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Flower Power
Party
Flower Power
Games/Activities
Tie-Dye -This is a
great activity because guests can bring any article
of clothing they want to dye, new or old. Some
popular items are T-shirts, scarves, socks, or ties.
You will need 3-4 packages of dye (Rit is a common
brand), a container for each dye bath, and several
rubber bands. Follow the directions on the dye and
keep each color in a separate container. Pull fabric
into your hand wherever you want to place a pattern.
Fasten a rubber band tightly around the fabric (the
area under the band will remain unaffected after
you’ve dyed it). Pull as many areas of the fabric as
you wish, tying and dipping as many times as you
want. For added designs, attach buttons, bottle
caps, and other objects to the fabric before dying.
The amount of dye that penetrates the cloth depends
on how loosely or tightly the fabric is bound, and
how long it is left in the dye. If you use several
colors on one article of clothing, dye light colors
first and dark ones last. The color of the dye
should be slightly darker than the color desired
because it lightens as it dries. When finished
dying, rinse fabric in cold water. Squeeze out
excess moisture, roll in a towel, and air dry.
Provide bags for damp shirts.
Beaded Jewelry - Making
jewelry by hand is always fun because guests can
design it just the way they like to wear it! You can
purchase our Necklace-Making Kit which provides
colorful beads and stringing materials for 12
guests, or you can pick out your own materials at a
craft store. If you choose to buy your own beads,
make sure to get a variety of colors, shapes,
textures, and sizes. Necklaces or bracelets made
with ceramic or wood beads strung on leather are
popular with boys and girls. Providing many
different beads will stretch everyone’s imagination
and make creating more fun!
Flower Wreaths - Make your
Flower Power party authentic with a daisy or two to
make every guest feel like a real flower child! You
can make headbands, bracelets, or one large
centerpiece that everyone helps create. Gather fresh
flowers, or purchase silk/paper flowers at a craft
store. If you choose fresh flowers, baby’s breath is
inexpensive, easy to work with, and delicately
beautiful. Miniature roses or daisies make wonderful
wreaths as well. Provide each guest with a piece of
ribbon, about 3 ft long. Demonstrate how to begin,
holding one flower by the stem and laying it flat on
the ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the stem tightly
and add another flower. Make sure the stems are
always lying flat on the ribbon as you wind the
ribbon around them. Continue until you have a wreath
large enough to fit a wrist or head, and tie a knot
with the extra ribbon. You can make wreaths with two
shades of ribbon for a pretty effect.
Yummy Treats
Psychedelic Cake - Purchase
and prepare your child's favorite flavor boxed cake
mix, and bake it in 2 round cake pans. Frost with
light-colored icing to set off your psychedelic
design more effectively. Drop 3-4 drops of liquid
food color directly on top of the frosted cake. With
a toothpick, make swirls on the cake. Add 3-4 drops
of a second color and repeat to form a psychedelic
design. Use magic "re-lighting" candles or rainbow
candles for extra fun!
Banana-Butter Guzzler - Serves
eight. You will need: 4 ripe bananas, 6 cups nonfat
frozen yogurt and, 1 cup smooth peanut butter. Cut
bananas into pieces. Place half of the ingredients
in a blender (to prevent mixture from overflowing).
Whirl until smooth and divide equally in 4 glasses.
Repeat steps with remaining ingredients and fill 4
more glasses.
Pigs in a Blanket - Your guests
are sure to squeal over these delectable delights.
Purchase your favorite brand of hot dogs, cheese,
and refrigerator croissants. Slice hot dogs
lengthwise and cut cheese into strips. Unroll
croissants and stuff them with hot dogs and cheese.
Roll croissants back up and bake as directed, or
until golden brown.
These delicious treats are so good, your party
guests will clean every last crumb from their
plates. Don't be surprised if they make pigs of
themselves and come back for more!
Granola Crunch - This
crunchy favorite is sure to bring smiles from all
your flower children. Make granola in advance, or
involve kids and bake during the party. You will
need: 3 cups regular rolled oats; 1/2 cup each:
whole wheat flour, cornmeal, rye flour, millet meal,
and wheat germ; 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar;
1/3 cup each: coconut, sunflower seed, and sesame
seed; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup each: vegetable
oil, peanut butter, and water; (1/4 cup honey, and
1/2 tsp. vanilla are optional).
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and mix. In
a blender, whirl wet ingredients until smooth.
Slowly pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix
together with your hands (kids will love this!) When
thoroughly mixed, crumble granola into a deep boiler
pan, or two baking sheets with a lip. Form an even
layer and bake uncovered for one hour at 250
degrees, stirring every 20 minutes. Turn off oven
and leave granola in the oven until completely cool.
Store airtight. Serve with dried or fresh fruit!
Decorating Tips
Spread your table cover on your
party table. If your child has any theme-related
toys, you can add them to the table for a more
festive display.
Cut several
one-to-two-foot-long pieces of curling ribbon. Curl
the ribbon by pulling it between your thumb and the
blade of your scissors. Lay the resulting curls on
your table for added color. Hang balloons in bunches
for the best effect. If you choose to fill balloons
with helium, wait until the party day to ensure they
float well!
Use balloons to mark
the party spot; hang them on the mailbox, near the
front door, or tie them to the birthday child's
chair to mark the seat of honor.
Place balloons
anywhere that strikes your fancy. The more the
better!
Gather six or eight
streamers and attach them to the ceiling in the
center of the party room (or over the table). Use a
light fixture over the table, if you have one, as
the center point for the streamers.
To
create colorful two-tone streamers, put two
differently colored streamers back-to-back, twist as
you walk them to the wall, and attach at shoulder
height.
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