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Rating: 
Reviewed by: XandersMommy
(Read all my reviews)
Location: Minersville, PA
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Title: Very cute and colorful!
Date: Aug 09, 2012
I bought this theme for my son's 1st birthday party. I love it, it is the jungle-theme without being too overused like other jungle theme decorations out there on other sites. I love the fact that it is so colorful, it's fun and it makes it easy to match other products with it! I didn't buy the "bulk" party packs, instead I bought about half the plates/napkins/cups, the invitations, a pack of hats, the centerpiece, and a foil ballon in the theme plus the purple/yellow/green streamers, 1 balloons, a 1 candle, and the extra pack of candles, and then half with matching solid colors to accommodate the extra people (way more than 16) that will attend. This way, the theme is still stated as much as you need but buying the solid colors to fill in the extra makes it a lot cheaper for those looking to spend less. I got solid yellow dessert plates and solid kiwi green dinner/lunch plates.2 packs of napkins I figured was enough, as they have 16 each. (I will take a roll of paper towels to the venue for spills/extra). I also got 2 neon green 51-packs of utensils (on this site) rather than getting the more expensive option with less quantity, these even have knives included. It was much cheaper this way than if I had bought enough "packs" to accommodate everyone. It turned out to be about $109 with discount code and shipping for enough to decorate AND provide dinnerware to 50+ people. To give people more ideas for throwing the party in this theme, for food I am making Meatballs with marinara sauce in a crockpot with small buns on the side to make "Prey of the Pride" sandwiches with some cheese on the side to sprinkle on em if they'd like. I am also making jungle animal-shaped mini sandwiches of lunchmeats and cheese (roast beef, ham, turkey and american cheese) cut out with animal cookie cutters (bought elsewhere). Make sure you don't make them too big if you want small dainty sanwiches or you will need to make a MILLION on them, also be sure to pick cutters that dont have "small pieces" like small tales or legs that can make a sandwich floppy or fall apart. For example, I got a turtle, lion paw print, hippo, honey bee, elephant without tail...none of which have tiny body parts that can easily break off. And for some more sides and snacks, I am putting out a tray of tropical fruit with a cream cheese or yogurt dip, animal crackers in a fun and festive bowl, a tub of trail mix (with chocolate) with a scoop, and upon request, some chips and dip, as well to go with the sanwiches. So there is something for everyone and nothing too strange, but some things that still fit the theme. PS - dollar stores are your friend for partyware bowls, trays, etc. For drinks, I will just have juice boxes and soda for adults. Nothing fancy shmancy there, after all I AM taking care of a 1-year-old too. Also, I bought a highchair decorating kit and some of the jungle animal squirters as favors, so lil birthday boy can have one too (theyre safe for any age). I am sending the invitations out about 3-4 weeks in adavance to give everyone ample time to prepare/save the date, RSVP, buy gifts, etc. I am getting the cake made by a local market. They are also doing the jungle theme, be sure to ask if they will do a "smash cake" for your little one all to him/herself. A full sheet cake at a market is only around $35 and they will usually listen to your ideas as to how you want it to look, specialty cake shops will charge more. Lastly, to save money on a venue, I am having it at a local community center. It is free to have if you are a resident of the city (if you're not get someone you know who is to rent it for you), I just need to pay a deposit and make sure we clean up after ourselves, then I'll get the deposit back. Some may have options like this around them, as well, you just need to call around and ask. This way it doesn't mess up my own house, children won't break anything, etc. I don't think for a 1st birthday party you really need to have any games or activites, as it should be about baby, and baby is still rather little to do such things. If you should incline to want activities, find something simple, like pin the tail on the monkey, a pinata, or some sort of craft. Another idea of where to have a party for cheap would be your house or a relative's or even a park or playground pavillion. Remember that a 1-year-old's party should really only be a few hours (no more than 3) as they will most likely still get cranky after a while. And wherever you book for the venue, make sure you give yourself enough time for decorating and setting up, the party, and then clean up!! Hope this gives some out there ideas for easy food and stuff!!
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