Party Tips for a Star-Studded Soiree

6/29/2006

(NewsUSA) - Having a Fourth of July celebration? Capture the patriotic excitement of the holiday with festive invitations, centerpieces, party favors and more.

Whether planning backyard barbecues or swanky dinner parties, the best hosts use special touches to make their gatherings memorable and fun. Use these easy-to-make projects to help create a spectacular July Fourth soiree.

Star-studded invitations

Print party details on white cardstock and trim to the desired size and shape. Apply a thin line of glue to the edges of the card and glue onto a larger piece of patterned cardstock. Glue a piece of patterned ribbon on the back, along the top of the invitation, then glue a star cutout in the center of the ribbon.

Star-embossed table runner

Turn the edges of your runner fabric under and glue. You can speed the drying time by covering the area with a clean towel and pressing with a steam iron. Trace a star template onto heavyweight fabric and cut out. Arrange the stars along the runner. Put glue on the backs of the stars and apply to the runner. Dry for one hour before handling.

Firecracker favors

Cut patterned paper to fit mailing tubes and glue into place. Embellish with patterned ribbon at the top and bottom of the tube. Glue a star cutout to the front. Cut strips of red, white and blue paper 5 inches to 6 inches in length. Make a hole in top of the mailing tubes' plastic lids with a nail. Stack the strips of paper together and insert into the holes. Fan papers out; fill the mailing tubes with candy or other favors. Replace the lids.