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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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March 26, 2014

Chronicles of Narnia Birthday Party

At some point over the past year, my son fell in love with Chronicles of Narnia. One day he’ll claim to be Peter Pevensie, the next he begs to officially change his name to Caspian.

Prince costume for Chronicles of Narnia party

 I am forever cast as the White Witch and his two sisters willingly play along as Susan & Lucy. When deciding on a theme for his 5th birthday, Narnia was the only option in his mind. His birthday is just days before Halloween so it was the perfect occasion to get into character.

Chronicles of Narnia Birthday Party

For the party, I kept the references to Narnia fairly subtle and created a simple medieval knight celebration with colors and heraldic crests inspired by the coronation ceremony in the Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe.  The vision was fit for royalty, but the budget was not, so whenever possible I tried to find creative ways to keep costs low.

birthday decorations for Chronicles of Narnia party

Fortunately this sweet group of friends regarded a golden spray-painted lion from the dollar store as if it truly was the most priceless treasure on earth.

 golden lions

Some simple accessories helped transform our guests into ladies-in-waiting and young squires.

Narnia queen costumes

 The girls were outfitted with floral crowns made from dollar store supplies and floor-length no-sew cloaks.

flower crown

The boys were given matching tabards cut from felt and tied with leather cord.

knight costumes

I made the birthday boy’s tabard and crown from wool felt and used the remnant material to make a table runner and bunting for over the birthday table.

knight costume

Narnia party table decor

Late blooming hydrangeas from our yard adorned the table and dollar store goblets with jewel stickers added some royal touches.

dessert table

goblets

Tiered dessert stands (made from Dollar store silver plates gorilla glued to glass candle sticks) added a simple elegance to the dessert table and small gilt dishes displayed a variety of Turkish delight.

cake stand

turkish delight

In keeping with the royal theme, my mother made the groom’s cake featured at  Prince William & Kate’s wedding (a decadent chocolate biscuit cake) as the crowning jewel of the dessert table.

biscuit cake

After feasting on sweets, the kids were divided into teams to train in the medieval arts of jousting, fencing, archery, and catapult launching (my husband followed a simple tutorial to create some impressive catapults using mouse traps & popsicle sticks).

fencing

fencing with cloak

jousting

archery2

catapult

catapult launch

Narnia freeze tag followed and then a scavenger hunt where they uncovered hidden characters and clues from Narnia which led them to the final challenge of the day—breaking open the armored treasure chest (a piñata from the party aisle at Target that I customized for our party).  They put all of their training to use in breaking open the treasure and were richly rewarded with a golden Aslan and a pouch of chocolate coins.

pinata

breaking pinata

To remember their time in Narnia, we sent each child home with Dollar store shields and mini knight coloring books with a quote from Narnia:  “And so for a time it looked as if all the adventures were coming to an end; but that was not to be.”

shield party favors for knight party

knight coloring book favor

These proved the perfect words to console the birthday boy as he bid farewell to the day’s magic and reluctantly resumed his ordinary identity.  Fortunately, with Halloween only three days away, the door to Narnia would soon open once more.

knight

Thanks so much for joining me in Narnia today At the Picket Fence,

Julie Signature

26 Comments Filed Under: At the Kids Table, Celebrations, Children's Parties Ideas, Crafts, Good Ideas, Parties Tagged With: birthday parties, kids parties, parties

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Comments

  1. chelsea says

    March 26, 2014 at 4:42 AM

    This is so adorable! You are amazing!

    Reply
  2. Kristin says

    March 26, 2014 at 5:14 AM

    Love every bit of this party. Glad to see a tasteful and creative boys party!

    Reply
  3. Cindy Barganier says

    March 26, 2014 at 5:49 AM

    I am soooo impressed. Might have to copy you for my Ford man’s party one day. Who crocheted the neck piece?
    I also love that Narnia took over Halloween.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      March 26, 2014 at 11:49 AM

      Thanks so much, Cindy! The crocheted chain mail hat was a gift from the birthday boy’s grandparents. It came from a shop on Etsy but I just noticed they moved to a new online location: cutiehats.com

      Reply
  4. Jamie Asper says

    March 26, 2014 at 5:55 AM

    What a great idea for a party! I love the gold lions and the table setting with all the desserts!! All the sewing, costumes, and crafts look amazing. I will have to remember the idea of the trays and candlesticks for my baby girls 1st birthday party which will be Beatrix Potter themed. Have a great day! ~ Jamie

    Reply
    • Julie says

      March 26, 2014 at 11:52 AM

      Thanks Jamie! I just love the idea of a Beatrix Potter theme…so many beautiful possibilities and interpretations. I know it will be lovely!

      Reply
  5. Cheryl at Snaps of Ginger says

    March 26, 2014 at 6:16 AM

    Best. Birthday. Ever.

    How fun is that??!! Love it.

    ~Cheryl
    https://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  6. Julia says

    March 26, 2014 at 6:34 AM

    What an amazing Party!!!! Your son, and his sisters, and the guests (as well as the parents) will always have such fond memories of this very special day! You are so very talented! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  7. Doreen says

    March 26, 2014 at 7:20 AM

    WOW! That was amazing! Every detail – perfect! Wish my boys were still little so I could steal this idea! So creative – thanks so much for sharing with us!

    Reply
  8. Marty Walden says

    March 26, 2014 at 7:30 AM

    Now that’s a stunning party! Can’t wait until the kids get married!

    Reply
  9. Annalee Fuerstenau says

    March 26, 2014 at 8:51 AM

    Oh wow! I did a Narnia birthday party for my son a few years ago, but it was nothing like this… Very impressive!!

    Reply
  10. Sandy says

    March 26, 2014 at 9:10 AM

    I think you should write a book sharing your party inspirations with the pictures you have shared. Many moms would love it!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      March 26, 2014 at 11:57 AM

      Thanks so much for your compliment, Sandy! Your encouraging words made my day!!

      Reply
  11. Carol Reddin says

    March 26, 2014 at 2:40 PM

    An amazing party produced by an amazingly talented woman!

    Reply
  12. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 26, 2014 at 2:48 PM

    I am sure that the kids will be talking about the birthday party for months to come….what an unbelievably creative party…you will be in the running for Mother of the Year!!

    Reply
  13. lucy says

    March 26, 2014 at 6:50 PM

    I never saw children so involved and full of magical wonder!!!! Can’t believe she’s a chip off the old block. L

    Reply
  14. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

    March 26, 2014 at 9:11 PM

    Ah-mazing!!!! Party. Wow. Loved the books (read them to Austin) and the movies. Sucha wonderful story. Really, that was a fantastic party!!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says

    March 27, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    This is sooooo spectacular Julie!! Well done my friend! Well done!!! Hugs, Jennifer

    Reply
  16. kristins says

    March 28, 2014 at 11:51 AM

    Such a fun party!

    Reply
  17. Heather says

    March 28, 2014 at 5:14 PM

    It looks like the had tons of fun!! I love every single Narnian-filled detail!

    Reply
  18. Elizabeth says

    March 28, 2014 at 6:43 PM

    Oh my. This is absolutely marvelous!!

    Reply
  19. Heidi @ Happiness is Homemade says

    March 29, 2014 at 10:15 AM

    What an amazing party! I love the unique theme idea, and the details are absolutely perfect!

    Reply
  20. Shelley says

    June 20, 2014 at 8:24 PM

    could you tell me about the lion cutouts I see on the birthday boy costume and the banner? I’d like to do something similar but there’s got to be an easier way than cutting those out. All of your details are so beautiful!

    Reply
  21. Karla Gibbs says

    October 12, 2015 at 8:50 AM

    Used this blog post for inspiration for my son’s Halloween costume this year! Thank you.

    https://whiskeyandthread.blogspot.com/2015/10/halloween-costume-part-ii.html

    Reply
  22. Jennifer Gould says

    December 6, 2016 at 7:49 AM

    Love this party. My kids and I just finished reading the Lion, the witch, and the wardrobe. I am putting together a narnia movie night for them but want to do so
    E “extra” activities. Curious about your scavenger hunt. Would you be willing to share your clues?? Thank you!

    Reply

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  1. little boy birthday party theme ideas says:
    May 11, 2016 at 9:27 AM

    […] Chronicles of Narnia Birthday Party by at the picket fence So cute and clever. Plus…. all that GOLD!! insert heart eyes emoji! […]

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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