Happy July Readers:
Who's afraid of bugs? Not these kids! Check out our easy, inexpensive ideas for hosting a backyard party that's sure to win over every creature.

Bugs and Butterflies

When it's time for your child's next party, try our bugs-and-butterflies-themed celebration. The crafts and goodies work for boys or girls, and our budget-friendly party plans will make you smile, too. We set the scene outdoors, but these festivities can easily be moved inside. So grab your little critters, and get ready for a fun-filled afternoon that everyone will enjoy!

You're Invited

Begin your party planning with a kid-friendly invitation. Download our invite -- choose from our full-color design or a coloring page outline -- and let your little one personalize her own invitation. - http://www.myhomeideas.com/static/pdf/invitation-print-out.pdf

Tip: A festive, colorful invitation can set the tone for your party. We based our colors, patterns, and design ideas for the celebration on this cute creation.

Dress the Table

Our custom-made tablecloth is lively enough for a child's party yet sophisticated enough for afternoon tea. A small investment that will last through many celebrations, the vivid colors and pop art daisy print set the tone for cheery afternoons. You'll need about eight yards of fabric to make this tablecloth.

Pop Garden, Pop Daisy Fabric

$8.38 (per yard)

Available at Fabric.com


Tabletop Arrangements

Tin pails and painted wooden containers brim with live flowering plants -- something you can easily transfer to your garden later. Punch up the color with gerbera daises, and add an ornament of garden art such as oversize metal flowers and pinwheels.

Fanciful Cake

Take your theme the extra mile by creating or ordering a cake covered in fondant ladybugs, caterpillars, and butterflies. This sweet sensation was created at Pastry Arts Bake Shoppe.

Tip: Before ordering from any bakery, bring along some party accessories to let the bakery help provide a consistent look. Be sure to allow your baker plenty of notice -- especially during wedding season.

More Munchies

Mini cupcakes are perfect for little hands. Fill pails with gummy worms, pretzels, and cheese crackers for hungry bug-seekers. Don't forget mini water bottles and adult beverages to keep moms and dads entertained.

Wings and Things

Let little ones fly with imagination. Check out Bugs-n-Blooms or your favorite party store for nylon fairy wings, vibrant butterflies, and dragonflies. Along with fun dress-up attire, you can also affix butterflies to tablecloths, floral arrangements, and suspend them from trees. And give the children a new way to look at the party by trying on silly sunglasses with magical lenses.

Kids' Craft Station

A child-size folding table offers plenty of room for crafty kids. Pile supplies in metal paint cans. We stocked ours with project materials simple enough to eliminate adult instruction: Popsicle sticks, pom-poms, glue, and pipe cleaners for creating fuzzy caterpillars. Also, provide colorful party bags with a stash of sparkly stickers. The kids can use them to carry take-home artwork.

Tip: You can rent a small folding table at rental stores for around $8, and metal paint cans are only $2 each at home improvement stores.

Whimsy Smocks

Colorful smocks protect kids' clothes from messy crafts. We adorned these plain canvas aprons with bugs, butterflies, and floral interpretations of the invitation's illustrations. Use scraps of fabric and hot glue or simple stitches to craft these whimsical critters. Looking for inspiration? Try simple outlines from children's coloring books.

The Bug Hunt

Plastic bugs scattered about the garden are a playful version of a traditional Easter egg hunt. Send the little ones out with bug boxes (perfect party favors!) to capture the critters. After they've gathered them, see if they can identify the insects.

Tip: Buy plastic bugs in bulk from your local party or toy store.

Face Painting Fun

You don't have to be an artist to paint a smile on a child's face. Line them up for a magical makeover with a face painting kit. Simple strokes and paintbrush tickles delight innocent faces.


Inexpensive Extras

Use your own easels (or borrow them from friends) to make paint stations.
For a popping backyard, rent a bubble machine.
Stock up on these no-fail finds from closeout or dollar stores: bubbles, sidewalk chalk, stickers, and pinwheels.

Keep reaching for the Stars & Stay Safe this weekend!

Kim


Editor In Chief

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