Welcome Home Your Soldier!

Support Our troops ...or welcome anyone home!

It's such a delight to WELCOME HOME a friend or family member after they've been away. I love to show my returning friends how much I care by decorating the yard of the home they are returning with everything yellow!

Here are some ideas for you...

• Hang yellow balloons in the trees, from the mailbox, by the front door, float them in the pool....Everywhere!
  
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• Have a 30"x 10' personalized banner made to hang in the most conspicuous place possible for everyone to see.
  

• Hang crepe paper streamers from trees, accross the porch, just about anywhere.

• Use yellow tulle to tie bows all around the yard.

• Line the driveway with yellow luminarias

Graduation Party Ideas

Spotlight Your Graduate!!

Here are just a few ideas from the parties I've thrown for my graduates over the years.

I love to use imprinted napkins. Choose a napkin in one of their school colors and have them imprinted with the graduates name and the date of graduation. This really makes the graduate feel special... After all this party is for them!!

I like to use tableware in the school colors.

Use metallic confetti to "jazz up" the tables. You can get the current year, graduation caps, graduates with stars, congrats grad, etc. Also, a wide variety of colors and shapes (like stars or hearts) to match school colors.

Hang foil cut-out stars in different sizes from the ceiling in honor of the "star of the day".

Decorate with balloons in the school colors. Use balloon bouquets for centerpieces on the tables.

One of my favorite ideas using balloons for decorations is to make a good sized bouquet (10 or more balloons) and anchor it to the floor. To do this, you need to make the ribbons on the balloons extra long (think of the height that you want your bouquet to be from the floor up and add a couple of feet or so for taping and curling). Then I adjust the balloons staggered at different heights to show off the colors and individual balloons. Then I tape the whole bunch to the floor (use enough tape to make sure that is secure). When taping, tape up a ways from the bottom of the string , like 12" or so, then you can use scissors to curl the bottom of each individual ribbon so that it curls up and covers up the tape. Place these "floor bouquets" in various places around the room. I always like to put one by the entrance to my home and the room the celebration will be in.

Take a picture of the graduate in their cap and gown standing by one of the floor balloon bouquets. It makes a great picture for the graduation scrapbook page!

Birthday Party in a Box!

Over the years, some of my children have been far away from home on their birthdays, so I would send them a birthday party in a box.

Here's an idea for sending a birthday party to a loved one far away...

I would choose some "Happy Birthday" paper plates, napkins and cups (so many fun patterns to choose from. View Birthday Patterns). I'd include birthday candles and Wilton cake decorations for their cake(I also send a cake mix and a can of frosting in their favorite flavors). A Happy Birthday Banner, a special hat for the birthday person and an inflated Mylar birthday balloon (they last for days) go into the box.

As you look around Zurchers, you'll find so many possibilities of things you can add to your box. You can personalize the party to "just fit" the person you are sending it to!

"The Incredibles" Get Well Wish

One of our good friends recently underwent chemo therapy. I felt so bad for him, but was so impressed with the strength and courage and humor that he showed while undergoing the whole terrible process.

As I thought about what I might do for him to let him know that I was thinking about him, I thought about how incredible he was being throughout the whole ordeal. To me, he actually was "Mr. Incredible"! That gave me an idea of what to do.

I got an Incredibles loot bag and filled it with some miscellaneous Incredibles stuff, like an Incredibles ring, pencil, an Incredibles plastic cup, etc. I added some cashews, red licorice, Road and Track Magazine, just stuff that he might like.

I wrote a note letting him know just how "Incredible" I thought that he was and let him know that my thoughts and prayers were with him.

Pretty simple, just saying get well with a little added zip!

Blush Dots and Stripes

I love this pattern! Not just because of the great colors, pink and brown, but because it sooo versatile! When my girlfriend happened to mention that she was having a luncheon for her son's fiance and family (girls only!), I offered to pick up some party stuff for her. (You could also use the pattern for baby shower tableware.)

I had Blush Dots and Stripes tableware in mind, because its perfect for anything "Girly". I chose the "Dots" luncheon napkin and the "Stripes" 7" dessert plate and mixed it with plastic 10" plates and 12oz. cups in our solid "New Pink". I like mixing the patterns with the solids because it shows off the pattern better and gives more impact. I added some balloon bouquets in pinks and brown, M&M's (in the "magic colors" of course), with some of our little 4" clear hard plastic decorative dessert bowls (for the M&Ms)to place strategically around the room (so everyone could get to the treats!).

A pink feather boa for the future bride and just for extra fun a tiara (because who is more special than the bride to be?!?).

This pattern would also be perfect for a baby shower, a bridal shower, girls Bunko night, Mother's Day luncheon, book club...see why I love it?!?

Easy Gift Wrapping

I'm so excited because I've recently discovered the simplest, best looking way to prepare a gift for any occassion!

I start by choosing a white box to fit the gift I'm giving. You can use any color of box just make sure it is nice looking and that it matches the ribbon you choose because the box will show.

Then I choose the best color of simply sheer ribbon for the occassion. Sometimes I choose two colors like at Christmas time I would maybe use a red and a gold.

-simply sheer ribbon comes in all colors
-7/8 in x 25 yds.

Next I choose a great color of wraphia to match like gold or oatmeal to match the red and gold simply sheer ribbon.

-wraphia is available in all colors
-100 yds. long

Then I match all my ribbons up and tie them around the box then twist them into a t to go around the other way. The simply sheer ribbon is sheer (hence the name) ha ha so it looks great overlapping just make sure it's laying flat.

Tie a simple bow (like you'd tie your shoe)at the top using all of the ribbons. Last cut the ribbon ends together so they all match up nicely and evenly for a fantastic finished look!

Fiesta Tablesetting!

With Cinco De Mayo right around the corner now's the time to FIESTA! I have so much fun decorating for Cinco De Mayo because the colors are so bright and cheerful. This year I used the Serape patterned tableware and added my favorite solid colors from that pattern.

Start by taking a metallic royal blue tableskirt and appy it around the table. Take a carribean blue tablecover and put it on the table over the tableskirt. A serape tablecover can be used as the tablerunner. Just leave it folded like a tablerunner and run it down the center of the table the long way.

Set the table with Yellow sunshine paper or plastic 10 inch plates.
And use serape patterned 7 " inch plates as your dessert or salad plates. Then use serape luncheon size napkins. For cups and cuttlery I used 16 oz. yellow sunshine cups and yellow sunshine forks and knives.

Remember you can change sizes of tableware to fit your party.


Pinatas are great for decorating too! Use them as a centerpiece.

Crepe paper is a great way to incorporate more color. Hang it from doorways or from a chandelier.

Ideas for Decorating the Wedding Get-a-way Car

Some of my best memories of my friends weddings are of decorating the the get-a-way car. I always had a blast teaming up with the groomsmen to sabotage the newly-weds car. This wedding tradition is an activity for wedding guests of all ages.

Here are some of my wedding car decorating ideas:

Try using white and silver window paint on the side and rear windows.. use the white to write "just married" or their names. Then, use silver to shadow the white. This creates the perfect "wedding look."
Crepe paper streamers can be draped from the rear view mirror or hung from the back bumper along with balloons. In addition to hanging balloons it's also fun to fill the whole car with just married balloons. -This brings a lot of laughs to watch the newly-weds try to get into their car.
Just married window clings are great for the side and rear window.

Pull bows are perfect for the door handles. They're easy to assemble. Just pull the string. -an easy way to make your car decorating job look classy.
Just married banners can be put all over the car along with decorated wedding toilet paper.

White tissue bells look great hung from the bumper or attached to door handles.

Because I think an original decorating job is a lot more fun I put together Zurchers Wedding Car Kit, making it possible for you to have the original decorating look without taking all the time(and it's inexpensive!!). You could also purchase a manufactured wedding car decorating kit.... but I don't think it's as fun. See each kit to see exactly what they include.

Imagine the surprise of the wedding couple when they find their car totally decorated as they leave the wedding party!

Perfect Princess Party Ideas

Princess parties are always a huge hit for little princesses and their prince and princess friends, I'm going to help you to make your princess party the very best. Here are some tips...

First... choose your theme. Fairy-tale Princesses is the most popular because it includes six princesses. Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Jasmine.

Second... Pick your favorite colors from that pattern to bring out. Most princess themes come in very girlie colors like pastel pink and lavender. Try adding different shades of pink and purple. solid colored plates, cups or napkins are a great way to bring these colors in and a great way to save money. Latex balloon bouquets are a fantastic way to add color and we carry princess mylars to match (mylar balloons are not on our website but please call me for choices and prices). Solid colored tulle spools are a great to drape from banisters or chandeliers or to tie a bow to each chair.

Third... choose your accessories. There are endless accessories and favors to go with the princess theme such as centerpieces, invitations, thank yous, plates, cups napkins etc.

Don't forget the wearable accessories...

tiaras

feather boas

rings

fake eyelashes

hair glitter

Fourth... choose the space you are going to decorate. Scene setters are large sheets of decorated plastic to cover large walls like a gymnasium, garage, classroom or any other room. Scene setters are a very inexpensive way to cover a large area (scene setters are not on our website so call me for description and prices).

Fifth... Activities are a very important part of a party. Kiss the Frog is a fun game for children. Its played like Pin the Tail on the Donkey but instead you pin the kiss to the frog.We also carry pinatas and pinata fillers.

Sixth... Favors are a necessity. Organza favor pouches come in girlie colors and are the perfect size at 3"x 4" to hold any princess party candies like m&ms, or jelly beans. Rings for their little fingers are another idea. There are many other favor choices with the birthday Fairy-tale Princess theme.

When little princes are invited to the party they won't feel left out... crowns and swords are a great way for them to feel included. A dragon pinata will really catch their attention.

Uses for Colored Organza Favor Pouches

Scatter sunshine with organza favor pouches! These 3"x4", drawstring bags come in a wide variety of colors so they can be used for any occassion.

When filled with candy such as jordan almonds, m&ms, or jelly beans they make a perfect take home gift for a wedding or baby shower. Use them for wedding favors, birthday party favors, bridge party favors...you get the idea.

I like to use these favor bags for gifts. Fill with a friend's favorite candy and leave on the doorstep for a "get well" or "thank-you" wish. Send them to school for a teacher appreciation gift. Use them for your random acts of kindness...keep some of these bags on hand, ready to fill and deliver!

colors available:

pink, light blue, blue, lavender, yellow, silver, mauve, gold, white, ivory, red, green, sage, purple, black

Personalize A Lifesize Standup

Is there a friend or a loved one who can't make it to your wedding or event? Or someone you'd like to roast at a party? Here's a way to make it appear as if they were in attendance. Whether you want their presence for pictures or just for fun... this is an idea for you! Lifesize standups can easily be personalized to look like a family member or friend. Start by choosing the lifesize standup character that best fits your event.

Next have a picture enlarged of the face of the person you are trying to duplicate to fit the original face on the standup. Then attach the picture of the face you've enlarged to cover the face on the standup. Now you have a full sized look-alike of your friend or loved one to stand in at the party!

Used For

Any event or wedding where a family member or friend cannot attend.

A gag such as an over the hill birthday party or retirement party.

Pictures! Use a personalized standup when a person is not available for family or group photos.

Examples

A President Bush standup is a perfect way to include a son in a family wedding picture. Attach the photo over Pres. Bush's face and your son will be wearing a formal suit for the picture!

Fabio with his shirt off is great for an over the hill party. Turn your aging husband into a ladies man with an amazing body! ...your guests will love this one.

How to Create A Great Tablesetting at A LOW Price

First Choose Your Party's Theme

1. Baby Shower


2. Bridal Shower


3. Casino Night


4. Mardi Gras


5. Children's Birthday

....Just to name a few.

That is the first step! After you've chosen your party's theme you need to pick your favorite pattern within the theme. The next step is when you start to save money. Look at your pattern and choose the color you most want to stand out. Then use that color to choose solid color tableware. By mixing and matching solid color tableware with your pattern you will be able to emphasize certain colors and make your table look great... all while saving money!

Benefits of the mix-and-match

Solid colored tableware is less expensive then patterns and will prevent your table from looking too busy or chaotic.

Example:

Rather than using the your pattern for your tablecover, cups, plates, napkins, and centerpiece mix it up by using a solid colored tablecover and tableskirt with a solid colored placemat. Then bring the pattern in with your plates and napkins or the other way around.

This simple technique will look great and save you a lot of money.

How to Decorate With Streamers!

Streamers are an awesome and inexpensive way to decorate. Hopefully I will be able to give you some new and creative ideas that will help you make your next party a little more original.

Types of Streamers

• 81' Crepe Paper Streamers


• 500' Crepe Paper Streamer


• Shiny Streamers 60'


• Foil Crepe Streamer 60'

Ways to Decorate Using Streamers

The classic is the Crepe Paper streamer. These are great because you can cover a large amount of area and add a lot of color without spending a lot of money. My favorite thing to do with these is put two colors together and twist the streamers before I hang them. This is an easy way to set your party apart from the others. This adds a 3-dimensional look and allows you to see both colors from all angles.

Choose a focal point in the room. Then take multiple streamers and attach them to that point. Take each streamer and connect it to random places in your room. This is a great way to draw attention to an object or even the birthday person (you can even try making the birthday chair the focal point). Using this technique is also great for pinata parties. Hanging your pinata from the focal point is a great way of making your pinata seem larger and more exciting.

Places to Hang Streamers

• From your banister


• From your chandelier


• From wall-to-wall


• From the special guest of honor's chair


• Over a door way