{Real Parties} A Toy Story Birthday

I'm finally back with pictures from my latest party!  After having put together so many parties for girls, I was really excited to design a party for a little boy!  I want to apologize in advance for the poor photo quality.  (Big Surprise)) I ran right up to the last minute getting everything ready for the party, and had to take my pictures very quickly with what amounted to horrible lighting.  To make matters worse, the camera's battery was starting to die right at the beginning of the party, and the backup battery wasn't in the bag!  Whoops!

A few weeks ago, the birthday boy informed his mother that he wanted a Toy Story themed party, so we were off with a theme.  Now, I know that Toy Story parties have been done over and over again; but it's all about what the kids want for their birthday; and this is what he wanted. After some quick research, his mother and I had a detailed consultation to discuss ways to make the party unique to the birthday boy.  In the end, we decided to include the various locations in the movies as the primary source of inspiration for the party.  I presented some different invitation options, and this is the invitation the birthday boy chose:

Image via The Creativity Box

As guests entered the house on the day of the party, they were greeted at the door with a custom logo reminiscent of Andy's room from the first movie:

I suppose it's the obvious choice, but we turned the primary buffet into "Pizza Planet" from the first movie.  I handmade most of the food displays; including the spaceship pizza tray, the flying saucer platters and the two-tiered cone stand.

The drink buffet was inspired by Andy's bedroom, and all his favorite toys.

We also had Al's Toy Barn set up for the cupcake and favors display.  The favors each included a marshmallow alien, Toy Story stickers and a Toy Story puzzle.

For the most part, we just let the kids play with toys and enjoy the beautiful day outside.  The only organized games we had were an Army man hunt (based on the opening scenes of the first movie) and a Mr. Potato Head take on "Pin the Tail on the Donkey".  In the end, the kids all seemed to have a great time; which is what makes all of the work worth it.

Some of Mr. Potato Head's parts appear to have been confused...but the kids loved putting him back together again!

Related Posts:
        Toy Story Inspiration Board

        Rocketship Tray Tutorial
        UFO Platter Tutorial
        Lessons Learned
        The Original Theme

Sources/Vendors:
        Invitation: The Creativity Box
        Buzz Lightyear Favor Boxes: Birthday In a Box
        Toy Story Character Images (for Party Circles): Ry Creation
        Toy Story Die Cuts: Coca Cola Bear 1980
        Cupcakes: Creative Confectioners
        Coffee Cups (used for French Fries): ThinkGarnish.com