There’s another mum out there who is just as mad as I am for kids’ parties. Actually, she’s way madder. Simone from Great Fun 4 Kids is like Mad Hatter kind of mad (now that I write that, I’m actually very surprised that Simoney has never tackled an Alice in Wonderland party). Simone’s blog is a wonderful resource for any parent looking for ways to bring more spontaneity and joy into their parenting. You only have to read a couple of posts to get absolutely hooked on her hands-on, come-what-may, love-my-kids style (and I promise that ‘hooked’ was not an intentional Peter Pan pun). Here is her absolutely lovely Peter Pan party she created for her youngest son’s birthday. Simone called it her ‘Perfect Peter Pan Party’ and perfect is absolutely right…
Simone designed and printed the cute invites herself and she’s made a free printable available for you to do the same. She’s lovely like that, Simone. Incidentally, isn’t a Peter Pan theme just the best idea for a party? You’ve got your pirates ah me heartying, your Lost Boys doing boy things, your fairies fluttering and a few Injun romps thrown in for good measure. It’s ideal, I tells ya!
A gorgeous homemade map of Neverland set the scene for what was in store for the party guests. You can find out how to make your own map here.
Before we explore all the areas the map mentions, you’ve gotta check out the costumes. Parties at Simone’s are always a family affair and everyone gets dressed up to really set the party alight. Mind you, this is a family that dresses in cosutme for dinner every chance they get… I love Simone’s Princess TigerLily cosutme – she’s clearly come straight from Indian Camp.
Simone recreated Neverland in her family’s backyard with the map highlighting the different areas of interest. The Lost Boy’s Hideout, the Fairy Forest, Crocodile Creek, Dead Man’s Tree and Pirate Cove all featured. The signs were made with old fence posts, the giant stuffed crocodile was $10 on TradeMe and Fairy Forest was cleverly lit up with strands of mirror tiles catching the sunlight as they dangled from the trees. The way Simone sets up her kids’ parties is always inspired. This is one super-creative lady and she does it all on a realistic budget – not that you’d ever know it.
The food is always carefully thought out and this Peter Pan party was no exception. Simone made her favourite cupcake recipe and then decorated them three different ways – little pirates, crocodiles and blue with pearls. She added lemonade jelly cups with crocodile lollies swimming inside and other party favourites like pikelets, chips and popcorn.
Drink labels are always a fun way to follow a party theme and Simone’s were awesome:
Pirate Punch: “just one sip and you’ll be hooked” (gingerbeer)
Fairy Fizz: “Just add happy thoughts and you’ll fly away” (lemonade)
Red Injun Juice: “Makes you Brave” (lemonade with a splash of blackcurrent syrup).
Simone generously made all of these labels into free printables you can download from her blog.
X marks the spot on the birthday cake – the spot where buried lolly treasure can be found. What a cute concept for a little boy’s cake! You can get step-by-step instructions for making this treasure map cake on Great Fun 4 Kids.
You’d have to question the temperament of any kid not having fun at this Peter Pan party. I mean, just setting foot into this magical Neverland recreation would surely be enough? Add in some sword fighting and twists on old favourites (you walk the plank when Hook finds you during Hide n Seek; musical statues took place around the fire dancing injun style complete with headbands…) and this just might be the best fun a kid could ever have.
One can’t help but feel that it was Simone who deserved the lolly bag at the end of this party, but the kids all got a bag of sweets and a Glow in the Dark lantern to boot. How cool are these jars?! They look amazing in the dark and you can make your own using the instructions at Great Fun 4 Kids.
Reckon you could ever top a party like that? Me either!
What’s your favourite bit? I’m thinking the way Simone’s husbie embraced that Capt’n Hook roll really seems to have made the party something else! Reckon we could hire him out?
Kristy @ Loulouzoo says
That is the most awesome kids party I have ever seen!!! 🙂
Simone @Greatfun4kids says
Awww thanks Kristy! And thanks Maxabella for featuring my party! xxx