a bowling party

My daughter, Charlotte, is a social girl and she decided that for her 6th birthday, she absolutely had to invite her entire kindergarten class (this was said with all the drama an almost-6-year-old can muster!).  With a few additional friends thrown in for good measure, the guest list was fast approaching 30 children.  My hope for a party at home was completely out of the question and an outside venue was needed.  Thanks to Red Rock Bowling Lanes, we were able to accomodate all the little guests quite comfortably and I was saved from a possible nervous breakdown.

For the invitation, I decided to keep it very graphic with a single bowling pin in front of a bowling ball.  I chose a color palette of pool blue and red to complement the dominant color inside the bowling alley (red).  I cannot overemphasis the importance of a color palette when planning any event.  A good color palette that is carried through, from the invitation, to the decorations, to the favors will unite the party.

For decorations, I covered each of the tables in our reserved lanes with pool blue plastic tablecloths.  I tied pool blue, red and white balloons to each of the chairs and made tented signs for each of the tables.  Immediately, it was clear where our party started and ended.  All of the paper goods were bright red.  I always prefer solid-colored paper goods – I find they keep the party looking much more modern.

I purchased inexpensive white t-shirts and used a fabric transfer to iron-on the party "logo".  The kids loved the shirts and I loved getting a group photo of all Charlotte's friends in matching t-shirts for her scrapbook.

I created "bowling ball" cupcakes using pool blue-dyed cream cheese frosting with 3 white chocolate chips flipped over for the "holes".  Totally easy and totally cute.  For favors, each child went home with bowling ball sugar cookies tied up in a glassine bag.  I loved that everything was chic and relatively easy.  Charlotte loved that her entire class was at her party.  Next year, however, we are doing something on a much smaller scale!

Comments

[Melissa]

I grew up in Las Vegas, and my husband and I lived about 5 minutes from the Red Rock until he graduated from dental school. Reading little things about the bowling lanes and Spring Mountain Ranch make me so homesick! And I love your blog.

[Angela]

Oh, what a cute idea! I am obsessed with your blog. You 2 girls make me want to throw a party!

[Stephanie]

I have really been enjoying your blog- everything is so lovely! I was wondering what font you used for the invitations - thanks for your help!

[Maya]

Love this! What transfer paper do you use for the t-shirts?

[Blonde Designs]

For the bowling invitation, I used the font family "Archer".

For the transfer paper, I have used both Avery and Epson fabric transfers. Both work well, but always seem to require some trial and error before I get it just perfect!

-Angie