Chef Theme Birthday Party - DIY Decorations

If you've got a kid that loves to help in the kitchen, why not throw them a chef birthday party? This theme lends itself to DIY, so decorations, food, and games are easy and inexpensive. In the end, kids get a birthday party with a focus on hands-on fun. Send out invitations in the form of a menu. For example:

BELLA'S BAKERY

Serving up a good time at Bella's house on June 21st, 2009 at 1:00 pm.
Appetizers: Apron decorating
Entree: DIY personal pizzas
Dessert: DIY ice cream sundaes

If you're having the party at your house, host it in the kitchen (of course). Cover the table with a white paper tablecloth. Place utensils, such as wooden spoons or rubber spatulas, in a small crock in the center of the table. Hang a chef hat on the back of each chair. If you know who your guests will be ahead of time, personalize the chef hats with puffy fabric paint.

Before the guests arrive, slice a loaf of French bread in half, then in half lengthwise. These will be the base of their personal pizzas. When the guests arrive, give each a piece of French bread and a spoon. Provide bowls of pizza sauce and toppings (cheese, pepperoni, etc.) and allow the kids to create their own masterpiece. When they are finished, bake the pizzas at 375 degrees until the cheese is melted (about 15 minutes).

While the pizzas are baking, give each child an 11x13 piece of paper. Have them decorate their own place mat using markers, rubber stamps, etc. If they wish, they can use the place mat to create a menu for their own restaurant.

After eating, give each guest a child-size white apron. Allow them to personalize their aprons using fabric paint, stamps, etc. You can even do iron-on transfers if you have enough adults to help. Set the aprons aside to dry.

Give each guest a plastic sundae cup (or bowl). Give them a choice of different kinds of ice cream to be the start of their sundae. Set out sundae toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, nuts, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream and allow the kids to create their own dessert.

Along with aprons, place mats, and chef hats, send the guests home with a plastic mixing bowl containing chef-related items, such as a mixing spoon, rubber spatula, and cake or muffin mix. If you've taken pictures of the guests in their hats, include this in the bowl as well.

This party theme is a great way for kids to have fun in the kitchen, as well as learn cooking safety. It can be modified for kids of various ages, and works equally well with boys and girls. The hands-on approach reduces down-time during the party and gets the kids more involved in the activities. Whether the guests are seasoned chefs or first time cooks, everyone is sure to mix up some fun!