Salty Dog Crunch Mix

This recipe is inspired from a treat I enjoyed at the home of my Aunt Alyce and Uncle Larry. Alyce and Larry were retired naval officers and enjoyed munching on a mix they named Salty Dog. They would mix Spanish peanuts with jelly beans in a large container with a lid. The ratio of peanuts to jelly beans was about four to one. Today my twist on this treat is to add two ingredients - Goldfish Crackers and candy-coated chocolate pieces. To make one batch I mix:

1 cup Goldfish Crackers
1 cup Spanish peanuts
1/2 cup jelly beans
1/2 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces.

Store in a container with a lid.

Red Rubies Punch

This drink will satisfy the thirst of both pirates and princesses. It is very simple to make and has only two ingredients - red fruit punch and lemon lime soda.

The night before the party, fill ice trays with red fruit punch. The next day at party time, serve the red ruby ice in clear plastic cups with a lemon lime soda.

How to Throw a Pirate Birthday Party

Are you looking for an adventurous celebration for a gaggle of young pirates? Then you have come to the right place. This pirate party is sure to chart a course to fun on the high seas for your birthday boy or girl. In 2010, most kids will likely prefer a traditional pirate theme in black, red and white. Pink eye patches with matching earrings and pink skull party ware are available for any pirates that prefer this color alternative.

Please read below for additional details on How to Throw a Pirate Birthday Party:

Pirate Birthday Party - Invitations
Pirate Birthday Party - Decorations
Pirate Birthday Party - Activities
Pirate Birthday Party - Games
Pirate Birthday Party - Crafts
Pirate Birthday Party - Food and Drink
Pirate Birthday Party - Cake and Ice Cream
Pirate Birthday Party - Favors

Pirate Birthday Party - Invitations

A fantastic splurge for your pirate party is the pirate party invitation in a bottle. Each kit contains a treasure map mailing label, bottle, antique invite paper, sand, eye patch, pirate ring, and sticker for $1.79. These intriguing invites can be ordered from Birthday in a Box.

If you prefer something a little more modest, print your invites on faux scroll paper frames available from Paper Direct. Or make your own by this DIY method. Cut pieces from brown paper bags to size and then crumple them to make them look old. Uncrumple them and add all the important party details. If you want to take this project one step further - with close adult supervision - carefully burn the edges of each invite so it will look even more like an old scroll.

Don't forget to ask the kids to come dressed in white T-shirts and blue jeans or black pants. As they arrive at the Pirate Birthday Party, turn them into pirates with bandannas, eye patches, faux tattoos and possibly some sashes made from strips of pirate-like materials in a color to coordinate with your party scheme. Or if you prefer have the kids "earn" their pirate paraphernalia as they participate in the pirate party games.

Pirate Birthday Party - Decorations

Welcome guests to the party with eye patches, bandannas, faux tattoos and some pirate sashes made from yardage from your local fabric store.

Choose two or three colors as theme colors for your Pirate Birthday Party. They can range from black, gold, white, blue, and green to orange, red or pink. Use these colors for tablecloths, plates, napkins, cups, utensils, balloons and streamers. Add a few pieces from a pirate patterned partyware collection to enhance the party theme.

Place your decorated cake in the center of your table. Sprinkle chocolate gold coins down the center of the table around your cake and place settings.

Remember to organize some music for the party. It can add a lot of atmosphere and mood to the festivities. You can play a CD of music from any Pirate movie your child likes - such as Peter Pan or Pirates of the Caribbean - or combine movie music with sailing sounds from the ocean.

Pirate Birthday Party - Activities

As you dress your guests up as pirates, take their pictures. Have one of your adult helpers print the photos off during the party. Place the photos in inexpensive frames and you will have a much-appreciated favor for each child to take home.

Pirate Birthday Party - Games

No pirate party would be complete without a Treasure Hunt. This game is probably best played last, so the kids will not be distracted by the loot until it is almost time to go home. Before the party create a treasure map and clues for your little pirates to follow. The hunt should lead to a hidden "chest" filled with treasures, such as gold chocolate coins, small snack bags of gummy fish, colorful Starburst candies, tiny bags of marbles, colored beaded necklaces, toy compasses, miniature telescopes, skull key chains and other treasures. You can make your own treasure chest or order one on-line at Birthday in a Box for $6.99.

To start the game present a rolled up treasure map to the Pirate Captain or the birthday child. This map contains the first clue. At each step of the hunt, hide another clue. (Hint: Use crumpled brown paper bag to make the clue notes - it is much easier than tea staining paper to make the paper look old.)

When the kids find the treasure chest have them take turns claiming the valuables until all the treasures are claimed. Or pre-fill the treasure chest with individual goody bags.

Another good game to play is Cannonball Madness. Give each guest one inflated black balloon (or have the kids blow up and tie the balloons themselves). On the mark of "GO" all the kids will try to keep their balloons up in the air. The object is to keep all the balloons afloat by bopping them continually with their hands. The group will continue to play until the last balloon hits the floor. This is a fun way to burn off excess energy during the party.

All pirates love to order people to Walk the Plank. You will need a long 2x4 for the plank. Each guest will take his or her turn walking across the plank. Those pirates who cross the plank successfully will deserve a prize.

Pin the Eye Patch on the Pirate is a great game for this theme. It is played like Pin the Tail on the Donkey. You can order this game from Birthday in a Box or make your own pirate face with enough eye patches for all your guests. At game time cover the players' eyes (one player at a time) with a pirate's bandanna. Spin the player gently two-three times, then point them toward the pirate to tape his or her eye patch on the pirate face. The player with the patch closest to the correct spot wins!

Before the party draw a pirate map on a large cardboard box, so you can play Treasure Toss. Cut three large holes in the map on the box. Make or buy five bean bags. The object of the game is for the kids to throw the bean bags into the holes for points. Just like a bean bag game at a carnival. Kid with the most points wins.

Pirate Birthday Party - Crafts

Coloring pages are a great activity for kids to do while you are putting the finishing touches on the party foods. Set out some markers and/or crayons and let the kids go at it. Click here for a free Pirate Ship printable from Family Fun Magazine.

Pirate Birthday Party - Food and Drink

A pirate party is the perfect gathering to serve Slumbering Sea Dogs. This flaky combination of fish, cheese, salsa and taco seasoning makes for a finger-licking treat. A perfect alternative to hot dogs or sandwiches. Serve with carrot and celery sticks and Salty Dog Crunch Mix. To make a single batch mix one cup Goldfish Crackers, one cup Spanish peanuts, 1/2 cup jelly beans and 1/2 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces. Serve the Salty Dog Crunch Mix in black paper souffle cups.

Another way to go is to set up a Taco Bar or a Pizza Bar. All pirates love these tasty foods. Click here for taco bar instructions and here for pizza bar instructions.

Pirates will gladly wash down their grub with Pirate Punch or frosty ale (root beer) in mugs. Or try Red Ruby Punch. The night before the party, fill ice trays with red fruit punch. Serve the red ruby ice in clear plastic cups with a lemon lime soda.

Pirate Birthday Party - Cake and Ice Cream

This adorable birthday cake will be sure to please your little pirates. Cake mix, ready-to-serve frosting and candies make it super easy to make. Click here for access to the recipe, templates and how-to-video.

Chocolate Cannonballs will go perfectly with Pirate Birthday Cake. Line a muffin tin with black paper liners; place a miniature chocolate candy in bottom of each liner. Scoop chocolate ice cream on top. Freeze until party time.

Pirate Birthday Party - Favors

Your little pirates will be rolling in loot at the end of your party - bandannas, eye patches, pirate sashes and a personal party picture. In addition, if you plan a treasure hunt, the kids will have their share of the bounty. If you prefer goody bags in lieu of the treasure hunt, think pirate products, such as gold coins, temporary tattoos, gummy fish, toy compasses, pirate stickers, skull key chains or mini telescopes. For a unique goody bag tie up the loot in a black bandanna ($2.29 each) or a square of black muslin.

Pirate Birthday Cake

Isn't this the most adorable pirate birthday cake ever? With cake mix, ready-to-spread frosting and a selection of candies it super easy to make. We have Betty Crocker to thank for that. Betty Crocker has the complete recipe, a cutting and assembling template and a step-by-step video on its website.

You can make the cake any flavor you want. The pirate calls for two kinds of icing - chocolate and vanilla. The details are created with a variety of candies - mint patties, marshmallows, candy-coated chocolate pieces, Life Savers, Betty Crocker's Fruit by the Foot, black licorice ropes and square-shaped candy-coated gum. Click here for the full recipe and access to the cutting template and how-to video.

Beach Bear Cupcake

This weekend I found this adorable beach bear cupcake at my local Wegman's. To determine if you are lucky enough to live near a Wegman's click here.

If not, it should be fairly easy for you to replicate this delicious treat at home. Bake a batch of cupcakes in your birthday boy or girl's favorite flavor cake. Ice with a blue frosting. To get the "water" the right blue color try Wilton's Gel Icing in Sky Blue (610-700) for $1.99. Wilton's concentrated gel formula will help you achieve the exact shade you want without watering down your icing. To add the sandy beach, dip one side of the frosted cupcake in fine vanilla wafer crumbs. Add an inner tube with a gummi ring, $1.00 for five ounces of rings. If you cannot buy them locally, you can order them here at The Find.com. Add a Teddy Graham for the swimmer. Finally, finish off your creation with a colorful cocktail parasol (IN-9/149), 144 for $4.99. Drink umbrellas are available on-line from the Oriental Trading Company.

Color Stripe Birthday Party Invitation

HP Creative Home Studios and Cocodot.com have a wonderful selection of invitations on-line. The Color Stripe Birthday Party Invite would be a great choice for your next birthday party. You can customize it with a picture of the birthday boy or girl and input all the important party details using your home computer and printer. And best of all you can do this for free. Check out the collection of party invites here.

Great Source for Party Printables

Looking for a fun summer game or activity sheet printable for your next party? Check out the selection of free printables at HP Creative Home Studios. Click here to see the latest in the HP collection - including Backyard Bingo and Going to the Beach Word Search. Printables are a good activity to have on hand. They come in handy when you need something for the kids to do while the other party guests arrive or you put the finishing touches on your party foods.

Coming soon - How to Throw a Pirate Birthday Party

Looking for an adventurous celebration for a gaggle of young pirates? Then return to Kids' Parties with Flair on Friday, July 30, 2010 for a complete Pirate Birthday Party plan. We guarantee this Pirate Party will chart a course to fun on the high seas for your birthday boy or girl! Ahoy maties!

Chocolate Cannonballs

These ice cream treats will go perfectly with Pirate Cake. You can make them the day before and freeze them until party time.

Chocolate ice cream, enough for one scoop for each guest
Miniature chocolate peanut butter cups, one for each guest
Black paper cupcake liners, one for each guest

Line a muffin tin with black paper liners; place a miniature chocolate peanut butter cup in bottom of each liner. Scoop chocolate ice cream on top. Freeze until party time.

Pirate Punch

Your little pirates may never return to traditional lemonade after they try this refreshingly fruity cooler straight from the Caribbean.

1/2 cup sugar
6 cups pineapple juice, chilled
1 cup key lime juice
2 liters lime-flavored sparkling water, chilled
Maraschino cherries, if desired

Step One: Mix sugar and juices in large plastic or glass pitcher. Pour half of mixture into another pitcher.

Step Two: Just before serving, stir sparkling water into juice mixture. Serve over ice. Garnish each glass with some maraschino cherries skewered on small plastic beverage swords.

Hint: You can mix the sugar and juices and refrigerate them for up to two days before adding the sparkling water.

Slumbering Sea Dogs

This flaky combination of fish, cheese, salsa and taco seasonings makes for a finger-licking pirate party treat. A perfect alternative to hot dogs or sandwiches.

8 frozen fish sticks
8 refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix from a one-ounce package
2 slices American cheese, each cut into 4 strips
3 tablespoons salsa

Step One: Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 15x10-pan with sides with non-stick cooking spray. Place fish sticks in single layer in pan. Bake 10 minutes, turning once.

Step Two: Meanwhile, separate dough into 8 triangles. In shallow bowl, place taco seasoning mix. Lightly dip one side of each triangle into seasoning mix, coating evenly. Place triangles on work surface, seasoning side down.

Step Three; Place one baked fish stick on shortest side of each triangle. Top each fish stick with one strip of cheese and about one teaspoon salsa. Starting with shortest side of each triangle, roll up dough around fish stick; place cheese-side-up on cookie sheet covered with layer of parchment paper.

Step Four: Return to oven; bake 12 to 15 minutes longer or until golden brown.

8 servings

How to Throw a Tie-Dyed Birthday Party

Add a splash of color to your child's birthday with a backyard tie-dyed party. We gave my nine-year-old daughter this party in July and it was a colossal hit. Here is everything you need to know to throw this colorful bash. This party plan has detailed tips and techniques for tying and dyeing your on T-shirts, making your own tie-dyed invitations and complete recipes to make three tie-dyed desserts.

Invitations: If you have time to make your own invitations, here is an easy tie-dyed suggestion. Purchase enough tie-dyed decorative craft paper to make one invitation for each guest. Use this template to cut out T-shirts from the tie-dyed craft paper. You can reduce or enlarge this template on your printer before use, if you prefer. On vellum paper print out the party details, such as time, location and other important items. Cut the vellum to fit each T-shirt. Punch two holes in the top of vellum sheets and two matching holes in tie-dyed T-shirts. Affix vellum to T-shirt with a small decorative ribbon bow. Include a reminder for your guests to wear old clothes or bring a smock or large old shirt to the party. Remind your adult helpers to dress for mess as well.

Decorations: This party is a great excuse for an outdoor party. It is a good idea to do the tie-dying as the first formal activity once all the guests have arrived. Set up the dyeing station ahead of time. Cover the work area with a disposable plastic tablecloth or a few garbage bags and tape these protective covers in place. Have a trash can and a roll of paper towels nearby as well as a large bowl of soapy water for the kids to rinse their hands. Most importantly, keep some extra white T-shirts on hand to allow for mistakes or in case some grown-ups want to get in on the fun.

Since tie-dyeing is an iconic activity of the '60s, think hippie or flower power for other decorations. Use fun psychedelic colors for plates, napkins, cups, cutlery, tablecloths, steamers and balloons. If you want to spice things up, add some tie-dyed items from the Birthday in a Box Tie Dye Party collection. Make a banner that says, "Welcome to [child's name] Tie-Dyed Birthday Party," or order a personalized tie dye banner from Birthday in a Box. Don't forget groovy music. Play artists like The Beatles, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, The Mamas and the Papas, Simon & Garfunkel, The Monkees and The Who. This groovy music will get everyone in the '60s party mood.

Activities: These tie-dyed T-shirts are a great party activity, take-home favor and a brilliant fashion statement all in one! To save time and simplify the process, start the party off by dyeing the T-shirts. Tie-dyeing is not difficult, but it can be time-consuming. Be prepared for the process by reading thoroughly your kit's directions a few days ahead of time, so there will be no surprises on party day.

Step One: Set up the dyeing station per the instructions in the Decorations section of this blog entry. One kit to consider is Rainbow Rock. You can buy this brand at Michael's or Walmart. One kit will dye 2 to 8 cotton shirts depending on the darkness of color desired. Kits contain dye in reusable bottles, soda ash fixer, latex gloves (you may want to get some more at your local drug store), and rubber bands (you may want to get some extras at your local office supply store). The kits come in four color pathways - Dreamy (soft ocean, soft orchid and sand), Classic (fuchsia, yellow and turquoise), Primary (red, blue and yellow) and Vibrant (blue, lime and violet). If you don't want to use Rainbow Rock, there are other brands and kits available.

Step Two: Prepare the tees. To make sure the shirts are fit to be tied, soak them in water first. They'll be much easier for the kids to work with. Have the kids "tie" their shirts with rubber band and marbles, coins and/or small stones.

If the dyes come with soda ash, dissolve it in a tub of water. Soak the "tied" shirts in the soda ash solution for 20 minutes. This helps the dyes to bond with the fabric more easily producing brighter, longer-lasting results.

Step Three: Prepare the dyes according to the manufacturer's directions. After each shirt has been dyed, wring it out and place it in a sealable gallon-sized plastic bag with the child's name on it. Set it aside as you commence the other party activities. When the party is over, send each child home with his or her bagged shirt, an extra pair of latex gloves, and a set of finishing instructions (below).

Since tie-dyeing is an inexact craft, you may want to buy one or two additional kits. Be sure to arrange with the store the return of unopened, unused kits after the party.

Send your party guests home with these Washing and Drying Instructions:

Washing and Drying Instructions

1. Allow the T-shirt to set in the plastic bag overnight. Put on the rubber gloves and rinse the shirt, starting with warm water and then cool, until the water runs clear. Remove the rubber bands during rinsing. This is permanent dye, so be careful not be get any of it on your clothes.

2. Wash the shirt by itself in the washing machine with cold water to avoid shrinkage. It is a good idea to run the washer again with warm water and some soap to make sure that no dye is left in your machine.

3. Hang up the shirt to dry or dry it in the dryer on the coolest setting.

4. After your child wears the shirt, wash and dry it separately once more in case the dye is not completely rinsed out.

Games: Tie-dyeing will take up a good portion of your party, so you will not need to plan many other activities. After the shirts are packaged up to take home, a few rounds of Freeze Dance will get everyone moving to their favorite groovy tunes. To play this game, have all of the kids start dancing when you turn on some '60s music, such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Simon & Garfunkel or The Monkeys. After a few minutes, turn off the sound and say "Freeze"! Anyone still moving is out. Continue play by starting the music again and stopping it randomly as before. Continue playing until only one dancer remains. If you want to play more games, search the navigation bar - Activities/Games/Crafts on the home page of Kids' Party with Flair to find a couple that suit this party theme.

Crafts: An excellent transition while you put the finishing touches on food is to have the kids work on a coloring page. Click here for one with a '60s theme.

Food: Since the tie-dyeing process is pretty involved, serve simple party fare that can be made up in advance. Your party goers are sure to love submarine sandwiches. They are very easy to make and easy to transport outside to eat. A perfect treat for this party! Serve the sandwiches with individual bags of Sun Chips and some carrot and celery sticks. For a '60s thirst quencher serve Tang punch. All you need to do is mix Tang with 7Up (regular or diet).

Cakes: For dessert serve a Tie-Dyed Party Cake. It is tie-dyed inside and out. Your guests will love this delicious, colorful treat. If you prefer cupcakes, try the Tie-Dyed variety. And Tie-Dyed Ice Cream will be a great accompaniment to the festivities. To make serving scoops of ice cream easy at your party. Before the party fill one paper cupcake liner with one scoop of ice cream for each guest. Freeze the scoops until time to serve.

Favors: Your guests will have a special favor in their own one-of-a-kind tie-dyed shirt. If you want to do something more, think the '60's. Thank your guests for coming to your party with favors like love, beads, smiley face daisy rings, lip gloss, and rainbow punch balls. Check out the selection of '60s trinkets at Birthday in a Box. Shop for tie-dyed treat bags here.

Tie-Dyed Party Cake

This cake is tie-dyed inside and out. Your guests will love this delicious, colorful treat. Check back here on Friday, July 23, 2010 for a full party plan on How to Throw a Tie-dyed Birthday Party.

1 box of white or yellow cake mix
2/3 cup multicolored sprinkles, such as Wilton's Jumbo Rainbow Sprinkles
Wilton Color Me Food Color Spray in three colors of your choice
2 1/2 cups white frosting

Step One: Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the box. Stir the sprinkles into the finished batter and bake as directed in a 13x9-inch pan.

Step Two: Allow the cake to cool completely. Remove the cake from the pan and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes to make handling the cake construction easier.

Step Three: Cut a 4x9-inch piece off the cake. Cut this piece in half to make two 4x4 1/2-inch pieces. Center the 9x9-inch cake piece in the center of a serving platter or cookie sheet that is at least 10x18 inches in size. Attach one 4x4 1/2-inch piece on each side of the 9x9-inch piece of cake block to resemble the sleeves of a t-shirt. In the center of the top of the t-shirt cut away a small curve to resemble the neck of a t-shirt. Freeze constructed cake 30 to 60 more minutes before frosting to make the process easier and prevent crumbs. After the second freezing, frost cake entirely.

Step Four: Cover your work area with a drop cloth or plastic garbage bags and then, following the directions on the Wilton Color Mist Food Spray cans, spray circles on the cake with one color. Next, spray rings with the second color around the first circles. Finish decorating the cake by covering the rest of the white frosting with the third color of Wilton Color Mist Food Spray.

Step Five: Do not forget to decorate the sides of the cake too.

16 servings

Tie-Dyed Ice Cream

This rainbow ice cream will be a great accompaniment to your tie-dyed party cake.

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
4 boxes powdered gelatin (3 ounces each) in different flavors - look for flavors that will give you a rainbow of colors, such as berry for blue, cherry for red, lime for green and lemon for yellow

Step One: Let the ice cream set out at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.

Step Two: Next, pick a sealable, medium-sized container large enough to hold 1/2 gallon of ice cream. Scatter one tablespoon of any flavor of powdered gelatin over the bottom of the container. Layer three scoops of the softened ice cream over the gelatin. Don't worry if the ice cream is lumpy - it will look better that way.

Step Three: Scatter 1 tablespoon of a second flavor of gelatin over the first layer of ice cream. Repeat this process, alternating layers of ice cream and flavors of gelatin, until you have used up the ice cream.

Step Four: Top container off with one tablespoon of each of the gelatins. Cover the container, and return it to the freezer for two to three hours to harden before serving.

Step Five: To get a nice spiraled serving, scrape an ice-cream scoop across the container to try to get a variety of colors in each scoop.

Hint: To make serving scoops of ice cream easy at your party. Before the party fill one paper cupcake liner with one scoop of ice cream for each guest. Freeze the scoops until time to serve.

Triple Chocolate Ice Cream Pizza

Are you looking for a cool dessert for your next party? If so, try a triple chocolate ice cream pizza - chocolate brownie, chocolate ice cream with chocolate chips. It is as delicious to eat as it is fun to make. Your guests will go wild over the idea of a brownie-crusted ice cream pizza. Read on for the complete recipe and full directions.

1/2 cup pecan pieces, if desired
Non-stick cooking spray
1/4 cup butter
3 ounces of coarsely chopped unsweetened chocolate
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream - any flavor will do, pick your favorite
1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips
Additional decorative candies, if desired - M&Ms, gum drops, miniature marshmallows etc.
Whipped cream, if desired

Step One: Use a large round pizza pan with a rim on it to contain the brownie during the baking process or a large cookie sheet for this recipe. Line the pan with aluminum foil. Spray foil with non-stick baking spray and set aside. Finely chop the pecans and set them aside.

Step Two: Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler or in a microwave at half power, stirring every 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool.

Step Three: Beat the sugar and eggs on high speed in a large bowl for about 5 minutes. Blend in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the pecans, if desired. Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add them to the chocolate mixture and stir until evenly blended. Let the dough sit for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step Four: Scrape the dough into the center of the buttered foil. Spread the dough into a more or less level circle 12 inches in diameter. Refrigerate for 10 minutes while you heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step Five: Bake the crust on the center oven rack for 13 minutes. Transfer it to a cooling rack and cool it until it is just warm to the touch. Invert the crust onto a second pizza pan, then gently peel off the foil. Invert it again onto another pizza pan or a large serving tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step Six: Smooth a layer of slightly softened ice cream 1/2 to 1-inch thick evenly over the crust. (You may want to affix a foil collar around the brownie before spreading the ice cream. The foil collar will help to contain the ice cream until the pizza is ready to serve.) Sprinkle with miniature chocolate chips. Add additional decorative candies. Transfer the pizza to the freezer until you are ready to slice and serve. Garnish each slice with whipped cream, if desired.

Coming Soon - How to Throw a Tie-Dyed Birthday Party

Add a splash of color to your child's birthday party with a backyard tie-dyed party. We gave my nine-year-old daughter this party and it was a colossal hit. Come back to Kids' Parties with Flair on Friday, August 23, 2010 and you will learn everything you need to throw this colorful bash. Our party plan will have full tips and techniques for tying and dyeing your own T-shirts, invitations and even several tie-dye desserts.

Submarine Sandwiches

Your party goers are sure to love these submarine sandwiches. They are very easy to make and easy to transport outside to eat. A perfect treat for the tie-dyed party!

Mayo or Miracle Whip
Mustard
1 loaf (20 inches) French bread, unsliced
24 slices of cheese (provolone, mozzarella, muenster or Colby jack)
24 slices of fully cooked ham
10 bread and butter pickle stackers
Lettuce leaves, optional

Step One: Cut bread in half lengthwise. Spread mayo or Miracle Whip on the bottom of the bread. Spread mustard on the top of the bread.

Step Two: Top bottom half with cheese and ham; add pickles. Add lettuce, if desired. Replace the top. Cut into two-inch slices. Insert a decorative sandwich pick in each slice to hold layers of sandwich together.

10 servings

Triple Chocolate Ice Cream and Cakey Cake

July 18th is National Ice Cream Day. Enjoy some today! One way to serve ice cream is in a Triple Chocolate Ice Cream and Cakey Cake - chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream and chocolate frosting. This frosty treat is ever so easy to make. If chocolate is not your favorite flavor, mix things up - red velvet cake with chocolate chip ice cream and fluffy vanilla frosting topped with chocolate sprinkles or lemon cake with blueberry lemonade ice cream and lemon frosting topped with whipped cream and blueberries. The number of combinations is endless. Experiment!

1 box cake mix - any flavor
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 eggs
4 cups ice cream - any flavor, that goes with cake
1 batch of frosting or 12 ounces of canned frosting - any flavor, that goes with cake and ice cream

Step One: Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees F for dark or nonstick pans). Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat cake mix, butter and eggs until well blended. Spread batter in pan.

Step Two: Bake 19 to 24 minutes or until center is set (top will appear dry and cracked). Cool completely about 1 hour.

Step Three: Let ice cream stand about 15 minutes at room temperature to soften. Spread ice cream over cake. Cover lightly with foil. Freeze three hours or until firm.

Step Four: Spread frosting over ice cream. Top with a flavor of sprinkles that complement ice cream and cakey cake, if desired. Freeze at least one hour covered with foil or the plastic top of the 13x9-inch pan. Before serving, garnish with ice cream and/or fruit, if desired.

15 servings

Tie-Dyed Cupcakes

These cupcakes will be perfect for your Tie-Dyed Birthday Party. These colorful, delicious treats need no icing. If you prefer to frost them, use a fluffy vanilla icing and top with rainbow sprinkles.

1 box yellow or white cake mix
Water, oil, eggs per directions on box
1 container rainbow confetti sprinkles

Step One: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Make cake as directed on box for 24 cupcakes - except fill muffin cups half full; top each with 1/4 teaspoon sprinkles. Top with remaining batter, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon sprinkles.

Step Two: Bake and cool as directed on box for cupcakes. These colorful, delicious treats need no icing. If you prefer frosting, use a fluffy vanilla icing and top with more rainbow sprinkles.

24 cupcakes

How to Throw a Teddy Bear Picnic Birthday Party

A Teddy Bear Picnic is a perfect birthday party for the warm summer months. Your picnic can be held in your own backyard, an outdoor park or even in your living room with a blanket spread out on the floor. And best of all this party is simple to execute and very cost effective.

Invitations: Make do-it-yourself invitations using brown construction paper. Cut the paper into the shape of a teddy bear. A large bear cookie cutter works well for this task. Use markers to fill out the details of each bear's face. Affix the teddy bear picnic rhyme on the tummy of the bear by using your computer to print out the text on a piece of decorative paper cut to the proper shape. Glue a small bow at the bear's neck to make each one extra special.

The teddy bear picnic rhyme goes like this ...
If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.

For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears
are having their picnic.

On the inside of the bear invite, include the party information. Using your computer, print out the information on decorative papers. Cut each to size and paste it on the invitation. Be sure to request that every child bring his or her favorite teddy bear to the party.

If you are not keen on DIY projects, simply print out the important "when and where" details and attach them inside a bear note card before it is mailed.

Even more simple is to go with ready-made invites. Consider the Teddy Bear invites from Polka Dot Designs. Eight invites come combined with eight thank you notes. See the whole Teddy Bear party ware collection here.

Decorations: If you are having your Teddy Bear picnic outdoors, use the natural setting as your decoration. Set up your party under a big tree for shade. Cover party tables with gingham table covers. An inexpensive way to do this is to buy gingham by the yard at your local fabric store. This material can be recycled after the party into clothing or accessories. Spread large picnic blankets on the ground for the kids and their special teddy bear friends to sit on during the festivities.

Indoors or out, add some helium filled balloons to the party scene. Clusters of two or three balloons always look more impressive than single ones. And don't forget to make a giant "Teddy Bears Picnic" party banner to mark your picnic spot.

Make place markers by creating bears using miniature Slinky toys for the animal bodies, construction paper for the heads and feet and bits of pipe cleaners folded over for the tails. Write each child's name on card stock in bold letters and insert it in the Slinky portion of the bear's body. These slinky bears will make nice favors for the guests to take home.

Check party stores to find a selection of teddy bear party plates and tableware to go along with this theme. Polka Dot Design has a very cute collection of bear ware. Click here to see the collection. In addition, Oriental Trading Company has 193 bear-related items and Birthday Direct has 41.

Activities: While waiting for everyone to arrive, take each guest's picture with his or her bear.
Have one of your adult helpers print off the photos during the party. Send each guest home with his or her photo placed in an inexpensive frame. These will make excellent favors to be cherished for years to come.

When all the guests are accounted for, start out the day's activities by sitting on the picnic blanket and have everyone introduce their bear. Be sure to capture the picnic events with plenty of film. Because there is bound to be lots of playful activity, consider using a video camera as well as taking still shots.

Games: Organize a bear parade (have plenty of adult supervision on hand). Line up some jaunty marching music ahead of time. Award prizes to the bears, such as the biggest, smallest, most unusual color, largest bow, biggest ears etc. - making sure each bear gets some recognition.

Play pin the heart on the bear (tailor your game after "pin the tail on the donkey"). Draw a large bear on craft paper and give each child a paper heart with their name on it. Blindfold each child in turn, turn them around a couple of times and see if they can stick their heart on the bear's chest.

Organize a game of pass the bear. This game is rather like hot potato, but instead of a potato the kids pass around a bear. Sit the kids in a circle, put on some music (perhaps the Teddy Bear Picnic Song) and when the music stops, the child left holding the bear is out. Last child remaining at the end is the winner.

Another fun game for this party is toss the bees into the honey pot. Decorate a small flower pot or bucket to look like a honey pot. Give the kids some small plastic bees to throw. Or you can make your own out of yellow circles of felt, which you have sewn up and stuffed with dried beans. Decorate the yellow felt bees with black felt strips. The winner is the child who can throw the most bees into the honey pot.

Play musical bears. This is like traditional musical chairs. Set out a number of large paper dots on the ground - one for each child minus one. Have each child march their bear around to the music. When the music stops, each child will rush to put their bear on a paper dot. The bear that does not have a dot is out. Last bear wins.

A good game to play just before the party winds down is "Is that your bear?" Have the kids sit in a circle with all the bears piled in the middle. The birthday child will go first. He or she will put on a blindfold. Then the birthday child will be presented with three bears, one of which is his or her own bear. Through touch the child is challenged to figure out which bear belongs to him. See how many kids you can challenge before the parents start picking up the kids.

Crafts: An excellent activity for the kids while you are putting the final preparation on the food is to have them color teddy bear printables. Give the kids markers or crayons and let them demonstrate their talents. Family Fun Magazine has an excellent selection of bear printables, including coloring pages, paper crafts, mazes and connect-the-dots.

Food: Serve picnic foods in individual picnic baskets. Purchase inexpensive wicker baskets at your local discount store or craft store. Line the baskets with a sturdy napkin. Include a honey and peanut butter sandwich cut with a teddy bear shaped cookie cutter, a juice box, a fruit cup with spoon and, of course, an individual pouch of goldfish crackers. What bear does not like to eat fish!

Cakes: A great idea for dessert is to make paw print cupcakes. They are as easy to transport to the picnic site as the are delicious. Click here for the directions. If you prefer a cake, make a teddy bear cake. Betty Crocker has an easy how-to video and templates. Click here for details. Another way to go is to decorate cupcakes using paper liners and teddy bear toppers from Polka Dot Design.

Favors: Your guests can take their framed party pictures and name plate slinkies home as favors. If you want to do more consider giving your guests goodie bags filled with bear-themed treats, such as, magnets, stickers, hand puppets, pencils, coloring books, gummy bears and individual packets of teddy grahams.

Cookie Lollipops

These cookie lollipops are delicious treats that taste as good as they look. This recipe uses white chocolate chips and chocolate sandwich cookies. But feel free to experiment with vanilla or ginger sandwich cookies and chocolate or butterscotch chips to determine the combination your birthday child prefers. Packaging a few cookie lollipops in clear plastic gift bags tied with curling ribbon will make terrific favors to send home with your guests.

12 ounces white chocolate baking chips
2 tablespoons shortening, divided (half for coating, half for decorative drizzle)
1 package chocolate sandwich cookies
32 wooden Popsicle or craft sticks
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Step One: In a microwave, melt the white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon shortening; stir mixture until smooth. Twist apart sandwich cookies. Dip the end of each stick into melted chips; place on a cookie half and top with another half to glue cookie and stick together.

Step Two: Place cookies on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; freeze for 15 minutes to cement bond. Reheat white chocolate mixture again if necessary; dip frozen cookies into mixture until completely covered; allow excess to drip off. Return to a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; freeze 30 minutes longer or until coating is set.

Step Three: Melt the semisweet chips and remaining tablespoon of shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. Store in an airtight container.

32 lollipops

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcakes

If your birthday child loves chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes, they will love this treat. These cupcakes have a texture very similar to fluffy chocolate chip cookies. An added benefit - your adult guests will love them too.

Batter:
1/2 cup butter, softened
6 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Filling:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Step One: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture and mix until well blended.

Step Two: Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or until top of cupcake appears set.

Step Three: While cupcakes are baking in Step Two, beat the brown sugar, egg and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Drop filling by rounded tablespoonfuls into the center of each cupcake. Bake cupcakes 10 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted in the cake portion comes out clean.

Step Four: Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

1 dozen cupcakes

Chocolate Popcorn Balls

Here is a fun twist on classic popcorn balls. You can make them in any size up to about three inches. Any larger than that and they become very difficult and messy to eat. In about 15 minutes with just five ingredients, you can make a wonderful homemade treat for your next party.

4 quarts popped popcorn
2 squares unsweetened chocolate (use 1 ounce squares)
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water

Step One: Put popped popcorn in a large heat-proof bowl. Keep popcorn warm in a 200 degree F oven. In a heavy saucepan, melt chocolate. Stir in sugar and corn syrup. Add water. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook until a candy thermometer reads 250 degrees F.

Step Two: Pour over warm popcorn and stir until evenly coated. When mixture is cool enough to handle, quickly shape into balls, dipping hands in cold water from time to time to prevent sticking. Cool chocolate popcorn balls on a wire rack. Wrap in plastic wrap.

About 1 dozen three-inch balls

Teddy Bear Cake

If you want to make a Teddy Bear Cake to serve your guests at the Teddy Bear Picnic, you are in luck. Betty Crocker has a how-to video and all the templates you need on its website. It could not be easier for you to bake the bear of your birthday child's dreams. This bear can be frosted to create any type of bear. Frost with black and white to make a panda bear. Use different shades of brown to create a cuddly brown bear. For a polar bear, frost with white, then accent with grays and black. For directions and full details, click here.

Paw Print Cupcakes

These paw print cupcakes are the perfect dessert for your teddy bear picnic birthday party. They are delicious and quick and easy to make. Use the birthday child's favorite cake flavor and icing color to bake and frost the cupcakes. Make the paw prints on each cupcake by using one Junior Mint and 4 upside down chocolate chips to resemble a bear's paw.

How to Make a Candy Land Cake

If a birthday child in your family loves cake, candy and the game Candy Land, I have a party cake for you. In a recent Taste of Home - Fun Food magazine (it will be on sale until August 30, 2010) I saw the best party cake ever. With a Candy Land game board as your guide and lots of different candies, you can create easily this sensational party dessert. The end product is magnificent even though the directions are very simple to follow. The path is made with Starburst candies. The Gumdrop pass is made with Dots. Lollipops, miniature marshmallows, peppermints, candy canes and conversation hearts fill out the board. For a picture of this creation and full directions, go to the Taste of Home website. Click here for full details.

How to Throw a Polka Dot Birthday Party

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Polka Dot Birthday Party. The full party is here. This party features fun games like a Polka Dot Hunt, Twister Scram and Balloon Scramble and a selection of kid-friendly foods like Polka Dot Macaroni and Cheese, Mini-Calzone Polka Dot Puffs and Polka Dot Popcorn Cake. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

Thank you for being one of over 600 visitors from 29 countries who have visited my blog since my first post on March 1, 2010.

How to Throw a Flip Flop Birthday Party

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Flip Flop Birthday Party. The full party plan is here. This party features fun games like Water Balloon Toss, Cold Potato and Wet and Wild Basketball and a selection of kid-friendly foods like Mini Starfish Sandwiches, Island Punch, Fruit Pizza and Frosty Bites. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

Thank you for being one of over 600 visitors from 29 countries who have visited my blog since my first post on March 1, 2010.

How to Throw a World Cup Birthday Party

Kids' Party with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a World Cup Birthday Party. The full party plan is here. This party features fun games like Soccer Bowling, Super-sized Croquet and Air Ball Challenge and a selection of kid-friendly foods like Soccer Sliders, Football Foldovers, Cinnamon Kicks and a Soccer/Football Field Sheet Cake. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

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How to Throw a Karate Kid (Kung Fu) Movie Marathon Sleepover Party

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Karate Kid (Kung Fu) Movie Marathon Sleepover Party. The full party plan is here. This party features fun games like Flashlight Tag, a Breaking Boards Contest and a Karate Kick Contest and a selection of kid-friendly foods like Fried Rice, Crunchy Chicken Chunks and a Martial Arts Jacket Cake. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

Thank you for being one of over 600 visitors from 29 countries who have visited my blog since my first post on March 1, 2010.

How to Throw a Movie Marathon Slumber Party

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Movie Marathon Slumber Party. The full party plan is here. This party features fun games like a Scavenger Hunt, Name That Tune and Movie Trivia and a selection of kid-friendly treats like Kapalua Pizzas, Fruit Kabobs, a Waffle Bar and a Tub of Popcorn Birthday Cake. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

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How to Throw a Shrek Forever After Happy Birthday Swamp Party

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Shrek Forever After Happy Birthday Swamp Party. The full party plan is here. This party features fun games like Swamp Walk, Cat, Cat, Copycat and Sticky Tree Frog Throw and a selection of kid-friendly treats like Three Little Pigs in a Blanket, Leeches on a Log and a Hot Sludge Sundae Bar. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

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How to Throw a Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Space Command Birthday Party

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Space Command Birthday Party. The full party plan is here. This party features fun games like Space Command Battle Stations, Robot Freeze Tag and Space Ranger Message Mix-up and kid-friendly treats like Moon Crater Mac n Cheese, Green Alien Cupcakes and a Buzz Lightyear Space Scape Cake. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

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How to Throw a Toy Story Sheriff Woody Wild West Roundup Birthday Party

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Toy Story Sheriff Woody Wild West Roundup Birthday Party. The full party plan is here. This party features fun games like a Galloping Pony Race, "Lasso" Contest and Sidewinder Jump and kid-friendly treats like Mini BBQ Chicken Pizzas and Pony Cake. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

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How to Throw a Lego Birthday Party

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Lego Birthday Party. The full party plan is here. This party features games like a Lego Hunt, Lego Chopsticks, and a Skyscraper Challenge; kid-friendly treats like Fruit Kabobs, Magical Thirst Quencher and a Lego Cake. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

Thank you for being one of over 600 visitors from 29 countries who have visited my blog since my first post on March 1, 2010.

How to Throw a Butterfly Birthday Bash

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Butterfly Birthday Bash. The full party plan is here. This party features games like a Butterfly Hunt, Butterfly Cocoon Wrap, and Butterfly Tag; kid-friendly treats like Butterfly Jigglers, Butterfly Crunch and Frosty Fruit Punch; and a selection of sweets like Butterfly Cupcakes and Butterfly Cakes. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

I thank you for being one of over 600 visitors from 29 countries who have visited my blog since my first post on March 1, 2010.

How to Throw a Lil' Slugger Birthday Bash

Kids' Parties with Flair is on hiatus. Today's post is a selection of the best of the blog - How to Throw a Lil' Slugger Birthday Bash. The full party plan is here. This party features games like Hot Baseball, Target Ball Toss and a Long Jump Contest; kid-friendly treats like Mini Ball Park Franks and Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn; and a selection of sweets like a Baseball Cake and Baseball Cupcakes. You can find complete directions for all party details and recipes here.

I thank you for being one of over 600 visitors from 29 countries who have visited my blog since my first post on March 1, 2010.