Celebrations Anytime

While this is the season for all kinds of holiday celebrations, traditions and special events to enjoy, there are celebrations that you can have anytime of year. You don't have to wait for a special event to have a party. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about making ordinary days unique.

Puppy Drama

Puppy Party - Whether celebration your pet or a favorite stuffed animal this party has gone to the dogs. Pin-the-tail on the Pup game, "pupcakes", puppy chow snack, pups on parade (which could include a neighborhood walk), and 101 Dalmatians video time are just a few fun ideas. We've even eaten our meal or snack from clean new plastic pet dishes.

Ready to Build!

Construction Party - This is great for the child who lives trucks, building or digging. Snacks can be served from new plastic dump trucks, everyone can wear a kid sized construction hat and enjoy Dirt Cake. We've taken over the family room with Lego buildings and craft foam roadways. We had a video about construction vehicles that fascinated them when they were younger. Also there are great books out there for all ages on the theme and makes for a nice quiet time activity.

Under the Sea Party - Create an ocean scene under the kitchen table with streamers, fish cutouts and a tropical beach towel. Just laying on the floor under the table was fun to do. A card table can be a nice alternative to using the main table. Enjoy magnetic fishing game, create an ocean scene using crayon relief with watercolor, followed by fish cracker snacks served from a clean new fishbowl, and quiet time with the Little Mermaid storybook.

Magnetic Fishing Game

What other creative themes can you come up with to may an ordinary day extraordinary? Have fun and share your idea with us hear!!






Party Idea Details:
Pupcakes - frost your favorite cupcake with white frosting top with peppermint patty and chocolate chips for a paw print. Simple but delicious as a fun treat.

Dirt Cake
Ingredients:

   1 package (15-1/2 ounces) Oreo cookies (or other sandwich cookie)

   Option: Clean dump truck toy or other container

   1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

   1/2 cup butter

   1 cup confectioners' sugar

   1 teaspoon vanilla

   3 cups milk

   2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix or you can use chocolate pudding.

   1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Crush cookies until they resemble potting soil. Divide the crumbs - half go in the bottom of the container and half are used on the top. Reserve top half for finish.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. In another bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes (mixture will be thick). Fold in whipped topping. Gently fold into cream cheese mixture until blended.
Add filling to containers; top with reserved crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.  Yield: 12 servings
This is also a great recipe for a Garden Party - serve in new clean pot and "garnish" with garden tool or silk flower (both new of course).

Magnetic Fishing - attach a small magnet to the end of a string that has been tied to a wooden dowel or wooden skewer. Cut out fish or other ocean creatures from construction paper or felt. Place a paper clip on the fish near the mouth area and go fishing! If you want to make a "pond" from a container or mat that adds to the fun. This game has many teaching options as well - letters, numbers, shapes, etc.