{Real Party} Camouflage Fun!

So we all know there are lots of blogs and sites out there that feature the perfect party - the staged ones, the ones photographed by expensive photographers, the ones that could be featured on TLC's Outrageous Kid's Parties.  And for me, as a full-time working mom - full-time employed and full-time mom, I drive myself crazy trying to reproduce something that frankly, is not real.  Don't get me wrong, I love to get inspiration from those (staged) parties, but I need to bring myself back to reality and remind myself perfect is not real.  And perfect does not mean fun for kids which in the end, that is what a party is meant for.  They do not care if the sweets table is perfectly symmetrical, if there are labels on food they know perfectly well what it is or if the invites "set the tone" for the party.  They just want to have fun.

If nothing else, I hope that real moms like me get inspired to do something special, not perfect, but special for their kids and that their kids are just as excited about their party as they are.  Fortunately for me, I have a great friend who I was able to feature her real party a few weeks ago (check it out here). I am so excited to bring you another real mom's party that she threw for her son.  I met Melissa threw my friend Tina (who knew, another party planning momma named Melissa!).  She bounced some ideas off of me for her son Charlie's camouflage party a month ago and claimed she was not a party planner.  I think the pictures tell another story :)  This party is adorable and I'm told was a ton of fun!  Here is the party in Melissa's own words.  Details of the party and sources are at the end.

"I am a total novice... what I did learn and had to calm myself on the day of the party was I HAVE to have a backdrop for the treat table!  Such a mistake that I didn't but it was fun for my first attempt :)"  Melissa picked the camo them because, "that is what Charlie said he wanted was an "army" party which to him meant army guys and camo!"  She said she was "dreading [the theme] at first because I thought it would be hard but must be what lots of boys like" because "who would have thought it was that easy to find camo stuff!"

For the activities, the kids "went on a "mission" with clues to find their prizes at the end. That is where they got a bag with the sunglasses and gummy army jets. Then they were each issued a marshmallow gun (painted camo and pink camo for the girls) and we had a marshmallow war!"

  

Melissa definitely did not skimp on the sweets or the favors for the kids!

These marshmallow guns were made and painted by Charlie's dad!!!  How cool is that!

Favors:
* Gummy Jet Fighters & Gummy Army Guys - Albanese Confectionery

* Camo Sunglasses - Children's Place
* Favor Pack - Party City

* Rock Candy, Candy Sticks and most other candy - The Bulk Food Store  

* Canteens for kids to drink from along with dog tags - Party City 

Invites: Vista Print 

Boys Shirts: Maddie Bug Baby on Etsy

Decorations:

* Labels made by Melissa with her Toy Story cartridge for her Cricut.

* Banner:  Vista Print

* Camo Pennants:  Party City

Sweets:

*Vegan Cupcakes for the Birthday boy from Bake Cupcakery and Catering.

 *Cakepops, Dipped Pretzels and Dipped Marshmallows, made by Melissa

Congrats Melissa on such a great party!  Can't wait to see what you do next!