How to Plan a Ladybug Birthday Party

A ladybug birthday party is a way to incorporate nature and outdoors into a fun environment for children and adults. Ladybugs are fun insects that can make a birthday party exciting and educational. Planning ahead for an event will make it a success.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• calendar
• invitations
• cupcakes or cake
• goodie bags
• plastic jars
• lady bugs
• decorations
• utensils
• garbage bags
• pinata
• games

1. Pick a birthday party date. Make sure to have a back up plan in case of inclement weather. Parks and backyard areas are commonly used venues for outdoor birthday parties.

2. 
    

   Order ladybugs. Ladybugs can be ordered from a variety of resources online. A search for “Live Ladybugs” will result in finding many resources online. Often referred to as Lady Beetles, the insect is known to gardeners as a great predator against pests and bugs that will destroy a garden.

3. Write out party invitations. Make your own lady bug invitations or buy ready to mail one’s at your local party supply store. Mail them 2 weeks before the party. Make sure to add an RSVP deadline as well as alternate meeting place due to weather.

4. 
    

   Design lady bug cupcakes. Make cupcakes with chocolate cake as a base. Tint frosting to a rich red. Design the top of the cup cake to mimic wings. Use chocolate frosting for the lady bug dots and head. Green M&Ms or other candy can be used for the eyes. Black licorice can be used for antennae.

5. Assemble goodie bags and treats. Each party guest may receive antennae once they arrive. Use red headbands and attach black pipe cleaners by twisting the pipe cleaner around. Glue red balls to each end made of fabric or foam. Treat bags can include fun lady bug facts, a small plastic jar to take a lady bug home, as ladybug stickers.

6. Purchase ladybug decorations and supplies. Many party stores include a ladybug theme that includes napkins, cups and plates. Solid colors in bright green, red and black will also work well. Streamers, balloons and tablecloths are all recommended. Don’t forget trash bags for after party clean up.

7. Hit the piñata. A ladybug piñata is a popular game to get all children involved. Other games that can be played are “Put the dots on the ladybug”—similar to Pin the tail on the donkey. Releasing the live ladybugs, or telling a ladybug story is also an activity children will enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Live lady bugs come in larvae and full grown versions. Make sure you order ones that will be ready to be released during the party.

Resources

• Gardening With Kids

[stoicsentry]

on 7/23/2009 cool stuff this sounds great!