Planning

Two and Three year olds may or may not be enamored with a favorite cartoon character, however, one thing all young children have in common is a love for color.  Their eyes have changed and gone from seeing things in that are simply contrasting, to observing and being fascinated by color.  For my daughter, her favorite was "Lellow" - anything yellow immediately brought a smile to her face.  If you have a young child that has a favorite color, consider simplifying your party and having a Theme that is simply that color.  It's fun, easy and a great way to allow a lot of flexibility - particularly if there will be different age children attending. 

What is your "Party Picture"?

• What do you do when you are having a party that includes more than just your two or three year old?  Older children may be dismayed to show up for an Elmo party that's for "babies".  Yet, you want something that is geared toward your little Guest of Honor.  A great compromise is a color themed party that can add in a sprinkle of the toddler inspired character or activity of your choice. 
• Nothing is simpler than a color-inspired party.  Just choose all different shades of that color and incorporate it into everything!  And, if your little guy or girl has an interest that coordinates, add a dash of that as well - and since most of their favorite programs at this age are basically just colorful fun, it's likely you can fit in his or her favorite character with virtually any color for a splash of fun.  Favorites include:
• Pretty in Pink
• You can add a touch of princess or fairy
• Batty for Blue
• Under the Sea works with this, as does virtually any sport, and don't forget our favorite puppy "Blue" - a three year old would love to have some paw prints tucked here and there to find! 
• Crazy for Yellow
• For a girl, combine with a flower theme, or for a boy go for construction zone yellow!
• Growing up Green
• Green is the color of the world around them - nature, bugs, or even a dinosaur or two work with this!
• Outrageous Orange
• Orange also works with construction, and is perfect for a fall party when you can use the natural hues of autumn to highlight your color choice.
• Reaaaaalllllyyyyy Red
• Well, need I mention more than our favorite little red monster?  I've yet to meet a child whose unfamiliar with Elmo…  A fun red themed party with a splash of Elmo peeking out will delight any little toddler.
• Plenty of Purple
• As with red, purple goes with another favorite for youngsters - Barney! 

• Food and beverages can also coordinate - have fun!

 

 

Invitations

Communicating with your Guests

• Invitations can be anything with this Colorful theme - just find something that coordinates!  And don't forget to remind your guests to wear their favorite coordinating shirt (unless you will be providing them for one of your activities!)
• Don't forget a party reminder a week before the party with party details, directions, and a reminder to wear something color coordinated - otherwise your guests parents may forget, leaving a left out little one (note, it's a good idea to have a couple of coordinating shirts on hand just in case someone does forget.  Two and three year olds are notorious for tantrums - and this one can be easily prevented).
• Thank you cards can simply be printed on colorful cardstock, or, for a little creativity that creates a fun reminder of the party consider taking a picture of the crowd and printing in black and white on theme colored paper!

 

Invitations	Thank You Notes
Title Name State	Title Name State

 

Dress It Up

Decorations

The possibilities here are endless.  Simply walk your local party store, craft store, mall, with for fun ideas in your color.  The obvious choices are:

• Balloons
• SAFETY NOTE - latex balloons are a HUGE choking hazard for small children - so when decorating with balloons keep them UP and make sure that someone is quick to get to any balloons that may inadvertently pop!
• Streamers
• Tablescape
• Crepe paper
• Poster-board with fun signs and pictures
• Paper lanterns
• Confetti (paper only!  Little ones like to eat everything!!!)

Tablescape -

• Every element of your table can incorporate your colorful theme!
• Tablecloth, napkins, place settings all can be in various shades of your color.
• The centerpiece can combine your color with a fun element inspired by your toddler's favorite activity or character.
• Don't forget your chairs!  If you can't get coordinating covers, try hanging balloons and streamers off each for a little extra fun.

 

Decorations	Tablescapes
Title Name State	Title Name State

 

 

 

Food/Drink

• Most colors can find some foods to fit in - even if it just means a dash of food coloring.  And it's not just frosting that can take a hint of food coloring.  Cream cheese, bread dough, even cream sauces can be colored for some silly color-inspired food. 
• Drinks are also easy to fit within your motif.  Punch comes in virtually every color (and you can even create a few adult beverages that keep with your theme as well!)

 

Food	Beverages
Title Name State	Title Name State

 

Cake

Cakes and Desserts

• The cake:  this is absolutely the most wide-open theme you can select when it comes to the cake.  White cake with icing decorations in your theme color, or a theme colored cake!  You can also incorporate your little one's favorite activity or character for the cake and simply make sure that the cake and the color coordinate.  It's easy and fun!

Title Name State

 

Entertainment

Activities

This theme has no limits and no boundaries - simply wander through the General Guidance on Party Fun for Kids for ideas and try to incorporate your color scheme where possible!

• Have T-shirts in your color choice with fabric markers.  Your guests can color and scribble to their hearts content - toss in the dryer to set and you have a great activity that converts to an awesome party favor!  (You can prepare the shirts ahead of time with each child's name)

 

Title Name State

 

Prizes / Favors

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