Monday, November 22, 2010

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Birthday Party and Tablescape


My daughter Talley turned 10, (double digits!) last week and we held a "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief" birthday party.  The Percy Jackson books, and movie, are very popular around children her age.  Talley helped plan most of the party; she had lots of good ideas.  In the books, Percy's mom always liked to make him blue food; so blue was the color of the evening.  Percy's father is the son of the mythical character Poseidon, God of the ocean, so I guess the blue signifies the ocean, Poseidon's realm.  The girls were so cute and we had such a fun time!

I am including reminders of my "It's a Wonderful Life" Link up Party on all my posts.  Share all the "wonderful" holiday things going on in your life!  Click HERE for more details.  There will also be a few giveaway gifties!


Talley and I made these string balls together; we thought they looked like bubbles in the ocean.


Here is a long view of the table.


I placed lightning bolts in the glasses.


We served blue Hawaiian punch.


An individual place setting.  The girls loved the candy cane tucked in the napkin ring.


Here's an side view of the table.


The candy centerpiece was fun to put together.  Who knew there were so many kinds of blue candy?  At the end of the party, the girls took home a cellophane bag filled with the blue candy.


We added some pictures of the Greek "Gods" to the candy centerpiece.


What would a party be without a cake?  Talley said she wanted a lightning bolt cake so that is what she got!  Tati (Polka Dot Pantry Sweets) and I made the cake by just drawing a lightning bolt freehand and then cutting around the pattern.  We just used one cake baked in a 9x 13 pan and cut it out twice.  Next time, for ease, I would make two 13 x 9 cakes so I could make a larger cake.


I piped "blue" ice cream (just vanilla with blue food coloring in it) into a little ramekin for each girl.  I softened the ice cream before piping and then put the ramekins back in the freezer.


Percy Jackson Treasure Hunt
Talley planned a treasure hunt for the girls.  She adapted the clues from the website "Make it Do."

The First Clue
The first clue was hidden under one of the dinner plates.  This clue said the following:

"Ares is the god of war, he loves to fight and not much more.  He's hidden a clue in orbs untold.  To find them out, you must be bold !  So take his weapons and use them well , within the orbs a clue may tell."

In one of the orbs (balloons), the next clue was found.  The girls used sharp pencils, and just one hand, to pop the balloons.


The Second Clue
In the balloons the second clue was found and it read as follows: 

 "Look above, beyond the wall
In the sky Zeus rules all.  Climb to his realm and do not fall.  If you’re lucky you’ll feel no jolt from Zeus’ mighty Lightning Bolt."

These lightening bolts were hung from my shower curtain. The girls took turn choosing lightning bolts.  One of the bolts was marked with a clue. We did this by candlelight.


The Third Clue
The clue on the designated bolt read as follows:

"There's much to fear in Hades' home, for in his kingdom the dead to roam.  Descend, descend to darkest black, and if you survive a clue bring back."

The girls then headed down to our basement.  But first, to enter they had to throw gold drachma (gold coins) into a pot, before they could cross the River Styx.  Then they found the third clue in Hades -- in my laundry room; rather ironic because when the wash is backed up, it feels like Hades.  Here is  the skeleton they found the fourth clue in.


The Fourth Clue

This is the clue that Talley devised:

"It's quite frightening to see the bolt of lightning.  If you can see it, it won't strike.  It might be something you like, so go ahead and eat your treat and know forever that you can defeat."

Hidden in the laundry room was the lightning bolt cake. We also darkened the basement and searched for the fourth clue by candlelight.  We took the cake and went upstairs for cake and ice cream.

The girls were then given a"blue pearl" necklaces to celebrate their "Victorious Quest."  This,is just a blue bead strung on waxed string.  In the movie, the kids were given blue pearls as they traveled on their quest to find the lightning bolt.

=

Each girl was able to take home one of the "blue bubbles."


I really enjoyed this party, and so did the girls.  I might suggest adding a Percy Jackson Trivia Quiz, we didn't do this, but it might be fun. 

Table Information


Trusty Placemats:  Wal-Mart
Square Plates:  Tai Pan Trading
Napkin Rings:  Wal-Mart
Napkins:  Ross
Bubble Glasses:  Tai Pan Trading
Silverware:  Oneida Damask Rose
Silver Candlesticks:  Target
String Balls:  Home Made


Today, and every day, I am thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ who made all good things possible. He made it possible for us to repent and to live again with all our loved ones.  Not that I want to leave this life anytime soon, I am really looking forward to that great reunion in Heaven where I can meet loved ones.  What conversations we will have!

Thank you for dropping by Red Couch Recipes today!

20 comments:

The Charm of Home said...

So cute Joni!! We enjoyed that movie. I liked learning about the Greek Gods. Need to find more about that. Fun table! Cute cake too.
Sherry

Kirby said...

I love this...too cute! Happy Thanksgiving!

Julie Harward said...

That is all so cool what a fun time! I love the turkey cupcakes in the post below too! Have a great Thanksgiving :D

Ashley Nicole said...

Such a cute idea. Have a good thanksgiving!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

You are such a wonderful mom! You can tell how far removed I am from children that age I didn't even know who Percy Jackson is but I know I would have loved those books when I was a girl :)

What a wonderful party you threw. Happy Birthday to your 10-year-old!

Holly Lefevre said...

We had a Percy Jackson party for my son in June when he turned 9...I still have not blogged about it. Such a great series - my son is mesmerized by books! Fun decorations and some great ideas.

Miss Merry said...

WOW - what a super party! I love your creativity, I bet the girls were wowed, too. The blue string balls are amazing, the table to cute for words and I agree, I can't believe all the blue candy. Your clues are so cool - I love your game and I would love to come to the party. I bet it was so much fun!

Talley your daughter said...

Mom,I loved that party!It was probably the best party you have done.I wish I could relive it again.I am so glad I turned to a two digit number Your an awesome mom.I would like to say I am thankful for my mom.
Your daughter,
Talley

Sue said...

I've thought about renting this movie (I'm just a big kid) and now I think I will. You put so much thought into this and it really turned out great!

Holly said...

Love the lightening bolt cake!! The table scape is awesome!!! What a lucky birthday girl!:)

La said...

What a fun party! I love all the blues. Have a great day! La

Jacqueline said...

Such a fun party! I love all of the blue, especially the blue candy and the blue ice cream piped and then frozen. I bet those girls will never forget this fabulous party.

All of your clues for your treasure hunt are so clever. The blue pearls at the end were great too. Tell Tally she is very creative. Absolutely adore the lightning bolt cake. Shaunna and I should do a Percy Jackson Party.

Sonia said...

What a wonderful table you have set...love all the details you made and added to your table! What a fun and festive party you threw! I'm sure your daughter was thrilled! Happy Thanksgiving!

Miss Bloomers

Renée said...

Well, if this is not the cutest party! Happy birthday to Tallie. With clues, friends and such a fun table I'm sure it was the place to be. You do such a great Joni! Happy Thanksgiving and hugs from Idaho.

Anonymous said...

love the ideas! You are so crafty and have a lot of energy! :)
I am your newest follower!
p.s. love the header..looks similar to mine. :)

bloggingbypictures.blogspot.com

Sue said...

You really know how to put on a party! This one will be hard to top:)

Gail @ Victorian at Heart said...

What a fun party. I love themed parties. I haven't heard of this series but I'm going to check to see if my grandsons have heard of Percy Jackson because this could be a great gift. Thanks for the insight.

Marigene said...

What a fun birthday table, Joni! I love all the blue...those string balls are cool.

a quiet life said...

such a cute table! i did an edible review of this book on my blog too, fun fun fun to see your table. happy thanksgiving :)

Lilianna Grace said...

This is amazing as are all your posts. I also love your December blog background!

Engageya