Meet the Class of 2025: Back to School Party Revealed

Somebody said "Best Party Ever" again this year at our 2nd annual Back to School Party but this year it wasnt one of the guests, it was me! Seriously, I totally recommend this party to everyone who has kids in school -especially if your child is in kindergarten. What a great way to meet the kids and parents and start to build relationships in your school community. I know every one is super busy on the weekends, sports, parties, errands etc so I was so apprecitive that so many people attended. (they must have heard through the grapevine about my candy bars and goodie bags!!). I did the party as an "open house" style so people could stop by anytime as their schedule allowed and say hello, grab some pizza and dessert and be on their way if needed. Well wouldnt you know, people arrived early and stayed the entire time. I heard multiple parents comment on what a good idea the party was and how much they enjoyed the opporutnity to meet the other parents.

I did my usual candy bar plus a table with the goodie bags. Details are all below in case you wish to replicate any of the party.

I will share a few photos that I took myself so I must admit it was alot at the end trying to get everything ready and snap photos given my amateur status. I found that taking photos of glass is initself a challenge and of course the weather was partly cloudy so I would get ready and then the light would change dramatically!! scream

Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions! Happy to help you plan your next party.

 

 

 

 

Invitations. I used the HPD graduation cap image and just did the year the kindergartner's will graduate - in our case 2025 but you can use this same them and just change the date. It's a great conversation piece as to look ahead at a date 13 years from now and the concept that goes with it-- it is alot of fun! I did these on correspondence cards, vertically. 24 for $40.00 and can be ordered here.

Candy Table:
As always rushed for time and doing everything 2 days before I ran to Target to get the candy. My theme was primary colors which made it pretty easy. If you have seen my candy bars in the past, you know that I ususally spend hours sorting candy by color. No such luxury this time around. Hopefully I am the only one who noticed!! I purchased, Skittles, M&Ms, Smarties, Sour Patch Kids, Starbursts, Kisses and the candy table favorite, Ring Pops. I used the jars that I purchased at Target a few years ago. They are inexpensive and great to keep on hand as you can reuse them. The scoops are from Sur La Table.

For the labels, I did HPD 2.5 round stickers which you can find here with an image and mounted them on cardstock I purchased at Michael's. I added a ribbon and used double sided tape to adhere. Very easy.

For the Cupcakes I used the same 2.5 rounds sticker mounted and purchased cupcake sticks at Michaels. They are by Wilton and in the cake decorating section if you havent purchased them before. I ordered the cupcakes from HolyGanache. They were delicious and I was so happy to have cupcakes that didnt have colored frosting sprayed on like I had at the firetruck party!

I needed a bit in inspiration on my candy table once I had it set up. I reached for my copy of Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas and sure enough I saw her polka dot party and decided to create some colored circles. It was just what the table needed!

Supplies
I learned my lesson (no pun intended) last year as I tried to buy supplies for the party in August. It was a huge mistake. Did you hear about the woman camped outside of Target in July the day before the schools supplies went on sale? Ummm it was me. ( just kidding). In all seriousness I purchaesd the supplies on the day they were put out on display. It was July I know but everything was available and on sale (super cheap) and last year I had to travel to all Targets in a 50 mile radius ( ask my husband - he will testify as I made him drive me!) to get the supplies and a wood ruler was nowhere to be found!!

I included the supplies below, ruler, markers, crayons, scissors, notepad and glue. Total per box was less that $5.00

 

Back To School Party Photos Coming Soon!

Thomas, Jackson and I greet our guests as they arrive for the Back to School Party.

James of James Woo Photography knows I always need a sneak peak of the photos and this is what he sent. I should have all the photos next week. I will break down how to make the candy table and supplies table. Both were very easy and inexpensive. I will share my tricks of the trade and shopping sources. Have a great weekend.

PS. This white blouse is from my fav designer Charlotte Brody. Simple, elegant and made to order it offers amazing investment pieces. You will never have to worry someone is wearing the same thing you are!

PSS. I did try to get Thomas and Jackson to dress alike, Thomas wanted no party of it. Ohh to be independent at 8.

Back To School Party T-6

We are down to less than one week. I am not as far along as I had hoped due to some time sensitive orders that had to go out. I hope to make up some time tonight! Sorry the pics aren't the greatest quality ( I was rushing and I am a terrible photographer). There are some great ideas here that can be used across multiple party themes.


Love the way the stickers match the composition notepad perfectly!

The large square labels are the perfect size for these baskets.

Always my fav, Hershey bars. They went quickly at the last party once the kids discovered what was inside!

Cupcake toppers. I am going to order white frosting and just add orange sprinkles. I am still a bit unhinged from the red spray painted cupcakes from the firetruck party. (when did red frosting become spray painted white and not actual red frosting? Horrifying. The photos still make me cringe)

The photo doesn't due this justice! It looks so great in person. I hope these bookmarks will encourage some good reading this year for the kids.

I copied this idea from someone. Cant quite remember who but if it was your idea and you are reading this, thank you!

Back to School: Cake Idea

Love, love , love this cake idea from the Sept issue of FoodNetwork Magazine. I totally cant wait to make it for my back to school party..... I mean have my husband or sister in law make it!

Back to School: Family Calendar

This is the must have accessory for a busy family to get ready for back to school.

What day is today? What are we doing today? How many days till we go to the movies? Are these questions you field every day? I do and I love to share the week's agenda with my kids. It's a great way for everyone to get organized and for my children to visually see and understand what we are going to be doing for the week.

I love it too as I can quicky see at a glance where everyone is and as a busy working mom, make an attempt to not forget something that has to go into school on a certain day or an imporant event. For example, show and share day and topic, green shirt day etc. (you know how easy it is to overlook these events and the amt of guilt that is carried when you miss it)

Hampton Paper's Calendar is adorned with some of our best selling images that reflect some of the activities you and your family will be doing each week.

Personalize with 5 names and a "Notes" section or up to 6 names. Feel free to include your pet's name - we know they are part of the family too!

(30) 8 1/2 by 11 pages bound. $28.00. Aslo available on Etsy too.

Back to School: Buddy Cards

Love, Love, Love these new Hampton Paper Buddy cards for kids!! They are great for your children to stay in touch with friends they have made at camp, kids they meet in school or at sporting activities. Exchanging these cards will ensure an easy way for them to set up time to hang out with on the weekend.

Hampton Paper Buddy Cards 27 for $28.00. Envelopes included.


Red Race Car on Etsy

Pink Phone on Etsy