Penelope is here to help.

Sweet 16 Birthday Party...Like a Rockstar

Dear Penelope,
I am having a Sweet 16 party for my Daughter. Do you have some ideas for a Rock Star theme?
V.M.
Atlanta, GA

Dear V.M.-
I sure do! And since my Sweet 16th birthday party is still the best birthday party I’ve ever had, I’m happy to help you plan your daughter’s party.

First, MyPunchbowl has got some gorgeous free online invitations that are concert and rock-themed and will be a perfect way to invite friends and family members to your daughter’s Sweet 16 Rock Star party. Here’s a favorite of mine that's got just the right mix of upbeat colors for a Rock Star party:

Next, you’ll want to choose appropriate Rock Star party decorations for whatever party space you intend to use. I suggest choosing a wide open space that can be one part dance floor, one part eating and chatting space. A Disco ball is definitely a necessity, and I'd suggest hanging old or blank CDs from the ceiling with fishing wire to play up the fun dance atmosphere. Bright colors are your friend for this Rock Star party, so be sure to keep your tablecloth and balloons vibrant and up-beat.

Ask your daughter's friends to come dressed as their favorite rock star, and to bring their favorite music to add to the Rock Star atmosphere. Rent or buy a long, thin red carpet to roll out in front of the entrance to the party and play paparazzi--take a Rock Star photograph of each arriving guest on the red carpet.

For activites, I suggest holding a dance contest to see which among your daughter's friends has the best moves. If you have your own copy of Guitar Hero, a Guitar Hero contest will also keep your aspiring Rock Stars entertained. Provide winners with a small gift bag of glitter hair spray, a big pair of aviator sunglasses (which can be bought at any local drug store for no more than $5) and a $10 gift card for iTunes to help build their Rock Star music library.

In terms of refreshments, I suggest setting up a Mocktail bar (mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails) and serving virgin pina coladas and other smoothies in margarita glasses to let your daughter and her friends feel like Rock Stars without breaking any major state laws. Check out this virgin pina colada recipe to get started, and remember that you can't go wrong with fresh fruit and tangy sorbet blended together for smoothies.

With these Sweet 16 Rock Star party tips to get your started, you should be off to a rocking start planning your daughter's birthday party. Have fun and wish your daughter a happy birthday for me!

Enjoy Planning.
Penelope