Shirley's party advice part 6 - don't be afraid to interrupt us!

[Tinkerisdead]

Okay, this is shirley's party advice part 6. Shirley ducked out a while ago and you'll notice us chatting about all kinds of stuff whilst we wait for party planners to barge in.

So, don't lurk, jump in and chat. We'll give you any advice on parties from costumes to cakes....

[Tinkerisdead]

Or if you have a magnetic fishing game put paperclips on and fish for them.

[Tinkerisdead]

Hmmm i cant find cheap tata heads. I got loads two years ago for a few quid each but not now. On ebay you can buy them and tons of bits so if you have time you could buy a selection if you didnt want to do laminate version.

You def need to serve pizza from pizza planet!

[Tinkerisdead]

try here for activity ideas too

[Blatherskite]

I commented earlier but it's disappeared!?

I suggested 'Pin the plait on Jessie' as a party game...

[Tinkerisdead]

Or the tail on bullseye...

[stealthsquiggle]

I feel a need to watch the film again. I am sure there are games which are part of the story, as it were...

Toy soldiers would be good party bag fillers but not, I guess, if a fair proportion of the guests are under 3.

If you had enough space you could do straw bales and red gingham tablecloths and picnic like in the bit where Jessie is remembering her first owner.

[Tinkerisdead]

And star command for buzz.

Or maybe a game where you have to piece them back together again ready to be sold to a toy dealer.. Like a jigsaw.

[stealthsquiggle]

I think we may be over engineering this party, considering birthday girl will be 3

[Tinkerisdead]

Good point. You know the problem; its something new for us we're getting carried away.

[stealthsquiggle]

I know it's expensive, but how cool would it be to have this for them to have their photos taken with?

[chestnut100]

Wow! So much help! Amazing! I'm feeling slightly daunted but loving some of your ideas!

[stealthsquiggle]

an entire party to copy

[Mckayz]

I have an emergency that I think you can help me with.

My Mum is 50 next weekend and my bloody step-dad has just announced that he hasn't sorted anything yet. So I am booking a restaurant tonight for next Saturday and he is contacting friends and family to see if they can come at short notice.

But I have been left in charge of the cake. I don't have time to make one as I need to make DDs as well for next week. I can buy one that is iced for me to decorate. But I have no idea really what to do.

She loves pigs so I was wondering about getting a chocolate sponge cake. Covering the top with green buttercream and either cutting a bit off the top to show the cake to make a mud pool or using chocolate buttercream to make the pool. Then make (I'm not good at models) some pigs to play in the pool etc.

Is that awful and can anyone help me A) stop panicking and B) think of ways to kill step-dad?

My Mum got him a brilliant cake made last year for his 50th and I don't want her to be disappointed

[Blatherskite]

I know it's a total cheat but why not just order [[http://www.marksandspencer.com/Marks-and-Spencer-Percy-Cake/dp/B0080DGL48 this one] from Marks and Spencers? You can have them personalised and it'll mean one less thing to worry about...?

We've had cakes from M&S before and they're always nice.

[Blatherskite]

better link

[stealthsquiggle]

Another vote for buying one - you will need to order it today, though.

Having got that off the list, you could spend some more of stepdad's money on helium balloons and/or flowers to make the table look really special (hit him where it hurts - killing him would cast a shadow over your DM's birthday)

[Tinkerisdead]

stealth blathers come and help here...

[Mckayz]

Thanks both of you. It was no good though as I can't get to an M&S as I don't drive and everyone is busy except my Mum. I also didn't fancy the 20 mile bus ride with the cake.

I think I have it under control though.

[stealthsquiggle]

Are you going for your piggy idea? It sounds lovely, BTW. I was trying to think where you could get ready made piggies, if that is the scary bit, but I think most options are going to be less accessible than M&S. If you google I am sure you will find lots of tutorials on making them.

[Mckayz]

I am going to try and make them. I did find this so I might try that one.

[Mckayz]

I am in awe of anyone that makes cakes for a living. I love baking and doing cakes. I'm not good at it and I do one decorated one once in a blue moon.

Having to do 2 this week is scary.

[stealthsquiggle]

The piggy mudbath is a brilliant idea. Are you going for that? It is really effective with chocolate finger biscuits, too, if you prefer those to kitkats.

[Mckayz]

Yeah I am going to do that one. There are 18 people going but one of them is my 1 year old so I'm hoping there will be enough cake.

I think the chocolate fingers sound nicer actually. Thanks.

[NonsenseTalker]

I was thinking of that cake whilst catching up with the posts!!

[Mckayz]

I can't find any 50th Birthday banners in this small town or number 1 candles for DD. Everywhere seems to have mountains of number 8.

I can't wait for Sunday!