Fiesta Friday – Apple of My Eye

Now that we are knee-deep in fall, a party based on the season’s poster child seems quite appropriate. So, I’m sharing our version of an preschool Apple Party we attended a few years ago, and a few ideas to get you on your way for your own.

The Invitations
Set your party’s tone with a fun invitation. I created this dry-embossed bushel full of apples and straw that beckoned guests to the fun.

Create an apple stamp by cutting an apple in half from top to bottom, press the flesh side against a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Apply to a stamp pad or brush on a thin layer of red, yellow or green acrylic paint.

Use a painted wood cutout of an apple and write party info on the front

The Menu
Our guests were invited to bring a special apple treat to share from apple spice cake to slices of caramel apples. You can do the same, or serve other seasonal treats.

An Apple-Tasting Party works perfectly for older children and adults. You will need twelve different apples and when served with natural cheddar cheese, French bread and butter, the apple tasting is a complete menu.

The Activities
The highlight of our party was apple stamping trick-or-treat bags since it was right before Halloween. I purchased inexpensive orange gift bags, and each child got an apple half and a plate of black or white acrylic paint. Do the same with fabric paint, and have guests create unique apple-print place mats, T-shirts, aprons, or a canvas bag for apple picking. Check out Martha’s suggestions.

Take a trip out to a local orchard for a day of apple-picking.

Have an apple relay where kids race to see who can push an apple with a spoon across the backyard the fastest, or try passing the apple to your team member using your chin, no hands!

Have older guests caramel apples. Set out a buffet of various toppings and let them go wild. At the end have a cookie tray set out to put apples on. Write their name next to their apple, and wrap in cellophane to send them home. Younger guests can help make apple crisps and baked apples.

Purchase or make apple-shaped cookies for decorating and save a few to send home.

And speaking of apple parties, I just had to share this absolutely, positively, adorable Apple of My Eye party submitted to Party Perfect. Check out the blog for full details. You could use a lot of these ideas for a fall party, changing the color scheme for a more autumn feel if you choose.