Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Airplane Themed Birthday Party


Decorations and Activities


We decided to host Ryan's birthday party at home this year, now that we actually have space. I made some banners and signs, and my husband helped me by putting up the outdoor decorations. He made the number "3" out of balloons taped to the garage, and put a large sign into the ground with arrows pointing in different directions for the Terminal, Gate 3, Arrivals, and Departures.

We set up an Airplane Making Station with sample paper airplanes and plenty of paper, and a "Flight School", where our young guests could attempt to aim and throw their homemade airplanes. (Of course, moms and dads needed to assist with the airplane folding, since most of our guests were under the age of 3).

I cut apart a banner from the Disney Planes movie and used the pictures of Bravo & Echo, Dusty, El Chupacabra, and Ripslinger to hang above the Airplane Making Station.

Arriving Flights


When our guests arrived, they were encouraged to put name badges on their little co-pilots and to write a message in Ryan's Flight Log. I made this book on Shutterfly and used pictures that I had recently taken of Ryan wearing a flight jacket, hat, etc.

Departing Flights


For the goody bags this year, I filled little boxes with airplane stickers, airplane pretzels, and a few small airplane-related toys. The sticker on the outside of the box says "Thank you for flying Ryan Airlines". I also had a basket of make-your-own cardboard "Dusty" planes, which involved simply punching out the pieces and putting them together.

The set of 3 small stacked suitcases on this table were from Amazon. I picked up the wooden airplanes at a craft fair and painted them to match the colors of the party decor.

In-Flight Sweets


Cupcakes and Cake Pops: from a local bakery, Cake and Confections.

I made the labels and cupcake toppers using scalloped and circle punch-outs from Michaels.


Airplane Cookies: from Etsy seller LaPetiteCookie.

Mini Muffins (Carrot and Quinoa): I made these

Cinnamon Rolls and Doughnuts: from the bakery



Planes Pretzel Snack Packs: from the grocery store

Gummy Airplanes: from Amazon

Flying Tootsie Roll Racers: made out of a tootsie roll, stick of gum, 2 lifesavers, and 2 rubber bands

Disney Planes Plates, Cups, Napkins, and Flatware: from Party City

Dusty Crophopper Cake



Cake: from a local bakery, Cakes and Confections.

Ryan is pointing to the part of the cake that he wanted a slice from: "Dusty's eyes!"

In-Flight Bites (Snacks)


I kept the menu relatively simple, since I didn't want to spend any $ on catering or to spend too much time cooking/preparing everything. I served: orzo pasta salad, carrots/celery with ranch dip, tomato and mozzarella bites, chips and buffalo dip, chex mix, popcorn, fruit, and turkey and cheese sandwiches. For the sandwiches, we originally tried to cut them into the shape of planes (see above), but it ended up being time consuming and wasted too much bread, so I just made regular turkey sandwiches.


Our Friends and Family at Ryan's Party
(click each picture to enlarge)




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Future Pilot in his flight jacket and hat


I know that children probably change their mind about what they want to be when they grow up about a million times, but lately Ryan has been answering, "a pilot, so that I can fly planes really fast!" It may or may not be because he saw (and loved) the Disney Planes movie last month. Ryan has always been obsessed with race cars, but now he thinks that airplanes are even more fascinating!

Ryan had a wonderful 3rd birthday. We celebrated all weekend long! We are so thankful to our family and friends who came out to see Ryan for his special day. It has been almost 2 weeks, and he still brings up things from his birthday party and talks about how much fun he had. I can't believe how quickly our little guy is growing up. He continues to amaze and entertain me each and every day. I love him so much that it hurts.



4 comments:

  1. that is an awesome party theme . :)

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  2. it's great. im planing my sons 6th birthday and he is keen on dusty. your ideas are original,fantastik and unique....

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  3. @cole d and @Anonymous- Thanks!

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  4. What an awesome party for kids! I like it. Disney party supplies really helps us!

    ReplyDelete

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