Pumpkin Painting Party

On Friday the girls and I hosted our first pumpkin painting party. It was a blast! We had snacks and sweets, then went in the backyard to paint and play. There were six Mommies and ten kids. Some dressed in costume. I set up a table in the yard with small pumpkins for painting, finger paint (washable and non-toxic- a necessity!), brushes, and stickers. I loved my pink plastic skull cups. I had intended to carve the big pumpkin, as well, but those were high hopes. We were busy helping the kids and talking. That will be another fun project with the girls.

Summer took a long (two hours) nap in the afternoon so I could prepare for the party and Ellie and I could make the desserts. She helped me with the sprinkles on the cupcakes (with a few tastes of icing) and dipping the marshmallows. Once I started setting the table the only thing that kept her away from the sweets was watching an episode of "Caillou."

I bought mini favor boxes and cupcake liners at Michael's and put a cupcake inside for each child to take home. I left a few out for the adults (I didn't want to overload the kids with too much sugar). I dipped marshmallows in chocolate and Halloween sprinkles using lollipop sticks. I added small pieces of celery on top of a peeled Clementine to look like pumpkins (via Pinterest). I came up with the vegetable candy corn. I wanted to substitute the candy for veggies and picked yellow peppers, baby carrots, and cauliflower and paired it with two dips: hummus and spinach/kale dip (both Trader Joe's). I filled black snack cups with popcorn and set a tray with Halloween cookies (Trader Joe's). I also put out a cheese and cracker platter. The plates, paper straws, and plastic table coverings were Michael's, Napkins- Home Goods, pink skull cups- Cvs.

Ellie had so much fun and this will definitely be an annual event!