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But hey we need to do a lot of planning before we get into a party.
If its a kids party, and overall a theme party things need to be carefully planned.
Earlier this month i attended a party thrown in by a friend and it was so well planned. So here are a few quick thoughts on some themes for various parties.

SOME HERE ARE SOME PARTY THEMES:
A Cartoon Gala Party
This theme can cover your kids favourite cartoon be it Tom & Jerry or Power puff Girls. This theme offers some ready to use material form markets all over to make it a fun party.Cakes come in many forms, so go grab a Toms face, Mickeys Mouse or simply some cartoons.Party materials likes - party hats, whistles, soap bubble machine in various forms and sizes, throw away ballons, etc add to the party decor for kids age party.

Invites - could be a puzzle of all cartoons or a set of playing cards with cartoons themes or some cartoon friendship bands

SAILORS DELIGHT
Here's a fun theme, if your kid likes boating or loves to be a sailor this theme to has many varity of options to choose from. The fun elements in decor can be sand, water, water guns, sailors dress code, rings, anchor, nets, boats and ships, shells, etc. Colours - white - blue - ofwhites can be the colours used with a dash of red.
Cake - can be in a shape of a boat or beach theme. Games - there can be a treasure hunt to add to the occasion. Invites - can be in form of a messenger rolled into a glass tube.

MONSOON MAGIC
This theme is just apt if your kid is celebrating his/ her bday between june to august. The ideal theme for any outdoor venue. Colours - bright palette to suite the occasion, blue ofcourse with dash of pink, yellow, reds. Decor - hanging umbrellas of various sizes, some sprinklers in the garden (if you have a beautiful garden) hang lanterns or tea lights, make nice tea light holders in various colours and shapes.
Kids can come in with rain wear - gumboots, raincoats, umbrellas hats etc...
Food - you can serve some hot stuff or keep the street food theme kinds or have things like cookies, ckaes, icecreme floats etc to add the touch of some bright foods in the monsoon. Games can revolve around shooting the balloons or fishing
Invites can be very innovative with some colourful watercolours used as background and some bold typo.

Similarly theme can be made into a KALEIDOSCOPE PARTY for your teens 18th b'day or for a HOUSEWARMING party

Some more kids theme party themes are: Jungle / George of the jungle, National leaders, Fairy tael - king or queen theme with ribbons on trees, paper crowns etc

For some traditional occasions in India here are some bright fun ideas:

1. Housewarming party
In India, owning or buying a new house is a big occasion, especially if its within the family here all would come in to shower their blessings. If its a big occasion with many family members attending the big day, having a theme that suites all ages would be good but importantly keeping it simple. You could focus on simple ideas like flower decor - rangolis, garlands, table arrangements, invites etc can be thematic or colour coded with various local flowers. timing are majour issues in such occasions so ideally keep it open day party - as the themes says it guests can flow in as per their convenience... but if space is an issue keep it divided in time and groups over a weeks period for everyones convenience and you to would require soem time to arrange for all things in the new house. Dont forget your neighbours for this occasion a good start to socialise with them. If the couple is young even an rearranging party is a good theme you would get a hand for some help around daily chores, you could ask them for a sleep over and also have some great decor ideas shared while you put your house in place. If you want to say a special thank you to your dear ones you could gift theme some cookies wrapped in a basket or some homebaked cakes or muffins.

For the other side of the party - especially if you are attending such ocaasions its always good to gift a small memorable thing that reminds the owners of your presence to their joyous occasion. You could co-ordinate with all friends or famil members together to contribute and gift something special, you dnt want the house owners to have something they would nt have space for right? So pick something thoughtful like a nameplate - its always nice to have a decorative simple nameplate for a house. its always good to even check if the owners need something or if you have any ideas whats the theme or colours used int he house are and accordingly gift them some cool things. To keep it simple you can carry some home cooked food for the occasion - cookies, pickles, share a recipe book (handmade like a scrap book with all family recipes and some sweet notes).

2. Newly weds
Now heres an occasion that requires a lot of effort many a times in the year. I am sure everyones has weddings to attend be it friends or relatives or colleagues. But the family throwing such a party is always on their toes weeks before the big day. to keep it simplle you can make your party colour coded - a set of 2 or even a colour can be choosen eg: Violets - everythng form decor to invites to flowers to cutlery can be mixed matched in shades of violets. If the guest know the theme in advance (many invites would state it previously) then gifting something similar works or just carry some flowers they say alot, i mean they smell so good...:)

Weddings in India can be more or less traditional depending on the venue, if its a Rajasthan or Kerala wedding make sure traditional attire is adhered to - you dont want to be left out of the crowd on such a day. you will blend well if its in similar lines. Sarees or Kurtas work best. If its a more modern setting like in Mumbai or Delhi opt for some rich embroidery work traditional wear for a wedding or some simple rich classic cuts for an evening wear occasion.

Gifts for such occasions should not be rushed into, i mean who says gifts have to reach same day same time. Mostly people would say 'no gift only blessings' or something simialr on their invites, but its best to atleast keep such occasions out of the list. I firmly believe small functions can be a good option to be away from gifting, big occasions are sometimes looked back and rememebred by people who have attended or memories they have lefft behind and gifts are memories for many. The ideal way to handover the gifts for such occasions are to vist the couple prior to the wedding week and share a small tet-e tea. This will also give you an opportunity to help your friends and relatives in some last minute chores for the function.

The big question is what to gift, well if its your friend - its easy be direct ask them what they like or ask your friend to make a list of things he would like and you could gift her something she would loved. If its your colleague, its always best to opt for some good store vouchers for the house or some famous store they could enjoy shopping together. What adds value to such occasion is when you know the couple is moving into a new house - so best give them something that suites their taste for their house - bedding sets, bathing accessories, home decor vouchers etc. If the couple is moving outstation its always good to keep the gift small and simple - some good accessories would also help like watches for the couple. Though such occasions are highly explored by cutlery market and the wedding couple would get lots of gifts around this, its ideal to choose witin this set as well. eg: butter and cheese spreads glasswear, juice dispenser with glasses, openers set (this is great help in the kitchen)... these will ensure they are used and not many have repeat sets of each.

3. Godh-bharayee
Post marriage one would celebrate this occasion within some years. Another big occasion as part of the Indian traditions. So what should i gift my bhabhi or my sis on this occasion? Now here is your chance to do some wishful thinking. A celebration for mom and the baby. some pampering gifts are always welcomed... some good maternity clothes you have lots of brands having a good range in india from mothercare to marks and spencers. Anything from light jackets or accessories for the period are good gifts. but nothing can beat some sets of good reading books on pregnancy or exercises for preganacy, some cook books for healthy eating, some post delivery knowledge gainers can hunt for CDs that help train a new mom. Music CDs or shlokas recited that help calm a person are available in plenty in the market. Though its occasionally a ladies gatheirng many themes can be combined with dance and muci for such occasions. This occasion has to be streamlined and planned. Take lots of pictures... post delivery they can be some sweet memories on walls to. plan some fun games - throw a diaper game, passing the parcel, jackpot - with lots of baby kiddy things.If you are throwing a party ensure the food is home cooked and simple. You can hire a chef or keep a cook option in hand to help you fix a good menu on cards for such occasion. A surprise is always good, but keep it simple, not too hectic, convenient - place & time, clean and more so suitable to the to be mommy's schedule (ensuring she catches on her afternoon sleep and regular meals)

Post delivery gifts ideas can be planned depending if its a boy or girl or twins. Colous can be many bt blue for boys and pink for girls are always suitable. Big balloons to decorate the mommy and baby with a warm welcome is ideal. NO MUSIC PLEASE is the golden rule. Take lots of pictures. you can go out of your way with some simple messages on many items like cutlery, bathing sets, cribs..you could even hand-paint and add a fresh factor to the old family crib as a gift from all.

For all the occasions i will keep adding to this post.