Kraft cardboard boxes

By Camille Styles, photography by Melanie Grizzel

Entertaining a group of kids can be tricky, to say the least. Between the menu, the decor and the activities, things can get out of hand (and expensive) in the blink of an eye. This party concept simplifies the process by limiting all decor to projects that can be made using inexpensive materials, and by basing the party around a cookie-decorating activity, so kids will be well-fed and entertained throughout.

To get started, all you’ll need are some cardboard boxes and a roll of kraft paper. You can keep them solid or, for a splash of color, use acrylic paint to add a splatter design to the materials. Once the paint is dry, use your imagination to transform the cardboard and kraft paper into all the decorative details you’ll need: Pennant bunting, a cake topper, a welcome sign and placemats are just a few simple creations that you can make.

Since this party is built around an interactive cookie-decorating activity, you’ll want to kick things off with a balanced, nutritious meal. Set out a platter of prepared sandwiches (with the crusts removed, of course!) for kids to help themselves, and a side of fresh fruit salad is a welcome treat for guests of any age. A tall pitcher of fruity lemonade is the perfect way to wash it all down, and when it’s poured into acrylic cups, moms and dads don’t have to worry about any breakable glassware.

At this party, the dessert course also doubles as the main event. Set out a platter of sugar cookies, and scatter small bowls filled with icing, sprinkles, marshmallows and chocolate chips down the length of the table. Using Popsicle sticks and their bare hands, kids can decorate (and devour) cookies for the rest of the afternoon.

When the party’s over, send guests home with brown paper lunch sacks filled with all their delicious creations to enjoy for days.

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