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Balloons.
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Business

So long, Party City, and thanks for all the balloons

The chain that laid claim to celebrations across America is now sweeping up the confetti and turning off the lights. Two bankruptcies failed to get its debt in order.

Party City in memoriam

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This week is Trump's arraignment — and birthday. Here's how he has celebrated before

Then-President Donald Trump blows out a candle on a cake celebrating an early birthday during lunch with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on June 11, 2018. Ministry of Communications and Information Singapore via AP hide caption

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Ministry of Communications and Information Singapore via AP

Politics

This week is Trump's arraignment — and birthday. Here's how he has celebrated before

Former president Donald Trump turns 77 on Wednesday. He's celebrated his most recent birthdays on the golf course and in the White House — but is also no stranger to lavish bashes.

Everyone hates a boring party. Here's how to kick things up a notch

NPR Life Kit listeners share photos from their best theme parties. Left: a vision board for a "Vampire Nights"-themed party; middle: An '80s-themed ski party; right: An Olympics watch party. Photos courtesy of L to R: Gabby Kanu; Arik Colbath; Tom Czech and Elizabeth Novak hide caption

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Photos courtesy of L to R: Gabby Kanu; Arik Colbath; Tom Czech and Elizabeth Novak

Life Kit

Everyone hates a boring party. Here's how to kick things up a notch

Hosting a holiday party? NPR's audience shares their best untraditional party ideas and themes — and their strategies to make the experience truly epic.

Everyone hates a boring party. Here's how to kick things up a notch

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The key to hosting a successful theme party? Start planning early
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Perspective

Life Kit

The key to hosting a successful theme party? Start planning early

Party planning experts say to send out invites at least 6 weeks in advance. That can give guests ample time to mark their social calendars — and prepare for the big bash. Read on for more tips.

The key to hosting a successful theme party? Start planning early

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Los Angeles Mayor Says City May Shut Off Water, Power At Houses Hosting Large Parties

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, pictured giving his annual State of the City speech in April, announced on Wednesday that he is authorizing the Department of Water and Power to shut off service at properties hosting large parties, which are forbidden under coronavirus health orders. City of Los Angeles handout/via AP hide caption

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City of Los Angeles handout/via AP

Coronavirus Updates

Los Angeles Mayor Says City May Shut Off Water, Power At Houses Hosting Large Parties

Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday that he is authorizing the city to suspend water and electricity service to properties hosting large parties, which have drawn scrutiny in recent weeks.

Like Moths To A Flame: Why Modern-Day Guests Always Gather In The Kitchen

Michael Durand (left), husband of Kitchn Editor-In-Chief Faith Durand, and friend Chris Gardner (right) carve turkey while guests hang out in the Durands' kitchen, dirty dishes and all, at a recent party. Kitchn/Rachel Joy Barehl hide caption

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Kitchn/Rachel Joy Barehl

The Salt

Like Moths To A Flame: Why Modern-Day Guests Always Gather In The Kitchen

Holiday season is party season. Hosts decorate their homes with trees, flowers and candles in the windows to make them cozy and festive. Yet so many parties end up in the kitchen. Why?

Like Moths To A Flame: Why Modern-Day Guests Always Gather In The Kitchen

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Democrats Burned By Charges Of A Rigged Nomination, But Some In GOP Watch With Envy

Ahead of the California primary, Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign rally at Ventura College on May 26, 2016 in Ventura, California. The David McNew/Getty Images hide caption

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David McNew/Getty Images

Politics

Democrats Burned By Charges Of A Rigged Nomination, But Some In GOP Watch With Envy

Even some of Hillary Clinton's foremost fans and staunchest party regulars — such as House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi — are ready to talk about a fresh infusion of populism for the next round.

Would More Dinner And Golf Solve Washington's Problems? Ray LaHood Thinks So

Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in 2012. Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images hide caption

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Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images

Politics

Would More Dinner And Golf Solve Washington's Problems? Ray LaHood Thinks So

The former Transportation Secretary's new book bemoans the end of bipartisanship. Is his vision of compromise a pipe dream?

Would More Dinner And Golf Solve Washington's Problems? Ray LaHood Thinks So

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