This Valentine's Day Party City Helps You Grin and Bear It!

Market Wire, January, 2006

Every year men and women run to the nearest store in search of the same old candies and flowers they pray will please their loved ones. This year Party City has come to the rescue with a cute and cuddly gift that is sure to please, especially when it is coupled with some of Party City's great personal touches.

Party City's Bear Balloon Bouquet combines two classic Valentine's Day gifts in a new way that is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of any lucky recipient. The stuffed bear accompanied by a selection of heart shaped Mylar balloons, is available in various sizes and prices and will make a great impression without causing a painful dent in your wallet. All you need to do is call your local Party City, place an order and pick it up on Valentine's Day.

To set up a romantic evening and show your special someone that you really care, why not have the bear greet them at the door, holding a card leading them to a special place such as pillows before a lit fireplace or a bathtub filled with bubbles. Try sweetening the deal with heart shaped cookies and a special champagne cocktail. We've included the recipes for both treats and with a little thought and advance planning you may garner great rewards for the rest of the year.

The Party Pros at Party City also know how to please the kiddies. The popular kid's cards for 2006 are Star Wars, Madagascar, Bratz, Dora, and Hello Dolly. Couple these with some great character candy like Sponge Bob, Disney Princess, Dora, and Spiderman and your child will be all decked out for a great Valentine's Day at school.

So don't worry about what to do this Valentine's Day. Whether you plan in advance or wait until the last minute, Party City has got you covered. For more information, visit our website at www.partycity.com.

About Party City

Party City Corporation is America's largest party goods chain. Party City currently has more than 500 Company-owned and franchise stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. To learn more about Party City, call 1-800-477-4841 or visit the Company's website at www.partycity.com.

RECIPES

Valentine's Cookies

What You Will Need

--  1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
--  1/3 cup shortening
--  3/4 cup sugar
--  1 teaspoon baking powder
--  pinch salt
--  1 egg
--  1 teaspoon vanilla
--  2 cups all-purpose flour
--  granulated sugar, colored if desired
    

Directions

--  Beat butter and shortening thoroughly with an electric mixer or pastry
    cutter.
--  Add sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt and mix until well
    combined.
--  Beat in egg and vanilla then as much flour as you can with the
    electric mixer.
--  Stir in the remaining flour.
--  Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
--  Split the dough in 1/2 and roll one half at a time.
--  Cut out with Valentine cookie cutters.
--  Keep the piece you aren't using in the fridge.
--  Bake at 325° on ungreased cookie sheets for about 7 to 8 minutes,
    until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned (don't over cook).
    Sprinkle with colored sugar right after removing from the oven. Makes 36
    cookies.
    

Valentine's Day Champagne Cocktail

What You Will Need

--  1 cup chilled passion fruit blend nectar
--  1/2 teaspoon Angostura bitters
--  1 cup chilled champagne or other sparkling white wine
--  4 fresh raspberries or small strawberries
--  1 orange slice, cut in half
    

Directions

--  Divide nectar and bitters between 2 chilled champagne flutes. Add
    champagne.
--  Drop 2 berries into each drink. Garnish with orange.
    

Powered by NewsWire One

To view electronic release go to: http://www.newswire1.net/NW2006/A_PCY_CH/PCY3001766/

Contact: Judy Klein Phone: (212)572-6220 E-Mail: Email Contact