Feeding a gaggle of girls for your own or your friend’s pre-baby celebration? What a great opportunity to serve up a decadent spread! If the gender of the baby is known, go crazy with pink or blue (or do a mix of the two). And make the most of mini morsels – ‘baby-sized’ bites that are easy to eat while you gossip and play silly games.

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The cupcake has come a long way and today we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to flavours, decorations and sizes. Whether your event calls for something classic and elegant, or you’re looking for cupcake ideas that are whimsical and fun, we’ve found 10 fantastic cupcake recipe ideas that we think take the cake! Here are 10 of the best cupcake creations for 2011…

Got a party to plan this Summer? Our resident party planning experts have assembled a stellar list of brilliant tips for hosting a fabulous she-bang. Here are 20 party dos and don’ts all hosts should consider…

One of the handy things about tea parties is that you can usually prepare all of the food in advance, leaving you only to worry about serving the tea and being a hostess with the mostess! Here’s a selection of 3 menu plans that work fabulously for afternoon tea parties (or morning tea for that matter!). Mix and match from these menus to create your own afternoon tea party menu that is perfect for you… and remember, there’s no point getting all worked up in the kitchen, you can buy so many beautiful bakery items these days, there’s no need to create everything form scratch yourself.

When it comes to parties, doing it your self (D.I.Y), isn’t just a smart way to save money, it can also be very satisfying and with some planning and creativity – a lot of fun!

Do you have a signature cocktail? It’s always impressive when you’re out with friends to casually order a sexy-sounding cocktail with relative ease and style… Rather than devouring the often intimidating cocktail list next time you’re out and about, you can roll out a request for one of seductive sips below (complete with novice notes to ensure you get the right one)

Eeeek, who’s that pulling up in your driveway on a busy Saturday afternoon? When friends spring a surprise visit on you, it can be daunting and send you into a mild panic …

Got a picnic to plan? You can make a picnic as fancy as you please, but if you want to keep things super simple, use our checklist below and enjoy the outdoors.

This week we’re inspired by a party featured on P is for Party - a magically colourful and interactive art party! Here’s why we love this concept and some tips on how you can create this yourself. This is a wonderful children’s party theme but can equally be adapted for a hen’s party by substituting some of the games and décor… more ideas below!

Attention animal lovers! Have you ever considered having a dog (or cat) party when it’s your pet’s birthday, or a puppy shower to welcome a new furry friend? It’s more of an excuse to get together with other canine lovers than anything else … because it’s doubtful your dog will actually realise they are turning three! But how fun would it be to gather in your garden or at your local dog-friendly park to celebrate?

OK, so we admit that it’s a bit daggy, but have you thought about having an election party this Saturday? After all, Federal elections only come around every few years, so even if you’re only mildly interested in the outcome, why not invite some friends around to watch the coverage unfold on the telly? Of course, it’s not polite to ask your mates who they actually voted for, so make it clear the party is just for fun, not a forum for heated political debate!

Some Australia Day trivia is a great way to get your guests into mood of the day. Here are 8 quirky questions to get you started. Nip down to the local $2 shop and grab some cheesy Australia Day memorabilia as prizes!

Awards nights are a fun reason to invite a group over to watch the event on TV. The Oscars (or Academy Awards as they’re officially known) in March are the biggest awards night of the year, but you could also throw a party to watch the Emmys (especially if you’re a fan of US TV shows!) and of course, there’s our own local version, The Logies.

The weather may be cooling down, but that doesn’t mean you should sit at home in your trackies every night from now until spring arrives in September. Making an effort to go out with your partner for a regular date night ensures you don’t slip into the humdrum of spending every night on the couch – co-ordinate diaries to pick a free night, then book the babysitter ASAP! Here are some fun date-night options which don’t cost a lot but are sure to inject a little romance into your day-to-day lives:

We've been on the hunt for the perfect banana bread recipe for some time and we think we've got it! Ideal for brunch with the girls, or even as a warm winter dessert. This recipe has come all the way from Botswana.

Mad for rugby? The Bledisloe Cup matches each year see our mighty Wallabies go up against the All Blacks.

Here are some ways to entertain at home without breaking the budget or looking like a cheapskate:

Reading itself is a solitary pursuit. But for those of us who love to sink our teeth into a good novel or biography, there’s nothing better than sharing our thoughts with others when we’ve finished that last nail-biting chapter. Book clubs are an ideal forum to do this.

Here are the answers to common cocktail food questions – from what type of canapés to serve, how to serve them, and the number of bites required to satisfy each guest’s hunger …

Whether you’ve decided to whip up a Christmas  in July feast yourself or you’ll be sharing the task with friends, here are some delicious Christmas in July menu plans and catering ideas that are guaranteed to spread some Christmas Cheer!

We are proud to have a partnership with Lorraine Lea Linen, and their new television ads have prompted us to share with you what we love about their business, because it may present a great opportunity for you too.

As the weather starts warming up, pool parties can be found in almost any neighbourhood. The relaxed atmosphere pool parties create make them the perfect party to celebrate a birthday, moving house, end of school or just as a catch up.

Whether you have an office party to plan, a Christmas dinner to host, or a New Year’s celebration to organise, why not create your own invitation?

Setting the scene for a baby shower is an easy theme that you can either create in a subtle, stylish way, or go all out! Here are some ideas to have your place looking baby-licious before the guests arrive to celebrate the bub’s impending arrival.

As a host of many social events, it’s always such an unexpected delight when a guest surprises you with a thank you gift. A small host gift is the perfect ‘thank you’ for the effort we all know goes into hosting a great party or event.

If there was an election between Earth and global warming, which would you vote for? In late March each year, as part of Earth Hour, people across the world are urged to VOTE EARTH by using their light switch as their vote. And you can VOTE EARTH too, by switching off your lights for one hour on the designated night.

This party season the streets have been speckled with frocked-up party-goers as fancy dress parties make a bit of a come-back.

‘Tis the season of State of Origin, soccer FIFA World Cup, AFL, Bledisloe Cup and more football than any Aussie sports fan could ever want! But if you’re not a die-hard footy fan, it can be a tough gig twiddling your thumbs beside your partner while they yell excitedly at the ref on the telly …

When the coldest season of the year is finishing up, we can usually think of a million reasons to be glad spring is coming. But here are a few positive things about winter to help get through those last few weeks of dull weather!

If you’ve been tasked with feeding the hungry footy fans on finals day, some simple preparation and planning can go a long way to making the day a success.

We’re thrilled to share that our party and event directory has recently undergone a massive facelift. One of the things you told us in the recent member survey was how important finding party and event suppliers was to you, so we have improved our directory BIG TIME. What’s new…

If you’re a lover of parties, or a lover of list-making, then this handy party event planner is for you! It’s available to all myinvites.com.au members and comes in both pdf and excel format – so you can either write on it or fill out and adjust the checklist on your computer.

Is it party time at your place? To throw the best bash ever, we’ve got a rundown of the freshest decorations, outfits and eats of the season.

Who said having a few families around to your place had to be hard work? We're all in favour of keeping things simple, especially when you're trying to do the organising with little ones around your ankles. So if there are some families who've hosted your tribe recently, it might be time to return the favour. Here's how to keep the occasion fuss-free:

Let’s face it, squeezing your party planning in around work, friends, family and the rest of your life is stressful. Drowning in party paperwork and e-mails and losing track of your to do list? Follow five super simple tips to Paper Flow your Party, from Brigitte Hinneberg, author of Paper Flow, your ultimate guide to making paperwork easy! The end result? An organised, fabulous event and a relaxed and confident host.

Banish the blokes this Friday night – it’s high time you had a girly get-together at home! Simply gather the ingredients for the perfect girls’ night-in: you, the girls, some bubbly, a box of Raffaello, a couple of comfy couches, and a session of gossip and secret-telling.

Overdue for a catch-up with the girls? Then organise a Girls Night In (GNI). During the month of October each year, women are encouraged to spend a night in with their girlfriends, and then donate the money they would've spent on a night out to the Cancer Council. The event raises vital funds to fight women's cancers.

What child doesn’t love making mess? Encourage the mayhem and fun at your pre-schooler’s next birthday party by hosting a ‘messy party’! Here’s how …

There’s been lots of talk lately about cutting back on spending, recycling, buying second-hand, and generally giving consumerism the flick. So how fun would it be to gather a bunch of friends one weekend for a swap party?

If you’d love to host your friends, without the daunting task of cooking, why not host a pot luck dinner? It’s the no-fuss entertaining option! Here’s how to go about it:

You don’t need to conjure up complicated themes for your next party to ensure it’s a hit – by choosing a simple colour, or colour combination you can create a party vibe that is simply gorgeous and lots of fun.

Vintage inspired parties are very popular for so many special occasions, so we've included below some of our best selling vintage party products to inspire you!

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Whether you’re the kind of person who does a lot of planning in their head, or a super-organised type who has a to-do list for every day of the year, when it comes to entertaining, everyone can benefit from a checklist.

When the AFL and NRL footy competitions come to a close each year, it means party time! If you haven’t invited your friends around yet to watch one of the games, don’t panic – you can invite them in a flash using one of our sporty invites.

Don’t forget that today is St Patrick’s Day, and while it’s probably too late to plan a party for tonight, you can always send out a last-minute invite to drinks at an Irish pub.

Sooner or later, most of us get roped into helping out with a local interest group that we’re a part of, such as your netball club or children’s school. And if you find yourself on the fundraising committee, you may be expected to not only come up with ideas for raising dosh, but also organise the fundraiser itself. But where to start?

Then rush to view our bright new Tupperware party designs – there are 12 funky e-invites to choose from, and each is sure to inspire lots of enthusiastic replies to your Tupperware party.

So you’ve sent your invite out in plenty of time, but now the RSVP date has passed … and to be honest, you’re getting antsy about who’s coming to your party. When friends don’t reply to an invitation – whether they have a reasonable excuse or not – it can make it very hard to complete your party planning. So how do you prompt a definite response?

Are you a mum (or dad) looking after little ones at home? Kids are loads of fun, but there's no denying that caring for a baby or toddler can be pretty hard work. Yes, the constancy of day-to-day child rearing can be exhausting for even the most energetic of us! It's time, then, for parents 'n' bubs alike to take a break together. And no, it won’t be hard work to host!

It's Bandaged Bear Day in NSW and the ACT this Friday 26 March, so be sure to support the cause by buying a cute bear, notepad, pen or hacky sack. You can also make your contribution to The Children's Hospital at Westmead by hosting a fundraising party during March - how about having your own teddy bears picnic?

Barbeques are such a top Aussie way to cook and enjoy food and let’s face it, they’re the easiest way to get your man involved in the cooking! These days you can cook almost anything on the barbie from a delicious whole snapper wrapped in foil to gourmet vegetables.

There’s nothing like dressing up for a tea party to get little girls excited, but hosting a tea party for wee ones can also be a smart and fun entertaining option for you.

There can be nothing more exciting than building a nest! Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, have a baby on the way or you’re keen to get into the Easter spirit, a ‘nesting’ theme could be the perfect foundation to celebrate the beginning of a new life or era and you can create this theme as simply or extravagantly as you like.

We’ve all heard of binge drinking. It’s when people go out drinking to get drunk, and drink so excessively that they put their health and safety at risk. If you think you’re not a binger, it might be time to think again. Because anyone who has uttered the phrase, “I’m heading out for a big night!” has likely gone on to have a binge drinking session. Gulp...

There’s nothing quite like the vibrancy of a Bollywood or Indian inspired party theme. The extravagantly produced movies of Bollywood provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable, magical and musical party – even the most timid of guests will find it hard to resist being part of your Bollywood spectacular if you follow some of the tips below.

So you want to host a surprise party? A surprise party can be the most fantastic and memorable event that gets talked about leading into and often long after the event takes place. It's such a great way of showing someone how much you think they rock - because organisng one is damn hard work!

If you missed part 1 of hosting a wicked surprise party, you can view it here. Once you’ve decided that you’re the right person to organise this kind of she-bang, it’s time to get planning! Here are a few ideas to keep you on track…

If you missed the first two parts of our surprise party series, you can check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here, which focus on the planning of the event. Here’s Part 3, all about the day of the surprise party itself.

You’ve been planning your big do for weeks, and after all that effort, the big day is almost here. Hooray! And while you’ve probably channelled umpteen hours into organising your special occasion – from decorations to food to music and the right mix of guests – you may not have planned your personal ‘party look’ yet. Don’t panic … Here’s a must-do cheat sheet to look your best!

Bunting is a great way to turn your leftover or scrap fabric into a pretty party or room decoration. Bunting can really liven up an outdoor dining area, and can transform a lounge room or simple hired space into a special event venue. It also looks fantastic in kids rooms, so the D.I.Y effort can be well worth it. Here’s a simple step by step guide to creating your own!

Here’s the dilemma: you sent out party invitations a month ago, and in the last few weeks the replies have rolled in steadily. But now that the RSVP date has lapsed, there are still lots of outstanding responses … and quite frankly, you’re starting to get a bit annoyed. How can you organise the party when you don’t know how many will be attending? It’s a sticky situation - so how can you handle it with style?

Do you love cocktails? They’re delicious and decadent when you’re out on the town, but having a cocktail evening at your place can be just as fun (and more affordable too). It’s a great idea for a birthday, girls’ night in, or engagement party. Here’s how to host:

As the temperature rises it's the ideal time to head outdoors one balmy night and watch a great flick. There are outdoor cinema options all over the country - here are our top 5 picks:

Yes… when the weather starts to cool down and we turn our entertaining indoors, what better way to keep warm than with some karaoke action. There is a good splattering of karaoke bars around town, so if you’re keen to get a group together and head out for some time on the microphone and air guitar, here are some great options in your city:

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors – not too hot, not too cold! And you don’t even need to leave the house. Why not ask friends over for brunch at your place? You’ll have the rest of the day to linger and enjoy both the weather and quality company.

Here’s a decadent idea if you’re a sweet-tooth: host a party where the only food on offer is dessert! You can either invite everyone to arrive after they’ve had their dinner (say, 8pm), or have your gathering in the afternoon. Either way, your guests will be licking their lips with all the sweet treats on offer …

Everybody loves surprises, don’t they? You know the good kind like a surprise picnic on a summer’s day, a surprise dinner at the end of a busy week or a surprise birthday party even though it’s not a special year. But then, there are the not so good surprises that usually start off with,’oh darling didn’t I tell you, I’ve invited six people for dinner tomorrow night! Aarrgghhhh…it’s about this time when your brain goes into overdrive and starts to plan menus; seating arrangements; what to wear and, most importantly, what needs to be cleaned! We can all live with a not-so-crunchy crème brulee but can we live with a not-so-gleaming house?

With the onset of Winter, long weekends are now few and far between. Here are some suggestions on making the most of it in your area (sorry WA, nothing for you here - you got your day off last week and the Queens Birthday to look forward to in October).

With the rise of the internet, and the emergence of some wonderful children's, and service-oriented websites, party planning has recently got a while lot easier, with the internet providing a one-stop location for all party planning needs.

DIY bon-bons are a fabulous way to personalise the Christmas table. You can fill them with specific goodies and messages for each of your friends or fill them with fun little random trinkets. Including your own bad jokes is totally your call. They’re a special addition to Christmas at your place or if you’ve been invited as a guest, they’re a fun alternative to bringing “a plate of something’. And want to know the best news? They’re pretty easy to make.

Who doesn’t love Italian food? It’s a real crowd pleaser. This is a great menu plan for novice chefs – the dishes aren’t complicated but still taste yummy!

There's something about water that makes you feel calm and relaxed, isn't there? Think nautical thoughts this weekend and gather a group to enjoy some antics on a boat - big or small, fast or slow-moving, you decide...

We may live in modern times, but this doesn’t mean that good manners and proper etiquette don’t matter any more. Here’s a check list of the do’s and don’ts when attending and hosting a party in 2010.

There is definitely a baby boom on at myinvites.com.au! A huge thanks to all the members who sent through their brilliant baby shower tips.

We love a good cuppa with friends, and this month you can make your cup of tea count towards the fight against cancer when you host an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event. With one in two Australians diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, it’s a cause that deserves our attention and support. And it’s so easy to take part …

Turn your cupcakes from good to great with these cupcake accessories below. Using these products even the most simple cupcakes can look extraordinary! You can check out our full range of cupcake accessories including cupcake wrappers, little takeaway containers and cupcake decorations and stands by visiting My Party Store

It’s never been easier to find ideas and inspiration on myinvites.com.au. We’ve just upgraded our content section that includes hundreds of original articles with a new search function, so you can find what you want faster, a new easy to navigate layout and social media sharing tools so you can easily share information that you’ve found useful with your friends.

Did you know that you can now purchase last minute tickets at myinvites? Whether it’s tickets to the hottest concert in town, a virtually sold-out play, or a breathtaking performance of modern dance, we’ve got the tickets you want at prices you won’t believe.

If you’re totally over traipsing all over town with the crowds on New Year’s Eve, how about staying home this year and bringing the party to your place?

Pubs and clubs all over Australia embrace the chance to celebrate the great German festival of beer, and understandably so.

Tea parties are perfect for so many occasions – baby showers, bridal showers, hen’s parties, birthdays or even to celebrate nothing in particular! Usually held before or after lunch they’re quite a convenient party option for many of your guests.

Let’s face it, with most of us having to watch our pennies at the moment, now isn’t the time to be spending frivolously.

Who doesn’t love a drink or two around the silly season? Champers, beers, cocktails, shots, RTD’s … Hey, there are stacks of ways to celebrate! With Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve all coming up, the end of the year signals one big party. Yee ha!

It’s the last hurrah – summer is in its final weeks and for lots of us who’ve enjoyed a long, lazy break, it’s finally time to head back to uni or work. You might think that a big night on the booze is a fitting way to farewell summer, but in reality, a binge drinking session is far from a good idea.

This week we’re inspired by Katie Grace Designs and her use of ribbons and lace to create whimsical and vintage looks for her parties.

It’s party season which means fun in the sun, hanging out with friends, lots of laughter, good food, great wine, a few headaches….. and mess!

Running out of weekend activity ideas for the kids? You’ve done the bowling, bike tracks and movies, so now give yourself a break from driving all over town, and enjoy some no-effort, at-home fun. Allow each child to invite a friend over so it’s double the fun. Here are a couple of classic activities to keep them busy …

There’s nothing more refreshing than spending a glorious winter day outdoors. Without the humidity and blistering sunshine of summer, winter picnics can be even more fun.

Love to pound the pavement? If you’re a runner, no doubt you’re a regular in events like the iconic City2Surf. So when you’re done with all the huffing and puffing, you deserve a post-race celebration!

Is someone close to you leaving your workplace or moving overseas? Don’t sit around being glum about it – turn saying farewell into a party they’ll remember. It’ll make your colleague or friend feel special before they embark on their next job or adventure in life.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival might just be your answer. This furious festival takes over Melbourne every autumn and sits alongside Edinburgh and Montreal as one of the biggest in the world.

Don't panic, we're not suggesting you clean all weekend long - there's no fun in that! But a change of season is a nice chance to freshen up your home and de-clutter, then show off your work by having some friends around.

Spring has arrived and it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the months ahead of entertaining.

There are certain key items that can help make party planning easier – and if you like to entertain, it’s a handy idea to set yourself up with some basics to suit a variety of occasions.

Looking for an easy entertaining option? Inviting friends over for drinks can be easy and fun. It can be as formal or as informal as you like, you don’t need to be daunted by cooking, and you can keep things contained to just your living room, or outside. Some yummy but easy nibbles suggestions include…

Having some pals over for a leisurely breakfast is a nice way to entertain in summer, especially before the heat sets in on really scorching days (by which time all you want to do is lie on the couch in air-conditioned comfort!).

Picnics are an easy way to entertain – they create a casual vibe for whatever occasion you’re celebrating, and a park location provides loads of open space for the kids to roam (while the adults laze about!).