Throwback Thursday - Past Parties

As promised, here are some of the ideas from my past themed childrens parties, just in case anybody wants any ideas for themselves (or ideas on what not to do, too). When Dylan turned two, Ava was just 2 months old. I had been very bored on my maternity leave, so decided to throw all of my time and effort into a big themed party for Dylan, to remind him that he was still special. He was very into cars at that point, so the theme choice was obvious. I went with a Disney Cars/ retro gas station type vibe. I made traffic light jelly shots (sadly without the vodka. I learnt later that it would have been handy to have a nip of something close by) and other bits and pieces. Having just had a baby, I was in no fit state to bake the cake (well, that's the excuse I used) so I bought a Lighting McQueen one from the supermarket. Perfect, until the birthday boy sobbed hysterically because he thought we were butchering his favourite fictional character with a knife when everyone wanted a slice. I made all of the signs and flags with my trusty Berol pens and craft paper, and I like to think I pulled it off. We played "Guess How Many Cars In The Jar" (29, in case anyone wondered) and people won "Piston Cups" for various games. For my first attempt into the world of themed parties, it went rather well.

Car themed 2nd birthday Party

Spare tyre Swiss rolls, traffic light biscuits and chocolate finger dipsticks

Guess How Many Cars In The Jar

Finish line checkered flags

The following year, it was Ava's turn. When she turned one, she didn't have many interests besides dribbling and the occasional tantrum. Not much to go on for a theme, so I used my imagination. I came up with a vintage tea party theme, because I love all that jazz. She even wore an old bridesmaid dress that my mum had since my sister wore it, aged 18 months (so 20 odd years ago). So I bought doilies and cake stands, and served tea and cakes to her close family in their Sunday best. It was a lovely day, and a lot less tiring because the theme wasn't so constricting. My mum had a friend who baked cakes, so she splashed out on a teddy bears tea party cake for her. So yet again, I avoided baking the cake. One year I will, I promise!

The Birthday Girl in a 20 year old dress

The Teddy Bears Tea Party birthday cake

Another year passed and Dylan was turning 4. Both of the kids were going through a mad Ben and Holly phase, so it was clear what he wanted as a theme. We had quite a few of the toys already, so that was the decor sorted. This was one of my lazy years, actually. I relied on using the toys and things we already had as themed stuff, and got lazy with the food. We had "Nanny Plum's Magic Mix" and "Fairy cakes" (obviously), but it went down a treat with the birthday boy. I still didn't feel capable to bake the cake, so we went with a plain one with toys stuck on. I did say this was my laziest year.

The Birthday Elf

Nanny Plum's Magic Mix

Fairy Cakes

Laziest cake ever

A sparse spread, but Dylan loved it

And this year was the turn of The Gruffalo for Ava's 3rd. Next year, it's Dylan's turn again, and he's already got his eye on a Stampy Cat Minecraft theme. Thing is, you still can't buy Minecraft cakes yet. Could 2016 be the year that I attempt to tackle the baking tray? Or will I pay someone to do it for me. Only time will tell...