What is Bonfire Night All About?

Here in the UK, it's about to be a weekend full of fireworks, sparklers and roaring bonfires too! Guy Fawkes Night falls on the 5th November every year. With the clocks having gone back, the nights drawing in and a definite chill in the area, it is a day that is synonymous with digging out your mittens and sipping hot drinks to keep warm, whilst 'ooh's and 'aah's fill the air.

But do you know what Bonfire Night is really all about? And who was Guy Fawkes? Read on to find out our 12 crucial facts!

How to Throw a Day of the Dead Party

With Halloween, comes Day of the Dead. The Mexican Día de Muertos holiday has increased in popularity year on year around the globe. A holiday to celebrate the dead, rather than to fear them. Full of colourful decorations, flowers, candles, skulls and a touch of Mexican fiesta fun! We can certainly see why this take on Halloween is growing in popularity.

The Día de Muertos holiday begins on the 31st October and runs right through to the 2nd November. A three day fiesta celebrating with friends, family and neighbours, remembering those loved ones who have passed in the most joyful of ways.

So the time is about right to begin your own Day of the Dead celebration too. Think roses and marigolds (a symbolic flower at this event) and colourful streamers to add a sense of carnival spirit. Use lots of skulls as decorations, scatter around table tops or even attach to your costume. And not forgetting the all important candy skull faces!

From fiesta decorations to colourful tableware, Día de Muertos tiaras to Day of the Dead fancy dress. We've picked out everything you'll need to go all out this weekend. Stop by Flingers Party Shop to pick up these last minute essentials!

Creative Carving Halloween Fun

Will you be busy carving pumpkins this weekend? It's an activity that we love at this time of year and never fails to entertain kids and adults alike.

Whether you're going for the traditionally frightening pumpkin faces, or a more modern design, there is lots of ways to get creative with your pumpkin carving! Once you have read up on our top pumpkin carving tips, you'll be all set to design your own weird and wonderful pumpkins this Halloween!

Get inspired with these creative carving ideas.

Top Pumpkin Carving Tips

Get your pumpkin carving skills in order this Halloween. Follow our top tips to make sure your pumpkin is the best of the bunch, the most creative, lasts the longest and even smells the sweetest this Halloween!

Carve on with our 10 top pumpkin tips!

Trick or Treating Fancy Dress

Halloween is fast approaching. Have you got all your party plans in place? Or are you taking advantage of the half term holiday to grab all those trick or treating essentials?

Make sure your children have the best chance to collect the most sweet and treats this Halloween with the perfect frightening fancy dress or ghoulish costumes around. Best of all, it doesn't need to burst the purse strings to pick up an awesome Halloween costume that your kid will love. We've picked out 9 of our most popular Halloween offerings this year that will be on budget too.

FREE Facepainting This Halloween!

Pop along to Flingers Party Shop, Patchway, this Halloween and if you spend £10 in store, you can get your face painted for free!

A perfect opportunity to pick up last minute Halloween accessories and decorations, as well as completing your spooktacular fancy dress with some epic face paint! Our professional face painter will be in store between 1pm and 5.30pm on both Saturday 29th October and Monday 31st October.

You are never too old to get your face painted so this is available for adults and children of course. So whether you are going to be dressing up as a wicked witch or gothic ghoul, you're little one is dressing up as a terrifying tiger or a Day of the Dead candy skull. Come along and let our professional face painting artist get creative to join in the Halloween fun!

Get all the details for both face painting events here. See you there!

Spooky Party Game Fun

Halloween is just around the corner! Are you are looking for a few games to keep the kiddies occupied this Halloween?

Well we've picked out some of our favourite simple games that we know will add some spooky fun to any party. From group games, to free printable to sweet yet ghoulish DIYs. There is something to suit every party!

15 Halloween Accessories - That Won't Break the Bank

So you are planning your terrifying fancy dress and gruesome costumes ready for Halloween? But it's always important to remember that it is those extra accessories and touches that will bring your look to life!

Best of all, those essential fancy dress extras to add that final gruesome detail to you costume without busting your budget. We've picked out 15 Halloween fancy dress accessories that you can shop for less than £10. Some less than £3!

Whether you are going as a flirty but fun devil, a frightful vampire or celebrating Day of the Dead instead. These essential accessories will pull together your whole Halloween look!

Behind the Candy Skull Meaning

Day of the Dead celebrations are becoming more and more common at Halloween events around the UK, and the popularity of candy skulls has grown so much over the past few years. But do you know the symbolism of these colourfully designed sugar skulls?

If you know the meaning of Day of the Dead celebrations, you'll know that it is a Mexican holiday celebrating and honouring the spirits of loved ones who have passed away. As with the many other traditions of the day, the skull symbolizes death but in a colourful positive manner. 

Make yours the Wickedest Witch of All

It wouldn't be Halloween without a wicked witch. It's a classic go to fancy dress favourite at this time of year, but is still a costume that you can completely personalise and make your own. Whether you want to be a gruesome wart-filled witch, or a flirty fun but wicked witch.

With lots of spooky witch costumes available online, you're sure to find your perfect witchy look. Build up your witchy character with the use of accessories, make up and props to add your own twist to this Halloween classic.

We've picked out a few of our favourite Halloween costume accessories, to complete your perfect witch look, for adults and kids alike!

Halloween Squad Costume Goals

With Halloween at the end of the month, have you put much thought into what you will be dressing up as this year? If you are struggling to decide, why not ask a few friends or colleagues if they have any ideas. You could combine efforts and go all in for a group fancy dress theme and pull off some of the most impressive Halloween costumes around!

We've picked out a handful of our favourite squad costume goals to inspire you this Halloween!

Easy Halloween Party Themes

Time files, and as September turns into October, we're getting ready for our favourite time of year. Halloween! So it's time to start planning some serious Halloween fun! Will you be throwing your own party at home? Attending a local event? Or hosting a kid's Halloween party at the end of the month?

There is so much to think about when organising a Halloween party, so where to begin? Well we're all about deciding on one main theme to pull your whole event together. These are our four favourite Halloween themes to base your own spooky events around.

How to Throw a Bake Off Party

This year's series of the Great British Bake Off has been big news, for all sorts of reasons. 2016 is the end of GBBO as we know it. Set to move to Channel 4 and lose three of the four presenters, it's time to say goodbye to Mel, Sue and Mary.

And what better why to celebrate the end of a British favourite than by paying tribute with your very own GBBO bake off! Download the official Great British Bake Off Party Pack and discover which of your friends, family or colleagues is really the Star Baker.

Autumnal Times

As September rolls on, we're noticing a distinct change in the seasons. Despite a late Summer heatwave hitting lots of the UK, the leaves are starting to fall, pinecones are scattered around and the days are getting shorter.

Take inspiration from these changes in the nature around us and embrace that the evenings drawing in. Add touches of autumnal warmth to any party or event you are planning this month. We've been picking out some awesome autumn themedparty ideas and decoration inspiration to make your party plans that little more seasonal.

City of the Unexpected | Roald Dahl 100

This coming weekend will see the city of Cardiff turn into the wondrous world of Roald Dahl. Celebrating what would have been the centenary of his birth, Wales is paying tribute to the Cardiff born author by injecting a bit of Roald Dahl magic onto the streets of the capital.

City of the Unexpected is set to be two whole days of interactive events and immersive entertainment, but the actual plans for the weekend are still under wraps. Keeping the whole thing a suspenseful surprise, just like many of Dahl's own storylines!

If you are planning to take the kids along to join in the fun, why not throw yourselves into the spirit of the event by getting them all dressed up for the occasion!

Stylish Ways to Use Crepe Paper Streamers

Decorating with crepe party streamers is always a popular way to add colour and texture to any event, along with creating an impressive feature to wow your guest. We're always asked for top tips on how to use crepe streamers to create stylish feature walls and fun party decorations. In the past, our How to Decorate with Crepe Party Streamers blog posts have always been popular with our party planning readers!

So we thought we'd put together even a few more stylish ideas and top tips of ways to use the simple paper streamer to full effect!

Back to School Dayz

Schoolgirl Costume   |   Teachers Gown Fancy Dress   |   School Boy Costume

It's back to school time. Summer has flown by and now September is here. Whilst sending the kiddies off to settle into the start of the school year, why not celebrate with a mini back to school party, but for the adults only!

It could even be an excuse to organise a classic school reunion with those old friends you haven't seen in years!

Futuristic Face Paints | Bestival 2016

Bestival is only next week, one of the biggest and funniest festivals on he calender, marking the end of the British Summer! This time around, the theme for Bestival 2016 is 'The Future'. Have you got your fancy dress planned yet? We're thinking space travelling, intergalactic missions, alien creatures, colourful cyber fashion and lots of glitter!

Last week, we picked out shimmery silver fancy dress ideas and accessories to take you on a cyber style journey through the fields of Bestival. And now to complete the look, we thinking about the face paint!

Free Printable Ice Cream Wrappers

As it is the bank holiday weekend, and we are still holding out for some sunshine! We have a feeling that there is going to be copious amounts of ice cream consumed this weekend!

We've designed some fruity ice cream cone wrappers to add some extra colour and extra tropical vibes to your weekend. Read on to find out how to download these printables for free!

They are perfect if you are planning a final summer BBQ to round off a busy August. Don't forget to check out our favourite fruity watermelon recipes and summer cocktail lolly ideas, for even more fruity vibes to add to your weekend BBQ!

Carnival Spirit

Whether you want to re-create your own version of the colourful Rio Olympics Closing Ceremony at home or if you will be dancing away at Notting Hill this weekend, there is a carnival atmosphere all around!

Add some colour to your next party and sample a bit of carnival spirit. Think fabulous feathers, shimmering eye masks, maracas, music and dancing. Lots of dancing. Perhaps throw in a couple of Brazilian Caiprinhas and you'll instantly be transported to the middle of a full on Brazilian carnival atmosphere.

We've picked out some key accessories to have you in full carnival party mode in no time at all.

Bestival | To the Future

One of our top UK festivals is coming up and it's the perfect excuse for dressing up too. Each year Bestival goes all out with a theme, encouraging all festival goers to get dressed up to match!

For 2016, Bestival is going into the future. So if you are lucky enough to be heading along to the Isle of Wight to round off your Summer with this ever popular festival, then you had better get set for a little but of time travelling!

We've picked out a few essential accessories to get you all cybered up and ready to take on the space-age, Bestival style.

Flinger Party World - Launch Party

Did you know that we're opening a brand new party superstore in Bristol City Centre?

Come along to Flingers Party World on the 18th August on Bristol Harbourside for our summer launch party. Join us and celebrate over drinks, nibbles and entertainment too.

Plus you will receive VIP discount on the night! 

Office Olympics - Let the Games Commence

Gold Winner Medal

The Olympics are well under way! Whilst many of us will never come close to the sporting prowess of those top Olympians competing in Rio this Summer, there is no reason you can join in the fun!

Plan an office Olympics to sort the 'Usain Bolt's from the 'Eddie The Eagle's and discover which of your colleagues are competitive and which ones are true champions! We've picked out a few fun ways to bring a little bit of the Rio sporting spirit to your workplace.

Boomtown Districts 2016

Who's heading to Boomtown this weekend? We hope you haven't forgotten your fancy dress? Boomtown is one of the best festivals around for immersive arts, abstract performance and for letting your imagination run wild!

A festival that has been running for many years, with an elaborate back story running through it the whole time. The festival site is split into several distinct districts, full of wacky characters, thematic performances and an individual genre of music. And with each district there is a distinct fancy dress theme for you to throw yourself into the spirit of the festival.

So which district would be your ideal zone?

Olympic Cocktail | The Caipirinha

It only feels like the London Olympic opening ceremony happened last year, but somehow it's already four years later and the 2016 Olympics are here. This time, it's the turn of Brazil to host the sporting spectacular.

Whilst Southern America may seem far far away, get into the spirit of the Braziallian culture whilst enjoying this Summer's games. We think this calls for a Caipirinha!! Well, it is the national cocktail of Brazil! So what cocktail could be more fitting to enjoy on a summer's evening.

Don't know how to muddle a Caipirinha? Don't worry, we have the super simple recipe for you.

Watermelon Party Dishes

Summer is well under way, and there is nothing more refreshing to enjoy at this time of year than a juicy slice of watermelon. So much so, we've been picking out lots of quirky ways to incorporate colourful watermelon into an alternative party theme for your summer garden parties.

So to accompany your watermelon party decorations, balloons and all the other party essentials you will need, don't forget the food! We've been busy sourcing all the most delicious recipes using our summer fruit favourite. From alternative BBQ dishes, to fizzy summer cocktails, to frozen ice treats! 

Fruity Summer Party | Watermelon Style

Now, we don't know about you, but we think getting to enjoy some juicy watermelon treats is the best way to top off a warm Summer's day. So we started thinking about how the colourful pink and green watermelon tones, could lend themselves so well as a colourful party theme.

This quirky and fruity party theme will no doubt refresh your guests! So go watermelon crazy and get inspired by this alternative party. We've been busy pinning lots of fun and fruit ideas for ways to incorporate watermelons into a party you may be planning. From sweet watermelon cocktails and delicious party nibbles, to watermelon inspired decorations and party invites. Plus much more!

Hawaiian Heatwave Party

Hawaiian Palm Tree Scene Setter

Baking in the heatwave, it feels like the British summer has actually begun! Jump in the deep end by celebrating the hottest day of the year with a totally tropical Hawaiian inspired party, and bask in these tropical temperatures.

Here at Flingers, we have all you need to plan the perfect summer garden party to take advantage of the warm weather. Block out reality with some tropical scene setters, and garnish your glasses with colourful cocktail picks. Summer is here.

Check out our top picks for turning your next garden party tropical, from keeping your drinks cool in our fun inflatable coolers! To occupying the kids by busting open a Monkey Pinåta!

Frozen Summer Cocktail Lollies

To us, Summer means one thing - ice lollies! A favourite refreshing treat on a warm summer day. But we're an even bigger fan of these more adult ice lollies, infused with your favourite tipple. Perfect for any Summer garden party, BBQ or even outdoor wedding, these boozy ice lolly recipes are sure to go down a treat with your grown up guests.

From fruity delights, to tequila zingers, to classy champagne frozen treats. Which of our favourite boozy ice lollies will want to try this weekend?

Rainbow Pride

Rainbow of Balloons

 

This weekend, expect Bristol to be a rainbow of colour. With the Pride Day Parade taking place in Bristol city centre on Saturday, it's going to be a colourful party to promote diversity and equality, celebrating the LGBT community and beyond.

So get ready to be part a rainbow. And, not to worry, we're here to help!

Come on Wales

 

Wales have captured the spirit of the UK, with their impressive performance at the Euros so far. As the only home nation team still in with a chance of making it to the final, it only makes sense that we all rally around and show our support, whether your are Welsh, English, Scottish or Northern Irish.

So, will you be waving the flag for Wales this Wednesday? If so, then we can help....

Fourth of July | All Things Stars and Stripes

 USA Flag Bunting

One of the biggest holidays on the American calendar is without a doubt the Fourth of July celebrations. The date when the American colonies officially declared their independence from England, and led to the formation of the United States of America as we know it today.

Whilst traditionally an all American holiday. There is no reason why we can't join in the celebrations over here on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. You may even find some local events going on to join in with. But for those who are fans of all things state-side, it's the perfect excuse join in this huge holiday.

Wimbledon Sweet Treat Recipes

The best signal that Summer has arrived? When Wimbledon begins! Despite the wet weather, Wimbledon is under way in London. With England knocked out of the Euros, all English sporting hopes are now left to focus upon a British win in tennis instead!

Wimbledon has long been famous for a typically British sweet treat - strawberries and cream! But this year, why not mix it up a bit and explore more tennis inspired bakes, treats and puddings. Hopefully adding some extra summer feeling to this wet and windy Wimbledon week!

Festival Garden Party

You may have noticed that Glastonbury is taking place this weekend... The world famous festival will see hundreds and thousands of revellers travelling to Worthy Farm in Somerset for a long weekend of music, mayhem and camping.

If you're not heading down, are you cursing your bad luck at not being able to buy tickets? Or is the mud-famous festival just not really your thing?

Well, why not put together you own personal mini-version of Glastonbury instead? With the weather set to be warm this weekend, it is a great excuse to gather your friends at home and get into the festival spirit from the comfort of your own back garden!

No mud. Access to showers. Plus, you can to sleep in your own bed at night! Win win win!

Football Crazy Party Mad

Football fever has taken over Europe. With the opening games of the Euros 2016 under way, which team has your support?

Whether you are supporting your home nation, championing the underdogs or following the old favourites. Most important of all is to support the sport of football! If you are inviting all your friends around to watch the footy at home, or planning a local event to watch the games with fellow football fans, then we can help you get into the spirit of the game and set the scene.

Stock up on all the best football party decorations, tableware and themed accessories to plan the ultimate football bash. From big football balloons to grass table covers! There is plenty to chose from to go football crazy at your next party.

Tipsy Teacup Cocktails

A classic afternoon tea is as popular as ever for celebrating special occasions. From big birthdays and hen parties to just catching up with friends. In recent weeks, we've noticed that the release of the latest Alice in Wonderland film has certainly inspired many a Mad Hatter Tea Party!

If you are planning a quirky afternoon tea or party at home, why not make your cocktails that extra special too. Serving cocktails in teapots and teacups is a popular trend at stylish bars up and down the land. Infusing tea into your cocktails is so easy and will result in a delicious drink to really impress your friends!

We've picked out a few of our favourite teacup cocktail recipes that we think are ideal for an adults Mad Hatter inspired tea! Mix up a big batch in a quirky teapot and let your guests help themselves.

Union Jack Street Party | Queen's 90th

 This weekend marks the official celebration of the Queen's 90th birthday. As not only the longest serving monarch of the United Kingdom, she is now officially the oldest too!

So it's a double excuse to get involved and bring the community together. There will be street parties taking place all over the UK to celebrate and expect to see many a Union Jack being waved nationwide!

If you are planning a street party or a garden party to get into the celebratory spirit, then prepare to turn everything red, white and blue!

Baby Shower Gaming

 Baby Shower Letter Garland

If you are planning a baby shower, then you know how important games can be to make the whole party a fun and relaxing occasion for the Mum To Be.

Use simple baby shower games to get all the guests familiar with each other and chatting away (especially useful if the Mum To Be has a wide ranging group of friends who may not all know each other beforehand). Games are also a great way to spoil the Mum To Be, letting her know just how well loved and well known she is by her closest friends and family.

We've picked out our favourite baby shower games and party ideas that we have in stock right now. Grab the perfect party game to make sure the baby shower you are planning is full of giggles, good memories and lots of fun!

Wonderland Food & Drink Treats

We're enjoying the resurgence of Alice in Wonderland inspired parties and themed afternoon teas due to the much anticipated release of Tim Burton's latest instalment of this magical childhood tale.

Having picked out the party essentials and decorations that we think are perfect for a Alice in Wonderland style garden party or event. The next important element is the food. What's a tea party without biscuits and treats!

With this theme in mind, it's certainly a case of being as creative as you like! Check out some of our favourite Wonderland inspired food and drink ideas to try out at your next tea party.

Lost in Wonderland Tea Party

With the newest instalment of Alice in Wonderland taking over cinemas nationwide, we've already noticed how much quirky tea parties have become even more popular this year. We've been searching for lots of wacky but wonderful Alice in Wonderland party inspiration on Pinterest in the spirit of Tim Burton's Through the Looking Glass. From afternoon tea parties to garden decorations to creative cake ideas!

But we've also been picking out those party essentials you need to capture that Alice in Wonderland theme.

Glitter Ice Cube Fun

With yet another bank holiday weekend upon us, and some warm weather to enjoy as well, we think it is going to be a good one.

At the start of May, as a heatwave approached, we made a list of some of the tastiest and fruitiest cocktails to keep us cool. We think that this bank holiday calls once again for refreshing cocktails to keep us cool! And in order to keep those cocktail cool, we've prepared a big batch of ice cube. But ice cubes with a difference...

Add a touch of sparkle to your weekend, by adding some sparkle to your drinks!

DIY Washi Tape Cake Picks

If you know us here at Flingers, you will know that we're always happy to find different ways to use washi tape to brighten up our day. Following on from our Mini Cake Bunting Tutorial last year, we have been getting creative yet again with this colourful tape in the name of cute cake decorations!

Cake picks are a simple and fun way to add a touch a colour to cupcakes and sponges. Adding that extra bit of decoration to finish off your cake or cupcakes to pull the whole celebration together! So follow our super simple tutorial to make your own ruffled cake toppers at home.

Festival Diary - 2016 Themes

As Summer season approaches, it's time to start planning your festival fancy dress. Each year, some of the UK's biggest festivals put together a unique theme for all it's festival-goers to get involved with, fancy dress and all.

Check out our list of all our favourite festivals this year and what is the 2016 fancy dress theme you need to be aware of if you are heading along.

Time for Eurovision

So Eurovision 2016 is almost upon us. The best thing for us about Eurovision, is that it is a great excuse to get all your friends around for a good night in! Catch up whilst watching the show, getting caught up in the camp theatrics of the contest and enjoying a little bit of playful competition too! Are you a fan of Eurovision too?

Wondering what you need to throw the ultimate Eurovision party? Not to worry, we have you covered here at Flingers party shop!

Heatwave Cocktails

With a heatwave set to hit our shores this weekend, we've been picking out a few of our favourite cocktails recipes. Keeping cool on a hot afternoon is the perfect excuse to mix up a few fruity and sweet cocktails!

From mango daiquiris to pineapple milkshakes to artistic cherry blossom tipples! Grab a big punch bowl and a handful of colourful straws to get mixing up these cocktails at home! Top off with a few fruit infused ice cubes and you've got your weekend sorted.

Dotty for Metallics

Metallics are huge this year. You may have already noticed that metallic shades are trending right now in all sorts of ways - the fashion industry, homeware and partyware of course! Which is why we are particularly excited by our newest delivery of polka dot party wear in stylish silver and gold.

At the moment these new shades of our ever popular polka dot tableware and partyware range are only available in store. But if you're not stopping by anytime soon, that doesn't mean we haven't got all your metallic party needs covered!

Daisy Biscuit Bouquet

It's the bank holiday weekend and the weather forecast is mixed. With recent days bringing blue skies, rain showers, and even snow, you wouldn't guess that May day bank holiday is here! But, whatever the weather brings, brighten up the 3 day weekend with some delicious colourful bakes in the kitchen. Inspired by Spring!

And what could be better than this colourful daisy biscuit bouquet!

Chic Wedding Balloon Inspiration

Putting those final touches to your wedding venue? Or just looking for some quirky decoration inspiration?  Done in the right way, balloons can be used as stylish decorations to add to the sense of celebration. Unusual large bubble and orb balloons are a match made in heaven for alternative wedding décor - both fun and chic.

We've picked out our favourite ways to use big balloons as a stylish feature to impress the wedding guests.

St George's Top 10 Facts

St George's Cross - St George's Day decorations

This coming weekend, Saturday 23rd April is St George's Day.

The day to celebrate the patron saint of England is often forgotten by many English folk, some of whom don't even know the name of their nation's patron saint. So we've put together 10 top facts for a crash course in all things St George!