Get your holiday party invitations ready for this cute party theme by Lisa Kothari of Peppers and Pollywogs.
Kids are often intrigued with the fabulous ballet, “The Nutcracker,” especially if they take ballet as an activity and happen to have a role in the performance. Even if they don’t dance, attending the ballet during the holiday season is often a true treat that kids enjoy — some on an annual basis. Even if your kids have never been, they still may have read the book and twirled around to the splendid Suite. Given the popularity, a Nutcracker Party — whether to celebrate a birthday in December or as a holiday party — is an excellent theme.
Nutcracker Suite Decorations
Your regular home holiday decorations will suit the theme well, especially if you have some Nutcrackers displayed in the party area.
Use twinkle lights and tulle throughout the party area that you can transform into the “Ballroom.” Decorate a tree for the party room as well using silver and gold ornaments to make it fancy.
You can often find tutus at second hand stores or on sale at costume stores after Halloween. Again, you will not want to give the boys these costumes, but the Nutcracker has his sword, and so you may want to have them make swords as they arrive and/or hand these out to the boys.
Nutcracker Suite Activities
Have a Nutcracker Treasure Hunt. Purchase a large inflatable Nutcracker and hide him somewhere in your home. Make up clues for the kids to find a missing Nutcracker.
Dance to the The Nutcracker Suite. If you have a real Sugar Plum Fairy at your party, have the guests take turns dancing with the fairy, who can also teach the kids some steps. Giving them time to dance, to coordinate a dance together, and freely enjoy this time will be both creative and fun.
If it is warm enough to run around outdoors, play Nutcracker Tag. Buy or make a Nutcracker Mask and have one kid wear it while the other kids are the mice — just like Clara’s Dream. Make it freeze tag and have the Nutcracker use a play sword to tag the mice.
Nutcracker Suite Menu
Make finger sandwiches filled with cream cheese and jam, other salads (chicken and/or tuna), cream cheese and cucumbers, etc.
Chocolate dipped fruit, marshmallows, cheesecake, pretzels, and shortbread cookies (using a chocolate fountain would be quite a fun addition.)
Make popcorn for snowflakes
Submitted by Lisa Kothari
Lisa Kothari is the Founder and President of Peppers and Pollywogs, a kids’ party planning company. Visit our experts page to read more about Lisa Kothari and our party planning experts.
