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Monday, February 22, 2010

REAL PARTIES: "Hear Ye, Hear Ye" Knights and Dragons Themed 4th Birthday Party

Dana Brown is the owner of Simply Sweets and Desert Parties Blog

This year my little boy turned 4 and the theme for his party was knights and dragons. He's been pretty set on this theme for awhile - since I work in the party business and he sees a lot of cakes, he loves to discuss the theme for his next party. He hasn't settled on a theme for his 5th birthday party yet but has discussed already pirates, transformers, monsters and star wars as possible themes - I'm hoping for pirates.



Knight Birthday Party Dessert Buffet party title


I created the invitations using a digital scrapbook kit and Photoshop and printed them at Costco - its a really easy and affordable way to create custom invitations.


Knights and Dragons 4th Birthday Invitation


I also used the digital scrapbook kit to also create a welcome sign, decorations for the pinata bags, straws and tags for the marshmallow pops party favors.


Knight Birthday party welcome sign




We rented a castle bouncer from Mr Bs Moonwalk (our second year with this company and once again great customer service). I ordered a dragon pinata from Arizona Pinatas - they create custom pinatas in any design, color and size (they even ship). I ordered the medium sized pinata and it was huge!

Knight Birthday Party Red Dragon Pinata



We planned 3 activities for the kids - the bounce house which is always a huge hit with the kids (and according to my son, it was his favorite part), a shield and crown craft project and a treasure hunt.

For the craft project I order shields and crowns from Oriental Trading company and we had jewels, stickers and markers for the kids to use for decorating. The shield shaped plates were scored at Target's Halloween clearance sale where I also picked up some candy for the pinata (I love to look for party supplies from the Halloween and Christmas clearance sales).

Paper Shields and Crowns Craft Project



The treasure hunt was a group activity - the reward was the cupcake and candy buffet hidden in the tent.


knight birthday  party dessert tent



Treasure hunt clues:


All knights need a quest. The King's gold has been stolen by the red dragon. He needs your help! Your first clue to find the treasure can be found where the birds build their nests. (clue was hidden in a tree)


You're one step closer towards reaching your goal. Your next clue is in Sir Brendan's house (clue hidden in play house)


Find the red dragon to get the treasure map (a treasure map taped to the inflatable red dragon that led them to the sand box where gold coins were hidden)


Once each child found a gold coin they were allowed enjoy their reward - dessert!



Knight Birthday Party collage



The dessert buffet (with everything done in blue, yellow and silver) included:




  • Cupcake tower topped with a 3D knights castle. The cupcakes were topped with shields, swords and monogram Bs (Simply Sweets)

  • dark and white chocolate dipped pretzels (Simply Sweets)

  • milk and white chocolate marshmallow pops (Simply Sweets)

  • dark and white chocolate dipped oreos (Simply Sweets)

  • milk chocolate dipped rice krispie treats (Simply Sweets)

  • milk chocolate castle suckers (Simply Sweets)

  • white chocolate dragon suckers (Simply Sweets)

  • hershey kisses - silver

  • Hershey's cookies and cream kisses - blue foil

  • blue M & Ms


Knights and Dragon cupcake tower dessert buffet



The kids were given knight and dragon tatoos and we also sent them home with Simply Sweets marshmallow pops party favors.

Local Resources:

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day cupcakes

Valentine's Day cupcakes by Simply Sweets

Friday, February 12, 2010

Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger

This year the Chinese New Year falls on February 14th as the Year of the Tiger is welcomed. Looking for some party inspiration?







red chocolate dipped fortune cookies

chocolate dipped fortune cookes by Simply Sweets

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Valentine's Day Party Ideas

Are you planning a Valentine's Day party? I did a little searching on some of my favorite blogs and found some great ideas.





pink Valentine cupcakes

Valentine's Day Cupcakes by Simply Sweets

Friday, February 5, 2010

Planning a Party for the 'Big Game'?

Are you hosting a party this Sunday for the Big Game? We've got some great entertaining ideas for you:


food and drinks

decorations

  • Printable Decorations from Paper & Cake - invitations, bottle charms, banners, napkin rings and food labels

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Happy Groundhog Day!


These Punxsutawney Phil Pudding Pops were posted by Junior Society. These would be fun for a kids celebration or just a special treat for the day. Thank you to Susan of Poca Cosas for pointing out this fun treat.

Monday, February 1, 2010

What parties are you planning for February?

February is filled with so many reasons to throw a party - what do you have planned?




  • Groundhog Day

  • Valentine's Day

  • Chinese New Year

  • Mardis Gras

  • Olympics