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.