Idea No.
1420
Winter Indoor Picnic - Backyard Bingo
Award
Date
January 2001
From
Betsy in Beavercreek, Ohio USA
Honorable Mention
WINTER BIRTHDAY PICNIC
We love summer, picnics, camping, and all of the fun that would go with a summer birthday party. That's unfortunate for my son, because he was born in February, during cold and ice! I had a brainstorm idea today that I think we are going to RUN with. We are going to move the furniture out of the family room/den, put down some picnic blankets and plastic table cloths, bring in the picnic table and some lawn chairs, and have a WINTER INDOOR PICNIC! (NO TV OR VIDEOS - WE ARE "outside"!) My son LOVES this idea because it's different and it's at home - not the usual arcade, bowling, skating, pizza, movies, etc.
FOOD: I am going to move the grill just near the patio door (still being safe, of course) so that I can cook hot dogs and hamburgers. We're going to have chips, lemonade, baked beans, veggie sticks, and even build a fire in the fire place and let the kids roast marshmallows (with our help!) to make s'mores! Also why this is better? Use plain ol' paper plates!
GAMES: We're going for the old fashioned games, bringing on the basics of pin the tail on the "picnic ant", musical chairs, and I thought I'd have my son help make up a "backyard bingo" on the computer, etc I can't wait!
CRAFT IDEA: I am going to get a red-and-white checked fabric table cloth. I'll ask each guest to use permanent marker to sign their name, maybe draw a picture and write a birthday note!
GOODIE BAGS: I think I will attach handles and make them look like picnic bags or lunch sacks they'd bring on a picnic. I'll especially get some of those fun and cheap plastic ants for their bags -- what's a picnic without ants? OH! I'm also going to look for some bubbles or something a little outdoorsy (a jump rope or jacks) to get them moving a little differently this winter.
INVITATIONS: I am going to look for some clearance party invitations from spring or summer that might have "Picnic" or even "Bar-B-Q" on them to keep the theme going. Getting an invitation like that would sure peak my interest - especially in the middle of February! We can jazz them up with stickers and notes and even encourage the kids to bring sandals and shorts to help with the atmosphere! :-)
After about 2 hours of fun, food, gifts, cake and ice cream, I think they'll have a ball!
.