I am thrilled to report that the Doggie Picnic was a great success and now that it's over, Peanut is officially two and I officially have my life back (well, as much as it is my own here in this last week of summer vacation!). Since we held the party at my in-law's pool, I had a keen eye on the weather all week and we did have a little scare that thunderstorms would hit just as the party was starting, but in the end the weather was glorious!
The tone for the picnic was set with lots of wonderful oilcloth (forever blue and red gingham) used on the tables and the decor, and we of course needed to add some doggies as it was Peanut's love of dogs that inspired this whole quirky doggie picnic in the first place! So, the oilcloth was for me, the doggies were for her, and everyone was happy. The rest of the decor was very simple, with flowers from the garden snipped and arranged in oilcloth trimmed tomato cans just minutes before the party began. Oh, and did I mention that there were doggies?
One of my most favorite details for all kinds of parties, but especially those outdoors, are custom water bottles to match the party theme. For children's parties, I often customize each label with the child's name so there is no confusion when the children lose track of their water. But since this was a family party, the labels were all the same and I did not have to "worry about unsightly labels that do not match the theme" to quote party guy as he teases me about my compulsion, err . . . attention to detail. Truth be told, I'm not the only one with such compulsions, as these water bottles with their sleek shape and customized labels have quickly become one of my most popular party accessories.
Since this picnic was by a pool, we had to include some pool games, the highlight of which were the intense and fiercely competitive doggie paddle races. Other events included the cat chase and some odd variation of fetch while swimming. Trust me, this last one wasn't pretty.
The beauty of having a picnic is that it calls for very simple food. We served an array of sandwiches and salads that were easy to prepare and very low stress. For dessert, we served cupcakes, Pumpkin's famous rice krispie treats and delicious chocolate covered strawberries. Simple and delicious. And we made a point to have lots of leftovers so that we could send everyone home with...
Doggie Bags, of course!
Want to know what else went home in these doggie bags? I'll be posting more on that tomorrow and you know I love a good party favor, so you won't want to miss it!
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11 comments:
Sooo fun! I love all your little party details, as you know, but this party is just so unique. The birthday girl is beautiful and looks like she had a great time!
You constantly amaze me! Any chance you wanna trip to NZ to help with Olivia's angel party?
Can't wait for more dets tomorrow
One question: did you make your own labels for the bottles and the doggie bags?
Hi Laura:
Welcome back! I did make the labels myself. The water bottle and bag labels I print myself on a color laser and the other printing, such as the invites, signs and favor bag toppers (I will post those today) I design and then send out to a local printer.
LOVE all the details... the oilcloth, the doggie bags, the snacks and absolutely cannot wait to find out what the favors were!
I love a good teaser, Jo-Ann!
I think you guys are reading my mind! Another great doggie party, which is perfect, since I'm thinking doggies for my daughters 2nd b-day in Oct.
I LOVE the doggie bags and the dog biscuit treats (in your other post)! Where did you find those?
Thanks so much for the wonderful ideas! How wonderful!
Wow love this, my daughter is puppy obsessed! If she is still in the same mind set come next July this would be a great idea for her party. Love the doggies on the water bottle. Coincidentally, I think I may have the exact same or very similar oil cloth. You have great taste!
Oh my goodness! My son's 1st birthday "puppy theme" is at the end of August...I'm googling and found your blog...I LOOOOVE your attention to detail!
How can I create the party favors and doggie bag labels? My colors are bright blue, lime green, black and white...going off of this idea...
http://www.prestoparty.com/Dog-Party-Supplies.asp?subID=Presto-GG-Themes-DogPartySupplies
I mean...I dont want too much dog, just a subtle hint of it :) Any ideas, tips...anything would be great, as this is my 1st kids birthday! aaahhhh
Thank you soooo much!
Buddyboosmama, how exciting - the first of many kids parties for you! Congratulations on your son's first birthday.
Feel free to email me at jcoe AT pumpkinpetunia DOT com and I will be glad to help you.
very sweet. my neighbor did a doggie theme 1 year. They had their snacks in a doggie bowl. Wouldn't it be cute to have dog bone cookies.
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