PARTY THEME: BACKYARD OLYMPICS PARTY

Martie Duncan June 10, 2014

One of my favorite party themes for summer fun for the 4th of July or a get-together with the neighbors or cousins is a Backyard Olympics party. Easy to host; all you need is a big back yard and some creativity! Old school lawn games like the sack race, three-legged race, egg and spoon race, wheelbarrow races, hula-hoop contest, bubble blowing contest are just the ticket for summer fun. This is also one of the most affordable party ideas because most of the games require very little in the way of supplies.

All photos: Arden Ward, Arden Photography

Backyard Olympics Party games Martie Duncan

Get the gang together for some old-fashioned fun by throwing a Backyard Olympics party this 4th of July.

Hula-hoops and other backyard game supplies can be found at the dollar store or toy store. Oriental Trading Company has many backyard party games available online.

Old fashioned games like the "wheelbarrow" race or the three-legged race make for lots of laughs and summer fun.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

It is an All-American theme keep the menu classic with hot dogs and hamburgers or fried chicken. Whether you make the food yourself, get it at the store or your favorite restaurant, or asks guests to bring a dish, that's up to you.

Deviled eggs, potato salad, slaw, and pickles are traditional picnic side dishes that we can never seem to get enough of in the summertime. Apple pie topped with homemade (or store-bought) vanilla ice cream completes the All-American menu.

Dispensers of ice cold sweet tea, lemonade, and flavored water (orange is always a good choice) makes serving easy and keeps bartender duties to a minimum.

Set up a beverage station at the game course with a big tub of bottled water, sports drinks, and other cold beverages on ice so the kids stay hydrated.

DECORATIONS

It is a Red, White, and Blue Patriotic theme for this party so use leftover 4th of July themed napkins, flags, ribbons, and other supplies to give an Olympic village feel to the table decorations. Hydrangea is a wonderful summer flower; use them in clusters and you'll only need a few stems.

Make quick lanterns using LED lights or glo-sticks and a piece of scrapbook paper. Easy, pretty, and functional, too.

ENTERTAINMENT

The games are the fun for this party. A frisbee toss, baggo, croquet, badminton, volleyball, bocce ball, and kickball are all great games if you have the equipment. There are so many fun yard games to play that require little or no equipment at all. Remember the wheelbarrow race, three legged race, egg toss, egg and spoon race, and

PARTY THEMES: HOST AN ICE CREAM PARTY IN THE PARK

Martie Duncan June 10, 2014

While school is still out, and the heat is still on, you’re probably in need of some new ideas for entertaining the kids. The kids wanted ice cream and I thought it sounded like the perfect party theme. This ice cream party is a great way to spend a summer afternoon; just right for end of school, sports team, or summer birthday parties. When you host the party at a park, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up before the party, either. Just make sure you have any necessary permissions or permits. Cleaning up during the party may be another issue. Just make sure to have plenty of wipes to take care of those adorably sticky faces and hands. Two scoops, anyone?

Thank you to Arden Ward, Arden Photography for the beautiful images.

have an ice cream party this summer Martie Duncan

FOOD

This is the extremely easy part. Just run by the store on your way to the park and pick up everything you need. Ice cream, cones, disposable dishes, toppings like crushed cookies or sliced strawberries.

Put a cooler in your car to keep ice cream from melting. If you use dry ice; it will keep the ice cream really frozen. Wear thick insulated gloves to make sure your skin doesn’t come in contact with dry ice and keep it away from children; it can quickly cause frostbite or burns. If you haven’t used dry ice, learn about the hazards beforehand. You can also layer ice with rock salt instead of using dry ice. If you love the taste of homemade ice cream, break out your ice cream maker or get one of those awesome ice cream making balls. Toss it and freeze your ice cream at the same time.

Dress up store bought cones or pretzel rods with a quick dip in melted chocolate and then dip in sprinkles. Allow to dry for at least an hour before serving.

You can find stacks of $1 reusable plastic bowls or plastic cups at the dollar store along with plastic pails for keeping ice cream cold. I used dry ice but layering ice and rock salt works well too. Dry ice is so cold, it will crack the plastic aft… — You can find stacks of $1 reusable plastic bowls or plastic cups at the dollar store along with plastic pails for keeping ice cream cold. I used dry ice but layering ice and rock salt works well too. Dry ice is so cold, it will crack the plastic after a few minutes.

BEVERAGES

Since ice cream makes you thirsty, juice isn’t a good choice. I decided on Kool-Aid this time; always refreshing and fun. I made three flavors in self-serve plastic beverage dispensers loaded with fruit slices. The dispensers were easy to transport, too.

Water is best, but at a party, you want something colorful and festive so flavored water is a great option. Infuse water by adding fruit, cucumber, or mint. I like a cucumber/mint combination or oranges and other citrus. Simply slice the fruit into water in a pitcher or dispenser an hour or so ahead of serving. When you are ready to serve, add the ice to the dispenser. Refreshing, delicious, and a healthy alternative.

Cheap plastic dispensers filled with Kool-Aid or flavored water infused with sliced fruit looks pretty and keeps kids hydrated.

DECORATIONS

So guests could easily find us in the park, a clearly defined party space was essential. We decided to make a bright flag banner in party colors from rope and scrapbook paper. The project cost us $9 and took about an hour. Fold paper squares into a triangle over the top of the rope and use a glue stick to fasten the edges together. You can use any paper you have for this project or find ready-made party banners to match your theme. Use your party food as decorations. Waffle cones dipped in chocolate and rolled in sprinkles held all of our toppings or get an ice cream set to kick it up a notch. I used vivid kid-friendly vinyl from the fabric store for tablecloths, only $2.99 per yard. Find cheap plastic bowls and serving pieces at the dollar store and your decorations are complete.

ENTERTAINMENT

Kids will do anything if ice cream is the end result so you can easily keep them occupied until you’re ready to serve. My niece and I made a bean bag toss game, Baggo, out of some scrap lumber. We designed it with an ice cream cone motif. After that, we made bean bags out of fabric squares. We had fun making our Baggo game but if this seems like too much work, you can buy a Baggo game online. You’ll use it for tailgate parties, birthday parties, etc. We also had a big play parachute and used our ice cream ball for lawn bowling. Get the kids to roll the ball around and half an hour later—ta-da, you have ice cream!

Create a "wipe" station so moms can simply wipe down the kids before the ride home. Chilled paper towels also work well. Roll them, put on ice, and tidy up the kiddos after a day in the park.

This party is a cinch to pull together. You can even plan and execute this party in the same day if you have a gang of kids headed to your house. Set up stations of all-purpose wipes and recruit other parents to help you keep the kiddies cleaned up—but try to relax and let the kids be kids. Who cares if they’re covered in sprinkles afterwards? Just wipe them down for the ride home and have a great afternoon in the park!

RECIPES: HOMEMADE POPSICLES INCLUDING S'MORES POPS, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE POPS

Martie Duncan June 10, 2014

Popsicles and summer just go together, don't they? One of my favorite childhood memories is racing to the house for some money the minute I heard the popsicle man's music playing and then racing to be first in line! You'd have such a big decision to make: Dreamsicle? Bomb Pop? Watersicle? Or maybe a fudgesicle? Today, you can make those and many other favorite flavors... even exotic flavors that you can freeze into ice pops! These are some of my favorites that you can make using any device you have for freezing. Even a plastic cup will do the trick! Happy Summer!

Sixteen homemade popsicle recipes Martie Duncan

WATERMELON LIME POPS

3 cups cubed seeded watermelon
5 tbsp agave nectar
4 tbsp fresh lime juice

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree watermelon. Pass through a strainer to remove any remaining seeds or pulp. Add the agave nectar and the lime juice. Stir together. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 6 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

BERRY STRAWBERRY POPS

4 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced

1/4 cup agave nectar (or sub 1/3 cup sugar, which you have to stir to dissolve)

1 tbsp lemon juice

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree strawberries until smooth. Strain to remove any pulp or seeds. Add the agave nectar and lemon juice to the purée; stir well to combine. Pour into molds or cups. If you are using cups, allow the puree to set up for 30 minutes and then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

PINA COLADA POPS

1 cup milk

1/2 cup fresh or canned pineapple

1/4 cup agave nectar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

In a blender or using a immersion blender, whir together all the ingredients. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 6 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

WATERMELON VODKA POPS

4 cups cubed seeded watermelon
5 tbsp. agave nectar
1/4 cup watermelon flavored vodka

Use a blender or immersion blender to puree watermelon. Pass through a strainer to remove any remaining seeds or pulp. Add the agave nectar and the vodka. Stir together. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

FROSTY GINGER PEACH

3 medium peaches, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup peach nectar (canned; find in the International aisle of the store)

3 T. plain yogurt

2 t. crystallized ginger, grated

1 1/2 t. agave nectar

1 t. fresh lime juice

Puree everything in a food processor, blender, or immersion blender until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

BELLINI POPS

Same as above but delete the yogurt, agave, and the ginger. Add 1 1/2 cups Prosecco and increase the peach nectar to 1 1/2 cups.

Make festive Red, White and Blue ice pops for the Fourth of July or any Patriotic holiday.

RED, WHITE & BLUE ICE POPS (looks like a Bomb Pop)

Use red, white and blue Kool-Aid or Gatorade to make these. I usually prefer lemonade for the white layer.

Fill the cups or molds 1/3 full with the red layer first. Allow to set for 30 minutes. Add the white layer by gently pouring over the top of the red layer. Allow to set another 30 minutes and repeat with the blue layer. Add the popsicle stick and freeze for 6 hours or overnight.

VANILLA BEAN LEMON POPS

2 cups fresh lemon juice

1/2 to 1 cup vanilla bean infused simple syrup* (taste it- sweeten it to your taste!)

3 cups ice

Whir all ingredients together in a blender until smooth. Pour into molds and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

MINTY MOJITO POPS

2 cups fresh lime juice

1/2 cup mint infused simple syrup

3 cups ice

Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Whir all ingredients except the mint leaves together in a blender until smooth. Pour into molds, add the mint leaves to the wall of the mold and freeze according to directions. If you are using cups, allow the mixture to set up for 30 minutes, then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze at least 8 hours. Run under warm water for a few seconds to release the pop from the cup or mold.

* To make the infused simple syrup: Bring one cup sugar and one cup water to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Once it comes to a boil, turn off the heat. Add the mint OR the seeds from one vanilla bean pod (slice down the middle, not cutting all the way through and use the tip of your knife to remove the seeds) along with the pod to the hot liquid. Allow to cool completely then strain the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using.

MOCHA-LICIOUS COFFEE POPS

1 1/3 cups milk (use 2% if you have it)

1/4 cup sugar

1 T. instant coffee or espresso powder

1/3 cup heavy cream

In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over low heat and whisk in the coffee and sugar. Let cool slightly and add the heavy cream. Chill for at least an hour; stir occasionally or cover the top with plastic to keep a skin from forming on the top. When you are ready to make the pops, just pour into plastic cups or popsicle mold and freeze according to package directions. Freeze at least 8 hours. To remove, run the mold or cup under warm water for a moment.

You can make a delicious grown up treat by pouring chilled Kaluha over Mocha Coffee Pops!

FUDGEY CHOCO POPS

1 cup water

2.5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped ( you can sub cocoa- just add 1 tablespoon butter if you do)

1/3 cup sugar

pinch salt

1/3 cup milk (use whole or 2%)

1 T. heavy cream (or you can use half and half)

1/2 t. vanilla

1/8 t. instant coffee (or you can use leftover strong coffee)

Put the chopped chocolate, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the water, a little at a time as the chocolate melts and the sugar dissolves. Once the chocolate has completely melted, remove from heat. Whisk in the coffee, vanilla, milk, and cream. Chill and cool completely.

When you are ready to make the pops, just pour the mixture into plastic cups or popsicle mold and freeze according to package directions. If you are using plastic cups, allow the pops to set up for 30 minutes and then insert the popsicle sticks. To remove, run the mold or cup under warm water for a moment.

S'MORES POPS

Fudgey-Choco Pops recipe above*

20 mini-marshmallows

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Small plastic or paper cups

Popsicle sticks

In the bottom of a plastic cup, put a small amount of the graham cracker crumbs, about 1 teaspoon for each cup. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of the chocolate mixture and 4 marshmallows, top with another teaspoon of the chocolate and use a spoon to press the chocolate into the marshmallows. Tap the cup on the counter to make a dense layer. Continue layers as necessary to fill the cup, leaving 1/4" at the top. Allow to set up for at least 30 minutes and add a popsicle stick to each cup. Allow to freeze for at least 4 hours.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE POPS

2 1/2 cups Vanilla Greek Yogurt

1/2 cup cookie, biscuit, or shortcake crumbs (I used Nilla wafers)

1 1/2 cups strawberry puree* from fresh strawberries

Small plastic or paper cups

Popsicle sticks

Make crumbs with the Nilla wafers for quick shortcut- just put the cookies or biscuits in a plastic bag and roll a rolling pin over them to make the crumbs.

Wash half the strawberries. Eat one to see how sweet they are. If they are really sweet, you will not need any sweetener. If they are not, add a small amount of sugar or agave nectar to sweeten them slightly. Use a blender, food processor or an immersion blender to whir the strawberries into a thick puree. I like pieces of the fruit in mine so don't blend it too smooth.

Put the yogurt in a bowl and mix in the crumbs.

Create the first layer of the pops by spooning the yogurt mixture into the bottom of the plastic cups. Tap the cup to release any air bubbles. Place on a cookie sheet and put them into the freezer for 30 minutes to set the first layer.

Add the strawberry puree to create the second layer. Put back into the freezer for 30 minutes.

Add another layer of the yogurt to create the final layer. Place a popsicle stick in the center of each cup.

Freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight if you want them really frozen before serving.

Some images courtesy of Arden Ward, Arden Photography