The Best & Worst Party Themes of All Time!

With all the themes out there for your next party, how do you know which will bring results, and which ones your guests will simply not RSVP to? We have the answers for the best and worst themed parties, and a bit of reasoning behind that. Let us know what you think, and feel free to add suggestions!

Top Themes

BBQ Bash

Having a bbq bash is one of our favorites for many reasons. First, you can't go wrong with a bbq! Everybody loves free tasty grill features, and on top of that nobody feels pressured into dressing up, or wearing something nice. Your guests can feel at eaze and simply relax. So what if you don't have a big enough back yard? Simple solution: go to your closest neighborhood park that allows grilling. Also, if you have a vegetarian, try grilling veggies! Zucchini and other sqaush make great grill choices, and taste good too!

Ugly Sweater Party



Even people who hate wearing sweaters will love this theme...you know why? They get to make fun of the ugliest one they have, that they swore they would never wear again. This is also a very cheap theme party! If your low on cash, but want to have a get together, have an ugly sweater party! The ugliest sweaters of all exists in the deep, dark corners in the sweater region of thrift stores, and can usually be purchased for under $1.00. This party makes for great pictures!

Wine Tasting Party



We love this one! To avoid purchasing all the wine and turning this into an extremely expensive party, ask all of your guests to bring a bottle of wine, and be specific! When you send out your invite, ask some of your guests to bring a red wine, some to bring white, and some to bring a blush or desert wine! Soon the tasting can begin, and your guests will be feeling quite fine.

Worst Themes

Lobster Boil



Your probably wondering why a lobster boil is a bad idea, but we have our reasoning. First off, lobster is expensive, unless you ask all of your guests to bring a live lobster...but that would be weird to say the least. Second, what do you plan on doing while your lobsters scream and shreek in the boiling pot? We don't think your guests want to sit around and hear death cries from the food they are about to eat. This is a horrible idea unless you buy the lobster cooked...but then it wouldn't be a lobster boil now would it!


Masquerade Party



Yeah, yeah your also probably wondering why this is not a smart theme as well. One reason...strangers in a mask is not very attractive. There are horror stories out there about women who thought their "masked prince" was a stud, and times where the men thought their women in costume were hotties. They were wrong. If you want to have a costume party, be sure the costumes don't involve masks...the outcomes arn't pretty.

Foam Party

This is undoubtedly the most unsanitary of them all! Not only will you have to endure being groped, but it will be by a slimy wet hand. On top of that, who do you plan on hiring to do all the cleanup? Do you even have a venue suitable to hold gallons of foam, and enclosed so the neighbors don't question your insanity? We didn't think so...

Seasonal Drinks: Recipes for Your Party at Any Time of the Year!

Its fun to have seasonal parties, and seasonal drinks to match! Check out our ideas for Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. Were sure you'll find a tasty, scrumptious new beverage!

Spring

Trendsetter's Lemonade

1.5 parts your choice of Gin
2.5 parts your favorite Lemonade

Fill one of our highball glasses with ice, add gin and top with lemonade. Garnish with a lime wheel and two mint leaves. A fabulous choice for your spring party!


Acai Trendy Cosmo

1.5 parts Absolut Acai
.75 parts Triple Sec
1 part cranberry juice
.25 parts lime juice

Place all ingredients in one of our fabulous cocktail shakers. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Top with an orange slice.

Jellybelly shot

.5 parts Blackberry brandy
.5 parts Sambuca
.5 parts Southern Comfort

Pour the brandy into a shot glass, followed by a layer of Sambuca, and finally a layer of Southern Comfort.


Summer

Watermellon Daiquiri

4 cups peeled, seeded, cubed watermelon
.5 parts light rum
.25 parts fresh lime juice
.25 parts orange liqueur
Ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender, until smooth. Pour into your favorite Trendsetters glass, and enjoy!

Pom Pom-Tini

2 parts vodka
2 parts orange liqueur
2 parts pomegranate juice
1 cup crushed ice
1 twist lemon zest

Pour all ingredients into one of our shakers, shake your heart away, and strain into any of our martini glasses.

Kool Aid shot

1 part Amaretto
1 part Midori
1 part Cranberry Juice

Pour Midori and Amaretto into a shot glass, and fill with Cranberry Juice.


Fall


Black Magic

2 parts Blavod black vodka
.5 parts grenadine
lemon-lime soda
maraschino cherry for garnish

Fill one of our Collin's glasses with vodka and grenadine, and fill with soda. Top with cherry! Be sure to get the black vodka, for a spooky touch on this cocktail.

Maple Syrup Meltdown

1 part 42 Below Honey Vodka
.5 parts maple syrup
.75 parts lemon juice
dash of bitters
lemon zest and orange peel for garnish

Add all ingredients into a shaker, and shake! Pour into a wide selection of our martini glasses, and garnish with the lemon and orange peel.

Into the Grave shot

.5 parts Tia Maria
rum cream
.5 parts overproof (150 proof) rum

You need to layer this one. Pour the Tia Maria into one of our shot glasses first, next layer rum cream, and float the 150 proof rum on top!


Winter

Trendsetters White Out

2 parts white crème de menthe
hot chocolate
.5 parts green crème de menthe
whipped cream

Pour white crème de menthe into the hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, and drizzle green crème de menthe on top.

Northern Lights

2 parts Yukon Jack Canadian Whiskey
dash of peach schnapps
orange juice
cranberry juice

Pour Yukon Jack and peach schnapps into one of our Old Fashioned Glasses. Fill with ice. Top with a mixture of cranberry and orange juice.

Wild Sleigh Ride shot

.75 parts Wild Turkey Bourbon
.75 parts peppermint schnapps

No layering necessary. Pour bourbon and schnapps into a shaker, and strain into shot glass!



Well, we hoped some of these recipes helped! No matter what season you are entering, we imagine that you found a drink your dying to try! Don't forget, we have all the glasswear you need, whether you plan on making a cocktail or a shooter!

History Lesson 101: Das Boot

Ever wonder the history of Das Boot, or where it came from? Take one guess...(if you answered the movie Beer Fest, your wrong!) So, consider this your history 101 lesson for the week...

First off, the term Das Boot was indeed coined during the 2006 film Beer Fest, however it is not the first time it was heard of! Das Boot was also a movie in the 80's about WWII, men at war, and German submarines.

In Germany, beer boots are called Bierstiefel, and they have claimed that they invented the glass boot (that we now feature on our website!) Besides that, there are a number of legends of where the boot came from, and were not sure which to believe, so we'll let you decide.

One tradition states that during World War I, German soldiers had nothing else to drink from. That being said, before battle, they would pass around a leather boot to drink their brew from! They would flick the boot before drinking, and again after drinking to ensure good luck on the battlefield. Kind of gross...ehh?

Tradition two says that a Prussian general swore to his troops that he would drink beer from his boot dependent on the successful outcome in a coming battle. When victorious, the general ordered a glass fashioned in the shape of a boot to fulfill his promise without "having to taste his own feet". YUCK!

The movie Beerfest popularized the theory that "the secret" to drinking out of a beer boot is to point the toe sideways. Has anyone actually tried this? Does it work? Were not sure, but go ahead and buy your Das Boot (many styles and sizes) at Trendsettersthestore.com, and then try out our game! Now you know a bit about the history, and you can have a bit of fun.



Trendsetter's in Das Haus, Beer Boot Game

1. The beer boot is passed around a group with individuals taking a sip and passing to the left
2. Once the boot is first picked up, it cannot touch the table or be set down until empty.
3. Each player must flick the beer boot prior to and after taking a sip.
4. If you get splashed in the face, you drink again
5. The beer boot's toe is to remain pointed upward and no turning of the beer boot is allowed
6. If you finish the beer boot, the person before you buys the next fill or is required to fill the next "Das Boot".

Looking for a New Project? How to Create Your Own Basement Bar for Under $500.00. (Alcohol Excluded)

So your an entertainer right? You probably throw your own parties, and most of the time your guests sit around the kitchen table, in the living room, or outside on the deck. If your an entertainer, your most likely creative...so we've got a project for you! For under $500 dollars, we will show you how to turn your creepy, moldy smelling basement into a thriving private bar for all of your friends and family to enjoy. Of course, stocking the bar would cost a few hundread more, so were going to leave the alcohol up to you!

First and foremost, your going to need two things we can't provide...space, and the ACTUAL bar. (I would try finding some plywood to start with, or a stone finish if you wan't to get all fancy...) FOCUS were here to accessorize!

Next, every bar has bar stools. These are practically an essential to having a cool basement bar. We have everything from beer brand designs to famous sports teams. All ranging from $49.99 to around $55.00. We suggest buying four to start with.



total for unique bar stools: 199.96 to around 220.00

So now you have the bar and the stool, but you need pizzaz! Luckily, we have Neon wall signs to compliment any basement bar. Check out this Margaritaville sign for only $168.00! Check out all the designs at www.trendsettersthestore.com




Now were up to $367.00, and a long ways to go!

Essentials to any bars are shot glasses. However, we have over 150 different varieties, and we know you value your time. Why don't you try our random assortment! For only $5.50, you will recieve five random shot glasses. Your opening day is going out with a bang, so we suggest starting with fifteen shot glasses.

total: $16.50

Not only a mandatory item for a bar, but any room for that matter is a clock! However, why not have a cool neon clock for your bar? Priced right at only $33.00, you can have a crucial piece, at a price you can actually afford. We have all different types of styles, including your favorite sports teams!



Grand total so far: $416.00

Next, we think you need some metal signs to accompany your bar! Browse through pages of different beer brands, liquor brands, and car brands such as Ford and Chevy. We suggest trying to different styles of Captain Morgan. Both for only $19.50.


At this point, we only have $64.50 left in your budget, and we know exactly what to do with it!

Accessorize with barware! Grab some pitchers at only $4.50, for the beer. Next, grab a set of Corona coasters for $10.00. Throw in a Martini shaker and glasses for $25.00, and finally grab six more pint glasses for your friends.



Grand total: $500.00 (don't forget about our free shipping!)

This may be the cheapest home renovation of them all, and even better...your friends will probably want to help you finish it, since they will be the ones spending the most time in your new bar!

Our Stimulus Plan: Great Gifts Under $10.00!

We all know that in this economy, nobody can afford to be spending outrageous amounts of money. That's why we have created our $10.00 and under page at Trendsettersthestore.com. Maybe you'll find something for yourself, or what about your friend who's birthday is next week? You could try pulling off the cheesy "I was going to give you $100 dollars, but I got you this awesome card instead!" gig, but they would probably not consider you their friend in the future. Instead of all the drama, check out all of our gifts at a price you can actually afford.

Gifts for her:

Ed Hardy crystal phone decals: For just under $10.00, you can purchase one of these crystal decals for your phone, designed by the intricate and talented Ed Hardy. We have all the popular designs. The Koi fish, geisha, pin up girl, and all the sayings, like "love kills slowly." A grey phone is a lame phone, so jazz it up! Ed Hardy for under $10.00? Now thats a stimulus package.

Branded beads for sports games: Your probably wondering why we put this under gifts for her...sports and women usually don't get along. However, if she is going to have to be dragged to the game, you might as well get her some beads for your favorite team! Beads get any girl excited. Check out Pennstate, Ohio State, and even the Pirates! With fun colors, and big logos, she will love these! Layer them, or wear them alone, and all for under $6.00.


Gifts for him:

Beer Belt Buckles: We all love stuff that doubles up when it comes to functioning. With these unique beer branded belt buckles, you or your man can be fashionable and practicable! How convenient! These belt buckles actually have a beer bottle opener in them. Now you can be a trendsetter too. We bet all your friends will love these. How many times have you found yourself looking for a bottle opener, then landed up hurting yourself trying to open a bottle without the opener? Exactly...

Wallets, and money clips: Remember your friend's birthday next week? They actually will be getting money from their real friends...but you can gain back their friendship by getting them a wallet or a money clip to hold all of that cash! Several designs are available from chrome playboy money cips, to biker style Rocky wallets. These are completely classy, and will make a great gift for practically anybody.


Gifts for the kids:


Character Lanyards: Maybe we should even have an under $5.00 page, because the kids are getting lucky with gifts under five dollars! These lanyards are perfect for children, or even the adult who still acts like one. With characters like Dora the Explorer, and Tinkerbell, kids will love to wear them around their necks. Now you can send your kids to school, with the house keys close by...

High School Musical Nightlights: Again, for under $5.00, these nightlights make a great addition to any child's bedroom who loves High School Musical. Bad dreams go away in an instant, and a sense of comfort can be brought to your child. We have different night lights that feature the whole entire High School Musical gang, so you can be sure we have your little one's favorite!


So go ahead and go guilt-free shopping! We even have free shipping over $99.00, so you can have a bigger sense of saving.

Corona Beach Bash Ideas

Now that summer is here, isn't it about time that you started planning your Corona beach bash? Trendsetters has everything imaginable to get your party started! So what if your not at the beach? Our products will enable you to feel like your in the tropics, without leaving your backyard.

Of course, when going to the beach, you need a towel! You can choose from several designs of Corona beach towels, where you can bath in the sun and achieve the perfect tan! So what happens when the sun starts to set? When your at the beach, the party continues into the night, and you can make that possible at your Corona bash by using our Corona bottle string lights. All through the day and night, you'll need bottle openers and glassware to accompany your crispy cool Coronas, so dont' worry, we have all the accessories to match your beer! Who knows! Maybe you could even add a bright, neon light...now that's one accessory that will really make you feel as if you were in a beachside bar.

The options are endless, so feel free to let your imagination run wild! With prices like ours, and products nobody can beat, you can't go wrong!

Tis the Season for Gift Giving

So, the holiday season is fast approaching and for some of us, this is a stressful time of year. Trying to find the perfect gift for your family and friends can sometimes be down right painful. Here are a few tips on how to make the process easier...hopefully.

1. Do they have a hobby?
Sometimes it's as easy as this. Find out what they love to do and get them a gift related to that. You can help add to their collection or get them a gift certificate.

2. Cell phone accessories
Almost everyone has a cell phone these days. Even my grandma does. There are some really great accessories for phones like covers, cases, decals, lanyards and more! Help add some pizazz to anyone's phone.

3. Gift Basket
I know what you are thinking...I am not crafty or creative. Well, that is not true. Think "Big Idea". Think "Theme". It's easy. Again, think of something they like or need. And pull several different items together to form your own gift set. Once I put together some hand towels, dish soap and spatulas. Instant "Kitchen" gift set.

4. Big Fans
On the same lines as the hobby idea - are they a big fan of someone? Do they love Elvis, Marilyn Monroe or Lucille Ball. There are a ton of cool collectibles out there - there is barware, clocks, neon signs, bath robes, slippers and so much more.

5. When all else fails...
There is the gift card. Maybe not as personal but still just as appreciated.

I hope this helped spark some gift giving ideas. Have fun shopping!
Cheers!