AZ Themed Girl's Night

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     Maddy is living outside of AZ right now and has made some new friends in her new town.  Since she is the only one amongst her gal pals who is from AZ, she decided to throw a Girl's Night Party and introduce her friends to a little bit of the Arizona Southwest.  It turned out to be a real hit with everyone, so we thought we would share her ideas with you.  It might just get you to thinking about your own home state and what you might include in a party of your own that would represent your state!  We would love to hear ideas from all 50 States! 

     Maddy threw her party in February because Arizona Statehood Day is on February 14 and none of her friends had ever been to Arizona, so this was going to be something very new to them.  Arizona really does have a unique culture! 
      In Arizona, we recognize what we call the "5 Cs" of the State.  Maddy decided to use these to help her choose an activity, decor and food for her party.  The 5 Cs of Arizona are Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate.  Surprisingly, cactus is not one of the 5 Cs, although many people often mistakenly think that it is.  But, the Saguaro  Cactus is our State Cactus and it only grows in AZ and then down into Mexico.  The State Flower is the Saguaro Cactus Blossom and the State Bird is the Cactus Wren.  This was good enough reason for Maddy to feature cacti prominently at her party! 
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      Since not everyone at a party always knows each other well, Maddy likes to include a craft for everyone to do.  It helps to eliminate awkward silence because people may be quiet simply because they are working on their craft, or also, working together on a craft at the same time gives everyone something to talk about.  For this Arizona Party, Maddy chose these "cotton" (one of the 5 Cs) tote bags for everyone to decorate with fabric markers.  

     As Party Favors, her guests were able to take home not only their decorated totes, but also the cute Cactus Headbands, which she said really helped to break the ice, as well as adorable real miniature potted cacti!  The pots she used are so cute!  So are the little cacti! I also found these headbands at a little bit better price.  Or, if you wanted to give away something more useable for everyday, look at these cute ponytail holders!  (They are also a little more budget friendly!)

      To represent cattle from the 5 Cs, Maddy used this adorable pink cow print table runner.  The mini cacti were perfect to place along it for a simple decoration.  
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      For the best part of any party, let's talk about the food!  Arizona is strongly influenced by the Mexican Culture and I am not kidding when I say that if you haven't eaten Mexican Food in Arizona, you are missing out.  Maddy really wanted to give her friends a taste of that great food that we all love here in AZ.  She served taco bowls at her party and they went over very well.  
   In her taco bowls, she included:  rice, beans, lettuce, ground beef, vegan chicken, limes, pico, guacamole.  (She  did the vegan chicken because two of the girls are vegetarian and one girl just can’t eat beef because it makes her sick, but she didn’t want them to only have beans and avocado for the protein.)  She also served:   ​tortilla chips, Takis, horchata, orange slices and lemonade (citrus for the 5 Cs!)
        Maddy had no time to prepare dessert, so she simply didn't serve dessert, which is always an option!  She did suggest that if you DO have time and want a good AZ dessert, Fry Bread or Churros would be perfect! 
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Looks like they really enjoyed the beef and vegan chicken!

          Maddy said that she couldn't think of what to do for the 5 C of copper.  She didn't have any copper serving ware.  And for climate, she said, "Just Kidding!"  LOL.  She told her friends that she could turn up the temperature in the house really hot, but they were okay with her not doing that!  

​         Overall, Maddy said that everyone had a lot of fun.  She is already in the planning stages of their next girl's night!  
        So, how would you make a girl's night out of YOUR State?  I can't wait to hear your ideas!