PARTIES4ME

Does your daughter love Ariel?

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:48:00 +0000

Every little girl loves The Little Mermaid Disney story. We at Encore Parties have been so lucky to have our own "Ariel". Lauren is currently studying Classical Voice at WAAPA (West Australian Academy of Performing Arts), in Perth.

Just listen to her beautiful voice.

Like us on Facebook to see more of Lauren in Charcaters - Dorothy, Snow White, Meridia, Fire fly Fairy and more.

Cooking Party Invitations

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:22:00 +0000

Cooking Party Invitation Source: Jaco'lyn Murphy

Looking for Cooking Party Invitation inspiration? Well I love this cooking party invitation from Jac o 'lyn Murphy with a Rolling Pin Invitation.

The invitation wording is great:

Chef "Birthday Child name"'s Cooking Bash

A recipe for birthday fun

Ingredients:

Special Friends

1 cup of giggles

1 large bag of fun

Mix it together on : Date of party

Cooking Time: Time of party

Preheat oven at: Place of party

RSVP:

Enjoy!

Christmas Grinch Punch Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:28:00 +0000

Christmas Grinch Punch Source: Tasteofhome.com

Taste of home is one of the best sources for easy and amazing recipes. When I was looking for some Christmas menu inspiration, I came across this Christmas Grinch Punch recipe. This would be a hit with the kids at Christmas and will definitely feature at the Rankin Christmas dinner!

Christmas Grinch Punch Recipe: from Tatseofhome.com

Ingredients:
1/3 cup sugar
6 tablespoons plus 1/12 teaspoons of water
1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
3/4 cup of milk
12 drops of neon green food colour
2 litres of lemon-lime soft drink
2 Litres of vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. Stir in milk and almond extract. Transfer to a bowl and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Before serving transfer milk mixture to punch bowl. Stir in food colouring and soft drink. Top with generous scoops of ice cream

Thanks Tasteof home. Enjoy!

5 yr old Fairy Party

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 02:05:00 +0000

Fairyland Party

Jodie's 5th Fairy Birthday party was enjoyed by all. Here are a few snaps of her special day.

Tissue Pom Poms hanging from our arched tree entry

Tissue Pom Pom everywhere!

Fairy Treasure Hunt was heaps of fun

Butterfly Face Paint design

Tiger face paint design was amazing

Dinosaur face paint design was voted the best

Fairy hosts were amazing from Parties Kids Remember

Pink Fairy Floss fairy from Parties Kids Remember

Party Bunting added some extra colour to the backyard

Adults enjoyed cake, fruit, biscuits, sushi whilst the kids were entertained

The calm after....

Chocolate Mudcake with fluro fondant.

How to Play the Mummy Wrap Game

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:46:00 +0000

Mummy Wrap Game

The Mummy wrap game is a great game for both children and adults. It is a Halloween party staple but can also be played at any party event. You could even have a Christmas version - the Christmas Wrap!

Here is how you play:

Materials:

Rolls of toilet paper (some people like to use crepe paper)
Newspaper (Optional)
Alfoil (Optional)

Instructions:

Divide players into teams of two and give each pair a roll of toilet paper. Instruct one member of each team to race to wrap his partner, mummy-style, at the sound of the music. Teams must use up the whole roll, avoiding the head and wrapping arms separately from the torso.

Once wrapped, the mummy hops to a finish line, holding his arms to his sides and trying not to break any of the wrapping.

The first Mummy to the finish line wins.

Fabulous Christmas Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:18:00 +0000

Santa's Feet Sugar Cupcakes - Yum! Source: Sugar Siren Cakes Mackay

It's official...I think this Sugar Siren Cakes have the best cupcakes in Australia, (if not the world!)

Sugar Siren Cakes is situated in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. She creates beautiful hand made gourmet cakes, cookies & cupcakes using only quality ingredients. Just look at these amazing Christmas Cupcakes.

Snowflake cupcakes Source: Sugar Siren Cakes

Christmas Pudding Cupcake Source: Sugar Siren Cakes

Christmas Bauble Cupcakes Source: Sugar Siren Cakes

Christmas Cupcakes Source: Sugar Siren Cakes

Boxed Christmas Cupcakes - What a beautiful present! Source: Sugar Siren Cakes

Halloween Mummy Juice boxes

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:06:00 +0000

Mummy Juice Boxes - Source: Parents.com

These Mummy Juice boxes will impress your young Halloween party guests. Here's how to make these spooky sippers!

Materials:

White electrical Tape roll (I also used white streamers)
Juice boxes
Adhesive Googly eyes

Instructions:
Wrap the tape or white streamer around the juice box. Make sure you leave a hole for the straw. Then add the googly eyes.

Enjoy!

Halloween Mummy Bars

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 05:56:00 +0000

Mummy Bars Source: The Ideas Room

Okay, so these are the cutest Halloween DIY Treats - Halloween Mummy Bars. I noticed this idea on The Ideas Room - Halloween Mummy Birthday Party

These Mummy bars are a cinch to make, here's how:

Materials:

Hershey Bars or Kit Kats
Black card stock (2 inch square)
Adhesive craft glue
Googly eyes
White pre-cut streamers

Instructions:

Googly eyes are first adhered to a small piece of black card stock.

The card stock is then glued to the Hershey bar or Kit Kat wrapper.

Long white streamer strip (about six foot long) is then glued to the bottom of the candy bar and wrapped several times around it, leaving the eyes peaking out.

That's it! How easy, Enjoy

Giggle & Hoot, Fairy & Minute to Win it Cakes

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:33:00 +0000

Minute to Win it Cake Source: Wilton.com

What a great take on the Minute to Win it Cake. Visually create the challenges on top of your sheet sponge cake.

Giggle and Hoot Birthday cake

Daisy's Dad created this Giggle and Hoot Birthday cake masterpiece. Love it!

Fairy Cake

The Dolly Vardon Fairy cake is an easy option for Kindy and Pre-school birthday cakes.

Thanks for sharing!

How to make Chocolate Malteser Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Chocolate Malteser Cupcakes

Well Sue (the Baking Goddess) has done it again - made something scrummy and yummy. These Chocolate Malteser Cupcakes were whipped up on a Sunday afternoon in no time at all. Here's the recipe for you all to enjoy - happy baking!

Ingredients
2¼ Cups Plain Flour
¾ Cup Cocoa Powder
½ Cup Caster Sugar
¾ Cup Packed Brown Sugar
1½ Teaspoons Baking Soda
½ Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Milk
1½ Cups Malted Milk Powder
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
3 Large Eggs, at room temperature
1 Cup Sour Cream, at room temperature
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
½ Cup Chocolate Maltesers, chopped

Chocolate Malted Butter Cream Frosting - Ingredients
345g unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup malted milk powder
2-4 tbs cocoa powder
3 cups icing sugar, sifted
Maltesers for toppers

Preheat oven to 175 C. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Whisk together flour, cocoa, both sugars, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk and malted milk powder until powder is dissolved.

With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat flour mixture, milk mixture and oil until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add sour cream and vanilla, and beat just until combined. Fold in crushed maltesers.

Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each halfway. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 20 minutes.

While cupcakes are cooling, prepare frosting. In a large mixer bowl, whip the butter for several minutes until very light and fluffy. Sprinkle in malted milk powder and cocoa powder. Whip for 1 minute. Slowly add the powdered sugar a few spoonfuls at a time, letting it incorporate until the frosting becomes thicker and stiff.

Fill bag with the frosting and pipe large swirls on top of cupcakes. Top with maltesers.
Enjoy! (Thanks Sue xx)

Outdoor Picnic Games

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:30:00 +0000

Potato Sack Race

When the weather warms up and the Holiday season is nearly upon us, the family picnics, the corporate fun days, the end of school year picnics all become a feature in our weekend plans. If you need help planning an event such as these, don't fear - help is here!

Here are some of my favourite outdoor picnic games that all ages will enjoy.

Potato Sack Race - You will need large sacks for each participant, a start line and a finish line. On the word go, players must successfully cross the finish line. The trick is to jump holding the sack like the player in the blue t-shirt shown above.

Tug of war

Tug of War Find a level ground space for the game to be played. Draw a line on the ground. Mark the middle of the rope with tape (say 120 ft long rope). Measure say 15ft from this centre point from each side and tape again. The team which has this tape cross the line on the ground, have lost. Form two teams with equal number of team members. It is handy if the largest person on the team to be the person holding on to the end of the rope (ie: anchor). Line both teams up on their ends of the rope. Position each person so that one is to the right of the rope and the next is to the left. Have team members pick up the rope and hold it tight, taking up the slack between the two teams. The judge can now line up the center tape over the line. When the judge yells Pull!, each team pulls until one side's tape crosses the line.

Hula Hoop Competition Each entrant has a hula hoop. On the sound of go, entrants must hula hoop until they are the last player standing.

Ladders Players form single lines, facing each other. The person they are facing is their partner. Players must sit on the ground, legs out in front with feet against their partner's feet. Give each pair of players a number. When a number is called, the pair must race each other down the ladder of legs, around to the start of the ladder and back down the ladder to where they were sitting.

Giant Twister Source: University of Queensland Sunshine Coast

Giant Twister This is a great outdoor game. You can hire an inflatable giant twister for the day or alternatively, paint your own twister coloured dots onto a king size flat sheet.

Egg and Spoon Race An oldie but a goddie. I would use uncooked eggs with table spoons rather than bean bags...your here to have fun and laugh.

Pass the Banana Teams line up and sit on the floor. A peeled banana must be passed down the line and back again using only your feet

Watermelon eating competition

Watermelon Eating Comp This was played at a corporate fun day we hosted last summer. It was the hit of the day! Players should not touch the watermelon during this competition.

Three Legged Race Again we have all played this picnic game in the past. Players must pair up and have their legs bound in two places using stockings. Players line up at the start line and race together in pairs to finish first across the finish line.

Downward facing dog

Downward Facing Dog Players must hold this well know yogo position for as long as they can. Female players always feel they have the upper hand at this game.

Picnic Basket Relay Teams are split into pairs and they race in pairs against each other to successfully run up to the picnic basket (at least 10 meters away from the start line), unpack the blanket, set up plates, drinks, place sun hatrs on their heads etc... Once they have had a signal from the judge that they have successfully unpacked the basket, they must then pack the picnic basket and run back to their team and tag the next pair of players. First team to have all players complete the picnic basket relay wins.

Dog and Bone I played this every week at Brownies (shh don't tell anyone) and loved it. Split players into two teams and line them up facing each other. Number the team players starting from opposite ends of the line. We used a rolled up newspaper as the "bone" but use anything that is handy. This bone is placed on the ground in the middle between the two lines. Judge will call a number. The players with that number run to the middle and try and get the bone back to their team line. When a player successfully get the bone back to his/her team, the team gets a point. If a player is touched by the other player when he is holding the bone, he has to drop the bone there and players then keep playing. Sometimes it is easier to "tap" the bone across your team's line direction. Play for say 20 points.

Cricket Game

Cricket Game I ask - would a picnic be a picnic without a cricket set? Maybe for our American readers - baseball?

Balloon Choo Choo Divide into two teams of at least five or more players. Choose a starting line and finish line at least 20 feet apart or more. Each person on each team is given a balloon (9 inch diameter or more). All players inflate their balloon and place it against the back of the team member standing in front of them. They press their bellies against the balloon to hold it against the back side of the next team member. Now you have a line of team members all holding their balloons firmly against the backs of the person in front of them. The front person will not be able to press their body against anyone since they are first. After both teams are in place at the starting line, instruct them that collectively, they are to move from the start line to the finish line. Once their team arrives at the designated location, the first person needs to pop their balloon. When the person behind the first person hears the balloon pop, they are to squeeze their body against the first person and pop their balloon. It's okay to use their hands as they squeeze this balloon. The first team to arrive at the finish line and pop all balloons is the winner.

Water Balloon Toss

Water Games If you have access to water at your picnic function then use it to play these games. I promise it is worth carting the water!

Over/Under Game Each team forms a single file line facing the persons head next to them. At the head of each line put a bucket of water. At the other end put a pitcher with a line drawn on it. Give a sponge to the person at the head of the line where the water bucket is. That person has to dip the sponge in the water to soak in as much water as they can. They then have to then pass the soaking wet sponge over their head to the person behind who then passes the sponge to the person behind them through their legs.

The sponge makes its way back over the head of one person and between the legs of the next till it gets to the person standing next to the pitcher. That person must squeeze whatever water is left into the pitcher and run the sponge back up to the head of the line. When this occurs, everybody moves back one position and the person who was at the back of the line now is at the head of the line.
Continue process till the pitcher is filled to line.

Catch the Water Bombs
Attach a colander to a bike helmet using string and have one helmet per team. Have team members stand behind a throwing line and see how many successful catches are made by the "team catcher"

Catch the water bombs

Fill the Bottle
On each team, one person lays on the ground while holding a plastic bottle on their forehead. Team mates run to the bucket to fill up their cup then they attempt to pour it into their team mate’s bottle while standing over head. Then the next team mate will do the same until the 2 Litre bottle is filled. Once the 2 Litre bottle is filled, the bottle person should run to the finish line without spilling.

Skipping Rope
Give each child a plastic cup full of water. While two players twirl a large jump rope, jumpers one by one are to attempt three consecutive jumps. They are to do this whilst holding onto their cup of water and trying to not let any water spill. The child that has the most water left is the winner. You can keep playing until only one person has water left in their cup.

SpongeToss Contest
Each team forms a line with teammates a little more than an arms length away from each other. At one end of the line is a large container of water with large sponges in it. The other end has a small bucket, which you could mark with a fill line where you want the finish point to be or just fill to the top. When signaled to start, teams are to race. The person at the large container is to throw a sponge to next teammate and that person to the next until it reaches the end of the line. The last person is to squeeze the sponge out and then run to the start of the line, dip the sponge in the large container and pass to next person. If sponge is dropped while being passed, it is to be thrown back to the start of the line and you are to continue again. After full rotation of line, meaning everyone has taken sponge out of large container and passed, the team with the most collected water is the winner.

Water Balloon Relay Race
Set up a chair for each team with a water balloon in the seat. Each player must run to the chair, sit on the balloon till it pops, then run and tag the next player. You will need to put a new balloon in after each one is popped. First team to pop all balloons and cross the finish line wins.

Water Balloon Toss
In pairs they start in close and each throw back and forward. Back and forth is counted as 1, and then they have to take a step back. They keep going till it drops or pops. The team that has the pair with the highest number wins.

Alternatively you could throw the water balloons up; if they catch one, put it back in the bucket and the successful catcher is awarded a point for their team. Make sure there is no rough play or "up the Cazaly" marks. Again the team that catches the most wins.

Drip, drip, dunk
Play like duck, duck, goose, however one child walks around the circle with a cup of water, dripping on all in the circle (saying drip, drip, drip), then the chosen person has it poured over their head (dunk). They must then chase this person around the circle, trying to tag them. Handy to have a bucket of water next to the circle so children can fill up the cup when it’s their turn.

Water Bottle Relay - There's a hole in my bucket

There's a Hole in my Bucket!
Drill holes in the bottom of 2 household buckets. Have teams line up single file behind the start line and have an empty bin for each team located approximately 20 metres from start line. At the start line, there is another large bin full of water. On the word go, each team member must fill the bucket with water from the start line bin and place it on their head. They run down to the empty bin in front of them and tip what remaining water is left in their bucket into the collection bin. They run quickly back to their next team member and hand them the bucket to repeat the process. The first team to fill their collection bin wins.
Enjoy!

Chocolate Spa Gummy Bears

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 13:20:00 +0000

Chocolate Spa Gummy Bears

One of my favourite posts from the Family Kitchen on Babble was their Chocolate Hot Tub Gummy Bears. I think these Chocolate Spa Gummy Bears would be great served on any party menu, cooking party activity or even an after dinner treat for the kids.

I enlisted the help from Matt and Jodie using a premix chocolate pudding in lieu of my preferred chocolate mouse option.

Ingredients:
Cottees Chocolate Instant Pudding
700ml full cream milk
12 Paper Eskimo cupcake papers
Gummy Bears (lots)

Simply follow the Chocolate Pudding instructions and spoon into cupcake papers.
Place Gummy Bears, parasols in for decoration.
Refrigerate until set

Enjoy!

How to make Chocolate Spoons

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 07:54:00 +0000

Chocolate Spoons

My daughter made a chocolate spoon for a Father's day present and I though these were too cute and easy to make. What a great idea for party food. Here's how we made them:

Ingredients:
375g packet of Nestle Dark chocolate melts
Various sprinkles, cashells, mini jelly beans
Plastic spoons

Method
Place chocolate melts into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 1 min 30 seconds on high
Remove from microwave oven and stir with a metal spoon until a smooth consistency is achieved.
Spoon chocolate into the plastic spoons and decorate with sprinkles etc...
Set aside until set

These chocolate spoons look great with a colourful tag attached saying:

This comes with a spoonful of chocolate

and a whole lot of Love

Enjoy!

Surfing Gummy Bears

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 09:48:00 +0000

Surfing Gummy Bears

I saw a Gummy Bears Surfing post from the Nap Time Chef on Babble. I loved it and just had to try making them myself. I tweaked the recipe and used a few different ingredients. The kids had a great time helping me. You could use this Chocolate Surfing Gummy Bear cooking activity at slumber party or cooking party - it's guaranteed to be a hit!

Chocolate Surfing Gummy Bears Recipe

Ingredients
375g Nestle Dark Chocolate Melts
1 packet Gummy Bears
Approx 15 Dried Mango pieces

Instructions
Place chocolate melts in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 min 30 seconds.
Remove and stir with a metal spoon until smooth consistency.
Dip Mango pieces in the melted chocolate to completely cover the mango.
Place mango pieces on baking paper and whilst the chocolate is setting, place the gummy bears on top of the mango.
Allow to dry

Enjoy!

Skater Gummy Bears - James tried this - higher degree of difficulty

The Best Sausage Roll Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:21:00 +0000

Grandma Booth's Sausage Roll Recipe - there is no better!

Sausage Rolls are a staple at any kids party celebration. My Grandma made the best. She handed the recipe down to my Aunty Lois and my Uncle Doug tweaked the recipe and still to this day, keeps his tweaking a secret. But the good news is.....I have Grandma's Sausage Roll Recipe! At the risk of a Booth Family uprising...I am going to share the best ever Sausage Roll Recipe with you. Enjoy.

SAUSAGE ROLL RECIPE

1.5kg sausage mince

7-10 sheets puff pastry

5-6 slices bread

mixed herbs

black pepper

tomato sauce

chicken stock powder (or cube)

1. Soak bread in water then squeeze out the water until doughy.

2. Mix in herbs, pepper, tomato sauce, chicken stock.

3. Fold in sausage mince.

4. Cut each sheet of pastry into two or three strips.

5. Brush pastry with milk or beaten egg.

6. Spoon sausage mix on to each strip and fold pastry into long roll.

7. Cut each roll into the desired size but don’t cut through to bottom.

8. Cut diagonal slits on top of each sausage roll.

9. Brush with milk or egg and place on baking tray.

10. Bake in hot oven for approx 15 mins or until brown then turn oven down to 160 deg. to cook for further 30 mins.

11. Cool off a little then cut pastry right through each sausage roll.

Makes about 60-65. Can be frozen.

Show me your Cakes....please

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:58:00 +0000

Mitchell's Pirate Cake - love the chocolate gold coins

A Birthday Party just isn't a party without celebrating with a cake. Thank you Pauline for sharing your wonderful cake creations. My favourite is the Handbag.

Please share your cake with us...please

Handbag Birthday Cake

Daisy Birthday Cake

Primary School Graduation cake

Individual Party Food Boxes - easy!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:42:00 +0000

Individual Party Food Boxes - So easy!

Individual party food boxes for your guests is an easy food option that takes the stress out of party planning. In fact, my experience as an entertainer has shown me that kids of all ages love them.

You can personalise the food boxes with stickers, custom name labels, ribbon, glitter - the sky's the limit!

The party food box above has been filled with:

Fairy Bead
Honey Joy
Pop corn
Home made jelly
Quarter cheese sandwich
Strawberry
Party napkin
Plastic spoon for the jelly

Pair the party food box with a Pop Top drink with each child's name on it for easy reference and you are set.

Hot food such as Sausage rolls, party pies, mini pizza, hot dogs can be placed in the middle of the party table for children to take as they wish.

Where do I purchase the boxes from?
United States : Papermart
Australia: Vital Pacakaging , Orange Tree Kids Catering Catered Food Boxes - Hungry Little Monsters
UK: Amazon

How do I stop my cookies from spreading?

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:36:00 +0000

Arrgh.....they taste great - look average

How do I stop my cookies from spreading?

I laughed a little too hard when I received this from my best friend Rhonda today. But haven't we all had this happen? So I asked the expert (Sue, my baking goddess sister).

Tips to stop cookies from spreading

Refrigerate the cookie sheets (with the cookies on them) for 20 mins prior to baking.
Preheat your oven. Ideally you want the outside edges of your cookies to cook a little to firm them up and set quickly. Don't keep opening the door - heat goes out and aids the spreading cookie.
Place the cookie dough balls far enough apart on baking sheet. (Obvious to most, not to Rhonda)
Butter helps spreading - try using half butter and half solid shortening.
When creaming the butter and sugar try not to over mix and incorporate too much air into the dough
Don't place cookies on greased baking paper sheets

Enjoy baking.

Cupcake Push Pops

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:26:00 +0000

Rainbow Cupcake Push Pops Source: Simply Creative Insanity

The humble party cupcake is getting a makeover....the cupcake push pops! I love Simply Creative Insanity a blog all about creative entertaining and full of party inspiration.

These adorable Rainbow Cupcake Push Pops are one of the many brilliant party ideas for a Picasso Art Party. What I like most about Simply Creative Insanity's Picasso Art Party, is that attention to detail has been devoted to the activities children participate in at this adorable party. A successful children's party in my mind, is one that not only perfects the food, but one that children will remember.

If you are looking to purchase the Cupcake Push Pop containers visit Ebay or Etsy

These containers can be filled with your cupcake creations or alternatively, fruit or candy.

I think this party trend is a winner!

Enjoy.

Bubblegum Cake - yummo

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 06:28:00 +0000

Bubblegum Cake from Sunset Sugar

This Bubblegum Cake was superbly created by talented cake designers Sunset Sugar.

Sunset Sugar hails from Bunbury, Western Australia and we love their cakes! Just take a look inside for an extra surprise for party guests.

Needless to say....there wasn't a slice left. Yummo.

How to host a Smurf Party

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:20:00 +0000

Get ready to be Smurf'd Source: Smurfhappens

The Smurfs Movie in 3D is scheduled to be released worldwide August 2011 by Columbia Pictures. When this movie is released, look out parents, this will be the theme that every young child will want for their next birthday party.

When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world and into ours -- in fact, smack dab in the middle of Central Park. Just three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down.

Smurfs in the NYC Source: Smurfshappen

If you are looking for some Smurf party games and activity inspiration, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Arrival Activities:
Have plenty of Smurf colouring pages and a blue playdoh activity station ready for the kids to warm up and allow the majority of guests to arrive. You could paint the children's faces blue to get them really Smurf'd!

Games:

Pass the Parcel - Smurf Style
Sit children in a circle, press play to the Smurf theme song and pass a Smurf plush toy you have purchased. When the music stops, the child with the smurf in their hand reaches into the Smurf treasure challenge bag. Inside the challenge bag is pre-cut hand out cards with the various Smurf names on them. The kids pull out a Smurf character name and they must mimic that Smurf. If they pass the "smurf challenge" they will be rewarded with a small prize.

The Smurfs have names specific to their characters. The Smurfs include: Papa Smurf, Lazy Smurf, Handy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, Reporter Smurf, Tailor Smurf, Farmer Smurf, Dreamy Smurf, Harmony Smurf, Painter Smurf, Hefty Smurf, Vanity Smurf, Jokey Smurf, Poet Smurf, Grouchy Smurf, Baker Smurf, Smurfette, Greedy Smurf, Puppy, Baby Smurf, and Grandpa Smurf.

Smurf, Smurf, Smurfette or Smurf, Smurf, Gargamel. (Duck, Duck, Goose) Kids love this game

Smurf Cupcakes Source: Shereens Cakes and Bakes

Smurf Treasure Hunt Help the Smurfs find their way back to the Village and away from the evil Gargamel. Use coloured cards with each clue reading something like this - (this first clue is written on White paper)

Welcome young Smurfs we need your help,
The evil Garagamel is close by our blue belts!
We've landed in a big apple tree,
It's time to flee by the count of three.
Put on your Smurf thinking caps and solve the clues
We're counting on you so we can return with you.

Riddle: The first clue is on a colour bright and sunny, it is even the colour of yummy honey.

YELLOW

Second Clue: (Yellow card)
Well done Smurfs and Smurfettes you have found the first one, now we can solve the next clue and have more fun!

This colour is the colour of a magical toadstool and Papa Smurf's cap. This colour also rhymes with bed. Yes it is the colour .........

RED

Third Clue (Red Card)
Now calling all Brainy Smurfs, put your thinking caps and glasses on, mix blue and red to get the next one, Solve this clue and you’ll have even more fun!

PURPLE

Fourth Clue (Purple Card )
Keep going Smurfs and Smurfettes you are close to the end, Grass is the colour of the next one my friend

GREEN

Fifth Clue (Green Card)
Well done young Smurfs and Smurfettes you have solved all the treasure hunt clues. Now the treasure belongs to you!

Smurf Smarties Sucker Relay Source: Goodygoodygumdrops

Smurf Smarties Sucker Relay

Get the children to line up in 2 straight lines and each child is given a straw. One at a time children run up to a container with blue and white choc drops in. Place the straw on a choc drop and suck. The choc drop sticks to the straw. They then need to drop it into their hand, then can eat it and run back and tag the next person. These blue and white choc drops can be purchased from Goodygoodygumdrops.com.au or alternatively in America, you can purchase these direct from Kopper's chocolates.

Smurf Commando Course
In the movie, the Smurfs find a hidden grotto that they drop into and wind up in Central Park in New York City – trying to stay away from Gargamel as they try to find their way back to their Village. Why not set up a Smurf commando course for them. You could time them for greater challenge.

Gargamel Tag
All children line up on the start line and they have to try and get to the finish line. Gargamel (ala you) is standing in the middle and you try to tag them as they run past. If the Smurfs get caught, they become "garagamel it" as well, but must stand stationary. They can only tag players if they come close enough. Keep going until no one is left.

Smurf Bingo Source: Edible Crafts

Smurf Bingo It's time to get your power point skills ready to cut and paste Smurf images from the net and create Smurf Bingo cards similar to the one shown above
Smurf Says Play just like Simon Says, but using "Papa Smurf Says"

Pin the Hat on Papa Smurf or pin the tail on Gargamel's cat

Smurf dress up relay
Split the children into 2 teams and make 2 piles of clothing. The piles should include - 2 white caps (similar to Smurf hats), 2 pairs of blue gloves, 2 blue t-shirts, 2 pairs of white shorts and 2 pairs of white smurf like shoes). Have the first in the lines race to the pile of Smurf clothing and dress up in all of the Smurf clothes. When finished, they must take all the clothes off and go and tag the next player in line. The team that dresses and undresses first wins.
If you want to obtain the real Smurf dress up look visit Costume Express

And remember have fun - no Grouchy! Source: Smurfhappens

Enjoy!

Party Decoration Perfection - Wish Upon a Party

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:49:00 +0000

Fairy Party Decoration: Source: Wish Upon A Party

Okay, so it has been my personal mission to make parties memorable for kids for nearly a decade now. And yes, it has been a hard and long road travelled, particularly in Perth, as we have had many party businesses come and go over the last 10 years.

Thank goodness for Wish Upon a Party, as they have transformed Perth's parties from the obligatory Happy Birthday Banner and a few strategically placed balloons on the letterbox to a wonderfully magical experience for one and all.

Check out the Fairy Party Package which starts from as little as $280. This includes supply, delivery, setup and collection of props and also including the supply of 10 costumes for the fairy party theme.

Well done Wish Upon a Party! These wonderful party images have been sourced directly from Wish Upon a Party. Book a party - I promise you birthday child won't be disappointed.

Fairy Party Fairyland

Fairy Mapole - Great for Fairy Dancing Games!

Fairy Party Table Chairs - Beautifully adorned with butterflies

Fairy Party Table Centrepiece

Fairy Golden Entry - Sprinkled with Fairy Dust

Beautiful Butterflies - You can't buy these!

Fairy Party Ladybug

How to make balloon flip flops

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:14:00 +0000

Balloon Flip Flops aka - Thongs Source: The Craft Junkie

Now we have endured the hottest summer in record here in Perth Western Australia and Pool Parties, Hawaiian parties, water games anything to do with water has been a high priority this summer. I came across these adorable Balloon embellished flip flops (Aussies call them thongs), at one of the best craft blogs ever The Craft Junkie.

If you have a Hawaiian party to go to or hosting a pool party for your child's next birthday, then these are the go. Girls would love to include this as a craft activity at a party. Try it you won't be disappointed!

For full instructions on how to create these balloon thongs, visit The Craft Junkie for full step by step instructions.

Balloon Wreath - Great first impression!

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:01:00 +0000

Balloon Party Wreath for a great welcome! Source: Lilmagoolie

I was welcomed the other day by a beautiful balloon wreath and I instantly beamed! If you are up to the challenge (apparently this is not hard to create), then follow one of my favourite blogs - Two More Seconds for the step by step instructions to create a wonderful Balloon Wreath Masterpiece.

Beautiful, colourful - I love these! Source: two more seconds

Enjoy!

Christmas Baking Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Dianne Rankin) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 23:48:00 +0000

Christmas Baking Gifts in a decorated tin

Christmas Baking Time is upon us already. So don your apron and get baking! Have a look at some of the amazing goodies Sue (sis) baked this weekend.

Christmas Cookies

Christmas gift plate

Christmas Biscotti, Run Balls and Christmas Cookies

Christmas Tins full of home baked goodies

Goodies to pack ready for our Hampers.

Enjoy!