1. Clear off the counter!

2. Hang a fun piece of fabric as a backdrop behind the table or counter.

3. Hang balloons from the ceiling over the dessert table. We found these polka-dotted balloons at Hobby Lobby, and added a marble to make them hang down straight.

4. Use colorful dishes and trays for food and desserts. We made a cupcake stand using plates and mugs in our red & blue colors.

5. Hang up a birthday banner and you’re done! Now you are ready to set out your food and let the party begin!

]]> http://11cupcakes.com/2013/01/10/diy-elmo-party-dessert-table/feed/ 0 http://11cupcakes.com/2013/01/09/diy-elmo-party-easy-trays/ http://11cupcakes.com/2013/01/09/diy-elmo-party-easy-trays/#comments Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:48:32 +0000 holly- elevencupcakes http://11cupcakes.com/?p=923

Using silver trays that I found at the dollar store, I spray painted them a fun aqua blue to match the rest of the party decor. Be sure to always spray paint outside as the fumes can become a bit much. I also wouldn’t recommend putting food directly onto the trays unless you use a sealer. I used the spray painted trays for milk and treat cups, so no food was actually touching the paint. All of the party printables for this Elmo’s World Party are available in our etsy shop!

Our Elmo Party was a little last minute and I didn’t have time to order colored treat cups, so I had to get creative. I found these plain white cups at Party City. Using the flat eraser on a pencil, I used craft paint to polka-dot them in the red and blue colors of the party. They were great for carrots and dip at the party, and the kids even ate the carrots!

They are actually glass latte bottles that I get at Target! 

I know that some people have started selling similar ones on etsy, but this way you get the bonus of having to drink the lattes first I wash them out and remove the plastic wrapping, and you’re ready to go! Before adding the milk, I dipped the end of the bottle into water, and then into a bowl of blue sprinkles. Add our Elmo water bottle labels and a cute straw (also being sold at Target now) and you are ready to go! Enjoy!

This week we will be sharing some fun DIY projects for your Elmo Party- stay tuned!

DIY Polka-dotted Backdrop: After searching high and low for a polka-dotted fabric that I could use as a backdrop for this Sesame Street Party, I finally decided to make my own. I think it will be a great backdrop that can be used over and over again.

Supplies: 2 Yards White Polyester Fabric (You could also use a heavy cotton)

6 bottles fabric paint (we used red, orange, yellow, green, teal, and blue)

6″ circle stamp (I used the the top to a lotion bottle)

Lay the fabric on a flat surface and put newspaper or vinyl underneath so the paint doesn’t run through. I started with the top row and alternated between 2 colors. Because my ‘stamp’ was a plastic circle, it didn’t always give the best coverage, but I didn’t mind the look. You can use a small paint brush to fill in any missing holes if you want your circles to be completely covered. Once one row is done, move on to your next 2 colors below it, alternating again between the two. Continue until you have a large enough backdrop to cover your entire dessert table.

Start by covering the table in white paper. This way after dinner kids can keep busy drawing pictures and playing games (tic-tac-toe, anyone?). We added a fun table runner and lots of leaves. Don’t be afraid to use real dishes. We used small china plates and fun glasses we found at a local thrift shop. Give kids sparkling cider or apple cider for a fun treat. Small carmel apples make great place cards, and are an added dessert or can be sent home for later.