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The Ballerina Birthday is an event service based in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in children's parties for young movers who love to dance, prance, and whirl! We believe that celebrating is best done in a tutu and that shared giggles are the best presents!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Theme It Up: Party Theme Ideas

I distinctly remember having a Princess Party for my 6th birthday.  My mom made me a fantastically frouffy pink dress, complete with taffeta, pick ups, and pouffy sleeves.  (At least in my mind that's how I remember it, I should look back at those pictures to see if reality matches what's in my mind's eye at all).  My friends dressed up in their finest as well.  I think Megan (fellow balletomane from a young age) had a crown and Sarah (of the afore-blogged Funnies card post) wore Pretty Pretty Princess necklaces and rings.  There's not a doubt in my mind that dressing our best at a young age set up us for success and generally being the fabulous people that we are today.
So, it's really no surprise that themed kids parties are the subject of many a magazine, Pinterest, online articles, etc.  Children love telling you about their favorite things, and once they've found something that makes their little eyes sparkle and you can practically see the excitement ooze out of their ears, they'll waste no time in telling you about it.  ALL about it.  Like for a whole car ride to the supermarket.  And then again in the supermarket.  And on the way home.  : ) But I completely get it; the things that excite and inspire us should get us worked up!  Kids are wonderful at understanding this.  One of the great things about The Ballerina Birthday is that the themes we offer are springboards to help create a wonderfully unique and fun party; so while Ballerina, Fairy and Princess are some of the most common themes that are requested, they're really just a jumping off point to get the imaginative juices flowing!  Here are some examples and ideas of things to consider when choosing a theme:

  • Use a favorite book.  Angelina Ballerina is a favorite, and there's TONS of great and accessible accessories to use.  Pinkalicious and her books are another fun one.  Or, go for a classic like Madeline or Alice in Wonderland.  Incorporate boys as well with stories that both boys and girls like: Where the Wild Things Are, The Hungry Caterpillar, and any Dr. Seuss book.
Angelina Ballerina cookies!

Love this cake by Bunny Cakes!

  • Use the everyday. Children have wide and varied tastes.  Is there a favorite poem or work of art hanging in their bedroom they can't get enough of?  Maybe a song they love to sing?  Currently I'm using "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music in some of my classes.  We tap our toes like raindrops, pretend to grow and bloom like roses, and stretch like kittens (Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens....).  So many elements that could turn into great party ideas... rose cupcakes, face painting whiskers on little faces!
Great idea for a funny/silly themed party.  Have silly dress up
items and a picture station for kids and try serving cupcakes with
silly faces!



  • Take inspiration from the past.  I once did a Beach theme party; the family had recently taken a vacation to a beach town and spent a few days at the many beaches the area offered.  Their daughter couldn't get enough of the beach and wouldn't stop talking about it once they got home.  The mom made a lobster shaped cake, decorated tables with fun and colorful beach pails and toys, and the kids and I pretended to be mermaids, seaweed, pirates and ships!

For a beach or summer themed party popsicles are a great
alternative to cake.  And they're so refreshing!

The sky is the limit!  And if you get stuck or just can't seem to nail down the perfect theme, ask your little one.  I find that they are fountains of knowledge and are only too happy to share their thoughts and desires with you!

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