A July Birthday Party Can Be a No Sweat Event!

A few years ago, when my youngest was ready to turn two, his ever helpful older brother was bound and determined that he was going to have a party! The only problem was, what to do!?!

Since my youngest (known at the time as "El Destructo") wasn't in pre-school, we were going to have to depend upon the neighborhood children for the guest list. And, since they were all older than "El Destructo", the games, prizes and general party theme had to be appealing to both my son and his guests.

We hit upon the idea of a patriotic theme party since his actual Birthday is mere days from the 4th of July. This proved to be an excellent choice as it seemed the stores were full of patriotic theme items, and most were discounted as well!

Using my ever faithful Oriental Trading Company catalogue as a starting point, I ordered a multi-pack of Patriotic items. They came in a nice array...including pencils, flags, poppers, little figurines, rings, bracelets and much more! A great assortment and one that worked for both girls and boys! These items were later used to fill "goodie bags" and were used as individual prizes for game winners. In order that the prizes be somewhat of a surprise, we wrapped them individually so their identities would remain secret until actually opened.

The snacks were easy as well! Since we had planned the party for outside, we chose cheese curls and popcorn as finger foods and for the cake we had cupcakes. Several of the girls wanted to help in the preparation, so I baked the cupcakes and then let them loose with frosting the cupcakes and sprinkling them with red, white and blue candies and colored sugar! They were certainly festive when the girls got through with them and when placed upon an appropriately decorated tray, they proved a real asset to the party! We purchased several large bowls in festive colors and filled them with the fore-mentioned snacks and individually wrapped starburst candy as well. Drinks were in the form of juice boxes, approximately 3 for each child in the event of excessive thirst! I always count on more than I might need....I don't like to run short....plus kids and outside fun equal LOTS of thirst! The exact number is up to you of course, just remember, playing in water is hot work!

Games were easy as well. We filled at least three times as many balloons as kids present, with water and used the water balloons in several ways. One game was a relay race in which the participants had to travel across the yard with the balloon tucked under their chin. When they arrived back at "home" they then transferred the balloon to the next person in line, again not touching it with their hands. The oldest guest was in Jr. High so she had a "handicap" of sorts....she had to carry the Birthday boy while he held the balloon, hoping he wouldn't pop it.....a feat he accomplished no less than 3 times, much to the delight of those present!

Other games included....tossing water balloons to a partner, stepping one step backwards with each toss until the balloon popped. The team that had gotten the furthest apart were the winners! Throwing water balloons through a hula hoop suspended from a crossbar on the playyard with the person who could accomplish this from a preset distance earned a prize as well. And finally, with all of those water balloons left over.....WATER FIGHT! This proved (natch) to be the favorite among all the kids...sure was smart of us to request them to come in their swimming suits! :-) Of course there were the ever present squirt guns and thus a major "war" erupted with "El Destructo" being taught how to use a super soaker...a talent he shows off to this day!

Plates used at the party were foam to avoid paper plates being drenched with water and falling apart. Napkins were paper though and seemed to work well although the kids liked to rinse their hands with the hose instead of using napkins! (Another excuse to get wet, don't you think!?!)

It was interesting to note that most of my son's gifts were either patriotic or water toys. I suppose we sent a subliminal message with the invitations but I must admit they sure added to the theme. And to the fun as well!

This was a fairly inexpensive party to throw but despite the inexpensive, simple nature, we found the time flew quickly! All invited had a blast and in fact they especially enjoyed ganging up on me with their water balloons and drenching me in the process! (A word to the wise...wear your swimming suit UNDER your clothes and arm yourself with a super soaker...it will come in handy! :-) )

Clean up was easy as well.....all we did was pack the extras into the house, pick up the gifts and toss the paper goods. The spilled snacks were enjoyed later by the critters, thus proving that this indeed was a "whole neighborhood" party!

Later we included pictures of the kids enjoying the party with their Thank you notes, an extra to the guest to remember the party! Since you will be taking pictures anyway, concentrate on a couple groups shots and take several....then when you develop the photos, ask for double prints...your party favors will be taken care of inexpensively!

So, if you have summer Birthday party to plan, consider using some of our ideas....they are easy, quick and lots of fun! I guarantee you won't be sorry!

Excuse me, but I need to go now...it's time to blow out the candles! ENJOY!!!