If you’re looking to throw a party that your toddler or preschool-aged child will never forget, why not try an Elmo themed celebration? Elmo is an icon in the world of Sesame Street and provides many great opportunities for decorations, activities, and food that your guests will love. Follow these steps to plan a fun-filled Elmo themed party that your special little one will remember for a lifetime.
Choosing a Venue for Your Party
The venue you choose will play a critical role in the success of your party. If you can’t fit everyone in your home, consider renting out a local park, rec center, or even an event hall. For an indoor party, make sure the space has enough room for the activities you plan to have. Consider an outdoor party if the weather allows. Picnics are great for Elmo-themed events and there are often parks and green open spaces with rentals allowed in many cities.
When selecting a venue, make sure to check the rules and regulations of the space. Some venues may have restrictions on the type of activities you can do, the number of people allowed, or the time of day you can use the space. Additionally, you may need to pay a fee to rent the space. Be sure to factor in these costs when budgeting for your party.
Inviting Your Guests
Now that you’ve chosen a venue, it’s time to send out invitations! If your guest list is large, consider using an online invitation service such as Evite or Paperless Post. Handmade invitations can be funny and creative for smaller parties. Be sure to include where, when, and what the theme of the party is in your invitation!
When sending out invitations, make sure to give your guests plenty of time to respond. Give them at least two weeks to RSVP, so you can plan accordingly. Additionally, if you are asking your guests to bring a dish or a gift, make sure to include that information in the invitation as well.
Decorating for the Theme
Adding decorations for an Elmo themed party can be a blast! A popular decorating item for this type of theme is streamers and balloons in bright colors, such as red and yellow. Place cardboard cutouts and photos of Elmo around the venue, too. Use Elmo-themed tablecloths and napkins to really tie the whole theme together.
You can also add Elmo-themed party favors to the tables. These can include items such as Elmo-themed coloring books, crayons, and stickers. You can also provide Elmo-themed candy, such as lollipops, gummy bears, and chocolate bars. This will give your guests something to take home and remember the party by.
Selecting Elmo Themed Menu Items
When it comes to food, think of items that incorporate red, yellow, and orange colors, such as strawberries, pineapple, oranges, mangoes and other fruits. For snacks, look for red, yellow and orange crunchy munchies such as chips, pretzels and popcorn. You can also make cookies shaped like Elmo’s face and iced cupcakes with Elmo’s face on them, or pick up another Elmo themed desserts from the store. Sandwiches can also be added to the menu in the shape of Elmo’s face.
Setting Up Games and Activities
When planning activities, be sure to include something interactive like a classic game of Duck Duck Goose or hide and go seek. Other fun activities could include a scavenger hunt in the backyard or dancing games. Create an Elmo themed arts-and-crafts station to keep kids entertained with coloring pages and Elmo-themed projects. Be sure to have plenty of Elmo plush toys or pictures on hand for prize giveaways.
Shopping for Elmo Themed Party Favors
Don’t forget to include party favors when planning your Elmo themed celebration. Stickers, temporary tattoos, and bubble-blowers all make great party souvenirs. You can also buy decorative masks featuring Elmo’s face for your guests to take home. Some stores may even have Elmo themed loot bags or treat boxes available that can easily be filled with goodies.
Preparing for the Big Day
Now that you’ve planned out all the details of your Elmo themed party, it’s time to get ready and prepare for the day of the event. Make sure to set up decorations, food and drinks in advance so everything is ready once your guests arrive. Lastly, designate roles before the day of the event. Who will be in charge of greeting guests? Who will help manage food service? Who will clean up afterwards? By assigning roles and responsibilities at least two days before the event, you’ll join the preparation efforts stress-free on the special day.
Making the Most of Your Elmo Theme Party
An Elmo themed party is sure to bring smiles to both parents and children alike! Plan ahead as much as possible and keep in mind that letting children enjoy simple pleasures such as running around and playing games is often enough to make for a successful event. With thoughtful planning and execution, your Elmo themed party will be a blast for everyone!
