60s party? Halloween party? Birthday party? Whatever your next event…it’s sure to be even more fab with a $250 gift certificate to brilliant FOF biz, Windy City Novelties.
FOF Robby Levy of Windy City Novelties, an event and party goods super-site with everything from custom invitations and personalized banners that you can create, preview and order on the spot to glow products galore.
“I’ve helped out with huge events like the Fiesta Bowl, Super Bowl and New Years Eve at the Mirage in Vegas and Trump Casinos high roller parties,” says Robby. “I love our light-up barware and glow products for events like these. Guests’ faces light up when they see them.”
To enter, comment below and answer this one question: What do you think is the secret to a fun party?
Contest ends Thursday, September 23, 2010 at midnight E.S.T. View all the past FOF winners, here. Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.
0 Responses to “{Giveaway} Win $250 of Party Goods from Windy City Novelties”
Mathias says:
Hi there! This post could not be written any better!
Looking through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He always kept preaching about this. I’ll send this post to him. Fairly certain he’s
going to have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Take a look at my blog; 30th birthday party ideas
sharon910 says:
Would love to have this.
Frasier5 says:
Having the right group of people together, with those who like to try things, with a sense of humor, along with a fun party theme.
palapalaluke says:
The secret to a fun party is the people that attend.
catherinenorris7 says:
The secret to a fun party is getting to know something new about someone…even someone you have known for years…to be well prepared, relaxed and open to whatever comes your way!
BlueBear says:
The secret to a good party is not inviting anyone you do not personally like! If you like your guests, not only will you have fun but your guests will as well! Having to “tolerate” a guest puts a damper on your mood and that damper can be catching. I’m also a firm believer in inviting people from different backgrounds. I’m always amazed at how much a scientist and an artist or a businessman and a blue-collar worker can have in common! Mix it up and you have a really great party!
Murphy says:
Being prepared and making every guest feel special!!
Carol Guth says:
I think the key to a great party is a good mix of interesting people attending. Of course, good food doesn’t hurt! 🙂
sharon910 says:
Good food , good friends, and music and games
katie novotny says:
Lots of wine and a group of gals with a good sense of humor.
beth w. says:
Although good food and beverages is always high on my list, fun people has to be at the top.
carol danforth says:
food!!!!!!a good mix of company helps also
ruth young says:
good food and drinks
Joan says:
The secret to a good party is to make the guests feel comfortable. The hosts are the main key.
If everything is prepared before and set to go the host will be relaxed and enjoy the party as well.
Presentation is also important, how the table and room looks, how the food is presented make a huge difference.
If the party is for people you like and you are having a good time-they will too.
Connie Hurst says:
Being relaxed, if you’re relaxed, your guests will be, and more fun will be had by all.
Jan Knezevich says:
the secret to a fun party is to have plenty of food, beverages and friends and not worry or sweat the little things, just go with the flow and enjoy.
Tom Bedford says:
The secret is lots of good friends, fab food, new wines, and beautiful environment
Patricia Assanowicz says:
Fun parties are great when my friends come over and we sit around sipping a glass of wine and make pans for someones birthday, aniversary, etc. By the time we are done all ideas are combined and setting the enviornment and guest list are great. When people come over everything is set and what is left is just to have fun and enjoy, you do not want anyone to feel uncomfortable, everyone should be able to kick up their heels and forget the work week, my friends know if they over induldge there is always a place to stay over so that pressure is off. A fun party has great friends, buffet style food, laughter, just be yourself.
Susan says:
Love to accessorize all my holiday parties.
Geri Duncan says:
Fun parties are given by relaxed and prepared hosts. I plan first and know my limits. I trust that if it all goes awry my guests will still have a good time. I once made an incredible tasty and costly seafood casserole and the dish broke and shattered as I pulled it out of the oven. We ended up sitting in the formal dining eating pizza off my grandmother’s china. The pizza delivery guy was laughing with us and to do this day that mistake empowers me. Laughter is the bes guest at any table.
Valerie Jackson says:
The secret to a fun party???
Invite my family!! We have a great time and so do all the other guests. We have delicious, yet informal food (food is critical!!), served in a relaxed buffet style, with my brother DJ-ing to get the guests singing. Add my niece, daughter, son, and ex-husband able to wow the guests with their singing periodically and you have a fun party that guests want to come back for, the next time!
Oh, we also have two Elvis impersonators!
Deborah Hoffman says:
A great party is the culmination of setting the right mood, starting with the invitation and menu, and having the guests anticipate the start of the evening. A large part of this anticipation is that the guests know that there is always gong to be something new in the combination of people, food, theme, music, than at other events they have attended with you. And have a big smile on your face!
Dolores says:
The secret to a fun party is don’t sweat the small stuff! If decorations fall or go askew, if the cat tries to drag the turkey off the table (this actually happened to me!), if you run out of anything…whatever happens, if you just accept it and go on, you’re guests will have a lovely time and so will you.
KT HESS says:
rolling with the flow is the best party! If you had something planned to do and people are enjoying something else… just roll with it. Being with friends is all that matters
Patricia Assanowicz says:
When your guests arrive and see what a beautiful and fun setting you have created, I want them to feel they are at a party to enjoy and be themselves, I can see the lightup barware already. I have gone to parties where you feel out of place and I give parties where my friends and clients know when they come to my home, the fun has already started, walking in the door they will see alot of fun things around the room. I like to have alot of different types of items around the room. Let your guests feel like they can automactially relax, go to the bar admire the lite up bar ware and glow products. As a host I want everyone to mingle and get to now each other, that is my responsibilty to make sure everyone is not uncomfortable about the meeting and greeting process. The ambiance will speak for itself, I already see the laughs and smiles on everyone as they walk in and wander around the room, with the right ambiance the conversation has already started. Also the food has to follow the ambiance of the room, the food must be great yet setup in a way it is fun to enjoy whatever you want. Yes, this is my type of party, and when everyone leaves I want to have them talk about the best party they have been to in years and the laughs never stop.
MG Stewart says:
That is an easy one! The secret to a good party is a nice mix of guests!
Kimberly says:
For the hostess to be well prepared for the party and relaxed. Being flexible helps, too. If you are so anxious for every little detail, it’s hard for you to enjoy the party and to visit with the guests.
Claudia Mcgee says:
having fun -great people,great music,great food !! simple as that 🙂
Mary Sims says:
The secret to a fun party is having fun at it, letting the child in you emerge! And a secret surprise for the guests is always a hoot!
Kristine P says:
My secret is a varied attendee list. I try to invite folks that have varied jobs, opinions, etc. Then try to seat or mix people up so they don’t just talk with the folks they know.
Vickie says:
It has to be the people you invite. Positive and fun people.
Anne Cintron says:
The secret to a good party is the company and of course the ambience!!
Michelle G. says:
My secret to a fun party is to lead by example! =)
marcy says:
GOOD FRIENDS AND GREAT FOOD
Mell says:
The secret to a good party is planning! Plan the food, drinks and some of the activities in advance so you and your guests will have a fabulous time!
Suzanne says:
The right blend of people (no hostile enemies), comfortable and fun atmoshere, good eats and don’t run out of ice.
Patrick Alexiou says:
“This is a very exquisite piece of tableware for any occasion!”
Ellen says:
I believe that the secret to a fun party is for the hosts to be relaxed even if things are not going as well as they should be. With planning, the atmosphere can be relaxed and then everyone will enjoy themselves. Being a perfectionist and doing my own baking and cooking, sometimes it’s hard for me to follow my own advice, but I try and I have had some really great parties.
Sunn ymay says:
Spontainity for impromptu last minute or hurry-up get-togethers. More detailed planning for longer term ones that are formal includes seasonal objects on the table as centerpiece or fruit bowl. Also the mix for the celebratory party is key, since you aren’t intending on hurting anyone’s feelings yet have to consider space in size of guest list or hold it off-site.
Patti says:
Prepare-prepare-and prepare some more, but before the event. The best parties are the ones where the host/hostess get to be a part of they party too! Your friends / family are coming to your party to enjoy your company as well, so keep that in mind.
AJB says:
Fun friends!
karen spector says:
The secret to a fun party is a great assortment of interesting people. You can have wonderful food, entertainment, activities. But, if the people just sit there and don’t interact with each other the party is a bust. So, make sure that you have a diverse group of people who like to talk and have a sense of humor. That usually will guarantee a successful party.
Kathy says:
Get togethers with family and friends-Priceless!
MrsK says:
Inviting people you enjoy being around and NOT to stress over the menu…make a few key homemade dishes and then add special touches to store bought. Of course, lots of candles, good music and bubbly help to create a magic ambience!
deb geist says:
Good food, fun drinks, a relaxed hostess enjoying the party with her guests, and of course pre party attention to simple details make a gathering into an event!
Denise Medvid says:
I think the secret to a fun party is the guest list, making sure to include a diverse group of people to keep the conversations interesting.
Cyndi Goldfarb says:
Invite guests with varied skills or personalities.
Plan ahead.
Make enticing snack foods for all. Remember people are always on diets.
Make your home comfortable to all.
Valerie Gillis says:
Great people, awesome music and Fabulous food…..
Karen says:
At my house, the best parties have three ingredients: great people, great food and great music. Of course, living in Tucson means it’s always a perfect setting, so that makes it easy!
Nancy says:
A fun party includes good people, good food and lots of wonderful conversation.
Johnnie Greene says:
Just right for my next party! How great would they think I was serving with this simple yet elegant glassware and plates!!! Plus then we play dominos what a Fab Fifty would definitely enjoy!!
Heather S says:
A great party starts with great super fun people! I’ve sort of learned the hard way over time which friends are truly friends who want to participate in my life and which ones never show.
Carol O says:
Great music and good food and friends are the secret of a great party.
Rebecca says:
My secret to having a fun party is inviting fun people.
marilyn says:
The key is as basic as perhaps the very first childhood party any of else can still recall…anticipation of what to expect, beginning with the invite. Keep everyone guessing because afterall, we are all still children at heart & our love for parties is never ending!
Susan Jacobson says:
I believe, that no matter the size of the party, the details should all be well thought about. The venue for the time of the year, the food, whether it has a theme should be felt in all aspects. Good people to invite all should be considered. The fun party should have some fun game to break the ice the or just for people to comment:, That was fun!
Jacqueline Lowder says:
Good friends, good food, lively conversation, and a happy atmosphere.
Barb Mazzara says:
Make everything sparkle from the glasses you serve the bubbly in to the smile you have for all your guests.
Patricia Assanowicz says:
A GREAT variety of fun friends and food, a hostess that has the ability to bring out conversation in everyone attending, so no one feels left out. Different types of food and drink, laying out a table that is fun and easily accessiable to all. I have my secret list to find out if one or more of my friends are getting ready to celebrate a birthday or anniversary so I can tell my friends and let them in on the secret and surprise the lucky ones. To me you can plan as much as you can in advance and there are going to be times that certain things are left out, as a hostess, I can turn that into laughter and fun and involve everyone into helping create the final touch. Sitting down to eat, in a relaxing setting, if you want to kick your feet up I want everyone to feel at home and enjoy. At the end of the get together no matter how hard I try my girlfriends always help me clean up and the men are having fun talking while the women are in the kitchen laughing and it is amazing how fast things get done. Having a dinner party is great when you have fun friends, great food, and everyone feels like they are home.
Sharon McCloud says:
I think the key is to make sure that you know your guests and center the party around their interests. If they love gulf or if they are into running or whatever make the party about their likes and I always make sure they all have the same interests
Emily Chou says:
There are always great to have a great planning ahead of time for a party, but when it comes to real friends’ gathering. even just simple food, drinks, shabby place will spark great conversations and ever lasting friendship…
Ruth says:
The secret to a fun party is to have really delicious food and to make sure everyone gets enough to have seconds and thirds. Having good conversation where everyone gets to talk and express their opinions.
Jennifer R says:
The secret to a fun party is to set the right mood. I get myself in the mood by playing music and having some wine while getting ready. Then as people arrive, I immediately offer them a drink and introduce them to the others there. I point out something to them that they would have in common with other guests (i.e. occupation, neighborhood, same age children, interests, etc.) This makes it easier for them to be able to engage with one another without my being a part of the conversation.
To help put myself in the right mood I also wear something new – maybe a piece of my outfit, maybe an accessory – whatever it is, it helps put me in the self confident mood you need to be in when being a host.
Jan says:
Ambience is key for me. Candles, a fire if possible, the hot tub and extra suits. And something ‘kitchy’ like glow in the dark items.
GINGER MCLENDON says:
Good preparation with a resulting relaxed atmosphere is the secret to a fun party.
Christine Norman says:
A fun, light, relaxing atmosphere with good music and food and drink that everyone can enjoy.
Marjip says:
My secret to a fun party is preparing before, as much as possible, to get food, drinks & table-ware set; my ability to spend every moment I can with guests helps to keep them sharing with each other, mainly those they may not have met.
binafer says:
Party goodies!!, wow, that would be great to host a party, housewarming….
Shelley Spohn says:
Halloween is not that far away and we are going to have a huge Monster Bash. These party fixins would be a great addition to any party.
Victoria says:
I haven’t entertained a group in a while…these things would make a return to hostessing fun and fabulous!
DJ says:
Being prepared ahead of time and also introducing everyone and explaining what they do and some of their interests when you introduce them so that it helps people start interesting conversations and no one feels left out.
Beth Lowe says:
Have a theme night with plenty of interesting good food, music, and decor to go with the theme of the party.
Lynnmarie Doherty says:
The secret is in keeping it a secret as to how you put it together. Aim for a professional look without over the top,and make it above all comfortable. The rest of the secret is,good food,good friends,and don’t forget to have fun yourself
DOTTI WOLFE says:
THE RIGHT MIX OF GREAT PEOPLE.
barbara wicklund says:
The secret is planning so you can enjoy your guests and not be running around heating things up, making cocktails etc. Have everything done and be part of the party!
Bonnie Kirchner says:
I truly believe that a fun party can be had if your guests all have a good sense of humor and a willingness to have fun, participate and can laugh out loud!!
Karen Livingston says:
The secret to a great party is the guest list. Make sure the right people are invited–they will carry the event!
Robi says:
Good food, good friends and great conversation. What more could you ask for?
Caprice Brown says:
I think pre-planning everything and making hosting as simple as possible is the key! You need to have everything done ahead of time that can be done so that you can spend time with your guests. There’s nothing like a well planned party!
Leslie Carcaise says:
Good food and good music. Oh yea, and a clean house!
stephanie ~ paisley petunia says:
Lighting is so important, but the real key is good people. Surrounded by a diverse, interesting, fun group of friends and families and guests is what makes a party memorable.
Robyn says:
I think the secret to a fun party is keeping the theme a secret until the guests arrive. The surprise of a theme is so exciting to them. To keep it running smooth is to be well prepared with food and drinks and never running out. Also playing fun games at whatever age is the life of the party. It’s priceless to see grown adults doing things they have not done in years. The main thing is the decoration of the theme !
mary says:
Keep it simple and get everything done ahead of time so you can enjoy your own party.
Nancy says:
A great mixture of eccentric, artistic people.
bonnie says:
good food and fun music
Liza says:
The secret to a fun party first and foremost is a great mix of friends and/or family! After that, good food and a relaxing atmosphere.
Val says:
Make ahead food and fabulous people to share it with.
sharon910 says:
would love to have something nice to have a party
Tracey Byram says:
The secret to a fun party is an eclectic mix of people that are all comfortable around each other, good food and great music.
Marcie says:
a warm and generous hostess make for a fab party no matter the crowd!
Jody says:
First is the atmostphere. You really need a great setting in order to feel relaxed. Then it’s the presentation of your finger foods and meal. It’s the eye catching dinner ware that you use that makes a great conversation. And finally it’s the beautiful glasses you make the toast with. Then it’s all taken care of from here except for the dishes.
Julie says:
Assuming that you are only inviting great people to your party, no need areas of intrest to keep people talking!!
Carol says:
Definitely an eclectic mix of people and food with tons of great decor
Michaela says:
Great food, people and cocktails………..:-))
omiobabbinocaro says:
The secret to great parties is simple, plan and prep in advance, invite people who enjoy other people, serve food and beverage that is easy to eat and a little different from everyday fare; most of all relax and enjoy your company…and a little surprise as they head out the door is always a delight!
sewhite says:
I think the best parties are ones that everyone can just mingle and have fun. Formality is fine as long as it is not stiff and over structured. I want everyone to say wow that party was so fabulous and when is the next one.
Annette Riggs says:
When people who enjoy laughing, talking and having a good time get together, how can you help but have a great party? When everyone pitches in with eats and entertainment, then everyone can relax.
Phyllis says:
Great food and drinks. Planned activities. A take home goodie bag or gifts for guests. The number for the Taxi by the phone!
CAROLYN HAND says:
Interesting people, good food and not too much space-initiates conversation!
Shirley Lagneaux says:
The people you invite.
Susan Lockwood says:
Fabulous food but mostly mixing the right people + planning
Deanna Vejar says:
The secret to a great party is several great bottles of wine!
Yvette Walker says:
Gathering in a comfortable space, with good food and drink, people you care about (or care to know more about), good music (not too loud) and flattering lighting!
Eugenie says:
Old friends, new friends, family, interesting conversation and great food.
P Bogard says:
The secret is no secret at all. Invite all your friends for a good mix of personalities. Play soft background music, light the mood candles and serve unusual appetizers. Then sit back and enjoy !
Carol Stark says:
I believe the secret to a fun party is being organized and having all the major decorating and food items ready ahead of time. My friend Nancy is the best party planner I know, and has a walk in closet filled with various glasses, sets of dishes, table linens & cutlery. To see this –is amazing. She knows exactly what she will need , retreives it from the closet, sets up & then decides on her menu. Plus her personality is friendly, welcoming, and laid back so that is a plus!
ogden says:
great mix of people, food prepped in advance so you can relax and enjoy the party, i’ve found as I got older highering someone for the clean-up has been awesome, i don’t worry about constantly picking up…i do this if i have more then 10 or 12 people…inviting who you love and not worrying about who isn’t there!!
Natalie J. Vandenberghe says:
The gathering can only be as good as the sum of its parts: pleasant environment, intriguing guests, delicious food, etc.
ruth roscoe says:
A relaxed hostess, compatible guests, good food and drink
MARGARIDA says:
The success for a great party is people who want to have fun. Great fun and drink are also essentials.
Fa says:
A gathering of family & friends playing puzzles & games.
Kim says:
The secret to a great party is in the planning and being prepared. Wonderful friends, good food and drink will bring it all together. It’s also helpful to have different activities ie: games, billards, darts, etc, where small groups can engage in conversation. Once the party starts and all the guests have arrived you need to relax have fun and not worry about what might go wrong, as probably no one will notice.
zawadzki6801 says:
Fun parties happen when everyone feels relaxed to let go of lives problems, like the costume party I will attend in november.
Darlene says:
Who doesn’t love a fun party!!! Whether you plan every detail way in advance or put something together at the last minute your guests are assured a great time with some food and maybe some great wine!! Enjoy….
Janice Neal says:
Creating an environment and ambiance which puts people at ease and encourages fun interaction.
Kim says:
All it takes is good friends and family,great food, and
fantastic music!!!!
Sara says:
The two secrets to a great party are: 1) advanced planning. the more you can do the day before, the more you can enjoy the party! the more comfortable, happy and engaged the host is, the more fun everyone else can have. 2) the mix of people/seating arrangements!
Gail Armstrong says:
I think a secret to a good party is to get the right mix of people together and have a combination of food and drink that appeals to everyone’s palette. You must also decorate using small tea light candles, plants, small strings of light and plants that can jazz the place up. Oh yeah be sure your selection of music appeals to the age group you’re catering to.
Tina says:
Relax…don’t go for perfection as much as you want it — you start stressing over the tiniest detail and then it feels like nothing goes right. Try to enjoy yourself as well as show your guests a great time. Add good food, good drinks and set the right mood, and I think that’ll come across to everybody.
Joyzkim says:
how at home you make your guests feel…..in fact their not treated as a guest, just one of the family, good food and music tops it off.
Kathy says:
A small simple affair of seceral good friends with lots of laughter, good food, and of course, decorated with lovely party favors for that special eye appeal!
Nena Carmody says:
a relaxed hostess and great details!
Lynne says:
My secret to a fun party is to keep it small. I found that I used to get too anxious and cranky before I hosted any large parties. The time, expense and trouble that I went through for a large party ruined the experience for me. It had seemed that everyone was having fun, except me. I’ve learned to keep it small and have a much fun as my guests. Bigger isn’t always better.
Phylis says:
Great food and people who are fun to be around.
molly larkin says:
fabulous friends, cigars on the deck and good music
Gay says:
good friends, good food, great atmosphere and surroundings!
Janice Mehler says:
Interesting people are the most important element – though having fun activities and tchatchkes certainly helps!
Bette E Butcher says:
The gathering of good friends and good eats!
Anna says:
Great people, great food.