It is difficult to believe, but summer is coming to an end and most schools will be back in session in less than a month. This presents the perfect opportunity to entertain your student and let him or her reunite with friends or welcome new students into the neighborhood. Especially since everyone has gone in so many directions during the vacation break and may not have seen each other at all. So, a back to school party is the perfect opportunity to get everyone together.
THE INVITATION
First off, figure out how many children to invite. 8 to 10 children are a manageable number. The more space you have the more children you can include. Past 10 have another mother or two join you and help to supervise.
Once you've figured out how many to invite, you can decide on invitations. Be sure to find some cute party invites that are school themed. Also, don't forget to include the date, time and place. If the party requires certain clothes, let the parent know when sending the invitation. A swimming party or a bowling party is an example of a party that might require certain clothes or shoes.
THE VENUE
There are many venues that are ideal for a back to school party. You can host this party anywhere from a swimming pool to your very own backyard.
Swimming parties are popular this time of year because of the heat and children tend to make their own fun when in the water. Be sure and hire a lifeguard or two or hold the event at a club or water park where lifeguards are provided as a part of the fee.
If the weather is predicted to be pleasant and you have space, an outdoor party is a great way to let the children blow off steam with outdoor games such as croquet, wiffle ball, and bocce. These old-fashioned lawn games are easy to set up and even those children who are non athletes can participate. I like to set up a timer and ring a bell so that the groups can switch games when the bell is rung. Don't forget about the refreshments, they'll definitely need something refreshing about these exciting games.
THE REFRESHMENTS
The most basic and easiest recipes satisfy most children. A few items I like to serve are pigs in a blanket and fruit sorbet. These treats can be made ahead and served at intervals. Pigs in a blanket are hand-held food and really don't require a plate or even a napkin. Don't forget to serve the fruit sorbet in colorful bowls with fun spoons. Both recipes follow.
Another idea is to set up wash tubs around the lawn or pool and place iced down bottled water and some juice drinks to keep everyone hydrated.
Let children learn something new by placing garbage cans in strategic locations, which becomes a lesson in recycling by labeling the can with signs that say "plastic" and "cans". Within the refreshments, you can have some tasty snacks and even a learning activity.
Pigs in a Blanket
Adjust recipe according to group size. Four of each would satisfy most children. Each recipe makes approximately ten pigs.
1 package of puff pastry
1 package of ten bun size polish sausage with cheese
1 egg
Poppy seeds
Thaw puff pastry. Do one sheet at a time. Gently roll out pastry. Add water to beaten egg. Egg wash pastry with pastry brush. Cut pastry length wise in thirds and then again in thirds. Cut sausages in half and roll each in section of puff pastry. Egg wash tops and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Place on a cookie sheet prepared with cooking spray. Can refrigerate at this point but bring to room temperature before cooking. Bake at 425 degrees for approximately 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.
Watermelon Sorbet
This recipe makes one quart. I think 1/2 cup is a generous serving size.
1 1/4 cups of sugar
1 14 cups of water
1 quart of cubed seeded watermelon
4 tbl. fresh lemon juice
In a medium saucepan bring sugar and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer without stirring until sugar is dissolved. Place in a bowl and cool to room temperature. Put watermelon that has been cut into chunks into a food processor and puree. Press mixture through a mesh strainer and combine with cooled sugar syrup. Chill for at least one hour. Pour mixture into frozen bowl of ice cram machine and mix for 25 to 30 minutes. Place in an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
THE FAVORS
Instead of giving each child that attends a favor, I like to ask each child to bring a school supply to be donated to a charity. In your invitation, include the message "bring a package of pencils" or "bring notebooks" and explain to them that these items are to be donated. The children will feel that they have contributed in a big way and such a great alternative to favors.
This back to school party is simple and a fun way to celebrate the beginning of a new school year. Including new students into the mix gives them the opportunity to meet other students in a fun environment. Although the preparation for this party is simple, it allows freedom for all the children to have fun and be involved in team activities that provide an avenue for practicing communication skills. Everyone will enjoy this party!
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