My big boy Hugo turned six yesterday, and we had a soccer-themed birthday party for him at home on Sunday.
Originally we were going to choose a park or play-centre to host the party due to the number of guests and the smallish size of our house, but for sentimental reasons we changed our minds and held it at home instead. This is the last kids party we'll have in this house before we move and Hugo really wanted something at home, so I put my party-planning hat on again and tried to figure out how to have a soccer party when there's not actually any room to play soccer.
So, with soccer balls and green grass spinning around in my head, the colour theme of black, white and green was a no-brainer, and quite the opposite of what I did for Harvey's red, white and blue space party a month ago. Before the brain cogs really started turning on menu and decorations, I had to get the invitations out. I decided on the KISS principle - keep it simple, stupid! So I came up with these very simple double-sided soccer balls, folded across the top with a green insert:
Once the invitations were posted, I turned my attention to pulling together a menu and figured out how I wanted to present the party buffet table. Again, the decorations were very simple - some handcut double-sided soccer balls hanging from the downlights, some green, black and white balloons, and some revamped paper bunting originally purchased for Harvey's party (I just added the lettering myself). I also cut out my own mini soccer balls to decorate some green lolly bags.
After looking into a few talented cookie and cupcake decorators and some magnificent cake makers, I decided on making my own. It was a cost issue more than anything, as well as a secret challenge to myself to see if I could actually pull off anything half-decent! But I was very happy with the result, even though it was rather time-consuming to make them myself (with my limited baking skills!)
Anyway, here's how it all panned out....enjoy!
The cake! Made by me :o)
One of the games we played was 'Kick the Soccer Ball into the Goal' (the soccer version of 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey'). I simply purchased a stock photo illustration online and printed it on my home printer....viola! Instant party game.
One very happy birthday boy!
Best bargain buys for the day:
- Again, I was delighted with the fabric I found at Spotlight for around $6.99 per metre. I purchased the black with white polka dots for the front of the table, and the gorgeous green and white stripes for the top of the table. Both of these will be upcycled into something else too - probably plushies!
- The soccer ball foiled-wrapped chocolate balls were purchased from my local confectionery store for only $2.00 per bag of approx 15. Awesome.
- The green grass placemats were purchased on eBay, and I think they worked out much better than my original idea of using astro-turf from Bunnings (although, that would have looked cool too).
- My bunting was upcycled from the packet I already purchased for Harvey's party - I just added the letters myself.
All-in-all, loads of fun and a nice little send-off to our lovely little house. :o)
'Til next time,
Sarah :o)
'Til next time,
Sarah :o)
