Sound the alarm: This birthday theme is smokin’ hot! My son turned 3 this past month, and his dream was to have a fire truck birthday bash. Fire trucks are all he talks about day in and day out, and I was happy to make his dreams come true. When settling on the look and feel of this party, I searched Pinterest to see how other moms designed their parties and, wow, there is so much great inspiration out there!
I set my sights on creating burning building centerpieces as the focal point of my food main table. These were very easy to make, with only a few simple steps and using inexpensive pieces. I had saved large boxes from a recent purchase and wrapped them with black plastic table runners, taping the back with packing tape and stapling here and there. I cut up sparkly silver craft paper in different shapes for each building and glued them on as windows. Voilà: A skyline!
I hung streamers in red, yellow and orange and cut them on an angle so they looked more like flames. (Side note: This was an outdoor party, and as the wind picked up, I did have to go back a few times to reenforce my tape.) I topped the boxes with a few firemen figurines and a chief’s hat and the table came together nicely.
Luckily, there are a lot of adorable decorations and paper goods out there to work with this theme. I ordered additional pieces from a few different websites to complete the decorations. Oriental Trading, Rhode Island Novelty and Party Bell all had great selections that helped emphasize the theme. I even found firefighter water backpacks for the kids to use in the pool!
The kids’ table was strewn with fire hydrant cups and fire chief hats, which allowed them to dress up as heroes. Firetruck goodie boxes were filled with fun treats for each child to take home after the party.
I added color-coordinated napkins and plates for both the kids’ and adults’ place settings as well as festive straws. I even chose snacks in orange hues, like carrots, Cheez Doodles and Doritos—about which I say: do so at your own risk as tiny, cheesy handprints will be everywhere after the tiny partiers dig in! I also made “match stick” chocolate-covered pretzels and had matching fire-themed signage for each treat. We served an impressive lunch spread fit for such a heroic theme!
With plenty of seating for the adults, a few umbrellas for shade and lots and lots of balloons, we transformed the backyard into a truly festive scene. (Can you spot the fire-truck pool float? I mean…how cute?)
Of course, no party is complete without a sweet treat. A local baker created this really cute cake accented with a hose, fire truck and hydrant. Our local Foodtown made these flame-themed cupcakes. Simple and delish!
The best moment, which gave everyone so much joy, was when an actual fire truck arrived in front of our house and sounded its alarms. Wish I had captured the smiles and looks of surprise—my son’s face lit up and that truly made all the hard work worth it.
I’d say this party was a five alarm success!
Tusen takk, thousand thanks, and thank you for coming over!
Torill
