewer. Place on heated grill and cook for about 1 minute per side, brushing with marinade until done. Serves 4.

Easy beef stew

In a large skillet, cook 2 lbs stew meat over medium heat until browned. Add water to cover and bring to a boil. Immediately lower heat and add 4 large potatoes, cubed; 3 large carrots, sliced; and 1 large onion, coarsely chopped. Add salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Cover and let simmer for an hour or until meat is tender. Serve in bowls with rolls or crusty bread.

More about tailgate party main dishes

While grilled burgers, steaks and chicken are always a favorite around the barbecue, finger foods are the way to go at a tailgate party. Along with the recipes listed above, also think about ribs, buffalo chicken wings, or hearty sandwiches.

Favorite tailgate party desserts

To satisfy everybody's sweet tooth, store bought cupcakes and cookies are the easiest bet for feeding a crowd, but for homemade desserts, brownies are always a mess-free, inexpensive alternative. If you have time, add a little excitement with any simple cookie recipe frosted in your favorite team colors.

More about easy tailgating recipes around the Web:

Easy Tailgate Party Recipes with Videos

Tailgate Party Planning - eHow.com

Top Ten Tailgate Party Foods

Tailgate Haven - Tailgate Dessert Recipes

Easy Labor Day Party Ideas

Labor Day is a bittersweet holiday - a final goodbye to the summer and all the fun memories of vacation time and weekends at the beach.

Although your first idea may be a really big blowout for Labor Day, our best advice is... fight the feeling! Not for nothing do they call it Labor Day. So chill, kick back and relax, and honor a job well done with a quick and easy Labor day celebration - whether its a luau, a picnic in the park, or a pool party in the back yard.

Cheap and easy decorating can be accomplished in a flash with American flags, red and white carnations, or red, white and blue balloons.

On Labor Day, the last thing you want to do is spend any time in the kitchen whipping up a really complicated recipe. Gather round the barbecue and make it ribs and chicken. Add some store bought macaroni salad, potato salad and watermelon. Your Labor Day party will be a piece of cake.

And speaking of cake, that's where the real fun comes in, with these cool and easy recipes for a Labor Day party that's truly special, AND easy on the budget:

Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Toast a piece of pound cake, cover with 1/2 cup berries or other fruit, then top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Beat 8 oz. cream cheese until smooth, then gradually beat in 1/3 cup of sugar. Blend in 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup whipped topping and 2 tsp. vanilla. Pour into prepared graham cracker pie crust and refrigerate for 4 hours until firm. Top with strawberries.

Labor Day Trifle

To begin, simply line the bottom of a dessert cup with store-bought lady fingers or thin slices of pound cake. Top with vanilla pudding, add a layer of berries, followed by another layer of cake. Add more pudding, top with whipped cream, and crown with an extra berry. (This is our personal favorite that always manages to wow an audience. Be sure to use a clear glass dessert glass or cup so you can see all the layers.)

For a patriotic Labor Day celebration, also check out Easy 4th of July Cake Decorating Ideas for decorating sheet cakes and bundt cakes in a red, white and blue theme.

More about easy Labor Day party ideas around the Web:

Labor Day dessert ideas

Rachel Ray Labor Day Party Ideas

Kids Birthday Goodie Bag Ideas

First, let it be known that there is no law that says you HAVE to give out favors or goodie bags at every party.

Although it's a fairly popular tradition at kids birthday parties, it's also increasingly falling out of disfavor with moms and dads who don't want their kids filling up on a bunch of sweet, gooey candy after every party they attend.

But if you still want thank  party guests for coming, and not buck the trend, here are some ideas for keeping kids AND parents happy at your next kids party:

Instead of candy, how about filling up your goodie bags with stickers, small toys & trinkets, colored pencils, sidewalk chalk, crayons, comic books, granola bars, snack juices, balloons, hand puppets, play doh, marbles ... and the list goes on with only a little thought and creativity.

Chances are good that at least half the parents will be eternally grateful for your thoughtfulness. The rest will probably be impartial or just grateful that you made their kids feel special.

Forget the bag, give a favor

Or, forget the goody bag altogether, and choose one simple gift as a special party favor "thank you" for coming.

Think coloring books, a colorful beach ball, flip flops, a small toy, kiddie umbrella, fannie pack, a kite, McDonald's or Baskin Robbins gift card, a group party picture in a frame, sunglasses, or bubbles.

Shop around or check online crafts and party goods at Michaels, Oriental Trading, Target, The Dollar Store and Wal-Mart. You're bound to find something you can buy in bulk that won't break the bank.

Alternatives to goody bags:

While we're at it, here are some more creative ideas if you want to give a goody bag that's not a bag:

• Try paper or plastic cups (with lids) or how about toy piggy banks filled with chocolate coins or candy?
  
• Flower pots or straw baskets - filled with seed packets and flower stickers - are perfect for a "Flower Power" theme or garden party.
  
• A beach pail with shovel and party theme stickers are great for a pool or beach party.
  
• Colored cellophane tied with a ribbon, or a cheap party hat filled with goodies are other alternatives to plain 'ol, same 'ol goody bags.

More about party favors and goody bag ideas around the Web:

Mom Advice on Goody Bag Ideas

Parents.com - Birthday Party Goody Bag Ideas

Goody Bag Ideas from Preschool to Tweens

Easy 4th of July Cake Decorating Ideas

While a backyard barbecue may be at the center of any festive 4th of July party, what's a celebration without dessert?

Check out these simple, fun and easy cake decorating ideas sure to wow family guests this 4th of July:

1. 4th of July Flag Cake

Probably the easiest of all, this one calls for a sheet cake and vanilla frosting. Decorate with blueberries and strawberries to form the stars and stripes.

2. Stars & Stripes Cupcakes

Bake up a batch of your favorite cupcakes. Use vanilla icing and food coloring to frost with patriotic red, white and blue. Arrange on a tray in the shape of Old Glory.

3. Uncle Sam's Hat Cake

This also calls for colored icing to decorate Uncle Sam's hat, made with strategic cuts to a homemade sheet cake. If you like, frost with vanilla icing and substitute red and blue icing with strawberries (or raspberries) and bluberries.

4. Star Cake

Make dessert shine with this star-shape cake frosted in red, white and blue. A sheet cake will do, or start with a layer cake with vanilla frosting in between the two layers.

5. Red, White and Blue Bundt Cake

Start out with your favorite bundt cake recipe and make a "fireworks" burst by dribbling basic frosted icing down the sides. Fill up the center with strawberries and blueberries.

More about 4th of July cake decorating around the Web:

cake decorating ideas and more for the 4th of July

Easy Fourth of July Cheesecake

Coolest Homemade 4th of July Cakes

Also see in the Chiff Party Blog:

Memorial Day Party Ideas

Party Hawaiian - Food & Menu Planning

Summertime...and it's time to host a luau! Think the theme is a little too exotic or not sure what to serve? No worries, brah.

Four main ingredients (actually five if you count the rum!) make up the summer's most popular party theme. That is - seafood, pork, pineapple and cocunut.

Let these basic Hawaiian "food groups" flow through your menu from appetizers, main courses to desserts, and you and your guests will be partying Hawaiian in no time.

First, break the ice with these classic Hawaiian luau drinks:

Mai Tai cocktail recipe

Blue Hawaiian cocktail recipe

Hawaiian Punch

Appetizers - pass around a pupu platter filled with these tasty morsels:

Coconut Shrimp

Hawaiian Spare Ribs

Also, don't forget the bowls of macadamia nuts, or go all out with this dynamite recipe for macadamia nut hummus and chips.

Main course - pork, of course - but a whole pig roast? If you have the time, the patience and the room out in the backyard. go for it! However, here are some easier luau recipes to try without going whole hog:

Sam Choy's Oven-Roasted Kalua Pig with Sweet Potatoes

Kalua Pig in a Slow Cooker

Hawaiian Ham Bake

Dessert!

Free & Easy Coconut cake recipe

Macadamia nut cake

Hawaiian fruit kabobs

More about Hawaiin luau party food around the Web:

How to Throw a Great Hawaiian Luau Party

Hawaiian Luau Foods

Fast, Easy Graduation Party Food Ideas

Here are some of the quickiest, easiest and most practical ideas for throwing a graduation party without the hassles.

For easy cleanup afterwards, stock up on plastic forks, knives, spoons and serving utensils, paper or plastic cups, plates and table clothes.

Easy finger food suggestions

veggie tray and dip

tortilla roll ups

antipasto tray

fruit salad or fruit and cheese kabobs

shrimp and cocktail sauce (look for the prepacked party trays at your local supermarket)

deviled eggs

The main graduation party menu

6-foot long hero sandwiches - from Sam's or Costco.

Two words - Pizza party! Have it delivered.

Backyard garden party - A good idea for morning or early afternoon get-togethers, with guests filling up on finger sandwiches, scones, bite-sized desserts, tea and coffee.

Taco bar - Prepare the fixings the night before. Include shredded lettuce, cheese and tacho shells - set up the meat filling in a large crockpot or on a pan warmer - and let guests serve themselves.

Have a cookout - More work for mom and dad, but several pounds of hamburger and jumbo packages of hot dogs should do the trick. Don't forget the chips, dip and potato salad.

Drinks - Have plenty of ice on hand to fill up coolers with soda, water, beer or wine. Hint: label each cooler so guests know exactly where to find their favorite beverage without asking.

Graduation party desserts - Besides a quick graduation sheet cakes, cupcakes are the easiest dessert to serve. Buy them prepackaged and mound them in a pyramid on a serving tray and let guests serve themselves. Or try your hand at making the ever popular graduation cap cakes.

Your fastest, cheapest bet? Hit your local Dunkin Donuts.

More about quick and easy graduation party food around the Web:

• Graduation Party Menu Planning
  
  
• Graduation Party Food Tips
  
  
• Graduation Party Tips - About.com