Theme GAMES and Ideas



*Save the Swamp: Before Shrek birthday party, make 2 buckets of swamp water using green food coloring (both buckets should have an equal amount of water).
At game time, place two buckets of "Swamp water" on one side of the play area. Line the kids up into 2 equal teams on the other side of the area. Place two empty buckets near the lineups. Give 2 identical cups to each team.
On the command "Go", first players on each team should run with their cups to the buckets, draw water with their cups, and transport that water to the empty buckets as fast as they can. Then they pass the cups to the next players in line, who continue in the same fashion. The first team to transfer their water to the other side wins. (For added fun, put plastic lizards, frogs, etc. in the buckets - so the kids have to "save them

*Think Donkeys, Think: Here is a great Shrek birthday party game to test memory of your guests.
While the kids are in another room, place various objects on the party table (arrange them in any way you want). Make sure the kids don't get to see what's on the table until you're ready to start the game.
The kids sit down at the table. Next, they take a good look at the small items, and remember what they are. A chosen player then turns his back and closes his eyes. While his eyes are closed, point to another player and have that player quietly take one of the toys or treats off the table, and hide them from view. The first player can then face the group again - he must determine which item is missing from the table, and who snatched it. Allow him or her a few guesses and then have the culprit confess and show the stolen item.
Return the item to the table before beginning the next round. The player who snatched the item leads the next round, closing his or her eyes and facing away from the group. Select another player to snatch an item. Play continues until everyone has had a chance to snatch and guess.

*Swamp Secrets:  Have the kids sit in a circle. Help the birthday child think of a message related to your party theme, such as "The silly, sloppy ogre-slayer was seen sleeping on the sofa" or "The princess keeps candles in the corner of her cold castle."

The birthday child whispers the message to the person on his or her left. It travels around the circle, until it reaches the person on the birthday child's right. That person states the heard message out loud, and then the birthday child states the original message. Watch the kids giggle as they compare the two messages. Keep playing the game with new players starting the communication.






*Jumping Beans
This is a good fiesta party game for the younger kids and gets them to use up a lot of energy. Explain that a Mexican jumping bean has a type of caterpillar pupa inside and that when it gets warm, the caterpillar starts to twitch and fidget which makes the beans jump. Put on some Mexican music and get the kids to jump about like the beans but when the music stops, everyone has to stand very still. Any 'bean' caught twitching is out and can then be your helper in spotting the next twitching bean.

*Pass the Sombrero
A bit like 'pass the parcel' but instead the kids have to pass a sombrero. Sit the kids in a circle, put on some Mexican music and get the kids to pass round the sombrero. Each time it is passed to them, they have to place it on their head for a second. When the music stops, the kid wearing the sombrero is out of the game or he has to do a dance in the middle of the circle.

*Limbo - Limbo
The older kids especially love this game. All you need is a stick and two poles to balance it on, or you could get two people to hold it. Start with the stick about eye height and each child takes it in turn to cross under the stick without knocking it down or touching it. They have to do this facing forwards so it will involve bending their body backwards a little. Each round, you place the stick a little lower so it becomes harder and harder. My 13 year-old daughter has no problems at this game as she can bend her body in all sorts of unimaginable ways! Have some music going at the same time and the kids clapping so you get the rhythm going.Tip: For smaller kids, they could just crawl under the stick.

*Mexican Kickball
This is a traditional game played in Mexican villages and is a great fiesta party outdoor game for teams and large groups of kids. The aim of the game is for each team member to kick a ball (no hands!) around an obstacle course and the first team whereby all its members fully complete the course is the winner. Set the obstacle course to reflect the age of the kids. It could involve going round logs, tables and chairs, up a slide, around a tree, through a tunnel, kicking over a low net, through a paddling pool and so on. Tip: Give each team a colored badge or sash to wear in red, green or white.

*Let's Dance
No Fiesta party is complete without a bit of dancing and what better way than to teach them the Macarena Dance or The Mexican Hat Dance.

*Pinata
A pinnate is the ultimate in Mexican fiesta party games. If you fancy being adventurous, click here to make your own pinnate.

*Piglet, Piglet, Eeyore!: This is Winnie the Pooh birthday party variation of classic "Duck, Duck, Goose" game.


More Party Games and Ideas!
Pan for Gold - bury pennies in a sand box and let the kids sift through with pie pans to find the "gold" (punch holes in pie pans to allow sand but not pennies to fall through).
Needle in a haystack - undo 2 bails of hay to form a pile.
Hide small prizes in the hay for the kids to search for!
Shoot Out the Lights - line up 5 candles on a sturdy board and let the kids take turns with squirt guns "Shooting out The Lights!"
Pin the Tail on the Pony, Pin the Hat on the Cowgirl, Pin the Mustache on the Outlaw, Pin the Kiss on the Cowboy... -Creative versions of Pin the Tail on the Donkey!
Charades - Use farm animals, famous cowboys or outlaws, Western movies and more!
3 Legged Race and Sack Race
Pass the Rattle Snake - A unique version of hot potato.  Play country music as you pass a rubber/plastic snake.  Whoever is left holding the snake when the music stops is bitten and is out!
Egg Hunt - This was a creative mom... A chicken went crazy and laid eggs all over the yard.  Send the kids out to find them!  Use plastic eggs with candy etc... inside.
Horseshoes!
Dress-up Race - Take 2 boxes and fill them with western clothing (hats, boots, flannels, dads levis - whatever!!!) Make 2 teams and have them race to put on all the clothes in the box and take them off again.  First team with all team mates dressed and undressed wins!
Round-up - Set up a short trail with obstacles.  Make 2 teams.  Each team gets a broom and a balloon.  The first team to have all team members "drive" the balloon through the course wins.  Have extra balloons ready in case one pops (that person goes back to start over).
Rope the Pony -Make two pony heads on broomsticks and stick them into the ground or pails of hay. Create two Lassos out of hools-hoops and ropes. Then form two teams and have a rodeo to see which team can rope their ponies first.
I found this on a great website http://www.geocities.com/melissajl2000/texas.htm
Cut out various brands from sponges and hot glue to long dowels. Kids dip the sponges into paint and "brand" large cut outs of cattle and horses.
http://holidays.kaboose.com/birthday-party.html I think this site is great for party games!
More Ideas...
* Ask all the guests to come dressed in western theme clothing
* Use black and white film for pictures
* Create a Western town out of boxes
* Make "Wanted" Posters
* Have an indoor camp out - Watch a   horse movie and share trail mix.  Spirit, The Silver Stallion, Black Beauty, Red Fury, Flash etc...
* Copy a coloring book horse and let the kids color and  decorate their own with yarn, glitter, cotton etc.. to take home.
* Decorate cut out horse shaped cookies
Dance to country music.
Make a covered wagon. Let students decorate a full sheet of construction paper with brands or other cowboy designs. Fold over a half sheet of paper and staple to the four corners. Do not crease it. Glue on wheels from paper.
Make a campfire from rolled butcher paper and red and orange tissue paper.
Make branded cowhides. Tear off the edges of a large brown paper bag. Have the children crumple up the paper into a ball. Open the paper and have the children brand them with potato halves and paint.
Make a vest out of a paper bag.
Have a barrel race using chairs for barrels and a stick horse.
Make a cactus with green construction paper and glue on toothpicks for sticke stickers.
Decorations:  Bails of Straw or Hay, Wagon Wheel, Horse Shoe, Steers Head, Cactus
Costumes: Cowboy, Cowgirl, Horse, Bareback Rider, Billy the Kid, Undertaker, Rodeo Rider, Sheriff, Indian - Squaw, Brave, Chief, Pocahontas.Kight in shiining armor
What to Wear:  Cowboy Boots, Hat, Leather Vest, Guns and Belt, Jeans, Scarf,
Sheriff Badge, Chequered Shirts, Straw Hats, Beards and Moustaches and Rope Belts




FIESTA GAMES
SHREK GAMES
INVITATIONS
Shrek
*For your Shrek birthday party invitations, download a picture of Shrek characters and print copies on the front of blank invitation cards. The invitations can start with: "Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! You're invited to a Shrektacular party to celebrate (your child's name) __th Birthday!" Then include the rest of your Shrek party details.
*As a variation, print a picture of the birthday child on the front of the invitation cards. Then decorate the invitations with Shrek theme stickers.
*Lastly, you can write your invitations on cream colored paper and use old English font. Then burn the edges of the invitations to make them look old. Finally, roll them into scrolls and tie with ribbons. 
Invitations
More Shrek
*Using "Old English" font, print the invitation on yellowed parchment stationery... "Here Ye, Here ye, your presence has been requested for the birthday celebration of (Prince/Princess -child's name)"  or "In a land far, far away we will celebrate (child's name) birthday with Shrek!", add time, place, "RSVP to the Queen (your phone number)"... you can also at this point, singe the edges with a lighter...(do this over the sink).  Roll each invitation and tie with twine or ribbon.  Deliver in person
More Shrek
Frog Balloon Invitation - Inflate a green latex balloon with air. With a black permanent marker, draw large round eyes and a wide mouth with a tongue flicking out to look like a frog. Perhaps add webbed feet too. Write party details on the "belly" of the frog. Deflate and mail to guests in a green envelope, along with this note:
While jesting with his lady fair,
Shrek blew up a fat green frog with air,
You must do the same - don't hesitate,
For Shrektacular party info, please INFLATE!




DECORATIONS
Shrek
There are lots of ways to decorate for a Fiesta party but the main thing is to think bright primary colours.
*Hang up 'lots' of red, white and green balloons.
*Pin up a Mexican flag and ask your local travel agents if they have free posters of Mexico that you could have.
*Use a colourful Mexican blanket as a tablecloth.
*Decorate the table with brightly coloured paper plates and cups or use colourful or terracotta pottery and straw mats.
*Copy and print off small images of the Mexican flag and attach them to toothpicks to dot around the table.
*Hang a pair of maracas or a sombrero on your front door or gate as a welcome sign.
*Invest in a couple of big blow up cacti - you never know when they may come in useful again!
*Get on your fiesta party costume
*Get the music going Latin Fiesta dance music
More Shrek
Set the scene:  castles, forests, swamps, a land far, far away...
Decorate with hunter green and orange helium balloons...
Tie twine from one side of the room to the other and hang tattered dark colored clothing on it to resemble Shrek's swamp home...
Create a standup with paint and lumber to resemble a castle...or a standup of Shrek with his face cutout for the guest to put his/her head through for a really fun photo op!
Create Lord Farquaad's castle with oatmeal containers...paint to resemble his castle.. see www.shrek.com , display small figures of the characters around the castle and use for a centerpiece
Winnie the Pooh
Print an image of Winnie the Pooh, enlarge it and tape it to the fence. (You can also use theme poster.) Tie a bunch of balloons near the driveway entrance to mark your party spot. Cut out paw prints of Winnie the Pooh characters, and spread them on the driveway. Have the prints lead to Winnie the Pooh party area, so the guests know where to go. Hang a banner that says "Welcome to Winnie the Pooh Birthday Party!"


CRAFTS
Shrek
+Gingerbread Cookies/Ornaments -Make and decorate Gingerbread cookies or foam magnets in the shape of gingerbread men. Cut out clay ornaments with a gingerbread man shaped cookie cutter.
RED -TONS MORE IDEAS ON

BLUE - TONS MORE IDEAS ON

PINK - TONS MORE IDEAS ON

GREEN - TONS MORE IDEAS ON



PARTY IDEAS & LINKS
Festa Food
1 box Betty Crocker® Suddenly Salad® classic pasta salad mix
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (15 oz) Progresso® black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (15.25 oz) Green Giant® whole kernel corn, drained
4 cups torn romaine lettuce
1 container (12 oz) refrigerated guacamole dip
1 1/2 cups finely shredded Mexican 4-cheese blend (6 oz)
3 plum (Roma) tomatoes, chopped
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
3 cups nacho-flavored tortilla chips

1. Empty Pasta mix into 3-quart saucepan 2/3 full of boiling water. Gently boil uncovered 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Drain pasta; rinse with cold water. Shake to drain well. In medium bowl, stir together seasoning mix, oil, water and cumin. Stir in pasta, beans and corn.

3. In 4-quart glass salad bowl or 13x9-inch glass baking dish, layer lettuce and pasta mixture. Spread guacamole evenly over top. Sprinkle with cheese and tomatoes; top with olives.

4. Just before serving, arrange chips around edge of bowl. Serve immediately, or refrigerate.


Treats and Snack Ideas:
-Hot Dogs and beans
-BBQ
-Cowtails candy
-Jolly Ranchers
-Haystack chocolates
-Trail Mix
-Make star shaped sugar cookies, and decorate them into sheriff badges
-Samores
-Beef Jerkey

Bounce House Rentals - Our office is located in Granite City, IL. We deliver to most locations within 45 minutes of St. Louis, MO.
Party Rental Online Directory
An Event Planning Website
http://www.directcatering.com/
PartyeXpress of Hampton Roads 
including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth VA
Connecting you to the Best for All Events
http://www.e-partyexpress.com/

Party Supplies at http://partysuppliesworld.com
#1 Party Supplies Store - Party Supplies World.com
We have party supplies for every occasion including luau, western, casino, Mardi Gras Halloween and more!


Linda Winder
The Shenandoah Carriage Company, LLC
www.shenandoahcarriage.com 
540 635-7745









The Shenandoah Carriage Company, LLC offers more than just carriage rides, we offer tradition and timeless memories. Our elegant Victoria wedding carriage or our magical Cinderella carriage and a team of well-matched, immaculately groomed horses are the perfect choice for weddings, Quinceaneras, princess birthday parties, proms, high school homecoming parades and Hispanic and American festivals. Our service also includes wagonette rides and parades at community events or shopping centers during Christmas, Mother’s Day, Easter, the 4th of July and other holidays and seasonal events. Consider a carriage ride before or after your anniversary dinner or as a surprise to the guests during your next family reunion. Offer rides to your guests as a gift from the bride and groom after the wedding ceremony. The possibilities are endless. We will bring our service to your doorstep servicing many areas in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

For an event that will be remembered in years to come by family and friends; for an entrance that will take their breath away, contact The Shenandoah Carriage Company, LLC. Let us add a touch of tradition and timeless memories to your event.
The Shenandoah Carriage Company, LLC is fully licensed and insured.




http://www.kids-partycabin.com/fiesta_party.html
Many of the above ideas cam from KPC! 
KUDOS in BLUE to Kids Party Cabin ideas above!!!!!
http://www.expressbirthdayplanning.com/fungames.html
Birthday party ideas and party fun!
The World's Largest Collection of Birthday Party Ideas
http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/safari_party.html
Looks like a bunch of untamed kids are about to have a wild time at your safari theme party!!
www.coolest-kid-birthday-parties.html
Have wild fun with a Jungle Safari Party at home or nearby park. Or visit a local zoo for a look at the real thing.
http://www.kidspartyfun.com/pages/themes/junglesafari.html
Enjoy this party game fitted to the Safari party theme!
http://party-games-etc.com/safari/
Stationery : Birthday Party Invitations & Thank You
www.mandysmoon.com/Qstore/Qstore.cgi?CMD
Find here some fun animal games to play on your jungle party!
http://www.pinatas.com/Jungle_Safari_Party_Games
Have a birthday party adventure with this wild animal safari theme
including party games, activities and fun decorations
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/party-animal-safari.htm
Get ready for an amazing safari birthday party adventure .. Pack your binoculars, safari hats, and cameras - let's go for a wild jungle ride!
http://www.kids-birthday-party-guide.com/safari-birthday-party.html
KUDOS in RED to kids-birthday-party-guide ideas above!!!!!
Cakes by Megan - 703-624-0104  Email:  Cakesbymegan@aol.com
www.cakesbymegan.biz Northern VA
Kids Parties Connection can help with your party planning. We provide listings of childrens' birthday party places and performance artists who kids really love http://www.kidsparties.com/
Catering Needs US wide
http://www.directcatering.com/
National Bounce House and Moonwalk Rental DirectoryFinding a bounce house rental company can be challenging. Our goal is to make it easy to find inflatable party equipment. http://www.bouncecheap.com/
Your Party & Wedding Resource Center... Don't Party Without Us! . www.themepartiesnmore.com
Here at FSB, we have what you need in printing fun! Have a birthday coming?  How about a fun party day at School?  No matter what time of the year it is, we have fun printables for you to start creating.
http://www.familyshoppingbag.com
Our Kids is the best place to find activities and resources for kids and parents in the Washington, DC, Richmond, and Chesapeake, MD areas.
www.our-kids.com

On this site you will find a selection of our exclusive, hand crafted rocking horses and carousel horses, which have been sold all over the world.  www.rockinghorsedesign.com



Find all your party needs! www.partypop.com
Linking you to the Best of Hampton Roads VA
PARTY LINKS! 
Great Donkey Clipart! http://www.lazyjvranch.com
We specialize in themed party ideas & coordinating party supplies for all occasions. http://www.itsapartyfullife.com/shrek_party
KUDOS in GREEN to It's a party-ful Life ideas above!!!!!
KIDS-PARTY-PARADISE.COM is designed to make your party planning  fun, and your child's special day wildly successful. http://www.kids-party-paradise.com
KUDOS in Pink to Kids Party Paradise ideas above!!!!! 
PartyPlanimals - We have everything you need... decorations, games, gifts, paper goods, recipes and more!http://www.partyplanimals.com/partyidea/Shrek.html
ANIMAL PARTY IDEAS
"After all, what are birthdays? Here today and gone tomorrow."
from "The House at Pooh Corner".

Great website! www.just-pooh.com  and don't miss  http://www.eeyoreshideaway.com/eeyore/coloring/
In the hundred aker woodz, there also lives Eeyore's friends, Wol, Rabbit, Piglet, Tigger,
and of course Pooh
Have a Winnie The Pooh Party with
Eeyore and Friends
Have a Shrek Party!
Toby above and Peek-a-boo are the perfect additions to your Shrek theme parties.
Talkative donkey named Donkey
...Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ornery ogre named Shrek.  Accompanying him is a wisecracking Donkey, who will do anything for Shrek... except shut up...   They are a mission to rescue Princess Fiona...
NATIVITY and other Church / Religion events
When possible we do offer our camel!
YES we can do inside events
$225 for 1 and 1/2 hour Nativity
Add Camel additional $200
Sheep, Donkey, Riding Donkey, Cow, lama, goat and Camel
Living Nativity both Inside and Outside
An embodiment of Latin culture, Mariachi refers to a specific type of music embraced by
Mexicans for its rich spirit and heritage.
  Mexican culture is greatly known for its colorful and all-embracing method of celebration.
Mariachi party
This is a true adventure comedy. The donkey, Rucio, tells the “true” story of Don Quixote and defends the idea that he wasn’t mad, but in reality, Quixote was a very intelligent, passionate and enthusiastic fellow!
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the state of Puebla. It has major significance in that part of the country because it commemorates an initial victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 6, 1862.


There are so many fun things that you can do for a Cinco de Mayo party. Obviously the food and drinks can be over the top with so many great recipes to choose from, but additionally think about what you can do with invitations, decorationsand party attire!
Cinco de Mayo
Click photos to enlarge
Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas and other events we offer a variety of animals -
That include  Donkey, Sheep and Camel
Have a Tangled Party!!!!
Click the below links
to watch movie trailers
















Tangled is a 2010 animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. The film features the voices of Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi and Donna Murphy, and is the 50th animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics series. The story is largely based on the German fairy tale Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm.[4] The film was originally titled and marketed as Rapunzel until it was changed to Tangled shortly before its release. It premiered in theatres and in 3D cinemas on November 24, 2010.[5] To date, it is the second most expensive film ever made, and the most expensive animated film, with a budget of $260 million.  MORE...
Have a tangled party!  Invite guests to dress the part of characters. Flynn will arrive with his white pony Maximus giving all your guest rides and photo time.
Into The West - 1993
...Ireland, the sea, the gypsies...
a beautiful, soulful epic!
A wonderful horse movie, with two adorable little boys. The horse is spectacular. The story is heart wrenching and memorable. It takes place in Ireland.   A movie you could watch over and over.  A great part in the movie is when the boys start singing, "Let's go riding on a horse!"
That is so very cute!



OTHER HORSE MOVIE PARTY IDEAS!
The Black Stallion
...also, The Black Stallion Returns.
One of the best! This features a gorgeous black Arabian stallion who gallops across the beach acting wild and uncontrollable. What a beautiful sight!
A young boy is traveling with his father - but tragedy strikes when the ship capsizes and sinks. The only survivors are the boy and the horse. The boy is saved by clinging to a rope tied to the horse... but the horse is wild and for a long time, the boy can't get near him.



The Horse Whisperer - 1998
After a tragic accident, a horse needs special attention. Hence the horse whisperer, Robert Redford, is hired to heal the horse's emotions. In the process he manages to help the people involved too.



SPIRIT
A wild stallion travels across the frontiers of the Old West, he be friends a young human and finds true love with a mare.
http://www.dreamworks.com/spirit/

Some of the Pony To Go Ponies and
"Amber" our  "Spirit Pony"
The Last Unicorn

KEMS Cakes
540-327-7377
kemscakes@hotmail.com
find us on facebook!
Serving the VA, NoVa, MD, WV areas
ORDER YOUR CAKE THROUGH PONY TO GO

Horse Cake - From  http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50134
Bake this horse-shaped cake for your little horse lover's birthday bash. Everyone will neigh in delight.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1 baked 13- x 9- x 2-inch cake 
3 cups chocolate frosting 
1 cup white frosting 
Decorations: black shoestring licorice, LIfe Savers candies, Necco wafer, mini jawbreaker, black jelly bean,
marzipan carrot 
1. Freeze the cake for 2 to 3 hours, then cut and arrange 
2. Frost the cake brown, adding a white frosting mane. Braid the licorice for the bridle and reins and connect them with Life Savers candies.
3. Coil black licorice for the eye and top it with a Necco wafer and a mini jawbreaker. Give the horse a jelly-bean nose to sniff his marzipan carrot tree
Another Great Cake!
http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50182
Super Pony Party Ideas!
http://familyfun.go.com/parties/birthday/feature/famf0702_magponybday/

PARTY FOOD/ SNACKS and TREATS
Being a mom myself... I know how great it is to have everything in one place!
(If I can remember where that one place was...)   Now that you have the pony or your party theme idea...
Here are some ideas I've collected for Themes to cover most of the animals we can provide!

Also included are a some wonderful places to shop for
party gifts, cakes, goodies and unique favors
I welcome any additional ideas that you've found to be fun, or
places that can help out busy moms! 
Please email me. ponytogo6@yahoo.com  Thanks!  Jennifer
SEE OUR PONY TO GO PARTY FAVORS
A note about having ponies around children...
Our ponies have been around children, mostly mine, for a long time.  Screaming, barking dogs and traffic are normal day time experiences for them!  Although they are very safe, they are animals, with minds of their own.   It is best to have low key activities going on to keep the anxious riders busy!    Each child should be able to ride for approx. 8 min - We may even get mom on!
Basic rules for being around any horse or pony:
Remind the children not to crowd the pony upon arrival,
the pony needs a few min. to adjust to its surroundings and feel comfortable.
Try to have an area specifically for the rides where the children won't be running through - its just safer.
Do not walk behind them, Do not run approaching them and watch your feet to avoid
accidentally being stepped on. 


I think this is the best check list I've found!
Albemarle Family Party Planner Check List  and  more!
4-6 Weeks Ahead - Choose a theme, budget, date, time, location, entertainment and make lists, lists, and more lists! Commit it to paper and you won't have to commit it to memory.  
3-4 Weeks Ahead - Prepare invitations from your guest list, plan decorations and start collecting what you need, plan the party games and crafts. And, refine those lists!  Don't forget prizes for your games
2 Weeks Ahead - Mail invitations, plan the party flow and activity sequence, plan menu and cake, order party favors, make decorations, and complete any "do-ahead" projects. Also, plan a safe place for pets during the celebration.
1 Week to 2 Days Ahead - Make a countdown list, order cake and balloons, call anyone who hasn't RSVP'd, deep clean house, grocery shop for party menu (don't forget batteries and film!).
1 - 2 Days Ahead - Do all final shopping, prep menu, finish last minute projects and make sure cameras are ready to use, pick up rentals, plan partywear for everyone and clean the house again.
PARTY DAY!
Finish remaining cooking, decorate, lay out craft supplies, pick up ice and balloons if needed, snap photos while all is intact, take a deep breath and smile - It's Party Time!
Don't Forget to... Turn on music before party, be a hostess not a hired hand, and give out those party favors.
After the Party...
Send Thank You notes to guests and helpers, return rentals, make notes on what worked - useful when you get requests for repeat performances next year.   One mom attached thank you notes to the party favors and gave them out as the guests were leaving and gave a balloon from the decorated yards as the guests left.
Relax! You're An Awesome Party Planner!
IMPORTANT
Remember its a party... a get together to have fun for the kids. 
Don't stress the kids won't remember the little details,
and too much of a good thing can be overwhelming.
Besides, if you are busy worrying you may miss some of those giggles going on in the meantime. 
If the entertainment is late have cake.  If the cake falls on the floor have ice cream. 
The best  "moms" always have a backup plan and a smile...! 
NEW FOR 2011 REPTILE Theme Parties
Have a "RANGO PARTY!"
http://www.rangomovie.com/

Have a Reptile Rango Party
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-OOfW6wWyQ&feature=player_detailpage

Reptile Rango Party!   Handouts included
$200.00
Ball Python, Corn Snake, 50lb Sacata Tortoise, Bearded Dragon,
Leopard Tortoise and Red Footed Tortoise PLUS
Tempelton our Rat and Pokey the Hedgehog
ADD a egyptian princess $75.00

Soooo Many Ideas, so little time. 
Pour a cup of coffee, wine, hot cocoa... sit down and have fun planning!
Below (all the way at the bottom :)  are party ideas, games, food
and suggestions.  Email us anytime if we can help!
G-Force
A specially trained squad of guinea pigs is dispatched to stop a diabolical billionaire from taking over the world!
Just as the G-Force -- an elite team of highly trained guinea pigs -- is about to save the world, the F.B.I. shuts the secret unit down. But these next-generation action heroes -- Darwin, loyal team leader; Blaster, weapons expert with attitude to spare; Juarez, drop-dead gorgeous martial arts diva; and tag-along Hurley -- won't be stopped. Armed with the latest in high-tech spy equipment, and with the F.B.I. on their tails, the fur flies as they race against the clock to save the world!
Jumping Hurley Game!  
Click to play fun Disney Game!!!