Lemon-Themed Children's Party

Ev's lemon birthday party was a success.  With some planning and organization, I was able to entertain 13 kids for an hour and a half by myself and all under $25.  Sweet!

How in the world was I able to do it, you might ask?  Let me tell you.

Right next to the front door I had a craft table set up with a simple color, cut, and glue lemon-tree craft. Upon arrival, every kid had something to do.  No one was getting squirrely, waiting around for others to arrive.  This type of activity was a go-at-your-own-pace, start-when-you-get-there activity.  

For those who finished the lemon tree craft early, the next activity was ready to go and also self directed: cereal necklaces. We bought yellow cereal to go with the lemon theme.  Green ribbon was cut, tied and set out ready for kids to get started. Each child strung as many pieces of cereal on the ribbon as they wanted.   

When the kids finished this activity, they went right onto the next.  Our version of a clothespin-in-the-bottle game was set up in two stations.  For this game, instead of clothespins we dropped green and white striped straws into mason jars.  

Just around this time the party goers were finishing up with all three activities.  I gathered everyone together and had them sit on the floor while each person had a go at the pin-the-lemon-slice-on-the-lemonade game. It was great fun and clean up was easy because I used adhesive putty to stick everything to the wall.  After one more party game, the kids wanted cake.

Cake they had!  I had no idea this cake would turn out so huge!  It's a yellow cake with a yummy lemon butter-cream frosting.  And let me tell you, I rejoiced when I was able to get away with a semi-frosted cake. I am loving this trend of not frosting the sides of cakes.  

After cake, Ev opened up her presents and thanked everyone graciously. We sent our guests on their way, but not without stopping by this treat drawer for some Lemonheads and picking a lemon balloon from the ceiling.

The $25 was mostly spent on treats and lemons.  The birthday decorations were homemade, like the felt lemon ornaments on this yellow branch , a birthday embroidery, and a lemon tree birthday crown.  The party games and activities were practically free.  Kids know how to have fun without all the fancy stuff.

After our guests all left I heard Ev say to herself, "This is the best day ever."

Job accomplished.