Welcome to the Puppet Party! Oh, I know I say this with every birthday party but: THIS WAS SO FUN! I wanted a funky, kooky Muppety, Fraggle-Rock-ish feel to Lydia’s 4th birthday party. And it was just perfect! It was loud, colorful and felt like a carnival! Wanna know how it went down?
DECOR
The decor was easy on this one. I happen to own a real live puppet stage. So, that was front and center. And to go with those puppet stages were several very adorable puppets. I went with an orange-teal-purple-ish kinda of color scheme so I filled in the blanks with balloons in those colors.
With the enormous television we now own in our living room, it was the perfect decoration when I played the original Muppet Showon it!
FOOD
Apparently I am a carnivore because all the food was all meat. Unless of course, it was refined sugar covered in refined sugar. Oh well, we do this but once a year right? But at least I was creative with the titles…
(swedish chef’s swedish meatballs, cookie’s cookies, miss piggy in a blanket, kermit’s frog legs aka hotwings)
But the cupcakes really take the cake. (Heh.) I loved the idea of Muppet cupcakes but didn’t want to end up with an Elmo birthday or a Cookie Monster birthday. So, my bff Staci (who has made all of Lydia’s cakes–Snowflake and Snow White) knew just what to do. She made Muppet-inspired cupcakes!
Visit Simply Staci to see which puppet inspired each cupcake. Aren’t they awesome? They were so perfect!! Thanks, Stace!
CRAFTS
What’s a 4 year old birthday party without crafts? And what’s a puppet party without puppet crafts? Our first craft was a complete rip off from the Center for Puppetry Arts‘ Make-a-Puppet Workshop—a moving arm rod puppet from poster board and construction paper. It was a little more high-tech than I realized and the kids really needed their parents to help. But gosh, they turned out cute!
I also utilized my new favorite table: the brown paper masking-taped to the floor. Cool, right?
Our second craft was the old brown paper bag puppet. I found a cute template from the craft store (but there are TONS online). It was a little time consuming to cut all the pieces out (especially FOUR legs for the frog?!) but they turned out adorable! One reason they were especially cute was because I used craft foam instead of construction paper. I think they would have been super cute with felt, too.
ENTERTAINMENT
If that wasn’t enough (it wasn’t!) we had our very own puppet show with special guest, Vicki! I haven’t done Vicki in quite some time so I was actually kind of nervous. But as Vicki usually does (and I know this is the freakiest thing ever), she surprised me and was exceptionally funny!
She sang Happy Birthday to herself (which is always lovely), sang “you look like a monkey” to Mr. Les and then pretended to not know who the real birthday girl was. Finally, she led everyone in singing Happy Birthday while Lydia’s cupcake was delivered on her purple birthday plate. I wasn’t sure if Lydia would be timid during a show devoted to herself but she LOVED it.
And so did the rest of the kids. Look at their faces! Priceless.
Then we let the kids do their own puppet show. Oh, I wish we had it on video. It was quite hilarious. And they absolutely thought they were famous!
PRESENTS
Of course, there were presents. I really hate opening presents in front of people because it seems to take forever. And for little kids, I would think it’s a little jealous-inducing. But everyone was sweet and watched Lydia meticulously open each present. And the gifts were so wonderful. Very little plastic and lots of things that were so VERY Lydia. I was honored by their thoughtfulness.
And as far as OUR presents…well, we tied a little Ikea finger puppet to an oversized sucker, Lydia wrote an “L” and a smiley face on a card and we had a cute gift sans good bag! Plus, the kids were taking home 2 big puppet crafts!
Thanks to our family and friends for loving and blessing Lydia! And Happy Happy Birthday to my sweet sweet girl!
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That was indeed the best party ever. Micah and I were talking about how much we loved Vicki… the voice of our childhood.
.-= Catie´s last blog ..These Shows Make College More Enjoyable =-.
I love it! It looks like there were no details left undone…can you come plan my son’s 8th birthday party??? it’s only 47 days away and I’ve not even looked at a decoration idea…. )
This was so amazingly cool. I’m officially coming to Atlanta for all future birthday parties fyi. Looks like fun was had by all, especially the birthday girl, which is the best present of all! Thank you for sharing this wonderful party!
It was a great party. Honestly, I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but I don’t think that I have ever heard you do Vicki. I’ve seen Vicky perform, but not your voice. Seriously, I was impressed! As Bailey said, this is Lydia’s best party ever!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Blogging Goals for 2010 =-.
I think this is a wonderful birthday idea! Interactive, fun and the theme worked so well for so many things. Kids love puppets , I am so excited to hear you have Vicki! Very cool!
wow! everything looks so amazing! a puppet party is such a great idea for kids that age group – not too difficult but challenging & fun. you’re so creative amanda – i know lydia had so much fun!!
This was so very wonderful just experiencing it through the pictures! What wonderful memories you’re creating for your little ones. My wish is that every child in the world would know that they are loved as much as yours know they are. I know you were exhausted, but take pleasure in knowing that you are loving them through your creativity. Blessings on you and yours, sweet Amanda!
Well, it’s about time! I’ve been waiting for TWO DAYS for these pictures. I can’t believe I forgot to bring my camera to one of your parties…I should know better. Sigh.
I was so impressed with Vicki! She was awesome, you truly have a gift; I had no idea! The boys have been hosting non-stop puppet shows behind our couch, and Vicki is now a frequent character. She made quite an impression, and I think Ryan can do her whole routine…including the monkey bit. lol
Thanks again for having us. xoxo
Leigh
25 mos ago
I LOVE IT!!! so much fun! And I love your Red tshirt!
SusanTovay
25 mos ago
Too cute. I love the creativity! Lydia looks so much like you, Amanda. She is so cute. Keep up the good work, mom.
I always had theme birthday parties for Jodi. I miss those fun times, but I’ll always have the memories!
Just saw this! Love the pics. It was an amazing party–Juliet is still playing with her puppets.
I spent some hours working on my own party post…maybe it will be up next week sometime and you can see what you missed because of the SNOW STORM OF 2010.
.-= vanessa´s last blog ..music for preschoolers =-.
But I REMEMBER when you posted about Lydia’s adorable snowflake party! How can she be 4 already? SNIFF!!
.-= Vanderbilt Wife´s last blog ..We Made It! =-.
Hi! I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be linking you to my kids’ party themes ideas site. The Puppet Party theme should be up in a day or two. As the homeschooling mother of two, including a Muppet fanatic, I applaud you!
OMG! You know that I am Vicki’s biggest fan!! I miss her so much. Bob too. I could sit for hours and watch those two. They have more personality than any two people, I mean puppets I know.
What an adorable party.
I’ll bet the kids had a blast! Very original – thanks for linking to the Craftastic Birthday Link Party:) Cheryl´s last [type] ..Mixing & Matching Patterns
Thanks , I have just been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have discovered so far. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?
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30 Responses
That was indeed the best party ever. Micah and I were talking about how much we loved Vicki… the voice of our childhood.
.-= Catie´s last blog ..These Shows Make College More Enjoyable =-.
Oh my how my muppet obsessed kids would love this party theme! I love the craft ideas… the paper bag puppets are way cool!
I love it! It looks like there were no details left undone…can you come plan my son’s 8th birthday party??? it’s only 47 days away and I’ve not even looked at a decoration idea….
)
Melissa
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..One Little Word =-.
Twitter: zannaland
This was so amazingly cool. I’m officially coming to Atlanta for all future birthday parties fyi. Looks like fun was had by all, especially the birthday girl, which is the best present of all! Thank you for sharing this wonderful party!
Happy Birthday Lydia!
.-= Zanna @ Zannaland´s last blog ..New Year, New Me – Thanks to You. =-.
Twitter: thevioletfig
It was a great party. Honestly, I can’t believe that I’m saying this, but I don’t think that I have ever heard you do Vicki. I’ve seen Vicky perform, but not your voice. Seriously, I was impressed! As Bailey said, this is Lydia’s best party ever!
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Blogging Goals for 2010 =-.
I think this is a wonderful birthday idea! Interactive, fun and the theme worked so well for so many things. Kids love puppets , I am so excited to hear you have Vicki! Very cool!
Looks like it was a SUPER cute party! LOVE your t-shirt!
.-= Krista´s last blog ..More Christmas Morning! =-.
That party looks AMAZING!!!!! I love the craft idea, and those cupcakes! YUM!
.-= Princess Mandy´s last blog ..Beauty Tip Monday! =-.
What a fun theme! Looks like everyone had a great time. You Rock!
.-= Allison @ Slice of Heaven´s last blog ..27 of 52 – Birthday Lunch =-.
wow! everything looks so amazing! a puppet party is such a great idea for kids that age group – not too difficult but challenging & fun. you’re so creative amanda – i know lydia had so much fun!!
This was so very wonderful just experiencing it through the pictures! What wonderful memories you’re creating for your little ones. My wish is that every child in the world would know that they are loved as much as yours know they are. I know you were exhausted, but take pleasure in knowing that you are loving them through your creativity. Blessings on you and yours, sweet Amanda!
ANDI
Twitter: staci
Top notch as always Amanda!!
.-= Staci´s last blog ..Abstract Puppet Cupcakes =-.
Well, it’s about time! I’ve been waiting for TWO DAYS for these pictures. I can’t believe I forgot to bring my camera to one of your parties…I should know better. Sigh.
I was so impressed with Vicki! She was awesome, you truly have a gift; I had no idea! The boys have been hosting non-stop puppet shows behind our couch, and Vicki is now a frequent character. She made quite an impression, and I think Ryan can do her whole routine…including the monkey bit. lol
Thanks again for having us. xoxo
I LOVE IT!!! so much fun! And I love your Red tshirt!
Too cute. I love the creativity! Lydia looks so much like you, Amanda. She is so cute. Keep up the good work, mom.
I always had theme birthday parties for Jodi. I miss those fun times, but I’ll always have the memories!
Twitter: danielleham
when I have kids, lol, can you plan my parties? I love love love the cupcakes! Do she do cakes and such for just anyone or only special friends?
Twitter: brandiofbham
Awesome! I love the colors! You are the best at party themes!!!
Amanda,
That was incredible! What a great idea! It brings back so many good memories too! It looks like Lydia loved it!
Awesomeness as usual!!!
You are such a cool mom!
.-= Janna´s last blog ..Bloggy Questions =-.
Twitter: sillyeaglebooks
Just saw this! Love the pics. It was an amazing party–Juliet is still playing with her puppets.
I spent some hours working on my own party post…maybe it will be up next week sometime and you can see what you missed because of the SNOW STORM OF 2010.
.-= vanessa´s last blog ..music for preschoolers =-.
Twitter: vanderbiltwife
But I REMEMBER when you posted about Lydia’s adorable snowflake party! How can she be 4 already? SNIFF!!
.-= Vanderbilt Wife´s last blog ..We Made It! =-.
Sometimes it is hard to think of a Birthday Idea, most of the time i want something which is both funny and sentimental.’*:
Twitter: anyreason4cake
Hi! I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be linking you to my kids’ party themes ideas site. The Puppet Party theme should be up in a day or two. As the homeschooling mother of two, including a Muppet fanatic, I applaud you!
How do you do ? It’s may be off topic but do you know where I can buy some funny and cheap t-shirts ?
OMG! You know that I am Vicki’s biggest fan!! I miss her so much. Bob too. I could sit for hours and watch those two. They have more personality than any two people, I mean puppets I know.
What an adorable party.
I’ll bet the kids had a blast! Very original – thanks for linking to the Craftastic Birthday Link Party:)
Cheryl´s last [type] ..Mixing & Matching Patterns
What a cute party. Such a great theme for a little one. I’m visiting from My Insanity.
What a fun, unique theme for a birthday party! Looks like so much fun!
Thanks for linking up!
Kendra @ My Insanity´s last [type] ..The 3rd Annual Blogiversary PARTY Party
This is so creative! and adorable!
Sandi´s last [type] ..Sneak Peak- Fiesta Owl Baby Shower
Thanks , I have just been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have discovered so far. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?