If 2020 was the year of no celebrations, 2021 can be coined the year of mini celebrations. I’m really hoping that 2022 – when I turn 40 – will be the year of big celebrations!
One positive thing about the party drought of 2020 is that people now appreciate even the tiniest get-together or party in 2021. Our Oliver’s recent 8th birthday was no exception. It was a small party, but it was a hit – even if I have to say so myself. A lot of planning & talking went into it – in fact, Oli starts talking about his next birthday about a week after his current birthday.
Dad was in charge of the hunt/expedition. Oliver was rather specific about the fact that it wasn’t a treasure hunt, nor was it going to be a scavenger hunt. Huh? It was an exploring party complete with a wrist compass & an explorer hat for every little explorer.
I must admit that I felt a bit like Winnie-the-Pooh. I wasn’t quite sure if it was an explore something or an expedition or maybe an Expotition…
“Oh Piglet! ” said Pooh excitedly, “We’re going on an Expotition. All of us. With things to eat. To discover something.” “To discover what?” said Piglet anxiously. “Oh. Just something.”Β
Luckily Ernie knew what the party boy had in mind, so he designed the map & handled the planning of the entire activity. The boys were divided into three teams & had a blast finding ‘animals’ & sweet treasures.
Running around tired them out. Luckily the weather played along & they could take a swim afterward.
On the food side, I kept things (almost completely) colour-coded & in the expedition theme. With sandwiches, biltong, dry wors, small green apples. Also Oreo biscuits, chocolate wafers, chocolate puff balls & pretzels. Most of the colourful sweeties were hidden as treasures.
The cake was a home-baked chocolate sponge with a simple compass on top & a secret center of sweeties! I’m happy to report that by the end of the day, everyone was happy & tired – especially the little birthday boy.
Have you recently had a post-Covid celebration? Or are you planning something for the near future?
I can totally recommend a small, outdoor get-together for your next celebration. It’s a real tonic for the soul.
Thanx so much for visiting.
Yolandi β₯
Images: Dominique from Hello Love for aZestyLife
The balloon garland was done by Konfetti Love – check out their website & Instagram for gorgeous party inspiration.