Reader Giveaway!

Tastefully Entertaining readers can enter to win a pair of these luxurious KN Karen Neuburger chenille lounge socks! You may be asking how socks relate to entertaining, but these cozy accessories would be the perfect favor or prize for a spa-themed shower or a child's pampering party!

Enter to win by leaving a comment on today's post about your most luxurious party idea or accessory.

Each reader can enter once by leaving a comment on this post. Please be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you're a winner. Entries will be accepted up until 7:00 pm EST on Monday, March 2nd. Two winners will be selected by a random drawing.

Eclectic Asian-inspired Birthday Party

Sarah emailed in looking for some inspiration for a Asian-inspired birthday party for her husband's 40th. I've kept this theme a little more abstract with modern, everyday elements for a really eclectic and gender-neutral event.


- Overlapping squares wall art from West Elm
- Modern table setting with black and white patterned, square dinnerware and red napkins atop a bamboo placemat. The centerpiece is made of smooth river rocks and red candles placed on bamboo placemats lined up to serve as a table runner. [elements from Crate & Barrel but found at HWTM]
- Vodka red squares make for an eclectic cocktail
- Red bowls with chopstick divots [via HWTM]
- Mod tea pot and tea cup set from Target
- Folded red invitation tied with a unique knot

Tinkerbell Costumes for World Book Day

About Tinkerbell
Tinkerbell comes from the Peter Pan book written by J.M. Barrie. In the story, In the stories, Tinkerbell is generally kind to Peter Pan, but she also has a slightly wicked side to her and can be a mean and vindictive fairy. In some ways Tinkerbell has almost a split personality, this is said to be because of Tinkerbell's small size which prevents her from holding more than one feeling at a time.

World Book Day costume ideas: Tinkerbell Costume
I think that a Tinkerbell makes an excellent fancy dress idea, especially as a costume idea for world book day for girls. The story of Peter pan is well known. Most children only know about Peter Pan and Tinkerbell because of the Disney film, but if by dressing up, you can also get them interested in the book, then so much the better.

Tinkerbell Costumes
Of all the fairy costumes, Tinkerbell costumes are the most popular, most Tinkerbell costumes for children are green in colour and she has wings and often a wand as well. Most Tinkerbell costumes will come with the fairy wings, but as with the way many fancy dress costumes are sold these days, you may find that you will have to buy the wand separately.

UK Shoppers
Tinkerbell Costumes on Amazon.co.uk

US Shoppers
Tinkerbell Costumes on Amazon.com

Related Posts:
Fairy Costume Ideas
Peter Pan Costumes
World Book Day 2009

Zorro Costumes

The Zorro Fancy Dress Costume
Zorro is usually depicted in films and books wearing a black costume with a flowing Spanish cape and wearing a flat-brimmed Andalusian style hat. Zorro also wears a black face mask that covers the top of the head from eye level upwards.

For authenticity, you should use a rapier as the correct style of "sword" Zorro uses this to slash his famous "Z" as his mark. Most Zorro costumes come with the Zorro sword, or you can purchase it as a separate accessories. Zorro has also been known to use a bull-whip and some costumes come with one included. If you cannot find one being sold with the Zorro costume, you could check the accessories for Indiana Jones as their whips are similar.

Child Zorro Costumes - World Book Day Costume Idea
The Children's Zorro costume available is almost miniature replica's of the adult costume and for me makes an excellent fancy dress idea for World Book Day as not only has Zorro been featured in many books, but the costume is undeniably cool, which you know as well I do, is extremely important at school!

Why a Child Zorro Costume makes a perfect World Book Day Costume
Did you know that Zorro who was often called Señor or El Zorro in the original stories about him was first created in 1919 where he appeared in the serialized story of "The Curse of Capistrano" written by Johnston McCulley. The original story "The Curse of Capistrano" was reprinted by Tor books in 1998 under the title "The Mark of Zorro". ISBN 978-0-8125-4007-9 (see below for links to the books, DVD's and costumes)



Adult Zorro Costume

Of all the Zorro costumes, I think the official deluxe version is the best. The Zorro outfit comes with a one-piece black jumpsuit complete with a padded muscle torso, chest, bicep, triceps and deltoid muscles, that makes you look like you have spent the past decade in the gym! The costume comes with attached black knee-high vinyl boot covers that makes it look like you are wearing Zorro's boots. This costume also comes with the long black cape, Zorro's black Andalusian style hat has a 3D raised golden trim and Zorro logo. Finishing touches include a belt with printed decoration and Zorro logo and the Zorro face-mask.

To complete the look you will probably have to buy the Zorro sword and whip separately.

Other Zorro Fancy Dress Costumes
Other than the child and adult Zorro costumes, there are also infant Zorro costumes, Pet / Dog Zorro costumes and women's Zorro costumes (La Bandida) costumes available.


Where to Buy Zorro Costumes
To buy the adult, child, women's, infant and pet Zorro costumes, I would suggest the websites below:

UK Shoppers:
Zorro Costumes on Amazon.co.uk

The Mark of Zorro on Amazon.co.uk

Amazon have the adult men's and woman's Zorro costumes as well as the child and infant outfits. There are also the accessories like the masks and swords. As well as the books and DVD's!

US Shoppers:
Zorro Halloween Costumes on Amazon.com

The Mark of Zorro on Amazon.com

Like the UK site, Amazon.com have every Zorro costume that you could ever want including all the available accessories for sale.

Battle of the Movie Costumes

Pink Panther vs. Street Fighter vs. Wolverine vs. Star Trek

In the next few months there are a few films due to be released that make perfect fancy dress costume themes:

• The Pink Panther 2 (Feb 13th)
• Friday the 13th (Feb 13th)
• Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (Feb 27th)
• X-Men Origins: Wolverine (May 1st)
• Star Trek (May 8th)

So if you are going to or planning a costume party in the next few months and would like to dress in a topical costume, that has a film theme, which one should you choose?



Most Popular Film Search on Google
According to Google Insights for Search, over the past 30 days, slightly more people are searching for Street Fighter than Star Trek. If you combine the searches for Wolverine and X-men, it shows that this film is pretty popular in as far as web searches, with the Pink Panther lagging a little behind.

I am not sure if the amount of people searching for the films on the web will have any bearing on the box office, or how popular the respective fancy dress costumes will ultimately be, but if you want to wear a popular film costume now, I'd go for either the Star Trek Costume, Street Fighter Costume or the Wolverine Costume. But if you are after pure comic value perhaps either the Pink Panther Costume or Inspector Jacques Clouseau costumes would be the way to go.

Preppy Pink & Green Whale Birthday Party

Amy left a comment looking for ideas for her daughter's 3rd birthday party in the park. The themes she mentioned were preppy, pink & green and whales. I love this idea and was thrilled to gather ideas for such a cute party concept!

- Green polka-dotted paper treat packets sealed with a pink monogram seal [via Rebecca Thuss]

- Hand painted pink and green polka dot boxes are ideal for favors or decoration [via]

- Paper lanterns in shades of pink, green, yellow and white would look lovely hung from tree branches in a park setting (don't worry about actually lighting them, just let the color provide great decor) [via Rebecca Thuss]

- Pink & Green whale basket can help carry party essentials to the location as well as portray the theme [via]

- Super preppy grosgrain ribbon napkin rings for the adult table [via Social Couture]

- The perfect way to spread the word: pink and green whale invitation by Boatman Geller

- Green and pink whale luggage tags are a practical and cute favor (great for traveling as well as lunches, backpacks, sleepover gear, etc) [via]

- Fun and coordinating footwear for the stylish host/mom [via Target]

Also, for dessert, here is a preppy pink and green cake:

Children's Book Week & The World Book Day

It seems as if there is some confusion as a few people have asked me if the Children's Book Week, is the same event as The World Book day. I have done a little research and as far as I can tell they are different events:

Children's Book Week
In 2008 the 77th Children's Book week was held in October which focuses on reading for pleasure amongst children of primary school age and is one of many campaigns aimed at getting children to read organised by the BookTrust. The Booktrust is an independent national charity dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and cultures to engage with books and the written word. As far as I can tell there is no link with fancy dress costumes and Children's Book Week.

World Book Day
World Book Day traditionally took place on 23 April (Shakespeare's birthday and St George's Day). In the UK this date clashed with the Easer Holidays and so to allow schools to take part, this was changed to the first Thursday in March. Many schools organise fancy dress days where the children can dress in a costume representing their favourite book character, so outfits like Harry Potter costumes, Peter Pan costumes, Wizard Of Oz Costumes, Alice in Wonderland Costumes and Snow White Costumes are popular.

For more, check out: World Book Day Costumes & Ideas 2009.

World Book Day: Peter Pan Costumes

As an idea for a world Book Day costume theme, I think that any Peter Pan costume would make an excellent choice. The magical story of Peter Pan, written by J. M. Barrie, tells of a naughty boy who refuses to grow up and his adventures on an island called Neverland is a classic and one that every child should know.

The Peter Pan Costume & Look
What is interesting is the way that most of the Peter Pan costumes all look pretty similar to each other, even though the author never really described Peter's appearance in much detail. It was probably his intention to allow the reader to use their imagination.

Most of the Peter Pan costumes available on the web are green and consist of a fleece like shirt and darker green trousers. Most costumes also come with the hat and feather to complete the look.


Apart form the actual Peter Pan costume, you could also wear a Captain Hook costume, especially if you would rather dress in a pirate costume. Or as a girl, a Tinkerbell costume would also really work.

UK Shoppers
Peter Pan Costumes on Amazon.co.uk Amazon have a good selection of Peter Pan costumes, including Captain Hook and Tinkerbell costumes and so are worth checking out.

Peter Pan at Jokers' Masquerade - joke.co.uk also have an excellent selection of Peter Pan Costumes, as well as Captain Hook & Tinkerbell for both children and adults.

US Shoppers
Peter Pan Costumes on Amazon.com - Like the UK, Amazon.com have all the Peter Pan themed costumes for adults as well as children that you could ever hope for.


Check out this post for more World Book Day Costume Ideas.

A Valentine's Dinner Party

With Valentine's Day less than a week away, why not gather your friends and celebrate together? Whether they're single or in relationships, everyone can join in on the fun of this heart-themed dinner party.

- Handmade heart invitations from Etsy seller SandyPhotoArt
- A red leather heart journal can serve as a guest book as well as a place for writing thoughts on love
- Pink passion martinis are the perfect cocktail for the occasion
- Dessert couldn't be sweeter then with these cupcakes adorably adorned with white frosting and 2 hearts [via flickr user Dimpleicious]
- Stunning red and white table setting made up of red chairs, white base linens, a red runner, multiple small red floral arrangements, white dinnerware and red napkins.

Sexy Leg Avenue Costumes for Valentines Day

Of all the manufacturers of sexy fancy dress costumes, Leg Avenue are not only the most well know, but probably the best. They have a huge range of sexy costumes that are just perfect for valentines day.

The Popularity of Leg Avenue Costumes
Back in October 2008, I wrote about the most popular searches on Google related to fancy dress, and the fastest rising search at the time was "leg avenue" indicating the ever increasing popularity of this small company operating out of LA in the USA. Leg Avenue started out in the hosiery to lingerie business, but quickly expanded into other areas including Halloween costumes and they now sell sexy woman's costumes as well as lingerie, shoes and swimwear.

Their designs mix fashion with fantasy, Leg Avenue Costumes are sexy and fun and as they say themselves: "Whether it’s feeling glamorous and sultry in our lingerie or fulfilling a fantasy in one of our costumes, our goal is to make each woman that wears Leg Avenue feel confident and sexy.", "No one does sexy costumes better than Leg Avenue."

Britney Spears wearing a Leg Avenue Pirate Costume
Because of the high quality of their costumes, many celebs have worn Leg Avenue outfits, including Alyssa Milano, who dressed in their fairy costume, Stacy Keibler who dressed in the Leg Avenue Rag Doll Costume and Vanessa Minnillo who wore the Capt’n Booty sexy pirate costume. A major coup for Leg Avenue was when Britney Spears was photographed wearing their sexy Pinky Pirate costume. (See Photo Below)




Sexy Costumes For Valentines
So if you are looking for quality sexy costume here are few of the many Leg Avenue costumes available, that I have found for sale on the web:

Sexy French Maid Costume
I guess one of the classic sexy costumes is a French maid outfit, Leg Avenue have 7 different French maid costumes in their catalogue, from the simple French Maid Garter Ruffle Bustiea costume, to the deluxe quality 5 piece French Maid costume that includes Underwire Bra, Puff Sleeves, Aprn Skirt, Stocking & Duster.







Sexy Nurse Costumes
For those of you that may be feeling a little under the weather on Valentines day, Leg Avenue have a whole host of quality naughty nurse costumes. One of my favourites is the deluxe 3 piece nurses costume that has a high neck top with stud popper fasteners to front, skirt with attached lace pinifore and headpiece. Both headpiece and top include embroidered badge and the skirt has an elasticated waist. Top and skirt includes spandex for a more 'stretchy' fit.


Shoppers in the UK:
Leg Avenue Costumes for Sale

Shoppers in the USA:
Leg Avenue Costumes for Sale


Related Valentines Posts:
Below are some other articles that I have written on valentines day costumes that you may find interesting:

• Cupid Costumes for Valentines Day

• Valentines Ideas: Sexy Lion Costumes

Oh Baby! Pink & Blue Baby Shower

Amy emailed me looking for ideas for a blue and pink baby shower. Though she already has inspiration ready for an upcoming shower I am happy to add to that with a few ideas of my own.

- Add a small floral centerpiece and light blue rimmed china to a blush pink tablecloth for a beautiful and sophisticated table setting.

- Light pink tulle maternity dress for the mom-to-be

- Petit fours with blue and pink booties are an elegant and appropriate dessert for the occasion

- A simple favor consists of a light blue box topped with a pink slip of paper that can denote the guest's name. Make the scroll element by wrapping the paper around a pencil.

- Pink invitations with blue text and a damask-patterned blue envelope liner [via]

Harry Potter Costumes

With the popularity of all the Harry Potter novels written by British author J. K. Rowling and then the film and merchandise spin off's, it is no wonder that one of the most popular fancy dress costumes for World Book Day was last year and will probably be again this year a Children's Harry Potter Costume.

For anyone who has been living in a cave, the story of Harry Potter is basically about the adventures of a boy wizard named Harry Potter during his struggle against an evil wizard named Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents. Even though you are born a Wizard, Harry and his friends, Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, to learn the skills necessary to become a successful wizard.

Harry Potter Costumes
As you would expect, there are plenty of kids Harry Potter fancy dress costumes available, all of which consist of his basic costume, that being a robe. For the deluxe version pictured, the costume comes with the maroon and black hooded robe with clasp with an embroidered Gryffindor badge over left breast. Unfortunately as with many of the harry potter costumes that I have found you will also have to buy the Harry potter glasses, wand and possibly a wig and tie separately. (You could also just use you school tie)

Other Potter Characters Costumes
Other than Harry's costume, you can also find Dumbledore Masks and costumes, Voldemort costumes and masks, Hermione Granger costumes and Death Eater Costumes.

UK:
Harry Potter Costumes on Amazon.co.uk

USA:
Harry Potter Costumes on Amazon.com

World Book Day Costumes 2009

This years World Book Day in the UK and Ireland will be on March 5th 2009. The rest of the world celebrates the day on St.
George’s Day, 23rd April every year. The reason that the UK celebrates it on a
different day is because here there is a large involvement with the
schools and it is placed during the school term.

One of the main aims is to encourage children to read more by making books and reading more fun and by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own. There will be a number of events associated with this day and one of them
being Fancy Dress.

World Book Day Costumes

The idea of getting kids to dress up in fancy dress costumes, with a book theme, I think is excellent. Dressing up is always good fun. It is hoped that this fun with the costumes will also encourage children read more, to find out more about the character of the costume that they are wearing.

Costume Ideas for World Book Day
So what fancy dress costumes are there that come from a book, or have a book theme, here are a few fancy dress ideas that I can think of. If you can think of any more ideas, please feel free to comment below.

Boys Costume ideas for Book Week:

• Harry Potter Costume
• Robin Hood Costume
• Dennis The Menace Costume
• Wizard Of Oz Costume
• Child Tin Man Costume (Wizard of Oz )
• Child Scarecrow Costume (Wizard of Oz )
• Aladdin Costume
• Peter Pan Costume
• Noddy Costume
• Wombles Costumes
• Paddington Bear Costume
• Puss in Boots Costume
• King of Hearts Costume (Alice in Wonderland)
• Zorro Costume
• Dracula Costume
• Frankenstein Costume
• The Cat in The Hat Costume
• Jungle Book Costumes
• Oliver Twist Costume
• Wind in The Willows Costumes
• Peter Rabbit Costumes
• Costume ideas from the Bible
• Gulliver's Travels
• Dr. Dolittle Costumes
• Pinocchio Costume
• Aladdin Costume
• Winnie The Pooh Costume
• Lord of The Rings Costumes
• Jack & The Beanstalk Costume (Jack & a Giant Costume)
• Pirate Costume
• Young Bond - James Bond Costume
  

Girls Costume ideas for Book Week:

• Alice in Wonderland Costume
• Queen of Hearts Costume (Alice in Wonderland)
• Little Red Riding Hood Costume
• Cinderella Costume
  
• Snow White Costume
• Tinkerbell Costume
• Teen Dorothy Costume (Wizard of Oz)
• Heidi Costume
• Witch Costumes - From many books including Winnie The Witch & Shakespeare!
• The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe costume ideas
• Little Miss Muffet
• Goldilocks & The Three Bears costumes
• Princess & The Pea Costume
• Beatrix Potter Books - Think Rabbit costumes
  

Where to buy World Book Day Costumes
Amazon.co.uk has an excellent range of fancy dress costumes for children:
Children's Costumes on Amazon.co.uk