A Stellar Star Wars Birthday Bash

Star Wars. The theme we loved so much we partied twice.

Shortly after the first Star Wars shindig, John Paul said, “Wouldn’t that be fun to do for mine?” Yes, yes it would. Honest point of planning though – doing a party for 100 was much easier than for 10. I think it was all those extra sets of hands. Ha!

Last week, we hosted 10 twelve-year-old boys (plus two 14yo ones, Will and a buddy), along with our crew of kids, which made for 16 kids in the house. Around hour two I looked at Scott and asked where I should plug in the margarita machine. Oh, I kid. <–see what I did there?

Alrighty, let’s talk details. My favorite party love language.

The Food
Because with that many boys, it’s always about the food. We began with some Galactic Pizza (recipe compliments of King Arthur and an awesome nun who sent me the link), Jabba the Hutt Dogs, Carbonite Jello (poor Hans) and food from the snack / dessert table.

Considering we had nothing left, I’d say success.

The snack / dessert table was full of some goodness, a few punny terms, Scott’s old Star Wars figurines and a tablecloth and backdrop from my sweet friend Carolina at Mint Event Designs.

Edible Ewoks (teddy grahams)

Thermal Detonators (cheese puff balls)

Hans Rolos

Storm Troopers (marshmallows decorated with an edible marker)

Obie Wan Fruit Kabobies

Light Saber Cupcakes

Yoda Soda (Sprite mixed with lime sherbert and fresh limes)

Light Sabers (skewers dipped in silver paint with green and red grapes above)

Tie Fighters (Oreo wafers, with mini marshmallows, “glued” together with icing)

Swamp Water

During the movie, we made a little Padawan Popcorn (the real kind on the stove), and filled these awesome R2D2 bags with that goodness. John Paul and Anna-Laura traced those on there using a template from Pottery Barn Kids. Color me impressed.

The Activities
When the boys first arrived, we got them busy playing corn hole. My original plan was to cover those games with black paper and draw the Death Star, but time got the better of me. A&M it was. While we waited for dinner to cook in the oven, the boys came in, grabbed some swamp water and played a few games.

We started with Star Wars Bingo which was a total hit. Ages 1 to 100, always popular. Then, we moved to the word search and scramble, but halfway through, the oven dinged, and all was forgotten except eating. After the tornado of dinner and birthday singing (which was quite animated), the boys headed upstairs to eat popcorn, be boys and watch Return of the Jedi. Amazingly, the baby slept through it all.

Party Favors
After searching high and low, I opted for the party favorite: sugar. My friend Kendra rocked these cookies. ROCKED. I attached a little thank you and a PEZ dispenser, too.

The Details
These napkins? So fun.

Every kid had his own place and experience has taught me to label things like game pieces and drinks. It makes your life soooo much easier! I filled these paper cups with beans for the boys to use on the bingo game.

One of my favorite parts was turning our wall of family photos into Star Wars poster heaven. Special thanks to my friend Cat for all those awesome signs! The lighting stinks, but the effect was so cool. The boys saw this as they went up the stairs to watch the movie.

The Birthday Song
Then, of course, there was birthday singing and cupcake eating. The boys’ favorite part, I’m sure.

John Paul was even so lucky to have his sister serenade him with a piano version of Star Wars. She practiced for weeks!

Now, a third kid says he wants Star Wars. You just may see it, again, this fall. But, I won’t be complaining. I loved this theme!

About an hour into the movie, John Paul bounded downstairs to grab a water. He walked over, put his arms around my neck and whispered, “This has been the best birthday, ever, Mom.” Which, after the epic Harry Potter shindig, my day was made.

Happy 12th birthday, buddy.

If you love to party, head on over to the parties page to check out more!

Vendor Credits
My Star Wars Pinterest Board has these – and more – pinned!
Cupcakes: Polkadots
Cookie Party Favors: Sweet Spot Cookie Shoppe
Backdrop/Banner: MINT Event Design
Light Saber Napkin Wrappers
Party Printables: Printabelle
Star Wars games (Bingo, Word Search, Word Scramble): The Kiwi in the Clouds
Black cups/silver clips/white bags/clear favor bags/ribbon: Michael’s
PEZ dispensers: Amazon
Stars/Napkins: Party City
Balloon: Balloon Bar
Popcorn Bag R2D2: Pottery Barn Kids