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Madeline
Birthday Party Planning Guide
Exclusively at BirthdayExpress.com
BirthdayExpress.com is every host’s secret for making birthday wishes come true! Our Madeline party planning guide offers step-by-step instruction to help you plan, prepare and execute a memorable day for the birthday guest of honor. The helpful checklist ensures that no detail is forgotten, while the themed games and recipes take the guesswork out of finding treats and activities that complement your décor. And we know you’re busy, so the entire guide is printable – keeping you organized on the fly, from balloon blow-up to confetti clean-up!
Party Checklist
4-6 Weeks Before the Party
Select Date:
Time:
Place:
Plan a safe, inviting place for kids to have fun. Set time to 2-3 hours for young children, and 3-4 hours for older kids.
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Create Guest List
Just fill out the handy list in this guide!
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BirthdayExpress.com is the place! You’ll find over 150 party themes, with party pack options for all of them. Expecting more guests? Choose our Pack Add-On option
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Order Birthday Costume/Outfit & Gifts
BirthdayExpress.com has lots of fun choices. Look for our costumes, T-shirts, hats and special birthday gifts designed to match our party themes.
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Book Entertainment (optional)
2 Weeks Before the Party
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Order Cake
Schedule to pick it up one day before the party.
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Let the birthday child help by adhering the stamps and putting the invitations in the mailbox.
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Create List of Parent Phone Numbers
Keep on hand in case of emergency.
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Plan Party Menu
Check out the recipes in this guide. Ask parents if kids have any food allergies.
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Choose Party Games & Collect Party Supplies
This guide has ideas that match your party theme!
2-3 Days Before the Party
1 Day Before the Party
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Make Food & Drinks, Bake/Get Cake, Buy Ice
Set out chilled/heated foods just before kids eat.
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Childproof & Decorate Party Area
Remove breakable items and objects that could prevent guests from moving freely. Decorate with balloons, crepe paper, and other items included in your party pack.
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Set Up Party Games, Fill Favor Boxes & Piñatas
Invite your party child to help!
Party Day!
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Fill Birthday Balloons with Helium
After the Party
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Include party photos!
Activities
Feed the bone to Genevieve
Supplies:
- Genevieve paper cut out
- paper bones
- stickers
Directions:
Draw or print a picture of Genevieve Madeline’s dog. Make paper bones (one for each guest) Hang the picture of Genevieve on a wall, eye level of your guests. Place a sticker on each paper bone. Have the children line up single file. Blindfold the first child and give them a paper bone. Spin them around three times. Point the blindfolded child towards Genevieve and say, “feed the bone to Genevieve”. Once the child has placed their bone, write their name on the bone. Each child only gets one turn. The child with the bone closest to Genevieve’s mouth wins.
Mademoiselle Madeline
Supplies:
- Madeline paper cut out
- tape
Directions:
This game involves lots of pats on the back and plenty of giggles. Players try to stick a paper Madeline on a person's back without them noticing. When the child realizes Madeline is on her back, she has to stick it on someone else. Don't worry about Madeline staying on just one back for hours -- giggling kids are sure to give the person a clue before too long.
Course Du Balloon
Supplies:
Directions:
Have the children choose a partner. Line them up back to back at a starting line. Place a balloon (not a helium one) between their backs. They must hold the balloon there and not let it fall to the ground (emphasize no hands!). The pairs must take off in this position, shuffling their way toward a finish line. If the balloon pops or drops, they must return to the starting line for a replacement. The first pair to cross the line wins.
Madeline Yellow Hat Pull-String Piñata
Supplies:
Directions:
Your party guests will have a smashing good time with the Madeline Yellow Hat pull-string piñata. Pull-string piñatas are especially fun, because kids choose a ribbon and pull together—so everyone wins! The piñata can be opened the traditional way if you’d like.
Recipes
Croissannt Sandwiches
Estimated Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- croissants (cut in half)
- ham
- cheese
- turkey
Directions:
Little kids will absolutely adore this fabulous French dish! First, slice your croissants in half lengthwise and add in the ham/cheese or turkey/cheese. About 15 minutes before lunch or dinner time, set your oven to 375 and warm your sandwiches for about 10 minutes (or until cheese is melted.) Serve with potato chips, French fries or fresh veggies! Tre Magnifique!
A la carte Dessert Platter
Estimated Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- frozen Eau Clair's
- frozen Cream Puff Pastries
- 1 box of miniature tarts (from the bakery)
Supplies:
Directions:
These dainty desserts will be sure to delight all of your party guests! Make sure to defrost your Eau Clair’s and Creampuffs the night before the party. (Just move them from the freezer to the refrigerator) Set out a dessert tray of Eau Clair’s, Cream puffs and miniature tarts (all can be found in the frozen foods or bakery section at the grocery store) . Bon Apetite!
French Vanilla Frappe’s
Estimated Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 cups of vanilla Ice cream
- 4 cups of whole milk
- whipped Cream
- cherries
Directions:
Serve sweet shakes to your guests and call them Frappe’s! (Frappe’s are a staple at any French Café) First place 4 cups of ice cream and 2 cups of milk in the blender and blend until your mixture is smooth. Pour into your cups, and then repeat with the rest of your milk and ice cream. Top your shakes off with whipped cream and cherries!
Madeline’s Travel Mix
Estimated Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups bagel chips
- 2 cups raisins
- 2 cups pastel M & M's
- 2 cups pretzels
Supplies:
Directions:
As you know, Madeline is quite the little jet setter! She goes on marvelous adventures to several countries and this party mix is perfect for girls on the go! Simply toss together all of your ingredients in a large mixing bowl and separate into sandwich baggies for each guest. Tie together with black curling ribbon for a fun themed finishing touch!