Luke and Lila’s playgroup is heading to school and we had to celebrate big with a back to school party! Next week, four of them will begin kindergarten and one will start pre-K. It’s a big moment!
I always love to plan a party but I had a lot of fun with this one: primary colors, lots of free printables, dollar store school supplies, and lots of online inspiration {see the individual links throughout the post} made it cheap and simple to throw together.
A chalkboard message greeted the kids …
… along with a little garland made from notebook paper. I simply cut pieces of notebook paper and folded them over a piece of twine.
I set the table in bright, primary colors.
The centerpiece was simple but fun: a large felt apple mat from the dollar store, a classroom rules sign on a clipboard, a vase full of green apples, a smattering of crayons, and a little scrabble message {inspiration found here}.
Each place was set with a placemat made from notebook paper and a word strip place card from the dollar store {inspiration}.
Straws were wrapped with back to school flags …
… and water bottles were wrapped with names written on word strips.
Each child had a pencil favor on their plate.
The kids were so excited to be celebrating such a big event!
We bobbed for donuts …
… and gobbled them up …
… then personalized pencil cases, ate breakfast, and played.
We were so bummed that two members of our playgroup couldn’t make it to our back to school party but we took a group picture with the friends that were there … and the mommies held back tears.
I can’t wait to hear about all the upcoming school adventures for this awesome group of kiddos!
For more back to school ideas, be sure to check out these simple apple brownie bites …
… a painted pencil garland …
… and a repurposed bundt pan apple wreath!
Smallgood says
That is precious! It has so much punch with such little effort and money. You must be proud (and just a tiny bit sad).
Jenny says
What about the Farmer boys? Nice job on everything. I’m so excited for all those kiddos and their next big adventure!
Amy says
I’m sorry to tell you, I did not hold back tears! 😉 Thanks for hosting us! I loved all your little details, and I adore this little group of friends!!!
Samantha says
This is so cool! It makes me wish I was going to school!!
I always thought foolscap was the size…cos you get a4 binders and foolscap binders…?
barb says
You must still be weeping.
This is so darn cute.
Simply Smith says
Oh my gosh, this is SO cute! I love the bobbing for doughnuts idea!!
Kelly
Linda says
I love all your details! It’s so sad they are all off to school, but exciting. It’s totally called foolscap. I love Claire’s little dress, it’s like she’s theme related.
Heidi says
Great ideas! Thanks!! Come check out my blog too…junkintheirtrunk.blogspot.com
{Junk in their Trunk}
Beth says
My tradition is to welcome my kids home from their first day of school with a party like this, so I will be using some of these ideas for inspiration. Thank you!
Are those paper straws? Where did you get them?
Dixie Delights says
this is SO adorable. I’ve pinned nearly all the images to my pinterest 🙂 Good luck to y’all!
Christina says
You always have such cute parties! I like the lined paper placemat!
Thanks for the inspiration,
Christina
http://www.inspirationforcelebration.com
Maureen says
AAAAAAAAmazing! You are so amazing. I love, love, love that table.
Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says
Beth … yes, those are paper straws and I bought them from Garnish (thinkgarnish.com).
HI THERE! says
Such a cute party! Pinning this for next year! First time on your blog and I’ve had such a fun time looking around! Have a great weekend.
Jenn 🙂
Modern Wivelyhood says
I love this party! Such a fun idea, I featured this on my Friday 5! Have a fun weekend!
Michelle says
Adorable!
Desiree @ The 36th Avenue says
This is AMAZING!
If you have a minute I’d love for you to share it on my link party.
I hope to see you there 😉
Laura@Corner House says
So so cute. I love all the little detail. And the scrabble tiles, genius.
Michelle says
Best party I’ve seen in a long time. What a clever idea! The donut bobbing is great.
Marsha says
What a lovely idea and a fun party for the children. I know that they will have happy memories of the morning for years to come.
Melanie @ bear rabbit bear says
Thanks for linking to Crafts for Under Twenty Somethings! I love this- it’s so cute! I’m adding it to my blog’s Themed Party directory!
Melanie
bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com
Jennifer says
This is the cutest! You must link it up to In the Looop’s back to school spotlight! http://ruinthelooop.blogspot.com/ I’m sending you an invitation now!
Jen
Scissors & Spatulas
Kelsey says
Such an awesome breakfast idea! Amazing job!
-Kelsey
http://www.everyday-is-a-celebration.blogspot.com
http://www.poofycheeks.blogspot.com
Jara says
This turned out super cute! I uses a lot of the same printables to throw a similar party for my kiddos here: http://www.downsdays.blogspot.com! Have a great school year – looks like you have lots of friends joining you – that makes it fun!
Jamie Kaufmann says
This is SO ADORABLE! I may have to do this for our first day of homeschool. 🙂
Erin @ In Between Laundry says
Just adorable! We’re planning a back-to-high-school dinner for my husband’s high school Sunday School class and I found so much inspiration for our own party. I know your kiddos loved their special breakfast! http://www.inbetweenlaundry.blogspot.com
Erin @ In Between Laundry says
And I pinned it! 🙂 http://pinterest.com/in_btwn_laundry/
melismama says
So cute and creative! Love it!
S. Parker says
I just found your site via Pinterest. I love this. It is so welcoming.
CSI girl says
Cute as always. Link it up this week to the back to school challenge!!!
the CSI Project!
Lina - Fancy Frugal Life says
Oh my goodness…I love it. So cute. Love each detail!
Lina via CSI blog
BeanBugCrafts says
This is such a cute and sweet idea! I love the loose leaf paper placemats! Thanks for sharing, I found your post from the CSI project.
Four Marrs and One Venus says
This is such a cute cute idea!! I love the table setting…so fun!
Emily Cann says
Love the table at this back to school party! So easy put together yet really lovely! I love all of the cute details too with the straws and the pencils. I just had to share this with my followers for my round up of back to school parties.
Brittney Guy says
Embarking on another uncertain school year during this pandemic I feel blessed to have found this page! I want to celebrate my kids returning back to school with a party! Whether they be virtual again or set foot back on campus, I want them to have fun and learn. This by far is a great theme and they actually use the supplies in the long run so no money lost. Again thanks and All parents be blessed this school year or whichever year you end up on this page~
Randi Dukes says
I hope you have a great school year!