Frozen Party Makeover

If you're like millions of other moms out there, you're over this whole Frozen-craze (like, WAY over it). But the wee ones are still madly in love with Elsa, Anna and Olaf. As a matter of fact, Dear Daughter's birthday is coming up and unlucky for you, she's still insisting on Elsa cups, Elsa plates, Elsa napkins, Elsa, Elsa, Elsa...

My advice to you? Let it Go. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

I was recently asked how to host a "subtle Frozen party" that still makes Dear Daughter happy. 

Thanks to Pinterest, this is a lot easier to do these days but Pinterest can also be a little overwhelming, considering the thousands of Pins out there just for "Frozen Party". 

So, here are a few suggestions I have for any character-themed parties...

1. Avoid things with characters factory-printed on them. Cups, napkins and plates with characters printed on them are not only pricey but they can clutter the overall look of your party. 

Instead...

2. Choose a color scheme that matches your characters (i.e. for a Frozen theme, teal, purple, silver and white would be perfect). Mix and match your solid colors with trendy patterns like chevron, polka dots and stripes.

  

 

And don't be afraid to mix and match patterns!

Paper straws are a fun & easy way to mix and match colors and patterns!

3. Get punny - plan your menu with your character(s) in mind. What do they do, eat, wear, play? Who else is this character in cahoots with? What do those characters do, eat, wear, play? Some examples from a Fireman Birthday Party and a Sesame Street/Elmo Birthday Party I designed last year...

Licorice as "Fire Hoses"

 

Classic, crowd-pleaser hot dogs as "Firehouse Dogs"

Errr... please disregard the crookedness of this food sign...

4. Make a scene! Take decorating cues from the character's environment. Choose the dominant elements that will clearly communicate your theme. With the frozen theme, transform a buffet or gift table into a winter wonderland scene with some twinkling lights and layers of tulle. Hang some snowflakes from the ceiling or glitter-bomb some craft cones to make a forest of sparkling trees! And don't be afraid to find new ways to use things you already have around the house (what if you just painted that old picture frame, turned that flower pot upside down, filled that vase with epsom salt or glue gunned some ruffled fabric onto that empty diaper box). Walk the aisles of your local dollar store and the dollar bins at Target! And remember... glue guns, glitter and paint can make anything awesome!

5. You've mentally created your scene. Now, it's time to add some simple decor touches. Take advantage of the internet to find the latest party decoration trends and choose a few to accent your party. Many of these trends are easy and inexpensive DIY projects and are a great way to stylishly incorporate some actual characters into the party... cupcake picks, banners and garlands, food labels, etc.

6. And finally, design your party activities and favors around your character(s). Have the guests "Build a Snowman" with marshmallows and pretzel sticks or bejewel some ice princess crowns (or whatever is specific to your character). Offer your guests themed favors - side note: fellow moms will thank you to make favors more practical and less goody-bag-o-junk. Activities and favors can even be one and the same! 

These crowns are a great activity and also make great favors! 

Kids can wear them during the party and take them home afterwards!

Again, these wands (with a little prep ahead of time) can also make super cute make-n-take favors!

See? Nothing to it! You can totally tackle any theme your little ones throw at you! Just remember to repurpose, mix and match, and check out my Pinterest boards! Happy Party-Planning!