We love party themes that lend themselves so naturally to a party activity. Beth describes Carter's very participatory party: My daughter loves the show "Wipeout" and decided that she wanted that to be the theme for her birthday party this year! I was slightly stumped but decided to draw inspiration from the show's famous "Big Red Balls" and things took off from there.
Her invitation featured a large big red ball on a chevron background which set the tone for the party. They became a common thread in the form of giant red balloons and red yoga balls that we used to help create the obstacle course in our backyard. I used a lot of girly blue and red with a few splashes of other fun colors.
It was an afternoon party so we kept the food simple going with sure fire hits like pretzels, popcorn (in cute vintage red and white striped sacks), fruit and plenty of sweets (cupcakes, Twizzlers, lollipops, etc.) One of my favorite elements was her cake. It was simple and white but dressed up with a giant yellow flower, red ball trim, and sweet name banner.
The biggest challenge was how to set up a fun obstacle course that would have the kids feeling like they were in their own mini-version of the show. We started with a giant inflatable water slide, added a mini trampoline and our own big red balls (yoga balls that sat on tires), followed by a baby pool filled with plenty of bubbles and plastic balls, and ended the course with pool noodles grounded in pots to create an in and out weave. The entire course was set up on plastic tarps which were wet and soapy to make things even more fun! So many of the backyard elements are DIY and would be easy to re-create. As a party favor we gave each of our little guests silly putty to stick with our "red ball" theme.
Thanks Beth! Readers, see more of the obstacle course, food and fun at beth & company.
(Images: Beth Saxton)
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I could see a broken arm happening at this party... really cool idea but maybe not super practical.
I love how fearless this party is - perfect for a big 6-year-old! And I admire a parent who is fearless enough to risk a twisted ankle or broken limb.
i couldnt do it for fear of being sued but better believe i would so send my kid to have a blast...and wouldnt even sue when he broke his arm!
Suing after a fun birthday party ? Wow, you guys are... sorry, but sick. If your kid breaks his arm tripping on a rug at home, I hope he'll sue you. Thank god this suing madness hasn't reach France, and I hope it won't.
This looks like a real fun party, made for kids, and I'm sure they had a great time ! I really, really love the giant red balloons floating over the buffet. Being French, I don't know the show, but I'm inspired to throw a "giant red balloon" party when my son is older. That should be fun too !
Ah, Loora, calling the commenters sick for being afraid of lawsuits- and the rest of your comment- is a little extreme. And no commenters said THEY would sue, so I'm not sure why you hope their kids will sue them if they break there arms at home. And even in France, I don't think having rugs in one's home is the same as setting up an obstacle course in which kids run around on soapy wet plastic.
That being said, I think this party is a very cute idea. Personally, I would skip the soap for safety reasons, but I realize it would decrease the fun factor and I don't think Beth created an unreasonably dangerous party. Great idea- I'm sure the kids had a blast!
Very creative! We love that show too; turning it into a birthday party theme is awesome.
I think it looks like it would a super creative and super fun party! I have six year old nephews who are big Wipeout fans and who would love to attend something like this (except maybe the one currently sporting a broken arm acquired when he tripped over a footstool in the living room of his house).
so freaking cool. i want to do this for my 24th!!
As the mom to two boys, I am pretty sure my kids could injure themselves doing anything.
This party looks awesome and so fun! I love the idea and I know my kids would have so much fun at a party like this. I am sure there were plenty of adults around to supervise.
Sorry that some people have to be so negative on here.
this looks rad!
Awesome party! I wish you had some action shots to share! I can only imagine how much fun this was for the kids (and parents too). "Practical" is not a word that should be associated with Birthdays. :) Love all the decor and the ideas.
I absolutely love this! What an awesome idea!!!
its kinda crappy over there with all the suing going on! spill some hot coffee and get rich! not kidding its really outta control