Selected as Party of the Day on July 2nd!

Patriotic Playdate for FOUR

Angela J By Angela J  in Summer

Drinks

Party Recap

This party was created as part of the Spaceships and Laser Beams 'Boy Bash on a Budget' challenge. I utilized the Childhood Toys Printable Collection from SSLB to create a red, white and blue party full of fun and boyish charm. The entire party was created for $20!

The main goal I had in mind during the planning phase was to have a party that was informal and really all about play! I wanted the boys to be able to interact with their surroundings. I also wanted to attempt an outdoor party, something that can be tricky in the Midwest.

I was able to borrow my in-laws picnic table and set it up in my backyard, where the party was to be held.
I strung a rope from tree to tree overhead, then added a vertical element by tying on strings of circle garlands and punching balloons, which were given away at the end of the party as favors.

I created a table runner out of a white dishtowel I had on hand. By printing the graphic circles from the collection onto transfer paper, then ironing onto the dishtowel, I was able to create a coordinating element very simply and affordably. I layered the dishcloth runner on top of blue plaid fabric I had in my fabric bin.

For the table centerpiece, I up-cycled various containers I had around the house. A red metal tin, large plastic container and small baby food jars were adorned with graphic circles from the printable set, which I had printed on sticker material. A large pickle jar was covered with white rope and held a circle centerpiece printed on cardstock, and a blue plastic vase became the housing for a burst of licorice whips.

Each place setting included a printable ‘Zoom Boom Woom’ placemat, topped with an antique stoneware plate filled with red, white and blue food goodies.

The cups were one of my favorite DIY projects to work on. I printed out two blue plaid cupcake wraps and glued them together with the pattern facing outward. I then wrapped them around a clear plastic cup at an angle and fastened with tape, then covered the tape with a 2” printable circle (which I had printed on sticker material). I filled the cups with clear sparkling juice, and topped with red star ice cubes (which quickly melted and turned the drink red).

The boys were given favor baskets that included some of the items we used during the party. They were each given a wooden racer, which they decorated using red and blue crayons, white chalk and 1 inch printable circle stickers. They then ‘raced’ them on the sidewalk! Was that ever fun! The baskets also included a ball & jacks set, complete with directions on how to play, and a small baggie of M&M candies.
The red baskets themselves were a great dollar store find. I wove white rope near the top, and tied on a printable favor tag.

The big smiles the boys had during the party made the planning worth every second! Thanks again Spaceships and Laser Beams for this amazing opportunity!

Idea

Party Highlights

  • Best Dressed

    Isaiah was dressed in a custom made white t-shirt that featured a trike decal from the SSLB Classic Toys collection. He spilled his drink on it halfway through the party and had to be changed though! :)

  • Desserts

    red licorice

  • Activities / Games

    We interacted with all of the decorations/ favors. They decorated wooden race cars, then 'raced' them on the sidewalk. The boys learned how to play Jacks for the very first time. We also played a short game of baseball and had some fun with the punching balloons

  • Budget

    This party was done as part of the Boy Bash on a Budget challenge for Spaceships and Laser Beams. The entire party was only $20!

  • Party Favors

    Each boy was given a small red basket with a wooden racecar, ball & jack set, m&ms, and other goodies. They also received a punching balloon toward the end of the party

  • Best Moment

    Seeing the boys excitement as they raced their wooden cars!

  • What People Ate

    jelly sandwhiches, popcorn, strawberries, blueberries and red licorice

  • What People Drank

    sparkling cherry water

  • Funniest Moment

    Watching the boys concentrate as they learned the game of Jacks

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Party Helpers

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