How to Throw the Ultimate Sesame Street Party! {Part 1}

I've gotten quite a few e-mails over the past few weeks asking for inspiration for Sesame Street-themed parties.  Well, as Abby Cadabby might say, your wish is my command!

First up - invitations.  You can go the DIY route and make something fun like these Cookie Monster invites from Jami at Freckled Laundry.

Can you believe she hand-made all of these from wash clothes?

And Libby at Libby's Little Addiction used a scalloped paper punch and other scrapbooking tools to make these adorable cards.

If you're looking for something a little less labor intensive, Etsy is filled with tons of fun printable options.  A few of my faves?  This colorful and modern take from Anders Ruff.

The sassy polka dot version from Less Ordinary Designs.

And this bright invite featuring the character of your choice from Shindig Parties to Go.

Once you've got the invitations squared away, it's on to the next piece of the part puzzle - decorations.

You can easily set the tone for the party from the time the guests pull up!  Kerri from Elle Belle's Bows cut out these Big Bird, Elmo and Cookie Monster tracks to lead party goers up to her front door.

And a client of Anders Ruff made this rainbow balloon wreath (here's a how to from How Does She) to welcome everyone....

To Owen Street. 

Notice the 1 on top for his first birthday.  Adorable!

What I love most about a Sesame Street theme is that it's based in bold, primary colors, which means you don't need to go over-the-top with decorations featuring the characters.  Take this bash thrown by Effi of Le Petit Party, which was featured on Amy Atlas. 

Most of the elements are done in simple, solid colors which you can easily create inexpensively on your own, allowing you to splurge on things like the Sesame Street cake and cupcakes.

Jenn from Hostess With the Mostess did something similar when she styled a party for Nancy O'Dell's daughter, Ashby's, birthday.

She created a giant candy buffet filled with solid colored treats, and interspersed framed photos of the characters as well as small plush dolls (similar ones can be found for $2 at Target) to bring in the theme.  I love how whimsical it all looks!

Even something as simple as grouping red, blue, yellow and green balloons like these from Lemiga Events gives you that Sesame Street vibe.

 
Want to add a little more pizzazz? Throw some polka dots into the mix too, like Jenny from Jenny Cookies did for her son, Hudson's birthday (she used the invitation from Less Ordinary Designs that I featured above, along with all of the coordinating printables).

Kate from And Everything Sweet used a solid backdrop, a polka dot garland and an assortment of rainbow colored tissue poms for her daughter's party. {learn how to make the poms here at Martha Stewart}

She also dressed up the kid's tables by adding colorful balloons and adorable DIY party hats.

Aren't they fun?

And while we're on the topic of tables, let's turn our attentions to what I think one of the most fun parts about a Sesame Street party is - the food!

It's so easy to stay on theme by serving items that the inhabitants of Sesame Street like to eat, like Eleven Cupcakes did here - goldfish for Dorothy, cookies for Cookie Monster and pizza for Elmo.  And the street sign labels she used are a wonderful touch!

Libby at Libby's Little Addiction used cookie cutters on the food at her daughter Caroline's 2nd birthday, which, appropriately, was being brought to guests by the letter C and the number 2.

She also cut the sandwiches into shapes.

At the Elle Belle's Bows bash, there were jars of Slimy's Pudding. 

And alphabet and number Jello jigglers.

And every party needs a signature drink, right?  So serve up some of this non-alcoholic Rubber Ducky Punch from Tidy Mom in Ernie's honor!

When it comes to sweet treats, Bakerella has a tutorial for these fabulous Sesame Street cake pops.

You can also make some cute character chocolate lollipops like these from And Everything Sweet.

And of course you're going to want some cupcakes!

Get the how to for these Cookie Monster cuties at Complete Deelite.

And Lovely Sprinkles has terrific tutes for almost all of the Sesame peeps, including my fave, Grover.

Now what are you going to do with the kiddos once they're hopped up on all of that sugar?  I've got tons of Sesame Street themed activities, plus fun favor ideas and more coming tomorrow in Part 2 of How to Throw the Ultimate Sesame Street Party.  You won't want to miss it.

And if you need help with a party theme, send me an e-mail at afomft@gmail.com and I'll see what I can do!


Images: Freckled Laundry, Libby's Little Addiction, Anders Ruff, Less Ordinary Designs, Shindig Parties To Go, Elle Belle's Bows, Le Petit Party, Hostess With the Mostess, Lemiga Events, Jenny Cookies, And Everything Sweet, Eleven Cupcakes, Tidy Mom, Bakerella, Complete Deelite & Lovely Sprinkles