“My daughter begged for a Christmas party this year—lucky for her it doesn’t take much excuse for me to start designing an event! It was a fun experience planning this party; Maddie was there every step giving her input on what games to play, what food we should eat and what we should drink and give out as favors.

The front rooms of the house were decked out for the party in red and green with a “Chilly & Cheery” penguin theme.  I handmade virtually everything in this party from the paper ornament, ribbon rosettes on the aprons, paper trees on the tables and wreaths.  These were all great touches that anyone can pull off with a little effort.

We had a table full of fruits and vegetables for the kids, and a small sweets table. Edible Details sent the cutest little fondant penguin toppers for our cupcakes that the girls later put in front of their gingerbread houses. Renee ofBees Knees Creative sent some adorable (and delicious!) sugar cookies that perfectly matched our little penguin graphics.

Other items on the table were peppermint fudge covered oreos, divinity (a favorite southern candy), white chocolate drizzled popcorn with m&ms, and chocolate cookie dough truffles. The favorite on the table were the “snow cones.” I dipped a large marshmallow in candy melt, rolled it in coconut and then placed it on a tiny ice cream cone and topped it off with a red m&m. Easy and fabulously fun!

On the main table, I created a little forest of trees. I made them using party hats and dowel rods! They were the perfect whimsical touch to our handmade party.

As our little guests arrived, we had them sit and do a craft to give them something to do while we waited for everyone to show up. Using some fine glitter from Martha Stewart, glass bulbs and special glue, we made some tree-worthy glittery ornaments.

Some of the other activities we did during the party:

• Play in the “snow” – This was such a crowd pleaser at Halloween, there was a request for a repeat! I filled a box full of Styrofoam peanuts and hid small toys and hair things in the bottom of the box. The kids had to dive mostly in the box to find them! • Wrap a gift – Two teams of three, all armed with a roll of toilet paper, race to wrap up a precious gift, a mommy. • Gingerbread house decorating – We used the tutorial by Nicole at Tradewind Tiaras. This gingerbread recipe was really fantastic, and making the houses as a-frames made them go together in a snap. Each girl had her own frosting bag full of royal icing and an apron made especially for her as she decorated her masterpiece. • Yankee gift exchange – Pick a present or steal a present as your number is called.

The party ran late because the girls were having so much fun… which I took as a huge compliment! The penguin printables we used in our party are now available in our Etsy shop.”

*****

VENDOR CREDITS:

– Photography and Styling: Paula Biggs at Frog Price Paperie – Paperie: Renee Adler for Frog Price Paperie – Fondant Cupcake Toppers: Edible Details  – Sugar Cookies:  Bees Knees Creative