Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party (Preview)

Our Daughter, Audrey, turned 7 this month and wanted an Alice in Wonderland Birthday Party.  We had a small family party at the house with all siblings earlier in the week and then a girls' skating party at the ice rink this weekend with friends. While we used to not do big parties, I admit, I enjoy planning these soires as much as the kids enjoying having them. And for Audrey and her sister especially, who are such a big help to their brothers who have special needs, their birthday is a day I like to try and make extra special for them.

The invitation... I made 18 of them. They were super easy to make! (In my next post, I will show you how!)

 I wanted to share pictures of the parties with you here and then will follow up with some "how-to"/party tip posts soon (the best edible "glue" to keep cake toppers in place, how to "green" your party, etc).  There are some amazing party sites out there (click here for one of my favorites), especially if you have unlimited funds, but I am married to a CPA so I have mastered the art of throwing a party on a budget!

 Now, everyone's party budget is different. I have a friend who never spends more than $100 total and I am always IN AWE of the creative ideas she comes up with for her kids' birthday parties! (note to self: I should have her do a guest post).  I have another friend that I secretly think, "wow, she could have put a down payment on a house for what she is spending here--(I mean are floral designers and party planners  really necessary to throw a child's birthday party?--I don't think so either...). My hope is our two Alice parties this week I am sharing with you, can serve up some inspiration for you, no matter what your party budget is.

Party one this week was...

The Family Party...Table decorated using same decorations we would be using for the larger party at the venue. This family party also doubled as the kids' party to Mr. Darcy, who is turning 40 next week. (These decorations will be used a third time for our youngest daughter's birthday party next month!)

When the kids came to the kitchen they had either a decorated cone shaped birthday hat (for the boys) or a headband that had a party hat attached to it (made in mad hatter style) for the girls.

The kids loved these...

The cake...we had Alice stand for Audrey and the Mad Hatter stand for her Dad. the 7 and 40 are represented on the cake board.

The girls' party at the ice skating rink included a cake table, a crafting area table (for taking breaks skating, warming up, and for girls' who didn't want to skate), and a long table down the middle for party guests.

before guests...

after guests...

after guests...

guests received a skating lesson from Coach Teri!

Cost per person was  approx $13. This included price of venue at the ice rink, ALL decor, all paper goods,  food (pizza) and drinks (coke, lemonade and water), cake, activities, and skating for 15 party guests, the birthday girl , their parents and other adult guests (18 more adults), plus 4 siblings. who attended...38 people, a private lesson by the girl's ice skating coach for the party goers and every girl went home with a goody bag, an Alice in Wonderland coloring book, and a doorknob hanger that they made.   Come back again, and I will show you how to make the fan invitrations and  how to "green" your favors you give your party guests!