Tag it "TN Fashion"

Win a pair of designer jeans!

Find out more about the contest

entertaining - recommendations by tatorandtots

All items tagged entertaining

tatorandtots' entertaining recommendations

Viewing 1-13 of 13

Dazian Fabric Collection for Your Next Party

Updated Jul 2, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

How do you transform a 12,000 sq ft unfinished building into a multi-level simulated New York City on a limited budget in two weeks? Several late nights, a ladder and yards and yards of clearance-priced theatrical grade (flame retardant to pass fire code) fabric staple-gunned to the walls for a start. And a lot of cocktails for energy. It was actually kind of fun.

So imagine what YOU could do to your basement, garage, living room or whatever space you have that is in need of a little "somethin' somethin'" for the amazing party you plan on throwing.

The whole fabric genre is, in my opinion, a very underutilized decor category for home events. People spend more on- pardon the phrase- absolute crap they find in the "party supply" stores (which subsequently gets thrown out after) than they would have to if they instead grabbed some theatrical fabric and a few good lights. Not only does it deliver far more bang for the buck and cover a much greater area in your party blueprint but it can also be REUSED over and over in different ways. And just imagine your friends' reactions when they walk into your beige living room only to discover walls of deep red silk instead that night.

Check out the prices per yard in the Dazian clearance section, to get an idea. For far less than you would pay for most traditional banquet table length tablecloths, for example, you could buy even more sumptuous, elaborate fabrics from a theatrical supply source AND glass table tops from your local home improvement store to protect them.

Planning a wedding? Consider buying your OWN table coverings instead of renting. You'll get years of use out of them after.

Need new drapes? Aside from just perusing the fabric category here, make your way to the "Used Drapes" link where you may find gorgeous velvet drapes for a fraction of the price you would normally pay.

Decorating a room in your house? Or for one of your kids? You can scoop up some gorgeous silks in amazing tones and shades, take a staple gun and simply make a little pleat every several inches as you attach it to the wall. The effect is stunning. Simply stunning.

I tend to buy flame-retardant fabrics or if they aren't already certified that way, I grab a jug of the spray found on these sites and do it myself. Just takes a few minutes.

Have a look around and see what you think. I bet you'll be inspired.

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Message in a Bottle bottles

Updated Jul 2, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

Ok, it's summer. You need to have a party. Really. You do.

And to show everyone how fabulous you are before they even arrive, here's an ultracool and inexpensive invite idea. Grab a case or two of these bottles and swing by your local craft store for packs of teeny beach balls and/or paper cocktail umbrellas. Pick up a bag of sand and some cute computer stationary (they even make some with burned-out edges, like a pirate scroll). Voila. You're already cool and they haven't even sampled your ham roll.

FYI- there are a lot of fun twists on the treasure map theme for this.
FYI #2- get extras and fill them creatively- like vertical dioramas- to use as table decor
FYI #3- for party entertainment, set up a "craft table" with these, sand and a variety of fun and funky fillers for them. It's a great keepsake for your guests to take home. To remember, once again, that you are a fabulous host/hostess.

And you can get these with boxes, too. Hand-deliver the invites or just swing by the post office. They're quite inexpensive to send- just remember to not go all-out crazy with the sand if you're mailing them due to the weight. As with most things in life, a few inches will do you. Not all things, mind you. But most.

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Authentic New York Hot Dog Vendor Cart

Updated Jun 12, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I have NO idea what I would do with it but that doesn't seem to stop me from really, really wanting it. Now I just need to find $5500 in the couch cushions to pay for it.

From the site:
This is the authentic hot dog vendor's cart, found on the streets and in the parks of New York City today, continuing the city's robust street food tradition that began in the late 19th century. (via thegreenhead)

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Colored Flame Stainless Steel Table Torch

Updated Jun 11, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

From the site:

You've seen artificial candles with LED lights that glow with different colors... hey we sell a few here at ThinkGeek. But how about torches with honest to goodness real fire that burn in green, red or purple? These Colored Flame Stainless Steel Table Torches forgo the standard boring yellowish fire color in favor of something a bit more interesting. Right out of a wizard's laboratory (or a high school science class lesson), the torches achieve their special color from a combination of various salts and metals that tint the flame when they burn. You get one stainless steel torch, and a 250ml bottle of oil in your color preference... enough for a burning time of 4 hours.

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Tiny Table Tennis

Updated Jan 1, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

There are certain prank gifts that are fun to look at for a minute and then get tossed in a drawer. This gets used. Trust me. This really gets used.

Also great for parties... I like to set up "playtables" all over. You'd be a bit surprised at just how into it people get after a few martinis. No wives have been lost to bad bets yet, but I forsee that happening one of these days....

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

PRO THUMB WRESTLING

Updated Jan 1, 2008

3 people recommended this item

Description

I own two of these. That's how much use they get at parties. There have been actual LINES that have formed to play. I know, I was a little shocked and disturbed too....

Great price for anything from an office party or hostess gift to a back-seat-child-entertainment system.

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Rock Swings- Paul Anka

Updated Jan 1, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

One of my NEW FAVORITE THINGS! Paul Anka- yes, I know, I too was shocked he made my very elusive NFT list as well- doing covers (and good ones!) of such alternative hits as "Mr. Brightside" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit." When I put the latter on my myspace site as the profile song, the response was outstanding.

Toss this in the CD tray at a party and it's a guaranteed showstopper. Just grab your martini and watch as people's expressions change once they begin to realize they recognize the song he's singing. It's like all brain motion stops for a nanosecond while their minds struggle to absorb the dichotomy. Fabulous.

Check out Paul singing "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on YouTube. I don't care what kind of music you usually listen to- hearing Anka croon "Oh no! I know a dirty word!" is titter-worthy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsS811o21-k

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Duel Combat Game

Updated Jan 1, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

Booze, games and waivers releasing you from liability. Now THAT'S a party, I say.

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Party Time Checklist Pad

Updated Jan 1, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I'm one of those ADD-types who always has a million things kickboxing around in my head. So to corral all those thoughts, I've become a fan of spankin' em into a List. Big fan of Lists.

Add to that the fact that I throw a lot of parties and it's easy to see why I love this product. It cuts down on my "Oh look, there goes a chicken" moments of distraction.

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

"Oh Pool Boy".... "Back on the Market".... "Call Me" Cocktail Napkins

Updated Jan 1, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

I pride myself on my ability to make people aspirate cocktails and shoot them out their noses. It's fun and free entertainment for the whole crowd.

Best of all, I've found that it's easy to accomplish by simply accessorizing your soiree well- a few funny napkins can go- and make liquid fly- a long way.

Such are these little delights. "Oh Pool Boy, I'll have another...." Come on, that's just funny. And the "Call Me ( ) .......-........." does double duty as witty AND practical. "Back on the Market" is clever as well.... let's ya be naughty but in a Republican way- ie having something else to blame, albeit something as innocuous as a napkin. (Sorry Elephants, just a little Donkey humor there.)

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

7 Deadly Sins Shatterproof Cups (14 oz)

Updated Dec 31, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Clever. Very clever. I'm a big fan of using party supplies that double as conversation starters. These fit the bill. Clean design, witty... just right.

Also check out alternate sets in different themes on the site...

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Floralytes

Updated Dec 9, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

I can't state this strongly enough- THESE ARE FANTASTIC!!! I have used them for parties at my house, large black-tie galas.... they are one of the quickest and most effective ways to add the "wow" factor to any shindig.

You can order them in many colors and replace the batteries- most importantly you can submerse them in water. You just grab one, twist it to turn on the light and stick it where you want it to go.

If I'm in a rush (when am I not?) and have guests en route, I grab a tall clear vase, stick some water glass rocks and a one or two Floralytes in the bottom and then place one long-stemmed rose in the center. It produces an ethereal glow that immediately sparks comments.

Really, there are thousands of ways to use these in your entertaining lifestyle so my advice is to keep at least a box on hand at all times. LOVE THEM!

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

"for they were whores" Photo Album, Coasters and Card

Updated Jul 2, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

Great vintage black and white photo cover with caption:
"the gals were left alone whilst gary and ronnie went to the boat show. they loved their husbands...and everyone else's too, for they were whores."

I had the coasters out at a ladies' night and must have written down the web site where I got them a dozen times. Lots of retro stuff, lots of laughs.

Another use? A GREAT hostess gift. Either on the front end- ie your Grand Arrival- or, pardon the phrase, the back end- ie a thank you gift. A few years ago I got into the habit of always taking my digital camera to every single party and forcing myself to snap shots. For all the work people put into getting ready for their shindig, they so rarely remember to take the photos they later would love to have had because they're busy 'hostessing.' So you can imagine how well a sassy little album with party shots is received by them- truly, I have had people basically well up with tears when I give them such a thank you gift.

Don't forget to chronicle your own fabulousness as well! Leave those unwieldy photo albums- the kind your mom filled with photos of your summer vacation road trip to Aunt Betty's in Topeka and used as a step-stool to get to the top shelf- in the cupboard and instead stock up on slim, clever little albums to showcase each individual event you have. Then set them out as eye candy and conversation starters at future events. Your guests are bound to find themselves amongst the pages of prior fetes.....

One last tip- Use a sticker or sharpie on the inside cover of each to write down the web site address of where you- in your immense organizational prowess- have uploaded your images. That'll save you the time of following up on the "Oh, can I can a copy of this???" requests you will surely receive. It's a classy way of saying, "Get it your damn self."

My lists that feature this:

I recommend this to people who like:

This Review is:

Give tatorandtots a compliment

Add Friend

Add tatorandtots as a friend

Expert Maven tatorandtots
The Lush Life
MySpace
About me:
As-is. That about describes me. more

Connect with tatorandtots

tatorandtots' entertaining lists

1-4 of 4 Lists

Image of tatorandtots
"For~Play": Party Props & Essential Event Decor
Updated Jul 3, 2008
Don't make the mistake of rushing through 1st, 2nd and 3rd base on your Party Prep To Do List. You may get lucky and still score but no one will go home as satisfied as if you'd put a little time and creativity into it. Throwing a spectacular soiree- whether for 2 or 200- is a lot easier and more cost-effective than you might imagine. Really, it's not hard. (...she writes, giving herself little kisses for sneaking in a naughty pun.....) ~~ ~~ ~~Ready? Let's go.
, , , , ,
Image of tatorandtots
Summer Lovin'
Updated Jul 3, 2008
A list of 'net finds to make your summer fabulous.
, , , , , ,
Image of tatorandtots
Brew-Ha-Has: Fun Stuff for Hittin' the Sauce
Updated Jul 4, 2008
Standing up for your right to get falling down drunk. Random cocktail accessories, party planning flare and gifts for hostesses with the mostess.
, , , , , ,
Image of tatorandtots
Putting the "fun" Into Dysfunctional Holidays
Updated Jul 3, 2008
A trough to collect all the various fun stuff I find for holidays throughout the year....
, , , , ,

1-4 of 4 Lists

ThisNext Information

Copyright ©2005-2008 ThisNext, Inc.