Olivia's 7th Birthday Party

My daughter absolutely LOVES turtles! Instead of holding a "turtle" themed party I suggested that she have an "Under the Sea" themed party instead and she was happy with that. So the challenge was to turn our backyard pergola into a scene from 'under the sea'.

I used long lengths of netting draped under the pergola roof to give the impression of waves, and hung inflatable sea creatures underneath so they were swimming under the sea. Other touches were a school of paper lantern jellyfish and a seaweed garden was along one side of the pergola made from a blue painters drop sheet, green streamers for seaweed, cut out sea creatures and helium filled balloons decorated with sea creatures.

The tables represented the bottom of the sea and was covered with sand, shells and glass bowls of fish which entertained the kids whilst eating.

Of course the party food had to have an 'Under the Sea' theme, so we had turtle and puffer fish cupcakes and whoopie pies made into oysters. We set blue jelly in small clear plastic cups and inserted fish shapes cut from sour rainbow straps into the jelly when it was almost set. Chicken nuggets, fish fingers and fries were served on plates that resembled sailing boats with a "sail" pick inserted into a nugget. Other snacks were served in beach pails and on fish and crab shaped plates.

We played two party games, a sea version of 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey', but in this case it was 'Pin the Turtle in the Sea'. We also played a game of 'Toss the Water Balloon' involving throwing water balloons into a sand bucket.

At the end of the party the kids took home a "Treat Bucket" (beach bucket and spade) filled with under the sea goodies.

• Party Favors

  Beach Bucket & Spade set filled with treats and 'Under the Sea' favours

• Activities / Games

  Pin the Turtle in the Sea Toss the Water Balloon

• Budget

  I didn't add it up, but approximately $300.

• Best Moment

  Seeing the expression on the kid's faces when they arrived (open mouths)

• Funniest Moment

  My eldest daughter completely missing the ocean scene for 'Pin the turtle in the Sea' and pinning it on the wall instead!

• What People Ate

  Fish Fingers, Chicken Nuggets & Fries Fresh fruit on Fish Picks Turtle & Puffer Fish Cupcakes Oyster Whoopie Pies Blue Jelly Treats in Sand Buckets

• What People Drank

  Cordial