Guest Author - Kristi A Larson

There is no need to take your temperature, or schedule a doctor visit, that strange feeling you are experiencing is Spring Fever! Whether you live in a sunny locale, or still have mounds and mounds of snow in your yard, it is officially spring! Spring is all about new life, so what better way to rejuvenate your spirit than with a party?

There are many party themes suited to this time of year. A Tea Party may sound old-fashioned, or something for little girls, but you can have a tea Party for “Big Girls” too! If you are planning an afternoon get together you can serve raspberry iced tea and fresh fruit with a honey-yogurt dip. For a wilder affair, consider serving Long Island and Newport Teas. To keep with the idea of rejuvenation, give each other manicures – though if alcohol is involved, avoid using any nail polish! For a music selection, consider some light jazz or classical guitar to really set the tone for your soiree.

It wouldn’t be spring without thoughts of gardens and flowers and things to come, so how about a Garden Party? Invite your friends together and ask each one to bring a favorite plant or seed packet to exchange. There are many different methods of doing this, but one that can lead to hilarity is having each guest to draw a number. They then make their selection based on the number drawn, or they can steal from others who have selected before them. Or instead of plants and seed packets, encourage creativity by asking guests to bring a “garden themed” gift to exchange. Set food up in a buffet, with pots of forced bulbs, or even grass, throughout. Put napkins and silverware in flowerpots, and consider using new, hand painted garden tools as serving utensils.

Or how about just a Spring Fever Party? Decorate with bright, vibrant colors and play lively and energetic music that encourages dancing. Serve champagne with half-ounce shots of brilliantly colored liquers or non-alcoholic fruit flavored waters with fruit skewers in them. Another option would be brightly colored daiquiris, either with alcohol or without. Consider a variety of light appetizers like spinach dip and crostini, bruschetta, crab puffs, and mini fruit tartlets.

Spring is here and that means that soon the snow will be disappearing. Take this opportunity to reflect on all the reasons you have to celebrate. Celebrate your friends, celebrate your family, and, most of all celebrate you! At this time of rebirth and rejuvenation, spark up your spirit and throw a party!