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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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January 30, 2012

At The Movies Birthday Party!

It can be so difficult to plan a birthday party for a “tweener”.  Not a kid anymore, but not quite a teen either.

Especially when said birthday party is one’s first “boy/girl” birthday party. Winking smile   Parties involving manicures, facials and tea parties just aren’t that appealing to the male gender. But candy, hotdogs, nachos, popcorn and movies certainly are!

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When we decided on our “At The Movies” theme, I headed straight for Pinterest (we’d love you to follow us!) and Etsy to look for some fun ideas!

I found Typewink and her adorable Etsy shop, with lots of cute party printables! She has an adorable Movie Themed packet, but the girl and I decided we loved the red, black and turquoise theme of her Carnival set and knew we could adapt it to her movie party!
For $10.00 you receive TONS of cute images to print and use for your party.

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Fun things like the pendants to make a Happy Birthday banner.  I hung them on twine with tiny clothespin. So cute!
We also printed off these adorable “goodie boxes” and filled them with fun little items, some for the boys and some for the girls.

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Our favorite items in this packet though, were  the “popcorn box” cupcake wrappers!

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The popcorn box cupcakes were quite the hit!

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But, I think the Candy and Popcorn Bar might have been the most popular feature of the evening!
When planning a themed party, the attention is in the details!

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Little details like wrapping water bottles and the cupcake stand with tickets purchased from the Dollar Tree.  Providing movie food like Nachos, Hotdogs and Pizza Bites. And, including cute movie themed items like movie production clap boards and movie themed napkins.  Playing games like “guess my character”. And even turning your TV into a “movie screen”.  Then of course, watching a fun movie!
Adding details like this aren’t expensive, but really add to overall feeling of the party, helping everyone to get in the party mood!

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Turn your TV into a movie screen! I added a $2.00 extension rod and a clearance red curtain panel cut in half, tied back with ribbon for a fun movie theater feel! Total cost $4.50!
Of course the best part of a party is always fun times with good friends!

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We so appreciate the great friends our children are blessed to have!
Here’s a quick tutorial on making your own Popcorn Box Cupcakes!

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Popcorn Box Cupcakes
  1. Bake your favorite cupcake mix (homemade or store bought) according to recipe in cupcake liners, and allow to cool.
  2. Frost with your favorite frosting (homemade or store bought).  It does not have to be neat because you will be covering it with your “popcorn.” Be generous with the frosting though, so that the popcorn will adhere well to the top of the cupcake.
  3. After frosting, place cupcakes in popcorn box cupcake holders.
  4. Using a bag of miniature marshmallows, tear or cut marshmallows in half and stick cut sides back together twisting them a little to create the popcorn kernels. It takes a lot of these so we “cheated” and used regular marshmallows on the bottom and the “kernels” on the top.
  5. For the look of butter, mix yellow food coloring in water to dilute and then with a clean paintbrush, brush food color lightly across the marshmallows.  Before the food coloring dries, sprinkle with yellow sprinkles for the “salt.”
Crafty types could easily make their own popcorn box cupcake wrappers, but if you aren’t so inclined to make your own, please consider ordering the adorable ones we used from Typewink.  (and no I was not paid to say this..I just LOVE her cute printables!) Winking smile 
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Wow! Hard to believe a year has gone by and I’m sharing another of the girls birthday parties with you! You might remember her cute Monster, Alien Robot Bash Birthday (yes we can be quite creative in our household. Winking smile ) from last year! So, a big thanks for sticking around and joining us for another fun party!
We also want to give a quick shout out to thank Cassity for featuring Vanessa’s beautiful mudroom makeover today at Remodelaholic! Please pay her a visit over there!
And, be sure to join us tomorrow for another party…our one year Blogiversary!! We’ve got some fun stuff in store!
Thanks for joining me today…at the movies!
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Party Sources:


Party Printables: Typewink
Goodie Idea Inspirations via our Kids Party Ideas Pinterest Board
Decorations: Party City and Dollar Tree

Where this post is partying at:

You Are Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
A Simply Klassic Home: Simply Klassic Sundays
Savvy Southern Style: WOW Us Wednesdays
DIY by Design: Winter Blues Wednesday

28 Comments Filed Under: Celebrations, Children's Parties Ideas, Desserts, Family, Features, Good Ideas, Kids, Parties, Tutorials

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Comments

  1. Kelli@MoreBangforYourBucks says

    January 30, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    Wow, that looks sooo fun! Love all the extra touches. Looks like your daughter had a great day!

    Reply
  2. dee dee says

    January 30, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    What a cute idea!
    Dee Dee

    Reply
  3. NanaDiana says

    January 30, 2012 at 4:20 PM

    What a cute idea. Perfect for the tween crowd. Love the movie idea and the cupcakes are reaaaalllllly cute! I am going to share this with my daughter for her oldest girls party next year. Very sweet idea. xo Diana

    Reply
  4. CAS says

    January 30, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    This is an absolutely adorable idea! I’m going to pass this along to my daughter, who has “tween” twin girls. Yeah (eye roll here) you heard me! Thanks for sharing!
    CAS

    Reply
  5. Anna says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    SO cute!!! I love it!

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  6. Judy says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:28 PM

    That is such a great idea. My daughter turns 12 in May…she would love this idea. I have to show her your post when she gets home from school. Perfect!

    Reply
  7. Bliss says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Gonna copy-write these letters pretty soon, I use them a lot on everyone’s blog…. T.D.C. (TOO DARN CUTE!)

    This could have a fun twist on it for adults too. Those cupcakes, my fav part hands down!

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  8. Debbie says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:34 PM

    LOVE LOVE LOVE those popcorn box cupcakes! I think it’s all grand because I am a huge fan of throwing (and attending) theme parties, but the cupcakes are my favorite part.

    Reply
  9. Kristin says

    January 30, 2012 at 5:37 PM

    I used that same kit for my son’s carnival party a couple of years ago. She was great to work with!! Looks like a fantastic party and I’m REALLY looking forward to your party tomorrow!!!

    Reply
  10. michelle says

    January 30, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    This is so perfect! You did an amazing job with everything, what a cool mom. 🙂 I love the TV screen, that is a great idea for movie night too. 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  11. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 30, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    Love those cupcakes!!!..Looks like everyone had a great time in such a fun and festive setting.

    Reply
  12. Creative Raisins says

    January 30, 2012 at 6:28 PM

    I love a theme party and this one is perfect for the age. I love all the little details.

    Reply
  13. Ruby Jean says

    January 30, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Oh FUN!!! FUN!!! FUN!!!! Love it ALL!!!

    Reply
  14. Lindsey says

    January 30, 2012 at 7:08 PM

    Very creative! I love it 🙂

    Reply
  15. Carol says

    January 30, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    Heather,

    Love your decorations and LOVE the birthday girl even more. Wish we could have joined you.

    Love you,

    Mom and Dad

    Reply
  16. Stacy Curran says

    January 30, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    LOVE this idea! My daughter turns 7 soon, and I am going to really consider this for her…thank you for sharing!
    Stacy

    Reply
  17. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 30, 2012 at 3:26 PM

    Looks like a fun party for the birthday girl!! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    January 30, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Surely anyone would have loved that party! Theme parties are always fun — and any party with cupcakes gets my vote. 😉

    Reply
  19. Kelly says

    January 30, 2012 at 11:50 PM

    What great party ideas. I love all the extra touches you did. I once had a movie party for my son, but we actually went TO the movie theater for it. I didn’t have to do much other than the invitations, candy bags and cake. It was fun, but a hassle to leave and come back. Looks like your party was a success!

    Reply
  20. debbie refresh restyle says

    January 31, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    Oh my goodness, what an amazing party! I love everything about it! You’re making me want popcorn! I LOVE it! Shared on FB!
    Debbie

    Reply
  21. Eclectically Vintage says

    January 31, 2012 at 2:06 AM

    Love this – my girls are having a valentine party this year with food, yummy desserts and a movie! Love the movie theme!
    Kelly

    Reply
  22. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    January 31, 2012 at 2:51 AM

    WOW! That is way too cute. That’s a party anyone would love!! So festive and vibrant.

    Reply
  23. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    January 31, 2012 at 2:52 AM

    Soo cute Heather! What a great theme for a b-day party. Those cupcakes look delish! =)

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  24. Michelle@ourwonderfilledlife.com says

    January 30, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    Love it!! I made those cupcakes for a movie party too, my 5 year old actually found them in a magazine and had me make them (I confess!) 😉 They are a hit with all ages! Party looks fantastic and oh so much fun!!!!

    Reply
  25. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    January 31, 2012 at 4:51 AM

    These cupcakes are DARLING!
    Oh my goodness, I’m going to have to try this, these are way too cute!

    XOXO,
    Anne

    Reply
  26. Ann-Kathryn says

    February 7, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    Where did you get your cupcake stand, and popcorn boxes?

    Reply
  27. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    February 7, 2012 at 4:14 PM

    What a cute birthday idea. Thanks so much for sharing at Wow.

    Reply
  28. Heather - Chickabug says

    September 25, 2013 at 11:47 AM

    Those cupcakes are such a great idea! I love them! : )

    Reply

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Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
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I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
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Happy first day of summer dear friends!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something new here but life has been crazy. I’ll have some new photos of house projects and life events to share with you soon but, got now, I’m just going to enjoy this gorgeous first day of summer after our ridiculously long, wet spring. ☀️
“It was June, and the world smelled of roses. Th “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.” (Maud Hart Lovelace) 

Welcome June!
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This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

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Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

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