Ok. What’s not to love about a party? I love everything about them. Are you the same?
Throwing a surprise party is well worth the efforts! Since our daughter’s birthday is in
December, we’re almost always traveling on her date. The great part about this is that despite the fact we live
across of the ocean from our families, she’s been able to celebrate almost all of her birthdays with family.
Once, we’ve returned, we have her friends party and these dates vary every year. This year, I thought I
could use this to my advantage and planned a surprise party for her friends (I let her plan her Winter Secret
Agent Party (click here) #2;
while, in the meantime, I was working on this surprise. ) A few weeks ago: we did it! Friends were invited
one week ahead of time, since I thought keeping this fun was big mission. From the moment friends gathered
before her designated arrival it was special. Francesca’s genuine surprise and happy emotions set the stage for
one happy afternoon! I’m so impressed with her friends who kept this secret and enjoyed their enthusiasm, too!
(There just might be a few more surprise parties this year,now, if I’m hearing correctly!)
What says surprise like a piñata? I had so much fun working out a piñata theme from
minis for the invitations and thank you notes, to over sized piñata party decor ; all the way
through to the piñata cake. After the shocking surprise of friends, Francesa
had to break a giant flat letter-F pinata to get the party started.I created this Flat Piñata (click here) with a technique that kept the letter
intact and she now has this as a room decoration, too!
Activity and Gift:We had very uncooperative weather for
our chosen date: too icy for sledding, too wet for
ice skating and too muddy, icy and sleety for enjoying much
time on the lawn. Since Francesca had repeatedly hinted that she would love to have a
Spy Party II, (and
I agree:
labyrinths
are fun ) I made sure that there was sleuthing involved. I asked all of the
parents to mail me a photo of their child and to, also, relay a funny or unique story about their child,
as a baby. I used the stories and photos to create an activity/hunt that ended with the girls having to
guess whose baby photo was whose. It was such a hit! Guests were all sent home with color coordinated
kid spa kits that included golden nail polish and gold decals and, then, of course
candy.
Cultural Note: Yes, it’s true: a typical Swedish or French children’s birthday party is
simple. I try to respect this by having parties at home but, simply can not stop myself from having fun with the
details and activities. I’ve almost considered the lack of party supplies to be fun challenge and always get the
kids to be involved, as well — except when planning a surprise!)
I need to push send and go! I promise, I’ll return soon with how-to details for you with both
the cards and the cake. It’s carnival, in the kid’s classrooms, at school today and the kids are beginning their
Easter Break! I would like to wish you a happy weekend!! The crescendo of the week makes a Piñata Party finale
feel just right! Happy Weekend wishes!
As always, I love to hear from you. Have you thrown a surprise party before? Do you like to
be surprised yourself? Would you throw a child a surprise party? Wishing you happy days.
Something you might like:
How to Make a Flat Pinata (This is the technique used
to make this Oversized “F” Piñata above)
Secret Agent Birthday Party
Camp Gray Birthday
