The NYE decorations and party hats have been packed away for another year, and the Christmas tree is coming down this weekend.

However, Scott and I are still in party mode because it’s almost time for Jump Back Ball!

Much to Scott’s chagrin, I tend to plan everything way in advance (case in point: we just started planning a trip to Chicago for our 5-year wedding anniversary in March … 2014).

So even though Jump Back Ball is not until February 23, it’s time to start pulling together our costumes and theme.

And with that comes my annual blog series on Jump Back Ball.

Each year I normally start off with why you should get a ticket to Jump Back Ball. Besides raising funds for PlayhouseSquare, each party offers something unique and fun.

But this year I’m excited to say I don’t have to. Thanks to an AWESOME turnout at the Ticket Kick-Off Party, Jump Back Two Spaces sold out in December – almost 2 months earlier than last year!

Instead I’m going to jump right into the fun and take you behind the scenes on my Jump Back Ball planning.

After working on last year’s Jump Back Ball, I’m thrilled to be attending as a guest once again. My favorite part about the event is being surprised by what the planning committee has up their sleeve.

Plus I can focus all of this year’s energy on what I’m going to wear.

When the theme – Jump Back Two Spaces – was announced in August, our friends immediately knew which board game we’d all be dressing as.

A few years ago Scott and I discussed having a Clue party at our house – where we’d transform the place into a life-sized game board with each guest playing one of the characters. Life got in the way, though, and we never got around to it.

So while there were many games to pick from for our Jump Back Ball inspiration, we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to do Clue.

And for my Clue character? The Widow Peacock!

Scott – I mean, Professor Plum – better watch his back.

I’m updating Mrs. Peacock‘s grande dame style a bit and looking forward to getting into the spirit of the character from head-to-toe this year.

Which all starts with tomorrow’s post. I’ll be sharing a few ideas for hairstyles and accessories I’ve brainstormed but would welcome any advice.

Are you going to Jump Back Ball this year? Looking to get a bit creative with your outfit?
Here are some board game ideas for inspiration:

• Evite’s Game Night Party Ideas
• Milton Bradley/Parker Brothers Game Ideas
• Boardgame Revolution’s List of Popular Board Games (there are some less traditional games on this list in case you want to think outside the game box)

Disclosure: As a 2013 Jump Back Ball blogger, I was invited to blog about the event in exchange for a ticket. I am also a member of PlayhouseSquare Partners, which hosts the event each year. Opinions here are my own.