Tue Jun 21, 2005
The Ultimate Theme Party
A couple years ago, I took my daughter, Hannah to a Princess Theme birthday party for a three year old. The front door of the house had been turned into an elaborate Castle entrance and there was a large blow up Dragon in the yard along with an adult staff dressed as court jesters and fair maidens handing out balloons and hors d'oeuvres to the 100+ guests. Parties like that are always enjoyable, but you can still have an amazing party on a budget no matter what thematic ambience you go for.
The first step is to ask your child what they are comfortable with and elaborate on their interests. When I first started planning parties for my daughters, I was always tempted to pick the theme myself. But parties can be very overwhelming to a child and you want them to be comfortable, so involve them in the planning and decision making. Most of all, remember that younger children will often feel more relaxed with a smaller group and a shorter party.
Instead of purchasing character plates and décor, you can opt to use the colors of the theme or character and find bulk items at Discount Party stores. Your child's own toys can be part of the table top decorations or used as balloon weights.
Here are a few cool theme party ideas that are great for different age groups:
Circus Party: 'Come Monkey Around at the Jones Family Circus'
This is a fun idea that is perfect for boy and girl guests of all ages. You can cut out animal pictures from old magazines and paste on construction paper for wall decorations. Use red table clothes for a 'Big Top' theme and serve guests animal crackers, popcorn and hotdogs. Entertain your guests with face painting or Balloon animals. Balloon Twisting Kit, $12.95:
Spy Theme: 'It's no mystery; our little spy is turning 6'
This is another great theme that is gender neutral and has lots of possibilities. Guests can play 'I spy' or go on a treasure hunt for clues. Decorate with black and white balloons. If you are really creative, you can give 'Briefcases' instead of gift bags with mini magnifying glasses and have guests don these disguises:
Dress up Party:
Everyone loves to dress up. Put out costumes and accessories for kids to dress up in and have a parade around the house or a tea party with finger foods. BirthdayExpress.com offers a variety of theme costumes for kids, including this Magician costume $19.99:
Atlanta based Indie site, BoldMary.com, offers creative, well made dress up clothes for girls from $19 to $56. Choose from bright colored hoop skirts to festive tulle creations and matching crowns.
On a strict budget? Use old clothes from your attic and have children make their own accessories with stickers, glitter, markers and construction paper.
Hawaiian Luau: 'Hula your heart out at our Birthday Luau!'
Encourage invitees to wear Hawaiian shirts or beach clothing. You can great your guests with leis and teach kids how to hula dance or play musical chairs to Hawaiian music. Decorate with surfboards, coconuts, grass skirts, beach balls and seashells. You can serve Hawaiian themed foods like pineapple, macadamia nuts, goldfish crackers and fruit smoothies on bright colored table clothes.
Leis, $3.49 a dozen:
Whichever theme you and your little darling you choose, have a great birthday party this year! Feel free to share your ideas and experiences with us here.
Article by Elana Rubin, owner and designer of FutureFashionista.com, an online jewelry website featuring her handmade solid gold designs. Her jewelry has become extremely popular with the trendsetting crowds and famous fashionistas.
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