Ideas for Pet Themed Parties
According to theHumane Society, in the United States, people own around 78 million dogs and 86 million cats. It’s hardly surprising that pet-themed parties are popular, going by those figures. It isn't only children who want these pet parties either; adults can catch the pet party mood too. Ideas for this theme could fill a book, but let’s start with a few simple ones.
Children grow extremely attached to their pets and parents shouldn't be surprised when they are asked to base a party around Iggy the Iguana or Doris the dachshund. The first step is to decide if the actual pet gets to be a part of the celebrations. Not a problem for creatures which live in tanks or cages, but consider carefully before attempting to include a cat or dog.
Cats are notoriously fickle and become very anti-social – scratching, biting and hissing – when pressured into something they don’t want. Equally, dogs get over-excited and can start barking and jumping around which causes some youngsters to get very nervous or even scared. Birds too can react badly to lots of noisy children or general partying.
Better to leave these animals out and pepper the party area with pictures of the guest of honour instead.
Talking of which, for a sit down meal, make place markers out of photocopied pet pictures. Another way to make place markers is to attach names to dog biscuits (bone-shaped of course) or sticks of cat treats. Just be sure the kids know not to eat them!
It isn't difficult to find disposable crocks which feature cats and dogs, even mice and occasionally bunnies, but more exotic pets can be harder to theme. Plain paper plates can be decorated with (non-toxic) paints and pencils allowing snakes, spiders and all manner of beasts to join the fun. Extend this decoration to cups and napkins too.
For table decoration, track down jelly snakes, liquorice spiders, bug candy and sugar mice. Make bunnies out of marshmallows and paper ears. Scatter these about the table for added fun and feasting. Adult parties might include munching on edible insects such as grasshoppers. These are easily available on-line.EdibleUniqueis a great starting point for the brave.
For wall and hanging decorations – Snakes make excellent streamers. Build them out of paper rings or concertina-style paper folding in colours to match the snake of honour. They can also dangle in doorways and around windows. Hide toy versions of pets for guests to come across unexpectedly, under cushions, behind doors and amongst the bedding. Cut out or draw carrots, bones, mice and insects – to suit the pet in question – and decorate the house with them.
Food can be themed around the animal too. Carrot cake at a bunny party, milk drinks or strawberries and cream for a cat party and lots of meat for dog themes. Adults could go for animal themed cocktails, choosing from existing concoctions or making new ones to suit. TryCrittr.comfor a few ideas, from the Salty Chihuahua to the Flaming Giraffe.
Games with pet themes aren't too difficult. Young and old enjoy bashing a piñata or pinning the tail and these can be adapted to suit the creature. For help on making piñatas, tryMartha Stewart’ssite. Other possible games could include Animal sound contests (hysterical for slightly tipsy adults too), Hunt the Animal, Crocodile snap (like normal Snap but with the added bite of clapping to indicate a Snap) and more. For a great take on these games and many more tryZooniversity.org.
For guests young and old, having a pet-themed party is sure to be fun, filled with laughter, silly games and great food.
