Okay, you’ve watched Simon tear contestants to pieces over crappy renditions of popular songs. You’ve tuned in to see Randy tell people “That was just a’ight dawg,” and to see Paula…well, be Paula. Have you considered having an American Idol party for a few close friends?

I love the idea of an American Idol party. There are lots of different paths you could take when planning your party: An American Idol birthday party or theme party, a screening where you watch the show and set up your TV room, American Idol karaoke…I was kind of surprised when a friend told me she was theming her next cocktail party this way, and asked all her guests to show up as either judges or contestants. It was pretty funny to see a room full of Simon’s walking around, seems like every guy there came as him!

I can’t believe the show keeps on going, and going…each season we all tune in to see who will be the next big star. What better way to celebrate than to turn your next to-do into an American Idol party? I’m thinking about it once the new season comes on. I wasn’t such a fan of this year’s season, but hopefully the next one will be better.

So, if you decide to throw an American Idol party, here are a few tips (courtesy of my friend):

Send American Idol party invitations to get guests in the spirit: I would suggest around two weeks before the party. Any earlier, and people could forget. Any later, and they may have already made plans. Make sure you give them all the details: should they dress up? Should they bring a small gift to give as a prize for an American Idol competition?

Get creative. My friend set up a few different areas: one for singers who wanted to be in the spotlight and be “judged” by Randy, Paula and Simon. But, for those who are shy or don’t want to sing, make sure you have lots of activities – an American Idol pinata, or the TV show going so people can just hang out and watch instead of participating.

Test your American Idol party equipment! My friend was smart and did a test run of the karaoke machine and DVD player beforehand, just to make sure everything was working correctly.

Santa Costumes

The king of all costumes is the Santa Claus outfit, and there is no shortage of them online and in costume shops.

You can find complete Santa Claus sets at costume shops that include the red Santa suit, white beard, and wire-rimmed glasses. If you have a little one, look for baby Santa costumes before you hit your next theme party.

Mrs. Claus Costumes

Add to the ensemble of Christmas costumes with Mrs. Claus. There are a few variations of Mrs. Claus costumes. One is traditional, with a long dress, white bun, bonnet, and small wire-framed glasses. Sexy Mrs. Claus costumes are popular as well: a short, dress, a garter belt and white fishnet stockings.

Don’t forget elf costumes, and reindeer costumes – with Rudolph, of course. Make sure when you’re buying any costume that it’s made of breathable cotton – you don’t want to be overheated and itchy throughout the entire Christmas party.

Religious Christmas Costumes

Religious Christmas costumes are usually for a pageant, play or nativity scene. You can find Mary and Joseph costumes, wiseman robes, and angel costumes and wings. You can also buy religious costume props, such as plastic animals (unless you decide to go with living, breathing donkeys and sheep)! and brightly-wrapped gifts for the wisemen to carry.

Angel Costumes

Angel costumes are especially adorable for babies and kids, and can be practical as well – they can be reused at Halloween. Angel costumes range from the simple: a white bodysuit and wings made of netting, to the complex: white tulle, sparkling silver halos, and wings made of feathers.

Christmas Tree Costumes

A Christmas tree costume is fun and lighthearted, and can be homemade from green felt and hot glue, or bought from a costume shop. Decorate yourself with strands of tinsel and colorful ribbon, hang small Christmas ornaments or even look for battery-operated twinkle lights so you can light up your next Christmas party.

No matter which Christmas costume you choose, opt for a higher quality outfit as a cheap suit is going to be itchy, hot, and no fun at all. Look for breathable cotton and other materials that will let you be comfortable during this holiday season.

Check out this great blog on Christmas family safety blog post for info on safety.

Get a long, blonde wig. You don’t want light blonde, more like a sandy colour. It should be wavy, so either buy one or pick up a straight one that you can style at home with a curling iron.

Wear a plain black robe. You can add gloves, a hat, and a winter cloak as well, as she often wears these. You can find authentic Gryffindor robes and ties online to complete the Hermione costume, or try and create the Gryffindor crest yourself at home. Wear a plain white dress shirt underneath. I’ve seen some really nice Gryffindor scarves in scarlet and gold, also available online.

You need a Hermione Granger costume wand. For an authentic “Prisoner of Azkhaban” look, wear an hourglass necklace around your neck. As an added touch, you can carry around some books, either in your arms or a book bag. Hermione loves to study!

Here are some enlightened costume ideas to consider:

Priest Costume

For a priestly look, wear a long robe and white collar. Carry a Bible and accessorize with a rosary around your neck. The priest costume is a great last minute idea, and you can pair with a nun costume for an easy couple’s theme.

Monk Costume

The monk costume is also super easy to put together. Find a brown robe, add a cross around your neck, and carry a Bible. Add a wig with a bald spot or some round glasses, if you want to make it a bit more unique.

Nun Costume

The nun costume has a few different looks: traditional robe and nun’s cap. There are adult nun costumes that have a much shorter skirt and sexy black top.

Reverend Costume

The reverend costume is a religious costume similar to the monk or priest, but you can get a little more colourful with this one. Opt for a purple or red robe and a white sash around the neck to be a gregarious Southern minister. Don’t forget to ask people if you can get an Amen as you make your way around the Halloween party.

Buddha Costume

Be like Buddha this year, by wearing a golden one-piece tunic (don’t forget to add stuffing for a big belly). Paint your face gold or wear a gold face mask. Wear a bald cap. You can add some fun with the “Rub Me” Buddha costume – a burgundy robe and “Rub Me” in big letters on your stomach.

Adam and Eve Costumes

Most Adam and Eve costumes come with a flesh-coloured bodysuit, with fake leaves to cover your private bits. For an Eve costume, wear a long, flowing wig and a floral headpiece. You can buy Adam costume wigs, or use your natural hair.

There you have it, some religious costume ideas. Really, you could take any Bible character or religious figure you like and make it your own.

Thanksgiving Table Decorations

Set up your Thanksgiving table with an autumn theme. Place silk leaves around a centerpiece of gold, yellow and red flowers. Or, opt for a fun turkey themed setup – a paper turkey decoration surrounded by turkey-shaped confetti. Fall is a time of rich, deep colours, so use berries, candles, and flowers that are vibrant and really reflect the season.

Don’t forget a Thanksgiving tablecloth and napkin set. You can buy Thanksgiving decor kits, or find colourful table accessories online or in stores.

You can also make placecards for your guests by folding small squares of paper and writing their names on them, decorating with stickers or small flowers and leaves.

Thanksgiving Decorations for the Home

You can buy a cornucopia – a horn-shaped basket where you place fruits, nuts and vegetables of the season. A cornucopia is a traditional part of Thanksgiving history, and can be placed on the table or around the home.

Use things like pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, and berries in the entranceway to your home. Set pretty baskets up filled with them on end tables and in corners. Buy yellow or gold lights and twine them through plants inside the home, or on bushes and trees outside. Use rich fabrics – wine coloured velvet, gold brocade, earth-toned cotton – to tie bows on baskets or to line baskets.

Get creative and make a warm, Thanksgiving-themed home with Thanksgiving decorations this year!

Want to get in costume this year? Read our post on Thanksgiving costumes.

One thing that can reduce your stress is to buy a birthday party kit. Basically, it will come with things like decorations, plastic cups, plates, and cutlery, a tablecloth, centerpieces, invitations, candles, confetti…there are numerous types of birthday party kits out there.

The cost for a birthday party kit is anywhere from about $19.99 to $40.00, which is really reasonable when you consider the time it would take to pull everything together yourself! The cost involved would likely work out to be much more than that if you tried to put the pieces together. There are a lot of different types to choose from, so whether your child wants a Disney princess party or a pirate themed birthday, you can easily find a kit to match.

Did you know that a high quality, brand new mascot costume can run you over $5,000? You may not have to worry if the school or organization is taking care of the cost, however, it pays to look around before you buy. Cost is also dependent on whether you sketch mascot costume designs and get a custom made character, or whether you purchase a ready-made getup.

Cooling systems are really important. Jumping and dancing around in a mascot costume is hot work! Many come with cooling systems installed within, however, some don’t. However, you can find mascot accessories like cooling vests and fans to install.

Finally, set up a routine to keep the costume clean. Don’t neglect regular mascot maintenance and cleaning. There are companies that will professionally clean your mascot costume, and even store it when it’s not in use.

Harry Potter Costume

You’ll need a black robe – the easily recognizable Gryffindor Robe, available at any costume shop. Or, hunt for a long black robe at a thrift store. Underneath the robe, put on a plain white dress shirt. It can be short or long sleeved, as only the collar and top button or two will show from the robe.

You’ll need a red and gold Gryffindor tie for your Harry Potter costume, but you can always just buy a gold one and colour red lines on it with a fabric pen or regular marker.

Accessorize your Harry Potter costume with a black wand, a pair of round glasses, and a broomstick. Write “Firebolt” on the broomstick with a black marker.

Harry’s hair is easy to recreate: if you have short, brown hair, you’re set. Otherwise, opt for a short wig, or temporary hair dye to change your locks. For makeup, draw a lightning scar on your forehead.

Alice Cullen Makeup

The trick to the Cullen look is a pale face. Put on very light foundation, concealer if needed, and dust with powder. Eyeshadow should be purple and shimmery. Put on some black or grey eyeliner under your eyes, and a very thin line on top. You can even dust a little of the purple eyeshadow underneath, but don’t overdo it. Use lip gloss or lipstick that is a dark berry pink or red.

If you want to complete the makeup look, you can get Twilight contacts from a costume shop, or your optometrist. You can go for gold coloured contacts, or the black ones she sometimes wears.

Alice Cullen Costume

Which look are you going for? A long dress with beading, covered with a cardigan is a good choice. For the Alice Cullen school outfit, find a white, ruffly blouse with a navy blue vest. You can create the Cullen crest or buy one to put on it. Alice’s family is old fashioned, with lots of dark colours. Unlike Rosalie Hale, Alice is not flashy, so while she wears nice clothes, she is not as style-conscious. Accessorize your Alice Cullen costume with a black choker.

Alice Cullen Costume Hair

Alice has a really unique haircut: very dark, cut in a pixie style. If you have short hair, you can use spray-in dye that is temporary. The easiest thing to do is to look for a black wig.

I’m having a hard time finding Twilight costumes on sites that are already put together. However, you can Shop for the best costumes, wigs and outfits at BuyCostumes.com and put it together yourself.

So, if you don’t have naturally blonde, long hair, you’ll need a Sookie costume wig.

Rosalie Hale Makeup

Your skin needs to be ethereally pale, which can be accomplished by priming with a light foundation. Use a makeup sponge to gently brush and blend it into your skin, and finish with a light powder.

Your eyeshadow can be brown or gray, or plum, with mascara on your lashes. Use berry-tinted lip gloss to complete the Twilight makeup look.

One of the most important parts of the Rosalie Hale costume is gold contacts. Rosalie’s eyes are really gold, so find costume contacts or even disposable coloured contacts from an optometrists office.

Rosalie Hale Costume Clothing

Do you want to go as formal Rosalie or casual? Either way, she’s a great dresser and always looks stylish. For a casual look, wear black or dark blue skinny jeans, a tight black or red tank top, and a dark coloured or gray fitted blazer. Don’t forget the black high heels and cream coloured scarf.

If you want to go as glamourous Rosalie Hale, you could wear her prom outfit. For Bella’s prom, she wore a dark red dress with a mermaid tail bottom, and a low neckline that went down to her waist! Obviously, this is very dependent on what you are allowed to wear, and if your Rosalie Hale costume is going to the office or to a theme party.

I’m having a hard time finding Twilight costumes on sites that are already put together. However, you can Shop for the best costumes, wigs and outfits at BuyCostumes.com and put it together yourself.