More Than Stars & Stripes

As you begin prepping your 4th of July celebration think beyond stars and stripes.

Guests can cool down with Baskin-Robbins' seasonal treat America's Birthday Cake ice cream cake. It's my favorite indulgence next to Snickerdoodles. (I also have a soft spot for BR since it was my first job).

Party City is having an AMAZING sale on summer party items. You can get 24 plastic forks and knives for $0.99 or coordinating napkins like these polka dot napkins (also available in baby blue).

Candy Coated Celebrations

Want to throw a super shindig for your sweetie? Celebrate a candy lover? Try some of these party inspirations to make your party a Wrightful celebration! 

You can definitely make your guests feel like they are walking into a candy store with this colorful wreath made out of balloons!

HowDoesShe.com has instructions for creating this crafty and affordable accessory. You can use it as a door accessory or a wall decoration.

Hang a colorful Pier 1 paper lantern with matching lanterns in various colors to transform an ordinary room into Willy Wonka's candy (or was it a chocolate) factory.

Celebrate Michael Jackson's Life

It is hard to believe that it has been a year since Michael Jackson's passing. If you have you want to pay homage to the King of Pop check out some of these party-starting ideas below.

Photo Credit: Vintage Blue

IT"S ALL ABOUT THE GLOVE! 
This was a signature part of Jackson's look and persona. Instead of wearing it, incorporate it into party decor. Use it in a centerpiece along with a fedora, sunglasses and black dancing shoes alongside a framed picture of Michael Jackson.

FILLERS  & THRILLERS
Shake up your party by hosting a Thriller dance contest. Play the music and see who can recreate the choreography from the legendary video best. Party goers can serve as judges.Whoever wins gets crowned as the "King (or Queen) of Party"! Use the same concept to see who's the best moonwalker!

MJ JAMS:
Any tribute to the music icon would not be complete without playing some of his hits. His music spans decades and transcends generations. You should have no problem finding "Best of...", "#1s", and covers of his greatest hits. Here's some of my fave MJ songs:

• "Man in the Mirror"
• "Music & Me"
• "Butterflies"
• "P.Y.T."
• "Will You Be There"
• "Heaven Can Wait"
• "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough"
• (and of course) "Thriller"

What are your favorite MJ tunes?