Party Spot - Real Parties: Cristina's Quinceanera

Cristina's family and friends pitched in to help her throw a fun-filled party for her fifteenth birthday -- her Quinceanera.

She is: Cristina Raventos
Day of party: March 16
The scene: Her uncle's house

The Planning Cristina began planning her Quince three months before the big day. "I was stressed about the guest list -- and my outfit," she admits. Her parents helped by arranging for the party to be at her uncle's house, and agreed to do all the catering themselves. Cristina spent most of her prep time on the invitations. "I loved making them and then giving them to my friends," she says. Cristina also chose a special color scheme for her party: fuchsia and white.

Getting Dressed Cristina wanted to look elegant but casual, so she opted for a halter top and skirt Instead of a dress. Her ideal outfit: A fuchsia-colored top to match her party decoration, and a black skirt. But finding the right pieces wasn't easy. "It took me a month to find the right black skirt, and then I needed my aunt and my friend to help me pick the right top," she says. Cristina's matching bracelet, necklace, and earrings were gifts.

Beauty Moves Cristina had a stylist at her favorite salon give her an updo, which she loved. "It stayed perfect all through the night!" she raves. As for makeup, Cristina didn't want to stray too far from her usual look. "I don't wear that much makeup anyway," she says.

The Main Event Her uncle's house was transformed into an upscale dance club, with floral centerpieces on the tables, and spinning lights on the dance floor. A DJ played hip-hop, salsa, meringue, and other Latin American music Cristina loves. Her guests danced all night, and chowed down on the homemade treats, including a two-tier chocolate cake made by her aunt. "We danced all night and ate almost all the food!" she exclaims. "And the DJ was excellent!" For party favors, Cristina gave her best girlfriends jewelry boxes that she made herself.

Wise Words "Definitely have a guest list, and someone who can enforce it,"
Cristina advises. "One girl I didn't invite showed up. But then I forgot about it and had fun anyway!"