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Sunday, July 22, 2012

Our Woodland Party

Hedgehog at Woodland Party

A few weeks ago, Kara got her new buddy Silver.  She has always had a great love for woodland animals.  Last Halloween she even  had me make her a fox costume.  When I asked her what she would like for her theme this year, she said definitely a Woodland Animal Party.


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Moss Crafts, Woodland Party Moss


She invited 7 friends, and 6 of them were able to attend.  Her older sister had a few friends stop by as well.   Decorating for the party was a lot of fun.   Earlier in the week, she made her moss letters and we added them to the dessert table.



This was not my original plan for the decor.  I originally hung 2 of the red paper lanterns and the 2 owl lanterns over the table.  I also designed a cardboard tree that I was going to use as a part of the backdrop.  Things did not go as planned though.  I messed up when measuring  the tree.  I needed it to be about 6 feet tall, but when I brought it in the house I realized it was 2-3 feet too tall. I forgot to compensate for the length of the branches. There was also  not a good way to attach the tree and get it to stand up, so we had to come up with plan B.   The tape on the lanterns would not stick to the ceiling, and when  one fell for the third time, I decided not to rehang them. I also had trouble with the green panel on the right. For whatever reason it did not want to stay put and fell to the ground several times. While I love the fabric I bought from IKEA, it was kind of slippery to work with.    I used a real branch from a tree that had been removed a few weeks ago instead.  Even though this set up was plan B, I really liked it.

Birdhouse Craft, Woodland Party


After all the girls arrived, they went on the deck to paint birdhouses that we found at JoAnn's Fabric and Crafts. You can find similar bird houses like these at DollarTree.com


We had set up several outdoor games in the backyard, but once again it was pretty hot.  Instead of being in the high 90s like last year, it was in the high 80s.  Instead of playing games like badminton, the girls mostly all sat under our canopy on the log stools that I had placed there. I had planned on painting woodland animals on them, but ran out of time. Oh well, I can still do that at a later time.

Cardboard Photo Booth Tree


Each of the girls posed with their favorite woodland animal by the cardboard tree. It was so big that it fell twice before we took the pictures, but it got the job done.

Pin the Nose on the Fox Party Game


We played Pin the Nose on the Fox game that this year Kara designed.  The only girl who I am pretty sure cheated this year was Kara.  She is the only one who got the nose almost exactly where it needed to be..  Hmmm....



It was then time for food.  I was a little bummed about the cupcakes.  I had planned on piping on the quills to each of the cupcakes.  In the end I was  so pressed for time, and could not find my piping bags, so I just used two colors of frosting and some mini chips for the face.  The kids loved them just the same as they would had I spent a lot more time adding quills on them.  Either way they were delicious!


Woodland Party Hedgehog Watermelon


On the main table, I had another hedgehog watermelon.  I am glad that I had made a practice version, because I had to whip this one out  just a few minutes before the party.



In the big bowl was Survive In the Woods Trail Mix , and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Gummy Fish in Jello


There were little cups of pond jello, that were a big hit.

Smores Pops, Acorn Cookies, Woodland Party Desserts


The kids also loved the smores pops and chocolate acorns.


Woodland Party Treats, Woodland Party Dessert Table


Not pictured, we also had orange fruit cups, and pinwheel pizza snails.  I  had made some cheese/tomato mushrooms, that were forgotten in the fridge.. Ooops!.    In the pitchers on the kitchen  table, were ice water and orange sherbet punch.    While the girls were outside, they also had access to Capri Sun.



Blowing out the candles.. It is hard to put 11 candles on a cupcake, so she chose to use only 2.


In order to save on the number of paper cups used, I gave each of the guests their own jar marked with their name for drinking glasses.  It fit in nicely with theme, and not once was there a mix up on whose cup belonged to who.

Woodland Party Decor

There were a few added touches around the house, that helped with the theme. I made the mushroom just by using a green planter and a dollar store moss form upside down.



When it was time to go, each guest got to take an owl goody bag  from the owls nest.

Overall the party was a success, and Kara and her friends had fun.  That is what really counts!!!  I was a bit bummed when after the party I realized I forgot to take a group shot of the girls.  I did get pictures of each of them on their own, so at least I have that.  Another year, and we survived another party.


I bought many of the supplies for this party at the Dollar Tree.  If you are considering hosting a Woodland Party, here are items you might want to consider. 

bamboo skewers 
toothpicks
plastic party cups (jello fish bowls)
serving trays  for the cupcake tiered tray 
plastic serving plates 
floral foam and brown paper (skewer holders) 
mason jars - here is a great alternative glass mugs with handles
paper lunch bags 

11 comments:

  1. this is so original and my daughter would LOVE it! i'll have to keep this bookmarked. saying hi from mom on a time out blog hop!

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  2. Thanks! I am glad you like it. If you ever have any question about the party, just let me know.

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  3. Enjoyed your post. Glad I found you through It's Just Called Spicy. I linked in a post about 2 versions of that old retro fave, prawn cocktail. Have a good week.

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  4. Looks like a really great party. Thanks so much for sharing at the All Star Block Party.

    Holly

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  5. Love the watermelon and the gift bags! Great theme!

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  6. Thanks so much for linking up to our Pretty Things Party! I hope you'll be back next week!

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  7. Awesome party!!! I am visiting from the sassy sites link party. I am you newest follower! I blog over at http://www.garagesalesrus.blogspot.com/ I hope you will stop by and do the same. I also have an awesome giveaway going on with a Cricut Machine! It's only got a few hours left on it so hurry over and enter!

    Robin

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  8. What a fun party!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!

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  9. How FUN!!!!
    Thanks for sharing with my Super Link Party! :-)

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  10. So cute! I love those little log stools too! Nice touch. :) Thanks for sharing at our Pinteresting Party
    .

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  11. What a great party! Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Showcase.

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