reader question of the week #2

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"My son is turning three soon and he's asking for a "big, red party." We're not doing Clifford the Big Red Dog because, well, I don't want to do a character party and--though we live in Cincinnati--we're not doing a Reds baseball party. I've got a few ideas--red, black and white decor, giant red balloons, etc.--but I'm having trouble tying everything together. To make things more difficult, we're combining his party with a backyard party we're throwing as a last hurrah for all our friends before we move to another state. So whatever decor/theme we do for the kids party has to be tasteful enough to do double duty for the adults. I'm starting to think this is too much to ask from one party! I'd appreciate any help! Thanks, Katie"

reader question of the week #1

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"My daughter is turning 4 in June and she isnt 'into' anything much. She has started learning to ride her bike at our local bike park which has roads, roundabouts, traffic signs etc, and lots of play equipment. She would probably love having a bike party there, plus as the guests would range in age a lot, it would amuse all the kids and keep them out of my in-renovation-full-of-mud garden. It would be winter here in inland Australia so cold, but as long as the sun shines and its not too windy a morning there would be lovely. I like the colour scheme of yellow, pink, white and a dash of orange, but am struggling to find ideas for a bicycle theme - especially a cake that is still girly.Any ideas please - anything at all would be a huge help! -Shani"