I’m delighted to introduce you to a local Chicago woman who is doing some fabulous and unique things to help people celebrate special occasions or take business branding ‘Up a Notch’. She ships her personalized party favors across the country in creative wrapping, and in this post Kiran Ansari offers tips on how to really bring life to ‘Eid parties this year.
Decorative, Customized Party Favors by Up A Notch
With an ounce of planning and a dash of creativity, you can turn an ordinary Eid gathering into an Eidpalooza for the children – and rightly so. Growing up in countries where they see such a hoopla surrounding Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Halloween, our children are entitled to have some fun on Eid instead of being dragged from one house to another where they are plopped in front of the television in the basement.
Throwing a great Eid party does not need to be extravagant or over the top, and technically it shouldn’t be as it would contradict with the spirit of Eid that marks the end of a month of fasting or the completion of Hajj.
Gone are the days when a bunch of immigrant families got together at a park to celebrate Eid. Second and third generation American Muslims want to add a little pizzazz to their celebrations and here are five ways you can add that oomph.
1. Pick a Theme
Pick a theme for the Eid party as early as possible so that you have all your ducks in a row before Ramadan. You could go with the classic moon theme by decorating the home with crescent string lights, cutting up fruit, sandwiches and brownies with crescent cookie cutters and jazz up goody bags and table covers with crescent rubber stamps or punches. You could also choose décor with simple geometric designs or learn about a new country like Morocco or Turkey to put a twist on your Eid party. Since Eid does not translate into any one specific color, you can choose from a wide palette of colors.
2. Create Save the Date Invites
Send your neighbors and friends invites to your ‘Eid party by wrapping a box of dates. You get the reward for sharing dates for Iftar plus they remember the date of your party.
3. Put An ‘Eid Spin on Party Games
Try out Pin the Dome on the Masjid, Bingo with Arabic numbers or a scavenger hunt with Eid-themed things (like henna, masjid, presents) as creative ways to take party games to another level.
4. Make Centerpieces and Décor
Even if you are not planning a huge bash, decorating the home with the kids for ‘Eid helps keep the spirit of ‘Eid alive and makes the fun last longer. Look for paper flowers to make at your local craft store or watch videos on YouTube on how you can use duct tape or recycled materials to decorate the home. Simple streamers and “Eid countdown” paper chains can keep kids busy during Ramadan and make them look forward to ‘Eid.
5. Give out Party Favors
No party is complete without the kids taking home a goody bag full of tiny toys and candy. Take your ‘Eid party favors Up A Notch this year by personalizing the wrappers with your children’s or family’s names. It’s also a cost effective and creative way to share ‘Eid with neighbors, classmates, coworkers and just about anyone.
The objective of throwing an Eid party is not about how expensive your china is or how elaborate the menu was. It’s about celebrating with loved ones and creating memories for your kids. After all, isn’t that what ‘Eid is all about?
ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY!
You could win 25 candy bar wrappers (or 50 mini wrappers) with YOUR name or personal message. Choose from scores of designs on the Facebook page. Shipped free anywhere in the United States. Questions? Contact: upanotch.favors@gmail.com
To enter, please read our Official Giveaway Guidelines page first then add a relevant comment answering the question posed below and Like the Up A Notch Facebook page at www.facebook.com/takeitupanotch in order to be entered. *Entering indicates you have read the guidelines. Giveaway ends at 12:01 am on August 11, 2012.
What is the one way you are doing ‘Eid different than you or your family have done in the past? If this is your first ‘Eid, how are you planning to make it special?
The post 5 Ways to Host an ‘Eidpalooza appeared first on My Halal Kitchen| Recipes by Yvonne Maffei