For the past 8 years Party Connection Events and I have planned a Holiday Party for 250 families at a country club in a suburb of Chicago. It's been so much fun bringing in live reindeer, horse drawn sleighs, Santa, Mrs. Claus and of course refreshments to these families on this very special day. This year was no different, well Santa's reindeer were getting ready for their Christmas Eve flight and didn't attend, but two beautiful horse drawn carriages took our guests on a "jingle all the way" ride through the community. Holly, one of our favorite balloon twisters brought a fellow twister and they made some fabulous balloon characters for each child. She also created holiday balloon critters as centerpieces for each table at the Gingerbread Bakery...I can't begin to tell you how cute these little guys are, take a look for yourself!
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After visiting with Santa, each family stopped at the Gingerbread Bakery for a Christmas Cupcake and a Hot Chocolate. The entrance way to our Bakery this year was something new. It was a sure hit as everyone used it for an opportunity to mingle and visit with old friends. Many neighbors were seen taking pictures around it. Lots of smiles and laughter were shared that afternoon. Even Santa strolled through the bakery chatting with families along the way.
After refreshments, the kids ran downstairs to the craft area where they met Holly and her sidekick in their festive, but crazy hats!! Lines were long, but well appreciated as each child was able to have their own balloon favor made right before their very eyes! Holly is always a hit at our special events! Three new stations were added to our workshop this year. At the Spin Art Station, the kids created their own colorful picture by squirting streams of paint onto a spinning piece of art. The kids loved it and Elf Scarlet was able to help more than 175 kids create their masterpieces.
Then there was Elf Nicole, who helped the kids make a Pucker Powder tube of crazy holiday colors. Of course this was a HUGE hit with the little ones...the more sugar the better!! Watch the blog for more ideas using Pucker Powder Straws as we turn them into GREAT party favors at Party Connection Events Polka Dots and Parties. Lastly, the kids made a craft ornament of Santa's face each piece was carefully cut so all the kids had to do was glue it together.
The day was a huge success and everyone had a GREAT time. The Holiday Event is already in the works for next year, complete with Santa's Workshop and many more pieces to add to the Gingerbread Bakery.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
