In my usual delayed fashion, I finally have the details of Theo's puppy party from last summer. The theme selection was pretty easy as he is just crazy about puppies.
Let me answer your first question right away, no we did no surprise him with his very own puppy at the party. Or any time after for that matter. I was VERY tempted though. All that focus of puppies had me looking in non-allergenic breeds and all that. But, at least for now, a puppy just doesn't fit into our hectic lives. Maybe when he's a bit older and can share some of the responsibilities.
Anyway, back to the party. It was a great day. The puppies themselves were the main activity. I mean what more entertainment does a group of 4-year-olds need but a couple of cute doggies to play with.
If you're wondering where we got the puppies/dogs to come to the party, they were from an animal rescue organization. They had brought some dogs into Theo's pre-school to share with the kids and I thought, why not see if they could bring them to a party? Although they were quite generous and really just did it for the love of children and dogs, I did give a donation to the organization as well as asking the guests to bring food or toy donations.
And the black lab puppy even got adopted by one of the families at the party!
It was a day filled with playing with puppies, pretending they were puppies, and even adopting their own little stuffed puppies.
I'll be back soon with all the details of the events of the day, but here are some of the sources:
Photography: mostly me, but some by my dad
Invitations, adoption certificates and graphics: custom by me
Real puppies: Castle of Dreams Animal Rescue
Stuffed puppies: Aurora brand bought from Stuffed Safari (great customer service!)
Dog bowls: Petsmart
Cake and cupcakes and dog bone pretzels: Deirdre Thauer
Pretzel recipe: King Arthur's Flour Baker's Companion cookbook (Yum!)
Cookies: me
Wooden doghouses: Birdhouses from Michaels with the openings cut larger
Cardboard doghouse: my dad and me
"Best in Show" ribbons: me
YES!!! I've been waiting for these. Your parties are always so amazing. Fun, creative, and just beautiful.
Posted by: Kukki | April 12, 2012 at 03:11 AM
Simply wonderful!!!
xx Alessandra
Posted by: Alessandra | April 12, 2012 at 03:57 AM
That is absolutely brilliant ... one of the best themed parties I've seen .. my daughter of 9 would even think that was cool!! (she's after getting a dog!).
Fleur xx
Posted by: Fleur Cotton | April 12, 2012 at 05:35 AM
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..
Posted by: toko busana muslim | April 12, 2012 at 01:07 PM
You are very talented and creative woman! Perfect details. :)
Posted by: Beyhan | April 12, 2012 at 04:33 PM
Wow! Love it!!! The doggy dishes for eating are so cute and I love every single detail. Especially the pretzel dog bones!!!
-Amy
Posted by: Amy | April 13, 2012 at 05:01 PM
OMG - this is fantastic! You should put together a book with all your party ideas!!
Posted by: Tina in Boston | April 15, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Wow! The whole set up is beautiful and I love the visiting puppy aspect (also that you realize it's not time for your own). A friend directed me here after reading my post from today about my daughter's 4th, where I practiced more restraint (for me) than in years past. This party is, as the kids might still be saying, off the chain. Pun intended.
Posted by: Suburban Snapshots | April 18, 2012 at 09:42 AM
I just want to get in your head and think this way for a little bit. I know I've said it before, but it's just so...incredible! I like how your parties are always perfectly themed but not commercial. Not that there's anything wrong with a commercially-themed party, but it doesn't do much when I want to flex my creative muscles!
My goal in life is not to keep my daughter from really having the party she wants, but to teach her what she wants is parties like these!!
It's the little thing like the dog adoption that kills me. You think of EVERYTHING.
Posted by: Rachael | April 23, 2012 at 12:10 AM
This is really amazing!
Posted by: Creator Aqua | August 05, 2012 at 03:17 AM
WOW! This is soo cool!
Posted by: Mimi @ Irresistible Pets | September 21, 2012 at 03:19 PM
Such a cute cute party!! I'm wondering if you know how the cupcake toppers were made? Did Deirdre have actual cookie cutters to cut out the fondant bones and paws? I'm trying to replicate and having a hard time finding cookie cutters that tiny. Thanks!
Posted by: Jen | March 11, 2013 at 01:50 AM