Found you! Been lurking but too busy actually planning my party to post (plus discovered Draw Something which has been keeping me rather busy )
DS's knights party is tomorrow!! I'm pretty much sorted but the bloody weather is plotting to ruin everything . We've hired a bouncy castle, i've made bunting (white and dark purple, I thought it looked suitably riyal and would also do for DD parties in the future!) and have 11 guests aged between 2 and 6 who I planned to release into the garden for the best part if 2 hours. That might still work but showers are forecast so def need some more indoor activities just in case.
I have cut some shields out of coloured card and have a stack of pens (washable) and foam stickers which I'll set up on a small table throughout the party (regardless of the weather). Have planned pass the parcel too but think I'd better get together a list of party games to keep in reserve. DSis and my best friend are teachers so I can always rope them in to help (I can think of plenty of games but am nervous of trying to boss the children, especially as most parents will be staying so may observe my ineptitude!).
I have made thd castle cake that stealth made and I'm thrilled with it. It's the first time I've done something like that and it was easier and quicker than I expected. Was grateful to mumsnet for some if the tips tho, such as freezing the cake before doing crumb coat and not making the 'stones' too small (thanks stealth!).
Have also made cake pops using the cake trimmings, and choc marshmallow lollipops (two marshmallows on a stick, covered in chocolate and lots of sprinkles). They look good so hopefully should go down well. Other than that am doing traditional party food for the kids (sandwiches, sausages, cold pizza, pom bears , veg sticks, party rings, cheese and pineapple on sticks, strawberries). Just trying to beg enough chairs to get them sat round our dining table in thd conservatory as the picnic in the garden is off the cards.
Have inflatable swords (for towards the end of the party!), a dragon piñata (for which I've bought a plastic sword which should hopefully be string enough to use as a basher) and kids van put the goodies (moam sweets, loose stickers and party blowers) into their party bags. I've bought white paper takeaway bags, decorated them with each child's name and also put in a toy knight for the boys (from pound land but look more expensive IMO) and a soft toy animal for the girls (couldn't find dragons, and I know it's a but sexist but I know most of the kids well and know it's what they'd prefer!). Also put in a bag of choc coins (mine were 59p from home bargains and are really big and taste pretty good (I had to check of course!)), a cake pop wrapped in cellophane (to save cutting the cake up during the party) and they can each take a sword home.
For adults I've made three types of cake/tray bake and have crisps, wine, beer and soft drinks. Think that should be ok.
So I think im all sorted. Just need to clean and tidy the house, remove valuables and put as much furniture as poss from the lounge into the garage to create space for games if the rain comes.....