Birthday Party Ideas For You

This list of savory Mexican foods features simple, party-friendly eats. While some originated in Mexico, others transform traditional American dishes into south-of-the-border favorites. Many of these dishes can be made in advance, giving you more time to enjoy your margarita.

1. Chips and Dips. Corn tortilla chips alongside guacamole, salsa and bean dip are a must for any Mexican food party table. Also popular is chile con queso, a spicy, hot cheese dip.

2. Mini Tacos. Seek out small, soft corn tortillas. Fillings can include beans, cheese, fish or meats. You can pre-make the tacos or set up a taco bar where guests can make their own.

3. Chile Cheese Tarts. 1-inch pre-made appetizer pastry shells are the best thing that's happened to parties since the wine charm phenomenon. You can fill these bite-sized cups with any filling you can think of, savory or sweet. We suggest a combination of fresh green chiles and cheese. Depending on guests' preferences, you may adjust the heat accordingly.

4. Agua Fria. This refreshing drink can be made from almost any blended fruit. First, liquefy a fruit such as watermelon in the blender. Strain the mixture to eliminate seeds. Serve with a mint leaf garnish if you like.

5. Sliders Mexican Style. Try a spicy take on the slider phenomenon by adding salsa, cornmeal and pepper jack cheese to these much-loved miniature burgers.

6. Quesadillas. Tuck spinach and mushrooms with cheddar cheese between two flour tortillas and saute until brown. You can use smaller-sized tortillas for individual portions. If you're using 10-inch or larger tortillas, you may slice the quesadilla into smaller servings once cooked.

7. Chile Spiced Nuts. You'll find these spiced nuts on many bars throughout Mexico. Roast shelled, unsalted, blanched peanuts in vegetable oil in a skillet. When cool, mix in chile powder. You can add as much or as little as you like depending on your tolerance for heat. Salt nuts to taste and garnish with lime wedges. They can be stored for weeks in an airtight container.

8. Flan. This steamed caramel custard dessert has a creamy texture and is easy to make in advance. It can be served cold or at room temperature in small, individual-sized ramekins.

Birthdays are a great opportunity to try new things you might not do every day. Teens love activities that combine camaraderie, indulgence and a great time. These 10 suggestions are sure to provide teenagers (as well as adults) with an unforgettable birthday.

1. Glamour/Hollywood: A dress-up event in an elegant setting complete with photographers and even a limousine ride. Do a drive-through at your favorite fast food joint.

2. Dancing: A nightclub theme where you'll dance til dawn. Create your own party mix or hire a dj to keep the party going.

3. Pool/Beach Outing: If your birthday falls in warm weather, invite your friends for swimming, barbecue and outdoor fun.

4. Karaoke: Rent a karaoke machine or reserve a karaoke room and sing your hearts out.

5. Salon/Makeover: Book a session for you and your friends at a beauty salon. Nails, makeup, tanning - make yourselves beautiful!

6. Art/Graffiti: Wait! It's not what you think. Rather than defacing property, create a template on wall-sized heavy paper. Have the group design and create a mural together that can be saved and hung as artwork remembering the day.

7. Cooking Class: Reserve a kitchen session at a local cooking school. Have a professional chef teach cooking techniques and guide the group in preparing a gourmet meal themselves. Then, of course, enjoy the meal together.

8. Amusement Park: Give all party attendees a full-day pass to an amusement park. Think roller coasters, free falls and thrills!

9. Fine Restaurant Meal: Select a classy restaurant and invite your friends. Reserve a party room at the restaurant for large groups and have a special, personalized dining experience.

10. Helping Others: Spend a day helping those less fortunate. It's an unusual but rewarding event that will make you and your friends feel good while giving back to your community. Then, treat yourselves to a pizza party for all your hard work!

Learn more about fabulous and fun birthday party ideas at http://www.birthdayideasforyou.com.

Birthdays balloons are often presented in a "bouquet" of up to 15 balloons and will elicit a "Wow" from guests. They are a combination of mylar (the foil-like balloons) and latex. Typically the mylar balloon has "happy birthday" messaging, while the remaining latex balloons are in solid, complimentary colors. Having this mixture is not just festive. It looks professionally planned, especially when the colors match the rest of your party decor. Bouquets are usually secured with ribbon at the bottom and start at around $20 dollars.

1. Buttons and Pins. When guests arrive, they receive a personalized pin with their own name on it. Include fun imagery that matches the theme of the party. It makes for instant camaraderie between guests (and is great if all of the children don't know eachother). They come in a variety of styles and sizes, geared to girls and boys in all age groups. For example, if you're having a beach-themed birthday party, you can design a pin with sun, sands, surf and the guest's name. These buttons cost between $1 and $2 each, but price largely depends on the volume you're ordering.

2. Customized Candy Tins. You may have seen these at bridal showers or weddings, but they are loved by kids as well. For the customized lid, create an attractive design and include the birthday celebrant's name and birthdate. You can fill them with mints, life savers, or other pre-wrapped candies. Even when the candy is gone, kids will still enjoy using the adorable tin.

3. Decorate Pottery or Figures. Many pottery shops provide kids' classes and parties with a "make your own" theme. For this kind of party, each child paints and decorates his own piece of artwork to take home. This way, all of the guests feel like they received a birthday gift to be cherished for a long time.