Woodland-themed Birthday Party

My daughter turned 2 last year and, I have to admit, I waited until the last minute before I planned anything other than inviting her 3 best friends. So out went a fairly generic invite until I figured out a theme.

I went through my party totes (I have 2 here in Germany and wish I had room for more) to take stock of what I had to work with. Not wanting to order a bunch online and not having much time to shop in stores, I found I had some natural-colored paper lanterns to work with and based my theme around them.

I decided a natural, woodland-themed party would work great since she didn't really have any favorite toy/color/cartoon/etc. at that time. It would also be a great jumping off point for putting up Christmas decorations (bonus!) The antlers stay up year-round and fit in great with the theme. To finish up the decor I reused her name letters (left over from her baby shower), some locally-collected chestnuts & pine cones, fresh flowers, cards & gifts, and a giant "2" balloon.

Next I worked on an easy menu that I could prep a day in advance since the party would start in the morning and I wouldn't have much time. The only thing I would have to make the day of the party would be the pigs in a blanket (easy!). See below for menu.

Two year olds don't really need party games, so I was in luck there. I just put out a few things I knew her friends liked and they were happy to explore, frolic and have free play together.

And with that we were ready to party!

​I promised myself not to procrastinate this year though! So Elise's 3rd birthday will be Minnie Mouse/Pink themed. Two of her favorite things! With baby #2 due about the same time, it should be exciting. Stay tuned!

Menu

Grazing:
Trail Mix Bar: Pretzel sticks, peanuts, pistachios, goldfish, raisins, craisins
Veggie straws
Easy-peel oranges

Easy Meal:
Pigs in a blanket
​Chili and toppings

Something Sweet:
Acorn & mushroom cupcakes
Hershey's Kiss acorns and leftover kisses

Gallery