Maxwell Designs Blog: Eco-friendly birthday parties

Yes, its true. Maxwell turned 3 just yesterday - he is a running, jumping, laughing, cheeky, chatty, odd sometimes, loveable little boy. I did say in my first post on this blog that I probably wouldn't go all out and do a theme party and all that work again - WRONG. I blame my significant other, Steve, for planting the seed. While watching Maxwell's favourite show he pipes up "Hey, I could dress up as Captain Feathersword for Maxwell's birthday - how tough could that job be!" Oh little did he know what that would mean.

So I set about making his costume. It all went really well--I think. The only thing I couldn't make or get was the hat! I looked everywhere. But I think it turned out quite well....I also thought about the 'loot bags', and how I could make them different. So this time I decided to make everyone a t-shirt with the Wiggles logo on it and deliver them the night before - that way everyone at the party would look the same and they would have a nice t-shirt to remember the day. Everyone got some bubbles at the end too.

I made the cake again, but this time it was an organic chocolate cake with fresh strawberries and cream, with chocolate frosting..yummmm.

I convinced Steve to answer the door to all our new guests and greet them as Captain Feathersword, which he relunctantly agreed to do ( I believe he secretly enjoyed it in the end). The kids had mixed feelings - the little ones crying at first but they soon got used to it. It is definalty a party we will all remember for a long time and one I have very fond memories of - Happy Birthday Maxwell - we love you! Oh no! how am I going to top this one!!!

When deciding what the first post of 2010 should be, my mind wandered to my oldest Son's upcoming 3rd birthday bash. What was I going to do? I don't think I want to go the 'theme' route, or go all out - after all its really the parents who get the most out of children's birthdays for the first few years isnt it?

I thought back to my

youngest son's 1st birthday party were I went all out and made virtually everything myself - with an eco-conscious theme running through it. Here is a little of what I did. I throughly enjoyed making everything but it was a big undertaking and I am not sure I would go that far again.

I made biscotti instead of adding the usual candy to the loot bags - (chocolate orange) - mainly for the parents to enjoy as they get left out most of the time.

I monogrammed all the napkins with all the guests initials. The napkins I made as a keepsake idea out of flannel and made the initials out of felt.

I made all the loot bags out of felt and appliqued designs to make them more colourful. I asked Tara, one of my retailers, at The Happy Tree (Terrace), if she would donate some samples of soap nuts and discount coupons and she happily agreed. I also asked a friend if she would like to offer a discount on her photography packages.

I also made fleece hats for all the 'older guests' and stroller blankets for the little guys. After all Shia's birthday is in October and it gets pretty chilly here in the North.

I think a great time was had by all, I certainly enjoyed making everything and thinking of each child I was making it for. The only money I spent was on the food for the day (we wont go into that little chestnut :-) and I made the cake instead of buying one. After all that, would I do it again.....absolutely.