Need party ideas and deals on party supplies

[nccherrypicker Profile]

I am helping with a military retirement party in a few months and getting stumped on a few things. The retiree is not retiring from work, just military so most retirement party ideas and supplies don't work. The party will be casual and include kids. Party stores seem to have very little or nothing on this idea. I looked at their small sections of country patriotism items and not sure if we want to go with all red, white, and blue, etc. I am thinking of gold and white or maybe silver tableware. They are renting a large room (inexpensively) and will get a caterer but still don't want a formal party. Have any of you attended an event like this that went over well and maybe even saved on supplies somehow?? We are talking paper or plastic tableware. Do you know of a good party supply place that is reasonably priced? Party ideas are welcome too.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Judy

[kelly Profile]

Personally, I like the red white and blue theme, just not ALL of it. I mean, you can use some white and silver, and ACCENT with red,white,and blue. You can get flags cheap at the dollar store or walmart (big ones and small ones)...you can use plain paper plates and napkins from Party City. Plain ones are much cheaper than decorated ones. AND I don't know what is there, but in Clayton there is a military store. I have never been there, but they might have some cool things to use to decorate with.

Hope this helps some. Have a fun party.

[mypally Profile]

There is a great independently owned dollar store in Wake Forest called Just Dollars. They always carry lots of party supplies, and it usually comes from high end stores. (they buy alot of close-outs) I have had great success with both paper goods and favors there. They are located in the same shopping center as Food Lion and Rite Aid. (right beside Rite Aid) Good Luck!

[dstarr Profile]

Try Oriental Trading Co:
www.orientaltrading.com

Look at the tabs across the home page on go to 'sale' on the far right. Then click on 'Sale Holidays & Occasions' on the lower right. There is a 'Patriotic' section. They also have a regular Patriotic section if you don't see what you want in the sale section.

I would do this if you can't find what you want in local stores due to cost of shipping.

HTH

[catkiss71 Profile]

Did the guest of honor travel with the military around the world to diferent courtries that you can do something to the effect of showing all the places that they have been but there is no place like home?

[nccherrypicker Profile]

Thanks to all who answered so quickly! Kelly, I do like the idea of using white & silver but using red, white, and blue as accents, plus I will check out Party City and the Clayton military store.
Another person mentioned Wake Forest "Just Dollars" store for party supplies. Too far for me to travel, but I will let them know since they are closer.
Dixie, still checking out the Orientaltrading.com site online and Cathy, yes, he did travel to several places in the world, so I like your idea also.
And yes, I think he believes there is no place like home!
Thanks again
You are all wonderful and saved me lots of money since joining this group.

[cyndeeo Profile]

Oriental Trading usually has free S&H codes for orders over $60 - I may have a code in my email box if you need it.

Depending on number of people you might want to get white paper plates, cups, silverware from BJ's.

Napkins are an easy way to add pattern/color.

Happy planning,
Cyndee

[craybon Profile YIM]

Hi ya Judy,

Try this link to "Windy City Novelties". It will take a while to navigte the site because the have a ton of stuff!! Prices are fairly reasonable too.

http://www.windycitynovelties.com/

Hope this helps and please THANK this person from my family, for serving our country!!!

Chet

[nccherrypicker Profile]

Cyndee, we will use your napkin idea for pattern/color. Thanks.
Chet, I found a flag banner on the website you gave that may work for us. We can add "Thanks for your service to our country." right on the banner for all to see. Love these ideas.
Judy